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AWA World Title Controversy
JustinCaseYouForgot | Posted on 12/10/07 at 05:28:03 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JAPAN TAKES A DOUBLE BLOW Zero-1 MAX Terminated from the AWA. Masato Tanka Stripped of the World Title. AWA Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. has officially terminated it's sanctioning and relationship with Zero-1 MAX / Hustle / First on Stage. "The professional wrestling industry in Japan has changed dramatically over the last few years and is in economic turmoil, with only a few promoters succeeding at capturing an audience to an overexposed business", stated AWA President & CEO Dale R. Gagne. "Zero-1 MAX has become a mere shadow of it's former self with diminishing audiences, income and lack of touring talent". Gagne stated the decision was well thought out and difficult however, "we gave them every opportunity to succeed by becoming a part of our company and brand. The audience in Japan simply won't continue supporting a business unwilling to change". The AWA has subsequently been in negotiations with a high-profile, nostalgic concert promoter to produce arena events in Japan and other markets in Europe. Controversy has never been shy when it comes to World titles. "The Living Legend" Larry Zybysko has been openly critical of the AWA since his departure in the early 90's to then World Championship Wrestling. Zybysko has stated, with conviction, that by the AWA's own governing by-laws, that he never lost the AWA World Heavyweight Championship. He claims that he simply left the promotion and took the title with him when the AWA ceased operations. Zybysko's claims have been discounted, primarily due to his own rationalization (World Champion's are required to defend the title within a set period of time) - until now. Keeping a file of what has been determined to be violations by the AWA World Heavyweight Champion Makato Tanka, Zybysko, through his wrestling agent Mister Saint Laurent, officially served the documents to the AWA. In part, Tanaka participated in matches that were unapproved or sanctioned by the AWA. Specifically, Tanaka and Takao Omori fought in an unsanctioned, hardcore match, against the rules of conduct in a World Title match. "Mr. Tanaka is an extremely respected wrestler however we can and will not allow anyone to openly violate by-laws that have been put in place for the betterment of all athletes and promotions, not one", commented President Gagne on the decision. "This along with promoter Yoshi Nakamura's unwillingness to allow Tanaka to defend the title outside of Japan, made the final decision somewhat easier". "Laughable has been the internet rumors that Zero-1 "owns" the AWA World Championship", continued Gagne. "Although they own a replica version of the title belt, no one owns or controls the title except for the AWA itself". The AWA has served notice to Zero-1 MAX promoter Yoshi Nakamura and has warned him not to disrespect his wrestlers by referring to them as fake Champions. They have been advised to remove the AWA name from their entire promotion as to not confuse fans with future major AWA events in Japan. Gagne was very specific when commenting on Zero-1 being associated again with the NWA. "If the NWA wants to be affiliated with a sinking ship, that's their decision to make", stated Gagne. "Our relationship with Zero-1 was being accommodated by Steve Corino, who recently quit the promotion. Watch for Zero-1 to become involved again with the NWA at their match on December 13th. Who would blame them? They have no where else to go". Keep visiting www.awastars.com for the developing story. |
91 | Posted on 12/10/07 at 16:46:58 I love how he calls it a "world" title. |
Rick Garrard | Posted on 12/10/07 at 17:51:02 I love how they are so gonna get sued by Larry Zbyzsko for using his name without authorization. :) |
91 | Posted on 12/11/07 at 14:31:54 That'd be a bit harsh considering all they did is name-drop him (not a sue-able offence) and say that he is openly critical of them. Everyone is openly critical of the AWA. |
Rick Garrard | Posted on 12/11/07 at 23:36:52 Then again they are still using the old AWA service marks that WWE bought from Verne Gagne, so apparently legal action is of no use against Dale Gagner aka Dale Gagne aka Jon Stewart's front man. |
91 | Posted on 12/12/07 at 02:36:17 Funnily enough, the WWE did start legal proceedings about six months ago. No idea how that's going. |
psz | Posted on 12/12/07 at 03:40:01 I love how this is the same AWA that had to completely change their front page because they claimed Paul Heyman was "coming" to their promotion. |
Rick Garrard | Posted on 12/12/07 at 03:40:04 WWE also threatened legal action over the use of Paul Heyman's name and likeness on the AWA site a while back as well. And AWA pulled back on that on. |
91 | Posted on 12/12/07 at 04:12:35On 12/12/07 at 03:40:01, psz wrote:I love how this is the same AWA that had to completely change their front page because they claimed Paul Heyman was "coming" to their promotion. On 12/12/07 at 03:40:04, Rick Garrard AT EXACTLY THE SAME TIME wrote:WWE also threatened legal action over the use of Paul Heyman's name and likeness on the AWA site a while back as well. And AWA pulled back on that on.Spooky. And yes, I remember that now that you guys bring it up. |
A True Brazilian Patriot | Posted on 12/12/07 at 04:36:48 Greatest press release ever. I wonder if Z1 guys read it and just laughed. As far as the belt goes, I have no idea if the one Z1MAX uses is a replica, but they actually paid for the new belt to be made. Whether they have possession or not, I have no idea. |
Rick Garrard | Posted on 12/12/07 at 05:00:10 they should do the honorable thing to the title belt... go on national TV and drop it in a trash can or better yet, take a hammer to it and smash it to bits... or even better yet... take it on a boat in the middle of the ocean and launch that sumbitch 20,000 leagues under the sea. |
psz | Posted on 12/12/07 at 14:37:38On 12/12/07 at 04:12:35, 91 wrote:When you have 24 combined years of TNMing, you tend to know what to post, when to post, and who to double post with ;-> |
91 | Posted on 12/12/07 at 16:13:37On 12/12/07 at 05:00:10, Rick Garrard wrote:or even better yet... take it on a boat in the middle of the ocean and launch that sumbitch 20,000 leagues under the sea.Pity John Tenta has passed away, otherwise there's an angle for him there... |
Rick Garrard | Posted on 12/13/07 at 01:31:54On 12/12/07 at 14:37:38, psz wrote:We've been around long enough combined within TNM to start re-running the same angle now for the 4th time and have no one call us on it. :) Pretty nice to have THAT kind of longevity. Recycle angles in TNM... me ?!? no never.... okay maybe that one time in Albuequerque... but um.. okay well you got me on this one... I recycle a LOT of my material. |
Buttista | Posted on 12/28/07 at 09:13:50On 12/12/07 at 05:00:10, Rick Garrard wrote:launch that sumbitchThis is now a MEME. |
Memphis Vice | Posted on 01/10/08 at 04:21:36On 12/12/07 at 16:13:37, 91 wrote:I was thinking about doing an angle where John Tenta discovers his inner R&B musician and forces his way into a classic soul group. The world will never be the same after the pop charts have heard Earthquake, Wind & Fire! |