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AWA World Title Controversy

JustinCaseYouForgotPosted 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.
91Posted on 12/10/07 at 16:46:58

I love how he calls it a "world" title.
Rick GarrardPosted 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.  :)
91Posted 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 GarrardPosted 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.
91Posted 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.
pszPosted 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 GarrardPosted 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.
91Posted on 12/12/07 at 04:12:35

On 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 PatriotPosted 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 GarrardPosted 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.
pszPosted on 12/12/07 at 14:37:38

On 12/12/07 at 04:12:35, 91 wrote:



Spooky. And yes, I remember that now that you guys bring it up.
When you have 24 combined years of TNMing, you tend to know what to post, when to post, and who to double post with ;->
91Posted on 12/12/07 at 16:13:37

On 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 GarrardPosted on 12/13/07 at 01:31:54

On 12/12/07 at 14:37:38, psz 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 ;->
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.
ButtistaPosted on 12/28/07 at 09:13:50

On 12/12/07 at 05:00:10, Rick Garrard wrote:launch that sumbitch
This is now a MEME.
Memphis VicePosted on 01/10/08 at 04:21:36

On 12/12/07 at 16:13:37, 91 wrote:

Pity John Tenta has passed away, otherwise there's an angle for him there...
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!