AWA Unleashed

This week we discuss the wrestlers that may have had technical limitations, but cut some fantastic promos and really got over. As usual, this is about their time in the AWA, not necessarily what they did in other promotions, territories, or other times in their career.   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus

This week we discuss the wrestlers that could "go" in the ring, but didn't cut the best promos. As usual, this is about their time in the AWA, not necessarily what they did in other promotions, territories, or other times in their career.   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus

This week it's another of our popular "No DQ and A", where we answer your questions, including Roddy Piper's AWA run, why Ox Baker didn't get used as much, midget wrestling, wrestling "brothers", Rocky Hamilton, riots and a ton more!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus

This week we discuss some of the biggest bad asses in AWA history. We discuss what defines a "bad ass", why it can apply to different wrestlers and more!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus.

This week we're joined by the longest tenured referee in the Twin Cities professional wrestling scene, Jay Soltis, who is FINALLY retiring after 30 years!   He discusses his connection to Mick and "Saturday Night at Ringside", his great history working with former AWA talent, what he does differently than other referees, favorite memories, and a ton more!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch with our newly released "It's Raining In Miami" design, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus.

This week we go back in time and recap the year 1965! We discuss why it was important, we look at some of the champions, fans still believing, the infamous Harley Race incident and a ton more!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch with our newly released "It's Raining In Miami" design, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus.

This week we wrap up our conversation with Justin Race, who is the son of the legendary "King of wrestling" Harley Race. We discuss the team with Larry Hennig and the Hennig family, wrestling "Victor", his relationship with Bobby Heenan, keeping the Race name alive and more, plus we're joined by a special guest!    We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch with our newly released "It's Raining In Miami" design, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus.

This week it's part one with Justin Race, who is the son of the legendary "King of wrestling" Harley Race. He tells us when he knew his dad was a celebrity, the stability he had as a kid, how he reacted to being a "heel's' child" at school, dad vs. wrestler and more!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch with our newly released "It's Raining In Miami" design, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus.

This week we look at more of "Slick Mick's Pix", including some candid never seen before pictures of Nick Bockwinkel, and a fantastic shot of Bobby Heenan, Curt Hennig, Wade Boggs and a ton more!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch with our newly released "It's Raining In Miami" line!, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus

This week the discussion revolves around the "babyface to heel" turns, why it didn't happen often in the AWA, how they would do it instead and more.   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus.

This week we're joined by the legendary Chief Frank Hill (aka Jules Strongbow.) He discusses the surprising amount of training he received before having his first match, who first took an interest in him, his first impression of Jay Strongbow, his talks with Vince McMahon Sr., and a ton more!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus

This week we discuss six of the biggest villain to hero transformations in AWA history, including the build up, execution and fallout. Mick Karch and Joe Ciupik explain the difference between the actual transformation as opposed to a "mystery partner'", and more! Who are they? Listen and find out!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus.  

This week it's another "No DQ and A", where we answer your questions! We discuss the Verne Gagne/Bobby Heenan relationship, Jerry Sags as a referee, directing at The Showboat, old wrestling action figures, Gorgeous George and more!   There's a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, hats, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

This week we discuss how Eddie Sharkey's Pro Wrestling America (PWA) helped extend the AWA's run, and how it eventually replaced them as the primary Twin Cities promotion. We get into the fallout between Eddie Sharkey and Verne Gagne and what brought them back together, the AWA stars that worked the promotion, The West-4 Connection in Winnipeg and more. We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus.

This week we're joined by former PWA and SDW Announcer Dale Spear. He discusses his friendship with Mick and later working with him, his trips to Cauliflower Alley Club, sharing a cab with Verne Gagne, Scott Hall, Jim Cornette, how he became friends with Larry Zbyszko and more!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus.

This week we take a look at the end 1987 and the "Showboat Era", and was it the beginning of the end? Mick and Joe were both working for the AWA at the time, they discussed the history of the move to the Showboat & the ESPN deal, what a typical day was like, who was and wasn't involved in production meetings, the mood in the locker room, we looked at the roster and more!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus.

This week we take a look at the year 1970. We discuss the schedule, attendance, Bob Luce in Chicago, Nick Bockwinkel's impact, those that became stars down the road, evolution of Dr X unmasking, and more!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus.

This week we're looking at some more "Slick Mick Pix!". which include Mad Dog Race, a new Verne move, a touching Nick Bockwinkel Christmas card, Wally and Stan, plus a ton more, including one that keeps popping up for some reason.    There's a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

This week we're back and answering your questions with another "No DQ and A." We discuss misconceptions, trusting Tom Zenk, Larry Nelson's demeanor, would Tracy Smothers have been a good heel, reaction to Hulk Hogan getting booed, a Rocky Mountain Thunder fan sign and more.   There's a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

We start the new year by discussing and telling some Wally Karbo stories we like to call "Karbo's Kapers." Of course we touch on being a translator for Ivan Putski, "fines and suspensions", his prowess with the ladies, lunch with Mick and the missing rental car, his run-in with the law and more.   There's a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

We wrap up 2024 by cleaning out our inbox with our last "No DQ and A." This week we discuss the relationship between Bob Luce and the AWA, wrestler product endorsements, Mick's heat with Nick Bockwinkel, the Long Riders title runs and a ton more.   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

This week we look back at a pivotal year in the AWA (for both positive and negative reasons), and that's 1984. We discuss some of the big time departures, the biggest story of the year, plus the champions, other talent on the roster and more.   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

This week we get another sneak peek into the Mick Karch collection with "Slick Mick's Pics." We get a very emotional picture of Nick Bockwinkel at CAC, a program that looks like a ransom note, perhaps the worst misspelling ever, a one of a kind item from the Dyckman Towel, a new meaning for KOLD and a ton more!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

This week we discuss some of the best talkers in the history of the AWA. Names include (but not limited to) "Superstar" Billy Graham, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, Nick Bockwinkel, Mad Dog Vachon, Baron Von Raschke and more!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

This week we go back and look at the year 1973. Why it was an important year, the hottest cities, adding Japan to its three state promotion, champions, feuds, and more!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

This week is a very personal show to Joe and Mick as we pay tribute to the life of the recently passed but dearly talented jack of all trades, the one and only Al DeRusha! Joe tells stories of their meaningful friendship and the many ways that Al was more than a mentor, Mick has stories of wrestling time limits and how that would crack up ringsiders, and a ton more. It's a must listen.   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

This week we welcome back the one and only Eric Bischoff! We ask him about the mood towards the end and could he see the writing on the wall, did he know he was on the threshold of becoming one of the most influential power players in wrestling, was there anything the Gagne's could have done to ‘right the ship' and become competitive once again, we play word association and more.   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

This week we answer more of your questions with another "No DQ and A." We discuss Verne Gagne's training camp, borrowing WWE rings, Mike Graham, the Robbinsdale Russians and more!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.  

This week we revisit one of our earliest topics, and that's discussing referees. We ask what is the role of a referee, and why are they important, the difference between a "regular" referee and a "troubleshooter, and how do you decide who gets on the lists. Names include the Iron Duke, Iron Shiek, Joe Blanchard, Eddie Sharkey, Marty Miller and many more!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

This week we get into the discussion about "other" enhancement talent, which includes Herman Schaefer, Tony Leone, Rooster Griffin, Jimmy Valiant and more!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

This week it's a listener/viewer driven show where we ask you what fan favorites did you not like, even if you were supposed to?   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

This week we do another "No DQ and A" where we "kind of" answer your questions! We discuss a brick and mortar Minnesota Wrestling Hall of Fame, Verne Gagne wrestling with an ear injury, respect for Bulldog Bob Brown, a broadway between Andre The Giant vs. Nick Bockwinkel and a ton more!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

This week it's part two with Greg Gagne! He addresses wrestlers getting dressed down from Verne about going into business for themselves, plans they had for Hulk Hogan/Nick Bockwinkel, other stars not getting over in the AWA, would he ever write a book and more!    We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

This week we are joined by the one and only Greg Gagne! He discusses the reputation that Verne's camp carries, did he ever feel like he had a target on his back, which exodus of talent hurt the most and why, who came into the territory and wanted to work with him, and a ton more!     We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

This week we highlight the best year in the history of years 1975, where we look at the champions, some of the title changes, who left the territory after WINNING a loser leaves match (??), overall talent and a ton more! Plus it's my birthday year!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

This week we get another peek behind the curtain with more "Slick Micks Pix", which include a cool shot of Larry Hennig and his wrestling coach, Baron von Raschke and Mad Dog with Mick's son Brett, Mick Karch taking a bodyslam and more!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

This week Mick Karch tells us all about his experience at this year's Cauliflower Alley Club in Las Vegas. He tells us what the theme was, giving the shine to some folks who don't normally get some, how it's changed and more.   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

This week we get a peek behind the curtain with some more "Slick Micks Pix" We get a look at Bill Irwin and Sean Waltman in NE Mpls., unmasked Dr X, smiling Mad Dog, what is "SWAK" and that's just a small part of it!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

This week it's another No DQ and A, where we answer your questions,including Verne in Los Angeles, could Crusher get over today, what would Curt Hennig be doing,  Paul Ellering, Pat Patterson/Rufus R. Jones and more.     We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

This week we discuss the career of Greg Gagne and why he doesn't get the credit from many people that deserve, and the criticism that he doesn't. We get into the reason for the topic, his legendary training camp cohorts, paying his dues, the knock, High Flyers, not getting the AWA title, his dedication to preserving kayfabe, the business and more!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus.

This week Mick and Chris recap their weekend at the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in Waterloo, Iowa. We get into Drive Thru issues,  the Weekend with Wally, this weekend being so fan friendly, the Hennig's being over, and a ton more!     We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

We return this week with another yearly spotlight and we go way back to 1962! Why focus on 1962, title changes that technically "didn't" happen, protecting Bill Miller's identity in the era of kayfabe, bringing in Crusher, and a ton more!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

This it's a show where we answer your questions with a "No DQ and A", including Nick Bockwinkel as an NWA Champion, an AWA Hall of Fame, Hulk Hogan vs. Billy Robinson? Mean Gene ribbing the crowd and more!     We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

This it's a show where we answer your questions with a "No DQ and A", including Angelo Mosca, Dick Murdoch, The Olympians Wally Karbo the lawbreaker, ranking female managers and a ton more!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

This week we look back at the year 1965.  We discuss it was truly the territory era with kayfabe still protected, attendance around the horn, did any cities "do their own thing", a bizarre incident involving Harley Race did people know Verne Gagne was the boss, and more!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

This week we look back at what some consider the biggest year in AWA history, 1982. Mick and Joe explain why you can make the case for it, Nick Bockwinkel's non AWA opponents, we take a look at the roster, when the tide started to turn and more!     We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more

This week we welcomed in one of the most influential people in the history of the professional wrestling business, Eric Bischoff! We focus on the AWA and he discusses moving to Minneapolis as a kid, how he got connected to the American Wrestling Association, why he initially reached out, the relationship with Verne Gagne, moving on to WCW, why he credits Joe Ciupik for some of his success in the business and a ton more!     We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

Welcome to "May Karch" (shoutout Joe Ciupik), where all this month we feature one of the co-hosts, our own "Slick" Mick Karch! This week we discuss Mick's friendship with Playboy Buddy Rose, Bobby Heenans' character, "Slick Mick" action figures and Mick names names!!! We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

Welcome to "May Karch" (shoutout Joe Ciupik), where all this month we feature one of the co-hosts, our own "Slick" Mick Karch! This week discuss Marty Miller, tomfoolery, bad promoters, contracts, ring rats and a ton more!   We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

Welcome to "May Karch" (shoutout Joe Ciupik), where all this month we feature one of the co-hosts, our own "Slick" Mick Karch! This week discuss booking guests for SNR, getting short changed by the AWA, broadcasters he would have liked to work with, after parties, Bobby Heenan calling Verne Gagne's daughter a horse and more!     We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, and tons more.

Welcome to "May Karch" (shoutout Joe Ciupik), where all this month we feature one of the co-hosts, our own "Slick" Mick Karch! This week we get stories like his first memories, who scared him in an interview, who would have been a great fit for the AWA, why he didn't work in WWF/WCW, and a whole lot more!     We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it's https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus. You can get t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, phone cases, etc.