”The Voice of Minnesota Wrestling” and former AWA Ring Announcer/Broadcaster Mick Karch, former AWA Director/Producer ”Polish” Joe Ciupik and Chris Tubbs recap the glory days of the historic and influential American Wrestling Association.
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Slick Micks Podcasts
Unusually Interesting is quickly becoming the go to place for everything unusual and interesting on the internet. This podcast compliments the website by bringing articles to life and allowing visitors the opportunity to listen rather than read them.
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AWA Unleashed!- Ep. 181- Slick Mick Pix
1:00:30
1:00:30
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1:00:30This week we look at more "Slick Mick's Pix" where we look at Andre/Dusty, Andre/Pat Patterson, Verne putting his hair on the line and more! We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it’s https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus.By Chris Tubbs
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Ep. 183- Craig Johnson
1:41:55
1:41:55
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1:41:55This week we're joined by former USWA Announcer Craig Johnson. He recaps his journey into wrestling, how he got the name, the Sportatorium, constant rebranding, word association and more! We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it’s https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus.By Chris Tubbs
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AWA Unleashed!- Ep. 180- Mid 1960’s Enhancement Talent: The Forgotten Family
1:09:37
1:09:37
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1:09:37This week we discuss enhancement talent of the mid 1960's, including some of the names you may have never heard! We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it’s https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus.By Chris Tubbs
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Episode Ep. 179- Year in Review- 1966
1:11:12
1:11:12
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1:11:12This week we go back and look at the year 1966, including champions, Chicago, Omaha, Mick tells us why it's one of his favorite years of all time and more! We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it’s https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus.By Chris Tubbs
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AWA Unleashed!- Episode 178- Best Tag Teams to never win the AWA Tag Team Titles
1:12:41
1:12:41
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1:12:41This week we discuss the best teams in AWA history to never be awarded the AWA Tag Team Titles. Teams include the Long Riders, some Texans, a couple with The Crusher and more! We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it’s https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus.By Chris Tubbs
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AWA Unleashed!- Episode 177- Mick’s Excellent CAC Adventure
1:22:02
1:22:02
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1:22:02This week Mick recaps his trip to Cauliflower Alley Club in Las Vegas. He discusses what CAC is all about, the difference between that and Waterloo, the events, and he gives us a behind the scenes look and more! We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it’s https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus.…
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AWA Unleashed!- Episode 177- Best to never win the AWA World Title
1:16:51
1:16:51
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1:16:51This week we get your opinion on the best wrestlers to never be awarded the AWA World Championship. It's a top 10 of what you all deemed the best to either come up short, or in some cases never get the opportunity. We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it’s https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus.…
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AWA Unleashed!- Episode 176- Ron Hutchison
1:20:42
1:20:42
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1:20:42This week we're joined by one of the most successful trainers in the history of the professional wrestling business, the one and only Ron Hutchison! He discusses when the "wrestling bug" bit him, his history revolves around ‘Sully’s Gym’, his most famous students, a sneak behind the "Five Second Pose", his thoughts on the business today and more! W…
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Episode 175- No DQ and A
1:04:06
1:04:06
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1:04:06This week we go back into the Inbox with another " No DQ and A." Mick talks about the first person interviewed on SNR, Vachon Bros., friends and enemies, Bockwinkel/Martel, the "real" Mean Gene , the Hennigs and more! We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it’s https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plus…
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AWA Unleashed!- Episode 173- Complicated Legacy of Hulk Hogan
1:59:36
1:59:36
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1:59:36In this two hour program, we pay tribute to who many consider to be the biggest name in the history of the professional wrestling business, Hulk Hogan. We discuss being able to separate the man Terry Bollea from the character Hulk Hogan, why we feel his legacy is complicated, being a catalyst for the biggest changes in the business, not turning on …
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AWA Unleashed!- Episode 173- Waterloo Recap
1:22:26
1:22:26
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1:22:26This week Mick and Joe discuss their visit to the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and their weekend in Waterloo, Iowa. We get Joe's first impressions, why this meant more to Mick than other years, Mick's silent auction horror, ANOTHER trivia screwjob and more! We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it’s htt…
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AWA Unleashed!- Episode 172- George Schire
1:30:50
1:30:50
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1:30:50This week we welcome "The Authority" back to the show, the one and only George Schire! He explains the misconception around the NWA and why it wasn't a promotion, why wrestling is so important to him, setting the record straight once and for all about the AWA’s inception, why ‘fans’ won’t believe the O’Connor/Gagne situation, and a ton more! We hav…
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Episode 171- Spotlight 1964
1:13:03
1:13:03
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1:13:03This week we look back at the year 1964. We discuss the champions, title changes, attendance, feeder systems and more! We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it’s https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plusBy Chris Tubbs
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Episode 170- Slick Mick's Pix
1:10:01
1:10:01
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1:10:01This week it's another "Slick Mick's Pix" where we look at some never before seen and rare photos including Verne Gagne's Minnetonka home, the Vachon's, Hennigs, a few with Mick and more! We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it’s https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plusBy Chris Tubbs
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Episode 169- No DQ and A
1:03:43
1:03:43
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1:03:43This week it's another popular "No DQ and A" where we discuss potential guests and why some haven't been on yet, the Alaskans, candid Road Warriors shots, Sheik bumps", crazy fans and more! We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it’s https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plusBy Chris Tubbs
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AWA Unleashed!- Episode 168- Rapid Fire Favorites
1:22:25
1:22:25
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1:22:25This week the three of us give our favorites in several categories, including feuds, referees, promos, main events and a whole lot more. Give us yours in the comments, cause we love to see them! We have a new one stop shop for AWA Unleashed merch, it’s https://www.teepublic.com/user/unleashed-plusBy Chris Tubbs
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Episode 167- Bad Wrestler/Good Promo
50:49
50:49
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50:49This 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.…
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Episode 166- Good Wrestler/Bad Promo
1:20:23
1:20:23
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1:20:23This 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…
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Episode 165- No DQ and A
1:17:08
1:17:08
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1:17:08This 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…
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AWA Unleashed!- Episode 164- AWA Bad Asses
1:23:58
1:23:58
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1:23:58This 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.By Chris Tubbs
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AWA Unleashed!- Episode 163- Jay Soltis
1:24:56
1:24:56
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1:24:56This 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 …
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Episode 162- Year in Review 1965
1:09:20
1:09:20
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1:09:20This 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-plu…
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Episode 160- Justin Race- Part Two
1:11:36
1:11:36
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1:11:36This 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 …
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AWA Unleashed!- Episode 160- Justin Race- Part One
1:00:47
1:00:47
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1:00:47This 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 …
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Episode 159- Slick Mick's Pix
1:00:39
1:00:39
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1:00:39This 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-p…
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Episode 158- Best Babyface to Heel Turns
1:08:18
1:08:18
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1:08:18This 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.By Chris Tubbs
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Ep. 157- Chief Frank Hill (aka Jules Strongbow)
1:42:16
1:42:16
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1:42:16This 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’…
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AWA Unleashed!- Episode 156: Best Heel to Babyface Turns
1:04:14
1:04:14
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1:04:14This 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…
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Episode 155- No DQ and A
1:09:30
1:09:30
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1:09:30This 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…
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AWA Unleashed!- Ep. 154- How the PWA helped the AWA
1:22:05
1:22:05
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1:22:05This 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 …
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AWA Unleashed!- Ep. 153- Dale Spear
1:16:41
1:16:41
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1:16:41This 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.t…
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AWA Unleashed!-Ep. 152- Showboat ‘87: Beginning of the End?
1:18:11
1:18:11
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1:18:11This 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 …
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1
AWA Unleashed!-Ep. 151- Spotlight 1970
1:30:00
1:30:00
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1:30:00This 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.…
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AWA Unleashed!-Ep. 150- Slick Mick Pics
1:09:25
1:09:25
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1:09:25This 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-…
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Ep. 149- No DQ and A
1:16:45
1:16:45
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1:16:45This 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.teepu…
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Episode 148- Karbo’s Kapers
1:12:03
1:12:03
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1:12:03We 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, …
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Episode 147- No DQ and A
1:24:05
1:24:05
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1:24:05We 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…
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Ep. 146- Spotlight- 1984
1:26:32
1:26:32
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1:26:32This 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. Yo…
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Episode 145- Slick Mick Pix
1:13:06
1:13:06
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1:13:06This 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 U…
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AWA Unleashed!- Episode 144- Best Talkers in AWA History
1:12:04
1:12:04
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1:12:04This 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, ho…
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Episode 143- Year In Review 1973
1:18:28
1:18:28
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1:18:28This 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.…
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AWA Unleashed!- Episode 142- Tribute to Al DeRusha
1:09:18
1:09:18
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1:09:18This 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 ringsider…
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AWA Unleashed!- Episode 141- Eric Bischoff- Part 2
1:54:16
1:54:16
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1:54:16This 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…
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Episode 140- No DQ and A
1:08:26
1:08:26
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1:08:26This 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.…
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Episode 139- Referees Revisited
1:06:03
1:06:03
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1:06:03This 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…
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Episode 138- The "Other" Enhancement Talent
1:09:35
1:09:35
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1:09:35This 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.…
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AWA Unleashed!- Episode 137- Disliked Babyfaces
1:11:36
1:11:36
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1:11:36This 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.By Chris Tubbs
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Episode 136- No DQ and A
1:03:52
1:03:52
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1:03:52This 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 http…
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1
AWA Unleashed!- Episode 134- Greg Gagne- Part 2
1:08:08
1:08:08
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1:08:08This 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/use…
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AWA Unleashed!- Episode 134- Greg Gagne- Part 1
1:13:10
1:13:10
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1:13:10This 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…
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