AWA Unleashed

AWA Unleashed! Ep. 8- Rivalries

This week it's all about one of the things that wrestling fans love, and that's rivalries. What makes a good one? Are there situations where it started out as a work and turned into a shoot? Which ones went too far?
Mick Karch and George Shire talk about some of their all time favorite feuds, what they remember, why they were so memorable and so much more..

AWA Unleashed! Ep. 7- Crusher and Dick The Bruiser

Do the Crusher!
This week we talk about two of the most well known names in the AWA, The Crusher and Dick The Bruiser. From being hated heels to beloved babyfaces, they're two of the most recognizable names ever. How did the pairing come together, and what were they like outside the ring?
 
Why was Crusher reluctant to sign his real name on memorabilia? What really happened with Crusher and Mad Dog Vachon on TV. What was Bruiser like as a promoter? Mick Karch and George Shire get into that and so much more.

AWA Unleashed! Ep. 6- Enhancement Talent

It's time to put the enhancement talent, aka "jobbers" over!
 
We pay respect to the unsung wrestlers and those that made the stars look like stars, while giving them the recognition they deserve. From Jake "The Milkman" Milliman to "Sodbuster" Kenny Jay, Nacho Barrera and so many more, we pay homage to many of those that made the AWA a special place. 
 
Some were serious, some were silly, but all were absolutely essential and we loved talking about them with outstanding stories from Mick Karch and George Shire. 

AWA Unleashed! Ep . 5 - No DQ and A

This week it was a "No DQ and A!" We've had such a great reaction to the podcast and tons of questions asked, so we figured we would answer some of them, so that's what we did. Great insight from and never before told stories from Mick Karch and George Schire. 
Topics include title belts, Harley Race being stabbed, Bruiser Brody, legit heat, Eddie Sharkey, wrestlers hitting on fans and more.

AWA Unleashed!- Ep. 4- Bobby ”The Brain” Heenan

This week we get into one of the most entertaining professional wrestling personalities of all time, and that's the one and only Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. How did wrestlers feel about working with him? Was there ever concern from wrestlers that he would get more shine/over shadow them?
Who came up with the “weasel” and how did he feel about it? Plus what made him different from other wrestlers that Vince McMahon was hiring, plus Bobby as a referee–but NOT where you might think! And how did he say goodbye to fans? That and so much more.
 

AWA Unleashed!- Ep. 3- Nick Bockwinkel

Episode 3 of AWA Unleashed is all about one of the greatest in AWA history Nick Bockwinkel. From his debut in the territory, to his pairing with Bobby Heenan, and so much more, it's a fun look into a true wrestling legend.
Plus some crazy never before heard stories about the personal relationships he had with both Mick Karch and George Shire.

AWA Unleashed- Ep. 2.- We hear you

In this weeks episode of AWA Unleashed, we touch on some of the topics that listeners have requested. When we say we want listener and fan interaction, we mean it.
It's a random fire, quick moving episode that gives a little tease of what's coming up. Some of the ideas include:
Larry Hennig, Curt Hennig, Greg Gagne, Eddie Sharkey, "Sodbuster” Kenny Jay, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan,  WrestleRock, Team Challenge Series, enhancement talent aka "jobbers", and more.
We have so much more we're going to discuss, but this is just a small sample of what's coming up.

AWA Unleashed- Ep1.- The genesis of the AWA, featuring Verne Gagne and Wally Karbo

In the debut episode of AWA Unleashed, we start at the beginning, and the one name that is most connected with it, and that's Verne Gagne. Mick Karch, George Schire and Chris Tubbs go back and revisit how it became its own entity in 1960, and how did Wally Karbo get involved? Why do some people forget about him?
We get into their relationship with one another, other promoters and the wrestlers. Plus what could have been done differently for the AWA to succeed, and a common misconception?
And, who allegedly is responsible for the AWA going out of business? It's that and so much more! 

AWA Unleashed is coming

Along with Producer and WCCO Radio Personality Chris Tubbs, wrestling historian George Schire and "The voice of Minnesota Wrestling" Mick Karch relive the glory days of one of wrestling's grandest promotions, the old American Wrestling Association .
"AWA Uleashed" is a trip back in time to when it was WRESTLING!! Relive the glorious era of Verne Gagne, The Crusher, The Bruiser, Nick Bockwinkel, Ray Stevens, The High Flyers, Pat Patterson, Mad Dog and Butcher Vachon, Billy Robinson, Superstar Graham, Wahoo McDaniel, Don Muraco, Kenny Jay, 'Pretty Boy' Larry Hennig, 'Handsome' Harley Race, and so many more!!
George lends his expertise to the history of the promotion and its incredible roster over the years with incredible insight, knowledge and FACTS. Mick shares his many memories with behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes from an 'insider's' perspective. Along with the discussions we will also have invited guests, trivia contests, and more surprises!If you grew up with the AWA, you know how massive its impact was on the world of pro wrestling. If you're more of the 'new school,' prepare yourself for some history lessons, fun and humor!!!