AWA Unleashed
”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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Episodes
Thursday Mar 17, 2022
Thursday Mar 17, 2022
Even though he wasn't in the AWA for a long period of time, many fans still remember him and his partnership with Curt Hennig. What was he like, and who was he compared to? Plus did he realize the impact and influence he had on fans? We get into that and more in our tribute to the late Scott Hall.
Tuesday Mar 15, 2022
Tuesday Mar 15, 2022
Who are the best villains in AWA history? There is no shortage of rulebreakers over the territory's history.
This week Mick Karch and George Schire make a list of those that fit the definition of a "heel." What makes a good one? What were they like outside of the ring? And did fans ever try and test their toughness against them? It's a fun list that includes The Crusher, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, Jerry Blackwell, Baron Von Raschke, Sheik Adnan Al Kaissie and a ton more!
Tuesday Mar 08, 2022
Tuesday Mar 08, 2022
This week it's all about the wrestlers we didn't want, but we got, and others that deserved better. What wrestlers were overhyped and under delivered? How about those that should have gotten more of an opportunity?
Mick Karch and George Schire make a list of wrestlers that fit both categories and others that could have been included. Some are stars from other territories that didn't get over for various reasons, and just didn't have "it." Names include Mil Mascaras, Pedro Morales, Jerry Lawler, Rufus R. Jones, Otto Wanz, and so many more.
Tuesday Mar 01, 2022
Tuesday Mar 01, 2022
Time for an hour plus of fun filled stories as Mick Karch and George Schire catch up with their friend and one half of the famous High Flyers, "Jumping" Jim Brunzell.
Did he ever wish he could have turned heel and feud with Greg Gagne? He talks old school vs. new school, breaking kayfabe, his 60-minute Broadways with Nick Bockwinkel, taking the Iron Shiek's boot, we ask him about his infamous ’first promo’ in front of Vince McMahon and so much more. It's a fun trip down memory lane.
Tuesday Feb 22, 2022
Tuesday Feb 22, 2022
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..
Tuesday Feb 15, 2022
Tuesday Feb 15, 2022
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.
Tuesday Feb 08, 2022
Tuesday Feb 08, 2022
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.
Tuesday Feb 01, 2022
Tuesday Feb 01, 2022
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.
Tuesday Jan 25, 2022
Tuesday Jan 25, 2022
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.
Tuesday Jan 18, 2022
Tuesday Jan 18, 2022
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.