AWA Unleashed - podcast cover

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

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 170- Slick Mick's Pix

This 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-plus

Jul 01, 20251 hr 10 minEp. 173

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 169- No DQ and A

This 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-plus

Jun 24, 20251 hr 4 minEp. 172

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 168- Rapid Fire Favorites

This 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-plus

Jun 17, 20251 hr 22 minEp. 171

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 167- Bad Wrestler/Good Promo

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

Jun 03, 202551 minEp. 170

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 166- Good Wrestler/Bad Promo

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

May 20, 20251 hr 20 minEp. 169

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 165- No DQ and A

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

May 13, 20251 hr 17 minEp. 168

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 164- AWA Bad Asses

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 .

May 06, 20251 hr 24 minEp. 167

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 163- Jay Soltis

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/...

Apr 29, 20251 hr 25 minEp. 166

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 162- Year in Review 1965

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 .

Apr 22, 20251 hr 9 minEp. 165

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 160- Justin Race- Part Two

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 ....

Apr 15, 20251 hr 12 minEp. 164

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 160- Justin Race- Part One

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 .

Apr 08, 20251 hr 1 minEp. 163

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 159- Slick Mick's Pix

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

Apr 01, 20251 hr 1 minEp. 162

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 158- Best Babyface to Heel Turns

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 .

Mar 25, 20251 hr 8 minEp. 161

AWA Unleashed!- Ep. 157- Chief Frank Hill (aka Jules Strongbow)

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

Mar 18, 20251 hr 42 minEp. 160

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 156: Best Heel to Babyface Turns

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 .

Mar 11, 20251 hr 4 minEp. 159

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 155- No DQ and A

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.

Mar 04, 20251 hr 10 minEp. 158

AWA Unleashed!- Ep. 154- How the PWA helped the AWA

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.

Feb 25, 20251 hr 22 minEp. 157

AWA Unleashed!- Ep. 153- Dale Spear

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 .

Feb 18, 20251 hr 17 minEp. 156

AWA Unleashed!-Ep. 152- Showboat ‘87: Beginning of the End?

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 ....

Feb 11, 20251 hr 18 minEp. 155

AWA Unleashed!-Ep. 151- Spotlight 1970

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 .

Feb 04, 20251 hr 30 minEp. 154

AWA Unleashed!-Ep. 150- Slick Mick Pics

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.

Jan 31, 20251 hr 9 minEp. 153

AWA Unleashed!- Ep. 149- No DQ and A

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....

Jan 21, 20251 hr 17 minEp. 152

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 148- Karbo’s Kapers

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....

Jan 07, 20251 hr 12 minEp. 151

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 147- No DQ and A

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.

Dec 17, 20241 hr 24 minEp. 150

AWA Unleashed!- Ep. 146- Spotlight- 1984

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.

Dec 10, 20241 hr 27 minEp. 149

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 145- Slick Mick Pix

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....

Dec 03, 20241 hr 13 minEp. 148

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 144- Best Talkers in AWA History

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.

Nov 26, 20241 hr 12 minEp. 147

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 143- Year In Review 1973

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.

Nov 19, 20241 hr 18 minEp. 146

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 142- Tribute to Al DeRusha

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 c...

Nov 08, 20241 hr 9 minEp. 145

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 141- Eric Bischoff- Part 2

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...

Nov 05, 20241 hr 54 minEp. 144
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