AWA Unleashed

Mar 11 2025 100 ep. 66 mins 84

AWA Unleashed Podcast artwork

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

Mar 11 2025 64 mins

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.c

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 155- No DQ and A

Mar 04 2025 69 mins

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,

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

Feb 25 2025 82 mins

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

AWA Unleashed!- Ep. 153- Dale Spear

Feb 18 2025 76 mins

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-p

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

Feb 11 2025 78 mins

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

AWA Unleashed!-Ep. 151- Spotlight 1970

Feb 04 2025 90 mins

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.

AWA Unleashed!-Ep. 150- Slick Mick Pics

Jan 30 2025 69 mins

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

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

Jan 21 2025 76 mins

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.

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 148- Karbo’s Kapers

Jan 07 2025 72 mins

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.c

AWA Unleashed!- Episode 147- No DQ and A

Dec 17 2024 84 mins

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, hoodi