Post by The Nature Girl on Dec 9, 2007 23:18:36 GMT -5
www.gerweck.net/news/1197260316.shtml
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
JAPAN TAKES A DOUBLE BLOW
Zero-1 MAX Terminated from the AWA. Masato Tanka Stripped of the World
Title.
AWA Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. has officially terminated it's
sanctioning and relationship with Zero-1 MAX / Hustle / First on Stage.
"The professional wrestling industry in Japan has changed dramatically
over the last few years and is in economic turmoil, with only a few
promoters succeeding at capturing an audience to an overexposed
business", stated AWA President & CEO Dale R. Gagne. "Zero-1 MAX has
become a mere shadow of it's former self with diminishing audiences,
income and lack of touring talent". Gagne stated the decision was well
thought out and difficult however, "we gave them every opportunity to
succeed by becoming a part of our company and brand. The audience in
Japan simply won't continue supporting a business unwilling to change".
The AWA has subsequently been in negotiations with a high-profile,
nostalgic concert promoter to produce arena events in Japan and other
markets in Europe.
Controversy has never been shy when it comes to World titles. "The
Living Legend" Larry Zybysko has been openly critical of the AWA since
his departure in the early 90's to then World Championship Wrestling.
Zybysko has stated, with conviction, that by the AWA's own governing
by-laws, that he never lost the AWA World Heavyweight Championship. He
claims that he simply left the promotion and took the title with him
when the AWA ceased operations. Zybysko's claims have been discounted,
primarily due to his own rationalization (World Champion's are required
to defend the title within a set period of time) - until now. Keeping a
file of what has been determined to be violations by the AWA World
Heavyweight Champion Makato Tanka, Zybysko, through his wrestling agent
Mister Saint Laurent, officially served the documents to the AWA. In
part, Tanaka participated in matches that were unapproved or sanctioned
by the AWA. Specifically, Tanaka and Takao Omori fought in an
unsanctioned, hardcore match, against the rules of conduct in a World
Title match. "Mr. Tanaka is an extremely respected wrestler however we
can and will not allow anyone to openly violate by-laws that have been
put in place for the betterment of all athletes and promotions, not
one", commented President Gagne on the decision. "This along with
promoter Yoshi Nakamura's unwillingness to allow Tanaka to defend the
title outside of Japan, made the final decision somewhat easier".
"Laughable has been the internet rumors that Zero-1 "owns" the AWA World
Championship", continued Gagne. "Although they own a replica version of
the title belt, no one owns or controls the title except for the AWA
itself". The AWA has served notice to Zero-1 MAX promoter Yoshi
Nakamura and has warned him not to disrespect his wrestlers by referring
to them as fake Champions. They have been advised to remove the AWA
name from their entire promotion as to not confuse fans with future
major AWA events in Japan. Gagne was very specific when commenting on
Zero-1 being associated again with the NWA. "If the NWA wants to be
affiliated with a sinking ship, that's their decision to make", stated
Gagne. "Our relationship with Zero-1 was being accommodated by Steve
Corino, who recently quit the promotion. Watch for Zero-1 to become
involved again with the NWA at their match on December 13th. Who would
blame them? They have no where else to go". Keep visiting
www.awastars.com for the developing story.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
JAPAN TAKES A DOUBLE BLOW
Zero-1 MAX Terminated from the AWA. Masato Tanka Stripped of the World
Title.
AWA Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. has officially terminated it's
sanctioning and relationship with Zero-1 MAX / Hustle / First on Stage.
"The professional wrestling industry in Japan has changed dramatically
over the last few years and is in economic turmoil, with only a few
promoters succeeding at capturing an audience to an overexposed
business", stated AWA President & CEO Dale R. Gagne. "Zero-1 MAX has
become a mere shadow of it's former self with diminishing audiences,
income and lack of touring talent". Gagne stated the decision was well
thought out and difficult however, "we gave them every opportunity to
succeed by becoming a part of our company and brand. The audience in
Japan simply won't continue supporting a business unwilling to change".
The AWA has subsequently been in negotiations with a high-profile,
nostalgic concert promoter to produce arena events in Japan and other
markets in Europe.
Controversy has never been shy when it comes to World titles. "The
Living Legend" Larry Zybysko has been openly critical of the AWA since
his departure in the early 90's to then World Championship Wrestling.
Zybysko has stated, with conviction, that by the AWA's own governing
by-laws, that he never lost the AWA World Heavyweight Championship. He
claims that he simply left the promotion and took the title with him
when the AWA ceased operations. Zybysko's claims have been discounted,
primarily due to his own rationalization (World Champion's are required
to defend the title within a set period of time) - until now. Keeping a
file of what has been determined to be violations by the AWA World
Heavyweight Champion Makato Tanka, Zybysko, through his wrestling agent
Mister Saint Laurent, officially served the documents to the AWA. In
part, Tanaka participated in matches that were unapproved or sanctioned
by the AWA. Specifically, Tanaka and Takao Omori fought in an
unsanctioned, hardcore match, against the rules of conduct in a World
Title match. "Mr. Tanaka is an extremely respected wrestler however we
can and will not allow anyone to openly violate by-laws that have been
put in place for the betterment of all athletes and promotions, not
one", commented President Gagne on the decision. "This along with
promoter Yoshi Nakamura's unwillingness to allow Tanaka to defend the
title outside of Japan, made the final decision somewhat easier".
"Laughable has been the internet rumors that Zero-1 "owns" the AWA World
Championship", continued Gagne. "Although they own a replica version of
the title belt, no one owns or controls the title except for the AWA
itself". The AWA has served notice to Zero-1 MAX promoter Yoshi
Nakamura and has warned him not to disrespect his wrestlers by referring
to them as fake Champions. They have been advised to remove the AWA
name from their entire promotion as to not confuse fans with future
major AWA events in Japan. Gagne was very specific when commenting on
Zero-1 being associated again with the NWA. "If the NWA wants to be
affiliated with a sinking ship, that's their decision to make", stated
Gagne. "Our relationship with Zero-1 was being accommodated by Steve
Corino, who recently quit the promotion. Watch for Zero-1 to become
involved again with the NWA at their match on December 13th. Who would
blame them? They have no where else to go". Keep visiting
www.awastars.com for the developing story.