■ M A T W A T O H M A T W A T C H E x c l u s i v e

Page 3V o l . 3 , K o . 1 1 / S e p t . l Q - 1 6 X O X I V T O R E V E A L . S J P L a A N S

E O R N E W ^ R O M O T Z O N

(Since early sunner, a nunber of newsletters have linked PRO WRESTLING IHIS HEEKcreator and former NWa personal i ty Joe Pedicino to a new foreign-backed wrest l ing ccnpany.This week, Pedic ino agreed to d iscuss the s i tuat ion wi th MAIKAIXS.)

M i m m : F O R m K S m , s p s m i Ti o s s i s c s i j e r e d o n mi s D E V E L O P i K i m m s n n o p r o m o t m h h e b x t i m i o mmiEi fCE. mr as you te l l us about i t ht th is poin?

JP: »e are in the process of atteapting to do just that.Several months ago, I was approached by a coipany with international backing and asked about the possibilities of an international major league organization. After several meetings, I agreed to become chief executive officer of a newcompany called Kongi Sports and Entertainment. One of themajor divisions of Kongi will be a wrestling organization.

MTWCS: miT CM lOU TELL US ABOUT THE IDEgTITT OF lOURBACKERS, IF AmBIKS, ASD SOW DID TBET COKE TO CBOOSE lOU?

J.P.: Kongi Sports and Entertainment is backed by a company with major holdings in Africa, the United States andJapan. They have primarily been involved in oil, gold, landand banking until now. Kow, they want to get into the entertainment field. They're interested in professional wrestling, financing major motion pictures, television series andother forms of entertainment, not only in the U.S. but inforeign markets as well. The head of the financial trustlives in the U.S. and became familiar with me through SDPER-STARS OF HRESTLISG in Atlanta, PRO WRESTLING THIS SEEK and,of course, the IIHA. He felt my perspective on the professional wrestling business today warranted some discussion.

MATIfATCB: OTBER PEOPLE III TBIS COUITRI SAVE BAD BIO PLASSABOUT m mSTLIKG OROAmATIOSS IfBICB BA7E EITSER FAILED ORSEVER LEFT TSE CROUSD. KBT HILL KOSCI BE AS! DIFFEREST?

J.P.: It may not be. This is why we have tried to keepit quiet as long as we have, I have been working on thisproject for over six months and tried to play it very low keywith no major announcements, no press conferences, no interviews because I realize that, number one, a wrestling ventureis speculative to begin with; even more so, when you're dealing with the kind of dollar hgures we are talking about,anything can happen and until every piece of paper is signed,nothing is definite. This is why we have not been callingwrestlers and trying to hire them, or doing interviews forradio shows or newsletters. We didn't want to go publicuntil everything was finalized. Unfortunately, word did getout and our phones have been ringing off the hook. Becauseof that, I decided to come forth with where we are today.

HATSATCS: mCB IS?

J.P.: The backing is there, The commitment is there. Heare working on how to get into syndication, different formsof televised coverage. And just exactly what form ofprofessional wrestling we are going to be.

mmCB: BOH nUCB H0SE7 ARE !fS TALKISG ABOUT ISFISASCIAL BACnSG?

Let me put it this way: J bare been guaranteed enough moneyto do it right.

MATHATCB: HE 3A7E SEARD FIGURES RASGISG IS VALUE FROMSEVES TO 20-HILLIOS DOLLARS. ARE TBOSE ACCURATE?

J.P: The initial funding through a letter of credit withan international bank is for an amount more than you justquoted—and I would prefer to leave it at that.

WmrCH; m SAT TSE PBOSE SAS BESS RISGISG OFF TBEBOOK. HE USDERSTASD A SUMBER OF HRESTLERS SAVE BEESCOSTACTISG lOU. COULD lOU DISCLOSE AST SAHES TO US?

J.P.: Ho. For obvious reasons, I don't want to disclosewho we're talking to but I will tell you this—I have beeninstructed by my lawyer not to discuss this with any wrestlercurrently under a contract to any other wrestling organization and I have followed his advice.

MATIfATCB: TBAT ELIMISATES A SUMBER OF MAJOR SAHES. ISUMBER OF FASS ASD ISSIDERS HOULD SAI TOU SAVE TO BA7E MAJORSAHES, fSTABLISBED SAHES IF TOU BOPE TO GET OFF TBE GROUSD.

J.P: If you made a list of the top 100 wrestlers in theworld today—and I emphasize world—I think you would bevery surprised at how many were not under contract.

MATHATCS: TOU SPOKE ABOUT TELEVISIOS. PRO mSTLISGTORCB SAS DIRECTLY LISKED YOU TO DISCUSSIOSS HITS FOIBROADCASTISG, SBAT CAS YOU TELL US ABOUT TSAT?

J.P.; We have had discussions with three networks andhave ongoing discussions with two at this time. We havepresented them with a totally different concept of professional wrestling and both are very interested. I expect tomake a deal for network coverage but until it is signed,nothing is definite. I WILL tell you that I am also pursuingtwo other avenues that could be even more lucrative thannetwork television.

MATIfATCB: COULD YOU BE SPECIFIC AS TO TSE SETIfORKS YOUSAVE MET IflTB?

J . P. : H o .

wrwarcff; joe, you noir a sumber of people is srestlisgARE PERSAPS LAUGSISG AT TSIS. SOME SAVE ALREADY PREDICTEDISSTAST FAILURE. YOU SAVE CRITICS SBO FEEL YOUR IDEAS ABOUTmSTLISC ARE TOO BIIARRE TO BE SUCCESSFUL. OTBERS SAYYOU'VE SEVER BASDLED A VESTURE OF TSIS MAGSITUDE. IF IT GETSOFF TSE GROUSD, HSAT MAKES YOU SO SURE YOU COULD SUCCEED?

J.P.: Let's take your first point: yes, I'm sure thereare many people in the wrestling business who will read this

(Continued on Page 4)

M A T W A T O HPage 4Vol. 3, »o. 11 I Sept. 10-16

JOE PEDICINO INTERVIEW (Continued froi Page 3)

and laugh and maybe they will have the last laugh. But, as Ilearned a long time ago, if you don't try, you sill neversucceed. Ho*, for your second point; I have worked in theentertainment business since I sas 14 years old. I have runmy own company twice and have learned a simple key to success; surround yourself with competent people who have theability to do their jobs, then stand back and let them do it.I believe I can be successful because I will surround myselfwith people who know the entertainment business and thewrestling business and the 1990s way of combining the two,

MirmcH: FOLLonna up ox mr, the most successfulcmps in THE FUST H THIS BUSHESS ME PEOPLE m BME HAd

QUkLITY Fmf OFFICE PEOPLE. BO M mE SPECIFIC PEOPLE IKHm FOR SUCH POSITIOHS dlTH KOIfGI m COULD YOU SHME MYurns XITH us?

J.p.: Yes, I have people in mind, But I think at thistime it would be best not to mention their names. I alreadyhave a booker, an assistant booker, a production staff and anoffice staff ready to go to work. As I said, I will surroundmyself with competent people.

HmATCH: mT mU OF TIMETABLE CO YOU FORESEE IKGETTm KOm OFF THE GROUKD iilTH ITS FIRST HRESTLIKG SHOHS?

J.p.; This is the strange part; I am determined not todo it at all until we are ready to do it right. He will notstart halfway and hope to grow to doing it right. He willnot make our first appearance until we are ready to do itright. It may be three months. It may be six months. Butit won't happen until we are sure we can succeed.

mmCH; ^IITH A LOT mSTLISG CROm BECLinSG ACROSSTHE U.S. ASD THE SATURATION Off TV OYER THE PAST SII YEARS—THE BIGGEST ARGUMENT SOME PEOPLE KOULD HA7E AGAINST THISVENTURE IS THAT IT JUST ISN'T THE RIGHT TIME, m NOD?

J.P.; If we were going to present wrestling in the samemanner today's organizations are presenting it, I wouldagree. But, we are not. For instance, if you have a greatidea for a new game show, you do not postpone it becausethere are too many game shows on TV. You present it and ifthe public likes it, they will watch. He will presentwrestling in a different manner than anyone has seen before.

MATHATCH: YOUR DETRACTORS HILL SAY BECAUSE YOU HAVE NE7ERBEEN IN THE RING AND NEVER BEEN A mSTLER OR PROMOTER, YOUCANNOT RUN A MESTLING COMPANY. HOW DO YOU RESPOND?

J.P.; Steve, three of the most successful wrestlingpromoters of all-time are probably Vince HcHahon Jr., VinceHcHahon Sr. and Jim Crockett Sr. Hould you agree?

MATffATCH; YES.

J.P.: And, to my knowledge; none of the three spent anytime, or at least any significant time as a professionalwrestler. All three were astute businessmen who knew whattheir public wanted and how to present it to them. All threesurrounded themselves with the right people. On the other .

hand; the list of former wrestlers who have been unsuccess-ful at promoting wrestling is a mile long. I think thatexplains it better than I ever could.

O T H E R

S t . L o i i i s , M D

I am open to correction about this but I do not thinkanyone has done as much nor accomplished as much in the entirrealm of the wrestling businesss as Pat O'Connor (I have toput Verne Gagne in there also).

I presume most of the readers are younger than Steve and Iand therefore, only remember the finish of Pat's career whenhe slowed down some. After being an amateur champ in NewZealand, Pat was almost an instant main eventer upon comingto this country. He had one of the most smooth and fluidstyles from move to move ever seen.

I have heard two major old champs in two different majoralliances mention off the record that O'Connor may have beenthe best technical pro wrestler ever.

Pat himself had a little Karl Gotch in him by not backingdown to anyone on reputation as a wrestler. After the OldTimers' Battle Royal (in 1986), the interviewer for NBC wasasking everyone about Thesz and getting an affirmative answeron whether Lou was the best. O'Connor's reply was that heand Thesz wrestled eleven times with neither gaining theupper hand and spending ten hours in the ring in those elevenmatches.

Besides the gate record for the match against Buddy Rogers(in Coiiskey Park), Pat held long-standing Canadian attendance records against Ivon Robert.

Beside."! main eventer and world champ (when that meant traveling world champ), add booker and small and large partnerin the local promotion in two towns. Add referee and trainerof wrestlers. At the age of 64, Pat worked a 30-minute drawbetween the British Bulldogs and the Rock and Roll Expressand followed that with 22 minutes of a Japanese tag titlechange, That is 52 minutes back-to-back of fast-paced actionat age 64. A year before, Pat and Thesz finished up thatbattle royal.

Add high-profile local celebrity who lent his time andeffort to several causes. Hho has had a longer career ordone more for the business?

I had Pat as a celebrity judge in a bikini contest finalslast year and was a little concerned if the crowd wouldacknowledge him. Upon the introduction, the ovation soundedlike O'Connormania to me.

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Page 4Vol, 3, No. 12 I Sept, 17-23

[PH/cont.] - club w. expired VISA card, then goes nuts whenhanded $4,0QQ bill; fWNN) Hob Caudle discusses Pillaan SUNNING THE GAUNTLET; (ANGLE) DOOM, Flair/Arn get into dressingroom spat; (LOUISVILLE SLUGGER) Cornette recaps Sid Viciousattack on Sting; (GAUNTLET I) Brian Pillinan d. Tim Horner.RESTHOLD.[HCii]: Taylor d. Death Row; Steiners d. Stone/Jaies Solomon;(HRAPUP) DOOH/Horseien flap; DOOM d. Rose/Riggins; (REPLAY)first Scorpion tape; (CLASH) Flair-Luger 5 Hansen run-in;(GAUNTLET II) Pillman d. Landell; Allen Iron Eagle/WendellCooley d. State Patrol; Horner d, Snake »atson; Spivey d.Rick Ford. RESTHOLD.[MAIN SVENTl: (GAUNTLET III) Spivev d. Pillman.

u t t i b : p v e e t c

I, Ric Flair, PORTLAND, on Brad Anderson: "When he hitstown, Don Owen, tell Roddy Piper to stay home." 2. BillPrescott, PORTLAND: "Madril cane up and told me to get ahaircut. I told hii to get a transplant." 3. Bobby Heenan,PT»: "You put about another 100 pounds on Akeem and get thatbeard a little bushier and you've got Bossman's mom." 4.Heenan, PTH, on Bossman's mom: "She was the centerfold forSWI.NE raRLY." 5. Dutch Mantel, on Terry Taylor: "He'san EGG-sucking dog. He's just a big chicken." 6. BrickhouseBrown, iiMC: "I need a car like ROJAK need a wig." 7. EddieGilbert, HENDERSON COUNTY FAIR, to Steve Beverly: "I bet younever thought a year ago you'd be spending a Thursday nightat a fair in Lexington, Tennessee." 8, Paul E. Dangerously,PH: "I'm God's gift to New York." 9. Paul E., PH: "Ilearned how to handle tapes from the best guy in the business: Richard Nixon." 10. Roddy Piper, »»F: "The Harlorddoesn't need a doctor. He needs a veterinarian."

II. Piper, m, on Mr. Fuji: "That's 17 years worth ofgrowth on that goatee." 12. Jim Ross, PH, on J.D. Wolfe:He looks like a walking barber pole." 13. Bill Dundee, KMC,

to DUG: "I bet you eat Alpo, fried or baked, every morning."14. Steve Doll, PORTLAND,,to Flair; "This isn't Atlanta,This is Portland, Oregon: ly home." 15. Heenan, PTH: "Boss-man's mother has a nice scent. Ever heard of Liquid Wrench?"15. Heenan, PTH: "Five large people can sit in the Bossman'smom's shorts-"and bring a friend." 17. Animal, HHF, to Bro.LUV: "He ain't your stinkin' brother and if you were, youwouldn't be here." 18. Sean Hooney/Alfred Hayes, PTH: (SH)"Dave Paradise has not landed in paradise," (AH) "This is noGarden of Eden." 19. Tony Schiavone, HHH, to Mantel:"You're not really a funny guy, you know that?" 20. Mantel,HHH: "Hhen I register at a hotel under the name Sting orLuger, the phone never rings."

21. Piper, HHF, on Bro. LUV: "He's got a lower-lip problem." 22. Piper, HHF: "I don't kiss on the first date."

STRONGEST COMMENTS - 1. Black Scorpion, HCW: "Sid Viciouswants your title. I want your life." 2. Eddie Gilbert, HHC:"I'm not obsessed with you, Lawler. I'm obsessed with beingthe King." 3. Paul E., PH: "Terry Taylor has a long way togo to get back to the top of the NHA." 4. Sean Hooney, PTH,on Heenan: "I'm surprised anyone known as The Brain would beso unintelligent as to criticiie the Bossman's mom."

QUESTIONS OF THE HEEK - 1. Piper, HHF: "Am I the only onewho doesn't turn his back on his opponent?" 2. Dave Brown,

HHC, to Gilbert: "Have you got a short memory?" 3. Paul E., ,PH: "Hhy did Gordon go on vacation? Can I host 3RESTLINGHEHS NETHORK?" 4, Bob Caudle, HCH: "Hhy don't I pass for 14and get in with you and get one of those free Sting watches?"

NICKNAMES OF THE HEEK - 1, THE LAST HERO OF NEH YORK (PaulE, on himself;, 2. THE GREAT IMITATOR (Paul E. on Cornette),3, BOXCAR (Gorilla Monsoon on Greg Valentine),

BEST PICTURES - 1, PH, Paul E,'s face when told he owed$4,300 to China Club. 2, USHA, John Tatum's expression goingover top rope, 3. HHF, Tony Atlas' Sana Simba dance. 4.HMC, Lawler-Gilbert MID-SOUTH brawl. 5. HHH, Stan Laneshahng hands w. fans. 6. HHH, Closeup of Eaton clotheslin-ing Scott Steiner. 7. HHH, Scott decking Cornette 5 beingdecked w. racket. 3. HMC, Flour attack by Jarrett/Gaylord.

BLOOPER AWARD - Sid Vicious, HHW, on CLASH run in onSting: "If you think it's bad what I did to you in GREENVILLE.,," (Match was in Asheville, N,C.).

DREADED GLITCH AHARD - WMC, Lawler had to verbally cueaudio of crowd noise on video from Portageville MO,

ALL-CLICHE TEAM - 1, Teddy Long, NHA: "...bitten off morethan they can chew," 2. Thunderbolt Patterson, HCH: "...thesky's the limit."

BOO AWARD - NWA, for Black Scorpion line, "I want yourlife." With the many kids who follow Sting, that was toomuch, no matter how dark the character is.

J l i i i l lH I i i lB l iW W F " G E T S /

f C O Z V C r X F ' Z J ' T O J V

LOS ANGELES---The Horld Hrestling Federation has reachedagreement for a February prime-time special on the FOXnetwork. The HHF apparently was not given a fourth annualprime time slot on NBC. Titan retains its SATURDAY RIGHT'SMAIN EVENT specials on NBC.

Kongi Sports, headed by Joe Pedicino, which had been negotiating with FOX, was told of the decision Friday. Pedicinowas told by a FOX executive the network will continue to talkwith Kongi if its proposed promotion gets off the groundearly next year. But FOX chairman Barry Diller said thenetwork went with the HHF for what has been described as atwo-hour "one time" special because of its track record.

w o r k : F O R K H T V / I N

DALLAS—Chris Adams and several members of SkandorAkbar's heel group worked Kevin Von Erich's HORLD CLASS showat the Sportatorium Friday night,

HATHATCH has learned Adams has been a catalyst in forgingthe split between Von Erich and Jerry Jarrett. But Akbar anda number or wrestlers called Jarrett to ask permission towork the show. Jarrett reportedly agreed in order to allowthe performers to maintain an income.

Rev. Bob Holly was play-by-play announcer for the broadcast but details were sketchy at deadline as to when or ifthe program would air.' TUBE TALKt kerb''ASIS pfanf ?uS' l?''SReseda CA, Correspondent Chris Crosby will be there. NikitaKoloff, the Sammartinos and Lou Albano were at the Anaheimfiasco. "Only 30 fans showed. Lots of countercharges flying.

M A T W A T C HPage 2Vol. 3, Xo. 14 I Oct, 1-7

S t i l l P r o c e e d i n g S l o w l y

G R O U £ ^ G A I N S

liss o T E r v r : b e x t e i r L j i Z ^

'iSffllil

(Continued frcm Page ijsiiilar manner? Saying the current SLUGGEReiposes Cornette's true talent and value to»CH is like saying COP ROCK is the nextrevolut ion in television.

I've often written ho« Liberace and ElvisPresley are two examples of personalities whostayed off television for ten years in the1960s to "create a need" for audiences to seethem in person,

The has successfully marketed HulkHogan as its one and only franchise by keepinghim out of the ring on TV except on pay-per-view and HBC specials,

Jim Cornette does not have to co-host aregular show on TBS or in NBA syndication toget his act over or make a valuable contribution, But he is too talented to be wasted inthe wasteland where he currently toils. Is ittoo much to ask for a three or four-minutesegment for Cornette to truly get his act overand, in the process, give a boost to thepersonality of HCH?

About 17 months ago, when a previous booker decided Cornette was no longer needed inra, I wrote: "WCW without Jim Cornette onTBS will be like Saturday night without Lawrence Welk." Younger readers didn't reallyget the point. But for six years, Cornettehas been an institution on Saturdays and eventhough he needs another 21 years to catch upwith Mr. Helk's TV longevity, he is thatintangible who is needed to balance outwrestling, wrestling, wrestling for two hours.

The need has been created, Gentlemen, canwe get a little more Corny, if you please?

M A T W A T i O l B IS t J B S C K I F > m O J > J S

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M A J O R G R E J D I T J L I N E

A T L fl N T A K o n g i S p o r t s a n d E n t e r t a i n m e n t , t h e i n t e rnationally-backed ^oi^) headed by ex-NWa producer/personal i ty Joe Pedicino, has been granted a $25 nvLl l ionl i n e o f c r e d i t t o s t a r t a p r o w r e s t l i n g c c n p a n y.

Pedicino received a fax copy of a letter to his chief investor Thursdayinforming him the "$25 million will be available for any and all startupcosts, including the procurement of wrestling talent, television operationsand necessary executive personnel."

In a brief statement, Pedicino told MATMATCH: "The money is in the bank.It is secured by a financial trust based in California which regularly provides funding for the Kongi investors. So, this should erase all doubts wewill be funded well enough to get going if we decide to do this."

When pressed whether this ensures the launch of a new big-money wrestlingfederation, Pedicino reiterated his previous remarks: "As I have statedearlier, if it were just a case of money, we would be in business tomorrow.But it Ukes more than money to run a successful wrestling company and we arenot going to get one started until we are certain we can do it right,"

Pedicino, who will base the Kongi operation out of offices in suburbanAtlanta, acknowledged he would have meeting with unspecified groups this weekconcerning Kongi but would not elaborate.

The creator and former host of syndication's PRO WRESTLING THIS SEEK isstill looking for a television distributor and booker/creative director beforeseeking any specific wrestling talent. Previous negotiations with FoxBroadcasting broke down when Fox signed a one-special deal with the HorldWrestling Federation for February.

l a i l i i i l lj v e t w o f ^ K :

BLOODTHIRSTY PRODUCTIONS, P.O. BOX 659, CANYON TX 79015, is offeringcolorful BE A FDNKER Terry Funk t-shirts and DOUBLE CROSS RANCH caps. Theshirt likeness is a terrific caricature of Terry. They're available in sizesfrom medium to XXL. The caps and shirts come in pink and orange. Caps:$10.50. Shirts: $12.50. Add shipping/handling of $2.75 for orders of up to$24.00. Check or money order only. No C.O.D.s,

ANGLE, Bill Kunkel's cartoon/commentary bulletin, is out with a new issue.Cost: $2.50 from ANGLE, 330 S. DECATUR, SUITE 152, LAS VEGAS NV 89107.

GREG GOODE, 900 SH 17 ST., FT. LAUDERDALE FL 33315, is trying to findtapes of 1970s Florida shows.

J-MAR PHOTOS, 7671 EASTWOOD ST., REYNOLDSBURGwrestling photos and memorabilia.

43068, has lots of

RICKY SHORT, is still looking for Portland shows from March 1990 and forPWF TV shows from April until now. Write to Ricky at RT. 2, BOX 297, GRETNAVA 24557 .

FANTASY FEDERATION, Jeff Cohen's imaginative book-your-favorite-iatchupbulletin, has a SEND ME A STAMP special. Jeff will give away back issues toanyone who sends a stamp, up to a minimum of four stamps. Send to Jeff at 50SHELLEY LANE, GREAT NECK NY 11023. Regular subscriptions: $3 for 3 issues.

WRESTLING PERSPECTIVE, Paul MacArthur's and Dave Skolnick's sharp analysisbulletin, has an upcoming issue featuring an interview with a well-knownwrestler, promoter and trainer. Paul and Dave did a first-rate job of examining the NWA's situation in Issue 7. Write them for subscription info at:P.O. Box 401, CAMILLUS NY 13031-0401. Highly recommended.

TEXAS ROUNDUP is a recap of arena shows in the Metroplex area. It's $5 for4 issues from P.O. BOX 75053-2306, GRAND PRAIRIE TX 75053.

M A T W A T O H

Page 9Vol. 3, Ho. 26-27/Dec. 24-Jan. 6

POLLIHG: Your

response on STJRR-CADE was signficanl-I7 positive. BjThursday night oflast week, we hadreceived 184 calls.The breakdown; 681

positive, 261 negative, 61 so-so or no opinion.

RE&LIGIHEIT &T B&RD: NCR events coordinators were reshuffled last week. Gordon Solie and Ron Ames are no longerhandling pronotions. David Crockett has been assigned to thewest coast with NRESTLE NAR's Phoenix location apparently oneof David's spots. Chip Burnhan is being shifted to theCarolinas fron his Georgia slot.

IK TBE ORIENT: Jii Herd left last Tuesday for Japan onbusiness for RCR. He're hearing plenty of optinisn over theTokyo Some show. Nith our early deadline to get the doubleissue out, we did not have the card announced at a Thursdaypress conference.

ORE MORE POST-SCRIPT: In case people wonder about thedouble pin scenario, that was not the originally plannedfinish for the STARRCADE street fight. Teddy Long and RonSionons refused to do the job in the fashion presented, sothe twin pin was a coopronise.

AHDRE ODT: Andre the Giant definitely out for the ROYAlRDMBLE. He suffered either broken blood vessels or a bloodclot in an ankle while riding is a taii and will not be readyfor a while.

KOKAH TO GLOBAL: Hours after STARRCADE, Ronan nade averbal agreement with Joe Pedicino's Global federation. Kordhas it Konan will premiere after the first of the year as theGlobal light heavyweight champion.

KOHAR RECOVERIKG: Konan is home in Puerto Rico for theholidays. He's nursing the injury to his knee that limitedhis moves in STARRCADE. He's been advised to sit off of itthree weeks.

IHA TOORREY: Rob Russen's group plans its tag team finalein Cherry Hill RJ April 6. Russen is calling it the BROISER

BRODY tourney. IHA also will tour Arizona and southern California in February.

HESSAGE TO EDDIE: Lexington HATHATCHer George Maranvillesends an S.O.S. to Eddie Gilbert. George says Lexington fansdesperately want to see DSKA action in their town. Since I'mnot in the habit of distributing Eddie's home number, I'lltell him right here.

REM RAVE: On the international front, RER HAVE HRESTLIRGis the latest effort for British TV. Among the starsfeatured: the Right Rev. Constance HcVicar, The Druid, DaddyDread and Rudolph (The Swan) Rratowsky.

said to be tailoring the American style of wrestling toBri t ish tastes.

RHERE'S THE RIRG?: The Dec. 17 issue of ADVERTISING AGEfeatures a full-page color ad with eleven TV screensproclaiming "Three Letters are Number One in Cable Television—TBS." Braves baseball, THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOR, countless other Turner program staples are pictured. Ro RCR.

GOSSETT'S BACK: Expect Ronald P. Gossett IV to make asignificant return to GEORGIA ALL-STAR. Gossett is appearingon Atlanta's RVEO SDPERSTARS OF RRESTLIRG, annoucing he is"scalping talent."

RER FACES: Pedicino's Global duties will force him togive up the GAS play-by-play work. Rew co-hosts willprobab y appear with Pedicino at the Jan. 20 GAS tapings butthe pairings have not been announced.

RRF BACK: Titan Entertainment has returned RRF CHALLERGEto the RVEO schedule, negotiations broke down over a newslot for CHALLERGE on Fox affil RATL, so CHALLERGE will stayon the Atlanta Saturday night marathon as the kickoff inJanuary. The new lineup: 8:00 RRF CHALLENGE, 9:00 LPRA,10:00 DSRA, 11:00 TBE RER PRO RRESTLIRG THIS REEK, 12:00HEMPHIS, 1:00 DALLAS, 2:00 ICR.

GLAD GLADIATORS: ROLLERGAHES was an early casualty oflast year's "crash TV" binae but AMERICAR GLADIATORS is thelittle show that has quietly built ratings strength. Threetimes this fall, it has cracked syndication's top IS and isaveraging a 4.0 for the season.

IR THE ARERAS: Samuel Goldwyn Company (the syndicator)officials are looking to take the GLADIATORS format intoarenas and are negotiating for Madison Square Garden or LosAngeles' Great Restern Forum as possible locales.

POSITIORIRG GRODGE: Genesis Entertainment (see page 8)is trying to position GRODGE HATCH, the new series with JesseVentura, as a companion hour to AMERICAR GLADIATORS onweekend schedules. Something tells me this one will click.

TAPIRG AHEAD; RCR returns to Columbus GA for a TV tapingJan. 15 and has a date Jan. 14 in the new arena in Perry GA,a town where my basketball team school bus broke down oneFebruary evening at midnight. Perry is also the home of Sen.Sam Nunn.

M A T W A T C H 1 9 9 0A N N U A L ,

Your response has been heartening to the 1990 HATRATCHARROAL, which may have its biggest buy-in ever. Publicationis scheduled Jan. 20. Our MATRATCH PERSOR OF THE YEAR,MATRATCHER OF THE YEAR and the year's top 15 TV news stories,along with our Rrestling Broadcasting System TV Log and the1990 MATTIES: the HATRATCH TV ARARDS will be featured.

Price: $12 (O.S./CARADA), $20 (OVERSEAS). CHECK, CASH orMONEY ORDER to: HATRATCH, 16 ROBIR HOOD LARE, JACKSON TN38505. Gift annuals earn you 3 bonus issues of HATRATCH.

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THE BIG POSH: NER RAVE is being packaged by top Englishindependent producer Robert Farago, who reportedly isspending big bucks on production, semi-RRF style. Farago is

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