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Indianapolis Speedrome
Thursday, January 25, 2007

AWA Wrestling Returns to Indy Speedrome in 2007

INDIANAPOLIS -- Founded by wrestler/promoter Verne Gagne and associate Wally Karbo, Minneapolis Boxing & Wrestling Club, Inc. originally held membership in the National Wrestling Alliance until dispute recognition of the NWA World heavyweight championship.

In 1960, the group dropped out of the NWA and formed its own brand name (and "sanctioning body"), the American Wrestling Association. Promoter Paul Bowser from the late 1920's to the early 50's, and briefly in the 50's by Chicago promoters Ray Fabiani and Leonard Schwartz had originally used the AWA as a brand name.

Gagne existed as the top regional promoter in the Midwest until the mid-1980's, when, like every other promoter in the industry, he was faced by the realities of cable television and promoter expansion. In 1985, the AWA debuted on ESPN.

The 1990's saw a whole new AWA. Re-named AWA Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. under former Director of Talent and Events, Dale Gagne, along with the last known AWA Light heavyweight Champion, "The Illustrious" Jonnie Stewart and King Kong Bundy were the next new AWA World Champion's. Shortly after, "The Underwear Model" Eric Priest became the youngest AWA World Champion of all time.

Wrestling legends who have competed at some point during there career in the AWA include Hulk Hogan, Jesse Ventura, Nick Bockwinkle, Harley Race, Curt Hennig, Road Warrior Animal, Road Warrior Hawk, Fritz Von Erich, Pat Patterson, Shawn Michaels, Jerry Lawler, Larry Zbyszko, Rick Martel, Stan Hansen, and Sgt. Slaughter to name just a few.

Speedrome will welcome Marcus "Buff" Bagwell to Indianapolis. Buff is a five time WCW World Tag Team Champion. The wrestling will include a first ever ladies match and a Speedrome battle royal. Stay tuned to www.speedrome.com.

AWA returns June 13, 2007 to Indianapolis at the Blood Hound Underground Indianapolis Speedrome for a unique racing & wrestling program.

The Blood Hound Underground Indianapolis Speedrome TM is located near the intersection of Brookville Road and Kitley Avenue on Indy's eastside. The Speedrome hotline is (317) 353-8206.

For more information log on to www.speedrome.com.

Home of the $20,000 to win World Figure 8 Championship September 6-8, 2007