M AT WATO H

Page 3

Vol.

3,

Ko.

11

M AT WAT C H

Sept.

lQ-16

EOR

Exclusive

OXIVTO
NEW

REVEAL.
^ROMOT

S
Z

JPLaANS
ON

(Since early sunner, a nunber of newsletters have linked PRO WRESTLING IHIS HEEK
creator and former NWa personality Joe Pedicino to a new foreign-backed wrestling ccnpany.
This week, Pedicino agreed to discuss the situation with 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 m
is DEVELOPiK i m msnno promotm hheb xt i miom

Let me put it this way: J bare been guaranteed enough money

to do it right.

miEifCE. mr as you tell us about it ht this poin?

MATHATCB: HE 3A7E SEARD FIGURES RASGISG IS VALUE FROM

JP: e are in the process of atteapting to do just that.

Several months ago, I was approached by a coipany with inter
national backing and asked about the possibilities of an int
ernational major league organization. After several meet
ings, I agreed to become chief executive officer of a new
company called Kongi Sports and Entertainment. One of the

major divisions of Kongi will be a wrestling organization.

SEVES TO 20-HILLIOS DOLLARS. ARE TBOSE ACCURATE?

J.P: The initial funding through a letter of credit with

an international bank is for an amount more than you just
quotedand I would prefer to leave it at that.
WmrCH; m SAT TSE PBOSE SAS BESS RISGISG OFF TBE
BOOK. HE USDERSTASD A SUMBER OF HRESTLERS SAVE BEES

MTWCS: miT CM lOU TELL US ABOUT THE IDEgTITT OF lOUR

COSTACTISG lOU. COULD lOU DISCLOSE AST SAHES TO US?

BACKERS, IF AmBIKS, ASD SOW DID TBET COKE TO CBOOSE lOU?

J.P.: Ho. For obvious reasons, I don't want to disclose

J.P.: Kongi Sports and Entertainment is backed by a com

pany with major holdings in Africa, the United States and

Japan. They have primarily been involved in oil, gold, land

and banking until now. Kow, they want to get into the ent
ertainment field. They're interested in professional wrest
ling, financing major motion pictures, television series and
other forms of entertainment, not only in the U.S. but in
foreign markets as well. The head of the financial trust

lives in the U.S. and became familiar with me through SDPERSTARS OF HRESTLISG in Atlanta, PRO WRESTLING THIS SEEK and,

of course, the IIHA. He felt my perspective on the profes

sional wrestling business today warranted some discussion.

who we're talking to but I will tell you thisI have been
instructed by my lawyer not to discuss this with any wrestler
currently under a contract to any other wrestling organiza
tion and I have followed his advice.
MATIfATCB: TBAT ELIMISATES A SUMBER OF MAJOR SAHES. I
SUMBER OF FASS ASD ISSIDERS HOULD SAI TOU SAVE TO BA7E MAJOR

SAHES, fSTABLISBED SAHES IFTOU BOPETO GETOFFTBE GROUSD.

J.P: If you made a list of the top 100 wrestlers in the
world todayand I emphasize worldI think you would be

very surprised at how many were not under contract.

MATIfATCB: OTBER PEOPLE III TBIS COUITRI SAVE BAD BIO PLASS
ABOUT m mSTLIKG OROAmATIOSS IfBICB BA7E EITSER FAILED OR

MATHATCS: TOU SPOKE ABOUT TELEVISIOS. PRO mSTLISG

TORCB SAS DIRECTLY LISKED YOU TO DISCUSSIOSS HITS FOI

SEVER LEFT TSE CROUSD. KBT HILL KOSCI BE AS! DIFFEREST?

BROADCASTISG, SBAT CAS YOU TELL US ABOUT TSAT?

J.P.: It may not be. This is why we have tried to keep

it quiet as long as we have, I have been working on this
project for over six months and tried to play it very low key
with no major announcements, no press conferences, no inter

have ongoing discussions with two at this time. We have

presented them with a totally different concept of profes

J.P.; We have had discussions with three networks and

views because I realize that, number one, a wrestling venture

sional wrestling and both are very interested. I expect to

make a deal for network coverage but until it is signed,

is speculative to begin with; even more so, when you're deal

nothing is definite. I WILL tell you that I am also pursuing

ing with the kind of dollar hgures we are talking about,

anything can happen and until every piece of paper is signed,

two other avenues that could be even more lucrative than

network television.

nothing is definite. This is why we have not been calling

wrestlers and trying to hire them, or doing interviews for

radio shows or newsletters. We didn't want to go public
until everything was finalized. Unfortunately, word did get
out and our phones have been ringing off the hook. Because

MATIfATCB: COULD YOU BE SPECIFIC AS TO TSE SETIfORKS YOU

SAVE MET IflTB?

J . P. : H o .

of that, I decided to come forth with where we are today.

wrwarcff; joe, you noir a sumber of people is srestlisg
HATSATCS: mCB IS?

J.P.: The backing is there, The commitment is there. He

are working on how to get into syndication, different forms
of televised coverage. And just exactly what form of
professional wrestling we are going to be.
mmCB: BOH nUCB H0SE7 ARE !fS TALKISG ABOUT IS

FISASCIAL BACnSG?

ARE PERSAPS LAUGSISG AT TSIS. SOME SAVE ALREADY PREDICTED

ISSTAST FAILURE. YOU SAVE CRITICS SBO FEEL YOUR IDEAS ABOUT
mSTLISC ARE TOO BIIARRE TO BE SUCCESSFUL. OTBERS SAY

YOU'VE SEVER BASDLED A VESTURE OF TSIS MAGSITUDE. IF IT GETS

OFF TSE GROUSD, HSAT MAKES YOU SO SURE YOU COULD SUCCEED?

J.P.: Let's take your first point: yes, I'm sure there
are many people in the wrestling business who will read this
(Continued on Page 4)

Page 4

Vol. 3, o. 11 I Sept. 10-16

hand; the list of former wrestlers who have been unsuccess-

ful at promoting wrestling is a mile long. I think that

explains it better than I ever could.

JOE PEDICINO INTERVIEW (Continued froi Page 3)

and laugh and maybe they will have the last laugh. But, as I
learned a long time ago, if you don't try, you sill never
succeed. Ho*, for your second point; I have worked in the
entertainment business since I sas 14 years old. I have run
my own company twice and have learned a simple key to suc

cess; surround yourself with competent people who have the

ability to do their jobs, then stand back and let them do it.

I believe I can be successful because I will surround myself

with people who know the entertainment business and the

wrestling business and the 1990s way of combining the two,

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

QUkLITY Fmf OFFICE PEOPLE. BO M mE SPECIFIC PEOPLE IK

Hm FOR SUCH POSITIOHS dlTH KOIfGI m COULD YOU SHME MY

urns XITH us?

St. Loiiis, MD
I am open to correction about this but I do not think

anyone has done as much nor accomplished as much in the entir

realm of the wrestling businesss as Pat O'Connor (I have to
put Verne Gagne in there also).
I presume most of the readers are younger than Steve and I
and therefore, only remember the finish of Pat's career when
he slowed down some. After being an amateur champ in New

Zealand, Pat was almost an instant main eventer upon coming

to this country. He had one of the most smooth and fluid
styles from move to move ever seen.

I have heard two major old champs in two different major

alliances mention off the record that O'Connor may have been
the best technical pro wrestler ever.

J.p.: Yes, I have people in mind, But I think at this

time it would be best not to mention their names. I already

Pat himself had a little Karl Gotch in him by not backing

down to anyone on reputation as a wrestler. After the Old

have a booker, an assistant booker, a production staff and an

office staff ready to go to work. As I said, I will surround

Timers' Battle Royal (in 1986), the interviewer for NBC was

myself with competent people.

on whether Lou was the best. O'Connor's reply was that he

and Thesz wrestled eleven times with neither gaining the
upper hand and spending ten hours in the ring in those eleven

HmATCH: mT mU OF TIMETABLE CO YOU FORESEE IK

GETTm KOm OFF THE GROUKD iilTH ITS FIRST HRESTLIKG SHOHS?

J.p.; This is the strange part; I am determined not to

do it at all until we are ready to do it right. He will not
start halfway and hope to grow to doing it right. He will
not make our first appearance until we are ready to do it
right. It may be three months. It may be six months. But
it won't happen until we are sure we can succeed.
mmCH; ^IITH A LOT mSTLISG CROm BECLinSG ACROSS
THE U.S. ASD THE SATURATION Off TV OYER THE PAST SII YEARS
THE BIGGEST ARGUMENT SOME PEOPLE KOULD HA7E AGAINST THIS

VENTURE IS THAT IT JUST ISN'T THE RIGHT TIME, m NOD?

asking everyone about Thesz and getting an affirmative answer

matches.

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

Beside."! main eventer and world champ (when that meant tra
veling world champ), add booker and small and large partner

in the local promotion in two towns. Add referee and trainer

of wrestlers. At the age of 64, Pat worked a 30-minute draw

between the British Bulldogs and the Rock and Roll Express
and followed that with 22 minutes of a Japanese tag title
change, That is 52 minutes back-to-back of fast-paced action
at age 64. A year before, Pat and Thesz finished up that
battle royal.
Add high-profile local celebrity who lent his time and

J.P.; If we were going to present wrestling in the same

manner today's organizations are presenting it, I would

effort to several causes. Hho has had a longer career or

agree. But, we are not. For instance, if you have a great

idea for a new game show, you do not postpone it because

I had Pat as a celebrity judge in a bikini contest finals

last year and was a little concerned if the crowd would

there are too many game shows on TV. You present it and if
the public likes it, they will watch. He will present

acknowledge him. Upon the introduction, the ovation sounded

done more for the business?

like O'Connormania to me.

wrestling in a different manner than anyone has seen before.

MATHATCH: YOUR DETRACTORS HILL SAY BECAUSE YOU HAVE NE7ER
BEEN IN THE RING AND NEVER BEEN A mSTLER OR PROMOTER, YOU
CANNOT RUN A MESTLING COMPANY. HOW DO YOU RESPOND?

J.P.; Steve, three of the most successful wrestling

promoters of all-time are probably Vince HcHahon Jr., Vince

HcHahon Sr. and Jim Crockett Sr. Hould you agree?

MATffATCH; YES.

SUBSCFi

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OVERSEAS) $9 for 5 issues, $18 for 11, $27 for 16 issues.

GIFT OFFER) You receive 1 free issue for every 5-issue
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CHECK, CASH or HONEY ORDER to: HATHATCH, 16 ROBIN HOOD
LANE, JACKSON TN 38305.

J.P.: And, to my knowledge; none of the three spent any

time, or at least any significant time as a professional

NAME

wrestler. All three were astute businessmen who knew what

ADDRESS

their public wanted and how to present it to them. All three

surrounded themselves with the right people. On the other .

IFTTOlSrS

I g i S l i i i i i i i i i l i M i l l M

CITY/STATE/ZIP

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

HHC, to Gilbert: "Have you got a short memory?" 3. Paul E., ,

PH: "Hhy did Gordon go on vacation? Can I host 3RESTLING
HEHS NETHORK?" 4, Bob Caudle, HCH: "Hhy don't I pass for 14
and get in with you and get one of those free Sting watches?"

[PH/cont.] - club w. expired VISA card, then goes nuts when

handed $4,0QQ bill; fWNN) Hob Caudle discusses Pillaan SUN
NING THE GAUNTLET; (ANGLE) DOOM, Flair/Arn get into dressing
room spat; (LOUISVILLE SLUGGER) Cornette recaps Sid Vicious
attack on Sting; (GAUNTLET I) Brian Pillinan d. Tim Horner.

NICKNAMES OF THE HEEK - 1, THE LAST HERO OF NEH YORK (Paul

E, on himself;, 2. THE GREAT IMITATOR (Paul E. on Cornette),
3, BOXCAR (Gorilla Monsoon on Greg Valentine),

Page 4

BEST PICTURES - 1, PH, Paul E,'s face when told he owed

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/Wendell
Cooley d. State Patrol; Horner d, Snake atson; Spivey d.

$4,300 to China Club. 2, USHA, John Tatum's expression going

Rick Ford. RESTHOLD.

decked w. racket. 3. HMC, Flour attack by Jarrett/Gaylord.

over top rope, 3. HHF, Tony Atlas' Sana Simba dance. 4.

HMC, Lawler-Gilbert MID-SOUTH brawl. 5. HHH, Stan Lane
shahng hands w. fans. 6. HHH, Closeup of Eaton clotheslin-

ing Scott Steiner. 7. HHH, Scott decking Cornette 5 being

[MAIN SVENTl: (GAUNTLET III) Spivev d. Pillman.

BLOOPER AWARD - Sid Vicious, HHW, on CLASH run in on
u

ttib:

pveetc

I, Ric Flair, PORTLAND, on Brad Anderson: "When he hits

town, Don Owen, tell Roddy Piper to stay home." 2. Bill

Prescott, PORTLAND: "Madril cane up and told me to get a
haircut. I told hii to get a transplant." 3. Bobby Heenan,
PT: "You put about another 100 pounds on Akeem and get that
beard a little bushier and you've got Bossman's mom." 4.

Sting: "If you think it's bad what I did to you in GREEN
VILLE.,," (Match was in Asheville, N,C.).
DREADED GLITCH AHARD - WMC, Lawler had to verbally cue
audio of crowd noise on video from Portageville MO,

ALL-CLICHE TEAM - 1, Teddy Long, NHA: "...bitten off more

than they can chew," 2. Thunderbolt Patterson, HCH: "...the
sky's the limit."

Heenan, PTH, on Bossman's mom: "She was the centerfold for

SWI.NE raRLY." 5. Dutch Mantel, on Terry Taylor: "He's

an EGG-sucking dog. He's just a big chicken." 6. Brickhouse
Brown, iiMC: "I need a car like ROJAK need a wig." 7. Eddie
Gilbert, HENDERSON COUNTY FAIR, to Steve Beverly: "I bet you
never thought a year ago you'd be spending a Thursday night
at a fair in Lexington, Tennessee." 8, Paul E. Dangerously,
PH: "I'm God's gift to New York." 9. Paul E., PH: "I
learned how to handle tapes from the best guy in the busi
ness: Richard Nixon." 10. Roddy Piper, F: "The Harlord
doesn't need a doctor. He needs a veterinarian."

II. Piper, m, on Mr. Fuji: "That's 17 years worth of

growth 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's
mom's shorts-"and bring a friend." 17. Animal, HHF, to Bro.

LUV: "He ain't your stinkin' brother and if you were, you
wouldn't be here." 18. Sean Hooney/Alfred Hayes, PTH: (SH)
"Dave Paradise has not landed in paradise," (AH) "This is no

BOO AWARD - NWA, for Black Scorpion line, "I want your
life." With the many kids who follow Sting, that was too
much, no matter how dark the character is.
WWF"
fCOZVCrX

JliiillHIiilBli
/

GETS
F'ZJ'T

OJV

LOS ANGELES---The Horld Hrestling Federation has reached

agreement for a February prime-time special on the FOX

network. The HHF apparently was not given a fourth annual
prime time slot on NBC. Titan retains its SATURDAY RIGHT'S
MAIN EVENT specials on NBC.

Kongi Sports, headed by Joe Pedicino, which had been nego

tiating with FOX, was told of the decision Friday. Pedicino
was told by a FOX executive the network will continue to talk
with Kongi if its proposed promotion gets off the ground
early next year. But FOX chairman Barry Diller said the
network went with the HHF for what has been described as a

two-hour "one time" special because of its track record.

work:

FOR

KHTV/IN

Garden 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 or

Akbar's heel group worked Kevin Von Erich's HORLD CLASS show

Luger, the phone never rings."

at the Sportatorium Friday night,

21. Piper, HHF, on Bro. LUV: "He's got a lower-lip prob

lem." 22. Piper, HHF: "I don't kiss on the first date."
STRONGEST COMMENTS - 1. Black Scorpion, HCW: "Sid Vicious

wants your title. I want your life." 2. Eddie Gilbert, HHC:

"I'm not obsessed with you, Lawler. I'm obsessed with being
the King." 3. Paul E., PH: "Terry Taylor has a long way to
go to get back to the top of the NHA." 4. Sean Hooney, PTH,
on Heenan: "I'm surprised anyone known as The Brain would be
so unintelligent as to criticiie the Bossman's mom."

QUESTIONS OF THE HEEK - 1. Piper, HHF: "Am I the only one

who doesn't turn his back on his opponent?" 2. Dave Brown,

DALLASChris Adams and several members of Skandor

HATHATCH has learned Adams has been a catalyst in forging

the split between Von Erich and Jerry Jarrett. But Akbar and

a number or wrestlers called Jarrett to ask permission to

work the show. Jarrett reportedly agreed in order to allow
the performers to maintain an income.
Rev. Bob Holly was play-by-play announcer for the broad

cast but details were sketchy at deadline as to when or if

the program would air.

' TUBE TALKt ^kerbA

' SIS pfan^f^^?uS^^' ^l?^S
'

Reseda CA, Correspondent Chris Crosby will be there. Nikita

Koloff, the Sammartinos and Lou Albano were at the Anaheim
fiasco. "Only 30 fans showed. Lots of countercharges flying.

Still

Proceeding

Slowly

Page 2

Vol. 3, Xo. 14 I Oct, 1-7

GROU^

lis

MAJOR
soTErvr:

GAINS

GREJDIT

JLINE

bexteirLjiZ^
'iSffllil

(Continued frcm Page ij

siiilar manner? Saying the current SLUGGER
eiposes Cornette's true talent and value to
CH is like saying COP ROCK is the next
revolution in television.

I've often written ho Liberace and Elvis

Presley are two examples of personalities who

stayed off television for ten years in the

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 r

nationally-backed ^oi^) headed by ex-NWa producer/per

sonality Joe Pedicino, has been granted a $25 nvLllion
l 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 Thursday

informing him the "$25 million will be available for any and all startup

costs, including the procurement of wrestling talent, television operations

and 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 pro

regular show on TBS or in NBA syndication to

get his act over or make a valuable contribu

vides funding for the Kongi investors. So, this should erase all doubts we
will 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 wrestling
federation, Pedicino reiterated his previous remarks: "As I have stated
earlier, 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 are
not 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 suburban
Atlanta, acknowledged he would have meeting with unspecified groups this week

tion, But he is too talented to be wasted in

concerning Kongi but would not elaborate.

1960s to "create a need" for audiences to see

them in person,
The has successfully marketed Hulk

Hogan as its one and only franchise by keeping

him out of the ring on TV except on pay-perview and HBC specials,
Jim Cornette does not have to co-host a

the wasteland where he currently toils. Is it

too much to ask for a three or four-minute

segment for Cornette to truly get his act over

and, in the process, give a boost to the
personality of HCH?

About 17 months ago, when a previous book

er decided Cornette was no longer needed in

The creator and former host of syndication's PRO WRESTLING THIS SEEK is
still looking for a television distributor and booker/creative director before
seeking any specific wrestling talent. Previous negotiations with Fox
Broadcasting broke down when Fox signed a one-special deal with the Horld
Wrestling Federation for February.
l a i l i i i l l
j v e t w o f ^ K :

ra, I wrote: "WCW without Jim Cornette on

TBS will be like Saturday night without Law

rence Welk." Younger readers didn't really
get the point. But for six years, Cornette
has been an institution on Saturdays and even
though he needs another 21 years to catch up
with Mr. Helk's TV longevity, he is that

BLOODTHIRSTY PRODUCTIONS, P.O. BOX 659, CANYON TX 79015, is offering

colorful BE A FDNKER Terry Funk t-shirts and DOUBLE CROSS RANCH caps. The
shirt likeness is a terrific caricature of Terry. They're available in sizes
from 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,

intangible who is needed to balance out

wrestling, wrestling, wrestling for two hours.

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

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 find

M A T W A T i O l B I
StJBSCK
IF>mOJ>JS

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tapes of 1970s Florida shows.

J-MAR PHOTOS, 7671 EASTWOOD ST., REYNOLDSBURG

43068, has lots of

wrestling photos and memorabilia.

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

(GIFT OFFER) You receive one free bonus

issue for every 5-issue gift set you give to

VA 2 4 5 5 7 .

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CHECK, CASH or HONEY ORDER to: HATWATCH,
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FANTASY FEDERATION, Jeff Cohen's imaginative book-your-favorite-iatchup

bulletin, has a SEND ME A STAMP special. Jeff will give away back issues to
anyone who sends a stamp, up to a minimum of four stamps. Send to Jeff at 50
SHELLEY LANE, GREAT NECK NY 11023. Regular subscriptions: $3 for 3 issues.

NAME
ADDRESS

CITY/STATE/ZIP.

WRESTLING PERSPECTIVE, Paul MacArthur's and Dave Skolnick's sharp analysis

bulletin, has an upcoming issue featuring an interview with a well-known
wrestler, promoter and trainer. Paul and Dave did a first-rate job of exam

ining the NWA's situation in Issue 7. Write them for subscription info at:

P.O. Box 401, CAMILLUS NY 13031-0401. Highly recommended.

(irOTE; To order FLhSEBiCK, the new noatbly

newsletter on TV nostalgia, send $1.50 for a

sample issue to the same address above.)

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

said to be tailoring the American style of wrestling to

British tastes.

Page 9

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

RHERE'S THE RIRG?: The Dec. 17 issue of ADVERTISING AGE
POLLIHG: Your

response on STJRR-

features a full-page color ad with eleven TV screens

proclaiming "Three Letters are Number One in Cable Televi

CADE was signficanl-

sionTBS." Braves baseball, THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOR, count

I7 positive. Bj

less other Turner program staples are pictured. Ro RCR.

Thursday night of
last week, we had
received 184 calls.
The breakdown; 681

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

RE&LIGIHEIT &T B&RD: NCR events coordinators were reshuf

fled last week. Gordon Solie and Ron Ames are no longer
handling pronotions. David Crockett has been assigned to the
west coast with NRESTLE NAR's Phoenix location apparently one
of David's spots. Chip Burnhan is being shifted to the
Carolinas fron his Georgia slot.

IK TBE ORIENT: Jii Herd left last Tuesday for Japan on

business for RCR. He're hearing plenty of optinisn over the
Tokyo Some show. Nith our early deadline to get the double

GOSSETT'S BACK: Expect Ronald P. Gossett IV to make a

significant return to GEORGIA ALL-STAR. Gossett is appearing
on Atlanta's RVEO SDPERSTARS OF RRESTLIRG, annoucing he is

"scalping talent."
RER FACES: Pedicino's Global duties will force him to

give up the GAS play-by-play work. Rew co-hosts will

probab y appear with Pedicino at the Jan. 20 GAS tapings but
the pairings have not been announced.

RRF BACK: Titan Entertainment has returned RRF CHALLERGE

to the RVEO schedule, negotiations broke down over a new

slot for CHALLERGE on Fox affil RATL, so CHALLERGE will stay
on the Atlanta Saturday night marathon as the kickoff in

issue out, we did not have the card announced at a Thursday

press conference.

January. The new lineup: 8:00 RRF CHALLENGE, 9:00 LPRA,

10:00 DSRA, 11:00 TBE RER PRO RRESTLIRG THIS REEK, 12:00
HEMPHIS, 1:00 DALLAS, 2:00 ICR.

ORE MORE POST-SCRIPT: In case people wonder about the

double pin scenario, that was not the originally planned
finish for the STARRCADE street fight. Teddy Long and Ron
Sionons refused to do the job in the fashion presented, so

GLAD GLADIATORS: ROLLERGAHES was an early casualty of

last year's "crash TV" binae but AMERICAR GLADIATORS is the
little show that has quietly built ratings strength. Three
times this fall, it has cracked syndication's top IS and is

the twin pin was a coopronise.

averaging a 4.0 for the season.

AHDRE ODT: Andre the Giant definitely out for the ROYAl
RDMBLE. He suffered either broken blood vessels or a blood

clot in an ankle while riding is a taii and will not be ready

for a while.

KOKAH TO GLOBAL: Hours after STARRCADE, Ronan nade a

verbal agreement with Joe Pedicino's Global federation. Kord

has it Konan will premiere after the first of the year as the
Global light heavyweight champion.
KOHAR RECOVERIKG: Konan is home in Puerto Rico for the

holidays. He's nursing the injury to his knee that limited

his moves in STARRCADE. He's been advised to sit off of it
three weeks.

IR THE ARERAS: Samuel Goldwyn Company (the syndicator)

officials are looking to take the GLADIATORS format into
arenas and are negotiating for Madison Square Garden or Los
Angeles' Great Restern Forum as possible locales.
POSITIORIRG GRODGE: Genesis Entertainment (see page 8)
is trying to position GRODGE HATCH, the new series with Jesse
Ventura, as a companion hour to AMERICAR GLADIATORS on

weekend schedules. Something tells me this one will click.

TAPIRG AHEAD; RCR returns to Columbus GA for a TV taping
Jan. 15 and has a date Jan. 14 in the new arena in Perry GA,

a town where my basketball team school bus broke down one

February evening at midnight. Perry is also the home of Sen.
Sam Nunn.

IHA TOORREY: Rob Russen's group plans its tag team finale
in Cherry Hill RJ April 6. Russen is calling it the BROISER
BRODY tourney. IHA also will tour Arizona and southern Cali

M AT WAT C H
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1990
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fornia in February.

HESSAGE TO EDDIE: Lexington HATHATCHer George Maranville

sends an S.O.S. to Eddie Gilbert. George says Lexington fans

desperately want to see DSKA action in their town. Since I'm

not in the habit of distributing Eddie's home number, I'll
tell him right here.

REM RAVE: On the international front, RER HAVE HRESTLIRG

is the latest effort for British TV. Among the stars

featured: the Right Rev. Constance HcVicar, The Druid, Daddy

Your response has been heartening to the 1990 HATRATCH

ARROAL, which may have its biggest buy-in ever. Publication
is 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 the
1990 MATTIES: the HATRATCH TV ARARDS will be featured.

Price: $12 (O.S./CARADA), $20 (OVERSEAS). CHECK, CASH or

MONEY ORDER to: HATRATCH, 16 ROBIR HOOD LARE, JACKSON TN

38505. Gift annuals earn you 3 bonus issues of HATRATCH.

Dread and Rudolph (The Swan) Rratowsky.

NAME

THE BIG POSH: NER RAVE is being packaged by top English

independent producer Robert Farago, who reportedly is
spending big bucks on production, semi-RRF style. Farago is

ADDRESS.

CITY/STATE/ZIP,