Hulk tour to wait til next year

American Wrestling Association (AWA) president Dale Gagne and local promoter Steve O’Neal are postponing the Hulk Hogan tour until next year to allow more time to customize the show and assemble a more impressive lineup of talent.

The decision was reached yesterday after Gagne consulted with O’Neal in a conference long distance call from Minneapolis on when to launch the AWA debut in Manila.

The AWA was set to stage an eight-match card at the New Cuneta Astrodome on Sept. 1 with Hogan facing Rowdy Roddy Piper for the world heavyweight championship in the main event.

"After an exhaustive conversation with Steve, both of us agreed that we would be better prepared to offer an even bigger and better major professional wrestling event as our debut," said Gagne whose uncle Verne, a pro wrestling legend, formed the AWA in 1960.

"The Philippines is an extremely important first step for us to open up a permanent attraction and on-going event. It will be an education process to bring something to Manila other than the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) who would like for people to believe that they’re the only "wrestling" show out there."

Gagne said what he has in mind for the AWA show in Manila will make the WWE’s efforts pale in comparison.

"We now have the ability and time to negotiate a world heavyweight championship match with free agents like Bill Goldberg and Stone Cold Steve Austin," he said.

"Putting together a major professional event to set a new standard for what the people of Manila can expect is something Steve and the AWA are very much looking forward to. Our debut in Manila isn’t going to be a one-time, short-sighted event. We are committed to bringing the top professional wrestling talent to the very passionate fans in the Philippines." Gagne said he plans to put up AWA "Wrestling Superstars" shows in Manila once or twice a year to rival the WWE’s "Raw" and "SmackDown."

"Our original headliners have been contracted, deposits given and a commitment to give the Filipino wrestling fans a promotion to call their own," continued Gagne. "Instead of being just a promotion or event to make Manila a stop on a tour schedule, we intend to build our own Manila-based wrestling organization as a branch of the AWA. To do this effectively and secure the proper TV clearances and media support, we need more time. Trust me, it will be well worth the wait."

Gagne confirmed Hogan’s participation in the AWA debut here.

"Hogan’s mere presence is as electrifying today as it was when he debuted," he said. "Hulk actually got his start in the AWA before he became larger than life. Hogan was with the AWA when he starred with Sylvester Stallone in "Rocky III." It’s almost like a fire has been lit under Hogan now that his daughter Brooke will be releasing a new CD this fall. Fans can expect to see all of the signature Hogan moves in Manila."

Gagne said a special attraction in the Manila show will be a women’s bout between Nidia and Molly Holly with "Sensational" Sherri Martel, an original wrestling diva, as guest referee.

Gagne said he will make sure the AWA wrestlers are available to pose for pictures with fans and sign autographs.

"Unlike other promotions, our wrestlers are all very personable," he said. "One of the many things that separates our show from everyone else’s is that our performers are up close and personal. All ticket holders will have the opportunity to meet and greet their favorite wrestlers, get an autograph and photo. We’ll hold a special autograph party, free to ticket holders, just prior to the show. We have an investment in the community. We’re not a company of wrestlers that will simply do a show and leave the market. We will become a part of the culture and community."

Gagne said wrestlers like The Iron Sheik, Jimmy (Superfly) Snuka, The Honky Tonk Man and Hacksaw Jim Duggan will join Hogan in the Manila tour.

"It’s amazing how the living legends look better than they did 10 years ago," he said. "Fans will see all of their famous moves and get to meet these true legends. Normally, you’ll see someone like The Honky Tonk Man wrestler Luther Reigns or Jesus Aguilera or a younger star."

O’Neal said he’s excited to team up with the AWA and bring big-name wrestlers to Manila, like Hogan, Goldberg and Austin, next year.

"I initially wanted to push through with the event on Sept. 1 but when Dale told me of the possibility of staging a much bigger show with bigger names to launch the AWA debut here, I was convinced," said O’Neal.

Gagne and O’Neal said they will announce a definite date for the Hogan tour before the year ends.