ABOUT THE AWA
Founded by wrestler/promoter Verne Gagne and associate Wally Karbo, Minneapolis Boxing & Wrestling Club, Inc. originally held membership in the National Wrestling Alliance until a dispute over 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. The AWA had originally been used as a brand name by 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. 

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 former AWA Lightheavyweight Champion, "The Illustrious" Jonnie Stewart. 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 their careers 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.