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In Funk's Corner: Slamboree '93 At The Omni In Atlanta, GA: NWA Vs AWA

Posted: Nov 17th 2011 By: CMBurnham

Slamboree '93 May 23rd 1993 at the Omni in Atlanta, Georgia - NWA vs AWA

Dory Funk Jr. with Gene Kiniski (Corner Person)
vs
Nick Bockwinkel with Vern Gagne (Corner Person)

Introduction by Jesse Ventura and Mad-Dog Vachon

Commentary by Johnny Valentine, Larry Zbyszko and Tony Schiavone

As we walked the ramp to the ring, Kiniski was in my ear, "Listen Kid, Your father is up there looking down on us right now."

I was proud to have Gene Kiniski in my corner. Gene was trained by my father, Dory Funk, Sr. and always gave me good advice in the wrestling business. Gene would say, "Listen Kid, When you show up at the Arena, Wear a coat and tie." "As world Champion, you have an image to live up to. You should command respect. You are the champion and every where you go you represent the Wrestling Business and the National Wrestling Alliance."

The most demanding match of my career was a 1 hour draw against Kiniski in Amarillo, Texas in my first year in the business. Kiniski had me in a top body scissors and cross face. As he stretched me out, he said, "Hey Kid, Your mother is on the way to the ring to help you."

It was Kiniski who saved by career in professional wrestling when I tore my knee in Vancouver BC, showing up 1 hour early to tape my knee every night.

In the introduction, Gene Kiniski expresses in no uncertain terms his opinion of NWA vs AWA.

I first met Nick Bockwinkel in Australia where we had many competitive matches then Nick came to Amarillo to work for my father, Dory Funk, Sr. before going on to the AWA where he became their World Champion.

Commentators were - Larry Zbyszko, a former AWA World Champion and WCW's Tony Shiavone.

Special Guest doing color for the match one of the all time greats and one of the toughest opponents I have ever faced Johnny Valentine.

The bell rang to start the match. Kiniski said, "Alright Kid, throw him to the floor and I will kick the Hell out of him and throw him back into the ring to you."

I said, "Please Gene leave the match to me. Gene couldn't help himself and at one point entered the ring and gave Bockwinkel one size 15 boot to the mid-section before the referee could get him back on the floor -