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Long considered a thorn in the side of many AWA competitors, Larry Zbyzsko finally gets his just due from President Stanley Blackburn
1987 - AMERICAN WRESTLING ASSOCIATION
For years, Larry Zbyszko terrorized the American Wrestling Association with his snide attitude and heelish tactics. He was one of the Minnesota territory's 'bad boys' in the 1980s.
That's why it came as no surprise to fans when Larry Z finally took his actions too far and had to be disciplined. And it was long overdue in the eyes of the AWA faithful.
AWA President Stanley Blackburn sat down in this special segment with Zbyszko to take a look at his recent actions. Then, he handed down what he felt was the proper punishment, much to the future WWE Hall of Famer's dismay and disgust.
After brutalizing an opponent, Zbyszko drew a disqualification, and he continued to take things even further. Blackburn read over a list of the heel's offenses over the course of the prior year, as the wrestler sat there, crestfallen. Zbyszko stammered in protest, but it was to no avail.
The hammer finally had to be dropped. Larry Z was suspended indefinitely by the promotion.
Of course, Zbyszko would eventually return and go on to greatness in the AWA. He captured the World Heavyweight Championship on two occasions in the final years of the organization. He was the last recognized titleholder of the American Wrestling Association when it eventually ceased full operations in early 1991.
Always remembered for his legendary feud with Bruno Sammartino, his amazing communication skills, and his smooth style both in and out of the ring, Larry Z was the consummate wrestler of the decade. Fashioned in the same high-class mold of mat moneymakers like Ric Flair and his contemporary, Nick Bockwinkel, Zbyszko fit the image of a corporate champion.
Larry Zbyszko eventually retired from action after a terrific run in WCW, becoming a commentator for the company throughout the 1990s. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2015.
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