AWA DISCONTINUES SANCTIONING

In a landmark announcement made today, AWA Chairman of the Board Dale
R.
Gagne announced that the AWA will no longer sanction independent
territories effective immediately. Over three years ago, the AWA
started an "open door policy" welcoming top independent wrestling
organizations to represent it's brand both nationally and
internationally. Within a year, the AWA had gained momentum with over
25 affiliate promotions from Hawaii to Japan. During the recent AWA
Annual Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Gagne and Vice-President Jon
Stewart addressed representatives from participating territories
regarding the impending future of the sanctioning program. "Quite
honestly", stated Gagne, "the sanctioning of independent territories
never reached the success we had hoped for". "We never intended on
our
brand being represented in bars, out-of-date military bases or
American
Legion halls", continued Gagne. "There may very well be a market for
independent wrestling in these types of facilities but it certainly
isn't a part of the AWA's future".

Vice-President Jon Stewart further stated that the AWA will continue
to
look for effective and professional promoters to represent it's brand
but there will be obvious differences in what local organizations
present and what the AWA will produce. Where does this leave the
territories currently representing the AWA brand? According to Gagne
and Stewart, each promotion will be individually assessed. Those
territories sharing a vision different than the AWA's new model, will
be
released by the end of the year. The Board of Directors and
figurehead
President will be dissolved accordingly. For updates on this
developing
story, keep it clicking on www.awastars.com.