Author: Today In Pro Wrestling History: On February 7th, 1989, Larry Zbyszko emerged victorious in a 20-man battle royal, last eliminating Tom Zenk, to claim the vacant AWA World Heavyweight Championship.
Today In Pro Wrestling History 7th February: Larry Zbysko Wins The AWA World Heavyweight Championship
Lawler lost the championship due to the AWA severing its ties with the Memphis-based Continental Wrestling Association, leading to the vacancy that Zbyszko would ultimately fill. In the decisive battle royal, Zbyszko last eliminated Tom Zenk to claim the championship.
Zbysko’s strategy during the battle royal that won him the AWA World Heavyweight Championship involved stalling and avoiding confrontations, allowing him to remain in the match until the end, where he used a fallaway slam to eliminate Zenk and win the title.
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