Author: Today in Pro Wrestling History: On May 2nd, 1987, the world of professional wrestling witnessed a seismic shift.
At the raucous SuperClash II event, the rising star Curt Hennig, aided by the treacherous Larry Zbyszko, dethroned the legendary Nick Bockwinkel to claim the coveted AWA World Championship.
Today in Pro Wrestling History: (May 2) – Curt Hennig Takes the AWA Crown
Bockwinkel, a master technician and a symbol of the AWA’s golden era, embodied class and dignity as champions. Hennig, the brash young challenger, represented a new generation of rule-bending, win-at-all-costs athletes.
Their clash was a battle of wrestling philosophies, as much as a fight for the belt.
In the climactic moments, Zbyszko’s interference sealed Bockwinkel’s fate. The roll of quarters, a seemingly innocuous object, became the weapon that shattered Bockwinkel’s reign.
His four title runs, spanning a staggering 2,990 days, met a brutal end amidst controversy and heartbreak.
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"Evan Ginzburg’s stories are a love letter to wrestling, filled with heart, humor, and history. A must-read for any true fan." — Keith Elliot Greenberg
Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets is the latest book from Pro Wrestling Stories Senior Editor Evan Ginzburg. 100 unforgettable stories—from sharing a flight on 9/11 with a WWE Hall of Famer to untold moments in wrestling history. A page-turner for fans of the ring and beyond. Grab your copy today! For signed editions, click here.
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