JCP 1988 - The Alliance Fights Back (a TGA... and Beyond Diary)

Ritchardo · March 5, 2014

Show should be up shortly - had some family issues that I had to attend to in the UK (living in Australia right now so not the easiest trip...)

Loved it. From opening bell to closing tantrum, great Fall Brawl, man. It looks like three steps forward and fifteen back for the Horsemen, as they have a great night that ends in things being out of control again.

Really looking forward to your Lethal Lottery! A note that really helped mine, on the show itself I went into product and turned off the face/heel divide. That way all of the matches didn't tank from the penalty. It makes sense in the game too, because it's not a show meant to see that kind of penalty. Just words of wisdom

Thanks for the feedback and the tip about the Lottery - agree completely that for a show like that (and its build) normal rules shouldn't apply!

Good show! Muraco's a surprising new signing but he seems to fit the company perfectly.

That one was completely down to having compiled the list of best matches the month before and noticing that Muraco had put on some good shows (albeit with Tatsumi Fujinami). I wanted to stretch out Liger and Snuka's eventual match and it seemed like a good way to do it.

Muraco is a decent fit for that timeline and while his best days are behind him he can still contribute just like Bob Orton has.

On another matter, how in the world does the NWA champ job to Billy Joe Travis in Memphis??!!! At least he was able to help them have a good show there (and there is that long history of NWA champs making the local heros look good).

I know right? Couldn't have put him in a match with Jerry Lawler?! Gotta love the AI sometimes...

I'm still reading this, Ritchardo - Great Fall Brawl, but Zbyszko winning the belt with a DQ? Dats not right

Everyone else has pretty much covered this - it is a typically AWA way of getting the belt off Tully without taking his heat away and in a storyline sense I covered the angles - it had been the best part of a year that Zbyszko had been chasing the title and getting screwed left, right and centre. So it makes sense that he'd demand this level playing field for his last attempt at the title and as Tully has cheated so often and so blatantly for so long, it was poetic justice to lose the title that way.

Basically, I'd deliberately let people assume that I was going down the title unification route at Starrcade, and originally that had been my plan but I looked at it as a booker would - I've built this feud up around the Four Horsemen rather than the two world titles - it seemed to make more sense to finish off this story with the Horsemen and 'make money' on a title unification match further down the line when that's the central focus.

I'm glad I was able to wrong step pretty much everybody without it being just Russo-esque!

JCP's got a strong roster but doesn't have the luxury of having guys who can come in and get B+ matches all the time (so that's the challenge).

You're not wrong there - TFC has done a masterful job of building up the next generation of talent and as it was a 1P game for so long he (quite rightly) snapped up all of the free talent without any real care for the balance of the game world (just like Vince would've, let's face it). It's created an interesting dynamic and I'm enjoying the balancing act. It's good fun to be up against a juggernaut that is constantly evolving and pushing the right people. Forces me to keep trying to get better!

HTM could make sense here to challenge Larry legend for the AWA title, while Tully turns his full attention to Flair for costing him the title. HTM is interesting enough that I could see him winning his first world title (AWA version) and maybe leading to a feud with Greg Gagne?

Another factor in switching the AWA title to Zbyszko - Honky's character demands a tilt at gold. A feud with Hector Guerrero didn't seem to feel right, Flair is obviously going to be busy with Tully now (without spoiling booking plans... ) so a switch to Larry made sense - particularly as they're both promo gold and it gives me THREE top line feuds that can be sold with top notch promos and interviews on both sides - a real luxury for my NWA right now (although stand by for the introduction of a fourth... #bookingtease).

I think part of the issue of getting consistent B+ or better matches is that most of the stars are very popular only in the SE, yet they are running matches acros the country (where they are a grade or more lower). During my TNA experiement, I started running "one-off house" shows outside our strongholds and the PPV's and TV mostly in the SE. It worked to build up popularity in all areas while giving me better matches than if we put the PPV on in the wilderness. The one-off shows were often just a preview of the PPV (if I planned a title change, I'd let the champion win at the house show to swerve those fans when they watch it on PPV), or to try out a pairing to see how they clicked. If things worked out, I could go forward with a longer term program for them later leading to a PPV match back home. More matches back home in the main territories will help the overall product and grow the stars up across the nation (much like Georgia Championship Wrestling did when they ran on the Superstation -- eventually they became so popular in other areas thanks to the cable tv show and were able to tour outside of Georgia)

While I agree in principle, the way my roster is set up now, it's as strong in Mid-South as it is in the South East - just with the lower half of the Main Event switching with the upper half of the Upper Midcard depending on what part of the country you're in.

I'm pretty strong across the Southern States and am gradually trying to work my way North, having taken over the main group from the Mid West that could be my next step...

Although I'm 'disappointed' with only getting a B for Fall Brawl, I know that it was at the very top end of the scale and am confident that Starrcade has a much stronger card than Fall Brawl did (assuming no-one dies or gets suspended again...)

Ritchardo · March 8, 2014

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/FridayNightShowdown.jpg Friday Night Showdown October 7th, 1988 From The Baltimore Civic Center, Baltimore, Maryland Attendance: 8,839 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>In Pre-Show bouts: Ivan Koloff d. Robbie Brookside in 5:35 (D+) Kendall Windham & The Bullet d. The Terminator & Jimmy Valiant in 6:43 (E+) The Southern Boys d. The West Texas Hangmen in 7:30 (E+) Jerry Blackwell d. The Barbarian in 8:22 (C-) </div></blockquote> Announce Team: Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone & Nick Bockwinkel http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimRoss0.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TonySchiavone.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/NickBockwinkel.jpg </div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BarryWindham.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LarryZbyszko.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TullyBlanchard.jpg Tonight’s show begins with a replay of the ending of Fall Brawl as Ric Flair’s attempts to wrestle the steel chair away from Barry Windham resulted in Larry Zbyszko being caught in the crossfire and Tully Blanchard’s disqualification from the bout and losing his title as a result. Grade: B-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TullyBlanchard.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ArnAnderson.jpg A pre-recorded interview in the immediate aftermath of Fall Brawl’s main event with Tully Blanchard now airs. Blanchard is drenched in sweat still from his bout and absolutely irate. Tully: “NO ARN I WILL NOT CALM DOWN! RIC FLAIR! YOU JEALOUS PIECE OF GARBAGE! YOU COULDN’T HANDLE ME BEING WORLD CHAMPION! YOU COULDN’T TAKE ME BEING THE MAIN EVENT... YOU’RE NOTHING BUT A... ARGGHH!!” Blanchard walks away from the microphone apparently unable to find the words so Arn Anderson takes over... Arn: “Ric, you have to admit yourself that this doesn’t look good. First you were complaining about Tully’s match being in the main event then after I showed you the respect of giving you a straight up one on one match that we both KNOW I could have won had I been more lenient on upholding the rules as thousands have done before me... but I wouldn’t do it to a friend, to someone that I stood alongside all those years... but where were your scruples Ric? For weeks you’ve stuck by Barry Windham as he looked to drive a wedge between us and when your friends needed you most who did you side with? You’ve made your choice Ric and we’re going to see that you regret it.” Blanchard: “THAT’S RIGHT RIC FLAIR! IT’S LETHAL LOTTERY TIME AND YOU BETTER HOPE AND PRAY THAT YOUR NUMBER DOESN’T COME UP ALONGSIDE ME, THE REAL WORLD’S CHAMPION! I’VE NEVER BEEN PINNED OR SUBMITTED TO LOSE MY BELT AND AS FAR AS I’M CONCERNED I’M STILL THE REAL CHAMP!” Arn: “The lines of communication are still open Ric... an apology won’t fix things... but it would be a start – we won’t be at Showdown this Friday, just to make sure things have a chance to cool down but Ric, you know how and where to find us.” Grade: B</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DustyRhodes.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DickMurdoch.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RonSimmons.jpg The announcers tell us that although Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson might not be here tonight but the NWA World Champion Ric Flair is... he’s been pulled out of the hat in the first set of Lethal Lottery matches and will be forming a real ‘Dream Team’ in every sense of the word... by teaming with ‘The American Dream’ Dusty Rhodes against one half of the US Tag Team Champions Ron Simmons and former Texas Outlaw ‘Dirty’ Dick Murdoch in our main event Lethal Lottery First Round Match! Grade: B</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MagnificentMuraco.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TerryTaylor.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/HonkyTonkMan.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimmySnuka.jpg Also coming up tonight, we can look forward to another first round match as ‘Magnificent’ Don Muraco teams with Television Champion ‘Mr Fantastic’ Terry Taylor against The Honky Tonk Man & Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka! Grade: B-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">B. Brian Blair vs. Jimmy Garvin (w/ Dirty White Girl) http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BrianBlair.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimmyGarvin1.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerDirtyWhiteGirl.jpg Returning at Fall Brawl with a bang, Jimmy Garvin found himself getting disqualified against Bam Bam Bigelow and ultimately costing the Army of Darkness their match against the Beast from the East. Garvin showed a wild and wicked side in that match with his always under the surface craziness boiling over in apparent jealous rage. With Precious not at ringside to distract him, Garvin seemed a lot more focused tonight and while a little more observant of the rules, he was still quick to swarm over Brian Blair, scratching and clawing his way to an advantage. The sadistic side of Garvin was there for all to see as he picked off Brian Blair with apparent ease and held the upper hand throughout their bout, not so much unable to finish Blair off as savouring the experience! Finally hitting the Bombs Away for the win. Winner: Jimmy Garvin by pinfall in 9:12 Grade: D+</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimmyGarvin1.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerDirtyWhiteGirl.jpg A pre-recorded interview with Jimmy Garvin airs as he makes his way back to the dressing room... Garvin: “Bam Bam Bigelow tonight I want you to take a good look at what I’m betting I’ve just done to Brian Blair... I know without a shadow of a doubt that I will have tortured him. I will have dominated him... and above all else I will have shown the world what they already know; that I am the better man. Bam Bam Bigelow, you will not be as fortunate. You see, while I can take victory from Brian Blair and a little of his dignity, it’s all business. You my friend, you have made this all very personal. You have taken the one thing in this world that no manner should ever, EVER have – another man’s wife. Precious belongs to me. ME! And if I don’t want her anymore then no-one else can have her either. If I throw her on the scrapheap then that’s where she stays! Do you understand me Bigelow? You took my wife, and you better hope that I don’t end up taking your life...” Grade: D+</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/KevinSullivan52.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerBlackblood.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerWarlord.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerWoman.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerMagnumTA.jpg We switch tack now and Kevin Sullivan is flanked by his Army of Darkness while Magnum T.A. asks the questions. Magnum: “Kevin Sullivan, you heard what Jimmy Garvin had to say about your old rival Bam Bam Bigelow – what’s your thoughts?” Sullivan: “The fate of Bam Bam Bigelow is of no consequence to the Army of Darkness... his time has passed and with the guidance and spiritual support of your Master of Darkness, Jimmy Garvin has saw the light. He saw the light extinguished and replaced only by the impending blackness of the heart – the cancerous, crawling pit of insanity that waits in the wings for us all. Bam Bam Bigelow is no longer the concern of this Army of Darkness: his fate has been sealed and will be delivered by another messenger. Instead we have to turn our attention towards Law and Order. “There is a place in this world for neither Law nor Order – these must be replaced by Fear and Chaos – this is the natural way. People are like sheep – they must be controlled but you can only truly control someone by seeing into their fears, peering into their nightmares and manipulating them. Law & Order has failed – look at our prisons, look onto our streets... there is no place now for Law & Order. I bring you chaos. I bring you darkness. Big Boss Man... you dare interfere in my plans, you dare believe that you are man enough to stand against this Army? You too shall fall... and this time Boss Man, this time it will be my hand that delivers the final blow...” Grade: C</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Wahoo McDaniel vs. The Lord of Pain (w/ The Army of Darkness) http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/WahooMcDaniel.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TheWarlord1.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerKevinSullivan.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerBlackblood.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerWoman.jpg Outsized and outmuscled by his younger opponent, Wahoo McDaniel couldn’t help but be distracted by the presence of the Army at ringside and found his attention wandering to the Lord of Pain’s supporters on a regular basis... he should’ve kept himself focused, however, because The Lord of Pain proved that he is a force to be reckoned with, brushing off Wahoo’s offence as if it was that of a fly before continuing to pound down on the Native American. A brutally short match ended up with Wahoo McDaniel caught in the full nelson with nowhere to go. Winner: The Lord of Pain by Submission in 4:39 Grade: D</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/HonkyTonkMan.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerTara.jpg The Honky Tonk Man is standing by with Tara: Honky Tonk Man: “The Lethal Lottery starts tonight and let me tell you there are no friends, only enemies in this competition. Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka – tonight you’re my ally and don’t worry: thanks to me, you’re going to the next round – I can guarantee that. But if we see each other again down the road and you’re on the other side of the ring, don’t expect any favours see because I’m going to win the Lethal Lottery and somehow, someway I know that our paths will cross Larry Zbyszko. Whether you’re across the ring from me or standing right next to me as my tag team partner our paths WILL cross and you’ll be able to see up close and personal just why the Honky Tonk Man’s destiny is to become the greatest AWA World Champion of all time. It all starts tonight and Don Muraco, Terry Taylor – you’re the first two men in my way: I guarantee that at the Lethal Lottery event on pay-per-view, it’ll be mine and Superfly’s names that will be back in the draw.” Grade: B</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Mark Starr vs Austin Idol http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MarkStarr.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/AustinIdol.jpg Young Mark Starr is making his debut against Austin Idol who is still smarting from his loss to the Big Boss Man last week and the shot to the back of the head he took from his tag partner, Eddie Gilbert. Gilbert’s nowhere to be seen tonight and Idol wastes no time in taking his frustrations out on the youngster. A piledriver seals Starr’s fate as Idol picks up an easy victory. Winner: Austin Idol by pinfall in 4:50 Grade: E+</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MagnificentMuraco.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TerryTaylor.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerOleAnderson.jpg Magnificent Don Muraco & Mr. Fantastic Terry Taylor (flanked by Ole Anderson) are promoting themselves and their chances in the upcoming Lethal Lottery match-up. Taylor: “This week you’re all getting a treat when you see me, your television champion, Mr. Fantastic progress to the next round of the Lethal Lottery and to show what a generous guy I am, I’m even dragging the so called ‘Magnificent’ One with me. Muraco throws Taylor a dirty look before roughly grabbing the microphone from his hands and directing his part of the promo directly at Taylor. Muraco: “I don’t need to prove myself to you or anyone else Terry Taylor – I was packing out arenas when you were still in high school and believe me when I tell you that I’m the leader on this team. I know those two men across the ring from us tonight very well, very well indeed and you got the luckiest draw of all when you were paired with me. Terry Taylor, I’m not your friend and I never will be but tonight we’ve got a job to do and after that, hopefully we’ll be drawn in opposite teams in the next round so that I can show you just what a jackass you actually are.” Taylor looks ready to square up with Muraco but Ole pulls Taylor back and tells him to save it for the ring. Grade: B-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">LETHAL LOTTERY: ROUND ONE 'Magnificent' Don Muraco & 'Mr. Fantastic' Terry Taylor vs. The Honky Tonk Man & Jimmy 'Superfly' Snuka http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MagnificentMuraco.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TerryTaylor.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerOleAnderson.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/HonkyTonkMan.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimmySnuka.jpg The tension from our last interview is clear for all to see as Taylor and Muraco argue over who should start proceedings. Muraco eventually gets his way and opens up against Honky, the announce team taking the time to explain the rules of the competition once more and priming the audience to expect a lot of similar dissension as natural enemies are forced to fight together and to fight against friends. Muraco & Honky open up at a blistering pace, pushing each other hard around the ring much to the crowd’s delight. The action really picks up though when Superfly tags in. The old rivals rip up the ring in their old stomping ground, turning back the years and having the crowd on the edge of their seats, Superly teases a top rope splash at one stage but is unsettled by Taylor’s presence of mind to shake the ropes and the momentary distraction is all Muraco needs to be back on his feet. After a strong powerslam from Muraco grounds Snuka, Muraco goes looking for the hot tag to Taylor. Mr Fantastic tags himself in by roughly slapping Muraco in the chest. Taylor and Honky put on something of a scientific clinic that left the crowd a little unsure on who to cheer (although their dislike of Honky probably wins out over Taylor). The four men have a great backwards and forwards open bout, the highlights of which were Taylor & Muraco’s forced exchanges. Things reached boiling point when Muraco, in response to Taylor’s hard blows when tagging in responded by slapping the Television Champion in the face while tagging in! Taylor looked absolutely outraged and grabbed at Muraco’s shoulder spinning him round and catching him with a full punch in the face! As the two teammates exchanged blows, Honky Tonk Man stood back confused and left the two of them to wear themselves down. The referee finally managed to split them and as Taylor was sent back outside Muraco turned around... SHAKE RATTLE & ROLL! He’s down.... and out! Honky Tonk Man takes advantage of the dissent in the ranks and grabs the quick pinfall! Winners and through to the Quarter Finals: The Honky Tonk Man & Jimmy 'Superfly' Snuka by pinfall in 14:05 Grade: B- The dazed Muraco gets to his feet while Terry Taylor looks on furiously... Taylor’s had enough! He rushes at Muraco and catches him with a Five Arm smash! Muraco’s back on the canvas as the frustrated Taylor takes it out on his now former tag team partner! As the crowd boo, Taylor leaves the ring with Muraco lying in a crumpled heap behind him. Grade: C</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DustyRhodes.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerDustinRhodes.jpg Our next team are ready to talk... and it’s Ric Flair & Dusty Rhodes! They’re on the same page for what must be the first time in history and their ready to talk, with Dusty joined by his son Dustin. Rhodes: “How do you know that the Lethal Lottery is something special daddy?!! American Dream Dusty Rhodes & Nature Boy Ric Flair, together at last brother. The ultimate Dream Team – the combination of two of the greatest NWA World Champions of all time... I wouldn’t like to be on the other side of that ring from us two at the best of time but especially not if I was Dirty Dick Murdoch baby... Dick you was on the wrong side of the line at Fall Brawl last week and results are gonna be the same again tonight because there ain’t no way I’m falling to you here, tonight or ever again.” Flair: “Dusty Rhodes! Ric Flair! WOOOOOOOO!!! It’s the greatest of times here in the NWA and tonight Ron Simmons and Dick Murdoch are the unluckiest sons of guns in the world. WOOOOOO!!!! We’re going hard and we’re going through baby!” The team look to walk out when Flair pauses and addresses the camera again. Flair: “Tully Blanchard. Arn Anderson. I just wanted to take a minute to apologise again for what happened last week. I know you’re not here tonight but I hope when you come back next week that you’ll agree to meet up and talk it through. I... I was only trying to help and....” Flair seems to be getting emotional so Dusty takes back over Rhodes: “Ric Flair, I know you’re worked up right now baby, but you gotta focus on what’s in frontta us because that Dirty Dick & Ron Simmons - they ain’t gonna ease up on ya. Nature Boy, we got work to do. WOOOOOOO!!!” The use of Flair’s catchphrase seems to bring him back to his senses and he looks determined again as the trio head to the ring. Grade: A</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">LETHAL LOTTERY: ROUND ONE Ric Flair & Dusty Rhodes (w/ Dustin Rhodes) vs. Dick Murdoch & Ron Simmons (w/ Teddy Long) http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DustyRhodes.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerDustinRhodes.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DickMurdoch.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RonSimmons.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerTeddyLong.jpg Our main event had everything you could want from a Lethal Lottery match-up. Two old enemies coming together for a common goal, two feuding stars trading blows in the match and strong team work all round. Murdoch & Simmons styles meshed extremely well and with referee Teddy Long mysteriously at ringside in his street clothes in their corner. A truly tremendous brawl, this had the Baltimore crowd fully invested in the old fashioned Southern wrestling on display. Simmons put on the best performance of his career against two superstars of the sport but the action was really off the hook when Murdoch and Rhodes squared off in the ring. The two traded punches in the middle of the ring as the crowd threatened to blow the roof off the venue. When Ric Flair got involved, blind tagging himself in to take Rhodes place, there was a brief moment of tension between the two... but Murdoch threw a couple of sloppy blows at the pair and they teamed together to take him down, snapping any chance of the dissent turning serious between the pair. After nearly fifteen minutes of non-stop action, Ron Simmons found himself caught in the middle of the ring in a figure-four. Murdoch had distracted himself by arguing with Dustin Rhodes on the outside. Even as Teddy Long tried to bring his attention back to the match, Murdoch threw a haymaker at Dustin who sidestepped the blow and caught Dick with a jab of his own! Dusty jumped from the apron to pull his son away from the irate Murdoch and with nowhere to go and no-one to help him out, the US Tag Team Champion had no option but to quit to the figure four! Winners and through to the Quarter Finals: Ric Flair & Dusty Rhodes by submission in 15:58 Grade: B+</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">Overall Show Grade: B</div>

The Final Countdown · March 9, 2014

I always liked the Lethal Lottery concept and its potential to offer unique matches and situations. Case in point: Naitch and the Dream working together. (Though it seems to me that we may be heading towards a face turn for Ric...but I'd guess he and Dusty are never going to be buddy buddy no matter what Ric's alignment is.)

How exactly are you setting this whole thing up, if you don't mind my asking? Is it going to be a tournament all the way through, or will it eventually wind up in a battle royal?

Ritchardo · March 9, 2014

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Final Countdown" data-cite="The Final Countdown" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I always liked the Lethal Lottery concept and its potential to offer unique matches and situations. Case in point: Naitch and the Dream working together. (Though it seems to me that we may be heading towards a face turn for Ric...but I'd guess he and Dusty are never going to be buddy buddy no matter what Ric's alignment is.) How exactly are you setting this whole thing up, if you don't mind my asking? Is it going to be a tournament all the way through, or will it eventually wind up in a battle royal?</div></blockquote> I've always been a fan of the Lethal Lottery idea too although with a few exceptions in individual matches I don't think they ever quite pulled it off properly - this is something I'm looking to correct! Having Flair & Dusty team seemed like perfect shorthand to get over the concept of the competition particularly putting Dusty's current feud in the opposite team. Just because they're team-mates doesn't mean they have to like each other basically! From an in-ring perspective, Flair actually turned face at the Bash (although it's difficult to tell because he's been hanging around with heels ever since... since July though he's been wrestling all heels and displaying more babyface mannerisms in his promos) - I suppose he's closer to an actual tweener in how I book him but 'officially' he's a face. In terms of booking this - I'm having eight first round matches (two in each TV taping) and the 16 winners will all be redrawn in the next round at the PPV. The winning 8 will be redrawn again, until we're down to 4. The final four will be redrawn one last time and the winning team will have a 1-1 match to decide who wins. Thought about doing it in the traditional Battlebowl style but I've just had the Bunkhouse Stampede which was a reworked Rumble and it would be a bit of overkill to have another one more or less right away - besides it's six months until the next Crockett Cup so it's well spaced out! I've mapped out the PPV and Starrcade has now taken final shape too (barring some unforseen suspensions or deaths at the top of the card)... I'm quietly confident that if the Lottery doesn't get me a B+ then Starrcade should push me over the edge... and hopefully take me National too!

LordofGustav · March 10, 2014

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Ritchardo" data-cite="Ritchardo" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>In terms of booking this - I'm having eight first round matches (two in each TV taping) and the 16 winners will all be redrawn in the next round at the PPV. The winning 8 will be redrawn again, until we're down to 4. The final four will be redrawn one last time and the winning team will have a 1-1 match to decide who wins. Thought about doing it in the traditional Battlebowl style but I've just had the Bunkhouse Stampede which was a reworked Rumble and it would be a bit of overkill to have another one more or less right away - besides it's six months until the next Crockett Cup so it's well spaced out!</div></blockquote> Sweet! I'll apply the Battle Royal idea in my future WCW diary in 1991. I was figuring out myself how to pull it without overkilling the roster, since i have no plans on making a Bunkhouse Stampede at all.

olympia · March 10, 2014

I like the way you have this set up with the randomly drawn teams, then being redrawn again (so partners in round 1 could square off in round 2). I think the fans would have popped big time seeing Flair and Rhodes on the same team (and technically they did since you got an A rated angle when they came out together)

Since you got a B with that TV show, I'd also hope to see you go over the B+ mark at the PPV -- having Flair, Dusty, and HTM anchoring the angles/promos will certainally help with that (not to mention others that have not punched their card to the PPV 2nd round yet)

Ritchardo · March 12, 2014

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/FridayNightShowdown.jpg Friday Night Showdown October 14th, 1988 From The Conte Forum, Boston, Massachusetts Attendance: 7,884 (Sell Out) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>In Pre-Show bouts: Terry Gordy d. Chris Adams in 10:58 (C+) Jimmy 'Superfly' Snuka d. Jushin 'Thunder' Liger in 9:11 ©</div></blockquote> Announce Team: Jim Ross, Boyd Pierce & Nick Bockwinkel http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimRoss0.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BoydPierce.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/NickBockwinkel.jpg </div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LarryZbyszko.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerTonySchiavone.jpg Larry Zbyszko is preparing to talk to Tony Schiavone about his main event Lethal Lottery match tonight. Schiavone: “AWA World Heavyweight Champion Living Legend Larry Zbyszko, tonight sees the beginning of your Lethal Lottery campaign as you’re forced to join forces with the sadistic Bob Orton Jr. against Steve Keirn & Hector Guerrero... Zbyszko: “When you’re the champion Tony you have to be ready to stand and fight at a minute’s notice and always be prep..." http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/HonkyTonkMan.jpg Zbyszko trails away as the Honky Tonk Man unexpectedly appears and casually saunters over to the baffled Schiavone, plucking the microphone from his hand he slowly taps it to make sure it’s live before beginning to speak... Honky Tonk Man: “Fighting champion... that’s a good one you see I was there two weeks ago and I, like the rest of the world, saw how you finally won a World Championship... lying on your back, staring at the lights and counting the stars swirling round your head... You see Larry Zbyszko, the mistake you’ve made... the FUNDAMENTAL mistake you’ve made is the same as all those other fools out there in TV land. They look at someone like the Honky Tonk Man and think he’s a joke. They think he’s just some nickel and dime, two bit hackneyed comedy act. Well why don’t you ask Jerry Lawler if he’s laughing? The ‘King’ of Memphis checked into Heartbreak Hotel thanks to the Honky Tonk Man and he ain’t never coming back. “You see I’m the Honky Tonk Man that your momma always warned you about. I’m the Bad Boy of Rock and Roll and I’m shooting all the way to the top of the charts. Larry Zbyszko you’re the luckiest SOB I’ve ever seen with a gold belt around your waist and if you’re the fighting champion that you say you are then why don’t you lock up with the Honky Tonk Man and see if you’re half the man you say that you are.” Honky & Zbyszko eye each other and it looks like it could go off at any moment when Honky turns and walks away, leaving a worked up Zbyszko in his wake. Grade: A</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Dynamite Kid vs. 'Playboy' Buddy Rose http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DynamiteKid2.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BuddyRose.jpg Following on from their PPV tag team match at Fall Brawl, this match saw the established veterans of their teams meet again in singles competition, in preparation for their Lethal Lottery matches, Jim Ross and new broadcast partner Boyd Pierce speculating that these two could find themselves drawn together in the coming weeks! Dynamite clearly wasn’t thinking that far ahead though as he threw everything he had at the Playboy – combating Rose’s cheating tactics with a stiff aerial offence. A highly competitive and open match was sealed with a diving headbutt from the top rope by the Englishman. Winner: Dynamite Kid by pinfall in 10:36 Grade: C</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MagnificentMuraco.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerMagnumTA.jpg A worked up Don Muraco is with Magnum T.A. Muraco: “Last week Terry Taylor you took a liberty with me. Not only did I have to carry you through our first round match last week but you took every opportunity to take cheap shots at me and avoid being a man and getting into the ring. You threw me to the wolves and then like the dog that you are you added insult to injury by attacking me from behind... well you cost me my chance of getting something that I wanted... so I’m going to take something from you... Terry Taylor you made sure that I’m not going to be in the Lethal Lottery so how about you put that golden belt of yours on the line against me next week? And to show that I’m a fair man... when I beat you next week, I’ll give you a chance to take the belt back at the Lethal Lottery show.... you can’t say fairer than that...” Grade: C+</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RonSimmons.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LarryCameron.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TeddyLong.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerTara.jpg Tara is waiting to interview The Enemy with... Teddy Long?!! Tara: “Last week Teddy Long we couldn’t help but notice that rather than Mr. T accompanying Ron Simmons to the ring, he was joined by you... how can a serving NWA referee be in the corner of a wrestler?” Long: “Well clearly he can’t be girl! What you’re looking at is a changed man. You see I’ve been listening to Mr. T for a long time and he says what other men could only dream of – you see Mr T had a dream too and he dreamt that finally the suppressors in the NWA – the good ole rasslin rednecks would get there’s and at Fall Brawl, deep in the Heart of Texas – you saw a blow struck for the side of the righteous and the free. I threw off my shackles and chains and made a stand against the man. I stood up to be counted. To three to be exact. And The Enemy were victorious... WE were victorious, you see Mr T was the prophet, I am the executioner – and with the Enemy at my side, so help me I will wreak havoc on the bigots that run the NWA.” Grade: D</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">The Barbarian vs. Blackblood (w/ The Army of Darkness) http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TheBarbarian.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Blackblood.pnghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerKevinSullivan.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerWarlord.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerWoman.jpg An impromptu match-up between The Barbarian and his former tag team partner’s stablemate was surprisingly one-sided as the executioner utterly dominated his large foe from first bell to last. Given barely any offence, The Barbarian found himself locked in Blackblood’s full nelson and to the surprise of many meekly gave up! Winner: Blackblood by Submission in 4:40 Grade: C-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MrT.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerMagnumTA.jpg Magnum T.A. has caught up with Mr. T. Magnum: “Controversy seems to follow Mr. T. wherever he goes, but from the looks of things the tag team of The Enemy are no longer following you...” T: “Shut up fool. It’s my time to talk. I told you and EVERYBODY else that the time was now. The time for change and that The Enemy would claim their rightful prize and wear gold just like me, their mentor. But they don’t need me no more – they’ve got Teddy Long now and if they listen to him they’ll go all the way. But that doesn’t mean I’m done around here you see this place needs entertainment – it needs the style that only a Hollywood star can bring and that’s what I’m gonna do. This place is in dire need of some real sports entertainment... wrestling is dead. Sports Entertainment is the future and I’m the man to bring to ‘Y’ALL!’ Grade: B+</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">LETHAL LOTTERY: ROUND ONE Bam Bam Bigelow & Barry Windham (w/Ole Anderson) vs. Jimmy Garvin & Michael P.S. Hayes (w/ Dirty White Girl) http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BamBamBigelow.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BarryWindham.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerOleAnderson.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimmyGarvin1.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MichaelHayes.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerDirtyWhiteGirl.jpg It’s Lethal Lottery time again and it’s clear that Garvin & Hayes have the advantage in terms of teamwork here. Bigelow & Windham are clearly unsure of each other and Bigelow has taken the precaution of leaving Precious in the dressing room, clearly feeling outnumbered. As a result it's the Freebird and Gorgeous Jimmy who take the early initiative. Hayes though soon realises what everyone else has already been aware of... Jimmy Garvin is not to be trusted right now anywhere around Bam Bam Bigelow! After Windham & Hayes had started things off, Garvin had practically screamed at the top of his lungs to be allowed into the ring when Bigelow was tagged in. He got his wish... and the ferocity of the match was turned up a notch! Garvin threw everything he had at Bigelow, dismissing any pretence of having a straight up wrestling match. Bigelow though was having none of it and unlike Fall Brawl where he had been taken aback, Bigelow was more than aware of what he was getting into here! Such was the strength and power on display from the Beast from the East, Garvin backed off and tagged in the reluctant Hayes who couldn’t rely on the power of Terry Gordy to help him tonight. Not that he was in a much better position against the polish of Barry Windham. As the match progressed it was Bigelow & Windham that found the upper hand and perhaps it was this as much as Jimmy Garvin’s natural antagonism to Bam Bam Bigelow that resulted in Garvin’s snapping. With Bigelow dominating Hayes in the corner, Garvin stormed into the ring and attempted to drag Bigelow off his tag partner. Referee Earl Hebner pushed Garvin away but he wasn’t to be deterred and after forcibly pushing Hebner away and continually ignoring his warnings, Garvin picked up the disqualification to send his team out of the competition. Winners and through to the Quarter Finals: Bam Bam Bigelow & Barry Windham by pinfall in 13:49 Grade: C-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DickMurdoch.jpg Dick Murdoch is still worked up and on the microphone. Murdoch: “Dusty Rhodes, you’re nothing but dirt to me. We spent years together on the road – we were brothers. Brothers... we were so tight that you made your son, your eldest baby boy Dustin my godson... we were tight... and look at it now. The kid doesn’t know me. The kid is standing up cheering and whooping and a-hollering when his god-daddy is kicking his real daddy’s ass... that’s not right Dusty... see a godfather is supposed to teach his godson how to live their life – to give them the skills needed to make the right decisions in life. And I let my godson down. See he stood there cheering on his daddy when his daddy ain’t nothing but a piece of trash. Dustin, if you’re watching this son then get on the phone and give me a ring – I ain’t got nothin’ against you. It ain’t your fault that your daddy’s a nothin’. Pick up the phone and give me a call kid because we need to talk – we need to get together because you deserve a better role model than that. Grade: B-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">LETHAL LOTTERY: ROUND ONE Steve Keirn & Hector Guerrero vs. Bob Orton Jr. & Larry Zbyszko (w/ Ole Anderson) http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/SteveKeirn.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/HectorGuerrero.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BobOrtonJr.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LarryZbyszko.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerOleAnderson.jpg Much is made of Hector Guerrero being drawn against the man who took his US Title at Fall Brawl initially and the odd couple pairing of Orton & Zbyszko was certainly on the back footing but for all Keirn & Guerrero’s styles blended well, they were still up against two of the three main singles titles holders in the NWA. Having said that it was clear from the get-go that Zbyszko and Orton did not trust each other in the slightest! The result was a very open and competitive match-up that on another night could’ve gone in the way of Keirn & Guerrero, however, with Orton & Zbyszko not in full hostility there was enough co-operation to get the job done. It was Hector Guerrero who took the trip to Larryland having failed in his quest to show that he should have a rematch for the US title – in their exchanges, Orton completely dominated Hector and, in fact, Steve Keiin was clearly the more dangerous of the two. A disappointing showing for Guerrero and the odd couple of team of Zbyszko & Orton took full advantage. Winners and through to the Quarter Finals: Bob Orton Jr. & Larry Zbyszko by submission in 16:26 Grade: B-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TullyBlanchard.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ArnAnderson.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerTonySchiavone.jpg We’re in the Friday Night Showdown interview area in the back and Tony Schiavone has just promised us an unforgettable meeting as Ric Flair is due to be joined here, right now, by former AWA World Champion Tully Blanchard and the mediator between the two – Arn Anderson! Flair looks uncharacteristically nervous, pacing up and down in wait for his best friends to make their appearance. When they do come out their faces are an unreadable mask. Flair: “Guys, like I said last week... I’m sorry! I... I was only trying to help, when I saw Barry raise that chair up and threaten you with it Tully... I knew it would drive a wedge between all of us and I couldn’t bear that to happen...” Tully just looks at Arn and shakes his head slowly... Arn: “Ric... thing is... that’s just not going to cut it. You see for years and years, we travelled with you – we were your wingmen and the guys who would always step up to the line for you, time after time after time without ONCE questioning you or who you did dealings with... but you never saw us that way. You saw as bagmen: guys who would clean up after you and get you out of trouble... thing is, we didn’t mind because as far as we were concerned, we were the ALL the World Heavyweight Champion – sure it was Ric Flair’s name on the belt, Ric Flair’s waist that the title hung around but really that belt belonged to the Four Horsemen... and while you sat on the throne Ric Flair, it was Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard and Ole Anderson who kept you in power. “We stood by your side and took on all comers. We slapped down Dusty Rhodes, we saw off the Road Warriors we even turned on our own at your command... thing is Ric... we’d have died for you. And now you’ve taken someone else’s position against US? Against the very men who gave you that title, protected you and gave our own blood to keep you in the styling’ and profiling’ life that you lead? That’s not good enough Ric, and sorry isn’t going to cut it... actions speak louder than words and we’ve pussyfooted around this too long... either you’re with us or you’re against us... right now you seem to be all out for Ric Flair and that’s not what we wanted or what we needed.” Through all of this Flair’s expression changed to one of guilt, to one of surprise and now the flushes of anger are on his face... Flair: “You know what Arn, I’m not going to put with this anymore either? Ever since you came back to the NWA you’ve done nothing but judge The Nature Boy. I stood in the ring and I embraced one of the greatest wrestlers of all time after I took the one thing away from him that Tully never could – his career. When Nick Bockwinkel bled on that canvas, when he refused to scream out in agony at my figure-four, I knew that he had earned my respect and I had no problems with showing the world at the Great American Bash... but you didn’t like it. You came out there, you didn’t say a word, you shook your heads and left. You judged me that night and there’s one thing you should know about me... only God can judge me because I am the personification of perfection baby, WOOOOOOOOO!!!” Arn: “Ric... you knew the situation. We kept you up to date, we told you how Tully had fought long and hard to even get a title shot with that stubborn old... man... and you had the audacity to embrace him like an equal, hold his hand up to the crowd as if he was something special? Where was Tully’s recognition? Why did you never come on TV and tell us how proud you were that a man you had kept in your shadow had stepped out on his own and succeeded? Why did you decide to reform the Four Horsemen without us Ric? Did you think we wouldn’t come back? Did you HOPE we wouldn’t come back... when I sat down and watched that television and saw a group that I made famous, that WE made famous back in living colour and without the decency to recognise who had made the group great in the first place... I felt sick to my stomach. Now Ole, Ole I understand – we hadn’t always been fair to Ole but YOU, Ric Flair, YOU absolutely sickened me that night...” Flair: “Whoa Whoa Whoa! Whatever you think you know, let me assure you both – you do not. When you struck out on your own and told me that you wanted to go to the AWA and win their World Title... I stuck by you... so don’t come back here and throw it in my face Arn! I’m the greatest wrestler in the world today and I’ve always surrounded myself with the best – whether it was Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard or Barry Windham & Terry Taylor.” Blanchard looks furious now and throws a murderous look at Flair Arn: “You’ve made your choice Ric, it’s clear to see that... I hope for your sake that during the Lethal Lottery that the numbers come out in your favour because the wrong partner against the wrong opponent could prove disastrous..." With that the two men turn and walk away leaving a red faced Ric Flair in their wake while the announcers speculate that nothing appears to have been solved! Grade: B</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">Overall Show Grade: B</div>

Consrvtve · March 12, 2014

Guess who just gave me some inspiration to book my project's next show? lol Great work as always. I can hear the people's voices in my head when I read your promos....which makes the other voices in my head very confused. <img alt="

" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

BlueStar · March 12, 2014

Great show and very interesting to see where the Horsemen are heading!

olympia · March 12, 2014

not often that I will read a long promo - easy enough to skim and get the gist of it.

But I read the Flair-Arn confrontation word for word, and was sitting on the edge of my seat!!

I was sad that these two old friends cannot seem to patch things up, but sometimes egos get in the way of common sense. Windham-Taylor vs Tully & Arn seems destined to happen at some point which is going to force Flair to make his final choice - will the match drive a wedge between him and his former friends/stablemates, or will history repeat itself and he reforms the perfect union????

Dang cliffhanger - this is worse than Dallas at making me wait "next week" <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Beejus · March 12, 2014

I just can't get over how great the Horsemen drama is. It has almost completely overshadowed everything else going on in the company. Your Flair/Anderson segment was incredible, can't wait to see what happens once you hit national!

And hey, the new look of this with the smaller pictures look familiar <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Ritchardo · March 12, 2014

<div id="divContentWrapper" style="font-size:62.5%;line-height:normal;"><div style="width:950px;margin:0px auto;position:relative;"></div><div style="width: 700px; margin: 0px auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); padding: 0px 20px 20px; position: relative; overflow-y: auto; background-image: none;"> <div style="padding:0 5px;overflow:hidden;" id=""><div id=""><div style="height:18px;"></div><div style="clear: both; position: relative; padding: 5px; margin: 5px 0px; height: auto; border: 1px solid transparent;"> <div style="font-size: 16px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; display: block;"><div style="text-align: center;" id=""><hr style="margin:0px;" id="">Wrestling Observer Newsletter<hr style="margin:0px;" id=""> </div></div> </div></div></div></div></div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">MORE DRUG WOES FOR JCP After Lex Luger's suspension and subsequent enforced removal from this month's Lethal Lottery, the group have been dealt a further blow after recent signing 'Gentleman' Chris Adams was found to have some unknown 'hard drugs' circulating in his system. Head booker Ole Anderson is said to have agonised over the decision to issue the Brit with a final warning and removing him from any further bookings for the month. Anderson was apparently sorely tempted to release Adams immediately, however, the loss of the British Bruisers tag team at this stage (particularly after cleanly going over the built up Rose & Somers combination) would've had a 'far reaching consequence' for the division. This does not mean to say that Adams won't face some form of punishment... It is understood that Tommy Rich will take Adams' place in the tournament but not whether this will be a straight swap. Rich was second stand by for the tournament after Hector Guerrero was drafted back into the plans and his planned holiday suspended for two weeks. </div></div></blockquote> -- Wow! I'm blown away by the great reception the Flair/Anderson segment seems to have received! Wasn't expecting it in the slightest and if anything I thought my continuing to draw out the drama rather than getting straight to the fireworks might be frustrating! (It has been nearly three months in the gameworld - a lifetime compared to modern booking!) Thank you all so much for the feedback as ever. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="LordofGustav" data-cite="LordofGustav" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Sweet! I'll apply the Battle Royal idea in my future WCW diary in 1991. I was figuring out myself how to pull it without overkilling the roster, since i have no plans on making a Bunkhouse Stampede at all. </div></blockquote> If you've not already checked it out, track down Beejus' War of the Thrones - he ran a Lethal Lottery with Battlebowl relatively recently - might give you a few ideas how to go about it! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Olympia" data-cite="Olympia" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Since you got a B with that TV show, I'd also hope to see you go over the B+ mark at the PPV -- having Flair, Dusty, and HTM anchoring the angles/promos will certainally help with that (not to mention others that have not punched their card to the PPV 2nd round yet) </div></blockquote> Well with wanting to give too much away I reached a milestone in my latest TV show (which I just sent back to TFC this afternoon...) and if I can get a few more of them then I'll definitely be laughing... on the downside I'm going to have to spend some extra time trying to write something that'll justify it now!!! <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Consrvtve" data-cite="Consrvtve" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Guess who just gave me some inspiration to book my project's next show? lol Great work as always. I can hear the people's voices in my head when I read your promos....which makes the other voices in my head very confused. </div></blockquote> I do try and picture them saying their promos myself and to be honest if it's not a guy I'm overally familiar with in terms of delivery, I'll hit up youtube. Even some of the more familiar names will be youtubed occassionally just to crib and play off of things they've said in the past. It's a fine line, Dusty for example I enjoy writing for but it's hard to do with the accent and comes across as a bit of a hotch potch of English and Dustyese sometimes. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="BlueStar" data-cite="BlueStar" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Great show and very interesting to see where the Horsemen are heading!</div></blockquote> Starrcade. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> No, in all seriousness though thank you for the kind words, I am having a lot of fun mapping out this storyline and it's still got plenty of legs yet... hopefully! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="olympia" data-cite="olympia" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Dang cliffhanger - this is worse than Dallas at making me wait "next week" </div></blockquote> Dallas?! Surely not? I thought Fritz just booked the same thing to happen every week... <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Sorry, can't resist a cheap gag! I'm a sucker for a good cliffhanger (it's the classic Doctor Who fan in me!) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Beejus" data-cite="Beejus" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I just can't get over how great the Horsemen drama is. It has almost completely overshadowed everything else going on in the company. Your Flair/Anderson segment was incredible, can't wait to see what happens once you hit national! And hey, the new look of this with the smaller pictures look familiar </div></blockquote> Well in terms of how I've written it up maybe, but it's actually only the third (and fourth the way I've split it) most over storylines in the company - Dusty/Dick & Larry/Honky are overshadowing it in terms of heat... it's still pretty over though! And as for the new look... I thought I'd steal it from another diary I've read around the boards. No idea who's it was though, some two bit hack no doubt... <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

The Final Countdown · March 12, 2014

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Wow! I'm blown away by the great reception the Flair/Anderson segment seems to have received! Wasn't expecting it in the slightest and if anything I thought my continuing to draw out the drama rather than getting straight to the fireworks might be frustrating! (It has been nearly three months in the gameworld - a lifetime compared to modern booking!) Thank you all so much for the feedback as ever.</div></blockquote> Drawing out the drama is exactly what this story called for, in my opinion. The slow burn of this has been awesome. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Well with wanting to give too much away I reached a milestone in my latest TV show (which I just sent back to TFC this afternoon...) and if I can get a few more of them then I'll definitely be laughing... on the downside I'm going to have to spend some extra time trying to write something that'll justify it now!!! </div></blockquote> Great...now I have to take a break from writing up my own show to download the data and find out what you're talking about! <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> EDIT: Just saw what you're talking about. How in the blue hell did that happen? <img alt=":eek:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />:eek:<img alt=":eek:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>And as for the new look... I thought I'd steal it from another diary I've read around the boards. No idea who's it was though, some two bit hack no doubt... </div></blockquote> You've got me wondering whether I should follow your lead in ripping off Beejus and his smaller manager pictures...

BlueStar · March 12, 2014

Good reading here and this diary and TFC's one makes me continue my own AWA game.

My AWA is going to the good side of Cult: a big roster, no real problem breaking even, but struggling getting better than B- at best. I had the luck of WWF releasing Bret Hart who's now my main guy. Considering your roster, I'd think Zbyskzo is a no-brainer...as one of the none-Horseman he's good on the mic and in the ring. Rose/Somers need te be pushed or you leave them in the midcard (in my game, the one consistent team who'll get a C+ again anyone is The Midnight Express (Randy Rose/ Dennis Condrey). I can't even get Michaels/Janetty there).

I've been bringing in freelancers left and right, to moderate success. Terry Funk did a one-month run (but he's under WWF contract here) and did really well. Bob Backlund did okay for a couple of months. Dory Funk and Dynamite Kid, in my game, are a big waste of money...

A name I don't see under contract: Jerry Lawler...he's about just as good as Zbyskzo...get him!

Keep up the good work.

Beejus · March 12, 2014

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Final Countdown" data-cite="The Final Countdown" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>You've got me wondering whether I should follow your lead in ripping off Beejus and his smaller manager pictures...</div></blockquote> Personally, I just think it fits; managers are always there, but if they aren't the main focus of an interview/match then they shouldn't get full credit in picture form... now if I do an interview segment where the wrestler is just standing back and the manager talks, then I try to do it with the bigger picture for the manager. Same with interviewers. They are there, and they contribute to the segment; but they aren't the major focus of what the grade is based on.

Ritchardo · March 20, 2014

http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/FridayNightShowdown.jpg

Friday Night Showdown

October 21st, 1988

From The Elmore Gymnasium, Huntsville, Alabama

Attendance: 6,000 (Sell Out)

In Pre-Show bouts:

Greg Gagne d. Ivan Koloff in 8:58 ©
Brad James d. Mike Graham in 11:15 (C-)
The Von Erichs d. The West Texas Hangmen in 13:59 (B-)

Announce Team: Jim Ross, Boyd Pierce & Nick Bockwinkel

http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimRoss0.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BoydPierce.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/NickBockwinkel.jpg

http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BuddyRose.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DougSomers.jpg

Buddy Rose & Doug Somers have been sensationally drawn in the same team for this week’s Lethal Lottery first round match and they’ve got a few words for their opponents!

Rose: “Dynamite Kid, last week you got lucky punk. I knew I had bigger fish to fry in the next few weeks and you just weren’t worth the effort. Thing is though Dynamite the gods have been kind enough to give me my instant shot at revenge and when we meet up again tonight, I’ll have my right hand man ‘Pretty Boy’ Doug Somers by my side.”

Somers: “And when we come face to face with you, you’re going to have to look down to meet your partner in the eye because that short stuff Jushin Liger hasn’t got a hope against two of the top heavyweights in the world today!”

Rose: “Face facts Dynamite. You might as well go home now because lady luck has dealt you the worse possible hand. Tonight will be our night and NOTHING will give me more pleasure than watching you slide your way back out of this competition.”

Grade: C-

http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/nwatv.jpg
NWA World Television Championship

'Magnificent' Don Muraco vs. 'Mr. Fantastic' Terry Taylor (w/ Ole Anderson)
http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MagnificentMuraco.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TerryTaylor.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerOleAnderson.jpg

Challenged on last week’s Showdown to a match, Terry Taylor doesn’t look too happy about what we’re told is a mandatory title defence... this all stemmed from a disastrous Lethal Lottery campaign for both men which ended two weeks ago in acrimony. Things start with a lock-up that Muraco easily powers through. This display of raw energy definitely un-nerves Taylor who’s cocky air has quickly dissipated. You don’t win titles in the NWA though without having something up your sleeve and Taylor is able to frustrate Muraco with blatant timewasting, taking to the outside of the ring whenever possible... this clearly gets to Muraco who at one point grabs Taylor by his hair and drags him back into the ring, to the delight of the crowd. Despite this, Taylor still slows things down wherever possible as Muraco looks for the victory.

In the final sequence, Muraco has finally managed to wear Taylor down with a generous bearhug. The weak Tayor can’t fight off Muraco and after breaking Taylor to his knees, Muraco applies an Asiatic Spike! Taylor can’t get out!!!! Ole Anderson is furious outside the ring and is trying to reach them!!!

TOO LATE!!! THE BELL RINGS!!!

Don Muraco is ecstatic and rightly so! Muraco is celebrating while Taylor is gasping at air... the referee is outside the ring and has the TV title. As the ring announcer begins to announce the decision, the referee hands the title to Terry Taylor?

Ring Announcer: “Ladies and Gentlemen, the time limit has expired and the referee has declared this match a draw!”

Muraco can’t believe it and neither can Taylor! Anderson quickly ushers Taylor out of the ring while a shellshocked Don Muraco looks on...

Winner: Draw – Terry Taylor retains the NWA World Television Championship in 15:00
Grade: C

http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LouAlbano.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Afa.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Sika.jpg

Backstage Lou Albano is ready to cut a promo when he’s suddenly put off by the arrival of the Wild Samoans. Afa and Sika sniff the air and menacingly close in on Albano when a timely arrival stops them in their tracks...

http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/GaryHart.jpg

Stranger: “Back! Back I say!”

The Samoans look mutinous but obey the command.

Albano: “You?!!!”

Stranger: “Yes, me! The original Playboy Gary Hart... not to be confused with the clown trying to get into the White House last year, I’m the real deal and Captain Lou you know ALL about me... but let me introduce myself to those morons at home who’ve never heard of me... you see I’m the greatest wrestling manager of all time. You’ve heard that before and some of you will have believed it, but you ain’t seen nothing yet because I have the eye to spot genuine talent. I am the maker of champions and the destroyer of dreams. Lou Albano, you think you are the greatest and I’m well aware of your past... but these Wild Samoans they listen to me. They are under MY control, a control that you never had. That is a sign of my greatness... but don’t just take my word for it... take a look at what I bring to the wrestling world..."

Another stranger enters the scene... and the camera has to pan up to take in his full height...

http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/SidVicious.jpg

Hart: “He weighs 317lbs. He towers over you all at 6’ 9’’... He’s gigantic, he’s humongous, he’s SID VICIOUS and he’s MY bodyguard!”

Vicious bores holes into the nervy Albano who is clearly out-numbered and clearly nervous about it!

Hart: “You can go Albano... this time... but let this be your first and final warning. Get out of the NWA before it’s too late because the Playboy is in the house and business is about to pick up...”

Grade: B-

http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LarryZbyszko.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerTara.jpg

AWA World Champion Larry Zbyszko is standing by with some words for the Honky Tonk Man:

Zbyszko: “The Honky Tonk Man. Never in all my years have I heard such a ridiculous name for such a ridiculous man. And for a man of that pedigree to insult me and question my right to hold this prestigious AWA World Title is laughable. I entered this business in a time of legends. I competed with the best and I held my own. I didn’t always win but I learned my lessons the hard way. I’ve been beaten by great men and I’ve overcome some of the biggest wrestlers this business has ever known: Nick Bockwinkel, Verne Gagne, Bruno Sammartino, Tully Blanchard. You name them, and I’ve beaten them.

“So when someone like the Honky Tonk Man comes up to me and tells me how I’m a paper champion, someone who doesn’t deserve to hold this title then I can help but take it as an insult. Sure I know what he’s up to… and you know something, it’s not going to work. Thing is Honky Tonk Man, I earned my title shots. I showed the world why I should be competing for the AWA World Title, why I was in that class. So if you want a shot at this belt then why don’t you show me something. And I don’t mean running your mouth off, actually show me something because Honky Tonk Man – I don’t think you’ve got the fire in your belly to pull it off.”

Grade: B+

Wahoo McDaniel & Jimmy Valiant vs. The Wild Samoans (w/ Gary Hart & Sid Vicious)
http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/WahooMcDaniel.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimmyValiant.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Afa.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Sika.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerGaryHart.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerSidVicious.jpg

The Boogie Woogie Man and the Native American chief team-up against the ever dangerous Wild Samoans. And as unfocussed as they’ve been since their debut a few weeks ago, they were always a threat. That threat seems to be even more real now thanks to the presence of the evil mastermind Gary Hart in their corner… not to mention his huge bodyguard – the mute Sid Vicious! Perhaps it was the extra bodies at ringside, or perhaps the same thing would’ve happened regardless but Valiant & McDaniel were on the backfoot from the very beginning of the match and despite their best efforts could never force their way back in. McDaniel did manage to turn the tide briefly on Afa with some solid looking Tomahawk chops but he only seemed to succeed in damaging his hand, the Wild Samoan looking unaffected by the blow to his thick head. Something of a formality, the match was decided by a Samoan Drop from Sika on the chief as The Wild Samoans picked up another victory much to the delight of the machiavellian Hart.

Winner: The Wild Samoans by pinfall in 10:51
Grade: C-

http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MagnificentMuraco.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerTara.jpg

An irate Don Muraco is with Tara:

Muraco: “Tonight Terry Taylor in front of the millions of NWA fans watching at home we saw just how far I could take you. You played for the draw Taylor and you got lucky. All you had to do was survive for fifteen minutes to retain your title and that’s exactly what you went out there and did… except all you really did was catch my attention. I’ve never been the type of guy to sit back and take disappointment. See, I’m not frustrated in you Terry Taylor, I’m frustrated with myself. I should’ve had enough to take you all the way and capture that NWA Television title inside the time limit… but you didn’t make it easy for me and you played inside the game that was set for you. I respect that… but I don’t respect you as a champion. If you had the guts, and if you were as fantastic as you say you are then you’d agree to meet me one more time at the Lethal Lottery. You’d put it all on the line except with no time limits – let’s see how you do when you’re not stalling for the bell… you’re time’s running out Taylor and I’m gonna be the man standing by with your title in my hands when the smoke clears."

Grade: B-

http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DustyRhodes.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DustinRhodes.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerTonySchiavone.jpg

Tony Schiavone is standing by with Dustin and Dusty Rhodes.

Tony Schiavone: “Sensational news from the NWA head office has reached us of an additional match that has been added to the Lethal Lottery Pay-Per-View. In addition to the finals of our star studded competition and the NWA Television Title re-match between Don Muraco & Terry Taylor we will have the debut of a second generation wrestler from a family with real National Wresting Alliance pedigree… the son of ‘The American Dream’ Dusty Rhodes WILL make his in-ring debut against his godfather, ‘Dirty’ Dick Murdoch and you can see it live on pay-per-view.

“Dustin, many of our fans out there will want to know what your thoughts were in signing on to this huge test of your abilities so early in your career.”

Dustin goes to answer but Dusty takes the microphone instead…

Rhodes: “Tony Schiavone you gotta understand the difficulties here for Merican Dream Dusty Rhodes you see my daddy was a plumba, an’ ah’m the common man out here working for his fellow common men, ah never let my boys want for nothin’ an’ I nevah intended for them to follow me in this wrestlin’ business cause ah’ve seen what it does to people baby, ah’ve seen how it corrupts and destroys men. You look at Dirty Dick Murdoch, a man ah’d have classed as my best friend in this world daddy. A man ah invited into my home. A man who came round for Thanksgiving dinner and at Christmas. Dusty Rhodes and Dick Murdoch man we were tight as tight could be. Best friends for life… but this business baby, it corrupts and destroys you brother. It eats away at the soul and you find yourself blaming others for your own shortcomings… ah’ve been there and sure ah’ve had my share of misfortunes but I coulda been better sometimes too… an’ that’s the problem with Dirty Dick Murdoch. He won’t look in the mirror when he’s lookin’ to hand out the blame.

“So that brings us up to date in the here and now. An’ now we got Dirty Dick runnin’ his mouth and tryin’ to turn the Merican Dream’s own blood again’ him. Baby, that ain’t never gonna happen because if you were in my boy’s life as much as you shoulda been over the years you’d have seen that this boy and his daddy are tight. Dustin ain’t never gonna take your side over mine. An’ you can throw your veiled threats all you like baby, ain’t no Rhodes boy is ever gonna back down from you or from any fight…”

Rhodes pauses before turning to look at Dustin…

Rhodes: “That being said, I know how dangerous Dirty Dick is baby… and I know that while Dustin has the heart and he has the natural abilities that make him a future SUPERSTAH in this business, he’s not got the experience needed to cope with someone as dangerous as Dirty Dick… and it makes me worried… Ah’m worried that we’ve walked into some kinda trap an’ believe me when I say that I tried to talk Dustin outta this… but he’s his own man… and he told me he said, ‘Daddy. Daddy I can do this. You need to trust me daddy because not only is Dirty Dick no match for you on your worst day, he can’t get near me neither…’ an’ I trust my kids. I love ‘em with all my heart and I trust them completely so when Dustin says he can get the job done against you Dirty Dick, I believe him… but ah’m warning you right here on television for the whole world to see… if you take any liberties out there boy you’ll have me to answer to. An you an I both know that one on one without any tricks an without any shortcuts there ain’t no way that you’re walking outta that ring if you get me fired up and boy you’re already close to tipping me over the edge of my patience.

“At the Lethal Lottery Dick Murdoch, you’re number will be up an’ the Rhodes boys will be standing victorious daddy.”

Grade: A*

LETHAL LOTTERY: ROUND ONE
Dynamite Kid & Jushin Liger (w/Lou Albano) vs. Buddy Rose & Doug Somers
http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DynamiteKid2.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JushinLiger.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerLouAlbano.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BuddyRose.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DougSomers.jpg

As detailed in their pre-match interview – Buddy Rose & Doug Somers have the huge advantage of being an established tag team… and in this competition this could prove vital… but few could’ve prepared for the thrilling combination made by two of the NWA’s highest flyers. Giving up size as well as experience, Dynamite & Liger focused on one thing that they have in abundance over their opponents: speed. And lots of it! Rose & Somers were frustrated by Liger’s quick bouncing around the ring, literally leaving Rose running around in circles at one point. Add to that the fact that Dynamite had the psychological advantage of having pinned both of his opponents in recent weeks as well as his exceptional technical skills and this was much more evenly balanced than anyone would’ve expected… Rose & Somers seemed to spend most of their energy focusing on Dynamite, almost blasé in their view that Liger posed no real threat. With both men double teaming Dynamite (and receiving a standing warning from the referee as a result), Buddy Rose came close to taking the win after a crisp DDT in the centre of the ring forced a last minute shoulder raise from Dynamite.

Rose & Somers experience was becoming more and more of a deciding factor and that’s why it came as such a surprise when a hot tag from Dynamite resulted in Liger catapaulting himself over the top rope and catching Somers for a near two count. It was Liger’s turn to be double teamed however and after a double suplex that left him prone, he was saved only by a Dynamite diving headbut to the back of Somers’ head… with a furious Rose on the outside being held back by Lou Albano, Liger quickly got to the top rope and performed a picture perfect shooting star press on Doug Somers to grab the shock three count!

Winners and through to the Quarter Finals: Dynamite Kid & Jushin Liger by pinfall in 12:46
Grade: C

http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/EddieGilbert.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TommyRich.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BigBossman.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/KerryvonErich.jpg
http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/KevinVonErich.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/KevinSullivan.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TullyBlanchard.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TerryGordy.jpg

We are presented with a video of the last eight men in the lethal lottery – promising that all eight men will be here next week in four combinations of two to determine the last sixteen in the Lethal Lottery competition.

Grade: C+

http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ArnAnderson.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/AustinIdol.jpg

The unlikely duo of Arn Anderson & Austin Idol have some words for their opponents tonight:

Arn Anderson: “I don’t know anything about what Teddy Long’s been saying about ‘the Man’ keeping down his tag team, but as an old friend of mine always says – to be the Man, you gotta beat the man and Larry Cameron, tonight, in the biggest and toughest match of your life – I’m the man. You beat me, then you deserve everything you get in this life, but son – you ain’t even coming close.”

Austin Idol: “And as for you Stan Lane, you and me have done this dance a few times over the years – and you got lucky… but this time I’ve got an ever better partner, an even stronger man by my side and when we meet in that ring in a few minutes time I’ve no doubt in my mind that I’ll be joining Arn in the next round of the Lethal Lottery – your number’s up Stan Lane! Ha Ha HA!”

Grade: C+

http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BarryWindham.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerTonySchiavone.jpg

Ric Flair & Barry Windham are deep in conversation at Tony Schiavone’s interview area and paying absolutely zero attention to him and his questions…

Windham: “You see Ric? That’s what they think of you right there! You heard Arn last week and it’s the same this week – he can’t even say your name. The guy’s got it in for you… you can’t trust them…”

Flair looks irritable and snaps back at Windham.

Flair: “I don’t need this right now Barry, I’ve got other things on my mind… Tully Blanchard, Arn Anderson – you’re my best friends in the world and I don’t see anything coming to change that. No matter what happens now or in the future, we’re friends for life… but with this Lethal Lottery coming up, I gotta tell ya, if we’re drawn against each other, I won’t hold back. I can’t. You know better than most what it takes to be the Nature Boy – and just like you just told Larry Cameron and Sweet… WOOOOOOOO!!! Stan Lane, you gotta beat the man. Because I AM the man. This golden belt right here round my waist means one thing and one thing only. I’m the best in the world at what I do… and what do I do Barry?

Windham : “You’re the…”

Both together: “Stylin’, profiln’, wheelin’ dealin’, kiss stealin’, limousine riding, jet flyin’ son of a gun!”

Flair: “WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!”

Windham: “Tully, Arn. I ain’t afraid to say the things that Ric can’t. I don’t hold no allegiance to you and frankly, I doubt I ever will. When Ric Flair and Ole Anderson asked me to join the Four Horsemen it was the proudest moment of my life. My daddy is one of the toughest men ever to walk the face of this earth and even he used to quake at the idea of coming up against the Horsemen – the elite group of wrestlers in the world. And to be part of that group, to be one of the men who define what this business is all about, ain’t no way I was turning that down… so you two turn up around here and expect me to bow down at your feet. You ain’t been watching the programme boys because I’M A HORSEMAN. And the Horseman don’t bow down to nobody, no matter who they are… or in your case who they were because you’re yesterday’s news… Ric might not want to say it, but I will – you’re nothing to me and you better cross your fingers and pray to your lucky stars that our paths don’t cross none boys because I won’t be holding back…”

Flair doesn’t look completely sold by what Windham has just said but there’s nothing else said about it as we cut back to the ring for our main event.

Grade: B+

LETHAL LOTTERY: ROUND ONE
Larry Cameron & Stan Lane (w/ Lou Albano) vs. Arn Anderson & Austin Idol
http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LarryCameron.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/StanLane.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerLouAlbano.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ArnAnderson.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/AustinIdol.jpg

Our main event has another two oddly paired teams but while Idol & Anderson might never be friends, at least they’re not outright enemies! From the very beginning it’s clear that Cameron & Lane have no interest in working together, despite Albano’s insistence to Lane that he be the bigger man. Teddy Long meanwhile keeps telling Cameron not to trust Lane, leaving Arn & Idol to take full advantage.

Despite this, Stan Lane takes the early advantage and very nearly scores a victory with a surprise roll-up on Idol that takes everyone by surprise... but it only garners a two count (and the fury of Arn Anderson...)

As the match progressed though, the disunity between Cameron & Lane reached boiling point, although agreeing to enter the ring initially, after around 10 minutes and with Lane in the ring receiving a beating from Arn, Cameron refused point blank to tag back in, leaving Lane to battle on his own.

He did his best, overcoming three pinfall attempts from his foes but it proved too much for him in the end and he dropped to a wicked Brainbuster from Anderson to send both him and his reluctant partner out of the competition.

Winners and through to the Quarter Finals: Arn Anderson & Austin Idol by pinfall in 17:12
Grade: B-

Overall Show Grade: B

Ritchardo · March 20, 2014

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/NWASC.jpg Official NWA Souvenir Program LETHAL LOTTERY '88 </div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>THE LETHAL LOTTERY: Lethal Lottery: Quarter Final: The Honky Tonk Man & Dusty Rhodes vs. Bob Orton Jr. & Terry Gordy The Dream and The Honky Tonk Man put differences aside to team against US Champion Bob Orton Jr. & one half of the NWA World Tag Team Champions 'Freebird' Terry Gordy Lethal Lottery: Quarter Final: Barry Windham & Ric Flair vs. Eddie Gilbert & Austin Idol The Memphis Mafia reunite for their toughest test yet, one half of the Four Horsemen... Lethal Lottery: Quarter Final: Bam Bam Bigelow & Kerry Von Erich vs Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson ... on the other hand you could be facing two FORMER Horsemen, the powerhouse tag team of Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard... not an easy task for Kerry & Bam Bam... Lethal Lottery: Quarter Final: Larry Zbyszko & Dynamite Kid vs Jimmy Snuka & Jushin 'Thunder' Liger Two men who tagged in the previous round are paired off against each other this time round, demonstrating just how difficult and cruel this tournament can be... especially when you're drawn up against the reigning AWA World Champion... and your tag partner hates your guts... Lethal Lottery: Semi Finals, Prelminary & Final Match-Up: The winning teams are placed back into the hat and drawn back out in new teams... the two winning teams go back into the draw before the final tag team match-up. The winning team then compete against each other in a winner takes all match. No Time Limit: NWA World Television Title: Terry Taylor (w/ Ole Anderson) © defends against ‘The Magnificent’ Don Muraco After taking Terry Taylor to within seconds of winning the TV title, Don Muraco gets his rematch on pay-per-view... and this time the timekeeper's bell isn't going to be a factor. Family Feud: Dustin Rhodes vs Dick Murdoch Since appearing on NWA television in his father's corner, Dustin Rhodes has been cajoled and bullied by Dick Murdoch verbally... the young Rhodes has had enough and is looking to do his talking and bullying in the ring! In Other Matches The Big Boss Man vs Blackblood Returning to the NWA as The Big Boss Man, the former Bubba Rogers has vowed to take down the Army of Darkness and has Blackblood firmly in his sights first. Ron Garvin vs Jimmy Garvin And you thought the Rhodes/Murdoch clash was personal... it's brother against brother when Rugged Ronnie takes Jimmy to task for his recent behaviour...</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> Fan Scorecard The Honky Tonk Man & Dusty Rhodes vs. Bob Orton Jr. & Terry Gordy Comments: Barry Windham & Ric Flair vs. Eddie Gilbert & Austin Idol Comments: Bam Bam Bigelow & Kerry Von Erich vs Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson Comments: Larry Zbyszko & Dynamite Kid vs Jimmy Snuka & Jushin 'Thunder' LigerComments: NWA World Television Title: Don Muraco vs Terry Taylor © Comments: Dustin Rhodes vs Dick Murdoch Comments: Big Boss Man vs Blackblood Comments: Ron Garvin vs Jimmy Garvin Comments: Who makes the final four of the Lethal Lottery (1 point each) Who finishes Runner-UP in the Lethal Lottery (2 points) Who Wins the Lethal Lottery (3 points) What was the match of the Night from the revealed card? What was the poorest match on the revealed card?</div></blockquote>

smwilliams · March 20, 2014

The Honky Tonk Man & Dusty Rhodes vs. Bob Orton Jr. & Terry Gordy

Barry Windham & Ric Flair vs. Eddie Gilbert & Austin Idol

Bam Bam Bigelow & Kerry Von Erich vs Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson

Larry Zbyszko & Dynamite Kid vs Jimmy Snuka & Jushin 'Thunder' Liger

NWA World Television Title: Don Muraco vs Terry Taylor ©

Dustin Rhodes vs Dick Murdoch

Big Boss Man vs Blackblood

Ron Garvin vs Jimmy Garvin

Who makes the final four of the Lethal Lottery (1 point each) Dusty Rhodes, The Honky Tonk Man, Arn Anderson, Ric Flair

Who finishes Runner-UP in the Lethal Lottery (2 points) Arn Anderson

Who Wins the Lethal Lottery (3 points) Ric Flair

What was the match of the Night from the revealed card? Windham & Flair vs Memphis Mafia

What was the poorest match on the revealed card? Big Boss Man vs Blackblood

franticloser · March 20, 2014

The Honky Tonk Man & Dusty Rhodes vs. Bob Orton Jr. & Terry Gordy

Comments:

Barry Windham & Ric Flair vs. Eddie Gilbert & Austin Idol

Comments:

Bam Bam Bigelow & Kerry Von Erich vs Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson

Comments:

Larry Zbyszko & Dynamite Kid vs Jimmy Snuka & Jushin 'Thunder' LigerComments:

NWA World Television Title: Don Muraco vs Terry Taylor ©

Comments:

Dustin Rhodes vs Dick Murdoch

Comments:

Big Boss Man vs Blackblood

Comments:

Ron Garvin vs Jimmy Garvin

Comments:

Who makes the final four of the Lethal Lottery Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson Barry Windham & Ric Flair

Who finishes Runner-UP in the Lethal Lottery Ric Flair(2 points)

Who Wins the Lethal Lottery (3 points) Arn Anderson

What was the match of the Night from the revealed card? Flair vs Anderson

What was the poorest match on the revealed card? Boss Man vs Blackblood

BlueStar · March 20, 2014

Fan Scorecard

The Honky Tonk Man & Dusty Rhodes vs. Bob Orton Jr. & Terry Gordy

Comments: Honky's doing well, Dusty's got heat. The other two are the perfect foil.

Barry Windham & Ric Flair vs. Eddie Gilbert & Austin Idol

Comments: Honestly, this is the one where I'm doubting but it's too soon for Flair to lose through interference.

Bam Bam Bigelow & Kerry Von Erich vs Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson

Comments: Bam Bam isn't ready yet.

Larry Zbyszko & Dynamite Kid vs Jimmy Snuka & Jushin 'Thunder' Liger

Comments: Larry got the belt and needs the momentum. Easiest decision here and the most logical.

NWA World Television Title: Don Muraco vs Terry Taylor ©

Comments: Muraco wins by DQ or count-out. Taylor retains.

Dustin Rhodes vs Dick Murdoch

Comments: DQ or Countout win.

Big Boss Man vs Blackblood

Comments: Not sure if BBM is going to make an impact but hey...

Ron Garvin vs Jimmy Garvin

Comments: Not sure if Ronny is going to be of use but he's better than Jimmy.

Who makes the final four of the Lethal Lottery (1 point each) Flair, Arn, Tully, Dusty

Who finishes Runner-UP in the Lethal Lottery (2 points) Flair

Who Wins the Lethal Lottery (3 points) Arn

What was the match of the Night from the revealed card? Honky/Dusty vs Gordy/Cowboy

What was the poorest match on the revealed card? BBM vs Blackblood

Ritchardo · March 20, 2014

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="BlueStar" data-cite="BlueStar" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Who makes the final four of the Lethal Lottery (1 point each) ***reserved***how does this work? Who finishes Runner-UP in the Lethal Lottery (2 points) ***reserved***how does this work? Who Wins the Lethal Lottery (3 points) ***reserved***how does this work? What was the match of the Night from the revealed card? **reserved** What was the poorest match on the revealed card? BBM vs Blackblood</div></blockquote> Because of the nature of the tournament and that even if you correctly guess the people to make it to the next round, there's no clear path as to who will face who in the next round - so in other words, who do you think will make it to the final four, who will be the runner-up and who will win the tournament (obviously your winner and runner-up will be in your final four selection as well). So think about what would make the most sense for a final 2v2 match-up and subsequent 1v1 match. In terms of the Match of the Night from the revealed card - as there's no way for you to know what the later rounds of the Lethal Lottery would be, the Match of the Night predicting is restricted to the matches that have been advertised (even though the actual match of the night is likely to be one of the later round Lottery matches). Does that make any more sense?

BlueStar · March 20, 2014

I'm game. I'll edit my previous post for predictions.

Beejus · March 20, 2014

The Honky Tonk Man & Dusty Rhodes vs. Bob Orton Jr. & Terry Gordy

Comments: Dusty will be making it further than this.

Barry Windham & Ric Flair vs. Eddie Gilbert & Austin Idol

Comments: Barry and Flair meeting Arn and Tully later would be a huge highlight.

Bam Bam Bigelow & Kerry Von Erich vs Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson

Comments: See above.

Larry Zbyszko & Dynamite Kid vs Jimmy Snuka & Jushin 'Thunder' Liger

Comments: Would be surprised if Snuka and Liger even make it to the ring.

Comments: This is the kind of win that could cement Taylor even more.

Dustin Rhodes vs Dick Murdoch

Comments: I could see Dusty coming in and stopping the match.

Big Boss Man vs Blackblood

Comments: Boss needs wins to cement the gimmick change.

Ron Garvin vs Jimmy Garvin

Comments: See previous.

Who makes the final four of the Lethal Lottery (1 point each) Flair, Arn, Tully, Dusty

Who finishes Runner-UP in the Lethal Lottery (2 points) Flair

Who Wins the Lethal Lottery (3 points) Tully

What was the match of the Night from the revealed card? I'm going with Arn and Tully vs 3B and Kerry. That is a LOT of talent to be had, and plus there will be chemistry/experience between Arn and Tully. Barring bad chem for Bigelow and Kerry, this one could steal the whole show.

What was the poorest match on the revealed card? You may have done so purposely, but Muraco vs Taylor was only a C on TV... I'll say they either duplicate or lower that for PPV.

TheBooker · March 20, 2014

The Honky Tonk Man & Dusty Rhodes vs. Bob Orton Jr. & Terry Gordy

Comments: Riding The Dream

Barry Windham & Ric Flair vs. Eddie Gilbert & Austin Idol

Comments: Horseman survive

Bam Bam Bigelow & Kerry Von Erich vs Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson

Comments: Horsemen vs Horsemen count me in

Larry Zbyszko & Dynamite Kid vs Jimmy Snuka & Jushin 'Thunder' LigerComments: The Living Legend and Dynamite advance

Comments: Terrific Terry beats Don The Rock

Dustin Rhodes vs Dick Murdoch

Comments: Dirty Dick buries Dustin

Big Boss Man vs Blackblood

Comments: Law and Order to Blackblood

Ron Garvin vs Jimmy Garvin

Comments: Jam beats hands of Stone

Who makes the final four of the Lethal Lottery: Arn, Tully, Ric and Dusty

Who finishes Runner-UP in the Lethal Lottery: Flair

Who Wins the Lethal Lottery: Tully

What was the match of the Night from the revealed card: Arn and Tully vs. Bam Bam and Kerry

What was the poorest match on the revealed card: Don The Rock vs. Taylor

The Final Countdown · March 21, 2014

I was wondering what you'd do with Sid. Great idea--now he can just stand around with Gary and be menacing for awhile while you build his popularity up a bit. It worked wonders for Undertaker (though obviously DiBiase is a bit more over than Gary Hart...)

That A* angle makes a lot more sense now that I've seen it play out, with Dusty at the wheel. When I saw that grade next to that angle in-game, I couldn't believe it. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

The Honky Tonk Man & Dusty Rhodes vs. Bob Orton Jr. & Terry Gordy

Comments: The toughest of the announced Lethal Lottery matches for me. I just figure that Gordy and the Cowboy both have titles already and don't really need any sort of rub from this, whereas Honky is chasing Larry Z and Dusty is likely your most over guy outside of Flair, and someone you'd want in the thick of this thing.

Barry Windham & Ric Flair vs. Eddie Gilbert & Austin Idol

Comments: Flair HAS to advance.

Bam Bam Bigelow & Kerry Von Erich vs Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson

Comments: There has to be some sort of showdown between Tully and/or Arn and Ric and/or Barry.

Larry Zbyszko & Dynamite Kid vs Jimmy Snuka & Jushin 'Thunder' LigerComments: Superfly's gonna kick the crap out of his own partner.

Comments: Like BlueStar, I'm predicting a DQ or CO and no title change.

Dustin Rhodes vs Dick Murdoch

Comments: This story is going to do wonders for Dustin if that A* angle was any indication, but there's no way he beats his daddy's rival.

Big Boss Man vs Blackblood

Comments: The only member of Sullivan's group I can see getting a win over Bossman is Sullivan himself.

Ron Garvin vs Jimmy Garvin

Comments: Ronnie's just kind of there, while Jimmy Jam's involved in a story.

Who makes the final four of the Lethal Lottery (1 point each) Flair, Tully, Honky & Larry Z.

Who finishes Runner-UP in the Lethal Lottery (2 points) Flair

Who Wins the Lethal Lottery (3 points) Tully

What was the match of the Night from the revealed card? Honky & Dusty vs. Orton & Gordy

What was the poorest match on the revealed card? Bossman vs. Blackblood

Sign In

JCP 1988 - The Alliance Fights Back (a TGA... and Beyond Diary)

Recommended Posts

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Archived