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

[Zergon]

<p><strong>The Honky Tonk Man & Dusty Rhodes</strong> vs. Bob Orton Jr. & Terry Gordy</p><p>

Comments: <em>With this kind of tournaments, surprises will happen sooner or later but with Honky Tonk challenging for one of the two main belts and Rhodes being one of the top guys, I figure it would hurt them a bit too much if they end up losing the likes of Orton and Gordy.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Barry Windham & Ric Flair</strong> vs. Eddie Gilbert & Austin Idol</p><p>

Comments: <em>Windham and Flair are simple bigger names and should be able to work together well too so barring interference from the likes of Arn or Tully, I don´t see them losing here.</em></p><p> </p><p>

Bam Bam Bigelow & Kerry Von Erich vs <strong>Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson</strong></p><p>

Comments:<em>Kerry and Bigelow are good but not good enough to beat Tully and Arn.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Larry Zbyszko & Dynamite Kid</strong> vs Jimmy Snuka & Jushin 'Thunder' Liger</p><p>

Comments: <em>With Zbyszko being one of your main champs and Liger & Snuke being very unlikely to be able to work together, I can´t really go with upset here either.</em></p><p> </p><p>

NWA World Television Title: <strong>Don Muraco </strong>vs Terry Taylor © </p><p>

Comments: <em>I actually go with title change here as I think Muraco actually has a real chance.</em></p><p> </p><p>

Dustin Rhodes vs <strong>Dick Murdoch</strong></p><p>

Comments: <em>Doubt Dustin is ready to go over here yet, this is likely just a build-up wo another Dusty vs. Dick match.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Big Boss Man</strong> vs Blackblood</p><p>

Comments: <em>If Boss Man has entire Army of Darkness on his sight, then he better get past Blackblood.</em></p><p> </p><p>

Ron Garvin vs <strong>Jimmy Garvin</strong></p><p>

Comments: <em>Jimmy is doing more at the moment.</em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

Who makes the final four of the Lethal Lottery (1 point each) <strong>Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard, The Honky Tonk Man and Larry Zbyszko</strong></p><p>

Who finishes Runner-UP in the Lethal Lottery (2 points) <strong>Tully Blanchard</strong></p><p>

Who Wins the Lethal Lottery (3 points) <strong>Ric Flair</strong></p><p> </p><p>

What was the match of the Night from the revealed card? <strong>Bam Bam Bigelow & Kerry Von Erich vs Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson</strong></p><p>

What was the poorest match on the revealed card? <strong>Big Boss Man vs Blackblood</strong></p>

[rtcrules]

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

Comments: Cant pick against Dusty here

 

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

Comments: Cant pick against Flair yet

 

Bam Bam Bigelow & Kerry Von Erich vs Tully Blanchard & Arn AndersonComments: Going with the established team

 

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

 

NWA World Television Title: Don Muraco vs Terry Taylor ©

Comments: Not sure how much longer Terry carries, but its not going to the Rock.

 

Dustin Rhodes vs Dick Murdoch

Comments: Always go with the debut guy

 

Big Boss Man vs Blackblood

Comments:

 

Ron Garvin vs Jimmy Garvin

Comments:

 

 

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

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

What was the poorest match on the revealed card? Rhodes/Murdoch

[guyver3]

<p><strong>The Honky Tonk Man & Dusty Rhodes</strong> vs. Bob Orton Jr. & Terry Gordy</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Barry Windham & Ric Flair</strong> vs. Eddie Gilbert & Austin Idol</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Bam Bam Bigelow & Kerry Von Erich vs <strong>Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Larry Zbyszko & Dynamite Kid</strong> vs Jimmy Snuka & Jushin 'Thunder' LigerComments:</p><p> </p><p>

NWA World Television Title: Don Muraco vs <strong>Terry Taylor ©</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p>

</p><p><strong>

Dustin Rhodes</strong> vs Dick Murdoch</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Big Boss Man</strong> vs Blackblood</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Ron Garvin vs <strong>Jimmy Garvin</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

Who makes the final four of the Lethal Lottery (1 point each) Dusty Rhodes Larry Zbyszko Ric Flair Arn Anderson</p><p>

Who finishes Runner-UP in the Lethal Lottery (2 points) Ric Flair</p><p>

Who Wins the Lethal Lottery (3 points) Arn Anderson</p><p> </p><p>

What was the match of the Night from the revealed card? LL finals</p><p>

What was the poorest match on the revealed card? Bossman Blackblood</p>

[pyroman]

<p>Fan Scorecard</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The Honky Tonk Man & Dusty Rhodes</strong> vs. Bob Orton Jr. & Terry Gordy</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Barry Windham & Ric Flair</strong> vs. Eddie Gilbert & Austin Idol</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Bam Bam Bigelow & Kerry Von Erich vs <strong>Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Larry Zbyszko & Dynamite Kid</strong> vs Jimmy Snuka & Jushin 'Thunder' LigerComments:</p><p> </p><p>

NWA World Television Title: Don Muraco vs <strong>Terry Taylor ©</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Dustin Rhodes vs <strong>Dick Murdoch</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Big Boss Man</strong> vs Blackblood</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Ron Garvin vs <strong>Jimmy Garvin</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

Who makes the final four of the Lethal Lottery (1 point each) The Honky Tonk Man, Larry Zbyszko, Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard</p><p> </p><p>

Who finishes Runner-UP in the Lethal Lottery (2 points) Ric Flair</p><p>

Who Wins the Lethal Lottery (3 points) Tully Blanchard</p><p> </p><p>

What was the match of the Night from the revealed card? Bam Bam Bigelow & Kerry Von Erich vs Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson</p><p>

What was the poorest match on the revealed card? Big Boss Man vs Blackblood</p>

[Ritchardo]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/FridayNightShowdown.jpg</span><p> <strong>Friday Night Showdown</strong></p><p><strong> October 28th, 1988</strong></p><p><strong> From The Barnhill Arena, Fayetville, Arkansas</strong></p><p><strong> Attendance: 7,761 </strong></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Announce Team: Jim Ross, Boyd Pierce & Nick Bockwinkel</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimRoss0.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BoydPierce.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/NickBockwinkel.jpg</span> </p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>Bam Bam Bigelow (w/ Precious) vs. Michael 'P.S.' Hayes</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BamBamBigelow.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerPrecious.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MichaelHayes.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> Something of a warm-up match for Bigelow ahead of the Lethal Lottery, Michael Hayes proved a stiffer challenge than Bigelow has faced in a while. The tattoed behemoth had to work hard against the NWA World tag team champion who, because of Terry Gordy’s upcoming Lethal Lottery match, found himself without any back-up… and the Mid-South crowd were very much behind Bigelow for the duration of this scintillating clash. Despite a big size advantage, Bigelow found that Hayes had a number of tricks up his sleeve for dealing with bigger men (no doubt thanks to his own training experiences with his tag team partner). This made Hayes a more dangerous opponent than many would’ve expected.</p><p> </p><p> In the end stamina came in to play because Hayes had no-one to tag out to when he was beginning to struggle against Bigelow’s power moves. When Bigelow hit the Slingshot Splash there was nowhere for Hayes to go and Bigelow picked up the victory in this highly entertaining opener.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner: Bam Bam Bigelow by pinfall in 14:10</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: B-</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/OleAnderson.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TerryTaylor.jpg</span><p> </p><p> In the back Ole Anderson & Terry Taylor are standing by:</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Anderson: </strong><strong><span style="color:#FF0000;">“Don Muraco you’ve got a big mouth son! Now if it were down to me, you wouldn’t be getting your second title shot at the Lethal Lottery but the thing is the NWA board are clearly more generous than me. If you can’t get the job done in the time you’re given then you shouldn’t get another bite at the cherry… but those are the cards we’ve been dealt and we’ll deal with them in turn… just remember that the Horsemen ALWAYS have an Ace up our sleeves…”</span></strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> Taylor: </strong><strong><span style="color:#9932CC;">“You don’t get called Mr. Fantastic by accident… and you might think you’re Magnificent, Don Muraco but in my book Fantastic trumps Magnificent so we’ll see how you are after the Lethal Lottery when I walk away with the whole pot…”</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: C-</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RonGarvin.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DavidCrockett.jpg</span><p> </p><p> <strong>Ron Garvin: </strong><strong><span style="color:#000080;">“You and I don’t have much in common David… but I know that we’re both family men. You grew up the younger brother in a wrestling family and it’s shaped the person that you are. Me? I was the older brother, and just like your brother no doubt tried to help you, protect you and introduce you to this business, I did the same for my baby brother. Little Jimmy… I remember him sitting on my momma’s knee… what went wrong with you boy? Ever since you met Precious you changed and not in a good way. It’s not that girl’s fault – I love that girl like a sister, always have but it’s you man, you changed. You became jealous, you went insane and you forced her away. Now she’s trying to get on with her life the way that you have and you can’t handle that! Well it’s time for me to do what I shoulda done a long time ago Jimmy, I’m gonna take you down to the woodshed for all the world to see – at the Lethal Lottery, I wanna see you in the middle of that ring, and I’ll warn you boy, I ain’t holding back!”</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: D</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DickMurdoch.jpg</span><p> </p><p> Another promo now as Dick Murdoch is on selling duty for his match with Dustin Rhodes:</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Murdoch: </strong><strong><span style="color:#FF0000;">“And it’s come to this! You finally done went mad Dusty because you’re letting your boy into the ring with me?! I’m gonna make him pay… I’m gonna make YOU pay! You turned that boy again’ me! You made him think that I was nothin’, well nothin’ is all I’m gonna give him in mercy tomorrow night because at the Lethal Lottery Dustin Rhodes will have his first AND last match you mark my words. And when you look at your baby boy, bloodied, battered, bruised and begging for mercy I want you to look into my eye Dusty Rhodes, right into this eye and see your own reflection staring back at you because that’s who will be responsible for what’s going to happen.</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#FF0000;"> “The only way you’re leaving the Lethal Lottery tomorrow night son is on a stretcher, and Dusty… if you’re dumb enough to try and get into the ring tomorrow night, I’ll fix you good and proper…”</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: B</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>Robbie Brookside vs Sid Vicious (w/ Gary Hart)</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RobbieBrookside.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/SidVicious.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerGaryHart.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> Gary Hart’s silent bodyguard Sid Vicious steps into the ring for his debut match against Robbie Brookside. Brookside makes the first move running straight at Vicious with a clothesline. Vicious doesn’t move and stares down at Robbie who bounces off the ropes and throws another punch at Vicious. He again shrugs off the blow but this time grasps at Brookside. He clubs him with a forearm to the back that drops Brookside to his knees. Vicious drags him to his feet and slings him into the ropes, as the dazed Brookside comes closer, Vicious throws up a huge boot that nearly decapitates the youngster. He’s down and out but rather than go for the count Vicious moves Brookside’s head between his legs and the announcers speculate that we’re getting a piledriver… only to instead deliver a deadweight powerbomb, planting Brookside into the canvas… the cover is a mere formality…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner: Sid Vicious by pinfall in 0:42</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: E-</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LarryZbyszko.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/HonkyTonkMan.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DustyRhodes.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpg</span><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BarryWindham.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ArnAnderson.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimmySnuka.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DynamiteKid2.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> The Lethal Lottery is advertised in a video that highlights some of the participants already through to tomorrow night’s Second Round.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: B-</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>The Southern Boys vs. The West Texas Hangmen</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TracySmothers.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/SteveArmstrong.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BlackBart.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BobbyJaggers.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> A tag team that seem made for the Mid-South, The Southern Boys return to NWA television with a battle against local stars Bobby Jaggers & Black Bart. Giving up a number of years in experience to Jaggers & Bart, you wouldn’t know it thanks to the Southern Boys exceptional chemistry and experience. Smothers & Armstrong work very well together and were keen to impress the Arkansas crowd. Despite the best efforts of Bart & Jaggers to cut Armstrong off, Steve managed to get the hot tag to Tracy Smothers who cleaned house and turned the momentum back in favour of the youngsters. A double superkick on Bobby Jaggers sealed victory for the duo with Smothers getting the honour of having his hand raised on behalf of the team.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winners: The Southern Boys by pinfall in 7:16</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: D+</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ArnAnderson.jpg</span><p> </p><p> <strong>Arn Anderson: </strong><strong><span style="color:#FF0000;">“Look around the wrestling world and you’ll hear plenty of people telling you all about the tournaments and competitions they’re taking part in where it’s every man for himself… but there’s nothing out there like the Lethal Lottery. A competition where you can team with your best friend in one round and be up against him in the next… sooner or later, I know that I’m going to come face to face with someone I really care about… and if I want to win… and he wants to win… well, we’re going to have to do something about that aren’t we?”</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#FF0000;"> “But the other side of the coin is something that people don’t really talk about… what happens when I draw someone I don’t like? What if me and Dusty Rhodes are drawn together? Dusty’s a heck of a wrestler but I don’t really care for the guy… what if… what if Barry Windham and I are drawn together? Huh Barry? What happens when you need to rely on me, a guy you’ve been bad mouthing for months? When you reach out your hand for a tag that could save not only the match but depending on who you’re in there with, your very career… what happens when you look up at me for help? Will I give it to you or will I leave you to be torn apart? Ha ha ha ha… to tell the truth Barry? I just don’t know myself…”</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: C</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BigBossman.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/KevinSullivan52.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerWoman.jpg</span><p> </p><p> The unlikely duo of Kevin Sullivan and The Big Boss Man are standing by, Sullivan is joined by Woman but not the rest of the Army…</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Sullivan: </strong><strong><span style="color:#FF0000;">“Tonight as the twilight descends on the trailer parks that the people of Arkansas call home, as the fear grows in the hearts of other men, tonight Kerry Von Erich and Eddie Gilbert will have to question their very existence when the powers of darkness are exalted, the master of the dark arts Kevin Sullivan will be joined by the Big Boss Man and he will finally see what I have tried to show him that this is the true path, and his destiny, isn’t that right BOSS Man?!”</span></strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> Boss Man: </strong><strong><span style="color:#4B0082;">“Uh-huh… the only thing that matters to me is that truth and justice are served and tonight Eddie Gilbert, your rulebreaking and cheating will come back to haunt you. Kerry Von Erich, you and me don’t have any problems and as far as I can see you’re a fine upstanding member of society… but sometimes the innocent have to go through hard time and tonight’s one of those times. I might not agree with this man next to me but tonight he’s my partner and what’s a sheriff who can’t trust his deputy?”</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> Sullivan seems to flare up at this</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Sullivan: </strong><strong><span style="color:#FF0000;">“What do you mean deputy? The Prince of Darkness is no-one’s deputy!”</span></strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> Boss Man: </strong><strong><span style="color:#4B0082;">“You’re MY deputy tonight and you’re goi…”</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> We fade out of the scene as the two argue and the announcers laugh that this is a team that’s bound to end in disaster… although if they can get on the same page their set to be extremely dangerous…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: C</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>LETHAL LOTTERY: ROUND ONE</strong></p><p><strong> Kerry Von Erich & Eddie Gilbert (w/Missy Hyatt) vs. The Big Boss Man & Kevin Sullivan (w/ Woman)</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/KerryvonErich.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/EddieGilbert.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerMissyHyatt.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BigBossman.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/KevinSullivan52.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerWoman.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> Our penultimate first round match has Mid-South hero Kerry Von Erich up against the odds by being forced to team with the duplicitous Eddie Gilbert and up against a dangerous duo in the shape of Kevin Sullivan and The Big Boss Man. Von Erich was fired up though and after some initial misgivings, Gilbert seemed to have earned Kerry’s trust for now at least. On the other side of the ring… not so much… The Boss Man and Kevin Sullivan seemed to be spending their time arguing about who was captain and this distraction almost let Eddie Gilbert steal the win with a Hot-Shot out of nowhere on Sullivan… it was too close to the ropes though and Sullivan was able to get his foot on the bottom rope and force a break of the count. </p><p> </p><p> Sullivan though seemed to take exception that Boss Man had just left him to escape the pinfall himself and furiously argued with the big man. When he turned his back on him, this seemed to be the last straw for Sullivan who signalled to the back and out came…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Blackblood.png</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TheWarlord1.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Blackblood and The Lord of Pain!</p><p> </p><p> The two jogged down to the ring and we were treated to the bizarre sight of a member of a tag team instructing his allies to attack his partner… Blackblood & The Lord of Pain obliged and despite his attempts to escape, The Big Boss Man was hit with the gallows while Kerry looked to try and interfere on his behalf… but Eddie Gilbert wasn’t having any of it! He held Kerry back, clearly looking to take advantage of the situation. The referee was utterly perplexed as to what to do! He couldn’t disqualify Sullivan because that would mean he’d win the match! Instead the bout continued… albeit not for very long as Gilbert quickly scuttled over and grabbed the pinfall on the prostrate Boss Man while Sullivan stood on the canvas looking on!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winners and through to the Quarter Finals: Kerry Von Erich & Eddie Gilbert by pinfall in 13:40</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: B</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpg</span><p> </p><p> We’re back in the interview area where Ric Flair stands alone with a microphone.</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Flair: </strong><strong><span style="color:#4B0082;">“We’re almost there! Two more men and then the Lethal Lottery! Is set… Tully Blanchard, my man, my main, main man… you have a chance – a big chance of making it through to the final rounds baby and THEN! Then we’ll see what Lady Luck has in store for us both… make no mistake about it, The Nature Boy is out to win this competition. And I will go through every and anybody to get my name on that trophy and to get the cheque for that sweet $100,000 that lets me continue in the lifestyle to which my ladies have become so very accustomed… WOOOOO!</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#4B0082;"> </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#4B0082;"> “Whether it’s Dusty Rhodes…” Flair slaps the back of his right hand against his left palm, “… Jimmy Snuka…” another slap, “Barry Windham… Arn Anderson… or even Tully Blanchard himself… the result will be the same” a trio of slaps now as Flair stares intently into the camera. Don’t ever bet against the Nature Boy because that’s one sure fire way of guaranteeing that you’ll bust out. Let there be no doubt – when the smoke clears tomorrow night, your World Heavyweight Champion will be the man standing in the middle of that ring with his head held high and the ladies by his side… WOOOOOOOO!!!”</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: A*</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>LETHAL LOTTERY: ROUND ONE</strong></p><p><strong> Tommy Rich & Kevin Von Erich vs. Tully Blanchard & Terry Gordy</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TommyRich.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/KevinVonErich.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TullyBlanchard.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TerryGordy.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> Our final match in the first round of this year’s Lethal Lottery and what a star studded line-up! Three men who have torn up Texas over the years including a former AWA World Champion, one half of the current NWA World Tag Team Champions, one of his predecessors and the fourth man in the quartet? Only a former NWA World Heavyweight Champion in his own right! Unlike the last match where both teams were made up of uneasy partnerships, the duos at play here seem to fit each other like gloves and it makes for a fantastic tag team match-up that brought the crowd to their feet. Gordy and Blanchard, perhaps unsurprisingly, were the aggressors for most of this match – Blanchard looked keen to send a message to anyone watching about his credentials for this match while Gordy enjoyed his time in the ring alone with Von Erich… It was the fourth man though Tommy Rich who nearly scored a shock pinfall with a superplex on Blanchard that took him to the very final nanosecond to kick out of – so much so that the crowd had leaped to their feet in joy.</p><p> </p><p> Also leaping was Terry Gordy… over the ropes and into the ring, he caught Rich with a running lariat that threatened to knock him out of his boots! As Gordy and Von Erich brawled on the outside of the ring, Blanchard recovered his senses and took about dismantling Rich in the ring, with a clinical superplex of his own, Tully could’ve had the match won but lifted Rich’s shoulders himself! The announcers were stunned at this arrogance and Blanchard decided instead to try and take this one with the figure four leglock… slapped on in the middle of the ring and with his tag partner being assaulted outside of the ring, Rich had no alternative but to quit while the announce team speculated about the significance of Tully using Ric Flair’s finishing move to qualify for the next round.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winners and through to the Quarter Finals: Tully Blanchard & Terry Gordy by Submission in 18:50</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: B+</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="font-size:18px;">Overall Show Grade: B+</span></strong></p></div><p></p><p> </p><p> --</p><p> </p><p> Should hopefully get the Lottery up by the weekend</p>

[The Final Countdown]

That's probably the first time our TV shows have ever pulled the same overall rating. Interesting...

[Ritchardo]

<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>That's probably the first time our TV shows have ever pulled the same overall rating. Interesting...</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Up to this point it's my second best show of the year - Crockett Cup has been my <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">only</span></strong> other B+ to this point and it was a loaded show in fairness as well as Ric responding to Dusty's promo of the year with an A* of his own I'm running a show in the Mid-South with Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy, Tully Blanchard and The Von Erichs across three separate matches... that's localised star power right there!</p><p> </p><p> I actually think the key difference has been bringing in Boyd Pierce on commentary. He has excellent experience with JR so that's given me a bonus on all matches (instead of the penalty I've been carrying since Bob Caudle passed away) and it turns out he has excellent chemistry with Nick Bockwinkel too so rather than having a three man announce team that was giving me penalties, they're now contributing to the rating.</p><p> </p><p> But yeah although we've the same overall rating I scraped into the B+ range while you probably just missed out on an A... I'm still pleased by the improvement though!</p><p> </p><p> Question is? Is the Lethal Lottery my show of the year so far or not now... tune in at the weekend to find out... <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> #cheapplug</p>

[Ritchardo]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/NWASC.jpg</span><p> <strong>NWA Lethal Lottery</strong></p><p><strong> October 29th, 1988</strong></p><p><strong> From The Municipal Auditorium, Nashville, Tennessee</strong></p><p><strong> Attendance: 15,000 (SELL OUT)</strong></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Announce Team: Jim Ross, Boyd Pierce & Nick Bockwinkel</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimRoss0.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BoydPierce.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/NickBockwinkel.jpg</span> </p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>LETHAL LOTTERY: QUARTER-FINAL</strong></p><p><strong> Dusty Rhodes & The Honky Tonk Man vs 'Cowboy' Bob Orton Jr. & Terry Gordy (w/ Ole Anderson) </strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DustyRhodes.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/HonkyTonkMan.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BobOrtonJr.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TerryGordy.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerOleAnderson.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> Our opening Quarter-Final match has the capacity crowd in Tennessee on their feet in anticipation! The much hated Honky Tonk Man is teaming with the legendary Dusty Rhodes and they’re up against fearsome opposition in one half of the NWA World Tag Team Champions and the reigning US Heavyweight Champ. Perhaps unsurprisingly it is Gordy and Orton who find their groove as a team that much quicker, both men have made a habit of bullying opponents in the past and both have recently had to deal with Dusty Rhodes… there’s clearly no love lost particularly when Rhodes and Orton throw gloves down and evoke memories of their Summer-long feud, memorably settled with an I-Quit match. Orton here is relishing the chance for revenge for that defeat and accepts a standing count on no less than three occasions from referee Tommy Young for excessive brutality. Terry Gordy doesn’t fare much better from the referee – a severe talking to for attempting to stand on Dusty’s throat doesn’t go down well with the crowd who are baying for a disqualification. So much is the crowd’s contempt for Gordy and Orton that even The Honky Tonk Man gets a large pop for tagging in to the match after Rhodes finally makes it back to his corner.</p><p> </p><p> Honky cleans house and after sending Orton packing over the top rope stands in the centre of the ring calling both men on! The audience are now fully behind him as he deals with the running Terry Gordy with ease. The momentum wasn’t to last though and the bruising duo soon have Honky struggling just like Dusty had been, tagging back into the match Rhodes’ second wind is paying dividends as the heels regroup to rethink things...</p><p> </p><p> Controversy reared its head when Dusty began to struggle against Gordy’s power but seemed to refuse to tag Honky Tonk Man in. Honky grew increasingly frustrated on the apron, although it did appear that Rhodes had the matter in hand, and when Orton tried for a discus punch, Rhodes sidestepped and caught him with a blistering atomic drop, Orton rocketed over to Gordy for the hot tag and the onrushing Gordy had clearly tried the same lariat trick once too often as again Dusty ducked the clothesline and caught Gordy square on the head with an elbow! Quickly, Dusty bounced off the ropes and hit the Bionic Elbow to grab the three!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winners and through to the Semi-Finals: Dusty Rhodes & The Honky Tonk Man by pinfall in 18:32</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: B-</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Dusty gets to his feet clearly elated to have won through to the next round and finds himself face to face with his tag team partner! Honky Tonk is furious that Dusty didn’t tag him back into the ring! Dusty is trying to explain that he had it covered but the Honky Tonk Man doesn’t want to hear any of it… behind Dusty’s back, Orton & Gordy are having a conference and they sneak back into the ring behind the Dream in full vision of The Honky Tonk Man! Dusty’s far too wrapped up in the argument to notice and… too late! Gordy and Orton have pounced! The two beat him down to the canvas while The Honky Tonk Man looks on! After what seems an ice age, Honky pushes the two away who seem stunned by this compassion! Honky helps the groggy Dusty to his feet….</p><p> </p><p> SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL!!!</p><p> </p><p> Dusty’s back down and the other two have leaped back on to him. Honky Tonk laughs callously and leaves the ring slowly swaggering away… Orton & Gordy aren’t going anywhere though! Gordy has a steel chair…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> WHAM!</p><p> </p><p> The chair collides with Dusty’s arm and the big man is agony as Orton continues to stomp! Gordy raises the chair high up and connects again! The two are dishing out a savage beating as a phalanx of backstage crew hit the ring and force the pair to break up the attack… the damage has been done though and Dusty leaves the ring on a stretcher while the announcers tell us that this is a prime example of the dangers of the Lethal Lottery… you can’t trust anybody because the Honky Tonk Man has just had a hand in taking out three of his most dangerous competitors in one go!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: B+</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>LETHAL LOTTERY: QUARTER-FINAL</strong></p><p><strong> Ric Flair & Barry Windham (w/ Ole Anderson) vs Austin Idol & Eddie Gilbert (w/ Missy Hyatt)</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BarryWindham.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerOleAnderson.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/AustinIdol.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/EddieGilbert.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerMissyHyatt.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> Jim Ross promises an update on Dusty Rhodes’ condition when more information is known but there’s barely time to breathe before our next match is underway. Eddie Gilbert & Austin Idol have the advantage of being a regular tag team… but they’re up now against the dangerous Horsemen pairing of Flair & Windham! Gilbert & Idol have had problems lately too Boyd Pierce reminds us as Idol finds himself in early trouble against Windham. The hot tag to Gilbert brings a change of pace and the section of the match pitting Hot Stuff against the Nature Boy is the in-ring highlight of the bout. The cracks in Idol & Gilbert’s relationship are there for all to see and when Gilbert attempts to interject himself in the match to save Idol from a Barry Windham leglock it only results in the referee being distracted and not noticing Ole Anderson pulling at Idol’s hair from the outside. Windham doesn’t seem happy about the interference and breaks the hold, not that it’s much comfort to Idol who is absolutely furious – he tags in Gilbert, unmolested and proceeds to pout and sulk on the apron. As the match continues, Gilbert runs out of luck and is soon locked perilously in Ric Flair’s figure four! Gilbert though is close to his own corner and reaches out desperately to Austin Idol’s extended hand… they’re only fingertips apart and Gilbert moves that extra inch to make the ta… NO! Idol has pulled his arm away! He gives Missy Hyatt a wink and drops to the ringside floor walks out! </p><p> </p><p> Eddie Gilbert has been abandoned by his tag team partner and friend! Gilbert looks on in absolute agony as Idol just smiles widely at him… with nowhere else to go and no-one to help him he quits!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winners and through to the Semi Finals: Ric Flair & Barry Windham by Submission in 11:56</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: B</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> After the match, Idol re-enters the ring and with Eddie Gilbert on the floor clutching his leg gets down in his face and shouts abuse at Gilbert… we can’t make out what is being said but the feeling behind the message is abundantly clear.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: C</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>LETHAL LOTTERY: QUARTER-FINAL</strong></p><p><strong> Larry Zbyszko & Dynamite Kid (w/ Lou Albano) vs Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger & Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka (w/Gary Hart)</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LarryZbyszko.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DynamiteKid2.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerLouAlbano.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JushinLiger.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimmySnuka.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerGaryHart.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerSidVicious.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> Given the chaos that had gone on tonight already you’d have been forgiven for thinking that this match might not even go ahead, what with Snuka’s notorious hot-headedness and abject hatred for his partner. But Snuka didn’t come to the ring alone… instead he was joined by Gary Hart, and his huge bodyguard Sid Vicious, without any explanation and perhaps it was Hart’s presence that kept him from walking out on Liger… not that Jushin seemed to need the help as he hung with the AWA world champion and his partner extremely well. Indeed the section involving Liger & Dynamite was arguably the highlight of this match – the two traded faced paced aggressive high flying moves and it seemed to do little to improve Snuka’s mood, tagging himself in behind Liger’s back. As the announcers were speculating whether they’ve enjoyed watching Dynamite & Liger more as partners or opponents, Snuka went at the Englishman with a renewed sense of zeal. Tag specialist Dynamite managed to slip a tag to Zbyszko that Snuka missed after being whipped into the ropes… Dynamite ducked the attempted clothesline and slid out of the ring with a baseball slide to Snuka’s perplexion. Zbyszko though had come up behind Snuka and caught him in the Larryland Dreamer! As Hart argued with Liger to get in the ring and break the hold, it was already way too late – nobody can escape that move if slipped on perfectly, and Snuka never even saw it coming!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winners and through to the Semi-Finals: Larry Zbyszko & Dynamite Kid by knockout in 8:53</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: B-</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>LETHAL LOTTERY: QUARTER-FINAL</strong></p><p><strong> Kerry Von Erich & Bam Bam Bigelow (w/ Precious) vs Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/KerryvonErich.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BamBamBigelow.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerPrecious.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TullyBlanchard.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ArnAnderson.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> Our final quarter final match sees another regular tag team pairing when Arn Anderson & the determined Tully Blanchard team together. This is clearly a formidable task for anyone but, Kerry Von Erich is no stranger to tag teaming and Bam Bam Bigelow has never backed down yet from a fight… and what a fight this was! The two teams went at each other hammer and tongs to the point where you would be hard pressed to believe that this was the beginning of what could be a long night for two of these men… Bigelow and Anderson traded big punches in the middle of the ring, The Enforcer not backing down despite Bigelow’s height and weight advantages. For his part, Bigelow kept up with the technical skills of both Anderson and Blanchard as they looked to try and get the big man off his feet. It didn’t happen though because a tag to Kerry Von Erich later and the Modern Day Warrior was cleaning house!</p><p> </p><p> Blanchard and Von Erich seemed to have some particular animosity for one another (doubtless linked to Tully’s match the night before against his brother). Blanchard though seemed to have too much in the tank… he just couldn’t keep Kerry down! A superplex pin attempt got a near fall when Von Erich got his shoulder up at the death and a strong figure four from Arn didn’t fare much better thanks to the hot tag to Bigelow!</p><p> </p><p> Like a bull in a china shop, Bigelow knocked Arn for six and quickly scaled the ropes looking to land a moonsault… a big mistake against a team as wily as Anderson & Blanchard though because Tully had ran over the apron to where the big man was and pushed him off, Bigelow landed in a crumpled heap and it allowed Anderson to get a hot tag of his own. Tully and Arn used their time together to pull off an awesome double superplex on Bigelow and Blanchard went for the cover… only for Bigelow to somehow get his shoulder up! Tully was staggered but not for long, dropping an accurate fistdrop on Bigelow he went for another cover… didn’t come close.. the kickout coming after barely a one count. Tully then seemed to take his time, looking to try and pick Bigelow off when a mistake was made… as Bam Bam got to one knee, Blanchard tried to hit a running knee to his head, but Bigelow was waiting for it, catching Tully and upending him instead. The tag to Kerry brought the house down! The crowd could sense a major upset and when he threw his discus punch at the staggering Blanchard it looked to be all over!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 1…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 2…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> NO!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Arn Anderson breaks up the count at the last second and Bigelow’s back in the ring brawling with him! As the two brawl and the referee desperately tries to regain control, Kerry looks on in abject confusion… Blanchard though has more ring awareness and catches Kerry with a low blow, doubling over Kerry is schoolboyed into a pinfall by Tully, a handful of tights in his hand and the referee makes the count!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winners and through to the Semi-Finals: Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard by pinfall in 15:40</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: B</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Wasting no time, Arn & Tully leave the ringside area as Kerry shakes his head in disbelief at the mis-carriage of justice. He pats Bigelow on the back and leaves the ring himself while Bigelow applauds the audience for their help.</p><p> </p><p> As Bam Bam makes his way up the aisle he’s confronted by some all too familiar faces…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimmyGarvin1.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerDirtyWhiteGirl.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Jimmy Garvin is heading down to the ring for his match with Dirty White Girl… and with a surge he makes a run at Bigelow… thankfully there’s enough security around to stop a brawl kicking off but Garvin is still looking back and hurling abuse at Bigelow’s back as the big man is escorted away from the ring.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: D</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>Ron Garvin vs Jimmy Garvin (w/ Dirty White Girl)</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RonGarvin.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimmyGarvin1.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerDirtyWhiteGirl.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> Built without much fanfare, the crowd weren’t given much reason to care about this match and it showed in their reactions – what could’ve been a compelling brother vs brother match-up was treated instead as some kind of rest break before the next round of the tournament got under way. And to be fair they didn’t miss much because although both veterans of the grap game, Ron and his kayfabe brother failed to get the crowd onside – Garvin was certainly the crowd favourite but it did him little to no favours, Jimmy easily countering all of Ron’s attempts to make the match technical (the announcers speculating that Ronnie was having a hard time putting the brawling beating to his brother due to the emotional connection between the two). A bit of a flat affair in the end, Jimmy proved the superior of the Garvins on this occasion, throwing his feet up on the ropes to add leverage to the pinfall that came after ---. The referee missed it and Jimmy had his hand raised for the three.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner: Jimmy Garvin by pinfall in 6:28</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: C</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>Dustin Rhodes vs DickMurdoch</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DustinRhodes.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DickMurdoch.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> For the second match in a row we’re brought into family matters that can only be settled in the squared circle as young Dustin Rhodes, son of the legendary Dusty Rhodes makes his in-ring debut against his godfather, ‘Dirty’ Dick Murdoch. Dustin was supposed to be joined at ringside by his father but the announcers tell us that Dusty was forcibly taken to hospital to review the injuries sustained by Bob Orton Jr., Terry Gordy and The Honky Tonk Man after the first match tonight. His daddy’s health might be playing on his mind or it could be his general inexperience but Dustin cuts a forlorn figure in the ring and it’s clear for everyone to see within a matter of minutes that he is very much out of his depth against Dick Murdoch. The godfather picks his godson apart mercilessly, apparently unaffected by Dustin’s attacks, he easily swats away the youngster time and again before pounding on Rhodes with his own offence.</p><p> </p><p> Six minutes in, and after receiving a number of stiff shots to his jaw, Dustin looks shaky… when something remarkable happens, Murdoch, who’s blows up until now have been unblockable throws a sloppy right at Dustin who, instead of trying to block the punch as he has up until now, grabs the arm and spins behind Murdoch pulling the arm up high in an armbar behind him! Murdoch yells in pain but his yelps are cut off short by Dustin throwing his right arm around the front of Murdoch’s neck before driving him into the canvas, Rhodes’ own head butting Murdoch’s left shoulder. Dustin is going for a pinfall from nowhere!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 1…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 2…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> NO!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Murdoch kicks out at the last second but Rhodes has clearly been energised by the exchange, he bounces off the ropes and goes for the bionic elbow…. NO! He’s missed it! Murdoch rolled out of the way and he looks p1ssed! Murdoch is not playing anymore! He unloads kicks on Dustin who writhes in agony underneath him. Murdoch now bows down and punches into Dustin’s head… the forehead splits and blood pours down Dustin’s face – still Murdoch won’t let up… the referee pulls Murdoch off and he looks to lash out… but thinks better of it, he instead kicks into the prone Dustin as more blood continues to run from his head. Turning the youngster on to his back, Dick Murdoch sits down on his back and puts him in a camel clutch! Murdoch is threatening to rip Rhodes head off and there’s no shame in quitting to this barrage of abuse.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner: Dick Murdoch by Submission in 7:56</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: B</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Dick Murdoch is refusing to break the hold! And with the match over there’s nothing the referee can do about it, blood is pouring over Murdoch’s hands as Dustin continues to struggle in agony. Murdoch begins shouting at the cameras “Are you Watching Dusty?!!! Look at your boy now!!!”</p><p> </p><p> Jim Ross is disgusted and calling for help to come from the back… which does eventually arrive as a series of Road Agents including Blackjack Mulligan, Blackjack Lanza and Billy Robinson pull Murdoch from the broken Dustin. Murdoch raises his arms in mock salute to the crowd who are baying their abuse at him as the Blackjacks and the others direct him from the ring.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: C</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>LETHAL LOTTERY: SEMI FINAL</strong></p><p><strong> Larry Zbyszko vs Tully Blanchard & The Honky Tonk Man</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LarryZbyszko.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TullyBlanchard.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/HonkyTonkMan.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> And now we have the unusual situation where Larry Zbyszko faces the uphill battle of a handicap match against two of his most dangerous opponents because the partner who was supposed to wrestle alongside him has been sidelined by injury. If there’s one thing we know about Larry Zbyszko though it’s that’s he’s a fighter. And fight he does gamely but it becomes clear that while Honky & Tully are far from friends, they’re on the same page when it comes to Larry Zbyszko! Both men take turns working on ‘The Living Legend’ and utilising quick tags the duo fight a textbook handicap bout against Larry that leaves him with virtually no chance. He does his best though and it one point even catches the Honky Tonk Man in the Larryland Dreamer… but he’s too close to the ropes and it’s easy for Blanchard to reach over and break the hold. Although the crowd remained firmly behind him until the bitter end, the AWA World Champion’s odds were too heavily stacked against him and he left the competition thanks to Tully Blanchard’s superplex as the former champion took a measure of revenge.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner: Winners and through to the Preliminary Final: Tully Blanchard & The Honky Tonk Man by pinfall in 9:24</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: B-</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BarryWindham.jpg</span><p> </p><p> Ric Flair & Barry Windham are waiting in the wings with a few words about the ongoing Lethal Lottery</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Flair: </strong><strong><span style="color:#000080;">“The luck of the draw! WOOOOOOO! Earlier on tonight you watched the Nature Boy and Barry Windham team up and take down one of the most dangerous tag teams in the NWA… and now… now you’re going to get a repeat because Arn Anderson, Dynamite Kid… tonight, WOOOOOOOOO!!! You stand in the way of destiny, because Ric Flair & Barry Windham, we’re on our way to the Preliminary Final… and on our way to the Lethal Lottery being added to the Horseman Trophy Cabinet. Dynamite Kid, you might be one of the most explosive and exciting technicians on the planet… but you’re no Ric Flair…. Arn Anderson… brother… we know each other real well but just like last month’s Fall Brawl, you’re gonna come up short tonight… I’m looking ahead already and Tully… Honky… Barry… I can beat you all and I will overcome you all whether it’s next round or the final itself, there can be only ONE man on the top of the mountain… and baby you’re lookin’ at him! WOOOOOO!”</span></strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> Windham: </strong><strong><span style="color:#4B0082;">“That’s right Arn Anderson, it looks like all my dreams are coming true tonight because at last the time for talking is up and the moment is now. Arn Anderson you and me are going to meet in that ring right now… and I’m finally going to make you eat your words because all I want, all I EVER wanted from this tournament was for a chance to get you inside that squared circle and take you apart. When Ric and I have to wrestle as we will at some point, I’ll give it my all… but as long as I’ve kicked your ass Arn Anderson I won’t give a damn whether I win, lose or draw tonight.”</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: B</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>LETHAL LOTTERY: SEMI FINAL</strong></p><p><strong> Ric Flair & Barry Windham (w/ Ole Anderson) vs Arn Anderson & The Dynamite Kid (w/ Lou Albano)</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BarryWindham.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerOleAnderson.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ArnAnderson.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DynamiteKid2.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerLouAlbano.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> The same pairing as in the first round, Windham & Flair have the advantage of having worked with each other… on the other hand, both Arn Anderson & The Dynamite Kid made their names in the United States as tag team specialists and what we get as a result is a fantastic technical bout that seemed to push all four men to their limits. The match opens with Windham in the middle of the ring calling Arn Anderson in, Anderson though seems completely dis-interested and after a seemingly never-ending delay, Dynamite Kid finally enters the ring to star the match-up. The two put on a strong technical bout with Windham struggling to keep up with Dynamite’s stiff style. Kid wants Flair and gets his wish when Windham finally gives up the ghost on getting his hands on Arn for the time being. </p><p> </p><p> Dynamite and Flair have a blistering battle, the two trading chops from one side of the ring to the other as the crowd roar in approval. The pair trade counter moves as Dynamite flips his way out of arm bars and into chicken wings. The crowd eat up the exchange and the ring savvy that Dynamite shows in being able to tag in Arn mid-counter. We then embark on something of a truncated re-match from last month at Fall Brawl, but with what seems to be a little extra niggle from Arn.</p><p> </p><p> Flair makes moves to tag in Windham… but Arn keeps cutting him off at the pass much to Windham’s frustrations on the outside. We enter a long stretch of nearly 10 minutes with Flair trying to survive Arn Anderson’s assault, a superplex attempt brings a two count from the NWA World Champion and an inverted DDT might’ve resulted in a pinfall if Barry Windham hadn’t dived through the ropes and broken up the pinfall attempt. Anderson was furious at the interruption and went straight to Windham’s corner, pointing in Barry’s face and issuing threats while Flair recovered, Windham had to be physically restrained from entering the ring by the referee as Arn badmouthed him… but he’d let his guard down because behind his back Ric Flair has snuck behind him… SCHOOLBOY!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 1…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 2…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Kick-out! Arn has enough to get out of the hold at the very last second. Flair’s up though and makes a dive towards Windham’s outstretched hand… and connects! Barry Windham is tagged in and the crowd goes wild as Arn Anderson turns around with a look of horror on his face. Arn goes to throw a punch but Windham blocks and turns it into an Irish Whip into the top left corner. Anderson shows remarkable ring presence to immediately sprint out of the corner and over to Dynamite Kid for the tag, much to the crowd’s disgust. </p><p> </p><p> Windham looks furious as Dynamite re-enters the match while the crowd boo what they see as cowardice from Arn. Anderson though just taps his head as he looks out over the crowd, turning his back on the ring… it was a mistake… Dynamite had resumed his move, countermove style attack and this time Windham was ready, quickly reversing an armbar attempt, Windham threw his legs up and tangled Dynamite’s right arm with them while holding on to the left, using his weight and momentum, Windham dragged Dynamite down to the canvas in a crucifix pin…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 1…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 2…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 3…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Dynamite kicks out just a fraction too late and Arn Anderson has totally missed the deciding exchange, he looks around in disbelief as he realises what’s happened a fraction too late!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winners and through to the Preliminary Finals: Barry Windham & Ric Flair by pinfall in 16:28</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: B</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>Jimmy Valiant vs. Sid Vicious (w/ Gary Hart)</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimmyValiant.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/SidVicious.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerGaryHart.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> A last minute addition to the card sees Gary Hart’s sinister bodyguard Sid Vicious taking on veteran Jimmy Valiant. While Valiant might’ve been expected to put up a better fight than poor Robbie Brookside a few weeks ago it was not to be… Vicious seemed to be completely unphased by Valiant’s blows… Sid sadistically smiling as Valiant threw his blows… the big man tired of this before even the crowd did though, smashing the Boogie Woogie Man with a sledgehammer blow that dropped him to the canvas. Wasting no time, Vicious roughly grabbed Valiant and threw him high up in the air with a massive powerbomb before sloppily covering him for the three count and a huge victory for Hart’s man.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner: Sid Vicious by pinfall in 0:53</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: D-</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MagnificentMuraco.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TerryTaylor.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerOleAnderson.jpg</span><p> </p><p> A short video plays of the events leading to Don Muraco’s TV title shot at the pay-per-view. Much is made of Terry Taylor having to rely on the time limit to sneak a draw with Muraco and ends with Ole Anderson promising that they have an ace up their sleeve…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: C+</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/nwatv.jpg</span><p> <strong>NWA World Television Championship</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> ‘Magnificent’ Don Muraco vs ‘Mr. Fantastic’ Terry Taylor © (w/ Ole Anderson)</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MagnificentMuraco.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TerryTaylor.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerOleAnderson.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> Our only title match of the night is conducted at a polar opposite pace to the first match between the two. This time, with no time limit to rely on, Taylor has to take the match to Muraco a lot more. The stalling tactics are now gone as Taylor tries to out-condition ‘The Magnificent One’. Muraco though is in prime fitness and thanks to his superior strength, has Taylor on the run for the duration of the match. Outside the ring, Ole is spending a lot of time trying to gaud Muraco into attacking him… but Muraco’s having none of it! Instead he spends his time systematically wearing down Mr. Fantastic who is really struggling to deal with the cool, calm and collected Muraco. A bearhug from Muraco leaves Taylor weak and ripe for the plucking and not even a surprise roll-up from Taylor can put much of a dent in his plans, as evidenced by the almost effortless kick out after a one count. Taylor, although very fit himself seems to be really struggling and Ole is showing signs of being very, very worried and Muraco on the other hand seems certain to be crowned the next TV champion… making the classic mistake of over confidence. With a rear chinlock applied and Taylor struggling to hold on, Muraco doesn’t seem to see or hear the signs that something might be wrong behind him because from out of the back under the instruction of Ole Anderson comes…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BobOrtonJr.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> BOB ORTON JR!</p><p> </p><p> The Cowboy has already created mayhem tonight by having a hand in Dusty Rhodes injury and he quickly makes his mark with a solid boot to the back of Muraco’s neck! The referee immediately calls for the bell as Orton continues his attack.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner: Don Muraco by Disqualification in 12:38; Terry Taylor retains the NWA World Television Title</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: C+</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> The result is almost irrelevant for the crowd as they take in the sight of former tag team partners Muraco & Orton trading blows in the ring with relish. Orton is the fresher of the two though and it’s for that reason that Muraco finds himself being launched over the top rope with an Irish whip. Orton follows up with a double axe-handle off the ring apron but misses his mark, catching a punch to the breadbasket for his trouble. ‘Magnificent’ Don and the reigning US champion brawl to the back while a frustrated Taylor pushes Ole away inside the ring. He might’ve retained his title, but Taylor is far from happy at having to be bailed out by Bob Orton.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: B-</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>The Big Boss Man vs Blackblood (w/ Kevin Sullivan & Woman)</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BigBossman.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Blackblood.png</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerKevinSullivan.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerWoman.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> A match that few spectators seemed to rate as being of particular interest before the event, this was a surprisingly entertaining affair with the two big men putting on a solid brawling match that followed on well from Muraco & Orton’s rough-housing. Stemming from Kevin Sullivan’s treachery the previous night, this hastily arranged match-up was actually something of a treat and another fine example of the Big Boss Man’s rising stock as the huge Blackblood couldn’t do enough to put Boss Man away. An attempt at a Full Nelson failed when, with the fingers still unlocked, Boss Man was able to power his way out to the amazement of the big hangman. The furious Sullivan banged hard on the canvas urging Blackblood to finish the job off, but Boss Man had too much in the tank, an attempted clothesline from Blackblood was reversed into a Sidewalk Slam that shook the ring and gave the Big Boss Man a hard earned victory.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner: The Big Boss Man by pinfall in 9:06</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: B-</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p> </p><p> It’s now time for the final tag team match in the first Lethal Lottery… the announcers explain that for this round each man has randomly drawn a number backstage and have been kept separate from one other… nobody knows who their partner will be until they step through the curtain…</p><p> </p><p> The ring announcer now announces the man who drew number one for the penultimate match… ‘From Charlotte, North Carolina…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> WOOOOOO!!! It’s the Nature Boy! The NWA World Heavyweight Champion makes his way down to the ring looking resplendent in his robe that glitters in the blue light as Also Sprach Zatharusta rumbles throughout the arena. Flair removes his robe and stands in the ring… waiting for fate to deal its final hand in the tournament…</p><p> </p><p> “And his tag team partner for this penultimate final to the Lethal Lottery…” the announcer pauses as the excitement builds in the audience… no matter what name is called it’s set to be fascinating… </p><p> </p><p> “From San Antonio, Texas…” Flair visibly sags in the ring, he knows that whatever way the dice has to wrestle all three men… but this is arguably the worse possible draw he could have, Flair knows only too well who is heading through the curtain as…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TullyBlanchard.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Tully Blanchard makes his way to the ring…</p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: B</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>LETHAL LOTTERY: PENULTIMATE FINAL</strong></p><p><strong> Ric Flair & Tully Blanchard vs The Honky Tonk Man & Barry Windham (w/ Ole Anderson)</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TullyBlanchard.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/HonkyTonkMan.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BarryWindham.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerOleAnderson.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> Tully doesn’t say a word to Flair as the four men prepare for the match in their respective corners. A brief conference on the opposite side of the ring ends with Barry Windham agreeing to start the match and Ric Flair takes the initiative to lock up with his friend and ally on the other side of the ring. The crowd are a buzz at the idea of Ric Flair & Tully Blanchard having to team together… and potentially wrestle each other. But it’s not what Windham & The Honky Tonk Man have in their plans and Windham starts off in a surprisingly aggressive fashion against Flair. Taking the match to the Nature Boy (and a little fresher given the way the last match had gone down), Windham tried to end things early with a running bulldog that pulled a two count followed up by a sleeper hold that wore away at Naitch’s resilience. Still, you don’t get to the top of the NWA mountain without having something up your sleeve and using the last ounce of his strength, Flair was able to scoop Windham up and perform a modified back bodydrop to break the hold.</p><p> </p><p> Crawling over to his corner, Flair reached out his hand to Tully who refused at first to extend his hand… after what seemed like forever though, Tully made the tag just as Windham reached his own corner to bring the Honky Tonk Man in. It was Tully’s chance to be the aggressor this time round and he went at Honky with a furious flurry that sent the Elvis impersonator reeling. A well placed thumb to the eye slowed Blanchard’s assault and the match settled into a decent rhythm as all four men had equal ring time and tried to finish things in their favour.</p><p> </p><p> Ole Anderson had started the match in Barry Windham’s corner but wandered between both sides of the ring unencumbered and seemed genuinely divided as to what he wanted to happen.</p><p> </p><p> One other curious note about the match though was Blanchard and Flair’s tagging. After the initial reluctance from Tully, things seemed to get a lot more cordial as the two put things behind them and worked well as a team… that was until the Honky Tonk Man in a last gasp desperation move caught Tully Blanchard with a Shake, Rattle and Roll that sapped the energy from both men. As the two men lay staring up at the lights the referee began a standing count on both teams… although as Jim Ross pointed out on commentary it’s not exactly clear how the final match could take place if both teams were counted out… it was a moot point though because after a standing seven count, The Honky Tonk Man managed to crawl over and throw an arm over Tully Blanchard…</p><p> </p><p> 1…</p><p> </p><p> 2..</p><p> </p><p> NO! Tully managed to get an arm up to break the count and is getting to his feet one knee at a time… Honky’s wasting no time and is crawling back towards Barry Windham but Tully has stopped in front of Ric Flair and is giving him a stream of steady abuse for not coming into the ring to break the count! Flair is in Tully’s face now and the crowd are glued on the action as Honky makes it back to his own corner, using the turnbuckles to slowly climb back to his feet. Tully slaps Flair hard on the chest to tag him in. Flair is taken aback and climbs inside next to Tully – the finger is jabbing in his face and this team looks ready to explode… until Tully steps back onto the apron… just as Barry Windham’s running knee connects with Flair’s back, pushing him deep into the corner turnbuckle.</p><p> </p><p> The two exchange grapples in the corner and Windham looks for another running Bulldog but Flair manages to escape the noose, pushing Windham away. Barry turns and runs at Flair again with another running knee, but Flair’s too sharp, he dives out of the way and clatters into the corner. Flair is quick as a flash and drags Barry back towards the middle of the ring, he slaps the figure four into the knee that just clattered into the corner and almost instantly Windham is forced to quit! Flair’s done it! And now we’re getting the final we were all crying out for!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winners and through to the Lethal Lottery Final: Ric Flair & Tully Blanchard in 22:54</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: B+</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> The Honky Tonk Man is still dazed and confused and leaves the ringside area with clear disappointment in his body language, meanwhile Barry Windham is holding his knee and struggling badly. Ole Anderson helps Windham get to his feet and gives him a shoulder to lean on to the backstage area. Meanwhile only two men are left… Tully Blanchard has slowly stepped into the ring and is now standing face to face with Ric Flair… the two men stare intently at each other and the hush over the crowd is palpable… Tommy Young is reminding both men of the rules and asking them for a fair fight – neither man appears to be paying attention though… you can cut the intensity with a knife as after what seems like an eternity both men lock up…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: B</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>Ric Flair vs Tully Blanchard</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TullyBlanchard.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> As this match builds Jim Ross and Boyd Pierce call it the NWA’s match of the year… certainly on American soil they’re not exaggerating… Ric Flair & Tully Blanchard put on a masterclass of how it is done for the paying audience, all of whom are on board for the duration in this roller coaster match-up. The niggle between the two legends has been building all night, for months in fact and it all boiled down to this. Ric Flair’s NWA World Title is not on the line of course but pride, and a lot of it is. Flair seems happy to try and outwrestle Tully for the duration while Blanchard seems intent to turn the physicality a little bit more rough. Somewhat surprisingly though he never resorts to cheating (which Bockwinkel thinks must be a first…), best exemplified by his passing on an opportunity to ram Flair’s head into the ringpost outside, Blanchard seems to hesitate… allowing Flair to escape with a well placed elbow and that’s as close as he gets to taking things to the next level. </p><p> </p><p> Instead we get a surprisingly fair contest almost reminiscent of last month’s Fall Brawl main event, neither man looking to take unfair advantage of the other.</p><p> </p><p> The beginning of the end of the match comes when Blanchard caught Flair on the top rope and catapaulted him onto the canvas. Climbing to the second turnbuckle, Tully delivered a strong fistdrop that picked up a good two count. Battling back to their feet, Flair seemed to be struggling and Tully quickly slapped him with a brainbuster that shook the ring and left the Nature Boy down and out. Blanchard stopped before going for a pinfall – he stared over at the ring announcer’s desk where the NWA World Heavyweight title lay… before looking back at the flat out Ric Flair. Snapping back to his senses, Blanchard went for the three count… but had left it too long, Flair kicked out at two and Blanchard opted to go for a figure four of his own… he had been too slow for Flair though, The Nature Boy used his other leg to push Blanchard off, such was the strength of the push, Blanchard was sent running into the ropes. Flair was up and behind him as quick as a flash as Blanchard bounced back off the ropes, Flair was there with a schoolboy… </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 1….</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Flair’s got a handful of tights! But the referee can’t see it!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 2…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 3!!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner of the 1988 Lethal Lottery: 'The Nature Boy' Ric Flair by pinfall in 23:37</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: A</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Also Sprach Zatharusta blares over the PA system as Ric Flair lies on his back pulling in oxygen. Tully Blanchard though is far more animated, he’s complaining bitterly to Tommy Young that Flair had a handful of tights. But Young is hearing none of it, he’s out of the ring and heading down the aisle without a backward glance leaving Tully Blanchard in a seething rage for the second month in a row… and again… he’s blaming Ric Flair for it!</p><p> </p><p> As Flair gets to his feet, Tully just stares at him incredulously – he doesn’t say a word but it’s clear for everyone in the building to see just how worked up he is. Flair goes to speak to Blanchard but he doesn’t seem interested and starts yelling at Flair about cheating and treating him with respect, Flair looks dumbfounded and protests first his innocence and then that it’s all part of the game. Tully seems to calm a little and Flair sticks out his hand.</p><p> </p><p> Tully simply stares down at Flair’s outreached hand as a hush falls on the audience again. His gaze runs up from his hand to Flair’s eyes. Without warning, Tully Blanchard delivers a massive slap to Flair’s face! Without another word, Blanchard walks away from the shellshocked Nature Boy whose hand still remains stuck out looking for a shake from one of his best friends.</p><p> </p><p> We go off air with a shot of Tully Blanchard walking down the aisleway with Ric Flair visible over his right shoulder looking on in stunned silence.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: B</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="font-size:18px;">Overall Show Grade: B+</span></strong></p></div><p></p><p> </p><p> --</p><p> </p><p> A more predictable PPV than I had originally intended (thanks to Ric Flair refusing to do the job in the final tag match… in retrospect it was the right call as I think the re-worked finish, although more predictable, would’ve kept the crowd more interested than a Honky/Windham bout… although this also forces me a re-write or two in the coming few weeks.)</p><p> </p><p> It’s all building for Starrcade and short of some disastrous injuries, the card is pretty much locked down… before looking ahead though, let’s loo back at the three B rated matches for the prediction contest which were graded as follows…</p><p> </p><p> Ric Flair/Barry Windham vs Eddie Gilbert/Austin Idol – 79</p><p> Arn Anderson/Tully Blanchard vs Kerry Von Erich/Bam Bam Bigelow – 79</p><p> Dick Murdoch vs Dustin Rhodes – 77</p><p> </p><p> Now this, along with the score for the non-title main event all seems to bode well for what’s set to be my Starrcade main event (and how could it not be now?!) of Ric Flair vs Tully Blanchard for the NWA World Title… just as pleasing though is young Dustin Rhodes pulling a B with Dick Murdoch. That’s a fantastic result for a guy who prior to the match was ranked in popularity between Shashka Whatley and Pat Tanaka… (There was around 40 popularity points in the SE between the two). Definitely one to keep an eye on for the future and it’s really made me think twice about my long term plans for Dick Murdoch too...</p><p> </p><p> As I can’t split the top two matches any further, any votes for either of these matches gets the point.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Prediction Contest</strong></span><p> </p><p> Lethal Lottery Prediction scores (from a possible 19):</p><p> </p><p> Zergon: 17</p><p> smwilliams: 11</p><p> The Final Countdown: 11</p><p> pyroman: 11</p><p> Beejus: 10</p><p> TheBooker: 10</p><p> rtcrules: 9</p><p> BlueStar: 8</p><p> franticloser: 8</p><p> guyver3: 8</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Overall Standings</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> Well... Zergon's a bit of a machine really... the only person to correcly predict the winner he also got the runner-up spot on as well so that five points has certainly helped him stretch his lead with only one show left in the contest!</p><p> </p><p> Zergon = 35</p><p> Smwilliams = 27.5</p><p> pyroman = 26</p><p> guver3 = 25</p><p> The Final Countdown = 24</p><p> Beejus = 23</p><p> Bluestar = 21</p><p> franticloser = 19</p><p> rtcrules: 15</p><p> LordofGustav = 13</p><p> TheBooker = 10</p><p> Jaultma2: 9</p><p> |Anderz| = 7</p><p> borman48 = 7</p><p> K-Nection = 7</p><p> emoasyou = 5</p><p> </p><p> Thanks to everyone for your predictions, both regulars and new - you all, along with everyone who comments or who just clicks on the diary on the read it are the inspiration to keep on writing - thanks a lot guys and gals <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />.</p><p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> Next up all the news that’s fit to print in our monthly round-up as we enter the final furlong before the granddaddy of them all... Starrcade is coming and hopefully it'll live up to the hype I'm giving it in my own head!</p>

[BlueStar]

<p>Great show and some great setups for Starrcade.</p><p> </p><p>

Surprise of the night: Murdoch and Dustin pulling a B grade! Murdoch still seems to have plenty to give your fed. </p><p> </p><p>

Did you reach National yet?</p>

[Beejus]

Flair vs Tully had a lot more impact than Honky vs Windham would have, anyways. Fantastical show man, not sure where the World champion winning the Lethal Lottery goes from here, but I can't wait to see what you do with it!

[Zergon]

Considering that I already won the last contest, I would be ok to give the prediction prize to whoever gets second assuming that I will win it this time. After all, it´s more fun when plenty of people are able to leave their own mark on this diary and I already had mine with Army of Darkness. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

[BlueStar]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Zergon" data-cite="Zergon" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Considering that I already won the last contest, I would be ok to give the prediction prize to whoever gets second assuming that I will win it this time. After all, it´s more fun when plenty of people are able to leave their own mark on this diary and I already had mine with Army of Darkness. <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I got TFC Dick Slater...to even the odds. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[Ritchardo]

<p><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=""><span style="font-size: 20px;" id=""><span style="font-size: 20px;" id=""><strong id="">Wrestling Observer Newsletter</strong></span></span><hr style="margin:0px;" id=""><span style="font-size: 20px;" id=""><strong id=""><br id=""></strong></span></div></div> </div></div></div></div></div></p><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong><span style="font-size:18px;">INJURIES TAKING THEIR TOLL?</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> Jim Crockett Promotions appear to be dealing with a laundry list of injuries and niggles if the reports we're hearing are to be believed. As well as Ivan Koloff's ongoing chronic shoulder issues that have saw the Russian veteran's appearances limited in the extreme, Tully Blanchard & Ric Flair have both reported some fatigue after a hectic schedule that saw them both turn in four matches in one night at the Lethal Lottery. Both men are expected to keep working TV but are due to have an in-ring break for at least two weeks before the 'Battle by the Bay' lead-in to this year's Starrcade (see below for more details).</p><p> </p><p> Also on the bench is Barry Windham. Windham tweaked his arm in the Preliminary Final at the Lethal Lottery and there are big question marks as to whether he'll be able to take to the ring against Arn Anderson as has been strongly hinted at over the past few months. Windham, like Flair & Blanchard is still expected to appear on TV to help build the supershow.</p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong><span style="font-size:18px;">THE RETURN OF THE BATTLE BY THE BAY</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> AWA fans were left little consolation when the NWA confirmed that their world title would not be absorbed into the group 'at this time' but have been given some relief in that the long rumoured title unification match for Starrcade was shelved in favour of a more personal issue between Ric Flair & Tully Blanchard. Well there are signs that this might be more than a stay of execution thanks to the news that the NWA are resurrecting the AWA's infamous San Francisco event 'The Battle by the Bay' as the first of what it describes as 'Flagship House Shows' - these events are expected to run once a month outside of the core NWA strongholds as the group attempts to create a National presence to compete (in the US at least) with the WWF juggernaut. Rest assured, we'll bring the news from these events in our monthly round-ups but don't expect any detailed write-ups on our budget!! </p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong><span style="font-size:18px;">RIC FLAIR BUDDIES UP WITH DUSTIN RHODES?</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> It's something that would horrify many purists but if the rumours are to be believed then Ric Flair has taken it on himself to act as some kind of tutor to Dustin Rhodes! The son of the American Dream, Dustin is apparently keen to extend his learnins and become the best wrestler he can be... the son of the son of the plumber and the protege of the Nature Boy?!!! That is some true pedigree potential and it has all the makings of a killer feud somewhere down the line!</p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div style="text-align:center;"><div><strong><span style="font-size:18px;">Around the Wrestling World</span></strong><p> </p><p> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><span style="font-size:12px;">Title News</span></strong></span></p><p> </p><p> Demolitions's domination of the World Wrestling Federation tag scene came to an end at this year's Wrestlefest thanks to Rick & Scott Steiner. <strong>The Steiner Brothers</strong> made wrestling headlines when they were attacked during their Wrestlemania IV debut by a gaggle of NWA superstars and it seems to have knocked their confidence a little... they've bounced back in fine style though with a huge win over a pair of real WWF heavyweights.</p><p> </p><p> Also in tag team title news, <strong>The Road Warriors</strong> were crowned the first Unified World Tag Team Champions in AJPW following a treamendous bout with Kakuryu (Genichiro Tenryu & Jumbo Tsuruta) that some are calling a real contender for tag team match of the year.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Other Title Changes</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> All-Asia Tag Team (AJPW) - Hiroshi Wajima & Genchiro Tenryu d. Shinichi Nakano & Shunji Takano</p><p> AJPW Junior Heavyweight - Masanobu Fuchi d. Kuniaki Kobayashi</p><p> AJPW National d. Hiroshi Wajima</p><p> </p><p> USPW National - Bruno Sammartino d. Brian Knobbs</p><p> USPW National Tag Team - Danny Davis & Phil La Fon d. Jeff Jarrett & Brian Knobbs</p><p> </p><p> WWA World Heavyweight - Calypso Jim d. Golden Lion</p><p> </p><p> GLOW Tag Team - Chainsaw & Spike d. Corporal Kelly & Attache</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><span style="font-size:12px;">Match of the Month</span></strong></span></p><p> </p><p> After being involved in MOTYC last month, you'd have been forgiven for thinking that Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat might take it easy this month... but Steamboat came out and proved again just why he's the number one man in the business right now with another fantastic match, this time with Jake 'The Snake' Roberts in a feud that is only going to get better! Although only pulling a 99 on the audience rating chart as opposed to last month's 100, that's being put down to some disappointment that the wonderful Dibiase feud appears to be over rather than any drop in quality.</p><p> </p><p> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>In the top matches from the other wrestling groups:</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> AJPW: The Road Warriors d. Kakuryu (95)</p><p> JCP: Ric Flair d. Tully Blanchard (92)</p><p> </p><p> UWA: Villano III d. Blue Panther (84)</p><p> CSW: Ric Flair d. Mark Fleming (80)</p><p> </p><p> UWF: Chavo Guerrero d. Brad Rheingans (78)</p><p> CMLL: Fuerza Guerrera d. Lizmark (77)</p><p> CCW: Kevin Von Erich d. Buzz Sawyer (77)</p><p> WCWA: Kevin Von Erich d. Nord the Barbarian (74)</p><p> ASWUK: Kendo Nagasaki d. Brian Maxine (70)</p><p> WWC: Black Gordman d. Carlos Colon (70)</p><p> </p><p> CWA: Tommy Rich d. Jonathan Boyd (69)</p><p> JPUK: Drew McDonald d. Giant Haystacks / Sid Cooper d. Terry Rudge (65)</p><p> WWA Mex: Atlantis & Mano Negra d. Super Astro & El Leon de Occidente (65)</p><p> CWA Europe: Klaus Wallas d. Steve Wright (65)</p><p> PNW: Mike Miller & Ice Man Parsons d. Cocoa Samoa & Steve Doll (60)</p><p> </p><p> W*ING: Masanobu Kurisu d. Kazuo Funaki (59)</p><p> Stampede: Keith Hart d. Strangler DiSalvo (58)</p><p> USPW: Wendell Cooley d. Buddy Landel (57)</p><p> WWA: Austin Idol d. Bobby Jaggers / Calypso Jim d. Golden Lion (57)</p><p> ASW: Billy Two Eagles d. Buck Ramstead (52)</p><p> </p><p> GLOW: Americana d. Godiva (47)</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><span style="font-size:12px;">Show of the Month</span></strong></span></p><p> </p><p> They're not the top wrestling company in the world for nothing, and the WWF have been putting on hit show after hit show all year long - this month's entry, <strong>Wrestlefest</strong> kept up the incredible high standards of its predecessors and suggests that with Survivor Series having to deliver to not only beat out the WWF's other shows but also the NWA's Starrcade, it's going to be a November to Remember!</p><p> </p><p> As well as the headlining Ricky Steamboat title defence against Jake Roberts, we had a tag team title switch thanks to The Steiners overcoming Demolition and Mr. Perfect's first PPV Intercontinental title defence against Tito Santana. For our money though, the best moments came outside the ring when Steamboat was savagely beaten down by The Snake immediately following their bout and Rick Rude threw down gloves with the special referee in his bout 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>The Rest of the Big Shows in Audience Rating Order:</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> 2. JCP Lethal Lottery (89)</p><p> 3. AJPW October Giant Series (80)</p><p> 3. UWA Fall of The King (80)</p><p> 5. CMLL Leyenda de Plata 1988 (71)</p><p> 6. UWF Unleased (68)</p><p> 7. ASWUK Battle Lines (67)</p><p> 8. WCWA Cotton Bowl Extravaganza (65)</p><p> 8. CWA Goin' Crazy (65)</p><p> 10. JPUK Caged Ambition (64)</p><p> 11. WWA Mexico Epocas Duras 1988 (63)</p><p> 11. CSW X-Rated (63)</p><p> 11. CWA Europe Vendetta (63)</p><p> 14. CCW Another Attempt (60)</p><p> 15. WWA Caged Ambition (58)</p><p> 16. SWC Domino Effect (56)</p><p> 17. GLOW Youth Gone Wild (55)</p><p> 18. PNW Subhuman Race 1988 (54)</p><p> 18. WWC Global Warfare (54)</p><p> 20. USPW Passing the Torch (51)</p><p> 21. ASW Action (50)</p><p> 21. W*ING War Strategies (50)</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><span style="font-size:12px;">Other News: Arrivals</span></strong></span></p><p> </p><p> WWF: Dick Slater (Written)</p><p> WWF: Vic Steamboat (PPA)</p><p> </p><p> JCP: Gary Hart (Written)</p><p> JCP: Boyd Pierce (PPA)</p><p> JCP: Sid Vicious (Written)</p><p> JCP: Harley Race (Written)</p><p> </p><p> NJPW: Tony Atlas (Tour)</p><p> NJPW: Shane Douglas (Tour)</p><p> NJPW: King Kong Bundy (Tour)</p><p> NJPW: Butch Reed (Tour)</p><p> NJPW: The Barbarian (Tour)</p><p> NJPW: Ashura Hara (Tour)</p><p> NJPW: Hiromichi Fuyuki (Written)</p><p> </p><p> AJPW: Chigusa Nagayo (Written)</p><p> AJPW: Lioness Asuka (Written)</p><p> AJPW: Noriyo Tateno (Written)</p><p> AJPW: Jumbo Hori (Written)</p><p> AJPW: Jackie Sato (Written)</p><p> AJPW: Nancy Kumi (Written)</p><p> AJPW: Yukari Omori (Written)</p><p> AJPW: Kazue Nagahori (Written)</p><p> AJPW: Yumi Ikeshita (Written)</p><p> </p><p> ASWUK: Dynamite Kid (Loan)</p><p> </p><p> WCWA: Ox Baker (PPA)</p><p> WCWA: Percy Pringle (PPA)</p><p> WCWA: Johnny Valiant (PPA)</p><p> WCWA: Norvell Austin (PPA)</p><p> </p><p> UWF: Brickhouse Brown (PPA)</p><p> UWF: Al Perez (PPA)</p><p> UWF: Ric Flair (Loan)</p><p> </p><p> CCW: Hercules Ayala (PPA)</p><p> </p><p> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><span style="font-size:12px;">Other News: Departures</span></strong></span></p><p> </p><p> WWF: Sgt. Slaughter</p><p> </p><p> JCP: The Barbarian</p><p> </p><p> NJPW: Don Muraco</p><p> NJPW: Ken Patera</p><p> NJPW: Adrian Adonis</p><p> </p><p> ASWUK: Dynamite Kid (Loan)</p><p> </p><p> WCWA: Gary Hart</p><p> WCWA: Tony Atlas</p><p> WCWA: Brickhouse Brown</p><p> </p><p> UWF: Sid Steele</p><p> </p><p> CWA: Sid Vicious</p><p> CWA: Percy Pringle</p><p> </p><p> PNW: Wild Samoan Kokina</p><p> </p><p> CSW: Dusty Rhodes (Loan)</p><p> CSW: Ric Flair (Loan)</p><p> </p><p> CCW: Vladimir Petrov (Loan)</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><span style="font-size:12px;">Other News: Injuries</span></strong></span></p><p> </p><p> Ivan Koloff - Chronic Shoulder Pain (41 Days)</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><span style="font-size:12px;">Other News: Retirements</span></strong></span></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Debbie Combs </strong></p><p><strong> Sheik Abdullah Ali Hassan</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><span style="font-size:12px;">Other News: New Workers</span></strong></span></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Louie Spicolli</strong></p><p><strong> Brian Lee</strong></p><p><strong> Miwa Sato</strong></p><p><strong> Ted Turner</strong></p><p><strong> Dwayne Bruce</strong></p><p></p></div></div><div></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong><span style="font-size:12px;">Other News: Misc</span></strong></span></p><p> </p><p> <strong>WCWA</strong> and CCW have apparently declared war on one another as their relationship continued to crumble. This marks just the latest in Fritz' ongoing issues with the National Wrestling Alliance and its members. How this will impact on Kevin & Kerry Von Erich who are both making a living with the NWA is still to be determined.</p><p> </p><p> <a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1928976&postcount=758" rel="external nofollow">For more information on the WWF – check out The Final Countdown’s diary here:</a></p></div><p></p></div></blockquote>

[olympia]

<p>I love these month end summaries that both you and TFC do. Nice summaries of all the major happenings from your promotion as well as the others. It's actually neat to see the opinions and comments that you make about the other's league - since it is kind of speculation, but with some insider knowledge.</p><p> </p><p>

It's as good as reading the old PWI magazines back in the day. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/cool.png.f00d2562b2c1d873a09323753efdb041.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[w4lru5]

<p>Just got caught up. Man, this is an awesome dynasty. I love the way the shows are written and the month-end summaries are great.</p><p> </p><p>

I hope you make something in-game of Flair taking Dustin Rhodes as a protege. And I love what you've done so far. Hope this continues for a long, long time.</p>

[CPBHBK]

Love the PWI Article, it's awesome

[Ritchardo]

<p>And.... after an unexpected lay off of around two months, we're back!</p><p> </p><p> Sorry guys - real life problems caught up with me for a bit there and if truth be told I can't guarantee they're not going to do it again but I'm here for now and I just want to give a big public shout out to TFC for his patience and just all-round awesomeness!</p><p> </p><p> Anyway, you're not here to read about me, you're here to read about the Horsemen... or to see if I've finally posted something so that TFC's WWF can finally get moving again... either way... next show is here!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/FridayNightShowdown.jpg</span><p> <strong>Friday Night Showdown</strong></p><p><strong> October 21st, 1988</strong></p><p><strong> From The Columbus Civic Center, Columbus, Georgia</strong></p><p><strong> Attendance: 9,479</strong></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Announce Team: Jim Ross, Boyd Pierce & Nick Bockwinkel</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimRoss0.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BoydPierce.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/NickBockwinkel.jpg</span> </p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DickMurdoch.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BobOrtonJr.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TerryTaylor.jpg</span><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MagnificentMuraco.jpg</span></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LarryZbyszko.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/HonkyTonkMan.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TullyBlanchard.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> Our show opens, as is tradition lately immediately after a PPV, with still photographs and a brief update from the announce team as they explain some of the highlights from another big night of NWA action.</p><p> </p><p> In particular they focus on Dick Murdoch’s violent message to Dusty Rhodes; Bob Orton Jr’s interference in the Television Title match and blowing Don Muraco’s big chance; Larry Zbyszko’s brave handicap match attempt against The Honky Tonk Man & Tully Blanchard; and, of course, Tully Blanchard & Ric Flair’s showdown ending with Tully’s slap to Flair’s face.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: B-</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MagnificentMuraco.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TerryTaylor.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BobOrtonJr.jpg</span><p> </p><p> Following on from our video we’re told that tonight’s main event will see Don Muraco looking for an ounce of revenge against both Terry Taylor and his former tag team partner, ‘Cowboy’ Bob Orton Jr. in a tag team encounter. Muraco’s not letting on who his partner’s going to be but Jim Ross promises to let the audience at home know if he gets let in on the surprise.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: C+</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>Tommy Rich vs. Austin Idol</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TommyRich.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/AustinIdol.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> Another story coming out of the Lethal Lottery that has somewhat been lost in the shuffle was the implosion of the Memphis Mafia: Austin Idol finally appeared to have had enough of Eddie Gilbert and abandoned him to a beating at the hands of Ric Flair & Barry Windham. Idol’s arrogant swagger has the ire of the crowd from the very beginning of this hot encounter. Both of these men have been feuding in the Memphis area of the NWA we’re told and it has spilled out into the national group. These two put on a strong showing together and perhaps it’s his recent turn on Gilbert that’s responsible but Austin Idol appears to have an extra spring in his step and although Tommy Rich puts up a valiant effort, Idol seems to have a little too much in the tank tonight. A Las Vegas leglock in the centre of the ring is inescapable and Rich has no option but to give in.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner: Austin Idol by submission in 8:12</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: C+</strong></p><p> </p><p> After the match, Idol has a sneaky kick at Tommy Rich before demanding a house microphone from the ring announcer. </p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#FF0000;">Idol: “What you’ve just witnessed… is a rebirth! For too long, I’ve let others drag me down, I’ve let men not fit to stand in my presence, stop me from achieving everything I can in the NWA. Well no more! Tommy Rich is nothing, Eddie Gilbert is nothing and Ric Flair? He’s nothing either. Make no mistake Flair, when I get done with beating the tar out of that no good Hot Stuff, I’ll be coming after you. </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#FF0000;"> "But Eddie… You’re first on my hitlist and I wanna see how much of a man you really are. You come out here with a gorgeous woman on your arm and you don’t deserve her… Missy Hyatt deserves a real man and if you want to prove that you’ve got the balls, then why don’t you put Missy on the line? I want you at Starrcade Eddie Gilbert. And afterwards? I want Missy Hyatt! That’s right, for One Night Only, if I beat you in that ring at Starrcade then Missy Hyatt gets One Night with me – the Idol, the Adonis of the NWA and believe me… it’ll only take one night for Missy Hyatt to see what a real man can give her!”</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> Idol soaks up the catcalls as he swaggers back to the dressing room while Boyd Pierce berates him as a disgusting individual.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: C</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>NWA World Cruiserweight Championship</strong></p><p><strong> Jushin Liger © vs. The Dynamite Kid (w/Lou Albano)</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JushinLiger.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DynamiteKid2.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerLouAlbano.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> Yet more fallout from the Lethal Lottery sees Jushin Liger and Dynamite Kid meet for the NWA World Cruiserweight title. The two teamed together and then competed against each other in the subsequent match, Dynamite getting the victory over Liger’s tag team partner Jimmy Snuka. The mutual respect on show is clear for all to see in an exciting match between the two high flying stars. Jim Ross makes great mention of Dynamite Kid’s stellar matches in the Orient and that Jushin Liger has clearly been influenced by Dynamite’s work. Far from overawed, Liger gives it his all in what is the toughest test of his championship reign to date. </p><p> </p><p> Liger goes for a shooting star press but Dynamite has been playing possum! As he rolls out of the way, Liger lands face first on the mat before bouncing on to his back clutching his abdomen, Dynamite’s not wasting any time though, he’s over at the corner turnbuckle and looking for his famous diving headbutt…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimmySnuka.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/GaryHart.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/SidVicious.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> But here comes Jimmy Snuka! The Wildman is out along with Gary Hart and his huge bodyguard Sid Vicious! Dynamite is standing on the top turnbuckle pointing and arguing with Snuka… The Superfly isn’t interested though, he’s making a beeline for the ring and drags Liger out by the hair. He puts the blows to the struggling Liger but Dynamite’s not standing around to watch! He leaps at Snuka and knocks him off his feet as the referee calls for the bell.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner: No Contest in 11:33</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: C</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> The match is over but the fight isn’t! Snuka is rolling around with Liger while Sid Vicious puts big kicks into the Englishman. Hart signals to the back and out comes…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Afa.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Sika.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> AFA & SIKA! The Wild Samoans are here and they’re making a beeline for Captain Lou! It’s all kicking off and the numbers game is too much…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ChrisAdams22.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> But here comes ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams! He’s out to save his partner and manager!</p><p> </p><p> Adams catches Sika with a running clothesline, but Afa gets immediate revenge with a thumb to Adams’ throat. The two Samoan giants beatdown on Adams as the brawl rages on. The referee attempts to regain control as the locker room empties of officials.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: C+</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>The Bullet vs Brad James</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BobArmstrong2.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BradJames.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> The masked legend ‘The Bullet’ takes on NWA newcomer Brad James wearing a leisure style tracksuit and a cocky air. The Bullet takes the fight to the youngster from the get go, but James is happy to stand back and casually fight off the attacks, looking for a counter. It proves a good strategy when The Bullet rushes at James and finds himself caught in a side headlock. James looks to remove the mask and The Bullet’s desperate attempts to keep his anonymity proves to be his undoing, as both hands move up to protect the hood, it allows James to catch him off balance with a Russian Leg Sweep and the full weight of the side headlock crashing down on his back.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner: Brad James by pinfall in 5:59</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: D+</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/HonkyTonkMan.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerTara.jpg</span><p> </p><p> The Honky Tonk Man is beaming at the camera in the interview area, Tara is standing by with a microphone in hand.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#FF0000;">Honky: “I told you girl didn’t I? I told theWORLD! The Honky Tonk Man is the greatest wrestler in the world today and let me tell you, if it hadn’t been for my tag team partner injuring his arm when he did in the final tag match at the Lethal Lottery, you’d be looking at the holder of that $1,000,000 prize – believe you me. But fate had other ideas instead so ole Honky he didn’t get his hand raised at the end of the night… but what he did do was send a message. Dusty Rhodes, you were in my way – I took an opportunity and I exploited it. You were removed and I went about my business… and Larry Zbyszko… the AWA World Heavyweight Champion… if I seem to recall then it was ME who hit you with the Shake, Rattle and Roll! It was ME who pinned your shoulders to the canvas and it was ME who took the three count to move to the next round baby.</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#FF0000;"> “Larry Zbyszko, I’ve proven myself again to be the greatest wrestler in the NWA today and I’ve earned my shot at that AWA World Title. At Starrcade, you’re luck is gonna be up and I’ll be the one at the top of the Hit Parade.”</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: A</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>NWA World Tag Team: Number 1 Contenders' Match</strong></p><p><strong> The Von Erichs vs. Buddy Rose & Doug Somers</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/KerryvonErich.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/KevinVonErich.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BuddyRose.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DougSomers.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> Billed as a number one contenders match for the NWA World Tag Team Titles at Starrcade, this was an enthralling battle as The Von Erich brothers found themselves up against the tough challenge of Buddy Rose & Doug Somers – the former AWA world champions are a phenomenal team regardless of your opinion of the men involved and they gave Kevin & Kerry a fight in every sense of the word. Rose was content to use dirty tricks from the side of the ring whenever he could, pulling at Kerry’s long hair while Pretty Boy worked over him in the corner and generally making a nuisance of himself. When he did finally enter the ring, Kevin Von Erich showed no mercy much to the delight of the crowd. An iron claw attempt by Kerry was broken up by Somers as Rose clung on to the match by his bare fingertips and by the time his discus punch connected with Somers a few moments later and Kerry dropped down for the pinfall victory, the crowd knew they’d enjoyed this a lot more than they would’ve expected at the start of the night.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winners and Number One Contenders for the NWA World Tag Team Championship: The Von Erichs by pinfall in 12:48</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: B-</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DickMurdoch.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DustinRhodes.jpg</span><p> </p><p> We’re shown grainy black and white footage of Dick Murdoch busting open Dustin Rhodes at the Lethal Lottery and sadistically pulling back in a camel clutch before returning to the studio where Murdoch stands with a sick grin on his face.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#FF0000;">Murdoch: “I hope you were watching that Dusty Rhodes, as you lie there in your steel reinforced hospital bed supping up soup with a straw, I hope you see what I did to your punk kid! Little runt thought he was man enough to step up to me?! Pffft… he ain’t nothing but a joke. But like you just seen, I ain’t got time for laughing cos Dusty Rhodes I’m on a mission – tomorrow night in San Francisco I get what’s mine – my shot at the NWA World Heavyweight title… and if you’re able to drag your sorry ass back to the ring, how about you be my first title defence Dusty? </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#FF0000;"> </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#FF0000;"> “I’ll cut you that break, for old times sake and then I’ll drag you around by the hair and whup you up and down every inch of that arena. Just so you don’t get no ideas about running away neither, you’re gonna be lashed to me boy! Since we’re gonna be in the heart of Texas, let’s have a good ole fashioned Texas Bullrope match – I hope you got little Dustin front row seats because I want him to see what I’m gonna do to his daddy… and believe me Dusty, if you thought I took it all out on your kid, there’s plenty left were that came from.”</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: C+</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><p><strong>Don Muraco & Lex Luger (w/ J.J. Dillon) vs Terry Taylor & 'Cowboy' Bob Orton Jr. (w/ Ole Anderson)</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MagnificentMuraco.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LexLuger.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerJJDillon.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TerryTaylor.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BobOrtonJr.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerOleAnderson.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> The announcement that Don Muraco's partner will be Lex Luger gets little reaction from the audience although Taylor, Orton and Anderson don't seem so happy about it!</p><p> </p><p> Lex Luger returns to the NWA for the first time since he was cheated out of a chance to win the TV title to team with the man who took his place in the feud! And Muraco has got issues of his own to worry about now – he’s very much shooting for the Cowboy as this one gets underway with the former tag team partners opening the account.</p><p> </p><p> Orton whips Muraco into the corner and follows up with a lariat that sets the tone for this hard hitting encounter. Luger is perched outside virtually begging for a tag while Taylor looks slightly less keen. JJ Dillon on the outside is boring holes through ‘Mr. Fantastic’ and he’s not looking comfortable with it in the slightest! Eventually it’s up to Orton to force the issue by tagging in against Taylor’s better judgement. Muraco for his part seems delighted by this turn of events and immediately takes to stretching his younger opponent when given the opportunity. While holding Taylor wide open, Muraco tags in Luger who delivers a powerful blow to the breadbasket that doubles ‘Mr Fantastic’ over in pain. Luger’s superior power is there for all to see, as is an increased level of focus as ‘The Total Package’ slowly picks his spot before hitting Taylor with his power offence. A whip into the ropes gives Taylor a chance to escape though with a baseball slide, and as he stands outside collecting his wits, Ole Anderson reads him the riot act! Ole’s not happy in the slightest and Taylor is copping an earful!</p><p> </p><p> Reluctantly Terry re-enters the ring and Luger is there on top of him with a double axe handle that drops Taylor back to the canvas… Orton’s seen enough! He runs the apron and catches Luger with a clothesline to the blindside that leaves him reeling. Taylor doesn’t waste any time and quickly brings Orton back into the match. ‘The Cowboy’ unloads on Luger with a furious barrage who is struggling to get to his feet. The violent and frenetic energy with which Orton swarms over Luger is insatiable and try as me might, Luger can’t seem to get a foothold back into the match until JJ Dillon hops on to the apron. As Orton catches only air with his wild swipe, Luger sneaks around the backdoor and makes the hot tag to Don Muraco who quickly cleans house!</p><p> </p><p> Muraco catches Orton in the stomach and pulls his head in as if to go for a piledriver, but Taylor’s too quick for that and he rushes the ring with a clothesline that sends Muraco sprawling. The referee has had enough and even as Luger enters the ring to even the numbers, the bell is ringing to sound the disqualification. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winners: Don Muraco & Lex Luger by Disqualification in 16:12</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: C</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> J.J. Dillon isn’t hanging around to debate things any further, he’s pulling Luger and Muraco out of the ring while Ole Anderson argues with the referee. Orton has a disgusted look on his face and shrugs off Taylor’s attempts to placate him. Orton shouts abuse at the retreating Muraco who only laughs. This seems to set Orton into an even greater rage as he shoves Luger out of his way and heads back up the aisle alone, a flustered Ole Anderson behind him leaving Terry Taylor in their wake.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: C</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><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;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerTonySchiavone.jpg</span><p> </p><p> Tony Schiavone is standing by in the interview area with a worried look on his face. The reason for his reluctance soon becomes clear… because here comes the NWA World Champion! And the Nature Boy wearing a suit, dark shades and his world championship draped over his shoulder has a few words for his old friends.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#0000FF;">Ric Flair: “They say in this business to keep your friends close and your enemies closer… well Tully Blanchard, Arn Anderson – I ain’t never had closer friends than you. Not once in all my years on this Earth have I put my trust in men, like I did for you. And now you’ve spit in my face. You’ve spat RIGHT IN MY EYE!”</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> Flair pulls off his shades and reveals a wide, blackened eye. The camera seems to draw in to Flair’s face as he continues to rant:</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#0000FF;">Flair: “YOU FALL DOWN, THEY PICK YOU UP: THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS DO! BUT YOU TWO, YOU… KICKED ME WHEN I WAS DOWN! NO! I WASN’T DOWN! YOU KNOCKED ME DOWN! AND THEN YOU KICKED ME! RIGHT HERE, HERE IN MY HEART.”</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> An emotional Flair pounds on his chest before swapping to a lower voice again…</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#0000FF;">Flair: “But it’s gave me time to think about what’s truly important in this business… and that’s a legacy. I’ve proven time and again that I deserve to have my name quoted with the greatest of all time – the Lou Thesz’s, the Harley Race’s, one day they’ll use my name to measure others up as who the greatest NWA World Champion of all time is… but I’m not done yet boys! Woooooo! TULLY BLANCHARD! YOU THINK YOU’RE THE MAN?! BUDDY, YOU’RE ONLY FIT TO CARRY MY JOCKSTRAP! And believe me Tony, he’s done it plenty of times… you see he’s nothing but a stooge – a wingman… but the Nature Boy WOOOOOOOOO, Naitch he can fly solo and at Starrcade – it’s gonna be me and you in a dogfight because whether I still have my World Title in three weeks time or if Dick Murdoch has the match of his life and takes this belt off me tomorrow, I’m going to see you at Starrcade Tully. Me and you! Let’s settle it once and for all! Who IS the man? And Arn? I know Barry’s too banged up to wrestle you… but don’t think he won’t be in my corner to keep an eye on you… </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#0000FF;"> </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#0000FF;"> “And when the dust settles, the smoke clears and the old Horsemen are finally extinct – there’ll be only one man standing and you’re looking at him Jack, the greatest wrestler in the world today, the greatest wrestler of all time… ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair!</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#0000FF;"> </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#0000FF;"> “WOOOOOOOOOOOO! </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#0000FF;"> </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#0000FF;"> “Whether it’s Tully Blanchard! Dick Murdoch! Tony Schiavone! The Pipes and Drums of the Georgia Armed Guard! There’s only one winner – and he’s standing right here waiting.</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#0000FF;"> </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#0000FF;"> “Your wait’s nearly over Tully… Judgment day’s coming and you’re one guilty SOB…”</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: A</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="font-size:18px;">Overall Show Grade: B-</span></strong></p></div><p></p>

[Ritchardo]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/NWASC.jpg</span><p> </p><p>

<strong><span style="font-size:18px;">Special Report!</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="font-size:18px;">

THE BATTLE BY THE BAY '88</span></strong></p><p><strong>

</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p>

<span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>NWA MOMENTUM CONTINUES TO BUILD TOWARDS STARRCADE</strong></span></p><p> </p><p>

After scoring some real critical success with wrestling journalists, if not the paying public, the NWA seem to have finally found the magic formula to take them to the next level. Following up from an impressive Lethal Lottery last month, the group put on another big show - advertised as a 'flagship' house show - this time in the San Francisco area and we were lucky enough to be in attendance for what was a high impact show that will linger long in the memory thanks to two killer main events and an unexpected title change.</p><p> </p><p>

No-one in the audience was expecting to see Chavo Guerrero appear at the Cow Palace, but appear he did and along with his brother Hector, scored an unlikely but very well received NWA US Tag Title victory that really helped seal the reputation of these flagship shows as something you really should attend if you get the chance because something with real consequence just might happen!</p><p> </p><p>

How this title change will be dealt with on TV and so close to Starrcade remains to be seen. It would appear that the long planned Fabulous Ones/Enemy blow-off has been shelved for the time being. Whether this is for backstage reasons or just a shift in direction remains to be seen.</p><p> </p><p>

In full results from the card:</p><p> </p><p>

</p><ul><li>The Von Erichs d. The Masters of Pain <strong>(C+)</strong></li></ul><p></p><p>

</p><ul><li>Bob Orton Jr. d. Stan Lane to retain the NWA US Title <strong>(B)</strong></li></ul><p></p><p>

</p><ul><li>Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard d. Lex Luger & Tommy Rich <strong>(C+)</strong></li></ul><p></p><p>

</p><ul><li>Jushin 'Thunder' Liger d. Jimmy Garvin to retain the NWA World Cruiserweight Title <strong>(C-)</strong></li></ul><p></p><p>

</p><ul><li>Don Muraco d. Terry Taylor in a non-title match <strong>(B-)</strong></li></ul><p></p><p>

</p><ul><li>The Fabulous Freebirds d. The British Bruisers to retain the NWA World Tag Team Titles <strong>(C+)</strong></li></ul><p></p><p>

</p><ul><li>Austin Idol d. Ron Garvin <strong>C+</strong></li></ul><p></p><p>

</p><ul><li>The Guerrero Brothers d. The Enemy to win the NWA US Tag Team Titles <strong>(B-)</strong></li></ul><p></p><p>

</p><ul><li>Larry Zbyszko d. Jimmy Snuka to retain the AWA World Title <strong>(A)</strong></li></ul><p></p><p>

</p><ul><li>Buddy Rose & Doug Somers d. Greg Gagne & Jerry Blackwell <strong>(C+)</strong></li></ul><p></p><p>

</p><ul><li>Ric Flair d. Dick Murdoch to retain the NWA World Title <strong>(A)</strong></li></ul><p></p>

[w4lru5]

Yay! It's back! So happy! <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

[BlueStar]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="w4lru5" data-cite="w4lru5" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Yay! It's back! So happy! <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I'll second that!</p>

[BlueStar]

Who's Brad James? Is that Brad Armstrong?

[The Final Countdown]

<p>Welcome back, Ritch. Can't wait for Starrcade!</p><p> </p><p> </p><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's Brad James? Is that Brad Armstrong?</div></blockquote><p> Yes.</p>

[Ritchardo]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="w4lru5" data-cite="w4lru5" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Yay! It's back! So happy!</div></blockquote> <p> </p><p> Thanks! Good to have you on board!</p><p> </p><p> </p><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>Welcome back, Ritch. Can't wait for Starrcade!</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> It's good to be back! You and me both mate... I've got big hopes for this show!</p><p> </p><p> </p><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's Brad James? Is that Brad Armstrong?</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Sure is!</p><p> </p><p> I've got four Armstrongs on the books at the minute and didn't want to draw on the family connection (for now).</p><p> </p><p> I've got Bullet Bob Armstrong as 'The Bullet'. I am publically acknowledging that Steve Armstrong from the Southern Boys is his son but still only referring to Bob as 'The Bullet' for marketing purposes <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> Steve Armstrong (as above) is the only one with the wrestling family name in tact, building his rep on being The Bullet's boy and referencing an 'extensive wrestling family'.</p><p> </p><p> Brad James is the hottest prospect of the three boys I have on the books so I've given him his own name and letting him build on his own rep (using his real surname). He is an ex JCP wrestler already but has a different look... I may admit publically that he's an Armstrong but has turned his back on the family in the future... if I can build him and/or Steve up enough to make it worthwhile.</p><p> </p><p> Scott Dixie is the weakest of the three and is frankly jobber fodder right now - surname was literally 'think of something Southern'</p><p> </p><p> And if I sign that Brian in the future I have the option of making him an Armstrong, a James, a Dixie or something completely different... and if you ain't down with that I've got two words for ya... <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[Beejus]

<p>Armstrongs just go hand-in-hand with Southern, and thus NWA/WCW, wrestling. That's why in a lot of my games as those companies, I always end up signing up all of them. This character of Brad James sounds pretty good, kind of a city slicker type. When used with that pic, I like it.</p><p> </p><p>

Oh, and welcome back Ritchardo!</p>

[BlueStar]

<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>Armstrongs just go hand-in-hand with Southern, and thus NWA/WCW, wrestling. That's why in a lot of my games as those companies, I always end up signing up all of them. This character of Brad James sounds pretty good, kind of a city slicker type. When used with that pic, I like it.<p> </p><p> Oh, and welcome back Ritchardo!</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I got T. Taylor and Brad Armstrong as a tag team in my AWA game. Always deliver the goods, even if I haven't tried to get them over. In retro, Brad always looked the best wrestler and the most fun tbh.</p>