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

Ritchardo · June 12, 2014

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/FridayNightShowdown.jpg Friday Night Showdown November 11th, 1988 From The DC Armory, Washington, D.C. Attendance: 10,000 (SELL OUT) Announce Team: Jim Ross, Boyd Pierce & Nick Bockwinkel http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimRoss0.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BoydPierce.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/NickBockwinkel.jpg </div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">The New Breed vs. The Wild Samoans (w/ Gary Hart) http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ChrisChampion.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/SeanRoyal.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Afa.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Sika.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerGaryHart.jpg “No time to waste this week,” Jim Ross tells us as we head straight to the ring after only the briefest of introductions to the announcer crew who then quickly put over the pedigree on display but despite being veterans, Boyd Pierce points out that, even though the Wild Samoans have held a number of regional titles they’ve never held the recognised World Tag Team Championship... unlike their opponents. Chris Champion and Sean Royal might be former champions but it doesn’t stop Afa and Sika absolutely dominating them from first bell to last. The barely tamed wildmen put their younger opponents to the sword by pulling hair, punching low and biting whenever the referee was distracted which, thanks to Gary Hart’s loud running commentary of instructions at ringside, was fairly often. A well timed double headbutt put Sean Royal out of his misery and let Afa take the win for his team. Winners: The Wild Samoans by pinfall in 8:47 Grade: D+</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BuddyRose.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DougSomers.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DavidCrockett.jpg Buddy Rose & Doug Somers are with David Crockett. Rose: “Well, well, well Davey boy, it looks like Lady Luck has finally given Buddy Rose and Doug Somers a flash of her smile! We worked our butts off to get on to the Starrcade card and when none of the cowards in the NWA wanted to accept our challenge it looked like we were going to miss out on what’s going to be a memorable night of wrestling... I won’t lie to you Dave, we got desperate.” Somers: “That’s right Buddy, let’s face it why else would we want to wrestle that dimwit Hector Guerrero and his even dumber big brother Chavo? We’ve nothing to prove to them or anybody else but if we wanted to wrestle that night then we’d have to make concessions.” Rose: “So imagine our surprise when it turns out that not only are we going to wrestle at Starrcade... but we’re going to wrestle for the NWA US Tag Team titles! See, for reasons that are best known to whatever idiot is booking title matches around here, The Guerreros got what WE deserved – a shot at the US tag titles... they fluked the win and the as the match with us is already signed, the Enemy miss out... sucks to be you, boys!” Somers: “And it sucks to be a Guerrero. Even more than normal. Because at Starrcade Hector and Chavo you’re gonna find yourselves giving up those belts to us at your very first defence ha ha ha ha!” Rose: “Later Davey boy.” Rose and Somers walk away from the interview area as David Crockett shakes his head and hands back over to Jim Ross and the team. Grade: D+ Before the cameras can go back to ringside though, Crockett finds himself surrounded as the cameraman struggles to capture just what’s going on... http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RonSimmons.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LarryCameron.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TeddyLong.jpg When the shot steadies we can see that Larry Cameron has Crockett in a reverse headlock with his terrified face inches from Ron Simmons who is boring holes into him with his eyes. A furious Teddy Long is calling the shots and picks up Crockett’s discarded microphone: Long: “Can you hear me playa? CAN YOU HEAR ME?!” Simmons moves an inch closer and a panicked Crockett croaks out that he can hear... Long: “Good, shut your mouth and open your ears because I gotta message for you, your brother and the NWA. Jimmy C, you done wronged my boys. A US Title defence – with no warning against a team like the Guerreros? That was a set-up man. A bona-fide, grade A conspiracy. Mr. T. warned me what this place was like and we were ready... but this is a new low. Jimmy Crockett – you made this personal... and now we’re gonna do the same thing...” Crockett is struggling to escape Cameron’s vice like grip and manages to move enough to get a single, terrified word out: “WAIT!” Simmons, who had been winding up to deliver a huge punch pauses and looks to Long for guidance. Teddy holds his hand up to halt Simmons as Cameron releases the hold. Long: “What lies you gotta say playa?” Crockett: “It wasn’t my brother... it wasn’t the NWA board... it was the new Commissioner...” Long: “Commisioner? What commissioner? Where is he?!! Long looks around as if expecting someone to step out from the shadows while Crockett massages his neck. Crockett: “Not... here... Star... Starrcade. He’ll be at Starrcade...” Long: “Oh he better be playa... otherwise... otherwise you can consider this just a down payment.” Long snaps his fingers and Cameron grabs Crockett roughly while Simmons delivers a big blow to the chest. The trio walk off leaving Crockett down and gasping for air. Grade: D+</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LouAlbano.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/StanLane.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/SteveKeirn.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DynamiteKid2.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ChrisAdams22.jpg http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/GaryHart.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Afa.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Sika.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/CocoaSamoa.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/SidVicious.jpg Jim Ross is disgusted with Teddy Long and The Enemy so much so that he nearly forgets to read out what the on-screen caption is telling us: at Starrcade Lou Albano has put together his two tag teams, The Fabulous Ones and The British Bruisers to take on four of Gary Hart’s charges: The Wild Samoans, Cocoa Samoa and the massive Sid Vicious. Boyd Pierce thinks that this has the makings of being one of the best eight man elimination matches of all time and as good as it’ll be is glad that he’s not going to have to sit through an entire show made up of them! Grade: D</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JushinLiger.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimmySnuka.jpg And speaking of Gary Hart, his other client Jimmy Snuka has officially signed on the dotted line to face Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger and at stake will be Liger’s NWA World Cruiserweight title! Grade: C-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Shashka Whatley vs. Brad James http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/PezWhatley.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BradJames.jpg City slicker Brad James returns to the ring after last week’s impressive debut victory. We still don’t know much about this young buck because he’s refused to give any interviews. Nick Bockwinkel reports that he tried to stop James in the corridor backstage to get to know him better but was refused... apparently time is money and Bockwinkel can’t afford his price. It looks as if Whatley’s short of change too because James annihilates Whatley – turning every offensive attempt into an aggressive counter attack that leaves Shashka bamboozled and ultimately impotent in the face of James’ onslaught. A Russian leg sweep from James catches the fatigued Whatley off guard and is all that’s needed to pick up the victory. Winner: Brad James by pinfall in 5:09 Grade: D-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BamBamBigelow.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BigBossman.jpg http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Blackblood.pnghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TheWarlord1.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimmyGarvin.jpg Looking forward to next week we’re given a sneak preview of a special handicap match as two of wrestling’s behemoths Bam Bam Bigelow and The Big Boss Man officially join forces against The Masters of Pain and Jimmy Garvin on the final Showdown before Starrcade and what could be an interesting preview of two singles matches from the big show. Grade: C-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LarryZbyszko.jpg Larry Zbyszko is on his own in front of the cameras with a message for the Honky Tonk Man. Zbyszko: “Honky Tonk, I’ve been listening to you for months. You run your mouth and you write these verbal cheques that your body just can’t deliver. We’ve watched it time and again around here. You tried to take out Ric Flair... and you came up short. Not once, twice. So what makes you think you can take out me? Ric Flair is a great wrestler, no doubt. He’s one of the greatest of all time... but while he was paying his dues, I was retiring legends. I’m the man who stopped Bruno Sammartino, I’m the man who convinced Verne Gagne to hang up his tights and I’m the one who broke Nick Bockwinkel’s spirit before Flair delivered the final blow... when Ric Flair was beating Nick Bockwinkel, he was covering old ground... MY old ground. This is nothing personal Ric, you and I don’t get along and I’m no different from the rest of the locker room in that... but I have an issue with people saying you’re the greatest... last time I checked there were TWO world champions around here and you’ve never beaten me Flair – so let’s see how we do against out old foes... I’ll take out Honky Tonk Man... you take out Tully Blanchard and then at the Clash of the Champions pay per view next month... why don’t we make it a REAL Clash by putting our two titles on the line? “And Honky Tonk Man... if you think I’m not treating you with the respect you deserve? You’re wrong. I’m giving you EXACTLY the respect you deserve which is nothing. You’re a non-thought for me. I’ve got bigger fish to fry and better challenges ahead of me. Ric Flair, you go out and do what you need to do next week and I’ll do the same. We can go from there because Honky Tonk Man at Starrcade... the whole world will see you for the joke you are and just like me, they’ll forget you.” Grade: B+</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/NWASC-1.jpg A quick advert for the ‘Clash of the Champions’ mentioned by Larry Zbyszko moments ago airs. Very few details emerge but there will be ‘special guests’ and that this is a event that will live up to its name... Grade: B-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ArnAnderson.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TullyBlanchard.jpg Backstage, Tully Blanchard has arrived at the venue and is being guided by Arn Anderson... as the two walk past a group of backstage personnel... Anderson stiffens and tells Tully he’ll catch him up. Arn wheels round and gets in very close behind one of the men who is wearing a large cowboy hat. Sensing Arn’s presence the man slowly turns around, peering at Anderson over his bushy handlebar moustache. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BlackjackMulligan.jpg Anderson: “I got a message for your boy.” Without another word, Arn slaps the man hard across the face and looks to follow through with more blows before the other backstage workers pull him off, Anderson is dragged off but continues shouting back at the big man (who is also being held back) Anderson: “You tell him Mulligan! You tell him that I’m coming for him!” Grade: C</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Eddie Gilbert (w/ Missy Hyatt) vs. The Honky Tonk Man http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/EddieGilbert.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerMissyHyatt.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/HonkyTonkMan.jpg Jim Ross tells us that the man Arn Anderson just attacked without provocation is Blackjack Mulligan, the father of Barry Windham... and that he’s a bear that you don’t want to poke! Meanwhile, Nick Bockwinkel makes his excuses as he’s been asked to fill in for the shellshocked David Crockett and won’t be able to commentate the upcoming match... instead we’re being treated to some special words from ‘an expert analyst’ http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/AustinIdol.jpg Here comes Austin Idol! He swaggers to the ring stopping only to look back at Missy Hyatt and eye her from head to toe before giving a satisfied nod. He barely looks at Gilbert who is furiously slapping the ropes but walks over and shakes the hand of his old mentor, The Honky Tonk Man before taking his seat at ringside. With this latest insult, Gilbert is certainly fired up but perhaps Hot Stuff has gotten a little too heated as he makes a number of mistakes in the early going against the man who once called the shots for him. The Honky Tonk Man, for his part also looks to be out to prove a point and any hopes that the old friends might settle this one amicably are lost as Gilbert goes down from a closed right fist. What the match lacks in finesse it makes up for in pace and heat, neither man slows and there’s barely a rest hold in sight as they both give it their all. Even though Idol doesn’t get directly involved in the match, his presence is clearly on the mind of Eddie Gilbert and it causes not press home the advantage after catching Honky with a flying forearm. Using the time he should’ve been trying to score a huge upset win poorly, he opts instead to hang over the second rope and shout threats down to the unphased Idol... Honky seizes the advantage by jumping on to Gilbert’s back and catapaulting his neck against the stiff rope... as Gilbert struggles for air, Honky shows great ring acumen by following up with a quick legdrop to the throat. Next thing, Honky has pinned Gilbert’s shoulders to the mat and throws his feet up on the second rope to take a tainted victory. Winner: The Honky Tonk Man by Pinfall in 8:34 Grade: B</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JJDillon22.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LexLuger.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerNickBockwinkel.jpg As promised Nick Bockwinkel is covering David Crockett’s final interview of the evening and he’s with James J. Dillon and Lex Luger. Dillon: “Let me make one thing absolutely clear. There’s a storm brewing in the NWA, and if we’re not all careful the tides could wash us all away. When I put together the Four Horsemen I warned you all that this would be the greatest alliance of wrestlers the world had ever or would ever see. The greatest wrestler in the world: Ric Flair, the deadliest tag team in the world: The Minnesota Wrecking Crew of Ole and Arn Anderson, and the cocky young upstart Tully Blanchard. Individually they were dangerous, together they would dominate. And with me, the fifth Horseman pulling all the strings... Well now the Horsemen are back... and there’s more of them... but there can only ever be four... You can’t be made to be a Horseman – it’s something you’re born for... it’s either in you or it’s not. The Horsemen sense weakness, they exploit it and they don’t tolerate it. When it was time for Ole to think about hanging up his boots, they showed no mercy. It was brother against brother and friend against friend. They turned on Ole... they beat him down and replaced him with a colossus, a man who had it all... with this man to my right – Lex Luger: The Total Package... “... but it wasn’t enough... you see Lex wasn’t born with that Horseman instinct... the survival that’s inbuilt into them, the desire to turn on each other for self sufficiency. They exploited him. They used him and ultimately they rejected him... that’s not to say that Lex Luger isn’t a great wrestler, like I said he’s got it all... all except for that willingness to cross any and everyone who gets in his way... which brings me to you Terry Taylor... you’re the weak link. The others can all see it and sooner or later, you’ll be the one taking the fall Terry... I’ve tried to warn you, told you to get out while you still can... but the only way you’re going to take in this lesson is by experiencing it first hand from people who’ve gone through it. Lex and me? We were rejected... you’re next Terry... you might not realise it but when this storm blows through town whether it’s Ric or Tully on top of the group, it’s Ole who calling the shots and the only thing you’ve got in your favour right now is that NWA World Television title around your waist... so what’s going to happen when my man Lex Luger takes that from you next Saturday night and the Horsemen claim their next victim... yet again, it’ll be one of their own.” Grade: C</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DustyRhodes.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerDustinRhodes.jpg A quick reminder that tonight’s main event will pit Kerry Von Erich and Terry Gordy in one-on-one action before we’re taken to the home of one of Gordy’s recent victims, ‘The American Dream’ Dusty Rhodes with his son by his side, for a pre-recorded message. Rhodes: “Ah’m a proud man and ah’m an honest man, daddy. When I give my word, you can take that all the way to the bank. It’s locked in and as good as gooooold baby. Take a look around the home that ah built with these two hands.” Dusty holds up his hands to the camera in an imploring motion. “Ah’ve worked hard and ah’ve worked myself to the BONE! To provide for my family... for my wife, my kids... for Dustin here... and ah did it all by myself. Nobody ever handed American Dream Dusty Rhodes a silver platter. Nobody ever went out their way to give me an opportunity, ah worked and ah fought for every scrap of paper with Benjamin Franklin’s face on it that I could get. Ah worked all the way down in the South West, I journeyed the land through Portland, Houston, St. Louis, Chicago, Charlotte, Memphis, Jacksonville and everywhere in between! Ah’ve been around Canada baby, ah’ve even plied my trade in Japan. Doing what my daddy taught me to do. Working hard. Working man... but ah never forgot my roots... ah’ve been schooling my boy Dustin the same way, daddy. Teaching him his rights and wrongs and letting him see the mistakes that ah made along the path. “Dusty Rhodes he ain’t no saint... no more than any man is a complete sinner... except for maybe one... ‘Dirty’ Dick Murdoch you are the biggest mistake ah ever made in my life... I was young, I was naive and ah trusted you... I stood by your side and ah did horrible things to some good people... but ah thought I knew better then, ah thought ah had your trust, baby... and if we were bigger and meaner than everybody else then it’d be enough to get us through... since then ah’ve fed from the scraps at the big table and ah’ve liked like a king, but ah’ve never forgotten what it was like to be young, scared and impressionable... Dirty Dick Murdoch the best thing ah ever did was walk out on you, to stand on these two feet by myself and build my own dreams like my daddy done and his daddy before him because the Rhodes Family, we’re working men... and at Starrcade it’ll just be another day at work because you know what ah’ve been these past 15 some years Dick Murdoch when I’ve been jetting around the globe... ah ain’t been a rassler... ah’ve been a trashman... and come next Saturday I’m gonna take out the biggest piece of trash ah’ve ever had the misfortune to know let alone call a friend... Chained together to pay for my sins of the past, ah’m gonna make sure ma boy here is watching and when ah’m done with you Murdoch, they’ll be burying you in a mountain of garbage.” Grade: A</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Brian Blair vs. Dick Murdoch http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BrianBlair.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DickMurdoch.jpg Speak of the devil... not only does ‘Dirty’ Dick not look phased in the slightest at Rhodes’ threat, he seems to revel in it! Throughout the course of this surprisingly competitive bout, Murdoch takes time out continually to berate and harass Blair speaking in an exaggerated accent and copying Dusty’s mannerisms. Blair is a crafty ring veteran himself though and never lets up on Murdoch despite giving up a fair amount of size to his opponent – continually springing back to his feet and going head on at him. Murdoch is pretty much in control of the bout up until the seven minute mark when a sloppy attempt at a DDT is escaped from by the former Killer Bee, catching Murdoch in a surprise roll-up, it almost makes the three before Dick can get his shoulder up and roll out. Rather than being flustered though, Murdoch gives a callous laugh, shakes his head slightly and puts the boots to Blair. From that moment on, this became a one sided beatdown of such ferocity that Nick Bockwinkel aired his thoughts that this match should perhaps be stopped. Connecting with a vicious DDT that threatened to drive Blair’s head through the canvas, Murdoch clearly had the bout won... but it didn’t stop him from yelling out at the top of his lungs that this was a message to Dusty... Murdoch then began to wave his arms about in a completely OTT fashion before dropping a bionic elbow on the prostrate Blair. It came as no surprise when Murdoch had his hand raised in victory three seconds later. Winner: Dick Murdoch by pinfall in 13:21 Grade: B-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MagnificentMuraco.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BobOrtonJr.jpg Another Starrcade match is officially announced as Don ‘The Rock’ Muraco has signed up to face the United States Heavyweight Champion ‘Cowboy’ Bob Orton Jr. Jim Ross comments that both of these men are the real deal and that this is set be another classic encounter between two ring greats. Grade: C+</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpg Ric Flair will be here and in action next week as the build-up to the most important pay per view of the wrestling year reaches its climax. Grade: B-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Kerry Von Erich vs. Terry Gordy http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/KerryvonErich.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TerryGordy.jpg This is set to be a straight up one on one encounter between one half of the tag team champions and their perennial rivals... we’ve been advised that both of their partners have been barred from ringside with some very serious incentives to keep them away. If Kevin Von Erich interferes, the Von Erichs lose their title shot at Starrcade... if Michael Hayes gets involved, the Freebirds will be stripped of their titles and new tag champions will be crowned at the Clash of the Champions... Needless to say, the threats were severe enough to keep both men at bay and leave the fighting exclusively in the hands of Kerry & Gordy. And the match was boosted as a result. These two know each other extremely well, as much as any two competitors can know each other and it seemed to give them both an extra step as they moved and counter moved in almost perfect unison in the early going. Eventually though, Gordy’s size advantage began to tell – the powerful clothesline that threatened to knock Kerry out of his boots almost lifted the Modern Day Warrior over the top rope, some skilful awareness though made Kerry grab the rope and throw his left leg up to catch Gordy flush on the temple, turning the tide back the way of Fritz’s son. And so the bout continued, any time an advantage seemed to be found, the opponent found a way to make his escape in a perfectly balanced match-up. The ending to this contest came after nearly fourteen minutes of non-stop action. Gordy had broken Von Erich down to his knees and using his massive power, he grasped at Von Erich’s chest lifting him high above his head for a powerbomb... only for Kerry to throw his right hand out and catch Gordy’s face in an Iron Claw! Completely unprotected, Gordy’s face had been exposed and Von Erich cinched the hold in place! Crying out in agony, Gordy had no option but to let Kerry go, dropping easily to his feet, Von Erich worked the hold and with nowhere to go and it far too late to break that vice like grip he had no option but to quit! A massive boost for the challengers ahead of their all or nothing last ditch World Tag Team Championship bout! Winner: Kerry Von Erich by submission in 13:54 Grade: B</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TullyBlanchard.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ArnAnderson.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerTonySchiavone.jpg Tony Schiavone is standing by with Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson Schiavone: “Ladies and Gentlemen, the number one contender to the NWA World Heavyweight Championship – Tully Blanchard along with Double-A, Arn Anderson. Just over one week to go until the big clash that the whole world is talking about when you, Tully Blanchard take on ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair.” Blanchard: “Eight days Ric Flair. God created the world in seven days… on the eighth he used his day of rest from the night before and got to work on sculpting this man in front of you. Ric Flair, I am the perfect wrestling machine and I am the man who was born to defeat you. You’re a smart man Ric, you surrounded yourself with the best and you used them to shield you from the Dusty Rhodes, the Magnum TAs and the rest. I was handpicked as your successor… I was to be the one who stepped into your shoes. But that moment never came Ric, time and again Arn and I found ourselves being pushed out of the limelight… you talked us into turning on Ole… then you brought in that meatball Lex Luger and suddenly HE was the next big thing, HE was to be your successor… but here we are Ric, nearly two years later and you’re still the man on top and doing what you can to keep others down. Time’s up Ric: I’m coming for what’s mine.” Anderson: “You see Ric, the best thing you ever taught us was never to take things personally – it’s all business. We partied hard together, we lived together and by god for years on end I thought we’d die together but you abandoned us Ric, you left us to fend for ourselves and when we took down the AWA you never once picked up the phone to find out how we were doing. Not once. So you can twist things anyway you like, but Tully Blanchard was always there for you, more than you were ever there for him… or me… at Starrcade, we’ll finally see if Tully is ready to step into your boots the way that we believe he is…” The two look ready to walk off when Arn pauses and returns… Anderson: “One last thing that’s been bugging me… there’s a lot of talk about how Barry Windham’s going to be watching Ric’s back and making sure I don’t interfere… have we really stooped that low Ric? Do you think I’d turn my back on my brother like that? Do you think I’d stab you in the back? I’m at ringside to stop Barry from interfering on your behalf and nothing else. You have my absolute word Ric that I will not lay a finger on you and influence the result of this match. I’ve got Tully’s back… but I’m not going to touch a hair on your head… I don’t have to…” Blanchard: “Because the Man is taking one hell of a beating on Saturday night… and when the dust settles there can and will be only one of us still standing Ric.” Grade: B-</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">Overall Show Grade: B</div> --- <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. Oh, and welcome back Ritchardo! </div></blockquote> Thanks very much, good to be back! I've got high hopes for Brad James. It'll be a long road though. <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>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. </div></blockquote> Yeah he's a favourite of mine, no doubt. Bit of an unsung hero and sadly missed <img alt=":(" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/frown.png.e6b571745a30fe6a6f2e918994141a47.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Ritchardo · June 12, 2014

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/WCWStarrcade.jpg Official NWA Souvenir Program STARRCADE 1988 </div> Join us for the hottest pay-per-view of the year – it’s the parade of champions, the night where stars are born and legends are made... it’s STARRCADE 1988! Featuring a host of top tag team thrillers, a plethora of singles showdowns and championship confrontations this is one event that you DO NOT want to miss. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>NWA World Heavyweight Championship: ‘Nature Boy’ Ric Flair © (w/Barry Windham) vs Tully Blanchard (w/ Arn Anderson) These two have styled and profiled together for years – the closest of friends but now the bitterest of enemies. Flair has the upper hand having beaten Tully in the final of the Lethal Lottery... this time though both men are fresh and there’s an extra edge to this match not only between the two men, but for what’s at stake. The richest prize in wrestling – the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. AWA World Heavyweight Championship: ‘The Living Legend’ Larry Zbyszko © vs The Honky Tonk Man The war of words between these two has been escalating for some months and finally the two will meet in what is set to be a memorable collision. The Honky Tonk Man insists he has the pedigree to be world champion but Zbyszko isn’t about to let that happen anytime soon! NWA World Tag Team Championship – Steel Cage Match: The Von Erichs vs The Fabulous Freebirds © They’ve been warring for years and the Fabulous Freebirds have promised that this will be the final chapter... if the Von Erichs lose out here then they will never wrestle for the gold again for as long as the Freebirds are champions... NWA United States Heavyweight Championship: Don ‘The Rock’ Muraco vs. ‘Cowboy’ Bob Orton Jr. © (w/ Ole Anderson) Something of a theme tonight, this is another match where two old friends no longer see eye-to-eye, Bob Orton Jr getting physically involved in Muraco’s attempts to win the World TV title last month. Taking offence, Muraco is now gunning for Orton himself. NWA World Television Championship: ‘The Total Package’ Lex Luger (w/ James J. Dillon) vs Terry Taylor © (w/ Ole Anderson) With JJ Dillon’s words of warning ringing in his ears, Terry Taylor will have one eye on his back when he takes on Lex Luger. Given the title threat posed by a man of Luger’s size and standing – will having his attention divided ultimately cost Taylor? NWA United States Heavyweight Championship: The Guerrero Brothers © vs ‘Playboy’ Buddy Rose & ‘Pretty’ Doug Somers Surprise tag team champions at the Battle by the Bay, this will be the pair’s first title defence and their first appearance on television! And what a first defence to have against multiple time AWA World Tag Team champions like Buddy Rose & Doug Somers! NWA World Cruiserweight Championship: Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger © vs. Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka (w/ Gary Hart) The presence of Gary Hart in Jimmy Snuka’s corner could be a difference maker here in a match that has been long in the making... Snuka first appeared at the Great American Bash when Liger first won the Cruiserweight title and has been a thorn in his side ever since. The undefeated Japanese aerial master is putting his prize possession on the line to try and get Snuka out of his hair. Texas Bullrope Match: ‘The American Dream’ Dusty Rhodes vs.’Dirty’ Dick Murdoch Former tag team partners and brothers in all but name, the hostility between Dusty Rhodes & Dick Murdoch has reached fever pitch. One of the most hotly anticipated matches of the year, the bullrope match will see both men lashed together as they look to finish the other man off. Who will survive? One Night with Missy match: ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert (w/ Missy Hyatt) vs ‘The Heartthrob’ Austin Idol Purists were shocked at the depths Austin Idol appeared willing to reach as his bout with his ex-Memphis Mafia stablemate reached a new low: pushing Gilbert to the very limit of his tolerance, he cajoled him into agreeing to putting Missy Hyatt up as a prize for this one-on-one encounter... if Idol is victorious, Missy has to spend the night with the Heartthrob... Falls Count Anywhere / No Disqualification Match: Bam Bam Bigelow (w/ Precious) vs Jimmy Garvin (w/ Dirty White Girl) Jealousy is a terrible thing and it makes Jimmy Garvin just a little more dangerous than he normally is when taking on Bam Bam Bigelow, himself no stranger to the rough and tumble of the wrestling world. The Big Boss Man vs Kevin Sullivan (w/ The Army of Darkness) The Big Boss Man’s quest to bring natural justice to the NWA is given its sternest test when he comes up against Kevin Sullivan – backed by his Army of Darkness in his corner. Does the Boss Man have what it takes to overcome the Master of Darkness himself? Four vs Four Elimination Tag Team Match: The Fabulous Ones & The British Bruisers (w/ Capt. Lou Albano) vs. The Wild Samoans, Cocoa Samoa & Sid Vicious (w/ Gary Hart) Don’t let its position at the bottom of the card fool you... this a lot at stake for all eight of these men, even if, traditionally these types of match can be disappointing... when the NWA do something, they do it right!</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Fan Scorecard NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Ric Flair © vs Tully Blanchard Comments: AWA World Heavyweight Championship: Larry Zybyszko © vs Honky Tonk Man Comments: NWA World Tag Team Championship: The Von Erichs vs The Fabulous Freebirds © Comments: NWA US Heavyweight Championship: Don Muraco vs Bob Orton Jr. © Comments: NWA World TV Championship: Lex Luger vs Terry Taylor © Comments: NWA US Tag Team Champsionship: The Guerrero Brothers © vs Buddy Rose & Doug Somers Comments: NWA World Cruiserweight Championship: Jushin Liger © vs Jimmy Snuka Comments: Texas Bullrope Match: Dusty Rhodes vs Dick Murdoch Comments: One Night with Missy: Eddie Gilbert vs Austin Idol Comments: Falls Count Anywhere (no DQ): Bam Bam Bigelow vs Jimmy Garvin Comments: The Big Boss Man vs Kevin Sullivan Comments: 4v4 Elimination Match: Team Albano vs Team Hart Comments: What was the Best Match of the Night? (1 point) What was the Worst Match of the Night? (1 point) Who will be the survivors in the 4v4 match? (+1 point for each correct, -1 for each incorrect) Who is the NWA’s new commissioner? (1 point) How many titles will change hands? (+1 point for each correct, -1 for each incorrect) What was the match of the Night from the revealed card? What was the poorest match on the revealed card?</div></blockquote>

franticloser · June 12, 2014

NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Ric Flair © vs Tully Blanchard

Comments:

AWA World Heavyweight Championship: Larry Zybyszko © vs Honky Tonk Man

Comments:

NWA World Tag Team Championship: The Von Erichs vs The Fabulous Freebirds ©

Comments:

NWA US Heavyweight Championship: Don Muraco vs Bob Orton Jr. ©

Comments:

NWA World TV Championship: Lex Luger vs Terry Taylor ©

Comments:

NWA US Tag Team Champsionship: The Guerrero Brothers © vs Buddy Rose & Doug Somers

Comments:

NWA World Cruiserweight Championship: Jushin Liger (c) vs Jimmy Snuka

Comments:

Texas Bullrope Match: Dusty Rhodes vs Dick Murdoch

Comments:

One Night with Missy: Eddie Gilbert vs Austin Idol

Comments:

Falls Count Anywhere (no DQ): Bam Bam Bigelow vs Jimmy Garvin

Comments:

The Big Boss Man vs Kevin Sullivan

Comments:

4v4 Elimination Match: Team Albano vs Team Hart

Comments:

What was the Best Match of the Night? (1 point) Flair vs Blanchard

What was the Worst Match of the Night? (1 point)The Big Boss Man vs Kevin Sullivan[/b]

Who will be the survivors in the 4v4 match? (+1 point for each correct, -1 for each incorrect)The Bruiers

Who is the NWA’s new commissioner? (1 point) Bockwinkel[/b]

How many titles will change hands? (+1 point for each correct, -1 for each incorrect)1

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

What was the poorest match on the revealed card? The Big Boss Man vs Kevin Sullivan[/b]

smwilliams · June 12, 2014

NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Ric Flair © vs Tully Blanchard

Comments:

AWA World Heavyweight Championship: Larry Zybyszko © vs Honky Tonk Man

Comments:

NWA World Tag Team Championship: The Von Erichs vs The Fabulous Freebirds ©

Comments:

NWA US Heavyweight Championship: Don Muraco vs Bob Orton Jr. ©

Comments:

NWA World TV Championship: Lex Luger vs Terry Taylor ©

Comments:

NWA US Tag Team Champsionship: The Guerrero Brothers © vs Buddy Rose & Doug Somers

Comments:

NWA World Cruiserweight Championship: Jushin Liger © vs Jimmy Snuka

Comments:

Texas Bullrope Match: Dusty Rhodes vs Dick Murdoch

Comments:

One Night with Missy: Eddie Gilbert vs Austin Idol

Comments:

Falls Count Anywhere (no DQ): Bam Bam Bigelow vs Jimmy Garvin

Comments:

The Big Boss Man vs Kevin Sullivan

Comments:

4v4 Elimination Match: Team Albano vs Team Hart

Comments:

What was the Best Match of the Night? (1 point) Flair vs Blanchard

What was the Worst Match of the Night? (1 point) Bigelow vs Garvin

Who will be the survivors in the 4v4 match? (+1 point for each correct, -1 for each incorrect) The British Bruisers

Who is the NWA’s new commissioner? (1 point) Bruno Sammartino

How many titles will change hands? (+1 point for each correct, -1 for each incorrect) 2, (AWA & TV)

borman_48 · June 12, 2014

NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Ric Flair © vs Tully Blanchard

Comments: I just have a hunch.

AWA World Heavyweight Championship: Larry Zybyszko © vs Honky Tonk Man

Comments: Larry Legend has been a ratings machine. No reason to take the belt away from him.

NWA World Tag Team Championship: The Von Erichs vs The Fabulous Freebirds ©

Comments: Just seems like time. Faces win blowoff matches, generally speaking

NWA US Heavyweight Championship: Don Muraco vs Bob Orton Jr. ©

Comments: Just don't see it going to Muraco.

NWA World TV Championship: Lex Luger vs Terry Taylor ©

Comments: Taylor has been TV Champ for quite a while, Luger probably has more upside than Taylor does.

NWA US Tag Team Champsionship: The Guerrero Brothers © vs Buddy Rose & Doug Somers

Comments: Because Buddy Rose.

NWA World Cruiserweight Championship: Jushin Liger © vs Jimmy Snuka

Comments: No matter his style, I just can't see Snuka being a true cruiserweight. Should be huge for passing the torch though.

Texas Bullrope Match: Dusty Rhodes vs Dick Murdoch

Comments: Big Dust wins his match.

One Night with Missy: Eddie Gilbert vs Austin Idol

Comments: I keep thinking of Flair vs. Garvin with Flair winning a night with Precious when I read this match.

Falls Count Anywhere (no DQ): Bam Bam Bigelow vs Jimmy Garvin

Comments: Precious always comes back to Garvin in the end.

The Big Boss Man vs Kevin Sullivan

Comments: Because Boss Man.

4v4 Elimination Match: Team Albano vs Team Hart

Comments: Team Hart is here to either pass the torch or get their names out there. The Bruisers are the biggest deal of the match, and the Fabs never really get enough credit.

What was the Best Match of the Night? Flair v Blanchard

What was the Worst Match of the Night? Guerreros vs. Rose and Somers

Who will be the survivors in the 4v4 match? Dynamite and Lane

Who is the NWA’s new commissioner? Bill Watts? Just being contrarian here.

How many titles will change hands? 2 (NWA and TV)

Zergon · June 12, 2014

NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Ric Flair © vs Tully Blanchard

Comments: With Larry Zbyszko promo at last show, Larry versus Ric seems likely storyline but I go with another way around simply because you seem to be a bit heel heavy at the top (or that what´s the roster page says and while it is bit outdated I belive it´s still pretty accurate as far as main event goes unless Barry Windham has already turned face) so having face vs, face match doesn´t look all that great idea. So instead, I go with Tully (with help from Arn) to win via cheating, just to make sure everyone would get that they are heels, since frankly, so far Flair has seemed more like a heel to me than Tully or Arn.

AWA World Heavyweight Championship: Larry Zybyszko © vs Honky Tonk Man

Comments: I just don´t see Honky Tonk taking one of your main belts even if he is getting bigger push than usual.

NWA World Tag Team Championship: The Von Erichs vs The Fabulous Freebirds ©

Comments: I believe that it will be someone else than Von Erichs that will get these belts yet and the stipulation gives good excuse to take them out from World tag title scene for a little while.

NWA US Heavyweight Championship: Don Muraco vs Bob Orton Jr. ©

Comments: I think this still falls into "too early for a title change" gatecory.

NWA World TV Championship: Lex Luger vs Terry Taylor ©

Comments: Taylor indeed looks like a weak link and with Ric being face and Arn and Tully not caring about rest of the new Horsemen, I believe that the whole group will dispand soon enough and kicking Taylor out from the group looks like logical starting point if that´s were you are indeed going.

NWA US Tag Team Champsionship: The Guerrero Brothers © vs Buddy Rose & Doug Somers

Comments: Right, I guess the main question for me is was Chavo Guerrero´s appearance just a single shot deal or will he be staying for longer. If the answer is yes, then I assume that they will successfully defend their belts here.

NWA World Cruiserweight Championship: Jushin Liger © vs Jimmy Snuka

Comments: Could go either way so I just go with personal preference.

Texas Bullrope Match: Dusty Rhodes vs Dick Murdoch

Comments: At least to me, Dusty is the bigger star and thus will take the win too.

One Night with Missy: Eddie Gilbert vs Austin Idol

Comments: Eddie gets a bit of revenge here by deafeting Idol.

Falls Count Anywhere (no DQ): Bam Bam Bigelow vs Jimmy Garvin

Comments: Again, personal preference pick here.

The Big Boss Man vs Kevin Sullivan

Comments: Sullivan plays the number game, plus I´m the guy to blame that he´s still here so guess I have to back him up too.

4v4 Elimination Match: Team Albano vs Team Hart

Comments: Face team looks more like a unit to me.

What was the Best Match of the Night? (1 point) Tully vs. Flair

What was the Worst Match of the Night? (1 point) Team Albano vs Team Hart

Who will be the survivors in the 4v4 match? (+1 point for each correct, -1 for each incorrect) The Dynamite Kid

Who is the NWA’s new commissioner? (1 point) Guessing it´s some former wrestler, lets say Nick Bockwinkel

How many titles will change hands? (+1 point for each correct, -1 for each incorrect) 2

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

What was the poorest match on the revealed card? Team Albano vs Team Hart

Beejus · June 12, 2014

NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Ric Flair © vs Tully Blanchard

Comments: It's time for Tully to ascend... however, I think the fix is in. I see Four Horsemen standing tall at the end.

AWA World Heavyweight Championship: Larry Zybyszko © vs Honky Tonk Man

Comments: Whoever wins in the other title match, Larry should retain here.

NWA World Tag Team Championship: The Von Erichs vs The Fabulous Freebirds ©

Comments: The Von Erichs should win this feud at the grandest stage of them all.

NWA US Heavyweight Championship: Don Muraco vs Bob Orton Jr. ©

Comments: I can't see "The Rock" taking the belt.

NWA World TV Championship: Lex Luger vs Terry Taylor ©

Comments: However, Lex takes the TV belt, lending credence to what JJ was saying.

NWA US Tag Team Champsionship: The Guerrero Brothers © vs Buddy Rose & Doug Somers

Comments: With as long as Hector held onto the US title, I don't think they'll be transitional champs here.

NWA World Cruiserweight Championship: Jushin Liger © vs Jimmy Snuka

Comments: Snuka will be too worn out from cutting weight, ala Christian.

Texas Bullrope Match: Dusty Rhodes vs Dick Murdoch

Comments: Big Dust takes the blowoff.

One Night with Missy: Eddie Gilbert vs Austin Idol

Comments: No comment.

Falls Count Anywhere (no DQ): Bam Bam Bigelow vs Jimmy Garvin

Comments: As much as I think Bigelow can be a huge deal, Garvin's new attitude could be something good if built like this.

The Big Boss Man vs Kevin Sullivan

Comments: Boss Man will show his stripes here.

4v4 Elimination Match: Team Albano vs Team Hart

Comments: Sid is the reason I go with Gary's team.

What was the Best Match of the Night? (1 point) Flair vs Tully

What was the Worst Match of the Night? (1 point) Muraco vs Orton

Who will be the survivors in the 4v4 match? (+1 point for each correct, -1 for each incorrect) Sid

Who is the NWA’s new commissioner? (1 point) Hm.... Blackjack Mulligan?

How many titles will change hands? (+1 point for each correct, -1 for each incorrect) 1, the Television.

What was the match of the Night from the revealed card? Didn't you ask these already? Flair vs Tully.

What was the poorest match on the revealed card? Muraco vs Orton

The Final Countdown · June 12, 2014

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Boyd Pierce points out that, even though the Wild Samoans have held a number of regional titles they’ve never held the recognised World Tag Team Championship... unlike their opponents.</div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Boyd Pierce thinks that this has the makings of being one of the best eight man elimination matches of all time and as good as it’ll be is glad that he’s not going to have to sit through an entire show made up of them! </div></blockquote> Boyd Pierce sure does talk a lot of trash for someone who isn't even important enough to have a properly sized picture. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Ric Flair © vs Tully Blanchard Comments: Was going to pick Ric, but I think Tully winning opens up more interesting story possibilities. AWA World Heavyweight Championship: Larry Zybyszko © vs Honky Tonk Man Comments: Tully vs. Larry at the Clash sounds good. NWA World Tag Team Championship: The Von Erichs vs The Fabulous Freebirds © Comments: Von Erichs to win the feud. NWA US Heavyweight Championship: Don Muraco vs Bob Orton Jr. © Comments: Cowboy > Magnificent. NWA World TV Championship: Lex Luger vs Terry Taylor © Comments: I think you'll be wary to put a belt on Lex right now given his problems. NWA US Tag Team Champsionship: The Guerrero Brothers © vs Buddy Rose & Doug Somers Comments: This team's got legs. NWA World Cruiserweight Championship: Jushin Liger © vs Jimmy Snuka Comments: Maybe by DQ or something. I just have a hard time picturing Superfly as Cruiserweight champ. Texas Bullrope Match: Dusty Rhodes vs Dick Murdoch Comments: Dream takes it, and possibly reignites his age-old feud with the Horsemen down the road (in whatever shape that group takes post-Starrcade.) One Night with Missy: Eddie Gilbert vs Austin Idol Comments: Falls Count Anywhere (no DQ): Bam Bam Bigelow vs Jimmy Garvin Comments: I see big things for Bammer. The Big Boss Man vs Kevin Sullivan Comments: 4v4 Elimination Match: Team Albano vs Team Hart Comments: What was the Best Match of the Night? (1 point) Flair vs. Tully What was the Worst Match of the Night? (1 point) Team Albano vs. Team Hart Who will be the survivors in the 4v4 match? (+1 point for each correct, -1 for each incorrect) Dynamite Who is the NWA’s new commissioner? (1 point) Pretty sure I know who this is, so I'll abstain. How many titles will change hands? (+1 point for each correct, -1 for each incorrect) 2; NWA World & World Tag What was the match of the Night from the revealed card? Flair/Tully What was the poorest match on the revealed card? Hart/Albano

BlueStar · June 17, 2014

NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Ric Flair © vs Tully Blanchard

Comments: I can see Tully taking this one. Should be really good.

AWA World Heavyweight Championship: Larry Zybyszko © vs Honky Tonk Man

Comments: Larry retains. He's got something left in the tank and has been entertaining.

NWA World Tag Team Championship: The Von Erichs vs The Fabulous Freebirds ©

Comments: With that stipulation, it should be the Von Erichs. Unless the team is broken up or there's a transitional champ.

NWA US Heavyweight Championship: Don Muraco vs Bob Orton Jr. ©

Comments: Muraco takes the win but Orton retains somehow. I'm expecting a DQ here.

NWA World TV Championship: Lex Luger vs Terry Taylor ©

Comments: It's flexy Lex time.

NWA US Tag Team Champsionship: The Guerrero Brothers © vs Buddy Rose & Doug Somers

Comments: Rose and Somers haven't done anything special so I can see the bro's retaining.

NWA World Cruiserweight Championship: Jushin Liger © vs Jimmy Snuka

Comments:

Texas Bullrope Match: Dusty Rhodes vs Dick Murdoch

Comments: Dusty wins, Dustin gets involved and starts a feud with Murdoch.

One Night with Missy: Eddie Gilbert vs Austin Idol

Comments:

Falls Count Anywhere (no DQ): Bam Bam Bigelow vs Jimmy Garvin

Comments:

The Big Boss Man vs Kevin Sullivan

Comments:

4v4 Elimination Match: Team Albano vs Team Hart

Comments: Vicious is the only one I'd bet on in Team Hart so...

What was the Best Match of the Night? (1 point) Flair vs. Tully though I'm expecting a good grade from Dusty vs. Murdoch as well.

What was the Worst Match of the Night? (1 point) 4 vs 4

Who will be the survivors in the 4v4 match? (+1 point for each correct, -1 for each incorrect) Dynamite Kid

Who is the NWA’s new commissioner? (1 point) Bockwinkel? Seems too obvious though.

How many titles will change hands? (+1 point for each correct, -1 for each incorrect) 3

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

What was the poorest match on the revealed card? 4 vs 4

guyver3 · June 17, 2014

NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Ric Flair © vs Tully Blanchard

Comments:

AWA World Heavyweight Championship: Larry Zybyszko © vs Honky Tonk Man

Comments:

NWA World Tag Team Championship: The Von Erichs vs The Fabulous Freebirds ©

Comments:

NWA US Heavyweight Championship: Don Muraco vs Bob Orton Jr. ©

Comments:

NWA World TV Championship: Lex Luger vs Terry Taylor ©

Comments:

NWA US Tag Team Champsionship: The Guerrero Brothers © vs Buddy Rose & Doug Somers

Comments:

NWA World Cruiserweight Championship: Jushin Liger © vs Jimmy Snuka

Comments:

Texas Bullrope Match: Dusty Rhodes vs Dick Murdoch

Comments:

One Night with Missy: Eddie Gilbert vs Austin Idol

Comments:

Falls Count Anywhere (no DQ): Bam Bam Bigelow vs Jimmy Garvin

Comments:

The Big Boss Man vs Kevin Sullivan

Comments:

4v4 Elimination Match: Team Albano vs Team Hart

Comments:

What was the Best Match of the Night? (1 point) Flair/Tully

What was the Worst Match of the Night? (1 point) US tag title match

Who will be the survivors in the 4v4 match? (+1 point for each correct, -1 for each incorrect) Sid

Who is the NWA’s new commissioner? (1 point) Bockwinkle

How many titles will change hands? (+1 point for each correct, -1 for each incorrect)3

What was the match of the Night from the revealed card? Flair/tully

What was the poorest match on the revealed card? US tag title match

LordofGustav · June 17, 2014

NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Ric Flair © vs Tully Blanchard

Comments:

AWA World Heavyweight Championship: Larry Zybyszko © vs Honky Tonk Man

Comments:

NWA World Tag Team Championship: The Von Erichs vs The Fabulous Freebirds ©

Comments:

NWA US Heavyweight Championship: Don Muraco vs Bob Orton Jr. ©

Comments:

NWA World TV Championship: Lex Luger vs Terry Taylor ©

Comments:

NWA US Tag Team Champsionship: The Guerrero Brothers © vs Buddy Rose & Doug Somers

Comments:

NWA World Cruiserweight Championship: Jushin Liger © vs Jimmy Snuka

Comments: Snuka is too way big for the cruiserweight division... honestly.

Texas Bullrope Match: Dusty Rhodes vs Dick Murdoch

Comments:

One Night with Missy: Eddie Gilbert vs Austin Idol

Comments:

Falls Count Anywhere (no DQ): Bam Bam Bigelow vs Jimmy Garvin

Comments:

The Big Boss Man vs Kevin Sullivan

Comments:

4v4 Elimination Match: Team Albano vs Team Hart

Comments:

What was the Best Match of the Night? (1 point) Flair vs Blanchard

What was the Worst Match of the Night? (1 point) 4vs4 Match

Who will be the survivors in the 4v4 match? (+1 point for each correct, -1 for each incorrect) Sid

Who is the NWA’s new commissioner? (1 point) Since i can't think of someone else... i'll say Nick Bockwinkel

How many titles will change hands? (+1 point for each correct, -1 for each incorrect) 2

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

What was the poorest match on the revealed card? 4vs4

olympia · June 20, 2014

2 points before the projections:

funny that you gave Scott Armstrong the last name of Dixie. Once upon a time, he wore a mask under the name of Dixie Dynamite.

-- Boyd is taking a page from his former employeer Bill Watts with a few well placed pot shots at that regional outfit up north.

NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Ric Flair © vs Tully Blanchard

Comments: hard for me to pick against the Nature Boy, but as others have said, a Blanchard win here rewrites history a little bit and opens the door to some interesting matches down the road

AWA World Heavyweight Championship: Larry Zybyszko © vs Honky Tonk Man

Comments: normally I would go with HTM since he's cool, he's cocky, and he's bad. However, one world title change is enough for the card. HTM can step down and carry the upper mid card in some good feuds until another title shot comes his way

NWA World Tag Team Championship: The Von Erichs vs The Fabulous Freebirds ©

Comments: conventional wisdom says the Von Erichs should win, but since when have I ever made conventional picks. Looking ahead, I think these teams have excellent feud potential with other teams on the roster than could prove to be even more interesting that this historic one

NWA US Heavyweight Championship: Don Muraco vs Bob Orton Jr. ©

Comments: Muraco seems to be a place holder - getting a few wins, but putting over your top stars (which Orton has been). Orton gets the duke here

NWA World TV Championship: Lex Luger vs Terry Taylor ©

Comments: Taylor outwrestles the musclehead

NWA US Tag Team Champsionship: The Guerrero Brothers © vs Buddy Rose & Doug Somers

Comments: Rose and Sommers were a great team in AWA and carried a couple great feuds. If they capture the gold, I could see them facing a challenge from the VOn Erichs (that should rival their AWA feud vs the Rockers) and Gurerreros vs Freebirds could be another feud that helps put JCP on the national map, and creating a buzz. Suddenly with a double tag title switch, you could see the Freebirds knocking on the Von Erich's door for a US title shot in a few months in an interesting turn of events

NWA World Cruiserweight Championship: Jushin Liger © vs Jimmy Snuka

Comments: Snuka seems better suited for a "bigger" title, but he gives Liger some credibility here by putting the kid over.

Texas Bullrope Match: Dusty Rhodes vs Dick Murdoch

Comments: Has been a classic feud, Rhodes wins his speciality

One Night with Missy: Eddie Gilbert vs Austin Idol

Comments: shades of Flair and Precious. I'm sure Gilbert will have a surprise or two for Idol should he win Missy for the night.

Falls Count Anywhere (no DQ): Bam Bam Bigelow vs Jimmy Garvin

Comments: Bigelow is fine on the lower card, but Garvin can rise to the top and be a title contender. He could be a good match with HTM down the road.

The Big Boss Man vs Kevin Sullivan

Comments: You need Sullivan to stir the pot on the mid-card.

4v4 Elimination Match: Team Albano vs Team Hart

Comments:

What was the Best Match of the Night? (1 point) Flair - Tully A*

What was the Worst Match of the Night? (1 point) Bossman-Sullivan

Who will be the survivors in the 4v4 match? (+1 point for each correct, -1 for each incorrect) Stan Lane

Who is the NWA’s new commissioner? (1 point) Mulligan - his appearance could change the dynamic a little bit

How many titles will change hands? (+1 point for each correct, -1 for each incorrect) 2

What was the match of the Night from the revealed card? Flair-Tully

What was the poorest match on the revealed card? 8 man

BlueStar · June 25, 2014

Almost off on holiday, perhaps (or perhaps not) with internet access. Excited about this. Olympia sold some very unusual angles but that's what keeps this interesting.

Ritchardo · July 30, 2014

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/FridayNightShowdown.jpg Friday Night Showdown November 18th, 1988 From The San Antonio Coliseum, Texas Attendance: 10,000 (SELL OUT) Announce Team: Jim Ross, Boyd Pierce & Nick Bockwinkel http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimRoss0.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BoydPierce.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/NickBockwinkel.jpg </div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerTara.jpg This week’s show opens in the interview area where Tara stands by with her microphone: Tara: “Ladies and Gentlemen, one day out from Starrcade and we’ve been promised two blockbuster tag team matches by the NWA Commissioner’s office… Tonight we’ll see the Honky Tonk Man & Tully Blanchard team together again to take on The Southern Boys while our next duo take on the former US Tag Team Champions The Enemy in our main event… it’s our AWA World Heavyweight Champion AND the NWA World Heavyweight Champion… Larry Zbyszko & Ric Flair!” http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LarryZbyszko.jpg Flair and Zbyszko walk on to the screen looking far from impressed at this news. Zbyszko: “Tonight, The Enemy will finally get their chance to shine in the sun… they get to take on two of the greatest wresters in the world today… of all time… in a match where they might even be favourites… because while they can rely on quick tags, strong understanding and pulling in the same direction… their opponents… US… we can’t even look each other in the eye….” Flair: “Thing is though, WOOOOOO! Tonight, it doesn’t matter which of us is the better wrestler… it only matters that we’re a better TEAM than The Enemy… Larry Zbyszko might think this is some kind of punishment being taken out on us… but it’s The Enemy that’s really going to be punished! "And it’s only a hop, skip and a jump from here to --… in your home town Tully Blanchard… where your dreams of becoming the MAN truly end… because at the end of Starrcade it’ll be ME! Nature Boy Ric Flair standing tall and standing proud with this NWA World Heavyweight title strapped around my waist while you lie in a crumpled and broken heap below, me just another in the long line of guys who thought they could take a piece of the Naitch… that’s all you are now Tully, just another guy… and after I’m done with him… Larry Zbyszko? You want to join that list, be my guest because at Clash of the Champions, if you can get past the Honky Tonk Man then I’ll take you on don’t worry about that.” Zbyszko: “Oh you don’t have to worry about the Honky Tonk Man… you should worry about getting past Tully Blanchard… because only if you can do that can you really be in my league, Flair.” Flair: “Yeah?” Zbyszko: “Yeah!” The two look ready to square off against each other before Zbyszko cracks a laugh and walks off leaving a visibly shaking with fury Ric Flair in his wake. Grade: B+</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Kevin Von Erich vs. Michael 'P.S.' Hayes http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/KevinVonErich.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MichaelHayes.jpg Following last week’s Von Erich/Freebird singles main event match, this is a real hot opener for a Texas crowd on the eve of the biggest show of the year! And neither Hayes nor Von Erich looks to disappoint in a surprisingly short but characteristically heated encounter! Like last week’s match, neither of their partners are allowed at ringside but, learning from their mistakes perhaps (or maybe Michael Hayes is just naturally a little smarter than Terry Gordy), Hayes sits back in this match, allowing Kevin Von Erich to come at him and generally slowing things down wherever possible, the crowd are firmly behind Kevin as he looks to get one over on his bitter rival… but alas it’s not to be because an ambitious flying crossbody attempt results in a sucker punch that catches Von Erich flush on the jaw and knocks him out cold! As Hayes goes for the easy pinfall, only the cameras seem to pick up on the brass knuckles being slipped back into the wrestling tights! Winner: Michael Hayes by pinfall in 9:46 Grade: B-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/HonkyTonkMan.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TullyBlanchard.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ArnAnderson.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerTonySchiavone.jpg Tony Schiavone is standing by with the Honky Tonk Man & the duo of Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard, their body language is the polar opposite of Flair & Zbyszko’s, the three comfortably slapping each other on the shoulders! Tully: “See what you got here Schiavone is a mutual meeting of the minds… see Honky Tonk Man and I think the same way – we both think that Ric Flair is the most selfish son of a bitch that ever walked this earth and that Larry Zbyszko is the luckiest one.” Honky Tonk Man: “Too right he is! No way could Larry Zbyszko hope to hold a candle to real wrestlers like me and Tully. They both got a lot in common though: they’re both living on things they did in the past, they’re cocky and their bad… and not in a good way! When I take that AWA World title off you Larry Zbyszko, I’m gonna protect it and I’m not gonna let my mouth write cheques that my fists can’t cash. You’re already trying to throw that proud belt away at Clash of the Champions… listen to me here and now son, when I win that title… the whole bet’s off – I don’t care what Zbyszko says and I don’t care what Flair says when me AND Tully Blanchard win those titles at Starrcade tomorrow night, we’re not signing up to NO unification match!” Blanchard: “Absolutely not… you see I’ve been AWA World Champion… I’ve never been NWA Champ… I want to enjoy my title reign before I become the Unified champion of the world…” Honky’s grin wipes from his face before he turns to look at Tully Honky: “Is that right? You think you can beat me…” The two look ready to come to blows before Arn Anderson whispers into both of their ears and they both start laughing… Blanchard: “Good point Arn… good point… what happens next month or next year doesn’t matter… all that matters is the next day. And tomorrow, you two boys are gonna lose those belts because we are the future of wrestling and we live in tomorrow.” The trio walk off as we head back to the ring for our big handicap tag match. Grade: C+</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BamBamBigelow.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BigBossman.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Blackblood.pnghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TheWarlord1.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimmyGarvin.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerKevinSullivan.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerWoman.jpg As promised last week this is a real clash of super heavyweights as despite giving an additional team member away, the total bulk and size of Bigelow & Boss Man more than offsets Jimmy Garvin’s presence! Garvin though isn’t all about size, he brings his recent ferocity to the fore again as he pounds manically on Boss Man to start the match off… not that it lasts long though because a sidewalk slam from out of nowhere shakes the ring and very nearly brings the bout to a premature end! Whether Garvin would’ve escaped or not, we never know because the twin monsters of Blackblood & the Lord of Pain enter the ring and put the boot to Boss Man… this in turn brings Bigelow into the fray and chaos quickly reigns as all five men risk the ire of Earl Hebner! Regaining control, Bigelow and The Lord of Pain break it down in the ring – the former Warlord’s power shots apparently ineffective against Bam Bam. Blackblood fails to fare much better and with Garvin begging for the tag on the apron, Bigelow looks ready to take him on… but Kevin Sullivan has having none of it! He demands that Blackblood finishes the job and when he succeeds only in catching a massive belly to belly suplex, the Boss Man is right there to protect his tag partner as he grabs the big pinfall victory. Winners: Bam Bam Bigelow & The Big Boss Man in 7:16 Grade: C</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/EddieGilbert.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerMissyHyatt.jpg It’s Eddie Gilbert who’s waiting with a microphone in hand this time, Missy Hyatt is there in support and she looks less than happy at the turn of events Gilbert: “Austin Idol, you piece of trash. You think you can push me around now? No way, man. Those days are gone – I’ve gone out and made a name for myself – I’ve picked up a FINE woman right here in Missy Hyatt and you think you can just walk up to me and take what’s mine? Think again buster! At Starrcade, I’ll show you who the real man was in the Memphis Mafia and I’ll prove once and for all that I’m all the man that Missy Hyatt could ever want or need. “Good luck Austin… you’re gonna need it!” Grade: C-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Kendall Windham (w/Blackjack Mulligan) vs. Brad James http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/KendallWindham.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerBlackjackMulligan.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BradJames.jpg City Slicker Brad James continues his recent run on NWA television looking to add another scalp to his collection in the form of Kendall Windham. Accompanied by his father, the legendary Blackjack Mulligan, Windham is pumped up and ready for this test from the get-go but it’s James’ ruthless aggression that tells the tale in the early going here. Windham struggles to get a handle on the match but sheer perseverance pays off and he soon has James bumping around the ring. Blackjack is deeply engrossed in the action and calling on his son from the sidelines, as a result he misses the tell-tale signs from the crowd that something is up… http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ArnAnderson.jpg From out of the back has come Arn Anderson! He quickly stalks his way to the ring on the opposite side to Blackjack and before anyone knows what’s going, he’s jumped on to the apron and is distracting Kendall! Breaking away from James he’s over and arguing with Arn… but the Enforcer drops to the apron only to start scuffling with Blackjack! Kendall has his attention fully on the two rolling around outside the ring and misses Brad James sneaking behind him! Before he knows what’s going on, Kendall has hit a modified Russian Leg Sweep and Kendall hits the mat hard! 1… 2... 3!! Winner: Brad James by pinfall in 5:09 Grade: C- The bell rings but the action outside doesn’t seem to be stopping any time soon, Arn is continuing to throw meaty blows at Blackjack who is struggling to defend himself. After what seems like an eternity, Arn gets up from the fallen Mulligan and takes great pleasure at the sight below his feet before casually swaggering off. Grade: C-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">The Southern Boys vs. Tully Blanchard & The Honky Tonk Man http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/SteveArmstrong.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TracySmothers.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TullyBlanchard.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/HonkyTonkMan.jpg The contenders for the AWA & NWA World titles tomorrow night join forces in a reunion of sorts from the Lethal Lottery as the successful semi-finalists Honky Tonk Man & Tully Blanchard combine forces again against one of the hottest young teams working their way through the tag ranks in their biggest challenge to date. The match kicks off with Armstrong, the son of ‘Bullet’ Bob Armstrong we’re reliably informed, taking on another second generation star as Tully Blanchard looks to one-up his father Joe and make it to the summit of the NWA tomorrow night. Before that though, he has to get past Armstrong & Smothers – while the youngsters might be giving up a lot of experience to their main event foes – they have youth, enthusiasm and tag team experience in their favour! Blanchard immediately looks to slow Armstrong with a series of arm bars and kicks to the back of the legs – looking to weaken the youngster. Showing superb athleticism though, Armstrong escapes the hold with a standing somersault that not only forces Tully to break the hold but throws him backwards. A quick tag to Smothers and the youngsters suddenly gain the advantage with a superb running dropkick that has Blanchard flying backwards and making a grasping tag to Honky Tonk. Learning from his partner’s mistake, Honky Tonk is much slower and more deliberate in trying to press home his advantage – he’s a lot warier of committing and it shows! Smothers catches Honky Tonk in an arm bar of his own… but walks into a short clothesline that almost beheads him! Dragging Smothers to his own corner, Honky tags Blanchard back in, who clearly has revenge on his mind… a few seconds later that revenge is realised with a figure four leglock far, far away from Smothers own corner and no way to reach the ropes… Smothers is left with no option but to quit. The commentary team praise the youngsters for their brave efforts but think that Honky Tonk Man & Tully Blanchard have shown the quick thinking that make them so dangerous for Larry Zbyszko & Ric Flair tomorrow night! Winners: Tully Blanchard & The Honky Tonk Man in 11:51 Grade: C </div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimmySnuka.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/GaryHart.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerSidVicious.jpg Gary Hart is flanked by Sid Vicious and Jimmy Snuka: Hart: “Seconds ago, Jushin Liger you had a glimpse into something similar to your own future… you have youth on your side. You have agility on your side… but you also have inexperience on your side because my man Jimmy Snuka might be a few years older than you… he might’ve lost a step in pace… but he’s got yards of experience on you – he’s main evented arenas all throughout this land, all throughout the WORLD… and he’s even been in Japan… your tricks and flips might seem impressive to the audience out there but Jimmy Snuka’s already seen everything in your playbook… and so have I… in Japan, you’re a nobody Liger – you’re just another face in a big crowd and while you might look sensational and exciting compared to most of the bums you’ve been facing up ‘til now this is your first real test. Your chance at a main event world title calibre wrestler who’s agreed to come down to your level for the night… "Jimmy Snuka has ordained that you get your big opportunity… because when he beats you, and he WILL beat you he’ll take everything that you hold dear – that useless bauble of gold and tin around your waist – the Cruiserweight World title… we’re not interested in it Liger. But you are. It means the world to you and when we break you and take that belt off you, it’ll kill you to see Jimmy Snuka standing tall with that belt over his head, knowing you will NEVER EVER be good enough to take it back off him… “You’re nothing but a freak Liger and tomorrow night, your time runs out.” Grade: C</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DustyRhodes.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DickMurdoch.jpg A short music video plays in black and white detailing the story of Dick Murdoch & Dusty Rhodes’ friendship and recent rivalry. The closing shot has the two going nose to nose followed by details of how to order the pay-per-view. Grade: B</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Ric Flair & Larry Zbyszko vs. The Enemy (w/ Teddy Long) http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LarryZbyszko.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RonSimmons.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LarryCameron.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerTeddyLong.jpg Unlike our last match, the teamwork is sadly lacking in the champions’ corner. Neither man seems to trust the other and it shows! Fortunately for them, The Enemy are letting their frustrations get the better of them and are incapable of taking the advantage that’s been given to them, they seem far too interested in making someone, anyone, pay for the slights that have been made against them of late by the NWA. Simmons in particular lets his mean streak come to the fore, pounding the Nature Boy into the canvas with relish. They don’t call him the ‘Dirtiest Player in the Game’ for nothing though, and a low blow cops a talking to from the referee but stops the beating and lets Zbyskzo take his place on the receiving end. After throwing a number of power moves though, The Enemy begin to lag and against two singles competitors who specialise in marathon matches, the stamina reserves begin to move the tide in favour of the NWA & AWA World Champions. Finally getting on the same page, Zbyszko & Flair begin to team together and after a brief mis-communication, Larry Cameron finds himself locked in the Larryland Dreamer and stuck in the opposite corner! Flair enters the ring to cut-off Simmons and it’s enough to take the victory as Cameron succumbs to sleep! Winners: ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair & ‘The Living Legend’ Larry Zbyszko in 14:11 Grade: B+ Ron Simmons & Teddy Long don’t look happy about the outcome though and the former All-American nails the still celebrating Zbyszko with a big running clothesline, sending him sprawling to the outside. Simmons turns his attention on Flair, but Naitch is ready for him and ducks out of the way… Only to run straight into Tully Blanchard and the Honky Tonk Man! The two contenders have returned to ringside and look ready to take over where Simmons left off! Even as Ron pulls the groggy Cameron from the ring and helps him to the back, the four men in tomorrow night’s double main event are rolling around the ring beating seven shades out of one another! The announcers promise once more that Starrcade is set to be a monumental event and promises a stellar line up of matches… as long as these four don’t kill each other first!! Grade: B+</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">Overall Show Grade: B</div> --- Hopefully Starrcade will be up over the weekend... it's a monster... I warn you now!!

Consrvtve · July 30, 2014

Great show. I missed hearing gary hart's voice in my head <img alt="

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Jaysin · July 30, 2014

Very good show. I should go back and read the rest of the diary to get caught up.

Ritchardo · July 31, 2014

Comments: I keep thinking of Flair vs. Garvin with Flair winning a night with Precious when I read this match.

That's definitely what I'm riffing off - it's not a carbon copy of where that went but yeah it's certainly playing off that stroryline!

Comments: Sullivan plays the number game, plus I´m the guy to blame that he´s still here so guess I have to back him up too

Honestly? I'm glad you did. It's been fun writing for Big Kev and this programme that both men are working through is a personal tip of the hat for two guys that when we started I had written off - Sullivan for his bad attitude and difficulty to write for (in terms of motivation) while Boss Man is/was and always seems to be really, really difficult for people to push - myself included. What I'm saying is that if you hadn't made me keep Sullivan (he was on the bus with Manny Fernandez, Denny Jones and The Barbarian), I wouldn't have been able to add this different character and voice in my programming - he's not been a big part of my shows but he's been different - and different stands out!

What was the match of the Night from the revealed card? Didn't you ask these already?

Erm... yeah... sorry about that... disregard!

Boyd Pierce sure does talk a lot of trash for someone who isn't even important enough to have a properly sized picture

Well Boyd's got Ole in his ear, whispering sweet malevolance! Let's face it Jim Ross has got one on the future if things go wrong down South and Bockwinkel's too much of a pro to get involved in trash talking!

Flair vs. Tully though I'm expecting a good grade from Dusty vs. Murdoch as well.

Without giving anything away, I was very pleased with a number of the grades - one of which was very surprising.

funny that you gave Scott Armstrong the last name of Dixie. Once upon a time, he wore a mask under the name of Dixie Dynamite.

I didn not know that!

Excited about this. Olympia sold some very unusual angles but that's what keeps this interesting.

Yes... he does that doesn't he?!!

That's why I love reading all of the predictions you guys put forward because it really does make me think about my long term plans and it's kind of the closest we can get to audience reactions as to who's getting over. Olympia's a bit of a 'night after Wrestlemania' kinda guy!

Great show. I missed hearing gary hart's voice in my head

It was always a matter of time until the Playboy rolled into town, just wanted to give him something to do and I think he and Sid will be a great fit.

Very good show. I should go back and read the rest of the diary to get caught up.

Thanks very much! Hope you get the chance (and that you like what you find!)

--

Thanks again to everyone who's participated whether it be predicting or just reading the diary up until now, it's all very muc appreciated. As I said the other day, hoping to have Starrcade up for your enjoyment over the weekend.

Ritchardo · August 2, 2014

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NWA Starrcade

November 19th, 1988

From The San Antonio Alamo Stadium, Texas

Attendance: 30,000 (SELL OUT)

Announce Team: Jim Ross, Boyd Pierce & Nick Bockwinkel

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NWA US Tag Team Championship
The Guerrero Brothers © vs. Buddy Rose & Doug Somers
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The announce team have breathlessly welcomed us to Starrcade and the pyrotechnics are still going off as we gather in the ring for our opening match-up. Already standing by and ready to go are the challengers – Buddy Rose & Doug Somers a determined expression on each of their faces. The music of The Guerrero Brothers hit and the crowd rise to their feet – this pay per view is officially on!

Arriving in a flurry of glitter and wearing matching white trunks and green robes each with their wearer’s signature stencilled in red on the back – the Guerrero Brothers leap into the ring showing great agility and send their opponents scurrying to the outside where they confer together pointing up at the pair in alarm. After some coaxing the referee convinces Rose and Somers to return to the ring and this one opens up with Doug Somers and Hector Guerrero locking up in the centre of the ring. Hector takes the early initiative with a hip-toss marking the first drop of the night. The crowd are firmly behind the Texas locals and from the sidelines Buddy Rose bellows at the crowd to ‘shut their stinking mouths’. It’s Somers who’s shut up though as a standing dropkick from Hector is enough to send him scrambling for the hot tag.

Rose looks to slow things down, locking up with Hector again and catching him in a strong side headlock. Dropping to the canvas, Rose keeps the lock in place and uses his weight to try for a pinfall attempt. Hector’s too fresh though and manages to get a shoulder up after barely a one count, even if he can’t break the hold. Laying still on the canvas, the referee makes two more aborted pinfall counts as Hector’s energy saps, each escape seeming to take longer and longer. Taking a different tack the referee raises Hector’s arm and lets it drop to the canvas. He does it again… same result… Rose has a huge smile on his face while on the outside Chavo is pounding his feet on the canvas and clapping for the crowd – who respond with aplomb. As Hector’s arm heads to the canvas for the third time, there’s a flicker from Hector who pulls his arm just before it hits the canvas, Rose shakes his head in amazement and fury. He locks the move in tighter but Hector’s arm is now straight up in the arm, pulling in the energy from the crowd. Suddenly he throws a punch into Rose’s stomach. It’s not a strong blow by any means but it clearly rattles him! Hector kicks his legs up and is back on his knees… Rose is vigorously shaking his head now so fast that it looks as if it might come off! Still Hector powers up and he’s back on his feet… with a Herculean effort Hector scoops up Rose and slams him on his back! The force of the manoeuvre is enough to break the hold and leaves both men crawling for the tag… Rose makes it a fraction of a second before Hector so when Somers dashes into the ring, he runs straight into a house cleaning Chavo! The crowd erupts as Chavo throws blows at both Somers and the dizzy Rose. Pressing the advantage, Chavo catches Doug with a flying forearm that picks up a two count. Somers manages to clear his head quickly and locks up with Chavo again. The tactics are clear: Rose & Somers are trying to wear their Latino foes down… but the Guerrero brothers know how to grapple, and after a few minutes where Buddy seemed convinced that his partner had this in the bag, Chavo showed his skills, twisting his way out of an arm bar and reversing the hold… walking over to his own corner with Somers in tow, Chavo made the tag to Hector, as Chavo twisted the hold further and threw Somers on to his back, Hector had jumped on to the top turnbuckle… as Hector flew from the top rope on to the prone Somers with a textbook perfect frog splash, Chavo was running the ropes and caught Buddy Rose with a flying forearm on the ring apron that sent him sprawling to the ring floor… As Hector connected the crowd erupted and stood as one for the count…

1… 2… 3!!!

Winners and STILL the NWA United States Tag Team Champions: Hector & Chavo… The Guerrero Brothers!
Via: Pinfall in 13:33
Grade: B

The Guerrero celebrations are cut short by the sound of a complaining voice over the sound system… and accompanied by two giant bodyguards on their way to the ring…

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Teddy Long: “Yo, yo, yo listen up! You idiots, you Southern fried redneck morons are cheering the wrong men! The Guerreros are nothin’ but thieves. Lying, cheating, stealing thieves… every single one of them… and you know what we do to thieves where I’m from playa? We take it out on their skins…”

The Enemy have reached the ring now and have climbed inside. The Guerreros look nervous but ready to go if they have to…

Teddy Long: “See… The Enemy are an investment… not for me… but for a real playa, I’m little more than a business manager – the man pulling the strings, well he doesn’t want to have to waste his time coming down to hick garbage heap towns like San Antonio… but the NWA board have left him with no choice… so let me introduce to you the man who changed professional wrestling, the Hollywood superstar himself – and you should bow down in his presence – it’s MISTER T!!!”

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Sure enough, Mr. T. is making his way down to the ring arguing with members of the crowd along the way. The Guerreros are still ready to fight and Long is now holding back Simmons and Cameron from striking before he’s ready. Handing the microphone to T, Long stands back and allows his boss to speak.

Mr. T: “Shut up fools! I pity the fool who thinks he can stop me from reaching my destiny. Teddy Long was right when he called me the man who changed wrestling… I took wrestling out of the bingo halls and gyms and put it in arenas… if it wasn’t for me, none of you would be sitting here tonight. I saved wrestling… me and the power of show business. But it wasn’t good enough for your white kracker NWA bosses. They couldn’t stand to see the black man on top. They did everything they could to stop The Enemy from winning their US tag team titles… and they hounded me out… well I’m back tonight and you better believe that I’m not leaving this ring until I’ve had answers… and we’re gonna beat on your boys here until we get someone out here to tell us what’s been goin’ on”

The Enemy move in on the Guerreros but before the two teams can lock up… Nick Bockwinkel has stood up at ringside and has shouted ‘WAIT!!!”

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Removing his headset, Bockwinkel picks up the house microphone and steps into the ring.

Bockwinkel: “Now before you unleash your acolytes, perhaps Mr. T. you and I should have a short conversation about the history of this business. You might see yourself as the saviour of wrestling, but believe me that there have been plenty before you who have claimed to be that very thing, and there will be many more after your time has passed. The NWA board made their decision based on the recommendation of their Commissioner… ultimately it is he who holds the power in the National Wrestling Alliance… it is he who decides who is worthy to challenge for a title, and who has to defend it on a given night… at the end of the day the NWA Commissioner is the champion for right and wrong. For a position like this, one which holds such a great deal of executive power… the NWA felt that they could only really trust someone who has experienced everything that this sport has to offer… someone who has held World titles… someone who has held tag team titles… someone who wouldn’t be afraid to stand up to bullies… just… like… you. In short, the NWA wanted someone… just… like… ME!”

Mr. T smirks as the Enemy shift their weight to look at Bockwinkel… their body language is clear… and Nick Bockwinkel could be in trouble here!

T: “So what you’re saying is that you’re responsible for The Enemy not getting their due?!!”

Bockwinkel laughs

Bockwinkel: “I’m not saying that AT ALL! I’m saying the NWA Commissioner had to be someone like me… I didn’t say it was me… in fact… it’s HIM!!!”

Bockwinkel reels around and points up the aisle and as the curtain begins to twitch and ‘The Gates of Kiev’ begins to play…

Bockwinkel: “You might think you’re the saviour of wrestling but around here there’s only one King… SEVEN Time NWA World Champion, THREE Time AWA World Tag Team Champion… the one… the only… HARLEY RACE!”

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The crowd erupts as the returning Harley Race makes his way to the ring, his eyes focused on the suddenly ruffled Mr. T. Bockwinkel moves over and holds the ropes open for Race, as he steps inside the two men embrace – a move that sends the crowd into raptures. Jim Ross extols the virtues of both men as Race pulls the microphone out of the shellshocked Mr. T.’s hand

Race: “I’ve gotta be honest… I had a long speech planned for this moment. I had a lot of things to get off my chest but I think I’m gonna save most of that for this Friday’s Showdown… instead I’ve only got one thing to say to you Mr. T… you’re everything that’s gone wrong in this industry in the past four years. You’re the living embodiment of every mistake that’s ever been made and I’ve made it my personal mission to run you out of wrestling for once and for all… and…

Race is cut off by Larry Cameron’s lunge… it ends quickly and savagely… but not as The Enemy would’ve intended! Race catches Cameron with a massive right hook that floors the big man and leaves him stunned. Simmons suddenly looks nervous and drops out of the ring as Race goes for him. Long has leapt out of the way too and Mr T. finds his exit blocked by Chavo and Hector!

Race grins and grabs Mr T by the lapels. He trash talks him before throwing him bodily over the top rope into the arms of The Enemy as the crowd go wild!

With the Enemy taking flight, Race holds up the hands of the Guerrero Brothers before making his exit, to the ecstatic whoops of the crowd.

Grade: C+

One Night With Missy:
Eddie Gilbert (w/ Missy Hyatt) vs. Austin Idol
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Nick Bockwinkel has taken his seat back at the announce table and deflects the probing questions of Jim Ross and Boyd Pierce, assuring them that they now know as much as he does… he was personally asked to introduce the new commissioner and that’s exactly what he did if we can now concentrate on this match – because there’s a lot at stake? And he’s not wrong… particularly for the nervous looking Eddie Gilbert. Missy Hyatt is dressed to the nines – wearing a lot of make-up, a low cut top and a short skirt… clearly she wants to at least look the part if this enforced date is to go ahead… In fact she may be a little over-dressed for Austin Idol to be able to keep his eyes on the match because he keeps stealing ravenous glances at Gilbert’s manager. And Missy seems to be enjoying the attention! Not that Gilbert notices because from the first bell he takes the match to Idol with a viciousness that has been missing since the break-up of the Memphis Mafia.

A solid dropkick sends Idol stumbling into the corner and is quickly followed up by 10 rapid punches from the second rope! Gilbert’s early nerves seem to be dissipating as he takes the match to the now extremely groggy Idol. A snapmare gets a long two count while Missy bangs her hand on the canvas on the outside. Looking for a reverse chinlock, Gilbert gets a shade too close and he catches a short blow that drops him to the canvas and lets Austin clap a set of head scissors on to slow things down. The match then descends into a battle for mat supremacy, both men trading holds and rolls with aplomb, looking to get the upper hand on their rival. As Eddie looks for a knee lift to the face, Austin swipes the standing leg away, sending Eddie back first on to the canvas. While holding on to the leg, Austin signals a twist with his finger and locks Gilbert into a figure four. Gilbert is struggling in agony while Idol nonchalantly blows a kiss at Missy Hyatt! She looks stunned but not displeased… Eddie’s not done though! He drags himself towards the rope and is inches away from it… Missy Hyatt reaches out… and pulls the bottom rope further away! Gilbert’s fingers had grazed the rope but it’s not enough to break the hold – he’s less than two inches away from safety! Idol grins and pulls Gilbert back towards the centre of the ring…. It’s too much! Eddie quits!!!

Winner: Austin Idol
Via: Submission in 11:01
Grade: C+

Gilbert is trying to pull in oxygen as Missy Hyatt gets into the ring. Austin gives her a rakish smile and she steps over Gilbert’s body to walk over and plant a huge kiss on Idol’s lips! She leaps up into his arms and passionately kisses Idol, to a chorus of booing from the audience. The two leave the ring oblivious to the displeasure from the San Antonio capacity crowd.

Grade: C-

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NWA World Television Championship
Lex Luger (w/ J.J. Dillon) vs. Terry Taylor © (w/ Ole Anderson)
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Reminding us of the build-up to this match, with Terry Taylor escaping with his title by the skin of his teeth at the Lethal Lottery and J.J. Dillon’s insistence that Taylor is out of his depth dealing with the sharks in the Horsemen, the commentary team certainly paint the picture of a TV champ on the very edge. Luger seems to sense this weakness because he uncharacteristically takes the match to Taylor. His powerful style has Taylor reeling from the very beginning. On the apron Ole Anderson continually calls to his charge instructing him to take out the legs. Taylor for all his faults and arrogance is a good wrestler though and takes his few opportunities well, a strong kick to Luger’s knee completely changes the tide of this match and allows the clinical Taylor to pick off Luger with focused stiff kicks that bring the big man down to his knees. The shots continue as Luger now looks to be behind the eight ball. Suddenly Taylor doesn’t look to be the paper champion he’s been made out to be and is on the ascendancy. A slap to the face sends the exhausted Luger to the canvas and Taylor is down for the sloppy three count…

1…

2…

NO! A kick out with authority! Luger almost hurls Taylor out of the ring from his prone position and has leapt back on to his feet! He charges at ‘Mr. Fantastic’ and catches him with a huge clothesline that dumps him over the top rope! Luger is appealing to the fans to back him and they roar in approval as Taylor looks to clear the cobwebs. Ole is over to him and speaking in his ear. Taylor looks shocked and shakes his head but Ole grabs him by the face and repeats his instruction. Luger looks confused now while Taylor is hesitant… but ultimately he looks to be doing what he’s told… As Luger looks on, the dejected Taylor turns around and walks away from the ring up the entrance way as the crowd voice their disgust! Ole backs his own way up the aisle pointing at J.J. Dillon and laughing, but all the time keeping himself between Taylor and Luger should he attempt to pull him back into the ring. Lex Luger has won the match, but Terry Taylor and the Four Horsemen will retain the NWA World Television Title!

Winner: Lex Luger
Via: Countout in 11:26
Grade: C-

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The crowd are still murmuring in discontent at the unsatisfactory conclusion to the last match when the eight men competing in this match (with their respective managers) make their way to the ring. Billed as the hottest 4v4 match of the year by the NWA, this is probably an oversell and most certainly a pop at another wrestling organisation’s big show for the month… Boyd Pierce takes particular delight in pointing out that as good as this match will be, it certainly can’t match up to the excitement and passion of a traditional 1 v 1 match. Despite the hard sell, the crowd can blatantly see through what is a clear filler match and the responses are far more muted for this clash than the rest of the event so far. The action opens with Cocoa Samoa facing off against the Dynamite Kid and we get a short but sweet junior heavyweight style match as both men take to the high impact and aerial offence, Cocoa is looking sprightly after nailing Dynamite with a running bulldog and jumping to the top rope he looks to finish the Brit off with a Superfly Splash… but he takes too long and Dynamite is able to roll out of the way, leaving Cocoa to eat canvas and get the hot tag to Steve Keirn. Wasting no time, Keirn catches Samoa with an Inverted DDT that leaves him down and out for the three count!

COCOA SAMOA IS ELIMINATED IN 5:12 BY STEVE KEIRN (PINFALL)

Keirn has no time to celebrate though because Afa & Sika have both entered the ring and are savagely double teaming Keirn. Gary Hart is trying to call them back but they’re not listening… The referee tries to pull Afa back but the savage shoves him off and continues to put the boots to Keirn. The referee is admonishing the pair and now Sika shoves him away… Keirn is down and out and there for the taking… Afa drops down for the pinfall attempt… but the referee’s not counting, he’s spoken to the timekeeper and he’s ringing the bell…

THE WILD SAMOANS ARE ELIMINATED IN 6:14 BY DISQUALIFICATION

Gary Hart is beside himself! He’s standing with his hands on his head in shock… in the space of 62 seconds he’s lost three quarters of his team and is left now with his most inexperienced wrestler to defend his corner! Vicious for his part has wasted no time and hit Keirn with a big legdrop while still prone on the canvas. He goes for the pinfall… and succeeds… Sid Vicious brings it back to three against one.

STEVE KEIRN IS ELIMNATED IN 6:27 BY SID VICIOUS (PINFALL)

Chris Adams enters the ring and runs straight at Vicious… who catches him by the throat. Vicious pulls him close to his face and trash talks before lifting him high above his head and chokeslamming Adams into the canvas… he goes for the pinfall… he gets it!!!

CHRIS ADAMS IS ELIMINATED IN 6:39 BY SID VICIOUS (PINFALL)

And now Vicious has cut the deficit again! The mood has swung violently in this one in the space of thirty seconds! Gary Hart’s despair has been replaced with jubilation while it’s Lou Albano’s turn to look shellshocked on the outside! Sid Vicious is making a name for himself tonight and no mistake!

Stan Lane enters the ring for the first time and he’s a lot more cautious than ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams. Carefully he stalks Vicious who stands by in the middle of the ring waiting… Lane throws a Savate kick from nowhere that Vicious just manages to avoid… ‘Sweet’ Stan pays for it immediately though because Vicious grabs at his throat and it looks like Stan Lane’s going to be next to go for the ride… but Dynamite Kid jumps on to the top rope and launches himself with a double axe handle! The force of the blow is enough to make Sid let go, and Dynamite takes his warning from the referee before stepping back on to the apron.

What follows is a fine example of two wily veterans using their numbers advantage to wear down Vicious – Lane and Dynamite use their speed to leave Vicious confounded, a series of quick tags leaves Vicious utterly confused and, after managing to catch Dynamite with a massive powerbomb, he was absolutely furious to find that the referee wasn’t counting. Vicious had missed the tag out to Stan Lane behind his back before planting Dynamite… Stan Lane has been waiting and as Vicious turns, he catches him with a Savate Kick straight to the chin! The big man falls like a tree in the forest and Lane is down for the cover…

1…

2…

3!

Sid Vicious finally succumbs to the numbers game but what a showing he’s put in here!

Winners: ‘Sweet’ Stan Lane & The Dynamite Kid
Via: Final Pinfall in 11:03
Grade: D+

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Kevin Sullivan is flanked by the Army of Darkness and he prepares to speak directly at the camera:

Sullivan: “Big Boss Man you talk of justice, honour and the American Way… I am the American Way. Look into the dark hearts of men and you will see me staring back at you. When you go to sleep at night, I will be in the shadows… waiting for the moment to strike… That moment has almost arrived – tonight at Starrcade I fire a crippling blow at your so-called justice, I break you in front of the whole world and believe me before this matter is done you will bow down in front of me and kiss my hand. You will beg to be inducted into my Army of Darkness and Boss Man… I will be your light! I will be your justice! And I will be the one that you protect and SERVE!”

Grade: C

Street Fight:
Bam Bam Bigelow (w/ Precious) vs. Jimmy Garvin (w/ Dirty White Girl)
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Kevin Sullivan’s previous target, Bam Bam Bigelow, is still trying to clear up the mess in his life that Sullivan has made in the shape of the insanely jealous Jimmy Garvin. Outside the ring, Dirty White Girl is pacing around while Precious nervously keeps her distance from her – this is a theme for the duration of the match, whenever Precious looks to move closer, DWG is there to threaten her and force her to back off.

Jimmy Garvin wears the look of a man possessed and despite giving up a huge weight disadvantage to Bigelow, he takes the initiative early by throwing his jacket into Bigelow’s face. As the big man pulls it away from his eyes, Garvin sets the tone for how this match is going to go with a vicious low blow that sends Bam Bam down to the canvas holding his crown jewels. Garvin’s sadistic smile twists his face as he stomps into the fallen giant. Stepping outside, Garvin picks up a steel chair and he’s wasting no time in dragging this one into the gutter!

Garvin swings high but Bigelow rolls out of the way. Another swing and another roll! Garvin throws the chair down in disgust before diving on to Bam Bam with a wild series of punches. Bigelow seems to have recovered though because he catches Garvin in a side headlock and from his position lying on his back powers into him with big right hands of his own.

There’s no pretence at scientific wrestling here as the two men continue to use cheap tactics on one another. At one stage Bigelow hurls Garvin out of the ring, over the top rope and smashing straight into the crash barrier at ringside. Taking the discarded steel chair, Bigelow aims a shot straight for Garvin’s head, but catches only the crash barrier, the force of the recoil making Bigelow drop the chair. Garvin scrambles away but Bigelow gives chase around the outside of the ring, as Bam Bam nearly catches his opponent, a genius piece of defence from Garvin sees him suddenly drop to the floor and catch Bam Bam with a sweep of the leg… the inertia sends Bigelow head first into the steel railing and he’s down and out!

Garvin’s twisted smile comes back now and as he grabs at the steel chair, this time he’s not going to miss as he jams it into Bigelow’s throat! The crowd fall hushed as Garvin jams the chair unopposed into Bigelow’s exposed throat. Another kick to the stomach now and this is turning into a rout! The referee is arguing with Garvin, he’s telling him just to pin this and end it but Garvin pushes him off – it’s clear he wants to inflict punishment here. On commentary Nick Bockwinkel is expressing his shock at how in control Garvin has seemed while Jim Ross points out that Jimmy Garvin has always been a very dangerous competitor. Things are looking very bleak now for the starting to come round Bigelow… But here’s Precious over to try and plead his case. Dirty White Girl has gotten up in her face and it looks like Precious is going to cry off again… NO! A big slap from Precious sends Dirty White Girl reeling and now Precious has her by the hair… she swings her round and sends her sprawling to the floor… now it’s Dirty White Girl who looks nervous to go anywhere near Precious!

Jimmy Garvin has stopped his assault to watch what’s going on and he’s right over in Precious’ face… she immediately backs off again and is pleading with him to stop this… that he’s made his point. Garvin demands that she gets down on her knees and begs… the emotional Precious slowly drops to her knees and puts her hands up in prayer. Garvin just laughs again and roars “NOOOO!!!!” in her face… he turns around to start beating on Bigelow again… to find the big man standing in front of him! The crowd roars as Bigelow grabs Garvin and throws him bodily at the ring steps. Garvin clatters into them and has no time to recover before, Bigelow grabs him again and bounces him off the solid announcer’s table. Bigelow steps on to the desk and drops a knee into Garvin’s sternum… he’s in real trouble now, Bigelow grabs Garvin and has him over his shoulder… a sitout reverse piledriver on the ring floor has the ringside crowd on its feet as Jim Ross declares that this that shot would’ve been heard all the way back in Asbury Park!

Bigelow covers the limp Garvin… and gets the three count! What a battle!

Winner: Bam Bam Bigelow
Via: Pinfall in 13:08
Grade: C

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We’re taken backstage where Larry Zbyszko is in his dressing room performing push-ups. Jim Ross and Boyd Pierce talk over the challenge being faced by the AWA champion tonight.

Grade: B

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And Nick Bockwinkel takes over to talk about his challenger as The Honky Tonk Man is shown arriving at the arena earlier today. He appears determined to give out his signature to a group of fans who look less than overjoyed to meet him.

Grade: B

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NWA US Heavyweight Championship
Don ‘The Rock’ Muraco vs. ‘Cowboy’ Bob Orton Jr. © (w/ Ole Anderson)

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Much is made of these two being former tag team partners and certainly it seems to add an extra layer of tension to proceedings. As the referee runs down the rules for both men, Orton chews gum slowly and deliberately while Muraco stares straight into his former friend’s eyes. As the referee turns his back to give the title belt to the timekeeper and get this one underway, Orton spits his gum in Muraco’s face! ‘The Rock’ is furious and immediately throws a right hand that is blocked instinctively by Orton… this one is on! The early going is a real cat and mouse game as the two clearly know each other’s ring game inside out. They trade some grapples but neither is able to press the advantage as counter after counter after counter takes place. The crowd are lapping up the action as are the commentary team – Nick Bockwinkel going so far as to say it’s the best wrestling performance he’s seen from both men in many a year and that they seem to have found a new lease of life here in the NWA where they’re being allowed to actually wrestle.

Orton finally gets the upper hand when he manages to catch Muraco in a reverse wrist lock and drive him into the corner at force. Unable to protect himself Muraco takes the full blow of impact on his chest and as he struggles for air, Orton presses his advantage. Orton is focusing his attacks on Muraco’s thick neck, clearly thinking ahead to how he’s going to try and win this one. Felling Muraco with a blow to the back of the neck, Orton climbs on his back and locks in a strong reverse chinlock. Muraco is in agony, and sensing that he might be on to something, Orton moves into a camel clutch… with Muraco’s agonised cries ringing around the building this appears to be building to it’s inevitable conclusion… but hang on! Look at Muraco! With an amazing display of raw strength, Muraco has got on to his knees… and is now climbing to his feet, lifting the startled Orton up on his back! Orton doesn’t know what to do and is hanging on for dear life… Muraco drops to his back, squashing Orton beneath his body and both men are lying on the canvas pulling in air!

Muraco slowly manages to come round and it’s his turn to make Orton suffer, choosing to go after Orton’s back but with clearly the same gameplan: wear the opponent down enough to apply the finishing move…

After nearly 15 minutes of gruelling combat, the two men catch each other with duel running clotheslines… that also take the referee out! Ole is signalling to the back and…

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Here comes Terry Taylor! ‘Mr Fantastic’ had his own problems with Don Muraco recently and it looks like he’s out to get some retribution. Orton has come to in the ring and picks up Muraco by the hair. Ole hands Taylor a set of brass knuckles and Terry is arguing the toss with Ole about it, he’s saying he doesn’t need them but Anderson is insisting he uses them… the referee is slowly starting to come to so Taylor grabs the knuckles and slides them on his hand. Orton holds Muraco up and Taylor throws the punch…. AND HITS ORTON! Muraco had dropped his head out of the way and Taylor connected with the temple of Bob Orton! Ole can’t believe it… Taylor looks confused and jumps out of the ring as the referee turns…

Muraco senses his opportunity and covers Orton…

1…

2…

…

3!!!

Winner and NEW NWA United States Heavyweight Champion: Don ‘The Rock’ Muraco
Via: Pinfall in 15:33
Grade: B-

Don Muraco has done it! Ole Anderson is a picture of fury as the Hawaiian Hero stands with the US Heavyweight title belt in the corner! Muraco waves to the crowd and he leaves to a chorus of cheers from the still shellshocked crowd.

They might be shocked but they’re not as shocked as Bob Orton! He’s sitting up in the ring holding his forehead and shouting out at Taylor… Taylor for his part is trying to blame Ole for wasting time and insisting he use the brass knuckles. Orton doesn’t want to hear it but Taylor is insisting on apologising and as he enters the ring he extends his hand to the Cowboy, helping him back on his feet. Orton grasps his hand and pulls himself up to a cacophony of booing. Taylor holds up Orton’s hand and turns towards Ole… it’s not clear whether Taylor saw Ole slip the brass knuckles back on his hand but if he did, it was too late because Orton has moved behind Taylor and grasped him in a full nelson… without wasting a beat, Ole throws a big right hand at Taylor that audibly cracks off his skull. Taylor goes limp in Orton’s grasp and he’s quickly dumped to the canvas. Orton’s not done though and he’s kneels over the fallen Taylor beating him hard with right hands that quickly bust him open and leave a trail of claret running from his forehead.

As Ole drags Orton away he can be heard yelling back that Taylor is finished and that since he’d cost him his title, he’d be taking Taylor’s…. one way or another… Terry Taylor makes a sad sight as he’s helped out of the ring by some ring officials.

Grade: C+

The Big Boss Man vs. Kevin Sullivan (w/ Woman)
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Still shell-shocked from the events of the last match, the crowd are slow to get behind the Big Boss Man, even when he takes the match to Sullivan from the get-go. Similar to the street fight earlier tonight, neither man is willing to give an inch to the other but it’s Boss Man’s surprising agility that looks to be a difference maker – a huge standing dropkick sending Sullivan sprawling to the outside and leaving the Boss Man calling him back on to him. Sullivan isn’t called ‘The Prince of Darkness’ for nothing though and concentrates his attacks on the Boss Man’s eyes leading Boyd Pierce to the conclusion that he’s trying to blind him before Bockwinkel quips that Justice is often blind…

Almost as if on cue…

http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Blackblood.pnghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TheWarlord1.jpg

… from out of the back come ‘The Masters of Pain’. They march down to ringside and keep a focused attention on the Boss Man. The assault on his eyes appears to be paying off because the Boss Man has just missed a big boot, leaving Sullivan to bound off the ropes… only to be caught in a sidewalk slam!

NO! Sullivan has held on to Boss Man’s right arm and thrown his legs up behind his shoulders, he’s hooked his feet under the left arm of the big man! Crucifix pin attempt

1..

2..

3!

Winner: Kevin Sullivan
Via: Pinfall in 8:12
Grade: C-

Sullivan is delighted with his victory and drops down to the canvas his face inches from the Boss Man’s face… Sullivan can be seen muttering at the Boss Man… It’s not clear exactly what’s being said but the odd phrase can be picked up : “not over” “you will serve” “turn your back” and “protect your master” can all be picked up by the microphones at ringside. Sullivan climbs over the top rope to the apron and stands with his back to the outside in front of the Masters of Pain. He holds his arms out wide to either side and drops backwards. Blackblood and The Lord of Pain catch him and bending their backs, carry their Master in this Christ like pose all the way to the back to the disgust of the crowd.

Grade: C+

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NWA World Cruiserweight Championship
Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger © vs. Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka (w/ Gary Hart)

http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JushinLiger.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimmySnuka.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ManagerGaryHart.jpg

Starrcade has been billed as the night when scores are settled and the winner takes all. Few matches catch that spirit the same as this one. After almost six months of teasing, Jushin Liger and Jimmy Snuka finally meet one on one in the ring! The crowd are electric as the two finally lock-up and to no-one’s surprise it’s the veteran Snuka who easily overpowers the Japanese Junior. Although a high-flier, Snuka is also a strong mat technician and his game plan is clear to see from the very beginning – keep Liger on the ground. Snuka is working over his young opponent’s legs, stomps and pulls are very much the order of the day. Dominating from the very beginning, Snuka is punishing Liger and taking great pleasure in it. After six minutes of brutality, Liger is flat out on the canvas and Bockwinkel is speculating that this one might be over before Liger even got going! Supefly slowly climbs the turnbuckles, bellowing his trademark “HOO” as he gets to the top… camera lights flash as the Superfly poses for a second… Snuka leaps… and misses! Liger rolls out of the way and leaves Snuka to connect face first with the canvas! The crowd roars in approval as Snuka gasps for air!

On the outside Gary Hart is urging his man to get his stuff together, Albano is slapping the canvas urging Jushin Liger to get up… the race to beat the ten count is on… and Liger does it with three seconds to spare. Snuka is on one knee trying to shake the cobwebs as Liger bounces off the ropes… Baseball Slide into Snuka’s face! The Superfly drops back down as the crowd roars its approval… As Bockwinkel says: “It looks like game on now!” Liger does a standing somersault and lands with both elbows on Snuka’s body, one at the throat and one in the groin as the flat of his back impacts on Snuka’s stomach. It’s Liger’s turn to work over Snuka now, and he seems to be going for the mid-section, weakening him for a future aerial assault. Snuka is trying to escape the onslaught and has crawled over to the ropes, his head and body hanging over the second rope. Gary Hart is offering encouragement but here comes Liger… he looks to dive over the second rope, catches the top rope with his left arm and swings his legs across booting Snuka straight in the head! It’s a spectacular move and Jimmy Snuka is utterly poleaxed in the middle of the ring. And now it’s Liger’s turn to scale the ropes! He leaps up to the top rope and again the camera bulbs flash as he leaps... MOONSAULT!!!

NO!

Jimmy Snuka rolls out of the way at the last second and it’s Jushin Liger’s turn to hit the canvas! This time it’s Snuka who beats the 10 count by the skin of his teeth and both men look like they’ve been in the wars. Snuka decides to use his power advantage again and he’s now beating into Liger with stiff shots to the head and chest. Liger is showing incredible fight though because he’s responding in kind! Two stiff chops get a ‘WOOOOOOOO!’ from the crowd and as Snuka reels, Liger jumps and hits him with a spinning heel kick that sends the Superfly staggering into the corner. Liger sprints from the opposite corner and looks for a body splash, but Snuka launches himself from the corner and nails the youngster with a high impact spear!

This is not a battle for the feint hearted as both men continue with their high risk offence… over 20 minutes gone now and it’s hard to separate these two warriors. Both men look weary in their body language and Snuka is pulling in air as he grabs at Liger’s head. Suddenly, he’s behind him trying to remove the youngster’s mask. Liger is freaking out and, showing amazing situational awareness, he elbows Snuka in the stomach to release his grip slightly before RUNNING up the turnbuckles and leaping backwards over Snuka’s head! Liger lands perfectly and as Snuka turns, Liger throws a picture perfect standing dropkick that sends the Superfly hurtling back into the corner! Liger jumps on to the second turnbuckle with Snuka underneath him and unloads shots into his head… Snuka uses his brute strength though and using the ropes as a guide drives the champion into the centre of the before spike slamming him into the mat. The move shakes the ring and Liger is down! He’s still close to the ropes though and Snuka drags him into the middle of the ring… Liger has never lost in one on one competition in the United States we’re told as Snuka climbs back on to the top rope… he’s looking for another Superfly splash!

Jimmy Snuka looks to the heavens before letting fly in a picture perfect splash… that connects!

1…

2..

NO!

Snuka has broken the count! Gary Hart can’t believe it! But the Superfly looks intent on inflicting more damage… “He doesn’t want to just beat him – he wants to END him” declares Boyd Pierce as the Superfly takes to the top rope again, this time in the opposite corner, the crowd are horrified by this as the Superfly leaps again… and connects!

1..

2..

NO!

Snuka’s broken the count again! “This is sickening! Just win the goddamn match!” shouts Jim Ross. Snuka has now moved to a third corner… “I think he wants everyone in the crowd to get the same angle!” says Bockwinkel as Snuka prepares himself to leap again… he’s taking his time though and clearly enjoying every second of this assault… The Superfly leaps yet again… HE’S MOVED! LIGER HAS MOVED! It’s a matter of inches but it’s enough to make the Superfly miss his target! The crowd erupts as the Superfly clutches his stomach… an incredible turn of events claims Jim Ross but Liger still looks to be in trouble, he can barely move but crawls his way to the ropes, breaking the referee’s standing 10 count… Liger drags himself to his feet as the Superfly gets back up… Snuka grabs at Liger’s head, forcing the youngster down to one knee, he pounds into the back of his head and flips him up for a powerbomb attempt… but Liger slips his foot under the ropes, stopping Snuka in his tracks, the youngster pounds Snuka hard on the head and he drops to the canvas, Liger still sitting on his chest, reaching behind him, Liger grabs Snuka’s legs and hooks them up… still sitting with his full weight on his chest…

1…

2…

3!!!

He’s done it! Jushin Liger retains his title!

Winner: Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger
Via: Pinfall in 22:30
Grade: B-

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The commentary team are still buzzing about the thrilling match we’ve just witnessed as we’re sent to the back to hear from ‘The American Dream’ Dusty Rhodes standing with his son Dustin.

Rhodes: “Dirty Dick Murdoch… this moment’s been a long time comin’ baby. Twenty years in the makin’ daddy, longer than ma boy Dustin here has been living’ an’ a breathin’… and a lot longer than you should still be breathin’ Dirty Dick because I had your back so many times over the years. I kept you outta harm’s way daddy when men like Harley Race, Nick Bockwinkel and Verne Gagne wanted to rip the head from yo shoulders.

“Each an’ every time we went out there I had your back. We was brothers. We shared everything an there’s no way ah’d have let anyone get you when I was around. I heard you’d come back to the NWA second hand, you didn’t pick up the phone an’ tell me but that’s fine ah thought, it’s okay, he’s his own man and we’ll see each other down the road. An’ even when ah saw you in the arenas before them fights you was cold man, you was distant. An now ah now why, it’s because you was plotting and scheming behind my back. Jealousy’s a terrible thing Dirty Dick, it’s somethin’ that if you ain’ careful can tear you up and chew you out. We were Texas Outlaws together man, we saw the world and we taught it a lesson together… well tonight deep hear in the heart of Texas we’re gonna settle our scores like men. Lashed together on a length of rope, longer than that tag rope we held for each other for so many years we’re gonna settle our scores, we’re gonna pay our dues and tonight Dick Murdoch I’ll take a little bit of the revenge back on you for what you did, not to me, but to ma boy here. An’ Dustin is gonna be by my side to watch what happens to anybody who attacks my blood… once upon a time you were like blood… but now Dirty Dick Murdoch, you’re nothing and tonight I’m gonna finish you once an’ for all.”

Grade: A

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NWA World Tag Team Championship: Steel Cage Match
The Von Erichs vs. The Fabulous Freebirds

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While Dusty Rhodes has been talking the ring crew has been assembling the steel cage that will settle another old feud when The Von Erichs make one final attempt to wrestle their World Tag Team Championship back from The Fabulous Freebirds. The rules of this match are very simple we’re told – the match can be settled by pinfall, submission or by both team members reaching the outside of the cage. Jim Ross reminds us that the legendary Von Erich / Freebird feud started inside a steel cage in Dallas when Gordy & Hayes attacked Kerry… and now it’s set to end 300km and six years away from where it all began!

And the already warm crowd are now pumped to see local heroes The Von Erichs arrive – resplendent in white robes and to the tune of ‘La Grange’ by ZZ Top. The two scale opposite corners of the cage and pull in the warm cheers of the crowd as ‘The Fabulous Freebirds’ make their way to the ring to the sounds of Lynyrd Skynyrd. The tension is building for what many experts think could steal the whole show.

The Freebirds enter and before Michael Hayes has had a chance to remove his robe, The Von Erichs have attacked! Terry Gordy drops his hat in the corner and is returning fire, the door is slammed closed and this one is underway! We’re reminded that there’s no tagging tonight and that all four men are legal at all times. This makes a frantic and frenetic bout that typifies everything we’ve come to expect from these two factions over the years.

Terry Gordy is the first to draw blood when he rakes Kevin’s face against the steel mesh of the far wall of the cage. As the blood begins to flow from his forehead, Kevin puts a thumb in Gordy’s eye that elicits a howl of pain. This is not a match for the faint of heart, Boyd Pierce hopes that all the kids have gone to bed because otherwise they’re set to have nightmares for years to come! Reaching into his hat, Gordy pulls out a length of steel chain and wraps it around his knuckles… he throws a punch at Kevin with the chain wrapped around his fist… but Von Erich blocks it, ducks behind and nails Gordy with a half discus punch! Meanwhile Michael Hayes is making for the cage door… the door is open and he’s heading out… NO! Here comes Kerry! He charges over to Hayes and spears him from the back… he’s clutching at Hayes’ legs but P.S. has almost escaped… the upper half of his torso has crossed the line he just needs to pull himself clear and the Birds are halfway towards retaining… But here comes Kerry… ‘The Barefoot Boy’ grabs the cage door and swings it back towards closing… the dull thud as it slams into Hayes’ cranium rings around the arena and now Michael Hayes is busted open… Kerry pulls the limp Hayes back and Kevin slips out of the ring to the floor!

KEVIN VON ERICH ESCAPES THE CAGE IN 13:19

Kevin is bouncing around at ringside, the Von Erichs have this one in the bag, Kerry steps under the rope and is about to drop outside… but Gordy has his leg… Kerry kicks at him to release him but it’s too late… Hayes is back up now and the two drag him back inside… It’s like Dallas all over again as the Freebirds slam the cage door shut and prepare to take Kerry Von Erich apart!

Kevin can’t believe what’s happening and is trying to get back into the cage… but the referees are physically restraining him… he can be heard being warned that if he re-enters the ring that they’ll forfeit the match… Kevin can barely look as the Freebirds dismantle The Modern Day Warrior… the blood flowing from Kerry is now virtually pouring out as Gordy nails the unresisting Kerry with shot after shot from the steel chain. Hayes is splitting his time between kicking at the prone Kerry and trying to coax Kevin to return to the ring…

Gordy unravels his chain and feeds it through the steel cage… and now he’s got Kerry standing up against the cage wall he makes a rough noose around his neck before feeding the other end through the cage wall. Kerry is wearing a crimson mask as he’s held in place against the steel cage, the two Freebirds are pummelling his midsection now and this is turning into a sadistic bloodbath. Gordy takes his time measuring up Von Erich with a Big Boot to the face and laughing… he turns to talk to Michael and the two celebrate to the crowd. Kevin is fighting with the door again, clearly he can’t take watching his brother go through this torture. Behind their backs though, what the crowd can see that the Freebirds can’t is that the big boot seems to have dislodged the chain somewhat, Kerry is able to slip the noose and fall to the canvas floor on his knees. Still celebrating, the Freebirds thing the deafening cheers are for their retention and they keep playing to the crowd… With Michael in the opposite corner, Terry Gordy is over at the cage door, he’s stepped over the ropes and is taunting Kevin Von Erich, almost begging him to open the door… with a flourish, Kevin is able to push off the referees around him and swing open the door… before he can step inside though Kerry Von Erich has ran behind Terry Gordy and with an incredible burst of energy sent a knee into his back… even as Von Erich is dragged away from the door again, Gordy is propelled head first through the gap… as he hits the arena floor, the door is closed behind his back again.

TERRY GORDY ESCAPES THE CAGE IN 18:05

The crowd are jubilant as Kevin throws himself at Gordy on the outside. The two roll around the arena floor as inside the ring, Michael Hayes finally gets an understanding of what’s going on! Kerry Von Erich stands before him with a determined look on his face, the blood running into his mouth and dripping on to his pectoral muscles. Hayes suddenly looks terrified, realising that Gordy is gone and he’s been left to deal with a very, very angry Kerry on his own. The symmetry of Kerry Von Erich being allowed to finish this, on his own, against the man who betrayed him in the first place is beautiful, according to Nick Bockwinkel and the crowd seem to agree… the two eye each other for over a minute before locking up… Von Erich is in a lot of pain but has enough to win the exchange, as Hayes rushes back at him… THE IRON CLAW!!! In the middle of the ring, the Iron Claw is slapped on…

Hayes is reeling and desperately looking for an escape that’s just not there! He’s in agony but Kerry refuses to let go… grasping at the ropes Hayes expects the hold to be broken… but there’s no rules inside the cage and the hold stays on… the crowd is awaiting what is surely about to be Michael Hayes’ submission… but the Freebird has other ideas, using the lack of rules to his advantage he hits a low blow that forces Kerry to release his grip. Hayes bounds off the ropes and… DISCUS PUNCH!!! From out of nowhere, Kerry Von Erich produces a discus punch that sends Michael P.S. Hayes flying into the air! Outside the ring, Terry Gordy’s size advantage has come into play and he launches Kevin Von Erich like a guided missile into the cage wall… the entire cage shakes as Von Erich’s head makes impact and he falls to the floor in a crumpled heap… As Kerry makes his way to the door, Terry Gordy is wading through the sea of referees and cuts an imposing figure in his path… Kerry knows what he has to do and starts to climb the cage on the opposite wall… it’s a slow climb though, he’s clearly feeling the effects of bloodloss and is slowly clambering up.

Kevin has got back to his feet and thrown himself bodily at Gordy again, this time it’s Gordy’s turn to drop as his head bounces off the steel steps! Kerry has now reached the halfway point… and here comes Hayes… he quickly climbs the turnbuckles and looks to pull Kerry back down. Von Erich doesn’t have the energy to push him off and drops back on to the corner… the two struggle for a moment until… Von Erich pushes Hayes off! Hayes lands on the ring apron but there’s no real damage done and he’s back on his feet… Kerry had dropped back to the apron and started climbing again… Hayes grabs at Kerry and turns… CRUCIFIX POWERBOMB! Kerry Von Erich has been absolutely planted by Hayes! He gets in close to Von Erich’s face and taunts him again… IRON CLAW! Lying on the floor, Kerry Von Erich has the Iron Claw on Hayes’ face and the two roll over but he doesn’t have enough purchase to hold on to it… the two lie panting on the ring floor… slowly they both crawl to opposite ends of the cage and it looks like this is going to be a race… each slowly pulls themselves up and over the cage… neither man has much of an advantage although it looks like Kerry is winning by the thinnest of margins. Sure enough, he’s the first to throw his leg over the cage wall. And Gordy is now giving Hayes a running commentary from his position underneath his Freebird colleague. Kevin Von Erich is on the other side of the ring too and shouting words of encouragement to his brother… Hayes now crosses the top… but Kerry has a good couple of seconds on him… as the two continue to scale down the cage it looks hopeless for the Freebirds… Kerry has only four feet or so to go, Hayes has at least double that…Gordy shouts something to Hayes with a sense of urgency… and suddenly it’s all over… Michael Hayes lets go of the cage and leaps on to his tag team partner, who spills him and the two fall on to the floor just as Kerry reaches the bottom….

There’s some confusion at ringside and the commentary team think we’re going to have to go to a replay to understand what’s happened here… the referee has spoken to the timekeeper though and the bell is being rung…

Winners and STILL NWA World Tag Team Champions: The Fabulous Freebirds!
Via: Cage Escape in 26:56
Grade: B+

The crowd can’t believe it! They were certain that Kerry was going to do it and to be honest the Freebirds look just as shocked! It doesn’t stop them celebrating though, they grab their World Title belts and hold them up to the crowd as Gordy helps drag the dazed, confused and utterly exhausted Michael Hayes to the back… the Von Erichs look absolutely crest-fallen, they can’t believe that they’ve lost to their oldest and most hated rivals. Kerry looks absolutely distraught as his younger brother consoles him. The two salute the crowd who salute them back. They’ve given it their all in what was an absolutely epic tag team match.

Grade: B

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While the ring is being cleared, it’s time to hear from ‘Dirty’ Dick Murdoch with a word or two of his own for an ‘old friend’:

Murdoch: Up and down this land there once travelled a pair of men who were closer than colleagues, closer than friends… closer even than brothers. Together they took on the biggest and best teams the world had ever seen and they beat them all… every single one of them… and then one of that team, he decided he was too big to be in that team no more so he set out on his own path… and he didn’t care what happened to the man he called brother… Dusty Rhodes, you walked out on me: never forget it. I was there for you in every two bit town from up in Portland, Oregon all the way to Miami, Florida and everywhere in between. Ole Captain Redneck had your back… but you still turned yours on me. I didn’t let it phase me Dusty and I wished you all the best… and Ah’ll give you your dues man, you achieved – you really did you went out there and you won the NWA World title… and still you didn’t ever think of me… where was my title shot Dusty? Where was the gratitude for everything I’d done for you? But still, I didn’t let it get to me… I figured your title reign was more important than our friendship, we both know had I got my shot, I’d have taken that belt off you… but I bided my time… and here we are in 1988 and Dick Murdoch is STILL being denied his shots by Dusty Rhodes… I can’t take it no more Dusty, you got in my way and you paid the price. Your kid got in my way, and he paid the price… I want you to know Dust, when we step into that ring in the next few minutes, I won’t be taking it easy on you. The Outlaws are dead… and so are you…

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Murdoch is interrupted by the arrival of the jubilant Fabulous Freebirds… Hayes and Gordy are whooping with delight and Murdoch welcomes them like old friends.

Hayes: “You see Von Erichs?!! That’s how it’s done! For years you’ve been getting in our way and now, finally, we’re rid of you! Ha ha ha… IT’S OVER!!!”

Gordy: “And speaking of over… Dusty Rhodes, if what we’ve been hearing is true it’s about time for your career to be over… because we might have had differences in the past but this man Dick Murdoch is more than a match for you and your spoilt kid…”

Hayes: “Whoa, whoa, whoa Terry… what do you mean his spoiled kid… I mean… Dusty wasn’t home often and well… that boy look awful like my man Dick Murdoch here! Ha Ha Ha Ha!”

Murdoch doesn’t look to comfortable with this but doesn’t stop the Birds from talking either…

Gordy: “That’s a good point man! Hey Dusty, you might want to take a swab of the blood that’s guaranteed to be running down your face by the end of this match to make sure he’s yours!”

The two Freebirds cackle to each other as they leave, Dick Murdoch doesn’t say another word, instead he makes his way to the ring.

Grade: B

Texas Bullrope Match:
'The American Dream' Dusty Rhodes vs. 'Dirty' Dick Murdoch

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The Dream has his son Dustin at ringside to offer support for what is set to be a tough encounter. Referee Tommy Young takes the time to explain to both men clearly what the rules for this match are. Murdoch bores holes into Dusty while the rope is being attached… between the two is a large cowbell. The commentary team tell the audience at home that the bell and rope are entirely legal, they can and will be used as weapons in this match, the first man to touch all four corners in sequence without molestation will be the winner. As the referee rings the bell both men leap into action and as you might expect from two former tag team partners; they both have the exact same idea! Grabbing at the rope separating them each pulls the rope towards themselves in something of a tug of war – the attempt to off balance each other is an abject failure though, and both men stand resolutely in the ring trying to come up with a plan B… it comes when Dick Murdoch sprints off in the opposite direction and makes to dive through the second rope, Dusty though is on to it, and pulls Murdoch back roughly, Captain Redneck is hauled bodily back through the air and lands in a heap in the ring.

Rhodes stands over him, tapping his head – a mock repeat of Murdoch’s gesture at the Bunkhouse Stampede.

The match continues in the same style, a wild and chaotic brawl with neither man willing to give an inch, after Dick is again knocked to the canvas, this time with an uppercut, Murdoch slowly gets back to his feet and throws himself again, this time straight at Dusty! The force knocks Dusty to the canvas and with Murdoch pressing down on top of him he unloads a series of right hands, grasping the cowbell Murdoch looks to clatter Dusty with it… but Rhodes moves his head and it harmlessly bounces off the ring… Murdoch’s not done though and he uses the rope to choke out the Dream. With Dusty almost unconscious, Murdoch makes his move…

1 corner tagged… …. 2nd corner tagged…

Dusty has come to now and pulls hard on the rope, it sends Murdoch off balance and rather than continue on he turns back to deal with Dusty again. The boot to the head of Rhodes restarts the corner counter on screen for the folks at home but Murdoch isn’t playing around any more and a flurry of kicks to Rhodes’ head are enough to bring Dustin on to the apron. Murdoch stops his attack and gets in the face of Dustin. With a finger right in the youngster’s face, the commentary team are urging Dustin to lash out… but Dustin has one eye on the Dream behind Murdoch’s back… Dusty has got to his feet and lifted the huge cowbell, as Murdoch swings a punch at Dustin, he drops safely to the ring floor, in time for Dusty to clout Murdoch in the back of the head! The dull thud can be heard throughout the arena and as Murdoch slams into the corner, he slides down comically before rolling over holding his head. The blood has begun to flow down the back of his head and Dusty hits the first corner…

1 corner tagged… … 2nd corner tagged… 3rd corner tagged… Murdoch has been dragged along the floor of the ring but now is scrambling back for the ropes… he holds tightly to the ring rope and Dusty is stretching… he throws his full weight into it and the rope is stretched to breaking point but still Murdoch holds on… Dusty releases the pressure and turns back towards Murdoch – the two run at each other and there’s a clash of heads… as they hit the ground, Dusty has been busted open now and this has degenerated into little more than a bar brawl as the two men roll around the ring trying to choke the other out, in between big punches aimed squarely at the opponents’ heads. Rhodes takes a big gulp and seems to be choking on his own blood!

Staggering to his feet, Murdoch has had the better of the exchange and he goes to make the tag to the first corner while the referee is checking on Dusty … but here’s Dustin! Quick as a cat he’s jumped on to the apron and grabbing Murdoch’s head has guillotined him on the top rope! Murdoch springs back in to the area before hitting the canvas hard. The crowd are whooping with delight as Dusty sits back up… the referee looks in surprise at Murdoch’s predicament but doesn’t ask questions. Dusty gets to his feet and slowly walks over to Murdoch… he looks down and his old partner before looking at his son… Dusty cracks a huge smile… and hits the Bionic Elbow! The crowd are delighted as Dusty makes his way to the nearest corner…

1 corner tagged… … 2nd corner tagged… … Dusty hauls Murdoch across the ring in his wake… 3rd corner tagged… Murdoch is stirring… but still Dusty is dragging him… he’s merely inches from the turnbuckle… Dick has realised what’s going on and is desperately trying to haul him back… both men are covered in blood… And Murdoch is starting to pull Dusty backwards… but Rhodes is too strong… he hits the fourth corner!!

Winner: Dusty Rhodes
Via: Touching the Four Corners in 24:42
Grade: B+

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Wasting no time in the production truck we’re taken to a video of Larry Zbyszko and the Honky Tonk Man’s feud… how the two men came to this point and what exactly they’re fighting over: the AWA World Heavyweight Title.

Grade: B

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AWA World Heavyweight Championship:
'The Living Legend' Larry Zbyszko © vs. The Honky Tonk Man
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The cameraman focuses on some of the bloodstains on this well worn ring floor as the introductions are made. Zbyszko looks determined and ready, The Honky Tonk Man more than a little nervous, but the nerves soon wear off as the pair lock-up. Trading early grapples, the two men battle for supremacy but you can barely split them. The Honky Tonk Man has come on in leaps and bounds since joining the NWA, he’s now a supremely confident (over confident according to Nick Bockwinkel) who has the skills to back it up. It’s Zbyszko though who’s the superior wrestler, or appears to be in the exchanges being displayed in the ring anyway, using a variety of holds and stretches, The Living Legend seems to be signalling that this isn’t going to be a short affair… but to his credit, The Honky Tonk Man refuses to cry out in pain despite what appear to be agonising manoeuvres being applied.

The crowd, who have for the most part remained on their feet since the conclusion of the last match, are firmly in Larry’s corner as he works over the Honky Tonk Man. Frustration is starting to set-in for the Memphis musician, he’s outclassed here and he seems to know it. Attempts to turn the match into a brawl or use cheap tactics are foiled again and again by Zbyszko! He’s putting on a masterclass here and it’s definitely throwing Honky Tonk for a loop. At one point, Zbyszko has a strong side headlock locked in when Honky reaches the corner. Showing extreme sportsmanship, Zbyszko immediately releases the hold but Honky Tonk Man is furious at what he sees as a lack of respect and quickly pulling his boot off throws it at Zbyszko!

The referee warns Honky but he’s not listening and after retrieving his boot and being talked to by the referee decides he’s had enough! Stepping through the ropes, Zbyszko is left standing in the ring in bemusement as the Honky Tonk seems to be quitting the match… as the referee counts towards ten and the crowd boo what they see as cowardice, The Honky Tonk Man stops in the aisle with his hands on his hips in dejection, he turns back towards Zbyszko who’s watching his retreat carefully and shakes his head… the crowd cheer when Honky Tonk turns back on his heels and runs back to the ring, just beating the ten count! They might not like him, but they still want to see this go to a proper finish!

For all it might not have hurt Zbyszko, the circus from the Honky Tonk Man seems to have phased him – having a very comprehensive victory snatched away at the last second is playing on his mind and allows the Honky Tonk Man to finally land some telling blows, Zbyszko is reeling and Honky is pressing his advantage, an irish whip to the corner is followed by a running clothesline. Lifting Zbyszko’s legs, Honky turns Larry into a tree of woe and lets his frustrations out with a series of kicks. Suddenly this match has turned completely on its head and Zbyszko’s fans will be wishing that the Honky Tonk Man carried out his threat to leave! Zbyszko is released from the corner and slumps into the corner. Honky runs from the opposite side of the ring and catches him with a baseball slide. Stopping only to gyrate his hips for the crowd, Honky Tonk pulls Zbyszko up by the hair and measures him up with a big punch to the face… he holds on to The Legend though and measures him up again but Zbyszko blocks the move, he throws his other arm up and grabs Honky by the head… SHAKE, RATTLE & ROLL! Zbyszko nails Honky with his own move!

1…

2…

NO!!!

Honky Tonk Man kicks out at the last second, what a sucker punch that would’ve been! The crowd are on their feet as Larry lines up a knee drop… connects. He goes for another cover, but Honky has kicked out at just over one.

Larry reaches down and grabs the Honky Tonk man by the hair, it’s his turn to measure him up with a big punch… and he hits it! Honky looks to be dead on his feet as Zbyszko bounces off the ropes, Honky ducks though and he’s back up behind him… LARRYLAND DREAMER!!! It’s Honky’s turn to try his opponent’s finisher! And Zbyszko is trying to power his way out… but he can’t do it… The referee checks the hand…

And it drops!

The referee goes to drop the hand again…

And it drops!

Third time now… NO! The Honky Tonk Man has released the hold and pulled Zbyszko round to face him, SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL!

1…

2….

3!!!!

HE’S DONE IT!!! THE HONKY TONK MAN WINS THE AWA WORLD TITLE!!!!

Winner: The Honky Tonk Man
Via: Pinfall in 21:48
Grade: A

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And again, wasting no time we’re viewing a lengthy video on the history of Ric Flair & Tully Blanchard’s alliance as well as their individual successes… The video ends with the slap to the face from Tully to Flair at the end of the Lethal Lottery last month.

Grade: B+

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Tully Blanchard is making his way through the backstage area towards the ring accompanied by Arn Anderson… he stops to hurl abuse at Magnum T.A. who had been minding his own business and deep in conversation with some other backstage workers.

Grade: B-

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Ric Flair is also shown making his way through the backstage area, Barry Windham is rubbing his shoulders and giving him words of encouragement… the pair walk into Ole Anderson who tries to explain what happened with Terry Taylor… but Flair says they can fix this later… Ole watches on as the two walk past.

Grade: B-

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NWA World Heavyweight Championship:
'The Nature Boy' Ric Flair © vs. Tully Blanchard
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And so the moment has arrived… after the long entrances the camera bulbs flash and a roar fills the crowd as the two men stare intently at one another. After the bell rings, the two keep staring and it looks like things could explode any moment. Tully sarcastically sticks his hand out for Flair to shake… Ric looks down at it… and slaps Tully across the jaw! The crowd erupts as the shocked Tully looks back at Flair, tears forming in his eyes from the force of the slap… you can almost see the red mist descending as Tully slaps Flair back. Flair shakes with rage and slaps Tully across the chest. The ‘Woooooooooooos!’ echo around the San Antonio arena and reverberate again when Tully returns the favour! Flair responds in kind and Tully returns the shot! Flair unloads twice forcing Tully back into the corner… Tully pokes Flair in the eye!

The crowd are coming unglued as Tully and Ric throw absolutely everything at each other in a marathon bout that features thrills, spills and near falls a plenty, neither man can really take the initiative for any long period – the commentary team emphasise time and again that these are two men who have travelled the world in each other’s company, discussed every nuance of their craft, and understand each other like brothers... this is a wrestling stalemate.

But what both men do bring is an incredible amount of heat for one another. Tully Blanchard and Ric Flair are both at their best and most dangerous when their anger is up – and right now it’s clear that both men absolutely hate each other. There are no pulled punches, there are no dirty tactics left off the table.

Outside the ring it’s a different story – while much had been made of Arn Anderson’s heated disagreements and the intensification of hostility between the two following Arn’s brutal attack of Barry’s father on last week’s Showdown, the two keep their distance and hostility is kept a bare minimum – both men seemingly more interested in what’s going on in the ring.

Barry is the first to break the unofficial truce when Flair whips Blanchard into the ropes closest to the young Blackjack. Barry reached up and pulled the second rope down enough that the momentum sent Tully flying to the outside. That was enough to spark Arn into action, he charged around to the opposite end of the ring, and Windham backed off. Anderson helped Tully to his feet and the two took advantage of the count before he returned back into the ring. Ric kept his eyes glued on his best friend Arn while this was going on.

Truth be told, Windham may have inadvertently done Blanchard a favour because Ric had just started to gain a clear upper hand with some knife edge chops, having turned the tide with a Back Suplex. Now though Tully seems to have regained some composure and comes back into the flow with a strong grapple into a side headlock. Blanchard delivers a hard headlock punch that sends Flair to the canvas. Tully follows up with a series of mounted punches and two clinical elbow and knee drops. As Flair groggily starts to get back on his knees, Tully runs to the corner and leaps with a flying elbow that catches Flair on the back of the neck. Flair is in real trouble now and even as he starts to clamber back to his knees, Tully grabs Ric’s head... he pulls him in for... an attempt at a piledriver... NO! Flair straightens his back and gets Tully with a back body drop. And now Flair crawls on top of the winded Tully... and unloads a series of mounted punches of his own!

It’s been 25 minutes of intensity and the two show no signs of slowing. Lifting Tully from the canvas, Ric lifts Tully into a vertical suplex and holds him in place for a good 15 seconds before slamming him into the canvas. Flair leaps to his feet and delivers a victorious ‘WOOOOOOOOOOO!!!’ to the audience who sing it back at him. Arn leaps on to the apron and begins to remonstrate with The Nature Boy... Flair is furious and looks to pull Anderson in... But Windham has ran around to his side of the ring and pulls Arn from the apron. The two look like they’re going to come to blows but there are road agents everywhere and they pull the two men apart – the referee warns both men that they’ll be ejected if they can’t keep the peace.

Meanwhile, Tully has recovered enough to deliver a blow to the back of Flair’s knee that upends him and knocks him on to his back. Tully measures up and delivers a fist drop to Flair’s skull... and... YES! He’s busted open! The blood starts to run down Ric’s face even as Blanchard grabs at Ric’s leg... FIGURE FOUR! Tully has it locked on tight and Flair’s in agony! He refuses to quit though... and with every shake of his head, blood splatters on to Blanchard’s legs... Tully rocks his body to try and tighten deeper but still Flair holds on... Flair is rocking as well though and after a failed attempt, he manages to reverse the hold! It’s Tully who’s screaming in agony now though... and he quickly scrambles to the rope, forcing the move’s break.

Flair’s moving gingerly on his feet but he’s still up again, more than can be said for Tully who’s flat on his back. Flair delivers a knee drop of his own to Tully’s head. Grabbing at Tully now... Flair pulls Tully up to his knees and tries to lift him further...but Tully delivers a low blow and turns it into a roll-up pin...

1...

2...

NO!

Flair kicks out but that was close, very, very close – Tully shakes his head in frustration at the referee and slaps his hand three times, he clearly thinks this one should be over! So does Arn, he’s jumped on to the apron and is appealing to the referee! Flair’s wasting no time though and both men are back up and grappling. Blanchard whips Flair into the opposite corner with such force that it flips Flair over the corner turnbuckle, like a cat Flair lands on his feet on the outside apron and runs to the opposite corner, delivering a clothesline to Arn Anderson that sends him sprawling to the ring floor!

Tully has intercepted Flair though and delivers a knife edge chop of his own before pulling Flair back into the ring. Flair delivers a low blow of his own and Tully’s on his knees... PILEDRIVER!!!

Tully Blanchard is down and out! Ric Flair goes for the pinfall...

1...

2...

NO! The referee is pulled out of the ring by Arn Anderson... The referee is furious and it looks like Tully might get disqualified... but here comes Barry Windham running at Arn... OH NO! The referee is caught between the two men and knocked to the floor...

Ric Flair isn’t taking any chances, and he’s put Tully Blanchard into the figure four! He’s got the move locked in and Tully is screaming in agony, he’s quit three or four times in the first few seconds of the moving going on but there’s no referee to make the count. Flair has the moved synched in and Barry Windham has entered the ring, he’s standing between Flair and Arn...

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From out of the back come Ole Anderson and Bob Orton Jr. They sprint down to the ring and Barry seems ready to take them all on... The crowd aren’t sure who’s on who’s side right now... Ole and Arn settle things a little when both men raise their hands in the sign of the four before embracing... ‘Cowboy’ Bob is in on it too... and the three men laugh... before the three stalk into the ring... Flair is screaming abuse and threatening that he’ll break Tully’s leg... they look cautious for a second... Flair has his eyes firmly on Arn... and that’s probably why he misses the kick aimed at his head from Barry Windham!

Windham drags Flair to his feet and nails him with a lariat... Grabbing him by the hair, Windham casually tosses Flair to Arn... and hits him with a Spinning Spinebuster! The crowd are in shock as Arn helps Tully back to his feet... and now here’s Orton... he picks up Flair... Superplex! Ole Anderson has gotten on to the second rope... Diving Knee Drop! Flair is out cold....

And now it’s Tully’s turn... he grabs at Flair’s head and places it between his knees... as he delivers the piledriver, Windham, Orton and the Andersons help spike The Nature Boy into the canvas!

Flair is convulsing on the canvas as Windham, Ole, Arn & Orton leave the ring – all of them flashing the sign of the four on the way out... Arn wakes the referee with a slap to the face and rolls him back in the ring. The four men outside keep the Four Horsemen signal in the air as Tully makes the same gesture, one foot casually on the body of the Nature Boy...

The referee makes the count...

1...

...

2...

...

3!!!!

Winner: Tully Blanchard
Via: Pinfall in 35:59
Grade: A

The show goes off air with Ric Flair flat on his back, the new look Four Horsemen standing tall in the ring, Tully Blanchard on their shoulders as the crowd hurl garbage at them.

Overall Show Grade: A*

---

And it's all over... hope the wait was worth the read for you all! Stats fans will be interested to learn that both of the co-main events pulled the same rating: 97's... they are currently my matches of the year by a comfortable distance!

Thanks again to all the readers and predictors. Here's the scores for Starrcade:

Franticloser: 6

smwilliams: 12

borman48: 10

Zergon: 13

Beejus: 3

TFC: 11

BlueStar: 14

guyver3: 7

LordofGustav: 9

Olympia: 10

All of which means... that the prediction contest winner this time with 48 points is... ZERGON!

...

BUT!

Zergon has already said that he's happy to waive his prize this time around as he won the last time. So after that piece of generosity... the prize winner with 39.5 points is smwilliams!

Thanks everyone for playing along, I'll PM the prize details in the next few days.

Those who've been following TFC's diary will notice that we've agreed to cut dramatically the amount of text and pictures in our TV show posts so you should see some changes in the next few weeks- PPVs will still have a lengthier write-up (although not as lengthy as this one!)

Thanks for reading!

LordofGustav · August 2, 2014

That was an Starrcade to never forget!

I'm hoping joyfully that the Honky Tonk Man will have to defend now the AWA Heavyweight Championship... and become the GREATEST AWA WORLD CHAMPION in the history!

And also a shocker, Tully Blanchard becomes NWA World Champ, it seems that Flair will have revenge on him sooner or later.

Both you and TFC are pullling something that deserves to be remembered! YOU BOTH KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!

Beejus · August 2, 2014

Wow Ritch, that was an incredible Starrcade! Every match was done to perfection, and I'm in awe of what you've done here. I will definitely be remembering this for next month's SOTM, because it deserves to win two spotlights for that one show! Truly a Starrcade to remember - let's see TFC try to top it now!

alvarasus · August 2, 2014

Amazing Starrcade!!!

The Final Countdown · August 2, 2014

Great...now how in the hell is Survivor Series supposed to top THAT?

(It'll be doubly hard now that one of my biggest stars is off the show! )

That show really had everything. I can't decide what my favorite segment was...maybe the cage match? Honky winning the title was the biggest shocker for me, especially since I was reasonably sure Tully won after noticing Flair has some morale issues post-Starrcade. I have to assume you're holding off on a title unification for now.

I just realized that we now have a version of the Four Horsemen WITHOUT Ric Flair....surely the universe is about to implode!

olympia · August 2, 2014

absolutely awesome card. I bet Verne Gagne is spinning on his head right now after seeing HTM win his beloved AWA title. BUT the title win is richly deserved. Here's hoping for a long title run so he can claim to be the greatest of all time.

side note: most remember only from his WWe days, but prior to becoming the Honky Tonk Man, he was a Blonde Bomber (with larry latham, who also went on to greater fame with the gimmick change to Moondog Spot). He didn't get cheap heat back in those days, the fans hated him because he was just plain MEAN. He was also joined the Original Midnight Express (Dennis Condrey, Randy Rose, and Norvel Austin). He had a historic feud with Austin Idol in the Southeast in a match where the loser had to dye his hair jet black! After losing the match, the transition began to the gimmick that took him from being a regional star and made him a household name across the world.

.....And now you know the rest of the story......

Ritchardo · August 3, 2014

<div id="divContentWrapper" style="font-size:62.5%;line-height:normal;"><div style="width:950px;margin:0px auto;position:relative;"></div><div style="width: 700px; margin: 0px auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); padding: 0px 20px 20px; position: relative; overflow-y: auto; background-image: none;"> <div style="padding:0 5px;overflow:hidden;" id=""><div id=""><div style="height:18px;"></div><div style="clear: both; position: relative; padding: 5px; margin: 5px 0px; height: auto; border: 1px solid transparent;"> <div style="font-size: 16px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; display: block;"><div style="text-align: center;" id=""><hr style="margin:0px;" id="">Wrestling Observer Newsletter<hr style="margin:0px;" id=""> </div></div> </div></div></div></div></div>

FRIENDSHIP PUSHED TO THE LIMITS

Word has reached us here at the Observer that despite Tully Blanchard's close relationship with Ric Flair, that 'The Nature Boy' is less than happy at the decision to move the belt on to his former Horseman colleague. Flair is believed to be less perturbed at it being Tully who took the title as he is to having lost the belt in the first place. It's not clear what the booking plans are moving forward, but you have to imagine that the ending of Starrcade does suggest that Ric will be involved in the title picture down the line.

We'll be finding out more about this when we exclusively interview NWA head booker Ole Anderson in the next few days, but for now it appears that Ric Flair joins the likes of Ivan Koloff, Jimmy Snuka and Cocoa Samoa as disgruntled at recent booking events.

Tully Blanchard meanwhile is delighted to have been given the nod to take the title from Flair, although his feelings towards 'The Nature Boy' at this stage are unknown.

CLASH OF THE CHAMPIONS

Many fans were thrown a curveball by the apparent AWA and NWA title unification that was strongly hinted at for the Clash of the Champions. As explained on TV this past week, however, the agreement for Larry Zbyszko and Ric Flair to fight in a unification match depended entirely on their successful title defences... as neither man left Starrcade with the gold, it is unclear what form Clash of the Champions will actually take. NWA insiders, however, have been making noises that as this is the last big event of the year they want to make this something of a celebration of the NWA in 1988... look for more guest starts from the territories to join the UWF's Chavo Guerrero on the main roster for the next few weeks.

SIGNING SPREE

With Ole Anderson declaring that the NWA is mere inches away from being a National force again, the central office of Jim Crockett Promotions seems to be looking to expand their roster somewhat by picking up three more veteran workers - all of whom have a reasonable claim to be at or near the top of the card.

Sgt. Slaughter - The Sarge joins following a recent midcard run in the WWF. While Slaughter didn't have a blazing run this last time out in the WWF, he managed to avoid doing too many of the dreaded jobs on his way out and still has an air of respectability - particular for the ex-AWA diehards who have jumped on to the NWA bandwagon.

Adrian Adonis - Last seen doing high profile jobs in the WWF, Adonis will need some rehabilitation if he's to achieve much in the NWA, and while he will be given something of a fair crack - he is seen as a short-term addition to add weight to Ole's booking plans.

Ken Patera - Another former AWA and WWF name and one who returns to the US after a number of Japanese tours. Patera had a great run in the mid-West and although older now, has shown he still has enough in the tank to put on good matches with strong youngsters - he could be a key component in the build of some of the younger lights on the AWA's roster. Insiders have pointed to Patera potentially working with Scott Bigelow - who many are tipping as the brightest prospect in the ranks...

Uncertainty is the only thing you can be certain about in the NWA though, few would've predicted that The Honky Tonk Man would end the year as one of the company's main champions and arguably the leading heel in the locker room when he was signed up as a novelty upper-midcarder... his hard working ethic though could prove an inspiration to the likes of Patera, Adonis and Slaughter that anything is possible...

The Lloyd · August 3, 2014

Just read Starrcade!! Incredible show man!! I'm not familiar with the era, or some of the characters but my God did I hate Mr. T on that show!!! Who does he think he is?! lolol...

I really liked The Rock vs Orton, and Albano's Army vs. Gary Hart's Players was interesting too, the way eliminations occurred. Who is Cocoa Samoa by the way? Overall, a great read, and if DOTM nominations were still running, I'd give this show a nomination for sure!!!!

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

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