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

shawnbill5000 · January 13, 2014

Great show. You had me twice, the first was I was certain about mid way through the bunkhouse that Von Eric was going to win and I really did hold my breath when Honkey hit that Shake Rattle and Roll.

K-Nection · January 14, 2014

I'm curious to see what happens in both of your diaries. You guys have me heavily engaged. It is the best 2 diaries out their in my opinion.

Ritchardo · January 22, 2014

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Friday Night Showdown

August 26th, 1988

From The Dallas Auditorium, Dallas, Texas

Attendance: 8,253

In Pre-Show bouts: The Fabulous Ones d. The Orient Express (Tanaka & Jaylyn) in 6:25 ©; Jimmy Garvin d. The Bullet in 9:44 (D+); Lex Luger & Larry Zbyszko d. The West Texas Hangmen in 7:31 (D+)

Announce Team: Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone & Nick Bockwinkel

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NWA World Television Title: Number One Contenders Match
B. Brian Blair vs Austin Idol
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Our opening match is a one on one contest to determine the challenger to Terry Taylor’s World Television Title next week as both men look to build on success at the Bunkhouse Stampede. Blair picked up his win over Idol’s Memphis Mafia stablemate Eddie Gilbert while Idol scored an impressive victory over the Junkyard Dog. Although a competent in-ring performance from both, it failed to spark the audience’s imagination until…

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Eddie Gilbert made his way down to ringside along with his new manager Missy Hyatt. The two watch the action intently, Hyatt whispering occasionally into Gilbert’s ear leaving him nodding in agreement.

Idol pays little attention to his partner’s appearance at ringside but Blair is clearly worried that he’s quickly becoming out-numbered and it affects his offence as a result. Taking advantage, Idol catches Blair in the Las Vegas leglock and looks to have things sown up when… Missy Hyatt distracts the referee with a clear view of her cleavage!

Gilbert takes the opportunity to slip into the ring and, with Idol still keeping the move locked in, pounds into Blair’s head… Tommy Young is no fool though and he’s picked up that something’s wrong… as Gilbert tries to scramble out of the ring, Young catches sight of him and with Blair nearly unconscious it’s easy for him to read the situation, immediately calling for the bell!

Winner: B. Brian Blair by disqualification in 7:57
Grade: D+

After the match Idol is absolutely furious with the referee before turning his frustration on Gilbert, the two argue things out in the middle of the ring as Missy tries to split them. Eventually they make their peace and shake hands but it’s clear to see that Idol is still fuming at missing out on his title shot.

Grade: C-

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The announce team briefly talk about the fact that the NWA seems to be turning into chaos and that we’re badly in need of some law and order around here! They quickly show the finish to both World Title Matches from the Bunkhouse Stampede as proof of what they’re talking about and promise that both Larry Zbyszko and the Honky Tonk Man will be here to discuss things further with Magnum T.A. a little later.

Grade: B-

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The Fabulous Freebirds are cutting an interview:

Michael Hayes: “Funny thing happened last week Terry, don’t know if you know this but not only did we successfully retain our NWA World Tag Team titles at Bunkhouse Stampede, but we were able to sit back and watch our good friend Dick Murdoch knock out that spoiled brat Kevin Von Erich AND watch Kerry come soooo, soooo close to a world title shot.”

Terry Gordy: “It was a heartbreaker Michael wasn’t it?!! I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much in all of my days than when I saw Arn Anderson clean Kerry’s clock for him… such a pity… Kerry – that was the closest you’re ever going to get to holding gold again boy – and just like the last time you faced us in the ring, you choked. I don’t know why you boys still bother turning up around here, if I were you, and I’m sure glad I ain’t, then I wouldn’t be showing my face around here no more.”

Grade: B

The Junkyard Dog vs. The Lord of Pain
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Joined at ringside by something of an entourage (only Blackblood is missing from the Army of Darkness), the numbers game is clearly in The Lord of Pain’s favour. Add to that JYD’s dismal run of form and that he can’t seem to buy himself a victory; it’s only continuing to look grim for the master of the thump. Indeed the Lord of Pain’s strong physical style is too much for JYD to bear and as he’s hurled around like a rag doll inside the Lord’s thick full nelson, the announce team wonder aloud if we’re seeing the final days of the Junkyard Dog in the NWA.

Winner: The Lord of Pain by Submission in 4:45
Grade: D+

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The announce team remind us of tonight’s main event pitting Dick Murdoch against Kevin Von Erich and that Dusty Rhodes will not be a factor this evening, as he’s at home on doctor’s orders for the next three weeks following a concussion suffered at the hands of Dick Murdoch. After watching Kevin’s chain assisted elimination by Dick Murdoch, we’re shown some more footage of Dusty’s eventual elimination. The video pauses leaving us only the audio as the sickening thud of the ringbell slamming into Dusty’s head echoes throughout the arena. The visuals resume with Dick Murdoch’s twisted smile, looking back at Dusty dizzily trying to stem the flow of blood from his head.

Grade: B-

Greg Gagne & Jerry Blackwell vs. Cocoa Samoa & Jimmy 'Superfly' Snuka
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Our next match is set to see Jerry Blackwell & Greg Gagne take on Jimmy Snuka & Cocoa Samoa. Gagne is already in the ring and waiting for his partner to arrive. As Jerry makes his way down the aisle, he seems to stumble before falling to the floor!

The reason for this becomes clear enough because Cocoa Samoa and Jimmy Snuka have come chasing down the aisle behind him! The two kick and punch into Blackwell, repeatedly slamming his head against the steel guard rails. Blackwell is out cold! Even as Greg Gagne runs to his aid, we instinctively know it’s too late! There’s no way that Blackwell’s going to be able to compete now! Even as Snuka and Samoa skulk their way backstage, the announce team are apologising and hastily send us to a pre-recorded interview.

Winners: No Contest
Grade: C+

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Mr T: “Take a good look fools! You’re looking at the real US Tag Team Champions right now. That’s right! My boys Ron Simmons and Larry Cameron were robbed as any right thinking man could see! It’s nothing less than we’ve come to expect from the man though, and it’s just another example of the NWA keeping me and my brothers down! We’ve earned the right to a rematch and we’re gonna take it – Stan Lane, Steve Keirn – you white bred boys have been protected long enough by the powers that be, at Fall Brawl, I’m gonna personally make sure that we get a level playing field, you feel me?!”

Grade: B-

The Simpson Brothers vs. 'Playboy' Buddy Rose & 'Pretty Boy' Doug Somers
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After a successful debut at the Bunkhouse Stampede, Buddy Rose & Doug Sommers look to add to their account over the youthful and energetic Simpson Brothers. Although very experienced in tagging together, the Simpsons appear to be showing some signs of stage fright and when facing opponents as vicious and sadistic as Rose & Sommers, it leaves them little opportunity to show their potential. Unlikely last Saturday’s match, Buddy Rose seems happy to be involved in this one and it’s he who takes the victory with a Las Vegas Jackpot on Shaun Simpson.

Winners: 'Playboy' Buddy Rose & 'Pretty Boy' Doug Somers by pinfall in 6:26
Grade: D+

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Magnum T.A. is ready to moderate what is certain to degrade into an argument between Larry Zbyszko & The Honky Tonk Man…

Magnum T.A. “Gentlemen, both of you feel a little hard don…”

Honky Tonk Man: “Hard done by?!! HARD DONE BY?!!! I should be the NWA World Heavyweight Champion right now! And the whole world knows it! I had the measure of Ric Flair, I had him down on the canvas and I had him pinned… if it wasn’t for the terrible officials in the NWA, I’d be the King of the Wrestling world right now baby!”

Magnum T.A. “In fairness to the official, he was put off by the circus going on around him at ringside…”

Larry Zbyszko: “Circus is right Magnum T.A, and I know who the ringmaster was… Arn Anderson… just like the Honky Tonk Man, I feel like I was cheated out of what was rightfully mine… Tully Blanchard you know for a fact that I had the measure of you… I was inches away from taking your AWA World Heavyweight Championship and if it weren’t for you then…

Honky: “Whoa, whoa, whoa there! Are you trying to say that you were unluckier than me? You couldn’t hold your own against two men… I didn’t have to worry about nobody interfering with me physically – you see I was beaten by circumstance, you just weren’t good enough to get the job done…”

Zbyszko squares up to Honky and it looks like we’ve got a fight on our hands before Magnum T.A. separates them and continues…

Magnum: “Guys, guys… regardless of who is worthier than the other there’s no question that you both have legitimate claims to a World Title rematch… and I have it on the very best authority that Arn Anderson has one week to decide who he is going to face at Fall Brawl… and depending on his answer one of you will get your re-match at Fall Brawl.”

Both seem a little placated at least and they agree to go their separate ways without any more fighting.

Grade: B-

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Bob Orton Jr. seems to be in the middle of an interview with Tara when we join him and Ole Anderson…

Bob Orton Jr: “Listen Tara and I won’t tell you again, I’m not interested in talking about the Four Horsemen, the Six Horsemen or the Kentucky Derby… all I’m interested in is spelling it out once and for all what kind of trouble Hector Guerrero has got himself into.

“See it doesn’t matter whether I have the rest of the Horsemen behind me or whether I go it alone, I know you all want to hear about how this guy hates that guy and this one’s not in the group but that one is but I don’t care. The Four Horsemen is supposed to be all about winning gold and I’m getting on with what I was brought into the NWA to do – to win.

"Hector Guerrero you got lucky at Stampede punk, you blindsided me and got a win. But every dog has his day and believe me that this boy has got two afternoons to come. You showed yourself to be a fighting champion, and I respect that… but you ain’t got nothing on the son of Bob Orton and you ain’t got a prayer when I get you in that ring at Fall Brawl. See there’s nobody else gonna be distracting me from taking you apart and come the day after Fall Brawl you’re gonna be staring down at your empty hands while the Cowboy here rides off into the sunset – a TRUE American hero!”

Grade: B

Wahoo McDaniel vs. Ivan Koloff
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Two NWA veterans square off now as the former USSR Champion finally returns to our screens since losing his belt at the Great American Bash. He’s up against Wahoo McDaniel who’s had a real fall from grace since opening the year as the number one contender to the AWA World Heavyweight title! A solid if unspectacular brawl, the two men match each other move for move and rarely threaten to get anywhere close to innovation… the outcome is decided by a Wahoo bodyslam followed quickly by the dreaded tomahawk chop!

Winner: Wahoo McDaniel by pinfall in 8:46
Grade: C

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Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson are with Magnum T.A. Blanchard goes nose to nose with Magnum peering over his sunglasses at the interviewer before breaking into a twisted smile. Arn meanwhile has taken the microphone and is beginning his latest sermon…

Arn Anderson: “All week people have been asking me how I’m going to choose between which of my two best friends I’m going to face in the ring at Fall Brawl… All week, people have been coming up to me and asking me what’s the problem with the Horsemen… well, as for who I’m going to face at Fall Brawl… there are one or two things I still need to work out, I’ve been given until next week to come up with a decision so the smart thing for me to do is to keep my mouth shut and make sure I get it right first time… As for the Horsemen? Well… Tully can put it better than I can…

Tully Blanchard: “What problem with the Horsemen?!! I’m fine. Arn’s fine. As far as I can tell, Ole’s fine and Ric… Ric’s just Ric. Those are the only Horsemen you need to worry about because you see punks like Barry Windham and Terry Taylor aren’t fit enough to carry our jockstraps. Punks like that need to learn that when the big boys are talking you should shut your mouth and be thankful that we’re not talking to you because if we were talking to you then you’d be in our way… and if in our way… well… just ask Magnum here what that’s like…

Blanchard throws a malicious look at Magnum T.A. but is stopped from going any further by the arrival of…

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It’s the Four Horsemen! Well… most of them… the announce team are confused as to what to call this group of men now, membership of the Four Horsemen appears to be up for grabs! It’s Ric Flair that takes the microphone from Blanchard and begins to talk...

Ric Flair: “Tully, you know that I respect you and Arn… man we go back the longest of ways but you boys gotta understand that Barry and Terry have had my back for months now, they’ve been by my side each and every step of the way and I trust them… I don’t know why you thought you had to get involved in my match last week Arn but I trust you and I know you were acting out of the best of intentions… but so were Terry and Barry… they were looking out for my interests and before things get too heated out here between us, I think we should all take a step back and…"

Barry Windham has grabbed the microphone: “With all due respect Ric, that’s complete horse crap! Those two have done nothing but dis-respect us since they showed their faces back up here and I’m sick of it. Look at what Arn did to Terry at the Stampede! Look at the way they constantly undermine you… it’s crap Ric and I’m not buying any of it…"

Arn: “Barry… you don’t know what you’re talking about here. I’m with Ric, things are getting a little heated and we all need to take a step back an…”

Terry Taylor: ‘A step back? Is that what you did when you clocked me from behind Arn? What happened to team work there? What happened to the Horsemen code?”

Blanchard: “Whoa, hold up there kid. Haven’t you been listening? Didn’t you hear what I said? You two ain’t Horsemen, you two have NEVER been Horsemen and as far as I’m concer…”

Blanchard is cut off though by an irate Ole Anderson grabbing his microphone.

Ole: “SHUT UP A MINUTE! I think you’re all forgetting one thing. Bob Orton’s the only one who’s got it right tonight… the Horsemen are all about success… it doesn’t matter if there’s four of us or twelve of us… it only matters that we’re successful and that we’ve got each other’s backs. You boys need to get along – we’re all on the same page here and are after the same things – those pieces of gold strapped around Ric and Tully’s waists… around OUR waists… you gotta get yourselves together and do it quickly because there’s plenty of people out there who’ll tell you lies and try to corrupt us against each other. We’re the Horsemen, ALL OF US and together we can take down each and every threat that the NWA has to offer.”

Ole holds up his fingers in the sign of the four… the rest all look suspiciously at each other before following suit. The segment ends with six men standing in a semi-circle and while their arms might be in the right pose, their body language and their eyes all say that none of them are happy with the situation.

Grade: C+

Kevin Von Erich vs. Dick Murdoch
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A thrilling television bout saw local hero Kevin Von Erich attempt to get some revenge on Dick Murdoch for his elimination in last week's Bunkhouse Stampede. The announcers tell us that Kerry wanted to be here for the Dallas fans tonight but was exhausted from his in-ring exploits last week. Murdoch showed no signs of fatigue from his Bunkhouse efforts and took the match to Von Erich in an aggressive fashion. The barefoot Von Erich though seems to find an additional gear when wrestling in Texas and gave as good as he got! This was never going to be a lengthy classic given the way they were going at each other but it was still certianly thrilling, both men having ample opportunity to take the win.

With Murdoch starting to pant heavily, Von Erich came off the ropes with a flying crossbody, unfortunately thought the momentum was too much and it sent Murdoch sprawling through the ropes. Sensing he had the advantage, Kevin scaled to the top rope and leapt at Murdoch on the outside... but he was too quick! A sidestep to the left from Dirty Dick meant Von Erich couldn't connect with his double axe handle and he slumped to the ringside mats instead!

Murdoch rolled Von Erich back into the ring and after an unsuccessful pin attempt, hit Von Erich with a strong German Suplex. Going for another pinfall, Murdoch threw his legs on to the second rope... and stole the victory!

Winner: Dick Murdoch by pinfall in 16:43
Grade: B+

Overall Show Grade: B

--

Sorry for the delay folks, entirely my fault... again... hopefully normal service should be resumed now... big thanks, as always for reading, and to Zergon for the nomination for DOTM - big honour to be quoted in the monthly awards.

I guess we're looking at a Horsemen Civil War...

There's nothing civil about these Horsemen...

A lot of egos involved in this one - it does seem like we're a spark away from an explosion though doesn't it?

Now Flair is a victim of circumstances... he might have defended his NWA World Title against that Elvis cartoon, but now he's facing a big problem.... he's trapped in the crossfire between the team of Anderson & Blanchard and the team of Taylor & Windham.... where he will stand? Who side is he on?

Hey that Elvis cartoon nearly caused the most massive of upsets! That's what happens when you take your eye off the ball... I never thought when I started writing this that I'd be giving Honky a decent push - could never stand the guy and found him hard to write for... but he's been a sensation since his feud with the King.

Great show. You had me twice, the first was I was certain about mid way through the bunkhouse that Von Eric was going to win and I really did hold my breath when Honkey hit that Shake Rattle and Roll.

Thanks - glad I kept you on tenterhooks! Kerry was an early contender to win in my plans until I decided to pull the trigger on the Horsemen problems... I'm saving Kerry's inevitable title shot for another day though...

Jolly good show my man, as you said it was kind of a B-level event but with the B it netted you, I'd guess it did great things for your company's size and whatnot.

Yup, another successful B grade show - fourth in a row, I'm hoping to get up to a B+ by the end of the year - still my best show (in game wise anyway) is the Crockett Cup back in April. In terms of popularity we've gone from being at B- level in the South East and C+ everywhere else (except New England, Tri-State, Puerto Rico & Hawaii which were all at C) in March to B- in Great Lakes, Mid Atlantic, Mid South, Mid West, North West, South East, South West and Puerto Rico - the other three are at C+ level as well.

I'm up from E+ in Canada to D- across the board except BC which is at a D (thanks to a TV deal I have there).

For Importance, I've got five of the eight regions I need to move up to National level at C+ or above and three sitting on C's... still a way to go though.

A very different perdicament what you have going on in the horseman at the moment I like it. Old vs. New and its Arn's fault but Flair will be forced to choose which side soon.

I'm curious to see what happens in both of your diaries. You guys have me heavily engaged. It is the best 2 diaries out their in my opinion.

Arn was always the guy in the middle, the rock that everyone else hung off... thought it would be nice to have Arn be the one causing trouble and forcing Ric to be the one in the centre... or is it Ole...

Consrvtve · January 23, 2014

Really really excellent from start to finish.

LordofGustav · January 23, 2014

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Ritchardo" data-cite="Ritchardo" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Hey that Elvis cartoon nearly caused the most massive of upsets! That's what happens when you take your eye off the ball... I never thought when I started writing this that I'd be giving Honky a decent push - could never stand the guy and found him hard to write for... but he's been a sensation since his feud with the King.</div></blockquote> Personally i am a fan of Honky Tonk Man and i have to admit i nearly gasped when Honky rolled Flair and nearly wins the NWA World Title.... That was good match betwen them in anyway. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

KingofOldSchool · January 23, 2014

So...an error on your part about the tag title match?

The Final Countdown · January 23, 2014

I'm glad I passed on buying out the AWA; this Horsemen storyline just keeps getting more and more interesting.

Sorry for the delay folks, entirely my fault... again... hopefully normal service should be resumed now...

No need to apologize, bro. Anyone who has done one of these for any length of time knows that these things happen sometimes. Besides, this 'universe' probably wouldn't have stuck around much past WMIV if you hadn't gotten involved, so any occasional delay is more than worth it!

Hey that Elvis cartoon nearly caused the most massive of upsets! That's what happens when you take your eye off the ball... I never thought when I started writing this that I'd be giving Honky a decent push - could never stand the guy and found him hard to write for... but he's been a sensation since his feud with the King.

I think you're doing a good job with him. Funnily enough, while I can't stand HTM either, I actually found him very easy to write during the brief period of time I had him.

Personally i am a fan of Honky Tonk Man and i have to admit i nearly gasped when Honky rolled Flair and nearly wins the NWA World Title.... That was good match betwen them in anyway.

I did too! For that brief moment, I actually bought into the idea of HTM winning the world title. Talk about effective writing!

So...an error on your part about the tag title match?

I think this is referring to the Simpson Brothers vs. Rose & Somers match being labeled as a tag team title match. I'm guessing you copy/pasted the formatting from a previous tag title match, & forgot to delete that one line?

Ritchardo · January 25, 2014

<div id="divContentWrapper" style="font-size:62.5%;line-height:normal;"><div style="width:950px;margin:0px auto;position:relative;"></div><div style="width: 700px; margin: 0px auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); padding: 0px 20px 20px; position: relative; overflow-y: auto; background-image: none;"> <div style="padding:0 5px;overflow:hidden;" id=""><div id=""><div style="height:18px;"></div><div style="clear: both; position: relative; padding: 5px; margin: 5px 0px; height: auto; border: 1px solid transparent;"> <div style="font-size: 16px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; display: block;"><div style="text-align: center;" id=""><hr style="margin:0px;" id="">Wrestling Observer Newsletter<hr style="margin:0px;" id=""> </div></div> </div></div></div></div></div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">JCP CLEANS UP ITS ACT Following the press reporting of Buzz Sawyer's possession of hard drugs, Jim Crockett Promotions, the self proclaimed 'central office' of the National Wrestling Alliance promised to get tough on drug-taking and, in an unusual move, have released information on the results of the random drug tests they have conducted backstage over the past few weeks. We understand that The Lord of Pain, Austin Idol and Larry Cameron have all tested positive for steroids. The NWA have taken a conservative approach to this, asking their talent NOT to take steroids but there appears to be little in the way of severe punishment for this. All three agreed that they appreciated the way that Ole Anderson and his management team handled the affair and agreed to put the use of the banned substances behind them. None have been 'de-pushed' as a result although Austin Idol's loss to Brian Blair has raised some eyebrows... Speaking of Brian Blair, he was the main beneficiary in the decision to punish 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert on the big stage after he was found to have 'recreational drugs' in his system. Gilbert was given a severe warning that this would not be tolerated in light of Sawyer's dismissal, but it is not clear how Gilbert responded. Officials were particularly dismayed at Gilbert's bad behaviour given they had recently signed up Eddie's girlfriend, Missy Hyatt at his request, and seemed in line to give the couple a push. Bobby Jaggers is counting his lucky stars as he held on to his job by his very fingertips. Jaggers was also found to have recreational drugs in his system but is seen as very much lower on the food chain than Eddie Gilbert. Jaggers benefited from JCP's current interest in revitilasing their tag division and, while not a vital component by any stretch, the West Texas Hangmen are an established team who could help get some new blood over.</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;">JCP: HIRINGS AND FIRINGS JCP have been on a recruitment drive in recent weeks and it doesn't show signs of slowing anytime soon! As the group's popularity continues to grow, they're bringing on more and more talent to help bolster their ranks. None of the signings are said to be 'earth-shattering' in themselves but the majority of them are either related to or good friends with existing members of the roster. The swoop saw Missy Hyatt, Mark Starr, Nancy Sullivan, Brad Armstrong (wrestling as Brad James), Bob Armstrong (wrestling as 'The Bullet'), Scott Armstrong (wrestling as 'Scott Dixie'), Kim Wolser (managing as 'Dirty White Girl') and, of course, Billy Jack Haynes (wrestling as 'Blackblood')... Making way for these new additions to the roster, we saw Manny Fernandez & Denny Brown hit the bricks. Brown finds himself unemployed and is 'open for bookings' we have been informed while 'The Raging Bull' is happy to concentrate his efforts on his PNW career. One 'new signing' that fans might be expecting to hear about is 'Jaylynn' - he's a masked wrestler currently teaming with Pat Tanaka in dark matches but expected to graduate to the full roster soon... well worry no longer fair readers because we can confirm that Jaylyn is no other than former Enhancement Talent Jerry Lynn (Jay Lyn gettit?!!). We've not witnessed them in action ourselves at the Observer but we're reliably informed that the two have excellent chemistry and it's not beyond the realms of possibility that 'The Orient Express' may get a trial push in the near future... JCP top brass assure us that the signing spree is not over yet and that two more names have already been added to the group with another two confirmed offers being considered... and a third offer being drafted as you read this! These are exciting times to be a wrestling fan and JCP are promising to continue their slow but steady build towards fighting the WWF head on. </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;"><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div style="text-align:center;"><div>Around the Wrestling World Title News Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat has shocked the wrestling world by pinning the dominanating Ted DiBiase in the main event of the WWF's Summerslam event. The match saw Steamboat add the WWF World Heavyweight Title to his resume alongside his Intercontinental Title. It remains to be seen how the WWF will handle the dual championship situation but most independent observers expect the IC title to be vacated and put up for grabs in a tournament. Top news from the NWA is the coronation of the first ever 'Triple Crown' champion when Jumbo Tsuruta defeated Akira Maeda in a title unification match that saw the three Heavyweight straps being defended in AJPW combined in to one title. Other Title Changes WWF Women's Championship - Dump Matsumoto d. Velvet McIntyre USPW World Championhip - Wendell Cooley won the title vacated by Ron Simmons when Simmons left the group. USPW National Tag Team Championshp - Paul Diamond & Bill Irwin won the title vacated by Ron Simmons & Paul Diamond when Simmons left the group. WWA (Mex) Middleweight Championship - Tornado Negro d. El Cobarde II Match of the Month Unsurprisingly the match of the month comes from the WWF's huge Summerslam event but while many expected Ted DiBiase and Ricky Steamboat to take top honours on the night, it was Hulk Hogan and Jake Roberts who stole the show. Roberts must now be considered a top contender to be Steamboat's first challenger but Hogan has done his chances of a return to the WWF title no harm either. Are both men over more than the title? Quite possibly... what's for sure is that this was a stellar bout - pulling a strong 96 in our Audience Rating gauge. In the top matches from the other wrestling groups: NJPW: Don Muraco d. Tatsumi Fujinami / Riki Choshu d. Tatsumi Fujinami (Audience Rating: 90) JCP: Tully Blanchard d. Larry Zbyszko to retain the AWA World Heavyweight Title / Dick Murdoch d. Kevin Von Erich (Audience Rating: 84) CMLL: Rayo de Jalisco Jr. d. Fuerza Guerrera (Audience Rating: 82) UWA: Perry Aguayo d. Dos Caras (Audience Rating: 82) ASW UK: Kendo Nagasaki d. Tony St. Clair to retain the ASW British Heavyweight Title (Audience Rating: 81) UWF: Chavo Guerrero d. Iceman King Parsons to retain the UWF Big Gold Belt (Audience Rating: 79) USPW: Ron Simmons d. Kevin Sullivan (Audience Rating: 76) WCCW: Kevin Von Erich, The Cat & Victory d. The Black Superman, Casey & Houston (Audience Rating: 70) CWA (US): Tommy Rich d. Jimmy Valiant to retain the AWA Southern Heavyweight Title (Audience Rating: 69) WWC: Carlos Colon d. Butch Miller to retain the WWC Universal Heavyweight Title (Audience Rating: 68) AGPW: Stephen Petitpas d. Leo Burke to retain the AGPW International Heavyweight Title (Audience Rating: 68) JPUK: Banger Walsh & Cullen d. Steele & Jones (Audience Rating: 67) Stampede: Keith Hart d. Gama Singh to retain the Stampede North American Heavyweight title (Audience Rating: 67) CCW: Kevin Von Erich d. Super Ninja to retain the NWA Southeast Continental Heavyweight title (Audience Rating: 65) WWA (Mexico): Super Halcon d. Mano Negra (Audience Rating: 64) CSW: Kevin Von Erich d. Porkchop Cash to retain the NWA Central States Heavyweight Title (Audience Rating: 62) PNW: Manny Fernandez d. Mike Miller to retain the NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title / Cocoa Samoa d. The Grappler (Audience Rating: 61) ASW Canada: Billy Two Eagles d. Sweet Daddy Sampson to retain the UWA Canadian Heavyweight Title (Audience Rating: 56) WWA (USA): Calypso Jim & Fernandez d. Idol & Jaggers (Audience Rating: 55) Show of the Month Billed as their second biggest show of the year, Summerslam was the latest in a string of successes by the WWF. Although a minor disappointment, the main event was still stronger than anything produced by anyone else in the United States this year and ushered in the dawn of a new era with Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat as WWF World Heavyweight Champion. The show pulled a strong 92 rating overall thanks in no small part to an extremely strong semi-main event and a hot opener. The Rest of the Big Shows in Audience Rating Order: 2. JCP Bunkhouse Stampede (81) 2. NJPW International Wrestling Grand Prix (81) 4. UWA Una Mas Vez (77) 5. ASW (UK) Gold Rush (76) 6. CMLL Salido Y Juego (70) 7. UWF Universal Ultimatium (68) 8. JPUK Burn it Up II (66) 9. USPW Face Off (65) 10. CWA (USA) Lightning Strikes (64) 10. SWC Gone Too Far (64) 12. WWC In Times of War (61) 12. CCW Trial by Combat (61) 14. WWA Mexico Guerra Global (60) 14. PNW Demonology (60) 16. WCWA Texas Summer (58) 16. CSW Delivery (58) 18. AGPW Oblivion (54) 19. WWA (USA) Stormy Weather (52) 20. ASW (Canada) Blaze of Glory II (50) Other News: Arrivals JCP: Billy Jack Haynes (PPA) JCP: Bob Armstrong (PPA) JCP: Brad Armstrong (Written) JCP: Dirty White Girl (PPA) JCP: Missy Hyatt (PPA) JCP: Mark Starr (PPA) JCP: Scott Armstrong (Written) JCP: Woman (PPA) AJPW: Chris Beniot (Tour) AJPW: Dr Wagner Jr. (Tour) AJPW: Gran Apache (Tour) WWA (Mex): Blackjack Lanza (PPA) PNW: Les Thatcher (PPA) CSW: Ric Flair (Loan) ASW (Canada): Akam Singh (PPA) CWA (Eur): Shinya Hashimoto (Tour) Other News: Departures WWF: Afa WWF: Butch Reed WWF: King Kong Bundy WWF: Sika JCP: Buzz Sawyer JCP: Denny Brown JCP: Jimmy Del Ray JCP: Manny Fernandez NJPW: Ultimo Dragon UWA (Mex): Brazo Hermoso ASW (UK): Kid McCoy USPW: Kevin Sullivan USPW: Ron Simmons WCWA: Billy Jack Haynes UWF: Brad Armstrong CWA (USA): Mark Starr WWA (Mex): El **** PNW: Don Owen ASW (Canada): John Tenta Other News: Injuries Chris Benoit - Broken Ankle (39 Days) Other News: Retirements A big month of in-ring retirements this month was headlined by former AWA World Champion Nick Bockwinkel who bowed out in the main event of this year's Great American Bash. Bockwinkel was joined by fellow former AWA stars Butcher Vachon & Baron Von Raschke in hanging up the boots this month. British wrestling took a big hit due to the loss of top export Adrian Street not to mention home stars Skull Murphy,'Black' Angus Campbell, Alan Kilby and Steve Grey. Fans of Memphis wrestling will have recognised Duke Myers' retirement as a sad loss to the business and with so many movements from the original Wrestlemania roster of the WWF lately, it's with extra poignancy that we note Stan 'Uncle Elmer' Frazier has given up all hope of a return to the big leagues. Canadian fans said goodbye to Pierre LeBelle & Sweet Daddy Siki. Meanwhile Texas arenas are unlikely to ever see Enhancement Talent Mike Bond staring at the lights ever again... and Mike George called it a day in the Mid-West after almost a year on the sidelines. Our biggest shock this month though came when Pacific Northwest Owner Don Owen decided to call it a day and sold up his interest in the group. Owen, one of the nicest guys in wrestling and a real father figure to his rosters over the years sold up to Les Thatcher who has promised to take the group back to its heyday of the late 70s. Mr Owen will certainly be missed by all true wrestling fans. Other News: New Workers With so many retirements, it's good to see that we have a strong crop of youngsters coming through. While most of the group are unknowns there's one name in particular that seems to stand out... Dustin Rhodes: the son of the common man Dusty Rhodes himself is following in his daddy's footsteps - hopes are high that Dustin can match his father's high standards and Dusty has apparently already gone to bat for his son to try and land him a job in one of the Alliance's lower end territories to get him some experience. Joining Dustin in the 'available for bookings' department are: Anthony Durante Bobby Blaze El Gallego Gary Albright Gary Wolfe Shane Ballard</div></div><div></div></blockquote> <a href="http://www.greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1928976&postcount=758" rel="external nofollow">For more information on the WWF – check out The Final Countdown’s diary here:</a></div></div></blockquote> --- A new look for the monthly write-up... as ever open to any feedback you have! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Consrvtve" data-cite="Consrvtve" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Really really excellent from start to finish.</div></blockquote> Why thank you very much! I aim to please and hopefully I keep up the standard if not better it going forward <img alt=":o" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/redface.png.900245280682ef18c5d82399a93c5827.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>So...an error on your part about the tag title match?</div></blockquote> Given I had over two weeks to write up the show you'd think it'd have been flawless, wouldn't you!! <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Good spot, I'll get it edited! <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Personally i am a fan of Honky Tonk Man and i have to admit i nearly gasped when Honky rolled Flair and nearly wins the NWA World Title.... That was good match betwen them in anyway.</div></blockquote> I must admit I'm surprised that I was able to reel people in like that on what I felt was a very predictable show... I'm not complaining mind you and it's a massive compliment for you to say that! I'm sure Honky's not quite finished at the top yet not if he's got anything to do with it anyway... <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I'm glad I passed on buying out the AWA; this Horsemen storyline just keeps getting more and more interesting. </div></blockquote> Me too lol! I didn't expect to have Arn & Tully or even be in with a chance of getting them when I started out otherwise I'd never have run a Horseman story... but it's a happy accident because now I've got to 'sort the mess out' and I'm trying to take it slowly.

K-Nection · January 25, 2014

Wow the brilliance of the horseman story is awesome. I am forever glued on your guy's diaries.

The Final Countdown · January 25, 2014

I like the new look of your monthly update. I especially like the rankings of every big show and each company's best match--very informative, and something I was always too lazy to look up myself! <img alt="

" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> I'm now thinking of ways I can modify my own update to better work in concert with yours.

LordofGustav · January 25, 2014

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Ritchardo" data-cite="Ritchardo" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I must admit I'm surprised that I was able to reel people in like that on what I felt was a very predictable show... I'm not complaining mind you and it's a massive compliment for you to say that! I'm sure Honky's not quite finished at the top yet not if he's got anything to do with it anyway...</div></blockquote> Thanks a lot! <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Ritchardo · January 28, 2014

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/FridayNightShowdown.jpg Friday Night Showdown September 2nd, 1988 From The Prarie Capital Center, Springfield, Illinois Attendance: 7,700 (SELL OUT) <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>In a Pre-Show bout: The Bruisers d. The Orient Express in 9:52 (C-)</div></blockquote> Announce Team: Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone & Nick Bockwinkel http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimRoss0.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TonySchiavone.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/NickBockwinkel.jpg </div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BarryWindham.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Tara.jpg Tara is in the back looking to grab a word with Barry Windham about last week’s problems with the Horsemen but he pushes past her and tells her that he’s got someone to see first… 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 ... and knocks on the door of Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard! It’s Arn who opens the door, and we can see Tully behind him putting his wrestling boots on. Arn Anderson: “What is it Barry? You know we’ve got Zbyszko & Luger tonight – we don’t need any distractions…” Barry Windham: “Look. Last week things got heated… let’s just call a truce for now alright? Let’s do what Ole said and go out there and win. On our own. I want your guarantee that you won’t get involved in either mine or Terry’s matches tonight…” Arn has a weary expression on his face and shares a look with Blanchard before replying… Arn: “Barry, you have my word as a gentleman… I will not get involved in either of your matches tonight.” Barry: “Tully?” Tully Blanchard: “WHAT?” Barry: “What about you?” Blanchard: “What about me?! What makes you think I’m interested in what goes on in your match? I don’t give a damn if you win or lose. I only take an interest in the matches that matter – matches that me or my friends are in and you, boy, you ain’t neither so I suggest you turn yourself around and get out of my face before I end up rearranging yours!” http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/OleAnderson.jpg Ole Anderson appears at the opportune moment and pulls Barry Windham away before he can start brawling with the two. Ole Anderson: “Barry! Barry! I know… look… focus alright! You’ve got Bam Bam Bigelow to worry about tonight, let me deal with this… I’ll catch you up later.” With that Ole enters the dressing room, closing the door tight behind him. 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;">NWA World Television Title B. Brian Blair vs Terry Taylor © 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/TerryTaylor.jpg With Ole Anderson otherwise engaged, Terry Taylor is on his own at ringside and if the fates have been kind for Brian Blair up until now then this must be their kindest move yet! Without Anderson in his corner, Taylor has to rely on his own abilities in the ring, a few months ago this might’ve been more of a problem for him but since then, ‘Mr. Fantastic’ has come into his own – no longer allowing others to take the upper hand, Taylor is confident and dominant in the ring and this proved to be Blair’s sternest test yet since his return to the NWA two short weeks ago. Who knows, with a few more weeks of seasoning and preparation, the result may have been different but for Terry Taylor, who lost his own first attempt at the TV title, Friday Nights are his night. A five-arm smash coming off the ropes was enough to send Blair down for the three count and another successful defence for the reigning champion, surprisingly but thankfully devoid of any outside distractions. Winner and STILL NWA World Television Champion: 'Mr Fantastic' Terry Taylor by pinfall in 11:08 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/StanLane.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/SteveKeirn.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MagnumTA.jpg Magnum T.A. is standing by with the reigning US Tag Team Champions and they say they’ve got a big surprise in store for Mr. T. & The Enemy! Stan Lane: “You don’t have to be any kind of genius to see what you’re up to Mr. T. Playing the racism card – making out that the NWA are nothing but a bunch of ‘good ole boys’ looking to keep people down… well I’ve been here a long time and I’ve had my fair share of raw deals and hardships: it’s called paying your dues.” Keirn: “That’s right, the luck goes with you and the luck goes against you – there’s no doubting that the Enemy were unlucky to lose the way that they did – but what do you expect to happen when you’ve got a guy like Mr. T. out there causing a disruption… and that’s why Stan and I got talking…” Lane: “Yeah, we can see the writing on the wall – cause a big enough stink about what happens in the ring and nobody will watch what YOU are up to on the outside… well that’s why we decided to bring in an old friend of yours to keep an eye on you…” The Fabulous Ones are joined by… http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LouAlbano.jpg Captain Lou Albano! Lou Albano: “Thought you saw the back of me, huh Mr. T?! Didn’t I tell you that I’d be making sure you paid for the things you’d been saying and doing around here? I warned you about your attitude, your selfishness and the way that you seem to think the world owes you a living. This ain’t Hollywood. This is Springfield, Illinois and you should know better than anyone what it takes to walk these here mean streets. You can’t be standing around whining and crying about what you could or would or should or rude or food or whatever else because all that matters is what you bring in that ring. “You know me. And I know you. You think you can be a tag team manager and have success… child, you’ve got no idea because NOBODY trains tag team champions like Captain Lou Albano. I’m the most successful tag team manager of all time… and this time, I don’t have to take my boys to the gold, they’ve already got them! And at Fall Brawl, when The Enemy get their second chance at the gold – Stan and Steve will be more than a match in the ring while outside, outside you’ll be under my watch… and there’ll be nowhere to hide!” 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/EddieGilbert.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MissyHyatt.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/AustinIdol.jpg Eddie Gilbert, along with Missy Hyatt, is heading towards the entrance, ready for his match against ‘The Bullet’ only to be stopped in his tracks by Austin Idol! The two stare at one another and for a moment it looks like there might be a brawl… before Idol sticks his hand out and the two shake. Austin Idol: “No hard feelings kid, good luck tonight.” Gilbert beams and turns back to the entrance way, Missy’s eyes linger for a moment on the retreating Idol before she joins Eddie in the walk to the ring. Grade: D+</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">The Bullet vs. 'Hot Stuff' Eddie Gilbert (w/ Missy Hyatt) http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BobArmstrong2.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/EddieGilbert.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MissyHyatt.jpg The Bullet marks his return to NWA action with a match against a real ‘Hot Stuff’ commodity in the form of Eddie Gilbert. His best days clearly behind him, The Bullet is on the back foot from the very beginning. A surprisingly entertaining affair, Gilbert’s cockiness nearly became his undoing again. Taking the time to showboat to the fans and ludicrously flex his muscles towards Missy Hyatt, he failed to see the Bullet climb to the top of the ropes for a flying crossbody! The momentum of the move though carried The Bullet off Gilbert who was able to turn it into a successful pinning predicament. Winner: ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert by pinfall in 9:20 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/BigBubbaRogers.jpg We’re taken to a video clip now as Big Bubba Rogers parks his beaten up station wagon with a caption reading ‘Three Months Ago’ at the bottom of the screen. The badly bruised Rogers gets out of his car and lifts a suitcase from the back… sighing heavily he drags the case behind him as heads towards an ornate building with a simple plaque on the outside which reads ‘Police Academy’. As we change scenes, we can see Bubba being put through his paces and he looks badly out of shape! His classmates are running rings around him and his supervisors look furious at Bubba’s apparent inability to perform these cardio exercises. Our video ends with Bubba panting heavily but he doesn’t appear about to give up despite the goading of his instructor! 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/KevinSullivan52.jpghttp://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/Woman.jpg Kevin Sullivan is surrounded by The Army of Darkness and has some words for his favourite subject: Bam Bam Bigelow… Kevin Sullivan: “I hate you Bam Bam Bigelow. There. I said it. I’ve been thinking it for so long and in such vicious ways that it’s threatened to poison me, to cloud my judgment and commit me to a path of retaliation that can only end in our mutual destruction… I am not afraid to be destroyed Bam Bam Bigelow… I would happily lay down my life, just as each of my disciples would in the pursuit of our brand of insanity… but I will not do so for your pleasure… “Bam Bam Bigelow I showed you at the Bunkhouse Stampede that I’m just better than you – there’s no other way to take it. I can and I will destroy you. If not today, it will be tomorrow and I can guarantee that my Army of Darkness will march over your bones on the way to our destinies… At Fall Brawl, Bam Bam Bigelow I challenge you to run the gauntlet – put your faith in whatever you believe in upstairs or downstairs… at Fall Brawl, let’s see how you stand against the entire Army of Darkness…” 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;">Bam Bam Bigelow (w/ Precious) vs. Barry Windham (w/ Ole Anderson) http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BamBamBigelow.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Precious.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BarryWindham.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/OleAnderson.jpg Bigelow himself was in action and blissfully unaware of the challenge posed by Kevin Sullivan. If he had then perhaps he’d have been a bit more cautious in this match instead of throwing everything he had at Windham. The Horseman is no slouch himself though and these two put on a highly entertaining TV match that, surprisingly and unusually, the announce team spent more time discussing than the stories surrounding it! The spectre of interference was always there though with Barry’s troubles with Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard, not to mention Bam Bam Bigelow’s well documented problems with Kevin Sullivan… but the source was certainly unexpected… http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DirtyWhiteGirl.jpg Sitting in the front row behind Precious, an unknown woman suddenly reached out and grabbed Precious by the hair. Precious shrieked in surprise and agony as the stranger began to pull at her hair and trying to claw her face! Bigelow couldn’t believe his eyes but before he could leave to help his manager out, Windham had nailed him from behind, dragging his head along the top rope and smashing him into the turnbuckle. With Bigelow panting in the corner, Windham ran at him with a high knee… but was caught in mid-flight! Rather than bodyslamming him though, Bigelow simply dropped him and went to leave the ring… big mistake! Windham caught Bigelow with a low blow while the referee was distracted by the fighting women. Ole Anderson went over to break them up as Windham rolled up the Beast from the East… 1… 2… 3… Winner: Barry Windham by pinfall in 13:58 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 recap video highlights the events that lead to Dusty Rhodes & Dick Murdoch’s recent altercation – the video ends with a promise that Dusty will be back in the ring in two weeks! 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/JimmySnuka.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/CocoaSamoa.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Tara.jpg Another interview, this time Tara is joined by Jimmy Snuka & Cocoa Samoa: Jimmy Snuka: “HOO! HOO! HOOO! Greg Gagne! You watch as your big friend is taken down. They say the bigger they are the harder they fall and that man falled very hard bruda!” Cocoa Samoa: “HARRRRRR! Greg Gagne you spit on my name – you say that you carry Cocoa Samoa to tag title… I find good partner, old partner… BEST partner…. You find only loneliness har har har!” Snuka: “Bruda, you open your mouth against me and I shut it for you and keep shutting it! HOO HOO!” 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/HectorGuerrero.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MagnumTA.jpg Hector Guerrero reads a prepared statement in the interview area: Hector Guerrero: “Ladies and gentlemen, please forgive the formal nature of this response, however, I cannot allow myself to speak candidly about Bob Orton Jr. It would be highly unprofessional of me to tell you how much I think that he is an overated wrestler. That he is the son of a no-good piece of garbage and that I believe that even in his old age my father could still kick his ass from El Paso all the way to Portland and back again to New Jersey. “It would be wrong of me to tell you how much I look forward to shutting his big, fat, obnoxious mouth for him once and for all in the ring and that I will take great pleasure in standing tall and proud above him in the middle of the ring when he lies a broken, beaten pulp beneath me. “Instead Bob Orton Jr, I simply say to you that I have petitioned the NWA board on your behalf and requested that you be promoted, despite your obvious shortcomings, to number one contender for my US title. It turns out that they hate your guts, almost as much as I do and can’t wait to see me beat the snot out of you at Fall Brawl. “I’m sorry Magnum – no questions.” Guerrero gives a cheeky wink and grin to camera as he walks away from a chuckling Magnum. 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;">Lex Luger & Larry Zbyszko vs. Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LexLuger.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/ArnAnderson.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TullyBlanchard.jpg Heavily trailed throughout the show – tonight’s main event brought Lex Luger’s youthful exuberance to a bout that crackled with anticipation and, although solid enough, inevitably fell a little flat. Luger looked good in the ring but it was clear that the other three were covering for his inadequacies – Zbyszko carrying the brunt of the work for his team. Throughout the match, the announcers kept voicing their frustrations that Arn Anderson hadn’t announced his plans for Fall Brawl… but it was clear that Arn’s mind was on the task at hand – he kept avoiding Zbyszko’s attempts to lock up, deferring instead to Tully who was only too happy to oblige. As the match unfolded, it was becoming clear that Tully was getting more and more frustrated with Larry’s ability to outwrestle and manouever the World Champion… leading, at one point, to Zbyszko catching Blanchard catching Tully in a headlock and, playing to the crowd, slapping Blanchard’s backside! Blanchard was apopleptic and after breaking free threw himself at Zbyszko… failing to connect and instead running into a huge Lex Luger boot! As the two traded blows… http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/OleAnderson.jpg Ole Anderson made his way down to ringside! Standing in Arn & Tully’s corner he slapped on the canvas – urging Tully to make the tag… which he did… Now it was down to Arn & Luger. Luger out muscled Anderson easily and after some grappling and brawling went for the torture rack! Ole Anderson was having none of it though, he tripped Luger from the outside bringing Arn’s weight crashing on top of the Total Package! Arn tries for the pinfall… 1… 2… NO! Luger has enough to kick out and Arn’s not sticking around, bringing in Tully to finish the job. Tully and Luger exchange some more blows before Luger gets the hot tag! Zbyszko unleashes on Tully before running the ropes… Only to be tripped by Ole again, this sends Zbyszko crashing to the outside! The referee gives Ole a stern warning while Arn & Tully double team the The Total Package behind his back but the crowd are quickly on their feet when… http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JJDillon22.jpg J.J. Dillon makes his way to ringside! He runs down the aisle and connects with a clothesline on Ole that sends him reeling! Arn is out of the ring trying to break things up while Tully looks dumbstruck… Zbyszko has slipped back under the bottom rope, Blanchard turns and… BANG! The Larryland Dreamer! The AWA World Champion is down!!! 1… 2… 3!!! Zbyszko has picked up a pinfall on the Champion! Winners: Larry Zbyszko & Lex Luger by pinfall in 12:53 Grade: C+ As Ole and Dillon continue to brawl on the outside with Luger trying now to break them up, Arn has rolled back into the ring… Larry Zbyszko has made his point and is getting out of the ring now because from behind the curtain he can see... http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpg It's the NWA World Champion! Ric Flair comes running down the aisle and joins Luger in trying to break up Dillon and Ole's furious boxing. Tully Blanchard meanwhile is furiously screaming at Arn that he’s going to kill Zbyszko! Arn asks for a microphone and shouts at the men outside the ring: "Will you two knock it off!!!" Ole looks sheepishly up at Arn while Lex pulls JJ to safety and slowly begins to back up the aisle keeping a firm eye on the Horsemen surrounding ringside. Arn: "It seems like my hand has been forced a little bit I really didn't know who I was going to face at Fall Brawl... not because I see myself as a challenge to either of them, and I certainly won't be going out my way to win either belt but because whoever I choose... I'm letting the other one down... at least... I was. Because what happened out here tonight has convinced me that my gut decision was right... In four weeks time at Fall Brawl... it'll be me Arn Anderson in the ring against one of my best friends in the world for his World Heavyweight Title... Ric... Ric it's gonna be you." Flair looks back at Arn, his face like a mask. Ole looks stunned while Tully is nodding his head in satisfaction. The announce team are near hyperventilation at this revelation and urge us to tune in next week for more exciting NWA action! Grade: B</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">Overall Show Grade: B-</div> -- <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="TheFinalCountdown" data-cite="TheFinalCountdown" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I like the new look of your monthly update. I especially like the rankings of every big show and each company's best match--very informative, and something I was always too lazy to look up myself! I'm now thinking of ways I can modify my own update to better work in concert with yours. </div></blockquote> Yeah the geek in me loves that sort of thing, amazing the things you pick up on like how effective Kevin Von Erich is! Four appearances in the match of the month breakdown for four promotions!

Dawn · January 28, 2014

Great episode, Zbyszko is up for good things, huh? I have to say that...that Army of Darkness guy looks like a more hairy Kick-Ass

And who the...are The Bruisers?

BlueStar · January 28, 2014

You released Manny Fernandez? I liked him. Fit the company too, I thought.

K-Nection · January 29, 2014

Holy S#!^ I marked out for that last angle of the night with classic horseman vs. horseman all the way nice touch of managing to even squeeze lex luger and jj. dillon and have it make sense. Your grades are not doing this story justice this would definitely have gave WWF a run for its money for sure.

Ritchardo · February 2, 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>

JYD BITES THE DUST

Jim Crockett Promotions and The Junkyard Dog have parted ways after a dismal run. JCP big wigs were purportedly dismayed at the results of a feud with Hollywood star Mr. T. which failed to catch the public's imagination. Plans to work Ritter alongside Terry Taylor in a programme over his Television title were shelved and the Dog mutated quickly into a glorifeid Jobber. For his part, JYD was unhappy with the change of direction and opted not to renew his contract, refusing even to enter negotiations with the group. Although his skills are certainly failing him in the ring, JYD still has a high level of popularity and should find a berth elsewhere sooner rather than later.

WILD TIMES AHEAD

As one door closes, another opens and Afa and Sika have found themselves being snapped up by JCP who see their tag team experience as an invaluable asset.

Could The Wild Samoans' return to the NWA be linked to Captain Lou Albano's sudden alliance with the Fabulous Ones? Speculation is also mounting that they could interject in the Cocoa Samoa / Greg Gagne feud and with advance notice that 'Playboy' Buddy Rose & 'Pretty Boy' Doug Somers are set to make an open challenge for a match at Fall Brawl, most insiders expect that it is the Wild Samoans who will take that slot.... although a mysterious masked duo named only 'The Bruisers' did compete prior to this week's television. The duo, in matching blue uniforms, appear to be two very good individual wrestlers but while not a bad team by any stretch, it did appear to be the first time the two had worked together based on their body language... JCP officials have been tight lipped refusing to reveal who is under the masks.

Afa & Sika are expected to take part in a dark match to shake off any ring rust this week as JCP continues it's build towards 'Fall Brawl'

--

Great episode, Zbyszko is up for good things, huh? I have to say that...that Army of Darkness guy looks like a more hairy Kick-Ass

And who the...are The Bruisers?

Zbyszko's great isn't he? It was a real bonus getting him in the AWA deal! You're not wrong about Kick-Ass either lol... poor Billy Jack... a horrible gimmick in real life!

You released Manny Fernandez? I liked him. Fit the company too, I thought.

He's got backstage attitude, wasn't happy at the amount of jobs he's done and I couldn't think of anything else to do with him right now - a real 'Creative Has Nothing For You' job!

Holy S#!^ I marked out for that last angle of the night with classic horseman vs. horseman all the way nice touch of managing to even squeeze lex luger and jj. dillon and have it make sense. Your grades are not doing this story justice this would definitely have gave WWF a run for its money for sure.

Why thank you! I always intended to bring those two into it somehow but wasn't really sure how to fit it in before - I wanted this to be a real study of what makes the Horsemen and who they are. Nobody trusts anyone else except, it seems the central four of the Wrecking Crew, Flair & Tully and really it's only Arn that's the bridge between them all. It's been hard trying to slow build this but we're almost there now, I'm sure it'll kick off at Fall Brawl... or will it?!!!

Next show should be up in a few days time along with the preview for Fall Brawl

The Final Countdown · February 2, 2014

Although his skills are certainly failing him in the ring, JYD still has a high level of popularity and should find a berth elsewhere sooner rather than later.

He's going to run out of places to work pretty soon! I don't see New Japan reviving his career like they're doing for Muraco either.

BlueStar · February 2, 2014

Fair enough on Fernandez. In my AWA game, I tend to keep the nice lower-card workers around: Mark Young, Steve O, Sonny Rogers, The Top Guns, DJ Peterson, Buck Zumhofe, etc. All jobbers really but I think they fit the company more than bringing in younger workers.

olympia · February 4, 2014

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="BlueStar" data-cite="BlueStar" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Fair enough on Fernandez. In my AWA game, I tend to keep the nice lower-card workers around: Mark Young, Steve O, Sonny Rogers, The Top Guns, DJ Peterson, Buck Zumhofe, etc. All jobbers really but I think they fit the company more than bringing in younger workers.</div></blockquote> true- those are guys with good AWA ties and admirable that you kept them on roster, staying true to the AWA spirit. When I ran an AWA diary, I liked having them around too. Worse case, they can help put over any new talent I brought in. Even better, is grooming them into future stars or solidifying that middle of the card. As for this JCP diary, it just keeps getting better and better. Between this and TFC's WWF, it's like watching things unfold for real (better than anything you can actually watch for real lately). Thanks to both of you guys for your entertaining dramas.

Ritchardo · February 6, 2014

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/FridayNightShowdown.jpg Friday Night Showdown September 9th, 1988 From The Charlottesville Hall, Charlottesville, Virginia Attendance: 8,436 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>In Pre-Show bouts: The Von Erichs d. The Wild Samoans in 11:03 (C+) & Dick Murdoch d. Robbie Brookside in 4:32 (C-)</div></blockquote> Announce Team: Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone & Nick Bockwinkel http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimRoss0.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TonySchiavone.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/NickBockwinkel.jpg </div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">Tommy 'Wildfire' Rich vs. Jimmy 'Superfly' Snuka http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TommyRich.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimmySnuka.jpg ‘Superfly’ opens up this clash in an aggressive fashion, taking the match to Wildfire from the opening bell. The former NWA World Champion didn’t have any answers for the veteran from the isle of Fiji and it was to no surprise that he found himself victorious after a hellacious ‘Superfly Splah’ on the prone Tommy Rich. He never really stood a chance in this surprisingly flat match-up. Winner: Jimmy 'Superfly' Snuka by pinfall in 7:14 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/HonkyTonkMan.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MagnumTA.jpg The Honky Tonk Man is standing by with Magnum T.A. Honky Tonk Man: “Ric Flair, last week Arn Anderson made a big mistake… you see, he came out here and told the world that he’d be facing you in the main event of Fall Brawl… well… he might be facing the NWA World Heavyweight Champion, but baby that’s gonna be! You see, the NWA board have saw sense and agreed to give me my rightful re-match and when it’s all over your gold belt will be hanging up on my office wall next to my gold records. “Everyone seems to think that the Honky Tonk Man is some kind of joke, but I’ll be checking you into Nosebreak Hotel when I Shake, Rattle and Roll your plans for Fall Brawl Ric Flair!” 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;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BigBubbaRogers.jpg We’re taken back to the police academy where Big Bubba Rogers is being put through his paces on the assault course. He’s covered in sweat and despite struggling to get around the course he doesn’t seem to want to quit. His drill instructor screams in his face, telling him that he’s worthless and that’s why he can’t even win a single wrestling match… as the montage continues we see Rogers being interrogated as to why he wants to be a police officer. Rogers keeps mumbling that he wants to bring a sense of justice back to wrestling as he’s barked at by his instructors… the segment ends with Rogers being forced to do even more push-ups! 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. The Orient Express 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/PatTanaka.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Kato2.jpg Making their televised debut, The Orient Express are clearly an exciting and dynamic tag team – wowing the crowd with their aerial offence and first rate chemistry. In fact, despite being the more established team, The Southern Boys have to work hard to get their victory here, Steve Armstrong catching the masked Jalynn in the corner with a running tackle before tagging in Smothers who finished proceedings with a Reverse Russian Legsweep while Tanaka could only look on from the apron! Winners: The Southern Boys in 6:11 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/GregGagne.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JushinLiger.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Tara.jpg Backstage Greg Gagne and Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger appear to have reached an agreement in front of Tara. Gagne: “Miss, it’s my absolute pleasure to tell you that myself and the exciting Mr. Liger have agreed to join forces and for one night only, at Fall Brawl it’ll be our High Flying team against Snuka & Samoa – they’ve proven time and again they’re not to be trusted and we’ll show the world that we’ve got more than enough to take those two out and prove once and for all that Greg Gagne more than carried his share of our World Tag Titles. Liger nods enthusiastically but refuses to speak despite Tara’s prompting and pushing the mic in his face. 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/RicFlair.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/OleAnderson.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JJDillon22.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LexLuger.jpg Ric Flair is preparing for an interview about The Honky Tonk Man when he’s interrupted by JJ Dillon & Lex Luger. Dillon: “Ric, I’m sorry to do this in public but I’ve tried calling you but you don’t seem to be getting my messages..” Dillon throws a look at Ole Anderson before continuing… “Thing is Ric, I’ve stood back and watched what’s going on like everybody else. And I’ve heard everyone trying to tell me who is a Horseman, who’s not a horseman and what you have to do to become a Horseman… but the last time I checked Lex and Me were the Horsemen… See when Arn & Tully walked out and left us to carry the can, we carried on. Just the three of us we carried on and then when Lex started teaming with Ron Simmons we just quietly went our own way… but we were still friends – me and you we were always friends… but where were you when Ron Simmons and Larry Cameron beat me down in the ring? Where were you Ric? Too busy getting ready for your own match and you know what, with all that ended up going on that night, I can understand, I really can? "But it still hurts Ric, it hurts just as badly as the beating I took that night… that’s why I’ve not been around much in the last few months, it hurt me to come to work and see my friends, guys I’ve been on the road with for years who didn’t pick up the phone and ask me how I was doing, guys who didn’t step into that ring and defend my honour, not only on the night but at no point afterwards… It hurt me real bad. “But you know what hurt me even more? Having to stand back and watch as grown men fought and whined about whether they were in the Horsemen or not… It’s not a club! It’s not some kind of secret society – it’s a way of life you’re either BORN to be a Horsemen or you’re not and once you’re a Horseman, you’re always a Horseman. So when Arn & Tully wanted to start pushing my boy, my friend Lex Luger around as if he was never anything to them, I wasn’t going to stand back and take it. Ric, I’m telling you… no I’m warning you… if they’ll do that to Lex then they’ll do that to you and don’t think I don’t know who was behind it… Ole…” Ole Anderson mocks feeling hurt and looks to respond to Dillon, but Flair gets in before him… Flair: “JJ… I’m sorry.” Ole looks stunned at this admission of sorrow and begins to argue with Flair but is cut off. Flair: “When you’re right, you’re right. I should’ve been there for you and that’s my failing as your friend. You know I respect and trust your advice more than just about any other man in this world so when I hear you telling me to watch my back, I’d be mad not to listen… but I can’t bring myself to believe that Arn & Tully would do that to me, would do that to us… All I’m saying is thanks JJ but I’ve got this covered… just like I’ve got the Honky Tonk Man covered – Wooooooo! Bud, Pal – you’ve bitten off more than you can chew and when The Nature Bo… As Flair begins cutting his promo, JJ Dillon sadly shakes his head and leaves along with Lex Luger while Ole smirks behind Flair’s back. Flair concludes his generic promo and the announcers continue to hype up what they promise will be a top rate match, later this evening. 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;">Scott Dixie vs. Bob Orton Jr. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ScottArmstrong.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BobOrtonJr.jpg Making his debut, Scott Dixie must’ve wished that he’d never graduated to the JCP roster because Bob Orton Jr. refused to give him an inch, beating on the youngster mercilessly from the first bell to the last. Even without Ole Anderson by his side, Orton was more than the youngster could handle. As he laid into Dixie, Orton kept calling on Hector Guerrero to come out, mouthing into the hard camera that this was exactly what Guerrero could look forward to at Fall Brawl. Winner: Bob Orton Jr. by pinfall in 2:32 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/OleAnderson.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BarryWindham.jpg We’re back in the interview area and Ric Flair has just left as Ole Anderson gathers his things and gets ready to move on when he’s stopped by Barry Windham! Windham: “Ole man, what’s going on? Just tell me!” Ole looks taken aback but doesn’t answer… Windham: “I don’t know what Arn & Tully are up to and I don’t know if you’ve got anything to do with it… but I do know that at Fall Brawl with the NWA World Title on the line that Arn Anderson can’t be trusted… Ric’s blinded… but I’m not. Tonight and at Fall Brawl don’t bother coming to ringside with Ric because I’m going to be there with him instead and I’ll make sure that neither you Arn Anderson or anybody else is going to interfere.” Ole looks to argue but Windham’s not listening and marches 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;">Stan Lane (w/ Lou Albano & Steve Keirn) vs. Michael Hayes (w/ Terry Gordy) http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/StanLane.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LouAlbano.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/SteveKeirn.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MichaelHayes.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TerryGordy.jpg A mildly disappointing match between two tag team champions, Lane and Hayes falied to really click in the ring together. The crowd were doubtless treading water waiting for tonight’s main event and it really showed. They did their best to engage though and on the outside Gordy took the opportunity to try and put off Lane at every opportunity. As Lane and Hayes brawl it out in the ring, Steve Keirn and Gordy also start going at it outside after Keirn has had enough of Gordy’s attempts at cheating. Albano tries to pull Keirn away before he gets himself hurt and it’s organised bedlam outside! The distraction is capitalised on as out from the back comes... http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MrT.jpg Mr. T! Not even attempting to hide his presence, T storms straight into the ring and spears Lane in front of the referee… even as the bells rings to disqualify Hayes, Mr T is stomping into Sweet Stane before bailing out and dashing into the back as quickly as he came. Winner: Stan Lane by Disqualification in 10:09 Grade: C</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DickMurdoch.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MagnumTA.jpg Dick Murdoch is ready for his interview with Magnum T.A. but before he can even open his mouth, Magnum reaches into his pocket and hands him an envelope. With a puzzled smirk, (but a smirk never the less!), Murdoch rips open the envelope and reads the contents… as he gets further down what appears to be a contract, Murdoch’s smirk drops from his face and when Magnum asks him what’s in the envelope, he just marches off! It’s Magnum’s turn to smile now as we cut back to Tara. 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.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Tara.jpg Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard are with Tara in their dressing room: Arn Anderson: “Last week I told the world that I’d be wrestling Ric Flair in the main event of Fall Brawl and the world lost it’s mind… look it’s as simple as this… I had to choose either Ric or Tully… it was never going to be easy but my mind was made up for me by something that Tully said.” Tully Blanchard: “At the end of the day, Ric knows that he’s got nothing to worry about with Arn next week – he’ll do the right thing by him and by the Horsemen… Larry Zbyszko though… he’s going to have plenty to worry about because he’s got under my skin and I’ve had enough. You think you’re a match for me Zbyszko? You ain’t nothin’ jack! You want my world title real bad and I want YOU even more so let’s settle this once and for all. Winner takes all and NO re-match for the loser! That’s right, once I take you apart if by some miracle you can still walk or even crawl your way to the ring it’s not going to be for MY AWA World Heavyweight title!” Arn Anderson: “And when that is said and done, all that will be left is the foregone conclusion of our match Ric… Barry Windham, I heard what you said and if you want to come out and see for yourself what I’m “up to” then be my guest, I ain’t got nothin’ to hide son. I’ll see you at Fall Brawl.” Anderson and Blanchard end their interview by simply holding up their fingers in the sign of the four. 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;">NWA World Heavyweight Championship Ric Flair © (w/ Barry Windham) vs. The Honky Tonk Man http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BarryWindham.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/HonkyTonkMan.jpg Fired up from the very first bell, The Honky Tonk Man clearly felt he had something to prove. The aggression he’s shown in recent weeks was again amplified and the champion found himself playing catch-up from the very beginning. The announce team explained that HTM was clearly wound up at being dismissed as a credible threat to Ric Flair’s title and that if he kept this up we could be seeing Arn Anderson taking on the Honky Tonk Man. Barry Windham’s presence at ringside made little difference to either man as he didn’t get involved in the slightest. Instead it was down to the Nature Boy to change the flow of the match on his own. Digging deep, the champion fired back at Honky with some blistering chops that sent his opponent reeling, and forced Honky into taking time out of the ring to get his breath back. It proved his downfall though because Flair found an extra gear and took the match to the Honky Tonk Man pushing back with all he had. If the ending to their last match was shrouded in controversy, this was anything but, an attempted Shake, Rattle & Roll was blocked and turned into a reverse neck breaker. Quick as a flash, Flair was on HTM’s legs and stuck in the middle of the ring, Honky had no option but to quit as the figure four ratcheted up. Undoubtedly an excellent television match, Honky Tonk Man took a lot of credit from the match but the announcers were left asking what exactly it will take to depose the Nature Boy from the NWA World Title. Winner and STILL the NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Ric Flair Grade: B</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">Overall Show Grade: B</div> -- <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="TheFinalCountdown" data-cite="TheFinalCountdown" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>He's going to run out of places to work pretty soon! I don't see New Japan reviving his career like they're doing for Muraco either.</div></blockquote> No I can't quite picture him getting over a storm in Kanto either for some reason... he really is the pits in this game! And remarkably true to life from what I've seen of that part of his career. <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>Fair enough on Fernandez. In my AWA game, I tend to keep the nice lower-card workers around: Mark Young, Steve O, Sonny Rogers, The Top Guns, DJ Peterson, Buck Zumhofe, etc. All jobbers really but I think they fit the company more than bringing in younger workers. </div></blockquote> Oh yeah there's definitely a market for them and that's what I'm using guys like Valiant, Whatley, Garvin, Rich & McDaniel for - putting over some of the young guys coming through. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="olympia" data-cite="olympia" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>As for this JCP diary, it just keeps getting better and better. Between this and TFC's WWF, it's like watching things unfold for real (better than anything you can actually watch for real lately). Thanks to both of you guys for your entertaining dramas. </div></blockquote> Thanks very much, we both seem to be fans of slow burn storylines and that really helps the diaries compliment each other in my opinion, well that and the loyalty and first rate comments from our readership as well... 'cheap pop!'

Ritchardo · February 7, 2014

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/FridayNightShowdown.jpg Friday Night Showdown September 15th, 1988 From The Kiel Auditorium, St. Louis, Missouri Attendance: 8,541 <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>In Pre-Show bouts: Mike Graham d. Art Barr in 6:42 (D) & Jushin Liger d. Tanaka in 8:57 (D) & Hector Guerrero d. Black Bart in 7:45 (C-)</div></blockquote> Announce Team: Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone & Nick Bockwinkel http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimRoss0.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TonySchiavone.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/NickBockwinkel.jpg </div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/HonkyTonkMan.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpg Replay of last week’s main event showing Ric Flair cleanly beating the Honky Tonk Man. 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/Tara.jpg A furious Honky Tonk Man is with Tara in the interview area: Honky Tonk Man: “ Listen up girlie, what happened to me was a disgrace! A DISGRACE! I had my hand forced! Forced into taking a match that I wasn’t fully prepared for and it’s absolutely criminal! And don’t think I don’t know who to blame for this either! Larry Zbyszko… you forced this on me with your whining and your bleatin’ and your blah blah blahs. Right now you’re looking at the man who COULD have been the greatest NWA World Heavyweight Champion of all time… but all I’m left with is a sore knee and the satisfaction of watching Tully Blanchard kick you up and down that ring at Fall Brawl. Believe me when I say this Zbyszko, whatever shreds he leaves behind, I’ll finish off… you haven’t heard the last of me…” 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;">Wahoo McDaniel vs. Kevin Sullivan http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/WahooMcDaniel.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/KevinSullivan52.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Woman.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Blackblood.pnghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TheWarlord1.jpg Wahoo took on the master of darkness in a pretty one sided affair. Sullivan was happy to rely on outside interference for the duration of the match with Woman commanding the Masters of Pain from their position at ring side. The frustrating thing of course is that Sullivan is more than capable of holding his own in the ring if he chooses to do so, the unfortunate thing is that he rarely seems to want to put in the extra effort required. McDaniel could, and probably should, have had this won, had it not been for a well-timed trip from Woman, forcing McDaniel to stumble and stagger backwards into a thumb choke hold, with McDaniel falling to the canvas as oxygen was sapped from his body, it left him open to a Devil Stomp and the match was over. Winner: Kevin Sullivan by pinfall in 7:40 Grade: C With the match over Sullivan calls his acolytes into the ring. Wasting no time, Blackblood and The Lord of Pain scoop up Wahoo in the Gallows and deliver it with a crunch. Sullivan clambers up to the top rope and looks ready to deliver another Devil Stomp but this time from the top, when…. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BamBamBigelow.jpg Bam Bam Bigelow has had enough! The Beast from the East rushes into the ring double clotheslining the Masters of Pain who instinctively roll out. Bigelow turns to Sullivan pointing straight at him. Stuck with nowhere to go, Sullivan looks around in fear… but before Bigelow can get his hands on him, Woman has stepped in his way, delivering a huge slap to the jaw. The Beast is rocked by the force of the blow but a sadistic smile twists his face as he feels his jaw… before anything else can happen though, Sullivan has taken advantage of the distraction by bailing out and joining his team outside, with Bigelow averting his attention to the trio of dangerous men, it allows Woman to make her escape as the announcers comment on whether she’s just had a lucky escape or not! 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/GregGagne.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TullyBlanchard.jpg Our main event match is hyped: After last week’s NWA World Heavyweight match, the people of the Mid West are to be treated to another title match – pitting local hero Greg Gagne against AWA Champ Tully Blanchard. 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/BuddyRose.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DougSomers.jpg Playboy Buddy Rose & ‘Pretty Boy’ Doug Somers are coming down to the ring to talk to their “legions of fans”. Grabbing a mic the duo enter the ring sneering at the audience as they do so. Buddy Rose: “Doug, have you ever seen a collection of uglier human beings in all your life? It must’ve been ‘take a mutant out’ night. Nobody around here can match either of us in looks or in the ring. That’s right we’re your number one contenders in waiting… only thing we’ve not decided yet is which belts we’re gonna go for – I like the idea of being world champions but those Fabulous Ones… they really seem to think they’re it… I guess it don’t matter right now because at Fall Brawl next week, we’re gonna prove once and for all that we truly are the most handsome, photogenic and wrestle-centric team in the world today! “You see, we told the NWA board what we wanted: to be the number one contender and they agreed… agreed that if we can beat a team of their choosing that they’d make us number one contenders just in time for Starrcade… well who are we to argue with that so we’ve been told to have our gear together and be ready for ‘The Bruisers’ whoever they are.” Somers: “Yeah, that’s all the contract says: ‘The Bruisers’ see me and Buddy we don’t like surprises and that’s why we’re saying that if the Bruisers are back there why don’t you come out here and tells us exactly who you are, not that it matters because at Fall Brawl, you’ll just be another statistic…" The two wait for the Brusiers to appear and after a short delay they’re joined by… http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LouAlbano.jpg Lou Albano? Albano: “Guys, guys, guys! Waita ya get a load of this, you’ll love it, you’ll really love it! See I know exactly who the Bruisers are you see because we’ll, I’m gonna be kind of managing them… I know, I know I’m already looking after the Fabulous Ones but with two tag team titles around here it means that the trainer of tag champions gets to have four boys holding gold if you see what I mean… and I think there’s been a bit of a mix-up with that there contract you see, I think there might be a word missing on your copy, can I see it?" Rose and Somers look at Albano with a suspicious look… as Albano takes the contract from Somers’ hands. Albano: “Yeah, yeah there we go you see – right underneath where you’ve both signed, you have a lovely signature by the way Buddy, you can see the letters underneath… if you can just make it out… no? They say TB and CA… you’re still lost, I can tell, I can tell… How about if I tell you the word that’s missing? "You see it’s not the Bruisers… it’s the BRITISH Bruisers!" Suddenly ‘Land of Hope and Glory’ blasts out of the speakers and out through the curtain steps… http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ChrisAdams22.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DynamiteKid2.jpg ‘Gentleman’ Chris Adams & The Dynamite Kid!!! Rose and Somers are speechless, these aren’t the two nobodies they were expecting!!! They look furious and snatch the contract back from Albano, ripping it in two, Albano laughs though and is pulling another signed copy out of his back pocket even as he steps out of the ring! The two are furious but decide against doing anything as the NWA debutants make their way down to the aisle and as they stand and wait, the dejected Rose and Somers walk to the back, jeered all the way by the crowd! We’re ready for our next match as the Simpson Brothers walk past the trio on their way to the ring. Albano stops to wave for the crowd and is only put off by the sound of jungle drums… Albano looks with wide eyed shock as… http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Afa.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Sika.jpg The Wild Samoans Afa & Sika come past him. The two stop and prod at Albano, with something resembling recognition, Sika seems to sniff deeply but while they don’t understand English, they do understand body language and when Dynamite & Adams look to protect their manager, The Samoans quietly decide to head to the ring instead! 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 Simpson Brothers vs. The Wild Samoans http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/SteveSimpson.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ShaunSimpson.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.jpg The announce team can’t believe the night we’re having – first the scheduled return of Afa & Sika to the NWA and now the unexpected arrival of The Dynamite Kid & Gentleman Chris Adams. The announcers put over all four men as true wrestling stars and that this is an indicator of how strong the NWA pool of talent is getting. The Wild Samoans look to emphasise that point by utterly dismantling poor Shaun and Steve Simpson in the ring. Afa and Sika seem to have a real difficulty in understanding the rules but the referee is just about able to retain enough order for the match to reach a conclusion. An utterly one sided (and frankly dreadful...) contest is brought to an abrupt halt by a devastating Samoan Drop on Steve Simpson from Afa. Winners: The Wild Samoans in 4;27 Grade: E+</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/OleAnderson.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TerryTaylor.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Tara.jpg We’re back in the interview area and Ric Flair has just left as Ole Anderson gathers his things and gets ready to move on when he’s stopped by Barry Windham! Ole Anderson: “J.J. Dillon – talk about your blasts from the past! Where were you JJ when the Horsemen got back together? Nowhere! Fawning over your prized possession, the human clothes rack Lex Luger. I told you that boy wasn’t fit to lace my boots when you tried to crowbar him into the Four Horsemen and look what happened! The group fell apart! Without Ole Anderson here holding that group together and by diluting the talent with your jumped up muscle headed freak, the Horsemen couldn’t survive… and now you dare to criticise me or the guys who brought this group back from the dead. How dare you? How very dare you?" "Tell you what, since you’re so clever why don’t we have a real battle of wits – let’s see who’s really got it up here? You’re boy Lex Luger against the NWA World Television Champion Terry Taylor. Let’s see how he copes against a REAL wrestler and let’s see if you’ve still got what it takes to lead someone to success – at Fall Brawl the Horsemen are gonna add the US title to our collection… and everything will finally start to fall into place… you’re yesterday’s news Dillon – we don’t need you to carry our bags anymore!” 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;">Shaska Whatley vs. Cocoa Samoa 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/CocoaSamoa.jpg With his former tag team partner set to receive an AWA World Heavyweight title shot later this evening, this was Cocoa’s chance to impress, it must have gone through his head that given the programme their working together, a Greg Gagne win tonight would catapault him straight into the AWA World Heavyweight title picture. Perhaps that’s why Shashka Whatley seemed to have such a hard time in this bout – Samoa dominating from the opening bell, picking up victory with a flying crossbody from the top rope. Winner: Cocoa Samoa by pinfall in 4:39 Grade: D</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BigBubbaRogers.jpg We’re back at the Police Academy where the caption reads ‘last week’. There seems to be a presentation ceremony going on as the commandant calls up the pupil who finished top of the class… “Big Bubba Rogers!” Rogers climbs up to the podium but instead of his rough suit and hat, he’s wearing a smart police uniform! Rogers stoops to talk into the microphone: Rogers: “Ever since I was a little boy, my mama looked to teach me the difference between right and wrong. I’ve made mistakes before, lord knows that I have but I’m looking to make changes. See I look at the world I left behind and it’s nothing but a cesspit of corruption and lies! Wrestling needs a hero, it needs someone to step up and protect and serve the public, to make sure that justice is done and that’s what I’m gonna do – I’m going back to the NWA but not as Big Bubba Rogers… I’m going to be what’s needed… I’m going to be the Big Boss Man!” The screen fades out and we’re left with a message promising that the Boss Man will return at Fall Brawl. Grade: C-</div></div></blockquote> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DickMurdoch.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MichaelHayes.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TerryGordy.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MagnumTA.jpg Still to come: The Von Erichs take on The Enemy but first a message from three people with something to say to the Von Erichs in particular… Dick Murdoch is with The Fabulous Freebirds and Magnum T.A. Murdoch: “You listen to me you piece of garbage T.A, you knew what was in that letter didn’t ya? You thought that this would throw me? Please… Me, Terry and Michael we’re on good terms so it’s so not a problem! Hayes: “That’s right American Dream, when Dick Murdoch told us what you had planned we didn’t have no worries with getting involved, see there’s only one thing we enjoy more than beating on the Von Erichs… and that’s beating on the Von Erichs in Texas! Gordy: “Yeah, so you’re three on three tag team challenge… consider it accepted! What you seem to forget is that The Fabulous Freebirds always have and always will be the masters of the threeway and boy, Dick Murdoch ain’t no slouch. What you’re gonna see at Fall Brawl is the same result you’ve been getting all year – The Freebirds standing tall and the Von Erichs left feeling small.” Murdoch: “You hear that Rhodes? When you bring your washed up broken down ass back here, I’ll be only too happy to kick it for you all the way from Amarillo to that hiding hole you found yourself in the pan handles.” 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 Von Erichs vs. The Enemy (w/ Mr. T) http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/KerryvonErich.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/KevinVonErich.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/MrT.jpg Having eliminated the Von Erichs from the Crockett Cup earlier this year, Ron Simmons appeared confident that he had enough about him to do the same again tonight. And we got a fascinatingly even bout as The Von Erichs’ natural chemistry and experience played off against the brute strength and force of The Enemy. With Mr. T. on the outside looking to interject at any available opportunity, it took all of Kevin and Kerry’s cunning and guile to stay out of the numbers trap. A discus punch on Cameron from Kerry looked to have things wrapped up, but Simmons managed to break up the count to carry on the bout. For the duration, the crowd seemed to be expecting some kind of interference so took to their feet when The Fabulous Ones’ music hit… but when only Lou Albano stepped through the curtain it seemed to confuse the Enemy, it was all the advantage that Kevin needed to hit a flying crossbody on the distracted Ron Simmons to grab victory and obtain a measure of revenge! Albano laughed as a furious Mr T complained that the match should have been kicked out and was another example of biased officiating. Winner: The Von Erichs by pinfall in 8:54 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 From his dressing room, Larry Zbyszko tells us exactly what he thinks of Tully Blanchard AND the Honky Tonk Man. Zbyszko: “Once upon a time there was a jealous little boy called The Honky Tonk Man. As hard as he tried he could never match up to the big boys around him, so he did what any other jealous little boy would do… he started to complain. He started to try and find others to blame for his own mistakes until one day he just ran out of excuses. He realised that he had reached the end of his usefulness and that he might as well give up wrestling because just like singing, this wasn’t the career for him. "That day’s not here yet but it’s coming. Honky Tonk Man, you don’t want to be getting in my way right now because the fury I’ve got for Tully Blanchard… you don’t want to get caught in the cross fire that’s all I’m saying! "Tully, I heard your challenge last week and to cut to the chase, I’m willing to accept it. But I don’t care if you’re world champion or not, see I want to prove a point to you Tully Blanchard – so regardless of whether Greg Gagne beats you tonight, and I really hope he does, I still want to face you in that ring at Fall Brawl. So I’ll accept your conditions, IF it’s a title match but you have to accept mine… see I’ve already lost out through interference and I don’t want that to happen again… so let’s have this one final battle where the rules of engagement are different. Let it be just you and me Tully… winner takes all and no interference, I swear to you that I’m the better man, and the better wrestler… but the problem is I can't trust you... so how about we add a little rule that your title... the AWA World Championship can and will change hands if someone, anyone, interferes on your behalf? When the smoke clears I WILL be standing tall over you, the only question is will I have the AWA World Heavyweight Championship belt in my hands or not. You got the guts?" 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;">AWA World Heavyweight Championship Greg Gagne vs Tully Blanchard © http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/GregGagne.jpg vs. http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TullyBlanchard.jpg Despite their best efforts to bill this as a true test for Tully Blanchard and despite Gagne’s popularity here, it seemed to be more wishful thinking than anything else. But nobody let Greg Gagne into the secret because he came at Blanchard with everything he had – clearly looking to emulate his legendary father and final capture the strap that had eluded him for so long. Perhaps it was Blanchard’s obsession with Zbyszko, but he didn’t seem to have his eye on the game and it nearly cost him in the greatest way. When Gagne caught Blanchard with a German Suplex, the crowd truly seemed to believe he’d done it... but alas, a late kick-out from Tully saved the title and kept this battle rolling on. That was close as Greg got though, Blanchard seemed to come out of his daze and battled his way back into the match – the brainbuster that ended the bout was enough to retain the title. Winner and STILL the AWA World Heavyweight Champion: Tully Blanchard Grade: B- With Tully Blanchard pulling in wind in the ring and Gagne still on his back... http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/CocoaSamoa.jpghttp://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimmySnuka.jpg Cocoa Samoa and Jimmy Snuka took the opportunity to creep down to ringside. The shattered Gagne is incapable of fighting them off and it’s looking bad for Gagne... When Jushin Liger appears! Sprinting down the aisle, he’s in the ring and knocks Samoa down with a stellar dropkick! But Snuka has smashed Liger on the back of the head! Liger’s down and down hard! Gagne can still barely move and Samoa is outside grabbing a chair. Blanchard stands back with a curiously interested look on his face as Cocoa returns to the ring with the steel chair... BANG! Cocoa connects Liger’s head with the chair! He lifts the chair and looks to hit again! And connects!!! Two chair shots to the head and he’s out cold! Snuka starts to pull Liger’s mask off but... Here comes Larry Zbyszko! The two heels don’t want any of Zbyszko and their out of the ring as Gagne crawls over to his friend. Blanchard is standing tall in the ring and sneers down at Zbyszko as we go off the air. Grade: C+</div></div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">Overall Show Grade: B-</div>

Ritchardo · February 7, 2014

<div style="text-align:center;">http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/NWASC.jpg Official NWA Souvenir Program FALL BRAWL '88 </div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Ric Flair © (w/ Barry Windham) vs ‘The Enforcer’ Arn Anderson Purported to be a difficult choice for Arn Anderson, he has elected to face his old friend Ric Flair for the NWA World Heavyweight Title at Fall Brawl rather than Tully Blanchard. Experts are divided on whether Arn is genuinely trying to protect his friend or make a play at his title. This should be a fascinating encounter especially with Barry Windham insisting that it is he and not Ole Anderson who should be in Flair’s corner… AWA World Heavyweight Championship (Title can change hands on a DQ):: Tully Blanchard © defends against ‘Living Legend’ Larry Zbyszko No such confusion over this one… Anderson’s decision was supposedly made easier by Blanchard demanding that he gets revenge against Larry Zbyszko, never one to be outsmarted though, the Living Legend insisted on a rule that allows the title to change hands by disqualification! NWA United States Heavyweight Championship: Hector Guerrero © defends against Bob Orton Jr. (w/ Ole Anderson) A deeply personal feud, these two men don’t like each other one bit, Orton is determined that the US title should be held by a Real American not someone who claims to represent the country NWA World Television Title: Terry Taylor (w/ Ole Anderson) © defends against ‘The Total Package’ Lex Luger (w/ JJ Dillon) The deepening problems between the Horsemen is being exploited by former manager JJ Dillon as he looks to get his charge, ‘The Total Package’ Lex Luger back into the title picture. NWA United States Tag Team Championship: The Fabulous Ones © (w/ Capt. Lou Albano defend against The Enemy (w/ Mr. T) Controversy plagued the ending to the last meeting between these teams, The Enemy’s manager Mr. T. insisting that this was the latest example of ‘The Man’ trying to keep his boys down… The Fabs have recruited Captain Lou Albano to keep an eye on the Hollywood star. Three on Three Tag Encounter: Dusty Rhodes & The Von Erichs vs. Dick Murdoch & The Fabulous Freebirds Since receiving a letter via Magnum T.A. from Dusty challenging Murdoch and his cronies to a three on three match, Murdoch has lost some of his cocky swagger… with the Dream back in action for the first time since being incapacitated at the Bunkhouse Stampede this is set to be one to remember! Gauntlet Match: Bam Bam Bigelow (w/ Precious) vs The Army of Darkness Bam Bam finds himself up against three men in a single night as Kevin Sullivan’s cruel campaign against The Beast from the East continues. Does Bigelow have the stamina to overcome two of the biggest heavyweights in the NWA and then finally their leader? The odds are certainly stacked against him. Grudge Match: Greg Gagne & ??? vs Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka & Cocoa Samoa Following Superfly and Samoa’s assault of first Jerry Blackwell and now Jushin Liger, it seems that everyone that Greg Gagne looks to use as a tag team partner runs into major trouble. Does he have a final ace up his sleeve to get one over the Island Wild Men? Debut Match: The Big Boss Man vs Austin Idol Since attending Police Academy, Big Bubba Rogers is a changed man – leaner, meaner and determined to uphold truth and justice he’s got his sights set on Austin Idol. Challenge: Accepted: The British Bruisers vs Playboy Buddy Rose & ‘Pretty Boy’ Doug Somers An open challenge from Playboy Buddy Rose & ‘Pretty Boy’ Doug Somers to the NWA board to throw whatever they can at them – their only proviso is that a victory here should make them the number one contenders to both tag team championships… but they've bitten off more than they can chew thanks to being given The Dynamite Kid & Chris Adams!</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 Championship: 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair © vs 'The Enforcer' Arn Anderson Comments: AWA World Heavyweight Championship (Title can change hands on a DQ): 'The Living Legend' Larry Zbyszko vs Tully Blanchard © Comments: NWA US Heavyweight Championship: Hector Guerrero © vs 'Cowboy' Bob Orton Jr. Comments: NWA World Television Championship: Lex Luger vs 'Mr. Fantastic' Terry Taylor © Comments: NWA US Tag Team Championship: The Fabulous Ones © vs The Enemy Comments: Dusty Rhodes & The Von Erichs vs Dick Murdoch & The Fabulous Freebirds Comments: Bam Bam Bigelow vs The Army of Darkness Comments: Greg Gagne & ??? vs Jimmy Snuka & Cocoa Samoa Comments: The Big Boss Man vs Austin Idol Comments: The British Bruisers vs Buddy Rose & Doug Somers Comments: What was the match of the Night? Who will be Greg Gagne's tag team partner? What was the poorest match on the card?</div></blockquote>

Beejus · February 7, 2014

Ritch, please read back over your Big Bubba segment. It needs fixed. I'm highly enjoying watching him turn into the Boss Man!

NWA World Championship: 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair © vs 'The Enforcer' Arn Anderson

Comments: I won't be surprised if without Ole, this one turns into a very straightforward contest between friends.

AWA World Heavyweight Championship (Title can change hands on a DQ): 'The Living Legend' Larry Zbyszko vs Tully Blanchard ©

Comments: While we don't know what's going on Horsemen-wise, one thing we should know is that Ric and Tully will hang onto their titles until they face one another.

Comments: I could see Bob being put on the outs with the Horsemen.

Comments: Lex getting the TV title here will cause even more of a rift to go on.

Comments: Big Boss Man comes out to even the score, because in the 80s it wasn't black violence if a policeman beat on the black man <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Dusty Rhodes & The Von Erichs vs Dick Murdoch & The Fabulous Freebirds

Comments: Faces have to win sometimes, and this win will put the brothers en route to another Tag title shot.

Bam Bam Bigelow vs The Army of Darkness

Comments: I could see this being Bam Bam overcome by numbers, or a surprise new member, but at this point, I think it'll be Bigelow overcoming the odds.

Greg Gagne & ??? vs Jimmy Snuka & Cocoa Samoa

Comments: Greg cancels out the "never bet against ???" rule.

The Big Boss Man vs Austin Idol

Comments: Finally someone can push Rogers!! Go Ritchardo Go!!!

The British Bruisers vs Buddy Rose & Doug Somers

Comments: Good team.

What was the match of the Night? Flair vs Arn

Who will be Greg Gagne's tag team partner? Blackwell?

What was the poorest match on the card? Gagne tag match

Ritchardo · February 7, 2014

Ritch, please read back over your Big Bubba segment. It needs fixed. I'm highly enjoying watching him turn into the Boss Man!

Thanks for that! Fixed up now...

smwilliams · February 7, 2014

Comments:

AWA World Heavyweight Championship (Title can change hands on a DQ): 'The Living Legend' Larry Zbyszko vs Tully Blanchard ©

Comments:

Dusty Rhodes & The Von Erichs vs Dick Murdoch & The Fabulous Freebirds

Comments:

Bam Bam Bigelow vs The Army of Darkness

Comments:

Greg Gagne & ??? vs Jimmy Snuka & Cocoa Samoa

Comments:

The Big Boss Man vs Austin Idol

Comments:

The British Bruisers vs Buddy Rose & Doug Somers

Comments:

What was the match of the Night? Flair vs Arn

Who will be Greg Gagne's tag team partner? Somebody making their debut, but I don't know who.

What was the poorest match on the card? Boss Man vs Idol

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