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

[Destiny]

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? Flair vs Arn

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

What was the poorest match on the card? Bigelow vs. Army of Darkness

[The Final Countdown]

<p>Minor correction: your last show was off by one day. It should've been the 16th, rather than the 15th. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

Here I thought I was being all clever in having Jesse the Body take a veiled potshot at Fall Brawl, and you changed the date of your PPV without me knowing it! <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/redface.png.900245280682ef18c5d82399a93c5827.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

I was wondering how you'd use Dynamite. I figured he was being brought in to feud with Liger over the Cruiserweight belt once Jushin's feud with Snuka was through, but I guess not. That's an interesting team regardless. Good luck trying to keep that headcase in line, though. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p>

NWA World Championship:<strong> 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair</strong> © vs 'The Enforcer' Arn Anderson</p><p>

Comments: <em>Very</em> interesting match. I have no doubt Ric's retaining, but the real question is how this match will play into this Horsemen Civil War that's brewing.</p><p> </p><p>

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

Comments: Tully will put the Living Legend in his rear view mirror.</p><p> </p><p>

NWA US Heavyweight Championship: Hector Guerrero © vs <strong>'Cowboy' Bob Orton Jr.</strong></p><p>

Comments: It may be a little too early for Hector to drop this, but the Cowboy seems like a perfect US champ to me.</p><p> </p><p>

NWA World Television Championship: <strong>Lex Luger</strong> vs 'Mr. Fantastic' Terry Taylor ©</p><p>

Comments: Lex takes it, and Terry's Horsemen qualifications get questioned. </p><p> </p><p>

NWA US Tag Team Championship: <strong>The Fabulous Ones ©</strong> vs The Enemy</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Dusty Rhodes & The Von Erichs</strong> vs Dick Murdoch & The Fabulous Freebirds</p><p>

Comments: Good way for the Von Erichs to win while not taking the belts off of the 'Birds.</p><p> </p><p>

Bam Bam Bigelow vs <strong>The Army of Darkness</strong></p><p>

Comments: I see Bam Bam getting close, but coming up just a bit short.</p><p> </p><p>

Greg Gagne & ??? vs <strong>Jimmy Snuka & Cocoa Samoa</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The Big Boss Man</strong> vs Austin Idol</p><p>

Comments: After that buildup to his rebranding, wouldn't make much since for him to lose right off the bat.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The British Bruisers</strong> vs Buddy Rose & Doug Somers</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

What was the match of the Night? <strong>I'll go with Tully vs. Larry. Too many unknowns in Flair/Arn for me, despite being very interested in seeing what happens.</strong></p><p>

Who will be Greg Gagne's tag team partner? <strong>Abstain</strong></p><p>

What was the poorest match on the card? <strong>Bigelow vs. The Army</strong></p>

[BlueStar]

<p>Funny AWA thought: sign Jake Milliman, give him a Ravishing Rick Rude gimmick and rename him as Jake The Milfman. </p><p>

Okay, that was bad...predictions will follow.</p>

[Zergon]

<p>NWA World Championship: 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair © vs 'The Enforcer' Arn Anderson</p><p>

Comments: <em>With Flair being face these days, a betrayel from Arn seems most likely outcome espesially since this is the main event so bit unlikely that we see any "finger poke of doom" type of match here even if Arn declares that he´s not a real challenger. I could see Arn taking the belt too but I go with double DQ draw instead once rest of the Horsemen (and possibly Dillon and Luger too) get involved.</em></p><p> </p><p>

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

Comments: <em>Tully seems to be favorite to retain and it looks like Zbyszko have a feud lined up with Honky Tonk Man anyway but I actually think that title change hands on DQ rule will play on Larry´s favor since Windham or Taylor could easily interfere here and cost Tully the belt while pushing the break-up for Horsemen that much closer.</em></p><p> </p><p>

NWA US Heavyweight Championship: Hector Guerrero © vs <strong>'Cowboy' Bob Orton Jr.</strong></p><p>

Comments:<em>Like The Final Countdown said, it might be a bit early for Hector to lose the belt but I just see Cowboy as more likely winner.</em></p><p> </p><p>

NWA World Television Championship: <strong>Lex Luger</strong> vs 'Mr. Fantastic' Terry Taylor ©</p><p>

Comments: <em>Luger beats Terry and this match sets up the break-up for the Horsemen later on the night.</em></p><p> </p><p>

NWA US Tag Team Championship: <strong>The Fabulous Ones ©</strong> vs The Enemy</p><p>

Comments: <em>I´m bit sceptical about what ever Cameron is ready for a title reign so I go with champs instead.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Dusty Rhodes & The Von Erichs</strong> vs Dick Murdoch & The Fabulous Freebirds</p><p>

Comments: <em>There´s just bit more star power on faces side.</em></p><p> </p><p>

Bam Bam Bigelow vs <strong>The Army of Darkness</strong></p><p>

Comments: <em>Three against one is just too big odds for Bigelow to overcome considering that he was pretty much equal to Sullivan just a bit earlier.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Greg Gagne & ???</strong> vs Jimmy Snuka & Cocoa Samoa</p><p>

Comments: <em>Mystery man rule kicks in.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The Big Boss Man</strong> vs Austin Idol</p><p>

Comments: <em>I loved how you debuted the Big Boss Man gimmick and will eagerly wait to see how you plan to use him. Debut win here for Boss Man.</em></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The British Bruisers</strong> vs Buddy Rose & Doug Somers</p><p>

Comments: <em>Hard to say on this one but I´m guessing that British Bruisers take this round.</em></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

What was the match of the Night? <strong>'Nature Boy' Ric Flair vs 'The Enforcer' Arn Anderson</strong></p><p>

Who will be Greg Gagne's tag team partner? <strong>No idea.</strong></p><p>

What was the poorest match on the card? <strong>The Big Boss Man vs Austin Idol</strong></p>

[LordofGustav]

<p>Fan Scorecard</p><p> </p><p>

NWA World Championship: <strong>'Nature Boy' Ric Flair</strong> © vs 'The Enforcer' Arn Anderson</p><p>

Comments: Don't know why this is going to end badly for Flair, he's still trapped in this Horsemen Civil War.</p><p> </p><p>

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

Comments: <strong>And Tully does it again!</strong></p><p> </p><p>

NWA US Heavyweight Championship: <strong>Hector Guerrero</strong> © vs 'Cowboy' Bob Orton Jr.</p><p>

Comments: Let Hector enjoy the gold for another while!</p><p> </p><p>

NWA World Television Championship: <strong>Lex Luger</strong> vs 'Mr. Fantastic' Terry Taylor ©</p><p>

Comments: First shades of smoke will clear in between this Horsemen Civil War in this match.</p><p> </p><p>

NWA US Tag Team Championship: <strong>The Fabulous Ones</strong> © vs The Enemy</p><p>

Comments: The Fabulous are still gold for me.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Dusty Rhodes & The Von Erichs</strong> vs Dick Murdoch & The Fabulous Freebirds</p><p>

Comments: Time for the American Dream to fight back against Dicky and the people from Badstreet, USA.</p><p> </p><p>

Bam Bam Bigelow vs <strong>The Army of Darkness</strong></p><p>

Comments: Regardless of this result, for some reason i feel that Sullivan and his henchmen are going to leave Fall Brawl in flames.</p><p> </p><p>

Greg Gagne & ??? vs <strong>Jimmy Snuka & Cocoa Samoa</strong></p><p>

Comments: Gagne is dead meat to me... honestly.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The Big Boss Man</strong> vs Austin Idol</p><p>

Comments: It's time make Austin serve hard time! NWA Style!</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The British Bruisers</strong> vs Buddy Rose & Doug Somers</p><p>

Comments: Love this concept of the British Bruisers.</p><p> </p><p>

What was the match of the Night? <em>Flair vs Double A</em></p><p>

Who will be Greg Gagne's tag team partner? <em>With all due respect... i don't care.</em></p><p>

What was the poorest match on the card? <em>Gagne's funeral... i mean... tag team match.</em></p>

[franticloser]

<p>NWA World Championship: <strong>'Nature Boy' Ric Flair</strong> © vs 'The Enforcer' Arn Anderson</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

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

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

NWA US Heavyweight Championship: Hector Guerrero © vs <strong>'Cowboy' Bob Orton Jr.</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

NWA World Television Championship: <strong>Lex Luger</strong> vs 'Mr. Fantastic' Terry Taylor ©</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

NWA US Tag Team Championship: <strong>The Fabulous Ones</strong> © vs The Enemy</p><p>

Comments:</p><p>

</p><p><strong>

Dusty Rhodes & The Von Erichs</strong> vs Dick Murdoch & The Fabulous Freebirds</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Bam Bam Bigelow vs <strong>The Army of Darkness</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

Greg Gagne & ??? vs <strong>Jimmy Snuka & Cocoa Samoa</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p>

</p><p><strong>

The Big Boss Man</strong> vs Austin Idol</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

The British Bruisers vs Buddy Rose & Doug Somers <strong>Draw</strong></p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

What was the match of the Night? <strong>Flair vs Arn</strong></p><p>

Who will be Greg Gagne's tag team partner? <strong>Verne?</strong></p><p>

What was the poorest match on the card? <strong>The Bigelow Gauntlet</strong></p>

[guyver3]

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? Flair Arn

Who will be Greg Gagne's tag team partner? Mr. Wonderful

What was the poorest match on the card? Bam Bam Lord of Pain

[Jaultma2]

<p>NWA World Championship: '<strong>Nature Boy' Ric Flair</strong> © vs 'The Enforcer' Arn Anderson</p><p>

Comments: There is more to this story I'm sure, but I can't see Flair dropping the title to his best friend here.</p><p> </p><p>

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

Comments: Have to keep Tully strong for what I think will be a Title vs. Title match down the line.</p><p> </p><p>

NWA US Heavyweight Championship: <strong>Hector Guerrero</strong> © vs 'Cowboy' Bob Orton Jr.</p><p> </p><p>

NWA World Television Championship: Lex Luger vs <strong>'Mr. Fantastic' Terry Taylor</strong> ©</p><p> </p><p>

NWA US Tag Team Championship: The Fabulous Ones © vs <strong>The Enemy</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Dusty Rhodes & The Von Erichs</strong> vs Dick Murdoch & The Fabulous Freebirds</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Bam Bam Bigelow</strong> vs The Army of Darkness</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Greg Gagne & ???</strong> vs Jimmy Snuka & Cocoa Samoa</p><p>

Comments: The reunion of the High-Flyers?</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The Big Boss Man</strong> vs Austin Idol</p><p>

Comments:The Boss Man can't lose his re-debut</p><p> </p><p>

The British Bruisers vs <strong>Buddy Rose & Doug Somers</strong></p><p>

Comments: Just a hunch</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

What was the match of the Night? <strong>Flair vs. Arn</strong></p><p>

Who will be Greg Gagne's tag team partner? <strong>Jim Brunzell</strong></p><p>

What was the poorest match on the card? <strong>Bossman vs. Idol</strong></p>

[BlueStar]

<p>NWA World Championship: <strong>'Nature Boy' Ric Flair ©</strong> vs 'The Enforcer' Arn Anderson</p><p>

Comments: I just don't see Arn winning it.</p><p> </p><p>

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

Comments: Larry takes it but not for a long time.</p><p> </p><p>

NWA US Heavyweight Championship: Hector Guerrero © vs <strong>'Cowboy' Bob Orton Jr.</strong></p><p>

Comments: Orton may not be mr. Nice Guy but he puts on great matches.</p><p> </p><p>

NWA World Television Championship: <strong>Lex Luger</strong> vs 'Mr. Fantastic' Terry Taylor ©</p><p>

Comments: Luger with a DQ win, Taylor retains for now.</p><p> </p><p>

NWA US Tag Team Championship: <strong>The Fabulous Ones ©</strong> vs The Enemy</p><p>

Comments:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Dusty Rhodes & The Von Erichs</strong> vs Dick Murdoch & The Fabulous Freebirds</p><p>

Comments: Von Erichs are flying high.</p><p> </p><p>

Bam Bam Bigelow vs <strong>The Army of Darkness</strong></p><p>

Comments: Nope, not this time Bam Bam.</p><p> </p><p>

Greg Gagne & ??? vs <strong>Jimmy Snuka & Cocoa Samoa</strong></p><p>

Comments: I hope ??? sells Gagne down the river here.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The Big Boss Man</strong> vs Austin Idol</p><p>

Comments: Big debut win</p><p> </p><p>

The British Bruisers vs <strong>Buddy Rose & Doug Somers</strong></p><p>

Comments: I'm never betting against Buddy Rose</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

What was the match of the Night? <strong>Flair vs. Arn</strong></p><p>

Who will be Greg Gagne's tag team partner? <strong>I don't care, I just hope he turns on Greg and gives him a big beating.</strong></p><p>

What was the poorest match on the card? <strong>Going to bet against the odds and say Luger vs. Taylor. </strong></p><p> </p><p>

Fan sign: "Jake "The Milfman" Milliman for Stud of the Year! (up yours, ravishing Rick)"</p>

[pyroman]

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? Flair vs Anderson

Who will be Greg Gagne's tag team partner? Brian Blair

What was the poorest match on the card? Bam Bam Bigelow vs The Army of Darkness

[rtcrules]

<p>NWA World Championship: 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair © vs <strong>'The Enforcer' Arn Anderson</strong></p><p>

Comments: Im thinking this will start the Heel 4 Horseman vs the Face 4 Horseman with the Heels getting the sweep tonight. I don't think this will be a long run for AA, though I think a Flair's chase of AA & Tully's belts would make for a good program.</p><p> </p><p>

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

Comments: Sweep</p><p> </p><p>

NWA US Heavyweight Championship: Hector Guerrero © vs <strong>'Cowboy' Bob Orton Jr.</strong>Comments: Sweep</p><p> </p><p>

NWA World Television Championship: Lex Luger vs <strong>'Mr. Fantastic' Terry Taylor ©</strong></p><p>

Comments: Everything says Lex, but if Terry's story with the 4 Horsemen continues I think he needs the belt to look legit in the feud. Maybe Lex on a DQ finish... I'll stick with Terry though... <span style="font-size:10px;">for the sweep</span></p><p> </p><p>

NWA US Tag Team Championship: <strong>The Fabulous Ones ©</strong> vs The Enemy</p><p>

Comments: I really have no idea on this one. </p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Dusty Rhodes & The Von Erichs </strong>vs Dick Murdoch & The Fabulous Freebirds</p><p>

Comments: Face's need some wins too.</p><p> </p><p>

Bam Bam Bigelow vs <strong>The Army of Darkness</strong></p><p>

Comments: Bam Bam will get to Kevin Sullivan but wont have anything in the tank.</p><p> </p><p>

Greg Gagne & ??? vs <strong>Jimmy Snuka & Cocoa Samoa</strong></p><p>

Comments: </p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The Big Boss Man </strong>vs Austin Idol</p><p>

Comments: No way he losses out of the gate.</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>The British Bruisers</strong> vs Buddy Rose & Doug Somers</p><p>

Comments: See above</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

What was the match of the Night? Zbyszko vs Tully</p><p>

Who will be Greg Gagne's tag team partner? Hillbilly Jim</p><p>

What was the poorest match on the card? Gagne/??? vs Snuka/Cocoa Samoa</p>

[Ritchardo]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/FridayNightShowdown.jpg</span><p> <strong>Friday Night Showdown</strong></p><p><strong> September 23rd, 1988</strong></p><p><strong> From The Island Grove Rodeo Arena, Greeley, Colorado</strong></p><p><strong> Attendance: 7,307</strong></p><p> </p><p> <strong>Announce Team: Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone & Nick Bockwinkel</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimRoss0.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TonySchiavone.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/NickBockwinkel.jpg</span> </p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BobOrtonJr.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BarryWindham.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TerryTaylor.jpg</span><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LexLuger.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/HectorGuerrero.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TommyRich.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RonGarvin.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> Our Announce team welcome us to the show and tell us about our blockbuster main event when The Four Horsemen put their troubles behind them to team up against the team of Lex Luger, Hector Guerrero, Tommy Rich & Ron Garvin.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: C-</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>The Barbarian vs ‘Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert (w/ Missy Hyatt)</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TheBarbarian.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/EddieGilbert.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MissyHyatt.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> Giving up a huge size advantage to The Barbarian, Eddie Gilbert was on the back foot from the very beginning of this match, causing Missy Hyatt some consternation on the outside as she tried to encourage her charge. It seemed to be to no avail though because The Barbarian took his time in dismantling Hot Stuff with a series of meaty clotheslines and powerful bear hugs. Try as he might, Gilbert couldn’t get the momentum going in his favour to turn things round…</p><p> </p><p> That was until Austin Idol made his appearance at ringside. These two have been interfering in each other’s matches for a good few weeks now – both Memphis Mafia members looking to try and give the advantage to their team mate – and The Barbarian knows it only too well! The Barbarian stopped his assault on Gilbert to shout over at Idol and seemingly challenging him to come into the ring – the referee is keeping a beady eye on things… as is Missy Hyatt who can’t seem to keep her eyes off Idol… Making the most of the distraction, Gilbert catches The Barbarian with a low blow on the loin cloth that doubles him over – The furious Barbarian turns and charges at Gilbert who instinctively reaches low, grabbing The Barbarian’s legs and throwing him into the ropes with a perfect Hot Shot! He drops for the pin… and gets it!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner: Eddie Gilbert by pinfall in 9:01 after Austin Idol distracted The Barbarian</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: C-</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/GregGagne.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MagnumTA.jpg</span><p> </p><p> Greg Gagne is standing by with Magnum T.A.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#556B2F;">Gagne: “Cocoa Samoa, Jimmy Snuka, you boys think you’re so smart. You think you’ve gotten me backed into a corner but I think you forget just who I am. My name is Greg Gagne and I’m the son of Verne Gagne – the greatest AWA World Champion of all time. What my father did in the ring on his own will stand the test of time. I’m not the wrestler my father was, I could never hope to match-up with him… but I have the same heart and the same fighting passion. You’re never going to bring me down – you can take out all the partners that you want, if I have to walk to that ring on my own to face you then I’ll do it… because when you’re a Gagne and when you’ve got the fans of the AWA behind you, you’re never on your own… You’ve been surprising us all for weeks by sneak attacking my friends and allies… tomorrow night is when I finally turn the tables on you and give you a surprise you’ll NEVER forget Snuka. Cocoa – I’m going to prove to you once and for all who the true AWA Tag Team Champion in our team was…</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: C-</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LouAlbano.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DynamiteKid2.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ChrisAdams22.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Tara.jpg</span><p> </p><p> Captain Lou Albano is with Tara and The British Bruisers:</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#556B2F;"><strong>Albano: “That’s right Buddy Rose and Doug Somers, you opened your big mouths just one too many times, and I’ve got the boys to shut if for you right now. They’re tenacious, they’re tremendous and above all else they’re talented! Two of the finest wrestlers ever to step out of the United Kingdom and set up home here in the U S of A and I’ll tell you right here that these boys are future World Champions, you mark my words. Fabulous Freebirds, I hope ya got one eye on your backs because the Bruisers are coming baby and you know that Capt’n Lou has taken more teams to Tag Team gold than he’s had hot dinners… and I ain’t no stranger to a good meal sweetheart!”</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#A0522D;">Tara: “Speaking of teams you’ve managed before, you certainly seemed to be taken aback by the Wild Samoans last week…”</span></strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong><strong><span style="color:#556B2F;">Albano: “That’s true, that’s true – I didn’t expect to see those crazy boys any more and they’re a handful alright… what I would say is that there ain’t no way that those two are capable of doing their own business around here – somebody, somewhere is pulling their strings and those are two mean guys to be messing with. I don’t know who’s calling the shots but I can give you a Captain Lou guarantee – somebody somewhere better be real careful if they’re playing with that fire…”</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: B-</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>The Southern Boys vs. Art Barr & Johnny Ace</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/SteveArmstrong.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TracySmothers.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ArtBarr.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JohnnyAce.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> A grim match notable only for the Southern Boys winning streak continuing unchecked with a competent if uninspiring victory over the makeshift team of Barr & Ace. Thankfully the teams didn’t outstay their welcome with Smothers taking the pinfall for his team after a Southern Kick on Ace.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winners: The Southern Boys by Pinfall in 5:12</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: E+</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BigBossman.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MagnumTA.jpg</span><p> </p><p> The Big Boss Man is with Magnum T.A:</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#556B2F;">Boss Man: “For the last three months, I’ve been slaving away at the Police Academy, getting myself in shape for the fight of my life… the NWA right now is a cess-pit of corruption and lawlessness. What this place needs is someone to stand up for what’s right and make sure that those people who insist on breaking the laws of this sport face some Hard Time. And sentences don’t get any stricter than having to go a round with ME, The Big Boss Man! Austin Idol, I’ve been watching you for a few weeks – always poking your nose in here and there where it’s not wanted… well it’s time for you to stand trial and tomorrow night at Fall Brawl, you’ll have to stand and answer to your crimes when I’ll be your judge, jury and executioner punk!”</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: D</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Bam Bam Bigelow vs The Orient Express</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BamBamBigelow.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/PatTanaka.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Kato2.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> Something of a unique match, The Beast From the East takes on one of the NWA’s newest tag teams in the form of the Orient Express. Wrestling under regular tag team rules, Bigelow did not have to wrestle both men simultaneously. The announcers put over that this was in preparation for having to wrestle the Army of Darkness in a series of Gauntlet matches tomorrow night. Despite having numbers on their side as well as speed, The Express were out-muscled for the duration and thanks to his exceptional agility, Bigelow was able to keep up with Tanaka and Jaylyn’s quick attacks. It was Jaylyn who fell victim to Bigelow’s sit-out powerbomb.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner: Bam Bam Bigelow by pinfall in 7:43</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: D+</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BamBamBigelow.jpg</span><p> </p><p> As Bigelow leaves the ring, we’re shown a pre-recorded interview with him for the Army of Darkness</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#556B2F;"><strong>Bigelow: “Army of Darkness… it doesn’t matter if it’s two, three or twenty of you – by the time I’m done with you, you’ll wish you’d crawled back under whatever rock Sullivan found you under. Tomorrow night, with Precious back by my side, I’ll be making quick work of your entire army and Kevin Sullivan, it doesn’t matter who or what I have to go through, I will get my hands on you again!”</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: C-</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>B. Brian Blair vs The Honky Tonk Man</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BrianBlair.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/HonkyTonkMan.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> Still smarting from losing out to Ric Flair a few weeks ago, The Honky Tonk Man had something to prove over Brian Blair tonight, and the master of being cool, cocky and bad didn’t let up for an instanct. Blair isn’t the type of guy who can get easily bullied though and he certainly gave everything he had. But with Honky continually shouting to the announce desk for Bockwinkel to make sure that ‘his buddy Zbyszko’ is watching, it was clear that Honky wasn’t taking Blair as too credible a threat. And, while he could probably have finished things off quicker than he did, it was still a relatively comfortable victory in the end for the Honky Tonk Man, a shake, rattle & roll finishing off the former Killer Bee and forcing a clean pinfall loss.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner: The Honky Tonk Man by pinfall in 11:22</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: C+</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DustyRhodes.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MagnumTA.jpg</span><p> </p><p> Magnum T.A. is standing by in the interview area and calls in his special guest and close personal friend… ‘The American Dream’ Dusty Rhodes!</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#556B2F;">Rhodes: “Magnum, baby! Thank ya very much for the beautiful welcome daddy! It’s good to feel appreciated ‘specially when ah’ve not been here for the past few weeks… but ah’ve been busy daddy, don’t you worry bout that none Magnum. Ah’ve been busy on the telephone speaking to some other ole friends of mine. I spoke to those Texan wrestlin’ legends the Von Erich Brothas, and I spelled it out to them. See, ah was born and bred in the Texas Wrasslin scene an’ ah made my name in a tag team, just like those Von Erich boys… and my partna, my partna was the greatest wrestler I ever worked beside daddy and lemme tell you Magnum, ah looked up to ma partna… his name was Dirty Dick Murdoch… Dirty Dick see, he was a great wrestla anna great man. A man so great that I made him part of my family. My boy, my eldest boy Dustin’s godfather is Dirty Dick Murdoch.</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#556B2F;"> </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#556B2F;"> "I believed in Dick and I trusted him. Even when we didn’t see each other for years, we were always still friends… and now Dick Murdoch you show back up here in the NWA with some massive belief thatta world owes you a livin’. Well this Common Man sees all he needs to see and he sees that you ain’t nothin’ but a jealous and dangerous son of a gun. So I said to the Von Erichs, why don’t we take the time to pool our resources and seein’ as we’re in Texas tomorrow nights for tha Fall Brawl and I’m not medically cleared to be in the ring on ma own, why don’t we join our forces to take on you and those no good Freebirds? The people of Texas deserve to see justice be done tomorrow night and when I get hold of you tomorrow Murdoch, you can forget about being a family or friends because it’s going to come down to me getting revenge for what you did to me at the Bunkhouse Stampede."</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: C+</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TullyBlanchard.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ArnAnderson.jpg</span><p> </p><p> Tully Blanchard is in the dressing room with Arn Anderson for support.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#556B2F;">Blanchard: “You think you’re so clever Larry Zbyszko, but what you seem to forget is that every time we’ve fought over the last year, I’ve outsmarted you. I’ve been better than you and tomorrow night, it’ll be no different. Believe me Zbyszko, I’m the greatest wrestler you’ve ever faced and I don’t need anyone to step in and help me out so don’t think I’m afraid of you taking my title belt if I get disqualified. Arn won’t be getting involved and neither will anyone else. I don’t need help to get the job done. Tomorrow night it’s all over for you Zbyszko, you’ll get to see first hand just what happens when you get on my bad side.”</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: B-</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>The Four Horsemen (w/Ole Anderson) vs Team: Luger (w/JJ Dillon)</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BobOrtonJr.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BarryWindham.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TerryTaylor.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/OleAnderson.jpg</span></p><p> <strong>vs.</strong> </p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LexLuger.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/HectorGuerrero.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TommyRich.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RonGarvin.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JJDillon22.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> Captained by Lex Luger, his team certainly seemed to betray a gap in quality, or at least recent fortunes, but thanks to the well noted problems for the Four Horsemen this was a strong equalizer in a bout that genuinely seemed as if it could go either way. Orton seemed sullen on the ring apron and had very little interest in interacting with any of his team-mates or in taking part in the ring until Hector Guerrero was tagged in. Their section was undoubtedly the highlight of the night from an in-ring heat point of view – Guerrero and Orton slugged it out in the middle of the ring as a battle that has threatened to turn highly personal escalated in the middle of the ring. The US champ took the opportunity to tag in Ronnie Garvin when whipped to the ropes and, while Orton hadn’t been too interested before, Ron Garvin’s strong punches seemed to wake him up and those two began trading blows instead! Barry Windham soon entered the ring for a sequence with his ex-tag team partner that got the crowd going before the World Champion himself squared off with Lex Luger. As the match went on, the problems of the Horsemen seemed to be pushed behind them. Outside J.J. Dillon and Ole Anderson went nose-to-nose but no other contact took place and It was left to Mr. Fantastic to take the win thanks to a Five-Arm on Tommy Rich. </p><p> </p><p> Our show ends with Team Luger licking their wounds as The Four Horsemen celebrate together, our announce team worriedly pointing out that the group haven’t been this together for months and that this can only be a bad thing for any other wrestler interested in wearing gold in the NWA…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winners: The Four Horsemen by pinfall in 18:07</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: B-</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="font-size:18px;">Overall Show Grade: B-</span></strong></p></div><p></p><p> </p><p> --</p><p> </p><p> All going well we should have Fall Brawl up over the weekend...</p><p> </p><p> Before dealing with comments I just wanted to say thank you very much to everyone who has nominated and voted for me in the various Diary of the Month polls on the board - I've been extremely touched to be even in contention for this honour and to have actually won it this month has left me flabbergasted - especially against such a strong field including my own writing partner.</p><p> </p><p> Thank you all so much for voting and for just clicking in and reading this - it's such a blast to do and I'm glad that I'm giving someone, anyone, a little pleasure! <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Alrighty comments then!</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Beejus" data-cite="Beejus" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Finally someone can push Rogers!! Go Ritchardo Go!!!</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Lol... I know right?! I figured it was time to bite the bullet and try to do something with the guy! He's on a written contract and I'd made him into a bit of a joke through booking sacrifice unfortunately (see Barbarian, The). In real life this was around the point where Rogers started on his biggest push so while he's not in that bracket for me right now, the slow build can start! No promises but we'll see what happens...</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Final Countdown" data-cite="The Final Countdown" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Here I thought I was being all clever in having Jesse the Body take a veiled potshot at Fall Brawl, and you changed the date of your PPV without me knowing it!<p> </p><p> I was wondering how you'd use Dynamite. I figured he was being brought in to feud with Liger over the Cruiserweight belt once Jushin's feud with Snuka was through, but I guess not. That's an interesting team regardless. Good luck trying to keep that headcase in line, though.</p></div></blockquote> <p> </p><p> Pffft... Ole doesn't watch the competition so has no idea what you're talking about... Expect some slightly less veiled rebuttals soon... the wrestling vs Sports Entertainment war could be about to kick off again soon... <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> I've had my eye on him for a while and I had thought about doing exactly that but I was in desperate need of another strong face team so figured I'd play with history a little and have Dynamite start his British Bruisers team but use Chris Adams instead of Johnny Smith - The Bruisers worked in Japan but for the States it'd need someone with a decent pop level - Adams is relatively popular in Texas and I'm really looking to expand and strengthen across the South right now - there's plenty of history to milk for Adams with the Von Erichs and The Freebirds too. Worth a go and if Dynamite is, well, Dynamite then I've at least got him helping to build someone else in the meantime...</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Final Countdown" data-cite="The Final Countdown" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I´m bit sceptical about what ever Cameron is ready for a title reign so I go with champs instead.</div></blockquote> <p> </p><p> It's a good point and again harkens on to one of my hobby horses on diaries - perception of what happened in reality can impact on your opinion on what will happen in diaries.</p><p> </p><p> For info - Stan Lane is the far and away most popular person in the match followed by Simmons. Keirn is approximately a D to D- all over (except the South East) while Cameron has gone from F- to E+ since debuting - there's really not much between them.</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Lord of Gustav" data-cite="Lord of Gustav" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Gagne is dead meat to me... honestly.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Poor Greg lol... he really is deeply unpopular around here - he was a decent worker though and there's a few places I can still go with him before dumping his husk at the side of the road...</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Jaultma2" data-cite="Jaultma2" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>The reunion of the High-Flyers?</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Interesting fact: I had originally planned on using Brian Blair in this programme with Gagne (just a straight up programme) before changing my mind and using Liger... before changing my mind again and going for the mystery partner instead... Poor Jushin... booker seems to have lost confidence... or has he? (Clue: No... no he hasn't... he just wanted to string out Snuka and Liger's meeting in a straight match...)</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Bluestar" data-cite="Bluestar" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I don't care, I just hope he turns on Greg and gives him a big beating.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> See! Even the AWA fans hate him!!! Poor, poor Greg...</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="rtcrules" data-cite="rtcrules" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Everything says Lex, but if Terry's story with the 4 Horsemen continues I think he needs the belt to look legit in the feud. Maybe Lex on a DQ finish... I'll stick with Terry though... for the sweep</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> You're predicting with logic and I've got to respect that!!</p><p> </p><p> Thanks a lot for your predictions - good to have you on board!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Same goes for everyone of course, thanks a lot guys and I'll have the PPV up asap.</p>

[LordofGustav]

<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>See! Even the AWA fans hate him!!! Poor, poor Greg...</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I was about to ask a question... "It's just me or we hate Greg Gagne?" after seeing everyone's predictions... but that observation answers my question. <img alt=":rolleyes:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/rolleyes.png.4b097f4fbbe99ce5bcd5efbc1b773ed6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[Mattywood]

Who knew that RD Reynolds had so much power over the wrestling fans, given how much he hated Greg Gagne. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> The sad thing? Between Greg and Verne, Greg seems like the good guy, and Verne seems like the douche, yet Greg is the one that's hated! <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/eek.png.0e09df00fa222c85760b9bc1700b5405.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Granted, the nepotism did Greg no favors, but he can't help that! <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

[The Final Countdown]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Before dealing with comments I just wanted to say thank you very much to everyone who has nominated and voted for me in the various Diary of the Month polls on the board - I've been extremely touched to be even in contention for this honour and to have actually won it this month has left me flabbergasted - especially against such a strong field including my own writing partner.<p> </p><p> Thank you all so much for voting and for just clicking in and reading this - it's such a blast to do and I'm glad that I'm giving someone, anyone, a little pleasure! </p></div></blockquote><p> You may have won this battle...but you'll never win the <em>war!</em></p><p> </p><p> <span>http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss322/FCDiary/TFCTGA/VinceMcMahon.jpg:original</span></p><p> </p><p> (Seriously though, congrats.)</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Pffft... Ole doesn't watch the competition so has no idea what you're talking about... Expect some slightly less veiled rebuttals soon... the wrestling vs Sports Entertainment war could be about to kick off again soon... <p> </p></div></blockquote><p> Yeah...with the sports entertainment company being led by that notably infamous sports entertainer, Ricky the Dragon Steamboat. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> Having been unable to resist reading the results of Fall Brawl before running my first show in October, I can't wait to see how it all actually plays out. <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[Ritchardo]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/NWASC.jpg</span><p> <strong>NWA Fall Brawl</strong></p><p><strong> September 24th, 1988</strong></p><p><strong> From The Houston Summit, Houston, Texas</strong></p><p><strong> Attendance: 15,000</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>In Pre-Show matches: <strong>Eddie Gilbert</strong> d. <strong>Tommy Rich</strong> in 7:32 <strong>©</strong> & <strong>The Wild Samoans</strong> d. <strong>The New Breed</strong> in 6:41 <strong>(D)</strong></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> <strong>Announce Team: Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone & Nick Bockwinkel</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimRoss0.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TonySchiavone.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/NickBockwinkel.jpg</span> </p></div><p></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BobOrtonJr.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BarryWindham.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TerryTaylor.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MagnumTA.jpg</span><p> </p><p> We’re in the dressing room of The Four Horsemen as Magnum T.A. is breaking some big news to the group.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#A0522D;">Magnum: “Okay guys, we’re all looking forward to the big clash between NWA World Champion Ric Flair and the winner of the Bunkhouse Stampede –‘The Enforcer’ Arn Anderson but I’ve been asked to give you some exclusive news direct from the NWA board… and I quote: Due to comments made by Mr Anderson…”</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> Magnum chokes back a cough before continuing:</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#A0522D;">“… Anderson in the build-up to this match, it is the concern of the NWA board that this will not be the competitive encounter that we would look to end our show with. As a result, the board feel they have no option but to move the NWA World Title match from its position as the last match on the card and replace it with the AWA World Title match instead.”</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> Flair listens on in incredulity before replying in a measured style.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#556B2F;">Flair: “I have to say that I’m absolutely DISGUSTED that the NWA would question MY professionalism. Arn Anderson may be my best friend in the world but he’s coming at me for my most prized possession in the entire world. My NWA World Title belt that I’ve held for so long… I’m not going to give it up without a fight and believe me, everytime I step into the ring to defend it that’s exactly what it is, WOOOOOOO!!! A Fight to the Death! Arn Anderson! You’re my best friend but tonight I don’t have ANY friends except this gold belt right here. And knowing you the way I do, I know you’ll give me a contest and it’s a contest that could and SHOULD headline any pay-per-view in the world. The NWA board have made a huge mistake because we’re going to steal the show.”</span></strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong><strong><span style="color:#000080;">Windham: “And just in case you’ve got any ideas about not having as fair a fight as you can, just remember I’ll be standing in the wings Arn – and I’ll be ready for you and Tully or anybody else who wants to try and cheat their way to the top.”</span></strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong><strong><span style="color:#556B2F;">Flair: “Tonight, the Four Horsemen are in Three title matches, we hold two titles already and there’s only going to be ONE result – The Four Horsemen will be left holding all the gold at the end of the night! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!”</span></strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong><strong><span style="color:#2F4F4F;">Orton: “We’re back on the same page and it’s there for all the world to see – Hector Guerrero tonight your border jumping ass can start on the road back to Mexico because I’m going to kick you up and down the streets of Houston tonight like a piñata!”</span></strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong><strong><span style="color:#4B0082;">Ole: “JJ Dillon… you were always the fifth wheel just like I am now… except I’m the steering wheel and my boys are driving our way to the top of the NWA. Lex Luger will prove to the world once more why he’s NEVER been Horseman class.”</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: B</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Dusty Rhodes & The Von Erichs vs. Dick Murdoch & The Fabulous Freebirds</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DustyRhodes.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/KerryvonErich.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/KevinVonErich.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DickMurdoch.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TerryGordy.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MichaelHayes.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> The crowd have finished filing in and are waiting in anticipation when Badstreet USA echoes around the Summit causing the crowd to erupt! We’re opening with a big six man tag match with a lot of personal issues and a lot of invested history in the Mid-South! </p><p> </p><p> We’re treated to a long but exciting match-up that the crowd totally eat up – peppered with plenty of near falls, the match is a slow building classic and the latest terrific chapter in the storied history of The Von Erichs & The Fabulous Freebirds. Each man gets his opportunity to shine in the spotlight but the real excitement comes when Dick Murdoch and Dusty Rhodes finally clash. A lot of pent-up frustration clearly boils over as Murdoch makes a beeline for Rhodes’ skull – looking to continue the damage done at the Bunkhouse Stampede – Rhodes though is fired up and throws a number of elbows into Murdoch’s head sending him reeling.</p><p> </p><p> The cameras zoom in on a strangely familiar face sitting in the front row that we’ve not picked up until now…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DustinRhodes.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> The announcers tell us that this is Dustin Rhodes – Dusty’s eldest son and the godson of Dirty Dick Murdoch! Rhodes cheers on his father’s elbows and gets to his feet to cheer him on.</p><p> </p><p> Back in the ring Murdoch has been thrown temporarily by seeing the fully grown Dustin but is quickly back into his groove, reaching low and hitting Dusty with a cheap shot. The action continues in the same vein with the faces continually having their rhythm interrupted by nefarious acts from the heels.</p><p> </p><p> The crowd were certainly buying into the action and were on their feet for the near fall, thrills and spills so much so that when the ending did come it seemed to take some of the crowd by surprise. After a particularly blistering six man brawl in the ring (not the first time it had descended into such chaos), Michael Hayes had looked to capitalise on Kerry Von Erich’s disorientation, grabbing at Von Erich to spin him around for a DDT, Hayes instead found himself eating a discus punch from out of nowhere! Quick as a flash, Kerry dropped on top of Hayes to grab the pinfall and a huge win for his team!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winners: Dusty Rhodes & The Von Erichs by Pinfall in 23:05</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: B</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> With the match over, the heels slowly leave the ring, Michael Hayes still looking shellshocked at what just happened! Dusty is on the outside of the ring now and after a quick word with the nearby security guard, helps Dustin climb over the ringside barrier. Joining his father in the ring with The Von Erichs, the four men celebrate for the crowd – Kerry and Kevin make belt motions and point to The Freebirds while Dick Murdoch holds his head and scowls back at the happy family in the ring.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: B</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/NWASC.jpg</span><p> </p><p> We get an advertisement next for the next NWA Pay-Per-View coming in the last week of October… The Lethal Lottery is on its way… 32 of the top NWA superstars will compete against each other in a winner takes all tournament that requires teamwork and putting aside personal differences if you’re going to survive… Each superstar will be drawn a tag team partner at random and paired off against another team – the winning team progresses while the losers leave the competition. After each round all of the names go back into the draw and a fresh set of teams are drawn, this process continues until we’re left with one winning team… who will then compete in a one-on-one match for our grand prize… $100,000!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: C-</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>The Big Boss Man vs. Austin Idol</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BigBossman.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/AustinIdol.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> A lot of pre-match excitement for the Boss Man from the Texas crowd although this quickly dissipated after the match kicked-off. Showing a fair amount of agility, The Boss Man bullied and cajoled Idol from the opening, never giving him a chance to find his own groove. What was looking like a comprehensive, though doubtless impressive, squash took a different turn when…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/EddieGilbert.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MissyHyatt.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Eddie Gilbert and Missy Hyatt made their presence known! Appearing at ringside, Gilbert looked to return the many favours that Austin Idol has made him in recent weeks. Jumping on to the ring apron, Gilbert swung The Boss Man’s nightstick at his head while Hyatt looked to detain the referee… this backfired spectacularly though when the Boss Man ducked and spun Idol into the path of the falling truncheon!</p><p> </p><p> Knocking him cold out, Gilbert looked on in horror – only to find himself being cracked with a stiff right from The Boss Man.</p><p> </p><p> As Missy shrieked in horror, The Boss Man made the pinfall the referee counting the victory!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner: The Big Boss Man by pinfall in 6:45</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: D+</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MrT.jpg</span><p> </p><p> In a pre-taped interview Mr. T. repeats that this time he’s looking for the right thing to be done…</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#556B2F;">Mr. T.: "Listen up foo’! We all know that The Enemy were wronged out of those United States Tag Team titles… and that’s because this is a country full of bigots and racists looking to keep the black man down… well tonight we’ll see what happens when the balance is fixed a little because a brother of zion is in the middle tonight. That’s right Teddy Long – a man who you will notice NEVER gets to referee the main events has been installed as our referee tonight… Teddy Long will do the right thing and make sure that justice is carried out."</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: C+</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p></p><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/nwaustag1.jpg</span><p><strong> NWA United States Tag Team Championship</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> The Fabulous Ones © (w/ Capt. Lou Albano) vs. The Enemy (w/ Mr. T)</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/StanLane.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/SteveKeirn.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LouAlbano.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RonSimmons.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LarryCameron.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MrT.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> Despite Mr. T’s ‘subtle’ attempts at poisoning Teddy Long’s attitude, he’s clearly calling it down the line tonight much to the disgust of The Enemy’s advisor who keeps calling ever minor infarction (most of them pure fantasy) out to Teddy Long who does his best to ignore him. A fairly close battle shifts in favour of the heels when Steve Keirn is caught in The Enemy’s corner. After some nefarious double teaming, Lane manages to escape and after a desperate last ditch clothesline knocks down Cameron is able to crawl his way over to Stan Lane for the hot tag. The crowd erupts as Lane comes in all guns blazing and cleans house… but Long didn’t see the tag and forces Keirn to leave the ring again! </p><p> </p><p> Albano is furious as the shattered Keirn has to re-enter and is cut down with another brutal tackle. After another two and a half minutes trapped in the Enemy’s corner, Keirn breaks free again only to be cut down by Simmons… who follows through on his running clothesline – smashing Stan Lane with an elbow to send him off the apron and sprawling on top of Captain Lou! Mr. T. and Cameron quickly invade the ring and all three men beat on Keirn as Teddy Long stands back and watches! Ron Simmons hits Keirn with a Dominator and goes for the pinfall.. 1 2 3… the quickest pinfall the crowd have ever seen settles this one! Teddy Long has shafted The Fabulous Ones!!!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winners and the NEW United States Tag Team Champions: The Enemy by pinfall in 10:32</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: C</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BamBamBigelow.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/KevinSullivan52.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Blackblood.png</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TheWarlord1.jpg</span><p> </p><p> As the crowd boo The Enemy out of the building we’re shown the video build-up to Bam Bam Bigelow’s gauntlet match against The Army of Darkness.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: C</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Bam Bam Bigelow (w/ Precious) vs The Army of Darkness (w/ Woman)</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BamBamBigelow.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Precious.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/KevinSullivan52.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Blackblood.png</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TheWarlord1.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/Woman.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> With the entire Army of Darkness waiting on the outside, Bam Bam Bigelow makes his way into the ring and calls them all on! After some internal debate, the first combatant is decided and Blackblood is the first man to enter the ring… The big executioner runs at Bigelow and catches him with a double axe handle that leaves Bigelow dazed and confused. What follows is a typical ‘big man’ match as both no sell each other’s offence and brawl in the centre of the ring. Sullivan is slapping the canvas and urging Blackblood to finish Bigelow for him… and when he claps him in the full nelson it certainly looks as if it will be the case… </p><p> </p><p> ...but Bigelow refuses to give up! He can’t quite break the hold though and Blackblood has those fingers locked in tight... but Bigelow is holding on and has a determined look on his face… could he be the first man to break Blackblood’s full nelson?!! Kevin Sullivan’s not taking any chances any whispers some instructions to the Lord of Pain… Quick as a flash The Lord has entered the ring and scoops up Bigelow’s legs… even as the referee is calling for the disqualification of Blackblood, the duo are hitting The Gallows! Bigelow is down… There’s only two men left but at what cost?!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner: Bam Bam Bigelow by pinfall in 7:43</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: C-</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> With Bigelow still down, The Lord of Pain waits patiently while the referee counts down the one minute between falls… as he’s given the nod, The Lord quickly lays in to Bigelow with severe kicks and drops a stiff elbow before sloppily covering him…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 1…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 2…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Bigelow kicks out! Sullivan on the outside can’t believe it and he screams at the Lord to hook the leg… the big man reaches over all pulls down for the pin again…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 1…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 2…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> NO!</p><p> </p><p> Bigelow has kicked out again and the Army of Darkness can’t believe it! The Lord of Pain gets up and grabs Bigelow, he’s looking for a reverse neckbreaker, but Bigelow’s blocking it and it’s turned into a test of strength! From deep down, Bigelow seems to have found the energy he was looking for and… YES! He’s turned the move into a full nelson of his own! The Lord of Pain is caught and those fingers are locked! Blackblood is looking to re-enter the ring but Sullivan’s stopping him… he doesn’t want any part of the fired up Bigelow! The Lord of Pain won’t give up though so Bigelow breaks the hold and Irish Whips him into the opposite corner. With The Lord panting heavily, Bigelow suddenly breaks into a cartwheel before hitting the Lord square in the head with a spinning back elbow! </p><p> </p><p> Falling like a huge oak tree in the forest, The Lord of Pain is down! Bigelow goes for the cover…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 1…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 2…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 3!!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner: Bam Bam Bigelow by pinfall in 5:43</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: D+</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Rolling the Lord of Pain out of the ring with some kicks, Bigelow is sadistically smiling at Sullivan now. The Master of Darkness has a panicked look on his face and is refusing to enter the ring – the referee warns him that if the Army of Darkness don’t send in their next member soon, Bam Bam Bigelow will win the match by default…</p><p> </p><p> And so it’s Woman who enters the ring next! The smile on Bigelow’s face is wiped and instead it’s Sullivan’s turn to laugh manically at this unexpected turn of events.</p><p> </p><p> The referee looks confused but seems to be allowing it… Woman is staring at Bigelow who is completely flummoxed… A huge slap to the face from Woman brings colour back to The Beast from the East and the announcers rightly point out that a look of absolute fury has just came over his face… Nick Bockwinkel and Jim Ross are begging Bigelow not to do it…</p><p> </p><p> But here comes Precious! Bigelow’s manager has bolted in from the outside and delivers a killer slap of her own to Woman! The force of the blow sends Woman hurtling over the ropes into the waiting arms of Blackblood who catches her with ease… Bigelow points at Sullivan and it looks like this one is finally going to be on… Kevin asks for and receives the house microphone…</p><p> </p><p> Sullivan: “Bam Bam Bigelow… you and your unfaithful cheating bitch of a manager need to understand one thing about Darkness… it conquers all… a man’s heart full of light cannot see into the shadows, it cannot see the all encompassing evil that is awaiting you. No man is born evil… but it is every man’s destiny… I have wrestled you three times already Bigelow and this audience has no desire to see us wrestle again… I have no desire to beat you Bigelow, not personally… I have a desire to tear you down and make you see the errors of your ways… you have a mind and a body fit for darkness but this Precious creature has corrupted you… well look on Bigelow because this is your future creeping up to face you now… the future that Precious will make you – the future that she promises every single man she associates with…</p><p> </p><p> Bigelow is transfixed by Sullivan’s rambling words and because of this, no-one seems to notice the man leap over the guardrail with his dark glasses, jeans and leather jacket on… he slides into the ring behind Precious and Bigelow while his accomplice joins him from the same spot – she’s the woman who attacked Precious last month… and the two are now standing in the ring behind Bigelow… </p><p> </p><p> Sullivan: “… the thing you always have to remember Bigelow is to watch your back… this battle with the Army of Darkness isn’t over… you’ve been promised three men to fight and three men you shall have… I’m just not one of them…”</p><p> </p><p> With a point of his finger Sullivan gestures to the two to turn round, Bigelow’s hard look turns to one of shock and realisation as he slowly turns, Precious lets out a shriek at the sight of the pair – the girl removes the mans’ leather jacket and he takes off his sunglasses to reveal…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimmyGarvin1.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DirtyWhiteGirl.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> IT’S JIMMY GARVIN! Jim Ross explains to the audience that Precious is Garvin’s estranged wife! Bigelow looks momentarily confused but before he knows what’s happening Garvin has rushed at him and this one seems to be under way!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: C-</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Garvin wastes no time in laying into Bigelow, there’s nothing scientific about this clash – he’s throwing everything he has at Bam Bam. He might be giving up a lot of size but, as the announce team point out he’s completely fresh and seems fired up to do some real damage! Bigelow barely gets a shot in as Garvin’s furious blows knock him around the ring. Reaching deep within himself though, Bigelow catches Garvin by the throat and delivers a desperate chokeslam that knocks the wind out of his sails. Picking Garvin up he sends him back to the canvas with a fallaway slam and with only two moves he’s turned the tide completely… Bigelow scales to the top rope and looks to deliver the moonsault… but Garvin rolls out of the ring leaving Bigelow nothing but canvas to land on! While outside Garvin stalks Precious who backs away from him… bumping into his new valet, she grabs Precious by the hair and the two women start brawling! </p><p> </p><p> Garvin scoops up a chair and shakes off Sullivan’s protesting grabs… looks like Garvin doesn’t care enough to play by the rules! He lifts the chair high above his head and slams it into the body of Bigelow! The referee calls for the bell and this one is over… but at what price?!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner: Bam Bam Bigelow by Disqualification in 6:39</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: C</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> As Bigelow writhes in agony, Garvin delivers another chair shot! The Army of Darkness join him in the ring and while the two women drag Precious around to force her to watch, the four men continue to beat into the helpless Bigelow… this is a savage display and there seems to be no way out for Bigelow…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BigBossman.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Here comes the Big Boss Man!!! The NWA’s newest protector of justice is out with his night stick! Sullivan sees this and bails instantly as do the two women… Blackblood isn’t so quick though and he’s cracked in the head with the stick! This sends him down and out of the ring… The Lord of Pain runs at him but with a quick duck, Boss Man is ready and catches him with a sidewalk slam on the reverse! It’s only Garvin left and he looks at the Boss Man’s stick ready to fly and then at the steel chair in his own hands. Thinking better of it, he throws the chair on to the prone Bigelow before bailing out of the ring.</p><p> </p><p> The Boss Man helps Bigelow to his feet as his music plays while the Army of Darkness help their injured teammates to the back. The announce team seem to think that The Big Boss Man has just proven that he’s not all talk!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: C</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TullyBlanchard.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ArnAnderson.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MagnumTA.jpg</span><p> </p><p> A fired up Tully Blanchard is in his dressing room with Arn Anderson and Magnum T.A. has his trusty microphone ready:</p><p> </p><p> <span style="color:#A0522D;"><strong>Blanchard: “So let’s get this straight Ric, you think you’re better than me? You think that just because you’re the NWA World Champion that you should be in the main event? Well listen up that was always your problem. You couldn’t handle any of the rest of us taking the spotlight and that’s why me and Arn got the hell out of here in the first place. You sit there in your ivory tower and think that you’re The Man and that none of us can be THE MAN well it’s like you always say Ric, to Be The Man, you gotta beat the man and I’m backing MY MAN Arn Anderson to do that tonight...”</strong></span></p><p> </p><p> Throughout the promo Anderson looked nervous and a little embarrassed before taking over from Tully.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#483D8B;">Arn: “Tully, with all due respect I think you’re just a little emotional right now… you’re fired up for your big match with Larry Zbyszko and while we all know he’s not in your class, you can’t take your eyes off the prize here. You know that the so called Living Legend is going to do everything he can to get under your skin, but you can’t let him. Tonight you’ve gotta focus on that and not let something that Ric said be twisted and used against you. We both know Ric Flair better than pretty much any other men alive. And we both know that he says things in the heat of the moment without thinking about the consquences – it’s who he is and we love him for it any way. He wasn’t looking to dis-respect you Tully, it’s not like that.</span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#483D8B;"> </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#483D8B;"> "Tonight, I’ll be true to my word and make sure that the fans get to see a classic match-up – we’ll prove to the NWA board that we’re nothing if not professional… but I won’t be trying to win this match at all costs and neither will Ric – it’ll be a straight up wrestling match and Barry Windham – you’ll see at first hand that my intentions have been nothing but honourable… whether we’re on last or on next, the result will be the same – a fantastic wrestling bout. While I try to win the World Title? Absolutely I will, but only if I’m good enough – am I the man? I don’t think I am – but I’m sure gonna try to beat him tonight – and Ric Flair wouldn’t expect anything less from me.”</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: B</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/nwatv.jpg</span><p> <strong>NWA World Television Championship</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> ‘The Total Package’ Lex Luger (w/ JJ Dillon) vs ‘Mr. Fantastic’ Terry Taylor © (w/ Ole Anderson)</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LexLuger.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JJDillon22.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TerryTaylor.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/OleAnderson.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> This one has come about following JJ Dillon’s smart capitalising on the internal problems of the Four Horsemen. Playing mind games with the group, and Ole in particular, JJ has engineered a TV Title match with the man he’s labelled as the weak link in the Horsemen. Taylor though seems to revel in his reviled status and is unphased by Luger’s taunts in the ring. Smart enough not to engage Luger in a test of strength, he instead uses his speed advantage and technical wrestling skills to frustrate Luger into making a mistake. The mistake comes when Luger ducks his head down after whipping Taylor into the ropes, rather than catching him with his intended high impact move, Taylor throws himself high in the air after bouncing the ropes and nails Luger with a flying five arm to the back of the head! Luger crumples to the mat and Taylor goes for the pinfall.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 1…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 2…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> NO! </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Luger’s kicked out of Taylor’s modified finisher! He can’t believe it and neither can Ole! JJ Dillon is delighted though and urging Luger on! Taylor’s confidence is shattered and he’s over asking Ole for advice. This gives Luger the opportunity to get back to his feet! Taylor turns and walks straight into a stiff right that rocks him completely – the crowd are on their feet as Luger hoists Taylor up into the Torture Rack! </p><p> </p><p> He can’t possibly survive… and JJ Dillon is over at Ole Anderson to stop him interfering… this can only end one way… but Taylor’s not giving up… and Luger’s moved close enough to the ropes that Taylor has hooked his foot under it! The referee is forcing Luger to break the hold! Luger drops Taylor and is given a warning from the referee for not breaking the hold when he was told to and Dillon is back over in his corner telling Luger to take it easy and finish him off… Behind their backs Taylor has reached into his tights though and… he’s wearing brass knuckles! Luger moves in for the kill… BANG! Taylor catches Luger with a knockout blow. Using Luger’s unconscious body as a shield, Taylor drops the brass knuckles into the waiting hands of Ole Anderson…</p><p> </p><p> He goes for the pinfall and… gets it much to the shock of JJ Dillon who, like the referee, didn’t see a thing!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner and STILL the NWA Television Champion: Terry Taylor by pinfall in 7:41</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: D+</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LouAlbano.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DynamiteKid2.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ChrisAdams22.jpg</span><p> </p><p> Captain Lou Albano is with the British Bruisers and has a word for The Enemy as well as Rose & Somers…</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#2F4F4F;">Albano: “Tonight the world saw a huge mis-carriage of justice. Boy oh boy there will be a reckoning for this you mark my words. When we get our rightful rematch for those title belts you’ll see another side to the Fabulous Ones – those two boys aren’t going to put up with this no-way and what’s more Teddy Long I’ll make sure that you never referee a match around here ever again. But we’ve got to get ourselves back in the zone now because my British Bruisers are going to take all our frustrations out on the Pretty Playboys or whatever they wanna call themselves. Tonight these attack dogs are gonna do what they’ve been bred to do, and that ain’t no Bull.”</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: C-</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>The British Bruisers vs. 'Playboy' Buddy Rose & 'Pretty Boy' Doug Somers</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LouAlbano.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DynamiteKid2.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ChrisAdams22.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BuddyRose.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/DougSomers.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> The Bruisers are making their TV debut here against the formidable team of Rose & Somers. The AWA stalwarts have been making waves since their arrival in the NWA and have been demanding a shot at one of the tag team titles sooner rather than later. The Bruisers though showed why Captain Lou seems to have so much faith in them. The teams put on a very strong tag match that outshone the title match from earlier – Dynamite and Adams seemed to gel fairly well and both teams gave it their all in a bout that was, thankfully, free from genuine controversy. Rose & Somers seemed to be on the back foot from the very beginning and despite having advance knowledge of their foes, it didn’t seem to do them much good – the crowd were fully behind their opponents and it was getting to them. </p><p> </p><p> To virtually no surprise, it was The British Bruisers who had their hands raised after Adams had got the hot tag to Dynamite and he’d cleaned house a little – with Rose nowhere to be seen, Doug Somers was laid out with a fisherman’s suplex before Dynamite delivered a flying headbutt from the top rope to pick up the pinfall victory for his team.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winners: The British Bruisers by pinfall in 16:26</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: C+</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/HectorGuerrero.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BobOrtonJr.jpg</span><p> </p><p> No sooner had the Bruisers picked up their victory and we were taken to a VT prior to our next match highlighting the events that have brought Hector Guerrero and ‘Cowboy’ Bob Orton Jr. to their match tonight.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: C</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/nwaus.jpg</span><p> <strong>NWA United States Heavyweight Championship</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> Hector Guerrero © vs ‘Cowboy’ Bob Orton Jr. (w/ Ole Anderson)</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/HectorGuerrero.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BobOrtonJr.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/OleAnderson.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> With The Horsemen already retaining one title tonight, all eyes were on the Cowboy to see if he could add the US title to the stable’s collection and he set about doing so with his usual ruthless efficiency. There’s been a real nasty edge to this feud with Guerrero and Hector wasn’t shy about using some questionable tactics throughout this match. These two men HATE each other and made no pretence of anything else with eye gouging, biting and pulling hair a continual feature. Earl Hebner eventually gave up trying to keep order and left them to it. A wise move. While it will never go down in the annals of NWA history as one of its greatest matches – it certainly delivered from a brawling perspective – both men gave as good as they got in a remarkably open match-up. </p><p> </p><p> Orton looked to have the match one when, after catching Hector with a powerful clothesline, locked in a single-legged boston crab in the centre of the ring. Guerrero though powered out, managing to get the purchase on his other leg required to turn over and escape. A spinning DDT from Hector out of nowhere caught the Cowboy off guard and it took every ounce of his strength to get his shoulder up following a two and three quarter count that had the crowd on its feet.</p><p> </p><p> Hector followed this up with a flying crossbody from the top rope that knocked Orton off his feet but the Cowboy had the ring smarts to instead of trying to catch or deflect the move, he rolled with it so that Guerrero’s own momentum carried him through and he found himself pinned under Orton’s weight…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 1…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 2…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> NO!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Guerrero got the shoulder up and this thrilling encounter was still on! Another attempt at a spinning DDT was blocked by Orton who turned the move into a back bodydrop and another two count after a stiff elbow to the chest. Getting to his feet, Orton picked Guerrero up by the hair, dragging him to his feet, he prepared for the Superplex and despite blocking the move earlier, Guerrero hadn’t the strength to stop himself going for the ride this time. Orton connects and goes for the pinfall again…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 1…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 2…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> 3!!!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> He got him! Bob Orton Jr. wins the gold!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner and NEW United States Heavyweight Champion: ‘Cowboy’ Bob Orton Jr. by pinfall in 19:25</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: B</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> An ecstatic Bob Orton Jr. stands in the ring with the US Title in his hands. The crowd aren’t happy to see him win the match but he doesn’t seem to care – he’s still standing now on the first turnbuckle displaying the belt to the crowd. Orton & Ole embrace as the announcers put over the fact that everything seems to be going the way of the Four Horsemen tonight but with the big one still to come, things could very definitely change for the group…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: B</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimmySnuka.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/CocoaSamoa.jpg</span><p> </p><p> As the jubilant Orton is lead away by Ole Anderson, Jimmy Snuka & Cocoa Samoa make their way to the ring for their match with Greg Gagne and his mystery partner. Snuka & Cocoa don’t look even slightly interested goading Greg to ‘bring out his old man’ and insisting that he’s no friends left…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/GregGagne.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> When Gagne does come to the ring, he does so alone… but asks for the microphone.</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="color:#000080;">Gagne: “You two might be right… I’m a long way from home and you’ve systematically taken out most of my friends… I could have got my dad to come here tonight and let me tell you, he’d still be able to kick both of your asses for you… but I had another thought. Maybe I don’t need one of my friends to beat you… maybe I just need to find somebody who hates you more than I do… it wasn’t easy but I think I found just the right person… Ladies and Gentlemen, my tag team partner for tonight… from Honalulu, Hawaii…. </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#000080;"> </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#000080;"> </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#000080;"> </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#000080;"> </span></strong><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MagnificentMuraco.jpg</span></p><p><strong><span style="color:#000080;"> </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#000080;"> </span></strong></p><p><strong><span style="color:#000080;"> THE MAGNIFICENT DON MURACO!!!!</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> Snuka’s face is priceless: he knows that name only too well and is absolutely furious as the man they call ‘The Rock’ makes his way down to ringside, muscles bulging in his tight T-Shirt!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: C</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Greg Gagne & ‘The Magnificent’ Don Muraco vs. Jimmy ‘Superfly’ Snuka & Cocoa Samoa</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/GregGagne.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/MagnificentMuraco.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/JimmySnuka.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/CocoaSamoa.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> The initial buzz for seeing Don Muraco dies down a little as the crowd realises that they’re still going to have to endure a Greg Gagne match… Gagne seems to be little liked around here but at least partnering him with Muraco has stopped him being booed or taunted with ‘Boring’ chants. The announce team play on Snuka & Muraco’s storied rivalry telling their audience that they had several amazing matches in New York back when that region used to put on real wrestling shows…</p><p> </p><p> And certainly the match comes alive in the periods where Muraco & Superfly are in the ring together. Gagne & Samoa, who let’s all remember are the two who are actually feuding here, fail to ignite interest the same way. Still this has been all about who really carried the now defunct AWA Tag Team Championship and if we can base the results on this match alone then we got our answer when Muraco in his debut NWA match hit the Reverse Piledriver on Cocoa Samoa for the win. Jim Ross screaming that Muraco’s is the only real way to hit such a manoeuvre…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winners: Greg Gagne & The Magnificent Don Muraco by pinfall in 13:31</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: C</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ArnAnderson.jpg</span><p> </p><p> It’s video time again as we’re shown the build-up to Arn Anderson and Ric Flair’s meeting for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship – starting with Arn’s return to the NWA and winning at the Bunkhouse Stampede. The video ends with the footage of Barry Windham telling Ric Flair that Arn is not to be trusted…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: B</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/nwaworld1.jpg</span><p> <strong>NWA World Heavyweight Championship</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> Ric Flair © (w/ Barry Windham) vs Arn Anderson</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BarryWindham.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/ArnAnderson.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> With Barry Windham pointing in Arn’s face, his iceman persona seems to be cracking and it’s down to Flair to play peacemaker. Barry drops to ringside but still has a mutinous look in his eyes – the dis-trust of Arn is clear for all to see. The two best friends stand in the centre of the ring and shake hands as the bell rings. The two circle each other for what feels like eternity before they finally lock up. Arn gets the better of the initial tussle and pushes a shell-shocked Flair back. The two lock-up again and this time it’s Ric who gets the upper hand, after pushing Arn off he delivers a healthy ‘WOOOOOOOOO!!!’ to the crowd – this seems to wake Arn up and he delivers a knife edge chop to Flair who retaliates with his own and his warcry of ‘WOOOOOOO!!!’ again… and so the bout continues, both men matching each other move for move and engaging in a good, clean wrestling match.</p><p> </p><p> Twenty minutes in and Flair is having his clock cleaned by the methodical Anderson – Arn has already found himself in the figure four leglock but escaped to the ropes – Flair breaking the hold immediately. Now Flair has been hit by the Brainbuster and Arn is covering him for the pin… </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> One…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> … Flair’s got his foot on the bottom rope</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Two… The referee hasn’t seen it!!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Thr… NO! Arn has spotted Flair’s foot on the rope and broken the pin attempt!</p><p> </p><p> Dragging Flair back into the middle of the ring, Arn tries again but barely gets a one count before the refreshed Flair can get a shoulder up! The announce team talk about whether Arn has made a huge mistake but at least he’s being true to his word.</p><p> </p><p> The match continues in the same manner, neither man taking advantage of the other and with Barry Windham screaming on encouragement from the outside, Ric Flair has Arn Anderson down in the middle of the ring – with a solemn look on his face, Flair slaps on the figure four and Anderson has nowhere to go this time!</p><p> </p><p> The referee asks Arn if he wants to quit… but he refuses! Flair is begging Arn to give in… and that he can’t break the hold… he needs him to give up… Arn still won’t budge… he’s in clear agony but Flair only cranks it up tighter… Arn is shaking his head, the perspiration on his brow flooding into his eyes and mingling with the tears… Flair is starting to wobble… tears are filling his eyes and he looks like he’s about to break the hold… NO! Arn has given up! After the most emotionally charged figure four in history, Arn Anderson has finally given up!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner and STILL the NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Ric Flair by submission in 28:45</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: B+</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> The match is over and Barry Windham is in the ring helping a shattered Ric Flair to his feet, Flair and Windham tussle briefly and it’s clear that Ric doesn’t want any help, he turns around and looks at the exhausted Arn Anderson lying on his back, his hands on his head – it might’ve been a fair fight but it’s still clear for all to see that Arn really wanted this one in the end. Ric goes over to Arn and offers him his hand. Looking up at him Arn doesn’t hesitate… and clasps the hand of his best friend, Ric hauls Arn Anderson to his feet and the two embrace in the centre of the ring as the crowd cheers wildly. These two men have put on a truly stellar bout with one another and their friendship has never had a sterner test than tonight. They seem to have passed that test! A great result for the Horsemen says Jim Ross, but arguably an even better one for friendship.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: B+</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LarryZbyszko.jpg</span><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TullyBlanchard.jpg</span><p> </p><p> But the night still isn’t over because we’ve another video package for tonight’s main event as ‘The Living Legend’ Larry Zbyszko makes one last ditch attempt to take the AWA World Heavyweight Championship from the grasp of Tully Blanchard… the video package highlights the long term feud between the two that helped rip apart the AWA itself – every time Zbyszko got close, Tully found another way to cheat his way to victory and now it all boils down to this – where the title CAN change hands on a count-out or disqualification…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: B-</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/HonkyTonkMan.jpg</span><p> </p><p> To everybody’s surprise it’s not Larry Zbyszko’s music that plays… it’s The Honky Tonk Man’s?!! Preening his way down the aisle, he laps up the crowd’s boos, seemingly oblivious to their dislike of him. Rather than head to the ring though he’s over to the announce table and tells Tony Schiavone to beat it! Schiavone obliges and heads to the back – looks like we’ve got a guest commentator tonight and one thing’s for sure, Larry Zbyszko will have an uneasy feeling about this development…</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: B</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/awaworld.jpg</span><p> <strong>AWA World Heavyweight Championship</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> Larry Zbyszko vs Tully Blanchard ©</strong></p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/LarryZbyszko.jpg</span> <strong>vs.</strong> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/TullyBlanchard.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> There’s no risk of the high emotion of the last match influencing the outcome here… Blanchard and Zybszko outright loathe each other! And with the Honky Tonk Man telling the audience at home that even though he absolutely hates Zybszko he still wants him to win… so that he gets to take the AWA belt off of him… Jim Ross asks the question on everyone’s lips then: will the Honky Tonk Man interfere and attack the Living Legend and cost Tully Blanchard the title? HTM laughs this off though, asking Ross if he thinks he’s crazy? He might want to win the AWA title but he’s not stupid enough to unite the warring Horsemen against himself especially now they all seem to be getting on the same page again…</p><p> </p><p> In the ring, Blanchard & Zybszko are tearing lumps out of one another – Tully being extremely careful not to resort to his usual rulebreaking in case he forces a disqualification. This is a titanic brawl though and both men come close to ending things with bone shatteringly stiff moves. How Tully Blanchard managed to escape from Zybszko’s piledriver attempt and turn it into a back bodydrop, no-one will ever know. And the escape from the Larryland Dreamer that saw Tully run up the turnbuckles before pushing back into a bridging pin, took nearfalls to the next level!</p><p> </p><p> Blanchard has his own near fall attempts foiled though – the most notable when Zybszko turned the figure four over and exerted enough pressure that it was fortunate Tully was close enough to reach the ropes.</p><p> </p><p> Things changed dramatically though when a wayward elbow from Zybszko accidentally caught Earl Hebner flush on the temple, knocking him to the canvas. Tully immediately sprung to the outside, grabbing a steel chair while Larry was trying to revive the referee… lining up for the chair shot that would surely end the match out from the back comes… </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/BarryWindham.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> BARRY WINDHAM! Windham is on the ring apron with a chair of his own! Blanchard throws his own chair to the outside and is arguing with Windham who’s still threatening to take Tully’s head off! </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <span>http://i881.photobucket.com/albums/ac17/Ritchardo_1979/JCP%20Diary%2088/RicFlair.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Here’s Ric Flair now! The Nature Boy is out and he’s stopping Barry Windham from nailing the taunting Tully Blanchard… Tully can see the referee is back on his feet and keenly watching proceedings… a chair shot from Windham here and Tully can retain! Zybszko knows it too and both he and Flair are trying to reason with Windham albeit for very different reasons… the referee can’t work out who is interfering for who and in his dazed state lets things continue as they have been. Windham goes to swing the chair but both Flair and Zybszko make a grab for it… it’s the Nature Boy who gets the best of it though pulling the chair roughly from Windham’s grasp and unable to stop the swing… follows through with it… straight into the skull of Larry Zybszko!!!! The Living Legend crumples to the canvas and Earl Hebner dramatically calls for the bell as Tully Blanchard throws his hands to his head unable to believe what has just happened!</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Winner and the NEW AWA World Heavyweight Champion: ‘The Living Legend’ Larry Zbyszko by disqualification in 31:14</strong></p><p><strong> Grade: B+</strong></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> The locker room has emptied and the dazed Zbyszko is swamped by several stars of the old AWA! Greg Gagne, Verne Gagne, Wahoo McDaniel & Jerry Blackwell – his head bandaged up – are all out and lifting Zbyszko on to his shoulders – Jim Ross describes it as the end of an era as an emotional Zbyszko is carried to the back. Meanwhile a shellshocked Ric Flair is still holding the chair that cost Tully Blanchard his title. He stares down at the chair in his hands and then at Blanchard who is shaking with fury as Barry Windham quickly ushers the Nature Boy out of harms way – leaving Blanchard alone to howl in fury and kick at the ropes.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> <strong>Grade: B+</strong></p></div><p></p><p></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="font-size:18px;">Overall Show Grade: B</span></strong></p></div><p></p><p> </p><p> --</p><p> </p><p> Well first things first, I must admit to being a little surprised and disappointed that the show only drew a B: with two B+ matches in the main event and a strong B in the opening bout I don’t understand why it failed to make the grade – even taking into account the angles, I managed to pull two B+ angles and a load of B’s… don’t get it! It was just one mark short of making B+ but still... ah, well never mind...</p><p> </p><p> Having said that, I still enjoyed writing it up and continuing to stretch out the Horsemen saga… worry not though because even I have to admit that I might have run out of room to slow burn this one… boiling point seems to have finally arrived…</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>Prediction Contest</strong></span><p> </p><p> Predictions then and a reminder that this contest runs through until after Starrcade – winner gets a small raft of prizes that will no doubt have some impact on the direction of the company.</p><p> </p><p> Well before revealing who scored what there’s just the question of best and worst matches – funny thing but the two main events both tied on 84 so pretty much everybody’s getting a point there. As for worst match, I’ve averaged out the Bigelow match for the three separate bouts in that and it’s pulled a C- so that leaves Boss Man/Idol and Luger/Taylor – well the raspberries go to… both... it’s another tie! </p><p> </p><p> So who got what this time round?:</p><p> </p><p> Jaultma2: 9</p><p> Pyroman: 9</p><p> Zergon: 9</p><p> </p><p> Destiny: 8</p><p> Guyver3: 8 - Extra point for singling out Bigelow/Lord of Pain which would have been the worst match on the card but for the rounding up)</p><p> </p><p> Smwilliams: 7.5 – half point for predicting a debut but not who…</p><p> </p><p> BlueStar: 7</p><p> </p><p> Beejus: 6</p><p> The Final Countdown: 6</p><p> Rtcrules: 6</p><p> </p><p> Franticloser: 5</p><p> LordofGustav: 5</p><p> </p><p> <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Overall Standings</span></strong></p><p> </p><p> Let’s see how that impacts the leaderboard and we can see it’s real tight at the top with last time competition winner Zergon still looking strong but facing stiff competition – only a few points separating the top four while no-one is really out of it. Believe me that the Lethal Lottery and its prediction contest will have enough points flying around that anyone can mount a real challenge (or pull away from the pack)…</p><p> </p><p> Zergon = 18</p><p> </p><p> guver3 = 17</p><p> pyroman = 17</p><p> </p><p> Smwilliams = 16.5</p><p> </p><p> Beejus = 13</p><p> Bluestar = 13</p><p> The Final Countdown = 13</p><p> LordofGustav = 13</p><p> </p><p> franticloser = 11</p><p> </p><p> Jaultma2: 9</p><p> </p><p> |Anderz| = 7</p><p> borman48 = 7</p><p> K-Nection = 7</p><p> </p><p> Rtcrules: 6</p><p> </p><p> emoasyou = 5</p><p> </p><p> Thanks to everyone for your predictions, both regulars and new - you all, along with everyone who comments or who just clicks on the diary on the read it are the inspiration to keep on writing - thanks a lot guys and gals <img alt=":)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />.</p><p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> Next up all the news that’s fit to print in our monthly round-up as the build towards the Lethal Lottery begins…</p>

[Ritchardo]

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

 

ANOTHER JCP STAR CAUGHT WITH DRUGS!

 

Head booker Ole Anderson is said to be furious with 'future star' Lex Luger after he was found to have soft drugs in his system following a random drug test. Anderson read Luger the riot act, suspending the star for 28 days and throwing a major wrench into the ongoing Horseman saga - early expectations were that Luger's quest for the TV title might've ended in success at Starrcade but Anderson has all but ruled out any future title change to someone he would see as unreliable.

 

 

GOODBYE AGPW

 

With mounting financial costs, Atlantic Grand Prix Wrestling this week closed its doors for the final time. The group have been struggling for a number of months and despite reaching Regional status in April this year, the writing was on the wall for the group. Missing out on an invite to the National Wrestling Alliance's expansion appears to have been the final straw for the group and a huge hole in Maritimes wrestilng has been left behind.

 

Around the Wrestling World

 

Title News

 

Larry Zbyszko's year long quest for the AWA World Title ended last Sunday with a thrilling victory over Tully Blanchard in the main event of JCP's Fall Brawl event. The conclusion of the programme is understood to be a nod to the fans of the AWA who stuck with the product during the group's dying days. The move shocked many independent observers who expected Tully to retain and perhaps meet Ric Flair in a title unification match at Starrcade.

 

In the World Wrestling Federation, Ricky Steamboat's vacated Intercontinental Championship was filled by Curt 'Mr Perfect' Hennig. An early favourite for the title, Hennig came into his own during the tournament and won a tightly contested final over fellow former AWA alumni - Rick Martel.

 

Other Title Changes

 

NWA US Heavyweight Championship (JCP) - Bob Orton Jr. d. Hector Guerrero

 

NWA US Tag Team Championship (JCP) - The Enemy (Simmons & Cameron) d. The Fabulous Ones (Lane & Keirn)

 

IWGP Tag Team Championship (NJPW) - Steve Williams & Shiro Koshinaka d. Don Muraco & Kengo Kimura

 

All-Asia Tag Team Championship (AJPW) - Shinichi Nakano & Shunji Takano won the vacant titles

 

UWA World Middleweight (UWA) - Espanto Jr. d. Valente Fernandez

 

Mexican National Welterweight Championship (CMLL) - Mascara Ano 2000 d. Tony Salazar

 

British Welterweight Championship (JPUK) - Bobby Barnes won the vacant title

 

WCWA World Six-Man Tag Team (WCWA) - Al Perez, Kevin Von Erich & Dutch Mantell won the vacant titles

 

WCWA World Tag Team (WCWA) - Sam Houston & Spike Huber won the vacant titles

 

WWA World Light Heavyweight (WWA Mex) - Mano Negra d. Super Astro

 

WWC Universal Heavyweight (WWC) - Black Gordman d. Carlos Colon

 

UWA Heavyweight Championship (ASW Canada) - Billy Two Eagles won the vacant title

 

 

Match of the Month

 

Making up for their slightly disappointing clash last month, Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat and 'The Million Dollar Man' Ted DiBiase entered a stellar two out of three falls match that could prove to be match of the year. Our audience rating topped the chart with many viewers feeling the match was a perfect 100! With Jake Roberts stepping up to the plate as Steamboat's next opponent it remains to be seen if the WWF can keep up this impressive hot streak!

 

In the top matches from the other wrestling groups:

 

NJPW: Riki Choshu d. Tatsumi Fujinami (Audience Rating: 99)

 

AJPW: Jumbo Tsuruta d. Genichiro Tenryu for the NWA United National Title (Audience Rating: 99)

 

JCP: Ric Flair d. Arn Anderson to retain the NWA World Heavyweight Title / Larry Zbyszko d. Tully Blanchard to win the AWA World Heavyweight Title (Audience Rating: 84)

 

UWA: Villano III, Dos Caras & Santo d. Perro, Mando Guerrero & Chicana (Audience Rating: 83)

 

CMLL: Lizmark d. Chavo Guerrero (Audience Rating: 83)

 

ASW (UK): Kendo Nagasaki d. Tony St. Clair to retain the ASW British Heavyweight Title (Audience Rating: 82)

 

UWF: Chavo Guerrero d. Sweet Brown Sugar to retain the UWF Big Gold Belt (Audience Rating: 75)

 

CWA (US): Billy Joe Travis d. Ric Flair (Audience Rating: 75)

 

WWC: Black Gordman d. Carlos Colon to win the WWC Universal Heavyweight Title (Audience Rating: 73)

 

WWA (Mexico): Rey Misterio d. Atlantis to retain the WWA Welterweight Title (Audience Rating: 71)

 

WCWA: Al Perez, Kevin Von Erich & Dutch Mantell d. The Black Superman, Mike Von Erich & Nord the Barbarian to win the WCWA World Six Man Tag Team Championship (Audience Rating: 67)

 

CWA Europe: Klaus Wallas d. Steve Wright / Mile Zrno d. Steve Wright / Wanz & Wallas d. The Smooth Operators (Mile Zrno & Steve Wright) (Audience Rating: 66)

 

Stampede: Viet Cong Express #1 & Larry Cameron d. Karachi Vice (Gama Singh & Akam Singh) (Audience Rating: 66)

 

JPUK: Giant Haystacks d. Tony Walsh / The Real Main Event (Drew McDonald & Sid Cooper) d. Haystacks & Steele (Audience Rating: 64)

 

CCW: Kevin Von Erich d. Vladimir Petrov / Wendell Cooley d. Tom Prichard to retain the NWA Southeastern US Junior Heavyweight Title (Audience Rating: 62)

 

WWA (USA): Austin Idol d. Calypso Jim (Audience Rating: 60)

 

CSW: Mike Graham d. Tracy Smothers (Audience Rating: 60)

 

ASW Canada: Billy Two Eagles d. Timothy Flowers to retain the UWA Canadian Heavyweight Title (Audience Rating: 58)

 

USPW: Paul Diamond d. Doug Furnas / Wendell Cooley d. The Barbarian to retain the USPW World Title (Audience Rating: 56)

 

PNW: The Grappler & Mike Miller d. Cocoa Samoa & Manny Fernandez (Audience Rating: 56)

 

GLOW: Spanish Red & Palestina the Terrorist d. The California Dolls (Sally the Farmer's Daughter & California Doll) (Audience Rating: 48)

 

 

Show of the Month

 

Following on from the highly successful Summeralam, Rampage was another stunning show by the WWF. Headlined by a tremendous match of the year contender, the show also featured top action from breakout stars like Sting, Razor Ramon & Mr. Perfect. Although technically a B-show, Rampage sets a high watermark that will leave November's Survivor Series a lot of ground to try and make up.

 

 

The Rest of the Big Shows in Audience Rating Order:

 

2. AJPW Summer Action Series II (86)

3. NJPW Super Monday (84)

4. JCP Fall Brawl (83)

5. UWA Eclipse Total (81)

6. CMLL Anniversary Show (78)

7. ASW (UK) Rock You Tonight (73)

8. CWA (USA) Into the Void (70)

9. UWF Showdown (68)

10. WWA (Mex) Dominacion 1988 (66)

10. WWC Aniversario 15 (66)

12. WCWA Labor Day Star Wars (62)

13. CWA (Eur) Wrestlepocalypse (60)

13. SCW Anguished Screams 2 (60)

15. JPUK Path to Greatness 2 (57)

15. CCW Deadly Game 2 (57)

17. GLOW Broken Resolutions 2 (56)

17. PNW Apocalypse Now! 1988 (56)

19. CSW Territories (55)

20. ASW Burn it Up (52)

21. WWA (USA) Straight to Hell II (50)

22. USPW Livin' on a Prayer (49)

 

Other News: Arrivals

 

WWF: Yokozuna (Written)

WWF: Shinya Hashimoto (PPA)

 

JCP: Dynamite Kid (PPA)

JCP: Chris Adams (PPA)

JCP: Afa (PPA)

JCP: Sika (PPA)

JCP: Dustin Rhodes (PPA)

JCP: Don Muraco (PPA)

 

AJPW: George Takano (Written)

AJPW: Naoki Sano (Written)

AJPW: Mr. Pogo (Written)

 

CMLL: Chavo Guerrero (Loan)

 

ASW (UK): Tiger Dalibar (PPA)

ASW (UK): Mal Sanders (PPA)

ASW (UK): Johnny England (PPA)

ASW (UK): Marty Jones (PPA)

ASW (UK): Rocky Moran (PPA)

 

JPUK: Doc Dean (PPA)

JPUK: Jon Cortez (PPA)

 

WCWA: Buzz Sawyer (PPA)

 

UWF: Buzz Sawyer (PPA)

 

GLOW: Vicky Victory (PPA)

 

CWA (USA): Buzz Sawyer (PPA)

CWA (USA): Buddy Landel (PPA)

CWA (USA): Ric Flair (Loan)

 

WWA (Mex): Atlantis (PPA)

WWA (Mex): George Steele (PPA)

 

CCW: Sean O'Reilly (PPA)

CCW: Taz (PPA)

 

CSW: Dusty Rhodes (Loan)

 

ASW (Canada): Gerry Morrow (PPA)

ASW (Canada): Buck Ramstead (PPA)

ASW (Canada): Terry Sawyer (PPA)

 

 

Other News: Departures

 

WWF: Hillbilly Jim

WWF: Outback Jack

WWF: Judy Martin

WWF: Omar Atlas

WWF: Harley Race

WWF: Bad News Allen (Loan)

 

JCP: Junkyard Dog

 

NJPW: Osamu Matsuda

NJPW: George Takano

NJPW: Dusty Rhodes (Loan)

NJPW: Ric Flair (Loan)

NJPW: Sting (Loan)

NJPW: Roddy Piper (Loan)

NJPW: Naoki Sano

 

AJPW: Samson Fuyuki

AJPW: Ashura Hara

AJPW: Motoshi Okuma

AJPW: Haru Sonoda

AJPW: Yoshiaki Yatsu

 

UWA: Villano V

UWA: Scorpio Sr.

UWA: Rocky Santana

UWA: Lasser

 

CMLL: Magico

CMLL: Arkangel

CMLL: Alfonso Dantes

CMLL: Vulcano

CMLL: El Supremo

CMLL: Camorra

CMLL: Chavo Guerrero (Loan)

CMLL: Antonio Pena

 

ASW (UK): Wayne Bridges

ASW (UK): Catweazle

ASW (UK): Doc Dean

ASW (UK): The Amazing Kung Fu

ASW (UK): Johnny Kincaid

 

JPUK: King Kong Kirk

JPUK: Mal Sanders

JPUK: Kid McCoy

 

USPW: Tony Garea

 

WWA: Terry D'Amore

WWA: Chris Carter

WWA: Don Kent

 

UWF: Alfred Neely

 

GLOW: Little Egypt

GLOW: Little Fiji

 

WWA (Mex): El Cobarde II

 

PNW: Brady Boone

 

WWC: Super Medico

WWC: The Mongolian Stomper

WWC: Victor Rodriguez

WWC: Jose Luis Rivera

 

CCW: The Bullet

CCW: Ken Wayne

CCW: Steve Armstrong

 

ASW (Canada): Sonny Myers

ASW (Canada): Sweet Daddy Sampson

ASW (Canada): Moose Morowski

 

 

Other News: Injuries

 

Takashi Ishikawa - Brain Tumour (13 Months)

 

 

Other News: Retirements

 

After last month's retirement bonanza, the wrestling world lost only one star from in-ring service this month when The Spoiler hung up his tights for the last time. Most famous for his work in the Dallas territory, Spoiler last worked in Dallas in December last year and had failed to get a regular match-up elsewhere - after nine months in the wilderness, Don Jardine has decided to call it a day.

 

 

Other News: New Workers

 

Kyoko Inoue

Mariko Yoshida

Takako Inoue

'Diamond' Dallas Page

 

 

 

Other News: Misc

 

George Cannon has returned to the world of wrestling for the first time since he took AWA under as head booker. He's taken over the book at PNW following Don Owen's retirement last month

 

Jumbo Tsuruta has added 'Head Trainer' to his resume, taking over operations at the AJPW dojo. Giant Baba's right hand man, Tsuruta has free reign over the comings and goings at the famous dojo.

 

For more information on the WWF – check out The Final Countdown’s diary here:

[Beejus]

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

 

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

[BlueStar]

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

[olympia]

<p>nice job with Fall Brawl. Too bad it didn't crack a B+ for you with 2 solid main events at the end. Bam Bam Bigelow's trilogy of C- matches in the middle could have very well been the reason (if you could have gotten a A rated angle somewhere, it might have pushed you over the edge too).</p><p>

Enjoyed seeing Don Muraco come in. Hoping we can see him and Snuka in a violent singles feud while he's in town. Nice to see Rambo Greg Gagne get a win <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/rolleyes.png.4b097f4fbbe99ce5bcd5efbc1b773ed6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> someone has to cheer for him don't they?</p><p> </p><p>

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

[Dawn]

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

[The Final Countdown]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Smasher1311" data-cite="Smasher1311" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="36731" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I'm still reading this, Ritchardo - Great Fall Brawl, but Zbyszko winning the belt with a DQ? Dats not right <img alt=":confused:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/confused.png.d4a8e6b6eab0c67698b911fb041c0ed1.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> In return for Tully's demand that it be Larry's last shot at the title, and since he'd been screwed over by interference before and couldn't trust Tully to give him a fair match, Larry demanded that the title change hands in the event of a DQ.</p>

[Beejus]

May not have been "right" but it's very AWA, and I commend Ritchardo for going through with it.

[BlueStar]

Enjoyed seeing Don Muraco come in. Hoping we can see him and Snuka in a violent singles feud while he's in town. Nice to see Rambo Greg Gagne get a win someone has to cheer for him don't they?

.

 

May not have been "right" but it's very AWA, and I commend Ritchardo for going through with it.

 

I'm still running my AWA game and I fired Greg G. when I took over (as a storyline as I took over from Verne as the owner). Resigned him a year later now as a Gatekeeper and he's still (amazingly) over and giving me good results.

 

Suppose there's something there. I like the booking of the diaries of TFC and this one. Honky seems the odd man out here. But that makes it more interesting. Muraco seems to fit the roster as well. JCP's got a strong roster but doesn't have the luxury of having guys who can come in and get B+ matches all the time (so that's the challenge).

 

(In my AWA I managed to snap up Bret Hart on a long term PPV and I'm switching him round with guys like Snuka, Lawler, Zbyszko and some short timers like Terry Funk and Bob Backlund and still struggling to get a B- grade).

[olympia]

Honky seems the odd man out here. But that makes it more interesting. Muraco seems to fit the roster as well. JCP's got a strong roster but doesn't have the luxury of having guys who can come in and get B+ matches all the time (so that's the challenge).

 

(In my AWA I managed to snap up Bret Hart on a long term PPV and I'm switching him round with guys like Snuka, Lawler, Zbyszko and some short timers like Terry Funk and Bob Backlund and still struggling to get a B- grade).

 

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

 

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