JCP: The Race To The Top [TGAAB]

[Anderz]

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/NWAretro-620x350_zps52ca0928.jpg

 

NATIONAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE

 

The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) was formed in 1948 and for years was the name synonymous with professional wrestling. The NWA is the governing body for a number of wrestling territories around both the United States and the rest of the world and the NWA’s World Heavyweight Championship is the pinnacle of any professional wrestler’s career.

 

The territory system that the NWA thrived upon began to decline during the early 1980’s; and this decline was exacerbated by the rapid growth of Vince McMahon’s World Wrestling Federation. The WWF began the charge to become a fully National promotion and by the advent of the WrestleMania pay-per-view the promotion was clear of the pack.

 

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/Jcp_zps09f2baa4.png

 

JIM CROCKETT PROMOTIONS

 

The NWA decided to retaliate and consolidated its efforts into making Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) a national promotion itself; and as such the group has led the NWA’s charge against the WWF.

 

In March 1987, James Hill was appointed head booker of the WWF and upped the aggression once again as the WWF began promoting monthly pay-per-view and amassed vast array of talented main eventers that all but wiped out any real competition.

 

By March 1988, the NWA was in a position to retaliate – as Ole Anderson took over the booking duties from Dusty Rhodes and began returning some of that aggression against the WWF. By the NWA’s premier event – Starrcade – in November 1988, JCP were on the verge of being recognised by all leading publications as a national promotion.

 

The NWA took a small blow however, when after Starrcade – Anderson stepped down from his position. His replacement was former 8-time NWA Champion – Harley Race – who had just returned after a failed stint in the WWF.

 

With a new man in charge and a renewed push to challenge the WWF for the crown as the biggest and best professional wrestling promotion in the world; join the NWA and Jim Crockett Promotions on their RACE TO THE TOP.

[Anderz]

Show Index:

 

1988:

12/9: Friday Night Showdown

12/16: Friday Night Showdown

12/23: Friday Night Showdown

12/24: NWA Clash of the Champions

12/30: Friday Night Showdown

 

1989:

1/6: Friday Night Showdown

1/13: Friday Night Showdown

1/20: Friday Night Showdown

1/27: Friday Night Showdown

1/28: NWA WrestleWar '89

2/3: Friday Night Showdown

2/10: Friday Night Showdown

2/17: Friday Night Showdown

2/18: NWA New York Knockout

2/24: Friday Night Showdown

3/10: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

3/17: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

3/24: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

3/25: NWA Miami Mayhem

3/31: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

4/7: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

4/14: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

4/21: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

4/28: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

4/29: The Fourth Annual Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup: Night 1

4/30: The Fourth Annual Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup: Night 2

5/5: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

5/12: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

5/19: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

5/26: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

5/27: NWA Chi-Town Rumble

6/2: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

6/9: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

6/16: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

6/17: NWA Coastal Crush

6/23: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

7/7: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

7/14: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

7/21: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

7/28: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

7/29: NWA The Great American Bash 1989

8/4: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

8/11: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

8/18: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

8/19: NWA The Bunkhouse Stampede

8/25: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

9/8: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

9/15: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

9/22: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

9/29: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

9/30: NWA Fall Brawl: War Games

10/6: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

10/13: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

10/20: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

10/27: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

10/28: NWA Clash of the Champions II

11/3: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

11/10: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

11/17: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

11/24: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

11/25: NWA Thanksgiving Thunder

12/8: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

12/15: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

12/22: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

12/29: NWA Power Hour and Friday Night Showdown

12/30: NWA Starrcade 1989 Part One | Part Two

 

HISTORIC:

All shows listed in the section are from this diary's fantastic pre-cursor - see the link below and direct all praise to Ritchardo.

 

4/8: Friday Night Showdown

4/15: Friday Night Showdown

4/22: Friday Night Showdown

4/29: Friday Night Showdown

4/30: The Third Annual Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup

5/6: Friday Night Showdown

5/13: Friday Night Showdown

5/20: Friday Night Showdown

5/27: Friday Night Showdown

5/28: NWA Mayhem

6/3: Friday Night Showdown

6/10: Friday Night Showdown

6/17: Friday Night Showdown

6/18: The Eddie Graham Memorial Show

6/24: Friday Night Showdown

7/8: Friday Night Showdown

7/15: Friday Night Showdown

7/22: Friday Night Showdown

7/29: Friday Night Showdown

7/30: NWA The Great American Bash 1988

8/5: Friday Night Showdown

8/12: Friday Night Showdown

8/19: Friday Night Showdown

8/20: NWA The Bunkhouse Stampede

8/26: Friday Night Showdown

9/2: Friday Night Showdown

9/9: Friday Night Showdown

9/16: Friday Night Showdown

9/23: Friday Night Showdown

9/24: NWA Fall Brawl

10/7: Friday Night Showdown

10/14: Friday Night Showdown

10/21: Friday Night Showdown

10/28: Friday Night Showdown

10/29: NWA Lethal Lottery

11/4: Friday Night Showdown

11/11: Friday Night Showdown

11/18: Friday Night Showdown

11/19: NWA Starrcade 1988

11/25: Friday Night Showdown

 

Important Links:

 

WWF: The Golden Age...and beyond? by The Final Countdown (March 1987-present)

 

JCP 1988 - The Alliance Fights Back (a TGA... and Beyond Diary) by Ritchardo (April 1988-December 1988)

 

TGAAB-Verse Central for all news and notes (December 1988-present)

[Anderz]

Championship History:

 

((Note: All championship histories follow actual history up to March 1987; between March 1987 and February 1988 were created by the A.I. and from March 1988 until November 1988 by Ritchardo))

 

Unified NWA/AWA World Heavyweight Championship

 

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/nwaworld_zpsb9238e81.jpghttp://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/awaworld_zpsa9d7c292.jpg

ARN ANDERSON

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/ArnAnderson89_zpsa5f467c4.jpg

 

Won: December 30th 1989, from Tully Blanchard (NWA Champion) and Ric Flair (AWA Champion) at NWA Starrcade 1989 in Minneapolis, Minnesota

 

Previous NWA Champions (March 1987 onwards):

Tully Blanchard [2]: 12/30/89 - 12/30/89 (<1 day)

Ricky Steamboat: 5/27/89 - 12/30/89 (217 days)

Tully Blanchard: 11/19/88 - 5/27/89 (189 days)

Ric Flair [6]: 8/9/86 - 11/19/88 (833 days)

 

Previous AWA Champions (March 1987 onwards):

Ric Flair: 7/29/89 - 12/30/89 (154 days)

Honky Tonk Man: 11/19/88 - 7/29/89 (252 days)

Larry Zbyszko: 9/24/88 - 11/19/88 (56 days)

Tully Blanchard: 8/18/87 - 9/24/88 (403 days)

Nick Bockwinkel [6]: 6/28/86 - 8/18/87 (416 days)

 

 

NWA United States Heavyweight Championship

 

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/nwaus_zpsbd3fb8fd.jpg

THE WARRIOR

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/Ultimate%20Warrior%2089_zpsqdk5inkd.jpg

 

Won: September 30th 1989, from Sgt. Slaughter at NWA Fall Brawl: War Games in Richmond, Virginia

 

Previous Champions (March 1987 onwards):

Sgt. Slaughter: 2/18/89 - 9/30/89 (224 days)

Don Muraco: 11/19/88 - 2/18/89 (91 days)

Bob Orton Jr.: 9/24/88 - 11/19/88 (56 days)

Hector Guerrero: 7/30/88 - 9/24/88 (56 days)

Ivan Koloff: 8/15/87 - 7/29/88 (349 days)

Tully Blanchard [2]: 3/21/87 - 8/1/87 (133 days)

Nikita Koloff: 8/17/86 - 3/15/87 (210 days)

 

 

NWA World Television Championship

 

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/nwatv_zps5640da87.jpg

RON SIMMONS

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/RonSimmons0_zps984b3ea9.jpg

 

Won: December 30th 1989, from Jushin Liger at NWA Starrcade 1989 in Minneapolis, Minnesota

 

Previous Champions (March 1987 onwards):

Jushin Liger: 10/6/89 - 12/30/89 (85 days)

Arn Anderson [2]: 3/10/89 - 10/6/89 (210 days)

Terry Taylor: 5/28/88 - 3/10/89 (286 days)

Lazer Tron: 8/15/87 - 5/28/88 (287 days)

Tully Blanchard [3]: 11/27/86 - 8/1/87 (247 days)

 

 

NWA World Cruiserweight Championship

 

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/nwajrheavy2_zps49779aa0.jpg

EDDIE GUERRERO

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/Eddie%20Guerrero%203_zpsm26wsdrv.jpg

 

Won: December 30th 1989, from Hector Guerrero at NWA Starrcade 1989 in Minneapolis, Minnesota

 

Previous Champions (July 1988 onwards):

Hector Guerrero: 10/28/89 - 12/30/89 (63 days)

Eddie Guerrero: 5/27/89 - 10/28/89 (154 days)

Marty Jannetty: 3/25/89 - 5/27/89 (63 days)

Jushin Liger: 7/30/88 - 3/25/89 (238 days)

 

 

NWA World Tag Team Championship

 

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/nwatag1_zps8f1dab36.jpg

TOTALLY FANTASTIC (TERRY TAYLOR & LEX LUGER)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/Terry%20Taylor%205_zpsfojgchfy.jpghttp://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/Lex%20Luger%2089_zpsoiohfs23.jpg

 

Won: December 30th 1989, from Larry Zbyszko & Rick Rude at NWA Starrcade 1989 in Minneapolis, Minnesota

 

Previous Champions (March 1987 onwards):

Larry Zybszko & Rick Rude [2]: 10/13/89 - 12/30/89 (78 days)

Totally Fantastic (Terry Taylor & Lex Luger): 7/29/89 - 10/13/89 (76 days)

The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy): 7/30/88 - 7/29/89 (364 days)

The Von Erichs (Kerry & Kevin Von Erich): 5/13/88 - 7/30/88 (78 days)

The Russians (Vladimir Petrov & Ivan Koloff): 10/17/87 - 5/13/88 (209 days)

The New Breed (Sean Royal & Chris Champion): 3/28/87 - 10/17/87 (203 days)

Awesome Twosome (Manny Fernandez & Rick Rude): 12/6/86 - 3/16/87 (100 days)

 

 

NWA United States Tag Team Championship

 

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/nwaustag1_zps4612255d.jpg

HARLEM HEAT (BOOKER T & STEVIE RAY)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/Booker%20T_zpsslg8fuwc.jpghttp://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/Stevie%20Ray_zpsnuus4ryc.jpg

 

Won: September 30th 1989, defeated Dustin Rhodes & Kendall Windham in a tournament final at NWA Fall Brawl: War Games in Richmond, Virginia

 

Previous Champions (March 1987 onwards):

Totally Fantastic (Lex Luger & Terry Taylor): 4/14/89 - 8/11/89 (119 days)

The North-South Connection (Adrian Adonis & Dick Murdoch): 1/6/89 - 4/14/89 (98 days)

The Guerrero Brothers (Hector & Chavo Guerrero): 11/5/88 - 1/6/89 (62 days)

The Enemy (Ron Simmons & Larry Cameron): 9/24/88 - 11/5/88 (42 days)

The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane): 4/30/88 - 9/24/88 (147 days)

Barry Windham & Ron Garvin: 12/9/86 - 4/1/88 (479 days)

 

 

Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup

 

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/NWACrockettCup_zps3134f6ef.jpg

 

Past Winners:

4/30/89: Totally Fantastic (Lex Luger & Terry Taylor)

4/30/88: The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane)

4/11/87: The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal)

4/19/86: The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal)

 

[Beejus]

Subscribed! Can't wait to see how this goes, as Ritchardo left things on such a high note. But with the new booker in charge, we can see things play out differently from how they were originally envisioned. This is very exciting!

[Anderz]

OOC Note: So, I've officially joined up with The Final Countdown to taken over the reins from Ritchardo with JCP. My main goal is to do half as well as Ritchardo did in the first place; if I can get anywhere near TFC's WWF then that will be a bonus. I'm in this for the long haul, and as such Attitude Is Everything will no doubt take a backseat. I do plan to get to Fully Loaded and then officially go on hiatus for a while

 

I've got some good ideas on where to go with storylines and characters and hope to provide good competition to the ever-dominant WWF. My first TV is written up and ready to go so shall be appearing at some stage today. I'd really appreciate any thoughts and comments as we go through this.

[Jaysin]

Stoked to see where you go with this.

[Anderz]

In pre-show matches: The Wild Samoans defeated The Simpson Brothers in 4:33 (D); Big Boss Man defeated Johnny Ace in 6:22 (C-); Ivan Koloff defeated Robbie Brookside in 4:50 (D-); and Kevin Sullivan defeated Mike Graham in 7:13 (D+).

 

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/FridayNightShowdown_zps19309d39.jpg

Friday Night Showdown

December 9th, 1988

From the Worcester Centrum – Worcester, MA

Attendance: 10,000 (SOLD OUT)

 

Announce Team: Jim Ross, Boyd Pierce & Nick Bockwinkel

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/JimRoss_zps3573cbd6.jpghttp://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/BoydPierce_zps1053571f.jpghttp://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/NickBockwinkel1_zps65fdd458.jpg

 

In the Interview area:

The NWA’s new commissioner – Harley Race met again with Tony Schiavone. He formally announced that the NWA would return to pay-per-view this Christmas Eve with the Clash of the Champions – a super show that would pit Champion against Champion and see stars from all around the NWA; not just from the USA – but from Japan and Mexico as well. Schiavone asked about Mr. T and The Enemy; to which Race responded firmly by saying that none of those men were Champions – so they were not of his concern tonight. If Mr. T wants to show up again in the NWA, he has already been warned of the consequences.

(Grade: C+)

 

Dustin Rhodes vs. Mark Starr

In his in-ring television debut, the young Rhodes gave a great display of his skills as he took on fellow youngster Starr. Rhodes showed that he wasn’t in the NWA purely on his name and put Starr down for the three count following a bulldog.

Winner: Dustin Rhodes at 5:49

(Grade: E)

 

After the match:

As Rhodes celebrated the first official victory of his career he was blindsided by the NWA World Tag Team Champions – the Fabulous Freebirds. Gordy and Hayes knocked Dustin off his feet and put the boots into him until his father, Dusty stormed the ring with a steel chair in his hands. As the Freebirds hightailed it from the ring, Dusty helped his son to his feet and grabbed a microphone. The “American Dream” told the Freebirds that while they couldn’t face Hayes and Gordy at the Clash of the Champions – the Dream had spoken to Harley Race and can reveal which team will challenge them for the titles come Christmas Eve.

(Grade: B)

 

Video package:

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/RoadWarriorHawk89_zpsc8e813ad.jpghttp://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/RoadWarriorAnimal89_zps03dcc9a0.jpg

The video reveals that the current reigning AJPW Unified World Tag Team Champions; Hawk and Animal – The Road Warriors – would be returning to the United States for one night only to kick the Freebirds ass; what a rush!

(Grade: C)

 

NWA World Cruiserweight Championship Match

Jushin “Thunder” Liger © vs. Jaylyn (w/ Tanaka)

The NWA’s premier high-flyer put on a display against one-half of the mysterious Orient Express tag team as the young Jaylyn gave Liger a good fight. Despite the youngsters best efforts, Liger hit his picture perfect shooting star press to retain his title.

Winner and still Champion: Jushin Liger at 6:30

(Grade: D+)

 

Sid Vicious (w/ Gary Hart) vs. Audie Hager

The monsterous Sid Vicious was on display and made light work of a debuting Hager – a nasty Powerbomb was all she wrote in this one.

Winner: Sid Vicious at 1:24

(Grade: F+)

 

Vignette:

A pre-taped vignette takes us to an outdoor stage where Ken Patera is standing by flexing his muscles in front of the fans. A rather large man wearing a weightlifting outfit stands next to him and hands over a big bag of money – presumably summing to $15,000. Patera explains the rules of the contest and walks over to an area with two cars – he tells his opponent that the man who lifts his car the most in 45 seconds is the winner and takes home $30,000. The pair start out at a similar pace but Patera soon takes the lead as his opponent crumbles – as the time expires, Patera laughs and mockingly waves at his opponent. Patera claims he will be inviting men to try and break his full nelson hold next week on Showdown – the same $15,000 commitment is required, and only the strong should apply.

(Grade: B-)

 

NWA United States Tag Team Championship Match

The Guerrero Brothers (Hector & Chavo Guerrero) © vs. West Texas Hangmen (Black Bart & Bobby Jaggers)

The rough Texan outlaws came in with the tactic of brawling their way to the US tag team titles but the Guerrero brothers gave as good as they got as well as proving that they were the far superior team in the air. Hector put the icing on the performance as he landed a frog splash from the top rope on Jaggers to seal the victory.

Winners and still Champions: The Guerrero Brothers at 6:04

(Grade: D+)

 

In-ring Interview:

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/MascaraAno2000_zps069ab51e.jpghttp://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/CienCaras_zps9f1d5440.jpg

After the bell, Tara joins the Champions in the ring – and they announce that they know who they will be facing at Clash of the Champions. Hector and Chavo announce that they will face the Mexican National Tag Team Champions – Los Hermanos Dinamita from the NWA’s CMLL promotion in Mexico and they can’t wait to prove that they are the best.

(Grade: D)

 

Non-Title Match

Don “The Rock” Muraco vs. Buddy Rose (w/ Doug Somers)

After being victorious at Starrcade and capturing his first title in the US for four years, the resurgent Muraco continued his great streak. The Rock stopped Buddy Rose in his tracks and rebuffed the interference from Somers at ringside in order to score the victory following his reverse piledriver.

Winner: Don Muraco at 12:24

(Grade: B-)

 

Vignette

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/SgtSlaughter0_zps0c3ae619.jpg

A video begins to air showing a man in an army uniform standing in front of the American flag. The man slowly removes his sunglasses and hat to reveal himself to be Sgt. Slaughter. The Sarge tells all of the maggots listening that he is fed up of these fake American’s walking around in the NWA proclaiming to be worthy of representing this great country. He asks how the NWA can live with itself when it has fraudulent United States champions such as Don Muraco and the Guerrero Brothers – when real American heroes like Sgt. Slaughter are not given the respect they deserve.

(Grade: B-)

 

“The Living Legend” Larry Zbyzsko vs. “Dirty” Dick Murdoch

In the night’s main event, the former AWA Champion faced another man who lost a war at Starrcade in Dick Murdoch. It was clear however, that Zbyzsko had recovered faster from his loss as Murdoch looked decidedly out of sorts during the early minutes. After a hard fought, where Murdoch eventually held his own it was the Larryland Dreamer submission hold that gave Zbyzsko the victory.

Winner: Larry Zbyzsko at 15:55

(Grade: B)

 

After the match:

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/AdrianAdonis2_zps0de5dd22.jpg

As Zbyzsko celebrates another victory on his road back to the top; he is attacked from behind by a man in a leather jacket. He drops Larry with a DDT before helping Murdoch back up to his feet – Murdoch is shocked when he realises that it is Adrian Adonis who has him by the arm. The pair put the boots into Zbyzsko as the announce team talk about how the North-South Connection seem to be back together here in the NWA.

(Grade: B-)

 

Vignette:

We return to the victory parade for the Honky Tonk Man in Memphis; we stops a group of uninterested ‘fans’ and tells them that he will be returning to the NWA ring next week on Showdown and promises to steal the show on Christmas Eve at Clash of the Champions – he is the best AWA World Heavyweight Champion of all-time baby.

(Grade: B)

 

In-ring Interview:

The former NWA World Heavyweight Champion, “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair styled and profiled his way down to the ring to join Nick Bockwinkel for an exclusive interview. Flair and Bockwinkel discussed an array of topics, including their match at the Great American Bash with Bockwinkel thanking Flair for ending his in-ring career with the best possible encounter. Flair discussed how he had tried for months to keep the peace between two groups of friends while all the time they were double crossing him. Flair was honest and told Bockwinkel that he may not be the best person in the world but when he did bad things he did it to people’s faces and not behind their backs. Flair promises to make Blanchard, Windham, Orton and the Anderson’s pay for what they did to him – deliberately refusing to call the group the “Four Horsemen”. Flair told Bockwinkel that he would do everything in his power to regain the NWA Championship and become the 7-time Champion of the World.

(Grade: B-)

 

As Bockwinkel wrapped up the interview, the sound of hooves filled the arena and the aforementioned group – containing the new NWA Champion – made their way to the ring. Blanchard informed Flair that while he had his contractually obligated rematch – it wouldn’t be until after the Clash of the Champions; because Flair is now a nobody, a nobody and certainly no Champion. Flair laughed at Tully’s threats and introduced a man who certainly was a Champion and was in the same position as the Nature Boy – a man who was also screwed by this coup; Terry Taylor! “Mr. Fantastic” stood side-by-side with Flair and informed his former stablemates that he was the number one contender and would be facing Tully Blanchard for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at Clash of the Champions – Champion vs. Champion.

(Grade: C-)

 

Ole Anderson steps forward and tells Flair and Taylor that that is all well and good – at Clash of the Champions they will fight one-on-one; but tonight it looks like it’s five-on-two and they aren’t good odds, Champion or not. Flair smirks again as he has more back-up – with Blackjack Mulligan arriving on the scene with his youngest son Kendall Windham and The Fabulous Ones. As the ring filled up and tempers began to rise – Arn Anderson ensured his team would only fight battles they could win and lead the Four Horsemen from the ring in order to fight another day.

(Grade: C+)

 

Overall Show Grade: B-

[KnowYourEnemy]

That's a definite good start -- a B-, and I'm looking forward to this for sure. Awesome to see so many of the Japanese guys incorporated, they could save this company for sure.

 

It's going to be interested to see how WCW factors into the equation -- is JCP still able to lock guys up to exclusive contracts?

[The Final Countdown]

Welcome to the party, my friend! I look forward to following your progress and seeing how the game world develops with you involved.

 

That was a great first show. I really like what you did with Clash of the Champions; great way to set the show apart from standard PPVs and make it truly live up to its name. Plus it means we get Warriors vs. Freebirds!

 

Subscribed! Can't wait to see how this goes, as Ritchardo left things on such a high note. But with the new booker in charge, we can see things play out differently from how they were originally envisioned. This is very exciting!

Agreed. I know from talking to him previously that Ritchardo's got a lot on his plate, but I'm glad he was able to make it through Starrcade. Not only was it a great show, but it left a really interesting jumping off point for Anderz to enter into.

 

 

That's a definite good start -- a B-, and I'm looking forward to this for sure. Awesome to see so many of the Japanese guys incorporated, they could save this company for sure.

 

It's going to be interested to see how WCW factors into the equation -- is JCP still able to lock guys up to exclusive contracts?

Both JCP and WCW are at Cult, so I believe both should be able to sign guys to written deals. I know JCP can, because the majority of their main event scene is under them. JCP outranks WCW, so I don't think Anderz needs to worry too much about them swiping his talent. WCW does have very deep pockets though; they debut as the second richest company in the world, behind only me. Damn Teddy Turner!

[Anderz]

Subscribed! Can't wait to see how this goes, as Ritchardo left things on such a high note. But with the new booker in charge, we can see things play out differently from how they were originally envisioned. This is very exciting!

 

Glad to have you aboard! Definitely got some big shoes to fill as you rightly said Starrcade was the highest of high notes for Ritchardo to leave on.

 

Stoked to see where you go with this.

 

Thanks! Hopefully I won't disappoint.

 

That's a definite good start -- a B-, and I'm looking forward to this for sure. Awesome to see so many of the Japanese guys incorporated, they could save this company for sure.

 

It's going to be interested to see how WCW factors into the equation -- is JCP still able to lock guys up to exclusive contracts?

 

As TFC mentioned all my key players are locked into written deals. And with any luck JCP will be breaking through to National in early 1989.

 

Welcome to the party, my friend! I look forward to following your progress and seeing how the game world develops with you involved.

 

That was a great first show. I really like what you did with Clash of the Champions; great way to set the show apart from standard PPVs and make it truly live up to its name. Plus it means we get Warriors vs. Freebirds!

 

 

Agreed. I know from talking to him previously that Ritchardo's got a lot on his plate, but I'm glad he was able to make it through Starrcade. Not only was it a great show, but it left a really interesting jumping off point for Anderz to enter into.

 

 

 

Both JCP and WCW are at Cult, so I believe both should be able to sign guys to written deals. I know JCP can, because the majority of their main event scene is under them. JCP outranks WCW, so I don't think Anderz needs to worry too much about them swiping his talent. WCW does have very deep pockets though; they debut as the second richest company in the world, behind only me. Damn Teddy Turner!

 

Thanks a lot for trusting me with this; I look forward to giving you a challenge down the line and hopefully push the WWF to do bigger and better things.

 

My first show was a decent effort but once I get used to booking the roster I hope to bridge the gap and pump out better. I'm looking forward to Clash of the Champions - I was tempted to go for a 'every title must be defended' kind of stipulation but felt this could've better.

 

Worry about WCW? Nah! Ted Turner doesn't scare me!

[Anderz]

In pre-show matches: Diamond Dallas Page defeated Sean Royal in 4:16 (D-); Ivan Koloff defeated Tommy Rich in 6:21 (C-); Lex Luger defeated Cocoa Samoa in 5:55 (D+); and The Von Erichs defeated The Orient Express in 5:39 ©.

 

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/FridayNightShowdown_zps19309d39.jpg

Friday Night Showdown

December 16th, 1988

From the Cameron Indoor Stadium – Durham, NC

Attendance: 9,314 (SOLD OUT)

 

Announce Team: Jim Ross, Boyd Pierce & Nick Bockwinkel

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/JimRoss_zps3573cbd6.jpghttp://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/BoydPierce_zps1053571f.jpghttp://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/NickBockwinkel1_zps65fdd458.jpg

 

In-ring Interview:

Friday Night Showdown begins with the fans booing ferociously as Mr. T stands in the centre of the ring flanked by the Enemy. Teddy Long introduces him as the biggest playa in all of entertainment and pro wrestling. T grabs the microphone and begins to rip into the NWA Commissioner – Harley Race; T tells him that he is here to stay and will only leave if he gets beaten up so bad that he can’t come back – and that won’t happen. T tells Race to put forward a tag team to take on the Enemy at Clash of the Champions – if Race’s team wins he gets the match everyone wants to see; Mr. T kicking Harley Race’s ass.

(Grade: C-)

 

The NWA Commissioner is quick to respond – and he arrives to tell Mr. T that he will indulge him as he has a tag team ready and waiting for a fight on Christmas Eve. Race introduces a duo who have been itching for a fight and embody the true spirit of professional wrestling – Dusty and Dustin Rhodes! The father/son duo join Race at the entrance way; with Dusty telling the Enemy that they might not be the team he wants to fight – but he’ll give them the beating he wants to give to the Freebirds.

(Grade: B-)

 

The North-South Connection (Adrian Adonis & Dick Murdoch) vs. The Simpson Brothers (Steve & Shaun Simpson)

Just seven days after making his NWA debut and reforming an old alliance, Adonis and his partner Murdoch put on a solid display as they made quick work of the South African brothers. The Connection clearly hadn’t lost their abilities as partners and Adonis picked up the victory with the DDT on the younger Simpson.

Winners: The North-South Connection at 3:15

(Grade: C-)

 

After the match:

As soon as the bell sounds, Larry Zbyzsko storms the ring – and the Living Legend makes a beeline for Adonis, clearly incensed about the attack last week. Larry gets a couple of shots in but the Connection manage to clear the ring before any damage can be done. The former AWA Champion grabs a microphone from ringside and demands that Adonis meets him inside the ring, one-on-one, at Clash of the Champions. A simple nod of the head from the newcomer suggests that the challenge has been accepted.

(Grade: C+)

 

In-ring Vignette:

The strongman – Ken Patera – makes his way to the ring for his full nelson challenge. Before we get started however, Patera introduces his new manager – “Playboy” Gary Hart – who joins Patera in the ring as does bodyguard Sid Vicious. Patera’s challenger then arrives, and it is “Crusher” Jerry Blackwell. The big man hands his bag of money to Gary Hart and allows Patera to lock-in his full nelson hold. Patera has the hold in tight, but Blackwell shows signs that he may be able to break Patera’s grip. Spotting this Hart signals to Sid to intervene and the monster enters the ring and kicks Blackwell in the gut. Patera relinquishes the hold; only to allow himself and Sid to put a beating on Blackwell before Hart raises both men’s hands in victory – with Patera claiming the $30,000 once again.

(Grade: C+)

 

Vignette:

We head to a hotel room and see both Austin Idol and Missy Hyatt lying on the bed in robes drinking champagne. There is a knock at the door, and Idol gets up to answer – the man on the other side declares himself to be room service but in truth it is Eddie Gilbert. Gilbert rams the trolley into Idol and clobbers him with a forearm. The pair brawl into the room, with Gilbert on the offensive – throwing Austin across the bed. Gilbert tells Hyatt that she will rue the day she turned her back on Eddie Gilbert before storming out of the room.

(Grade: D+)

 

The Lord of Pain (w/ Kevin Sullivan) vs. Big Boss Man

After tasting defeat at Starrcade, the Big Boss Man was back in fine form to overcome the odds in his latest battle against the Army of Darkness. Sullivan attempted to get involved a number of times but the correctional officer from Cobb County, Georgia kept him at bay before securing the victory with a sidewalk slam.

Winner: Big Boss Man at 6:37

(Grade: C-)

 

In the Interview area:

Tony Schiavone was standing by with the former NWA Champion – Ric Flair; and the Nature Boy was adamant that he would do anything to get the title rematch he deserved. Flair spoke directly to both Tully Blanchard and Terry Taylor and told them that whoever was the Champion come 1989 – Flair would be challenging for the gold at WrestleWar in January. He was desperate to become the man again, and would beat anyone to achieve his goal.

(Grade: B-)

 

Elsewhere, Tara was joined by the Four Horsemen; as the current NWA Champion – Tully Blanchard responded to the challenge laid down by Flair. Tully told the Nature Boy that he was a fair man, so he could have his rematch at WrestleWar – but just so both men were in prime fighting condition, he had a proposal for Flair to wrestle at the Clash of the Champions – even though he wasn’t a Champion any more. Tully told Flair to get himself two partners and face the rest of the Four Horsemen in a six man tag team battle – and if he survived, he would gladly kick his ass again at WrestleWar.

(Grade: B-)

 

Barry Windham was next in line for an interview, and he spoke directly to his brother Kendall and his father Blackjack Mulligan. Windham told his brother and father to keep their jealous noses out of his business tonight as he faced the TV Champion Terry Taylor in a non-title match.

(Grade: C+)

 

NWA United States Heavyweight Championship Match

Don “The Rock” Muraco © vs. Jimmy Garvin (w/ Dirty White Girl)

The Rock made his first defence of the title he won at Starrcade and it was a good showing for the veteran from Hawaii. Garvin put in a good showing and at times threatened Muraco with a couple of near falls – they weren’t to be however as Muraco dropped Garvin with his reverse piledriver and secured his first title defence.

Winner and still NWA United States Heavyweight Champion: Don Muraco at 11:37

(Grade: B)

 

After the match:

Moments after the bell sounded, an acoustic guitar began playing and it signalled the arrival of the new AWA World Champion – the Honky Tonk Man. Honky told the fans that he had been resting up after the biggest title win of his life and treating the people of Memphis to full access to the greatest AWA Champion of all time. Muraco interrupted and asked what that had to do with The Rock and the US title? Honky told Muraco and the fans that unfortunately his holiday was being cut short and he had to face The Rock at Clash of the Champions and Honky wasn’t best pleased. Muraco told Honky it would be ahis pleasure to bring him back down to earth and prove that he wasn’t the greatest anything of all time.

(Grade: B)

 

Vignette:

We were then treated to another pre-taped promo from Sgt. Slaughter – who promised that he would be making his in-ring NWA debut at Clash of the Champions and would prove that he was a deserved Champion for America. Slaughter also suggested that he may be bringing in some friends in order to prove that the current crop of American heroes were not worthy of such recognition.

(Grade: B-)

 

The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) vs. The British Bruisers (Dynamite Kid & Chris Adams w/ Lou Albano)

The NWA World Tag Team Champions were in non-title action next as they took on the highly talented and highly experienced British duo under the tutelage of Captain Lou. The match itself was a great back and forth encounter but ultimately the Champions proved why they were Champions in the first place. Hayes took Dynamite to the outside and brawled with him whilst Gordy hit a nasty Powerbomb on Adams to pick up the victory.

Winners: The Fabulous Freebirds at 9:44

(Grade: B-)

 

In-ring Interview:

Hayes grabbed a microphone after the bell; he and Gordy ran down the Road Warriors – their opponents at Clash of the Champions. Hayes told Hawk and Animal that if they had any sense, which he knew they didn’t – then they would miss their flight over from Japan. Gordy told the AJPW Unified World Tag Team Champions that they weren’t scared and eat bigger and badder things for breakfast every day.

(Grade: B-)

 

“Mr. Fantastic” Terry Taylor vs. Barry Windham (w/ Ole Anderson)

In the non-title main event, the NWA World Television Champion had to do battle against the Four Horsemen. On paper, this match was not a one-sided affair but once you factor in the presence of Ole Anderson at ringside and the persistent interference of the rest of the Horsemen it was surprising that Windham didn’t easily win the contest. Mr. Fantastic gave a showing befitting his moniker but it still wasn’t enough to earn the victory against the odds. Eventually the Horsemen were caught red handed after Tully Blanchard blatantly clobbered Taylor in the face with the NWA World Championship belt – forcing the referee to call for the disqualification.

Winner by DQ: Terry Taylor at 15:56

(Grade: C+)

 

After the match:

The Four Horsemen swarmed the ring and gave their former running buddy a five-on-one beating with even Ole getting some shots in. The five men were eventually sent running from the ring like scalded dogs once the Nature Boy arrived with the cavalry – in the form of the Fabulous Ones. Flair, Lane and Keirn cleared the Horsemen from the ring but the damage had already been done to a bloody and unconscious Taylor – a clear message had been sent by Blanchard to Flair.

(Grade: B)

 

Overall Show Grade: B-

[The Final Countdown]

Well, looks like Naitch found his partners, eh?

 

HTM vs. Muraco is interesting. That match is a candidate to steal the show I think. Honky has had some great matches in JCP.

[Anderz]

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/ClashOfTheChampions_zpsd6480634.jpg

NWA CLASH OF THE CHAMPIONS

 

OFFICIAL FAN SCORECARD

 

 

NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Tully Blanchard © vs. "Mr. Fantastic" Terry Taylor [NWA World Television Champion]

 

AWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Honky Tonk Man © vs. Don "The Rock" Muraco [NWA United States Heavyweight Champion]

 

NWA World Tag Team Championship Match

The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) © vs. The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) [AJPW Unified World Tag Team Champions]

 

NWA World Cruiserweight Championship Match

Jushin "Thunder" Liger © vs. Masanobu Fuchi [AJPW Junior Heavyweight Champion]

 

NWA United States Tag Team Championship Match

The Guerrero Brothers (Hector & Chavo Guerrero) © vs. Los Hermanos Dinamita (Cien Caras & Mascara Ano 2000) [Mexican National Tag Team Champions]

 

The Four Horsemen (Arn Anderson, Barry Windham & Bob Orton Jr.) vs. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair & The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane)

 

"The Living Legend" Larry Zbyzsko vs. Adrian Adonis

 

The Enemy (Ron Simmons & Larry Cameron) vs. Dusty & Dustin Rhodes

 

Ken Patera vs. Jerry Blackwell

 

 

Bonus Questions:

What was the best match on the show?

What was the worst match on the show?

How many titles will change hands?

[packerman120]

NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Tully Blanchard © vs. "Mr. Fantastic" Terry Taylor [NWA World Television Champion]

 

AWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Honky Tonk Man © vs. Don "The Rock" Muraco [NWA United States Heavyweight Champion]

 

NWA World Tag Team Championship Match

The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) © vs. The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) [AJPW Unified World Tag Team Champions]

 

NWA World Cruiserweight Championship Match

Jushin "Thunder" Liger © vs. Masanobi Fuchi [AJPW Junior Heavyweight Champion]

 

NWA United States Tag Team Championship Match

The Guerrero Brothers (Hector & Chavo Guerrero) © vs. Los Hermanos Dinamita (Cien Caras & Mascara Ano 2000) [Mexican National Tag Team Champions]

 

The Four Horsemen (Arn Anderson, Barry Windham & Bob Orton Jr.) vs. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair & The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane)

 

"The Living Legend" Larry Zbyzsko vs. Adrian Adonis

 

The Enemy (Ron Simmons & Larry Cameron) vs. Dusty & Dustin Rhodes

 

Ken Patera vs. Jerry Blackwell

 

 

Bonus Questions:

What was the best match on the show? HTM/Muraco

What was the worst match on the show? Patera/Blackwell

How many titles will change hands? 1

[smwilliams]

NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Tully Blanchard © vs. "Mr. Fantastic" Terry Taylor [NWA World Television Champion]

 

AWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Honky Tonk Man © vs. Don "The Rock" Muraco [NWA United States Heavyweight Champion]

 

NWA World Tag Team Championship Match

The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) © vs. The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) [AJPW Unified World Tag Team Champions]

 

NWA World Cruiserweight Championship Match

Jushin "Thunder" Liger © vs. Masanobu Fuchi [AJPW Junior Heavyweight Champion]

 

NWA United States Tag Team Championship Match

The Guerrero Brothers (Hector & Chavo Guerrero) © vs. Los Hermanos Dinamita (Cien Caras & Mascara Ano 2000) [Mexican National Tag Team Champions]

 

The Four Horsemen (Arn Anderson, Barry Windham & Bob Orton Jr.) vs. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair & The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane)

 

"The Living Legend" Larry Zbyzsko vs. Adrian Adonis

 

The Enemy (Ron Simmons & Larry Cameron) vs. Dusty & Dustin Rhodes

 

Ken Patera vs. Jerry Blackwell

 

 

Bonus Questions:

What was the best match on the show? Freebirds vs Warriors

What was the worst match on the show? Patera vs Blackwell

How many titles will change hands? 0

[The Final Countdown]

NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Tully Blanchard © vs. "Mr. Fantastic" Terry Taylor [NWA World Television Champion]

 

AWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Honky Tonk Man © vs. Don "The Rock" Muraco [NWA United States Heavyweight Champion]

 

NWA World Tag Team Championship Match

The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) © vs. The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) [AJPW Unified World Tag Team Champions]

 

NWA World Cruiserweight Championship Match

Jushin "Thunder" Liger © vs. Masanobu Fuchi [AJPW Junior Heavyweight Champion]

 

NWA United States Tag Team Championship Match

The Guerrero Brothers (Hector & Chavo Guerrero) © vs. Los Hermanos Dinamita (Cien Caras & Mascara Ano 2000) [Mexican National Tag Team Champions]

 

The Four Horsemen (Arn Anderson, Barry Windham & Bob Orton Jr.) vs. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair & The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane)

 

"The Living Legend" Larry Zbyzsko vs. Adrian Adonis

 

The Enemy (Ron Simmons & Larry Cameron) vs. Dusty & Dustin Rhodes

 

Ken Patera vs. Jerry Blackwell

 

 

Bonus Questions:

What was the best match on the show? HTM/Muraco

What was the worst match on the show? US tag titles

How many titles will change hands? 0

[smurphy1014]

NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Tully Blanchard © vs. "Mr. Fantastic" Terry Taylor [NWA World Television Champion]

 

AWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Honky Tonk Man © vs. Don "The Rock" Muraco [NWA United States Heavyweight Champion]

 

NWA World Tag Team Championship Match

The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) © vs. The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) [AJPW Unified World Tag Team Champions]

 

NWA World Cruiserweight Championship Match

Jushin "Thunder" Liger © vs. Masanobu Fuchi [AJPW Junior Heavyweight Champion]

 

NWA United States Tag Team Championship Match

The Guerrero Brothers (Hector & Chavo Guerrero) © vs. Los Hermanos Dinamita (Cien Caras & Mascara Ano 2000) [Mexican National Tag Team Champions]

 

The Four Horsemen (Arn Anderson, Barry Windham & Bob Orton Jr.) vs. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair & The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane)

 

"The Living Legend" Larry Zbyzsko vs. Adrian Adonis

 

The Enemy (Ron Simmons & Larry Cameron) vs. Dusty & Dustin Rhodes

 

Ken Patera vs. Jerry Blackwell

 

 

Bonus Questions:

What was the best match on the show? Blanchard/Taylor

What was the worst match on the show? Patera/Blackwell

How many titles will change hands? 0

[Zergon]

NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Tully Blanchard © vs. "Mr. Fantastic" Terry Taylor [NWA World Television Champion]

Taylor might well be future main event champion but I doubt he´s quite ready to be the main champ yet so Tully will take this one.

 

AWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Honky Tonk Man © vs. Don "The Rock" Muraco [NWA United States Heavyweight Champion]

Honky Tonk Man was one of the more surprising (to me at least) success stories for Ritchardo and it will be interesting to see how he will do with you. If there´s going to be a title change in this show I think this is the most likely spot for it (since most other challengers are from different promotions) but I go with Honky retaining as he just won the belt.

 

NWA World Tag Team Championship Match

The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) © vs. The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) [AJPW Unified World Tag Team Champions]

I am tempted to go with Road Warriors but since I assume Road Warriors being here is a one shot deal I will go with Freebirds retaining the belts.

 

NWA World Cruiserweight Championship Match

Jushin "Thunder" Liger © vs. Masanobu Fuchi [AJPW Junior Heavyweight Champion]

Don´t see much reason for Liger to drop the belt here to someone who isn´t on the regular roster.

 

NWA United States Tag Team Championship Match

The Guerrero Brothers (Hector & Chavo Guerrero) © vs. Los Hermanos Dinamita (Cien Caras & Mascara Ano 2000) [Mexican National Tag Team Champions]

Much of the same than on two previous match, so basically I expect Los Hermanos to be here just for one shot deal and thus not getting the belts.

 

The Four Horsemen (Arn Anderson, Barry Windham & Bob Orton Jr.) vs. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair & The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane)

Based on last show, Flair winning here would set-up Flair vs. Tully so that´s what likely will happen.

 

"The Living Legend" Larry Zbyzsko vs. Adrian Adonis

Zbyzsko gets the win but is beaten down after his match by Adonis and Murdoch

 

The Enemy (Ron Simmons & Larry Cameron) vs. Dusty & Dustin Rhodes

Not quite sure were this is going yet but since Dusty is the biggest name out from these four, I play safe and go with him.

 

Ken Patera vs. Jerry Blackwell

Patera has been getting some TV-time so I´d assume this match is here to make him look good.

 

Bonus Questions:

What was the best match on the show? Tully Blanchard © vs. "Mr. Fantastic" Terry Taylor

What was the worst match on the show? Ken Patera vs. Jerry Blackwell

How many titles will change hands? 0

[Beejus]

NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Tully Blanchard © vs. "Mr. Fantastic" Terry Taylor [NWA World Television Champion]

 

AWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Honky Tonk Man © vs. Don "The Rock" Muraco [NWA United States Heavyweight Champion]

 

NWA World Tag Team Championship Match

The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) © vs. The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) [AJPW Unified World Tag Team Champions]

I'm gonna say a DQ or count out win, keeping the Warriors strong and giving the AJPW guys a win somewhere, albeit without winning the titles.

 

NWA World Cruiserweight Championship Match

Jushin "Thunder" Liger © vs. Masanobu Fuchi [AJPW Junior Heavyweight Champion]

 

NWA United States Tag Team Championship Match

The Guerrero Brothers (Hector & Chavo Guerrero) © vs. Los Hermanos Dinamita (Cien Caras & Mascara Ano 2000) [Mexican National Tag Team Champions]

 

The Four Horsemen (Arn Anderson, Barry Windham & Bob Orton Jr.) vs. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair & The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane)

As much as I'm not sure about the Fabs being on the winning team here, Flair needs to win.

 

"The Living Legend" Larry Zbyzsko vs. Adrian Adonis

Adrian is new kid on the block.

 

The Enemy (Ron Simmons & Larry Cameron) vs. Dusty & Dustin Rhodes

 

Ken Patera vs. Jerry Blackwell

 

Bonus Questions:

What was the best match on the show? When in doubt, bet on Flair.

What was the worst match on the show? Patera vs Blackwell

How many titles will change hands? None

[Jaysin]

NWA CLASH OF THE CHAMPIONS

 

OFFICIAL FAN SCORECARD

 

 

NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Tully Blanchard © vs. "Mr. Fantastic" Terry Taylor [NWA World Television Champion]

 

AWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Honky Tonk Man © vs. Don "The Rock" Muraco [NWA United States Heavyweight Champion]

 

NWA World Tag Team Championship Match

The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) © vs. The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) [AJPW Unified World Tag Team Champions]

 

NWA World Cruiserweight Championship Match

Jushin "Thunder" Liger © vs. Masanobu Fuchi [AJPW Junior Heavyweight Champion]

 

NWA United States Tag Team Championship Match

The Guerrero Brothers (Hector & Chavo Guerrero) © vs. Los Hermanos Dinamita (Cien Caras & Mascara Ano 2000) [Mexican National Tag Team Champions]

 

The Four Horsemen (Arn Anderson, Barry Windham & Bob Orton Jr.) vs. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair & The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane)

 

"The Living Legend" Larry Zbyzsko vs. Adrian Adonis

 

The Enemy (Ron Simmons & Larry Cameron) vs. Dusty & Dustin Rhodes

 

Ken Patera vs. Jerry Blackwell

 

 

Bonus Questions:

What was the best match on the show? Tully vs Terry Taylor

What was the worst match on the show? Patera vs Blackwell

How many titles will change hands? 0

[CPBHBK]

NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Tully Blanchard © vs. "Mr. Fantastic" Terry Taylor [NWA World Television Champion]

 

AWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Honky Tonk Man © vs. Don "The Rock" Muraco [NWA United States Heavyweight Champion]

 

NWA World Tag Team Championship Match

The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) © vs. The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) [AJPW Unified World Tag Team Champions]

 

NWA World Cruiserweight Championship Match

Jushin "Thunder" Liger © vs. Masanobu Fuchi [AJPW Junior Heavyweight Champion]

 

NWA United States Tag Team Championship Match

The Guerrero Brothers (Hector & Chavo Guerrero) © vs. Los Hermanos Dinamita (Cien Caras & Mascara Ano 2000) [Mexican National Tag Team Champions]

 

The Four Horsemen (Arn Anderson, Barry Windham & Bob Orton Jr.) vs. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair & The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane)

 

"The Living Legend" Larry Zbyzsko vs. Adrian Adonis

 

The Enemy (Ron Simmons & Larry Cameron) vs. Dusty & Dustin Rhodes

 

Ken Patera vs. Jerry Blackwell

 

 

Bonus Questions:

What was the best match on the show? Tully vs Terry Taylor

What was the worst match on the show? Patera vs Blackwell

How many titles will change hands? 1

[lnic]

NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Tully Blanchard © vs. "Mr. Fantastic" Terry Taylor [NWA World Television Champion]

I just dont see Taylor as a world champ

 

AWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Honky Tonk Man © vs. Don "The Rock" Muraco [NWA United States Heavyweight Champion]

The greatest reign of all times is not ending here

 

NWA World Tag Team Championship Match

The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) © vs. The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) [AJPW Unified World Tag Team Champions]

Warriors and Birds draw

NWA World Cruiserweight Championship Match

Jushin "Thunder" Liger © vs. Masanobu Fuchi [AJPW Junior Heavyweight Champion]

Big win for Liger

 

NWA United States Tag Team Championship Match

The Guerrero Brothers (Hector & Chavo Guerrero) © vs. Los Hermanos Dinamita (Cien Caras & Mascara Ano 2000) [Mexican National Tag Team Champions]

Guerreros win

 

The Four Horsemen (Arn Anderson, Barry Windham & Bob Orton Jr.) vs. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair & The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane)

Flair needs the win

"The Living Legend" Larry Zbyzsko vs. Adrian Adonis

The Adorable One will get over Larry

 

The Enemy (Ron Simmons & Larry Cameron) vs. Dusty & Dustin Rhodes

May be time for Ron to break off on his own

 

Ken Patera vs. Jerry Blackwell

an olympic win

 

 

Bonus Questions:

What was the best match on the show? Blanchard vs Taylor

What was the worst match on the show? Patera vs Blackwell

How many titles will change hands? None

[pyroman]

NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Tully Blanchard © vs. "Mr. Fantastic" Terry Taylor [NWA World Television Champion]

 

AWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Honky Tonk Man © vs. Don "The Rock" Muraco [NWA United States Heavyweight Champion]

 

NWA World Tag Team Championship Match

The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) © vs. The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) [AJPW Unified World Tag Team Champions]

 

NWA World Cruiserweight Championship Match

Jushin "Thunder" Liger © vs. Masanobu Fuchi [AJPW Junior Heavyweight Champion]

 

NWA United States Tag Team Championship Match

The Guerrero Brothers (Hector & Chavo Guerrero) © vs. Los Hermanos Dinamita (Cien Caras & Mascara Ano 2000) [Mexican National Tag Team Champions]

 

The Four Horsemen (Arn Anderson, Barry Windham & Bob Orton Jr.) vs. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair & The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane)

 

"The Living Legend" Larry Zbyzsko vs. Adrian Adonis

 

The Enemy (Ron Simmons & Larry Cameron) vs. Dusty & Dustin Rhodes

 

Ken Patera vs. Jerry Blackwell

 

 

Bonus Questions:

What was the best match on the show? Blanchard vs. Taylor

What was the worst match on the show? Patera vs. Blackwell

How many titles will change hands? 0

[Anderz]

In pre-show matches: Diamond Dallas Page defeated Chris Champion in 5:45 (E+); North-South Connection defeated The Southern Boys in 6:26 (C-); Bam Bam Bigelow defeated The Terminator in 5:57 (D-) and The Von Erichs defeated The Masters of Pain in 7:22 ©.

 

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/FridayNightShowdown_zps19309d39.jpg

Friday Night Showdown

December 23rd, 1988

From the Onondaga County War Memorial – Syracuse, NY

Attendance: 7,509

 

Announce Team: Jim Ross, Boyd Pierce & Nick Bockwinkel

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/JimRoss_zps3573cbd6.jpghttp://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/BoydPierce_zps1053571f.jpghttp://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/NickBockwinkel1_zps65fdd458.jpg

 

In the Interview area:

Tony Schiavone kicks the show off by introducing Ric Flair, the Fabulous Ones and NWA Television Champ Terry Taylor. The four men talk about their ongoing rivalries with the Four Horsemen – Taylor talks about his unfinished business with Orton in particular but remains focussed on Tully Blanchard tomorrow night. Flair takes over and talks about how he has a cheque to cash in with Tully and right now it isn’t about the NWA Title and wishes Taylor all the luck for tomorrow night. Flair turns his focus to his two partners in Lane and Keirn and warns Arn, Windham and Orton that tomorrow night they will prove that they aren’t fit to use the Horsemen name.

(Grade: C+)

 

Jerry Blackwell vs. Cocoa Samoa (w/ Gary Hart)

The big Jerry Blackwell went to war with a stablemate of his Clash of the Champions – and generally had the better of Cocoa Samoa for much of the match. This wasn’t enough for Blackwell to earn the victory – he got close but the arrival of Ken Patera and a stiff forearm to the back of the end drew the disqualification.

Winner by DQ: Jerry Blackwell at 5:18

(Grade: C-)

 

After the match:

The beating from Patera didn’t stop at the sound of the bell – and with Gary Hart leading the charge from ringside, Sid Vicious joined in the fun. Sid and Patera gave Blackwell a huge double spinebuster and then unceremoniously dumped him from the ring. Hart then told the fans that he would showcase the skills of his young monster as Sid would destroy the Simpson Brothers in a handicap match up next.

(Grade: C)

 

Sid Vicious (w/ Gary Hart) vs. The Simpson Brothers (Steve & Shaun Simpson)

And destroy them he did; and in rapid fashion – a nasty Powerbomb for both brothers in quick succession gave Sid the victory.

Winner: Sid Vicious at 1:41

(Grade: E-)

 

Video package:

A video aired highlighting the clash for the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship at Cash of the Champions. The video focussed on the technical ability of both the reigning Champion Jushin Liger and his fellow countrymen – the AJPW Junior Heavyweight Champion Masanobu Fuchi.

(Grade: E+)

 

Dusty & Dustin Rhodes vs. The West Texas Hangmen (Bobby Jaggers & Black Bart)

The father/son duo of Dusty and Dustin were given a chance to work on their tag team chemistry against the ever dangerous West Texas Hangmen. Dustin gave another impressive display and eventually earned the victory for his team with a bulldog to Black Bart.

Winners: Dusty & Dustin Rhodes at 5:51

(Grade: C-)

 

After the match:

As Dusty congratulated his son on his efforts, The Enemy stormed the ring with Teddy Long directing traffic. Cameron and Simmons took Dusty out of the ring and brawled with him on the floor – and this distraction allowed Mr. T to sneak into the ring behind Dustin. T had a pair of brass knuckles on his right hand and blindsided the younger Rhodes with a shot right behind the ear sending him crashing to the canvas. T and The Enemy fled the scene as Dusty and the medical team attended to Dustin.

(Grade: B)

 

“The Total Package” Lex Luger (w/ James J. Dillon) vs. Buddy Rose (w/ Doug Somers)

In his first appearance since Starrcade, Luger was showing no ring rust as he ended up on top in a back and forth battle with Buddy Rose. It was Luger’s strength that gave him the victory and in particular his devastating Torture Rack.

Winner: Lex Luger at 7:45

(Grade: C)

 

In-ring interview:

After the bell, Tara headed to the ring to as Luger and Dillon about the Television title and Starrcade in particular. Dillon took the microphone and told Terry Taylor that he warned him that this would happen – he told him to watch over both shoulders and to expect to be turned on, and that is exactly what happened. Luger steps in and tells Taylor that he doesn’t blame him – but that he should rightfully be the Television Champion. Dillon tells Taylor that if he needs any help tomorrow night he should look to a man who has already been through it all – the Total Package.

(Grade: C-)

 

In the Interview area:

Backstage, Tony Schiavone is standing by with the Four Horsemen – and the NWA Champion leads the charge. Tully directs his comments towards both Ric Flair and Terry Taylor – telling both men that they can throw whatever they like at him; neither man will take the gold from around his waist. Arn steps in and tells the Fabulous Ones that they backed the wrong dog in this fight and that siding with Flair will only get them hurt. Arn then mentions Lex Luger and tells the Total Package that he has experienced a Horsemen beating before so he needs to keep his nose out of business that doesn’t concern him.

(Grade: C+)

 

Video package:

A second video package aired ahead of tomorrow night’s Clash of the Champions; this time focussing on the NWA World Tag Team Championship match. As Champions, the Fabulous Freebirds defend against the AJPW Unified World Tag Team Champions – the Road Warriors.

(Grade: C+)

 

Honky Tonk Man vs. Hector Guerrero

In non-title action, the new AWA Champion had his first in-ring appearance since Starrcade and was doing battle with one-half of the US Tag Champions – Hector Guerrero. The battle was hotly contested, with Hector using his high-flying prowess to keep Honky on the ropes. Eventually though, the self-proclaimed greatest AWA Champion of all-time came good and the Shake, Rattle and Roll gave him the victory.

Winner: Honky Tonk Man at 15:50

(Grade: B-)

 

After the match:

As Honky celebrated his hard-fought victory; his opponent tomorrow night – the US Champion – Don Muraco made his way down to the ring. The Rock stood face to face with Honky and told him that tomorrow night – the two will fight with no gimmicks and the best man will walk out with the AWA title.

(Grade: B-)

 

Vignette:

We go to a pre-taped vignette with Sgt. Slaughter in front of the stars and stripes once again. The Sarge goes over the fact that he does not believe any of the current crop of United States Champions represent America in the way he would and that tomorrow night he would be making his in-ring debut to prove as much.

(Grade: B)

 

In the Interview area:

We head backstage once again and a busy Tony Schiavone has caught up with Mr. T who has worked himself into a frenzy. T tells Schiavone that everything that he did tonight was because of Harley Race and everything that The Enemy will do to the pathetic Rhodes family tomorrow night will be on the hands of Race.

(Grade: C+)

 

The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane w/ Blackjack Mulligan) vs. The Four Horsemen (Arn Anderson & Bob Orton Jr. w/ Ole Anderson)

In our hotly anticipated main event, the Fabulous One put in an effort that proved to the world why Ric Flair chose them to be by his side tomorrow night. The duo from the Four Horsemen was on the back foot for much of the match as the superior teamwork of Keirn and Lane proved key. As the match wore on and their chances looked bleaker, Ole decided it was time to get involved and his distraction of the referee allowed Tully Blanchard to run in and clobber Lane with his NWA title belt. As Tully exited in the ring like nothing happened; Arn delivered an unnecessary Spinebuster to seal the victory for the Horsemen.

Winners: The Four Horsemen at 16:39

(Grade: B)

 

After the match:

With victory earned by unscrupulous means the Four Horsemen swarmed on the Fabulous Ones and began to deliver a 4-on-2 beating. This didn’t last as Flair and Taylor hit the ring together to even up the sides; the eight men brawled in and around the ring until the Horsemen sought refuge and decided to fight another day by quickly heading backstage as Showdown went off the air.

(Grade: B)

 

Overall Show Grade: B-

[Beejus]

A very nice go-home show that ends with a massive brawl. Can't wait to see how things go at the Clash!