JCP: The Race To The Top [TGAAB]

The Final Countdown · January 8, 2015

Don't forget that Lawler is the booker for CWA, which complicates negotiation attempts. That's the reason you've never seen him in the WWF.

K-Nection · January 9, 2015

He could come back under a mask as The Masked Monarch!

This made me laugh alot more than it should have. I just see this for some reason like a Santino Marella esque gimmick where instead of the cobra he puts a white glove on and "Crowns" you.

Anderz · January 11, 2015

In pre-show matches: Diamond Dallas Page defeated Audie Hager in 4:04 (F+); Dustin Rhodes defeated Brad James in 5:37 (E+); The Southern Boys defeated The Masters of Pain in 6:17 (D+); and Big Boss Man defeated Bobby Jaggers in 5:41 (D+).

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

Friday Night Showdown

January 6th, 1989

From the Anaheim Convention Center – Anaheim, CA

Attendance: 9,100 (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:

The first show of 1989 began with Sgt. Slaughter in the centre of the ring. The self-proclaimed “Real American Hero” continues to mock the US Heavyweight and Tag Team champions – Don Muraco and the Guerrero Brothers. The Sarge focussed most of his anger and vitriol towards the Rock and told him to act like a real champion and face him at WrestleWar. If he doesn’t accept, Slaughter promises to continue beating people up until there is no other option for Harley Race and the NWA.

(Grade: B-)

Sgt. Slaughter vs. Greg Gagne

The Sarge performed in the ring just like he said he would; Gagne gave it a solid effort but the Real American Hero locked in his deadly Cobra Clutch to force the submission quickly. The announce team commented that whether you like him or not, evidence for Slaughter deserving a shot at the US title was mounting up.

Winner: Sgt. Slaughter at 4:33

(Grade: C)

In the Interview Area:

A worked up Larry Zybszko joined Tony Schiavone and told him that he had heard that the Honky Tonk Man was in the building and the Living Legend wanted to speak to the AWA Champion about his rematch. Tony agreed with Larry that he had done everything to earn his title rematch and that it was only a matter of time before the match was signed for WrestleWar.

(Grade: B-)

In-ring Interview:

Mr. T and the Enemy made their way to the ring; with T grabbing a microphone on his way and talking directly to the NWA Commissioner. Mr. T told Harley Race that if he was so desperate to get him out of the NWA, then Race should be the one to do it in the ring. T challenges Race to a straight-up wrestling match at WrestleWar – no gimmicks, if he’s got the guts to put his money where his mouth is.

(Grade: C+)

The Enemy (Ron Simmons & Larry Cameron w/ Teddy Long & Mr. T) vs. The New Breed (Chris Champion & Sean Royal)

Just like Mr. T had threatened to do to the NWA Commissioner – his tag team did to their opponents. Whilst it was the New Breed who were the former NWA World Tag Champions – it was Simmons and Cameron who looked far and away the more accomplished team. Simmons finished Royal off and put the team out of their misery with the Dominator much to the delight of Mr. T at ringside.

Winners: The Enemy at 3:52

(Grade: D+)

After the match:

Mr. T was so happy with the result he got into the ring and instructed his duo to continue the beating. The three men worked over the New Breed until Tracy Smothers and Steve Armstrong – the Southern Boys stormed the ring and cleaned house. The announce team talked up the relationship between the Southern Boys and Race; speculating that the Commissioner was responsible for their arrival.

(Grade: B)

Totally Fantastic (Terry Taylor & Lex Luger w/ James J. Dillon) vs. The Wild Samoans (Afa & Sika w/ Gary Hart)

The alliance between the TV Champion and his former rival had been made official as Dillon lead the duo in tag team action against Gary Hart’s savages. Taylor and Luger showed immediate chemistry and despite the Samoan’s years of experience the new pairing was successful on their first outing – with Luger lifting Sika up in a huge show of strength to get the submission with the Torture Rack.

Winners: Totally Fantastic at 6:10

(Grade: D)

In-ring Interview:

Tara joined the victorious team in the ring after the bell; with Dillon doing all the talking. He laid down two separate challenges to the Four Horsemen for WrestleWar; he told Orton that Terry Taylor had some unfinished business with the Cowboy and would put up his Television title in order to get a one-on-one match with him. Dillon then went on to Windham; and in order to ensure he kept his nose out – Luger wanted him one-on-one as well. The ball was now firmly in the Horsemen’s court.

(Grade: C)

In the Locker Room:

The Fabulous Freebirds were sat joking with their new manager – Diamond Dallas Page – about how easy it was to retain their titles over the Road Warriors at the Clash of the Champions. Dusty Rhodes breaks up the party and tells Hayes and Gordy that he’s just finished speaking with Harley Race and the World Tag Team Champions won’t be laughing after WrestleWar as the American Dream and his son Dustin finally get their shot.

(Grade: C+)

In the Ring:

Gary Hart and Ken Patera head to the ring – with the monster, Sid Vicious, close behind. Hart introduces his strongman, and the Full Nelson Challenge. Bam Bam Bigelow arrives to take part and after a tentative start, Patera finally locked in the submission hold. Bam Bam struggled, but it looked like Patera would force him to submit – until Bigelow began to power out. Noticing that his charge was in danger; Hart sent Vicious into the ring and Sid blindsided Bigelow with a nasty shot to the side of the head. Sid and Patera put the boots into Bigelow and left him down and barely conscious – much to the delight of the Playboy.

(Grade: C-)

Honky Tonk Man vs. Mike Graham

The rumours were true, the AWA Champion was in the building and in fact – he was in non-title action. Graham used his speed advantage early and looked like he may get the upset and throw a spanner into the works; but Honky showed why he was a champion and battled back. The Shake, Rattle and Roll from the Greatest AWA Champion of All-Time was all she wrote and gave Honky the victory.

Winner: Honky Tonk Man at 8:42

(Grade: C+)

After the match:

As Honky celebrates the victory, he is joined in the ring by Larry Zybszko – the Living Legend said no words but squared up to the Champion. He pointed at the AWA title belt – to which Honky simply nodded which the announce team took as a yes from the Champion. The rematch was on at WrestleWar on the 28th.

(Grade: B-)

NWA United States Tag Team Championship Match

The Guerrero Brothers © (Chavo & Hector Guerrero) vs. The North-South Connection (Adrian Adonis & Dick Murdoch)

After an impressing outing last week, Adonis and Murdoch were once again in fine form – but the brother team of Chavo and Hector were their equals. The dynamic of the rapid attacks from the Guerreros against the heavy hitting methodical approach by the challenges made for a great contest. A great contest that was ruining when Sgt. Slaughter sauntered down to ringside – The Sarge began jaw-jacking with the official and hurling insults at the Champions. But all of this was just a distraction, as Ivan Koloff snuck into the ring and clobbered Chavo with his thick Russian chain. Adonis took advantage of the situation as Murdoch kept Hector at bay and the referee counted the three count – the Guerrero’s have been robbed.

Winners and New NWA United States Tag Team Champions: The North-South Connection at 12:48

(Grade: B)

After the match:

The new US Tag Champions took their belts and made their exits; clearly on their way to celebrate the victory. But the action continued in the ring as Slaughter and Koloff shook hands before continuing to beat on the former Champions. Koloff locked Hector in a tight Bearhug whilst Slaughter sunk in the Cobra Clutch on Chavo – the announce team could do nothing but to protest at the injustice they had just witnessed.

(Grade: C-)

NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Tully Blanchard © (w/ Ole Anderson) vs. Steve Keirn (w/ Blackjack Mulligan)

After being uncharacteristically quiet throughout the night, the leader of the Four Horsemen was noticeably unimpressed with having to defend his title for the second week in a row. Keirn put in an effort similar to his partner last week and had Blanchard on the ropes for much of the ropes. But Tully and Ole were a formidable pairing and it will take a lot to beat them – in the end, Tully took control and utilised his Slingshot Suplex to seal the victory for the second week in a row.

Winner and Still NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Tully Blanchard at 15:33

(Grade: C+)

After the match:

As the bell sounded to signal another successful defence of his title – Tully threw up the Four Horsemen salute and waited for his stablemates to fill up the entrance aisle. With three members of the Horsemen blocking entry from the locker room, Ole handed Tully a steel chair and the Champion proceeded to send a vicious message to Ric Flair and the rest of the locker room. Tully methodically worked Keirn over with the chair, landing several shots until he was stopped in his tracks by the music of his arch nemesis. The Horsemen all turned to wait for the Nature Boy’s arrival – but no-one expected him to rush to the ring from the crowd. Flair slid in behind Tully and spun him around – delivering nasty chop after nasty chop on the Champions chest. The Nature Boy sent Tully into the ropes, but Ole paid dividends at ringside and pulled his man from the ring – Flair was irate; and clearly fit to face the Champion at WrestleWar.

(Grade: B)

Overall Show Grade: B-

Beejus · January 11, 2015

Good show, was surprised to see the alliance between Slaughter and Koloff. Is Sarge working a Russian sympathizer gimmick?!

The return at the end was done pretty well, but I can't help thinking that it may have been better served to wait a week or two on it. Oh well, that is the nature of episodic television; can't wait to see more, as WrestleWar is shaping up with two big title matches.

Anderz · January 11, 2015

Good show, was surprised to see the alliance between Slaughter and Koloff. Is Sarge working a Russian sympathizer gimmick?! The return at the end was done pretty well, but I can't help thinking that it may have been better served to wait a week or two on it. Oh well, that is the nature of episodic television; can't wait to see more, as WrestleWar is shaping up with two big title matches.

He's not a Russian sympathiser - he's a "Real American Hero" who feels like embarrassed by his fellow Americans.

Flair might be back but a few chops doesn't mean he's back to 100%.

I don't want to spoil too much but both of these points will be expanded on next week so I'll leave it there.

On the subject of WrestleWar - I've really looking forward to it; much more so than I was with CotC. I think it was a combination of it being my first PPV and the gimmick of the show making most of the matches quite obvious. WrestleWar will hopefully be much better and I can't wait for it.

Anderz · January 18, 2015

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="38832" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>In pre-show matches: Diamond Dallas Page defeated Robbie Brookside in 4:37 (E); The Southern Boys defeated The Terminator and Johnny Ace in 5:58 (E+); Big Boss Man defeated Tanaka in 6:03 (D+); and The Von Erichs defeated Buddy Rose and Doug Somers in 7:12 (C+).</div></blockquote> <div style="text-align:center;">http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i304/Anderz_Baz/JCP/FridayNightShowdown_zps19309d39.jpg Friday Night Showdown January 13th, 1989 From the Norris-Penrose Stadium – Colorado Springs, CO Attendance: 9,410 (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</div> In-ring Interview: Showdown began with the arrival of NWA Commissioner Harley Race; who announced that he had big news for WrestleWar and the NWA World Heavyweight Championship match. Race said that the NWA’s board had decided that after the recent behaviour of the Four Horsemen a special referee would be required to officiate the match – chosen at the Commissioner’s discretion. Race introduced his chosen official – a man who will call it right down the middle; Magnum T.A. Magnum arrives and begins to lay out his plan for calling the match; but he is interrupted by the sound of hooves and the arrival of Tully Blanchard. The NWA Champion gets right in the face of Magnum, but speaks to Race – telling him that if anyone was going to be an unfair official it would be Magnum, referencing their storied rivalry from a few years ago. Blanchard countered Race by saying that it would only be fair to have a match with the winner decided who the official should be. Race like the idea but needed convincing; the NWA Champion told Ric Flair to find himself a partner and if they could beat Tully and Arn Anderson tonight then Magnum T.A. could wear the stripes – but if not, it would be Tully’s own enforcer as the third man in the ring come WrestleWar. Race was unsure, but Magnum stepped up and told him that it was a great idea and he was sure that the Nature Boy would love it. (Grade: B) The Gilbert Brothers (Eddie & Doug Gilbert) vs. Austin Idol & Jimmy Garvin (w/ Missy Hyatt & Dirty White Girl) Despite their miscommunication a few weeks ago, the Gilbert brothers were certainly on the same page tonight – they pushed Idol and Garvin all the way for much of the match. Eddie used his anger against Austin in his favour and took control – but once Doug became the legal man things broke down. Idol got frustrated and grabbed a chair from ringside – clobbered the younger Gilbert to force the disqualification. Winners by DQ: The Gilbert Brothers at 3:20 (Grade: D) In-ring Interview: Mr. T and the Enemy came down to the ring with a big grin plastered across Mr. T’s face. T begins to talk smack about Harley Race, claiming that he was a has-been who did not deserve to be in the same ring as the greatest entertainer in the world. T tells Race that he should stay on his best behaviour if he wants this match and he ought to think twice before facing him as T will mess the old man up; just like the Enemy will mess up their opponents tonight. (Grade: B-) The Enemy (Ron Simmons & Larry Cameron w/ Mr. T & Teddy Long) vs. The British Bruisers (Dynamite Kid & Chris Adams w/ Lou Albano) Simmons and Cameron eventually did exactly what Mr. T proclaimed that they would and gave the Bruisers a beating but the match didn’t start out that way. Dynamite and Adams came out of the blocks on fire with their fast paced hard hitting style putting the brawlers on the back foot. Once the Enemy managed to control the pace of the match they didn’t turn back – with Simmons putting Adams out for the count with the Dominator. Winners: The Enemy at 5:10 (Grade: C-) In the Backstage Area: There is a commotion inside one of the locker rooms; as Magnum T.A. is trying to find a paramedic – apparently the Nature Boy had collapsed whilst warming up. The Fabulous Ones arrive with a doctor who quickly goes to work on Flair who doesn’t seem to know what happened. The doctor shakes his head and tells Magnum that Flair has a concussion and is not medically cleared to compete tonight; a groggy Flair tries to protest and Magnum is clearly concerned. (Grade: B-) Ken Patera (w/ Gary Hart) vs. Mike Graham The veteran lightweight was clearly overmatched against the Strongman of Gary Hart’s Playboys; and Patera used the opportunity to showcase his skills. The big man overpowered Graham and eventually finished him off with his dangerous Full Nelson submission hold. Winner: Ken Patera at 2:38 (Grade: C-) After the match: Despite the bell sounding, Patera refused to break the hold – he rag-dolled Graham around with the referee unable to pull him off. Gary Hart’s laughter at ringside was abruptly ended however, as Bam Bam Bigelow rushed down to the ring and chased Patera away. Bigelow managed to catch the Strongman with a glancing blow as he fled from the ring not willing to engage with Bam Bam in a fair fight. (Grade: C) In the Interview Area: Tony Schiavone was backstage with the Four Horsemen and the NWA Champion was clearly very happy with the news of Ric Flair’s concussion. Tully told Schiavone that it was no surprise that Flair tried to come back before he was ready as he never had any sense – now there is no doubt about who the special referee will be at WrestleWar; if indeed there is even a match. Tully knows that even if he can’t wrestle, Flair will still turn up and take his beating and he respects that but no matter what – the Enforcer will be on hand to count the three. Arn steps in and claims that he will call things straight down the middle and he will enforce the rules and punish either man if they step out of line. Orton and Windham both briefly chime in as well; accepting the challenges laid out against them last week by Totally Fantastic but didn’t seem too bothered about the threat of either man. The Horsemen all shared a laugh as the announce team speculate what these developments will mean for tonight but more importantly for WrestleWar in two weeks’ time. (Grade: B-) Elsewhere, Tara catches up with James J. Dillon and Totally Fantastic; Dillon is angry that the Horsemen don’t seem to be taking his clients seriously. He reminds everyone that Terry Taylor is the World Television Champion; and has been for nearly a year – fighting off all comers and doing so despite the handicap of being associated with Ole Anderson. He moves on to Lex Luger, a fine physical specimen and a former Young Wrestler of the Year – a former Florida Heavyweight champion for 11 months. Both men have at separate times come close to capturing the NWA World Heavyweight Championship and Dillon is certain that before long either man could take the title from Tully Blanchard. If the Horsemen don’t recognise this; then at WrestleWar they will be in for a big surprise. (Grade: C-) Dusty & Dustin Rhodes vs. Jimmy Snuka & Cocoa Samoa (w/ Gary Hart & Sid Vicious) In a warm up match ahead of their challenge for the Tag titles in two weeks, the Rhodes family went to war with two of Gary Hart’s most experienced charges. The announce team talked about the marked improvement of Dustin over recent weeks believing that working closely with the American Dream seems to have paid off. They weren’t wrong as the younger Rhodes did much of the leg work in this match and got the victory after a bulldog to Cocoa Samoa. Winners: Dusty & Dustin Rhodes at 8:07 (Grade: C) After the match: As Dusty and Dustin leave the ring celebrating; Gary Hart is clearly not happy with his team’s defeat. Hart gets in the face of Cocoa – obviously laying the blame firmly at his door. Snuka is not interested in the debate and heads out of the ring whilst Cocoa argues back and fights his corner. The announce team are quick to point that this strategy will not work with the Playboy – and it doesn’t take long for Hart to order Sid into the ring to do his bidding. Vicious clobbers Cocoa with a right hand and begins to beat him up – planting him with a Chokeslam before leaving the ring with Hart. (Grade: C-) In the Backstage Area: The Fabulous Freebirds walk into a locker room to find Dustin Rhodes warming down after his tag team victory. Hayes mockingly congratulates him on a great performance and tells him that the World Tag Team Champions had maybe underestimated him. All the time, Gordy and Page are laughing to each other which the announce team pick up on. Before long, Dusty walks into the room and quickly gets into the face of Hayes telling him to back down before the American Dream gets angry. The Freebirds claim that they were only playing around with Dustin but leave the room before things get heated. (Grade: B-) In-ring Interview: Hector Guerrero heads out to the ring flanked by his two brothers Chavo and Eddie and he is fired up by the way that the Guerrero brothers lost the United States Tag Team titles last week. Hector has even more of his family with him tonight and wants to make Sgt. Slaughter and Ivan Koloff pay for costing the Guerrero’s the gold. Hector wants a six-man tag team match right here, right now. Slaughter arrives with Koloff in toe and accepts the challenge but not before he introduces their partner – another man who makes all of these pathetic American’s look even weaker; the Iron Sheik! (Grade: C) The Guerrero Brothers (Chavo, Hector & Eddie Guerrero) vs. Sgt. Slaughter, Ivan Koloff & The Iron Sheik The Real American Hero and his Axis of Evil used their size and underhand tactics to take control of the battle but all the announce team could take about was the arrival of the Iron Sheik in the NWA. After all of his offense the Sheik raved about Iran much to the delight of Slaughter on the apron. But the delight didn’t last long as the three Guerrero brothers fought back and ran rings around them with their high flying antics. The match broke down as Hector and Koloff brawled into the announce table before Eddie came flying from the top rope onto the pair of them. Unfortunately for the Guerrero’s, this left Chavo alone with the Sarge and the Sheik and after double teaming the eldest brother the Sheik locked in the Camel Clutch for the victory. Winner: Sgt. Slaughter, Ivan Koloff & The Iron Sheik at 14:09 (Grade: C-) In-ring Interview: The Four Horsemen’s Tully and Arn make their way to the ring and they are all smiles ahead of the main event. Tully orders the referee to raise their arms in victory but before he can, the NWA’s Commissioner arrives on the scene – Harley Race tells Blanchard that Ric Flair may not be able to compete tonight but that doesn’t mean that the Horsemen get their way. Race introduces a team he found in the back that were eager to fight the battle in Ric Flair’s name – Stan Lane and Steve Keirn; the Fabulous Ones. (Grade: B-) The Four Horsemen (Tully Blanchard & Arn Anderson w/ Ole Anderson) vs. The Fabulous Ones (Stan Lane & Steve Keirn w/ Blackjack Mulligan) The opening minutes of the main event were a little overshadowed by the speculation surrounding Ric Flair and his health. As the match wore on however, all attention turned into the ring as Lane and Keirn once again proved that they were a tag team not to be ignored. Unfortunately for Blackjack and his men however, this was not Arn and Tully’s first rodeo and they hadn’t forgotten their tag team roots. It wasn’t tag team prowess that won them the match however, it was a distraction from Ole Anderson on the outside that left Keirn out of position whilst the Horsemen duo dropped Lane on his head with a nasty Spike Piledriver for the victory. Winners: The Four Horsemen at 19:11 (Grade: B-) After the match: Bob Orton and Barry Windham joined their fellow Horsemen in the ring after the bell and all four men put the boots in to Lane and Keirn; with Tully directing traffic. Arn fetched the group a steel chair each but before more damage could be done – Totally Fantastic stormed down to the ring to stop their rivals. Whilst four on four are usually fair odds; this isn’t the case when one side are armed with chairs – as such the Horsemen decimated their challengers – downing each man with a shot to the head. With no-one left standing, the Horsemen deposited their two rival teams out of the ring and stood tall – raising up the familiar four fingers as Showdown went off the air. (Grade: B-) <div style="text-align:center;">Overall Show Grade: B-</div>

Beejus · January 18, 2015

Another good buildup show for WrestleWar, I'm going to assume that Tully will be setting Ole up as the ref now. Maybe I've just read too much of your Attitude writing, but I kept expecting Flair to come out anyways saying "Ha, I fooled you!" but I guess I'm just thinking in the wrong time period <img alt="

" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Mr. T is definitely played to perfection in this, as I feel the JCP crowd would really despise him, probably to X-Pac Heat levels due to being so closely associated with Hogan, the WWF, and (let's just be honest about the audiences back then) a loud black man. Anyways, the Horsemen come out on top again, so we shall see how things go next week for the go-home show into WrestleWar; can't wait!

The Final Countdown · January 18, 2015

Another good buildup show for WrestleWar, I'm going to assume that Tully will be setting Ole up as the ref now. Maybe I've just read too much of your Attitude writing, but I kept expecting Flair to come out anyways saying "Ha, I fooled you!" but I guess I'm just thinking in the wrong time period Mr. T is definitely played to perfection in this, as I feel the JCP crowd would really despise him, probably to X-Pac Heat levels due to being so closely associated with Hogan, the WWF, and (let's just be honest about the audiences back then) a loud black man. Anyways, the Horsemen come out on top again, so we shall see how things go next week for the go-home show into WrestleWar; can't wait!

The Horsemen came right out and said that Arn would be Tully's choice. Unless you think that's a bit of subterfuge? Also this is January Week 2 and WrestleWar is in Week 4, so there's actually still two more weeks of TV. Agreed about Mr. T; he personifies the WWF and rock 'n wrestling, so the NWA fans would undoubtedly hate him. He's handled very well.

Good show. WrestleWar is shaping up nicely.

Anderz · January 18, 2015

Another good buildup show for WrestleWar, I'm going to assume that Tully will be setting Ole up as the ref now. Maybe I've just read too much of your Attitude writing, but I kept expecting Flair to come out anyways saying "Ha, I fooled you!" but I guess I'm just thinking in the wrong time period Mr. T is definitely played to perfection in this, as I feel the JCP crowd would really despise him, probably to X-Pac Heat levels due to being so closely associated with Hogan, the WWF, and (let's just be honest about the audiences back then) a loud black man. Anyways, the Horsemen come out on top again, so we shall see how things go next week for the go-home show into WrestleWar; can't wait!

As TFC noted "Tully’s own enforcer as the third man in the ring" suggests that it will be Arn and not Ole in the stripes come January 28th. If this was the Attitude era I suspect Flair would've made the safe at the end of the show anyway; concussion or not. The lesson here is clearly, don't mix chairs with Piledrivers.

Again, TFC has got in before me but we've got two more Showdown's until WrestleWar - it's the week after the Rumble.

The Horsemen came right out and said that Arn would be Tully's choice. Unless you think that's a bit of subterfuge? Also this is January Week 2 and WrestleWar is in Week 4, so there's actually still two more weeks of TV. Agreed about Mr. T; he personifies the WWF and rock 'n wrestling, so the NWA fans would undoubtedly hate him. He's handled very well.

Good show. WrestleWar is shaping up nicely.

Completely agree with the points you both raise on Mr. T and in my head his character thinks he's above this wrestling gig and he's just using it has a bit of fun until his next acting role. Race has clearly taken exception to this and takes his arrogance as a personal insult.

I'm happy that I've got good feedback on this show; I was a little worried that I'd tried to cram too much into this show and felt that my writing suffered a little bit because of it. On reflection, I think I definitely didn't do the Iron Sheik justice and sort of just blew past his debut.

Beejus · January 18, 2015

Hm, not sure where I picked up that this was the last show before WW, but I'll take that I just misunderstood on who the ref would be. I guess I saw it more being "Tully's enforcer" instead of being "Tully's 'Enforcer'" if that makes sense.

lukess1 · January 18, 2015

I have just recently caught up from when you took over. I love both this and TFC's diaries. I am looking forward to Wrestle War.

K-Nection · January 19, 2015

I am pumped about Wrestlewar. That is ok about the Sheik debut because his name was a big enough surprise. I am psyched to see Eddie wrestling and can not wait for an Eddie Guerrero push.

Anderz · January 19, 2015

Hm, not sure where I picked up that this was the last show before WW, but I'll take that I just misunderstood on who the ref would be. I guess I saw it more being "Tully's enforcer" instead of being "Tully's 'Enforcer'" if that makes sense.

In order to prevent any future PPV confusion I'm going to start putting shows into the show index a month at a time like I did with AiE just so everyone knows how far we are away at any time.

As for the enforcer comment I guess it was too subtle a hint; I was trying to make it obvious without explicitly stating it. I'll stop trying to be clever now shall I?

I have just recently caught up from when you took over. I love both this and TFC's diaries. I am looking forward to Wrestle War.

Thanks for the kind words, a pleasure to have you aboard. WrestleWar is really feeling like a big show for me; I think it's the fact that both main title matches are Starrcade rematches.

I am pumped about Wrestlewar. That is ok about the Sheik debut because his name was a big enough surprise. I am psyched to see Eddie wrestling and can not wait for an Eddie Guerrero push.

Hopefully WrestleWar won't disapoint! I'll probably allow the Sheik to have a little rant on the next show just to make up for it. As for Eddie; don't expect a massive push any time soon - he's still very young and like older brother Chavo he's only on loan so far. I'd like to let him develop a bit more in CMLL before stealing him. Hector is the only full time Guerrero in JCP.

On a small insignificant note; the eagle eyed among you will have noticed that there is no more red in the Showdown write ups - everything is Blue now. I felt it separated us a little bit more from the WWF and gave the NWA it's own identity.

Mackem · January 20, 2015

Just started reading these diaries from this year's updates. Really enjoy them even though it seems like I have missed a lot.

Anderz · January 20, 2015

In pre-show matches: Bam Bam Bigelow defeated Black Bart in 4:07 (C-); The Fabulous Freebirds defeated Brian Blair, Audie Hager & Greg Gagne in 7:30 ©; and Dusty & Dustin Rhodes defeated Jimmy Garvin & Mark Starr in 7:10 ©.

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

Friday Night Showdown

January 20th, 1989

From the Edmund P. Joyce Center – Notre Dame, IN

Attendance: 9,800 (SOLD OUT)

Announce Team: Jim Ross, Boyd Pierce & Nick Bockwinkel

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On the Green Screen:

Former United States Champion – Magnum T.A. kicks off the show with a blockbuster announcement. Magnum has spent the week meeting with various members of the NWA board of directors and is proud to announce that he is now an Official Representative of the NWA – and in the absence of the NWA’s Commissioner Harley Race; Magnum is in charge. He gets straight down to business and addresses the AWA World Champion and the Number 1 Contender – telling both Honky Tonk Man and Larry Zbyszko to get their wrestling boots on as they will both be in action in warm-up matches tonight.

(Grade: B)

In the Interview Area:

Tony Schiavone is standing by with the self-proclaimed Real American Hero – Sgt. Slaughter. The Sarge is proud of his Axis of Evil and their victory in a six man tag team battle last week but he firmly has his eyes set on the United States Championship and Don Muraco. Slaughter tells Tony that Muraco is a disgrace to America and does not deserve to hold the US Heavyweight title – when Tony attempts to disagree, Slaughter slaps him across the back of the head and calls him a maggot before officially issuing the challenge to Muraco at WrestleWar.

(Grade: C)

In-ring Interview:

Speaking of the newly dubbed Axis of Evil, The Iron Sheik and Ivan Koloff – the duo are in the ring waiving their respective flags of Iran and the Soviet Union. Koloff declares that he is proud to be fighting alongside Slaughter and the Sheik because they all hate the USA as much as anyone. Sheik declares that Iran is Number One, Russia is Number One – but he spits at the mention of the USA – much to both the announce team and the fans dismay.

(Grade: D+)

The Axis of Evil (The Iron Sheik & Ivan Koloff) vs. The Simpson Brothers (Steve & Shaun Simpson)

This tag team battle was very much a formality from the outset; but that didn’t stop the announce team from discussing the new alliance between the debuting Sheik, Koloff and Sgt. Slaughter. Ross talked about the impact they had already made by costing the Guerrero Brothers the US Tag titles and wondered how long Don Muraco could survive with his title intact. The match itself was brief, with the camel clutch from the Sheik on Shaun Simpson giving the new team the submission victory.

Winners: The Axis of Evil at 3:57

(Grade: D-)

After the match:

Despite their victory, the Sheik and Koloff continued the beating of the young South African team – but that soon halted as Hector Guerrero stormed down to the ring. Guerrero dropped Koloff with a dropkick and then gave the Sheik one as well – sending the pair running from the ring. Hector grabs a microphone and demands that they face him and his younger brother Eddie at WrestleWar because they want to get their revenge.

(Grade: D+)

Big Boss Man vs. Cocoa Samoa (w/ Gary Hart & Sid Vicious)

After his disappointing performance last week, Cocoa was on the back foot again as he faced formidable opposition in the Big Boss Man. Gary Hart and his monster Sid Vicious were not impressed at ringside and this was not missed by the announce team. Boss Man didn’t seem to care about the troubles that faced Cocoa and made light work of him – finishing him off with the sidewalk slam.

Winner: Big Boss Man at 4:59

(Grade: C-)

After the match:

After another loss for Cocoa, Gary Hart slowly made his way into the ring – he told Cocoa that he was disappointed in his continued failings so he will have one last chance to earn a victory or get left out in the cold. Hart tells Samoa that he will face Sid Vicious at WrestleWar and if he loses, he is out – Hart then instructs Sid to teach him another lesson. The big monster ragdolls Samoa around before planting him with a huge Powerbomb – message sent.

(Grade: C-)

NWA United States Tag Team Championship Match

The North-South Connection © (Adrian Adonis & Dick Murdoch) vs. The New Breed (Chris Champion & Sean Royal)

The new US Tag Team Champions were in action again to finally make their first defence of their titles; and despite what many would think Adonis and Murdoch did not have an easy night against a very spirited New Breed. The former World Tag Champions gave a good fight – but it wasn’t quite up to the same level that the Connection had brought to the table with Murdoch scoring the pinfall over Royal after a Brainbuster.

Winners and Still NWA United States Tag Team Champions: The North-South Connection at 7:27

(Grade: C)

After the match:

As Adonis and Murdoch celebrate retaining their titles, the Representative of the NWA Board – Magnum T.A. makes an appearance. Magnum tells the Champions that he was impressed by their performance – mainly due to them actually winning the match without cheating – and as such had signed them to a match at WrestleWar. Magnum announced that the North-South Connection would face former Champions The Fabulous Ones – with Magnum personally thanking Lane and Keirn for their efforts on his behalf last week.

(Grade: C+)

Totally Fantastic (Terry Taylor & Lex Luger w/ James J. Dillon) vs. Buddy Rose & Doug Somers

The relatively inexperienced pairing of former rivals Taylor and Luger gave a performance of a veteran team as they face the ever dangerous Rose and Somers. The announce team briefly discussed the two singles matches that Totally Fantastic would have at WrestleWar against Four Horsemen member Bob Orton and Barry Windham. As the action came to a head in the ring, Taylor smashed an interfering Rose with the Five Arm whilst Luger locked Somers up tight in the Torture Rack for the victory.

Winners: Totally Fantastic at 9:33

(Grade: C+)

After the match:

As soon as Luger and Taylor had their arms raised as winners, the inevitable happened – as the Four Horsemen stalked their way down to ringside. The four men surrounded the ring before entering as one and mugging Totally Fantastic. The 4-on-2 beatdown was swift and brutal as the Four Horsemen quite clearly meant business. Taylor and Luger attempted a fight back but the fire was quickly extinguished with Windham and Orton doing the bulk of the damage on their opponents for the 28th.

(Grade: C+)

As the other three men continued to work the numbers advantage the NWA World Champion grabbed a microphone – with Blanchard sending another warning shot to Ric Flair. Magnum T.A. quickly arrived on the scene however to tell Blanchard that the behaviour of the Four Horsemen was not acceptable tonight – but at WrestleWar, Tully would get exactly what was coming to him. Because the Nature Boy would be medically cleared to compete on January 28th and whether Arn Anderson was the referee or not he had confidence that Flair would regain the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

(Grade: B)

“The Living Legend” Larry Zbyszko vs. Kevin Sullivan (w/ Woman)

With a huge opportunity to regain his AWA World Title just a mere week away, Zbyszko was clearly pumped up and ready for a fight. Not even the strange and often deranged Sullivan could put him off of his game tonight. Sullivan put in a sterling effort; but Zbyszko was unstoppable and the Larryland Dreamer submission gave him the victory.

Winner: Larry Zbyszko at 11:45

(Grade: C+)

Honky Tonk Man vs. Kerry Von Erich

After witnessing first-hand how impressive his challenger had been just moments before, the Honky Tonky Man seemed off his game early – and this was something that Von Erich was quick to pick up on. The former World Tag Team Champion looked in control and was on the verge of the huge upset until a well time poke to the eye went undetected by the referee and allowed Honky to hit the Shake, Rattle and Roll to steal the victory and roll forward to WrestleWar.

Winner: Honky Tonk Man at 17:33

(Grade: B-)

After the match:

With both the Champion and the Challenger victorious in their respective warm-up matches, both men entered the ring and squared off. Zbyszko told Honky that he would regain the title in 8 days – but Honky simply laughed in his face. This led the Living Legend to start swinging; with the pair brawling around the ring – before Larry sent the Champion tumbling over the top rope and to the floor. Officials quickly got between the two before they could re-engage as who knows where this fight would have ended up. The announce team discuss the prospect of two great Starrcade title rematches, live and exclusive on pay-per-view but before we can go off the air – Honky snuck back into the ring with guitar in hand. Larry turned around and was caught with a vicious shot straight over the head – Honky grabbed his title and stood tall among the debris to end Showdown.

(Grade: B)

Overall Show Grade: B-

Anderz · January 20, 2015

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NWA WRESTLEWAR '89

OFFICIAL FAN SCORECARD

NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Tully Blanchard © vs. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair

Special Referee: "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson

AWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Honky Tonk Man © vs. "The Living Legend" Larry Zbyszko

NWA United States Heavyweight Championship Match

Don "The Rock" Muraco © vs. "The Real American Hero" Sgt. Slaughter

NWA World Tag Team Championship Match

The Fabulous Freebirds © (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) vs. Dusty & Dustin Rhodes

NWA World Television Championship Match

"Mr. Fantastic" Terry Taylor © vs. "Cowboy" Bob Orton Jr.

NWA United States Tag Team Championship Match

The North-South Connection © (Adrian Adonis & Dick Murdoch) vs. The Fabulous Ones (Stan Lane & Steve Keirn)

"The King of Wrestling" Harley Race vs. Mr. T

"The Total Package" Lex Luger vs. Barry Windham

Ken Patera vs. Bam Bam Bigelow

The Axis of Evil (The Iron Sheik & Ivan Koloff) vs. The Guerrero Brothers (Hector & Chavo Guerrero)

Austin Idol vs. Doug Gilbert

Sid Vicious vs. Cocoa Samoa

Bonus Questions:

1. Which match was the best match on the show?

2. Which match was the worst match on the show?

3. One match will not take place, which one will it be?

4. How many titles will change hands?

lukess1 · January 20, 2015

First time predicting on this:

NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Tully Blanchard © vs. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair

Special Referee: "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson

AWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Honky Tonk Man © vs. "The Living Legend" Larry Zbyszko

NWA United States Heavyweight Championship Match

Don "The Rock" Muraco © vs. "The Real American Hero" Sgt. Slaughter

NWA World Tag Team Championship Match

The Fabulous Freebirds © (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) vs. Dusty & Dustin Rhodes

NWA World Television Championship Match

"Mr. Fantastic" Terry Taylor © vs. "Cowboy" Bob Orton Jr.

NWA United States Tag Team Championship Match

The North-South Connection © (Adrian Adonis & Dick Murdoch) vs. The Fabulous Ones (Stan Lane & Steve Keirn)

"The King of Wrestling" Harley Race vs. Mr. T

"The Total Package" Lex Luger vs. Barry Windham

Ken Patera vs. Bam Bam Bigelow

The Axis of Evil (The Iron Sheik & Ivan Koloff) vs. The Guerrero Brothers (Hector & Chavo Guerrero)

Austin Idol vs. Doug Gilbert

Sid Vicious vs. Cocoa Samoa

Bonus Questions:

1. Which match was the best match on the show? Flair/Blanchard

2. Which match was the worst match on the show? Idol/Gilbert

3. One match will not take place, which one will it be? Race/Mr.T

4. How many titles will change hands? 3

smartman · January 21, 2015

Oh dear, you've inadvertently turned Sarge face.

I imagined a crowd roar of approval when he smacked Tony. Poor Tony, no one ever liked him. He was Michael Cole before Cole was stinking up RAW.

Beejus · January 21, 2015

NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Tully Blanchard © vs. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair

Special Referee: "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson

I think Arn will call for some bs disqualification so that Tully keeps the belt. Flair wins to give the fans a happy send-off, but loses in the same way that he retained his title a lot of times. It's very karmatic.

AWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Honky Tonk Man © vs. "The Living Legend" Larry Zbyszko

HTM is a really good champ, he's interesting to see on top for a change.

NWA United States Heavyweight Championship Match

Don "The Rock" Muraco © vs. "The Real American Hero" Sgt. Slaughter

I really think we're going for Sarge here, but I went with Muraco because if Slaughter takes the US title, then all of your top belts are on heels.

NWA World Tag Team Championship Match

The Fabulous Freebirds © (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) vs. Dusty & Dustin Rhodes

I can't see Dustin being at "hold titles" level yet.

NWA World Television Championship Match

"Mr. Fantastic" Terry Taylor © vs. "Cowboy" Bob Orton Jr.

Taylor keeps staying strong.

NWA United States Tag Team Championship Match

The North-South Connection © (Adrian Adonis & Dick Murdoch) vs. The Fabulous Ones (Stan Lane & Steve Keirn)

"The King of Wrestling" Harley Race vs. Mr. T

The heat will be nuclear.

"The Total Package" Lex Luger vs. Barry Windham

More Horsemen than just Tully needs to win a match.

Ken Patera vs. Bam Bam Bigelow

The Axis of Evil (The Iron Sheik & Ivan Koloff) vs. The Guerrero Brothers (Hector & Chavo Guerrero)

New stable get a big win.

Austin Idol vs. Doug Gilbert

Sid Vicious vs. Cocoa Samoa

This kid could go places.

Bonus Questions:

1. Which match was the best match on the show? Flair vs Tully

2. Which match was the worst match on the show? Sid vs Cocoa

3. One match will not take place, which one will it be? I'm gonna say Sid-Cocoa. Vicious demolishes Samoa before the bell.

4. How many titles will change hands? None.

smwilliams · January 21, 2015

NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Tully Blanchard © vs. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair

Special Referee: "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson

AWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Honky Tonk Man © vs. "The Living Legend" Larry Zbyszko

NWA United States Heavyweight Championship Match

Don "The Rock" Muraco © vs. "The Real American Hero" Sgt. Slaughter

NWA World Tag Team Championship Match

The Fabulous Freebirds © (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) vs. Dusty & Dustin Rhodes

NWA World Television Championship Match

"Mr. Fantastic" Terry Taylor © vs. "Cowboy" Bob Orton Jr.

NWA United States Tag Team Championship Match

The North-South Connection © (Adrian Adonis & Dick Murdoch) vs. The Fabulous Ones (Stan Lane & Steve Keirn)

"The King of Wrestling" Harley Race vs. Mr. T

"The Total Package" Lex Luger vs. Barry Windham

Ken Patera vs. Bam Bam Bigelow

The Axis of Evil (The Iron Sheik & Ivan Koloff) vs. The Guerrero Brothers (Hector & Chavo Guerrero)

Austin Idol vs. Doug Gilbert

Sid Vicious vs. Cocoa Samoa

Bonus Questions:

1. Which match was the best match on the show? Blanchard vs Flair

2. Which match was the worst match on the show? Idol vs Gilbert

3. One match will not take place, which one will it be? Race vs T would be my guess

4. How many titles will change hands? 1

CPBHBK · January 21, 2015

NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Special Referee: "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson

AWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

NWA United States Heavyweight Championship Match

NWA World Tag Team Championship Match

NWA World Television Championship Match

NWA United States Tag Team Championship Match

"The King of Wrestling" Harley Race vs. Mr. T

"The Total Package" Lex Luger vs. Barry Windham

Ken Patera vs. Bam Bam Bigelow

The Axis of Evil (The Iron Sheik & Ivan Koloff) vs. The Guerrero Brothers (Hector & Chavo Guerrero)

Austin Idol vs. Doug Gilbert

Sid Vicious vs. Cocoa Samoa

Bonus Questions:

1. Which match was the best match on the show? Blanchard vs Flair

2. Which match was the worst match on the show? Sid/Cocia

3. One match will not take place, which one will it be? Race vs T

4. How many titles will change hands? 4

franticloser · January 21, 2015

NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Special Referee: "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson

AWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

NWA United States Heavyweight Championship Match

NWA World Tag Team Championship Match

NWA World Television Championship Match

NWA United States Tag Team Championship Match

"The King of Wrestling" Harley Race vs. Mr. T Doesn't happen/B]

"The Total Package" Lex Luger vs. Barry Windham

Ken Patera vs. Bam Bam Bigelow

The Axis of Evil (The Iron Sheik & Ivan Koloff) vs. The Guerrero Brothers (Hector & Chavo Guerrero)

Austin Idol vs. Doug Gilbert

Sid Vicious vs. Cocoa Samoa

Bonus Questions:

1. Which match was the best match on the show? Tully vs Flair

2. Which match was the worst match on the show? Vicious vs Samoa

3. One match will not take place, which one will it be? Race vs T

4. How many titles will change hands? 1

BlueStar · January 21, 2015

NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Special Referee: "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson

AWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

NWA United States Heavyweight Championship Match

Note: tainted win here. I can see the Sarge getting this title soon.

NWA World Tag Team Championship Match

NWA World Television Championship Match

NWA United States Tag Team Championship Match

"The King of Wrestling" Harley Race vs. Mr. T

Note: Double DQ or countout.

"The Total Package" Lex Luger vs. Barry Windham

Note: outside interference probably

Ken Patera vs. Bam Bam Bigelow

The Axis of Evil (The Iron Sheik & Ivan Koloff) vs. The Guerrero Brothers (Hector & Chavo Guerrero)

Austin Idol vs. Doug Gilbert

Sid Vicious vs. Cocoa Samoa

Bonus Questions:

1. Which match was the best match on the show? Flair/Tully

2. Which match was the worst match on the show? Idol/Gilbert

3. One match will not take place, which one will it be? Race vs. T is the most obvious so I'm picking Luger vs. Windham. Just a guess.

4. How many titles will change hands? 1

Zergon · January 21, 2015

NWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Special Referee: "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson

Too early for Tully to drop the belt and that´s likely part of the reason why Arn is the referee, expect some shenigans on this one.

AWA World Heavyweight Championship Match

Another too early to drop the belt so Honky Tonk retains.

NWA United States Heavyweight Championship Match

I could see a title change here but I still go with Muraco mostly because he haven´t been champion for that long either.

NWA World Tag Team Championship Match

I actually go with title change here since Dusty is likely over enough to get the belts off from Freebirds without hurting their popularity much and tag title reign would help build Dustin up.

NWA World Television Championship Match

Another could go either way but I exoect this and Luger vs. Windham ending in 1-1 so I have Orton pick the win here as I think that Luger is higher on the card than Taylor.

NWA United States Tag Team Championship Match

No title change here as North-South Connection just won the belts.

"The King of Wrestling" Harley Race vs. Mr. T

I think this one won´t happen but if it does then I would rather see Race win.

"The Total Package" Lex Luger vs. Barry Windham

As said, I expect this and Taylor vs. Orton ending 1-1 so Luger takes this one.

Ken Patera vs. Bam Bam Bigelow

Bigelow takes the win via DQ but ends up being beaten anyway.

The Axis of Evil (The Iron Sheik & Ivan Koloff) vs. The Guerrero Brothers (Hector & Chavo Guerrero)

New stable gets a momentum building win.

Austin Idol vs. Doug Gilbert

Idol proves to be too much for Doug.

Sid Vicious vs. Cocoa Samoa

Bye bye, Cocoa.

Bonus Questions:

2. Which match was the worst match on the show? Sid Vicious vs. Cocoa Samoa

3. One match will not take place, which one will it be? Harley Race vs. Mr. T

4. How many titles will change hands? 2

Hashasheen · January 21, 2015

Just out of curiosity Anderz, are you going to do a Crockett and keep buying out smaller NWA promotions until you are basically the NWA? If that's even possible of course, I imagine TEW is a lot more forgiving than IRL.

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