WCCW 1985: Every Rose has its Thorn

OGpistolpete · March 15, 2021

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><blockquote style=”background-color:#FFFFFF;color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:4px;border-color:#000000;max-width:1000px;”></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Two months into the gig, I was elated. Although the booking had been what I was looking for, and the performance from the boys was consistently where I expected it to be, it wasn’t meeting my expectations that had my giddy. It was expecting to be sitting across from Herbie Meyer, field rep for other CBS-affiliates in 66 different markets, all across the nation. Championship Sports was already shown locally on Dallas’ own KTVT-, but Herbie represented the collective CBS stations interested in syndicated programming. The numbers were becoming clear, World Class was a leader in the television ratings in the Dallas area, and the ratings were doing well in other markets. Herbie’s visit was heading into the final month of WCCW’s contract with CBS syndication.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Everytime Herbie came to town, Fritz gave him anything he pleased. The best food, the best drink.. The best spots in town… Giving Herb a taste of Fritz’ own popularity in the local region… Rounding the boys together to greet Herb and compliment him in any way possible… It was a ploy to convince Herbie to extend the syndication contract. Except this time, Herbie wasn’t coming to town. Unfortunately for Friz, old Herb had apparently learned of actual private tour guides that take in American tourists in Thailand, and Herbie was on a three-month excursion to southeast Asia. Apparently, Herbie fancied himself big on elephants, go figure.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> So instead, I was face-to-face with Dale Jennings, a man I was meeting for the first time… and so was Fritz. He was real nervous before the meeting, unsure how of Mr. Jennings would approach his company and the upcoming contract re-negotiations. And upon meeting Dale Jennings, it was clear he wasn’t really a man of, much character. He sidetracked with the waitress, made misogynist comments, and also apparently didn’t fancy himself much of a wrestling fan… </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”Never really liked the whole, guy-on-guy, stuff, you know what I mean fellas?”</em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> He chuckled after that, but Fritz wasn’t laughing. His faint Brooklyn-accent wasn’t doing his any favors either.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”I’ll tell you what Fritz, we’ve done a lot of comparison research. We’ve looked at a lot of other companies in the industry, a lot of other live entertainment ventures included… this is, of course, all in an effort to perform an appropriate market comparison of your product against other opportunities at the foot of the CBS door. And I’m sure, sir, as you are aware, television is growing. In fact, it’s really booming. We’ve never seen growth like this before. And wrestling… well, let’s just say, this isn’t the old black and white days, pops. Cable television, it’s a real game changer. And the studios are investing into the talent, into the production. Last tape I saw, World Class is still using in house music, is that right?”</em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Dale asked.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”Yeah that’s right.”</em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Fritz stonewalled.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”I see…”</em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Dale responded.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”But, our production quality is professional, can you disagree there Dale?”</em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> I piped up. He looked at me, having not paid much attention to my presence at first, and was ready to return to Fritz when I said, </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”Our TV crew is one of the best in the business, I guarantee you that. No camera men you could find me can get together and get the shots we are getting. And it’s all on the fly, you know that Dale. Plus, our broadcast quality is right on par with the top of the industry, there’s nothing we can’t do that nobody in the same or higher budget is pulling off. So the fact of the matter to me, Dale, is what we are producing is cost-effective and a rating-magnet. What did we do last week, again?”</em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> I questioned.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”Championship Sports pulled a 0.96.”</em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> He said.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”That’s getting up there Dale.</em></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”And where does that land compared to the competition?”</em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> I continued. Fritz was side-eyeing me, and I wasn’t sure how he felt about me getting involved.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”Well, as you likely already know…”</em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> he said mockingly, </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”The World Wrestling Federation is reaching mid 3’s currently, and Jim Crockett Promotions, they got that weekly program doing right around a 2. So, with that said, Championship Sports, it’s not really playing ball, wouldn’t you say?”</em></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”I disagree, Dale. I think we are playing ball, just look at our live attendance. It’s been growing steadily, and nobody down south cares much about that wrestling up in New York. And nobody ever will. Crockett is trying to play games with the WWF, and they are going to run each other out of pocket. Meanwhile, Mr. Atkinson keeps a stern eye on his bookkeeping, and pays what is necessary to make a product that exceeds yours, and my expectations usually. And I don’t believe you have a contract with either of those competitors you mentioned, so why pass on the next best opportunity to grab a big piece of the professional wrestling pie in America?”</em></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> At this point, I was trying to charm him, but instead, Dale was getting a bit defensive, if not offended I would even counter his potential offer. At least, that’s the feeling I was trying to put off.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”Listen, I respect your opinion son, but let’s just get down to the numbers, okay? And we can let the numbers do the talking… Now, we are interested in Championship Sports, and don’t say I said we weren’t, because that’s simply not the case. However, our confidence isn’t too high on the potential of this breaking further from where you are at right now, so, with that said, we are keen on moving Championship Sports to the graveyard time slot. We think it would be best for both parties, if-”</em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Dale was cut off by Fritz, who was clearly angered by Dale’s offer.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”Graveyard? What do you mean graveyard? What would that be, midnight?”</em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Fritz asked.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”Yes.”</em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Dale said.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”Well lord have mercy, if you think any good, god fearing family in the great state of Texas is going to stay up until the Devil’s hours to watch our programming… well you’d be mistaking if you didn’t think you could take this program somewhere else!”</em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> His hot head fumed.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”Oh really?</em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Dale said with a smirk. Maybe this is what he wanted.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”Well, yes I could! I defini-”</em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> I had to jump in before Fritz drowned us further.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”We definitely could find a new home for TV, but we know this is where we want to be! And what Fritz is trying to say is, our viewership is already used to when we are available now, it would be reckless to change our current slotting.”</em></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”That’s where the market puts you, kid. Nothing I can say about it other than get used to it, show business.”</em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> He chuckled.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> I wasn’t laughing back, but instead trying to come up quick with a solution.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”What about earlier than primetime? Something around… maybe 7 PM?”</em></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”Local news, kid.”</em></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”What about 6 PM?”</em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> I dropped it down to.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”Ha, you’d have to be paying me to put you there.”</em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Dale said back.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”Oh yeah, and how much for that slot? Hell, I’d lead into the local news.”</em></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”Hmm, I haven’t really thought much about it. And I’m not sure it’s gonna work.”</em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> He replied.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”What can I do for you to ask?”</em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">, I was desperate. He thought about it for a moment, and Fritz asked him for his thoughts.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”I’ll tell you this. How about, I get back to my office with this on one condition. They come back with a no, you take the graveyard slot. I don’t need to cause any tussle with the network over some Saturday night early evening product, okay? It’s a busy time in the industry, and I’ve got a lot of other programming to cover. So what do you say?”</em></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> I thought about it too, and looked at Fritz. He looked back, and responded: </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”We want 100% of the revenue.”</em></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”Ha! One hundred percent? In your dreams.”</em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Dale said.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”Must be the same dreams as your thinking we are going to stick with you at a graveyard slot. So take it back to the real decision makers here, and let us know.”</em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Fritz closed.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><em>”Hmphf. I’ll run it back. But don’t count your lucky stars on this one, Mr. Atkinson.”</em></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Dale said, as he stood up from the desk. He put his hand out and looked Fritz in the eye as he shook his hand. It was a deal. Now, we were just waiting to hear back.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><img alt="wZwWA3j.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wZwWA3j.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Meanwhile, I was doing another look over our latest roster. There were more new hires I was bringing in: </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Arn Anderson</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> out of the South East area was currently taking dates for the AWA and CCW, and was interested in starting a relationship with us in Dallas. He seemed like a very competent young brawler, with a tough side to him. At a different end, </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Matt Borne</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> was another brawler I thought looked pretty good in tapes I saw, and I was planning on giving him some sort of "trailer trash" gimmick if he felt he could pull it off. Also coming back were going to be </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Bill Irwin</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> and </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>Scott Irwin</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">, formerly known as the Super Destroyers, now known as </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>The Long Riders</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">. They had taken dates for World Class in years prior, but recently took a leave to try their luck elsewhere, but I was quite a fan of their work, and desired them back to help bolster our heel undercard, which was struggling. Hence, the four hires mentioned.</div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>W2, Mar. 1985 Prediction Cards</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="52585" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>WCCW Live!</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><ul><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Arn Anderson versus Davey Boy Smith</div></div></div></div><br /></li><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">The Long Riders versus Rock N' Roll Express</div></div></div></div><br /></li><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Jerry Blackwell versus The Missing Link</div></div></div></div><br /></li><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Mike Von Erich versus Terry Gordy</div></div></div></div><br /></li><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Brian Adias and Kerry Von Erich versus The Dynamic Duo (Chris Adams and Gino Hernandez)</div></div></div></div><br /></li><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">David Von Erich versus Randy Savage</div></div></div></div><br /></li></ul><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>WCCW Championship Sports (TV)</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><ul><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>WCCW Television:</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> Kerry Von Erich © versus One Man Gang</div></div></div></div><br /></li><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Billy Jack Haynes and Brian Adias versus Hercules Hernandez and Randy Savage</div></div></div></div><br /></li><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">David Von Erich versus Jake Roberts</div></div></div></div><br /></li></ul><p></p></div></blockquote><p></blockquote></p></div><p></p>

Theheel · March 15, 2021

<p>Seeing you do this era is making me want to get either my old AWA game going or Mid-South</p><p> </p><p>

WCCW Live!</p><p>

<strong>Arn Anderson</strong> versus Davey Boy Smith</p><p> </p><p>

The Long Riders versus <strong>Rock N' Roll Express</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Jerry Blackwell </strong>versus The Missing Link</p><p> </p><p>

Mike Von Erich versus <strong>Terry Gordy</strong></p><p>

Brian Adias and Kerry Von Erich versus <strong>The Dynamic Duo</strong> (Chris Adams and Gino Hernandez)</p><p>

David Von Erich versus <strong>Randy Savage</strong></p><p> </p><p>

WCCW Championship Sports (TV)</p><p>

WCCW Television: <strong>Kerry Von Erich</strong> © versus One Man Gang</p><p>

Billy Jack Haynes and Brian Adias versus <strong>Hercules Hernandez and Randy Savage</strong></p><p>

<strong>David Von Erich</strong> versus Jake Roberts</p>

smw88 · March 15, 2021

<p><strong>Arn Anderson </strong>versus Davey Boy Smith</p><p>

The Long Riders versus <strong>Rock N' Roll Express</strong></p><p>

<strong>Jerry Blackwell </strong>versus The Missing Link</p><p>

Mike Von Erich versus <strong>Terry Gordy</strong></p><p>

Brian Adias and Kerry Von Erich versus <strong>The Dynamic Duo (Chris Adams and Gino Hernandez)</strong></p><p>

David Von Erich versus <strong>Randy Savage</strong></p><p>

WCCW Championship Sports (TV)</p><p>

WCCW Television: <strong>Kerry Von Erich </strong>© versus One Man Gang</p><p>

<strong>Billy Jack Haynes and Brian Adias</strong> versus Hercules Hernandez and Randy Savage</p><p>

<strong>David Von Erich </strong>versus Jake Roberts</p>

KeyserSoze · March 15, 2021

Arn Anderson versus <strong>Davey Boy Smith</strong></p><p>

The Long Riders versus <strong>Rock N' Roll Express</strong></p><p>

Jerry Blackwell versus <strong>The Missing Link</strong></p><p>

Mike Von Erich versus <strong>Terry Gordy</strong></p><p>

Brian Adias and Kerry Von Erich versus <strong>The Dynamic Duo (Chris Adams and Gino Hernandez)</strong></p><p>

David Von Erich versus Randy Savage</p><p>

WCCW Championship Sports (TV)</p><p>

WCCW Television:<strong> Kerry Von Erich © </strong>versus One Man Gang</p><p>

<strong>Billy Jack Haynes and Brian Adias </strong>versus Hercules Hernandez and Randy Savage</p><p>

<strong>David Von Erich</strong> versus Jake Roberts</p>

scmurph01 · March 15, 2021

<strong>Arn Anderson</strong> versus Davey Boy Smith</p><p>

The Long Riders versus <strong>Rock N' Roll Express</strong></p><p>

<strong>Jerry Blackwell</strong> versus The Missing Link</p><p>

Mike Von Erich versus <strong>Terry Gordy</strong></p><p>

Brian Adias and Kerry Von Erich versus <strong>The Dynamic Duo (Chris Adams and Gino Hernandez)</strong></p><p>

<strong>David Von Erich</strong> versus Randy Savage</p><p> </p><p>

WCCW Championship Sports (TV)</p><p>

<strong>WCCW Television: Kerry Von Erich ©</strong> versus One Man Gang</p><p>

Billy Jack Haynes and Brian Adias versus <strong>Hercules Hernandez and Randy Savage</strong></p><p>

David Von Erich versus <strong>Jake Roberts</strong></p>

KyTeran · March 15, 2021

Arn Anderson versus <strong>Davey Boy Smith</strong></p><p>

The Long Riders versus <strong>Rock N' Roll Express</strong></p><p>

Jerry Blackwell versus <strong>The Missing Link</strong></p><p>

<strong>Mike Von Erich</strong> versus Terry Gordy</p><p>

Brian Adias and Kerry Von Erich versus <strong>The Dynamic Duo (Chris Adams and Gino Hernandez)</strong></p><p>

<strong>David Von Erich</strong> versus Randy Savage</p><p>

WCCW Championship Sports (TV)</p><p>

WCCW Television: <strong>Kerry Von Erich ©</strong> versus One Man Gang</p><p>

Billy Jack Haynes and Brian Adias versus <strong>Hercules Hernandez and Randy Savage</strong></p><p>

David Von Erich versus <strong>Jake Roberts</strong></p>

Sco xY2Jx · March 15, 2021

<strong>Arn Anderson</strong> versus Davey Boy Smith</p><p>

The Long Riders versus <strong>Rock N' Roll Express</strong></p><p>

Jerry Blackwell versus <strong>The Missing Link</strong></p><p>

Mike Von Erich versus <strong>Terry Gordy</strong></p><p>

Brian Adias and Kerry Von Erich versus <strong>The Dynamic Duo (Chris Adams and Gino Hernandez)</strong></p><p>

<strong>David Von Erich</strong> versus Randy Savage</p><p> </p><p>

WCCW Championship Sports (TV)</p><p>

WCCW Television: <strong>Kerry Von Erich ©</strong> versus One Man Gang</p><p>

Billy Jack Haynes and Brian Adias versus <strong>Hercules Hernandez and Randy Savage</strong></p><p>

<strong>David Von Erich</strong> versus Jake Roberts</p>

Golden Guard M · March 15, 2021

<strong>Arn Anderson</strong> versus Davey Boy Smith</p><p>

The Long Riders versus <strong>Rock N' Roll Express</strong></p><p>

Jerry Blackwell versus <strong>The Missing Link</strong></p><p>

<strong>Mike Von Erich</strong> versus Terry Gordy</p><p>

Brian Adias and Kerry Von Erich versus <strong>The Dynamic Duo (Chris Adams and Gino Hernandez)</strong></p><p>

<strong>David Von Erich</strong> versus Randy Savage</p><p> </p><p>

WCCW Championship Sports (TV)</p><p>

WCCW Television: <strong>Kerry Von Erich ©</strong> versus One Man Gang</p><p>

Billy Jack Haynes and Brian Adias versus <strong>Hercules Hernandez and Randy Savage</strong></p><p>

<strong>David Von Erich</strong> versus Jake Roberts</p>

Blodyxe · March 15, 2021

WCCW Live!

Arn Anderson versus Davey Boy Smith

The Long Riders versus Rock N' Roll Express

Jerry Blackwell versus The Missing Link

Mike Von Erich versus Terry Gordy

Brian Adias and Kerry Von Erich versus The Dynamic Duo (Chris Adams and Gino Hernandez)

David Von Erich versus Randy Savage

WCCW Championship Sports (TV)

WCCW Television: Kerry Von Erich © versus One Man Gang

Billy Jack Haynes and Brian Adias versus Hercules Hernandez and Randy Savage

David Von Erich versus Jake Roberts

OGpistolpete · March 16, 2021

https://www.youtube.com/embed/EVp3B9gVhmM"

frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

WCCW Championship Sports

Week 2, March 1985

WCCW Television Championship

Kerry Von Erich ©

versus

One Man Gang

In a good

wild brawl

which got the show off to a strong start,

One Man Gang

defeated

Kerry Von Erich ©

in 9:13 by pinfall with a 747 Splash following interference from

Bobby Eaton

and

Dennis Condrey

! The Dallas Sportatorium faithful watched on as Kerry was quickly overwhelmed by vicious plans at the hand of manager

Jim Cornette

to repeatedly have him attacked while personally distracting referee

David Manning

. Fans were quickly fed up when Dennis Condrey hit Kerry Von Erich for the fourth-time, collectively, since he and his Midnight Express tag partner hit the ring to help their manager’s wicked plans for his new client, One Man Gang, to win the WCCW Television title. In the end, Cornette’s plans worked, and Kerry failed to kick out of a 747 Splash before suffering further punishment from his gang of thieves!

Continued bell ringing and yelling from the local crowd was the scene when the former NWA American Tag Team champions,

The Fantastics

, hit the scene to save the current NWA American Heavyweight champion, but now former WCCW Television champion,

Kerry Von Erich

from further assault!

Jim Cornette

waved his men on and encouraged them to stomp and tear away at Kerry Von Erich… that was, before the crowd erupted at the sight of The Fantastics! Cornette’s eyes bulged out of his head as the Fantastics slid in the ring and made impact with

One Man Gang

with a double dropkick! This left the Fantastics in fisticuffs with their tag enemies, all four men brawling around the ring. Kerry was soon to come to, taking his efforts over to One Man Gang, who was also now attempting to get back involved. The powerful forces of our babyfaces prevented any comeback by the heels, sending Cornette and his men stammering back to the locker room, having been routed this time, yet another gold belt in their possession.

Cutting scenes to more of a studio environment, we find lead broadcaster

Bill Mercer

standing alongside another wicked manager in World Class:

Gary Hart

. The quote, unquote “Manager of Champions” has a large bandage wrapped around the top of his head, and leads his statement with an update on his condition. Apparently, his wounds suffered at the hands of

Jake “The Snake” Roberts

at the February Star Wars event are still healing, but what may never heal for Gary Hart is how he felt watching his client,

Chris Adams

, turn his back on Gary and allowed him to be ruthlessly attacked by Jake Roberts!

While Gary seeks to share his feelings, Mercer flips the switch and starts grilling Gary over the supposed briefcase he placed for Jake Roberts to find… Mercer reminds the audience that Jake Roberts took a key from Gary Hart’s possession, assuming it was meant for the briefcase, but the key did not work! At this point, Jake considers Gary to be a liar, and that Gary Hart was never the man behind the briefcase! Hart retorts by claiming there are millions of keys in the world and asks how a man like himself can be immediately discredited because a maniac like Jake Roberts got into a frenzy and sought to validate his beliefs in a brutal, terroristic way! At this point, Gary says his lawyers have advised him not to address the briefcase further, and instead directs his final comments back to Chris Adams…

”Adams! You better choose, boy! You need to make the final choice in this predicament, brother! You either stand with me, or you stand with

Gino Hernandez

, and that dirty snake Jake Roberts! You let me know what it’s gonna be!”

Back from commercial break we find

Bill Mercer

joined this time by rising talent

Billy Jack Haynes

. They are quick to the point, Haynes feels he got cheated at the February Star Wars event, and is adamant he never used the chains against

Randy Savage

while applying his patented Full Nelson Lock hold to win the match rightfully in the eyes of the fans. He says he’s ashamed of the officiating, but most importantly he’s incredibly irritated by the reaction of Randy Savage, who helped facilitate the lie that Billy Jack would stoop to the level of using foriegn objects in a legitimate wrestling contest. That’s why he wants to prove to his fans, whom he thanks for supporting him throughout his tenure so far in World Class, and to the great people of the state of Texas that he is the better wrestling, and he is the better man!

”Randy Savage! I want you, one-on-one, mano-y-mano, at the next Star Wars event! That is, if you’re aren’t chicken enough to run away! The choice is yours Savage!”

Billy Jack Haynes

and

Brian Adias

versus

Hercules Hernandez

and

Randy Savage

In a decent match which got the crowd hotter,

Hercules Hernandez

and

Randy Savage

defeated

Billy Jack Haynes

and

Brian Adias

in 9:42 when Hercules Hernandez pinned Brian Adias with a newly debuted move, the Argentine Backbreaker, a proud piece of work thanks to the efforts of new manager,

Gary Hart

. That’s certainly not to give the new move from Hernandez all the credit, as if you were to ask Hart what happened in this one, he’d probably fail to mention the interference he caused to distract Brian Adias, allowing him to end up in the situation in the first place. Meanwhile, Billy Jack and Randy Savage came face-to-face once again, this time Savage played to Billy Jack’s anger, attempting to toy with him throughout the match, and finding mild success in doing so. Either way, Hercules walks out of his one looking big again, and Gary Hart appears pleased with the result.

Back to in front of a World Class Championship Wrestling banned, we find

The Dynamic Duo

standing, albeit apprehensively, with

Bill Mercer

, microphone and all. Mercer again brings up recent events at the last Star Wars event, and

Gino Hernandez

quickly takes over the interview by stating it very clearly. He beat

David Von Erich

fair-and-square to retain his NWA Texas Heavyweight title, and viciously tells David to go back where he came from (Japan)! Gino says World Class, and professional wrestling as a whole, was better off with David away in a far away land, and promises to run off David once again!

Mercer, however, is mainly interested in the on-going currents in the life and times of

”Gentleman” Chris Adams

. Adams is very quiet as Gino goes on a rant, and appears very conflicted once the spotlight is on him. Mercer tries to ask why he didn’t save Gary Hart when Jake Roberts attacked, but Adams continually chooses to repeat the statement:

”No comment, Bill.”

Mercer further tries to grill Adams for some sort of information, but Gino gets between the both of them and says they’re fed up with Mercer and how World Class is handling this interview, and quickly gets Adams to walk out of the interview with him!

David Von Erich

versus

Jake Roberts

In a

storytelling bout

that had fantastic heat and great wrestling,

David Von Erich

drew with

Jake Roberts

in 9:38 when the match descended into chaos after

Chris Adams

and

Gino Hernandez

became involved! The fans at the Sportatorium were extra excited or this one, featuring perhaps the two hottest characters in all of World Class. Since acquiring his briefcase, Jake Roberts has become as ruthless as ever in his pursuit of glory. David Von Erich, since his return to his father’s promotion, has looked nothing short of phenomenal. But for Jake, this was an extra special chance to fulfill what he believes is his destiny: destroying the Von Erich brothers! Roberts made it his mission tonight to inflict as much punishment on David as possible, this time though, things weren’t jiving his way. Instead, David dominated most of the match, moving one, sometimes two-steps ahead of Jake. While Roberts tried to keep David in corners and even on the outside some, his relentless pursuit on one way about things was likely his downfall, although he wouldn’t fall all the way before he was saved by the bell thanks to interference from his cohort,

Chris Adams

and

Gino Hernandez

. No surprise, the Dynamic Duo got involved in things, and quickly the referee lost control.

As

The Dynamic Duo

, perhaps in a premeditated attack in cahoots with their colleague,

Jake Roberts

, hit the ring,

David Von Erich

saw it coming, and immediately took on the coming threat. Adams hit the ring, knocking the referee out blind, and cold. Gino flanked behind and the two charged David at once but ran right into a big double clothesline! David called for them up, as they one-by-one walked into a big boot and another spinning lariat! David’s real fighting spirit shined through as the fans cheered on his effort in this potential three-on-one situation. But he was quickly outnumbered when he was nailed in the side of the head with Jake’s briefcase! Roberts had ran out during the ruckus and retrieved his coveted briefcase, using it as a weapon against our hero from Denton County. This gave the whole gang a chance to pile on, stomping away at David, but it wasn’t long before…

Kerry

,

Mike Von Erich

, and

Brian Adias

hit the ring! They chased off the heels who ran out as soon as he felt the back-up coming, Gino and Chris shouting real pleasantries to the way of the Von Erichs. Unfortunately for them, the Texas born-and-raised collective stood tall at the end of this one, as David egged on Gino for another match, which lead broadcaster

Bill Mercer

clued is likely to take place at the upcoming Star Wars event. Until then, the Von Erichs thrive another day in the face of immoral foes like the three top heels of World Class. But what was to come next? Was Chris Adams going to dump his manager? Or could he possibly coexist with

Gary Hart’s

new client,

Hercules Hernandez

? And how is Gary Hart going to handle his next encounter with the man who ran the supposed “key” down Hart’s forehead, Jake Roberts?

Prediction Results

(Must have provided prediction cards for at least 2 weeks to qualify for all-time.)

Sco xY2Jx (4/9, 19/26 all-time, .730)

GooverDan (0/0, 12/17 all-time, .705)

Theheel (5/9, 19/27 all-time, .703)

Hitman74 (0/0, 29/43 all-time, .674)

Golden Guard M (5/9, 23/35 all-time, .657)

BHK1978 (0/0, 28/44 all-time, .636)

scmurph01 (5/9, 33/52 all-time, .634)

legendaryhorseman (0/0, 16/26 all-time, .615)

smw88 (5/9, 27/44 all-time, .613)

KeyzerSoze (2/9, 44/73 all-time, .602)

KyTeran (3/9, 29/53 all-time, .547)

Unranked

(Only 1 week played, one more to-go!)

Blodyxe (5/9, 5/9 all-time, .555)

alavarasus (0/0, 5/8 all-time, .625)

mimimikuri (0/0, 5/9 all-time, .556)

Author’s Note:
Tough week boys, did you really think there weren’t going to be any draws in World Class? Got to have all the ways out in booking, just wait until we start disqualifying for throwing over the top rope!
��

WCCW Live! Results
1,000 people at the Abilene Flea Market in Abilene, TX

In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, Arn Anderson defeated Davey Boy Smith in 8:04 by pinfall while using the ropes for leverage.

In a good match, the Rock N' Roll Express defeated The Long Riders in 12:34 when Ricky Morton pinned Bill Irwin with a Missile Dropkick.

In a bout that had a decent reaction from the crowd but sub-par wrestling, Jerry Blackwell defeated The Missing Link in 8:15 by pinfall.

In a bout that had good heat and decent wrestling, Mike Von Erich defeated Terry Gordy in 11:48 by pinfall with a roll up.

In a superb match, The Dynamic Duo defeated Brian Adias and Kerry Von Erich in 12:48 when Gino Hernandez pinned Brian Adias after using a foreign object.

David Von Erich drew randy Savage at the 30:00 mark with time expired in the match

</blockquote>

OGpistolpete · March 17, 2021

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><blockquote style=”background-color:#FFFFFF;color:black;border-style:solid;border-width:4px;border-color:#000000;max-width:1000px;”></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>W3, Mar. 1985 Prediction Cards</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="52585" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>WCCW Live!</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><ul><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>WCCW Television:</strong></div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> One Man Gang © versus Owen Hart</div></div></div></div><br /></li><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Rock N' Roll Express versus The Radicals (Marty Jannetty & Sean Michaels)</div></div></div></div><br /></li><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Jerry Blackwell versus Rick Rude</div></div></div></div><br /></li><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Bobby Fulton versus Randy Savage</div></div></div></div><br /></li><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Brian Adias and David Von Erich versus Jake Roberts and Terry Gordy</div></div></div></div><br /></li><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Kerry & Mike Von Erich versus The Dynamic Duo</div></div></div></div><br /></li></ul><p></p><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><strong>WCCW Championship Sports (TV)</strong></div></div></div></div><p></p><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"> </div></div></div></div><ul><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Billy Jack Haynes and Jerry Blackwell versus Randy Savage and The Missing Link</div></div></div></div><br /></li><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Rock N' Roll Express versus The Fantastics</div></div></div></div><br /></li><li><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;"><div style="margin-left:25px;">Chris Adams and Hercules Hernandez versus David & Kerry Von Erich</div></div></div></div></li></ul><p></p></div></blockquote><p></blockquote></p></div><p></p>

smw88 · March 17, 2021

<p>WCCW Television: <strong>One Man Gang </strong>© versus Owen Hart</p><p>

<strong>Rock N' Roll Express</strong> versus The Radicals (Marty Jannetty & Sean Michaels)</p><p>

Jerry Blackwell versus <strong>Rick Rude</strong></p><p>

Bobby Fulton versus <strong>Randy Savage</strong></p><p>

Brian Adias and David Von Erich versus <strong>Jake Roberts and Terry Gordy</strong></p><p>

<strong>Kerry & Mike Von Erich</strong> versus The Dynamic Duo</p><p>

WCCW Championship Sports (TV)</p><p>

<strong>Billy Jack Haynes and Jerry Blackwell </strong>versus Randy Savage and The Missing Link</p><p>

Rock N' Roll Express versus <strong>The Fantastics</strong></p><p>

<strong>Chris Adams and Hercules Hernandez </strong>versus David & Kerry Von Erich</p>

KyTeran · March 17, 2021

WCCW Television: <strong>One Man Gang ©</strong> versus Owen Hart</p><p>

<strong>Rock N' Roll Express</strong> versus The Radicals (Marty Jannetty & Sean Michaels)</p><p>

Jerry Blackwell versus <strong>Rick Rude</strong></p><p>

Bobby Fulton versus <strong>Randy Savage</strong></p><p>

Brian Adias and David Von Erich versus <strong>Jake Roberts and Terry Gordy</strong></p><p>

<strong>Kerry & Mike Von Erich</strong> versus The Dynamic Duo</p><p>

WCCW Championship Sports (TV)</p><p>

<strong>Billy Jack Haynes and Jerry Blackwell</strong> versus Randy Savage and The Missing Link</p><p>

Rock N' Roll Express versus <strong>The Fantastics</strong></p><p>

Chris Adams and Hercules Hernandez versus <strong>David & Kerry Von Erich</strong></p>

KeyserSoze · March 17, 2021

WCCW Television:<strong> One Man Gang © </strong>versus Owen Hart</p><p>

Rock N' Roll Express versus<strong> The Radicals (Marty Jannetty & Sean Michaels)</strong></p><p>

Jerry Blackwell versus <strong>Rick Rude</strong></p><p>

Bobby Fulton versus<strong> Randy Savage</strong></p><p>

Brian Adias and David Von Erich versus <strong>Jake Roberts and Terry Gordy</strong></p><p>

Kerry & Mike Von Erich versus <strong>The Dynamic Duo</strong></p><p>

WCCW Championship Sports (TV)</p><p>

<strong>Billy Jack Haynes and Jerry Blackwell</strong> versus Randy Savage and The Missing Link</p><p>

<strong>Rock N' Roll Express</strong> versus The Fantastics</p><p>

Chris Adams and Hercules Hernandez versus <strong>David & Kerry Von Erich</strong></p>

Blodyxe · March 17, 2021

<p>WCCW Television: <strong>One Man Gang</strong> © versus Owen Hart</p><p>

<strong>Rock N' Roll Express</strong> versus The Radicals (Marty Jannetty & Sean Michaels)</p><p>

Jerry Blackwell versus <strong>Rick Rude</strong></p><p>

Bobby Fulton versus <strong>Randy Savage</strong></p><p>

Brian Adias and David Von Erich versus <strong>Jake Roberts and Terry Gordy</strong></p><p>

Kerry & Mike Von Erich versus <strong>The Dynamic Duo</strong></p><p> </p><p>

WCCW Championship Sports (TV)</p><p> </p><p>

Billy Jack Haynes and Jerry Blackwell versus <strong>Randy Savage and The Missing Link</strong></p><p>

Rock N' Roll Express versus <strong>The Fantastics</strong></p><p>

Chris Adams and Hercules Hernandez versus <strong>David & Kerry Von Erich</strong></p>

Golden Guard M · March 18, 2021

WCCW Television: <strong>One Man Gang</strong> © versus Owen Hart</p><p>

<strong>Rock N' Roll Express</strong> versus The Radicals (Marty Jannetty & Sean Michaels)</p><p>

Jerry Blackwell versus <strong>Rick Rude</strong></p><p>

Bobby Fulton versus <strong>Randy Savage</strong></p><p>

<strong>Brian Adias and David Von Erich</strong> versus Jake Roberts and Terry Gordy</p><p>

<strong>Kerry & Mike Von Erich</strong> versus The Dynamic Duo</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>WCCW Championship Sports (TV)</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Billy Jack Haynes and Jerry Blackwell</strong> versus Randy Savage and The Missing Link</p><p>

Rock N' Roll Express versus <strong>The Fantastics</strong></p><p>

Chris Adams and Hercules Hernandez versus <strong>David & Kerry Von Erich</strong></p>

BHK1978 · March 18, 2021

<p>WCCW Television: <strong>One Man Gang © </strong>versus Owen Hart</p><p>

<strong>Rock N' Roll Express</strong> versus The Radicals (Marty Jannetty & Sean Michaels)</p><p>

Jerry Blackwell versus <strong>Rick Rude</strong></p><p>

Bobby Fulton versus <strong>Randy Savage</strong></p><p>

Brian Adias and David Von Erich versus <strong>Jake Roberts and Terry Gordy</strong></p><p>

<strong>Kerry & Mike Von Erich</strong> versus The Dynamic Duo</p><p> </p><p>

WCCW Championship Sports (TV)</p><p> </p><p>

<strong> Billy Jack Haynes and Jerry Blackwell</strong> versus Randy Savage and The Missing Link</p><p>

<strong>Rock N' Roll Express</strong> versus The Fantastics</p><p>

Chris Adams and Hercules Hernandez versus<strong> David & Kerry Von Erich</strong></p>

legendaryhorseman · March 18, 2021

<p>WCCW Television: <strong>One Man Gang ©</strong> versus Owen Hart</p><p>

<strong>Rock N' Roll Express</strong> versus The Radicals (Marty Jannetty & Sean Michaels)</p><p>

<strong>Jerry Blackwell</strong> versus Rick Rude</p><p>

Bobby Fulton versus <strong>Randy Savage</strong></p><p>

<strong>Brian Adias and David Von Erich</strong> versus Jake Roberts and Terry Gordy</p><p>

Kerry & Mike Von Erich versus <strong>The Dynamic Duo</strong></p><p> </p><p>

WCCW Championship Sports (TV)</p><p> </p><p>

<em>Billy Jack Haynes and Jerry Blackwell</em> versus <em>Randy Savage and The Missing Link</em> - I say, this one'll be a draw.</p><p>

<strong>Rock N' Roll Express</strong> versus The Fantastics</p><p>

<strong>Chris Adams and Hercules Hernandez</strong> versus David & Kerry Von Erich</p>

Sco xY2Jx · March 18, 2021

<p>WCCW Television: <strong>One Man Gang © </strong>versus Owen Hart</p><p>

<strong>Rock N' Roll Express </strong>versus The Radicals (Marty Jannetty & Sean Michaels)</p><p>

Jerry Blackwell versus <strong>Rick Rude</strong></p><p>

Bobby Fulton versus <strong>Randy Savage</strong></p><p>

Brian Adias and David Von Erich versus <strong>Jake Roberts and Terry Gordy</strong></p><p>

Kerry & Mike Von Erich versus <strong>The Dynamic Duo</strong></p><p> </p><p>

WCCW Championship Sports (TV)</p><p> </p><p>

Billy Jack Haynes and Jerry Blackwell versus <strong>Randy Savage and The Missing Link</strong></p><p>

<strong>Rock N' Roll Express</strong> versus The Fantastics</p><p>

Chris Adams and Hercules Hernandez versus <strong>David & Kerry Von Erich</strong></p>

scmurph01 · March 18, 2021

WCCW Live!

WCCW Television: One Man Gang © versus Owen Hart

Rock N' Roll Express versus The Radicals (Marty Jannetty & Sean Michaels)

Jerry Blackwell versus Rick Rude

Bobby Fulton versus Randy Savage

Brian Adias and David Von Erich versus Jake Roberts and Terry Gordy

Kerry & Mike Von Erich versus The Dynamic Duo

WCCW Championship Sports (TV)

Billy Jack Haynes and Jerry Blackwell versus Randy Savage and The Missing Link

Rock N' Roll Express versus The Fantastics

Chris Adams and Hercules Hernandez versus David & Kerry Von Erich

I love how easily you have plugged in Jake Roberts, Chris Adams & Gino Hernandez into the vacated Freebirds spot as the main feud with the Von Erichs.

Theheel · March 19, 2021

WCCW Television: <strong>One Man Gang</strong> © versus Owen Hart</p><p>

<strong>Rock N' Roll Express</strong> versus The Radicals (Marty Jannetty & Sean Michaels)</p><p>

Jerry Blackwell versus <strong>Rick Rude</strong></p><p>

Bobby Fulton versus <strong>Randy Savage</strong></p><p>

Brian Adias and David Von Erich versus <strong>Jake Roberts and Terry Gordy</strong></p><p>

Kerry & Mike Von Erich versus <strong>The Dynamic Duo</strong></p><p>

WCCW Championship Sports (TV)</p><p>

Billy Jack Haynes and Jerry Blackwell versus <strong>Randy Savage and The Missing Link</strong></p><p>

<strong>Rock N' Roll Express</strong> versus The Fantastics</p><p>

Chris Adams and Hercules Hernandez versus <strong>David & Kerry Von Erich</strong></p>

OGpistolpete · March 19, 2021

https://www.youtube.com/embed/EVp3B9gVhmM"

frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

WCCW Championship Sports

Week 3, March 1985

Billy Jack Haynes

and

Jerry Blackwell

versus

Randy Savage

and

The Missing Link

In a decent match which got the crowd hotter and the show off to a strong start,

Billy Jack Haynes

and

Jerry Blackwell

defeated

Randy Savage

and

The Missing Link

in 7:55 when Jerry Blackwell pinned the Missing Link after hitting him a big dropkick with help from Billy Jack. At 450 lbs., Jerry’s dropkicks are always impressive, and leave a special sort of impact when delivered. Blackwell’s size and athleticism continues to impress… Meanwhile, Billy Jack and Randy Savage continue to bump heads, as lead broadcaster

Bill Mercer

announces the confirmed singles match coming up at the next Star Wars event between the two men. For this match, however, neither man came across as significantly ahead of one another. Their time will have to come in two weeks, apparently.

After the match we get a rare live interview following the action, with the winners,

Billy Jack Haynes

and

Jerry Blackwell

.

Bill Mercer

quickly asks Billy Jack about his match coming up against

Randy Savage

, who responds by saying he plans to settle all disputes at the next Star Wars event with Savage. The real focus of the interview, however, is on Blackwell, who Mercer introduces to the audience as a 450 lbs. “game-changer”, questioning Blackwell if he fits the mold of a typical wrestler.

Jerry chuckles,

”No, sir, I may not fit the bill of a typical wrestler, but sir what you might find from me is not only am I a man bigger than a bulldozer, but I’m also a man who typically takes offense when other men put their hands on me and think they can take to tellin’ Jerry Blackwell what to do! Now, Bill, I know you ain’t heard from me in awhile, but I got a bone to pick with

Chris Adams

, and there just ain’t no way around it. At last month’s Star Wars, Chris Adams, you put your hands on me like I was a little boy. Well I don’t know if you need your eyes fixed, boy, but I ain’t little. And in case you weren’t smart enough to get it the first time, I ain’t the kinda fella you put your hands on! So just like at Star Wars, I’m gonna shove you through the ropes everytime you stand in my way, and if you keep runnin’ back I’m gonna smash you so small you’d think I squashed a mesquituh, you understand what I’m sayin’?”

Mercer takes the conversation over to Blackwell’s aspirations in World Class wrestling, to which Blackwell states he made a promise to himself to stand up for himself in every situation, no matter where the path takes him in World Class Championship Wrestling, and says his goal is always to aspire to the gold.

Back from commercial break, we are joined once again by

Bill Mercer

, this time in a studio environment where he is joined by perhaps the two biggest stars in World Class today, brothers

David Von Erich

and

Kerry Von Erich

. After Mercer thanks both men for their time, David leads off by reciprocating Mercer’s allocation of television time to he and Kerry, and promises Bill they have very important news they need to share. Mercer says viewers in the Dallas-area must be glued to their TV’s after they hear a Von Erich brother mention big news, and recaps how a lot of big things have been happening in World Class as of late, including the attack on their older brother,

Kevin Von Erich

. He genuinely asks how Kevin’s recovery is going, and they both indicate all is well so far, with no return date confirmed as of yet.

But more importantly today, David says, he and Kerry have come together after long days working and wrestling. And with recent events in mind, they have decided on an ultimatum. It’s an ultimatum for two of World Class wrestling’s most despicable actors:

Jake Roberts

and

Gino Hernandez

! David is adamant he was cheated out of winning the NWA Texas Heavyweight title last month, and says he can be beaten-n-cheated, bruised-n-used, on occasion, but he will never back down from his quest of becoming champion once again, and like a real man, always gets up when he is shoved down. That’s why he and Kerry want Gino and Jake in a tag team match, at the next Star Wars event! The stipulation? If David and Kerry win, David gets another shot at the Texas title, this time at the Parade of Champions! For Kerry? He earns a match against Jake Roberts for his coveted briefcase!

Mercer is taken aback,

”Wow, what a proposal! But for men like Gino and Jake, what good would it serve them to choose this ultimatum?”

Kerry says it’s simple, if David loses, he never challenges for the Texas title again… If Kerry loses, he will leave World Class wrestling, forever! Which puts Jake one momentous step closer to achieving his apparent goal, which is to rid the territory of the Von Erichs for good! Mercer tells Kerry he can’t be serious, but David reinforced that they are deadly serious and this was not a decision they made lightly, and mentions they will await Gino and Jake’s decision next week!

Back to live action at the Dallas Sportatorium,

Bill Mercer

is now joined by

The Fantastics

, the former NWA American Tag Team champions, partners

Bobby Fulton

and

Tommy Rogers

. They appear to have just come out to the ring for some wrestling action, but have taken a pit stop over near Mercer’s announce table. They want a minute on the microphone, and their wish is granted by Mercer. Fulton looks at Mercer, and then back at the camera as he declares their title belts were stolen from them at the last Star Wars event thanks to the likes of

One Man Gang

,

Jim Cornette

, and

The Midnight Express

. Fulton promises the belts will soon be back in their hands, while Rogers chimes in at the end that it’s always a great day to be a Fantastic, and gets the crowd in front of him going before they hit the ring for their match.

Rock N’ Roll Express

versus

The Fantastics

In a good

storytelling match

, the

Rock N' Roll Express

defeated

The Fantastics

in 9:05 when

Ricky Morton

pinned

Tommy Rogers

with a Missile Dropkick following interference from

Dennis Condrey

and

Bobby Eaton

! That’s right! There was no way this match was going long before

The Midnight Express

made an appearance! Their mission? Prevent the Fantastics from achieving another title rematch. In effect, they would be putting the Rock N’ Roll Express over at the same time, who in their own right were coming across as the next tag team title challengers. No matter the result, the local Dallas crowd was certainly displeased to find the tag champs interjecting themselves in this one, as it was clear both babyface teams were putting on a great wrestling display. On paper, the Rock N’ Roll Express picked up another big one, once again adding to their resume in World Class, while the Fantastics found themselves at the mercy of nemesis

Jim Cornette

, who joined his tag team after the bell in the heel aisleway to laugh collectively and enjoy their efforts to completely discredit the Fantastics! Fulton and Rogers shouted pleasantries to the tag champs at the end as the show cuts to another break.

David

and

Kerry Von Erich

versus

Chris Adams

and

Hercules Hernandez

In a

wild brawl

that had superb wrestling and great heat,

David

and

Kerry Von Erich

defeated

Chris Adams

and

Hercules Hernandez

in 12:42 when Kerry Von Erich pinned Chris Adams to win the match! The night’s main event was hot out the gate, when

Gary Hart

first brought his new big man, and effectively, his new enforcer, Hercules Hernandez to the ring. He received no love from the Dallas-crowd, while his manager reciprocated no love for his partner for the night, Chris Adams. As Adams hit the ring, he and Gary Hart failed to acknowledge one another, which lead announcer

Bill Mercer

was quick to point out. In fact, both sides almost got into it with one another, but soon had their attention turned to the arrival of the babyfaces, who received a big reaction from their fans.

Once all in the ring,

Marc Lowrence

handled the ring introductions, and we came to Kerry Von Erich kicking this off with Chris Adams. Both men knew each other very well, and showed it, neither really gaining much advantage as they both effectively countered and distanced themselves from any potential offense from the other side. This led to a showdown between David and Hercules, the first of its kind, and David tried to match up in height to Hercules, but the physique of Hernandez proved too much for the "Yellow Rose of Texas". David sold well for Hercules, allowing his power to protect his noticeable lack of technical skills he's yet to possess. This had Kerry clamouring for a hot tag, while David was slowly broken down and eventually worked over in the heel corner.

The situation in said corner, however, was slowly breaking down, as frustration between Chris Adams and Hercules Hernandez was slowly building. At one point, Hercules refused to tag in Chris, who tagged himself in spitefully, only for Hercules to reverse the decision quickly with a tag of his own. They went through this exercise once more, before Gary Hart shared words with Chris Adams and the two bickered while David attempted to rally back. Once he had the hot tag, Kerry ignited the Dallas Sportatorium and rolled tide, showing off his power and might against both Hart’s men. As the action came to a conclusion, Chris Adams had the opportunity to stamp out the rally for good, but wouldn’t have a chance when Gary Hart jumped on the apron and began engaging with the referee. This gave Kerry his opportunity! A quick roll-up for the one, two, … three! Fans jumped for joy as Kerry rolled back to his corner and his brother David stood beside him, winners in tonight’s big match. Adams was furious, and took his frustrations back to the outside...

The camera cuts to a shot outside, where

Chris Adams

is berating his manager,

Gary Hart

! The fans’ attention quickly shifts to the confrontation, as Adams gets right in Gary’s face, but is soon met with the presence of the larger

Hercules Hernandez

. The newer client stands up for his new manager, while Adams won’t back-down! He pushes his chest right up to Hercules and shouts in his face too! Hart’s mouth keeps running as well, warning Chris not to step any closer! Adams can’t take it anymore and finds himself a microphone on the outside. He takes it, rolls in the ring, and stands up to proclaim,

”Gary Hart! I’m dumping you! I’m dumping you as my manager and that big buffone of yours better stay out of here, as well, because I’m done with the both of you!”

In classic heel fashion, Gary Hart switches from an extremely defensive position, to one of remorse. He gets on the apron, putting his hands out to Chris, asking him to calm down and rethink what he is doing! Chris stands there, looking to the fans, who have quickly shifted in support of the British superstar. After a moment or two of internal debate, Adams makes his decision when he turns around and superkicks Gary Hart right under the chin! Hart bumps to the apron, and then the floor, as the fans cheer loudly! Hercules, however, comes to his manager’s defense, and hits the ring to attack Adams! Chris tries to put up a fight, but Hercules is too overwhelming for him!

But here comes

Gino Hernandez

! The other half of the Dynamic Duo hits the ring to a big applause and brings the heat to Hercules! He nails him from behind and stomps him out of the ring, giving himself and his tag partner, and best friend, a chance to take the tall ground and welcome Hercules back-in for a two-on-one exchange. Adams is shouting at Hercules, while Gary Hart is helped to be back by his new big man. The Dynamic Duo close out the show in rare form, with the Dallas faithful standing behind their decision to dump the supposed “Manager of Champions”! Bill Mercer asks those watching from home, what’s next for the Dynamic Duo and Gary Hart? And will we soon see a confrontation between Adams and Hercules once more?

Prediction Results

(Must have provided prediction cards for at least 2 weeks to qualify for all-time.)

Sco xY2Jx (6/9, 25/35 all-time, .714)

GooverDan (0/0, 12/17 all-time, .705)

Theheel (6/9, 25/36 all-time, .694)

Hitman74 (0/0, 29/43 all-time, .674)

Golden Guard M (6/9, 29/44 all-time, .659)

legendaryhorseman (7/9, 23/35 all-time, .657)

scmurph01 (7/9, 40/61 all-time, .655)

BHK1978 (6/9, 34/53 all-time, .641)

KeyzerSoze (6/9, 50/82 all-time, .609)

smw88 (4/9, 31/53 all-time, .584)

KyTeran (6/9, 35/62 all-time, .564)

Blodyxe (5/9, 10/18 all-time, .555)

Author's Note:
Thanks again to everyone for your continued support and predictions. Strong participation this time around, might be a new record! I'm likely going to increase the minimum shows predicted to qualify for the rankings from two to three weeks in order to better reward those of you who have been extremely active so far!

Unranked

(Only 1 week played, one more to-go!)

alavarasus (0/0, 5/8 all-time, .625)

mimimikuri (0/0, 5/9 all-time, .556)

WCCW Live! Results
1,000 people at the Washington County Convention Center in Vicksburg, MS

In a decent match which got the show off to a strong start, One Man Gang defeated Owen Hart in 6:59 by pinfall with a 747 Splash. One Man Gang makes defence number one of the WCCW Television title.

In a decent match, the Rock N' Roll Express defeated The Radicals in 7:50 when Robert Gibson pinned Marty Jannetty with a Rocket Dropper.

In a decent match, Jerry Blackwell defeated Rick Rude in 10:19 by pinfall.

In a bout which got the crowd hotter, had superb wrestling and good heat, Randy Savage defeated Bobby Fulton in 12:05 by pinfall with a handful of tights.

In a bout that had great heat and good wrestling, David Von Erich and Brian Adias defeated Jake Roberts and Terry Gordy in 13:59 after Gordy refuses to partake in some of Roberts' heel tactics, as soon as Gordy complies, he hits Roberts, costing them the match

In a bout that had great heat and good wrestling, The Dynamic Duo defeated Kerry & Mike Von Erich in 12:45 when Mike Von Erich pinned Chris Adams only for the previously unconscious referee to recover and reverse the decision because Mike Von Erich had been disqualified!

</blockquote>

OGpistolpete · March 27, 2021

”One hundred percent of the revenue.”

Dale stated. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing… even though we were getting bumped a bit, our advertisement revenue was skyrocketing. The deal, in my view, didn’t make much sense to me… why would the syndication house give up so much of the ad revenue? Maybe they thought we would run ourselves out of the business…

”Twenty-two thousand and five-hundred per show.”

Dale also said…

”That’s how much you’ll be paying us. Check needs to be delivered monthly for all four programs for the month, got that?”

I could hear the resentment in his voice. He wasn’t happy our proposal went through. I, however, was ecstatic. Keeping World Class on the screens of viewers worldwide was going to be critical to our success long-term. It wasn’t the big cable television contract I thought might be plausible sometime in the future… but it was enough to keep things going. Fritz, on the other hand, was certainly displeased with the end result. He gave Herbie a few calls, but nothing would do. Apparently the weight he lifted with his management was declining, and Dale’s feedback and analysis was trumping Herbie’s usual sof tspot for Dallas-wrestling.

Nevertheless, WCCW Championship Sports would now be broadcast at 6 PM local-time, and we weren’t going head-to-head with anyone. Head producer, and really a television broadcasting genius, Mickey Grant, was in the office when the phone call came. He was in agreement with me, things were OK right now, but competition was heating up and World Class needed to make a play. Word on the street was, Vince McMahon was hemorrhaging money leading up to a big event he was calling: WrestleMania. The build-up so far was quite spectacular, and even big-time celebrities like Mr. T and Cydni Lauper were getting involved. It was bringing considerable mainstream media to the World Wrestling Federation, which on one hand was good for the business as a whole, but on the other, was putting WWF on a pedestal none of us could compete with.

The WWF was adding more and more production value to their presentation, trying to make everything and everyone feel bigger than life. I liked the approach, it made sense. It fed into what professional wrestling had always been about… families and friends attending their local events to witness incredible feats and dangerous action between men who usually appeared larger than life… guys who came into two infrequently and could draw a house because you had heard about their escapades elsewhere… or someone you knew had seen them the year before in their local town, and boy you couldn’t miss it. Now, Vince was taking his idea and molding it to fit the bright lights of Hollywood. His biggest star, Hulk Hogan, was becoming a household name across the country. Of course, Vince had the advantage of inherently working out of the New York media market… meanwhile we were competing for local ads in the Dallas Post. They were still running their weekly top of the line WWF Championship Wrestling syndicated-program, and also pumping out WWF All Star Wrestling on syndication as well.

Perhaps still number two in size was the AWA, where young up-and-comer Curt Hennig was now the company’s World champion, beating Rick Martel back in January before Martel jumped ship to the WWF. However, the AWA was extremely top-heavy with talent, and it wasn’t young talent either. Sgt. Slaughter was still a huge star, Nick Bockwinkel and Larry Zbyszko were still top of the class workers, but beyond that, relying on names guys like The Crusher and Baron Von Raschke to consistently draw wasn’t going to last much longer with heroes like the World Wrestling Federation stars on television. And the WWF was still running shows in the Minnesota-region, drawing larger houses than Verne Gagne’s seemingly timeless promotion. Not surprisingly, I found recent AWA tapes to be quiet boring in entertainment. The storylines were lackluster, and the wrestling was sub-par. Not to mention… AWA didn’t have any syndicated television, and if Verne couldn’t get a deal soon, I’m not sure how he is going to keep up with the rest of us.

Jim Crocket Promotions, however, I had much more respect for. They were still rolling strong with Ric Flair, the NWA World Heavyweight champion, at the helm. Recent television tapes of theirs were excellent, and I wanted to draw some bit of inspiration from them. I loved their updates in their television studio, leading to excellent talking segments between star performers, however, I wasn’t too sure if it was a good fit for the Dallas viewership. Nonetheless, having charismatic and entertaining workers like Flair, Dusty Rhodes, Magnum T.A., and many others was one of my biggest goals. If we could have naturally entertaining personnel on all fronts, in every minute of every hour, it could be enough to carry us further… the real challenge would be getting Fritz to cough of the money to pay and keep growing stars in a competition industry. Interestingly, just last week Fritz told me there was a huge blowout between Crockett and Bob Giegel, head of the Kansas City office… generally an extremely well-respected leader in the industry, but recently was coming into meetings hot-headed and ready to erupt. That was a part of a dispute between he and Fritz a couple months ago, and now Bob had announced he wasn’t planning on sharing any of his talent with JCP anytime soon, which meant guys like Harley Race and Buddy Roberts might not see the Atlantic this summer… JCP’s World Championship Wrestling program was doing extremely well on TBS, in fact last week’s program featured an unbelievable main event for the World title in which Ric Flair retained against Sgt. Slaughter. It was the best televised match I had seen this year so far, and their TV numbers were rightfully rising on the shoulders of their headliner, Ric Flair.

And then there was Mid-South… things were tense, to say the least, between Bill Watts and Fritz. Business was still really good for Watts, and their product, I had to admit, was really good. Gary Hart was an excellent booker… for however long he was in the seat. I got word Hart was kicked out of the booker’s chair just a month into the gig, apparently butting heads with Watts very early on. Clearly, Watts regretted the decision, and put his onus back into the hands of the trusted vet, Ernie Ladd. They were still featuring a lot of the top World Class talent, and that still was rubbing Fritz the wrong way, but it was how the NWA, for the most part, worked, and we had some of the best guys that worked in the southern states regularly, including the Von Erich boys.. Power Pro Wrestling, their syndicated-programming, was still doing well in the ratings, and it was safe to say the Mid-South territory was hot, mainly on the heels of Dory Funk Jr., Kamala, Ted DiBiase, Butch Reed… and our top guys. However, the television ratings were a bit lackluster, mainly because they were moved to being broadcast so late in the day, in my opinion… Another downgrade to the status of “southern wrasslin”, perhaps in the eyes of television executives.

Despite feelings of avoiding a disaster in the office, and a sigh of relief from most of us, another phone call an hour later sent us all into another tizzy, particularly myself.

”Uh huh.”

Fritz said on the phone… he was doing a lot of listening…

”Uh huh.”

He said again… he usually did most of the talking…

”Uhhh huhhh.”

he bellowed, I had a bad feeling…

”I understand. Okay, thanks Randy. Yep, uh huh. No… Yep, I know, I know. Right, great. Okay, let’s talk soon. Thanks, buh bye.”

He hung up the phone and turned around, looking straight at me.

”Randy may have just gave his notice.”

”What!? Are you kidding me? What do you mean, what did he say?”

I was taken aback. Last time I spoke with Randy, he seemed incredibly happy with how things were going a few months into his stint with us.

”He says he got an offer.”

Fritz said coldly.

”God damn, Vince!”

I said. Fritz stink eye’d me, realizing now he

hates

when people use the lord’s name in vain, especially in front of him.

”Eh hem… sorry Jack.”

What he said next, I don’t think either of us were expecting...

”It wasn’t Vince. It was Jim. Crockett. He’s offered him an exclusive deal for almost thirteen-thousand a month.”

Fritz said. I couldn’t believe it. Crockett was trying to take some of our hottest young talent from right under us, and making sure he held on to him all his own. I thought the NWA was more honorable than that, but I soon learned many of Jim’s guys were exclusive, and it was a move he had been relying on more and more to keep his business not only afloat, but growing… I was naive enough to think Vince was the only one doing this… but to me, this felt like a slow coup within the broader Alliance. And I couldn’t believe Fritz was letting it stand.

”We gotta do something about this!”

I said in haste.

”We can’t let Randy go, he’s too good. He’s too valuable. He’s gonna be huge, Fritz, trust me! You don’t find guys like him every day, or every year, even.”

”What do you want me to do about it, kid? You think I got the money to cough up and pay Randy like that? And you expect me to put food on all my other kid’s tables? Uh uh, not gonna happen pal.”

”What, just like that?”

”Just like what? Just like I know what I want to pay my talent, and I know I can’t pay Randy what Jim wants to pay him? You think I want to break my bank for a shot on our midcard? Not gonna happen.”

Quickly, I was feeling very defeated. I was worried this may be how things might go with a lot of our talent,and it was a thought that had always been in the back of my mind. Just that, I couldn't believe it was coming from Atlanta and not New York. I had to change Fritz’ mind… I couldn’t let him give up that easy.

”Fritz… this goes back to what I was saying a couple month ago. We can’t let this go, you HAVE to do something or this whole thing is going to fall apart.”

”What do you mean?”

He asked.

”Remember talking about Gino? And how he’s gonna need more money? All these guys want more money, at the end of the day. And they are probably going to be able to find it… But that money, Fritz, it HAS to come from you. Or we won’t survive into the next decade, I guarantee it.”

”You don’t know what you’re talkin’ about kid, you ain’t been in the business long enough to think you know how things shake out between us promoters, ya hear? I ain’t goin’ no where, I been doin’ business here in Dallas for the past thirty years, just what in the hell you think gonna stop me from promotin’ till the day I die?

”Because the guys you need to keep your show going aren’t gonna interest anyone, because everyone that was interesting took more money elsewhere, and you’re stuck with the runt of the litter.”

”Ha! Interest? You think all that matters is what’s interesting about the boys? And nothin’ else?”

He replied.

”Well, it may not necessarily be everything… but it’s extremely important and should be our number one goal: put interesting people in interesting stories and keep the fans coming back and tuning in. You’ve seen Randy in the ring, you’ve seen him on the microphone… guy is incredible. You can’t deny that Fritz.”

He was listening…

”And, Fritz, who do you think can fill his shoes. Obviously any one of your boys, but outside of that, who truly matches up to perhaps the potential of Randy? And not only that, but you’ve heard what guys say about him. He’s incredible between the ropes. He’s an encyclopedia on wrestling, Fritz. He can make you a lot of money in the future, but only if you want to invest in him the way Crockett is willing to. Because if you’re not, your other investments today may be worthless tomorrow…”

There was dead air.

Listen Fritz, I know it’s not an easy choice. It’s your business, not mine. But in my opinion, you either going to have to start pouring money into guys like this, with guaranteed, exclusive contracts… or you are going to lose all the guys you ever had. I know it’s not going to be cheap. It’s not going to be easy. But, I think it’s a decision you are going to have to make.”

I was done with one of my long pleads to Fritz to change his ways. I knew he had the money, I had seen the books… numbers he probably didn’t want me seeing. But Fritz was very wealthy, and he had incredible connections in the state of Texas and surrounding regions. If he was going to give up on guys like Randy, he was going to give up on himself and his business and I had to convince him this was the truth, because to me… it was.

”Let me call you later after I think about it. We’ll come up with what to say to Randy.”

He said, now looking out his office window. He never looked back as I began packing my things up and I left Mickey in the room with him. I looked at Mickey, and nodded, with an understanding that Mickey would do what he could to convince Fritz to look bigger and possibly make a play for Randy long-term. I was hopeful, but not naive… only time would tell...

</blockquote>

OGpistolpete · March 28, 2021

”You know, I think Jim really sees something in me… I don’t know, it wouldn’t be doing my family right if I didn’t seriously consider this offer… I know it’s not what you want to hear, and I hear something with Randy popped up too, don’t know nothin’ ‘bout it but it may be in the same vain…”

Tommy Rogers was on the other end of my phone call. I had woken up a few hours ago, sat and read the news, particularly my latest edition of Wrestling Observer Newsletter which had just come in. But now I was dealing with something likely to make waves in the Observer… Tommy Rogers had been offered an exclusive deal with Jim Crocket as well.

”But Tommy, the people of Dallas love you. Fritz loves having you work for him, you know I love having you work for us. Can we sit down later tonight and talk more about this?”

I asked.

”Sure, absolutely.”

Tommy replied. He always seemed like a genuine guy, and I really do think he felt bad about the news he was breaking. But I just needed to have a chance with him… and a chance with Fritz. It was exactly what was I nervous about, more of our guys with incredible talent were prospects for Crockett and McMahon. Except this week, Atlanta was making moves.

”Thanks Tommy. I look forward to seeing you tonight.”

I said, and ended things with a goodbye. After hanging up the phone, exhaled and zoned out. What was going on in Atlanta? How many more of our guys were getting offers? And what did Fritz have in mind when it came to this situation? I was nervous he hadn’t put much thought into it, but hoped my discourse with him a few days prior had prompted him to consider the question. Losing Tommy Rogers wouldn’t necessarily make or break the business, but I knew if five Tommy Rogers’ left, and maybe two or three of our Randy Savage’s would really, really hurt business. To a point I’m not sure it would be easy to attain back.

An hour late, just when I thought it was over, one of my signings Rick Rude dialed me up. Again, an offer from Jim Crockett. I told him to talk to me tonight about things, and he was also willing to do that. I was appreciative and felt these guys really liked their stake in World Class, and wouldn’t really want to leave for any reason other than guaranteed money. One thing I knew I was going to be doing a lot of was making phone calls, and right now another had to be made to Fritz. I explained to him the two phone calls from Tommy and Rick I had received, and simply relayed the message to him. We didn’t focus on making any sort of decision, but agreed talking to him both up front tonight was the best course of action at this point.

Once at the building, we waited for the talent to arrive, and Tommy was first. To his credit, Tommy went straight back to the old man’s office, and talked to him man-to-man. Tommy was a good worker, good looking guy too, the ladies really liked him. Backstage, total professional, and genuinely nice guy. Fritz and I spoke before, meeting with him, and decided to follow the same route as with Randy, matching Crocket’s offer on all levels except slightly higher monthly pay. Tommy was thrilled to hear, and I think a huge weight lifted on his shoulders… but for Fritz, I could tell there was a heavy burden growing. For him, it was clear once he gave a few guys guaranteed money, the rest would start bickering or looking elsewhere for it.

We talked a bit more about what it would mean to take on more guaranteed contracts. Fritz sweated the money, and didn’t like paying guys a salary per month over just when they are booked. To him, that meant he had to book all those guys on his shows, or he’s still footing some bill, and that was leverage he didn’t need his talent having. For Fritz, this was a new way of thinking… a new philosophy in the business he was having a hard time adjusting to. But Fritz being open to new ideas was something I kept reminding him of, using modern wonders such as the television and airplanes as an example.

”Think of all of the great things which can come from continuing to evolve and adapt as a company.”

I told him point blank,

”You will be able to look back on such a marvel, you wouldn’t believe it’s yours.”

Cue the Disney soundtrack.

I told him we need to be proactive, and not reactive. We agreed that once we started giving a few guys guaranteed money, many more, including those more deserving, will come knocking for theirs. Once the cat was out of the bag, well… Fritz was out something too. He told me he was working on something in the background, but wanted to focus with me that night on reviewing which guys were really worth the guaranteed money come time. He wanted to sign a “first phase” of guys, to send a message. He wasn’t going to let anyone walk up to his talent and make them an offer than think he can’t match or make better. But he wanted to be selective about who would be getting the contract, making it known there’s money to be had, but you have to earn it.

”Chris, Gino, Jake.”

were the first words out of his mouth.

”And Randy.”

I added.

”Fine, those four, they are all stars, and we need stars.”

He responded. I agreed, and we sketched out contracts for all four men based around Randy’s offer.

”Jake and Chris… let’s offer them somewhere under eight.”

Thousand, he was referencing, per month. This was still significantly higher than he was paying them per month on their current schedule. He laughed about how this meant we were going to need to run double-headers… no kidding. We agreed to 3-years, three-thousand dollar bonus, and twenty-percent on merch and event bonus.

”Gino…”

he continued,

”Eight and two. Word will get around and he’ll feel special about it.”

Fritz finished. I took down notes and agreed, mostly. I was worried about meeting Randy where his pricing was now at. Fritz agreed to offering sixteen a month, and came up with a form he was going to have Randy sign, saying he wasn’t allowed to talk about his income with his colleagues. I told Fritz that wasn’t necessarily legal, or morale, but Fritz told me he wasn’t going to sign the other half and therefore it never existed, and he hasn’t done anything illegal then. Questionable, I figured this was a great example of how Fritz was still a slick promoter at the end of the day.

”What about your boys?”

I asked, hesitantly. He looked at me as he lowered his glasses, gestured the paper in his hand at me and said,

”Don’t you worry about my boys, now.”

That’s all he needed to say for me to understand he was going to take care of things with them. I quickly moved on to some other names, and more who prompted this discussion came up.

”Tommy?”

I asked. Fritz thought long about his name, and if he was worth the cash he was asking for monthly.

”Let me ask you something kid… What’s your philosophy on babyfaces and heels?”

He asked.

I wasn’t sure what he meant, and asked him to explain further.

”Well, you see, this territory was built on the shoulders of heroes… particularly me. And today it stands on the foundation of the family I have put in place, and how my boys are looked at as heroes by little boys and girls across Texas. That’s not some sort of happy accident, you see… good territories, good promotions, they need strong babyfaces to keep drawing, in my humble opinion.”

”I agree. Babyfaces draw the crowds, and heels give them what they came to see, which is someone getting their butt beat!”

”Something like that I suppose.”

He took a sip of his tonic water.

”That’s why Rick’s out and Tommy’s in.”

”What do you mean Rick’s out?”

I asked.

”Rick’s out, kid. He’s a heel for life, just look at the guy. He’s a Greek god with that physique, he’s got that Hollywood look about him, real arrogant demeanor. He’s a fine young man, and I think he has a bright future. But he ain’t gonna draw the house at the end of the day, he’s just gonna play the means to an end for our babyfaces. Guys like Rick, we have to let come and go perhaps. It’s the good guys we want to establish as our own. So let’s make sure we get Tommy and we make Jim pay more for the services of one Mr. Rude.”

He gave a small smile, a first from Fritz.

”Fritz, what can I say, I never thought I would see you so happy to spend so much money!”

His face turned sour for a second, and then he laughed wholeheartedly. It ended in a bellowing cough as he ashed his cigar and greeted Tommy at the door. He then asked me to grab Tommy’s partner, Bobby Fulton. It took me a bit by surprise, but I could tell what he was hinting at. He was ready to make Bobby an offer as well. I left expeditiously, knowing this was the start of something big…

W4, Mar. 1985 Prediction Cards

WCCW Live!
The Long Riders (Bill and Scott Irwin) versus The Radicals (Marty Jannetty and Sean Michaels)
The Fabulous Ones versus Rock N’ Roll Express
Billy Jack Haynes and Jerry Blackwell versus One Man Gang and Randy Savage
Hercules Hernandez versus Terry Gordy
Brian Adias and Kerry Von Erich versus The Dynamic Duo (Chris Adams and Gino Hernandez)
David Von Erich versus Jake Roberts

WCCW Championship Sports (TV)
Billy Jack Haynes versus Jake Roberts
Brian Adias versus Chris Adams
Kerry Von Erich and The Fantastics versus One Man Gang and The Midnight Express

</blockquote>

BHK1978 · March 28, 2021

The Long Riders (Bill and Scott Irwin) versus The Radicals (Marty Jannetty and Sean Michaels)

The Fabulous Ones versus Rock N’ Roll Express

Billy Jack Haynes and Jerry Blackwell versus One Man Gang and Randy Savage

Hercules Hernandez versus Terry Gordy

Brian Adias and Kerry Von Erich versus The Dynamic Duo (Chris Adams and Gino Hernandez)

David Von Erich versus Jake Roberts

WCCW Championship Sports (TV)

Billy Jack Haynes versus Jake Roberts

Brian Adias versus Chris Adams

Kerry Von Erich and The Fantastics versus One Man Gang and The Midnight Express

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WCCW 1985: Every Rose has its Thorn

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