Чемпионат России по Реслингу: Championship Wrestling from Russia

[bhutapati]

The year is 1992. The Soviet Union has fallen. Kleptocracy rules, state assets are sold off at fire-sale prices and party cadres become powerful oligarchs. American corporations enter the country like conquering heroes. There's a McDonalds in Red Square. Mikhail Gorbachev is in a commercial for Pizza Hut. The old world and its way of life have not just gone from this world; they have been smashed to pieces.

It is time to teach the Russians to love pro wrestling. Like Rikidozan for the Japanese public in the 50s, we will show a broken people to stand up again. We will lift their spirits and create new heroes and legends. We will make lots of money.

We are entering the breach that capitalism has made in the Iron Curtain. This is Championship Wrestling from Russia.

PROLOGUE

Quote

Your books and maps are of no use if there's no land of righteousness.

The Lower Depths, Maxim Gorky

'There are rumours of a new promotion opening in Russia,' writes the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. 'Several talents have already received contract offers for a year-long tour with a view to build groundswell support for a TV series.' The economics make no sense. The Russian people have no money. They don't even know what pro wrestling is. They have no reason to come watch us. Never mind that, we'll give the tickets away for free. We are building something bigger than that here.

The Russians are the first to respond. Salman Hashimikov, Victor Zangiev, Volk Han -- these guys will be the backbone of the CWR roster. We have Grigory Verichev and Svetlana Goundarenko, the judo players from FMW. To fill out the roster, we have Andrei Kopylov and Igor Kolmykov from RINGS, with Vladimir Berkovich, Vakha Evloev and the Olympic wrestler Vladimir Popov rounding out the roster. Represenging RINGS Georgia, we have Tiger Levani and the Tkeshelashvili brothers Koba and Zaza. We have some American talent as well. You'll hear about them later. Every story needs a villain.

The first problem facing us is that a lot of our talent is lacking in star quality and charisma. We've asked them to take steroids to make up the difference. Some of them, like Salman and Volk Han don't want to do steroids. They are incorruptible. This only confirms my convictions that they should be the pillars of this company. Others accept the offer easily, and even agree to start building muscle immediately.

We need a product that can effectively convey the essence of pro wrestling to a public that have been deprived of it for almost a hundred years. Something that can encompass all the violence, the comedy, the romance, the struggle and ordeal inherent to the whole sport. For that, we have selected Three Ring Circus. After all, the Russians do know a thing or two about circuses.

But every wrestling federation needs an authority figure. We need someone who projects strength that can keep all these crazy wrestlers in line. For that purpose, we have chosen Valeri Vasiliev, the legendary enforcer of Dynamo Moscow and the Soviet national team. He can run this asylum. Once we secure a television deal, commentary will be provided by the legendary Georgy Sarkisyants.

There's just one thing more -- we need a star to be a draw for us, to help lift us off the ground until the whole Russian wrestling scene is able to sustain itself. To that end, Ivan Koloff will make his triumphant debut in the land of his ancestors...

Edited November 4, 2023 by bhutapati

[bhutapati]

CWR WAR AND PEACE TOUR: NIGHT 1

Saint Petersburg, Russia. 260 fans in attendance.

Valeri Vasiliev warms up the crowd. He explains that tonight's card will have, in addition to some of the finest wrestlers Russia has ever produced, the return of Ivan Koloff, a Russian emigre born in exile. Terry Funk comes out to interrupt him, although no one in the audience understands what he's saying. He is chased off by Salman Hashimikov. (Rating: 42)

Vladimir Berkovich, Igor Komylov and Vladimir Popov vs. Dick Togo, Jado and Gedo. Vladmir Popov lays out Gedo and makes him tap out in a chaotic opener. (38)

Svetlana Goundarenko vs. Klondyke Kate. The Russian judoka drops Kate with a huge slam to retain the All-Russia women's championship. (38)

Kamala vs. Vakha Evloev. Kamala defeats the Russian in a short squash match. (37)

Tiger Jeet Singh vs. Andrei Kopylov. Singh defeats the Russian in a back-and-forth match. (44)

Steven Regal and Dave Finlay come down to the ring. They disparage the nation of Russia and declare they are the toughest tag team in the entire country. No one understands what they are saying. (28)

Finlay and Regal vs. the Tkeshelashvili Brothers. Regal and Finlay make short work of Zaza and Koba. (56)

Victor Zangiev vs. Al Snow. In a brief but highly skilled and technical encounter, the wrestling machine Zangiev takes Snow for a ride. (50)

A mysterious woman is seen watching Zangiev from ringside. She tries to get his attention with her steely glare. (29)

Volk Han vs. Dean Malenko. In the technical highlight of the night, Volk Han taps out Malenko with a leg lock. (63)

Gary Hart offers his services to Volk Han. He promises he can get Han a huge contract with an American company, but Han blows him off. (36)

Terry Funk vs. Tiger Levani. Funk gets a big win over the Georgian. (47)

The Dream Team (Salman Hashimikov and Ivan Koloff) vs. the Ugly Americans (Scotty Flamingo and Johnny Ace). Hashimikov gets a huge win here with the assist from Koloff. (56)

Terry Funk comes out to confront Hashimikov. He's upset about being humiliated in the opening segment. Hashimikov lays him out with one punch. (56)

Show Rating: 56

 

CWR WAR AND PEACE TOUR: NIGHT 2

Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. 327 fans in attendance.

Vasiliev is interrupted by Terry Funk again. Hashimikov and Koloff come out to chase him off. (39)

The Flying Cosmonauts (Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero as Cosmonaut I & II) defeat Jado and Gedo. (40)

Svetlana Goundarenko defeats Klondyke Kate for the All-Russia Women's title. (40)

Igor Kolmykov and Vladimir Berkovich defeat Al Snow and Dean Malenko. (56)

Finlay and Regal come out to taun them. They say no Russian team can beat them. No one has a clue what they're saying because they're speaking English. (23)

Kamala defeats Shoichi Funaki in a short squash match. (22)

Volk Han defeats Dave Finlay in a show-stealing bout. (60)

Gary Hart comes out to make another offer to Volk Han. Volk Han ignores him. (35)

Grigory Verichev and Victor Zangiev defeat the Samoan Swat Team (Samu and Fatu.) (52)

The mysterious woman is still at ringside watching Zangiev. She whispers something to him as he leaves the ring. (30)

Terry Funk defeats Vladimir Popov. The rookie is no match for the wily veteran. (53)

Terry Funk gets on the mic and declares he can beat any Russian. (46)

Salman Hashimikov defeats Tiger Jeet Singh. (40)

Terry Funk comes out to confront Hashimikov again and gets laid out cold once again. (55)

Overall Rating: 52

 

CWR WAR AND PEACE TOUR: NIGHT 3

Yaroslavl, Russia. 382 fans in attendance.

The Flying Cosmonauts defeat 2 Cold Scorpio and Booker T. (47)

Kamala defeats Scotty Flamingo. (22)

Svetlana Goundarenko defeats Klondyke Kate for the All-Russia Women's title. (39)

Regal and Finlay come out to tell Kolmykov and Berkovich they can't face them this week because Regal has a cracked tailbone, but they have an alternate for them. (45)

Victor Zangiev defeats Dean Malenko. (57)

The mysterious woman is watching Zangiev once again. (26)

Grigory Verichev defeats Dr. Tom Pritchard. (50)

Dave Finlay defeats Volk Han. Gary Hart appears at ringside and distracts Volk for the finish. (57)

Gary Hart warns Volk Han he can make his life a living hell if he doesn't agree to do business with him. (40)

Terry Funk pre-match promo. He's upset at being humiliated by Hashimikov and Koloff, but he thinks he and his partner have theri number. (37)

The Dream Team defeats Terry Funk and Tiger Jeet Singh. (48)

Overall Rating: 50

[bhutapati]

Tiger Jeet Singh is already off the tour. He tried to get into a fight with Vakha Evloev, so he's fired. Other than the fact that we got rid of our #2 foreign heel, however, things are looking good for Championship Wrestling from Russia. Just look at how many fans we've managed to get in a few short months. Clearly, groundswell support is building around CWR and the fans want to support Salman and the others. I also received a report that Vakha Evloev has become 'flabby', so he has also been publicly fired.

CWR WAR AND PEACE TOUR: NIGHT 4

Kazan, Russia. 446 fans in attendance.

Vasiliev hypes the crowd, but is interrupted by Gary Hart. He's tired of dealing with Volk Han's obstinance and puts out an open offer of his services to any Russian wrestler who wants to make it in America. (37)

The Tkeshelashvili Brothers defeat Jado and Gedo in 13:15 when Zaza submits Gedo with an Achilles lock. (38)

Svetlana Goundarenko beats Velvet McIntyre for the All-Russia Womens title in 15:07 with a judo slam. (43)

Vladimir Popov defeats Dean Malenko in 13:26 with a Boston Crab. (58)

Steven Regal defeats Igor Kolmykov in 14:51 with the Regal-plex. (53)

Regal and Finlay cut a promo on Kolmykov and Berkovich. Now that Regal's cracked tailbone has healed they don't stand a chance. (34)

Terry Funk and Kamala beat Victor Zangiev and Volk Han in 15:19 when Funk taps out Zangiev with the spinning toe hold. (61)

The woman at ringside who's been watching Zangiev catches Kamala's eye as he leaves the ring... he's transfixed by her beauty. (31)

Grigory Verichev beats Gama Singh in 12:49 with a judo throw. (53)

Salman Hashimikov beats Dave Finlay in 19:46. They're said to have great chemistry. (49)

Hashimikov then delivers a post-match promo. He says he'll take on all comers and defeat anyone who insults the Russian people. (51)

Overall Rating: 53

 

CWR WAR AND PEACE TOUR: NIGHT 5

The show starts with a ceremony honouring Ivan Koloff. He has announced his upcoming retirement, wanting to end his career in Russia. Valeri Vasiliev and Salman Hashimikov are delivering speeches talking about what an honour it is to have him come home. Terry Funk comes out to disrupt the ceremony, says Koloff isn't even really Russian. Hashimikov is furious. (47)

Steven Regal and Dave Finlay beat Igor Kolmykov and Vladimir Berkovich in 15:04 when Berkovich taps out to the Regal Stretch. (58)

Finlay and Regal post-match promo where they say they've proven there's no tag team in Russia tougher than them. They're still held back by the language barrier. (35)

Svetlana Goundarenko beats Velvet McIntyre for the All Russia Womens title in 14:45 with a judo throw. (46)

Gama Singh beats Victor Zangiev in 12:44 when Kamala comes out and attacks Zangiev. (53)

The Flying Cosmonauts (Cosmonaut I and Cosmonaut II) beat The Ugly Americans (Johnny Ace and Scotty Flamingo) in 13:19 when Johnny Ace taps out to Cosmonaut II's Gory Special. (46)

Grigory Verichev beats Ultimo Dragon in 12:42 with a judo throw. (53)

Gary Hart reveals his new client. Bam Bam Bigelow has arrived in Russia and he wants a piece of Volk Han! (33)

Bam Bam Bigelow defeats Volk Han in 14:49 with a flying headbutt. They're said to have had good chemistry in-ring. (63)

Terry Funk and Kamala beat the Dream Team (Salman Hashimikov and Ivan Koloff) in 19:32 when Funk hits Koloff with the piledriver. (54)

Post-match, the brawl continues. Koloff is badly hurt by the piledriver and it turns into a two-on-one where Funk and Kamala work over Hashimikov, until Zangiev, Volk Han and Verichev run out to make the save. (48)

Overall Rating: 54

[bhutapati]

CWR WAR AND PEACE TOUR: NIGHT 6
Perm, Russia. 573 fans in attendance.
The Flying Cosmonauts beat Al Snow and Dean Malenko in 13:05 when Malenko tapped out to the Cosmonaut Crossface. Cosmonaut I also strained his rotator cuff in this match. (54)
Gama Singh beat Johnny Ace in 13:19 with the camel clutch.
Finlay and Regal come out. They announce that, since they have beaten all the teams there are to beat in Russia, they will continue their singles careers. (32)
Vladimir Popov beat Steven Regal in 10:19 with a Boston Crab. (57)
Gary Hart comes out and says he has a new client for Svetlana Goundarenko to defend her title against… it’s Bull Nakano! (25)
Bull Nakano beats Svetlana Goundarenko in 9:41 for the All-Russia Women’s title with the guillotine leg drop. (46)
Bam Bam Bigelow beat Andrei Kopylov in 15:14 with a diving headbutt. (48)
Victor Zangiev beat Kamala in 9:39. (56)
The mysterious woman finally introduces herself to Zangiev. Her name is Anastasia… she leaves ringside with him. (37)
Volk Han defeats Dave Finlay in 15:10. (66)
Volk Han gets on the mic and calls out Gary Hart! He says he won’t let his wrestling career be derailed by an American who only wants to make money off him. (36)
Terry Funk beats Salman Hashimikov in 15:30 with the deadly Piledriver. Ivan Koloff is at ringside… (60)
Terry Funk attacks Ivan Koloff! He is still injured from taking the Piledriver on the last night of the tour! Salman Hashimikov is helpless to stop him as he assaults Koloff!

Overall Rating: 57

CWR WAR AND PEACE TOUR: NIGHT 7
Chelyabinsk, Russia. 642 fans in attendance.
Valeri Vasiliev announces Terry Funk’s piledriver has been banned. After Ivan Koloff and Salman Hashimikov have been injured, he has no choice. Funk comes out and is furious and says he has the best American lawyers to challenge this ruling. (52)
Kolmykov & Berkovich beat The Headhunters in 13:12 when Berkovich submits Headhunter B with the Boston Crab. (47)
Andrei Kopylov beats Johnny Ace in 5:01 in a short squash match. (22)
Gama Singh beats Dean Malenko in 12:55 with the camel clutch. (57)
Zaza Tkeshelashvili beats Steven Regal in 13:22 with the achilles lock. (58)
Bull Nakano beats Cutie Suzuki in 9:40 to retain the All-Russia Women’s title. (45)
Kamala and Bam Bam Bigelow beat Victor Zangiev and Volk Han in 14:44 when Bigelow hits Zangiev with the diving headbutt for the win. (59)
All four men continue brawling! Anastasia and Gary Hart both have to duck for cover as they brawl around ringside until security can separate them. (46)
Vladimir Popov beats Dave Finlay in 12:31 in a shocking underdog victory. (44)
Terry Funk defeats Grigory Verichev in 14:43 with the spinning toe hold. (63)
Terry Funk grabs the microphone. He wants a match with Ivan Koloff to expose him and prove he’s not a Russian hero at all. (51)

Overall Rating: 57

CWR WAR AND PEACE TOUR: NIGHT 8
Novosibirsk, Russia. 698 fans in attendance.
Kolmykov and Berkovich taunt Finlay and Regal for losing their singles matches on the past few shows. They come out and answer the tag team challenge. (27)
Finlay and Regal beat Kolmykov and Berkovich in 15:19 when Finlay hits Berkovich with the tombstone piledriver. (58)
Bull Nakano beats Velvet McIntyre in 10:09 to retain the All-Russia Women’s title. (36)
Ultimo Dragon beats Dean Malenko in 10:20 with the Dragon Bomb. (57)
Cosmonaut II (Eddie Guerrero) beats Lizmark Jr. in 9:31 with a Brainbuster. (47)
Victor Zangiev and Vladimir Popov beat the Ugly Americans (Johnny Ace and Scotty Flamingo) in 12:51 when Zangiev pins Flamingo. (51)
Kamala comes to ringside, entranced by Anastasia’s beauty. Zangiev sees this and tries to get him to back off. (47)
Volk Han defeats Gama Singh in 14:46 with a leg bar. (59)
Gary Hart comes out and tells Volk Han he’s still interested in getting him to sign a contract with him; he has a lot of potential and Hart would regret having to end his career. (41)
Bam Bam Bigelow defeats Grigory Verichev in 14:43. (61)
Terry Funk defeats Ivan Koloff in 15:04 with the spinning toe hold. (59)
Terry Funk continues the attack after the match – and he piledrives Ivan Koloff through the press table at ringside! Paramedics try to take Koloff out on a stretcher as Hashimikov arrives too late to make the save! (49)

Overall Rating: 56

CWR WAR AND PEACE TOUR: NIGHT 9
Moscow, Russia. 842 fans in attendance.
Regal and Finlay defeat the Samoan Swat Team in 12:47. (58)
Cosmonaut II beats Ultimo Dragon in 13:02. (53)
Bull Nakano beats Klondyke Kate in 10:21 to retain the All-Russia Womens title. (46)
Zaza Tkeshelashvili defeats Gama Singh in 12:57 with the Achilles lock. Gama Singh is injured during the match. (35)
Minoru Suzuki defeats Grigory Verichev in 13:12 with a sleeper hold. (56)
Kamala beats Vladimir Berkovich in 14:41 with Air Africa. They have no chemistry as opponents. (44)
Kamala grabs the ringside microphone. He starts babbling in some unknown language, then he starts to chant her name – Anastasia, Anastasia, Anastasia – until they wrestle the mic away from him. (41)
Vladimir Popov, Volk Han and Victor Zangiev defeat Jado, Gedo and Dick Togo in 10:44 when Volk Han submits Gedo with the leg bar. (55)
Salman Hashimikov defeats Terry Funk in 14:21 after he passes out in the camel clutch. (60)
Salman Hashimikov tries to piledrive Terry Funk to get revenge for the injured Ivan Koloff. Before he can do so, Valeri Vasiliev runs to the ring and threatens to suspend him if he doesn’t back off. (52)

Overall Rating: 57
 

[bhutapati]

Over the first nine months of Championship Wrestling from Russia, we've seen goundswell support for our promotion build up and we've now reached 'small' size. We're now eligible to negociate a TV deal, and we do, making a deal to show Championship Wrestling from Russia on 2×2 on Saturday afternoons.

Also, Zaza Tkeshelashvili has been publicly fired for injuring Gama Singh.

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #1
Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia.

Dark Match: Ivan Kolmykov and Vladimir Berkovich beat Shoichi Funaki and Ulitmo Dragon in 9:55 when Berkovich makes Ultimo Dragon tap out to the Boston Crab. (47)

The show begins with Georgy Sarkisyants recapping the Hashimikov/Funk affair. 'Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for joining us on Championship Wrestling from Russia.' He explains how Ivan Koloff arrived in Russia from America, intending to end his career in his home country. He discusses his partnership with Vladimir Hashimikov and rivalry with Terry Funk, and shows footage of his devastating injury at the hands of Funk. 'At this time, we can confirm that Ivan Koloff's injuries are so severe that doctors question whether he will even walk again, let alone return to the wrestling ring. Terry Funk's vicious assault has brought an end to Ivan Koloff's career.' He announces that Terry Funk has been indefinitely suspended from Championship Wrestling from Russia for using the banned piledriver. (43)

The Flying Cosmonauts beat Jado and Gedo in 10:23 when Comsonaut I (Chris Benoit) nails Jado with a Flying Headbutt in a fast-paced, car-crash opener. (47)

Gary Hart cuts a promo with Bull Nakano, with backstage interviewer Lyudmila Kondratyeva. 'I came to Russia looking to make easy money,' Gary Hart explains. 'But I didn't realise how easy it would be to take the All-Russia Women's Championship from Svetlana Goundarenko, who turned tail and ran outta town. We haven't even seen her. Is that the best Russia has?' (31)

Bam Bam Bigelow beat Zaza Tkeshelashivli in 9:48 with a diving headbutt. (51)

Gary Hart has a warning for Volk Han. After accompanying Bam Bam at ringside, Gary Hart has more to say. 'I offered you an opportunity, Volk Han, to leave this shithole country and make something of yourself in America. But I can't wait forever. If you're not going to come work for me, Bam Bam is going to deal with you.' (34)

Valeri Vasiliev has a major announcement. He says that now that Championship Wrestling from Russia has been established as the pre-eminent wrestling promotion in Russia, it is time to crown a men's champion. A tournament will unfold in the following weeks with the best Russian wrestler facing the best foreign wrestler to determine who will go home with the All-Russia Heavyweight Championship. (40)

Victor Zangiev defeated Billy Gunn in 10:21 by tapping him out. Anastasia is watching him at ringside. (50)

Kamala comes out early for his match. He runs into Victor Zangiev and Anastasia at ringside. Kamala tries to move on Anastasia but Zangiev steps in the way and he backs off. (28)

Kamala defeated Norman Smiley in 9:31 with the Ugandan Nerve Lock.  (52)

Dave Finlay and Steven Regal conduct a pre-match promo. They protest the injustice of suspending Terry Funk, the greatest wrestler in all of Russia. (40)

Salman Hashimikov beats Steven Regal in 18:24 by submission in our main event. (49)

There is noise in the background -- Terry Funk has broken into the studio! He's swinging a chain and attacking security guards. No one can control him! Salman Hashimikov stands resolute in the ring as the cameramen and technicians flee. Terry Funk looks down the barrel of a camera and says that he has no respect for anyone in Russia and won't be controlled. He knocks over the camera and the show cuts to black. (58)

Overall Rating: 49

[bhutapati]

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #2
Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia.

Dark Match: Minoru Suzuki and Perry Saturn beat 2 Cold Scorpio and Booker T in 10:10 when Suzuki put Booker T in the sleeper. (44)

Valeri Vasiliev opens the show. He reveals the All-Russia Heavyweight championship belt and reveals the tournament brackets. In the World bracket, Dave Finlay will face Bam Bam Bigelow and Kamala will face Gama Singh while in the Russia bracket, Vladimir Popov will face Volk Han and, in tonight's main event, Salman Hashimikov will face Victor Zangiev. Hashimikov and Zangiev come out and shake hands. (50)

The Flying Cosmonauts and Norman Smiley defeated The Ugly Americans (Johnny Ace, Scotty Flamingo and Dr. Tom Prichard) in 10:14 when Cosmonaut II pinned Scotty Flamingo with a brainbuster. (57)

Backstage, Lyudmila Kondratyeva interviews Volk Han and Vladimir Popov. They both praise the other wrestler and look forward to having a good, clean match. (36)

Vladimir Berkovich and Ivan Kolmykov defeated Billy Gunn and Dean Malenko in 7:30 with Billy Gunn tapping out to Berkovich's Boston Crab. (48)

Berkovich and Kolmykov get on the microphone. They want one more match to prove themselves against Finlay and Regal! Finlay and Regal come out and accept the challenge. This segment suffered because one side has no charisma and the other side speaks no Russian. (26)

Volk Han defeats Vladimir Popov in 14:56 by pinfall. Volk Han advances in the All-Russia Heavyweight Championship tournament. (56)

Gary Hart comes into the studio accompanied by Bam Bam Bigelow and Bull Nakano. He says Volk Han will never be champion as ong as Bam Bam Bigelow is standing in his way. (31)

Grigory Verichev defeats Al Snow in 9:56 with a judo slam. (55)

Verichev does a post-match intervierw with Kondratyeva. He tells her he wants another match with Minoru Suzuki. He won't be choked out this time. (21)

Salman Hashimikov defeats Victor Zangiev in 19:34 by pinfall. Salman Hashimikov advances in the All-Russia Heavyweight Championship tournament. Kamala comes out and distracts Zangiev from ringside. (41)

Zangiev and Kamala start to brawl at ringside. As Hashimikov watches them, Terry Funk hits the ring and attacks him. All four men are brawling around the studio to end the show. (49)

Overall Rating: 47

Edited November 3, 2023 by bhutapati

[bhutapati]

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #3
Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia.

Dark Match: Igor Kolmykov and Vladimir Berkovich beat Mike Awesome and Billy Gunn in 9:54 when Berkovich made Billy Gunn tap out to the Boston Crab. (41)

The show opens with Lyudmila Kondratyeva interviewing Salman Hashimikov. She asks him how he feels about Terry Funk busting into the studio in consecutive weeks. 'Quite frankly? I'm not worried at all. In fact, I've told Valeri Vasiliev that if security sees him come in, tonight, send him straight to me.' (46)

Minoru Suzuki and Steven Regal beat Grigory Verichev and Vladimir Popov in 13:21 when Suzuki choked out Popov with the sleeper hold. (58)

Gary Hart and Bull Nakano are backstage with Lyudmila Kondratyeva. They are shown a brief video of Svetlana Goundarenko winning a gold medal at the European Judo Championships and competing at the Summer Olympics. Kondratyeva asks for their reaction. 'Well, that's amateur sport, which is small potatoes for us. We're about winning real champonships and making real money. If she wants to go live in that world, that's fine. But we'll be waiting for her here when she's ready to play a real sport,' Gary Hart says. (28)

Terry Gordy defeated Cosmonaut I in 7:49 with a backdrop driver. (52)

There's a commotion backstage. The camera crew finds Gama Singh laid out and beaten bloody. Valeri Vasiliev rushes to the scene to find Terry Funk sauntering into the room. 'It looks like you're down a man for your tournament tonight. It's a good thing I happened to be in town,' Funk tells him as Vasiliev glares at him. (36)

Bam Bam Bigelow defeated Dave Finlay in 15:17 with a diving headbutt to advance in the All-Russia Heavyweight Championship tournament. (47)

Salman Hashimikov, Victor Zangiev and Volk Han defeated Dick Togo, Jado and Gedo in 10:11 when Volk Han submitted Jado with a heel hook. (48)

As Zangiev leaves with Anastasia, they run into Kamala coming out for the main event. Kamala is still transfixed by Anastasia's beauty but keeps his distance this time. (36)

Terry Funk defeated Kamala in 14:52 with the spinning toe hold to advance in the All-Russia Heavyweigth Championship tournament. (46)

Terry Funk grabs the microphone. 'Nothing was going to keep me away from the championship tournament. When I realised how easy it was to beat the strongest Russian you've got and snap his damn neck like a twig, I knew I could rob this country of everything it has, humiliate every single one of your heroes, and there's not a damn thing anyone can do to stop me.' Hashimikov comes out to confront him, furious. They get into a shoving match but Valeri Vasiliev runs out and forces himself between them. They are standing off and glaring at eachother as the show goes to black. (48)

Overall Rating: 46

[bhutapati]

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #4
Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. 408 fans in attendance.

Dark Match: Grigory Verichev and Victor Zangiev defeated Sho Funaki and Dick Togo in 10:24 when Zangiev pinned Funaki. (29)

The show opens with Lyudmila Kondratyeva interviewing Salman Hashimikov and Volk Han. They both talk about their personal issues with the Americans on the opposite end of the bracket. 'Terry Funk is the lowest of human scum, a man without honour,' Salman says. 'Gary Hart is an American capitalist, he thinks we can be bought and sold like slabs of beef. He'll find out about us soon enough,' Han says. They agree to put all that aside and leave it all in the ring tonight. (39)

The Flying Cosmonauts defeated The Headhunters in 10:13 when Comsonaut II pinned Headhunter B with the Frog Splash. Cosmonaut I had his ribs broken by one of the Headhunters during the match. (24)

Dave Finlay and Steven Regal are backstage. 'We've had time to consider the challenge from your Kolmykov and Berkovich,' Regal says. 'Now, we've beaten them -- what was it? Two matches to nothing. And, really, we owe them nothing. But, out of the goodness of our hearts, and to show our benevolence as the uncrowned tag team champions of Russia, we'll see them in October for Crime and Punishment live in Moscow. Get your tickets now.' (31)

Minoru Suzuki defeated Norman Smiley in 12:18 when he submitted him with the sleeper hold. (32)

Lyudmila Kondratyeva is backstage with Gary Hart and Bam Bam Bigelow. 'I heard everything Volk Han had to say earlier, and he's got us completely wrong. Because if he can't beat Hashimikov tonight, my contract offer is off the table. And if he ends up across the ring from Bam Bam Bigelow at Crime and Punishment... well, his value on the free market is about to go down drastically.' (40)

Terry Funk defeated Bam Bam Bigelow in 10:17 with the spinning toe hold to advance in the All-Russia Heavyweight Championship tournament. (48)

Lyudmila Kondratyeva is backstage with Victor Zangiev and Anastasia. She askes about their relationship status and what Kamala wants from them. 'Anastasia simply has an eye for wrestling ability and physical conditioning, and she decided I was the finest specimen of both,' Zangiev explains. 'As for Kamala... I couldn't imagine what is going on in that beast's mind. But if he wants to get close to this beauty, he has to go through me. If that's what he wants, he can come see me at Crime and Punishment.' (37)

Steven Regal defeated Vladimir Popov in 12:15 with the Regal stretch. (44)

Valeri Vasiliev stops Terry Funk backstage. 'Frankly, you're lucky to be alive after everything you've done. I don't think you realise just what you've provoked with your actions. But I'm going to need an assurance from you, that whether you face Hashimikov or Volk Han at Crime and Punishment, there will be no more of this senselessness violence.' Terry Funk just smiles wryly at him. (46)

Salman Hashimikov defeated Volk Han in 20:20 by pinfall. They had no chemistry and it was an awkward bout. (27)

Terry Funk comes out to face Salman Hashimikov. 'I promised your boss Vasiliev that I'd keep my hands off you tonight, Salman, so tonight all I have to say is congratulations. The eyes of the nation are on you. I can't wait to see the light go out of every one of these peoples' eyes as I make you quit in the middle of that ring at Crime and Punishment.' (47)

Overall Rating: 35

[bhutapati]

CWR: CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
October 1992. Moscow, Russia. 945 fans in attendance. (Our first paying crowd in history.)

Valeri Vasiliev hypes up the crowd. He welcomes them and runs down the card for the night, with huge grudge matches featuring Volk Han, Victor Zangiev and, of course, Salman Hashimikov. (40)

Igor Kolmykov and Vladimir Berkovich defeated Dave Finlay and Steven Regal in 13:20 when Dave Finlay tapped out to Berkovich's Boston Crab. (59)

Vladimir Popov defeated Dr. Tom Prichard in 10:29 by submission. (40)

Volk Han defeated Bam Bam Bigelow in 15:14 submitting him with a leg bar after botched interference by Gary Hart. (49)

After the match, Volk Han confronts Gary Hart. Gary begs off but Volk Han lays him out in the middle of the ring. He rips up the contract he was offered and stuffs the scraps in Gary Hart's mouth. (37)

Minoru Suzuki defeated Grigory Verichev in 12:31 with the sleeper hold. (58)

Victor Zangiev defeated Kamala in 10:21 by submission. (53)

Kamala is furious post-match. He gets out of the ring, knocking things off the timekeeper's table -- then he rushes towards Anastasia, picks her up over his shoulder and runs out of the arena while Zangiev gives chase. (41)

Bull Nakano defeated Cutie Suzuki in 9:47 after a guillotine leg drop to retain the All-Russia Womens championship. (51)

Salman Hashimikov makes his ring entrance with Ivan Koloff accompanying him in a wheelchair. The All-Russia Heavyweight Championship belt is presented and the national anthems of Russia and the United States are played. (52)

Salman Hashimikov defeated Terry Funk in 15:30 by pinfall after Terry Funk is distracted by Ivan Koloff standing up from his wheelchair at ringside. Salman Hashimikov wins the All-Russia Heavyweight Championship Tournament. (54)

Salman Hashimikov and Ivan Koloff celebrate in the ring to end the show. Terry Funk paces around ringside, furious and distraught. (53)

Overall Rating: 51

Overall, I think our first cycle of TV shows and event have been mixed. The matches have been alright but I'm troubled by the low ratings and poor financial performance. When we were running low-budget event a month we were losing just under $10,000. Now that we have added TV tapings, we lost $80,000 last month and only made an $8,000 gate. 2×2 can barely afford to pay us for our TV show. Something will have to change if we want to survive.

Also, after the show I screamed at Vladimir Popov for his poor performance and he is now very angry with me. He will be publicly fired at the next set of TV tapings.

[bhutapati]

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #5
Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. October 1992. Estimated 442 fans in attendance.

Dark match: Terry Gordy and Mike Awesome defeat Billy Gunn and Tom Prichard in 10:14 when Gordy hits Prichard with the backdrop driver. (45)

The show begins with Lyudmila Kondratyeva backstage with the national champion Salman Hashimikov and Ivan Koloff. 'Terry Funk said he would humiliate me and the nation of Russia at Crime and Punishment. But I haven't seen him here tonight. Where is he? On a long-haul flight back to Texas with his tail between his legs!' says Hashimikov. 'The doctors said I would never walk again after Terry Funk piledrived me through a table to the concrete floor and broke my neck. But to see the look on his face when he saw he hadn't killed me -- that alone gave me the strength to get out of my wheelchair!' adds Koloff. Kondratyeva asks if Hashimikov is worried about Terry Funk returning. 'I've seen the worst he's capable of. I'm not worried about Terry Funk at all.' (39)

The Flying Cosmonauts defeat 2 Cold Scorpio and Booker T in 12:59 when Cosmonaut II pins Booker T with a brainbuster. (46)

The Ugly Americans, Johnny Ace and Scotty Flamingo, are watching from backstage. 'Boy, those Flying Cosmonauts sure are something, huh?' says Flamingo. 'You know, I've heard they're not even real comonauts,' says Johnny Ace. 'Yeah, and I heard they wear masks because they're two ugly bastards.' (38)

Minoru Suzuki defeats Dean Malenko in 12:56 with the sleeper hold. (62)

A hype video plays for Georgi Kandelaki. The announcer runs down the 20 year-old's accomplishments as he's shown winning a gold medal at the Junior World Boxing Championships in Montreal. He'll make his debut next month at The Shooting Party. (25)
 
Dave Finlay defeats Vladimir Popov in 14:47 when Popov taps out to the Indian deathlock. (51)

Finlay cuts a post-match promo with Steven Regal. They're so furious that Kolmykov and Berkovich finally got their win that they can't even bring themselves to say their names. (33)

Volk Han and Grigory Verichev defeat the Samoan Swat Team in 12:50 when Verichev pinned Fatu after hitting him with a judo slam. (59)

In our main event, Victor Zangiev defeats Steven Regal in 15:26 by submission. (56)

Lyudmila Kondratyeva is in the ring to interview Victor Zangiev. 'Kamala! You've made the worst mistake of your life! When I find you, I'm going to tear you apart! If you laid a single finger on Anastasia, I'm going to rip that finger clean off! You're a dead man!' (46)

Overall Rating: 50

[bhutapati]

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #6
Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. October 1992. Estimated 442 fans in attendance.

Dark match: Bad News Allen and Terry Gordy defeat the Ugly Americans in 10:26 when Bad News Allen hit Scotty Flamingo with the Ghetto Blaster. (44)

Valeri Vasiliev Has A Huge Announcement. Championship Wrestling from Russia has started a new partnership with several promotions from around the world. We will see the fruits of this partnership very soon as new international talent arrives in CWR. (They will also be giving us money.) (31)

Vladimir Popov and the Flying Cosmonauts defeat Al Snow, Dean Malenko and Tom Prichard in 9:35 when Comsonaut II hits Dean Malenko with the Sputnik Splash. (59)

Another Georgi Kandelaki hype video. This one shows his training routine as he runs through the Caucasus mountains. (28)

Gama Singh defeats Norman Smiley in 7:32 with the Camel Clutch. (51)

Gary Hart and Bull Nakano are backstage with Lyudmila Kondratyeva. 'We've just received word from Svetlana Goundarenko's camp that she will be making her return at The Shooting Party,' Lyudmila reveals. 'That's good for her. She lost her belt and she goes to the back of the line with the rest of the challengers and pretenders. If she wants to be on our level, she has to come up to where we're at, we don't go down to her.' (37)

Minoru Suzuki defeats Vladimir Berkovich in 9:48 with the sleeper hold. (59)

Kamala has sent in a hostage video. He has Anastasia tied up in a basement somewhere. He's smelling her hair. (35)

Volk Han defeats 2 Cold Scorpio in 12:40 by pinfall. (68)

Lyudmila joins Volk Han in the ring. 'Many are saying you are one of the most talented wrestlers in Russia, if not the entire world today,' Lyudmila says. 'Next week, we have a special challenger for you. You will be facing Kolya the Wrestling Bear!' The bear is seen in a cage backstage. Volk Han looks excited and confused. (40)

Salman Hashimikov and Victor Zangiev defeat Steven Regal and Dave Finlay in 20:09 when Hashimikov pins Regal. Finlay is injured by a botched move by Zangiev during the match. (49)

Terry Funk appears on screen. 'You were wrong, Salman! I'm far from Amarillo right now. In fact, I'm at my dacha just outside Moscow. Can you believe it? I figured I needed to get away from the city and clear my head, figure out what my next move is.' He's walking through the snow. 'You know, Valeri Vasiliev spoke to me and he said a funny thing, that he didn't want any kind of senseless violence or savagery from me anymore. So I played your game, Valeri. But now that Ivan Koloff is up and walking around again, I'm starting to think my problem was that I didn't give you enough violence and savagery. No, I think violence and savagery are the only things you dumb Russkies understand. So the next time I see you -- the next time I'm in town, ha ha -- I'm going to beat you like a dog, Salman! Because that's all you are!' He comes to the edge of a forest and rubs his hands together. Stepping out of the forest come Terry Gordy, Mike Awesome, Bad News Allen and One Man Gang. 'I'm putting together a posse. Now these men know senseless violence and savagery. And we're coming for you, Salman.' (38)

Overall Rating: 48

[bhutapati]

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #7
Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. October 1992. Estimated 442 fans in attendance.

Dark match: Georgi Kandelaki defeats Johnny Ace by pinfall in 10:19 with a knockout punch. (32)

Kolya the Wrestling Bear is in his cage backstage. We see Gary Hart talking to his trainer. Lyudmila Kondratyeva approaches with Volk Han and he leaves quickly. Lyudmila asks Volk Han what his strategy is for wrestling the bear tonight. 'Well, you know, in Dagestan wrestling bears is a normal thing for us. I'm just going to rely on my training and let instinct do the rest.' (44)

Terry Gordy and Mike Awesome defeat the Flying Cosmonauts in 10:27 when Terry Gordy hits Cosmonaut I with the backdrop driver. (46)

Terry Funk comes out to cut a promo with his posse. 'Salman Hashimikov, were you watching? Do you see the damage my posse can cause? It's not safe out here for you anymore, because we're all gunning for you now, and my Piledriver is going to be the least of your worries.' (41)

Volk Han defeats Kolya the Wrestling Bear in 7:43 by pinfall. (37)

Suddenly, Gary Hart comes out with Bam Bam Bigelow! Gary grabs the whistle from the bear's trainer and starts to blow. The bear is out of control, wildly swiping and biting at Volk Han! Volk narrowly escapes the bear attack but is pummeled by Bam Bam Bigelow on the outside. (42)

Another Kamala hostage video is shown. Kamala is having a tea party with Anastasia. Although she is bound and gagged, he pretends to pour her tea and feed her imaginary sandwiches. (40)

Minoru Suzuki defeats Al Snow in 12:51 with the sleeper hold. (44)

Grigory Verichev comes out. He wants another shot at Minoru Suzuki at The Shooting Party in a Judo Jacket match! (30)

Gama Singh is out next. He gets on the mic. 'I was brutally attacked from behind by unknown assailants! I was excluded from the Russian Championship tournament! Valeri Vasiliev refuses to do anything about it! Well, I won't have it. I'm going to be a problem for all of you until I get what I deserve!' (37)

Gama Singh defeats Vladimir Popov in 10:10 with the camel clutch. (31)

Salman Hashimikov and Victor Zangiev defeat Samu and Fatu in 13:28 when Hashimikov pins Fatu. (45)

Lyudmila Kondratyeva comes out to interview the winning team. 'Me and Victor Zangiev, we're the Dream Team! I'm not worried about anyone Terry Funk brings to face me. I have this man on my side and a nation of millions behind me!' says Hashimikov. Zangiev grabs the mic. 'Kamala!! Stop taunting me and face me like a man at The Shooting Party!' (46)

Overall Rating: 38

[bhutapati]

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #8
Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. October 1992. 401 fans in attendance.

Dark match: Georgi Kandelaki beat 2 Cold Scorpio in 9:33 with the knockout punch. (23)

The show starts with Salman Hashimikov and Ivan Koloff interviewed by Lyudmila Kondratyeva. 'The match is set -- at The Shooting Party, Terry Funk can bring whoever he has to face the Dream Team, me and Victor Zangiev. I'm going to have my man Ivan Koloff here at ringside to keep the peace and make sure none of those other members of Funk's posse try anything.' (45)

The Flying Cosmonauts beat Jado and Gedo in 9:31 when Jado tapped out to the Cosmonaut Crossface. (22)

The Ugly Americans come out to challenge the Cosmonauts, but get laid out before they can even start speaking. (29)

Gama Singh comes out next. 'Last week, you saw me take down Vladimir Popov and make him look weak. With the winning streak I'm on, pretty soon you're going to have to start calling me the Great Gama...' (33)

Gama Singh beat Al Snow in 8:11 with the camel clutch. (30)

Dave Finlay and Steven Regal are backstage with Lyudmila. 'We've had a lot of discussion about our future here in Russia, and really, we've beaten everyone there is to beat. You can basically consider us the uncrowned champions...' (35)

Terry Gordy beat Volk Han in 9:53 with the backdrop driver. (46)

Terry Funk comes out to join him, alongside the One Man Gang. They cut a promo in the ring. 'Hashimikov wants to put his friend Ivan Koloff in harm's way again at The Shooting Party. You're making a terrible mistake, because me and my boys will finish the job this time and put him back in that wheelchair.' (45)

One Man Gang defeats Norman Smiley in 10:04 with a big splash. (27)

Another video of Kamala and Anastasia. Kamala is trying to present her with a bouquet of flowers, but she's tied up, so he just drops them in her lap awkwardly. (37)

In our main event, Victor Zangiev defeats Bam Bam Bigelow by pinfall in 20:07. (39)

Overall Rating: 36

(I have to stop doing these six-hour tapings. I'm killing the crowd and these ratings are going to get us cancelled...)

[bhutapati]

CWR: THE SHOOTING PARTY.
November 1992. St. Petersburg, Russia. 1,082 fans in attendance for a $9,756 gate.

In our opening match, the Flying Cosmonauts beat the Ugly Americans in 12:55 when Scotty Flamingo tapped out to the Cosmonaut Crossface. (48)

Vladimir Popov defeats Steven Regal (w/ Dave Finlay) in 13:08 with a Boston Crab. (56)

Steven Regal is apoplectic. Dave Finlay joins him in the ring as they get on the mic and threaten to leave Russia. 'Nothing is worth this humiliation! Nothing is worth having to stay in this shithole country and wrestle men like that we know are beneath us!' Valeri Vasiliev comes out and announces there will be a tournament for the All-Russia Tag Team titles in the coming weeks and, since they are already the self-declared uncrowned tag champs of Russia, they can be the first entrants.... (34)

Svetlana Goundarenko beats Bull Nakano (w/ Gary Hart) in 14:49 with a judo slam to win her 2nd All-Russia Women's Championship.

After the match, Volk Han appears on the screen from his hospital bed where he is recovering from being attacked by Kolya the Wrestling Bear. He promises that he will be back soon to take on Gary Hart's stable. (36)

Grigory Verichev defeats Minoru Suzuki in 15:14 in a Judo Jacket match. (50)

Georgi Kandelaki defeats Dean Malenko in 8:14 with the Knockout Punch. (47)

Bam Bam Bigelow defeats Vladimir Berkovich in 15:07 with the diving headbutt. (59)

In the main event, Terry Funk and Terry Gordy defeat the Dream Team (w/ Ivan Koloff) in 18:19 when Kamala appears at ringside and Victor Zangiev runs after him, leaving Salman Hashimikov to fight alone, and he passes out from Gordy's Oriental Spike. (51)

Victor Zangiev and Kamala brawl through the crowd as Hashimikov and Koloff get beat down by Funk's posse; One Man Gang, Bad News Allen and Mike Awesome run out to outnumber the Russians. Koloff and Hashimikov are bloodied up and left laying in the ring. (42)

Overall Rating: 48

I have beaten bankruptcy and somewhat cheesed the system by forming an alliance with AJPW, ECW and WWA Mexico and taking their money. This was a necessary evil so that I can stay in my sandbox and not think too hard about how to run a profitable wrestling promotion in Russia. I have also adjusted our schedule for the next month to have shorter TV tapings as I don't want to get cancelled for burning out the stupid crowds. One Man Gang has signed an exclusive contract with WCW just as the Funk Posse angle is beginning, which is irritating, and I have been forced to do the unthinkable to replace him... I am breaking the emergency glass and hiring Ice Train.

[bhutapati]

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #9
Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. November 1992.

Dark match: Bad News Allen and Mike Awesome (w/ Terry Funk) defeat the Ugly Americans in 9:35 when Bad News Allen hits Scotty Flamingo with the Ghetto Blaster.

Victor Zangiev starts the show, being interviewed by Lyudmila. He talks about being attacked by Kamala at The Shooting Party and how they brawled through the crowd into the streets. 'Kamala, if you're a real man and not just a savage, put Anastasia on the line and face me at our next show, Insult and Injury!' (35)

Dave Finlay and Steven Regal defeat Jado and Gedo in 13:19 when Jado taps out to Finlay's Indian deathlock. (54)

Gama Singh defeats Igor Kolmykov in 10:10 with the Camel Clutch.

Vladimir Popov comes out to confront Gama. 'You beat me once on your winning streak. Give me the chance to face you again.' Gama rejects his offer of a handshake. (31)

Svetlana Goundarenko and Volk Han defeat Bam Bam Bigelow and Bull Nakano (w/ Gary Hart) in 14:40 when Svetlana pins Bull. (63)

Volk Han grabs the microphone and points at Gary Hart. 'You did this to me,' he says as he gestures at his bandages from the bear attack. 'I'll exact punishment on you and everyone you send at me! Give me Bam Bam Bigelow in a match at Insult and Injury... chain me to him like an animal and I'll tear him apart!' (41)

Georgi Kandelaki defeats Lizmark Jr. in 5:20 with a knockout punch. (18)

Salman Hashimikov is leading a camera crew backstage. 'Come here, I have something to show you.' He takes them behind the studio where One Man Gang is bloodied and laying slumped against a dumpster. 'Terry Funk, you want to be a cowboy but you act like a thug. So now we'll play by gangster's rules. You hurt my man Ivan Koloff, so I take out one of yours.' He lifts One Man Gang over his shoulders and throws him into the dumpster. We won't be seeing him again. (54)

Terry Gordy beat Cosmonaut I in 17:26 with a powerbomb. (58)

Overall Rating: 52

[bhutapati]

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #10
Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. November 1992. 476 fans in attendance.

Dark match: Georgi Kandelaki defeats Scotty Flamingo in 9:52 with the knockout punch. (36)

Valeri Vasiliev and Lyudmila Kondratyeva introduce the All-Russia Tag Team tournament. Ten teams will compete in a two-block round robin with the winners of each block competing for the titles at the CWR Christmas show in January. Block A will feature the Flying Cosmonauts, the Ugly Americans, the Samoan Swat Team, Sho Funaki & Dick Togo, 2 Cold Scorpio and Booker T. Block B will have Dave Finlay & Steven Regal, Ivan Kolmykov & Vladimir Berkovich, The Headhunters, Jado & Gedo and Al Snow & Dean Malenko. (36)

In a Block A match, the Flying Cosmonauts beat Funaki & Togo in 12:55 when Funaki taps out to the Cosmonaut Crossface. (46)

Terry Funk is backstage with Terry Gordy and Lyudmila. Since Terry Gordy was able to pin Salman Hashimikov in the tag match at The Shooting Party, he ought to be entitled to a title shot, and he's calling that shot not at Insult and Injury but tonight. Hashimikov and a bandaged Ivan Koloff enter to accept the challenge. (44)

Minoru Suzuki beat Tom Pritchard in 10:05 with the sleeper hold. (57)

Gama Singh is interviewed by Lyudmila. He doesn't want to accept Vladimir Popov's challenge for another match because, after being robbed of his spot in the All-Russia title tournament, he has to grind for everything he has to get to the top; unlike Popov who has every opportunity handed to him. But, just to prove that he is the real, uncrowned #1 contender for the title, he will face him. (33)

In a Block B match, Finlay and Regal defeat the Headhunters when Headhunter B taps out to Finlay's Indian deathlock. (55)

Finlay and Regal get on the mic. They thank Valeri Vasiliev for putting new tag titles on the line in this tournament and giving them a reason not to leave Russia. Once they prove they are indisputably the greatest tag team in all of Russia, then they'll leave with the belts. (33)

Volk Han defeats Norman Smiley in 10:09 by submission. (65)

Gary Hart comes out with Bam Bam Bigelow and a length of chain. He's thought about what Volk Han said last week about being chained like an animal. At Insult and Injury he wants a Russian Chain match! Volk Han says that's exactly what he wants, but Gary Hart should have to give something up too. He signals to the back and Kolya the Wrestling Bear comes out with his trainer. Gary Hart and Bam Bam run off. (42)

Salman Hashimikov defeats Terry Gordy in 14:57 for the All-Russia Heavyweight title when Terry Funk distracts the referee for Bad News Allen to disappear, but Salman quickly pulls Gordy in front of him and allows him to get hit, before quickly pinning him. (48)

Salman Hashimikov lays out Bad News Allen in the ring with a huge lariat as Terry Funk and Terry Gordy watch from ringside. (41)

Overall Rating: 47

Is anyone actually reading this?

[Colonel Phantom]

Count me in, intriguing Russian adventure!

[bhutapati]

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #11
Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. November 1992.

Dark match: Georgi Kandelaki beats Dick Togo in 10:20 with the knockout punch. (32)

In a Block A match, The Flying Cosmonauts beat 2 Cold Scorpio and Booker T in 12:31 when Cosmonaut II submitted Scorpio with the Gory Special. (52)

A new Kamala hostage video. Kamala is showing the camera a drawing he has made while he babbles incoherently. It appears to be stick figure drawings of him and Victor Zangiev in the ring, with Anastasia in a cage at ringside. (36)

In a Block B match, Vladimir Berkovich and Igor Kolmykov defeat Al Snow and Dean Malenko in 8:30 when Makenko taps out to Berkovich's Boston Crab. (59)

Lyudmila is interviewing Gary Hart and Bull Nakano backstage. Gary Hart wants a rubber match with Svetlana Goundarekno for the women's champonship at Insult and Injury to dispel all doubt as to who is the toughest woman in Russia. (35)

Vladimir Popov beats Gama Singh in 12:36 by submission. (43)

Post-match, Salman Hashimikov congratulates Vladimir Popov backstage. He shakes his hand and says he's a rookie with a bright future, giving him his endorsement. (44)

Bam Bam Bigelow defeats Norman Smiley in 10:02 with the diving headbutt. (64)

In our main event, Volk Han defeats Minoru Suzuki in 20:04 by submission. (47)

Backstage, Vladimir Popov is attacked by Terry Funk and his posse! They give him a gang-style beat down and bloody him up. Terry Funk looks into the camera: 'This is a message to Salman Hashimikov. You wanted a war, now none of your friends are safe.' (41)

Overall Rating: 48

[bhutapati]

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #12
Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. November 1992. 504 fans in attendance.

Dark match: Georgi Kandelaki defeats Billy Gunn in 10:25 with the knockout punch. (33)

In a Block B match, Steven Regal and Dave Finlay defeat Al Snow and Dean Malenko in 13:19 when Finlay pins Malenko with the Tombstone piledriver. (64)

Regal and Finlay have a post-match promo with Lyudmila. 'There's only one team in this tournament we're worried about, that we consider to be on our level... Johnny Ace and Scotty Flamingo, the Ugly Americans, have done for American wrestling what we've done for Europe and Russia; we look forward to facing them in the finals.' (35)

In a Block A match, The Ugly Americans defeat Dick Togo and Sho Funaki in 4:41 with the Ace Crusher. (21)

Akira Hokuto defeats Cutie Suzuki in 7:56 with a Northern Lights Bomb. (46)

Gama Singh is backstage with Lyudmila Kondratyeva. 'I feel bad for Vladimir Popov, I do. After all, I was brutally attacked backstage myself; the culprits were never found and I have received no recompense despite losing my shot at the national championship!' (33)

The Dream Team (Salman Hashimikov and Victor Zangiev w/ Ivan Koloff) defeat Mike Awesome and Bad News Allen in 13:01 when Awesome taps out to Hashimikov. (49)

Kolya the Wrestling Bear is in his cage backstage with Lyudmila, Volk Han, Gary Hart and his clients Bam Bam Bigelow and Bull Nakano. Both sides have agreed to a Russian Chain match, but Volk Han wants one more stipulation. Whoever loses must face Kolya. Gary Hart reluctantly agrees. (44)

Grigory Verichev beats Tom Prichard in 8:14 with a judo slam. (53)

Victor Zangiev is backstage, separated by security guards from Kamala. They agree to the contract for a match with Anastasia on the line. (37)

In our main event, Volk Han defeats Gam Singh in 15:28 by pinfall. (64)

Valeri Vasiliev comes down to the ring with Lyudmila. He calls Salman Hashimikov out to the ring, who is accompanied by Ivan Koloff. Then Terry Funk arrives with his posse. 'Blood has been spilled on both sides now and I won't tolerate any more of it. This has to be settled in the ring between the two of you,' Vasiliev says.

'You've insulted my country, you've attacked and injured my friends, you tried to permanently paralyze my mentor. And you persist -- despite the fact that I beat you, in the middle of this ring, for this belt, and I beat your man, Terry Gordy, despite your best efforts to cheat -- you persist. How can you continue to insult my honour like this when you know how severe the consequences will be?' Salman says.

'You think that because you're the champion, you're the man, Salman, but you've got it completely backwards. I got into your head and now you need this match more than I do, so we're going to do it on my terms. And we have to take it to a place where only one of us can walk away at the end of it. It can't be any other way. We're going to settle this in a Texas Death Match -- no holds barred.'

They shake hands. The match is on for Insult and Injury. (53)

Overall Rating: 55

[bhutapati]

CWR: INSULT AND INJURY.
Live before 1,398 fans in St. Petersburg, Russia. December 1992.

In our opening match, in Block B of the tag tournament, Dave Finlay and Steven Regal beat Jado and Gedo in 13:19 when Finlay piledrives Jado. (59)

In a Block B match, Vladimir Berkovich and Igor Kolmykov beat the Headhunters in 10:04 when Headhunter B taps out to Berkovich's Boston Crab. (50)

In a Block A match, the Samoan Swat Team beats Sho Funaki and Dick Togo in 9:39 with the double diving headbutt. (44)

With Anastasia suspended in a cage above the ring, Kamala beats Victor Zangiev in 10:14 with Air Africa. (50)

Zangiev is distraught! The cage is lowered and Anastasia is fitfully returned to Kamala, who carries her over his shoulder to the back. Lyudmila Kondratyeva enters the ring and asks Zangiev what his plan is now. He can only shake his head and walk away. (42)

Valeri Vasiliev comes out. He says that Gama Singh has a case for being owed a championship match; whoever wins the following contest will get one on an upcoming episode of Championship Wrestling in Russia. (44)

Vladimir Popov defeated Gama Singh in 12:31 by submission. (47)

Volk Han defeats Bam Bam Bigelow (w/ Gary Hart) in a Russian Chain match in 15:13 by pinfall. (58)

Gary Hart gets into the ring. He says that he will concede that Volk Han is a great wrestler and that Bam Bam will gladly take the opportunity to face Kolya the Wrestling Bear. The bear's cage is rolled out onto the stage. 'You didn't have a Russian lawyer read the contract, did you...?' Volk Han asks. 'The wording wasn't that Bam Bam would have a match with Kolya... it was that you would have to get in the cage with him.' Volk Han shoves Gary Hart into Kolya's cage and slams it shut. He screams for help as Volk Han wheels the cage backstage with them both inside. (43)

Grigory Verichev defeats Terry Gordy in 14:57 by pinfall with a judo slam. (56)

Svetlana Goundarenko defeats Bull Nakano in 13:26 to retain the All-Russia Women's Championship. (46)

Salman Hashimikov makes his entrance to the death match alone. His image, attitude and ring attire is completely changed; instead of his wrestling singlet he is wearing blue jeans, a cutoff t-shirt and taped fists. (47)

In a Texas Death Match, Terry Funk defeats Salman Hashimikov in 14:35 after Salman Hashimikov is attacked by Ice Train, who grabs the ring bell and clocks him, then Funk piledrives him through the timekeeper's table. He cannot beat the ten count. Terry Funk wins the All-Russia Heavyweight Championship. (60)

Terry Funk grabs the microphone as Salman Hashimikov lays there bleeding. 'Where's Zangiev now, huh? Where's your boy Popov? Where's Ivan Koloff? You've got nothing. You have no one in your corner. This championship means that this is my country now.' (63)

Edited November 14, 2023 by bhutapati

[bhutapati]

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #13
Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. December 1992.

Dark match: Akira Hokuto defeats Cutie Suzuki in 9:53 with the Northern Lights Bomb. (47)

Terry Funk and his posse come out to start the show. He tries to lead the crowd in the Star Spangled Banner, holding the All-Russia Championship over his shoulder. They shower him with boos. 'Listen here, you dumb Russkiy bastards! This isn't hard to do! You need to respect that there's a new world order now. Your country has been conquered. Your country has been defeated. This may as well be the 51st state. Now shut up and sing my song!' He starts singing the national anthem again but the crowd boos him. He gets frustrated and starts to walk out of the studio, but is stopped by Valeri Vasiliev. 'Vladimir Popov has informed me he wants his title match -- tonight!' (50)

In a Block B match, Vladimir Berkovich and Igor Kolmykov defeat Jado and Gedo in 10:28 when Gedo taps out to Berkovich's Boston Crab. (47)

In a Block B match, Dean Malenko and Al Snow defeat the Headhunters in 8:06 when Headhunter A taps out to the Texas Cloverleaf. (57)

Volk Han is backstage with Lyudmila Kondratyeva. She asks him what his plans are now that Gary Hart has been taken care of. 'Well, I saw what the bear did to him, and he won't be coming back for a long, long time. That means I can focus on what every wrestler really wants -- to become the national champion, and I'll face any other challenger on the way to the top.' Minoru Suzuki steps into frame and glares at him. (29)

In a Block A match, the Ugly Americans defeat the Samoan Swat Team in 7:38 when Johnny Ace hits Samu with the Ace Crusher. (46)

Victor Zangiev defeats Dick Togo in 10:26 by pinfall. (54)

Lyudmila Kondratyeva enters the ring to interview Zangiev. She asks him what he intends to do now that Kamala has 'won' Anastasia from him. 'I have no choice -- I can't let that beast lay a finger on her. Who knows what his intentions are with her? What if his tribe sacrifices virgins? What if they're cannibals?!' Kamala appears on the video screen with Anastasia, still tied up and gagged -- but now she's wearing a wedding dress?! (41)

Mike Awesome defeats Cosmonaut II in 7:33 by pinfall with the Awesome Bomb. (56)

In our main event, Terry Funk defeats Vladimir Popov in 14:32 by submission with the Spinning Toe Hold to retain the All-Russia Heavyweight Championship. (59)

Out of nowhere, Salman Hashimikov bursts into the studio! He's still wearing the blood-stained cut-off shirt and jeans from their Texas Death Match! He catches Terry Funk by surprise and pounds away at him on the ground. Funk's posse runs out, but Hashimikov quickly escapes the studio before they can catch him. (63)

Overall Rating: 53
 

Edited November 16, 2023 by bhutapati

[bhutapati]

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #14
Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. December 1992. 511 fans in attendance.

Vladimir Popov is sitting in the locker room. Salman Hashimikov comes in and stands over him. 'Where were you when Terry Funk's posse was ganging up on me?' Popov shakes his head. 'I'm sorry Salman... if I had known what they were planning, I would have stayed...' Hashimikov grabs him by his collar and lifts him to his feet. He just glares at him, then lets him go. (51)

In a Block B match, Al Snow and Dean Malenko beat Jado and Gedo in 12:40 when Jado taps out to the Texas Cloverleaf. (54)

Finlay and Regal are backstage with Lyudmila Kondratyeva. 'It looks like Block A is all tied up. We have three points, and the only other team with three points... well, we don't have to say their name, but we've already beaten them twice, so we may as well just advance to the finals,' Regal says. Finlay nods in agreement. 'The sooner we can win those belts and get out of this godforsaken country, the better.' (39)

Monster Ripper defeats Cuty Suzuki in 8:03 with the Gorilla Press Slam. (43)

Lyudmila comes out to interview Monster Ripper. She says nothing, just grunts and drools until Svetlana Goundarenko comes out with the All-Russia Women's Championship belt. She starts jumping up and down and pulling her hair. (31)

Minoru Suzuki defeats Igor Kolmykov in 12:49 with the sleeper hold. (54)

Salman Hashimikov stops Volk Han backstage. He asks Han where he was when he was getting beaten down by Funk's posse in the Texas Death Match. 'I was taking Gary Hart to the hospital after Kolya mauled him... it was the least I could do.' Hashimikov pushes him against the wall, and is about to say something, but just walks away. (55)

Kamala (w/ Anastasia) defeats Grigory Verichev in 11:51 with Air Africa. (54)

Zangiev is about to come out to attack Kamala, but Hashimikov stops him. He asks why Zangiev didn't come help him when he was being attacked. 'Can't you see? That animal is trying to take that woman away from me--' Hashimikov shuts him up. 'Whatever happened to brotherhood?' He walks off in disappointment. (44)

In the main event, Victor Zangiev defeats Terry Gordy in 15:01. (48)

Terry Funk comes out to the ring. 'Salman Hashimikov, I know you've been stalking around this studio all day. Why don't you come out here and face me like a man instead of whispering to your little sisters about how disappointed you are in them?' Hashimikov enters through the crowd and hops the guardrail. He slides into the ring to face Terry Funk, but Ice Train quickly rushes in and steps between them. They face off for a moment before a brawl breaks out between the two as the show goes off the air. (68)

Overall Rating: 51

[bhutapati]

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #15
Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. December 1992.

Dark match: Debbie Malenko defeats Velvet McIntyre in 9:49 with the Fujiwara armbar. (44)

In a Block A match, The Flying Cosmonauts defeat the Samoan Swat Team in 13:29 when Cosmonaut I hits Fatu with a diving headbutt. (54)

Terry Funk is backstage with his posse. After being confronted by Hashimikov last week they are on lockdown, hiding out in the locker room. They hear he is somewhere in the studio looking for them. Funk sends Mike Awesome and Bad News Allen to find Hashimikov and bring him to the locker room so they can beat some sense into him. (54)

In a Block B match, Jado and Gedo defeat the Headhunters in 7:48 when Gedo submits Headhunter B with the Gedo Clutch. (49)

The camera crew is rushing backstage to respond to a brawl. They find 2 Cold Scorpio and Booker T laid out and badly hurt with Scotty Flamingo and Johnny Ace standing over them. The Flying Cosmonauts rush in to chase the Ugly Americans away. Georgi Sarkisyants notes that it looks like 2 Cold and Booker T will not be able to face the Ugly Americans tonight, forefeiting their match. (28)

Victor Zangiev defeats Gama Singh in 12:44 by submission. (58)

Bad News Allen and Mike Awesome are looking for Salman Hashimikov. They are walking down a darkened hallway when he appears behind them. He knocks them out with a lead pipe. (49)

Minoru Suzuki defeats Sho Funaki in 10:28 with the sleeper hold. (55)

Lyudmila Kondratyeva and Valeri Vasiliev are backstage. Vasiliev announces they have received a letter from Kamala, which they will read on the air. Vasiliev struggles to read it at first, but then has a shocked expression. He turns the letter to the camera and reveals it is a wedding invitation for New Year's Day. (36)

In the main event, Volk Han defeats Steven Regal in 15:28 with a leg bar. (63)

Lyudmila Kondratyeva comes out to interview Volk Han. She congratulates him on the big win and asks who he has his sights set on next on his way to the title. 'It seems the challenge has already been made... Minoru Suzuki has knocked down almost everyone he's faced with that sleeper hold, except me. He seems to want to have another go. I'll grant it to him...' Minoru Suzuki comes out and glares at Han. (41)

Suddenly, Ice Train and Salman Hashimikov burst out onto the stage! They're brawling through the crowd! Terry Funk comes out but keeps a cautious distance as his man Ice Train tries to hold Hashimikov back. The studio audience scatters as they brawl up and down the grandstand. The show goes to black as the chaos continues. (66)

Overall Rating: 56

[bhutapati]

CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING FROM RUSSIA #16
Taped at the Ostankino Television Technical Center in Moscow, Russia. December 1992. 634 fans in attendance.

Dark match: Georgi Kandelaki defeats Dean Malenko in 10:22 with the knockout punch. (55)

In a Block B match, Vladimir Berkovich and Igor Kolmykov defeat Dave Finlay and Steven Regal in 12:59 when Regal submits to Berkovich's Boston crab. Kolmykov and Berkovich win the B block and advance to the finals. (61)

Monster Ripper defeats Debbie Malenko in 10:14 with a powerbomb. (49)

Lyudmila Kondratyeva is backstage with Svetlana Goundarenko. She asks if she's willing to give Monster Ripper a title shot. 'I'm not afraid of anyone! Let her try!' (31)

In a Block A match, the Flying Cosmonauts defeat the Ugly Americans in 12:39 when Johnny Ace taps out to the Gory Special. The Flying Cosmonauts win the A block and advance to the finals. (52)

Valeri Vasiliev and Lyudmila Kondratyeva come out onstage with the All-Russia Tag Team belts. The finals are set as the Flying Cosmonauts will face Kolmykov and Berkovich on New Year's Day! (29)

Volk Han defeats Ultimo Dragon in 9:57 by submission with the leg bar. (63)

Lyudmila Kondratyeva is with Victor Zangiev. She asks if he intends to be a guest at Kamala and Anastasia's wedding. 'I'll be more like a wedding crasher, believe me.' (41)

In our main event, The Dream Team of Salman Hashimikov and Victor Zangiev (w/ Ivan Koloff) defeat Ice Train and Terry Funk in 20:01 when Ice Train submits to Hashimikov. Ice Train also sustains a wrist injury during the match. (54)

The two teams start to brawl! Zangiev is laid out and falls out of the ring, leaving Ice Train and Hashimikov to work over Hashimikov. They set him up for a piledriver through the announce table when Valeri Vasiliev rushes out and orders them to stop. 'Enough of this! You have behaved like thugs for weeks now in your petty vendetta! I demand that you end this at New Year's Eve! And so that there will be no interference from Terry Funk's posse this time, and no threat to the staff or the audience from your wild brawling -- I'm putting you in a steel cage!' (63)

Overall Rating: 54

[bhutapati]

CWR NEW YEAR'S DAY 1993.
Live before 1,715 fans at the Moscow Circus. January 1993.

In our opening match, Bad News Allen and Mike Awesome defeat Dean Malenko and Al Snow when Al Snow gets the Awesome Bomb. (60)

Georgi Kandelaki defeats Sho Funaki in 8:17 with the knockout punch. (42)

Grigory Verichev defeats Tom Prichard in 6:47 with a judo slam. (57)

Terry Gordy defeats Jumbo Tsuruta in 13:14 with a backdrop driver. (58)

Kamala comes out with Kolya the Wrestling Bear. He's trying to prepare for the wedding and needs a 'ring bear.' He tries to open Kolya's cage but the bear takes a swipe at him. Kamala headbutts the bear and sends him backstage. (42)

Minoru Suzuki defeats Volk Han in 14:36 with the sleeper hold. (56)

Bam Bam Bigelow defeats Norman Smiley in 12:31 with a diving headbutt. (70)

Svetlana Goundarenko defeats Monster Ripper in 13:25 with a judo slam to retain the All-Russia Women's Championship. (47)

The wedding of Kamala and Anastasia begins. Valeri Vasiliev comes out to officiate. Kamala comes out first with some Ugandan dignitaries and attendants in colourful African garb. Anastasia comes out next, tied up and gagged in her wedding dress, wheeled out by more attendants. Valeri Vasiliev is disturbed, but starts the ceremony. Kamala babbles his 'wedding vows' in an unknown language and then, before moving in to kiss Anastasia, the lights go out. When they come back on, Kamala is kissing Vasiliev! Zangiev cuts the ropes on Anastasia and frees her, then brawls with Kamala and lays him out. Anastasia and Zangiev run up the ramp and out of the arena holding hands. (43)

The Flying Cosmonauts defeat Igor Kolmykov and Vladimir Berkovich in 14:45 when Cosmonaut I pins Vladimir Berkovich with a diving headbutt. The Flying Cosmonauts win the All-Russia Tag Team Championship. (59)

Victor Zangiev and Vladimir Popov defeat Dave Finlay and Steven Regal in 14:56 when Zangiev pins Finlay. (70)

In our main event, Salman Hashimikov defeats Terry Funk in 15:07 after beating Terry Funk bloody in the cage, leaving him laying and escaping the cage. Hashimikov wins the All-Russia Heavyweight Championship. (60)

The Russian babyfaces rush down to the ring. Ivan Koloff leads Volk Han, Victor Zangiev and Vladimir Popov to ringside and they lift Salman Hashimikov up on their shoulders to celebrate his huge victory. The crowd goes wild as order is restored in CWR and Hashimikov gets his final victory over Terry Funk. (52)

Overall Rating: 57