Neon_Peon Posted November 10, 2023 Author Share Posted November 10, 2023 Notable News: Stampede Wrestling has gone off the air after its TV deal came to an end and they are searching for a new broadcaster. Week 4, January, 1983 Introduction Gene Okerlund Good evening ladies and gentlemen, Gene Okerlund here, joined as always by my broadcast partner, Jim Ross and Jim? It's here, the end of the month is drawing near and soon? We'll be hosting our special event at the Madison Dane Colosseum and folks? You aren't going to want to miss it! Jim Ross That's right folks, if you don't have a ticket, you are gonna' miss it, it's as simple as that and we are gonna' see the culmination of many things that night, such as The Number One Contender's race! Gene Okerlund And I'll be speaking to the man that Number one Contender will be facing in February, AWA World Champion, Nick Bockwinkel! But the title race isn't the only thing of course! There's lotsof tension and drama rising in the AWA right now and a lot of it is looking to potentially culminate, or god help us, even continue depending how things go that fateful night at the Colosseum, but like Jim said folks, you gotta buy a ticket to see it! Now for the night ahead. Our Main Event? Is one you are not gonna' want to miss. It's David and Goliath if there ever was one as one of, if not the largest athlete in the AWA today, Jerry Blackwell faces off against the young up and comer, Curt Hennig! Jim Ross Curt's a second generation talent, Gene, and the kid's got heart! Blackwell might have the size but Hennig definitely has the spirit! But folks that's not all, we'll see if The Ruthless Russian, Boris Breznikoff can continue his winning streak this week as he faces off against the recent arrival, Brickhouse Brown! Gene Okerlund And Jim and I will be conducting interviews throughout the evening with talent lined up for that special Colosseum show at the end of the month! But first! Starting off with Light Heavyweight Action! We have Rock n Roll Buck Zumhofe facing off against a new arrival to the AWA. Steve Regal! Opening Match VS. Buck Zumhofe VS. Steve Regal We start things off with competitive Light Heavyweight action as Steve Regal makes his in ring AWA debut against Buck Zumhofe. It was an open match to start things off and both men had their chance to take a hold of the momentum. It looked, for example, like Buck Zumhofe might just be able to change his miserable fortunes around as he was mustering up a good series of offense against Regal. That moment of hope came to an end though when Regal was able to reverse, spin around Zumhofe and deliver a dropkick to Zumhofe's back which sent him reeling, to which Regal would roll him up with a quick pin and pick up the win over Rock N Roll Zumhofe to start off the night Rated: 43 VS. Brad Rheingans VS. Rene Goulet We follow the faster light heavyweight action, with more snug, mat based wrestling affair. A showcase in technical wrestling, which by no means had nothing flashy to write home about, but this is the AWA and the presentation is still very much a focus on legitimate sport being the aim of the game and right now with the roster, Brad Rheingans and Rene Goulet were great candidates that managed to draw decent heat doing just that. Goulet's age may have been against him but his size and weight advantage over Rheingans caused a struggle that Rheingans had to use his noted, legitimate strength to overcome and the back and forth struggle of Rheingans managing to fight out of Goulet's holds, only for Goulet to try and wear him down from another angle showed us traditional wrestling was still very much an aspect of the show. Rheingans ultimately would win after managing to hoist Goulet up, charge with him to the turnbuckle, than turn around and scoop slam him for the win. Rated: 51 Face Me Like A Man We come back from commercial to see Jim Ross in the interview area, microphone in hand and standing beside him. The man who has been facing the relentless onslaught of cowardly attacks from the villainous Baron Von Raschke, Tito Snatana. With a furroed brow and a sheer look of determination in his face. Fists clenched. Ready to make a statement... Jim Ross Ladies and gentlemen Jim Ross here joined by a man who has been an ongoing target of Baron Von Raschke for the past few weeks, Tito Santana! Tito this all began, according to the Baron at least because he views you as a sell out, a shill, if you will for America! Tito Santana Baron Von Raschke can not wrap his head around the idea that someone can be proud of their heritage AND embrace America, Jim! It's as simple as that! For the Baron? It's black and white. You either love America, or you hate it. You either stand for your country, or you stand against it. Yes Jim, it's no secret I've had to work a little harder to get where I am today, I've had to put in a little bit more effort, but all that effort has paid off! I'm here in the American Wrestling Association! I have the American people by my side and I wouldn't have had this opportunity in the first place if I hadn't taken the chances and the opportunities that this country provided me! The Baron can't comprehend the fact that I've managed to earn the respect of the American wrestling fans, Jim, because all he wants is their fear! Jim Ross Well sadly it seems in coming after you, you are not the only man that has been caught in his wake over the recent weeks, there has also been some back and forth involving Rick Martel, both of you facing attacks at the hand of the Baron and both of you coming to each other's aid, is there a potential future of you and Martel working together? Tito Santana Jim I won't rule anything out because one thing I've learned about this industry is you never say never. Rick Martel is a great athlete, but the Baron coming after him? It had nothing to do with his issue with me. It's because The Baron can't help himself, Jim! He remembers the days when he had this company in the grips of fear! He remembers the days when he was able to hold that Iron Claw on all of the AWA entirely, well those days are slipping away and what we have seen over the past weeks? Are the actions of a desperate man! Don't get me wrong. I am grateful for what Rick Martel did for me...and I hope and am sure he's grateful for what I did for him, but Baron? This is between you and me, nobody else. Stop acting like a coward and face me like a man at the Madison Dane Colosseum! Jim Ross You're laying down the challenge for the Colosseum? Tito Santa You're darn right I am Jim! Let's see if the Baron is willing to step into the ring against me like a man instead of running in from behind! Madison Dane Colosseum, Baron! I'll be there! Will you?! Rated: 49 Open Challenge *PREVIOUSLY RECORDED* We go to a previously recorded segment where we see the very arena we have seen for the night so far, only this time it is empty. The camera pans over to see only two men sitting in the stands right now, one being instantly recognizeable from his trademark "AWA Red" suit, Gene Okerlund and sitting next to him was the young, blue chip prospect and second generation wrestler, Curt Hennig. Gene Okerlund Ladies and gentlemen this is Gene Okerlund and folks, this is currently being recorded hours before show time, the arena is empty. Fans are probably getting their things together, hopping in their cars, heading here for an evening of sport and I am currently sat with one of the rising stars of the American Wrestling Association. Second generation star, Curt Hennig. Now Curt, you asked for this to happen before the show because you had a special announcement and you didn't want to risk not having the time to make it on air. So here we are... Curt Hennig Yes Gene, and I want to thank you for agreeing to have this moment with me. You know something Gene it is no secret to me some of the disparaging comments I hear being made about me in the locker room. President Gagne is a class act, he tries to keep us all seperated into favorable groups so that there's no conflict, but you still hear whispers, you still get wind of things. There are still...little birds, shall we say, flying around the locker room..and I know what they say about me Mean Gene. Gene Okerlund Curt you'll have to explain a little further, you're causing a little concern. I hear a lot from the locker rooms myself. You know a lot of people talk to me and I can say, with hand on my heart I haven't heard anything disparaging about you at all. Curt Hennig Oh they wouldn't have gone to you Gene, they don't have the guts to go public about it...but I've heard it...and I'm sure if we stop beating around the bush and get right to it. You'll know exactly what I mean when I say...it's in regards to my father. Gene Okerlund You mean to tell me what I think you're telling me, Curt? Curt Hennig That's right Gene...there are people in that locker room who think I'm only here, because I'm Larry Hennig's kid. They think I've had an easy ride, they think I haven't earned my stripes. They think I haven't...paid my dues... Gene Okerlund Well Curt, that's nonsense! You're as hard working as anybody else in that locker room! Curt Hennig Yeah and when I face Jerry Blackwell in the Main Event tonight I'm gonna' show everybody watching, just like I do every night, that what you said is exactly the case. I'm just as worthy of bein' here as anybody else. I trained in that barn in Minnesota too you know Gene? In the cold, harsh winters, luggin barrels of hay around on my back? Carrying trailers back and forth with my bare hands?! DOES THAT SOUND LIKE AN EASY RIDE TO YOU?! Gene Okerlund No it doesn't... Curt Hennig No it doesn't...but that's OK Gene...people are gonna' talk, no matter what I do...and I know in this industry the only way to put an end to those dissenting voices in the locker room? It ain't with words. It's with action. Which is why I'm putting it simple. If anybody in that locker room? Anybody at all thinks that Curt Hennig hasn't paid his dues. I'm issuing an open challenge to them, to face me at the Madison Dane Colosseum at the end of the month. One on one. Man to man...and let's see how you feel by the end of that match shall we? Gene Okerlund An open challenge? Do you think anybody is going to take you up on that? Curt Hennig They will if they aren't just full of hot air Mean Gene. But I guess we'll just have to wait and see won't we? You hear that boys?! The Colosseum! If you got the guts to say it behind my back! Get the guts and come say it to my face and fight me in the ring! Rated:64 VS. Boris Breznikoff VS. Brickhouse Brown The Ruthless Russian continues his streak of dominance, only this time there was a window of opportunity for the new arrival, Brickhouse Brown who debuted last week, to get an upset. It was a moment where Brown managed to duck under a charging Breznikoff and as Boris turned around he was met with a dropkick straight to the chin that sent him reeling to the floor and from there, Brickhouse was making an incredible underdog story seemingly come to life! That story was ruined however as when Brickhouse went running to the ropes,looking to keep Boris knocked down to the mat, he was tripped up by manager Jim Cornette, and Breznikoff regained control and took over from there. Breznikoff would continue his winning streak, with a little help from his new manager. Rated: 46 Etiquette of A Champion We come back from commercial to see Gene Okerlund in the Interview area and for the first time, we see the World Heavyweight Champion in a context where he is not making an unannounced appearence, interfering in the business of fan favorites. Instead he is here, championship in hand, as always, suited up as always, this time in a dark brown suit, buttoned up white shirt and brown loafers with his trademark, tan sunglasses, and, as always, he was joined by his weasel manager, Bobby Heenan... Gene Okerlund Ladies and gentlemen, Gene Okerlund here, joined by AWA World Heavyweight Champion Nick Bockwinkel alongside manager, Bobby Heenan and Bockwinkel? These string of events have certainly worked out nicely for you haven't they? Bobby Heenan What are you trying to insinuate Mean Gene!? Nick Bockwinkel Bobby... Bobby Heenan Come on champ! You can't let him get away with this! It's disrespectful! It's insulting! He's trying to tarnish your good name! Nick Bockwinkel I understand what he's trying to do Bobby but it's futile to try and argue against an ignoramus such as Gene Okerlund. The man's job is to word his enquiries in a manner which the dregs of society can comprehend. In all honesty? We should feel sympathy for him, Bobby. It must be absolute torture. Imagine the untold stress such a profession must cause on a regular basis. Having to dumb yourself down so often for these people... Bobby Heenan No wonder he's losing his hair! Gene Okerlund If it wasn't for you interfering in the Number One Contender picture, you would have had to defend your belt and you know it! Nick Bockwinkel Is that so? Pray tell, Mean Gene, what rule states that I was obligated to defend my championship belt? It would be a pleasure to be enlightened by your...astute knowledge... Gene Okerlund If you hadn't made a big fuss about things, you would have had to face either Hulk Hogan, or Wahoo McDaniel, they were the clear fan favorites and the clear potential challengers to your belt! Nick Bockwinkel Which one would I have to defend my championship against, Gene? Gene Okerlund Excuse me?! Nick Bockwinkel Oh, forgive me, I was unaware that I would have to repeat your own words back to you. Correct me if I'm wrong Bobby, but did he not just say that if I had not stepped in and reminded everyone the circumstances regarding the number one contender, that I would be obligated to face either Hulk Hogan or Wahoo McDaniel? Bobby Heenan That's exactly what he said, champ! Are you sure he's not as stupid as the people you said he was pandering to? Nick Bockwinkel The more I hear from him, Bobby, the more that proposition propels itself to my frontal cortex. Well Gene, if I would be obligated to face one of them. Please, do tell me...which one would it have been? Gene Okerlund Well I don't...I don't know they were- Nick Bockwinkel Oh you don't know? You're not sure? You're uncertain? How unfortunate for you...what do we do in professional wrestling when we are uncertain, Bobby? Bobby Heenan WE SANCTION A MATCH! Nick Bockwinkel We sanction a match Gene...and you wish to paint me as the villain, for simply reminding you about that? Please, do forgive me for a moment, because I am being forced to question my sanity here, but are you quite familiar, Gene Okerlund, with what this is... Nick raises the AWA World Heavyweight Championship... and holds it in front of the camera, the silver gleaming with the arena lights shining down on it, the glimmers of gold beaming, the jewels sparkling. Nick carries it with immense pride, command, a presence that very few are able to pull. Say what you want about Bockwinkel. He knows how to carry himself as a champion. Gene Okerlund That's the AWA World Heavyweight Championship Nick Bockwinkel Apologies? Could you repeat that? I just want to ensure your perception skills are competent... Gene Okerlund ...The AWA World Heavyweight Championship Nick Bockwinkel Thank you! We can at least confirm that your eyes do not deceive you, Gene. We can rest easy knowing that you will not need to get yourself examined by a medical professional! Correct! This...is the AWA World Heavyweight Championship belt and that means, as champion? There is an etiquette which is established and which must be followed! And that? That is why men like Hulk Hogan and Wahoo McDaniel ultimately fail in the long run, Gene, besides the obvious superiority in wrestling ability that I hold over them. Because above all else mean Gene, above my skill, above my style, above my courage, above my adaptability, the greatest skill that I possess in my arsenal? Is my intelligence... Bobby Heenan He's the smartest man in wrestling today, Mean Gene! He's smarter than I could ever hope to be and they call me The Brain! Nick Bockwinkel And my intelligence, Gene...made me fully aware of the situation at hand, that the number one contender spot was at risk. It was at risk of devolving into what men like Hulk Hogan and Wahoo McDaniel aspire for it to be, a popularity contest and I apologise Gene, if my standards are too high for you! I apologise Gene, if I wish to ensure that good sport and competition thrives in this company, which I represent! I apologise to you Mean Gene...that I refuse to lower my standards for you...or for anybody else for that matter. This is wrestling...and what I carry is the World Heavyweight Championship of the American Wrestling Association...and if anybody in that locker room wishes to have an opportunity at winning it? They earn it! In a wrestling match! Can you comprehend that Gene? Do I have to continue repeating myself on this subject, or is it finally clarified for your sub par comprehension?! Gene Okerlund Loud and clear... Nick Bockwinkel Excellent...in which case I suggest all you nine to five lifer humanoids watching tonight to use whatever pathetic savings you have managed to scrimp aside and do what you do best, spend it all on indulging in fantasies, come to the Colosseum and witness two of your favorites fight to earn the right to face me...and don't worry...I'll be right there, with the best seat in the house, watching as well...good evening... And it was moments like this, as Bockwinkel and Heenan leave that fans hated the most. The moments where everybody knew Bockwinkel had a point, where everybody wished for him to be wrong, but deep down knew that in reality, he was right...and you hated him for it...because it just boosted that already incredibly inflated ego of his to new heights Rated: 76 Main Event VS. Ladies and gentlemen it is now time for the main event of the evening and what a main event it was! The Big Man Jerry Blackwell with Sheik Adnan at ringside against the fan favorite, Curt Hennig and we start immediately with Blackwell making a dominant performance, wasting now time in using his superior size and stature to dictate to the pace of the match and try and make quick work or Curt Hennig! You see despite his size Blackwell can be quick when he wants to and he starts off the Main Event with some charging blows which absolutely look devastating to the young Hennig, and Blackwell looks to be enjoying every second of it, looking to punish Hennig here tonight as he throws him in to the corner, he takes a running charge, but this is where we see the fight in Hennig and he manages to roll out of the way and Blackwell meets turnbuckle and folks this showed us we had a competition on our hands as Hennig showcased his wrestling ability to work around a size advantage when it presented itself! Targetting the legs of Blackwell to wear the big man down, to weaken him and limit his abilties! And folks this back and forth would present itself in the match, each time Blackwell getitng more and more frustrated as he tried to take down the young star but Hennig showing us all the spirt and the fight within him! Doing his best to stay down! It looked like Hennig might actually pull of the upset after a series of running clotheline which sent the big man reeling, followed by a diving drop kick from the top rope which finally sent him falling over the match was suddenly brought to an end when... Ken Patera running in on behalf of his partner and delivering a devastating clothesline which sends Hennig folding like an accordion! The ref rings the bell and Hennig wins by disqualification, but The Sheiks don't care as Sheik Adnan steps in and starts dictating the situation! Somebody do something! Rated:56 The beatdown on Hennig continues as we see a repeat of the devastation The Sheiks have been causing in the AWA. This is exactly what the High Flyers had been warning us about! Patera picks Hennig up onto his shoulders and drives him down with a powerbomb! And oh God Blackwell raising his hand in the air as he takes a few steps back...he's readying himself for that BIG SPLASH... BUT IT'S THE HIGH FLYERS! THE HIGH FLYERS COMING TO MAKE THE SAVE! I'VE NEVER SEEN TWO MEN RUN SO FAST TO THE RING! AND A BRAWL IS ENSUING! Sheik Adnan running out of the ring in disbelief and all four men fighting amongst each other now! The High Flyers showing they can take the fight to the big men as Brunzell trips Blackwell up with a dropkick to the knee and Gagne manages to hook Patera and whip him over with an arm drag and as both men get up, Brunzell and Gagne both hit synchronized dropkicks to send both men tumbling over the top rope! We gotta go folks! We need to get security in on this! Rated:51 Overall: 58 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neon_Peon Posted November 10, 2023 Author Share Posted November 10, 2023 (edited) Prediction Scorecard Old School Fan- 11 Theheel-10 Lord Byron- 4 ColdBloodedSausageMaker-3 JANUARY SUPER SHOW PREDICTIONS AWA World Light Heavyweight Championship Mike Graham (C) VS. Steve Regal Grudge Match Baron Von Raschke VS. Tito Santana AWA World Tag Team Championships The High Flyers (Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell) (C) VS. The Sheiks (Jerry Blackwell & Ken Patera) Curt Hennig's Open Challenge Curt Hennig VS. ??? Main Event Number One Contender's Match Winner Faces Nick Bockwinkel In February Loser Considered The Next Contender In Line For A Title Opportunity In March Hulk Hogan VS. Wahoo McDaniel Edited November 10, 2023 by Neon_Peon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sonny912 Posted November 11, 2023 Share Posted November 11, 2023 Stampede loses it television deal? Great, maybe Verne can try and snag Bret hart, Davey Boy Smith, Dynamite kid, bad new Allen and Ed Whalen for the roster. Not to mention you should keep an eye out for other Hart dungeon alumni, Verne's always thought that technical ring Generals should be the focal of the awa and the guys stu trained and his kids have always excelled in that. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinnikuniverse Posted November 11, 2023 Share Posted November 11, 2023 (edited) AWA World Light Heavyweight Championship Mike Graham (C) VS. Steve Regal Grudge Match Baron Von Raschke VS. Tito Santana I think we keep Raschke strong so as to prepare him to face Martel AWA World Tag Team Championships The High Flyers (Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell) (C) VS. The Sheiks (Jerry Blackwell & Ken Patera) just so the booker can say he's not biased Curt Hennig's Open Challenge Curt Henning VS. ??? The mystery challenger is gonna be Nick Bockwinkel, for he has been the one who spread the word that Curt's only around because he's his old enemy Larry Hennig's son. He will prove that the Hennigs are inferior, and while Curt gives him a much tougher fight, Heenan comes to Bockwinkel's rescue and Bockwinkel wins, thus starting Hennig's push and storyline slowly, but surely Main Event Number One Contender's Match Winner Faces Nick Bockwinkel In February Loser Considered The Next Contender In Line For A Title Opportunity In March Hulk Hogan VS. Wahoo McDaniel No brainer, really. Hogan hesitates, but in the end, he defeats Wahoo and wins the title in February. Hogan's just way too hot. Strap a rocket on him and send him to the moon. Plus, you can have Wahoo actually be motivated to do the rematch and actually ask Hogan to go all out so as to really prove if the student surpassed the master Edited November 11, 2023 by kinnikuniverse 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old School Fan Posted November 11, 2023 Share Posted November 11, 2023 AWA World Light Heavyweight Championship Mike Graham (C) VS. Steve Regal (Regal cheats his way to the title) Grudge Match Baron Von Raschke VS. Tito Santana AWA World Tag Team Championships The High Flyers (Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell) (C) VS. The Sheiks (Jerry Blackwell & Ken Patera) Curt Hennig's Open Challenge Curt Hennig VS. ??? (can't say who Hennig's challenger will be for sure, but my guess is it'll be someone from Memphis, which was associated with the AWA at the time) Main Event Number One Contender's Match Winner Faces Nick Bockwinkel In February Loser Considered The Next Contender In Line For A Title Opportunity In March Hulk Hogan VS. Wahoo McDaniel 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 12, 2023 Share Posted November 12, 2023 (edited) AWA World Light Heavyweight Championship Mike Graham (C) VS. Steve Regal Grudge Match Baron Von Raschke VS. Tito Santana AWA World Tag Team Championships The High Flyers (Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell) (C) VS. The Sheiks (Jerry Blackwell & Ken Patera) Curt Hennig's Open Challenge Curt Hennig VS. ??? Main Event Number One Contender's Match Winner Faces Nick Bockwinkel In February Loser Considered The Next Contender In Line For A Title Opportunity In March Hulk Hogan VS. Wahoo McDaniel Edited Friday at 03:28 PM by Neon_Peon Think it's gonna be Wahoo so they can build up Hogan's challenge. Wahoo loses to NB in Feb. Quote Edited November 12, 2023 by piperrulz 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaCeLo3 Posted November 13, 2023 Share Posted November 13, 2023 AWA World Light Heavyweight Championship Mike Graham (C) VS. Steve Regal Grudge Match Baron Von Raschke VS. Tito Santana AWA World Tag Team Championships The High Flyers (Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell) (C) VS. The Sheiks (Jerry Blackwell & Ken Patera) Curt Hennig's Open Challenge Curt Hennig VS. ??? Main Event Number One Contender's Match Winner Faces Nick Bockwinkel In February Loser Considered The Next Contender In Line For A Title Opportunity In March Hulk Hogan VS. Wahoo McDaniel 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neon_Peon Posted November 15, 2023 Author Share Posted November 15, 2023 JANUARY SUPER SHOW From The Madison Dane Colosseum, Wisonsin 9,636 In Attendance AWA President | Verne Gagne Ladies and gentlemen, as President of the American Wrestling Association...it is my honor, my pleasure and my privilege to welcome you here this evening, to the Madison Dane Colosseum, where tonight, grudges will be settled, challenges will be answered, championships could be won or lost and a number one contender WILL be announced in our MAIN EVENT of the evening! With NEARLY TEN THOUSAND IN ATTENDANCE here tonight, I am assure it will be a night for all to remember. So, without further ado, there is no need for further introduction, you know what you paid for and you are going to get it! Welcome everyone...TO THE AMERICAN WRESTLING ASSOCIATION'S SUPER SHOW! Opening Match AWA World Light Heavyweight Championship VS. Mike Graham (C) VS. Steve Regal Once the bell rings the men circle around the ring, feeling each other out, before locking up together in the centre of the ring. Regal pushes Graham, seemingly winning the test of strength and he takes a swing at the AWA Light Heavyweight Champion! But Graham ducks under it and swings around behind Regal! A moment of hesitation follows, as what Regal just attempted would technically have been an illegal move with taking a direct, close hand swing at Graham's face. The referee steps in and warns him as Graham preps himself, realising what lengths Regal will go to in order to win the belt. The two circle each other once more and lock up, Regal once again managing to come out on top and move around into a rear grapple hold on Graham...and he slams Graham down onto his stomach! And now there's a scramble on the mat! Regal trying to capitalize on his momentum and Graham trying to make sure Regal doesn't stay on top of him! Graham manages to get a hold of Regal's arm! He's got a hold of Regal's arm and slowly the two men return to their feet! Regal trying to get The champion to realease that grasp on Regal's left arm! He pushes his free hand out as he moves forward, Pushing Graham up against the ropes, Regal's free hand reaching out and open handed pushing Grham back against the ropes! The referee begins a count...and Regal takes another close handed swing! And again Mike Graham, with the wit, and the awareness, to duck under it and swing behind Steve Regal! For the second time now, Steve Regal trying to take a cheap shot against the Light Heavyweight Champion! And this time Graham takes a swing of his own! He's giving Regal a taste of his own medicine! He clocks Regal across the cheek and send him reeling and the ref has no choice but to step in and warn the champion, but in all fairness to the champ. This was the second attempt by Regal to take a cheap shot! Maybe after a taste of his own medicine that will teach him a lesson! But the ref just doing his job, warning Graham that he can't repeat a tactic like this if he doesn't want the match to end in disqualification. For the third time the men circle around each other. The rising tension between the two men quite clear. The fight for the title is real and both men has shown now they are willing to get down and dirty and devolve into a fight if necessary...the two men lock up...and this time it's Mike Graham who comes out successful in the challenge, grasping once again at Regal's left arm and moving it around his back! After a few moments of wrenching the arm, Regal manages to swing himself back around, ducking under the champions arm in order to do it. In response though Graham bends down and he's able to grab a hold of Regal's foot with his free hand and he pulls on it, tripping Regal up and sending him to the ground! But Regal pushes at Graham's back with his other foot! Sending Mike Graham into the ropes...Mike Graham rebounding back and Regal kicks both of his feet up... BUT MIKE GRAHAM IS ABLE TO FLIP AND LAND ON HIS FEET! THE ATHLETICISM ON DISPLAY! AND HE FOLLOWS IT UP WITH A PERFECTI PRECISION DROPKICK, STRAIGHT TO THE CHIN OF REGAL, SENDING HIM SHOOTING DOWN TO THE MAT! Graham gets back up and Regal retreats to the corner, on one knee, one hand grabbing onto the ropes and the other reaching out in desperation, trying to hold Graham off, as if asking for a time out. Clearly rattled by the display the Light Heavyweight Champion had put on. The referee steps in and allows Regal to regain himself, directing Mike Graham to the opposite corner. Regal clearly looking frustrated now as he kicks the ropes after raising to his feet. He signals to Graham he wants another lock up and as Graham gives him what he want, Regal tricked him! He scoops his arm under, lifts Graham up and throws him straight back down to the mat with a scoop slam! And instead of following up Regal wasting time taunting to the crowd and strutting around acting as if he owns the place! You haven't won yet Regal! You need to pin the man first! And Mike Graham manages to get to his feet in the time Regal wasted taunting. There's hesitation now. Both men have shown they can get the better of one another. The momentum constantly shifting back and forth...now Graham signalling he wants to lock up...Regal cockily going for it... And now Graham...once again returning the favor! He scoops Regal up! AND HE SLAMS HIM! Regal clutching at his back as that one driven with a little extra oomph! And Regal retreating to the corner as he groans in pain, arching and clutching at his back in agony! Using the ropes to pull himself up to his feet He keeps his back as close to the corner as he can so he can keep his eyes on the Light Heavyweight Champion! The two men slowly head back to the centre of the ring. This is becoming a matter of pride. A game of oneupsmanship! They lock up! And it's a test of strength! Both men pushing against one another. Graham managing to get a few steps in...but Regal pushing back, using the height advantage he has to his leverage, and once again he pushes Graham against the ropes. And he begins delivering a series of clubbing forearms down onto the Light Heavyweight Champion's chest! And the referee has no choice but to begin the five count! ONE...TWO...THREE...FOU- And Regal breaks the count! He whips Mike Graham across the ring and as he comes back Regal grabs him by one arm and tosses him right on over down to the mat! And Now Regal has the momentum he has been looking for. Keeping a hold of that arm and pulling at it! He's got Mike Graham in a submission hold! A tight arm lock with Graham in a seated position and Regal in a standing one. Regal wrenching and yanking at the arm every few seconds to keep applying the pressure and adding the pain, trying to champion tell the referee he gives up! But Graham not giving up! He's fighting back! Shuffling at first along the mat to loosen Regal's grip before twisting Regal's arm and getting to is feet! BUT STEVE REGAL GRABS A HOLD OF GRAHAM'S HAIR AND YANKS HIM BACK DOWN TO THE MAT! WHAT A DIRTY MOVE ON REGAL'S PART! But the ref didn't see it! He wasn't at the right angle to get a view on it and Regal's able to have that arm locked in and back wrenching at it! And now look at the willpower! Look at the defiance! Look at the resiliency in the eyes of the champion! He knows what is at stake here as he tries shuffling and dragging himself along the mat once more to loosen that grip, shaking his head as the referee asks if he quits. Unbelievably Mike Graham has the will, the fight, the resiliency to bring himself back to his feet! And Regal can't believe it! Knowing he might not be lucky to pull off the same trick twice he pushes forward, using the momentum of the ropes to whip Mike Graham across the ring, but this time as Graham comes running back, Mike Graham is ready for him and knocks Steve Regal to the ground with a shoulder tackle! He now runs the other side as Regal scrambles to his feet and as Graham runs back, he is met with Regal's knee delivered straight to his gut, sending the champion tumbling over back down to the ground! Clutching at his stomach as he's left winded! Regal once again with Mike Graham on the ground, delivering a couple boots that weakened, winded stomach, increasing the pain the champion is experiencing and now Regal back to focusing on that arm! He's found his target and he's keeping his attention to it, re applying that arm lock. Looking to weaken it and win via submission. He's looking to embarrass the champion here tonight with the ultimate defeat! He wants Mike Graham to give up! Graham panting as he struggles, but manages to get back to his feet and the look of disbelief in Regal's face says it all. A look which quickly turns to frustration, as he pushes Mike Graham against the ropes...and starts delivering a series of blows with his knee straight to the stomach of Mike Graham! Relentless, repeated knees, and the referee having to start his five count! ONE...TWO...THREE...FOUR...FI- Regal finishes with a quick elbow over the back of Mike Graham's head and the referee steps in and forces him to the opposite corner! The ref isn't afraid to lay down the law folks! He's right in Steve Regal's face! The only reason Regal isn't disqualified right now is because the referee knows this is a big time event. He knows the people have paid for a show and he wants to give what leniency he can so he's implementing a warning system and he's officially giving Regal his FINAL warning right here, right now! And Regal acting like he's done nothing wrong, holding his hands up in protest! Meanwhile Mike Graham has managed to get onto his knees, holding his arm across his stomach as he regains his breath. Regal takes a few steps forward and Mike Graham not giving up! Mike Graham, maybe out of instinct and defiance alone, delivering a shot straight to Steve Regal's gut and pulls at Regal to bring himself back to his feet! And Regal shoots right back with a shot of his own! Sending Graham reeling back against the ropes...And as Graham pulls back he trades a blow back...the two men now...trading blows...which ones going to fall first! Regal fires back...Graham takes a couple steps back...has a spit take...then fires back and that one sends Regal back into the corner! And Regal sensing a comeback cuts it out while he can, driving the knees back into the gut! And that douses the fire! It send Mike Graham back to his knee! The look of pure anger and hatred in Regal's face as the Light Heavyweight Champion traverses across the ring on his knees! But Regal grabs a hold of Mike Grahams head and delivers a final knee which sends Graham flat on the mat and Steve Regal goes for the pin! ONE...TWO... OH MY GOD HE KICKED OUT! THE CHAMPION KICKED OUT! AND STEVE REGAL LOOKS BESIDE HIMSELF! But he doesn't argue with it he just wraps his arms around Mike Graham's head and neck and he tries to apply a sleeper! The referee now having to get in close as Regal tries to tighten his grasp. Making sure the champion doesn't either give up or lose consciousness! Graham shaking his head, as he manages to shuffle and drag himself along, clearly Regal hadn't gotten a proper grasp on that sleeper and had done it in his moment of frustration because Graham's got the life in him to pull himself along and Regal struggling to keep that hold in. Shaking his head desperately! Trying to pull Mike Graham back but Graham managing to use his feet to pull himself along closer and closer towards the ropes! And he does it! He puts his foot on the ropes and the referee makes Regal break the hold! Regal's eyes wide with shock and awe. He can't believe it! You have to admire the display that both men have put on but especially the fight from the champion! As both men get to their feet, Regal tries to deliver a shot but Graham blocks it! Graham blocks it and he reaches out and grabs Regal by the back of the head! And he drives him straight towards the nearest ring post, slamming Regal's head into the turnbuckle! And that causes Regal to reel back and he scrambles to try and get away, retreating to the opposite ring post! And Graham goes after him! He pushes Regal against the ring post and delivers a series of overhand blows to Regal's chest! And then he tosses the challenger over and into the middle of the ring. Is this the come back that The Light Heavyweight Champion has been looking for?! As Regal gets up he's met with a dropkick which sends him flat on his back. Mike Graham sensing his opportunity runs towards the corner, jumps over Steve Regal...jumps to the top rope and splashes back down onto Steve Regal! The Champion goes for the pin! ONE...TWO...THREE! THE CHAMPION WINS! THE CHAMPION RETAINS HIS TITLE IN A HARD FOUGHT VICTORY! IN A MATCH THAT COULD HAVE GONE EITHER WAY! Mike Graham successfully defends his Light Heavyweight Championship here tonight in the Madison Dane Colosseum! Rated: 40 After The Match Mike Graham is winded, beaten, bruises and welts starting to form on his body from the absolute beating that we had just witnessed in the ring. It was a close call but the champion had managed to win. And now, this is his moment to celebrate, as the referee had left to get the belt and officially declare him the winner. The referee steps back in with the light Heavyweight belt in hand and hands it to the reigning, defending champion, raising both the championship belt, and Mike Graham's hand simultaneously, before handing the belt to the champion. Mike stumbles slightly, clutching at his stomach. The fight had clearly taken its toll in what was easily the toughest fight the Champion had faced in quite some time. As Mike Graham slowly rolls out of the ring. Steve Regal looking on in disappointment and frustration, the referee turning his attention to Regal to see if he needed any attention. Mike Graham begins going around the ring barricade, Sharing this moment with the fans...shaking hands, giving high fives, getting pats on the shoulder and the championship, when as he nears the ramp..things suddenly turn ugly...and...DID A FAN JUST DELIVER A CHEAP SHOT TO THE CHAMPION?! Folks as Mike Graham was nearing the ramp for the exit someone has just taken a shot straight to the champion's face and that sent him reeling, who in the world is responsible for this?! The camera pans over to try and get a view of the altercation and... THAT'S NO FAN! WHO IN THE WORLD IS THAT?! SOMEBODY GET THE OFFICIALS! GET SECURITY! GET THE POLICE! IS HE EVEN A PART OF THE ROSTER?! Mike Graham recovers from the shot and some words are being exchanged between the two and...Oh god folks we might have a brawl on our hands here as this obviously athletic looking man reaches over and he's got a hold on Graham over the barricade! This man's got a hold on the Light Heavyweight Champion and he's delivering blows over the back of the champion! Causing him to drop the belt! And now security are stepping in! Trying to pull him away but it isn't easy! They manage to separate the two. taking three members of security just to pull this man away from his attack on the Light Heavyweight Champion! WHO IN THE WORLD WAS THAT?! We hope to provide answers on the next AWA All Star Wrestling... Rated: 50 Grudge Match VS. Baron Von Raschke VS. Tito Santana As the bell rings the two men immediately go for the standard lock up opening but Baron waists no time making things dirty, grasping at Tito's hair and pushing forward he throws Tito to the ground! Tito gets back up in a fury as the ref steps in to stop this thing getting ugly from the get go. Hearing Tito's complaint that Baron yanked his hair, the ref turns and points his finger, giving the Baron a stern "slap on the wrist", rather than an official warning as things had only just gotten underway. The Baron just nods, with a disgusting smirk on his face, licking his lips and turning to Tito, giving him a snarl in response. The men return to their lock up stance and Tito pulls the Baron into a headlock and the Baron struggles to get out of it, trying to re establish his footing, trying to move Tito into a position where his grip is loosened but Tito's arms able to keep that tight hold and wrench a little more. What that wrench does though is provide the baron an opportunity, to reach up, and once again grab Tito by his long hair, an easy weakness to exploit for a man like Baron Von Raschke...and with a violent tug, he brings Tito back onto the mat and is able to step away! It looks for a moment like Tito is going to take matters into his own hands as the Baron backs away in to the corner but the referee is able to step in just in time between the two men and once again he turns and admonishes the Baron, this time delivering an official warning, holding up the "number one" sign with his hand. Tito still being frustrated though tries to make a jab at The Baron, who leans back. The referee clearly struggling to keep the tensions under control here and have a proper match take place. Tito is too strong for the referee though and he manages to get past and delivers a strong jab straight to the temple of Baron Von Raschke and that one caught him! That one cleaned his clock and knocked him for six as he falls into a seated position, clutching at his orbital area! The Baron rolls around the ring as the referee, still trying to gain some order here, there's no doubt about it folks this is devolving into a straight up fight between these two men. Clearly the last month of the Baron's antics have boiled Tito's frustrations as much as they can and Tito showing the Baron hey, if you wanna roll in the mud I'll get down and roll in it too! The Baron retreats into the corner now, still in a seated position and the referee finally managing to keep space between these two men as he allows Raschke to pull himself up using the ropes. Tito wastes no time, going to initiate a lock up but Raschke ducks under Santana's arms! And as Tito swings back around he's met with a forearm from Raschke, followed by a second and then tossing Tito, through the second ropes, folks because Tito wasn't tossed OVER the top rope, don't worry that will not result in a disqualification, this match will still continue as Tito, lucky enough to land on his feet! The Baron doesn't realise that Tito landed on his feet though as he turned his back! The Baron getting cocky thinking he's just sent Santana cascading to the ringside area but he landed on his feet and Tito gets right back in, The Baron's back is turned! Tito swings him around, goes for a forearm shot...but the Baton with the wit, and the experience to block the blow! Tito tries to follow it up with a swinging left, but Baron blocks that one as well! Tito swings once more with the right and this time he clocks him! Baron unable to block the third blow! And this time It's Raschke who ends up going outside the ring, only this time seemingly in retreat as he blows a gasket! Looking absolutely frustrated!, Turning and snarling and growling at fans, telling them all to shut up as they chant for Santana! Raschke taking a moment to recover now outside the ring and gather and compose himself as the referee starting his ten count... ONE...TWO...THREE... Tito tries to go out of the ring but the referee stopsa him and orders him to go back to the ring. This would only get more chaotic if the fighting continued out in the ring area and the ref is clearly struggling to keep things under control here in this one as they are! As the ref is dealing with Tito, Raschke rolls back in and the ten count is broken at three. The referee steps away, and there's a moment of hesitation as both men stare each other down with furious intent. Baron reaches out and yanks Santana into a headlock! Guiding him towards the centre of the ring, snarling loudly as he wrenches his grasp around the oesophagus of Santana! Santana's right hand pressed right against the snarling maw of Rachke, trying to push Baron away from him while he's stuck in this hold! And Santana...able to push Raschke against the ropes...and with that momentum, force him to release the hold! And now Santana whips Raschke across the ring but as Raschke comes back he knocks Santana down with a shoulder tackle! Raschke runs to the opposite rope but Tito gets up and moves himself around Raschke, using Raschke's body as leverage, is he going for the sunset roll up? NO! Raschke with the experience to know to hold on to the ropes! BUT SANTANA IS PREPARED! HE RUNS AGAINST THE ROPES AND AS THE BARON TURNS AROUND HE'S MET WITH A HIGH CROSSBODY FOREARM SHOT, RIGHT TO THE FACE! COULD BE ALL OVER RIGT HERE, QUICK COVER BY SANTANA! ONE...TWO... KICK OUT BY BARON VON RASCHKE! Santana clearly frustrated now, he gets on one knee, grabbing Raschke by the back of his head, lifting him up...and driving him face first right back into that hard ring canvas! And Santana going for another quick cover... ONE...TWO... AND ANOTHER KICK OUT BY RASCHKE Raschke now trying to crawl his way to the corner to pull himself back up, but Santana stopping that in a hurry and bringing Raschke back to the centre of the ring, applying a tight hold on that right arm of the Baron now! He's got that arm locked around Raschke's back! And Santana scrambles over Raschke, transitioning now into a side headlock! He's got Raschke in a side headlock right in the middle of the ring folks there's no ropes for him to reach out to and the fans cheering, looking for this one to go in Santana's favor, happy to see the Baron getting some justice for his actions this past month! Remember ladies and gentlemen, Tito Santana has been a victim of Raschke for the past month. He's faced multiple assaults at the hands of this man and that month of frustration is definitely coming out here tonight! But Raschke still has some life left in him it seems as he's able to push himself up onto all fours, forcing Tito to transition onto a single knee. Santana wrenching away at that side headlock, trying to bring Raschke back down but perhaps that grip is loosening or the Baron has more fight in him than anybody here would like to admit. And yes folks it's only a matter of time and The Baron has successfully returned to his feet and now we can see from this angle, yes Tito's grasp has definitely loosened, he's struggling as he tries to re apply the pressure! Rachke able to move his arms around Santana's waist and in a moment of desperation...Raschke able to lift Santana up off of his feet and bring him back down with a back body drop! BUT SANTANA' STILL HOLDING ON TO THAT SIDE HEADLOCK! UNBELIEVABLE! What a testament to both men's in ring abilities right there, as Santana transitions Baron into a seated position, still applying pressure to the same area but now in a reverse chin lock and not looking to let go any time soon it seems! The Baron is desperate, he's stuck in the middle of the ring, he tries reaching up and grabbing at Santana's hair but the ref can see it! He forces Raschke to let go! If he's going to want to get out of this hold he has to do it clean! Baron reaches his arms up slowly once more, you can see the energy draining from him...this could be his last attempt, instead of grasping at Tito's hair, the Baron able to wrap both hands around the back of Tito's head, Raschke pulls himself up into a standing positon...and brings Santana down with a Jawbreaker! The desperation move pays off! As Santana loosens his grip immediately and tumbles to the mat, clutching at his jaw! Both men flat out on the mat now, clearly reeling from the toll taken on both of them. Raschke from the hold that Santana had applied on him and Santana from Raschke's desperation Jawbreaker. The Referee starting his ten count now both men are down on the mat... ONE...TWO...THREE... Both me crawling towards the ropes...which one is going to get to their feet first! FOUR...FIVE... Raschke hooks his arm around the top rope...and pulls himself up! Raschke up to his feet first as Santana up onto one knee! As Santan raises to his feet, the Baron still clearly dazes but with enough awareness to stick his knee between Santana's legs, pop him up and hit him with an INVERTED ATOMIC DROP! but you can see that Raschke is most definitely still dazed from the hold as he collapses back down to the mat, trying to shake those cobwebs off. Slapping himself to try and bring himself back to complete awareness. Raschke able to get himself back to his feet, still occasionally slapping himself as Santana trying to use the ropes to leverage himself back to his feet after crawling his way there while Raschke was down collecting himself. The Baron now, just blatantly reaching out, grabbing at Santana's hair and yanking at it, clearly pulling some strands of it away he pulled so hard! Right in front of the referee's eyes! The Baron hasno concern for fairness here and he doesn't seem to care if the ref sees it either! Ignoring the referee admonishing him he goes to whip Santana into the corner...but Santana reverses it! And Santana charging to the corner! BUT BARON LIFTS THE LEFT KNEE RIGHT INTO TITO'S FACE, WHICH CAME AT HIM IN FULL SPEED! And Tito hits the mat like a sack of concrete after that one! Raschke turns and looks around at the audience, smiling as his left arm reaches out towards the sky. He let's out a long, gargling, snarling growl as his hand forms into that deadly claw! He grasps at his left arm with his right as his arm seems almost uncontrollable once the claw is formed. He's looking to apply it to Tito right here and bring an end to this match! He's stalking Santana...following him as he crawls along the mat, waiting for the perfect moment...and as Santana gets to his knees... RASCHKE LOCKS IT IN! RASCHKE LOCKS IN THE CLAW! THAT DEADLY IRON CLAW RIGHT ON THE TEMPLE OF TITO SANTANA! AND THE SCREAMS OF PAIN CAN BE HEARD ACROSS THE ARENA! Tito's arms swinging desperately, reaching up and grasping at the claw, trying to push The Baron's arm away but we have seen this all too many times, once that claw is locked in, it is incredibly difficult to get out of it! It causes tremendous pain it manages to strike at the nerves and drain the opponent of energy rapidly. If you don't get out of it quick there is no getting out of it and that's what Tito is trying to do here as he is on his knees! Realising he won't be able to push Raschke's hand away he instead tries reaching out to Raschke's head instead. He swings his right arm, trying to club Raschke over the head with his forearm and Raschke able to dodge it! He swings his let and Raschke able to dodge once more...but as Raschke dodges Santana had swung his right arm around, possibly in desperation and doing so...he clocks Raschke right across the cheek with the forearm! It knocks Raschke but the claw isn't separated just yet! Tito swings a second time...he clocks Raschke again! Knocking him to his knees this time as He loses his footing. Growling as he desperately tries to keep that claw locked in! BUT WITH A THIRD CLUBBING BLOW, RIGHT ACROSS THE SIDE OF RASCHKE'S HEAD, TITO ABLE TO BREAK THE CLAW! Tito reeling...Tito clearly dazed as he struggles to get to his feet and stumbles around slightly...as Raschke returns to his feet, he looks to put that claw right back on to Santana! But Santana ducks and delivers a jab right to Raschke's gut! Followed by a second! And a third! And then an uppercut! He sends Raschke stumbling but doesn't send him off his feet! Tito perhaps making a come back here! As Raschke now, retreating to the ropes...and Santana whips him across the ring...and as Raschke comes back he is met with a HIGH CROSSBODY!...But Santana not done...he wants to make sure he finishes the job. He makes his way to the corner...slowly climbing the ropes. Heading to the top now what does Santana have in mind? HE GOES FLYING...OFF THE TOP ROPE...AND HITS RASCHKE WITH A DIVING BODY SPLASH! COVER! ONE...TWO...THREE! SANTANA WITH THE VICTORY OVER BARON VON RASCHKE! Rated 50 After The Match After the match, Santana is celebrating a well earned victory. That easily could have gone Von Raschke's way if that deadly claw hold had not been broken. That really was the turning point in the match that managed to swing things in Santana's favor and you can see the toll it has had on him as he stumblesslightly as he raises to his feet. Trying to regain his compsure. The referee tries to help him but Santana refuses the ref's help! He wants to do this on his own as he heads to the ropes...taking a moment to rest and compose himself...and is at this moment that things turn... Von Raschke returns to his feet and like the sore loser he is! He clocks Santana from behind with a double axe handle right to the back of Santana's head, sending him reeling over the ropes! As Raschke tries to hop outside to continue his assault, the ref steps in and tries to hold Raschke back! Doing his best to keep him in the ring. Raschke just smiles a knowing smile though as he turns and nods his head as he looks down the entrance ramp...as he sees before any of us do...the arrival of Masa Saito?! What in the world is he doing here?! What business does HE have here...Folks if you don't remember that had been an encounter where after a match that Santana had against Saito, that Von Raschke came to attack Santana, but on that occasion Saito did not do anything. Yet here and now...are these two working together?! Baron just laughs as Saito stalks Santana out of the ring and we see other officials now running down to try and get a hold of things as the referee can only keep his eye on one man! How long have these two been in cahoots?! What kind of alliance is this anyway?! Saito takes a few steps back as Santana gets on to all fours and before the officials can get their hands on Saito...he delivers a DEVASTATING RUNNING KNEE, straight across the head of Santana! The officials manage to get their hands on Saito but the damage has been done! And the Baron is laughing! The Baron is laughing as although he's lost the match, he has clearly made the final impact! This feud isn't over folks! Not with this latest development! Rated: 47 Tag Team Match AWA World Tag Team Championships VS. The High Flyers (C) VS. The Sheiks Jim Brunzell and Jerry Blackwell are the legal men for their respective teams and once the bell rings it's clear the struggle the defending champions are in for from the get go as Blackwell wastes no time using the size advantage to his strengths, wrapping his arms around Brunzell and immediately pulling him into a bearhug! Brunzell struggles, kicking his legs as Blackwell hoists him slightly off the ground and as he does so...he moves forward! Driving Brunzell straight into the corner! Back meeting turnbuckle causing the rattle to echo out into the arena! Patera, sensing opportunity, makes the quick tag and steps in. Blackwell steps away, delivering a cheap shot to Brunzell as he does so! Patera pulls Brunzell over to the ropes, delivering a couple forearms across the jaw, before whipping him across the ring, as he rebounds back, Patera goes for the clothesline but Brunzell ducks under! He rebounds once more and as Patera turns around he's met with a knee straight to the face from Jim Brunzell! Sending Patera to the mat! Brunzell rolls over...reaches out...and tags in Greg Gagne! As Gagne enters the ring, Patera returns to his feet, met by a barrage of clubbing blows and knife edge chops from Gagne who knows if they are going to succeed they are going to have to wear both of these big men down! He places his hand on the back of Patera's head and guides him to the nearest corner, driving Patera's face straight into the top turnbuckle and Patera rebounds off and falls face first down onto the canvas! Gagne not wanting to waste momentum and knowing he has more work to do though, uses Patera's singlet to pull him back up, hoisting Patera up into the air and hitting an ATOMIC DROP on the challenger! With momentum now in the champions' favors, Gagne grabs a hold of Patera's left leg, dragging him towards the High Flyers' corner. He drives his knee down onto Patera's leg, and as he gets back up, he reaches over and tags Brunzell in. Brunzell grabs the opposite leg and both men turn their backs and pull at Patera's legs, both men diving over Patera's body as they do so! Great team work by The High Flyers showing us why they are the current champions! Gagne immediately leaves the ring after the double team move, so not to incur the referee's count, Patera crawling desperately toward the bottom rope, trying to make an escape! But Brunzell grabbing Patera by his leg, stops him in his tracks! He drags Patera back to the centre of the ring and is keeping his attention to the legs of Patera which The High Flyers seem to be targeting as a means to wear Patera down! Brunzell drives his knee down onto Patera's left leg, keeping a hold of it he turns back to Gagne and tags his partner back in! This right here ladies and gentlemen, is tag team strategy on display. These two men know the challenge they have ahead of them. They stated their mission. To stop The Sheiks before they do any real damage to the AWA! And here, we are seeing their strategy unfold as Gagne takes to the top rope. As Brunzell holds on to Patera's leg, stretching it out to the side. And Gagne dives his knee down onto Pater's leg! And Blackwell steps in! Seeing his partner is struggling! Blackwell steps in illegally! And Gagne tries fighting him off with a series of chops! The referee having no choice but to start his count with the illegal man now in the ring. Gagne's chops clearly having no effect as he reaches across and grips Gagne by the shoulder, digging his hands into them! Causing Gagne to reach out and scream in pain as he's brought to his knees! ONE...TWO...THREE..FO- Blackwell drives an elbow across Gagne's cheek, sending him to the floor and leaves the ring, breaking the count. Both legal men now down in the ring. The legal men to remind you everybody, being Greg Gagne and Ken Patera. And after that interference from Blackwell, the playing field is slightly more even for the challengers now as that completely cut down the plan The High Flyers were implementing...that brief hiccup however is not going to be enough to keep the tag champions down as Gagne first to his feet, returns to his corner and tags in Jim Brunzell. As Brunzell enters the ring, Patera returns to his feet. Brunzell grabbing Patera by the wrist, whips him across the ring, jumps up for a dropkick...BUT BRUNZELL HITS NOTHING BUT AIR! Why you ask? Because Patera hooked his arms around the ropes before he could rebound back into the feet of the tag team champion and now the momentum has swung! Patera needing time to recover immediately takes this opportunity to roll around, reach out ang tag in Jerry Blackwell! And now it's Blackwell and Brunzell! As Brunzell returns to his feet he's met with a kick to the gut, followed immediately by an axe handle. Blackwell clearly a harder target to implement the strategy for as he's a much larger, wider target than Patera is. Blackwell with a single hand also showing just how strong he is as he tosses Brunzell across the ring into the corner and now...BLACKWELL TAKES A RUNNING CHARGE...AND HITS BRUNZELL WITH A SPLASH RIGHT INTO THE RING CORNER! YOU CAN SEE THE ROPES QUAKE AND FOLKS YOU CAN FEEL THE VIBRATIONS IN THE FIRST ROW! And Jim Brunzell sinks down into a seated position in the corner, looking absolutely lifeless after that devastating running splash from Blackwell! Blackwell now, resorting to dirty tactics, taking whatever advantage he can, pushing his boot right down into the throat of Jim Brunzell, holding on to the ropes for leverage! The referee beginning his five count! ONE...TWO...THREE...FOUR...FI- Of course Blackwell holding that count out as long as he can before lifting the boot off of Brunzell's throat! Blackwell pulls Brunzell towards the centre of the ring now, Bringing him up onto his knees and you have to admire the spirit of Jim Brunzell, maybe if only out of instinct, he tries fighting back, delivering a drained shot to the gut of Blackwell but it only causes Blackwell to step back...and in return he delivers a HEADBUTT straight to the top of Brunzell's temple and sends him back down, flat out on the mat! Blackwell now...taking a few steps back to the nearest corner, what is he thinking of doing here...he takes a few bounding steps back towards Brunzell he takes a big leap...HE LOOKS TO DELIVER A BIG ELBOW RIGHT ACROSS THE NECK OF BRUNZELL BUT JIM BRUNZELL ROLLS AWAY AT THE LAST MOMENT AND BLACKWELL'S ELBOW MEETS CANVAS! BLACKWELL WRITHING IN PAIN CLUTCHING AT HIS ELBOW AND THIS GIVE BRUNZELL THE TIME HE NEEDS! HE CRAWLS HIS WAY OVER TOWARDS HIS CORNER...BLACKWELL GETTING UP TO HIS FEET...BRUNZELL TO HIS KNEES...BLACKWELL TRIES TO GRAB AT BRUNZELL'S FOOT BUT BRUNZELL TAKES A FORWARD LEAP AND MAKES THE TAG TO GREG GAGNE! And Gagne coming in like a house of fire! ONE RUNNING CFOREARM TO BLACKWELL...TWO...THREE...SENDING THE BIG MAN STUMBLING...REELING...LOOKING TO REGAIN HIS BALANCE...GAGNE RUNS TO THE ROPES FOR A THIRD TIME...AND KNOCKS BLACKWELL OVER WITH A DROPKICK! GAGNE BRINGING HIS TEAM BACK FROM THE BRINK! He heads to the top rope...and follows it up with a beautiful diving splash over the big man...he goes for the cover! BUT SHEIK ADNAN AL-KAISSIE STEPS UP ONTO THE RING APRON, DISTRACTING THE REF WHO HAS TO STEP IN AND ORDER HIM DOWN! The Sheik yelling and screaming, absolutely livid, clearly intentional to try and stop The High Flyers momentum and thanks to this distraction, ken Patera able to step in, Brunzell still recovering at ringside, regaining his breath on the floor! He doesn't know what's happened! Gagne runs at Patera and tries to knock him down but Patera hoists him up and brings him down with a powerbomb! Patera rolls out the ring as Sheik Adnan conveniently hops down off the ring apron and moves around ringside, as the ref turns back to the in ring action. As he does so, Sheik Adnan turns his attention to Brunzell outside! Blackwell's on his feet, he's backing into the corner! Ref look at Adnan, he's laying in the boots to Brunzell outside! Blackwell takes a few leaping steps, jumps in the air...HITS THE BIG BODY SPLASH! THE PIN! SHEIK ADNAN BEATING BRUNZELL OUTSIDE! DON'T COUNT IT REF! THIS IS A DQ! THIS IS A DQ! ONE...TWO...THREE! GOD DAMN IT! WE HAVE NEW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS! THE SHEIKS ARE OUR NEW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS ALL THANKS TO THE UNDERHANDED TACTICS OF SHEIK ADNAN! Rated: 59 Curt Hennig's Open Challenge Curt is waiting in the ring for his opponent to be announced, and hopefully, to get a revelation as to exactly who has been bad mouthing him and saying that he is only here because of the relationship with his father and the standing that Larry Hennig has in the company as a respected legend of the AWA. What Hennig gets are two men that neither he, nor any member of the audience expected... It was The Ruthless Russian, Boris Breznikoff. Accompanied by his manager, Jim Cornette, arriving on the ramp with a microphone in his hand ready to speak for his client and address the situation at hand... Jim Cornette Hello Curt! I know you must be wonderin' why it is we are makin' our presence known here tonight and well it's quite simple. See, as a man who understands the love, admiration and respect you have for you father...I must admit, it is...commendable...for you to come out here and defend not only your own honor, but your father's honor in the process. The issue for you is Curt...is that voice? Criticising your relationship with your father? WELL THEY'RE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! THE ONLY REASON...THE ONLY REASON CURT...THAT YOU ARE HERE IS BECAUSE OF YOUR FATHER! He got you this position, he got you this opportunity and he got you a moment in the spotlight that men nowhere near as fortunate as you, are praying for an opportunity to just get on TV! You know what that's called Curt?! THAT'S NEPOTISM! And my client?! He's gonna prove that here tonight! Now I know you were expectin' to see the man who started all this but he's a busy man Curt! Unfortunately he couldn't BE here tonight! Oh yeah, that's right I know who it is! And guess what Curt?! You're never gonna find out. Why? Because after tonight? You're getting sent back home where you belong! The bell rings and the Hennig tentatively circles around the ring, using his speed to his advantage as Boris initially tries to go in and wrap his arms around the young up and comer. However Curt is able to evade him. He's smart. He's cautious, he knows he doesn't have the strength advantage. he's seen the dominating run that Boris Breznikoff has had just as we have, and so he doesn't want to play into his game and there's a pause as the two men size each other up. Curt uses that moment to try and go for the surprise, heading in to try and get Boris in a grapple when he isn't expecting it but Boris Breznikoff showing he has some wrestling acumen, able to work his way around Hennig, he spins Hennig around and delivers an insulting slap, right across Hennig's face. Breznikoff slapping the taste right out of Hennig's mouth and he shoots a sly smirk at Hennig after doing it! Cornette applauding his client outside. Laughing to the fans and bragging how smart Boris is. And Hennig didn't like that! The frustration rising as Breznikoff retreats slowly to the corner, as Curt goes for an Axe Handle, but Breznikoff ducks under, meeting only the turnbuckle but Hennig able to avoid clashing with it. He turns around and Breznikoff now, taking control, firing away with a series of right hands, before pushing Hennig right back into the corner! His back clashing with all three turnbuckles causing the ringing of metal to echo out! As Curt rebounds from the corner, Boris goes to grab him but Curt, somehow with the awareness to work his way around the big Russian and now Curt with a rear grapple on Boris. But Boris just shoots a rear elbow to the side of Hennig's temple and sends him tumbling down! Henning rolls and is able to recover to one knee though. He gets back and up, showing his resiliency, he's unafraid to bring the fight to The Ruthless Russian! They go for a lock up and Boris pulls Curt into a side headlock, yelling out to the crowd in Russian! "Это твой герой?!" (Translation: This is your hero?!") He whips Curt across the ring and is prepared to attack him, but as Hennig returns HE MANAGES TO CARTWHEEL ACROSS TO THE SIDE, WHAT A SHOWING OF ATHLETICISM ON DISPLAY FROM HENNIG! BUT BORIS REWARDS HIM WITH A VICIOUS CLOTHESLINE! Breznikoff clearly taking control now with that power and strength to his advantage he hoists Hennig up to his feet and tosses him to the corner, letting out a mighty growl he steps towards Hennig and then tosses him right across into the opposite corner, this time tossing him so hard that Hennig actually front flips from the impact and lands flat on his back, clutching in agony, his face wincing in pain! And Breznikoff now taking this moment to taunt. He's toying with Hennig! He thinks this is just going to be a repeat of all of his other victories so far, so he's going to take what time he has to truly revel in it. That here he is, in the ring with one of the so called "rising stars" off the AWA and so far...he was dismantling him. He smiles as he slowly makes his way to Hennig as Curt, showing the fight, the resiliency that he has, pulling himself to his knees. Refusing to go down easy. But Breznikoff sees this as an opportunity to play with his food even more! He grabs Hennig by the hair...and he starts dragging him right around the ring, pulling him around like a ragdoll. The referee starting his five count as we see this brutal display! ONE...TWO...THREE..FOUR- BORIS SLAMS HENNIG BACK INTO THE CANVAS RIGHT BY THE BACK OF THE HEAD! DQ HIM REF DON'T GIVE HIM ANY LENIENCY HERE! THAT WAS DISGUSTING! Unfortunately the referee does give him the leniency. Only because this is a big show! There's no way anything like that would have flown on AWA TV. But this was a big show. People gave good money for this show. And so the warning system was in place and that's exactly what was happening here. The referee stepping in to give Curt proper time to actually recover and continue the match on even footing, and to deliver his first official warning to Breznikoff for that flagrant dirty behaviour. The ref allows Curt to get back to his feet and checks in with him, making sure first of all that he is happy to continue. Curt nods his head. The ref heads to the centre of the ring and singals for the match to continue. Immediately Boris goes for a lock up, looking to continue his domination but this time Curt able to duck under and he tosses Boris Breznikoff over with an arm drag! Breznikoff scrambles back to his feet but he's met with a second arm drag from Hennig! Followed by a third! And Hennig leaps up as Breznikoff scrambles back off and hits him square in the chest with an ABSOLUTELY PERFECT dropkick! Sending The Ruthless Russian reeling back against the ropes and Hennig, sensing the shift in the momentum wastes no time he delivers a few knife edge chops, right across the chest of Breznikoff! Before pulling him back towards the centre of the ring. Henning delivers a knee to Boris's gut followed by a second, hooking his arm around Boris' neck, he manages to hoist the big man up into the air and brings him back down with a suplex! Hennig is the first to his feet. Clutching at his back as the brutal attack from Boris earlier on had clearly taken its toll on him. But now this is his chance and he has to capitalize. Intending to keep Breznikoff on the mat he moves around to his right leg, he puts Breznikoff's boot between his legs and jumps up, before coming down and delivering a solid knee breaker to the Ruthless Russian, wearing down to big Russian Bear now that he was in control of the momentum of the match. Hennig takes a moment, catching his breath as Breznikoff clutches at his leg. Moving now around Breznikoff to his head, he brings him into a seated position and takes a step back before running at him and rolling over Breznikoff, snapping his neck in the process! And Hennig jumps back up to his feet. He's feeling the rising tide of support now as the fans chant for him. Her looks to the corner. Looking for something big to really seal the deal in his favor...and he begins climbing the ropes towards the top turnbuckle. He stands on the top rope only for a moment before diving off and hitting Breznikoff with a DIVING ELBOW DROP! HE GOES FOR THE COVER! ONE...TWO...KICKOUT THAT IS THE CLOSEST BREZNIKOFF HAS COME TO A LOSS YET! Hennig knows it and yes even Cornette knows it outside the ring as he slaps the mat, clutching at his hair in disbelief! He starts pounding the ring canvas, trying to pump Boris up, trying to drive some energy into him to get back up. Hennig looking to finish things though. He slowly begins hoisting Boris up, hooking his leg. It looks like He's setting things up for the Hennig Plex...but Boris stomps his foot down onto Hennig's, causing him to lose his grip. He keeps fighting back, driving one fist after another, straight into the gut of Hennig! As Breznikoff props back up he wraps his arms around Hennig's waist and hoists him right into the air! He starts wrenching! IT'S THE RUSSIAN BEAR HUG! THE RUSSIAN BEAR HUG! THIS IS THE MOVE THAT WRESTLERS HAVE HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO GIVE UP ONCE IT'S BEEN APPLIED! Curt trying to fight back though as you can hear the screams of pain, his throat gargling as his abdomen getting wrenched and crushed his arms reaching out desperately, trying to push away, but He's refusing to quit, the ref coming in and asking, heck, even pleading with him to quit, but he refuses. Boris hoists Hennig up and wrenches again, tightening his grip. Both Hennig's arms dig into Boris' shoulders, but still. He doesn't give up! Cornette leaning against the ring apron with a gleeful smirk on his face. Yelling at Curt to GIVE UP! GIVE UP CURT! YOU'RE FINISHED! But Curt refusing, clawing, digging, pushing, trying his best to break the hold but it's just too tight, too strong...and after minutes of what seemed like an eternity...Curt's body falls limp in Boris' arms...and Curt is declared unconscious by the referee, Boris wins but not because Curt gave in. Rated: 59 Joining Us At Ringside... Gene Okerlund Ladies and Gentlemen, Gene Okerlund here taking you away from the action from just a moment to bring your attention to the ringside area to notice the arrival of AWA World Heavyweight Champion, Nick Bockwinkel! Seemingly on his own tonight. Nick what brings you here tonight and where, pray tell, is your manager, Bobby Heenan? Nick Bockwinkel Well Gene in regards to Bobby, he is a busy manager, he has to arrange travel, hotels, interview opportunities, things that...you as a...lowly interviewer would not understand. But also, Bobby, having a clear, vested interest with the World Champion as his client, might get...too emotional for his own good and I would not want to initiate a conflict of interest and cause a potential controversy. Gene Okerlund So you're admitting that there's potential for you or your manager to interfere in the Main Event to follow? Nick Bockwinkel Are you intentionally this dense, Gene or were you unfortunately born this way? Allow me to make it clear. I, as a respectful, fighting champion, have asked, in fact, ensured, that Bobby is being kept busy doing his managerial duties outside of the ring, so that his emotional and financial investments do not cause him to do something that both he and I would regret. I on the other hand? Am a being of complete mental clarity. Emotions are something you learn to tamper in the process of becoming a World Champion, Gene. You wouldn't understand. There shall be no interference on my part. That is a guarantee and say what you will about me as I know you shall...but I am a man of my word. No. I am merely here, to do as I said I would. To observe...to witness the Main Event...from the best seat in the house. A front row, V.I.P area...especially organized for myself thanks to the studious work of my manager, Bobby Heenan...and I for one, look forward to finding who my Number One Contender will be. Now if you do not mind, Gene...there is a Main Event that needs to take place. Good evening... Rated: 73 Main Event Number One Contendership VS. There's hesitation from both men once the bell rings. This is it. This is the match both men wanted to avoid but now have to engage in and they survey the crowd, who seem as torn as they do...in order to show that there is no bad blood. Hogan takes the initiative and reaches out a hand in respect. To which, Wahoo McDaniel responded in kind, and the two men shake hands and both begin to move around the ring. Sizing each other up somewhat...a couple steps get taken in, they go for a lock up...and break...and both retreat to opposite corners from one another. Deep breaths are taken and the two take a few slow steps back to the centre and lock up. This time the lock up is held and the two push against one another in a test of strength. Hogan seems to be the one coming out and top as he pushes forward and gets Wahoo into the corner. He slowly lets go of the lock up and delivers a chop across Wahoo's chest. He hesitates and goes to deliver a second, but Wahoo blocks it, turning Hogan around and putting him in the corner. Delivering a harder chop. Showing him, the match is now underway. Emotions and hesitations get left to the side. They have to. The number one contender is decided here. Tonight. He delivers a second chop, this one even harder, the sound ringing out like a gunshot across the arena. He whips Hogan across the ring to the opposite corner but Hogan is able to reverse and turn it around so it is Wahoo running into the corner instead and as Wahoo bounces off the Turnbuckle he is met with a clothesline from the Hulkster! And here we go folks, the crowd is now invested as there is no doubt left as the action has officially started. This match is really happening. Wahoo however slowly rolls out under the bottom rope and heads out to the ringside area. Clearly he's shaken now as he takes a moment to recover. The pats on the back from fans and hearing them cheer for him as well as Hogan, reassuring him. There are those who want to see this and want to see him succeed, just as much as there are those who want to see the same from Hogan...he steps back up on to the ring apron and then slowly steps in to the ring, cautious. As he steps in the two go again for a cautious lock up and this time, Hogan is the one whipping Wahoo across the ring and as Wahoo rebounds, Hogan goes for another clothesline, but Wahoo ducks under it and as Hogan turns around, he is met with a knife edge chop from Wahoo! Knocking the Hulkster down! Wanting to capitalize now, Wahoo hoists Hogan back up and goes for an Inverted Atomic drop, sticking his knee between Hogan's legs, but Hogan claps his hands together either side of Wahoo's head and Wahoo is forced to let him go, dazed and stumbling. Hogan scoops his arm under, hoists Wahoo up and drives him down with a scoop slam! Hogan goes for the quick cover. ONE...T- KICK OUT FROM WAHOO Hogan takes a few steps back in to the corner and waits, that hesitation rearing its head once more, as he stands and stares as Wahoo returns to his feet. Wahoo turns...and a look of frustration can clearly be seen on his face. He can tell that Hogan is still being cautious. Treating him differently. Not giving him his best. So Wahoo quickly makes him learn. He goes for a lock up, transitioning into a rear grapple. He lifts and slams Hogan on to the ground and then begins to showcase his mat wrestling skills, keeping Hogan face down against the mat, moving over his back, Wahoo wraps both arms around Hogan's face! But Hogan pulls away. Understanding that Wahoo is trying to get a hold on him! Making him fight! Hogan slips out, grasping a hold of Wahoo's arm, twisting it and slamming Wahoo down face first into the mat! Both men quickly scramble back to their feet and start circling the ring. The tension rising. The fans torn...the atmosphere changing. Wahoo practically begging for Hogan to come at him. "WRESTLE!" you can hear him yell! Hogan goes for the lock up, but Wahoo whips around him and drops him face first with a drop toe hold! He works around Hogan and gets the hold in this time! The forearm grinding across Hogan's face! But with Hogan scrambling and trying to get out. Wahoo transitions and moves into a Front Headlock, slowly raising to his feet...pulling Hogan up with him. The reaction from the crowd becoming more mixed. Some boos can be heard as some of the Hulkamaniacs in the audience don't like what they are seeing but there's also a good chunk rooting for Wahoo... Wahoo lets go of the lock and chops Hogan across the chest. Clearly trying to instigate him still, this time it seems to work as Hogan fires back with a shot that sends Wahoo reeling back slightly. Wahoo chops back, and another shot from Hogan! Chop from Wahoo! Shot from Hogan! And a Second Shot from Hogan! Hogan grasps Wahoo's wrist and whips him across the ring, goes for the clothesline on the rebound but Wahoo ducks under! As Wahoo rebounds again Hogan going for a Big Boot...BUT WAHOO GRABS HOGAN'S LEG! HE SPINS HOGAN AROUND AND BRINGS HIM DOWN WITH A CLOTHESLINE! AND HE FOLLOWS IT UP WITH A SPLASH ON TO HOGAN! GOING FOR THE COVER! ONE...TWO..T- HOGAN KICKS OUT! Wahoo nodding now, approving of how the flow has changed, feeling that things are actually getting more competitive now as he grabs the back of Hogan's head, picking him up he guides him to the corner, throwing him back first against the turnbuckle, he climbs up and starts delivering the fan favorite ten count punch in the corner to the Hulkster! The fans who are rooting for Wahoo counting along! ONE, TWO,THREE,FOUR,FIVE,SIX,SEV- HOGAN CATCHES THE SEVENTH BLOW! HIS HAND GRASPING TIGHTLY AROUND WAHOO'S FIST! THE TWO MEN'S EYES MEETING INTENSELY AND WITH A GREAT BIG SHOVE, WAHOO GOES FLYING TO THE MIDDLE OF THE MAT! And Hogan takes a few running steps before delivering a jumping Elbow Drop right on to the heart of Wahoo! Hogan going for another cover! ONE..TWO..TH- HE GETS THE SHOULDER UP! WAHOO GETS THE SHOULDER UP AND HOGAN LOOKING MORE FRUSTRATED. LIKE HE KNOWS WHAT HE NEEDS TO DO TO FINISH THIS IS SOMETHING HE DOESN'T WANT TO DO...AND THAT'S THE ATOMIC LEG DROP! Hogab brings Wahoo to his knees, but Wahoo fighting back, with a shot to Hogan's gut, followed by a second, and a third and as Wahoo climbs higher so too do the shots to Hogan's body until they meet his face! One, two, three shots until the fourth is caught by Hogan and he wags his finger in Wahoo's face! Hogan delivers a shot...and then a second...and then a third...and he goes to whip Wahoo across the ring, rebounding off the ropes...HOGAN HITS THE BIG BOOT! Hogan hits the big boot and the fans erupting because they know what's coming next...Hogan goes to hit the ropes...but he slows...and comes to a stop...just before hitting...what was supposed to be the Leg Drop. Looking down at the fallen Wahoo. That hesitation which has come and gone throughout has reared itself once more, at a key, pivotal point in the match. Hogan has been the most resistant out of the two of these men since the beginning folks. You'll remember Hogan wanted to present Wahoo with the number one contender spot from the start. He wanted him to have his opportunity. He didn't want to be the one to further any of Wahoo's doubts and those fears clearly showing themselves right now! And instead All Hogan can do is reach down and bring Wahoo slowly up to his feet, you can see the cogs whirring as The Hulkster hasn't got a strategy in mind with holding off on the Leg Drop...and as he delivers a punch, Wahoo blocks it! And fires back with a shot of his own. Sending Hogan reeling back. Wahoo fires off a second shot, this time stomping his feet while he does it! Wahoo is firing up! He has no idea how close he was to getting that leg drop. Or maybe he does and he's making Hogan regret it! As He brings Hogan down with one lariat...two lariat. Wahoo stomping his feet across the ring as he does it until Wahoo runs at Hogan, reaches his arm overhead and... TOMAHAWK CHOP! WAHOO WILLING TO DO WHAT HOGAN WASN'T AND USE THE FINISHING MOVE! HOGAN'S DOWN! THAT MOMENT OF HESITATION MIGHT HAVE JUST COST HIM! WAHOO WITH THE COVER! ONE...TWO...THREE! WAHOO MCDANIEL IS THE NUMBER ONE CONTENDER! WAHOO FACING BOCKWINKEL IN FEBRUARY! AND HOGAN FACING THE CHAMPION, WHOEVER THEY MAY BE, IN MARCH! Rated: 64 Overall: 63 Writer's Note: So this is my first ever, full length, fully detailed, BIG MONTHLY EVENT. Consider this a prototype. Which is why I hope to gain some feedback. Is it too much. Too long and too big of an effort to read? If so the next one will have condensed reporting, but more detail of the story and some moves in the match to make it more immersive than the TV write ups. As the TV is more focused on promos and story than the matches themselves and I wanted this to be different. Secondly. For Reader/Fan Interaction. I'm looking for a team name for Baron Von Raschke & Masa Saito. Seeing as its only month one of predictions in game. I'll use the name I like the best. This is posted on another forum so the name could potentially be chosen from there also. Hope you guys like the show. The monthly analysis and roster update will be posted in the coming days. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 16, 2023 Share Posted November 16, 2023 Really good main. Hogan's refusal to drop the leg was a good wrinkle. Wahoo won the match cleanly so should remain a solid face. Still think that Wahoo loses to NB and Hogan chases NB for a while before winning the belt. Name for the Von Raschke/Saito tag team: The Axis or Axis Powers (Germany and Japan). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neon_Peon Posted November 16, 2023 Author Share Posted November 16, 2023 Monthly Analysis Earnings: 131,724 Profit Attendance Week 1: 1,700 Week 2: 1,700 Week 3: 1,500 Week 4: 1,500 AWA Super Show: 9,636 Broadcasting Deals US Syndication (Small) Viewership Week 1: 79,812 Viewers (0.10 Rating) Week 2: 79,531 Viewers (0.10 Rating) Week 3: 80,206 Viewers (0.10 Rating) Week 4: 80,659 Viewers (0.10 Rating) Popularity Great Lakes: 24 Mid Atlantic: 15 Mid South: 24 Mid West: 60 New England: 5 North West: 24 South East: 12 South West: 24 Tri State: 8 Puerto Rico: 7 Hawaii: 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neon_Peon Posted November 17, 2023 Author Share Posted November 17, 2023 Creative Meeting AWA Headquarters Minneapolis, Minnesota Verne and Greg are together in the AWA office. As always they are the last two left behind as the receptionist makes her way out the door and begins heading down the stairs to the parking lot. Greg pulls out a bottle of bourbon from the cabinet now it's just him and the old man, along with two glasses. He pours Verne's first. Out of respect. Followed by his own and the two start talking shop... Verne Gagne Congratulations on completing your first month of business. Greg Gagne Thanks dad. How do you think I'm doing? Verne Gagne I have to say so far? I have no complaints. You're showing yourself to be a fair booker, taking losses when you think it's necessary. You've got stories our fans are gaining interest in and hey, your first month. You made a profit. Greg Gagne I was worried. Our Tour shows in Chicago have been having low attendances, but they're necessary for expansion. I thought for sure they would lead to a loss. But thankfully TV and the Colosseum show not only made up for those losses but made us decent gains as well. Verne Gagne Expansion doesn't come empty handed Greg, especially to a market like Chicago. The teething pains will end eventually. Those houses will rise in time. Just keep at it. Greg Gagne While you're here dad. I think we should address, our latest signing... Greg pulls out a photo and lays it on the table. This is the man that the audience in the Colosseum had seen attack Mike Graham. He had a brief stint in the NFL, nearly playing full time with the Kansas City Chiefs, before being cut before the season had started. His name, was Butch Reed...and Greg had interesting plans for him. Verne Gagne What is there to address? This is a signing I can get behind...sure, he didn't get to play in the NFL during the season, but to have even been considered by the Chiefs means he's got some athletic chops...and he looks like a million bucks. So what are your plans with him? Greg Gagne Well he will have stirred up some controversy with the attack on Mike Graham after his championship match at the Collosseum. I'm hoping he'll be a shot in the arm for the Light Heavyweight Division, introduce him as a heel and really get some heat behind him to get people watching the division to see him get beat. Verne Gagne There's one problem son. He isn't a Light Heavyweight* Greg Gagne Not officially no. But he's got a lean build. He isn't super bulky, he can pass for Light Heavyweight. Wouldn't be the first time someone was billed at a weight they weren't in Wrestling. Besides...I don't intend to keep him in that division forever. Just a starting point. Which is what I want that division to be for a lot of our newer talent. Until we get new belts anyway. Verne Gagne Ok. Sure. I can see us telling a long term story with that. Start him off Light Heavyweight and build him up for the big leagues. Greg Gagne And I see him being one of our major heels dad. I was even thinking of giving him a manager while we hone his promo skills. I'll admit though. What I have in mind might be risky... Verne Gagne Risky? Risky how exactly? Greg Gagne Well I think we have an opportunity here to do something really unique and raise our popularity with the black audience, while at the same time, playing on some real tensions in this country to raise some heat with the white audience.** Face with one portion of the crowd. Heel with another. Verne Gagne Greg it sounds like you're talking about playing on racial tensions here. That's dangerous territory...and it's real politics. That could end up blowing in our faces. Greg Gagne Dad we have a German who many of our fans still think is a Nazi, I think getting concerned about including politics in the show was thrown out the window a long time ago. Besides. I don't intend for us to rub it in people's faces. There'll be subtle hints and comments here and there, but I don't want him to ever come out and actually say it. He knows. We know. The people at home know. But nothing actually gets said. He's just going to allude to things. Besides the real heat is not going to be from that... Verne Gagne The real heat, Greg? Playing on racial tensions in this country isn't going to draw you enough heat? Greg Gagne I'm getting him a manager. A valet really. She's going to be absolutely necessary for making him the heel I want him to be, and hopefully, working together, they'll be able to enhance each other and grow and develop together. Verne Gagne You're pairing him up with a girl? What's wrong with Bobby? Or Cornette? He's your newest manager. Do you really need a valet? Greg Gagne Yes dad. I need a valet. Besides she's actually got some in ring skills too. Eventually I want to transition her to in ring as well and help build a women's division. Bobby is a great manager but the dynamic wouldn't be what I'm looking for. Same with Cornette. In order for the push I want him to have...he needs a valet... Verne Gagne Ok and how exactly is this valet going to get heat? Greg Gagne You'll just have to wait and find out dad. Verne Gagne Greg... Greg Gagne Dad...if I tell you. You are going to try and stop me...and I've already signed her contract...besides I've ran the idea past both of them and they are both ready and eager to make it work. Verne Gagne You're risking a lo twith this signing Greg. Introducing him to a division he doesn't actually qualify for. Playing on racial tensions. Plans for a new division from a valet you are bringing in. What if it blows up? What if we get go home heat?! What if people don't come to the shows Greg Gagne You can take back control. Verne Gagne Alright...I'll bite...do your experiment...I can't exactly stop you right now if I wanted to...but if it go wrong...and it will...you're signing full control back over to me. Deal? Greg Gagne Deal... *For some reason, Butch Reed is listed as Light Heavyweight even though IRL I am almost certain he was always in the Heavyweight range and it's too late to go in and change it. So. Wrestling does what wrestling will do. Kayfabe it. Bill him as a Light Heavyweight and get him to bulk up later on down the line if he doesn't do it naturally. **Consider this as "reader discretion is advised". The plans I have for Butch...I don't intend to beat anybody over the head with it, or even play too hard into it. The idea is to be subtle with it...and allude to things...without ever really saying anything...but there is an element of...playing on the very real racial tensions in America...especially at that time in Wrestling. So. Just a heads up there. No ill will, intent, or any real life opinions included. Just...simulating booking philosophy of the era. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neon_Peon Posted November 17, 2023 Author Share Posted November 17, 2023 ROSTER UPDATE The AWA has come to terms with the release of Buck Zumhofe. End of January Champions AWA World Heavyweight: Nick Bockwinkel AWA World Light Heavyweight: Mike Graham AWA World Tag Team: The Sheiks Announce Team: Gene Okerlund & Jim Ross Road Agents Blackjack Lanza Larry Hennig Mad Dog Vachon Rene Goulet Sheik Adnan-Al Kaissie Verne Gagne On-Screen Personality Verne Gagne (Authority Figure) Managers Bobby Heenan Jim Cornette Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissie Unimportant Brickhouse Brown Jake Milliman Kenny Jay Masa Saito Mike Boyette Nacho Barerra Rene Goulet Steve O Tom Stone Recognisable Boris Breznikoff Brad Rheingans Butch Reed Jim Brunzell Mike Graham Rick Martel Steve Regal Well Known Bobby Duncum Curt Hennig Greg Gagne Jerry Blackwell Ken Patera Star Baron Von Raschke Tito Santana Major Star Hulk Hogan Nick Bockwinkel Wahoo McDaniel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sonny912 Posted November 17, 2023 Share Posted November 17, 2023 So long buck Zumhofe, you child pornograchy loving freak! Butch Reed with racial gimmick, you gonna give him Ron Simmons farooq nation of domination gimmick? Maybe call him Butch X Reed or something? That sounds pretty cool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neon_Peon Posted November 17, 2023 Author Share Posted November 17, 2023 Prediction Scorecard Old School Fan- 12 Theheel-10 Lord Byron- 4 kinnikuniverse- 3 ColdBloodedSausageMaker-3 piperrulz- 2 JaCeLo3-1 PREDICTION CARD ALL-STAR WRESTLING FEBRUARY WEEK 1 Butch Reed VS. Brad Rheingans Boris Breznikoff VS. Steve O Masa Saito VS. Rick Martel Main Event Curt Hennig VS. Bobby Duncum 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old School Fan Posted November 17, 2023 Share Posted November 17, 2023 Butch Reed VS. Brad Rheingans Boris Breznikoff VS. Steve O Masa Saito VS. Rick Martel (via DQ) Main Event Curt Hennig VS. Bobby Duncum (via DQ due to Heenan interference) 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sonny912 Posted November 18, 2023 Share Posted November 18, 2023 You know hot stuff Eddie gilbert would make a great heel for the upper midcard. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theheel Posted November 18, 2023 Share Posted November 18, 2023 (edited) PREDICTION CARD ALL-STAR WRESTLING FEBRUARY WEEK 1 Butch Reed VS. Brad Rheingans i just watched an old GCW show from 1981 and it had a TV main event of Bruce Reed vs The Masked Superstar. Early in Reed’s career before the name change and the Hacksaw. Always a good solid talent Boris Breznikoff VS. Steve O Same show as I mentioned above and who did the Superstar beat for the National title, Steve O? What I didnt recall that title run Masa Saito VS. Rick Martel Main Event Curt Hennig VS. Bobby Duncum Growing up tough for Curt here but I think he gets a win. On a side note, good riddance Buck! One thing on the main event. A very shrewd move by Hogan. Letting Wahoo win so he can “soften” up the champ so that he can have an easier time the following month. Is Hogan a babyface, or listen to advice from Cornette….hmmm Edited November 18, 2023 by Theheel 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neon_Peon Posted November 19, 2023 Author Share Posted November 19, 2023 Random formatting question for other writers. Want to get a background worked in for the text. Does that require source code for that? Was trying to find a way but no avail. So had to delete my test Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Byron Posted November 19, 2023 Share Posted November 19, 2023 My picks: Butch Reed, Boris Breznikoff, Rick Martel, and Curt Henning... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 19, 2023 Share Posted November 19, 2023 FEBRUARY WEEK 1 x Butch Reed VS. Brad Rheingan x Boris Breznikoff VS. Steve O Masa Saito VS. Rick Martel x Main Event Curt Hennig VS. Bobby Duncum x 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neon_Peon Posted November 20, 2023 Author Share Posted November 20, 2023 (edited) All-Star Wrestling February, Week 1, 1983 Introduction Gene Okerlund Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to another star studded edition, of All-Star Wrestling! Folks, if you thought the drama was going to end at the Colosseum, it’so nly just begun! One thing we can tell you is for sure after January was brought to a close. We have a new number one contender and his name is Wahoo McDaniel! Jim Ross That’s right Gene but you have to wonder what might have happened if Hulk Hogan had not been so hesitant in that match. The adoration and respect that Hogan had for Wahoo was clear as day and Hulkamaniacs everywhere could tell that was the case when he refused to drop that Atomic Leg Drop! Gene Okerlund Yes and I’ll be trying to get a word with Hogan and Wahoo in regards to their number one contender match and especially get word from Wahoo as he is now lined up to face off one on one against Champion, Nick Bockwinkel at our February special! But Jim…that’s not all! Jim Ross No it isn’t…tag team gold changed hands in controversial fashion thanks to the assistance from Sheik Adnan and Gene? The High Flyers are already determined to get their rematch. Then we have the ongoing grudge between Tito Santana and Baron Von Raschke which has now added Masa Saito into the mix. I’ll be talking to both Baron and Masa Saito later on this evening Gene Okerlund And folks there’s more to be addressed in this show but if we sat here and ran through it all we would never get to the action! That shows you just how important it is when you get the chance? At your local box office? Buy those tickets folks because it’s the only way you’ll get to see everything that’s building up here on television, unfold LIVE! But to get things started Jim? We got an in ring debut and I’ll admit it’s one I want to get an interview with after. For those of you who didn’t witness the Colosseum show. Mike Graham successfully defended his Light Heavyweight Championship. After which, he was attacked from the front row by a man we did not know at the time was an active competitor. After speaking with AWA upper management I can now share with the Audience tonight. This man’s name is Butch Reed and I hope to be getting answers from him, after his opening match… Opening Match VS. Butch Reed VS. Brad Rheingans In what was an incredibly athletic display. This opening match truly saw a battle of strength pitted against each other. One side side, the wrestling machine, Brad Rheingans, on the other, a seemingly natural talent in Bitch Reed, because Butch was able to meet Brad on his playing field and show he had wrestling chops. Brad had assumed with his wrestling tenure he would be able to show this newcomer that attacking the Light Heavyweight Champion wouldn’t be the easy clout gain that he might think it was. Brad was going to make him earn his stripes…and instead he was met toe to toe, pound for pound, by a man who’s on skill seemed to match that of Rheingans. Reed would pull out the win after a Military Press Slam for a hot opening bout. Rated: 64 I’m Not A Victim I’m An Inspiration. Gene Okerlund is waiting in the interview area with a microphone in his hand, we can still hear the fans booing Butch Reed who’s making his way towards Mean Gene, smiling like the cat who just caught the canary! He’s taking deep, panting breaths after just finishing his match, gathering himself, as Gene, who obviously looks beside himself. Is here with the intention of getting answers. Gene Okerlund Folks Gene Okerlund here right now, being joined as we speak by the man making his official in ring debut just there moments ago, Butch Reed. Butch, first of all despite my personal feelings on your behavior so far, I’d like to congratulate you on your victory here tonight. But truly…the reason I wanted to talk to you after your match, was to give the folks in attendance here tonight, the folks at home…and especially the folks who didn’t get to see it some answers! Butch Reed Answers, Gene? Gene Okerlund That’s right! Answers for your atrocious behavior at the Colosseum! Attacking Mike Graham from the front row the way you did without even making an in ring debut. You could have been an invading wrestler for all we knew, a fan taking a cheap shot…why for all we knew you were a security risk! Butch Reed A security risk, Mean Gene? That’s an interesting choice of words. What is it about me that screams “security risk” to you? Gene Okerlund Well you attacked Mike Graham from the front row! You could have been anybody! Aren’t you afraid that the AWA might decide to fine you for your actions?! Butch Reed For not adhering to their little rules? The AWA can do what they like Mean Gene, the fact of the matter is they came to me…not the other way around…they sought me out. They wanted to bring me in…and honestly Mean Gene, can you blame them? Gene Okerlund You certainly look like quite the athlete I’ll give you that… Butch Reed “Quite the athlete?” Mean Gene. I could very well have been playing for Kansas City right now. You think they just let anybody in the NFL? Gene Okerlund Well no I… Butch Reed Why are you so hesitant to give me even an ounce of credit Mean Gene…so reluctant to even provide a dose of recognition for my background…quite the athlete? No sir. The AWA came to me because I AM an athlete! And a PRIME TIME athlete at that! So why Mean Gene? You got the jitters or something? Gene Okerlund If you must know I’m just a little disgusted by the way you made your presence known in this company. Butch chuckles to himself. He had pushed Gene’s buttons to the point he finally let his bias and disdain show itself and that is all he needed to direct the conversation in the way he wanted it to… Butch Reed Oh I’m sorry I didn’t take your feelings into account, Mean Gene. Did I offend you? Because I didn’t come out here givin’ high fives, kissin’ babies? Oh I know Mean Gene…I know what you really woulda’ liked is if I came out here like a dancin fool, shuckin’ and jivin’ like the “soul brotha” you thought I’d be, is that what it is? Gene Okerlund What!? What are you trying to say?! Butch Reed Don’t worry Gene, it ain’t your fault. You ain’t the cause. You’re just another symptom. Just like all these beer swillin’, gravy chuggin, farm hand hicks in the audience tonight! Look at ‘em all Mean Gene, it’s a surprise they even know how to get to the arena! But I tell you what isn’t a surprise, Mean Gene…that they make a low effort, skinny fat, NOBODY like Mike Graham their hero. Gene Okerlund Now come on! Give a man credit where it’s due! Mike Graham has been a great Light Heavyweight Champion! He’s had it since it’s conception! Butch Reed Really, Gene. Who has he beaten that’s been noteworthy for the belt? Name me three people...no you know what…one person Mean Gene, just one person that he’s beaten! Gene Okerlund Well he beat Steve Regal at the Colosseum! In an incredibly hard fought bout to! Mean Gene was just doing his job, clearly trying to push the Colosseum show that had just been to keep driving the fact if you wanna see the Super Show. You have to buy a ticket, but again, this just provided Butch an opportunity… Butch Reed …How long has Mike Graham held that belt, Mean Gene? Gene Okerlund Since 1981 and he’s held it proudly all that time! Butch Reed And the person you immediately named…was the man he defended against at the most recent show at the Colosseum? You had two years to scroll through Mean Gene…over seven hundred days of history to fall back on…and you couldn’t go further back then a week? My oh my…isn’t that telling? Isn’t that…intriguing…doesn’t that just paint…a much broader picture. Now…maybe it’s just me Mean Gene…but I come from a background where I had to work for everything I got…and I mean really work Mean Gene. I don’t throwin on a suit and wearin’ a cheap smile! I don’t mean clockin’ in at nine and clockin’ out at five! I mean down and dirty, grinding through the MUD…HARD WORK, MEAN GENE. Do you know what that is?! Do you think Mike Graham knows what that is?! Gene Okerlund Well I don’t know your background as well as Mike’s so- Butch Reed That’s exactly the point Mean Gene! You don’t know my background, you don’t know what I’ve been through, what I’ve seen, what I’ve heard! Well let me give you a little insight, Mean Gene. See all across this country there are people, just like me. Maybe not as athletic, maybe not as good lookin’...but just…like…me…if you catch my drift? And they know exactly what I mean when I say…I have had to work twice as hard, to achieve just half of what Mike Graham has already achieved, by doing far less. Why do you think that is Mean Gene? Gene Okerlund Well I uh…I don’t know what you’re trying to allude to here but I need to say right now that- Butch Reed That’s ok Mean Gene I understand. This is syndicated television after all. We gotta’ be careful what we say, right? Well donn’t worry, we don’t have to talk about it…we know what we’re talkin’ about…but we don’t have to talk about it…and honestly? I prefer it if we didn’t. You wanna’ know why? Gene Okerlund Why’s that? Butch Reed Because I wouldn't want people claimin I’m tryin’ to be a victim! No sir! I’m not a victim…I’M AN INSPIRATION! I’m one of the lucky ones Mean Gene, growin’ up I had people like Jackie Robinson, I had Muhammad Ali. I had Jim Brown. I had strong, tough men who gave me somethin’ to believe in Mean Gene! Men that showed me I could play men like Mike Graham at their own game…and I couldn’t just beat them Mean Gene…but I could absolutely destroy them if I really wanted to and you have no idea how much I wanna destroy Mike Graham, Mean Gene, but you will! Gene Okerlund But what has Mike Graham done to you to deserve this treatment from you? Butch Reed Oh Mean Gene are you intentionally playing dumb? It isn’t Mike Graham himself…it’s what he represents…he is a symptom, of along standin’ illness that has been infecting this country for far too long Mean Gene….and oh they wanna tell us how good we all have it now. How equal we all are? WELL I SAY IT’S ALL A GOD DAMN LIE! All you have to do Mean Gene is look, with your own two eyes…and if you’re smart enough. You’ll see. Well that’s why I’m here Mean Gene. The AWA called me because they saw a guy with an NFL background but what they are gonna’ get? Is more than they ever bargained for. I’m gonna take this company by storm baby. I am gonna climb to the top…bit by bit…and I’m gonna’ do it, not by playin’ your rules Mean Gene, not by playin’ Verne Gagne’s rules…not by playin’ anybody’s rules, Mean Gene…except my own…and you know what the AWA is gonna’ do in response…sit there…and like it…because of all the money I’m gonna make ‘em in the process. BECAUSE WHAT YOU ARE LOOKIN AT HERE IS A PRIME TIME ATHLETE MEAN GENE! In fact that’s what you can call me! I’M PRIMETIME BUTCH REED…and I am here to give all those people JUST LIKE ME on the other side of that screen somethin’ to believe in again…but I ain’t doin it alone… Gene Okerlund What? What do you mean?! Primetime Butch Reed Ya’ see Mean Gene…they say behind every good man is an even better woman…I tend to disagree…I just think that every good man, should have the decency, the courtesy and the grace to share whatever glory, success, fame and fortune he may find…with his woman, if she knows her place…and she does Mean Gene, oh boy she does…because she knows Mean Gene? With me…there’s no where to go but up. And together? I’m gonna make her life SENSATIONAL! That’s right baby I’m with you every step of the way! That voice has a sultry, but almost, desperate tone to it as almost rushing into frame so she can be by the side of her man is this woman that Butch Reed is alluding to. She is clad in a black, evening gown style dress and black neck brace. Her face made up heavy with make-up. As she rushes into frame she almost clings instantly to Butch, intentionally caressing her hand across Butch’s bare chest right in front of the camera as she looks up to him with an eager smile on her face. Mean Gene looks beside himself as he’s seeing this…somewhat risque angle for its time unfold right in front of him. Gene Okerlund Who in the world is this? Primetime Butch Reed This right here Mean Gene, is MY WOMAN! THIS…IS SENSATIONAL SHERRI…and she IS allllll woman, Mean Gene Sensational Sherri And trust me when I say he is most definitely all man Mean Gene…Mmmh…in every sense of the word! She clings back to Butch’s chest, smiling up at him as Butch, places his hands on her hips. She let’s out a giggle in response and Gene immediately steps in front of the camera, directing it to point at him! Gene Okerlund Would you two please control yourselves there could be children watching! Sensational Sherri CAN IT MEAN GENE BEFORE I RIP THE REST OF YOUR HAIR FROM YOUR STUPID BALD HEAD! You’ve been too disrespectful! You should be thankful you haven’t gotten the taste slapped right out of your mouth! Well if Butch isn’t gonna do it, I WILL! Primetime Butch Reed Now, now, Sherri…we talked about that lil’ temper of yours. Save it for the ring baby. Sensational Sherri I’m sorry sugar, I just hate to hear him bad mouth you the way he has… Primetime Butch Reed I know baby, but he’ll learn just like the rest of ‘em will…just give it time. Sensational Sherri Speakin’ of time…I think it’s time we head to the hotel…catch ya’ later Mean Gene! Rated 57 The Choice Is Yours *PREVIOUSLY RECORDED* Jim Ross Folks Jim Ross here with the former World Tag Team Champions, The High Flyers and boys? My condolences for your loss, it was in controversial fashion. How are you both feeling after facing defeat at the hands of The Sheiks? Greg Gagne Well Jim I don’t want to say we are surprised it went the way it did! It’s not shock Jim, that The Sheiks had to rely on interference from Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissie! We took the fight to them,we showed them we were no pushovers and they din’t want to risk getting shown up by the current tag team champions so what happened? Sheik Adnan stepped in and gave them the edge they needed to get the job done! Jim Brunzell Well in our minds Jim, the way that match went? Means we are entitled to a rematch. We’ve put our case forward to AWA President, Verne Gagne and we are making our case known. We want a rematch, against The Sheiks and we want to ensure there will be no chance of Sheik Adnan interfering on behalf of his clients! Greg Gagne That’s right Jim, if The Sheiks want to truly call themselves Tag Team Champions? They need to beat us clean, and fair. Otherwise…they’re just cowards, carryin’ belts they don’t deserve! You boys have got an opportunity to respond like men by next week before The President gives his ruling but all he’s gonna need to do to look at the footage to see our case is clear. So what’s it gonna’ be? Step up like men and accept the challenge? Or show the world you aren’t the big strong force your manager claims to be…the choice is yours Sheiks. We look forward to hearin’ it… Rated: 51 VS. Boris Breznikoff VS. Steve O The winning streak continues for Boris Breznikoff and he does it once again, in dominating fashion. Steve O got no offence in what so ever and was absolutely manhandled by the Ruthless Russian who dictated everything from beginning to end. Perhaps it was a mismatch in personality, poor placement on the card, or after the encounter that Boris had with Hennig, the fans might start expecting more than the usual squash match from Breznikoff now. Rated:31 I Wrote A Letter To Your Father Gene Okerlund Ladies and Gentlemen, Gene Okerlund here in the interview area, waiting for Jim Cornette and Boris Breznikoff to arrive and here they come right now! Jim Cornette! Your client has been on a tear right now through the AWA roster but at the Colosseum he was very close to defeat thanks to the efforts from Curt Hennig… Jim Cornette Mean Gene I think you need to get your eyes tested because clearly you didn’t see the same match I did at the Colosseum! Breznikoff MANHANDLED Curt Hennig! Just like he manhandled Steve O in that ring, just like he’s manhandled everyone he’s faced so far and just like he is going to manhandle everybody else he faces in the future! This man is undefeated Mean Gene! What are you trying to say he came close to losing to that walking definition of nepotism, Curt Hennig!? Gene Okerlund Well Curt almost pinned him! Boris growls at that fact, almost lunging at Gene but Cornette puts his arm across, and his client stops at his instruction, gnashing his teeth in Mean Gene’s direction…. Jim Cornette Almost don’t mean JACK in the sport of professional wrestling Mean Gene! I’m almost in the ring when I come out with The Ruthless Russian for his matches, but that don’t mean I’m steppin’ in and becomin’ a wrestler! Come back to me when the boy gets a victory that matters Mean Gene, because so far…those rumors were true! Curt Hennig is only here because his daddy got him the job! Gene Okerlund Well you say you know who started those rumours. Jim Cornette That’s right I do! Gene Okerlund Do you care to divulge that information? Jim Cornette Mean Gene I wouldn’t tell you if ya’ paid me! He’ll make himself known when he’s good and ready! But Curt, know this? Seein’ as you’re STUPID enough to step back into a wrestling ring tonight after a beating from The Ruthless Russian wasn’t enough to send you home? I took the liberty of writing a letter to your father! Gene Okerlund You did what?! Jim Cornette That’s right Mean Gene! I wrote a letter to his father! Expressing my concern that such a young, inexperienced product of NEPOTISM was in a profession he has no business being in…and I invited Larry Hennig, respectfully of course, to come and hash it out, talk this out, man to man, next week on All-Star Wrestling. So maybe, he can talk some sense into his stupid son! Because if he doesn’t? Well…there might need to be a round two between him and Boris…and Curt? We both know you wouldn’t want that… Rated:53 (Writer’s note You have no idea how much pairing even a rookie Corny with Boris gave his promo segments a boost xD) VS. Rick Martel VS. Masa Saito Rick Martel needed to have eyes in the back of his head for this match. It was a good back and forth bout which saw Masa Saito trying to impose his strong, japanese wrestling style onto Martel, keeping him centred in the ring and on the mat with tight, stiff holds, and hard knock punches, but Martel was able to work his way out of it thanks to his wrestling acumen of his own and use that speed to his good fortune to give Masa Saito a run for his money. When it looks like the youngster was working up a comeback though, Baron Von Raschke would appear and provide distraction for his new tag partner! While Martel was distracted, Saito rolls up Martel and grabs a hold of the tights, the ref doesn’t see it and counts the pin and Saito gets the upset thanks to the distraction from Raschke! Rated:55 The Axis Powers Jim Ross Folks, Jim Ross here currently being joined by the latest tag team to grace the AWA as they make their way from ringside, a new force in the American Wrestling Association and one that may need to be reckoned with, Baron Von Raschke and Masa Saito! Baron how long have you and Saito been collaborating?! Baron Von Raschke Hahaha! I knew it from the start Jim Ross! From the very first day I laid my hands on Tito Santana I knew! I knew I would need help teaching that stubborn fool a lesson! But the Baron is smart! SMARTER THAN YOU THINK! I waited, for the perfect time and opportunity to reveal our alliance! Masa Saito Jim Ross…there is one thing that The Baron and I have in common…that we cannot tolerate a man…who betrays his heritage…his homeland…his culture…and sells his soul to America! And that is the kind of man that Tito Santana is! A traitor! A backstabber! A shameful disgrace to his people… Baron Von Raschke And when Tito Santana clubbed me in the back of the head ILLEGALLY… Jim Ross Illegally? What are you talking about it was in clear view of the ref, that was a perfectly legal mo- Baron Von Raschke I SAID IT WAS ILLEGAL JIM ROSS! And the referee knew it! But he was a paid, American shill who did not want to see his lap dog lose! Well Tito? I WANT A REMATCH! Only this time…it will be with Masa Saito in my corner… Jim Ross And who do you expect to be in Santana’s corner? Masa Saito If he cannot get anybody, that is his own problem. Perhaps, Jim Ross. This can be a valuable learning experience for Tito…and perhaps once it is over, he can see the disgraceful error of his ways. But sadly. In order for him to learn it…he must face complete and utter destruction…at the hands of The Axis Powers… Baron Von Raschke THE AXIS POWERS ARE BACK JIM ROSS, GERMANY AND JAPAN ONCE AGAIN…ONLY THIS TIME IT’S THE BARON AND MASA SAITO AND TITO SANTANA?! YOU ARE A STUBBORN FOOL! FIGHTING ON YOUR OWN? WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO DO NOW THAT THE AXIS POWERS STAND AGAINST YOU?! Rated:45 Prayers and Vitamins *PREVIOUSLY RECORDED* Gene Okerlund Folks Gene Okerlund here in the private locker room of Wahoo McDaniel, joined by Wahoo himself, but also by the man whom he defeated at the Colosseum to become number one contender, Hulk Hogan. First of all Wahoo, congratulations on your victory. Wahoo McDaniel Thank you Gene it means a lot to hear it. I did look back at the tape that night and I must say it did disappoint me to find out that Hogan had refused to give me the Atomic Leg Drop. That match could have ended up very differently had he done that. Gene Okerlund That is true, I was wondering if we were going to approach that subject but seeing as you did, as the man is right here, Hulk Hogan, what is your explanation? Hulk Hogan WELL LET ME TELL YA’ SOMETHIN MEAN GENE…AS THE HULKSTER WAS STANDIN THERE, LOOKIN’ OVER THE FALLEN WAHOO, A LIVING LEGEND, LAYING THERE ON THE GROUND, RIGHT BEFORE MY EYES…FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE…I COULDN’T FIND IT IN ME DUDE. I ADMIT IT! I HAD A MOMENT OF HESITATION! A GLIMMER OF WEAKNESS, BROTHER. THAT’S RIGHT YA’ HEARD IT HERE FIRST THE HULKSTER IS HUMAN TOO DUDE! MY LOVE, MY RESPECT, MY ADORATION FOR THIS MAN, MADE BEATING HIM SOMETHING I JUST COULDN’T MUSTER UP THE SPIRIT TO DO BROTHER! Gene Okerlund It seems that both of you certainly have your own challenges to face in the road to the World Heavyweight Championship. For you, Wahoo, your match is set against Nick Bockwinkel at the end of the month. Despite how the match went, you are the number one contender. We know you’ve had doubts about your future but surely, with championship gold calling, those doubts must be settling. Wahoo McDaniel Well Gene I got a long way to go and a lot of training to do, which is why Hulk Hoganis here…see…we’ve got…a mutual agreement with each other, that I thought was best we kept after agreeing to have the match in the first place… Hulk Hogan THAT’S RIGHT BROTHER! YA’ SEE MEAN GENE, WAHOO IS GONNA TAKE ME UNDER HIS WING BROTHER! HES GONNA GET ME PREPARED MENTALLY, SOT HAT IT DOESN’T MATTER WHO I’M FACING DUDE, FRIEND OR FOE, THEY’RE GETTIN THE SAME HULKSTER EVERY SINGLE TIME BROTHER! Wahoo McDaniel And in return, Hogan will be assisting me in training for the match against Bockwinkel. I think it’s appropriate we show Bockwinkel his mind games have not worked, and we work together, Hogan getting me physically confident for the match and me…helping him gain mental confidence in case we end up facing each other in a rematch for the belt… Gene Okerlund Wow what a development! So you two are training together? Tell me, what does that training regime look like? Hulk Hogan IT LOOKS LIKE WHAT IT’S ALWAYS LOOKED LIKE DUDE! WAHOO’S GONNA BE TRAININ LIKE THE HULKSTER FOR THE WHOLE OF FEBRUARY, MEAN GENE! HE’S GONNA BE SAYING THE PRAYERS, EATING THE VITAMINS AND PUMPIN’ IRON LIKE HE’S NEVER PUMPED THEM BEFORE…HECK WAHOO MIGHT JUST EVEN GET TWENTY FOUR INCH PYTHONS TOO DUDE BY THE TIME WE’RE DONE HITTIN’ THE GYM! SO NICK BOCKWINKEL?! I GOT ONE QUESTION FOR YOU DUDE! WHATCHA GONNA DOOOOO NICK BOCKWINKEL…WHATCHA GONNA DO, NOW THAT HULK HOGAN AND WAHOO MCDNAIEL ARE TRAINING TO RUN WILD ON YOOOOOOU?! Rated:78 Main Event VS. Curt Hennig VS. Bobby Duncum This one was a tough one to see, because Curt was clearly still in some pain from his bout against Boris Breznikoff, those ribs had not healed from the Russian Bear hug and they were an obvious weakness which Bobby Duncum would exploit throughout the match, shots to the gut, knees to the gut, ramming Curt in the midsection with his shoulders in the turnbuckle. Duncum had pinpointed that midsection like an assassin and it was gruelling to watch the pain and the agony that Curt was in, but Curt, refused to give up. It seemd like now, more than ever after that loss. He had a mission. A mission for honor, not only to show he deserved his place here in the AWA, but for his father who had been badmouthed in the process too. All it took was one key moment, where Duncum went to grab Henning by the neck, looking to toss him into the corner, but Hennig ducked under, and rolled between Duncum’s legs, and then the comeback began and like a house of fire, Hennig showed us all the spirit, the defiance and the fight we know he has. Struggling to pick Duncum up due to that injured midsection, but a wobbly Hennig Plex seals the deal for a win for Curt here in the Main Event… Rated:59 Overall 64 A big promo show for our return to TV. With our highest rating so far. Sorry if it’s too much. Kinda got carried away. I like getting in character for some of these guys when I write them and it leads to longer promos as a result, but I love them too much to cut them shorter. Thankfully i only see more promos happening on go home and return shows like this so…yeah…anyway hope you all enjoy. I especially loved writing the Butch promo…hope people can get a feel for what Im trying to go for here without bonking you all on the head with it. Edited November 20, 2023 by Neon_Peon 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kremmen Posted November 21, 2023 Share Posted November 21, 2023 Neon Peon said: A big promo show for our return to TV. With our highest rating so far. Sorry if it’s too much. Kinda got carried away. I like getting in character for some of these guys when I write them and it leads to longer promos as a result, but I love them too much to cut them shorter. Thankfully i only see more promos happening on go home and return shows like this so…yeah…anyway hope you all enjoy. I especially loved writing the Butch promo…hope people can get a feel for what Im trying to go for here without bonking you all on the head with it. No need to apologize. This stuff is well laid out. Some folks write quick re-caps of their stuff and some of us go longer. I like more detail, personally, It fleshes out the wrestlers. Talk was as important as what they did in the ring on TV in those days. It was all about moving tickets. Bottom line: Some people like more detail and some prefer drive-by recaps. Just a personal preference thing. Keep it going. Neon Peon said: **Consider this as "reader discretion is advised". The plans I have for Butch...I don't intend to beat anybody over the head with it, or even play too hard into it. The idea is to be subtle with it...and allude to things...without ever really saying anything...but there is an element of...playing on the very real racial tensions in America...especially at that time in Wrestling. So. Just a heads up there. No ill will, intent, or any real life opinions included. Just...simulating booking philosophy of the era. Don't worry about what other people think of something you're gonna write. Just do it if you wanna do it. Most people here are pretty understanding and mellow about it. They realize you're just telling a story. If people don't like something you write, then they'll quit reading it. Can't please everyone. Just do your thing. This diary/BTB has been good so far. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neon_Peon Posted November 21, 2023 Author Share Posted November 21, 2023 1 hour ago, piperrulz said: Neon Peon said: A big promo show for our return to TV. With our highest rating so far. Sorry if it’s too much. Kinda got carried away. I like getting in character for some of these guys when I write them and it leads to longer promos as a result, but I love them too much to cut them shorter. Thankfully i only see more promos happening on go home and return shows like this so…yeah…anyway hope you all enjoy. I especially loved writing the Butch promo…hope people can get a feel for what Im trying to go for here without bonking you all on the head with it. No need to apologize. This stuff is well laid out. Some folks write quick re-caps of their stuff and some of us go longer. I like more detail, personally, It fleshes out the wrestlers. Talk was as important as what they did in the ring on TV in those days. It was all about moving tickets. Bottom line: Some people like more detail and some prefer drive-by recaps. Just a personal preference thing. Keep it going. Neon Peon said: **Consider this as "reader discretion is advised". The plans I have for Butch...I don't intend to beat anybody over the head with it, or even play too hard into it. The idea is to be subtle with it...and allude to things...without ever really saying anything...but there is an element of...playing on the very real racial tensions in America...especially at that time in Wrestling. So. Just a heads up there. No ill will, intent, or any real life opinions included. Just...simulating booking philosophy of the era. Don't worry about what other people think of something you're gonna write. Just do it if you wanna do it. Most people here are pretty understanding and mellow about it. They realize you're just telling a story. If people don't like something you write, then they'll quit reading it. Can't please everyone. Just do your thing. This diary/BTB has been good so far. Thank you so much. Feedback greatly appreciated. I was looking through the roster today and planning storylines for the next two months, potentially three, lookin forward to introducing some signings, gonna be some teething for a while because, as I am ahead in the game. I can tell you. This aging AWA side of the roster, produces some stinkers. Promos are saving my butt in the ratings more often than not xD Very true to life to be honest. AWA had potential to modernise the product at this point in time and Verne booked like it was still the fifties. Boring matches, killer promos. And man I am so glad for february to be over in game and I can game plan. This thing could shoot AWA to the moon or drive the wheels off. Let's find out together! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neon_Peon Posted November 21, 2023 Author Share Posted November 21, 2023 Kaddywagon's Wrestling Review Hello fellow Minnesotans! If you are reading this, than congratulations. You have been selected to receive the very first edition of "Kaddywagon's Wrestling Review." What's a Kaddywagon you might ask? Don't worry about it. It's a nickname. Inside joke. You wouldn't get it. Just know it's the guy who's gonna be giving you everything you need to know both in and outside of Gagne land! UP FIRST! BREAKING NEWS! Mid-South Wrestling has been caught in a game of sabotage. World Class Championship wrestling has reported they can confirm that Mid-South wrestling has been spreading rumors of gross misconduct directly to the key sponsors of World Class, in an attempt to get the sponsors to cut ties with World Class and, potentially, Mid South would then make a bid for said sponsorship. Selling themselves as the more "respectable company." This story came out of nowhere, as this journalist can assure you dear reader. There were not even whistles down the pipeline. I have some links to PWI. You probably don't believe that. Its's like the kid who says his uncle works for the CIA, you know? Well how else would I know this? Ain't no way this news has even crossed the Mid West yet. But Fritz Von Erich is livid. World Class literally made the announcement this morning, along with the evidence. They had been staying quietly the whole time until they could one hundred percent make this statement. Fritz was on the local; news, literally waving a handful of statements from his sponsors, with transcripts of the calls Bill Watts was making. Damning stuff. Now the idea of an investigation looms over Bill Watts and Mid-South wrestling. The NWA is clearly not as well run as it used to be. This is an absolute breach of their code of ethics. But both men are incredibly huge figures within the Alliance. One has to wonder how this will progress. Will Mid-South be punished for this? They have to be right? Maybe the NWA will be able to somehow calm this down. These are by far, the two most stubborn, aggressive figures who could possibly have faced off against one another in the NWA...and I'm here for every second of it. Anyway let's get to what we are all here for right? The AWA! Man, things seem to slowly be changing in that place. Emphasis on slowly. But transition usually starts slow and picks up steam, because folks there's no doubt. This is a transition period. It's like your favorite sports team when they rebuild. Some of the athletes are aging out, some maybe even close to retirement, the lower card weak, midcard paper thin, a few hot talkers and lots of sleepers. But man, I saw the last episode and it made me wanna see how many Minnesotan's are watching it happen in real time with me. Let's start with the obvious shall we? Butch Reed? If you would have told me two years ago, the AWA would be introducing a guy with a gimmick like this. Alongside a woman like this, "Sensational Sherri"? That girl can turn on a dime, can't she? She went from all loved up, than was ready to rip Mean Gene's hair out. This girl is built different. Then there's the Main Event...Shots from Verne's office? A contract signing? That sure is a nice sight to see compared to that blue interview backdrop. But Mean Gene and Jim have been doing well sharing that job together too, to be fair to that blue backdrop. We got tag teams forming with the Axis Powers and...don't tell anybody, but I think they're gonna do something with Tito and Martel. I mean, they have both received beatdowns at the hands of the Axis Powers. Tito can't beat them both alone. It makes sense. All the divisions are accounted for. It's just everything around them right now is...bare. And a tumbleweed just rolled by. The only thing non title in the midcard I can praise is Hennig and Breznikoff. Do you guys know anything about this Cornette, dude? Write to me if you do. He seemingly came out of nowhere. He's clearly southern but...what's his deal? I wanna strangle him whenever he talks but I know nothin about him...that's a good heel... So yeah. I'm optimistic. These are signs of a company in transition. They know their stars. They're focusing the story around them. They just have very little below that to build up right now. A youth movement is going to begin folks. Mark my words. And with every sports team. That's probably gonna be a painful experience for us AWA fans. But if you wanna see this transition in real time with me and get the juicy news when it comes out. Subscribe to the Kaddywagon. Hop along partner. Enjoy the ride. Yeehaw! (Remind me to never finish the article with this ever again) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neon_Peon Posted November 21, 2023 Author Share Posted November 21, 2023 Prediction Scorecard Old School Fan- 15 Theheel-13 Lord Byron- 7 kinnikuniverse- 3 piperrulz- 4 ColdBloodedSausageMaker-3 PREDICTION CARD! Mike Graham VS. Rene Goulet The Axis Powers VS. Brad Rheingans & Steve Regal Jerry Blackwell VS. Jake Milliman MAIN EVENT Butch Reed VS. Jim Brunzell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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