The Thread Killer

Maple Leaf Wrestling has come to terms on the release of the following Wrestlers: Pat Patterson (rumored to be heading to the WWF for an announcing/backstage position) Cocoa Samoa (rumored to be headed to the Portland Territory) Salvatore Bellomo Maple Leaf Wrestling has signed: Brian Adias Cowboy Frankie Laine Bruno Sammartino Jr. (David Sammartino)

I have finally finished listening to Conrad's 3 Hour interview with Jim Crockett Jr., and yes the statement in question was made by Jim Crockett himself. Conrad asks if the plan was for Magnum to go over Flair at Starrcade, and Crockett says it was the plan. Conrad even talks about how Flair told him that he snuck into Magnum's hospital room after the accident (a big risk because Flair was a heel, Magnum was a face and JCP protected kayfabe) and gave him the World Title Belt to keep for a while, claiming "This was going to be yours soon." Crockett claims that Dusty just slightly adjusted his booking plans and slid Nikita into the slot that was intended for Magnum.

Talk about a Dream Match.

Big time. That is great booking, I can't wait to see what those guys end up doing.

That's awesome, thanks. I am going to announce them coming in later on.

Hey guys. So basically, I drafted both Abdullah The Butcher and The Sheik because they both have a long and storied history in Toronto. However...even though they are on my roster, I do not plan on using them every week. I actually kind of view both of them as a "Special Attraction" similar to Andre the Giant. I think their act would get pretty damn stale if you saw them every week, week in and week out. Especially since neither of them ever did pinfall jobs, and while I found them both exciting to watch, the spectre of seeing a guy get repeatedly stabbed in the head with a pencil or fork can get old if you see it over and over. Actually...that's what really happened with The Sheik in Toronto. He pretty much killed the town for a while, because it was the same act all the time. The other issue is, looking at the Maple Leaf Wrestling touring schedule in the late 70's and early 80's, they tended to run a lot of smaller towns and do rather inconsequential shows without a lot of their big name talent, and would only bring in the "big guns" for the major markets like Hamilton, Buffalo, Oshawa and of course the monthly shows at Maple Leaf Gardens. This was because they probably didn't draw a lot of money in those smaller markets and venues, and also because their big name talent was booked elsewhere, Japan, Puerto Rico, The Carolinas, etc. I am going to try and stick to that format as realistically as I can. When creating my schedule, I classified all my shows as either Major Events (like Maple Leaf Gardens, Buffalo, Oshawa, etc.) or Arena Shows, which are places which hold over 1,000 fans and then Small Venue Shows. I am only planning on using Abdullah and The Sheik on the Major Events and the occasional Arena Show. I plan to be very judicious with how I use them because I want them to be special, not something you see all the time...once again, like Andre. The whole point of my telling you all this, is that I am more than happy to share both of those guys with everybody else...provided I don't need them. @BRobb123, I know Abby has a long history in Texas, and I figured you might want to bring him in against Brody since you have him. @SirEdger I know Abdullah also worked Stampede and I can imagine how awesome it would be to bring him in against one of the Hart Boys or even Bad News. @Dr. Dunk I can imagine either Abby or The Sheik coming in to face Wahoo, Lawler or Slater. @LowBlowPodcast has so many guys on his roster that would tear the house down with either guy...Dusty, Hogan, Dr. D, Murdoch, Kevin Sullivan, Killer Khan...Mid South has a ton of guys who could match up with Abby or The Sheik. I have posted my schedule here so if you want to book either guy, don't worry about it messing with my plans. Just drop me a PM and hopefully we could work something out. I don't want to hog all the bloodbaths to myself.

Would I be able to book Paul Jones and The Masked Superstar, the NWA World Tag Team Champions for one week, at the end of March? I would like them to work one TV Taping, and then the Southern Ontario/Western New York loop. Specifically: 03/21: Buffalo, New York 03/23: Brantford TV Taping (will air 03/28) 03/26: Rochester, New York 03/27: Niagara Falls

Great, great stuff. Flair/Valentine as champs, a Bockwinkel/Steamboat Broadway and Slater as US Champ! Awesome.

I have vivid memories of when Schultz showed up in Montreal. He was wearing a mask and he attacked Steve DiSalvo, aka "Sadistic Steve Strong." I loved the Montreal Territory. Where else could you see Bruiser Brody as a heel fighting Abdullah as a babyface? I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday...but I can remember a Pro Wrestling angle from 34 years ago.

Maple Leaf Wrestling St. Catherines, Ontario - Garden City Arena February 28, 1981 Paid Attendance: 1,150 Sweet Ebony Diamond pinned Tim Gerrard Iron Mike Sharpe & Goldie Rogers defeated Ricky Johnson & Cocoa Samoa Sweet Daddy Siki defeated Moose Morowski Billy Robinson & The Destroyer defeated Kelly Kiniski & Whipper Watson Jr. Bullwhip Johnson defeated Huge Tom Lintz

Thanks very much. It reminded me of the fun I used to have when I was active in e-fedding. When I used to watch International Wrestling, I LOVED Pretty Boy Floyd Creatchman, his interviews were great, and he was hysterical when he used to sit in on English commentary with Milt Avruskin. I always wished he had been bigger, as far as I was concerned he was better than most of the managers they had in the WWF, except Bobby Heenan of course. Weaver was pretty much broken down by the early 80's, but he did team up with Rotundo a bit, so I am just having fun doing the whole Veteran/Rookie team with those two. Johnny Weaver kind of was a midcard/JTTS but that's the great thing about this project...we can change history, so to speak. Trust me, Iron Mike Sharpe might have more success with me than he ever really did. Thank you for the feedback, guys.

Maple Leaf Wrestling TV February 28, 1981 (Taped from the Brantford Civic Center in Brantford, Ontario on 02/23/81) We open to our hosts Mike McMan and Billy Red Lyons, who welcome us to another exciting episode of Maple Leaf Wrestling, here on CHCH Channel 11. Mike and Billy open the program by discussing the ongoing tournament to crown new NWA International Tag Team Champions. Billy Red Lyons: “Fans, many of you heard the exciting announcement from Promoter Frank Tunney a few weeks ago, about the Tournament to decide new Tag Team Champions here in Maple Leaf Wrestling.” Mike McMan: “That’s right Billy, and as you know the Opening Round kicked off this past Sunday at Toronto’s Maple Leaf Gardens. It was a night of amazing action, and after all the smoke had cleared we now have our Quarterfinal round set and ready to go. And fans we’re excited to tell you that our first Quarterfinal match in the tournament to crown new Tag Team Champions takes place right here, on this episode of Maple Leaf Wrestling.” Billy Red Lyons: “Yes Mike, our Main Event today is the first Quarterfinal match and we’ll be seeing former Champions The Kelly Twins, Pat and Mike...and they’ll be facing off against respected veteran Johnny “Buzzsaw” Weaver and his exciting young protege, collegiate rookie phenomenon Mike Rotundo.” Mike McMan: “Before we get to the action this week Billy, lets show our fans highlights of the amazing action this past Sunday at Maple Leaf Gardens and let everybody know how we got here so far...” McMan and Lyons present a detailed video replay package featuring the finishes to all of the Opening Round matches in the Tag Team tournament. After the highlight package has aired, we return to Mike McMan and Billy Red Lyons at the announcer’s desk. Billy Red Lyons: “An incredible first round to this tournament and even more exciting Maple Leaf Wrestling action to come in our Main Event this week...but first let’s go to the ring." We go to the ring and see Bob Marcus already standing in the corner, where he is introduced by Norm Kimber. The fans give Marcus a warm reception, but shortly the polite applause turns to jeers. The camera angle changes to show NWA Canadian Champion Big John Studd on his way to the ring, accompanied by his manager “Pretty Boy” Floyd Creatchman. Studd sheds his robe and steps over the top rope as Norm Kimber introduces him. Floyd Creatchman is pacing around ringside, cradling the NWA Canadian Heavyweight Championship belt in his arms and grinning. VS. As soon as the bell rings, Studd attacks! Big John Studd grabs Bob Marcus, hoists him high in the air and drops him face first on the turnbuckles. Marcus crumples to the mat, and Studd pulls him to his feet by the hair and starts paint brushing Marcus across the face with derisive slaps. Finally, Studd hoists Bob Marcus in the air and drives him into the mat with a bone crunching Powerslam. Studd places his foot on the chest of the prone Bob Marcus, as the referee makes the count...one...two...three! Norm Kimber: “Here is your winner: BIG JOHN STUDD!” The fans boo loudly as the bell rings, the referee holds Studd’s hand in the air and Norm Kimber announces him as the winner. Big John Studd steps back over the top rope, steps to the floor and he and “Pretty Boy” Floyd Creatchman walk over to Lord Athol Layton who is standing in front of the ring, holding a microphone. Lord Athol Layton: “Fans, it is my pleasure at this time to welcome the NWA Canadian Heavyweight Champion Big John Studd, with his manager Mr. “Pretty Boy” Floyd Creatchman. Mr. Creatchman, I heard a rumor earlier today that you were quite unhappy about an announcement made earlier this week by Frank Tunney, concerning your client Mr. Studd and his next Championship Title defense. Can you confirm this?” Floyd: “First of all, I’d like to tell all these fans to shut up if they want to have the pleasure of listening to me talk.” The fans boo louder...of course. Floyd: “What you said is actually right, Lord Athol Layton...which must be a first for you, you actually got something right. I’m not happy. The NWA Canadian Champion Big John Studd is not happy. Do you want to know why we’re not happy?” Layton: “Well yes I...” Floyd: “Let me tell you. This week Frank Tunney announced that during the next round of the tournament to decide new Tag Team Champions, my team of Big John Studd and Huge Tom Lintz are going to be facing Angelo Mosca and Dewey Robertson.” The fans cheer. Floyd: “Thank you, Mr. Studd and Mr. Lintz appreciate your support. We’re not angry about that match. Why would we be? We understand that in order to become the new Tag Team Champions – which is going to happen – that we have to destroy everybody else here in Maple Leaf Wrestling. We have no problem with that, just like we had no problem destroying that muscle-head Dino Bravo and his decrepit old partner Pat Patterson.” Layton: “Wait a minute, Mr. Creatchman. I wouldn’t exactly say your team destroyed Mr. Bravo and Mr. Patterson. In fact, that decision – as we saw during the highlights at the start of this show – was controversial to say the least. Your team only won because Big John Studd managed to roll back into the ring right before Dino Bravo did...and Mr. Bravo probably would have made it, if not for your interference.” Big John Studd looks down at Lord Athol Layton with a highly annoyed look on his face, as Pretty Boy Floyd Creatchman turns red-faced and points his finger right into the face of Lord Athol Layton. Floyd: “What? What?! How dare you say that to me. That’s not what happened at all. But that’s not what we’re here to talk about. We’re here to talk about the fact that Frank Tunney claims that if my team loses to the team of Angelo Mosca and Dewey Robertson, then whoever scores the win will be automatically granted a shot at the NWA Canadian Heavyweight Championship in the future. And that is a total outrage. Big John Studd shouldn’t have to face either of those men. Neither of those men are valid contenders. Big John Studd shouldn’t have to face anybody, any time soon...because he just successfully defended his title against Bob Marcus.” Layton: “With all due respect to Bob Marcus, Mr. Creatchman...he is hardly a top ranked contender, and that match you just had wasn’t even a sanctioned title match, it was a non-title exhibition.” Pretty Boy Floyd Creatchman shakes his head sadly. Floyd: “How rude of you. How disrespectful. How dismissive. Bob Marcus is one of the top talents here in Maple Leaf Wrestling, and Big John Studd just defeated him in a breathtaking exhibition of Professional Wrestling...but you try and degrade and downplay that victory, and take it away from Big John Studd. Well I don’t care what you think, and I don’t care what you say. Big John Studd just fought right here in front of your eyes, moments ago...and he shouldn’t have to worry about fighting again any time soon...especially against the likes of that gorilla Angelo Mosca or that puffed up goody two-shoes Dewey Robertson. I don’t like this...I don’t like it one little bit. It makes me angry and upset.” Layton: “Well that’s unfortunate, Mr. Creatchman...because the match has already been scheduled for three weeks from today, right here on Maple Leaf Wrestling. Your man Big John Studd and Huge Tom Lintz will be facing off against Angelo Mosca and Dewey Robertson to determine who will advance in the NWA International Tag Team Tournament...and if Mr. Mosca or Mr. Robertson manage to get the win, whoever does will earn a shot at Big John Studd’s NWA Canadian Heavyweight Championship! And it all happens right here on Maple Leaf Wrestling on March 14!” Floyd: “ Exactly! And that’s why this doesn’t make me the slightest bit angry or upset.” Athol: “But you just finished saying...” Floyd: “Don’t interrupt. You’re always contradicting me, Lord Athol Layton. You think you’re so big, with your fancy suit...that doesn’t even have any sequins by the way...and your snooty British accent. Well I don’t know what you think you know, Mr. So-Called Lord Athol Layton...but you’re not the Lord over me. You’re not the boss of Pretty Boy Floyd Creatchman. So you listen, and you listen good. And all you people here tonight listen. And all you fans at home listen.” Pretty Boy Floyd Creatchman points directly into the camera, while Big John Studd stands behind him looking menacing, with the NWA Canadian Heavyweight Championship Title belt over his shoulder. Floyd: “I meant what I said. It doesn’t matter. None of this matters. You know why? I’ll tell you why. Because on March 14, Big John Studd is going to do what he always does. He’s doing to do what he just did to that pathetic loser, that total nobody Bob Marcus. Big John Studd and Huge Tom Lintz are going to squash Angelo Mosca and Dewey Robertson like bugs...and then they are going to go on to win the Tag Team Championships. Nobody can stop that. You can’t stop it. These fans can’t stop it. Frank Tunney can’t stop it. Big John Studd is going to remain the NWA Canadian Heavyweight Champion, and then he’s going to become one half of the NWA International Tag Team Champions, and then just for fun...he might go and beat up Dino Bravo again, and become the NWA Canadian Television Champion. You know why? Because he can. Look at this man. Seven feet tall. Three Hundred and Fifty pounds. He can’t be knocked off his feet. He can’t be slammed. He can’t be beaten. So none of this nonsense matters. Let’s go...champ.” Pretty Boy Floyd and Big John Studd give Lord Athol Layton one last dirty look and then they walk away as we go to commercial... ~Commercial Break~ We return from commercial to see Ricky Johnson and Salvatore Bellomo already in the ring. Norm Kimber announces the next match as a one fall, Tag Team Contest and makes the formal introduction for Johnson and Bellomo. Suddenly, we see Doug Vines and Jeff Sword emerge from behind the backstage curtain and make their way to the ring. However, the two men are not alone. Walking between them is a strange hooded figure...wearing a Monk’s robe. His face is totally concealed from sight. & VS. Mike McMan: “What on earth? Who is that with Doug Vines and Jeff Sword?” Billy Red Lyons: “I have no idea, Mike. Of course, we know that Vines and Sword lost a tough match in the opening round of the tournament to Johnny Weaver and Mike Rotundo. I’ve heard that they are very unhappy about that and had something planned to reverse their fortunes here in Maple Leaf Wrestling...but I don’t know if that is what is going on here.” Norm Kimber announces the “Devil’s Duo” as Vines and Sword enter the ring. The bell rings, and Vines and Sword waste no time in going after Johnson and Bellomo. The referee manages to restore some kind of order, and Vines and Sword settle into a fierce contest against Johnson and Bellomo. Ricky Johnson is successful in getting the advantage with a couple of deep arm drags and hip tosses, and knocks Sword from the apron with a dropkick. However, after Johnson tags in Bellomo it is not too long before The Devil’s Duo manages to regain the upper hand, thanks to frequent cheating and sneaky tactics. The hooded man jumps up onto the apron, as the referee orders him down, Vines and Sword manage to execute a covert spike piledriver! The referee turns around in time to see Vines making the cover on Bellomo, and it’s one...two...three! Norm Kimber: “Here are your winners: DOUG VINES AND JEFF SWORD!” The two men leave the ring and huddle with the hooded figure at ringside. Lord Athol Layton approaches with his microphone and attempts to get an interview but he is rebuffed, as Vines, Sword and the hooded man head back behind the curtain... ~Commercial Break~ We return to action to see the imposing looking Moose Morowski in the ring. Norm Kimber introduces him to the boos of the crowd. Morowski is leaning over the top rope, jawing at the fans as the camera angle switches and we see George Wells emerge from behind the curtain and make his way to the ring. Norm Kimber introduces Wells, and the bell rings to start this singles match... VS. As soon as George Wells enters the ring, Morowski jumps him and starts hammering Wells over the back with a succession of forearms and follows up with a fluffy of kicks. The two men proceed to brawl back and forth. The contest ends up being a spirited bout which lasts a fair while, until Moose Morowski makes the mistake of whipping George Wells into the ropes. The former football player goes into a crouch as he rebounds off the ropes, and tackles Morowski around the midsection, knocking the wind out of him and folding the big man up like an accordion. Wells covers Moroski, who was caught totally by surprise by the springboard shoulder tackle! One...two...three! Norm Kimber: “Here is your winner...George Wells!” ~Commercial Break~ Mike McMan: “We’re back fans...and with no further ado, it’s time for our Main Event!” Main Event: NWA International Tag Team Tournament Quarterfinal Match #1 VS. While we in commercial break, both teams have entered the ring and taken opposite sides. Norm Kimber makes the introduction, and calls for the bell to start the match. The Kelly Twins go on the offensive right from the bell, and proceed to cut young Mike Rotundo off from his corner. The two big men take turns tagging in and out, and pummelling Mike Rotundo mercilessly. Mike McMann: “Billy Red, it looks like The Kelly Twins have a strategy here. They must see Mike Rotundo’s youth and inexperience as the weak link in their opponents team...and they want to keep him from tagging in the veteran.” Billy Red Lyons: “I am no stranger to The Kelly Twins myself. They are a big, tough team and they’ve been champions before. They obviously want those titles back, and are willing to beat Mike Rotundo to a pulp to get them!” The fans are exhorting Mike Rotundo to make the tag to his popular veteran partner, but The Kelly Twins keep the ring cut off and tag in and out, with Mike Rotundo at their mercy. Finally, Rotundo manages to shock Pat Kelly with a leg sweep and sends the big man sprawling. Rotundo dives to his corner and makes the desperate tag, as the fans in the Brantford Civic Center erupt. Johnny Weaver charges in like the proverbial house on fire, he crosses the ring and clotheslines Mike Kelly off the apron to the floor. Then Weaver turns his attention to Pat Kelly, who is still the worse for wear after being knocked off his feet by Mike Rotundo. Weaver grabs Pat Kelly by the wrist and pulls him to his feet. Weaver hurls Kelly into the ropes and hits him with the big back body drop! As Pat Kelly groggily stumbles back to his feet, Johnny Weaver goes behind and slaps on his famous sleeper hold! Kelly thrashes around, but Weaver cinches down. Pat Kelly starts to fade. Mike Kelly tries to enter the ring to stop his brother from going to sleep...but the battered Mike Rotundo cuts him off with a perfect dropkick and sends Mike Kelly crashing back to the floor! The referee checks Pat Kelly’s arm...it drops limply...and the referee calls for the bell! Norm Kimber: "Here are your winners and advancing to the Semi-Finals of the NWA International Tag Team Championship Tournament...MIKE ROTUNDO and JOHNNY "BUZZSAW" WEAVER!!!" Mike McMan: “The Veteran/Rookie combination of Johnny Weaver and Mike Roundo have done it again! Weaver has put big Pat Kelly to sleep with his famous sleeper hold!” Billy Red Lyons: “Weaver and Rotundo are moving on to the Semi-Finals! They’re going to Maple Leaf Gardens on March 29!” Mike McMan: “What a match, and what a show! We’ll see you next week Maple Leaf Wrestling fans...when The Della Serra Brothers tangle with Dominic DeNucci and Tony Parisi, to find out who else will be moving on to the Semi-Finals! We’re out of time! See you next week on Maple Leaf Wrestling!”

Maple Leaf Wrestling Kitchener, Ontario - Kitchener Memorial Auditorium February 27, 1981 Paid Attendance: 1,000 George Wells pinned Tim Gerrard Huge Tom Lintz and Kelly Kiniski went to a Double Countout The Destroyer pinned Tony "Cannonball" Parisi Billy Robinson pinned Sweet Ebony Diamond Angelo Mosca pinned Moose Morowski

I have been sticking to the schedule Maple Leaf Wrestling actually ran back in the late 70's and early 80's and am using the same arenas. My only mistake (I think) was booking too many house shows for March. In reality, the bread and butter of Maple Leaf Wrestling was their monthly shows at Maple Leaf Gardens, and their Monday Night TV Tapings in Brantford at the Civic Center. They did run house shows on Thursdays and Fridays and sometimes Saturdays...but their schedule wasn't quite as packed as I have made it out to be for March. I may have bit off more than I could chew. It's interesting, because Maple Leaf Wrestling was basically being run in partnership between Jim Crockett Promotions and Frank Tunney, they used a lot of the same talent...which explains why Maple Leaf Wrestling only ran a couple of shows a week, the TV and then Thursdays and Fridays. Most of the talent was booked in Mid-Atlantic the rest of the time. And no wonder, if they ran 730 shows that year! I don't envy you trying to emulate that!

The US Title Tournament has been awesome. I was fiddling around with my own Tag Team Tournament so much, I haven't paid enough attention to your tournament, but I am curious to see who wins now. Also...Bockwinkle vs. Steamboat at the Greensboro Coliseum? Sign me up.

Great results. I especially would have loved to have seen Snuka & Orndorff vs. The Von Erich Brothers. The thought of Paul Orndorff in his prime mixing it up with Kerry is very appealing. Now that's fantasy booking.

Great work. I want to see that Bret and Bruce Hart vs. Morgan and Dynamite match, dammit. Especially since it went 30 minutes.

This is great stuff. I need to up my game when it comes to transcribing promos. I am doing okay recapping results but you are miles ahead of me with the promos. Results don't mean as much if there isn't a sense of story behind the matches, and you're killing it in that department.

Maple Leaf Wrestling London, Ontario - London Gardens February 26, 1981 Paid Attendance: 1,200 Cocoa Samoa pinned Tim Gerrard Doug Vines and Jeff Sword defeated Bob & Joe Marcus via pinfall Sweet Daddy Siki defeated Iron Mike Sharpe via countout Ricky “Soulman” Johnson, Sweet Ebony Diamond and George Wells went to a 20 Minute Draw with Huge Tom Lintz and The Kelly Twins Dewey Robertson pinned Moose Morowski

Thank you very much for the feedback guys. I am still tweaking my format, but my plan at this point is to just post the results for the live events, and only do detailed recaps for the TV tapings and monthly big events at Maple Leaf Gardens.

EVENT SCHEDULE: FEBRUARY/MARCH 1981

Quarterfinal Brackets finalized for NWA International Tag Team Championship Tournament Now that the opening round of the Tournament to crown new NWA International Tag Team Champions is in the books, the Quarterfinal Brackets have been announced. Quarterfinal Bracket #1: The Kelly Twins vs. Johnny Weaver & Mike Rotundo This match will take place as the Main Event of the Maple Leaf Wrestling TV Taping at the Brantford Civic Center on Monday February 23, 1981. The episode will air on Saturday, February 28. Quarterfinal Bracket #2: The Della Serra Brothers vs. Dominic DeNucci & Tony "Cannonball" Parisi This match will take place as the Main Event of the Maple Leaf Wrestling TV Taping at the Brantford Civic Center on Monday March 2, 1981. The episode will air on Saturday, March 7. Quarterfinal Bracket #3: Dewey Robertson & Angelo Mosca vs. Big John Studd & Huge Tom Lintz This match will take place as the Main Event of the Maple Leaf Wrestling TV Taping at the Brantford Civic Center on Monday March 9, 1981. The episode will air on Saturday, March 14. *** ADDED STIPULATION: If the team of Dewey Robertson & Angelo Mosca win this match, whoever scores the pinfall will be granted a future shot at the NWA Canadian Heavyweight Champion, Big John Studd *** Quarterfinal Bracket #3: Abdullah The Butcher & The Sheik vs. Danny "Bullwhip" Johnson & Blackjack Mulligan This match will take place as the Main Event of the Maple Leaf Wrestling live event at the Oshawa Civic Auditorium on Friday March 20, 1981. * * * * * The Semifinals and Finals of the Tournament to crown the NEW NWA International Tag Team Champions Will take place at Maple Leaf Gardens on MARCH 29, 1981 More details to come!

Arena Report Maple Leaf Gardens Sunday, February 22, 1981 Hello, wrestling fans. This is Jimmy Freeman reporting for the Toronto Sun Mat Report and the Maple Leaf Wrestling hotline. If you missed the big show at Maple Leaf Gardens this past Sunday, you missed quite an event. And those of you who did it miss it, probably only did so because you couldn’t get tickets...this star studded and action packed event was sold out. As soon as promoter Frank Tunney announced this exciting tournament to crown new NWA International Tag Team Champions, Maple Leaf Wrestling fans beat a path to the box office and as a result there wasn’t a spare seat to be found this past Sunday. Thankfully, your truly was there at ringside and I’m here to bring you a blow-by-blow account of all the amazing action...so let’s get to it. This event was filmed so I’m sure highlights of many of these matches will be shown in the coming weeks on Maple Leaf Wrestling which airs every Saturday at 1:00 pm on CHCH TV Channel 11. Opening Match: Salvatore Bellomo vs. Tim Gerrard This match did not appear to be filmed, as announcers Billy Red Lyons and Mike McMan were not at ringside. Bellomo and Gerrard wrestled to a 20 Minute Time Limit Draw. After the opening match, Lyons and McMan made their way to ringside and took a seat at the announcer’s desk, the house lights went down and ring announcer Norm Kimber declared the official start of the tournament crown new NWA International Tag Team Champions. Norm announced that the opening round matches would be held in descending order, with the Number One seed match taking place tonight as our Main Event. vs. First Match: The Kelly Twins vs. Sweet Daddy Siki & Cocoa Samoa Siki and Samoa got the ovation you would expect for these crowd favourites. The fans were less happy to see the returning Kelly Twins, Pat and Mike. These Canadian brothers and former Tag Team Champions had a famous rivalry with The Crusaders here in Maple Leaf Wrestling just a few years ago. Based on the reaction to The Kelly Twins, the fans still remember them...and not very fondly. Since their departure from Maple Leaf Wrestling, The Kelly Twins have been wrestling primarily in the United States, where they have experienced success in St. Louis, Minneapolis, and especially in Indianapolis where they enjoyed a reign as Tag Team Champions. The Kelly Twins enjoyed the definite size advantage in this match, but Sweet Daddy Siki got things off to a hot start for his team and had the Twins reeling with a series of dropkicks, and his flamboyant footwork. Siki tagged out to Cocoa Samoa, who rocked both brothers with his patented headbutts. The Kelly Brothers battled back and were especially brutal, clubbing Cocoa Samoa repeatedly with a series of forearms and stomps. The other factor in this match as expected, was experience as a Tag Team. Obviously, The Kelly Twins have been together their entire lives and usually work as a Tag Team. As successful as Sweet Daddy Siki and Cocoa Samoa have been individually, this was one of the first times they worked together as a team...and it showed. The Kelly Twins managed to cut the ring off, tag in and out, and use the rules of Tag Team wrestling to their advantage. The end came when Cocoa Samoa went for his patented top rope headbutt on Pat Kelly, only to have Mike pull his brother out of the way from the outside. Samoa went down, and as Mike Kelly cut off Sweet Daddy Siki, Pat Kelly landed an impressive looking kneedrop right to the chest of Cocoa Samoa, and got the pinfall at 7 minutes and 13 seconds...much to the disappointment of the sold out crowd. Result: The Kelly Twins defeat Sweet Daddy Siki & Cocoa Samoa, when Pat Kelly pinned Cocoa Samoa with a kneedrop at 7:13. The Kelly Twins advance to the Quarterfinals of the NWA International Tag Team Championship Tournament. vs . Second Match: Doug Vines and Jeff Sword vs. Johnny “Buzzsaw” Weaver and Mike Rotundo Vines and Sword have made individual appearances in Maple Leaf Wrestling in the past, but the two have not teamed together here. But that does not mean these two are not familiar with each other...quite the opposite. Vines and Sword have worked as team south of the border as “The Devil’s Duo.” Maple Leaf Wrestling fans may have been unfamiliar with them as a team, as the crowd reaction toward them was rather muted. Johnny “Buzzaw” Weaver is a well known, well liked and well respected veteran, and he appears have taken rookie collegiate wrestler Mike Rotundo under his wing. These two men compliment each other perfectly and the fans gave them a warm ovation. The match was a solid, back and forth affair. There was some slightly villanous behavior from Vines and Sword, which was not appreciated by the fans. Specifically, The Devil’s Duo frequently entered the ring illegally and had to be warned back by the referee, to a reception of loud boos. The end came when Mike Rotundo caught Jeff Sword in an airplane spin and pinned him, while Weaver cut off an attempt by Doug Vines to break up the pinfall. Result: Johnny Weaver and Mike Rotundo defeat The Devil’s Duo at 10:11 when Rotundo pins Sword following an airplane spin. Weaver and Rotundo advance to the Quarterfinals of the NWA International Tag Team Championship Tournament. vs. Third Match: Rocky and Bob Della Serra vs. Sweet Ebony Diamond and George Wells This was the homecoming for Rocky and Bob Della Serra...but it wasn’t exactly a warm welcome home. Rocky Della Serra has been a major star for the All Star Wrestling promotion out in Vancouver, while his older brother Bob has been dividing his time between Puerto Rico and the International Wrestling promotion in Montreal. The two brothers have worked together a few times in the past, but this is their first time teaming up in quite some time, and their debut here in Maple Leaf Wrestling. Based on the crowd reaction to the Della Serra Brothers, the knowledgeable Maple Leaf Wrestling fans have been watching the two brothers on opposite sides of the country, and haven’t been impressed with what they’ve seen. Of course, Sweet Ebony Diamond and George Wells have teamed up here in Maple Leaf Wrestling several times in the past...but apparently you can’t beat the bond between two brothers. Diamond started the match off against Rocky Della Serra, and managed to hold his own against the muscular powerhouse. Of course, Diamond is no stranger to fisticuffs himself. Once George Wells tagged in, things started to go badly for the fan favroties...especially after the big brawler Bob Della Serra came in. Bob wore Wells down with a punishing bearhug, a couple of big bodyslams and a whip into the turnbuckles. The end came when Bob Della Serra hit George Wells with a lateral press after a long vertical suplex. Della Serra pulled the tights for insurance, but unfortunately the referee didn’t see it as he was distracted by Rocky charging across the ring at Sweet Ebony Diamond at the same time. Result: Rocky and Bob Della Serra defeated Sweet Ebony Diamond and George Wells at 6:43 when Della Serra pinned Wells following a vertical suplex. Rocky and Bob Della Serra advance to the Quarterfinals of the NWA International Tag Team Championship Tournament. vs. Fourth Match: Tony “Cannonball” Parisi and Dominic DeNucci vs. Iron Mike Sharpe and Goldie Rogers While Norm Kimber was making his introductions, Iron Mike Sharpe grabbed the microphone and (as is his custom) demanded to be introduced as “Canada’s Greatest Athlete.” Neither Norm or the fans in attendance were impressed. Goldie Rogers seemed more concerned with fluffing up his hair and strutting around the ring while posing than he did locking up for battle, and he paid for it. As soon as the bell rang, Dominic DeNucci tackled Mike Sharpe and the two men rolled out of the ring, while Tony Parisi hit the unsuspecting Goldie Rogers (who was still strutting and preening) with a dropkick which sent him unceremoniously crashing to the mat. To the deafening cheers of the fans, Tony Parisi headed up to the top rope and landed on Goldie with his patented “Cannonball” manoeuvre..and that was all she wrote. Result: Tony Parisi and Dominic DeNucci defeated Iron Mike Sharpe and Goldie Rogers in 0:23 seconds when Parisi pinned Rogers after the “Cannonball” from the Top Rope. Tony Parisi and Dominic DeNucci advance to the Quarterfinals of the NWA International Tag Team Championship Tournament. After the match had concluded, Iron Mike Sharpe once again commandeered the house microphone. Sharpe claimed that any manoeuvres from the top rope should be considered illegal, therefore DeNucci and Parisi should be disqualified, the decision should be reversed, and Iron Mike Sharpe should be declared the Tag Team Champions. At this point, DeNucci and Parisi were half way down the ramp towards the Locker Room, but they returned, stormed the ring and chased Sharpe and Rogers to the back. vs. Fifth Match: Abdullah The Butcher & The Sheik vs. Kelly Kiniski and Whipper Watson Jr. Kiniski and Watson are of course both the sons of former NWA World Heavyweight Champions, whose fathers sold out Maple Leaf Gardens many times, over many years. The Maple Leaf Gardens faithful gave the two legendary progenies a rousing ovation as they jogged to the ring...and then chaos erupted. Abdullah Farouk led his clients The Shiek and Abdullah The Butcher down the ramp, and as soon as all four men were in the ring...The Sheik and The Butcher attacked. The bell had not even rung when The Butcher started throttling Kelly Kiniski, and The Sheik grabbed Watson by the hair, and started repeatedly jabbing him on the forehead with some form of foreign object. Meanwhile, Farouk inserted himself between referee Fred Atkins and the action, in a clear attempt to distract the official. Watson and Kiniski fought back, and began slugging it out with the two monsters. The referee was finally successful in ordering Farouk out the ring and both teams to their corners, when the bell was sounded to start the match. Sadly, Watson was already bleeding from the forehead as a result of the attack by The Sheik before the bell, and in my opinion this match should have never been allowed to begin. Watson bravely attempted to slug it out with The Sheik, but he was already at a clear disadvantage due to his injury. Abdullah The Butcher tagged in and continued to jab and prod away at the bloodied head of Whipper Watson Jr., as manager Farouk repeatedly leapt to the ring apron and distracted referee Fred Atkins. The fans were incensed at the illegal tactics and the boos and jeers were deafening. At one point, security actually had to prevent an overzealous fan from leaping over the barricade and attacking Farouk. The fans were ecstatic when after being cut off from his partner for what seemed like forever, Whipper Watson Jr. was able to leapfrog over The Sheik and tag in Kelly Kiniski. You could barely hear yourself think as the fans came unglued...Kiniski charged at both Abdullah and The Sheik and hammered both men with a flurry of punches, kicks and forearm smashes. When Farouk jumped up on the ring apron one too many times and attempted to intervene, he got a flying dropkick for his trouble and was sent crashing to the floor, much to the delight of the fans. Eventually, Kiniski tagged in Watson and the two men started hammering The Sheik with tandem punches. The referee ordered Kiniski from the ring, which gave The Sheik a chance to tag in The Butcher. As Farouk waved his arms at the referee from the outside distracting him, Abdullah The Butcher pulled a taped object from one of his pockets and jabbed Watson right in the throat. Watson began to choke, and The Butcher followed up with a double palm thrust to the neck, which sent Watson to the canvas. Abdullah The Butcher hit Watson with an elbow drop and made the cover, while The Sheik stopped the charging Kelly Kiniski from making the save. Result: Abdullah The Butcher & The Sheik defeated Kelly Kiniski and Whipper Watson Jr. when Abdullah pinned Watson following an elbow drop at 8:57. Abdullah The Butcher and The Sheik advance to the Quarterfinals of the NWA International Tag Team Championship Tournament. The aftermath of this match resulted in the fans pelting The Butcher and The Sheik with garbage as they made their way down the ramp. The house lights went up and Norm Kimber exhorted the fans to settle down, as a 15 minute intermission was declared. ~INTERMISSION~ vs. Sixth Match: Billy Robinson and The Destroyer vs. Bullwhip Johnson and Blackjack Mulligan The first match after the intermission was a change of pace, following the violent brawl fans had just witnessed. Technical mat wrestling was on display, as the duo of accomplished grapplers Billy Robinson and The Destroyer took on the two big brawling cowboys Blackjack Mulligan and Danny “Bullwhip” Johnson. Billy Robinson started the match against Bullwhip Johnson, and put on a clinic of holds and counterholds. As hard as he tried, poor Bullwhip ended up getting tied in knots, as Blackjack watched helplessly from their corner. Robinson and The Destroyer worked together seamlessly, tagging in and out. The end came when Johnson was able to escape an attempted elbow drop from The Destroyer. Bullwhip hustled over to his corner and made the tag. The Gardens exploded again, as big Blackjack Mulligan charged the ring and cleaned house. Mulligan knocked Robinson off the apron, and then proceeded to unload on The Destroyer with a series of punches, clubbing forearms and knee lifts that battered the masked man senseless. Robinson attempted to roll back into the ring to help his partner, but Bullwhip Johnson ran around the outside, grabbed Robinson by the leg and pulled him back down...resulting in a brawl on the floor. Meanwhile Blackjack threw The Destroyer into the ropes, and as Destroyer rebounded, Mulligan hit him full force with a lariat style clothesline hard enough to literally knock the masked man 360 degrees in the air. Mulligan made the cover, and that was all she wrote. Result: Bullwhip Johnson and Blackjack Mulligan defeated Billy Robinson and The Destroyer at 9:17 when Mulligan pinned The Destroyer following a clothesline. Bullwhip Johnson and Blackjack Mulligan advance to the Quarterfinals of the NWA International Tag Team Championship Tournament. vs. Seventh Match: Dino Bravo and Pat Patterson vs. Big John Studd and Huge Tom Lintz This match was a rare chance to see the NWA Canadian Heavyweight Champion Big John Studd compete against the NWA Canadian Television Champion, Dino Bravo. It’s not often we get to see both champions in the ring at the same time...and both men are hoping to use this tournament to add yet another Championship Title to their collection. Big John Studd was accompanied by his manager, the flamboyant and verbose “Pretty Boy” Floyd Creatchman, resplendent in a pink sequined jacket which was offensive to the eyes. Creatchman was a source of constant irritation during this match, running around outside the ring yammering instructions at full volume, and engaging in verbal confrontations with the fans, the referee and even Mike McMan and Billy Red Lyons at the announcers desk. Bravo and Patterson were the clear crowd favorites during this match. Fans have taken a liking to the affable young french strongman Bravo over the past few years, and Pat Patterson has of course been a long time presence in Toronto. This match was hardly the technical exhibition that Billy Robinson put on during the previous match, nor was it the wild brawl like the match previous to that. This contest consisted of Bravo and Patterson trying valiantly to knock the massive Studd and Lintz off their feet, or mount any kind of offense that was even remotely effective. Dino Bravo was definitely taken off his game during this match, because he is used to being the strongest man in the ring and able to easily exert his will on his opponents. Pat Patterson was able to maintain a lengthy advantage for his team, as he was finally able to knock Huge Tom Lintz to the mat. Patterson tried a succession of headlocks and arm and leglocks to keep the bigger man down. Eventually, Lintz was able to make the tag to the Canadian Champion, Big John Studd. Once Studd was in the ring, Patterson tagged Bravo, and the two singles champions locked up, much to the delight of the crowd. The end came when Bravo hit Studd with a running clothesline. The impact was so forceful and so momentous that both men were carried over the top rope to the outside. The two men began to trade shots back and forth outside the ring as the referee started to administer his count, admonishing the wrestlers to get back into the ring. Studd gained the advantage and executed a crushing powerslam on Bravo on the floor outside the ring. Studd was able to roll back into the ring, but as Dino Bravo valiantly attempted to follow him, Pretty Boy Floyd hit him with a vicious kick to the ribs. Pat Patterson came around and chase Creatchman away...but it was too late. Dino Bravo was unable to make it back into the ring in time, and that was all she wrote. Result: Big John Studd and Huge Tom Lintz defeated Dino Bravo and Pat Patterson when Bravo was counted out of the ring at 12:23. Big John Studd and Huge Tom Lintz advance to the Quarterfinals of the NWA International Tag Team Championship Tournament. The Main Event vs. Dewey Robertson and Angelo Mosca vs. Hossein The Great Arab and Mr. Fuji As much as the fans were buzzing from the previous match, the tension rose even higher as Norm Kimber announced it was time for the Main Event. There has been an ever escalating pattern of violence between the four men in this match. Fans will remember of course, that not long ago local favorite, strongman Dewey Robertson was attacked during an episode of Maple Leaf Wrestling, by The Great Hossein Arab. Robertson was simply giving an interview to Lord Athol Layton, explaining how he did not appreciate people like Hossein putting Canada down, when Hossein confronted him and spat in his face. Robertson and Hossein began to brawl when Mr. Fuji interfered and delivered a punishing kick to the back of Robertson, blindsiding him. Fuji and Hossein went on to viciously work over the popular young Robertson, until of all people...Angelo Mosca came to the rescue. When promoter Frank Tunney planned the brackets for this tournament, he made sure that these two teams were scheduled to meet in the first round. Not only will this match determine who moves on, but this will also give all four men a chance to settle their differences for the first time since the incident that took place two weeks ago on Maple Leaf Wresting. Things got off to a molten start right away, as Mr. Fuji and Hossein came down the ramp to the ring. Mr. Fuji proceeded to perform his traditional purifying ritual in his teams corner, while Hossein came to the ring proudly waving the flag of Iran. The fans loudly voiced their displeasure, but the boos turned to cheers as Dewey Robertson and Angelo Mosca charged up the stairs from the dressing room, and down the ramp to the ring. Referee Terry Yorkston was able to maintain control and keep the heroes at bay, waiting on the ramp while Norm Kimber made his introductions. As soon as Robertson and Mosca entered the ring, the bell rang to start the match. Mr. Fuji started things off for his team, squaring off against Angelo Mosca. For the opening minutes of the bout, Mosca definitely held the upper hand and he battered Fuji from pillar to post. At one point, Mosca had Fuji slumped in the corner and was stomping on him with all his might, much to the delight of the packed house. Eventually, Fuji was able to turn the tide with a few expertly aimed knife-edge chops and thrusts. Once Mosca was down, Fuji held him in place for a long while with a nerve hold, applied to the neck. Fuji eventually tagged in Hossein The Great Arab, but this gave Mosca a chance to dive for his corner and tag in Dewey Robertson. Once again, Maple Leaf Gardens came apart as Dewey Robertson leapt into the ring and charged at Hossein. This was a back and forth affair. For a long time, Robertson had the upper hand on Hossein and managed to dominate him with a series of fundamental Pro Wrestling moves like the clothesline and bodyslam. Eventually, Hossein turned the tide and put on an exhibition of suplexes, leaving Robertson reeling. After that, there was a prolonged period where Hossein The Great attempted to get Robertson to submit using his patented “Camel Clutch” however Angelo Mosca entered the ring and broke up the attempt with a well timed boot to the head of Hossein. Both Mosca and Fuji were able to tag in and out of the match several times during this bout, which was truly a seesaw affair, with both teams gaining the advantage, only to lose it back again. The end came when Hossein tried to pin Angelo Mosca following a side suplex. Mosca kicked out, and in frustration, Hossein put Mosca in a full nelson and shouted instructions to Fuji at ringside. Fuji nodded, and entered the ring. In full sight of the referee and with Hossein still holding the struggling Mosca in place, Fuji reached into his tights and threw what appeared to be a large handfull of salt directly into the eyes of Mosca, blinding him. Referee Terry Yorkston had no choice but to call for the bell. Hossein then grabbed his flag from outside the ring and proceeded to repeatedly jab it into the abdomen of the blinded Mosca. Fuji looked to assist in the assault, but he was stopped by a charging Dewey Robertson, who went outside and grabbed a folding chair and then cleared the ring. Mr. Fuji and Hossein The Great Arab were escorted down the ramp to a cacophony of jeers and a deluge of garbage being thrown by the fans. Dewey Robertson tended to the blinded Mosca as the house lights went up to end the show. Result: Dewey Robertson and Angelo Mosca defeated Mr. Fuji and Hossein The Great Arab at 21:12, when Fuji was disqualified for throwing salt into the face of Mosca. Dewey Robertson and Angelo Mosca advance to the Quarterfinals of the NWA International Tag Team Championship Tournament. * * * * * That’s your report on the Opening Round of the NWA International Tag Team Championship Tournament from Maple Leaf Gardens, Pro Wrestling fans. Stay tuned for updated brackets and news about the upcoming rounds...more news to come!

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