dexstar

Hey all Haven't bailed on ya. As usual, been busy with work. Hoping to have some time over the next couple days to finish up this show.

This is all good to go. Post will be updated in a moment.

If it makes you uncomfortable, don't. But don't feel obligated to stop. It's similar to my personal Benoit principle - I'm not gonna judge or shame people who watch his matches still, but I, personally, just can't.

I don't care, either, to be clear. I'm not going to use either. Just threw it out there as a way to avoid issues. But nobody has issues so it's all good.

3 Round Wildcard Draft where you can pick a celebrity or legend that can make 2 appearances per year

Heck yeah, I enjoyed a lot of it but it doesn't have the greatest rep.

See, this is why it's bad that WWE has shitty announcers on their flagship show. Viewers are just supposed to assume things that may or may not be part of the story they are trying to tell because no one is explaining to the audience what the hell's going on. No one expects JBL and Cole to suddenly become Gordon Solie or JR, but it would take almost zero effort to mention what dextar said in his post and suddenly the main storyline of the company makes more sense. Maybe people even start getting behind Roman because the boss is out for revenge. Instead we got "TRIPPA ATCH IS THA BEST MAGGLE". 100% agree. I constantly find, during the periods where I'll watch every minute of Raw for a month or two, that usually the shit on TV does make some sort of sense, but you have to almost write it down to see it. Hell, usually it's actually not that bad but the fact they don't ever, ever, ever go into detail or do the supporting work to flesh it out makes it bad. It's like they film the rough outline every week. I know most people hated the Rollins-Kane feud, but when they broke it down it into soundbites and clips for the hype package, there was an actual angle and everything there. But they never laid it out on TV so it was just a meandering mess. For those who didn't see it: https://youtu.be/dJJjhZCV14E?t=27s I get it that you may not be super into Kane in 2015 or Rollins in general, but that feud, laid out in that manner, is pretty inoffensive I think, even kinda interesting. Unfortunately it took place over approximately 18 months, none of these promos were ever directly linked to each other, and all these events just kinda happened with everyone vaguely pretending they kinda remembered what happened the week before.

My ideal would be Cesaro. John Cena is the God of Mass And for pure athletic "I will murder you with my bare hands", nobody comes close to Brock.

Not defending it either way, just pointing out they do have some sort of reasoning, shitty as one may find it to be, behind the angle.

It's not exactly a killer angle, but they did somewhat explain this. HHH tried to give Roman the title basically after the Rollins injury, and Reigns turned it down because he wanted to earn it. So, wounded pride I suppose. Then Vince got involved because of the beatdown on HHH. The fact it's a personal vendetta and not a business concern then makes the continued employment make less sense logically though. I think we're supposed to assume Stephanie is blinded by rage and wants to see him hurt, Vince is senile, and HHH sees a personal opportunity + wants revenge for being beat up. It's just so deep and complicated they couldn't possibly explain that in the 5 hours of TV every week though.

I think it's safe to assume that HHH, the guy who calls himself the King of Kings, and wears giant skull crowns for his grand entrances, probably would believe he could defeat Brock Lesnar - especially considering he already did - and that a man with such a view of himself may not take kindly to the idea that Brock is an impossible to beat conqueror and the one real champion.

I'd guess they also consider the (probable) fact most of those college-age-dissenters (who are still buying tickets, merch, and network subs even if they are boo'ing) were hooked as children.

DETROIT - Rocky Johnson wasn't pleased with being referred to as "Mr USA" in the recent newspaper ad for the 1/28 live TV show. It's unclear if that was an administrative mistake or someone ribbing him regarding his known dislike for former partner Tony Atlas. Don't expect to see that nickname used again though or else Rocky might become a headache for the office. - Hercules Ayala is coming into the territory. I'd expect to see him working with Chicky Starr and Fidel Sierra since this is wrestling after all and they are all "Caribbean". - Despite being pushed as the big bad heels since the opening of the promotion it doesn't seem like the Jesse Ventura led "Union" is working out that well. Part of the problem has been trouble getting the mainplayers in the area at the same time with Adonis/Murdoch and Valentine all spending various times in Japan and the other problem is a general lack of direction for the group. They want Ventura to be a prominent part of the promotion, not just an announcer, but he may be over-exposed trying to be lead heel manager and the lead color man. There was talk of moving him into an active wrestling role but the feeling among many is that he wouldn't be able to work to the level of Valentine, Martel, Backlund and other main event level talent. - There's talk of adding at least one house show per week to the schedule again. They have plans for a big Cobo show in late February to blow off some running storylines and if they do expand the schedule I'd expect it to happen after that. - Petitpas and Burke are going to continue working as a tag team but both men had expressed a desire to do some singles wrestling as well so that's why they were working on their own the past weeks - The Gorilla Monsoon situation continues on. He was recently spotted running up quite a tab at the iconic Detroit dive bar The Old Miami the other night and someone asked him if he was going to be on TV soon. He said he wasn't expecting it and was happy to just cash the checks for now. Some of the more straight laced members of the office have considered writing a memo to Matty Mouran at his corporate office about the situation but it's thought it'd just get lost in the shuffle, or if it was noticed, the corporate titan might take too much of an interest in the goings-on at the BTW office.

SATURDAY JANUARY 28!

BTW is dropping Killer Karl Krupp and adding Hercules Ayala

BIG DUMP O' SHOWS!! 1/7/1984 Big Time Wrestling “Free for All” Montage, Lord Layton and Jesse Ventura introduce the card and the crowd. We open with a recap of the Cobo "1984" show and reviewing the new Top Ten Contenders list: Before the next scheduled bout, Chicky Starr and Fidel Sierra arrive on the scene demanding the microphone from Jesse and Layton. Chicky sees that the committee has placed him in a bout with Rick Martel tonight, and Chicky reminds everyone that he challenged Martel way back in November, when he first arrived, and never got his appropriate due. Yes, he lost his title eliminator bout to Backlund at Cobo last week, and there’s nothing that can be done. But he blames it on Martel ducking him, depriving him of top flight competition to prepare. Lord Layton is especially confused by this spurious reasoning, but Jesse thinks he has a point. The three argue a bit as Rick Martel limps out, knee bandaged but miffed by this insult to his character. He tells Chicky he’ll be ready for tonight and back in contention for a title shot in no time, unlike Starr, who is more like a Falling Star now. The Magic Hour with Koko Ware Paul Christy, along with Animal Steele and Masa Fuchi, welcome us to the Magic Hour. Christy is showing off a new suit he purchased with this $10,000 check from winning the Battle Royal at the Cobo, the type of money you wrinkle neck turkeys will never see and only can only dream about when you’re bolting car doors onto overpriced hunks of junk cars in a dingy Detroit factory. With that out of the way, Christy produces a bird from under his hat, which is apparently his way of welcoming Koko Ware to the show. While Animal and Fuchi stand silent in the wings of the set, Christy asks Koko some background questions. He wants to know how he met Rocky Johnson, how can he know he is trustworthy? Koko knows Rocky from coming up in this sport, and he’s heard nothing but good things. Christy wants to know why Rocky seemed so selfish and only about himself during their encounter in the Battle Royal - doesn’t Koko see the value in teamwork, as exemplified by Christy’s Menagerie of Menancing Maulers, this group standing in front of him? Doesn’t Koko see how that type of backing and support can help any wrestler - young, old, foreign, native, black, white - in their climb up the ladder? Koko gets to the point - are you offering me a spot? Christy laughs and laughs - with him, there are no “offers” - if he wants Koko, he’ll have him, just like he has the Big Ape and Godzilla over there in the corner. It’s not their choice - it’s their destiny, and it just might be Koko’s destiny too. Koko is a bit confused by this - and he backs off the set and right into Rocky Johnson, who has come out after hearing this and in preparation for his upcoming match. Rocky wants to know if Koko really believes what he is hearing. Koko says he isn’t sure, but he wasn’t happy after the Cobo show. Rocky has a proposal - don’t listen to this carnival barker Christy. If Koko wants to settle something, man to man, Rocky has no problem with that. Rocky and Koko have a tentative handshake as the Christy Menagerie looks on - it appears (and is subsequently confirmed) that we have a match between Rocky Johnson and Koko Ware scheduled for next week. Jesse says he has a special video message for us. The tape shows Adrian Adonis, Dick Murdoch, and a bandaged and bloody Greg Valentine. It’s from Japan, after the big show there on January 4th. Adonis and Murdoch have a message for the so-called champions, Orton and Slater, that they haven’t seen the last of them. They are in-demand the world over and can’t be in Detroit every day, but they’ll be there when they least expect it. Valentine, beaten but not defeated, holds up his BTW Heavyweight Title, points to the scars he has from the match with Martel and the match in Japan, and says no matter what other piece of tin someone else is carrying around, he’s the champ. He’s the best in the world, he’s the heavyweight to beat, he’s the man in this sport. He’s spilled the blood and left the bruises to prove it, and he’s going to continue to prove it when he returns to Detroit. Bob Backlund stops by the booth to keep watch on his buddy Rick Martel, just in case Fidel wants to get involved, and talk to Jesse about his upcoming title match with Valentine. He’s humble, but he’s had battles with Mr. Valentine before and he’s going to show you don’t a need a team of henchman to be a champion. 1/14/1984 Big Time Wrestling “Free for All” Montage, Lord Layton and Jesse Ventura introduce the card and the crowd. Comrade Slaughter and Koloff have some words. This alliance is about international peace and prosperity, under the watch of American Discipline and Russian Teamwork. You Motory City Grease Monkeys don’t know anything about either. You wait for your checks you didn’t earn, making things that people don’t need, while the fat cats sit around and eat sushi. You’re doughy and weak. Of all people, this brings out Pretty Boy Doug and Best in Class Bass, along with Don Carson! Why, darn gone it, they’re representative of the American Dream, they claim. They’ve worked their way up the ranks, they work hard dammit! And to have you two bozos walking around insulting everyone just ain’t right. And on top of that, you’re both ugly! This doesn’t go well for them. Slaughter and Koloff seem to contemplate the comments, but viciously assault them at the broadcast area. BTW officials hurry on to the scene as the Sarge and Uncle Ivan gloat over the fallen bodies. Christy stops by the commentary table to let us know that due to this match and his interest in the Koko-Rocky matchup, there will be no Magic Hour this week. He’s also been on the phone with BTW brass- he knows Steele is in line for an eliminator shot. Layton tells him he is right, Steele is a top contender. And due to the time limit draw last week, Rocky Johnson! is going to face George Steele in a title eliminator matchup, right here on Big Time Wrestling, but only if Rocky can get by Koko Ware tonight and maintain his winning ways. Jesse, for his part, isn’t scared. Greg Valentine can take both men at the same time if he has to. But he does wish Christy luck. Rick Martel is out, and he wants another shot at Chicky Starr. He was informed by the brass that his time limit draw with Chicky is the main reason neither is in the title eliminator match next week. Chicky arrives, and he notes the tables have turned. Where once the great Martel ignored him, now the great Starr can ignore Martel. But he recognizes the need for a win to separate himself, and he agrees they should have a rematch - with no time limits, of course. Lord Layton is sure the BTW office will be able to get something on the books. Greg Valentine has returned! He downplays the losses of the Union tonight, points to Jesse Barr and his victory last week, and his own continued winning streak. Howdy-Doody may have beaten him in the past, but Valentine is a more complete, and more importantly, tougher wrestler now than he has ever been before. Backlund doesn’t stand a chance. Backlund won’t even get by Jesse Barr tonight in his match. At this point, Chicky Starr and Fidel Sierra ambush Rick Martel at ringside! Backlund is going to help him, but Valenine blasts him with the title belt! It’s chaos! We have gotta go! 1/21/1984 Big Time Wrestling The Blackjacks get some TV time afterwards and while they appreciated Somers & Bass attempting to stand up for America last week, they might not be the best candidates for it. The Blackjacks are big, tough, American butt kicking machines and if Slaughter & Koloff have a problem with how they live, or how anyone lives, maybe they should come by the ranch and talk to them personally. Leo wants Sierra and Starr to know that he respects his countryman Rick Martel and he isn’t happy with what happened last week. He’s also not just a tag team wrestler, he’s an accomplished competitor and is looking to make a name in both divisions. Starr is angry and comes out of the back to jaw with Leo - which brings out Martel. Layton cautions against more of the violence that we saw last week. Starr and Martel both seem to grasp it can’t happen like that every week. Martel reminds Starr they both need wins to get in title contention. Starr gets it - he tells Rick that if he stays out of his business, he’ll stay out of Rick’s business, and they can settle their differences at the 1-28 supershow episode if everyone agrees. We seem to have a deal. Leo Burke is a bit put-off by his sudden push to the back of this little episode. The Magic Hour Paul Christy doesn’t need a guest to entertain you, but he has one anyone. And it’s Paul Christy! Christy asks himself about his recent financial windfall. He’s bought some fine clothes, ate some fine meals, and drank some fine drinks. Unfortunately the women here in Detroit aren’t up to those standards, but he’s had some fine women shipped in as well. Paul asks Paul about Rocky Johnson and Koko Ware - specificially, what is Koko’s major malfunction? Christy doesn’t know, but he suspects that evil Svengali Rocky Johnson has some sort of psychic hold on Koko Ware. Otherwise, why wouldn’t Koko have taken the opportunity presented to him and won the match last week? A moment’s hesistation can cost one a lifetime of opportunities. Christy reminds Rocky that Masa Fuchi and himself will be there next week in the big eliminator matchup. Can Rocky count on Koko?

My favorite jobber ever, off to that never-ending shower in the sky.

Anybody wanna send me a tape of that Race-Bock match? I have some rare original copies of the defunct WWF to trade

Are you sure you aren't Dusty himself?

Stan Hansen! Hansen vs. Hogan in America was one of the great missed feuds of the 80s.

Hollywoods vs Fabs is going to be a ripper, can't wait. I think Tommy Rich needs to get himself some AWA title shots! ... or is it going to be NWA? dun dun dun

The stuff for Jerry's restaurant is a great touch! Buzz & Hernandez vs. Brody/Hansen is a killer matchup, I absolutely love all 4. I think Herc is pretty underrated historically in this period from what I've read. He was really interesting to watch, if not the most technically perfect. Dundee vs. Piper is an inspired pairing that I think would have done really well. No doubt Lawler vs Reed will be a MOTY candidate for me. Really big fan of Saito & Khan in Memphis too!

I mean, a really tough guy can still lose a fight. It's not entirely unthinkable a drunk Orndorff could get beat up once in his life.

Big Time Wrestling Champions Heavyweight Champion : Greg Valentine Tag Team Champions : Bob Orton Jr & Dick Slater

DETROIT - The New Year's Eve show was a live success but closed circuit didn't do well. The thought is that the crowds are not thinking about circuit showings because the company doesn't tour outside the State Fair building and Cobo but owner Matty Mouran is interested in maximizing profit so there might be expanded touring of the Michigan area soon depending on his feelings, but plans change. - Iron Mike Sharpe and Bad News Allen took direct cabs to the airport to fly over to Japan for the tour starting on the 1st which is amazing, they must not have slept at all. They were not happy being booked on the show but worked anyway. Sharpe was especially upset at the lack of shower time and is said to be cranky in Japan stil - The territory doesn't have many traditional faces but it looks like Rocky Johnson and Bob Backlund will be getting New York style face pushes in the future. They need to do something because crowds are behind some of the crew who are technically faces by the booking like Orton and Slater but the heels are much stronger overall - I've heard TV might be expanding to 90 minutes but it's a balancing act because the office wants big names and matches on the shows to make up for the lack of house business but with the win-loss record booking it is difficult to have too many matches and keep talent strong. - Gorilla Monsoon is allegedly still drawing a check from the office despite not being on TV or involved in any way. The joke is that owner Mouran doesn't pay much attention to payroll (BTW is a small sliver of his holdings which include insurance companies and the Ambassador Bridge, a major border crossing, which reminds me of a Roller Derby story about a 6'8 skater named Border Crossing who was a big star in San Jose in the 1950s before he got involved in a prescription drug ring that operated out of Tijuana) and gets Gorilla confused with George Steele who goes by "Animal" on TV but not on the official documents