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JIP with a struggle over an apron suplex. Ace hits a rope-assisted Ace crusher while dropping off the apron that looks brutal. Kobashi can't seem to make anything stick for a while afterwards despite the usual 150% effort, and this sequence seems really well done. Ace gets caught during this part while going up for a moonsault. Kobashi is able to interrupt but Ace kicks him a few times and goes back on offense. Ace hits the moonsault but doesn't get 3. Kobashi takes over and hits a series of finisher level moves that he can't follow up on fast enough to make them a finish. It's a good sequence but Kobashi working from underneath is way better than Ace working from underneath. I liked Ace interrupting Kobashi's first moonsault attempt and using the taped , injured leg to drive it home a lot. It's down to one minute left and Kobashi is still on top, but can't keep much moving forward without having to sell the leg. Kobashi hits the moonsault with a little bit to spare, does he get the 3 or is it a draw? Really good way to finish a match with these two. I have some quibbles with Ace's corner lariats and knees. But they told a really good story for what there was (9 minutes). Wouldn't mind seeing the full match at all.

I liked this promo a lot. They get over the idea that the DA is going to run all of the babyfaces out after hurting Sting. Paul not wanting to stop until the WCW is dead sounds really cool. But who is going to sign the paychecks then?

I'd say Heyman's freakout over the Sting deal was an act within the promo. Heyman's intention was to draw Sting out, so he is looking for ways to piss Bagwell off and get him to throw a punch. The condescension is really good from Paul here, but when that doesn't work he changes gears.

Fuller decking Lee was a markout moment for sure. The tie choking was awesome and that promo was such a great fired-up babyface promo. When Fuller leaves I'll be sad he's not cutting these kinds of promos on the Moondogs, but as long as he has promos that make tape and are on my TV I'll be okay.

LOL at the description for the Hansen tag. Damn him for all of those unnecessary flips and twists. Hash vs the Bullies would have been fun. I have this feeling that Baba vs Fujiwara would have been an absolutely fascinating match.

Loved this promo from Piper. Seems like some of it at least is personal, which is probably why the promo comes across as impassioned as it does.

Garvin is surprisingly not shitty as a babyface. I mean, he's lacking polish and not overly good, but the tools are there which is way, way more than I'd say for him as a heel. That being said, did this need to be 2/3 falls? With a guy as limited as Garvin that's just not needed. The figure fours did go on too long and I wish it had been just a 9 minute single fall.

For joeg

February 22nd, 1986 Guaynabo Puerto Rico Ron & Chicky Starr vs. Los Super Medicos Super Medicos get the better of the match early with brawling tactics. Ron and Medico 1 have a great punch exchange capped off by 1's punch rush. Chicky cheats his way to coming back with an eye rake and a low blow. Medico 2 gets the hot tag, but los Mercenarios hit ringside and distract both Medicos. It looks like los Super Medicos are going to win anway when Mercenario 1 trips up Medico 1 running the ropes and Chicky rolls Medico up with a generous handful of tights for the 1, 2, 3. The Starrs advance. Los Mercenarios and the Starrs work on Medico 2 post-match, busting him open with repeated bashes into the post. Multiple chairshots by both Starrs as los Mercenarios hold off Super Medico 1 & 3. Los Invaders come running out for the save, but the damage has been done. Jonathan Boyd & the Crusher w/Barrabas vs. Invader 1 & 2 Invader 1 & 2 work together well, but Boyd and the Crusher are an experienced team and end up slowing down the momentum with stalling enough to get on top. Invader 1 takes a big beating and bleeds through the mask, but makes his signature comeback after a signature kick to the nether regions of the Crusher. Barrabas tries to interfere only to be knocked off the apron. Invader 2 hits big left hooks on Boyd as Invader 1 puts the sleeper on Crusher for the win. Los Invaders advance. TNT w/El Profe vs. Gama Singh This one is an out and out brawl. SIngh throws caution to the wind and charges TNT at the bell. TNT tries to keeo him at bay using kicks and chops, but Singh's fury gets him in close with the advantage as often as not. Singh's anger gets the best of him as Profe distracts him on the apron and TNT puts on the cobra dinamita for the win when Singh passes out. TNT looks at Profe, who shakes his head no and he releases the hold. Owen Hart vs. Ricky Santana Clean match again with a little more intensity. Both men slap each other back and forth a few times. Ricky looks to set up the fisherman's suplex and Owen knees him in the groin before Ricky can pick up the leg. Owen goes up top and hits the missile dropkick for 3 to a lot of boos from the crowd. The Rock 'n' Roll RPMs vs. Huracan Castillo Jr. & Miguelito Perez The two teams work a clean but competitive match with a lot of their big moves on show. The RPMs briefly work over Perez's cut. Castillo and Perez attack Lan's ribs for a short time. The RPMs are able to score the victory with a Davis inside cradle to Perez. All four shook hands after the match. Hercules Ayala w/Invader 1 vs. Al Madril w/Chicky Starr © for the NWA WWC Caribbean Heavyweight Championship in a submission match If it wasn't nailed down at ringside it was used by one or the other during the match. Both got their heads rammed into the scorers table alongside the basketball court. Madril got his leg draped across it several times. Invader 1 was wearing a new mask and there were several teases of a Chicky Starr/Invader 1 brawl in anticipation of the tag finals. Ayala was able to put the figure four on in the center of the ring and use his strength to keep Madril there. Invader 1 kept Chicky occupied and Madril gave up. Hercules Ayala is the new Carribean Heavyweight Champion. Ayala refused to release the hold and a small brawl broke out as Invader 2 and Colon came out to make sure nobody attacked Ayala. Victor and Ron Starr were unable to make the save and Madril started screaming in pain as Ayala broke his leg. The Starrs helped Madril to the back as los Invaders, Ayala and Colon celebrated. Ron & Chicky Starr vs. Invader 1 & 2 for the vacant NWA WWC Caribbean Tag Team Championships Ron and Chicky are furious, vowing revenge on the microphone pre-match. The Starrs try to go after the cut on Invader 1 but both Invaders are way too fired up. Both Invaders hit ball shots on Ron. The Starrs gain control and turn Invader 1's mask sideways and work the cut. Invader 1 is still fighting but can't see, so he rips off the mask and starts fighting back while the crowd goes nuts. After the hot tag both Invaders bite at Chicky's forehead enough to make him bleed. Invader 1 spills over the top to the floor when Ron pulls on the ropes as he tries to bounce off of them. Chicky gets a counter rollup on 2 and puts both feet on the ropes for the three as Ron pastes Invader 1 with a chair outside. The Starrs are new champions. After the match the Starrs continue to work on Invader 2 in the ring with the chair. Ron takes trips to the outside to attack a badly bleeding and not moving Invader 1 on the floor. Carlitos Colon hits the ring and it takes three chairshots to put him on the mat bloody. The Starrs work on Invader 2 for a while with the chair. Garbage is flying in the ring from all sides. The Starrs raise their arms in victory and exit, leaving both Invaders and Colon bloodied and on the ground. Intermission Los Assassins vs. the Batten Twins The Batten twins with a perfunctory win after a double dropkick. Bam Bam w/Barrabas vs. Abdullah the Butcher w/Chicky Starr This is every bit the battle of the monsters it should be. Abdullah wastes no time carving up Bam Bam with the fork. Within 3 minutes of the start of the match Bam Bam has wrested control of the fork away from Abby and opened up his forehead as well. There is a lot of wobbling as these two bloody behemoths try to knock one another down. Abby scores the first knockdown after going downstairs and followingwith several throat thrusts and a lariat. He hits the big elbow drop on Bam Bam but the young American gets a foot in the ropes at 2. Bam Bam puts Abdullah on the mat with a series of coerner avalanches to set up a slam. He hits the slingshot splash only to have Abdullah put his foot on the ropes. Both managers spend most of the match getting out of the way when anything spills outside. The match ends when Abdullah and Bam Bam brawl all around the court and out the entrance. Chicky and Barrabas look at one another with obvious dislike (or hate), but both shrug and walk away. Bruiser Brody w/Chicky Starr vs. Carlitos Colon © for the NWA WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship Brody is wilder than usual here. Chicky does his best to control him and plead with referee Victor Quinonez to not count the match out. Brody does attack the cut Colon got earlier tonight and bust it wide open. The match goes everywhere in the arena, the scorers table is again used liberally. Brody's head is busted open on it. Colon slams Brody's head into the side of the tunnel leading to the locker rooms as they turn back towards the ring and bounces it off a few more times as they move back into the arena. Brody hits a big boot and screams at some of the fans and Chicky Starr before disappearing into the tunnel. Quinonez calls the match. Brody comes out of the tunnel carrying a spare piece of railing not used in the ring setup and hits Colon with it before going after Chicky. Chicky runs and Abby is out soon to confront Brody. Bam Bam joins the mix and it is a battle of the bloodied monsters as Colon is helped out of the arena and Chicky makes his escape. About the tag match final. Watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5LKear9iLs Seriously, take 20 minutes and watch it. It encapsulates everything I love about Chicky Starr in a small viewing session. About 4 minutes in (skipping to this doesn't hurt anything) Chicky is demanding that Colon leave so it's not 3 on 2. Once Colon leaves the ring Ron and Chicky feel like picking a fight with just him until the Invaders pop out to join. The match is a master class in how to shine up babyfaces and work a heat. And the post-match is a can't-miss bloodbath. It is my favorite match from PR and one of my top 5 ever. Chicky is in there twice btw.

Posting this as a glimpse into how I see my house shows and a look at the NWA 6-Man belts and Universal title being defended on the loop. I'll have the big show up a little later. WWC House Show 2/21/18 Bayamon, Puerto Rico Los Tejanos vs. The Batten Twins The Batten Twins control with teamwork and get the win with a double dropkick in just over 5 minutes. TNT w/ El Profe vs. Gama Singh Singh is able to control when he can bring TNT to the mat, but TNT makes the most of his TKD backgroud when they are on their feet. TNT is distracted arguing with referee Tomas Marin about El Profe's interference and gets rolled up for 3 in 11:30. Owen Hart vs. Ricky Santana The match is more aggressive on both sides but there is no cheating. Owen gets the win with a rollup and proceeds to yell at Santana about not needing to use the tights. Santana answers with a slap that leaves Owen fuming as Santana leaves ringside. Huracan Castillo Jr. & Miguelito Perez vs. Los Mercenarios This is an out and out brawl with Castillo and Perez looking for revenge after los Mercenarios cost them their quarterfinals tournament match. Within 5 minutes all 4 are bloody and brawling all around ringside. Referee Ricky Vargas counts all 4 out soon after, but the brawl keeps going for a while. Al Madril w/Chicky Starr vs. Hercules Ayala Starr gets involved early and often. Invader 1 is out to balance things and it turns into Madril and Ayala trying to tear apart the other's leg in preparation for tomorrow night. The match turns into a knock down-drag out brawl with both Madril and Ayala bleeding before it reaches the 20 minute time limit. Ron Starr w/Chicky Starr vs. Carlitos Colon w/Invader 1 © for the NWA WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship Colon and Ron have a rugged battle with both taking their lumps for portions of the match. Ron misses a knee drop off the top and this gives Colon the opening he needs. Rapid fire elbow drops to the leg are followed with the figure four and Invader 1 detains Chicky to allow Colon time to get the submission. Armandito Salgado vs. Bobby Jaggers Jaggers pummels Salgado on his way to hitting a big clothesline for the win. Los Invaders vs. Jonathan Boyd, the Crusher & Bam Bam w/Barrabas © for the NWA 6-Man Tag Championships Los Invaders show great teamwork and it neutralizes the 270 pound Crusher. Bam Bam cannot be taken off his feet and puts all three Invaders down after some wobbling. Invader 1 plays face-in-peril and takes a beating from all 3 champs. He is able to make the tag to 2 who cleans house on Boyd and the Crusher. Bam Bam again proves the deciding factor, with los Invaders unable to stop him. Barrabas is caught by referee Victor Quinonez interfering and the resulting argument nearly keeps him from seeing Bam Bam's cover after a top rope splash. Nearly, but Quinonez notices and it does get the champs the 3 count and they retain their belts.

Larry Z needs to start paying more attention. Dusty and Patera tore the house down with that bullrope match. So close for British Steel. And the idea of Bock vs. Blackwell is mind-blowing.

For all the work these guys had to do getting around the ridiculous stips and awful ending, this match really should have sucked. It was actually still really good even in clipped form even if it was not as good as their other matches. Craig and Pritchard did good on commentary, I liked Pritchard a lot as the not quite heel color guy. That's two really cutting edge American matches in a row.

The smark commentary threw me off some. Both of these guys went balls to the wall and threw ridiculous highspots out there in ways that wouldn't be seen until the likes of Rey, Juvi and Kidman in the late 90s. They did bring some really intense actual wrestling and smart spots into the mix as well, which I liked. I agree with Sleeze that they seemed to forget selling as the match went on and focused more on throwing big bombs. I also thought the early going they got into the pattern of quick action -> work a hold and plan the next sequence -> repeat a little too much for my tastes.

The every man for himself match caught my eye too. Can all 3 please stay?? Jeff Jarrett better get himself some wrasslin' boots. Lawler and Nikita sounds like a ton of fun.

I like the Harts/Rougeaus feud as well, but the King Tonga/Stud Stable feud is where my attention would be.

Those were the things that stood out for me too. The main would have been incredible and Savage vowing revenge on anyone is must-see. I do like the focus on the Heenan family here.

The Crusher is Rip Morgan, half of the "other" Kiwi Sheepherders team with none other than Jonathan Boyd. Not sure how I manage that connection with Butch and Luke yet. In truth Victor has been under a jobber mask for a while. He was doing that for the early part of his career to gain experience. I just had to find a sneaky way for Madril and Chicky to try and hurt Ayala one last time that nobody would see coming. Barrabas' whole deal is that he has always been one of the supporting cast. He was never really a star and even as a manager was overshadowed by first Hugo as the big heel manager then Chicky. So I am looking at it as a guy who has never been successful and has always been jealous sabotaging his own chances at success (basically, using Bam Bam properly to make himself a major name) for various reasons. Right now he's being petty when he could be having the titles defended on TV as often as possible to really show the fans that he's got something special. Shooting himself in the foot by trying to get back at the people who have wronged him over the years in his mind (the promotion, the fans). He also has the problem of Chicky Starr being completely willing to cut his knees out from under him any way possible, which is trouble for a guy who is insecure, jealous and petty. What is going on right now is just showing that Barrabas has no idea how to handle success and tends to ruin it for himself.

Original Airdate: February 21st, 1986 (Originally airing in Spanish on WAPA Channel 4 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This broadcast is translated to English where applicable.) The opening montage featuring highlights of Carlos Colon, Chicky Starr, Invader 1, Invader 2, Invader 3, Abdullah the Butcher, Hercules Ayala, Bam Bam and Dutch Mantell plays. Carlos Colon doing a cartwheel and coming up fists at the ready leads to the WWC logo as the music ends. NWA and Capitol Sports Presenta Los Campeones De La Lucha Libre Con Tus Luchadores Favoritos De Fama Mundial Rickin Sanchez and Hugo Savinovich sit smiling at the commentary desk in Coliseo Municipal Pedro Rodriguez Gaya De Catano. Rickin: Welcome to a big week of World Wrestling Council action fans. I am joined as always by my broadcast partner Hugo Savinovich. Hugo: It's great to be here waith you Rickin! We have a great main event for the fans!! Rickin: We certailnly do. Before we get there we will see both Owen Hart and Al Madril in singles action. Hugo: I'm sure Owen Hart is still angry after last week's main event! Rickin: I watched that match and did not see Ricky Santana grab Hart's tights. Hugo: I didn't see it either, but Owen was pretty convinced! Rickin: I'm not sure that will go well leading into their match tomorrow night. Speaking of Ricky Santana, he will be visiting Chicky's Sports Shop for the second time tonight. Hugo: Not a great idea, but I don't think anything bad will come out of it. Rickin: We can hope not. Los Mercenarios will be in tag team acation. Hercules Ayala will have his final tune-up before the submisson match with Al Madril for the NWA WWC Carribean Heavyweight Championship tomorrow night. Hugo: He better be careful! Rickin: I don't doubt that he has backup close at hand. Barrabas and El Profe wil be out to the desk as well. Hugo: Both have clients with big matches tomorrow night! Rickin: Yes, TNT will be taking on Gama Singh and Bam Bam will face Abdullah the Butcher one on one. Our main event tonight will have all 4 tag teams left in he tournament to crown new NWA WWC Carribean Tag Team Champions. Hugo: Boyd and the Crusher teaming with Ron and Chicky Starr!! Will Chicky and Barrabas be able to coexist?!? Rickin: That is the question tonight. We know los Invaders and los Super Medicos will at least be able to coexist, even if they do not team regularly. Hugo: Barrabas and Chicky have never gotten along. Maybe the uphill battle they face tonight will force them to work together! Rickin: Stranger things have happened. Here comes Owen Hart to mostly boos. And he isn't handling it well. Hugo: The crowd has really started to embrace Ricky Santana, which doesn't bode well for Hart! Rickin: He doesn't make things easier on himself with his outbursts. Hugo: He's still very young and under a lot of pressure! Rickin: Ricky Santana is under just as much pressure, but seems to handle himself with more dignity. Hugo: Too much! He needs to get angry when it is necessary. Rickin: I don't entirely disagree. Owen Hart takes things too far and lets his emotions get the better of him. Hugo: He just attacked Armandito Salgado before the bell! Armandito Salgado vs. Owen Hart Hart is smooth as always, but more aggressive than he has been in the past. He lands a flurry of punches after raking the eyes of Salgado. Hart sets Salgado up top and throws him three quarters of the way across the ring with a top rope belly to belly for the 3 count. Owen Hart by pinfall in 4:16 with a top rope belly to belly Rickin: Hart salvaged some momentum going into tomorrow there. Hugo: Very important thing to do! Rickin: It was unnecessary to go after the eyes though. Hugo: It got the job done! Rickin: Still unnecessary in my book. Up next we'll be visiting Chicky's Sports Shop. Followed by los Mercenarios in action, we'll be right back. (Commercial Break) 0-8:30 RIckin: We're back and it's time to pay a visit to the Sports Shop. The intro to Chicky's Sports Shop plays and the camera cuts to Victor holding a microphone in the shop. Victor (wooden): It is my pleasure to introduce the hottest wrestler and manager in the World Wrestling Council. Ladies and gentlemen, here is the most exciting, most charismatic, best dressed man in Puerto Rico, Chicky Starr. Chicky walks in, dressed in his athletic gear holding a microphone and sits down. Chicky: Before I go any further this week I want to thank last week's guest Ric Flair again for paying me a visit. I will be returning the favor in March, making a trip to North Carolina in the United States. As a personal guest of Ric Flair. Something very few wrestlers in the WWC can say. Chicky pauses. Chicky: I can see that my guest this week is getting bored while I give my fans the good news we all know they want to hear. Why don't we bring him in so he can stop yawning. You all know him as the man who has to resort to underhanded tactics in order to get a win over Owen Hart, Ricky Santana. Santana walks on set, a little angry, sits down and takes the microphone on his chair. Santana: Should have known you'd agree with Hart that I had the tights. Watch it back, I pinned him cl- Chicky: Nobody would blame you if you did. The man dropped you crotch-first on the top rope to get a win. You can admit it. Santana: I guess last week you were too busy planning your trip and buddying up to the ex-world champion to actually watch the match. Chicky: So you're saying I should pay attention to some snot-nosed kid wrestling rather than spend time with a living legend? Win a few titles and maybe I'll start paying attention. Maybe you didn't have a handful of tights. Doesn't sound like something one of Colon's cronies would be allowed to do. Santana: Allowed? It's not like there is a rul- Chicky: Regardless, tomorrow you won't be celebrating after the match. I have spoken with Owen Hart this last weekend and given him the key to beating you. Santana: Here I thought you couldn't be bothered to watch me wrestle. Chicky: I don't need to. I've seen dozens of Ricky Santanas come and go. Did you really think adding a suplex to your arsenal was enough? Owen Hart is twice the wrestler you are and he will prove it tomorrow night! Santana: I've had enough of this, don't let me see you tomorrow! Santana storms off the set. Chicky grins. Chicky: I hope you all had as much fun watching that as I did experiencing it. I'd like to end the show for me by wishing Hercules Ayala the best of luck in his match tonight. He'll need all the momentum he can get to beat Al Madril tomorrow night. Ric Flair's closing comments from last week play to end the show. Cut to the arena. Hugo: Chicky was in rare form tonight! Rickin: Indeed. He certainly got to Ricky Santana. I hope he didn't get inside his head, that could really work against him tomorrow night. Hugo: Not all attacks are physical! Rickin: Very true. Los Mercenarios are on their way to the ring. Hugo: They were unsuccessful in hurting los Super Medicos last week. Rickin: Los Super Medicos were ready for them. Until the tournament is over I think both los Mercenarios and los Invaders have to be wary. Hugo: Probably why they have been working together! Rickin: That seems likely. Hugo: Smart way of doing things, right up until somebody stabs you in the back! Rickin: Neither team seems like the type. Mercenarios are rushing the ring. MR. X & Y vs. Los Mercenarios Mercenarios with their clubbering, brawling style bring the fight all around ringside. Mr. X gets a schoolboy for 2 that serves only to make los Mercenarios angry. Rib breaker by Merc 1 leads to the running splash by Merc 2 for the 3 count. Los Mercenarios by pinfall in 5:24 with the rib breaker/splash combo Rickin: Los Mercenarios earn another win, but will still be very far from the tag titles. Hugo: Good thing they don't mind! Rickin: As long as they get paid, yes. There is no need for the attack to continue here. Hugo: I'm sure they have their reasons! Rickin: None that I agree with. We'll be back with Barrabas at the desk and Al Madril in singles action. (Commercial Break) 8:30-18:30 Rickin: Welcome back fans, I am joined by Barrabas and all three of his charges, the NWA 6-Man Tag Team Champions. Barrabas: Yes, they are the champions. Champions who you will never see defend their titles on TV! THe belts will be defended in a few days, but only the fans in attendance get to see. Rickin: It amazes me that this makes you so proud. Barrabas: Oh, it does? These people here have never once looked at me as someone worthy. Always second or third best. Now they know better! Who else in the WWC has NWA titles? Rickin: Nobody. Barrabas: That's right. And after everything is said and done in Guaynabo Jonathan Boyd and the Crusher will have the Carribean Tag Titles as well. Who do they have to face? Los Invaders can't hope to stop the power of the Crusher. Then the finals against either los Super Medicos or the Starrs. Again, nobody can match the power of the Crusher. And I haven't even mentioned that Jonathan Boyd is every bit as dangerous as the big man of the team. Rickin: I might point out that you only beat the Rock and Roll RPMs due to Bam Bam injuring Tommy Lane beforehand. Barrabas: You might, but you'd be wrong. They didn't "only" win because Lane was injured. It was just an insurance policy. Rickin: Speaking of insurance policies, Bam Bam came up short against los Invaders. Barrabas: Barely and against 4 men with chairs. Even you had to be impressed. Rickin: He is a very tough, powerful man. Barrabas: He is! And he will only prove that further by defeating Abdullah the Butcher one on one in Guaynabo. Name me more than three men you know of who have done that! Rickin: That would be difficult. Barrabas: I know. It puts Bam Bam in very distinguished company even being in the conversation. Rickin: It really does. Barrabas: It's rare that I find you agreeable, Rickin Sanchez. I should let you keep the microphone more often. Barrabas and company depart the interview area as Rickin heads back around the desk. Hugo: When did you two get so friendly? Rickin: I....don't know. Hugo: Hey! THere's Al!! Rickin: Next thing you know i'll be having friendly chats with Al Madril. Hugo: It could happen! Rickin: I'm finding that out. Al is looking very confident tonight. Hugo: He usually does, but I see what you mean! Rickin: I wonder if he and Chicky Starr have something in store for Hercules Ayala tonight? Hugo: I'd put money on it! Rickin: Now that you say that, Chicky did mention Hercules Ayala on the Sports Shop. Hugo: Yes he did! Rickin: I suppose we will worry about that after the break. Referee Tomas Marin is calling for the bell. Frank Conners vs. Al Madril Madril is focused on the leg most of the match, using the ring apron and post. Conners makes a game effort but falls over when he tries a vertical suplex. Madril pulls Conners up before 3 and works the leg shortly before putting on the Indian deathlock for the submission. Al Madril by submission in 4:39 with an Indian deathlock Rickin: That's another submission win for Al Madril going into tomorrow night's submissoon match against Hercules Ayala. Hugo: I still worry about Al's chances. Hercules Ayala is not a man to be trifled with and I don't think Al takes him seriously enough. Rickin: We agree on that. Up next we will hear from El Profe and TNT when they join me at the desk. Hercules Ayala will be in singles action as well. Don't go anywhere. (Commercial Break) 18:30-26:00 Rickin: I am joined now by TNT and his manager, El Profe. Your match with Gama Singh is approaching fast and he has made comments advising you to stay out of the match. Profe: I advised him not to take the match. I can tell you for certain that he would have been smarter to listen. Can you tell me for certain that I will regret drawing the ire of Gama Singh. Rickin: I doubt it feels good to be punched. Or worse. Profe: That is fair. But you forget or ignore that I train TNT. I have taken worse than Gama Singh can dish out. And what do you think happens when Gama Singh turns his anger on me? Rickin: I see where you are going with this. Profe: Too bad for Gama Singh that he doesn't. If he wants to be an animal and hit everything that moves, it's his funeral. Because TNT is a smart fighter. He was already smart when he came to me. But I have trained him to be smarter. Gama Singh won't be able to do much about me when he's stuck in el cobra dinamita! Rickin: From what I've seen of TNT he doesn't need a man to distract his opponents. Profe: Need would be a strong word, yes. TNT is a 5th rank black belt in tae kwan do and an extensively trained pro wrestler. But every little bit helps. The one thing I agree with your washed up, over-excited sidekick on. Rickin: There is no need to attack Hugo. Profe: The less intelligent always need to be told where they stand. Gama Singh, Hugo Savinovich, it hardly matters. Even you, Rickin, despite being able to carry on a conversation with me, need to know you are not my equal. Good day. Hugo: Ass! Rickin: I tend to agree with you but that's not how I would put it on-air. Hugo: I know! Why do you think I did it for you?!? Rickin: I do appreciate that. Here comes Hercules Ayala, much more calm and cautious than we have seen him of late. Hugo: Smart. Invader 1 and Colon have more brains than I thought! Rickin: I doubt they are far from the entrance to the arena floor. Hugo: I agree. Madril and Chicky have this one last chance to strike at Ayala before the big match. Rickin: Even if they hadn't all but announced it, I would be expecting it. Hugo: You are a very intelligent man, El Profe has no right to call you stupid! Rickin: He's just stroking his own ego, no need to get too upset. Hugo: Alright, it looks like it's time to start! And isn't Mr. Z a little bigger than normal?!? Mr. Z vs. Hercules Ayala Ayala uses a mix of brawling and legal attacks to the leg of Mr. Z. Just when he is getting ready to apply the reverse figure four, Madril, Ron Starr and Chicky Starr come rushing down the aisle. Mr. Z pops back up and grabs Ayala from behind. Ron Starr and Madril get to work on Ayala's leg for the DQ as los Invaders and Carlitos Colon sprint down the aisle. Hercules Ayala by disqualification in 4:07 due to outside interference Z, Madril and the Starrs brawl around ringside with los Invaders and Colon. Ayala recovers and turns the tides. Mr. Z's mask gets ripped off to reveal Victor the Bodyguard as the Starrs and their allies retreat. Hugo: They sent in Victor as Mr.Z! What a great trick! Rickin: He played the part well. Chicky Starr is certainly inventive. Hugo: He is! Very smart man! Rickin: If only he would put that smarts to good use. Up next I will again have the distinct pleasure of talking to Carlitos Colon. And we will have our main event 8-man tag. You won't want to miss any of this, so stay tuned. (Commercial Break) 26:00-35:00 Rickin: We are back and I am joined by Carlitos Colon. We are very close to another challenge by Bruiser Brody for your NWA WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship. Colon: Bruiser Brody will always be a dangerous opponent even without Chicky Starr in his corner. With Chicky Starr involved it becomes much more difficult. Rickin: Chicky Starr and Bruiser Brody have been on different pages of late, does that have any effect on how you prepare for the match? Colon: Not at all. We both know how Chicky Starr operates. These miscommunications could just as well be manufactured for our benefit. If it does happen that Brody is out of control and it works to my advantage, so be it. It can just as easily work against me if Chicky Starr is not truly able to control Brody. Bruiser Brody is a very dangerous man. Rickin: You seem more calm than last time we spoke. Colon: I have to be. Chicky Starr wants me to be emotional so he can manipulate things to his advantage. Now if I were facing Chicky Starr or Ric Flair, we'd be having a different conversation. RIc Flair and I have had our battles for years. One day we will have to settle things for good. Chicky Starr is relentless when it comes to causing problems and we both know what he really wants. Rickin: Yes, he wants to run you and los Invaders out of the WWC. Colon: This is just his latest attempt, do you think he will stop if it doesn't work? Rickin: I highly doubt it. Colon: I want to reassure you and all of these great fans that this belt and Carlitos Colon are going to be here for a long time! It doesn't matter what devious plan or monster that Chicky Starr or anyone else sends my way. I will overcome this challenge and the next! With the help of these people I can overcome anything! Colon is mobbed by the fans as he makes his way to the back. Rickin: Carlitos Colon seems like he has the right idea going into this match. Hugo: Be ready for anything! Rickin: He has to with Chicky Starr in Bruiser Brody's corner. Hugo: If he wants to keep his belt and his pride yes. Chicky Starr is a smart man and will do absolutely anything to bring Colon down! Rickin: He truly will and that makes him very dangerous. It looks like los Super Medicos and Los Invaders have decided to come out first. Hugo: And together! Rickin: They both know that their opponents tomorrow will do anything to get an advantage before the match. Hugo: I can't blame them for wanting to come out first either. I doubt their opponents will work together enough to attack all four! Rickin: Of course all of this camraderie will go out the window if they find themselvesfacing one another in the finals. Hugo: Yes! But with these two teams there would still be respect and some sense of fair play. You won't get either of those two things from Boyd & the Crusher or the Starrs! Rickin: I agree with that Hugo. All of those cheers are turning into boos as Barrabas leads Jonathan Boyd and the Crusher down to the ring. Hugo: Barrabas looks angry! Rickin: I wonder if it has more to do with Bam Bam's attack on los Invaders failing or Chicky Starr getting to come out second. Hugo: I'd guess a little of both! Barrabas has a lot of pride. Rickin: He does. It's why he won't allow the NWA 6-Man Tag belts to be defended on TV. He feels like he has been slighted for years. Hugo: Even after he stole all of my clients he didn't get a lot of respect. Rickin: Very much due to Chicky Starr. The worst part is that he could command a lot of respect if he would simply showcase his men and the 6-man titles instead of being petty. Hugo: You're probably right about that. The people didn't love me, but they respected that I could keep a man like Abdullah the Butcher under control. Rickin: And now we see our final combatants in the main event. Ron and Chicky Starr are on thier way to the ring and it seems as if many of the fans have saved their trash for right now. Hugo: I bet that only makes Barrabas madder! Rickin: Chicky Starr is taking the opportunity to rub it in. He's standing there inviting the fans to throw things at him. Hugo: Barrabas is shouting down the aisle for the Starrs to hurry up! Rickin: I think that is only driving Chicky to take more time getting to the ring. Ron is starting to yell at Barrabas now. Hugo: This isn't going to go well... Rickin: Los Super Medicos and los Invaders are just watching and talking amongst themselves. Hugo: This has to make their job easier! Rickin: It does seem that way. The Starrs are at ringside and both are arguing with Barrabas. The Crusher steps out and starts getting into it with Ron Starr. Hugo: And Invader 2 attacks Jonathan Boyd right after the bell rings! Jonathan Boyd, the Crusher, Ron Starr and Chicky Starr vs. Los Super Medicos & Los Invaders Boyd is quadruple teamed with not much help as both Starrs actively keep the Crusher from interfering. Boyd forcibly tags in Chicky, who is then quadruple teamed. The heels get the advantage on Super Medico 2, but the Crusher tags himself in and demands that one of the Invaders tag in. Invader 1 brings the heel team together as both Starrs are more than willing to attack him. Things break down after the hot tag with a 4 on 4 brawl. The first man to run down to ringside is Al Madril followed closely by los Mercenarios. Hercules Ayala is not far behind, with Castillo and Perez hot on his heels. Referee Victor Quinonez calls for the bell as Bam Bam reaches ringside, only to be followed by Invader 3 and Colon. The match ends in a no contest at 12:41 The Rock 'n' Roll RPMs come right after BamBam. Abdullah Tamba is out to ringside as well. Ringside, the ring and the aisle are filled with a bloody brawl reminiscent of a few weeks back. TNT hits ringside to assist Chicky Starr, which brings out Gama Singh. Hugo: WOW!! Rickin: We're running short on tim- Hugo: Ron Starr just decked Barrabas! Boyd, Crusher and Bam Bam are not happy! Rickin: As I was saying, we are short of time. We'll see you next week and talk about some of the developments from Guaynabo tomorrow night.

Nintendo Logic gave me this match for the week. Review is here. http://prowrestlingonly.com/index.php?/topic/41166-takako-inoue-vs-mariko-yoshida-81891-ajw/ Overall a good natch dragged down by time constraints and some lapses in selling. Still a nice helping of joshi that is less go-go-go in the appropriate places and I like that.

Title match of some kind. The opening matwork was really good right away. It looked like Yoshida had come in with an injury to her right leg and Takako, the champion, was taking full advantage. Yoshida is really good at creating a sense of struggle from underneath. Once it's Yoshida's turn to work over Takako's back it loses something for me. Takako just isn't as good at working from underneath. Yoshida's selling while working over Takako's back is good too. Once they go to the nearfalls selling seems like it is thrown out the window. I do like that they get across how high risk moves can cost you, but given the time the match runs it seems a little rushed. Yoshida crashes and burns on a dive when Takako moves. Her knee is the focal point of her selling again, which makes me wish she hadn't forgotten it for that stretch. Takako kills her with 3 back suplex variations where Yoshida is sitting on her shoulder, then goes to the leg for the finish. Takako selling her back post-match as well, but it's a little late. Overall a good match with a strong layout that would have benefited from an extended run of offense from both after a missed high risk move and better selling by both. Give it 5 more minutes and extended selling of the back and leg during the offensive flurries and it would have been great.

I agree another top to bottom great effort. Larry Z is gonna get himself in some real hot water sooner or later.

I don't know what to say here. I'll try to put some thoughts down. 1. Even IF the rules were put down that no kicks below the waist were legal. IF because why would the UWFI do that? If I'm going up against a Takada who is known primarily for kicks I'm figuring out how to defend the leg. Because I'm going into that guy's backyard with 3 or 4 of my guys to back me up. I'm going to be prepared. Do I think Berbick prepared for ground fighting? Probably not, which is even dumber. Boxing isn't exactly an honest business either and I'm surprised Berbick fell for this bulllshit. 2. Takada was kicking Berbick in the knee more than a few times. Not the thigh. The knee. Fucking dick. Boxers put more weight on their front leg than their trailing leg. And you kick him in the knee to prove how tough you are? I'm guessing Berbick signed a waiver and regretted it as soon as this sham started. I hope his knee was okay after the...whatever this was. 3. It's pretty clear that the whole point of this was to show that UWFI style was superior to American boxing. And the fans bought it. So I guess hooray for carny shit in Japan. I don't think anyone outside of that fanbase was too impressed.

Shoot me a match and I can try to figure one out for you. I can handle 2 in a week.

Love these two teamed up. They play off of one another so well. I would love to see a full blown Abby/Jack feud someplace they allowed blood and stabby things.

That headlock sequence was a thing of beauty. Austin going into the back work was great too. Steamboat popping up for the clotheslines was incredible. The finish is fine for what it was. Steamer puts on a wrestling clinic here and you can see Austin is drinking it all in the way he's working this match. More Ricky Steamboat please.