dawho5

I've been talking with Boricua about organizing PR. We're making progress as to how we want to approach the subject. I count 3 who would be up for looking at 1988-1992 with specific wrestlers in mind, myself included. I am somewhat familiar with the era, but I think the setup on that project will require a lot of digging into match results, promos, etc. to get the right setup for it (which I think is key). Would have to be a collaborative effort to really dig into whatever resources are available and find the footage to go through. If Migs and Astro are up for it we can start a PM thread where we get things organized.

I like hearing Kawada's early 90s theme even though I'm glad it changed. Kawada's laser focus on the head and neck of Jumbo is superb. Jumbo puts Kawada over great for the massive difference between them in card position. I liked the story a lot with Kawada having to use stuff like headlocks, etc. early to control Jumbo because once Jumbo got loose he was just going to destroy Kawada. The last few sleepers put over how much Kawada's strategy worked and how he actually does have Jumbo on the ropes. It puts Kawada over as smart enough to know he's overmatched and willing to work around that. I liked the idea that if Kawada hits the powerbomb it might work and how we didn't get to find out. Kawada kicking out of the backdrop is big. But we know after that there is no hope left. I think this match really elevates Kawada to a guy who can challenge Jumbo. It's clear here that he is not up to the task yet, but you can see a time in the near future where Jumbo will have his hands full with Kawada. And with the slow development of feuds in All Japan I'm almost sure that is the purpose here.

Referee was Wada Kyohei. I'm not sure if he is head referee yet, but he will be very soon if he isn't. Easily my favorite referee ever. Kroffat and Fuchi were both brilliant in their roles here. Kroffat seemed like he was channeling Kobashi as the match went on. I liked the part where Kroffat decided he'd had enough and just started punching the fuck out of Fuchi. So before Fuchi goes back to the leg he repays that in kind because, well, he's Fuchi goddammit. Usually these juniors matches are meant as midcard, get the crowd riled up type deals but these two made this so much more.

I didn't like the ref immediately giving wright a yellow card for hitting Finlay on the apron only to allow Finlay to do the same multiple times and deliberately attack Wright between rounds with no punishment. Sign me up for more consistent officiating. It got better as the match wore on with the ref refusing to count Finlay's top rope stuff. And the ref allowing Wright to attack on the ground without continuation as Finlay had. Some really cool spots including the ridiculous phantom hair pull. The ref constantly blowing the whistle is something I could do without.

Varsity Club is going strong. Pillman will definitely not last, but Simmons might on intimidation alone. The British guys feuding is a really good idea and would be incredibly entertaining. Milwaukee got their money's worth with that card.

I liked Ross taking apart that decision as well. It should have been a submission win. Anyway, Sting gets to make the save and look good, so mission accomplished.

Really good promo from Simmons. I thought it got a little heavy handed at points, but overall very good. Harley's reaction to it was good too and I really do wish we'd have gotten that full segment.

I actually liked this. It seemed to fit who Sting was at this point better than all of that Flair feuding. Just roll with whatever crazy shit that Cactus and Abby throw out and have fun with it.

Lawler really does come across as a bully towards Travis these last two weeks. I know Travis broke an autographed guitar and all, but really?

I think Lawler comes off a little too dickish these last two weeks. I get that he doesn't like Travis, but he's sounding more like heel Lawler than babyface Lawler.

I liked Marlin's promo a ton. He doesn't say he can still take Embry, but he just wants to punch him in the face, just once. Jeff's subdued promo is pretty good too and I think it works more because of Robert Fuller. He starts off on the same kind of note and works himself up into a frenzy. I have a bunch of Southeastern that I'm pretty sure Robert Fuller is pretty heavily featured on. Will definitely need to watch that.

He had the 2x4 but dropped it. I wondered why with that snake being on the loose. Really good segment for all of the above mentioned reasons. That cobra was all kinds of scary by the way. Freaking monster of a snake that at least looked like it was defanged. I also thought Jake did a great job of hiding himself under the mask.

To be fair, if Tito had been involved in a bullfight he'd have seen his last match. I'm glad these are over as they are at the very least moderately offensive both on a racist and fans-are-stupid level. Also, how does one becoming a matador help win pro wrestling championships?

The Guerreros are on fire pretty much everywhere! That Fantastics vs. Infernales tag would have been so amazing.

Funny, Memphis is a big favorite of mine. If you like Memphis you'll like PR. I'd go as far as to say they do gimmick matches better because they usually pay a ton of attention to the gimmick. If it's a barbed wire match you can be sure that about 1/3 of the match is somebody getting barbed wire stuck into em.

I was not. I did PR on a different board and found that I liked this format. It seemed to me that I could get more of the characters and reasons for things happening across. Especially since without that PR is basically guys punching each other and bleeding. Also, I had a long and winding road of different styles I liked. I used to be a HUGE AJPW guy. Somehow I wound up with PR as easily my favorite kind of wrestling a few years later. One thing I looked at with Owen was his reasons for being a heel right away in the WWF. He was super jealous of Bret and always trying to prove he was the better Hart. Chicky Starr was once a protege of Invader 1 and eventually turned on him for keeping Chicky from higher up opponents. Chicky felt that Invader 1 was holding him back and he was living in Invader 1's shadow because of it. So it seemed like a good idea that Chicky would be able to pick out Owen's insecurities given the similarities of their motivations for going to the darkside IRL. They may not be the exact same heel in mannerisms and tactics, but the way they get there is incredibly similar.

Embry is a highlight as always. Strong heel presence on TV this week. Flair and the Funks is a great feud that I hope continues down the line.

That's two great battle royals in the course of a week or so. Awesome stuff here Low Blow.

You could always try to put together a few weeks worth of the footage we have in some kind of thematic order.

(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 another week of World Wrestling Council action lucha libre fans. Sitting to my left as always is Hugo Savinovich. Hugo: Happy to be here Rickin! Rickin: With the show we have tonight, I think we all are. We'll see both Ricky Santana and Gama Singh in singles matches. Los Mercenarios will be in tag team action. Hugo: They CAN'T be happy after last week! Things did not go according to plan... Rickin: Sometimes they don't. Hercules Ayala will be joining us at the desk before his match tonight. He is fully recovered from that attack to the back of his head by now I'm told. Hugo: The back of your head and your neck are very hard to recover from. Very painful and an easy spot to get hit! Rickin: True enough Hugo. I'm sure Hercules will want to address how that happened as well. the Rock and Roll RPMs will be out to the desk as well. Owen Hart will be joining Chicky Starr in his Sports Shop. Hugo: I doubt Chicky will like what he has to say after last week! Rickin: Very likely not. Los Super Medicos will be out to the desk to talk about their first round win in the tournament to crown new NWA WWC Carribean tag Team Champions. The next match in that tournament will be our main event. Huracan Castillo Jr. and Miguelito Perez will take on the team of Ron and Chicky Starr. Hugo: Tough test for Castillo and Perez! Rickin: I think they'll give the Starrs more trouble than expected. I don't doubt their insurance policy will be close by. Hugo: We both know it will! Rickin...I expected some argument. Hugo: Chicky REALLY wants those titles! Do you think he is going to take chances?!? Rickin: You make a good point. Gama Singh is heading down to the ring and our fans are showing him their appreciation. Hugo: He's been doing very well since he came back to Puerto Rico and the WWC! Rickin: Yes, he was always a very good wrestler. He never had to resort to the dirty tricks in order to win matches. Hugo: Neither did I! Rickin: But you always did anyway. Hugo: Yep! Sometimes it's just more fun. Rickin: ..there are some thing about you I will never understand. Referee Tomas Marin is calling for the bell. Isaac Rosario vs. Gama Singh Singh mixes brawling and technical wrestling to control Rosario. A dropkick by Singh sets up the camel clutch for the win. Gama Singh by submission in 4:38 with a camel clutch El Profe and TNT rush the ring area and TNT blindsides Gama Singh with a roundhouse kick. Some overhand martial arts chops to the head and a 360 degree roundhouse kick put Singh on the canvas. TNT locks on the cobra dinamita (cobra clutch) and won't let go. Ricky Santana and los Invaders rush the ring and TNT bails. Gama Singh is left foaming at the mouth in the center of the ring. Hugo: WOW!! TNT did some real damage there! Rickin: That hold is every bit as lethal as El Profe claimed. Hugo: It is!! Gama Singh is coming around, but he's going to need help getting to the back! Rickin: Imagine if TNT had put the hold on for longer. Hugo: Oh...yeah...there's no need to go THAT far!! Rickin: I agree Hugo. When we come back we'll have los Super Medicos at the desk and Ricky Santana in action. Don't go anywhere. (Commercial Break) 0-10:30 Rickin: We're back and I have been joined by los Super Medicos at the desk. You two have advanced in this tournament and it seemed like you were lucky last week when los Invaders came to your rescue. Medico 1: We knew the attack would come. Chicky Starr isn't hard to predict. There isn't an underhanded tactic he won't use if he wants something. We asked los Invaders to back us up. Rickin: It was a tough match against los Mercenarios. Were you worried going in? Medico 1: We were prepared. Los Mercenarios are going to try to beat you into submission. We went in expecting a brawl and gave it back as much as we got when we had to. There were times when we were able to take them out of their match and I thnk that's what got us the win. Rickin: Do you have a preference as to which team you face in the second round? Medico 1: No. Castillo and Perez are a great young team and a tough opponent for anyone in this tournament. The Starrs, well let's just say getting Chicky Starr in the ring is always a goal. They are dangerous, but you always love to get a chance to mess up that face. Rickin: You can't be looking too closely at that aspect of it going into a match though. Medico 1: Definitely not. And we've been on watch for los Mercenarios since. They aren't done hunting us. Thanks for your time Rickin. Rickin: Thank you, Super Medico. They seem ready for the challenge ahead. Hugo: And the attacks that will come in the meantime! Rickin: Yes, that too. Ricky Santana is making his way down to the ring and the fans are very happy to see him. Hugo: They won't be after Owen Hart proves him to be an idiot! Rickin: What are you talking about? Hugo: Right now he has an excuse. After Owen beats him clean he won't have that, only failure! Rickin: There is that chance, but sometimes you lose matches. Hugo: That's why you go the extra mile! Rickin: Are those kinds of wins worth it? Hugo: I always thought so! Rickin: This we know. Doing things right as long as you can builds character. Something Ricky Santana seems to understand. Ricky Vargas will be the referee for this match and there is the bell. Frank Conners vs. Ricky Santana Santana with armdrag-y babyface offense early. He hits a vertical suplex and climbs up top. The flying crossbody nets Santana the 3 count. Ricky Santana by pinfall in 4:41 with a top rope crossbody Rickin: Another win for Santana. He's even starting to use more technical wrestling lately. Hugo: It's never a bad thing to have, can't rely on any one thing or it will cost you! Rickin: This is very true. I suppose fighting fire with fire even has it's place. Hugo: You're starting to get it! Rickin: Maybe Hugo, maybe. Up next we'll go to Chicky's Sports Shop where he will visit with Owen Hart. Los Mercenarios will have a tag team match as well when we return. Hugo: Don't you dare miss it!!! (Commercial Break) 10:30-18:30 Hugo: It's time to go to my friend Chicky Starr's Sports Shop! Cut to the Sports Shop intro. Chicky sits down and Victor the Bodyguard hands him a microphone. Chicky: Ladies and gentlemen welcome to another edition of Chicky Starr's Sports Shop. I have what I thought would be a very interesting guest, and still might be, this week. But first I want to talk about a challenge that was laid at my feet a few weeks ago. It seems Barrabas wants to test his young "monster" against Abdullah the Butcher. Chicky pauses and grins. Chicky: I was going to sign the match that day, but the thought of that impatient, nervous little man wondering if he'd get his match was too much to give up. It IS official that the match will happen on February 22nd in Guaynabo. Now Barrabas can sweat about how he's going to look when his big man can't handle a real monster like Abdullah the Butcher. I have ALSO requested a rematch between Carlitos Colon and Bruiser Brody. Not that Colon will take it, he knows he got lucky last time! Chicky takes a moment to settle down. Chicky: (English) My guest today is Owen Hart, who made a big splash winning his debut against none other than the new golden boy, Ricky Santana. Congratulations! Owen comes to the set and sits down. Owen: Thank you. It wasn't under the best of circumstances, but- Chicky: NO! You don't need to do that here and I don't want to hear it! You won the match! Owen: You're not wrong about that! I'm sure there are those who would still say I cheated. Chicky: To them I say f...well, I can't say that on TV. But I hope you get the idea. Listen to me. A win is a win. It means even more if something is on the line. Don't you dare hold yourself back by worrying what these fans, Rickin Sanchez or Ricky Santana! You're talented enough to wear gold and I don't want to see you miss out because you don't take the opportunities in front of you. Owen: Thank you. My father would be so happy to hear something like that! Chicky: Family is very important! My cousin Ronnie and I very often feel like we are up against the entire world. We find a way to get through it by sticking together! Owen: It's great that you can find success with your cousin. My brothers and I had a great time wrestling together. Chicky: Well, in case you miss that kind of atmosphere, you always have a home with Ron and Chicky Starr. Owen: Thank you, I really mean it. But I want to find my own way. I have to be my own man. Everywhere I've gone I've been a part of a team with my brothers. If I don't do this on my own I won't ever be the man I want to be. Chicky: That I can understand. it can be hard to get out of the shadow of a brother or a mentor... Owen: Exactly, just because I am the youngest brother doesn't mean I always have to be overshadowed! Chicky: Young man, you will go far. Just remember that you always have a friend in Chicky Starr. Owen: Thank you. And thank you for having me as a guest. Owen shakes Chicky's hand and leaves the set. Chicky (grinning from ear to ear): (Spanish) That could, possibly, be my favorite Sports Shop. I hope that you enjoyed it ladies and gentlemen. next week I'll be talking to El Profe and TNT. Cut back to the arena. Rickin: I don't....I am disgusted. Hugo: By what?!? Two guys having a conversation?!? Rickin: Hugo, you know exactly why. Chicky Starr was playing mind games with that young man. Mind games that will have long lasting consequences. Hugo: Maybe. Rickin: At least you stopped pretending to be blind. Some major match announcements there. Hugo: Bam Bam against Abdullah?!? WOW!!! Rickin: It is a huge match for sure. We also have the likelihood of Carlitos Colon defending his NWA WWC Universal Championship against Bruiser Brody again. Hugo: I don't think he'll back down! It's just not like Carlitos! Rickin: Very true. Los Mercenarios are now being heavily booed by the fans. More than a little trash is being thrown their way. Hugo: They seem pretty okay with it! Rickin: Yes, I imagine their paycheck for this trouble is well worth it to them. Hugo: Money makes the world go around! Rickin: It does, unfortunately. Hugo: They are rushing the ring!! Ring announcer Eliud Gonzalez hasn't even finished the introductions! Los Assassins vs. Los Mercenarios Mercenarios stick to their usual Moondogs-esque tactics. Merc 1 hits the falling slam and Merc 2 hits the splash off the ropes for three. Los Mercenarios by pinfall in 5:17 with the falling slam/splash combo Rickin: Business as usual for los Mercenarios. They have a very singular style. Hugo: Yes, one that fits in very well here! Rickin: Reminds me somewhat of los Pastores. Hugo: A little, yes! Just...less....something. Rickin: That about sums it up. We'll be right back with Hercules Ayala. The Rock and Roll RPMs will be stopping by the desk after that match. We'll see you after these messages. (Commercial Break) 18:30-28:30 Rickin: We're back with the strongest man in Puerto Rico, Hercules Ayala. You've had better months I imagine. Ayala: How'd you guess? Rickin: You had Madril on the ropes, but it seems like Chicky Starr was too much of a distraction. Ayala: You know, I should have known better. Chicky wasn't ever going to be a major threat. I'll give him and Madril a good strategy. They created the injury and exploited it. Worst part is, it happened twice. Rickin: As long as it doesn't happen a third time. Ayala: Yeah....let me tell you this Al Madril. I may not be the smartest guy in the room. I may not be willing to resort to the bull-(Ayala's face gets red)....nonsense you do. BUT I AM the STRONGEST man in Puerto Rico! And what you did to my friend... Ayala takes a short walk to settle himself down. Ayala: We are not done! I don't want the damn belt! Whatever this next match is, I don't care! You name the match type, I'll be there! And give me something GOOD! I want to rake your face across barbed wire! I want to ram you into a cage again...and again..and again. (Now dead calm.) I want to make you bleed. I want to make you wish you had never hurt Victor Jovica. I want to make you wish you never set foot in Puerto Rico. Most of all, I want to make you understand why you should fear Hercules Ayala. Ayala stalks off with murderous intent in his eyes. Rickin: I am beginning to think that maybe Al Madril bit off more than he could chew. Hugo: I...yeah...don't disagree.. Rickin: I have never seen Hercules Ayala so angry. He must have formed quite a bond with Victor Jovica. Hugo: Training with a man, helping him through a hard time can do that! Rickin: I'll beleive that. He's very quick getting to the ring and I don't like Armandito Salgado's chances. Armandito Salgado vs. Hercules Ayala Ayala steamrolls Salgado and puts on the figure 4. Salgado taps almost immediately. Hercules Ayala by submission in 3:08 with the figure 4 Hugo: WOW! He really meant business. Rickin: I hope Al Madril is taking him seriously, for his own sake. Hugo: And here I thought you didn't like Al! Rickin: I don't. But what he has coming if he isn't serious is not something I want to see done to anyone. Remember what you always say about sending a message. Do you think Ayala is trying to send one? Hugo: Yeah....yeah... Rickin: It looks like the Rock and Roll RPMs are ready to start. Rickin walks around the desk to talk to the RPMs. Rickin (English): You two have come into the WWC and done very well. How do you feel about your chances in this tournament? Lane: It's going to be a hard road. There are a lot of great teams here in the WWC. Davis: There really are. Los Invaders have really been great and welcomed us with open arms. Los Super Medicos and Carlitos Colon as well. We don't necessarily want to fight either of those teams, but there is only one winner. Rickin: The team you have to face is Jonathan Boyd and the Crusher. Lane: We've seen them before in different places. They are a tough team, but we've beaten bigger men before. The real problem is that their manager has an enforcer we will have to deal with. Davis: Yeah, Bam Bam is definitely going to be something we have to look out for. Rickin: I beleive your match with Boyd and the Crusher is in 2 weeks. That gives you about 14 days to avoid him. Davis: I'd really like to say if he shows up we want a fight, but we're not crazy. Lane: We want to win the tournament and brawling with a 370 pound monster is not going to help those chances, so avoiding him seems like the best idea. Davis: I know we're supposed to say we want that fight to look brave. But like I said, we aren't crazy. Rickin: I'll agree. I don't think fighting with Bam Bam is going to leave anyone in the best condition to win a match afterwards. Lane: We really want to thank the fans here in Puerto Rico for embracing us and making it an easy transition. Davis: Yeah, we appreciate it so much. The fans here are so passionate, it's hard not to love 'em. Rickin: Thank you guys for the interview. Davis & Lane: Thank you and thank you Puerto Rico! Rickin (Spanish): Those young men will go far in the WWC. Hugo: I don't think they will beat Boyd and the Crusher! Rickin: Why not? Hugo: Bam Bam. Rickin: Barrabas will probably send him after those two. Hugo: So no win then! Rickin: They are up against big odds, but I have seen men overcome worse. When we return we will have our main event. We'll be back after these messages. (Commercial Break) 28:30-38:00 Hugo: Hey fans!! There's Ron & Chicky!! Rickin: Big surprise they opted to come out first. Hugo: Every advantage counts! Rickin: I imagine that's exactly what they were thinking about. Castillo and Perez have a lot of practice fighting uphill battles. Hugo: Because Miguel Perez taught them the wrong way! Rickin: I would say he taught them the right way. Hugo: Of course you would! Rickin: (shaking his head and chuckling) I probably deserve that. Now here come Huracan Castillo and Miguelito Perez. Hugo: WITHOUT Miguel!! Rickin: They said they were going to do things on their own. Hugo: I've been thinking about that. I think it's a good idea! Rickin: You think they might come around to your way of thinking? Hugo: Maybe...not really. But there comes a time when you have to be your own man! I respect them for it, I really do. Rickin: That's good to hear Hugo. Referee Victor Quinonez has called for the bell. Huracan Castillo Jr. & Miguelito Perez vs. Ron & Chicky Starr Castillo and Perez get the better of it early with Chicky and Ron bumping big for them. A few miscommunication spots by the Starrs lead to a long control by Castillo & Perez. Chicky hits a low blow from his knees to Castillo and the Starrs viciously work him over and cut him off whenever he tries to get to his corner. Perez eventually takes the tag to a big roar by the crowd and starts cleaning house. The numbers game catches up to him and he low blows both Starrs. Things are looking good after a Perez dropkick, but los Mercenarios come to ringside. They start working on Castillo after pulling him from the apron, distracting Perez. Ron Starr hits a jumping knee to the back on Perez and los Mercenarios back off before referee Quinonez sees them. One brainbuster DDT later Ron Starr covers Perez for the 3. Ron & Chicky Starr by pinfall in 13:54 after a brainbuster DDT Rickin: Of all the ways to win the match... Hugo: What?!? Los Mercenarios never laid a hand on Perez! Rickin: Thankfully they are done after the final bell. I suppose they don't need to worry about Castillo and Perez after advancing in the tournament. Hugo: Nope! Rickin: We're all done for tonight fans. We had a major match announced tonight for February 22nd in Guaynabo. Hugo: We only know 2 matches, but I am looking forward to it already!! Rickin: And there is a very big reason to tune in next week. Hugo: The monster! The machine! Rickin: Abdullah the Butcher will be with us next week and tagging with Abdullah Tamba. They will be going up against Invader 1 and Carlitos Colon. Hugo: What a HUGE match!! Rickin: And my understanding is that Bam Bam will be in the building. Hugo: Good thing the National Guard will be here!! Rickin: That might not be enough. Be sure to tune in next week as we have a really big show for you fans.

Great show to build for the 25th! Tag titles and Snuka/Kamala both catch my eye.

Edit: Upon further review, not here. This thread is a treasure trove and a place I can see hours of my life being thrown into. Happily, I might add.

This was a great, great 6-man with some huge moments. Once it becomes a 2-on-3 match the crowd is buying into Kawada and Kikuchi's shit whenever it comes. And the brief flashes of a Misawa comeback get HUGE pops. Team Jumbo are such vicious pricks in this. I love how Fuchi takes that and feels the need to one-up both Taue and Jumbo on the dickish offense. Finish is just an absolute destruction by Jumbo and co. and we definitely know who is in charge.

The hotline thing cracked me up. Those things are all the rage in 1990 and 91. Bobby does play a great victim here and Macho is all kinds of awesome. Why is Sean Mooney on my TV?

I love how wrestling's music taste is usually a few years behind. But you know what, I could see this being a Whitesnake or Poison or Van Halen or some other hair band video. So I guess mission accomplished...right?