LowBlowPodcast

Music City is making Tennessee a hot bed of wrestling... making sure no one else can match their excellence. I like the Assassins as a top draw. I am glad we have this promotion in our world as the last true territory in the US.

You and I have spoken about Maple Leaf and what this could be. I like the choice of the Anvil as your top guy... makes sense but I think that the growth of others is going to be the major piece to this puzzle. I am excited to see some women getting some love here. Plus... PCO could be something special... perhaps we'll see more develop within our big little Canadian promotion... sky is the limit.

I appreciate your approach to the highlights and previews of WCW. There's plenty of star power here... which makes these shows so special and great to follow. I love the Power Plant... makes me want to have Patterson's ring boys... I mean... ugh... I need a developmental system. Safe to say Jake the Snake is going to take a bite out of the competition here in WCW and goes against the mold which sets him out from the rest.

1/15 - Prime Time Wrestling w/ Gorilla Monsoon & Bobby Heenan Bobby and Gorilla are really on point tonight - Bobby is putting over his family for the Royal Rumble and how he’s got three big chances and all three of them are better than anyone else. Terry Taylor defeated Tom Hughes - Brutus Beefcake comes out during the match… he is throwing… hair? He is making the sign for the clippers… Taylor isn’t happy about it but he gets the job done! British Bulldog defeated Kyle Yates - Bulldog looked spectacular here and he is in tremendous shape. Bulldog has an inset that he puts over his chances in the Royal Rumble and vows to show the word what he’s made of. Bobby and Gorilla put over the debut of Dusty Rhodes next week… they call him the American Dream and look forward to what he is going to bring to the WWF. The Big Bossman & One Man Gang defeated Willy Randolph & Tommy Rage - Slick is in there with an inst putting over his newest acquisition… he will be here before too long and when he is… it will be all over for everyone in his path! The Steiner Brothers defeated Bob Ryker & Nathan Shelly - Kevin Sullivan puts on a pretty interesting inset interview… from behind him rises non other than University of Georgia All-American… Dan Spivey! Spivey says that the Varsity club is bigger, stronger, and badder than ever… the Steiners are going to feel what it is like to get taken down by the best in the world! Gorilla and Bobby put over some of the new faces… we’ve got Dusty Rhodes coming in…. Tommy Rich who will be in action… Slick says he’s got someone coming in… now Kevin Sullivan has got Danny Spivey… the WWF is open season right now… anything could happen! Tommy Rich defeated Freddie Knight - Tommy cuts a nice little promo putting over his arrival in the WWF and how he plans to set the WWF on fire… a WILD FIRE if you will! Dino & The Rougeaus defeated Erick Strong, Kyle Wallace, & Vincent Price - Jimmy Hart cuts a promo putting over how he has got the greatest odds in the Royal Rumble… he assures us that not only will the Honky Tonk Man win the WWF Intercontinental Championship… but also the Royal Rumble! Rick Martel defeated Ricky Smith - Honky cuts a promo putting over their match at the Rumble for the IC title. These two have been at each other’s throats for a while… we’ll see what happens when they clash! Bobby and Gorilla put over the WWF title match with Savage and Duggan… Heenan says that the Family won’t be involved… but Gorilla says that he knows better. Hacksaw Duggan vs Greg Valentine w/ Jimmy Hart - A pretty fun matchup with these two beating the piss out of one another. Hacksaw has got all the momentum in the world right now but Valentine makes him look great. The huge clothesline sets up a big 3-count for Duggan and he has made a point to look great here tonight… is he ready for the Macho Man at the Royal Rumble?!? Special Video for Dusty Rhodes who will wrestle next week in preparation for the Royal Rumble! Event Center: The Royal Rumble so far… Big Bossman One Man Gang Davey Boy Smith Brutus Beefcake Terry Taylor Ravishing Rick Rude King Kong Bundy Haku Hercules The Warlord The Barbarian Koko B Ware ST Jones Andre the Giant Maniac Matt Demolition Ax Demolition Smash Rocker Shawn Michaels Rocker Marty Jannetty Greg Valentine Dino Bravo Jacques Rougeau Raymond Rougeau Kevin Sullivan Mike Rotundo That’s the list that was given to me and fans what a night it is going to be… next week we fill in the blanks with the final 5…Plus just signed… The Great Muta will be taking on The Z-Man, The Ultimate Warrior vs Bad News Brown, Rick Martel defends the Intercontinental Championship against the Honky Tonk Man, and WWF Champion Randy Savage defends against Hacksaw Jim Duggan! Brother Love will host former tag team champions Kerry & Kevin Von Erich!

1/8 Superstars of Wrestling w/ Vince McMahon & Jesse the Body Ventura Jesse and Vince are in living Color here and they are putting over a huge night of action. We’ll have ten more participants added to the Royal Rumble plus Hacksaw Jim Duggan on the Brother Love Show talking about his match with Randy Savage the WWF Champion at the Royal Rumble. Jesse says it is a new era in the WWF and someone is going to take their rightful spot at the top of the mountain… he thinks it will be Randy Savage but tonight we’ll see some others who are gunning for that spot! Rick Rude w/ Bobby Heenan defeated John Williams. Rude has an inset interview talking about being in the WWF Royal Rumble and how he is going to walk in and give everyone a Rude Awakening! Special video showcase of the one and the only… The American Dream Dusty Rhodes!!! The Steiner Brothers defeated John Mixon & Pat Trestman - We get an inset interview from Kevin Sullivan who is ranting and raving about the Steiner Brothers… he says that he is going to unleash the newest member of the Varsity Club on them at the Royal Rumble! Rick Martel defeated Ryane Skiles. We get a Honky Tonk and Jimmy Hart inset interview. They pump up the IC title match at Royal Rumble where Honky says he is going to play all his hits in one night and walk out with a gold record… I mean gold title! Brother Love Show with Hacksaw Duggan… Brother Love runs his shtick on Hacksaw who no sells it all. Brother Love is questioning whether or not Hacksaw can make a challenge for Randy Savage to which Hacksaw comes back and talks about America. He talks about being someone who will come back when all things are down and he will be the man to rise above and come out with the World Title… Tough Guy! Brother Love asks about Randy Savage’s friends throughout the WWF like the Twin Towers or the Heenan Family… Duggan says he is going to keep one eye on Savage and the other on any fools who try to get involved in this match! Davey Boy Smith defeated Geoffrey Simmons. Bulldog with a nice little promo putting over the Royal Rumble. We hear Jesse and Vince talk about Daey Boy and how he is going to strive, survive, or try to stay alive in singles competition! The Z-Man defeated Timmy Conway. We get an inset with Muta and Dangerously. Paul E lets everyone know that the Z-man’s days are numbered… just like Tito Santana before him and Rick Martel to come… the Great Muta will destroy any and all comers in his path and there will be none left standing… but many left bowing to his greatness! Debut of Wildfire Tommy Rich who gets a nice little pop from the crowd. Wildfire isn’t quite 1980 Tommy Rich, but he comes out and gets a nice little pop. He handles Fred Warner pretty easily while Vince and Jesse put him over. The finish is the Thesz Press and the 3-count. The Wild Fire is in the WWF… what in the world is going on! Event Center: The Royal Rumble so far… Big Bossman One Man Gang Davey Boy Smith Brutus Beefcake Terry Taylor Ravishing Rick Rude King Kong Bundy Haku Hercules The Warlord The Barbarian Koko B Ware ST Jones Andre the Giant Maniac Matt Demolition Ax Demolition Smash Rocker Shawn Michaels Rocker Marty Jannetty Greg Valentine Dino Bravo Jacques Rougeau Raymond Rougeau Gene puts over how we’ve got 7 more names to go… but who will join the frey? Right now the big money is on the Big Bossman… maybe Andre the Giant… how about Rick Rude… could the strength of Davey Boy Smith take him to the end? Plus signed… The Great Muta will be taking on The Z-Man, The Ultimate Warrior vs Bad News Brown, Rick Martel defends the Intercontinental Championship against the Honky Tonk Man, and WWF Champion Randy Savage defends against Hacksaw Jim Duggan! Brother Love will host former tag team champions!

Bad News Brown Chris Benoit Dan Spivey Davey Boy Smith Fred Ottman Honky Tonk Man Jerry Lawler John Tenta King Kong Bundy Koko Ware Maniac Matt Borne Sabu Savio Vega Tom Zenk Virgil Here is the current WWF Trade Block. Open to any and all offers. Let's work something out.

1/1 Prime Time Wrestling w/ Gorilla Monsoon & Bobby Heenan Prime Time with a new opening… guess who isn’t in there? Well guys like Randy Savage, Ultimate Warrior, The Rockers, Demolition, The Big Bossman, Andre the Giant, and Rick Rude are highlighted in this new video and we cut to Gorilla and Bobby… it is a festive set but Gorilla is looking somber while Heenan is smile from ear to ear… Gorilla goes on about how 1989 has started with a bang, tonight we’ve got a big tag team championship match for the fans, but Heenan continues to interrupt. Gorilla then goes on to state that an era here in the WWF has come to a stop but hopefully not an end. The Era of Hulkamania has paused and now it is time for someone else to pick up the torch and run with it. Bobby isn’t as simple, he says that this is a business and if you can’t handle the business and you take it personal you get the boot. Heenan says he has got big plans for 1989 but one of his biggest tasks was already done for him. He is done talking about the red and yellow and now it is time to focus on the GOLD! The Heenan Family will hold the gold in 1989 and there is nothing anyone can do about it! Gorilla shakes his head… perhaps the gravity of this situation is more than some expected… but it is time to get 1989 started with the Ultimate Warrior!! The Ultimate Warrior defeated Kevin Stevens - Bad News Brown with an inset here and he puts over his big match with the Ultimate Warrior at the Royal Rumble. He says he is going to beat the paint right off of him! Haku w/ Bobby Heenan defeated Bob Ryan Brutus Beefcake defeated Chael Rollins - Terry Taylor puts over his issue with Brutus and says that time is ticking and the hair is going to come out soon. Taylor and Beefcake are going to meet and only one man will be left with their hair and their pride! Event Center: Mean Gene puts over the Royal Rumble coming up on Saturday the 27th of January! We’ll be live from Cleveland for this big event. Big matches already signed… we will see the Ultimate Warrior take on Bad News Brown. Plus, the Intercontinental Champion Rick Martel defends against The Honky Tonk Man! Additionally, we’ll see the number one contender for the WWF Championship, Hacksaw Jim Duggan challenging WWF Champion, Randy Macho Man Savage! Don’t forget the 30-man royal rumble, a new participant every 2-minutes… eliminations can only occur via being thrown over the top rope to the floor. We have 5 names already entered… the Big Bossman, The One Man Gang, Davey Boy Smith - the British Bulldog, Brutus Beefcake, and Terry Taylor. 25 more names will be announced as we head to the Royal Rumble! The Warlord & Barbarian w/ Mr. Fuji defeated Shawn Marcus & Walter Black Big Bossman w/ Slick defeated ST Jones - Slick gets on the mic and lets everyone know that Bossman and One Man Gang are both in the rumble and they are going to be tossing out pieces of garbage left and right and there will be no one left standing but the Twin Towers of Power! Koko B Ware defeated Conquistador 1 The Great Muta w/ Paul E Dangerously defeated Bob Holly - Tito Santana cuts a promo as he looks to be pretty beaten up… he says that Muta did hurt him pretty good but not bad enough to keep him out. He isn’t afraid of getting back in the ring and he will avenge his loss but more importantly regain his honor! WWF TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP Demolition © vs Greg Valentine & Dino Bravo w/ Jimmy Hart A pretty fun main event with Demolition looking prime right now. Valentine and Bravo are a dream team to many but here they just work well. Soon enough we see the Rougeaus come out and join the fun. They are trying to get the ire of Demolition while Valentine and Bravo continue to do battle. We get closer to the finish but the Rougeaus are now putting themselves in a position to eradicate any chance for Demolition… that is until the Rockers come running down and the crowd goes apeshit. Michaels and Jannetty come in and pound away at the Rougeaus… Valentine is distracted and here comes Smash with the roll up and the 3-count!

WWF update No. 9 Between the MSG Matinee Show yesterday and 12:00pm est, Hulk Hogan (along with his lawyers) and Vince McMahon (with his lawyers and team) were together in various places. I am told that leaving dinner everyone seemed to be in good spirits and McMahon and Hogan even hugged one another. The next meeting was held at an Oyster Bar in which Linda McMahon and a couple others like Bruce Prichard and Gerald Brisco were present. This meeting was said to be very cordial but when the meeting moved behind closed doors, with only McMahon (Vince) and Hogan, the tide changed. Hogan left the club, even after being stopped by Linda McMahon. They were said to have some words and then Vince McMahon came out and he and Hogan had words before Hogan left the club in a limo with his team, that also included Linda Hogan. This morning there was a meeting at 8:00am est at the WWF Headquarters in Stamford, CT. All the different powers to be were there and it was said to be an amicable decision for Hogan's contract to end and then not be renewed or extended (depending on who you'll believe). It appears, for all intents and purposes, that Hulk Hogan has left the WWF (for the time being). I have had an opportunity to speak with some talent about the news and they were completely shocked and some even applauded the decision. There is no doubt that Hogan held a lot of power backstage but also when it came to payoffs. Some wonder if his absence will allow others to make more money... but the next question... will there be enough money for others to make now that he's gone? It is no doubt that the WWF was running high with Hogan vs Savage as a headline and crowds were really coming in numbers to see these matches... but now without Hogan... what happens? We'll find out tomorrow night when the WWF is set to be back on the road, the Hogan vs Savage Main Events have been scrapped and now it is Savage vs Andre/Duggan/Tito or Warrior depending on the town. I am excited to have a special interview with Andre the Giant in the coming days and I am told he will have a lot to say on the matter with regards to Hogan and his leaving... fans this is a whale of a way to start off 1989!

Stamford, CT 11:30am est Titan Sports and the World Wrestling Federation would like to wish Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea), a fond farewell after his contract expired on 12/31/1988. Hulk Hogan has long been a staple in the world of professional wrestling and has been instrumental in taking the WWF to heights never before imagined. The loss of Hulk Hogan to WWF programming will be felt by many but the new and upcoming talent will be sure to excite WWF fans all over the world. Be sure to tune in weekly for WWF Superstars and Prime Time Wrestling for all the latest action of the WWF and call your local cable providers for the Royal Rumble live on pay per view January the 27th!

WWF update No. 8 Crazy long night and with new years it has been crazy... plus I just got back from the MSG show... Let's go to yesterday - the cage match with Hogan and Savage... a nasty blade job by Hogan was really the story of the show as Hogan made it about himself. The inclusion of Bossman and One Man Gang was to add some size I guess. Either way, Savage retained in a messy match. We go to SNME which was a decent enough show... the three big things... one... the Muta vs Tito Match was not scheduled to happen and was added in late. Secondly, the Rockers winning two straight - that was a time decision - the match itself was three full falls but the second was edited out. Lastly, the Stan Hansen and Sherri angle was completely scrapped... the fans responded well to it in person but that is done and gone now and I am told Hansen has already given his notice to the WWF because of the botch. It was noted that last night Hulk Hogan and Vince McMahon were seen at dinner together and it appears as though everything was mutually respectable. That leads us to today... MSG... The show itself was highlighted by Andre winning a big battle royal. The WWF title was on the line in a lumberjack match... Hogan and Savage put on a great 18-minute contest. The finish was something else... Savage hit an elbow drop and it was a prime moment for Hogan to hulk up but instead he stayed down for the 3-count. Hogan stayed down and Savage won the contest in front of the MSG crowd and all the lumberjacks. Hogan got up selling his throat like Savage came down hard... but as the smoke cleared... we saw Heenan celebrating with Savage while the ring cleared... then Hogan grabbed Savage and Heenan and double headbutt! Heenan fell back into the ring and Hogan sent him to the ropes for a huge boot and then a bodyslam! Heenan sold like crazy and then Hogan posed for the crowd... he seemed to have some sentiment... There has been no new news on the contract situation... as it stands right now I would guess that Hogan will be on the road tomorrow... but there's a chance he won't... I don't know what that chance is. Hogan was seen coming out of MSG and going right into his limo... fans were crowding around him but no answers... I guess we will see what happens in the next couple of hours.

12/28 SNME XVIII December 28th - Philadelphia, PA Hulk Hogan: Well you know… All my Hulkamaniacs are feeling happy and healthy this holiday season… but you Dino Bravo are about to feel what the power of Hulkamania is all about dude. Understand that the big man may have delivered presents to all the good girls and boys out there but tonight Hulk Hogan is going to deliver PAIN TO YOU! Dino Bravo: Hulk Hogan… you are gonna feel what the strongest man in the world feels like. Your spaghetti noodle arms are going to be nothing for me when I wrap you up and put you down for good! Jake Roberts: Funny thing about a present is you really don’t know what it is until you open it… well Rick Rude I have a present for you my man and trust me when I say… it is something that you won’t forget… or maybe even remember. Rick Rude: Jake Roberts… I am so sick and tired of your snaked together words… you are looking at the best looking body in professional wrestling and soon you are going to find out exactly why I deliver the Rude Awakening to everyone in my path! Bad News Brown: Warrior…. You gotta get some extra paint… because after tonight no one… not even your little warriors will know who you are when I am done with you! Ultimate Warrior: Bad News Brown… I have come from the sky and I have the powers of cosmos… that will deliver the destruction… you Bad News Brown are in for some bad news as I am going to show you what the power of all the little warriors is… but it is the true power of the Ultimate Warrior that will be your undoing and put and end to your tyranny forever! Andre the Giant: I am a man of few words… tonight Randy Savage… I want the belt… I WANT THE BELT! I WANT THE BELT! And Randy Savage… I am coming for it! Randy Savage: Ohh yeaaahhh… The Macho Man… the one true champion of the WWF and in reality the one true giant in the WWF! Andre… I want you to listen up really good… because I don’t know if the blood flows to your brain… but tonight I am going to put you down and I am going to drive my elbow right through that big heart of yours and show the world it doesn’t matter how tall you are because you will all go down when you face the MACHO MAN…. OHHH YEEEEAAAAHHHH! Vince and Jesse welcome us to Saturday Night’s Main Event from Happy Valley at the University of Penn State. Jesse is rocking his PSU shirt and makes fun of McMahon for failing out of the Ivy Leagues. They talk about a huge show ahead including two WWF championship matches including Randy Macho Man Savage defending against Andre the Giant… plus the Rockers defend the US Tag Titles against the Rougeaus in a 2 out of 3 falls. Fans it is time for the one, the only, the Immortal Hulk Hogan!! Hulk Hogan vs Dino Bravo w/ Jimmy Hart This is a pretty good showdown with two big time power houses. Dino works over Hogan who does some great selling… the fans are right there on the cusp of every move. Hogan even gives Dino a little more and gives up a couple of close two counts. He is really putting Dino over… well that is until he Hulks up and beats the hell out of him. We get a big boot… Dino wobbles and then BODY SLAM! LEG DROP! 3-COUNT! Hogan poses… works the fans… what a moment. Randy Savage cuts a quick promo with Jesse Ventura running through his match with the Giant. Savage once again says he is the one true giant in the WWF and this title is the reason why! He is going to give the giant a beating he could have never imagined! WWF CHAMPIONSHIP Randy Savage © vs Andre the Giant WWF Championship on the line and my oh my the crowd is going nuts for Andre and Savage. These two put together a decent enough 11-minute match with both getting something in but it is more of a cat/mouse and Andre taking the brunt of Savage’s punishment. Savage even gets Andre out of the ring and hits a double ax handle smash on him into the guardrail. Savage gets back in the ring and Andre gets back. He gets in some good offense and a huge bodyslam that throws Savage across the ring. We’re getting to the final moments but Andre hoists off Savage and throws him out of the ring to the floor! Andre looks like he’s going out after him… they throw hands outside of the ring… Savage goes and grabs the title belt… wait a moment…he lunges at Andre and nails him with the belt and Andre goes down hard. He looks to be busted open. Savage scurries back into the ring with seconds to spare… It is a count out and Andre gets up and goes for Savage who is running for his life! Jesse and Vince put this over in a big way as Savage has found a way to keep the title. Andre comes and goes for Savage up the aisle… is this one far from over? Bobby Heenan is in the back with Rick Rude and Mean Gene. They are putting over their contest with Jake Roberts. Rude says that Jake, like the snake that he is, couldn’t have woken up on the right side of the bed today because he’s due for a Rude Awakening! Jake Roberts vs Ravishing Rick Rude w/ Bobby Heenan These two slow the pace down for a couple of minutes and then build back up. Rude and Heenan are really working well together and getting some good heat from the fans. Jake is able to get Rude on his heels and hits all his siganture moves. We see the short arm clothesline and then the DDT! Jake covers but Heenan puts Rude’s foot up on the rope! Was that Robert’s only chance? He goes on the attack again but now Rude is getting the upperhand with some very stiff shots. There’s a forearm that knocks Roberts out on his feet… Jake is able to hit a big clothesline out of nowhere! Heennan is getting more animated outside of the ring and now he’s going for Damien… he’s in the corner but here comes Rude with a knee and Jake goes flying into the guardrail! He stumbles back and Rude grabs him with the RUDE AWAKENING! OH MY! 1…2….3!!! Rude has just taken down Jake Roberts and he rolls out of the ring. Heenan and Rude celebrate their way up to the entryway… Vince and Jesse put this over in a big way as to Rude possibly being the number one contender for the WWF Championship! Hulk Hogan is in the back with Mean Gene and talks about Randy Savage. He says he doesn’t need any special gifts because his Hulkamaniacs are the greatest gifts in the world. He is going to show Savage some seasons beatings! The Ultimate Warrior vs Bad News Brown Sloppy, ugly, and stiff… only way to describe this one. These two beat the piss out of one another and no sell each other like they’re going out of style. Bad News even goes to the streets and takes the fight outside but the Warrior brings his best brawling to the show. Vince and Jesse put this over in a big way and talk about how both men are out of their element but Jesse yells about Bad News bringing Warrior into his element! Warrior then hits a clothesline and Bad News goes over the top of the guardrail. Bad News then pushes a plant, I mean fan out of the way and when Warrior comes over he gets CRACKED in the skull with a chair! Referee Hebner calls for the bell and Warrior gets a DQ victory. Bad News comes over and starts hammering away at him as the referee pulls him off… Bad News goes in the ring and starts to celebrate but the Warrior is pumping up outside the ring and then he gets inside. He gets in and clothesline! Clothesline! Warrior then hits the ropes and hits a flying shoulder block that tosses Bad News out of the ring to the floor! Officials are there to back him off while Warrior wants him to keep coming. Vince and Jesse put this through the roof! In an interesting turn of events… we see the stage change up a little bit and here comes the next match… is this the same crowd? Tito Santana vs The Great Muta A nice showdown for these two… it was supposed to happen but maybe not here… don’t worry. These two go about 15-minutes with some power shots and then quick movements around the ring. The highlight is seeing Muta hit a shining wizard on Tito who is on the apron. Santana goes flying off the apron and then hits the guardrail. What in the hell is Paul Heyman doing out here? He’s got his damn phone… Muta pulls the referee and Tito turns around and Heyman jabs the phone right into his throat! Tito is selling like crazy and here comes Muta off the apron with a knee to his throat! Muta tosses Santana back in the ring and Muta waits in the corner for another SHINING WIZARD but that knee goes right into his throat! Tito is hurting here and Muta runs to the ropes and comes down with a knee right to the throat! Muta covers Tito for a 3-count. Muta is the winner but now we see his true side when he holds Tito down and sprays the green myst in his face! Muta is choking out Tito right in the middle of the ring and the referee is trying to hold him back… wait a minute… here comes Rick Martel! The Intercontinental Champion runs down and Muta backs off and smiles and winks… he sprays more myst in the air… Martel looks like he wants to throw down right now… SNME is back with Jesse in the back with Savage, who definitely doesn’t look the same, he is showered and cleaned up, but he’s got the belt… he puts over his reign as WWF champion and how he has beat all the pretenders of 1988 and soon he will defeat all the wishers and hopers of 1989! He says he is on the top of the mountain looking down and there is no one in his sights. OHHHH YEEEEAAAAHHHHHH!!! US TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP TWO OUT OF THREE FALLS The Rockers © vs The Rougeau Brothers w/ Jimmy Hart We’re back in the same/different/first arena and a different camera angle. These four have been on this stage before and they bring it down with a lot of fast paced action. We see Michaels really step it up a level with Jacques while Raymond and Jannetty slow things down. We get into our first fall when the Rockers back elbow Jacques over the top to the floor and then run up on Raymond and hit the double dropkick and a 3-count and the Rockers are up 1-0! We return for the second fall and the Rougeaus seem to be off on this one as they continue to argue with Jimmy Hart. This sets up the Rockers to hit some slick double team moves and even a double dropkick on Raymond who goes flying into Jimmy Hart outside… Jacques runs for a double clothesline but the Rockers duck and then hit a double superkick and Michaels covers for the 3-count! The Rockers get the win… 2-0. The Rockers with the clean sweep and they hold up the US titles… but they look at one another and then look in the camera… they tell Demolition they are next! What a way to end 1988… fans we’ll see what happens in 1989!

WWF 12/30 - Atlantic City Matinee The Rougeau Brothers vs Koko & Z-Man went to a 15-minute draw US TAG CHAMPIONSHIP The Rockers defeated The Twin Towers via DQ Tito Santana defeated Greg Valentine Rick Rude defeated Bob Holly Davey Boy Smith defeated Dino Bravo The Great Muta defeated ST Jones The Ultimate Warrior & Hacksaw Duggan defeated the Russians Andre the Giant defeated King Kong Bundy WWF CHAMPIONSHIP CAGE MATCH Randy Savage (c) defeated Hulk Hogan in a pretty controversial contest. Hogan was juiced early and really bled all over the ring. Savage hit an elbow off the top of the cage only for Hogan to then Hulk up and no sell everything. Hogan then tried to climb out of the cage and was met by the Twin Towers and Rick Rude who were fighting him and holding him up on the cage. Savage then crawled through the door... Savage retained the title but Hogan wanted everyone back inside the cage and the Bossman complied. Bossman and Hogan then had a fun little 5-minute throwdown with Hogan throwing Bossman through the cage door to the floor. Hogan then posed...

Wrestlecade was an absolute success in my opinion. There were definitely some surprises that popped up here in there but overall the execution was pretty damn good. The thing I like is that each match had a purpose and I know that even with the WWF sometimes I just throw matches on to have them whereas you put together a card that had meaning from top to bottom. Tully Blanchard coming in immediately makes the horseman something to be reckoned with for 1989. Lex Luger winning the WCW United States championship puts him in a prime spot to do get big things in 1989 and don’t discount Sting for being one of the guys that has got a rocket strapped to his back in the coming year. One thing to really notice and understand with all of this is how Roddy Piper and Terry Funk fit into the overall situation. I can see them both playing each side of the fence this week and then flipping the next week all the while looking for the world title from Ric Flair, and having to go through the Horsemen. With Dusty Rhodes, seemingly leaving, I think it opens up a big spot for somebody else to come in and take on that role to be another huge player. Speaking of huge players, dibiase, and Williams, retaining the world tag team titles is huge for them and for WCW. I have no doubt that they will be a team of the year force in 1989 if they stay together. Overall this was a great way to end WCW in 1988 and I feel like you’re getting your feet underneath you when it comes to how the late 80s were different in the early 80s but in all honesty I think that the way you do things works perfectly for any time. So just go with what you like and what you think is entertaining and I know will all continue to tune in.

WWF update No. 7 12/28 - Hogan and Savage go rogue in the Lumberjack match. I am told that it was an extra measure to keep things on the level. There is some thought that Hogan might try to take the title from Savage... but we know Savage has enough in him to fight back... 12/29 - WWF is in Akron and Hogan vs Savage for the title was advertised and then cancelled... citing travel issues. Savage beat Santana and then Hogan came out to run him off and blame it on Heenan that he was late. 12/30 - There is a Matinee show tomorrow in Atlantic City and the marquee says Hulk Hogan challenging Randy Savage for the WWF title. I have no clue if this will end up being the match or not... it seems like it is a gamble, no pun intended, every night from here on. The biggest issue is SNME which will air tomorrow night... I have read the results of the show... but I have no clue what is going to happen. I have heard that the show has been heavily post-produced... will the angle with Sherri and Hansen even air? How will they cover it up? This is going to be one of the most interesting shows of the year and what a way to finish 1988. In additional news, the contract that was written about earlier in the week is said to be up in smoke. McMahon and Hogan couldn't agree on some of the specifics. The way many people see it... Hogan earns from 8-10 million dollars a year with all of his wrestling, advertising, merchandise, ppv buys, house gates, and bonus'. If the WWF were to get out of that contract they would have that 8-10 million available to work with... but the bigger problem is the 15-18 million that Hogan generates. Plus, 1989, the WWF is said to have 4 big pay per views, 5 Saturday Night's Main Events, 1 NBC Friday Main Event, and even a pair of network specials. Without Hogan, the ad revenue is down, the attendance is down, the merchandise is down. Is it fair to say that he is the most valuable commodity in professional wrestling? I think so... and then... is there a chance that he doesn't wrestle for the WWF after this weekend? Where would he go? Who can afford him? Outfits like the NWA and WCW do have good capital and Hogan joining them would be a complete coup. He would take them to the next level. the AWA and Pacific Coast are both long-shots but the money may not be there. Someone said that Hogan wants in on the business side because he knows his value... could one of these four companies come up with something that would allow him partial ownership? One has to think that Hogan's addition would also lead to more ad revenue and pay per view opportunities. The last option... Japan. Hogan has strong ties to New Japan... he has a positive relationship with Baba and All Japan... could he be the ultimate get for one of these two... would Hogan make the same kind of money? It is hard to say. I spoke with a colleague that said Hogan should start his own company... tour the world. He has the name value to draw the houses but in today's market... it is television and without it... well it doesn't equal anything. I am going to be watching SNME as it goes down tomorrow... I will have a written report from the Matinee in Atlantic City and the NBC event tomorrow night.

12/29 - WWF Wrestling @ Akron, Ohio Koko & Z-Man defeated The Russians The Ultimate Warrior defeated The One Man Gang via Count Out The Rougeau Brothers defeated ST Jones & Bob Holly Hulk Hogan vs Randy Savage was announced but then Finkel said that Hulk Hogan had some travel issues... he is on his way to the building. Taking his place will be Tito Santana! WWF CHAMPIONSHIP Randy Savage defeated Tito Santana Hulk Hogan comes out after the match and he and Savage has a little schmooz. Hogan gets on the mic to let everyone know that it was Bobby Heenan who sabatoged his travel tonight and cost him the chance at the WWF title... so now he and Andre are taking on Bundy, Rude, and Heenan tonight!!! Big Bossman defeated Hacksaw Duggan via DQ US TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP The Rockers defeated Bravo & Valentine The Great Muta defeated The British Bulldog in a 15-minute gem Andre the Giant & Hulk Hogan defeated Rick Rude, King Kong Bundy, & Bobby Heenan

12/28 the WWF is in Pittsburgh Big Bossman and One Man Gang defeated Koko & Z-Man The Ultimate Warrior defeated Nikolai Volkoff Davey Boy Smith & The Rockers defeated Valentine & The Rougeau Brothers WWF CHAMPIONSHIP - Special announcement that it has been made into a LUMBERJACK MATCH! Hulk Hogan defeated Randy Savage via DQ - This was a mess. We heard about the Lumberjack stipulation before the six-man. These two are very rough with one another and at one point we even get a very close two count with Hogan really locking up Savage. Savage seemed to be working with Bobby Heenan at ringside for some guidance. The finish saw Hogan Hulk up and go for the leg drop but Dino Bravo and Rick Rude come in to give Savage the DQ victory but then the good guy lumberjacks came in to clear the ring. Hacksaw Duggan defeated Boris Zhukov Dino Bravo defeated ST Jones The Great Muta defeated Bob Holly Andre the Giant & Tito Santana defeated Rick Rude, King Kong Bundy, & Bobby Heenan

Just wanted to clarify a mistake that was made. when I did my big trade with nwa weeks ago he had Nikolai Volkoff on the trade but that was meant to be Ivan Koloff, the reason Ivan not Nikolai was on my list but I have still been using Nikolai.

Andre the Giant Bad News Brown Demolition Smash - Barry Darsow Demolition Ax - Masked Superstar Big Boss Man Bob Holly Boris Zhukov Brutus Beekcake Bryan Clarke Chris Benoit Dan Spivey Davey Boy Smith Dennis Knight Dino Bravo Dusty Rhodes El Gigante Fred Ottman Greg Valentine Hacksaw Jim Duggan Haku Henry O Godwin Hercules Hillbilly Jim Honky Tonk Man Hulk Hogan Jacques Rougeau Jerry Lawler John Tenta Jose Estrada (To retire after 1990) Jose Luis Rivera Kevin Kelly Kevin Sullivan King Kong Bundy Koko Ware The Barbarian Marty Jannetty Maniac Matt Borne Mike Rotunda Mr. Fuji Muta One Man Gang Paul Roma Randy Savage Raymond Rougeau Rick Martel Rick Rude Sabu Savio Vega Shawn Michaels Sherri Martel Stan Hansen Terry Taylor Ultimate Warrior Tatanka The Warlord Tito Santana Tom Zenk Vampire Warrior Virgil Zeus Rick Steiner (On loan) Scott Steiner (On loan) Manager Slick Manager Paul E Dangerously Manager Jimmy Hart Manager Bobby Heenan Manager Brother Love Ivan Koloff needs to be sent to NWA. So I am at 60 WWF full time - 2 Loans and 5 Managers. Are those two loans counting against me for my total? Do I need to drop two more people?

WWF update No. 6 A lot has changed since our last writing... firstly, the offer was verbally agreed upon and a handshake solidified the deal with Hulk Hogan and the WWF/Vince McMahon. That was the 24th of December, now on the 28th of December things have changed again. I am told that the WWF taping of Saturday Night's Main Event has been heavily re-edited. The WWF held shows in Stamford and Providence over the last two days... both were advertised for a Hulk Hogan vs Randy Savage main event that turned into Savage defeated Jake Roberts after Hogan was "late to the building" and ended up helping Andre and Duggan defeated Rude, Bundy, & Haku. The biggest issue coming out of the shows was the 28th of December Hogan was said to have another meeting with Vince McMahon that was scheduled at 9:30am EST but it was 10:00am when Hogan left the building. With him, his lawyers. I am told McMahon and Hogan could not come to terms after the contract was written up. Hogan's contract concludes on January 1st, 1989. The WWF is holding a special new years eve matinee on December the 31st in Madison Square Garden. Will that be the last stand for the Hogan/WWF/McMahon saga? Will McMahon be able to get a deal into place? Saturday Night's Main Event will be on NBC this weekend on the 30th... 12/28 the WWF is in Pittsburgh, 12/29 the WWF is in Akron, Ohio... 12/30 Matinee in Atlantic City, and 12/31 Matinee is Madison Square Garden. Hogan is advertised for all four of these shows... with the happenings from SNME...Stan Hansen will not debut... Sherri Martel will not debut... what happens to these two? If Hogan signs... does he get everything he wants... most importantly the title from Savage? Folks... this is gonna be an interesting couple of days.

12/25 Christmas Special Superstars of Wrestling w/ Vince McMahon & Jesse the Body Ventura From SummerSlam Demolition vs Powers of Pain w/ Mr. Fuji for the WWF Tag Team Championship
 The Tag Titles on the line and it is the battle of the paint. Demolition are just so damn over. The POP look the part and they get some extra heat with Fuji. Ax and Smash… what sets them apart from other teams is their ability to sell… and they do it in amazing fashion. Barbarian and Warlord come out of this looking like monsters and they come this close to winning. Just when it looks like things are going to finish… Demolition comes back with a fire.Fuji is getting worried outside the ring… Warlord grabs Smash and holds him… Fuji is up on the apron and swings the cane but Smash moves and Warlord gets ROCKED. Ax clotheslines Barbarian out of the ring and then he and Smash with a double clothesline on Warlord and get the 3-count! Tito Santana vs Rick Martel for the Intercontinental Championship
 Former partners now become true enemies inside the ring. These two fought a couple of weeks ago at Saturday Night’s Main Event but went to a 20-minute draw. This one's for 30-minutes and these guys have a helluva match. Martel is a true pro and he looks ready for war. Tito is an all pro as well. These two go about 18-minutes… drenched in sweat… move for move and hold for hold. We get into the final series and Tito sets up Martel and goes for the huge flying forest and nails him all the way out of the ring. Tito knows he has to get the pin or submission though.. He goes out and Martel pulls his trunks and Tito goes crashing into the guardrail! Tito has got a busted jaw but Martel throws him back in the ring… he is looking for the Boston Crab but Tito kicks him back into the turnbuckle! Tito gets up and nails him with 3 big shots and then goes to the ropes for the flying forearm but Martel catches him and hot shot him off the top rope! Martel covers for the 1…2….3! Martel retains the title and he looks to have a solid grip on the gold right now. Who could challenge him in the future? From Madison Square Garden The Ultimate Warrior vs The Iron Sheik- The Warrior comes out to a great pop. He looks decent in the ring… even though the Sheik can barely keep up with him. Some big shoulder blocks and then a big splash around 3 minutes and Warrior gets the crowd back on their feet. From SNME Terry Taylor vs Koko Ware A nice opener to get us going and we hear from Vince that it was two nights ago that Terry Taylor busted open Brutus Beefcake with his sheers and Brutus had to get staples and couldn’t wrestle tonight so Koko took his place. Taylor and Koko have a good contest with Taylor showcasing his ability to keep up the pace and sell sell sell for Koko who is flying around. We get about 9-minutes and then we see Koko go for a flying dropkick but Taylor moves out of the way and Koko lands hard! Taylor then with a roll up and a handful of tights for the 1….2….3!!! Taylor attempts to celebrate but it is thwarted when the crowd erupts… here comes Brutus Beefcake! He’s being held back by Pat Patterson and Gerald Brisco… he’s trying to get his hands on Taylor! US TAG TITLE FINALS
 The Rockers vs the Rougeau Brothers w/ Jimmy Hart Here we go with the big finals of the US tag tournament. These four men have got a lot of momentum and hype going into this one. They get about 15-minutes to put it all out there. Vince and Jesse put it over as one of the all time greatest tag team matches. Jacques and Raymond get the upper hand… they isolate Marty Jannetty… they work the knee and the lower back… they are trying to take away his ability to fly… Michaels gets the crowd going…. There is a feeling in the air… wait a moment… Marty has one more leap left in him and jumps over Raymond before he makes the huge tag to Shawn who comes in like a house of fire. He nails some big shots on Ray and Jacques… Jimmy Hart even gets a shot for his presence. The highlight of the match is seeing the Rougeaus trying to regroup outside the ring but Michaels runs and leaps over the ropes and takes out both men! Michaels is absolutely on fire right now. He throws Ray back into the ring but Jacques is able to slow him down… Marty regains his strength and runs off the apron for a cross body taking out Jacques! Raymond throws Shawn to the ropes and Michaels comes with a leap frog… he waits… Raymond hits the ropes and turns to see Michaels and a huge BOOT TO THE MUSH! What a superkick! Michaels comes with the 1….2…..3!!! The Rockers are the NEW United States Tag Team Champions! From Survivor Series Rick Martel, Tito Santana Brutus Beefcake, Koko Ware, & The Z-Man versus The Honky Tonk Man, Dino Bravo, Greg Valentine, The Great Muta, and Terry Taylor w/ Jimmy Hart Greg Valentine was eliminated via Tito Santana and the flying Forearm! Terry Taylor and Brutus Beefcake were both counted out following a brawl that went into the crowd Koko Ware was eliminated by the Great Muta via the Moonsault The Z-man was eliminated by the Great Muta via the Shining Wizard Honky Tonk Man was eliminated by Rick Martel via a school boy Rick Martel was eliminated by the Great Muta when he was hit with a nasty spinning heel kick Tito Santana was eliminated via the Great Muta and a spectacular moonsault across the ring!

WWF update No. 5 Once again, we have some mixed situations coming out of the WWF. December 23rd, Hulk Hogan tagged with the Ultimate Warrior against Randy Savage and Rick Rude. He was said to be his normal self and running wild. That day I was told that an agreement was made between Hogan and McMahon on a monumental level. Here is what I saw from a photocopy of the contract... 200 Appearances at $10,000 per appearance. Pay Per View appearances are $50,000 plus 15% of total house gate and 15% of pay per view revenue 50% of all Hulk Hogan merchandise - 5% of all total WWF merchandise 40% of all Coliseum home video revenue and 60% of Coliseum Home Videos that are focused on Hulk Hogan. 3 Exclusive movie roles worth $250,000 each plus 15% of theater revenue and 25% of home video revenue. Hulk Hogan will have final say in the creative process for the Hulk Hogan character. Hulk Hogan will have a guaranteed WWF title reign around the release of his upcoming No Holds Barred movie for promotion (plus he's portrayed as champion in the film). I was told that these were verbally agreed upon with a handshake between Hogan and McMahon... but nothing was signed.

Your WrestleCade event is so much better than the 1988 and 1989 Starrcades put together. I kinda wish Eddie had a tv title run - he could have done some fun stuff with that title. I feel like Sting should have been at the US title level in 89 IRL. Doom is looming... gimme the Freebirds to walk out with the US tag titles... Hot Rod doesn't job for anyone.... I don't know if Gary Hart will be the final factor... but I think he will play a role. Luger will become US champ someway/somehow... Dusty is the king of the Bullrope and I don't see him getting dethroned.... is Sting able to beat Flair in 88... he's been built... he has the momentum... I don't know if WCW is ready for all that change though and Flair seems like the best choice to get 1989 going... but it won't be too long for the Stinger.

WWF Update No.4 In perhaps the most shocking turn of events... last night we go to Baltimore for this huge card with Hogan and Andre vs Bundy, Rude, and Heenan. The crowd is bonkers all night. We get the Warrior beating Haku... the Rockers and Demolition exploding in the ring causing them the match, and then Rick Martel and Bossman tore it up to end in a double count out. Around intermission time, Finkel comes out to announce that the Main Event has been changed... here comes Bobby Heenan... he announces that Hulk Hogan had an "accident" getting his rental car and tonight it is going to be 3 on 1 versus Andre because he knows there is no one man enough to partner with him against his family! The crowd is visibly shook... a ton of boos and throwing of debris into the ring. Finkle announced that the fans would receive a 50% refund on tickets if they wanted and to head to the box office. Heenan jumps back on and says he will take everyone's 50% and use it for hospital bills for Andre after their done with him.... Andre shows up in the entryway and says he has got someone in mind to help him... he'll see Heenan in the ring! Okay so now everyone is trying to figure out WTF is going on. We get two more matches including Muta vs Koko that absolutely tears down the house. It is of note that there were about 25% of the fans who left. WWF made sure to pull everyone up and turn down the lights... We then come to the main event... here comes Heenan leading out Haku, Rude, and Bundy. The reminisce of the Heenan Family. Heenan is getting some serious heat now running down Hogan... then we see Andre the Giant come out and the fans pop. Andre says that he has found a partner who will help him with the Heenan Family and smiles... Andre then turns and here comes... the Ultimate Warrior! They shake hands and then come out to the ring and the pop is good but not Hogan good. We get a mediocre 13-minute main event... neither Warrior nor Andre can carry the match but Rude and Bundy do their job.... then of course Heenan comes in for laughs. Andre with a huge toss on Rude out of the ring as he flies into Bundy and Haku! Here comes Warrior with a huge shoulder block on Heenan.... then the BIG SPLASH for the 3-count! Warrior and Andre worked the fans and that was all she wrote. So I went ahead and started to work on the story... it seems as though Hogan did have travel issues and was not able to get to Baltimore but did make his appearances this afternoon. I am said Vince McMahon and Pat Patterson were in attendance for the appearance so it is hard to tell if there are tough feelings going on here. Surely Hogan wouldn't be leaving the WWF... perhaps the top money making wrestling company in the world... or is it that he is the top money draw and without him it wouldn't be as profitable. Who holds the cards? This is a crazy game of poker and I feel we're far away from either man folding their chips.

WWF Update No.3 Has the unthinkable happened? After Hogan left WWF office today... he was spotted going to Vince McMahon's home. I am told he was welcomed by Linda McMahon. Vince then showed up around an hour later. Linda then left an hour after that.... Hogan and Vince were shown shaking hands and both leaving the property around 7:45 eastern. I was able to speak with multiple people who said the man inside the box was none other than Stan the Lariat Hansen! He was supposed to be managed by Sherri and get into a program with Hogan... but for some reason things went sideways... that is for the time being. It is worth mentioning that this situation had happened before and Hogan and Vince have been very close through the 1980s. It comes as no surprise there are creative differences... if that was the case... but I am guessing this was just a ploy by Hogan to get something he wanted... the title? time off? more money? another movie? Who knows... but I think this story has run its course since McMahon and Hogan shook hands. They will be in Baltimore tomorrow night and I plan on being in attendance for the show... it is headlined by Hogan and Andre vs Bundy, Rude, and Heenan in a 2 vs 3 main event. There is also going to be a very exciting 10-man tag with Davey Boy Smith teaming with both the Rockers and Demolition against The Hart Foundation! Ultimate Warrior is taking on Haku. Rick Martel defends against the Big Bossman. Sorry for all the excitement today... just Hulk and Vince being Hulk and Vince.

Updated 2 on WWF situation Hulk Hogan was just seen leaving the WWF offices being escorted by a number of lawyers. Jerry McDivett, chief counsel for the World Wrestling Federation, was even in attendance and said to be very upset once the meeting concluded. McMahon is said to be behind closed doors and only letting his inner circle into the mix. The supposed SNME storyline/angle was shot in front of the crowd and I am told it was going to be a big surprise the WWF was going to unfold. Hulk Hogan starred in the movie No Holds Barred which will be releasing this summer and is said to be a pretty big gamble for the WWF. One of the characters from the movie was said to be recently signed by the WWF and was going to make a special appearance. This was also highlighted by the debut of Sherri Martel... who for now... it seems doesn't have a spot if the angle isn't shown. Meanwhile, during the angle, Sherri revealed her leg from the box and then came out to seduce Hogan into thinking she was the gift only for this monster to come out of the box and destroy Hogan. This led to Randy Savage getting involved. Some fan were unaware of who the man was in the box but I will be seeing a friend later on who will fill me in. Hogan was destroyed in the ring up until Andre and Hacksaw came out and closed things down. Hogan was supposedly very upset after the angle and holding his throat on his way back to the locker room. That is where this whole fiasco started... more to come