spaldoni

And just like that, WCW is going nationwide. They've got Turner, the Superstation and one stacked roster. I liked the way you transitioned things. Some changes and some things remain. It's a nice balance and won't overwhelm the fans. Savage kicking off the show by tossing the title and leaving will definitely create a lot of buzz and get people talking about WCW. I like the set up for Gilbert and Zenk. The TV title division will produce some workhorse matches. If the Horsemen want muscle maybe they should listen to Spivey.

Plowboy and Bruno win the titles! Did NOT see that coming! Which makes this even more interesting, is the Renestos picking up a win earlier. Here we go, TV opens with the Renestos and I have to say I agree with them. LOL, even with all the help, Humperdink falls once again to Baxter. This has been a fun feud. Ash is the man! Michaels better be on his A game next week because the champ is looking for a good tune up. Man, I would love to see Ash take a trip to Memphis and face Lawler. Once again, Reno and his partner fall short to the Renestos. Time to give the Renestos a shot.

AWA TV @ The Hammond Center 8-11-88 Larry Nelson: Hello everybody and welcome to AWA Major League Wrestling. As you know, our next Title Night takes place tomorrow night in Fort Wayne and you can see that on live television. All those competing are in Fort Wayne as we speak, getting ready. However, don't worry because we've got a solid show lined up. I'll tell you; everybody wants to be a part of the AWA and tonight's show is full of debuts and returns. One of the best teams in the business, the Fantastics are now in the AWA, that's right, the Fantastics, and they will be in action tonight. The always entertaining and energetic Iceman Parsons is back in the AWA. Thrilling Tom Brandi makes his AWA debut and believe me, he lives up to his name. All this and so much more. Let's go to the ring. The Fantastics vs. Calvin Hammond and Dean Whitaker The Fantastics get a huge welcome (especially by the ladies) as they head to the ring wearing blue glittered vests and bowties. They're all business in the ring and show why they're one of the best teams in the world. They finish things off with the Rocket Launcher! Tommy Rogers and Bobby Fulton take turns talking about how excited they are to be in the AWA and they're looking forward to facing all the competition. Commercial Break 'Man of Steel' Tony Atlas w/Norvell Austin vs. Todd Rooney Atlas looks awesome as he military presses Rooney up, throws him across the ring and finishes things off with a body splash. Nelson: Norvell, I have to say I'm impressed with what I just saw. I know the two of you will be watching Nikita Koloff's world title defense against Lanny Poffo tomorrow night. Any clue on when the WrestleRock Rumble winner, Tony Atlas will request his title shot? Norvell: Yes, Tony Atlas is nothing short of impressive. Just look at this man. Tony, tell him and all these people out here when you'll take your title shot. Atlas: When I damn well want! Commercial Break Scott 'Powerhouse' Putski vs. Ray Glader Putski's fired up tonight and wins the match with the Polish Hammer! Commercial Break Brenda Britton: Hi everybody' with me now is the one and only AWA C.O.O. Gerry Morrow. Gerry, I know you're getting ready to head over to Fort Wayne for Title Night but I understand you have a couple of announcements to make. The floor's all yours Gerry. Morrow: AHHHHHHH thank you Brenda. I am very much looking forward to Title Night. Looking ahead I want to tell everybody that de AWA will once again be coming into Winnepeg on September 2nd for a special card. Already signed for dat event is de Killer Bees against Venomous. It is shaping up. I also want to announce dat de next pay per view, Brawl in St. Paul will take place on Oct. 7th. Britton: Wow! You've been a very busy man Gerry. You make things happen and that's why you're the C.O.O. Morrow: Thank you Brenda, you have a reserved seat for both events. Britton: Gerry, you're the best! Until next time, tooooodles. Commercial Break 'Thrilling' Tom Brandi vs. Neil Jordan For the second time tonight, the ladies cheer the loudest. Brandi looks crisp and fluid. He delivers a hanging vertical suplex and finishes things off with a flying elbow drop from the top rope. Nelson: Tom Brandi, I know you've been making a name for yourself on the Independant circuit and the AWA noticed. Excited to be here? Brandi: It's unreal. I feel like I've made it to the big time and I'm ready to prove myself here in the AWA. Commercial Break Footage from last week is shown as Johnny Rich nails Randy Rose with a pair of brass knuckles which allows Davey Rich to get the tainted win. Nelson: With me now are Johnny and Davey Rich. I still can't believe what I saw last week. You know Johnny, you really disappointed me. Johnny: Oh man Larry, I'm so sorry...not! Davey: (laughs) Tell him Johnny! Johnny: Look, I can't help it if Randy Rose is a moron.... Cheers as Randy Rose walks out. Davey: Look who it is Johhny, the moron himself. Johnny: You want some more Randy? You see, the Rich's are all about family and family only. We promote family values and we have each other's back. You got in the way Randy. Family first boy! Rose: I couldn't agree more Johnny. It is all about family! From out of nowhere, PAT ROSE runs out and the brawl ensues! The Rose Cousins get the better of the Rich's and send them hightailing to the back. The fans cheer as Randy and Pat pump their fists. Commercial Break Tom Sawyer by Rush plays as highlights of Kerry Von Erich in action are shown. 'The Modern Day Warrior' Kerry Von Erich is coming to the AWA! Commercial Break 'The Fortunate One' Gary Young w/Dream Machine vs. Trent Watkins Dream shouts words of encouragement throughout the match. Young finishes things off with a tornado DDT. Nelson: Dream Machine, I think you and Gary Young should know that thanks to you two, Jerry Stubbs is currently seeking treatment for multiple facial injuries. Dream: If anything, it'll be an improvement. Enough about that loser, let's talk about Gary Young babay! I'm taking this kid to heights he's only dreamed of. Who better to make dreams come true than the Dream Machine. Young: I can't think of a better mentor than Dream Machine. Everybody better buckle up because we're going to take the AWA on one wild ride. Commercial Break Iceman Parsons vs. Carl Kellerman Parsons has the fans grooving as he comes out to 'We are family' by Sister Sledge. Parsons is full of energy. He swings his opponent to the ropes and hits the hip attack for the win. Nelson: (Smiling) Iceman Parsons, welcome back to the AWA. Parsons: Great to be back Larry. The Iceman is feeling good, great and outstanding! I'm back in the Major League of wrestling and can't nobody stop my wave of momentum! Commercial Break Tatsumi 'The Dragon' Fujinami vs. Vic Dutro Fujinami looks like a wrestling machine and finishes things off with a dragon suplex! Wait a minute! Ray Stevens leads Jumbo Tsuruta to the ring. Stevens motions his hands to the ring. Jumbo enters the ring and walks up to Fujinami. Jumbo has some heated words. Fujinami starts waving his arms and has heated words as well. Things really heat up and all of a sudden, Jumbo chops Fujinami. Fujinami chops back. They have a furious chop exchange, then start clubbing each other. Both men fight to the outside. They pound away on each other with some very stiff shots. Prelim wrestlers and officials run out. The show ends with a chaotic scene. See you at Title Night!

Douglas is really moving up in our world. 89 could be his breakout year. Yea, not too many people will get up from a 400lb Samoan drop. What a visual! SPC and Sheepherders in a tornado match. Bring it! Perez is one of my favorites and I'm glad he's found a good home. Love that double spinebuster finish by Muscle Beach. OH YEA! Beasts of Burden vs. Road Warriors! That's going to be an epic brawl. You put an all time favorite like JYD in a feud with one of the most hated men in wrestling (Debeers), just sit back and count the money. Raging Bull vs. Super D is a great TV main event. Worldwide, LOL, nice little move putting Perez under a hood as the Black Scorpion. Young Stallions could find their groove here. The Bash card is stacked! Love the gimmick matches.

With plans changing, AWA releases Killer Brooks, Jeff Gaylord, Gene Ligon and Salvatore Bellomo AWA picks up Ken Patera, Brad Rheingans, Steve Strong and Superstar Billy Graham (as a manager)

I like the little details such as the crowd attendance not being what WCW hoped for. Or how certain matches didn't deliver. Very realistic. With all the recent changes going on in our world, I wonder if some of these issues and feuds will carry over to the WWF.

I'm fascinated by the history and all the behind the scenes business. You're doing an outstanding job with these write ups.

LOL, the House of Humperdink visual is something else. I still get a kick out of it. Baxter's got guts but he might need backup because these ladies aren't afraid to get involved. I'm with the Renesto's, give them a shot! Of course, Reno doesn't agree. I love all the pieces involved in the Dundee/Plowboy feud. So many places you can go here. It seems Jaimee and Bruno knew they had a good thing going before all this went down. This is the kind of story that keeps viewers tuning in.

Who's more unhinged? Cactus or Barr? I can't wait to hear Eddie's thoughts LOL. Well, the odds look like they're against Rose, but the guy always has a plan. Judging by their reactions, I'm wondering how long Tina and the SCS will be in the Playboy Club. Speaking of the SCS, they're in for the fight of their lives with the Southern Boys. Flowers shows he'll do whatever it takes to retain. Damn, Hart puts a stamp on things with Miller. Portland, The fans get a big surprise with the unmasking of Hangman followed by the banning of Bull Pain. Wow! Once again, Haynes takes down a monster. I like this role for Haynes. If I was hurting, I would really hate to be facing the Bulldozer. Hmmmm, now I'm wondering if Rose's reign is on borrowed time. Pillman is working his way to another LHW title shot. Windham proves if the right one doesn't get you, the left one will. I did love his selling afterwards. Eugene, Can Am's win a battle but I'm sure Footloose will be back for more. Owen shows he's a legit contender. Taker racks up another tombstone win. Severn is tuned up and ready for Windham. Tenryu might be looking at a title shot soon. He's been on a terror. Once again, the LHW's give the fans an exciting closer.

AWA TV @ The Hammond Center 8-4-88 Larry Nelson: Hello everybody and welcome to another edition of AWA Major League Wrestling. AWA World tag team champs, the Guerreros will be in action, as will AWA TV champ Brian Adias. You'll also see Lanny Poffo, Synergy, Nick Busick, the Glamour Boys, and the Vin Man's newest acquisitions, John Tatum and Jack Victory also known as Coast to Coast. In a rematch from last week, Davey Rich with Johnny Rich in his corner squares off against Randy Rose. Gigantic main event as Kokina clashes with the Ultimate Warrior. Alright, lets get to the ring. Synergy vs. Mick Richards and Keith Daltry Scott Armstrong atomic drops Daltry. Daltry is staggering as Rice hits a flying body press from the top rope for the win. Synergy cut a promo regarding their upcoming world tag team title shot against the Guerreros at Title Night. They say they're looking forward to the competitive match up against a team they have the upmost respect for. Commercial Break 'Luscious' Lanny Poffo vs. Trent Watkins Poffo entertains himself with his antics but really gets heat from the fans. Poffo gets serious at the end and wins the match with a moonsault. Nelson: Ok, next Saturday night from the Allen County Coliseum, the AWA presents the next Title Night. Lanny Poffo, you get the opportunity of a lifetime when you face Nikita Koloff for the world title. Poffo: Deservingly so might I add. I stole the show at WrestleRock and now it's time to do it again at Title Night. Nikita Koloff you are quite the physical specimen but you do not have the brains and wits of an intellectual like myself. I hope you are enjoying your reign because I promise you, it will be a short one. Commercial Break The Glamour Boys vs. Todd Rooney and Ray Glader Glamour Boys excite the fans as Doll puts Glader down with a missile dropkick and Simpson follows with a splash from the top rope for the win. Glamour Boys cut a promo on their upcoming National tag team title shot against Badd Co. at Title Night. They say they've been in the thick of things for awhile in the AWA but now it's time for some gold. Commercial Break Footage is shown from last week of Davey Rich's tainted win over Randy Rose. Johnny Rich comes out and talks sense into Davey about redeeming the Rich name and doing things the right way. Davey Rich w/Johnny Rich vs. Randy Rose It looks like Johnny's words have registered because Davey apologizes to Randy and offers a handshake. Randy is hesitant at first but the handshake happens. The first few minutes is back and forth and clean. Randy gets things going his way and takes it to Davey. Randy swings Davey to the corner but Davey reverses it, but the Ref gets tied up and Davey swings Randy into the Ref. The Ref goes down. Davey picks up Randy for a suplex but Randy blocks it and suplexes Davey. Randy goes over to help the Ref. While that's going on, Davey reaches in his trunks and pulls out a pair of brass knuckles. Davey staggers up but Johnny runs into the ring and pulls the brass knuckles away from Davey. The Rich's start arguing and it starts to get heated. Randy sees this and heads over. Johnny turns around and knocks Randy out with the brass knuckles! Johnny slides out of the ring laughing hysterically. The Ref staggers up as Davey drops a knee on Randy 1..2..3! The fans are booing as Johnny runs in the ring and hugs Davey. Nelson: Wait a minute! Johnny, Davey get over here! What was that all about? Johnny: Come on now Larry, we're Rich's! Davey: Yea Larry, we're Rich's and we're just born to be bad! Johnny: You know Larry, I tried, I really did, but I couldn't stand it anymore! Caring about what these stupid fans think was just too distracting. Davey reminded me what being a Rich is all about. Man, this feels so good! The Rich's are back! Deal with it! Davey: Johnny, I know we made Tommy proud. Rich's exit laughing. Nelson: I think I'm going to be sick. Commercial Break AWA World Tag Team Champs Hector and Chavo Guerrero vs. Bob Masters and Luke Moore The Guerreros look smooth tonight. The Guerreros double suplex Masters and follow with stereo elbow drops for the win. Nelson: Hector, Chavo, you've enjoyed a tremendous reign as world tag team champs. After what happened at WrestleRock, and what went down last week between Gary Young and Jerry Stubbs, I believe you've helped disband Gagne's Gang. After dealing with all that, how does it feel to defend the titles against Synergy at Title Night? Hector: First off, we want to say hello to our good friend El Canek, who's currently on tour in Mexico. Canek's a true friend and stood by our side all the way. Chavo: After dealing with Gagne and his goons, we have to say, we're looking forward to a wrestling match with Synergy. They're an incredible team and we're ready for the challenge. Commercial Break Nick Busick vs. Carl Kellerman Busick takes care of business and finishes things off with the Spinebuster Slam! Nelson: Nick Busick, you've enjoyed plenty of success here in the AWA. You held the AWA TV title for over a year and recently you were the runner up in the WrestleRock Rumble. I think you deserve this upcoming Mid American title shot with Larry Zbyszko. Now, you two have a bit of history. Busick: It's no secret that Zbyszko ended my TV title reign and he made it very clear he's confident he'll beat me again. Zbyszko! You did beat me for the TV title but now I'm going to beat you for the Mid American title! This time I'm 100% and you won't be able to handle what I'm bringing! Commercial Break Nelson: Ok, joining me now are Ray Stevens and his client Jumbo Tsuruta. Ray, you shocked the world at WrestleRock when you announced that you acquired the services of Jumbo Tsuruta. Stevens: Yes I did! The world saw what Jumbo Tsuruta is truly capable of. He dismantled the so called Crippler! That is only the beginning... Cheers as Tatsumi Fujinami comes out. Tatsumi stares at Jumbo with his arms out. He starts waving his arms and talking in Japanese. He motions to Stevens and shrugs his shoulders at Jumbo. Jumbo says a few words and they go back and forth. Things start getting heated. Tatsumi says something and Jumbo raises his hand, but Stevens holds Jumbo back and tells him now's not the time. Stevens escorts Jumbo to the back. Tatsumi shakes his head and walks away, leaving Nelson puzzled. Commercial Break Coast to Coast w/The Vin Man vs. Arnie Goldstein and Tim Thompson Vinnie is all smiles as Tatum and Victory hit a double hot shot for the win. Kevin Kelly joins them at ringside. Nelson: Last week we all saw Jack Victory and John Tatum attack DJ Peterson and cost him a chance at the TV title. Vin: WHOA! Hang on a second Larbo! There was no way Dufus Peterson was going to beat my main man Kevbo. Kev's beaten that guy so many times I've lost count. Brian Adias, you better get ready boy because Mr. Magnificent is going to put you down and take your title. NOW! I want to officially welcome Coast to Coast into the family. I'll say it now, the next AWA world champions. Mark my words Larbo, the family will all be holding titles very soon. YEA! Vin, Kelly, Tatum and Victory all share a group hug. Commercial Break Footage from WrestleRock is shown as Loni Anderson gives Brian Adias a kiss on the cheek. AWA TV Champ Brian Adias vs. Neil Jordan Not sure what's going on but Brian Adias comes out wearing a suit and sunglasses. His TV title is on his shoulder. Nelson: Brian, you have a match scheduled but clearly you're not dressed to compete. Adias: Yea, I'm not wrestling today. Larry, since WrestleRock my life's been a wild ride, let me tell you. (He takes off his sunglasses) I've been to Hollywood and rubbed shoulders with all the top agents and producers. They all want a piece of the champ. I received several movie scripts and multiple offers to appear on talk shows. Bright lights, the best parties and elite social events. I was right in the middle of all of it. I'm telling you Larry, the buzz is all about Brian Adias. As a matter of fact, everybody says I should be referred to as The A-Lister Brian Adias. That really suites me, don't you think? Yea, I like it, so make sure you write that down. (Adias looks up with a smile and takes a deep breath) The A-Lister Brian Adias. Nelson: I have no idea what to make of all this. You do know you have an upcoming title defense next Saturday at Title Night. Adias: Yes, my agent informed me, thank you. The AWA needs big ratings, so I'm their guy and I will deliver. See you there Larry and if you're good, maybe you can drive me to the after party. Commercial Break The Ultimate Warrior vs. Kokina w/Abbuda Iaukea and Tiger Jeet Singh Kokina, Iaukea and Singh wait in the ring. AC/DC's Shoot to Thrill hits and Warrior sprints to the ring. As Warrior enters the ring, he's attacked by all 3 members of the Asylum! Warrior fights back but the numbers are too much. The Asylum beat the Warrior down and hurl him outside the ring. The Asylum go to the outside. Iaukea and Singh pick up Warrior and execute a double rib breaker. Kokina then hoists Warrior up on his shoulders and Samoan Drops him on the concrete! The Asylum are ready to inflict more damage. The crowd roars as the GUNSLINGERS run out with chairs! The Asylum back up but they're all smiling at the damage done to Warrior. Title Night 8-12-88 TV Special Allen County Coliseum, Fort Wayne In. AWA World Title Bout 'The Russian Nightmare' Nikita Koloff (C) vs. 'Luscious' Lanny Poffo AWA World Tag Team Title Bout The Guerreros (C) vs. Synergy AWA Mid-American Title Bout 'The Living Legend' Larry Zbyszko (C) vs. Nick Busick AWA National Tag Team Title Bout Badd Co. (C) w/Baby Doll vs. The Glamour Boys AWA TV Title Bout 'The A-Lister' Brian Adias (C) vs. 'Mr. Magnificent' Kevin Kelly w/The Vin Man

The AWA releases Duke Myers, Mark Fleming and the Harris Brothers (Ron and Don)

This week's show is all about Dundee and Plowboy. What a great angle, that was set up brilliantly last week. I'm seeing money! Not to be overshadowed, I'm liking this Ash/Knighton alliance.

Once again, props to you for these well detailed match descriptions. Good way to start the night as Nakano edges out the win, but Suzuki held his own. Damn! Go was in beast mode tonight! Things can change on a dime as Yamazaki surprises Miyato to secure the win. I became a quick fan of Takada at the last event. I thought Fujiwara was going to take it but Takada survived to pull it out. Maeda ends the night with another big win and is obviously a superstar to the fans. UWF newborn is really coming together! Great job!

Windham vs. Severn! Thank you!

Wow, Stormfront has been pulling out some big upsets. We've got a Cinderella team on our hands. Bulldozer sends a strong message. Barr's losing it. I wonder what Eddie thinks of this. You know it's a horrible act if Rose gives a look. Scotty just got some nuclear heat. Never count Burke out. After an incredible tournament, Pillman wins it with an absolute thriller over Owen. Pacific is definitely the place to go for LHW's. Vancouver, If you like hard hitting action, then PCO and Bedlam is the match for you. Mega Man and Perez gel well together. The Bulldozer's on a roll. As with the LHWs, the tag teams shine as well. Can Ams and Malenkos proved that. Bret gets a satisfying win over current rival Miller. Windham gets the fall, but what I liked was the Windham/Severn tease. Kelowna, Christopher stands tall amongst the odd pairings. Regal knew it would take a pair of brass knuckles to put Tough Tony down. Severn's teachings are paying off for Payne. Cool seeing Anvil mixing it up with the Japanese. Speaking of the Japanese, Tenryu is taking Pacific by storm. Flowers continues his impressive TV title reign.

Great follow up. I loved how Idol bested Jarrett with his own logic. Here's to a long Idol/Dutch reign. Thanks to Jeff Jarrett, Douglas gets quick payback on Wright's Devils. Nice set up to their upcoming tag match. One thing about Budro, he never loses confidence. Great angle to set up the mixed tag match. This got some real heat and a passionate promo from Street. This feud has been really well done and one of the best in Memphis. I think Gordy might be right. Is there a man alive that can take his title? Slater's tuned up and ready for Rich. Big time grudge match coming! Mando as a heel! I'm lov'n that! Nice touch with Griz coming in as a masked bodyguard. Landel looks good on TV, but dealing with Gordy will be a whole lot different. As always, fun times in Memphis.

AWA TV @ The Hammond Center 7-28-88 Last week, a WrestleRock recap special was shown. Larry Nelson: Hello everybody and after a 2 week vacation, welcome back to AWA Major League Wrestling. WrestleRock 88 is in the books and what a historic event it was. I hope you enjoyed our full recap episode last week. On that note, it is my pleasure to welcome out the new AWA world champion, Nikita Koloff. Huge eruption as Nikita walks out, stops and raises the world title high. Nelson: Nikita, at WrestleRock you dethroned Bad News Brown and ended his year long title reign. What an incredible match that was. Congratulations and good luck on your upcoming title reign. Well Nikita, not much time to rest because on Saturday August 12th at the next Title Night, you will be defending the AWA world title against Lanny Poffo. Let's hear your thoughts. Nikita: Thank you Larry and I can't tell you how happy and excited Nikita is to be world champion. I want everybody to know that I will defend this title against anyone and anybody. Lanny Poffo! You're first up! Nikita puts the title around his waist and gives the camera a trap flex. Commercial Break AWA Mid-American Champ Larry Zbyszko vs. Garret Lipski Larry gets a lot of heat as usual but looks sharp tonight and wins the match with a swinging neckbreaker. Nelson: Ok Larry, just what were you thinking at WrestleRock? You know people are calling that the WrestleRock Walkout. Zbyszko: Oh that's real cute. I don't give a damn what the spudheads are saying. What I did was completely justified. Tatsumi Fujinami had all his press, security and media from Japan at ringside and obviously the Referee was influenced by all this. I wasn't getting a fair shake and so I took matters into my own hands. If people don't like it, too bad. I'm thinking ahead to Title Night and Nick Busick. You know Nick, I'm the one that ended your long TV title reign. Remember that? Well, come on down to Larryland and I'll beat you again. Commercial Break Nelson: Joining me now... Brenda Britton snatches the mic from Nelson. Britton: You know the drill Larry Nelson, beat it! Hi everybody, please welcome out the AWA C.O.O. Gerry Morrow. Morrow comes out, smiles to the fans and kisses Brenda's hand. Britton: Oh Gerry, you're so classy. Gerry, you made WrestleRock a tremendous success. It was incredible and the AWA owes it all to you. Morrow: AHHHHHHHHH thank you Brenda. It was my pleasure to enjoy de event with you. On dat note, I would like to ask de WrestleRock Rumble winner Tony Atlas along with Norvell Austin to join me out here. Atlas comes out with the WrestleRock Rumble trophy and raises it high. Norvell is behind him smiling and pointing to the trophy. Morrow: Mr. Atlas, congratulations on winning de Rumble. It was quite de performance. There's just one small issue. All managers were banned from ringside but Norvell made an appearance and proved to be a distraction. You see de dilemma I'm in. Norvell: Gerry, let me break it down. Yes, all managers were banned. However, I did not officially become Tony Atlas's manager until after the Rumble. You see, no rules were broken. Morrow: HAHAHA, you're a very clever man Norvell. Ok, I accept dat. Tony Atlas remains de official rumble winner and he will get a world title match whenever he wants it. Very best of luck gentlemen. Morrow shakes their hands and walks away. Britton: Wow, great job guys. So Norvell, when will Tony get his title shot. Norvell: When the time is right Brenda and you'll be the first to know. I do want to address a couple of things. All my focus is on Tony Atlas. Cannonball Griz is outta here. I've also cut ties with the Midnight Express. Dennis Condrey has left the area. As for Randy Rose, well it's been real. You see, I want the world title and the man of steel Tony Atlas is going to get it for me. Britton: Thank you so much Norvell and you too Tony, that sums it all up nicely. Toooooodles! Commercial Break The Killer Bees vs. Clinton Stich and Todd Rooney The masked team mix things up with rulebreaking and high flying maneuvers. Masked Man 1 (Brunzell) hits a high flying dropkick as Masked Man 2 (Blair) follows with a sling shot splash for the win. Nelson tries to get in an interview but the Bees simply walk away. Nelson: (Rolls his eyes) I think we were at least owed an explanation on why the Killer Bees costed Venomous the National Tag Titles at WrestleRock. Just what is their problem with Venomous. Commercial Break Randy Rose vs. Davey Rich On one side we have Davey Rich making his AWA debut. On the other side, we see a very distraught Randy Rose. These two put on a pretty good seesaw match. Rose still seems unfocused but stays in the match. Rich looks good and happy to be in the AWA. Rose rolls up Rich off the ropes but Rich carries the momentum and rolls Rose over with a handful of tights for the surprising, tainted win. Nelson: Davey Rich, um welcome to the AWA but I have to say, I'm a little disappointed in your tactics. Cheers as Johnny Rich comes out. Davey: Johnny! Johnny! Hey, did you see that. I tell you, I think I'm going to do alright here. Lets go celebrate. Johnny: Davey, I'm excited to see you and glad you're here, but I've been working hard trying to redeem the Rich name. You don't need to cheat to win. I'll tell you what you're going to do. You're going to give Randy Rose a rematch next week and I'm going to be in your corner. Davey, I want you to help me redeem the Rich name. I want you to wrestle clean and prove to me what I already know, and that you don't need to take shortcuts. What do you say? Davey: Sure Johnny, whatever you say. Commercial Break Abbuda Iaukea and Tiger Jeet Singh vs. Willie Lopez and Vic Dutro Iaukea and Singh just obliterate their opponents. They hurl Dutro out of the ring. They swing Lopez to the ropes and flip him over with double knees to the mid section. They pick up Lopez and hit a double rib breaker for the win. Kokina comes out and joins Iaukea and Singh at ringside. Nelson: My goodness! I can't believe this. Abudda Iaukea, you've brought Tiger Jeet Singh back to the AWA. Iaukea: You have a keen way of stating the obvious Larry Nelson. It was time for me to wreck havoc in the ring again and who better to do it with than Tiger Jeet Singh. The 3 of us are going to rule and run the AWA. You're looking at the Asylum and there's nobody that can stop us! We will prove it next week when Kokina destroys the Ultimate Warrior. Singh: The Asylum is my home! It is Abbuda's home and it is Kokina's home! Our enemies who enter the Asylum will never come out! They all storm out. Nelson: That was uncomfortable. Well, you heard him right, next week you will see Kokina clash with the Ultimate Warrior. Commercial Break We see a photo of Greg Gagne laying in a hospital bed in a full body cast. Nelson: Poor Greg Gagne really took a beating at WrestleRock. I've also learned that Crusher Blackwell will be out for awhile due to injuries sustained at WrestleRock. On that note, joining me now are the Fortunate Ones, Jerry Stubbs and Gary Young. The Fortunate Ones come out looking a bit down. Young grabs the mic. Young: Seeing Greg laid up like that makes me want to cry. I came to the AWA in need of some guidance and Greg was there. Now he's not. Stubbs: Hang in there Gary, we'll get back on track. I was there for you and I'm still here. Young: No, you see Jerry, that doesn't work for me. You let me down, you let the Gang down. You're not the right mentor for me. However, I had a long talk with somebody and after hearing what he had to say, I have no doubt in my mind that he will guide me to the top. The man I'm talking about is the Dream Machine! Boos as Dream Machine comes out and hugs Gary. Nelson: Hey Dream, how's your jaw? I know Randall Tex Cobb hit it pretty good. Dream: Shut up Larry! I'm here to talk business babay and the business at hand is the Fortunate One Gary Young. Stubbs: Whoa, Gary, what the hell's going on? We're the Fortunate Ones. Why is he even out here? Dream: I'm out here because you don't cut it, so I'm cutting you out. He's the Fortunate One and you're not! Now get lost before you get hurt! Dream pushes Stubbs. Stubbs pauses then pushes Dream down. Gary nails Stubbs from behind and puts the boots to him. Dream loads his mask. Dream picks up Stubbs and headbutts him down. Gary grabs a chair and hurls it in the ring, then hurls Stubbs in the ring. Gary gets in the ring, lifts Stubbs up and DDTs him on the chair! Gary picks up the lifeless Stubbs and DDTs him again in the chair. Stubbs is lying in a pool of blood as Dream raises Gary's arm and yells "He's the Fortunate One babay!" Commercial Break We come back and see Killer Brooks and a muscular man wearing a black mask pulling up to a bar on motorcycles. They walk inside and see the Harris Brothers drowning their sorrows in beer. The masked man stands in the back with his arms folded. Brooks walks over to the table, grabs a beer bottle and throws it against the wall. Brooks: Do I have your attention boys? A few months ago, our brother Mike Miller asked you for a favor. He wanted you to take care of a couple punks. You failed and failed miserably! Look at the two of you. Pathetic! Well, I'm here to get your killer instinct back. You're coming with Hood and me and you're getting your guts back. Brooks snaps his fingers. Hood goes outside, then comes back in with 2 black vests with 'Grim Riders' written on back. Hood throws them to the Harris Brothers. Brooks: Put them on and let's get going! The Harris Brothers look at Brooks, glance at Hood and then at each other. They put the vests on. Brooks and the Hood lead them out. Commercial Break AWA National Tag Team Champs Badd Co. w/Baby Doll vs. Sam Smith and Lynn Dawson Baby Doll is all smiles as Tanaka karate kicks Smith into a back suplex by Diamond for the win. Nelson: Ok, the new AWA National tag team champs, Badd Company. Congratulations. Baby Doll: Larry Nelson, I told you so! I only manage winners and champions. You see these titles? Nelson: Yes I do. Baby Doll: Yea, that means we're champions! At Title Night we're defending our titles against the Glamour Boys. Those two pretty boys can't even lace up Badd Company's boots. Get ready Larry, Badd Company is taking the AWA to heights never before imagined. Commercial Break Winner gets a TV title shot at Title Night 'Dynamite' DJ Peterson vs. 'Mr. Magnificent' Kevin Kelly w/ The Vin Man Luck of the draw as these two heated rivals go toe to toe for a shot at the TV title. The tide changes several times as DJ and Kelly beat the hell out of each other. After a few minutes, DJ has things going his way. DJ clotheslines Kelly down, then goes to the top rope. Kelly staggers up as DJ nails him with a flying shoulder tackle. DJ covers 1..2..Vinnie reaches in and pulls DJ's boot. DJ gets up and is ready to go out after Vinnie but the Ref pushes him back and says he'll handle it. The Ref goes to the ropes and tells Vinnie he's out of here! The fans are up and cheering. Vinnie starts a heated argument with the Ref. While that's going on, 2 men hit the ring. It's JOHN TATUM and JACK VICTORY! They pound away on DJ, then pick him up and hot shot him on the top rope! Tatum and Victory exit. Kelly staggers up, drops an elbow on DJ as the Ref turns around, runs over and counts 1..2..3! What?!?! Vinnie runs in the ring and hugs Kelly. Tatum and Victory enter. They all share a group hug as the show ends.

AWA picks up Tiger Jeet Singh and Killer Brooks

Arn is on fire and he's taking that all the way to the TV title! I should slow down, because beating Zenk wont be easy. Duggan and Borne is such a great fit. Rugged babyfaces. I'm getting a kick out of the clowns. I liked the contrast of promos with Jake and Rotunda. Flair's confidence is at an all time high. However, I wouldn't want to face the maniac Spivey. He's very pissed off right now. Curious to see how Flair handles this. Sherri continues to put over Bigelow in a big way. LOL, poor Nasties want that attention as well. WCW is really putting importance on the tag titles. The Wrestlefest main event cage match says it all. Good to see Herc get some mic time and hype himself up for Savage. Savage and the Rockers looked awesome but Slick's men didn't seem impressed and issue the challenge. I agree with LST, only 5 matches announced but damn what a stacked card.

I enjoyed the recap. You did a great job getting us updated on all the comings and goings. I'll say this, if you're a young up and comer, Pacific is the place to be. If you're looking to rebuild your career or get a fresh coat of paint, the NWA is where to go. You do an amazing job with the veterans. Race, Orton and Ole prove this. I like the fresh teams coming in. Muscle Beach, Aces High and Samoan Island Tribe are getting a lot of buzz, and of course Ox Baker's Beasts of Burden are back! I loved writing for them and can't wait to see what you do with them. Tully's reign is going to be a lot of fun, especially with all the challengers lining up. Looking forward to the Road Warriors and one of my favorite programs, the Starrcade Series. The 2nd half of 1988 is looking very bright for the NWA.

Bring it on!

It was meant to be! All is well until Plowboy shows up. I liked how he just pulled Bruno away by the ear LOL. Baxter gets a big TV win over Humperdink and is getting over with the fans. Michaels and the American are looking out for each other. It's good to have friends. I'm really looking forward to Bill Dundee coming in for a bit. Is he in cahoots with Fargo? Will Jamie play a role? A lot could go down. Poor Terrors, they really didn't have a chance. Especially against a pissed off Plowboy. I like where the new storylines are heading.

They say change is good and that's exactly what the AWA needed when it was revived in 1986. This wasn't easy because everybody in the wrestling world knows that Verne Gagne is very, very, very set in his ways. It took a lot of people (Greg included) to get Verne to budge and realize that if the AWA didn't adapt to the changing times, they would perish. Slowly but surely, Verne started giving okays on new ideas. He stayed behind the scenes and went with Gerry Morrow as the on air authority figure. Morrow and Brenda Britton have added some much needed charisma to the TV shows. Over the past 2 years, the AWA has worked on balance. They wanted a blend of International appeal along with a hard hitting southern and rock n roll vibe. They even shelled out big money to celebrities to help get national exposure. After seeing the WrestleRock numbers, Verne held a meeting and finally admitted that change is good. This was a monumental step in the right direction for the AWA. Now that everybody is on the same page, the AWA is fully revived and excited for the future.

I just watched the Adonis dark side of the ring episode, so it was cool seeing his tribute here. Makhan's out but is quickly replaced with Bedlam. Haynes better be on high alert. Then again, maybe it's Bedlam who needs to watch out. Haynes has fared pretty well against monsters. The Cam Am's are off to an incredible start. I know Rose is sweating right now. The finals are set and what a match we're going to get! Pillman vs. Owen could be a match of the year candidate. LA, Since their win over the Malenko's, Stormfront is riding high with confidence. Anyone holding gold better have eyes on Tenryu. 2 of my favorite PCW teams going at it, yea, I can get behind a FOJ/Destruction Crew feud. Brigade wins a battle but I have a feeling Taker is going to want a one on one with Gator. Windham has become a dominant champ. I'm loving his run right now. Shout out to AD for the 'Simply the best' reference. Santa Barbara, Show starts with a barnburner as the LHW's continue to shine. I mentioned this before, but Hashimoto has one of the best finishers in PCW. "Now you're going to see the perfect plex!" Always loved when Hennig yelled that. We might see some mixed tags in the future. Like Windham, Severn has an iron grip on his title. Hmmmmm, maybe a champ vs. champ match? Great match to cap off the night. I wonder what's going on with Barr? I agree with the others, you've done wonders with the LHW division. I also have to give you props on the tag team division. Both have become main event status.

A message from the AWA The AWA is currently on a 2 week vacation but will return next Friday. It can be announced that the next Title Night will take place on Saturday August 12th from Fort Wayne Indiana. The following matches have been signed. AWA World Title Bout Nikita Koloff (C) vs. 'Luscious' Lanny Poffo AWA World Tag Team Title Bout The Guerreros (C) vs. Synergy AWA Mid-American Title Bout 'The Living Legend' Larry Zbyszko (C) vs. Nick Busick AWA National Tag Team Title Bout Badd Co. (C) w/Baby Doll vs. The Glamour Boys AWA TV Title Bout Brian Adias (C) vs. TBA