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AWA TV @ The Hammond Center 6-30-88 Larry Nelson: Hello everybody and welcome to another edition of AWA Major League Wrestling. We're a mere 2 weeks away from WrestleRock 88 and we'll be talking a lot about that tonight. So much going on, let's get to the ring. The Unhinged Outlaws vs. Reggie Johnson and Cleet Stevens Outlaws beat their opponents up pretty bad before Barr executes a backbreaker on Johnson and holds him in that position as Deaton comes off the top rope with a stomp to Johnson's chest for the win. The Outlaws grab their bull ropes and beat Stevens with them before swinging him to the ropes and clotheslining him down with the bull ropes. Outlaws cut a wild promo and say at Wrestlerock, they're going to run those city slicking Gunslingers out of town...for good! Commercial Break WrestleRock Report #1 Brenda Britton is standing in front of the WrestleRock banner. She talks about the upcoming Carribean Death Match at WrestleRock between Carlos Colon and Buzz Sawyer. She shows highlights of their violent altercations in the past months and takes us to pre recorded comments. Sawyer: (manacle laugh while swinging his chain) I came to the AWA to have some fun and I've had a blast making Carlos Colon bleed! Colon! At WrestleRock I'm going to make you bleed and suffer and make sure you leave on a stretcher! (more laughing) What's more fun than that? Colon: (bandaged head) Buzz Sawyer! For some deranged reason you have targeted me. Big mistake! At WrestleRock, I'm going to show you why I've never lost a Carribean Death match. Trust me, I will get the last laugh! Commercial Break Nick Busick vs. Trey Rogers Busick ends the match with the Spinebuster Slam! Busick cuts a promo and talks about how it was an honor to hold the AWA TV title for a year, then says he's going to win the WrestleRock Rumble and get that world title shot. It would be icing on the cake to put Kokina down with the Spinebuster Slam! Commercial Break AWA Mid-American Champ Larry Zbyszko vs. Lionel Evans Zbyszko is at the ropes arguing with the fans. This goes on for a while. The fans cheer as Tatsumi Fujinami enters the ring. Zbyszko's back is still turned. Fujinami says something to Evans. Evans smiles and leaves the ring. Zbyszko is still antagonizing the fans. Fujinami runs over, grabs Zbyszko and executes a bridging back suplex. The Ref plays along and counts 1..2..3! The fans are up and cheering. Fujinami rolls out of the ring. A pissed off Zbyszko gets up and looks down at Fujinami. Fujinami smiles and taps his temple as if to say, he can play mind games too. Commercial Break WrestleRock Report #2 Brenda is back and talking about the history between Austin Idol and Lanny Poffo. They will meet at WrestleRock. She takes us to comments from both men. Poffo: Austin Idol, you're nothing but a weak and feeble man. It was real funny sticking a pacifier in my mouth last week after you attacked me from behind like the gutless coward you are. At WrestleRock we will engage in fisticuffs, and I will show you that I am a real man and prove to everyone what I've been saying all along, a boy like you doesn't belong in a man's sport like wrestling. Idol: Oh darling it seems Lanny Poffo has put quite the spin on what's been going down. Poffo, you started something and brother I'm going to finish it. At WrestleRock, you're getting in the ring with the Universal Heartthrob daddy and when I clamp on the Las Vegas Leglock, you'll be screaming like the little girl you are! Commercial Break Greg Gagne w/Crusher Blackwell and The Fortunate Ones vs. Trent Watkins Gagne's Gang escorts Greg into the ring. Gagne takes off his 70s style track suit and does some jumping jacks with an arrogant smile on his face. Throughout the match, Blackwell and the Fortunate Ones interfere, just to rile up the crowd. Gagne swings Watkins to the ropes and hits a high flying dropkick for the win. At ringside, the Fortunate Ones towel off Gagne's head as Blackwell rubs his shoulders. Tony Atlas comes out and shakes Gagne's hand. Nelson: (rolling his eyes) Greg, I know you and your gang had a good time tonight, but things might be a bit different at WrestleRock, when you face El Canek and The Guerreros in the steel cage. Gagne: Pardon me? Wake up Nerd, did you just see my splendid performance in that ring? That's just a sample of what that masked freak Canek and those goober Guerreros are going to get. Look around you. I've got the biggest and baddest monster in the AWA, Crusher Blackwell. I've got the greatest team in the AWA, the Fortunate Ones. And oh yea, the AWA world tag titles will be on the line, which means we're going home with the gold. WrestleRock is going to be the night of Gagne's Gang. Tony Atlas is winning the Rumble and then me and my gang are walking out of that cage, heads held high along with the world titles! And we're dedicating our victory to Mando Guerrero. We're out of here! Gagne walks away as his gang pushes past Nelson. Greg walks back to Nelson and throws his towel at him. Gagne: Keep that as a souvenir. Commercial Break We come back and see Chicky Starr at his home, sitting in a jacuzzi. There's a trophy case behind him. Starr: Picture this. The AWA TV title sitting behind me while Loni Anderson is sitting right here beside me. All that will happen after WrestleRock. Back Live AWA TV Champ Brian Adias vs. Todd Rooney Adias hits a missile dropkick and follows with a cradle suplex for the win. Nelson: Brian Adias, at WrestleRock, you will be defending your TV title against Chicky Starr. Chicky seems very relaxed these days. Adias: It seems one Chicky Starr is taking this match very lightly and it seems he's taking me very lightly. I want everyone to know, including you Chicky, that I'm in the best shape of my life and I've never been more prepared. I'm walking out of WrestleRock, just like I'm walking in, with the AWA TV title! And oh yea, it'll be nice hearing Loni Anderson announce me as the winner. Commercial Break WrestleRock Report #3 Brenda talks about the much anticipated Steel Cage handicap match where the AWA world tag team titles will be on the line. She takes us to comments from El Canek and The Guerreros. Canek, Hector and Chavo Guerrero are sitting in the hospital with Mando Guerrero. Mando: If I had one wish, it would be to compete in the cage match with my brothers and El Canek. I know that can't happen but I also know these 3 men will take care of business. Chavo: Gagne! We've waited a long time for this and your world comes crashing down at WrestleRock! Nobody can save you! Hector: I'll tell you this Gagne, you're going to be in a world of hurt and your so called gang won't be able to stop the beating we put on you! Mando holds up a coconut with Gagne's picture on it. He sets it on a table. The coconut explodes when Canek hits it with his fist. Commercial Break 'The Wild One' Johnny Rich and The Glamour Boys vs. Dream Machine and The Harris Brothers All six will be in the WrestleRock Rumble and we get a good preview tonight. Pier six brawl kicks off as Dream and Rich go toe to toe while the Glamour Boys and Harris Brothers fight to the outside. After a while, the Ref gets some kind of order. The match goes back and forth for a few minutes with everybody getting a quick chance to shine. Of course another pier six brawl breaks out. Dream lowblows Rich and hurls him over the top rope. Dream puts a foreign object in his mask and headbutts Simpson from behind. Doll goes after Dream, but the Harris Brothers stop him with stereo boots to the face. Ron covers Doll as the Ref counts 1..2..3! BOOOOOOOO! Commercial Break Nelson: I'm sure Johnny Rich and the Glamour Boys will be gunning for Dream Machine and The Harris Brothers in the WrestleRock Rumble. Speaking of WrestleRock. Please welcome out Nikita Koloff. Huge ovation as Nikita pumps his fist to them. Nelson: Ok Nikita, at WrestleRock, you will face Bad News Brown for the AWA world title. You guys have had some intense showdowns and it all gets settled at WrestleRock. What's going through your head? Before Nikita can talk, a ring attendant walks out with a huge box. He sets the box down and gives a note to Larry Nelson. Nelson reads it. Nelson: It says this is a gift for you Nikita, from the president of your fan club. Nikita looks over the box, then opens it. He pulls out a boom box. He's puzzled as he looks it over. All of a sudden, Bad News Brown comes out from under the ring. WHAM! Bad News puts Nikita down with a ghetto blaster from behind! Nelson: What the hell are you doing?!?! Brown picks up the boom box. Officials come out to help Nikita. They lift him up. WHAM! Brown hits Nikita in the gut with the boom box! Brown: There you go Nikita. That's what you're in for at WrestleRock! I've been getting a bit soft and it was time to bring out the Harlem street fighter. I just proved you're soft in the gut. You're not taking my title and that's a damn fact! Before the show ends, the WrestleRock celebrities, Irene Cara, Randall 'Tex' Cobb, Loni Anderson and Last Stop Tour's favorite band, REO Speedwagon give WrestleRock promos. WrestleRock 88 Saturday July 15th From the Metrodome, Minneapolis MN Live on pay per view (See previous posts for full card)

LOL, sorry about that. I totally misread it.

I think the Lawmen are heading for a 6 man title showdown with the Trinity. Jones is very confident heading into Wargames. RnR vs. The Andersons at the Bash. Bring it on! Oh yea! Prichard wants Morgan in a no holds barred match! Foley says NO, but I bet Morgan's all for it. SSM is confident as well, heading into Wargames. This is going to be intense! I hope Debeers knows what he's getting himself into. Patriots earn a shot at the New Breed. The Bash keeps getting better. Worldwide, Always like seeing the SPC get in a nice showcase. Kamala destroys another poor soul. Hmmmmm, I'm a little suspicious of Hayes. LOL, finally somebody takes care of the Mastermind. Good job Kaz! Pitbull gets his shot. Fun week.

IPW signs some explosive matches for the 4th! I think Humperdink is going to find out that Baxter is a pro. I'm intrigued by this Knighton/Ash situation. Is Knighton looking for some tutelage from the Professor? For Dark Journey's sake, I hope the Terrors know what they're doing. Wild ending as Cuban Assassin gets the upper hand on the American. However, American seems to have an ally in Michaels. The fireworks are going off in IPW!

Excellent recap. I'll be doing one for WrestleRock next week. With so much going on, these are always great refreshers. Revolution 2 is unbelievably stacked! All the matches have a big time feel and have been built up so well. If Ladd wants to showcase the woman, well no better way to do that then by booking the top 2 names in the industry. No doubt about it, Dusty Rhodes showing up blew the roof off the place. What a huge surprise! Brilliant move by Ladd, because he's going to get a surge in last minute ticket sales. Can't wait!

With some more experience, the Lawmen could do pretty well. Wrestling teams like the Sheepherders will give them just that. Kaz took one heck of a fall! It's going to be hard to beat Rob with Ron around. WOW! After one heated feud, Debeers beats Brody for the US title! Tully will answer for this at the Bash. Debeers holding the US title is going to be nuclear heat. Ashville, Prichard and Morgan are heading for a wild gimmick match. Strong finish for SSM. The Trinity have a strong grip on those 6 man titles. No way Tough Guy Inc were going to let the Buffalo Soldiers have a chance at gold. 30 minutes of Flair and Taylor is a great way to end the night. Their Bash match might steal the show.

Let's see who survives Deseret Storm! Rose's antics carry him only so far as Tenryu decides he's had enough. Great way to get the crowd warmed up by having Rose get pinballed all around the ring. How about a 'Rhodes to Rose' tour? LOL After that dominating performance, the Knights are officially back on top. Brookside now has a claim for a LHW title shot. I wonder if St. Clair will want more? One thing's for sure, Backlund must be very proud. Wow! A clean sweep! I'll give Flowers credit; he did go out like a true champ. I said Backlund must be proud, same goes for Cornette. His camp looked solid. I'm thinking the Midnights are next for the Wild Things. The main event gives us quite the swerve. I wasn't to surprised about Payne but was shocked at Hennig. Hennig has gone to the dark side. Damn, just look at the NOE stable. I really enjoyed this unique event. Very well written.

AWA TV @ The Hammond Center 6-23-88 Larry Nelson: Hello everybody and welcome to AWA Major League Wrestling. WrestleRock is right around the corner and with that in mind, we'll hear from AWA world champ Bad News Brown as well as his WrestleRock challenger Nikita Koloff. Nick Busick, Scott Putski and DJ Peterson will take on Kokina, Cannonball Griz and Kevin Kelly. In a rematch from a couple weeks ago, Tony Atlas takes on Duke Myers. All this and a lot more, so lets get to the ring. Synergy vs. Cal Collins and Walt Bannos Synergy gets the show going by hitting a double dropkick for the win. Nelson: Ok, Synergy, at WrestleRock you will face the Original Midnight Express. I'm sure the winners will be heavily considered for a title shot. What did you think of Norvell's comments last week, saying you two just don't measure up to his team. Armstrong: Listen up Norvell! We're going to outwit, out maneuver and simply outwrestle your Midnight Express! Rice: You're looking at the future of tag team wrestling! Synergy's coming out on top at WrestleRock! Commercial Break 'Mad Dog' Buzz Sawyer vs. Carl Kellerman Sawyer punishes his opponent before finishing him off with a powerslam. Sawyer continues to assault Kellerman. The crowd goes nuts as Carlos Colon (head wrapped in bandage from a Sawyer chair shot earlier this week) hits the ring and goes off on Sawyer with closed fists. Colon pounds Sawyer through the ropes. The Ref tries to hold Colon back, but Colon pushes him away and goes to the outside. Sawyer grabs his chain and wraps it around his hand. Colon charges as Sawyer turns around and hits Colon! Colon's busted open and down. Security hits the scene as Sawyer circles around like a madman. Commercial Break Giant Haystacks vs. Arnie Goldstein, Clinton Stitch and Wes Hightower Dominating performance by Haystacks as he slams all his opponents on top of each other and drops a BIG elbow for the win. Nelson: Ok, Giant Haystacks, you go one on one with the Ultimate Warrior at WrestleRock. We all saw your encounter with him last week and I understand Warrior suffered bruise ribs but will be ready at WrestleRock. Haystacks: Last week was a message! I was just toying with him! Ultimate Warrior! I'm going to unleash everything I have on you at WrestleRock and I guarantee you won't be walking out! Commercial Break We come back and see Chicky Starr on a golf course. He hits the ball onto the green. He smiles at his accomplishment and starts walking. "As you can see, I'm relaxed and confident. Just like I am in the ring. All mi amigos need a TV champion they can be proud of. The AWA needs a TV champion with superstar charisma and a face like mine." Chicky gets on the green and measures up his putt. "At WrestleRock, I'm going home with the TV title and Loni Anderson. Muy Caliente!" Chicky sinks the putt and nods with approval. Back Live Nelson: It seems to me; Chicky Starr may be a bit to overconfident. He better not underestimate the current TV champ Brian Adias. Switching gears, with me now is Ray Stevens. Ray, the world wants to know who you're bringing in to face Rip Oliver at WrestleRock. Stevens: The world and Rip Oliver are just going to have to wait. Trust me, it will be worth it. Rip Oliver, I've been waiting for this moment. I will give you a hint. The man you're going to wrestle is beyond crippling. He's a bone crushing, body bruising, wrecking machine! I'm going to relish watching you suffer and get the life beat out of you. Your time's coming Oliver, tick tock, tick tock. Commercial Break 'Dynamite' DJ Peterson, Scott 'Powerhouse' Putski and Nick Busick vs. 'Mr. Magnificent' Kevin Kelly w/The Vin Man, Cannonball Griz w/Norvell Austin and Kokina w/Abbuda Iaukea All 6 men will be in the WrestleRock Rumble and we get a preview here as the match starts with a bang. Kokina and Busick go toe to toe. Putski and Griz brawl in the corner. DJ tackles Kelly and punches away. After a couple minutes of this, the Ref somehow manages to get order. It doesn't last long with 3 managers on the outside. Once they tried to interfere, the pier six brawl was on! During all the chaos, Norvell was holding Putski as Griz charged, but Putski moved. Norvell goes flying as Putski nails a staggering Griz with the Polish Hammer 1..2..3! After the bell rings, Kokina and Iaukea miss a double clothesline on Busick, Busick swings back and clotheslines both men down. While that's going on, DJ presses Vinnie up and throws him onto Kelly. The pissed off heels leave as the babyfaces celebrate. It should be noted that Kokina was giving Cannonball Griz a dirty look. Commercial Break 'Luscious' Lanny Poffo vs. Phil Elliot Poffo irks the fans with his flamboyance and arrogance. Poffo hits the moonsault and it's all over. Wait a minute! Austin Idol hits the ring and clotheslines Poffo from behind. Idol hurls Poffo to the outside. Idol goes out, picks up Poffo and swings him into the steel post. Idol pulls out something and holds it up. It's a baby pacifier. Idol reaches down and sticks it in Poffo's mouth. Idol goes over to Nelson. Idol: You said it yourself Poffo. This is a man's sport and darling, you clearly don't belong. You're a child in a man's sport. You can suck on that pacifier until WrestleRock. Commercial Break AWA National Tag Team Champs Venomous vs. Vic Dutro and Willie Lopez The champs look smooth tonight. Cobra hits a snap suplex as Kat follows with the frog splash for the win. Nelson: Standing with me are the AWA National tag team champs, Venomous. At WrestleRock, your opponents will be Badd Co. Right now I would like to address the controversy that surrounded your last match with them. They defeated you in a non title bout to earn this shot. However, during that match, the Killer Bees made a surprise appearance, and a lot of people think caused quite the distraction. We have not seen or heard from the Killer Bees since. What do you guys make of all this? Before they can answer, Baby Doll and Badd Co. make their way over. Baby Doll: Don't say a word Nelson, just stand there like the puppet you are and hold the mic. Why are you talking about the Killer Bees? You should be talking about Badd Co. (looks at Venomous) and you two should be worried about Badd Co. Badd Co. were born for an event like WrestleRock. These guys are rock stars. WrestleRock is going to be the gala of the year for one reason and that's watching Badd Co. hold up their newly won AWA National tag team titles. That will be the kodak moment of a lifetime. Venomous, you're old news and it's time for something fresh. Before Venomous can respond, Baby Doll leads her men away. Venomous blow it off and hold up their titles. Commercial Break 'The Man of Steel' Tony Atlas w/Greg Gagne vs. 'Big Guy' Duke Myers Gagne gets in Myers face and pushes him. Myers grabs Gagne and lifts him in the air. Atlas nails Myers from behind. Oh No! Crusher Blackwell and The Fortunate Ones hit the ring. Gagne's Gang stomp down on Myers. The Fortunate Ones hold Myers. Gagne sizes Myers up, then puts him down with a standing dropkick. Gagne's Gang smile and applaud Greg. Greg takes a bow. Blackwell and Atlas pull up Myers and hold him as Gagne puts him down with another dropkick. Gagne's Gang once again applauds. Gagne says 'One more time' Everybody lifts Myers up. Hold on! El Canek and The Guerreros hit the ring! Greg and his gang quickly exit. Canek and the Guerreros stand over Myers. Security and officials run out to make sure things don't escalate. Greg taunts Canek and the Guerreros by laughing, shuffling his feet and waving his fists. Security and officials are holding Canek and the Guerreros back. Blackwell, Atlas and the Fortunate Ones lift Greg up on their shoulders as Gagne holds his arms up in victory. Commercial Break The Gunslingers vs. Todd Rooney and Ray Glader Gunslingers hit the double running bulldog for the win. Gunslingers cut a passionate promo while swinging their bull ropes. They say they're gunning for the Unhinged Outlaws and at WrestleRock they're going to beat them down in the final showdown! Bunkhouse style! Commercial Break Nelson: Coming out now is the reigning AWA world champion, Bad News Brown. Brown is wearing black jeans and a black T-Shirt with the world title on his shoulder. Nelson: It all happens at WrestleRock. You and Nikita Koloff for all the marbles. I'm talking about the AWA world title. Now, Mr. Brown, there are some people saying you're a little worried about Nikita and that's why you've seemed eager for confrontations recently. Like last week for example. Brown: That's enough outta you Nelson! Do I look worried? Nikita Koloff is nothing but a spineless cockroach! As a matter of fact, we don't have to wait for WrestleRock. If that coward Koloff has any guts, he'll come out here right now and meet me in this here ring. Brown sets his title down, takes off his shirt and gets in the ring. The fans go wild as Nikita sprints out and into the ring! Brown and Nikita have a furious exchange! Security and Officials are on high alert and hit the ring quick. They pull the men apart but Brown and Nikita break free and continue to brawl! Several prelim wrestlers come out to help. It's a wild scene. Commercial Break Brenda Britton and AWA C.O.O. Gerry Morrow are standing in front of a WrestleRock Banner. They talk about WrestleRock and the 12 big matches. We then get promos from the WrestleRock celebrities. "I'm Irene Cara and what a feeling it will be to sing the National Anthem at WrestleRock" "I'm Randall 'Tex' Cobb and trust me, whoever wins the WrestleRock Rumble will deserve this trophy I present to them." "I'm Loni Anderson and it's my privilege to be the guest ring announcer for the AWA TV Title bout. After all, I know a little something about TV" (Loni smiles and winks at the camera.) After the wrestling, get ready to rock with REO Speedwagon! WrestleRock 88 Saturday July 15th The Metrodome, Minneapolis MN Live on pay per view See previous post for full card

Lock and Luna are definitely a sight to see...anywhere. Baxter getting a crowd pleasing win over Humperdink gets him established pretty quick. Michaels outwrestles Knighton once again, but pays for it. After an epic scaffold match win, Dundee and Bruno might be considered contenders when new champs are crowned. Speaking of that, Tojo and Headhunter are getting closer to the gold. Loved the twist finish in the Ash/Rose match. Keep that heat baby!

I'm thinking Prichard and Morgan will finally settle things at the Bash. Brody gives a passionate promo and follows it by destroying his opponent in the ring. I know Tully's sweating bullets right now. YES! Wahoo and Lightfoot in an Indian Strap match! This had to happen. Fuller better be ready because the Pitbull is gunning for his title. Taylor has a good positive mental attitude. Hey, if he didn't get a title shot, well, he'll just retire Flair. Sounds easy enough. Sometimes simple words can bring in the fans. OH YEA! War Games is coming!!!!!!!! I couldn't figure out who the guitar player was. None other than Michael Hayes! Oh, he's definitely going to rock the NWA. You've done such an amazing job building up all these heated feuds to the Bash. Every match is going to have a big time feel!

If Ladd wants Woman's wrestling in Mid South, then building it around Medusa is the way to go. I like this version of Dibiase. He's focused, determined and believes in his talent. It's hard to boo him right now. Looking forward to Williams take on this. Vader goes nuts in the ring and during his promo. This is the beast we've all been waiting for. LOL, the Steiners show Hot Stuff Inc. what they're all about. Damn! What an ending! I was worried we were going to get a JYD heel turn but we get a bloody and beaten up JYD. The Nation really did a number on him. The tag match at Revolution is a must see. Like LST said, the build to Revolution has been great. Just the 4 matches announced will draw big money.

Solid showcases to get this rock'n Mid South crowd going. Jarrett, DWB, Douglas and Gordy all got to show off their finishers. Linda gets chased after out heeling Powers. But hey, Street got to put Rogers to sleep. I'm sure the fans loved that. Well, Dutch tried everything but the Lightning Express prevail. I'm sure Dutch will be in a great mood next TV. Memphis might not have Lawler, but Dundee and Keirn are holding down the fort. The main event was Memphis at its best. The classic Tommy Rich we all love in this game is back in a big way! The old lady swerve was great. Also, how great was it seeing Big Cat show up? Landel will get a rub from this and that will show in his next promo. Slater will be out for Rich's blood! This is going to be one epic summer feud!

A lot going on as WCW heads into American Meltdown. I love how you give everybody something to do. Each segment had some kind of heat. The International scene has taken WCW by storm. It's awesome seeing stars from Europe, Japan and Mexico in the thick of things. Using the RPMs as HTM's roadies is genius. It's a great fit. Jake is so good at being so cryptic. The road to the 6 man titles has been a lot of fun. So many great trios involved. Talk about putting importance on the world title. Steamboat, Savage and Spivey are in the mix as is Bock and Brisco. I think they made the right call having Savage and Spivey battle for the title shot. A lot of things will be determined at American Meltdown.

AWA @ The Kosh Sports Center, Oshkosh WI 6-18-88 'Crippler' Rip Oliver defeated a Local Talent with the piledriver. After the match, Ray Stevens came into the ring and grabbed the house mic. He tapped his watch and told Oliver his time is up at WrestleRock. Synergy defeated Salvatore Bellomo and Gene Ligon with a double dropkick on Ligon. 'The Man of Steel' Tony Atlas w/Greg Gagne defeated 'Big Guy' Duke Myers- Myers was in command when Gagne hopped on the apron. Myers grabbed Gagne by his shirt which allowed Atlas to come from behind with a double axehandle and roll Myers up with a handful of tights for the pin. Dream Machine and The Harris Brothers defeated 'The Wild One' Johnny Rich and The Glamour Boys- Fun see saw match that ended during a pier six brawl when Dream Machine headbutted Rich with a loaded mask. 'Dynamite' DJ Peterson defeated 'Mr. Magnificent' Kevin Kelly w/The Vin Man by DQ- These guys tore into each other! At the end, DJ hit Kelly with a flying shoulder tackle from the top rope but Vinnie interfered causing the DQ. DJ grabbed Vinnie by the hair and hurled him over the top rope. Kelly charged DJ but DJ back dropped him over the top rope. The Unhinged Outlaws defeated The Gunslingers- In the final stages of an epic all out brawl, the Gunslingers hit a double bulldog on Deaton. When the Ref was guiding Mantell back, Barr went to the top rope with a cowbell and came down on Casey's head with it. Deaton rolled over as the Ref came back to count 1..2..3! Casey tried to break it, but Barr hit him with the cowbell. This was no doubt a preview to their upcoming Bunkhouse match at WrestleRock. 'Mad Dog' Buzz Sawyer and Crusher Blackwell w/Greg Gagne defeated Carlos Colon and El Canek- Of course things got crazy in this one. All 4 men ended up fighting on the outside. The Ref was watching Canek and Blackwell go at it. Sawyer threw a wooden chair into the ring. Colon hit Sawyer and hurled him back into the ring. When Colon got back in, Sawyer shattered the chair over Colon's head. The Ref turned around as Sawyer covered for the 1..2..3! On the outside, Gagne hit the back of Canek's head with a loaded towel. Blackwell picked up Canek and rammed him face first into the steel post. Gagne then reached down and raised Canek's head, then slapped him across the face. The fans can only hope Gagne gets his at WrestleRock. 'The Russian Nightmare' Nikita Koloff defeated Cannonball Griz (no Norvell)- Griz put up a fight and rocked Nikita with some heavy shots. Griz attempted a corner avalanche but Nikita moved. Nikita went to town on Griz and finished him off with the Russian Sickle! After a majority of heel wins tonight, Nikita sends the fans home happy.

I liked the opening segment. It put a big spotlight on Baxter and who better to do that than Humperdink. This could get interesting. Bruno gets some momentum going heading into a money making scaffold match. Hmmmmm, I wonder what Knighton really had on his mind. I think Ash is just pissed with Rose constantly on his tail. Solid write up for the TV main event. I was into this match. Damn, the Jonesboro card is stacked!

Mid South always knows how to rock in the Superdome! Eddie and Missy always seem to come out ahead in the end. I have a feeling they have something big planned to get the TV title off Rick. The Nation is here and sounds like they want Reed to see the light. I can't wait for another Barbarians/Outlaws match. I think it's time for an Outlaws title reign. I'll say this, if Dibiase goes back to focusing on his skills he just might regain the Louisianna title. Is it finally going to be Vader time? Rick seems more than ready for Gilbert, but Gordon brought up some great points on who Gilbert's ran out of town. I can see Medusa bringing some serious attention to Woman's wrestling in Mid South. Luger is very confident heading into his loser leaves town match with Vader. Is Luger the future of Mid South or like I said before, is it Vader's time. Big money match! Oh Yea! A Reed/JYD alliance! The Nation get the best of them tonight but JYD and Reed are serious trouble for the Nation. This feud's got the heat!

Looks like Dustin is on the road to Rose. I'm really loving Makhan's monster push. Once again, great job with the continuity. Not sure if those were St. Clair's motives but I thought Regal explained his side of the story pretty well. I think we're going to see a Knights resurgence. Hashimoto has already become a serious force on PCW. The Demon is back! Him and Cactus are going to tear it up. It's a pretty big deal if Severn gives his respect. Payne might have found a new ally. Cow Palace, Regal's single's run starts off on the right track. Only a matter of time before he meets St. Clair. Tenryu gets a decisive win over a game Owen. Can't wait for a Pillman/Flowers program. I can watch the Malenkos and Footloose go at it forever. Talk about some tag team classics. Rose always finds a way to win. Having Tina in his corner definitely helps. We all know Bret isn't afraid to fight. Miller gives him just that. Oh no, just as Hall recovers from his injury, Hennig takes a bad fall. Fresno, It might be time to give Anvil a title shot in Fresno. Just like Regal, Brookside is adapting well to solo action. Haynes is giving the NOE some problems. Southern Boys and Stormfront take down the Playboy Club. Backlund goes to plan B to beat Pierre. The FOJ has rapidly got back in title contention. Flowers is a master at heel tactics. He looks so smooth breaking the rules.

AWA TV @ The Hammond Center 6-16-88 Footage from the Treasure Island Casino is shown as Lanny Poffo hits Austin Idol with a chair, follows that with a moonsault, then puts lipstick and glitter all over Idol's face. We then get comments from Idol in the locker room right afterwards. Idol is wiping his face off with a towel, then throws it on the floor. Idol: Poffo! You gutless coward! I've beaten you time and time again and the only way you can ever get the upper hand is with behind the back cheap shots. Let's finish this once and for all, you and me at WrestleRock! I would say man to man but clearly, you're not a man! What you are is a spineless sissy boy, plain and simple! Larry Nelson: Hello fans and welcome to AWA Major League Wrestling. Huge show lined up, including a rematch for the TV title as Brian Adias defends against Chicky Starr.... Boos as Lanny Poffo skips out. Poffo: I heard Austin Idol's empty threats earlier and just couldn't believe it. I give him a much needed makeover and this is his gratitude. And now he wants a match with me? What a neanderthal! Austin Idol, I have told you this is a man's sport, and you have no business in it. If you wish to engage in combat at WrestleRock, it will end with your demise. Commercial Break The Ultimate Warrior vs. Ty Tucker The show starts with a bang as Warrior presses Tucker over his head, drops him, swings off the ropes and hits a body splash for the win. The fans cheer as Warrior shakes the ropes. Wait a minute! Giant Haystacks lumbers into the ring. Warrior turns around. Haystacks lets out a roar and yells "Come on!" Warrior runs in place, shaking his arms. Warrior swings off the ropes and tries a shoulder block but Haystacks doesn't budge. Warrior tries again but the same thing happens. Warrior swings off the ropes and goes for a flying shoulder tackle but Haystacks swats him away! Haystacks picks up Warrior and slams him down. Haystacks then hits a sit down splash! Haystacks sits on a motionless Warrior with his arms folded. Commercial Break AWA TV Title Bout Brian Adias (C) vs. Chicky Starr These two give the fans another fast paced see saw battle. Both men are on their A game tonight. Adias gets in some high flying offense, while Chicky breaks some rules and gets in his hard shots. Both men are slugging it out when once again the 10 minutes expire and we get another draw. A post match shoving match starts, then escalates into a slugfest when the commercial hits. Commercial Break Larry Nelson: (Rolls his eyes) Joining me now is Gagne's Gang. Greg Gagne, The Fortunate Ones, Tony Atlas and Crusher Blackwell. Greg, Crusher Blackwell goes one on one with El Canek tonight. This will be a preview to WrestleRock. Speaking of WrestleRock, are you nervous about getting in that cage with Canek and the AWA world tag champs, Hector and Chavo Guerrero? Gagne: Nervous? Are you for real nerd? Why on earth would I be nervous? I'm the greatest TV champion in AWA history! I have the greatest tag team the Fortunate Ones in my corner, add to that Crusher Blackwell, a human wrecking ball. So nerd, why in the hell would I be nervous? WrestleRock is going to be a night of triumph for Gagne's Gang. Tony Atlas is going to win the WrestleRock Rumble and get a world title shot! (laughs) Then, me and my gang are going to destroy and decimate that masked freak Canek and those grimy Guerreros. And then, the world tag team titles will be in Gagne's Gang! Tonight, will be a preview when Blackwell crushes that masked moron Canek! You know what nerd? I would like to officially dedicate our WrestleRock cage match victory to Mando Guerrero. Without him, none of this would be possible. Gagne's Gang get a good laugh as Nelson looks disgusted. Commercial Break Scott 'Powerhouse' Putski vs. Kokina w/Abbuda Iaukea Putski puts his speed and power to use but thanks to interference by Iaukea, his momentum gets stopped. Kokina looks like a beast as he works over Putski. Every time Putski makes a comeback, Iaukea distracts him and Kokina continues his assault. Kokina goes for a standing leg drop but Putski moves. Putski fires up and pounds away on Kokina. Putski hops on the middle turnbuckles but Iaukea grabs his foot. The fans cheer as NICK BUSICK runs out and nails Iaukea with a forearm blast! The Ref is distracted as he watches Busick pound away on Iaukea. Putski goes to pick up Kokina but CANNONBALL GRIZ hits the ring and clotheslines Putski from behind! Griz exits the ring as the Ref turns around. Kokina picks up Putski and slams him down, then hits a standing leg drop 1..2..3! Kokina stands up and is ready to hit another leg drop, but Busick hits the ring and starts pounding away on Kokina! Busick hammers Kokina to the ropes, swings off the opposite ropes and clotheslines Kokina over the top rope! Kokina lands right beside a fallen Iaukea. The fans are going wild as Busick tends to Putski. Commercial Break We get quick shots and comments from the WrestleRock celebrities. Irene Cara is excited to sing the National Anthem. Randall 'Tex' Cobb holds up the WrestleRock Rumble trophy and says he knows about toughness and whoever wins this trophy will be the toughest man in the AWA. REO Speedwagon appear together and say they're going to put the rock in WrestleRock. Tatsumi 'The Dragon' Fujinami vs. Guy Owens Fujinami makes his return since Zbyszko laid him out with nun chucks on Memorial Day. Fujinami looks crisp but something interesting happens. During the match, Larry Zbyszko comes out and just circles the ring. He's constantly yelling up and antagonizing Fujinami, but Fujinami stays focus and wins the match with a Dragon Suplex. Fujinami invites Zbyszko into the ring, but Zbyszko holds up his Mid-American title, points to his head, twirls his finger, bows, then leaves. BOOOOOOOO. Commercial Break The Original Midnight Express w/Norvell Austin vs. Sam Smith and Clinton Stitch Norvell applauds as the Midnights hit the double flapjack for the win. Cannonball Griz joins them at ringside. Nelson: Norvell, at WrestleRock, your Midnight Express face Synergy. Whoever wins that match will surely be in title contention. Not only that, but Cannonball Griz will be in the WrestleRock Rumble. Norvell: You saw what my main man Griz did earlier to Punkski. That's just a little sample of what's in store for Punkski and everybody else in the Rumble. As far as Synergy goes, they've been nothing but a nuisance and at WrestleRock, my Midnights are going to show the world why they are the best team going today! Sorry, Synergy! You just don't measure up. Commercial Break El Canek vs. Crusher Blackwell w/Greg Gagne As you would expect, before the bell rings, Blackwell, the Fortunate Ones and Gagne attack Canek. It doesn't last long because here comes Hector and Chavo Guerrero! All hell breaks loose as Gagne trips through the ropes, then sprints out of the building. Canek and Blackwell brawl as the Guerreros and Fortunate Ones fight all around the ring. Hopefully a steel cage can contain these guys. Commercial Break We see Brenda Britton and AWA C.O.O. Gerry Morrow standing in front of a WrestleRock 88 banner. Britton: Hi everybody and welcome to another WrestleRock Report. Gerry, I heard the entire card is finalized. Why don't you fill us in on that. Morrow: HAHAHA! It is finalized indeed. We know Austin Idol will face Lanny Poffo and dat will be intense to say de least. Now, listen to dis. Britton: Oh I'm all ears. Morrow: Brian Adias will defend de AWA TV title against Chicky Starr in a no time limit match. Britton: Well that seems right after their two 10 minute draws. Good call Gerry! Morrow: Oh, dat is not all. It has been confirmed. De one and only Loni Anderson will be at WrestleRock. Britton: Loni Anderson! Wow! Gerry you've outdone yourself! Morrow: For de AWA TV title match, I think it is only fitting dat a big time TV star be de guest ring announcer. So, Loni Anderson will be de very special ring announcer for de TV title match. Britton: Gerry, I know I speak for everyone, I can't wait for WrestleRock! On that note, tooooodles! Commercial Break Nelson: Fans, at WrestleRock, Bad News Brown will defend the AWA world title against my guest at this time, Nikita Koloff! The fans go wild as Nikita comes out wearing jeans and a polo shirt. He looks at all the cheering fans and raises his fist to them. Nelson: Nikita, you look better than ever. I want to ask you about last week's press conference. Things really got out of hand. Nikita: They did. It's not the way I wanted things to go down but Brown disrespected me and put his hands on me. You don't do that to Nikita. There's a commotion as Bad News Brown strolls out. He's wearing black jeans, black T-Shirt and his world title is on his shoulder. Brown: Hold on just a second. Why are you talking to this chump and not the world champ? Nelson: Mr. Brown, you were going to get your chance... Brown: Just keep your mouth shut, you beer belly sharecropper! (Looks at Nikita) Nikita, you pull off this tough guy act pretty well, but you and I both know you're scared. You and I both know you have no chance in hell taking this here title from me. You're scared right now. I can see it in your eyes. You think long and hard about this. I'll see you at WrestleRock chump. Brown slowly walks away. Nikita: Nikita not afraid of nobody! Wham! Brown hits Nikita from behind with a double axehandle! Brown stomps on Nikita, then hurls him into the ring. Brown grabs his world title and gets in the ring. Nikita staggers up as Brown charges him and goes to hit him with the title, but Nikita ducks and hammers Brown with fists. The title falls out of Brown's hands. Nikita swings Brown to the ropes and sets up for the Russian Sickle but Brown frantically grabs the ropes and pulls himself over and out of the ring. Nikita rips off his shirt and does his trap pose with tongue out as Brown looks up with eyes bulging. Nikita picks up the world title and raises it as the fans stand up and cheer. Brown rips his shirt off and starts yelling and pointing up at Nikita. WrestleRock 88 Saturday, July 15th The Metrodome, Minneapolis MN Live on pay per view Final Card AWA World Title Bout Bad News Brown (C) vs. Nikita Koloff STEEL CAGE MATCH! The AWA World Tag Team Titles will be on the line El Canek and The Guerreros (C) vs. Crusher Blackwell/The Fortunate Ones and Greg Gagne AWA Mid-American Title Bout 'The Living Legend' Larry Zbyszko (C) vs. Tatsumi 'The Dragon' Fujinami AWA National Tag Titles Bout Venomous (C) vs. Badd Co. w/Baby Doll AWA TV Title Bout- No Time Limit Special Ring Announcer- Loni Anderson Brian Adias (C) vs. Chicky Starr Carribean Death Match! Carlos Colon vs. 'Mad Dog' Buzz Sawyer 'The Universal Heartthrob' Austin Idol vs. 'Luscious' Lanny Poffo The Ultimate Warrior vs. Giant Haystacks Bunkhouse Match! The Gunslingers vs. The Unhinged Outlaws 'Crippler' Rip Oliver vs. ??? w/Ray Stevens Synergy vs. The Original Midnight Express w/Norvell Austin The WrestleRock Rumble Taped Fist Battle Royal. Pins, submissions and over the top rope count as eliminations. All Managers banned from ringside Winner will receive an AWA World Title Shot. Randall 'Tex' Cobb will present the trophy to the winner. Participants Nick Busick Kokina 'Man of Steel' Tony Atlas 'Big Guy' Duke Myers 'The Wild One' Johnny Rich The Dream Machine The Glamour Boys The Harris Brothers Scott 'Powerhouse' Putski Cannonball Griz 'Mr. Magnificent' Kevin Kelly 'Dynamite' DJ Peterson REO SPEEDWAGON will perform a concert after the event.

Battlebowl! Let's do this! The tag pairings were a lot of fun. Yamada gets the fans fired up with the big finish. Well, with Fuller and the Andersons at ringside, poor Brown didn't stand a chance. Nightmares on opposite sides was a cool visual and I have to admit I laughed when the Nightmare costed his own partner the match. Yea, no way the Garvin's were going to work together. Super D gets the tainted win which I guess worked out well for Prichard. Fullers literally leave Pitbull hanging. The battle royal was well written and easy to follow. Some great spots such as Kaz's feats of strength and Lightfoot attacking Wahoo. Liked Brody's elimination of Anderson LOL. Brody tears it up at the end and gets the 1..2..3 on Taylor! I know Tully's sweating this. Great show that kept the heat on a lot of feuds. Can't wait for the Bash!

Like the attention Knighton is getting. Rip adds to it by getting a match with Michaels signed and now there's a big reason to attend the Jonesboro show. When a match gets all the time in the world, you know it's a big deal. Both teams have brought a big time buzz to IPW. Reno and Wolf get the huge TV win and the series is even. This was a big deal. Cool throwback to a TV time remaining match. Maybe this will lead to something bigger between Lou and Tony.

Zenk looks pretty good against Orton but his night isn't over. HTM arrives and gets instant heat with a guitar blast! HTM will be a solid fixture in the TV title scene. The Clash always delivers on showcases. Jake and Bigelow get theirs. The world title bout gets chaotic! Savage and Steamboat are on the same page. I loved the shot of Spivey wanting both of them. I'm curious to get Bock's thoughts on all this. I'm looking forward to watching what Rotunda does here. Hopefully we get Varsity Club Captain Mike. So far, the 6 man tournament matches have been a lot of fun. A bit of something for everybody. I think the Russians might pull it off. Dusty and Race get the job done. They gave the fans a proper blow off and Dusty got color. Great way to end the show.

The Russians look tuned up and ready for the tournament. Well, I'm hoping Jarrett allows Wright's Devils into the tournament. If Wright says they're legit, good enough for me. If Memphis is looking to attract male viewers, then Powers is definitely helping. Landel is confident heading into his match with Slater. Then again, when isn't Budro confident? Rich finally surfaces and has some protection. Slater seems unfazed and gives Rich one last chance. I know Lance will be relieved when all this is over. Dutch tries and tries and tries but somehow manages to always get caught. Well, maybe Jeff really was cleaning up the locker room to earn extra money to pay off Dutch's fines. Dundee getting a few licks on Dutch with Shoo Baby is a very fitting ending. Stampede has Whalen and Dr. D while Memphis has Lance and Dutch. LOL, great entertainment.

AWA @ The Treasure Island Casino, Red Wing MN 6-11-88 'Big Guy' Duke Myers defeated Gene Ligon with a Rib Breaker 'Mr. Magnificent' Kevin Kelly w/The Vin Man defeated Salvatore Bellomo with a Full Nelson Slam. Vinnie was wearing a T-Shirt that read "Kev crushed DJ's face!" The Harris Brothers defeated The Glamour Boys- At the end of a wild and fun match, the Glamour Boys put Ron Harris down with a double dropkick, but as the Ref was guiding Simpson back to his corner, Don Harris nailed Doll with a leg drop, then rolled Ron over on top for the pin. Nick Busick and Kokina w/Abbuda Iaukea battled to a Double DQ 'The Universal Heartthrob' Austin Idol vs. 'Luscious' Lanny Poffo These two really went at it. Poffo had Idol in trouble a few times but Idol managed to ride the storm and have a fiery comeback. Poffo stopped the momentum with an eye rake then swung Idol into the corner and followed with a high knee but Idol moved. Poffo hit the turnbuckles with his knee. Idol quickly clamped on the Las Vegas Leglock and it was all over. Poffo slid out of the ring. Idol celebrated for a bit. Poffo limped over and grabbed a chair, then slid into the ring and whacked it across Idol's back. Poffo picked up Idol and executed a backbreaker, then climbed the ropes and hit a moonsault! Poffo went to the outside and grabbed a bag he previously took to the ring. He opened the bag and pulled out some lipstick. He colored Idol's face with the lipstick, then pulled out some glitter and threw it down on Idol's face. Poffo then nodded in satisfaction and skipped away. Big time heat for Poffo. Scott 'Powerhouse' Putski/'The Wild One' Johnny Rich and Synergy defeated Cannonball Griz/Dream Machine and The Original Midnight Express w/Norvell Austin- This see saw action packed match had the fans on the edge of their seats for 20 minutes. The end came during a wild pier six brawl when Synergy double back dropped Griz and as Griz staggered up, Putski put him back down with the Polish Hammer to get the 1..2..3!

AWA releases Frenchy Martin AWA picks up Alexis Smirnoff as a manager

The House of Humperdink! IPW will never be the same. Luna and Lock are going to get people talking. What a crazy visual. Renesto's are coming along and gelling well. Rip puts extra spice on the best of seven series. You can bet I'll be tuning in next week. You know, I'm thinking the Renesto's are in a good spot right now. How much will be left of either Reno/Wolf-Tojo/Headhunter after this grueling series? Might be a golden opportunity for the Renesto's. The American and Cuban Assassin has become one of the hottest feuds going in IPW. That's saying a lot with the tag series and Ash/Rose going on. American and Assassin are definitely holding their own.