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Nothing like a true patriot to get things going. Renesto is rising up the ranks and could give Ash a serious challenge. The heel turn has certainly paid off for both Knighton and DJ Another heated contest between Headhunter and Riggins. I agree with AD, well booked finish.

The Rogers/Horner angle was a classic territory angle. Rogers proves his point but I'm sure Horner has a plan. The pay off should be a lot of fun. Memphis is a great place for DWB. Slater's got to be considered a favorite to win the title tournament. Nice continuity mentioning his feud with Rich. Slater did get screwed over on that. Scorpio is fired up tonight but that no good Wright costs him his match with Landel. However, Marlin has had it and bans Wright from future matches. that is until he gets a wrestler under contract. I did crack up at the sight of Wright chasing Marlin in his wheelchair. Sweet Brown Sugar is another guy who can do well here. Gaylord couldn't even slow Douglas down as he was all over Dutch. LOL, Dutch got out of there quick. Maybe it's time to put Douglas and Dutch in a cage. It's very hard booking Memphis without Lawler but it has allowed other guys to step up against veteran heels like Dutch and Wright. And props to Lance Russell for being the glue.

Always great to see The Grappler. After a classic Mid South type feud, JYD puts an end to Wahoo. You did a good job with heel Wahoo. Gave him something big to do at the tail end of his career. Super D loses the match and still leaves with his mask. I wonder how Ladd will handle this one? Even though the match was never official, the fans still got their money's worth on the street fight. Dr. Death takes advantage of Woman's mistake and beats Vader. We have our Ref. Not sure why Missy was mad at Rick. Looks like he held his own and Eddie took the fall. Can't wait for their next TV interview. I can't believe it, Dibiase does it again! I wonder who attacked Jake? Once again, Dibiase's money is well spent. Being put in the main event angle is one heck of a way to debut. Big things are in store for Snowman. Looks like Reed will have his hands full with Snowman, so maybe Williams gets his chance at Luger. Great job extending the storylines.

The show's all about Knighton as he advances in the tournament and hooks up with Dark Journey! More heel heat as the Terrors give Michaels a beating. This feud was so well done. Slow burn classic as it started with babyface matches. Knighton's building frustration and then the breakdown. And now aligning with IPW's top heel manager. So good! And let's not forget that there's a number one contender's tournament going on. Favorite Pat Rose advances. Liked the Crockett Cup shout out. I wonder if IPW's teams will meet?

Furnas is geared up and ready for Backlund. LOL, I love that Rose is as smug as ever. I knew the Cornette/RPG feud would be great and things are really heating up. Severn retains but the Animal awaits. Haynes sends the Portland fans home happy. But damn, what a match with Big Cat! Portland, Dustin is showing promise. Arrogant Eddie pulls it off. The Malenkos/Southern Boys show how competitive the tag division is. I still can't call who's going to win the tournament. Regal evens things up by taking down arrogant Art. The Playboy Club has really risen up. Hall's reign might be in jeopardy. Hennig retains in yet another classic with Backlund. Can't say Hennig is ducking anybody. Eugene, After watching their tune ups, Animal and Beast might steal the show in Vegas. Bulldozer sends a strong message to Taker. FOJ are in total sync. If you get by the tough guy gatekeeper (Pierre) then you've earned your stripes. Makan did just that. Even in loses, the LHW's come out strong by tearing it up with Pillman. Hart has withstood a variety of wild challengers. I'll say it again, PCW is red hot!

AWA Champagne Slam Preview Show First off, the AWA congratulates The Original Midnight Express on winning the Toast to the Tag Teams Tournament. The Midnights will represent the AWA at the NWA's Crockett Cup. Also representing the AWA will be last year's Crockett Cup winners Jumbo Tsuruta and Tatsumi Fujinami. At Champagne Slam, the AWA National Tag Team Champs Venomous will be in a non title dark match. This will be their first match back since suffering injuries at the hands of the Midnight Express. The Ultimate Warrior vs. 'Quebecer' Richard Charland w/Frenchy Martin The hype on the Warrior has been unreal. He's had several vignettes and promos and will make his long awaited AWA in ring debut at Champagne Slam. Opposing him will former National tag champ Richard Charland. Gerry Morrow handpicked Charland after watching Charland defeat Corporal Kirchner in a boot camp match. Cannonball Griz vs. Scott 'Powerhouse' Putski This started at a battle royal when Putski eliminated Griz. After Putski was eliminated, Griz slammed Putski on the concrete. Last week, Griz struck again and powerslammed Putski twice. Here's the thing, Griz's manager Norvell Austin will be at the Crockett Cup that weekend and won't be in Griz's corner at Champagne Slam. Without that distraction, Putski's attention will be all on Griz. 'The Latin Heartthrob' Al Perez vs. Chicky Starr Breaking news in this match as Starr's manager DDP recently left the AWA to join WCW. Perez has already scored a couple pins on Starr. All this has got to be on Starr's mind. 'Crippler' Rip Oliver vs. Ray 'The Crippler' Stevens Stevens exploded back to the AWA, attacked Oliver which ended with Stevens piledriving Oliver on the concrete. Stevens said Oliver was disgracing the 'Crippler' name. Oliver returned weeks later and paid Stevens back with a piledriver. Who will win the Battle of the Cripplers? Nick Busick vs. Kokina w/Abbuda Iaukea 4 months ago, Busick was having serious shoulder issues. Kokina really did a number on Busick's hurt shoulder which led to Larry Zbyszko ending Busick's year long TV title reign. Busick had surgery and is back. Iaukea has vowed that Kokina will put Busick on the shelf for good. 10-Man Tag Team Elimination Bout El Canek/Billy Jack Strong/'The Wild One' Johnny Rich and The Guerreros w/Mando Guerrero vs. Crusher Blackwell/'Marvelous' Mike George/Dream Machine and The Fortunate Ones w/Greg Gagne A lot going on here. Crusher Blackwell shocked everyone when he joined up with Gagne's Gang and attacked El Canek in a dressing room, slamming a locker on top of him. Mike George was tuning up for a Mid-American title shot by facing Billy Jack Strong. Strong won the match. George and Gagne blamed Strong for George's eventual loss to Austin Idol. George defeated Strong in a TV match with help from Gagne. The Guerreros came to the AWA after the Fortunate Ones and Blackwell attacked Mando and put him out of action. These two teams have been trading wins across the loop. Johnny Rich came to the AWA to redeem the Rich name. Dream Machine wanted Rich to come to his senses and be more like his cousin Tommy. Dream offered his "friendship" and watched Johhny get attacked by Gagne's Gang, proving he needed friends. Rich gave Dream an answer with a fist to the face. Dream now has his friends and Rich has found his. Who will remain standing in the end? 'The Russian Nightmare' Nikita Koloff vs. 'Gentleman' Chris Adams w/Baby Doll This got heated earlier in the year which led to a match. Nikita won the hard fought match with a roll up. A week later, things reached a boiling point when Adams superkicked a chair into Nikita's face. While Nikita was out of action, Adams and Baby Doll bragged about putting the big bad Nkita down. Nikita came back and tore the face guard off to show he was healthy and ready to take Adams down. I think this will come down to Russian Sickle vs. Superkick. Two very over finishers. Title vs. Title AWA Mid-American Champ Austin Idol vs. AWA TV Champ 'The Living Legend' Larry Zbyszko Simple enough. Zbyszko wants 2 titles and challenged Idol, saying he would put his title up as well. Idol gladly accepted. Gerry Morrow loved the idea and signed it. This has been more of a war of words. AWA World Tag Team Title Bout 'Dynamite' DJ Peterson and 'Mr. Magnificent' Kevin Kelly (C) w/The Vin Man vs. The Bruise Brothers DJ and Kelly have been in an on and off feud for years. This feud has even crossed into other promotions. They recently rekindled it in a big way. Things took a crazy turn in a battle royal, where the last two men remaining would get to team up for a world tag title shot. Wouldn't you know it, DJ and Kelly were the last two men standing. Nobody gave them a chance at Title Night, because they were facing the dominant Bruise Brothers. What most considered a fluke, DJ and Kelly somehow pulled it off and won the titles. At first, they still harbored bad feelings towards each other, but Vinnie got them on the right track by saying after all this time in the AWA, they were now champs. Can they keep this up? The Bruise Brothers don't think so and are coming for blood and the titles. AWA World Title Bout Bad News Brown (C) vs. Carlos Colon Their match in Puerto Rico impressed Gerry Morrow so much that he immediately signed the rematch for Champagne Slam. At Title Night (Puerto Rico), they battled to a bloody double c.o. Brown was going to hit Colon with the ringside bell but Colon managed to take it and clocked Brown with it. Since then, they've had two wild pull apart brawls on TV. Brown has had an incredible title reign. However, a lot of people think he's met his match with Colon. We'll see who walks out as champ at Champagne Slam. Champagne Slam Market Square Arena Saturday, April 15th Live on pay per view

I agree with LST, the upcoming 6 man tag is right up the Freebirds ally. However, Steamboat and Savage are superstars and Mr. T brings the street credibility. This is going to be a wild one. Koko's on a roll but I don't think he will be able to stop Muta's momentum. Rockers vs. Twin Towers! Bring it on. I just hope Michaels can stay away from the OMG clothesline. It tells you how much animosity Dusty has for Harley, if he's willing to give Spivey a second chance just to keep him away from Harley. Both Zenk and Ace have big obstacles in front of them at the Clash. Not sure the Conquistadors know what they've gotten themselves into. Sounds like Spivey is loyal to Race. Dusty ending the show bloody and beaten up is a big deal. Harley has put together quite a stable. Things are red hot in WCW!

The Monster remains on his path of destruction. Who's going to step up and try and stop him? You know we're in the 80's with a team called the Masked Yuppies. LOL Starr breaks out one of my favorite finishers, the double armed DDT. Hase and Borne go the limit and I'm sure there's much more to come with these two feuding factions. Nobody cuts a promo like Flair. Wow, almost a year as champ. That says a lot considering all the top contenders here. Foley helps Debeers get the win, but Brody reminds him who he's going to be dealing with. I can't wait for this match! Worldwide, I really like the way your building Brad Anderson. With the Andersons guiding him, he's a future star in our world. Jaggers and Bart spoil their opponents debuts. SPC are in the Crockett Cup! Crockett Cup gets a lot of hype this week. It's going to be highly competitive this year. Not to mention, two Midnight Express teams are entered. Hopefully we get the match. I'm sure Cornette is already planning on some mic time LOL.

Well, it looks like Knighton's heel turn is paying off. Looking forward to his next match with Michaels. Good to see young Jamie using his Dad's finisher. Renesto could be a great story here, especially with the history of his father. Wolf gets the sympathy and the win. Babyface work at its finest. The tournament will be must see TV. I remember when GCW did this type of tournament on TV and as a kid I loved seeing all these competitive matches. BTW, Jack Brisco won it and faced Flair for the world title. Two big names in IPW face off in the main event and the fans get chaos at the end. Money well spent.

Mid South is on fire! I love how you have two money making headline feuds going on. Luger vs. Reed, and Dibiase vs. Jake have been built to perfection. I also like the supporting cast involved. Williams and Vader going at it to determine who the Ref will be adds a lot of intrigue. Not to mention, what's going on between Reed and Woman, hmmmmm. Then you have big players involved in the Jake/Dibiase feud. JYD, Murdoch, Rotunda, Barbarians and now STAN HANSEN! The Lakefront Arena is in for a wild night. Add to that, the Hot Stuff Inc. storyline. Everybody is wondering where Rick Steiner stands. And to top it off he's got to meet his brother in a tag match. What a story. And, oh yea, we have Super D and Duggan. Everything is on the line in their huge upcoming match. These guys are going to brawl! This has been a gem. LOL, the pictures of Dibiase and Adnan would have been the highlight for me this week, until Stan Hansen showed up and stole the show. So much going on and I'm loving every minute of it.

AWA puts on the block, Corporal Kirchner Steve Doll and Steve Simpson (The Glamour Boys) Brad Rheingans Mark Fleming

AWA A Toast to the Tag Teams Tournament The Hammond Center, Hammond Indiana 4-1-88 Gerry Morrow is standing in the middle of the ring. He raises a glass. "A toast to our many great tag teams. May de best team win" Opening Round Matches The Technicians vs. The Original Midnight Express w/Norvell Austin Pretty good contrast of styles match to get things going. The Technicians bring their technical A games and fluster the Midnights with several take downs, suplexes and submission moves. Midnights fire back and put their chemistry in full throttle. Technicians regain momentum with a double hip toss on Rose. Condrey charges in and gets a double back drop. The Ref guides Rheingans back to the corner. Fleming gets Rose up for a suplex but Condrey clips Fleming's knee from behind. Condrey falls on top as the Ref runs over and counts 1..2..3! Norvell is beyond elated. Winners of the match and advances to the semi finals- The Original Midnight Express The Glamour Boys vs. Mean Streak These two teams have had some fierce altercations and tonight is no different. Glamour Boys have a red hot start as they use their high flying offense and double team maneuvers to throw Mean Streak off their game. That comes to an abrupt stop when Adams nails Simpson with a clothesline from behind. From there, Miller and Adams brutalize Simpson for quite some time. Simpson finally makes the hot tag. Doll is a house of fire for awhile but Mean Streak once again shuts that down and work over Doll something serious, scoring several near falls. Frustration gets the best of Mean Streak as they begin to argue with the Ref, which allows Doll to tag in Simpson. Simpson dropkicks Miller into Adams. Adams falls through the ropes as Simpson rolls Miller up 1..2..3! The Glamour Boys exit. Mean Streak go berserk, argue with the Ref before putting him down with a double choke slam! Winners of the match and advances to the semi finals- The Glamour Boys Synergy vs. Badd Co. w/DDP Another match between two feuding teams. These teams deliver a fast paced, seesaw match. It's very evenly matched as both teams gel so well. Each team shines and show off some exciting stereo moves. DDP tries to interfere but Synergy knock him off the apron with stereo forearm blasts. A pier six brawl kicks off. The Ref finally gets control. Rice hits a sunset flip on Diamond but Tanaka nails Rice with a karate kick, the momentum carries Diamond over 1..2..3! The Winners of the Match and advances to the semi finals- Badd Co. The Gunslingers vs. United Kingdom The opening round ends with another heated match up. This one is hard hitting. Gunslingers do a number on Taylor for awhile, but when Haystacks finally tags in, he goes in full monster mode and pinballs both Gunslingers around the ring. Taylor then tags in and puts his British brutality to work. United Kingdom scores several near falls but can't put the Gunslingers away. Gunslingers mount a comeback. Before you know it, all four men are in the ring fighting. Gunslingers double clothesline Taylor down, then double dropkick Haystacks. Haystacks staggers as the Gunslingers double dropkick him again. Haystacks falls back and gets tied up in the ropes! Taylor rises as the Gunslingers put him down with a double bulldog 1..2..3! Winners of the match and advances to the semi finals- The Gunslingers Semi-Finals The Glamour Boys vs. The Original Midnight Express w/Norvell Austin These teams have a history and tonight they pick up right where they left off. The Glamour Boys are still reeling from their earlier match with Mean Streak but they still put up one heck of a fight. The Midnights find their groove and start to really click. Glamour Boys just wont go down and make a fierce comeback. Norvell intervenes and trips Doll. Simpson sees this and goes after Norvell. Big mistake, because inside the ring, the Midnights pick up Doll and put him down with a double DDT 1..2..3! Winners of the match and advances to the Finals- The Original Midnight Express The Gunslingers vs. Badd Co. w/DDP This one's tag team 101. Both teams look fluid, crisp and sharp. Nobody gains a solid advantage as both teams use quick tags to keep everybody fresh. Badd Co. gets control and put on a display with several double team concoctions. Gunslingers get their turn and show off their incredible chemistry. In the midst of all the action, the bell rings. The 20 minute time limit has expired. Both teams still want to go at it. DDP is screaming at the timekeeper. Gerry Morrow grabs the mic. "I know everybody wants to see a winner and so do I. Dis match will continue" The fans cheer as Morrow signals for the bell. The match picks up and the next few minutes is a roller coaster ride of action. Mantell hits a cradle suplex on Tanaka 1..2..Diamond breaks it. Casey runs in and clotheslines Diamond down. The Ref guides Casey back. Diamond gets up and clotheslines Mantell from behind. Casey charges back in. The Ref quickly guides him back. Tanaka picks up Mantell. Diamond karate kicks Mantell into a back suplex by Tanaka 1..2..3! Casey's a second to late. DDP is jumping up and down celebrating. Winners of the match and advances to the finals- Badd Company There's a 15 minute intermission Gerry Morrow congratulates the final two teams and puts over tonight's event. Tournament Finals Winners get a spot at the NWA's Crockett Cup and a paid vacation anywhere in the world Badd Co. w/DDP vs. The Original Midnight Express w/Norvell Austin The stage is set and both teams have been through a lot to get here. DDP and Norvell exchange words and keep a close eye on each other. The bell rings and we're off. Both teams conserve their energy and start off a little slower than previous matches. After a few minutes, things heat up when Condrey (from the apron) hits Diamond with a knee to the back. DDP berates the Ref and sends a warning to Norvell. Midnights work over Diamond for awhile until Tanaka evens things up by kneeing Condrey's back from the apron. Norvell yells over at a smiling DDP. Badd Co. gains the momentum and work over Condrey. Things really heat up when Tanaka hits Condrey with a flying spin kick and covers but Rose comes in and drops an elbow on Tanaka, which brings in Diamond, which eventually leads to a pier six brawl. After the Ref gets control, we get a few minutes of non stop heat filled action. Both teams put out their best and the segment becomes a tag team masterpiece. On the outside, tempers flare as DDP and Norvell have a shoving match. Inside the ring, the action is hot as another brawl breaks out. The Ref is trying to break up Tanaka and Rose. Diamond picks up Condrey for a slam, but Condrey cradles Diamond. The Ref is guiding Rose back to his corner. Tanaka runs over and reverses the cradle. The Ref runs over and guides Tanaka back, which allows Rose to run over and reverse the cradle. The Ref turns around and counts 1..2..3!! Norvell and DDP stop pushing each other. Norvell sees the Ref raise his men's arms up and runs in the ring to celebrate. DDP is deflated and guides his team to the back. Gerry Morrow gets in the ring, grabs the mic and raises his glass. "A toast to de Midnight Express. Congratulations and after what I witnessed tonight, you will represent de AWA well at de Crockett Cup" Winners of the Toast to the Tag Team Tournament- The Original Midnight Express!

Well, he did it. Knighton finally looses it and snaps. Ash wins the title! I'm sure the fans were up and cheering LOL. Ash as champ will be nuclear heat! Rip comes out and tells it like it is. Looking forward to how he chooses the number one contender. BTW, you have to love the commissioner's tough trucker look. Michaels gives Knighton a pass. We'll see how Knighton reacts. I'm enjoying this storyline. Reno and Wolf put over the Crockett Cup. The show ends on a high note, with a showcase from the champ. Ash always delivers. Conway, Dark Journey finally gets to celebrate. No doubt about it, a kendo stick shot from Tojo would defiantly wake you up. The fans get a fun main event with Ash retaining over Renesto. Things are really clicking here, especially with Ash headlining.

Memphis gets a familiar face with young Jarrett. LOL Dutch seems eager to give him some advice. This is going somewhere. I'm really pulling for Wright to walk again. He's a good man. Speaking of good men, Rip Rogers continues to give the ladies their money's worth. Slater's back in town! I always loved writing for him as a heel or babyface. Marlin lays down the law and Dutch might soon have to face the Franchise. However, I'm sure Dutch will use his commentator role to his advantage. Oh man I hope Dutch is ok. Oh thank goodness, he had a speedy recovery to help cheer Gaylord on. Gaylord shows his loyalty by attacking Douglas. Great set up for next week's show. Whatley has always been solid in our game. Good to see him in a top program. Wrestlers are coming together to take on Whatley and the Russians. Can't wait for the much anticipated return to the historic Mid South Coliseum.

Cheetah Kid gets tuned up for Pillman. Right now, I think Windham vs. Hennig is the most anticipated match in the game. Taker has been unstoppable but Prime Time awaits. Owen gets the win, but Cyrus will be back for more. Despite a serious leg issue, Hall keeps retaining, but for how long? Vancouver, Albright vs. Severn! It's going to happen! Lethal Weapons have really become a unit. Christopher's hot streak comes to an end courtesy of Flowers. Lee has one thing on his mind, the Undertaker. Coast to Coast retain, but SCS get their message across. One thing about Bret is he's not afraid to fight. He's been through some brutal challengers. Kelowna, Dustin kicks things off with a win as he rises the ranks. It's all about St. Clair and Anvil, another match I'm looking forward to. Big Cat reminds people just how tough he can be. Wild Things and FOJ is a great match up. Hopefully we get more. The LHW title matches continue to shine and get their well deserved main event slots. Those 2 nights in Vegas are absolutely stacked! PCW is going to rack in the money. You've done an amazing job with your roster. I feel the product itself is the selling point. For instance, if I heard PCW was coming to town, I would buy a ticket without having to know any matches booked. I know I'm going to get my money's worth because the entire product is hot.

Electricity is in the air because Triumph has arrived. After a chaotic match, the Bees manage to stand tall in the end. Muta beats a game Snuka for the TV title. I agree, a star is born. Interesting turn of events as Konnan and Benoit end the match as partners. The Conquistadors better gear up. Twin Towers walk away with the titles and the Road Warriors no sell it. I wonder what went on in the back??? Well, Zenk and Ace just didn't have it tonight. However, I don't think many teams can match the Rockers right now. I'm liking this aggressive version of them. Oh man Gordy's in big trouble now. This could be the feud of the year. Damn! Spivey does the shock heel turn. Heel Spivey will be fun to watch here. Dusty and Bigelow better call in the calvary. Steamboat and Hayes might not have gelled well, but with Mr. T, the Freebirds and Savage, the match gave the fans what they wanted. A lot went down at Triumph. Great job.

AWA TV @ The Hammond Center 3-31-88 Larry Nelson: Hello fans and welcome to another edition of AWA Major League Wrestling. Tonight's main event will be Billy Jack Strong teaming with Hector and Chavo Guerrero to take on Mike George and The Fortunate Ones. As you all know, Champagne Slam is only 2 weeks away and the main event will be Bad News Brown defending the AWA world title against my guest at this time, Carlos Colon. The fans cheer as Colon comes out and pumps his fists to them. WHAM! Bad News Brown sprints out and puts Colon down with a forearm blast from behind! Brown picks up Colon but Colon starts swinging away on Brown. Both men brawl around the ring until security runs out and breaks them apart. Colon breaks free and dives at Brown. Both men are rolling around on the ground, punching each other as Security tries to break them up. Commercial Break AWA Mid-American Champ Austin Idol vs. Sean Sully Idol gives the fans a show before finishing off his opponent with the Las Vegas Leglock. Nelson: Austin Idol, at Champagne Slam it's you and Zbyszko, title versus title. Last week Zbyszko sounded very confident that he's walking out with two titles. Idol: Oh darling, the Universal Heartthrob was born with confidence and at Champagne Slam, I'm shutting down Larry Land for good. Commercial Break 'Crippler' Rip Oliver vs. Carl Kellerman Oliver is aggressive tonight and wins the match with a piledriver. Oliver cuts a promo and says he's going to cripple Ray Stevens at Champagne Slam! Commercial Break 'The Russian Nightmare' Nikita Koloff vs. William Hillman Nikita dominates and hits the Russian Sickle for the win. Boos as Chris Adams and Baby Doll come out. Adams slides into the ring just as Nikita turns around. Nikita pounds away on Adams, swings him to the ropes and is ready to hit the Russian Sickle, but Baby Doll trips Adams and slides him out of the ring. Baby Doll helps Adams up. Adams has a panicked look but smiles and shakes his head basically saying "You didn't get me" Nikita gives Adams a trap pose and sticks his tongue out. That rattles Adams a bit but Baby Doll helps him shake it off. Commercial Break Nelson: Fans, tomorrow night, The Toast to our Tag Teams Tournament will take place here at the Hammond Center. Eight teams will compete for a spot in the NWA's Crockett Cup Tournament as well as a paid vacation anywhere in the world. Let's hear from the competing teams. Gunslingers, Technicians, Mean Streak, Midnight Express w/Norvell Austin, United Kingdom, Synergy, Badd Co. and The Glamour Boys all cut quick pre recorded promos. Commercial Break The Dream Machine vs. Neil Jordan Dream slams Jordan, swings off the ropes and hits a jumping elbow drop for the win. Nelson: Ok Dream Machine, at Champagne Slam, you will be involved in the big 10-Man tag team elimination match. I have to ask, what is your relationship with Greg Gagne and his team. Dream: Listen up, I'll tell you what I told that dope Johnny...I'm not even going to say his last name because he's disgracing it. You need friends around here. I happen to have them and I'm proud to be an affiliate of Gagne's Gang. Come Champagne Slam, we're the ones who will be standing tall babay! Commercial Break 'The Latin Heartthrob' Al Perez vs. Hank White Perez hits the helicopter drop and it's all over. Nelson: Al Perez, it's you and Chicky Starr at Champagne Slam. You two have met before and.... Boos as DDP comes out with Chicky Starr. DDP: Yo! It's me, it's me, it's DDP! Looky here Perez, my main man, Chicky Super Starr is going to wipe the mat with you at Champagne Slam. Tell him Chicky. Starr: Perez, you make me sick. You failed to win the world title and you went home to cry and sulk. You're back now and you think you're going to be a contender again. Oh no, I'm going to send you back home crying, like the cry baby you are. Perez: Big words Chicky. Especially from a guy I've already pinned twice. Perez smiles and leaves as Chicky and DDP throw a tantrum. Commercial Break Kokina w/Abbuda Iaukea vs. Bob Bernard Kokina destroys his opponent and finishes him off with a Samoan Drop! Nelson: Abbuda, your man Kokina and Nick Busick will go head to head at Champagne Slam. Iaukea: Busick! You should've never came back! Kokina is going to destroy, annihilate and break you in half at Champagne Slam! Commercial Break Nelson: Joining me now are the AWA World Tag Team Champs, DJ Peterson and Kevin Kelly, along with their manager, the Vin Man. Vinnie approaches the mic as DJ and Kelly stand back with the world titles on their shoulders. Vinnie: Larbo, I'm so happy! I'm managing the AWA world tag champs, yea! Now, I have something I want to give DJ and Kevin. Vinnie walks off camera and comes back with matching Hawaiian Shirts. He gives them to DJ and Kevin. Vinnie: Go on guys, try them on. You see, we need to be united and these shirts will help get you guys in the right mindset. When you enter the ring wearing these, you'll be too cool. DJ and Kevin put them on, they look at each other and give a 'not bad' smile and shrug. Kevin: Vin Man, you're right, we do look cool. Thank you brother. DJ: I'll admit, we do look like a team. Vinnie, I appreciate this, but I need to know we're all on the same page and ready for the Bruise Brothers at Champagne Slam. Vinnie: DJ, everybody knows our history but I can assure you, Kevin and I have your back. We're champions! Yea! But, I can prove it to you the only way I know how. Vinnie starts singing " We are fam-ily, Kevbo, DJ and Vin-ie! Come on everybody! Kevin smiles and lowers his head, then raises it and joins in with Vinnie. They stop and look at DJ. DJ smiles and nods his head and they all start singing. "We are fam-ily, Kevbo, DJ and Vin-ie" Commercial Break 'Quebecer' Richard Charland w/Frenchy Martin vs. Trent Atkins Charland hits the inverted piledriver for the easy win. Nelson: Frenchy Martin, AWA C.O.O. Gerry Morrow personally handpicked Richard Charland to face the Ultimate Warrior at Champagne Slam. The Ultimate Warrior is coming in with a tremendous amount of hype. I mean, I've never seen anything like it. Frenchy: De key word is hype and dat is all dis Ultimate Warrior is, nothing but hype. At Champagne Slam he's stepping into the ring with a human wrecking machine. Just ask Corporal Kirchner what it's like facing Richard Charland. Richard Charland is de real deal and he's going to put that never will be Ultimate Warrior down and out of de AWA! Commercial Break The Guerreros and Billy Jack Strong w/Mando Guerrero vs. The Fortunate Ones and 'Marvelous' Mike George w/Greg Gagne The bell rings and all 6 men start going at it! On the outside, Gagne pushes Mando but Mando comes back and puts Gagne down with a punch. Crusher Blackwell runs out and attacks Mando! El Canek runs out and hammers away on Blackwell! Inside the ring, the Guerreros hit stereo dropkicks on the Fortunate Ones. Strong hoists George on the turnbuckles and goes for a superplex, but Dream Machine runs out. However, before he gets to the ring, Johnny Rich tackles him down and punches away. Strong hits the superplex and covers 1..2..Gagne runs in and kicks Strong. The Ref signals for the DQ. Mando runs in and punches away on Gagne. The Guerreros and Fortunate Ones are fighting. Strong is pounding down on George. Canek and Blackwell are still fighting on the outside as Rich continues to pound down on Dream Machine. Commercial Break Nelson: My goodness! All hell just broke loose. (Catches his breath) I hope they all settle things at Champagne Slam. Next week we'll have a special Champagne Slam preview show. But, before we get to that, tomorrow night the AWA will present the toast to our tag teams tournament. We'll see you there! See previous post for Champagne Slam card and Tournament 1st round match ups.

I like what you're doing with both Ross and Kabuki. Ross has been a workhorse while Kabuki's getting a bit of a career resurgence. Good showcase for the Trinity. Both promo wise and ring wise. Looks like the Stud Stable's enemies have united. This is going to get good. Rugged Ron gets a KO win, but his opponent has the best last name I've seen LOL. Will the Crockett Cup be the Horsemen's big night? JJ thinks so. I can't wait for Flair vs. Tully! Brody vs. Finlay is one hard hitting TV main event. I know Debeers was watching closely. Worldwide, Lightfoot's another guy who's having a nice career resurgence. Turning heel has worked wonders for him. Prichard and Street get in some solid TV time. Precious's interference costs Radiance the Crockett Cup. I'm sure the Warriors had a good laugh. The hot new promotion IPW sends in their teams. This year's Crockett Cup is going to be off the charts!

Dundee brings in some big time back up. Bruno is back in the game! Rose vs. Ash, the stage is set. This has quickly become the headliner and now it's all on the line. I'm thinking sell-out next Friday. Michaels sure has Knighton's number. I did notice Knighton took the loss a little better tonight. Plowboy continues to have a great time. Rose is tuned up and ready for Ash. Reno and Wolf get the crowd pleasing win. Then the fans get a bonus brawl. Not a bad way to end the night.

It's going to happen, brother vs. brother! I agree with Gordon, BRO-ther! Woman always has an ace up her sleeve. However, I'm sure Reed's ready for anything. I'm really enjoying the Super D/Duggan feud. It's a great story and that sells. Williams is pretty confident he'll take Vader. I'm wondering what happens if Reed wins the title. The intrigue continues. Jake and Ellering could talk for hours. With Dibiase under the radar, these guys have done an outstanding job selling the match with just their words. Luger gets in a good tune up and wants more but Reed reminds him he's always watching. Always funny getting an outburst from Adnan. It's Mid South, so the main event needs a bit of chaos and man do we get it. Adnan's Army wins this round, We'll see what happens in New Orleans.

AWA Champagne Slam From Market Square Arena Saturday April 15th on pay per view AWA World Title Bout Bad News Brown (C) vs. Carlos Colon AWA World Tag Team Title Bout 'Dynamite' DJ Peterson and 'Mr. Magnificent' Kevin Kelly (C) w/The Vin Man vs. The Bruise Brothers Title versus Title Mid-American Champ Austin Idol vs. TV Champ Larry Zbyszko 'The Russian Nightmare' Nikita Koloff vs. 'Gentleman' Chris Adams w/Baby Doll 10-Man Elimination Tag Team Match El Canek/Billy Jack Strong/Hector and Chavo Guerrero and 'The Wild One' Johnny Rich w/Mando Guerrero vs. Crusher Blackwell/'Marvelous' Mike George/The Fortunate Ones and Dream Machine w/Greg Gagne 'The Latin Heartthrob' Al Perez vs. Chicky Starr w/DDP Nick Busick vs. Kokina w/Abbuda Iaukea The Battle of the Cripplers 'Crippler' Rip Oliver vs. Ray 'The Crippler' Stevens Scott 'Powerhouse' Putski vs. Cannonball Griz w/Norvell Austin The Ultimate Warrior makes his AWA in ring debut and will face 'Quebecer' Richard Charland w/Frenchy Martin

The new version of the Golden Guns get a proper showcase. Starr sends a painful message to the champs Coast to Coast. I'll say it again, Cornette has worked wonders for Christopher. Oh Yea! Anvil and St. Clair brawl! Damn, I love this feud! The Force of July have become one of my favorite teams in the game. What a unit! Backlund is coming back with a vengeance. Hennig better be on high alert. LA, The Destruction Crew are hell bent on making a name for themselves as they continue to go toe to toe with the Midnights. I like what you're doing with Payne. He may drop matches here and there but he's always built as a monstrous threat. Singh fits in so well with the NoE. A big difference maker. Bulldozer's Prime Time Slam is over. Just ask Malenko. LOL, the hair spray is the perfect weapon. It looks like the SCS have earned themselves a shot at Coast to Coast. WOW! Hart vs. Sawyer in a dog collar match! That alone would get my money. Hart finally puts a cap on Sawyer, and brother he earned it. Another fantastic feud. Give the booker a raise. Santa Barbara, Pierre gets the shining moment in a wild 8 man tag. Fun way to start the night. Anvil gets a brutal win. Poor Perez, hard week. Since returning with the Demon moniker, Steamboat has been red hot. Widowmaker proves he's still a serious contender. Wild Things ruin the Golden State tag title match. I'm sure both British Steel and Muscle Beach were pretty pissed. Pillman retains over Malenko. What a match to end the night. I'm going to Vegas baby! Pillman vs. Cheetah, Hennig vs. Windham in a cage! AND, the always exciting tag tournament. The winners of the last two have received serious pushes, so this is a big deal.

The stage for Triumph is set! Muta is clearly becoming a superstar but he has a big test in front of him with Snuka. The Road Warriors and Twin Towers feud has been burning and it will explode at Triumph. I love the intrigue going on with Konnan, the Conquistadors and Pegasus. I'm still trying to figure all this out. I'm sure it'll all come together at Triumph. Z-Man and Ace get their moment. Can they upset the Rockers? If they don't, the Rockers have a lot more teams gunning for them. Trouble brewing between Sabu and Taz. Rhodes made a great choice with Bigelow. Him and Race have history in Chicago. Steamboat, Savage and the Freebirds have a serious feud going. Only Mr. T can control this. I pity the fools. The build to Triumph has been awesome. Can't wait for the blow off.

AWA TV @ The Hammond Center 3-24-88 Footage from the Mayo Civic Center is shown as Richard Charland defeats Corporal Kirchner is the Boot Camp Match. Nelson: Hello fans and welcome to AWA Major League Wrestling. Tonight's main event is a big one as Johnny Rich clashes with the Dream Machine. You'll also see Al Perez tag with Synergy to take on Chicky Starr and Badd Co. AWA C.O.O. Gerry Morrow will have announcements regarding both Champagne Slam and The Toast to our Tag Teams Tournament. As you all know, Champagne Slam takes place on April 15th at the Market Square Arena. Bad News Brown will defend the AWA world title against Carlos Colon. Please welcome out Carlos Colon. The fans cheer as Colon walks out wearing a nice three piece suit. He smiles and pumps his fists to the cheering crowd. Nelson: At Title Night in your homeland of Puerto Rico, you and Bad News Brown had one heck of a fight. Brown's plan of hitting you with the ringside bell backfired when the bell ended up in your hands and you really clocked him with it. Well, the rematch is set for Champagne Slam. Colon: I was good on my word when I told Brown I was coming to fight. That was just a taste because at Champagne Slam.... There's a commotion as Bad News Brown walks out in his suit (buttons down, gold chains showing) and the title on his shoulder. Brown: Colon! You come out here talking about what a fighter you are. It took a ringside bell to put me down, but here I am. It's going to take a lot more than that to take me out and take this here title. I'm looking you right in the eye and I'm calling you soft! You're nothing but a cockroach and I'm going wipe the mat with you at Champagne Slam! Brown puts his fist in Colon's face and pushes his head back. Colon's pissed and pushes Brown hard and the title falls on the ground. Brown hits Colon. Colon fires back. Both men start brawling in their suits. They have a wild exchange! They rip each other's jackets and shirts off and continue to fight. A swarm of security run out as they continue to go after each other. Commercial Break Jumbo Tsuruta and Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Wade Jenkins and James Beck After trading wins in 2 classic match ups, the Former AWA world tag champs are back together and gearing up for this year's NWA Crockett Cup Tournament. Tatsumi hits a belly to back suplex backbreaker and Jumbo finishes things off with a knee drop from the top rope! No doubt about it, last year's Crockett Cup winners, Tatsumi and Jumbo are ready to do it again. Commercial Break 'Gentleman' Chris Adams w/Baby Doll vs. Todd Rooney Adams puts down Rooney with the Superkick! Nelson: Chris Adams, you saw Nikita Koloff last week and I must say, I wouldn't want to be you at Champagne Slam. Baby Doll: Of course you wouldn't Nelson, because your gutless, unlike the Gentleman here. Adams: You know, everybody in wrestling has told me that Nikita Koloff is a monster that destroys everything in his path. That he's a freak force. Well, I certainly took him down and it didn't take much. I caved his face in and at Champagne Slam I'm going to put an end to the so called Russian Nightmare. Commercial Break Scott 'Powerhouse' Putski vs. Tommy Hill Putski swings Hill to the ropes and puts him down with the Polish Hammer for the win! WHAM! Norvell Austin and Cannonball Griz jump Putski and put the boots to him! Griz hoists Putski up and powerslams him over. Norvell tells Griz to do it again. Griz smiles, hoists Putski up and powerslams him over. Boos as Norvell raises Griz's arm in victory. Commercial Break Brenda Britton is standing in her Beauty Shop stage. Instead of the Beauty Shop sign, there's a sign with a sparkling champagne bottle. Britton: Hi everybody and welcome to the Champagne Slam segment. Joining me now is my best friend and AWA C.O.O. Gerry Morrow. Morrow walks out in his white suit, fedora hat and sunglasses. He smiles and kisses Brenda's hand. Britton: Oh Gerry, so classy. Per your request, I would like to invite out Richard Charland and Frenchy Martin. Booooos as Frenchy comes out waving the Quebec Flag. Charland's wearing a glitter blue robe with the Quebec flag on the back. They both shake Morrow's hand. Britton: Floor's yours Gerry. Morrow: Thank you Brenda. (Looks at Frenchy) Frenchy, you and I go way back and I know you're going to love dis. (Looks at Charland) Mr. Charland, I can't tell you how impressed I was when you beat Corporal Kirchner in de boot camp match. It was then when it came to me. At Champagne Slam, I would like you to face de Ultimate Warrior. I want to find out if de Warrior has what it takes to compete in de AWA. What do you guys say? Frenchy: Without hesitation we accept! Dis Warrior is nothing but hype. Richard Charland is de pride of Quebec and a wrecking machine! Dis Warrior will be a one and done in de AWA. That's a promise! Charland makes a break him in half gesture. They shake hands with Morrow and exit. Morrow: There you go Brenda. At Champagne Slam it will be de Ultimate Warrior vs. Richard Charland. Britton: Wow! I think Charland is going to tear that cartoon character up. Morrow: We will most certainly find out. I have also signed Chicky Starr vs. Al Perez. Chicky asked for it and Perez accepted. Simple as dat. Now, last week I announced de 10 man tag match with a special stipulation. I've decided to make it an elimination match. Let's see who survives. Britton: Dang Gerry, Champagne Slam has quite the line up. As if that wasn't enough, I understand you have news on the tag team tournament. Morrow: Oh yes I do. On April 1st, right here at de Hammond Center, de toast to our tag teams tournament will take place. De winners will get a spot in de Crockett Cup tournament as well as a two week vacation to anywhere in de world. There are a lot of teams with issues and I've matched them up in de first round. You'll see the pairings at de end of dis program. On a sad note, de National tag champs Venomous will not be able to participate after suffering injuries at our last title night. Brenda: Gerry, so much going on in the AWA and it's all thanks to you! Until next time, tooooodles. Commercial Break AWA TV Champ Larry Zbyszko vs. Rudy Allen Zbyszko wins the match with a swinging neckbreaker. Nelson: Well Larry, you got your wish, at Champagne Slam, it's you and Mid-America champ Austin Idol, title versus title. Zbyszko: Hey spudhead, you know what's better than holding a title? Holding two. And that's exactly what's going to happen after Idol goes down in Larry Land. Commercial Break Nick Busick vs. Ray Glader Busick's back on TV and the fans are loving it. Busick hits the Spinebuster Slam and it's all over! Nelson: Nick Busick, great to have you back. It's obvious your shoulder is 100% and I know you're ready for Kokina at Champagne Slam. Does the Abbuda Iaukea equation change anything? Busick: It's great to be back and to answer your question, I don't care who else is around, doesn't matter because I'm after Kokina... Boos as Abbuda Iaukea comes out. Abbuda: You better care! Kokina is the most violent savage in the AWA and with me, he'll be unstoppable! Kokina comes rushing out and charges Busick from behind, but Busick's Instincts are on and he moves as Kokina slams into Abbuda! Busick's all over Kokina with punches. Abbuda staggers up as Busick swings Kokina into him. Commercial Break 'The Latin Heartthrob' Al Perez and Synergy vs. Chicky Starr and Badd Co. w/DDP Fun fast paced seesaw match where everybody shines. We see a lot of great teamwork, high octane offense and interference from DDP. After a few minutes there's a pier six brawl. Synergy hit stereo flying presses on Badd Co. which sends all of them over the top rope. DDP tosses Chicky a pair of brass knuckles. Chicky takes a wild swing at Perez but Perez ducks and executes a bridging back suplex 1..2..3! The fans pop while DDP throws a tantrum. Commercial Break The Bruise Brothers vs. Vic Dutro and Willie Lopez Bruise Brothers destroy their opponents and win the match with stereo double axehandles to Dutro's head. Nelson: In perhaps the biggest upset in AWA history, DJ Peterson and Kevin Kelly ended your long reign at Title Night. The rematch is set for Champagne Slam. Cameron: What happened at Title Night was nothing but a fluke! Atlas: That's right! At Champagne Slam we're going to whip those fools and take back what's rightfully ours! That's a fact! Commercial Break 'The Wild One' Johnny Rich vs. The Dream Machine Before the bell rings, these guys are fighting on the outside. They finally get in the ring and the Ref signals for the bell. Rich swings Dream to the ropes and back drops him. Dream staggers up and Rich dropkicks him down. Dream staggers up and Rich scoop slams him down. Rich hops on the middle ropes and comes down with a forearm drop 1..2..Kick Out. Rich swings Dream to the ropes and goes for a back drop but Dream kicks him and regroups. Dream picks up Rich and puts him down with a short arm clothesline. Dream stomps down on Rich and rakes his boot across his face. Dream follows with a standing leg drop 1..2..Kick Out. Dream picks up Rich and rakes his face across the top rope. Dream chokes Rich on the top rope and flings him back. Dream goes to the middle ropes and comes down with an elbow drop but Rich moves. Both men start to rise, Dream takes a swing but Rich ducks and atomic drops Dream into the turnbuckles. Dream hits hard and staggers back as Rich grabs him and hits an overhead German suplex. Rich picks up Dream and slams him down. Rich goes to the top rope. WHAM! The Fortunate Ones come out and push Rich off the ropes. The Ref signals for the DQ. A smiling Greg Gagne leads Crusher Blackwell and Mike George to the ring. Wait a minute! El Canek, the Guererros and Billy Jack Strong run out! Gagne gets steamrolled as all hell breaks loose. Canek and Blackwell exchange clubbing blows. Billy Jack and Mike George are in a brawl. The Guerreros and Fortunate Ones are in the ring going at it. Dream and Rich stagger up and pick up where they left off. It's chaos as the screen fades. We see the Ultimate Warrior standing on top of a building, looking out at the city lights. He starts shaking his head and arms, then turns around. " Hear me Warriors! You will give me the intensity to deliver the power! At Champagne Slam the Ultimate Warrior arrives and the Ultimate Warrior will prevaaaaaaaaaaaail! The AWA Presents A Toast to the Tag Teams Tournament From the Hammond Center 4-1-88 Winner receives a spot in the NWA Crockett Cup Tournament and a two week vacation to anywhere in the world. 1st Round Match ups The Original Midnight Express w/Norvell Austin vs. The Technicians The Glamour Boys vs. Mean Streak Synergy vs. Badd Co. w/DDP The Gunslingers vs. United Kingdom

Jaggers found out that Morgan is truly a monster. I agree with LTS, the Arkansas line cracked me up. Radiance gets a good showcase. I'll admit, I'm a big fan of these guys. Lightfoot is in full heel mode tonight and it looks like we're going to get another hot feud. After that promo, Debeers might be thinking twice about going after Brody. Fun TV main event with an exciting finish. You did a great job of tying in all the personal issues here. Worldwide, Borne breaks out the Stump Puller. Always loved that name. Add 'Just a swingin neckbreaker' and 'Machine Lariat' to the list. Jimmy Jam gets a solid win and cuts another charismatic promo. He's too cool. The Crockett Cup is heating up. This event is so unique because it's the only time of the year where all the promotions get to battle it out. Can't wait!