spaldoni

AWA @ The Met Center, Bloomington MN 1-22-87 Greg Gagne and Mike Graham defeated The Double O's- Gagne hit Barry O with a backbreaker and Graham followed with a Boston Crab for the win. "Mad Dog" Buzz Sawyer defeated The Warlord with an impressive powerslam. Lightning Strike defeated The Teamsters with a double dropkick on Huber. "The Rocket" Ron Ritchie w/The Vin Man defeated "Scott "Powerhouse" Putski- Putski was going for a suplex but Vinnie grabbed his leg and held it while Ritchie crashed down on him for the pin. Cabin Fever defeated The RPMs w/JT Southern by DQ- Once again Southern used his guitar, but this time he used it on Manny. AWA TV Title Bout- Nick Busick (C) defeated Gama Singh -Gama gave the champ a test but Busick ended things with the Spinebuster Slam! The Dream Machine w/Roger Kirby defeated Crusher Blackwell- Kerry Brown (In street clothes) ran out while Kirby distracted the Ref. Brown hit Blackwell with a foreign object allowing Dream to get the pinfall win. Chain Match! Billy Jack Haynes vs. "The Beast" Rip Morgan After 12 minutes of blood and brawling, Billy looks like a madman when he wraps the chain around Rip's neck but Rip nails Billy with a mulekick. A battered and bloody Rip wraps the chain around Billy's neck, then hurls him over the top rope. Rip wrenches back as Billy hangs over the top rope. Seeing a man's life is in danger, the Ref makes the call and signals for the bell. Rip keeps wrenching away until security hits the ring. After all the chaos, the fans are amazed that Billy refused a stretcher and staggered out with some help. The Olympians defeated The British Bombers- Minnesota star Rheingans sends the fans home happy by pinning Smith with a swinging sidewalk slam off the ropes.

Tenta makes a huge splash in his debut. Payne is dishing out the pain. I like the Rainbow Warriors story. Sweet finisher. Grizzly might've got counted out, but he was still ready to go. I bet Oliver respected that a bit. Big changes going down with the Brigade. Rotunda, Gator and Mega Man leave with class. In comes Konnan and Mr. Cool Curt Hennig. I know for a fact, Rotunda has been scouted. Burke wins the battle of vets. Cornette seems to have an interest in Warrior but I think Warrior rides alone. Blackman looks good but nobody escapes the Crossface Chicken Wing. LA always delivers a great show, I think Black Tiger earned himself a LHW title shot. Konan and Sabu is a fun match up. TEXAS RED is back!!! LOL, I would've gotten my money's worth by seeing that look on Rose's face. I'm liking this new change in Red. Windham walks out with the title but man TNT did a number on him. I'm sure Barry will be more than happy to grant a rematch. Santa Barbara, Cactus Jack made a smart career move going to Pacific. My man St. Clair once again proves his toughness with that win over Rick Gantner. Ed Gantner fares better than his brother tonight. Owen and Young are putting on some classics. Badd Co. proves their heel turn was for the best. Big time upset for poor Cornette. I'm seeing some title shots in the future. Awesome week in Pacific!

Like others mentioned, really liked the format. Also like the roster you've put together. Very well balanced. Idol and Budro, what a duo. A miscue sends Taylor to the main event, Moondogs make the Battens bleed. Good showcase. Spivey and Kabuki bring their NWA feud to the Windy City. Spivey puts a stamp on things and advances. I agree, Idol vs. Parsons is entertainment at its best. Thanks to Budro, Idol advances. New Breed make their presence known with a big win over the Nightmares. Contrast of styles between Street and Brown. Linda tries to help but when Brown hits the ghetto blaster, it's all over. Race might not be in his prime but don't tell the Grappler that. Race gets another chance for gold. Rockers and Nasty Boys bring out the chairs. Looks like we have a feud on our hands. Youngsters Steiner, Zenk and Ace working that Chicago crowd. Main event time! All 5 men give the fans a show. It's down to Idol and Race. Once again, Budro is the factor and Idol is crowned champion. I'm all for the Universal Heartthrob being the first champ. LOL, I love this guy. Great first show that sets the tone. Can't wait for Oak Brook.

I don't think I've ever mentioned this, but I always liked that shot of your top champ at the end of the opening video. Tonight's show is full of exciting new talent. Yamada impresses with the shooting star press. S&S Express are in sync and ready to make a mark in the tag team division. 80s tag team at its best. St. Valentine's Day Massacre in Alabama. Hmmmm, the NWA is venturing out. Whatley might be right. With Ritter on their side, they have to be considered favorites for the 6 man titles. Brickhouse Brown looking smooth as ever. Looking forward to his run here. Stan Hansen is coming! Watch out! Mega Man has arrived! After winning some tag gold in Pacific, it looks like he's ready for a solo run in the NWA.

Richter vs Medusa! I'm already excited! Velvet's roll of a lifetime continues. Beautiful way to end the match. Oh no, that post match attack doesn't put Medusa in a good position for her big match later on. Misty and Heidi get instant credibility with a big win over the Glamour Girls. Man, I knew it. Richter capitalizes and takes it to Medusa. Props to Medusa for giving it her all. In the end, Richter is once again holding gold. Richter's booking has been awesome! Great show this week!

I enjoyed the Dirt Sheet format. Hot Stuff Inc is on a roll. I liked this point in Steiner's career. Strong and raw. LOL, Watts wins a round against Brody and Ladd. However, I'm sure Ladd will have a plan. This feud never gets old. Those no good dirty Freebirds always find a way to win. Since RnR aren't getting a title shot yet, I'm sure they can pass the time with a money making Freebird feud. A battered Jake is 1-0. It's going to be a long and tough road for the Snake. HMMMM, I wonder who "HE" is? If I was Vader, I wouldn't want to find out. Armstrong takes on all comers and retains against fellow fan favorite Brian Adias. Damn, I know those Demolition-Williams/Gordy power matches brought in some cash. Hopefully we get a lot more. The King is back! After what went down with Tommy Rich, King seems a lot more focused as he targets Reed's UWF title. Reed sounds like he's up for the task. Lots of great stuff going on in the UWF!

AWA TV @ The Hammond Center 1-21-87 Footage from the Jackson Coliseum is shown as Blackjack Mulligan defeats Iceman Parsons in a loser leaves town match. Lance: Hello everybody and welcome to another exciting edition of AWA Major League Wrestling. Tremendous show lined up. You will see a battle royal and the winner will receive an AWA world title shot at Big Brawl. Speaking of Big Brawl, we'll have a lot of special announcements regarding the closed circuit event, which comes to you on Friday February 18th from the Mecca in Milwaukee. Thundering boos as Curtis Iaukea and Carlos Colon storm out. Iaukea: Jimmy Snuka! You want to be a hero? You want to try and avenge your friend Ricky Steamboat? What you did was make a grave mistake! You have upset one Carlos Colon. Colon: Snuka! You want a fight? So do I! But, we will not fight in a wrestling match. NO! I will only fight you in a Caribbean Death match at Big Brawl! Iaukea: Think long and hard about this, Jimmy Snuka! Just remember what Carlos Colon did to the last guy who fought him in a Caribbean Death match. If you do accept, you will end up just like your friend Ricky Steamboat! Iaukea and Colon exit as the fans boo. Lance: Those are two very sick and demented men. Let's ah get to the ring. Scott "Powerhouse" Putski vs. Leo Wiseman Putski gets the fans warmed up by powerslamming his way to another victory. Putski cuts a promo about tonight's battle royal and this weekend's match against Ron Ritchie at the Met Center. He also tells Vin Man, he better watch himself. Commercial Break Resnick: Joining me now are Verne and Greg Gagne. Gentlemen, at Big Brawl, it will be a 10 man elimination tag match. On one side will be a team representing Jerry Jarrett and on the other, a team representing Verne Gagne. At stake? Control of the AWA. Verne: Ken, there's no doubt in my mind that I will regain sole control of the AWA. Why? Because my team will consist of pure wrestlers. Greg has been hard at work in putting together my all-star team. Greg: That's right Dad. I know you will be proud. Let me bring out a man who's been a tremendous help. You know him and his father very well. I'm talking about Mike Graham. Mike comes out in a wrestling sweat suit. Verne: (shakes Mike's hand) Mike, great to see you and welcome to team Gagne. Mike: Verne, when Greg told me what was going on, I didn't hesitate a second. I'm all in! You want wrestlers? Well, Greg and I have got one. The next team Gagne member, Sir Norman Smiley. Smiley arrogantly walks out in a matching wrestling sweatsuit. Greg: Dad, he was trained by the Malenkos. Verne: The Malenkos? Greg: Yes. Verne: Say no more. Sir Norman, welcome. Verne shakes Norman's hand. Norman: It will be my upmost pleasure to share the ring with true professional wrestlers. Greg: That's not all Dad. Tonight, 2 top caliber wrestlers, Nelson Royal and Jesse Barr will have a match. The winner will get a spot on team Gagne. It's a win, win for us. And one final announcement. To prove there are no egos on team Gagne, next week we're going to bring a man who we have chosen to be our captain. Dad, you're going to be thrilled. Verne: Greg, all I can say is I'm proud. Commercial Break Highlights are shown of Billy Jack Haynes and Rip Morgan battling to several double countouts and fighting over the chain. Tomorrow night at the Met Center, those two will meet in a chain match! Billy Jack Haynes vs. Trent Watkins Billy is aggressive tonight and wins the match with his full nelson! Billy cuts an intense promo on tonight's battle royal and also says he's going to choke the life out of Morgan with that chain! Commercial Break Resnick: Fans, after a successful tour of Japan, the AWA world tag team champs are back and set for action. AWA World Tag Team Champs Jumbo Tsuruta and Tatsumi Fujinami vs. Vic Dutro and Willie Lopez The champs look in sync tonight. Jumbo hits a knee drop from the top rope on Lopez, then tags in Fujinami, who finishes things off with a Dragon plex. The fans cheer as Jumbo and Tatsumi raise the titles high. Commercial Break Blackjack Mulligan vs. Carl Kellerman Mulligan gets a lot of cheers as he finishes Kellerman off with a diving back elbow smash! Boos as Roger Kirby comes to ringside and takes the mic from Resnick. Kirby: Mulligan! Yea, you must be feeling pretty good right now. I bet you think you did some real damage to the Syndicate. HA! Roger Kirby always has a plan. The Syndicate is more powerful than ever! Here's what I mean. Mulligan goes towards the ropes. WHAM! He's nailed from behind by ROB FULLER and JIMMY GOLDEN! Fuller and Golden do a number on Mulligan before putting him down with a spike piledriver! Kirby runs in and gives Mulligan a few stomps. Mega boos as Kirby raises Fuller and Golden's arms up. Commercial Break Resnick: My goodness! I can't believe it but it looks like Fuller and Golden are now a part of the Syndicate. Mulligan had to be helped out of here by Jerry Blackwell and The Spoiler. I understand Spoiler and Blackwell were in back preparing for the battle royal and had no idea what was going on. Switching gears, joining me now is Jerry Jarrett. Jerry, as you saw earlier, team Gagne is on the move. Jarrett: Hey, I respect that. It appears they have put together a very accomplished unit. Well, I have a couple announcements of my own. Last week I enlisted TV Champ Nick Busick. Joining Busick on team Jarrett will the Bruise Brothers along with DJ Peterson. Cheers as DJ and the Bruise Brothers come out with Nick Busick. They all pat each other on the backs and high five. Resnick: WOW! Very impressive indeed. Jarrett: I couldn't agree more. This is one powerful team. And next week, I'll announce our final member. Ken, I have to say, I'm going into Big Brawl with some confidence. Commercial Break AWA National Tag Champs Larry Zbyszko and Al Perez vs. Todd Rooney and Ray Glader The champs ooze with confidence. Perez hits the helicopter drop for the win. Resnick: It's official, at Big Brawl, you two will defend the National tag titles against one of the hottest teams in the AWA, Lightning Strike. Perez: Who? Larry, why haven't I heard of these guys? Larry: Because they're a couple of spudheads. Listen up little Timmy and Jerry, you might impress all these idiots out here and somehow you managed to get a National tag title shot. However, you don't impress us one bit. We're the champs for a reason and you two brats are going to find out why at Big Brawl. Commercial Break Winner gets a spot on Team Gagne "Wrangler" Nelson Royal vs. "Bulldog" Jesse Barr Greg Gagne and Mike Graham are at ringside. The first few minutes is solid chain wrestling with neither man gaining an advantage. Nelson kicks it up and takes control. Nelson back drops Barr and quickly follows with a gut wrench suplex 1..2..Kick Out. Nelson slams Barr, hops on the middle ropes and crashes down with a knee drop. Nelson hoists Barr up and hits a vertical suplex 1..2..Kick Out. Nelson clamps on a headlock and goes for a running bulldog but Barr pushes Nelson into the turnbuckles. Nelson hits hard and stumbles back as Barr grabs him and hits a belly to back suplex 1..2..3! Gagne and Graham enter the ring and shake Barr's hand, then escorts him out. Nelson sits in the ring clearly upset. Commercial Break Resnick: Fans, you're about to see the debut of a very exciting and high flying individual. Get ready for Scorpio! Scorpio vs. Arnie Goldstein As Scorpio comes down the aisle. Nelson Royal is still in the ring. He punches Arnie Goldstein and starts choking him on the top rope. Scorpio runs in the ring and dropkicks Nelson through the ropes. Scorpio and the Ref attend to Goldstein. Nelson staggers around and grabs his rope. Nelson hits the ring and attacks Scorpio then proceeds to choke him with the rope. Nelson ties up Scorpio and puts the boots to him until several officials run in to stop this. Commercial Break Resnick: What a shame. Nelson Royal's despicable act ruined the debut of Scorpio. That was sickening. Jimmy Snuka storms out! Snuka: Colon! Iaukea! I accept! Snuka exits. Resnick: I..well. it looks to me like Jimmy Snuka has accepted Carlos Colon's Caribbean Death Match challenge at Big Brawl. The AWA better bring in extra security for that one.(Gathering his thoughts) At Big Brawl, you will also see AWA World Tag Champs Tsuruta and Fujinami defend the titles against my guests at this time, Gold Standard. Boos as Vin Man leads Gold Standard out. Vin: Oh Rezzy, I'm in such a great mood tonight. I know it's obvious but you're looking at the next world tag team champs baby! And it's about time. I mean, come on, not to state the obvious but shouldn't world champs be able to speak English? I'm just saying. Resnick: The AWA has the best talent all around the world. Japan is part of the world. So, they more than qualify. They can get the job done where it counts, in the ring. Can you guys speak Japanese? Vin: Why I'm glad you asked, of course we can. Boys, on 3. ah 1 and ah 2 and ah 3 Unison: BANZAI! BANZAI! BANZAI! Resnick: Alright, that's enough. Commercial Break The camera zooms in on the glowing pink "Beauty Shop" sign and pans down to Brenda Britton. Britton: Hi everybody and welcome once again to the highest rated segment in wrestling, the Beauty Shop. Wow, do I have a great show tonight. Please welcome out my dear friend Gerry Morrow and his team the Top Dollar Phils. Gerry comes out wearing a tuxedo and sunglasses. He kisses Brenda's hand and motions to the back. Phil Apollo and Phil LaFon come out wearing fur coats, gold chains, sunglasses and top hats. They each kiss Brenda's hand. Britton: My oh my, you guys look amazing! Just too dang cool. Morrow: HAHAHA! I knew you would like it Brenda. I have to say, since dat Christmas Eve party and de bet that was made, I have never felt better. You believed in me and I thank you a thousand times. I will win de one million dollars because my Top Dollar Phils will be wearing de gold very, very soon. Britton: Oh I knew you would do it Gerry. It was sheer brilliance putting these two studs together. I have to ask, when will we all have the pleasure of watching them in the ring? Morrow: Well since it all happens on dis show, I will inform you dat de Top Dollar Phils will debut at de Big Brawl. Britton: Fantastic! I can't wait. I know they will wrestle as good as they look. Gerry, that million dollars is yours. I know it! Morrow: Of course it is. And Brenda, when my team wins de gold and I get dat million dollars, you are invited to de celebration party. On dat night we will drink only de finest of champagne. Britton: You know I wouldn't miss that for the world! Until next week toooodles. Commercial Break Resnick: Fans, up next... Thundering boos as Tommy Rich and Baby Doll come out. Tommy gets more boos as he smiles and holds up his world title. Rich: Ken, I wanted to come out here and personally thank all these great wrestlers for competing in the Tommy Wildfire Rich invitational battle royal. Resnick: This battle royal is for a world title shot at Big Brawl. Baby Doll: Don't get smart Resnick. Rich: Yea, why do you have to ruin everything. This is my battle royal and may the best man win. Smarten up Resnick! Introduce the participants cuz we're outta here. Battle Royal for an AWA World Title Shot at Big Brawl Participants- Jerry Blackwell, Kerry Brown, the Spoiler, Dream Machine, Miguel Perez, Billy Jack Haynes, Scott Putski, Rip Morgan, Soldat Ustinov, Ron Ritchie, Warlord, The Olympians, British Bombers, Gama Singh, Buzz Sawyer. The bell rings and fists are flying! Ron Ritchie is eliminated by Scott Putski The Warlord is eliminated by Buzz Sawyer Billy Jack and Rip Morgan eliminate each other and continue to fight up the aisle. The Olympians and British Bombers are all tied up when Buzz Sawyer and Soldat Ustinov come from behind and hurl them all over the top rope. Buzz Sawyer then clotheslines Soldat over the top rope. Dream Machine and Kerry Brown eliminate The Spoiler. Jerry Blackwell eliminates Kerry Brown. Gama Singh eliminates Miguel Perez Buzz Sawyer eliminates Scott Putski and Gama Singh Dream Machine and Buzz Sawyer eliminate Jerry Blackwell. It's down to Dream Machine and Buzz Sawyer Dream Machine tries to reason with Sawyer. From the outside, Blackwell yells something up at Dream Machine. At that moment, Sawyer kicks Dream low and hurls him over the top rope! Winner of the Battle Royal- Buzz Sawyer! Wait a minute! Tommy Rich hits the ring but Sawyer turns around and powerslams him over! Sawyer stomps away on Rich, picks him up and hurls him over the top rope. Baby Doll runs over and helps Rich out of there. Sawyer heads to ringside. Resnick: Buzz Sawyer, you have earned a world title shot at Big Brawl. Sawyer: Tommy Rich! Guess who's here! The Mad Dog has arrived and I'm here for you Rich! I didn't care what it took and what I had to do to get to you. By any means necessary, I was going to get a crack at you. Well, I did that tonight. No way out Tommy! You and I go way back and I'm here to tie up all loose ends. I'm here to take your world title and exterminate you once and for all! I'm going to make you bleed Tommy! (Maniacal laugh) Just like old times!

The NWA continues its run of fun house shows. The Kansas Jayhawks are together again! Just seems right. Kamala takes out Gaylord. If only Gaylord could've nailed Kamala with his spere. Renegade Warriors get the DQ win over the Outlaws and retain the US titles. Road Warrior Animal wins the battle royal and receives a golden opportunity. Irwin helps the Jayhawks even the odds but, in the end, Ritter pulls it out for his team. This could be the start of another dominating heel run for Ritter. Foley adds Dundee to the Commonwealth! Awesome seeing Dundee reunite with his old buddy Barnes. When Arn hits the spinebuster, its over! Tully takes the cheap way out over Animal. I bet Bassarab and Roma gave the fans an exciting match. Ferris gets a big win over Conway. Ferris is doing pretty good. Fleming once again takes Wright to the limit. They might need a no time limit match next time. I like the importance put on the TV title. Savage and Kamala gave the fans their money's worth. Red Tide are in sync. Wahoo chops his way to victory over Baron. Even though they used a roll of quarters, that's still a big win for the outlaws. I'm sure the Road Warriors will want a rematch.

Grizzly gets the fans warmed up with that flying splash! One of the things I like about this game is watching future stars like Jarrett and Eddie going at it. Candido continues to have a firm grip on the LHW title. WHOA! WAIT! What just happened? St. Clair and Finlay acting civil to each other? Defiantly looking forward to watching where this goes. Unbelievable! I agree, the Midnight's are on a serious roll. Another battle between two rising stars as Owen retains against Snow. Regal gives Bubba some stiff shots but the big man takes him down with the Bubba Slam!

AWA @ The Jackson Coliseum 1-16-87 "Sir" Norman Smiley defeated A Local Talent with a flying elbow drop from the top rope "Dynamite" DJ Peterson defeated Gene Ligon with a diving shoulder block from the middle ropes Gama Singh and "Hurricane" Miguel Perez wrestled to a 10 minute draw. Miguel made his AWA debut tonight and impressed the fans by going the limit with Gama. However, Gama was clearly pissed. Cabin Fever defeated the RPM's w/JT Southern by DQ- RPMs personal ring entrance guitar player JT Southern whacked Grizzly with his guitar to cause the DQ. Manny Fernandez had that payback look in his eyes while tending to his partner. The Dream Machine w/Roger Kirby defeated The Spoiler- Roger Kirby handed Dream a foreign object, which Dream loaded into his mask and headbutted Spoiler to get the tainted pin. Billy Jack Haynes and Rip Morgan battled to a Double C.O.- After the match, Rip tried to hit Billy Jack with his chain but Billy kicked him low, grabbed the chain and clotheslined Rip with it! AWA National Tag Team Title Bout Larry Z and Al Perez (C) defeated The Olympians- Exciting 20 minute seesaw battle. The Olympians looked strong and gave the champs a real scare. In the end, Kazmaier had Larry in a bearhug. Perez came in and nailed Kazmaier with a high knee to the back. Rheingans ran in and battled Perez to the corner. Larry regrouped and executed a swinging neckbreaker on Kazmaier for the win. Larry Z and Al Perez retain! Loser Leaves Town Match! Blackjack Mulligan vs. Iceman Parsons w/Roger Kirby This all started at SuperClash and it ends tonight. At the 15 minute mark both men are battered, bruised and bloody. Both men fight to the outside. Kirby hits Mulligan from behind and Iceman follows by body slamming Mulligan on the concrete. Iceman hurls Mulligan into the ring. The fans cheer when the Spoiler runs out, grabs Kirby and clamps on the claw! Dream Machine runs out, but Spoiler drops Kirby and punches away on Dream Machine. Iceman sees what's going on and starts to head out, but Mulligan gets up and hurls Iceman out of the ring. Spoiler clamps the claw on Dream Machine! Mulligan swings Iceman headfirst into the steel post, then hurls him back in the ring. Mulligan picks up Iceman, swings him to the ropes and hits his diving back elbow smash 1..2..3!!! Massive Pop! Mulligan and Spoiler head up the aisle as the fans cheer. The Syndicate is laid out.

I always loved parking lot angles. They seemed so real and brought heat. This one proves my point. Kabuki gives Spivey (and 2 bystanders) a brutal beating. Excellent way to explain both men's departure. Jones has a pretty good contingency plan with Baron. El Santo gets a chance to shine on TV. Looking forward to the 6 man tournament. I used 6 man titles a couple years ago and had a lot of fun with it. Radiance uses one of my favorite tag move finishers, the double flapjack baby! Jones isn't the only one with a back up plan. Uncle Ivan brings in Petrov. I laughed when Ivan said the Russian bearhug is superior to America's but didn't explain how. LOL, nice little detail. A variety of fresh faces coming in. The devastating Stan Hansen, The exciting Mega Man. And tonight, Hacksaw Duggan debuts with a powerful win. Another solid week for the NWA!

TDT has been nothing but impressive. Loved the submission drama between Konan and Hector. We get our first Warrior promo! When your first promo is with Rose, big things are coming. Rotunda gives Backlund a technical test but Backlund prevails and without cheating. Look at that. A young Barr verses a young Eddie. The Playboy's night gets worse. John Tenta is the name and he wants to eliminate Rose and company. Very well thought out storyline. Behind the scenes I imagine Rose got some major props for giving a rub to 2 new comers in one night. Oh man, the Crazy Gang did a number on the Brigade. Mega Man took a beating. I can't wait to see Simmons and Payne go toe to toe. To the Cow Palace, Payne had a dominating week. Black Tiger wins a thriller over Sabu. OMG puts the Anvil down. I'm sure Gary loved this. Good set up between TDT and Playboy Club. That LA match is going to be off the charts. NEW Golden State Tag Champs! Awesome! Badd Company has had the best comeback story. Windham and Hart had an epic trilogy. I'm glad we got to see an uninterrupted classic. Loved that finishing sequence. Windham retains. I think we're in for a historic Windham title run.

I believe SuperBlast will be the game's first official pay per view. A new era begins. Hot Stuff Inc. are making themselves known. I always look forward to a Freebird promo. You do Hayes so well. Rising Son are coming on strong. Jake has a master plan. Great setup. Looking forward to Jake taking down Adnan's army one by one. Brad gets jumped by the Freebirds but it looks like he's made some new friends. LOL, nobody takes a beating like a Mulkey and Sullivan gives him a brutal one. I wonder if Vader was taking notes. Dibiase packs a punch with the loaded glove. Just ask the Freight Train. Thanks to the chaos, RnR pull off a big time win on Demolition. This may get them a shot at the gold. UWF is bringing the heat!

Even with Singh's distractions, Velvet retains over a game Bennett. I'm making a plea to Pat Patterson. Please give Velvet a world title shot. She's defiantly earned it. I think Misty will be a great mentor to Morgan. Damn! What a main event battle! Nellie gives Richter a fight and bangs her up pretty good. However, Richter is able to eke out the c.o. win. Fun match!

AWA sends Johnny Mantell to Florida. AWA picks up Bob Armstrong and Jimmy Golden

AWA TV @ The Hammond Center 1-14-87 Show opens with footage of the Ricky Steamboat/Tommy Rich AWA world title bout from the Louisville Gardens. The last scene is Ricky Steamboat being stretchered into an Ambulance. Lance: (Very somber) Hello fans and welcome to another edition of AWA Major League Wrestling. (Deep breath) As you just saw, Tommy Rich is the new AWA world champion. Ricky Steamboat is currently in the hospital recovering from surgery. I understand his neck was severely injured at the hands of Carlos Colon and Curtis Iaukea. Yes, once again Carlos Colon has injured Ricky's neck. However, this time it looks like Ricky will be out of action for quite some time. I'm disgusted just thinking about it. Ricky Steamboat was one of the greatest world champions I've ever had the pleasure of watching. What a damn shame for his reign to end like this. Hank Williams Jr's "All my Rowdy friends are coming over tonight" blasts over the speakers. Thundering boos as Baby Doll comes out smiling. Louder boos as Tommy Rich (wearing a "Dragon Slayer" T-Shirt) struts out, with the world title on his shoulder. Tommy goes over, grabs Lance's hand and forces a handshake. Lance: Come on Tommy, I'm not really in the mood. Rich: Wait! What was that Lance? What? Oh, did you say something about being fired up?!?! Tommy laughs as Baby Doll smiles, nods and applauds. Rich: Come on Lance, lighten up. This is the dawning of a new era. Tommy Rich stormed into the AWA. Sent that loser Lawler out of here. Then a week later, I slayed the Dragon! Now, here I am, holding the AWA world title! You're already looking at 1987's wrestler of the year. Everything just feels right, don't it? Lance: Look Tommy, no doubt about it, you're the new AWA world champ. It's the way you won it that's rubbed me the wrong way. Were you in on this with Colon and Iaukea? Rich: (long pause) Lance, I'm shocked and appalled that you would even ask me that. I don't even know those guys. Hey, seems to me Steamboat made some serious enemies and now he's paying for it. But, oh well, that's not my problem. My problem is you trying to ruin my glorious moment. Just for that, take a step back Lance and give your mic to Baby Doll. Lance hands his mic to Baby Doll and just walks away. Baby Doll: Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing the NEW AWA World Champion, Tommy "Wildfire" Rich! Massive boos as Tommy kisses his world title, smiles and holds it up high. Commercial Break AWA TV Champ Nick Busick vs. Steven James Since defeating Greg Gagne for the TV title, Busick has gotten over with the fans big time. Busick's power moves has James bouncing and bumping all over. Busick wins the match with the Spinebuster Slam! Resnick: New TV champ Nick Busick, come on over. Well, I can't think of a better debut than winning that title. How does it all feel? Busick: Surreal, very, very surreal. My first night here, Gagne issues the open challenge. I figured, why not go for it. I did and here I am holding this TV title. Doesn't get any better my friend. I promise you and all these fans, Nick Busick will be a fighting champ and take on all comers. Commercial Break Ranger Ross and Soldat Ustinov vs. The Teamsters (Richard Charland and Spike Huber) Charland and Huber enter the ring wearing work boots, blue jeans and taped fists. After what happened last week, Ross and Soldat get a nice pop. USA and USSR working together! The bell rings and Ross starts. WHAM! Soldat clotheslines Ross from behind! WHAT! Soldat puts the boots to Ross as the Teamsters look puzzled. Soldat picks up Ross, swings him to the ropes and puts him down with a massive clothesline! Soldat stares at the Teamsters, then exits the ring. Teamsters smile, pick up Ross and hit a double suplex. Huber covers as a bewildered Ref counts 1..2..3! Teamsters exit. Soldat grabs his Russian Flag, gets in the ring and hammers away on Ross. Boos as Soldat waves his flag and heads to ringside. Resnick: I should've known better. What a set up. Why? Soldat: Did you really think I would align myself with a weak American like that poor excuse laying in the ring? I must show the Kremlin that I am worthy. This was only the beginning! More boos as Soldat waves the flag in front of the camera. Commercial Break "The Rocket" Ron Ritchie w/The Vin Man vs. Sam Smith Vinnie leads Ritchie to the ring as "Rocket Man" by Elton John plays. Nice showcase for Ritchie. The end comes when Ritchie slams Smith, hops on the middle ropes and crashes down with a reverse slingshot splash for the win. Commercial Break Highlights are shown of AWA World tag team champs Jumbo Tsuruta and Tatsumi Fujinami defending the titles in Japan. Resnick: Fans, next week the AWA world tag team champions will be in action as they return from a successful tour of Japan. On that note, let's go to the ring as Yoshiaki Yatsu is set for action. "The Japanese Fury" Yoshiaki Yatsu vs. Todd Rooney Yatsu is wearing red pants with yellow flames circling his legs. Yatsu is aggressive as he works over Rooney. He puts Rooney down with a high karate kick, picks him up and hits bridging back suplex for the win! Resnick: The AWA continues to bring in the very best International stars. Fans, as you know our next big closed circuit event will take place on February 18th live from the Mecca in Milwaukee. I'm talking about Big Brawl. I've been informed that the first match signed for that tremendous event will be El Canek taking on Yoshiaki Yatsu. Now listen to this. Next week, right here on TV, you'll see a battle royal. The winner of that battle royal will receive an AWA world title shot at Big Brawl. Whew, the stakes will be high. Commercial Break "Cowboy" Johnny Mantell vs. "Wrangler" Nelson Royal These two recently had a verbal confrontation and have decided to settle just who the real cowboy is. The first few minutes is some pretty fast paced wrestling with neither man gaining a clear advantage. Nelson gets control with a cheap shot during a break. Nelson rakes Mantell's eyes, swings him to the ropes and back drops him. Nelson follows with a vertical suplex and knee drop 1..2..Kick Out. Nelson swings Mantell into the corner and charges in but Mantell runs forward and clotheslines Nelson down. Mantell regroups. Mantell body slams Nelson, swings off the ropes and hits a jumping knee drop 1..2..Kick Out. Mantell swings Nelson into the corner, follows and executes a monkey flip. Nelson slumps up as Mantell hits a neck snap. Mantell picks up Nelson and hits the Russian Leg Sweep. 1..2..(Nelson's foot is under the rope) 3! Mantell jumps up and pumps his fists. The Ref sees Nelson's foot and informs Mantell the match must continue. Mantell is having words with the Ref. Nelson reaches in his tights and puts a pair of brass knuckles on his fist. Mantell goes to pick up Nelson but Nelson nails him with the brass knuckles! Nelson tosses the knuckles out of the ring and covers 1..2..3! Boos as Nelson goes out and gets his cowboy hat. He waves it to the fans and puts it on with pride. Commercial Break Lightning Strike vs. Trent Watkins and Ray Glader Horner atomic drops Glader as Allen puts him down with a missile dropkick for the win. Lightning Express cut a promo and say they're ready for a shot at the National Tag Team Titles. Commercial Break Phil Lefon vs. Phil Apollo These two give the fans a few minutes of seesaw action. All of a sudden, the bell starts ringing several times. Both Phil's and the Ref stop and are totally confused. The camera zooms over and sees an animated Gerry Morrow ringing the bell. Resnick: Gerry Morrow! What are you doing? There's a match going on! You can't do this! Morrow: Oh yes I can! Mr. Lefon, Mr. Apollo, will you please come down and join me? Apollo and Lefon are still confused as they slowly head to ringside. Morrow: Gentlemen! De pleasure is all mine. As you know I have been scouting various wrestlers so that I can form a team. A successful team. A team that will not only win me de gold but one million dollars as well. Today I have my answer. You two will be my team. Just look at you. Athletic! Muscular! Confident! And best of all, both of your names are Phil! Do you see? Dis is perfect. You come with me and I will guide you to de top! De top! There it is! Your team name will be de Top Dollar Phils! It is brilliant! Now come with me and I will buy you de very best ring gear. Are you in? Apollo and Lefon look at each other, take it all in. Shrug their shoulders and shake hands. Morrow laughs and puts his arms around them and escorts them out. Resnick: I have no clue what just happened. Commercial Break The British Bombers vs. Melvin Ontario and Lukas Mann Smith clips Mann behind the knee as Taylor blasts him with a running forearm for the win! Bombers cut a promo on the Olympians and tell them they're in for a lot more pain! Commercial Break The camera zooms in on the glowing pink "Beauty Shop" sign, then pans down to Brenda Britton. Britton: Hi everybody and welcome to the highest rated segment in wrestling, the Beauty Shop. Boy oh boy do I have a bombshell of a show tonight. Well, I know I'm a bombshell but I'm talking about my guests. Big things are happening in the AWA so without further adieu, please welcome out the co promoters of the AWA, Jerry Jarrett and Verne Gagne. Jarrett and Verne walk out in suits and have some serious faces on. Britton: I'm not sure who should start? Verne: I will. Jerry, last week I got a lot off my chest and made some valid points. What happened to Ricky Steamboat just proves everything I said! We had a champion who defended the AWA with pride. A champion everyone could be proud of. And then, on your watch of course, all hell breaks loose and he's no longer champion. Damn, he might not even be able to wrestle again. Enough is enough! Jarrett: Look Verne, you think I'm happy about what went down? That was sickening. Carlos Colon and Curtis Iaukea will be dealt with, I promise. I can only wish Ricky Steamboat a healthy recovery and I'm deeply saddened by what transpired. Verne: I'm sure you are. But like I said, your days as promoter are coming to an end. So, now I'm going to inform the people and the AWA on how we're going to handle this. There's only one way and that's in the ring. Britton: Wow, that sounds intriguing. What's the plan? Verne: At Big Brawl, we have decided to have a 10 man elimination match. Jerry will pick 5 and I will pick 5. We will each have a team that will represent us. At stake will be the AWA. That's right. When my team wins, I will run the AWA and I will run it my way. Jarrett: I'm sorry it had to come to this but what makes you so sure, your team is going to win? Verne: That's easy because my team will be consisted of pure wrestlers. It all comes down to wrestling and pure wrestling will prevail. Boos as Greg Gagne walks out wearing a wrestling sweatsuit. Britton: Greg Gagne! What a surprise. Greg: Hello Brenda. (Looks at Verne) Dad, I know you haven't approved of my recent methods and how I've conducted myself, but I can help you. I can help bring the AWA to its former glory. I ditched Johnny Valiant and I've never been more focused. Please, let me help. Jarrett: I'm glad you're out here Greg. Because you can witness my first pick. The man that beat you for the TV title, Nick Busick! Busick walks out as the fans cheer. Greg gives a sarcastic nod. Jarrett: You wanted this Verne, you got it. Jarrett and Busick walk out. Verne: Greg, you're my son and together we can win this thing. You're in. Greg: You won't regret this Dad. I love you. Verne: I love you to son. The Gagne's hug. Britton: That's the most beautiful moment ever on the Beauty Shop. Brings tears to my eyes. Until next week toooodles. Commercial Break Resnick: Fans, I've been dreading this all week. Coming out now is Curtis Iaukea and Carlos Colon. Nuclear heat! Iaukea comes out swinging his kendo stick while Colon has nothing but evil in his eyes. Garbage is thrown as extra security stands in front of the guard rails. Resnick: I don't even know where to begin. Not only did the two of you cost Ricky Steamboat the AWA world title but you severely injured his neck. The man will be in the hospital for who knows how long! What you did was unforgivable! Iaukea: No! What we did was awaken the inner darkness of Carlos Colon. I took him on a journey and turned him into the man he was always meant to be. Carlos not only took away something Ricky Steamboat loved, his materialistic title but he took Ricky Steamboat's soul. Something that can never be replaced! Carlos! My son! I am proud. Colon: I told you and all these people, Ricky Steamboat would suffer. He has suffered and will continue to suffer each and every waking moment. I've never enjoyed and savored a moment like I did when I put Steamboat through that table! WHAM! Iaukea is mowed over as JIMMY SNUKA comes out and attacks Colon! Snuka tackles Colon and pounds away but Security was already on high alert and swarmed the scene. Several members of Security pull Snuka off. A dazed Iaukea grabs Colon and gets out of there. Snuka is screaming Colon's name as the commercial hits. Commercial Break Resnick: Fans, I believe everything is...whoa Jimmy Snuka is coming back. Snuka: (rage in his eyes) Colon! Iaukea! You made a grave mistake! I'm coming for you! The Superfly is coming for you! Snuka flips over chairs as he heads out. Resnick: My goodness! I've never seen Jimmy Snuka like that. Things have been intense tonight and that's an understatement. Things could get worse as our main event is up next. Commercial Break Blackjack Mulligan/The Spoiler and Crusher Blackwell vs. The Syndicate (Iceman Parsons/Dream Machine and "Pitbull" Kerry Brown w/Roger Kirby The bell rings and of course chaos ensues! Mulligan and Iceman brawl to the outside. Blackwell and Brown trade huge blows in the ring. Dream Machine and Spoiler battle through the ropes and fight around the ring. Kirby tries to jump Mulligan but Mulligan turns around and puts him down with a big right punch. Mulligan turns around and Iceman blasts him over the head with a chair! The Ref has already thrown this one out. The fists keep flying as the commercial hits. Commercial Break Resnick is standing with Spoiler and Blackwell. Mulligan pops on screen with a bloody head, Mulligan: Parsons! That's it! Tomorrow night! Jackson Coliseum. You and me! Loser Leaves Town! You're done Parsons! You hear me! Done!

Love that poster! Old school baby! I really like your roster. Very well balanced. I'm excited about this promotion and with those names, I'm sure you'll be on WGN in no time.

Great way to debut Baron. Paul Jones always has a back up plan. Big win for the Southern Boys but man do they pay the price as Big Daddy Ritter goes back to his heel ways and decimates them. Huge win for Borne as his path of destruction continues. Speaking of huge wins, the Renegade Warriors pull one over on the Koloff's. However, like the Southern Boys, they suffer a beating from an unknown Russian comrade. Damn! The fans got their money's worth with that Tully/Savage 45 minute draw. To Greenville, Another exciting debut as Yamada excites the crowd. Kamala gets the win in the battle of the big boys. Outlaws might get a title shot soon. I know Wright and Fleming put on a wrestling clinic. Rematch! Andersons end the night by retaining over Spartanburg Vice. I will be tuning in to find out what happened between Kabuki and Spivey. Enjoyed these house shows.

You know you're in for a great night when Backlund vs. Rotonda opens the show. Loved that Badd Co. finish. St. Clair gets a nice win over Chavo. St. Clair has made quite a name for himself in Pacific. Young takes Ca. Champ Owen to the limit. I'm really liking this Backlund angle. Sweet Stan and Beautiful Bobby are proving to be a dominant version of the Midnight Express. WOW! Pillman scores a big c.o. victory over Bubba. Defiantly earned himself another TV title shot.

Bleh, I'm good with the trade you had with Gene.

AWA Breaking News Tommy "Wildfire" Rich has defeated Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat for the AWA World Title!!! Saturday, January 8th, 1987, will be a night the fans at the Louisville Gardens would never forget. Ricky Steamboat was originally scheduled to defend the world title against "Pitbull" Kerry Brown. However, during the AWA's last televised show, Brown suffered an injury at the hands of Jerry Blackwell and was unable to compete. Steamboat agreed to face a substitute. Tommy Rich was announced as the sub. You can imagine the heat when Rich (wearing his "I dethroned the King" T-Shirt) along with Baby Doll came down the aisle for the match. Steamboat controlled a majority of the match and looked like he was well on his way to another successful title defense. Then things got crazy. Steamboat went to the top rope. Rich was staggering up and grabbed the Ref for leverage. As Steamboat sailed off the ropes, he nailed Rich with the flying press, but the Ref got sandwiched, took a nasty bump and was knocked out. Steamboat had Rich covered for several seconds, then realized the Ref was out. The fans erupted in thundering boos when CARLOS COLON and CURTIS IAUKEA came to ringside. Iaukea hit the ring and tried to hit Steamboat with his kendo stick, but Steamboat turned around in time and put Iaukea down with a chop. Colon ran in and nailed Steamboat from behind with a clothesline. Colon hurled Steamboat out of the ring. Even Baby Doll backed away. Colon went to the apron. Steamboat staggered up and Colon put him down with a diving clothesline. Iaukea got up, grabbed his kendo stick and went outside. Iaukea blasted Steamboat several times with the kendo stick. Colon picked up Steamboat and rammed him headfirst into the steel post, busting Steamboat open. Nuclear heat from the fans. Iaukea gave Colon instructions. Colon (with nothing but evil in his eyes) picked up Steamboat and hurled him on the Announcer's table. Colon hopped up on the table, grabbed Steamboat and (in one of the most shocking moments in AWA history) executed a piledriver and Steamboat went through the table! An eerie hush went through the crowd. Colon and Iaukea picked up a lifeless Steamboat and rolled him back into the ring. Colon and Iaukea headed back up the aisle as the fans were in complete shock. Baby Doll was screaming at Rich and pointing over at the lifeless Steamboat. Rich slowly rolled over and covered Steamboat. Baby Doll went into the ring and dragged the Ref over. Baby Doll shook the Ref. The Ref groggily counted 1..2..3! Baby Doll jumped up and down celebrating. She ran out and grabbed the world title, then came back in and handed Rich the title. Rich smiled, got on his knees, kissed the title and held it up. The fans were still in a state of shock. Security escorted Rich and Baby Doll out of there. The night couldn't' have ended on a worse note when Medics put a neck brace on Steamboat and stretchered him out and into an ambulance. Tommy Rich is the NEW AWA World Champion!

The Gigolo debuts and Sommers shows interest. I can see these guys working together. Looking forward to St. Valentine's Day Massacre. You know there's going to be a ton of action with all those 6 man matches. In Spartanburg, the Vice has got to go over. I like the hype videos of Duggan and Hansen. That's something missing in today's world. Mega Man is coming! Chief Wahoo shows Faulk what tough is all about. Nice debut match for both the Nasty Boys and Southern Boys. Fun match which I'm sure will lead to more. Good couple of house shows. I'm a big fan of monikers and you've got some good ones. I think a moniker adds a lot to the wrestler's character. British Magician is off to a good TV title reign. Looks like Uncle Ivan's comrade has arrived. Fun 6 man tag with the Indians taking out the Commonwealth. Nice prelude to the upcoming tournament. After an impressive win streak, Gaylord is rewarded with a world title shot. Tully's experience wins this one. .

I love these new Crazy Gang members. What a cast of characters, Dingo Warrior wants nothing to do with Gary Hart. Can't say I blame him. TDT and the Sheepherders has the potential to be one of the most violent feuds in Pacific history. Steel and Barr quickly get the fans behind them. Simmons takes Orton down but it seems Orton, Miller and Hart have a plan to regroup. I couldn't wait for the inevitable Backlund promo and man did he deliver. I just about lost it when he said Gary was like a son to him. Backlund is going to take the Knights to new heights. Gary Hart ruins the Windham/Bret classic. It wont be long before the Harts have enough. To Portland, Whatever it is that Backlund is doing, it's working. Brookside gets the win but young Eddie is learning. Big win for Payne as he defeats the leader of the 5 man Army. Vic gets the quick pin on TNT. After that post match scene, I wonder if TNT will be looking for a partner. Orton rebounds from his Simmons loss. I liked that finish. Kinda reminds me of Orton's "broken arm" days. I'm sure Hector and Regal put on a gem. Gary Hart does it again. The tension between him and the Harts is at an all time high. In his short time as champ, Windham has been a fighting one. Nice win over former champ Rose. Looking forward to the showdown between Rose and his number one fan. Pacific is rock'n with all the new changes.

2 debuting wrestlers get a chance to prove themselves right off the bat. Hosaka gives TV champ Velvet a tough match but once again Velvet retains. I support Velvet's quest for a world title shot. Dawn shows some fire and temper tonight, but Medusa figures her out and retains. Nice touch with Dawn flipping the table. Richter kicks things up a notch as she goes to town on Combs with a chair. I would love to see a gimmick match between these two. WWW gets hotter and hotter by the week.

AWA drops Art Crews and Timothy Flowers