spaldoni

AWA TV @ The Hammond Center 1-7-86 Footage from the Mid South Coliseum's New Year's event is shown. Highlights include British Bombers doing a post match attack on the Olympians. Jimmy Snuka splashing Gama Singh. Billy Jack and Rip Morgan battling to a Double C.O. The Vin Man turning on his Diamond Aces and joining up with Gold Standard. Dream Machine returning and attacking Blackjack Mulligan. Larry and Al Perez retaining their National tag titles against Cabin Fever. The near riot as Baby Doll helped Tommy Rich defeat Jerry Lawler in a non sanctioned loser leaves town match. And Ricky Steamboat defeating Curt Hennig with 1 second left to retain the AWA world title. Lance Russell: Hello everybody and welcome to another exciting edition of AWA Major League Wrestling. We're kicking off 1987 with some sizzle. Tonight, Jerry Blackwell clashes with Kerry Brown in the main event. Also tonight, Ranger Ross takes on Richard Charland. Also in action will be, Scott Putski, the debut of the Warlord, Soldat Ustinov. After what went down on New Year's, the Diamond Aces will go up against The Vin Man's new team, Gold Standard. We'll also be hearing from the AWA world champion Ricky Steamboat. "All my rowdy friends are coming over tonight" by Hank Williams Jr. blasts over the speakers. Thundering boos as Baby Doll comes out with Tommy Rich (bandaged forehead). Tommy is wearing a "I dethroned the King" T-Shirt. Lance rolls his eyes and shakes his head in disgust. Rich: Why the long face Lance? Today is a day of joy! Now look, I know you and Lawler were best friends and I know Lawler was Jerry Jarrett's golden boy. All I wanted was a fair shake here and when Lawler went too far, well, I had to stop his madness. Bottom line, Lawler is gone and 1987 is going to be the year of Wildfire! Lance: I think you're a very delusional individual and what you and this lady did to Lawler was nothing short of disgusting and down right despicable. Which brings me to my next question. Baby Doll, why are you involved with a man like Tommy Rich? I just don't get it. Baby Doll: Lance, you know I only associate myself with winners. Tommy Rich is a winner. Sending that loser Lawler packing is only the beginning. We want Ricky Steamboat and we want the AWA world title. Rich: Hey, I did the AWA a favor by getting rid of that attention hog Lawler. That alone should earn me a world title shot. You hear me Steamboat? You're next boy! More thundering boos as Tommy and Baby Doll leave. Lance: (Disgusted) We'll be right back Commercial Break Soldat Ustinov vs. Trent Watkins Soldat works rough but doesn't break the rules. Soldat wins the match with a clothesline followed by a jumping knee drop. During the match, Gerry Morrow was at ringside, taking notes. Footage from last week is shown as Nick Busick defeats Greg Gagne for the TV title! New TV champ Nick Busick will be in action next week! Commercial Break Gold Standard w/The Vin Man vs. The Diamond Aces Both Crews and Flowers have bandaged heads from the chair shots on New Year's Eve. They pace back and forth as Vin Man leads Gold Standard to the ring. The bell rings and The Diamond Aces run full throttle at Gold Standard. Vinnie gets out of the ring quick. Crews pounds away on Kiniski as Flowers takes it to Kelly. They swing Gold Standard to the ropes and stereo back drop them. Gold Standard staggers up and The Aces stereo clothesline them down. The Ref is finally able to get control. Diamond Aces continue to control. After a few minutes, Vinnie runs around the ring and yells up at Flowers. Flowers hops off the apron and chases Vinnie around the ring. As he turns the corner, Kelly levels Flowers with a clothesline. Kelly presses Flowers up and drops him throat first on the guard railing. Inside the ring, Crews sees this and heads to the outside but Kiniski sends him through the ropes with a flying knee. Kelly grabs him, slams his head on the apron and hurls him back in the ring. Kiniski picks Crews up and slams him throat first on the top rope. Kiniski covers 1..2..3! Kelly gets in the ring. Gold Standard pick up Crews and deliver a double hot shot on the top rope. Gold Standard go to the outside, pick up Flowers and double slam him throat first on the guard railing. Vinnie celebrates with Gold Standard as the fans boo. Commercial Break The Warlord vs. Sam Smith Warlord debuts by destroying his opponent and finishes him off with a running powerslam! Resnick tries to get a word with Warlord but Warlord gives him a mean look and walks away. Commercial Break An advertisement is shown for the AWA's next closed circuit event. BIG BRAWL will take place on February 18th at the Mecca in Milwaukee. Resnick: Fans, with me right now is the Snowman. Snowman, I understand you have a huge announcement concerning the Bruise Brothers. Snowman: I sure do! My main man Porkchop Cash promised that the Bruise Brothers would continue and he's right. I want to introduce the man that's going to help bring gold to the Bruise Brothers in 1987. My new partner, Larry Cameron! Cheers as Cameron comes out and gives Snowman a double fist bump. Cameron: When Porkchop Cash called me and told me what the deal was, I didn't hesitate. The Bruise Brothers are going to make it happen in 87. Just watch. The Bruise Brothers vs. Vic Dutro and Willie Lopez Total domination! The finish sees Snowman atomic drop Dutro as Cameron quickly follows with the Harlem Hammer (Running double axehandle to the back of the head)! Commercial Break Scott "Powerhouse" Putski vs. Neil Jordan Once again, Gerry Morrow is out scouting. Putski looks crisp and wins the match with a powerslam off the ropes! Resnick: Ok, Scott Putski, come on over. Tremendous victory. Boos as The Vin Man and "The Rocket" Ron Ritchie come out. Vin: Rezzy, Rezzy, Rezzy! Why are you wasting time with this punk? The Rocket Man is what's happening in the AWA. Everyone knows that. Take a walk Scotty. Putski: Why don't you make me! More boos as Gold Standard come out. Resnick: Scott, it's ok. Take it easy. No need for trouble. Scott nods and exits. Resnick: Ok. satisfied? Since you rudely interrupted, why don't you tell me and everybody out here, why you ditched the Diamond Aces? It wasn't long ago, when you did the same to this man Kevin Kelly. Just what's going on? Vin: Wow! Turn off the interrogation light, Inspector. You see, Kev is family. Family has fights, disagreements and disputes but in the end we're family. The Diamond Aces simply didn't cut it. Gold Standard and the Rocket Man are what's in style. Gold Standard have earned a world tag team title shot. Gold will be wearing gold. Ha, get it Rezzy? Now, boys, lets give the people what they want. ah 1 and ah 2 and ah 3..4. All singing in unison: We are family. Kevbo, Nicky, Ronnie and Vin-ie! Commercial Break The Dream Machine w/Roger Kirby vs. Arnie Goldstein Dream is back babay and makes short work of Goldstein. Dream hits his jumping elbow drop off the ropes and it's all over. Kirby gets in the ring and raises Dream's arm as the fans boo. Cheers as Blackjack Mulligan comes to ringside and grabs the mic from Resnick. Mulligan: Dream Machine! I already gave you a beating and would love to do it again but I still have unfinished business with that spineless Parsons. However, I found someone who has unfinished business with you! Dream and Kirby are laughing at Mulligan and daring him to get in the ring. Cheers as THE SPOILER sneaks in the ring behind them. Kirby turns around and Spoiler knocks him down. Dream turns around and Spoiler clamps on the claw! The fans are going nuts as Spoiler wrenches away while Dream sinks to his knees. Security hits the ring fast. Commercial Break The Double O's (Steve and Barry O) vs. Todd Rooney and Ray Glader After battling to 3 epic draws, Steve and Barry O have decided to join forces. They come out wearing baseball jerseys with Double O's on the back. Double O's seem to have good chemistry and win the match after Steve hits a vertical suplex on Glader and Barry follows with a knee drop from the top rope! 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 all of wrestling, the Beauty Shop. What a show to kick off the new year. My guests are a tag team I've met before and back then we didn't see eye to eye. But after talking with them in the back, I was both amazed and pleased at their new attitude. Please welcome out the self proclaimed greatest tag team in the world, The Rock n Roll RPMS! Boos as the RPMs come out and hug Brenda. They mock the fans with the "I love you" hand signs. Britton: I know you guys have a lot to say and this is the place to do it. Go right ahead. Lane: Thank you Brenda and might I add, you look stunning tonight. The RPMs are not only the greatest rock n roll tag team but the greatest team period! Davis: That's right! I mean look around. We arrive and the Rock n Roll Express bolt. We arrive and the Fabulous Ones break up. You know why? Lane: Pure fear! Britton: You guys are so cool. Now, as I've told all these morons out here, everything happens on my show. I understand you have another announcement? Davis: Yes we do. You see, since we're the only rock n rollers in town, we thought it was only fitting that we have our own personal guitar player that will provide us with our ring entrance music. Lane: Introducing to you, the greatest guitar rocker in the world who will provide us with our own entrance music. Ladies and Gentlemen. JT Southern! JT comes out and jams on his guitar as Brenda and the RPMs nod in approval. Britton: I told you! That's kicking off 1987 with a bang! Until next time...tooooodles! Commercial Break Ranger Ross vs. "The Wrecking Machine" Richard Charland Gino Brito is noticeably missing tonight. Pretty good hard hitting match up. Charland wants to duke it out with Ross and Ross goes toe to toe with him. Just as Ross gets the upper hand, SPIKE HUBER hits the ring and attacks Ross! The Ref signals for the DQ. Now Charland joins in and him and Huber put the boots to Ross. Wait a minute! SOLDAT USTINOV hits the ring. Charland and Huber smile and invite Soldat to get in some shots. The fans go bonkers as Soldat puts Huber and Charland down with a double clothesline! Huber and Charland roll out of the ring and are both dazed and stunned. What just happened? Commercial Break Resnick: I'm standing here with Ranger Ross. Can you explain what just happened? Ross: (breathing heavy) I wish I could. Soldat comes out. Soldat: (palms held up) I know what it is like to be betrayed by partners. I know what you are feeling. There is no reason why we can't work together. What I am saying is, if you need my help, you got it! Soldat walks away to cheers. Resnick: Certainly, a very unexpected situation. I guess we'll see how this develops. Fans' I've just been informed that both Dream Machine and Spoiler have been escorted out of the building. We'll be right back. Commercial Break Resnick: Fans at the Mid South Coliseum witnessed a real wrestling classic on New Year's Eve. Ricky Steamboat retained the AWA world title by defeating Curt Hennig with 1 second left. Please welcome out the AWA world champ Ricky Steamboat. Massive pop as Steamboat comes out wearing slacks, shirt and tie. He smiles and holds up the world title. Steamboat: Ken, that was one of the most grueling and hard fought matches I've ever been involved in. Curt Hennig truly tested me that night. The fans stir as Curt Hennig comes out wearing a suit. Hennig: Ricky, I must admit, that was the toughest wrestling match of my life. I've done a lot of thinking about my recent attitude and I think it's time I ventured to a new scene and get my head straight. Before I go, I want to say, Ricky, I deeply respect you. Hennig puts out his hand. Steamboat smiles, nods and shakes it. The fans cheer as they hug. Commercial Break Crusher Blackwell vs. "Pitbull" Kerry Brown w/Roger Kirby Before the bell even rings, Kirby and Brown attack Blackwell. Blackwell starts to fire back but Iceman Parsons hits the ring and nails Blackwell. Cheers as Blackjack Mulligan hits the ring! Fists are flying! Everybody fights to the outside. Kirby gets knocked down. Parsons and Mulligan fight into the crowd. Brown and Blackwell fight all around the ring. Blackwell gets the upper hand and tosses Brown into the ringside table as the attendants run for cover. Blackwell grabs a chair and blasts Brown's back. Security runs out but Blackwell starts swinging the chair at them. Meanwhile, Parsons and Mulligan continue to battle out in the crowd as the fans scatter. CHAOS! Commercial Break Resnick: My goodness! Things have finally settled down. Things really got out of control. (Catches his breath) Joining me now is Jerry Jarrett. Jerry I understand you have an announcement regarding the National Title that was held by Jerry Lawler. Unfortunately, Jerry had to vacate that title. Jarrett: This is very sad indeed and not the way I wanted to start the new year. However, Jerry agreed to the terms and followed through with them. Verne Gagne walks out. Verne: Jerry, hold on a minute. I'm sorry to have to do this out here and on national TV but I just can't hold my tongue any longer. It's been almost a year since the merger. During that time I tended to my behind the scenes duties and let you run the wrestling operations. I just can't take it anymore. You're turning the AWA into a disgrace. The last match was the straw that broke my back. Under your watch, you've done nothing but cause massive chaos and have put the fans and our employees at risk. I mean look at that National title. A man had to vacate it because of a non sanctioned loser leaves town match. I would've never let that happen. Never! The AWA is my block and it's time I took it back and bring it back to the glory it once was. In other words, you're taking a back seat and I'm running the show! Verne leaves as a puzzled Jarrett and Resnick look on.

NWA heads into 87 with one of the most intriguing storylines...The 4 Horsemen! Can't wait to find out which title Flair will go for. The Koloff's bringing in somebody only means trouble. Paul Jones has made a huge impact and it looks like he's going all out this year. Good update on the comings and goings. I'm really looking forward to seeing what Hansen and Duggan do here. Also looking forward to watching the Nasty Boys develop. I'll be tuning in to watch Crockett's big announcement.

Badd Co. gets mean as their heel run begins. The story behind this turn was very well done. Atlas and TNT will be a solid program. Former foes Steamboat and Adams are united and get a big time upset over the Wild Bulls. OMG's path of destruction continues as he takes Burke down. Gator and Mega Man are tested tonight but retain over the tough Crazy Gang members. Owen retains in an action packed match with Snow. Midnights and Bubba beat the British, but Bubba might have a serious challenger on his hands with St. Clair.

In my opinion, that finish by Rising Sun really got them over quick. RnR are back and lay down the challenge to any team. The tag division is at an all time high. Cox is one lucky guy to have a mentor like Dr. Death. Murdoch and Brody are now added into the Watts/Ladd feud. This is getting good. Vader puts McGhee down but it's not enough for Sullivan. Either Vader is going to become a sadistic monster or he's going to snap on Sullivan. Great story. Steiner pulls out some questionable tactics but Gilbert reels him back in and keeps him focused. Armstrong's TV title reign is off to a good start. Jake is in serious trouble as Adnan tells his army to put everything on hold and put Jake out of commission. Williams and Gordy vs. Demolition is a fan's dream brawl match. That's exactly what happens as all hell breaks loose. One thing's for sure, Jake has serious back up. I would pay top dollar to see that upcoming 8-man tag match. UWF kicks 1987 off with a bang!

Douglas feels the wrath of the Sheepherders. Konnan passes a big test as he gets by Hito. BTW, I really like Hito's role here. Credible heel veteran who helps get the faces over. WOW!!! Did not see this coming! BOB BACKLUND is in Pacific! Him leading Knights Templar is going to be craziness at its best! This is so awesome! Eddie shows promise in his loss to Pillman. Candido always finds a way to keep that title. Well, Oliver couldn't have picked better partners. Another great debut with TDT. I love their look. Perfect for the Pacific Northwest. Oliver gets the big fall on Rose and is now way over with the fans. Classic tag match to end the night. Gary's blunder costs the Hart's the match. I'm sensing a face turn. 1987 is kicking off with some hot storylines.

AWA releases Johnny Valiant AWA picks up Miguel Perez Jr. and Soldat Ustinov

Good follow up from the Supercard. I see tag team gold in Singh and Bennett's future. Apache makes the most of her opportunity against Richter, but I think a pissed off Richter is to much for anyone to handle. We might have an upcoming match between Richter and Carranza. Velvet makes good on her promise and will carry the TV title into 87. WWW ends the year on a good note. Looking forward to the new year.

AWA New Year's Eve @ The Mid South Coliseum Last Battle of the O's- Steve O and Barry O once again wrestled to a 10 minute draw. After the match, both men shook their heads and laughed, then proceeded to shake hands. The Olympians defeated The British Bombers- After a few minutes of hard hitting seesaw action, Rheingans cradled Smith for the 1..2..3. As soon as the bell rang, the Bombers attacked the Olympians and left them laying in the middle of the ring. Billy Jack Haynes and "The Real Thing" Rip Morgan battled to a wild DOUBLE C.O. Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka defeated Gama Singh in a NO DQ Match- Gama took big time advantage of the No DQ stipulation and broke every rule he could but couldn't put Snuka away. After taking quite a beating, Snuka went haywire and went off on Gama with punches, chops, headbutts before slamming him down 3 times on the concrete, rolling him back in the ring and hitting the Superfly Splash for the win! Winners get an AWA World Tag Team Title shot Gold Standard vs. The Diamond Aces w/The Vin Man Lots of bad blood here. Pretty even match with both teams on their A game. During a pier six brawl, the Ref takes a nasty bump and is down. Vin Man grabs a chair and heads into the ring. WHAM! Wait a minute! Vin Man just hit Art Crews over his head with the chair! Flowers runs over and pushes Vin Man down and starts yelling at him. Gold Standard attack Flowers, hoist him up and execute a double gourdbuster! Vin Man drags the Ref over and he counts 1..2..3! The fans are totally confused as Vin Man walks over and hugs Gold Standard. Gold Standard pick up Flowers and hold him as Vin Man picks up the chair and whacks him over the head! Boos as Gold Standard hoist Vin Man on their shoulders and parade around the ring. Winners of the match- Gold Standard Grudge Match- Jerry Blackwell and Kerry Brown are banned from the building Blackjack Mulligan vs. Iceman Parsons w/Roger Kirby This truly is a grudge match. As soon as the bell rings, these guys tear into each other and never let up. After only a few minutes, both men are busted open. Mulligan has things going his way which is Kirby's cue to interfere. He hops on the apron but Mulligan grabs him and hurls him into the ring. Mulligan picks up both Kirby and Parsons and knocks their heads together. Mulligan swings Parsons to the ropes and hits his diving back elbow smash. Mulligan covers but from out of nowhere DREAM MACHINE hits the ring and puts the boots to Mulligan! The Ref signals for the DQ. Dream drops several elbows on Mulligan. Parsons staggers up and joins in. Parsons swings Mulligan to the ropes and puts him down with the Booty Bump. Parsons hurls Mulligan out of the ring. Parsons goes out and slams Mulligan head first into the steel post. Dream Machine helps Kirby up and the Syndicate head out. Winner of the Match by DQ- Blackjack Mulligan Intermission During this time Gerry Morrow came out and gave a New Year's toast and talked about his million dollar bet to put together a championship team. He then toasted to the future of tag team wrestling. AWA National Tag Team Title Bout Larry Zbyszko and Al Perez (C) vs. Cabin Fever Cabin Fever came out with guns blazing as they have the champs bumping all over the place during the opening minutes. The champs turn the tide but it doesn't last long. Manny is all over Larry. Larry is basically out on his feet when Manny hits the flying burrito but the move sends Larry through the ropes and onto the floor. Perez runs in the ring to attack Manny but Manny turns around and back drops him. Larry gets on the apron, Manny punches him and suplexes him back in the ring. Manny tags in Boone. Boone hoists Larry on his shoulders and powerslams him over 1..2..Perez breaks it. Manny runs in and punches Perez back into the corner. While the Ref is guiding Manny to his corner, Boone swings off the ropes but Perez (from the apron) nails Boone's back with a vicious knee. Boone staggers forward as Larry grabs him and hits a swinging neckbreaker 1..2..3! Manny is a second to late. Winners of the Match and still AWA National Tag Team Champs- Larry Z and Al Perez NON SANCTIONED- LOSER LEAVES TOWN MATCH AWA National Champ Jerry "The King" Lawler vs. Tommy "Wildfire" Rich The Ref's only job is to raise the winner's hand. Balls to the Walls action! These two fight up and down the aisle. In and out of the crowd and all around the ring. Lawler gets the upper hand and goes to work on Rich. Lawler grabs Rich by the hair and slams his head several times on the apron. Rich's head is a bloody mess. Lawler hurls Rich into the ring. Lawler spends the next couple minutes punching and stomping on Rich's bloody head. Lawler picks up Rich and hotshots him on the top rope. Lawler hoists Rich up and piledrives him down! The fans go crazy when Lawler goes to the middle ropes and pulls down his strap. Lawler raises his fist to the electric crowd and crashes down with a fist drop! Lawler stands up and shakes his head. Lawler goes to the middle ropes once again, bounces up and down and comes down with another fist drop! There's a commotion as, (I don't believe it!) BABY DOLL gets up on the apron. She's waving her arms at Lawler with a panicked look. Lawler sees her and has a puzzled look. She continues to wave Lawler over while pointing to the back. Lawler walks over with his arms held out. Baby Doll pulls out a can of pepper spray and empties the can in Lawler's face! This even causes attendants at ringside to rub their eyes and get out of there. Lawler's hands are covering his face as he falls to the ground and violently rolls around. Baby Doll gets in the ring and pours a bottle of water on Rich's face to revive him. Rich slowly rises and staggers around. Rich manages a smile as he looks at Baby Doll then down at Lawler. Rich slowly picks up Lawler and gives him and hard and low kick square in the groin! Rich grabs Lawler and piledrives him down. The Ref hesitates but Baby Doll pushes him down. The Ref counts 1..2..3! As you can imagine, the Memphis crowd is in full fledge riot mode! Trash hits the ring as Security rushes to get Rich and Baby Doll out of there. All the way up the aisle, they're pelted with garbage. Medics hit the ring fast to flush Lawler's eyes. With the eye situation along with the groin injury, they have no choice but to call for the stretcher. The boos are deafening as The King is stretchered out of the Mid South Coliseum. Winner of the Match- Tommy Rich There's a few minute intermission to try and calm the crowd down. AWA World Title Bout Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat (C) vs. Curt Hennig After what just happened, it took awhile but Steamboat and Hennig managed to get the crowd engaged. The first 30 minutes is a classic wrestling chess match. Both men bring it. Steamboat looks magnificent with his crisp arm drags and hip tosses. Hennig comes back with some hard shoulder blocks and beautiful dropkicks. Steamboat turns things up by atomic dropping Hennig into the corner and following with a belly to back suplex. Hennig ups his game with a hip toss followed by a running neck snap. Both men continued to battle back and forth. Hennig had a near fall with a jaw breaker. Steamboat almost put things away with an electric chair drop. Yea, the fans were into this one. At the 30-minute mark, they have a furious exchange as Steamboat breaks out his chops while Hennig blasts away with forearms. Hennig stops things quick with a mule kick followed by a gut wrench suplex 1..2..Kick Out. Hennig swings Steamboat to the ropes and puts him down with the Axe Bomb. Hennig follows with a neckbreaker 1..2..Kick Out. Hennig berates the Ref. Hennig swings Steamboat to the ropes and flips him over with a knee to the mid-section. Steamboat rises a bit and Hennig nails him with a running kneelift. Hennig picks up Steamboat and hits a delayed suplex 1..2..Kick Out. Hennig angrily stomps away on Steamboat then hoists him up for the cradle suplex but Steamboat back drops Hennig over the top rope! Both men are reeling. Hennig slowly gets on the apron. Steamboat staggers up. Him and Hennig start another exchange. Steamboat gets the upper hand as the crowd cheers him on. Steamboat then suplexes Hennig back in the ring. Steamboat goes to the top rope, Hennig staggers up as Steamboat nails him with a brain chop. Hennig staggers up as Steamboat puts him down with an enzugiri 1..2..Kick Out. Steamboat swings Hennig into the corner and follows with a running clothesline. Steamboat goes outside on the apron as Hennig twirls around and falls back. Steamboat hits a springboard splash 1..2..Kick Out. Steamboat swings Hennig to the ropes and goes for a back drop but Hennig kicks him. Steamboat staggers and Hennig puts him down with a clothesline. Both men are reeling again. 55 minutes have gone by. Both men stagger up. Hennig grabs Steamboat and hits an inverted atomic drop, grabs him and snake eyes him on the top turnbuckle. Hennig continues to work Steamboat over. 59 minutes have gone by. 1 minute to go! Hennig hoists Steamboat up on the turnbuckles. Hennig hops up and goes for a superplex but Steamboat starts punching away. The fans cheer him on as his punches get stronger and stronger. 30 seconds left! Steamboat finally lands the big one and punches Hennig off the turnbuckles. Steamboat slowly regains his composure and stands on the top rope. 10 seconds left. 9...8...Hennig slowly rises...7..Steamboat hits the flying press 6...5..The Ref counts 1..2..3! Steamboat wins the match with 1 second left!!!!! The entire place rises and cheers! The Ref hands Steamboat the title and raises his arm. Hennig rolls over and sits on his knees. Steamboat holds the title high as the fans continue to cheer. Hennig grabs the ropes and helps himself up. Hennig slowly walks over to Steamboat and stares at him. Steamboat stares back. Hennig offers his hand. Steamboat stares a bit longer then shakes his hand. Hennig pats him on the back and heads out. Steamboat points down at Hennig, looks at the crowd and applauds him. The night ends with Steamboat holding the title high in the middle of the ring. Winner of the Match and still AWA World Champ- Ricky Steamboat

New Year's is one of my favorite times in the game. We always know new faces will show up in new territories. Pacific doesn't disappoint. Gary Hart is looking to make a splash with OMG. Big night for Rose. He deals with the heckler. Has a tough match with Pillman. And then gets swerved from a returning Oliver. Rose vs. Oliver will be a huge draw. Konnan arrives with an impressive debut. The Guerreros bring in Eddie and it immediately pays off. 4 Guerreros, I love it! Also, looking forward to a Badd Co. heel run. Gary Young has seen the light and the Knights Templar are on a crusade. Like the new look. If there's one wrestler I'm looking forward to watch develop, it's the Dingo Warrior. His power style fits in so well here. Simmons carries his momentum into 1987. Good grief! Cannonball Grizzly tore it down in his debut. Surprises keep coming as the Crazy Gang introduces Sabu, Maxx Pain and Lord Humungous! Crazy is defiantly the right name for this group. YES! Cornette is still here and he brings in Beautiful Bobby and Sweet Stan! I loved this version. Obviously British Steel is caught off guard and their short title run comes to an abrupt end. 5 Man Army evens the odds with all the other factions by bringing in US Steel and Art Barr. This night keeps getting better. After all that, we get a classic 20 minute draw between Windham and Hart. I know everybody is excited for a rematch. That show rocked! Pacific is going to have a blockbuster year.

AWA TV @ The Roanne Fieldhouse 12-30-86 Lance Russell: Hello everybody and welcome to a special Thursday edition of AWA Major League Wrestling. Tonight, we come to you from our old stomping grounds, the Roanne Fieldhouse. As you all know, we have a tremendous New Year's Eve card lined up tomorrow night at the Mid South Coliseum. All the wrestlers have enjoyed the last week off for the holidays. The wrestlers slated for tomorrow's card will return then. As for tonight, we're going to showcase a lot of talent the AWA has recently acquired. We'll also be hearing some pre recorded comments from many wrestlers who will be appearing at the Mid South Coliseum. So, let's, ok, wait a minute, here comes Johnny Valiant along with the TV champ Greg Gagne. Gagne comes out dressed in his Great Gatsby attire. Valiant: Hold up there Lancey Baby. How many times do we have to tell you, he's the Great Gagne! Get it right! Lance: Alright, my apologies. What can I do for you? Valiant: As you and all these idiots know, the Great Gagne has been the most dominant TV champion in the history of wrestling. The AWA keeps sending in challenger after challenger and like dominoes, the Great Gagne knocks them down. Now, even though these idiots don't deserve it, the Great Gagne has a very special holiday gift for them and the millions of idiots at home. Tell them Greg. Gagne: My pleasure Johnny. Not many people can say this but when you're a wrestler of my caliber, you have the upmost confidence in your abilities. Which I do! Like johnny said, I've beaten everybody there is to beat here. So, out of the goodness of my heart, tonight I am issuing an open challenge for my TV title. That's right, anybody who wants a shot, come and try it. But remember, we're on national television so be prepared for the most humiliating experience of your life. Gagne and Valiant walk out. Lance: Alright, well, I wasn't expecting that. An open challenge TV title match will take place later tonight. Very interesting indeed. Ok, let's go to the ring. "Dynamite" DJ Peterson vs. Willie Lopez DJ had quite a run in the USWA and now looks to make a splash in the AWA. DJ pinballs Lopez all over the ring with power moves before finishing him off with a diving shoulder block from the top rope! Commercial Break "Wrangler" Nelson Royal vs. Trent Watkins Former multi time Jr. Heavyweight Champ Nelson Royal makes his AWA debut. Royal simply outwrestles his opponent and finishes him off with a bridging back suplex. Resnick: So far, we've seen two outstanding AWA debuts. I think we're in for an exciting 1987. Before we get to 1987, we have one last stop at the Mid South Coliseum. On that card, National Champ Jerry Lawler will face Tommy Rich in an unsanctioned Loser Leaves Town match. Remember, Lawler has not been cleared to wrestle so the National title will not be on the line. Let's hear pre recorded comments from both men. Rich: I know the AWA is talking about being fired up because Wildfire has arrived! To be the man here, you have to take out the King. Lawler! Your undeserving reign here is over. You spent the last year sending people packing but now it's your turn. I've always hated your guts Lawler and now I get to send your sorry ass out for good! Lawler: You're a big man Tommy. You attack me from behind and put me out of commission. However, you didn't think I would want a fight, did you? Trust me, you got a fight coming and it's coming to my backyard. You're going to be just another name I run out of town. You're going down Tommy and you're going to bleed! Commercial Break Lightning Strike vs. William Hillman and Todd Rooney Horner swings Rooney to the ropes and back drops him. Horner tags in Allen, Allen goes to the top rope and nails Rooney with a missile dropkick for the win. Resnick: Lighting Strike ends the year with another win. I'm sure a title shot is in the cards for them at some point. Switching gears, tomorrow night, Blackjack Mulligan will face Iceman Parsons in a grudge match. Jerry Blackwell and Kerry Brown will be banned from the building. Let's hear comments from both Mulligan and Parsons along with Roger Kirby.. Mulligan: Parsons! You've been on my hitlist since SuperClash! New Year's Eve, I finish you! And Roger Kirby, if you want to stick your nose in things, go right ahead because this fist will be waiting! Kirby: The powers that be think the Syndicate is at a disadvantage by banning Kerry Brown from the building. I don't think so! The Syndicate always has a plan and the Syndicate always wins! Parsons: Mulligan! You aint nothing but a cheap dime store wanna be rooty pooh cowboy! On New Year's Eve, the Syndicate are coming to wrap things up. Have Mercy! Commercial Break An ad is shown for the next closed circuit event in February. The AWA presents BIG BRAWL from the Mecca in Milwaukee. Ranger Ross vs. Arnie Goldstein The fans have been coming around on Ross and he's starting to hear the cheers again. Ross looks good tonight and connects with the Combat Kick for the win! Ross grabs his American Flag and waves it to the cheering crowd. Resnick: It's great to see Ranger Ross back on track. Fans' I've just been informed that tomorrow night, Gold Standard will wrestle the Diamond Aces and the winners will receive a world tag team title shot. Speaking of the champs. Jumbo Tsuruta and Tatsumi Fujinami are currently defending the titles in Japan. Best of luck to them. Before we go to a commercial break, take a look at highlights of the history between Billy Jack Haynes and Rip Morgan. Highlights are shown of Morgan turning on Haynes and beating him with his chain. A couple weeks later, Billy clotheslines Morgan with the chain. Those two meet tomorrow night. Commercial Break "Cowboy" Johnny Mantel vs. Sam Smith Mantel hits the Russian Legsweep and float over pin for the win. Resnick: Johnny Mantel, welcome to the AWA. Mantel: Thank you Ken. A while back my good buddy Scott Casey said this is the place I had to be. Well, I'm finally here and couldn't be more excited. There's a commotion as Nelson Royal comes out. Royal: Now hold on boy. You know, you come out here dressed like a real cowboy but Son, it takes a lot more than looking like a cowboy then to actually be one. You're looking at the real deal boy. Just looking at you makes my stomach turn. It's people like you that give real cowboys like me a bad name. Mantel: Look Nelson, I have nothing but the upmost respect for you. I'm not sure what your issue is with me but I can assure you, I'm a legit born cowboy. Royal: You're far from it Son. Looks like I'm going to have to show you what a real cowboy is by teaching you a lesson in the ring. Thinks you got the guts son? Mantel: I'm not your son and if that's what you want, sounds good to me. Royal: You're going to earn those spurs when you wrestle me. Commercial Break "Sir" Norman Smiley vs. Ray Glader Smiley gives off a very smug attitude as he toys with his opponent. Smiley hits a backbreaker then goes to the top rope and crashes down with a flying elbow drop 1..2..Smiley lifts his opponent as the fans boo. Smiley slams Glader down, goes back up to the top rope and crashes down with another elbow drop for the win. Resnick: Norman Smiley with an impressive... Resnick is cut off. Smiley: It is Sir Norman Smiley. Sir is a title of respect and trust me, I have earned it. Commercial Break Highlights are shown of Japanese superstar Yoshiaki Yatsu. "The Japanese Fury" is coming! Resnick: Fans, the AWA has prided itself on bringing in the very best international wrestlers. We will continue that trend in 1987. I understand the AWA is working hard to sign a special international match between Yoshiaki Yatsu and El Canek. I'll keep you posted. Tomorrow night at the Mid South Coliseum, Ricky Steamboat will defend the AWA world title against Curt Hennig. Let's hear from both men. Hennig: All year long, I've proved that I am without a shadow of a doubt the most gifted wrestler in the AWA. Now, finally I get my long overdue shot at the world title. Steamboat! I'm going to make the AWA cool and you're in the way. After I end your reign, I'm going to start the new year with a bang. Don't feel bad Ricky, you had a great run but let's face it, it was great because you haven't faced me. Steamboat: No question about it, you can talk Curt. However, can you back it up? This may sound corny, but I've always done my talking in the ring. Curt, it takes a lot more than talk to win this title and it takes a lot more than talk to defend it night after night. I'm not underestimating you, but I do plan on starting 1987 with this title still around my waist. Commercial Break AWA TV Title Open Challenge Bout The Great Gagne (C) w/Johnny Valiant vs. ??? The fans boo as Gagne slowly takes off his golf cap and scarf. Gagne holds up the title as Valiant applauds. Gagne grabs the mic. Gagne: Well, I have to say, I'm not surprised. I knew nobody wanted to come out and make a fool of themself. Referee, ring that bell and start the count. Johnny and I have an early morning tee time. Gagne throws the mic on the ground and lets the ring announcer pick it up. The Ref shrugs his shoulders and signals for the bell. Gagne laughs and puts his golf cap back on as Valiant straps the title back around Gagne's waist. Resnick: Fans, I'm sorry to say, this might have all been a sick joke. The Ref is starting the count. Wait a minute, there's something going on. OH MY! There's somebody coming out. I don't believe it. That's the man from Powerhouse Hill, Nick Busick! Before Gagne and Valiant can react, Busick hits the ring and double clotheslines both of them down! Gagne's golf cap goes flying. Valiant rolls out of the ring and falls to the ground. Busick picks up Gagne, swings him to the ropes and hits the Spinebuster Slam!!! The fans go bonkers as the Ref counts 1..2..3!!!! The Ref picks up the TV title and hands it to Busick, then raises his arm as the fans are up and cheering! The fans continue to cheer as Busick hops on the middle ropes and raises the TV title high. Winner of the match and NEW AWA TV Champion- Nick Busick New Year's Eve @ The Mid South Coliseum AWA World Title Bout Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat (C) vs. Curt Hennig NON-SANCTIONED- LOSER LEAVES TOWN MATCH! National Champ Jerry "The King" Lawler vs. Tommy "Wildfire" Rich AWA National Tag Team Title Bout Larry Z and Al Perez (C) vs. Cabin Fever Grudge Match - Jerry Blackwell and Kerry Brown are banned from the building Blackjack Mulligan vs. Iceman Parsons w/Roger Kirby NO DQ Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka vs. Gama Singh Winners get a World Tag Team Title shot Gold Standard vs. The Diamond Aces w/The Vin Man Billy Jack Haynes vs. "The Real Thing" Rip Morgan The Olympians vs. The British Bombers The Last Battle of the O's Steve O vs. Barry O

RnR are home! If Sullivan stays in Vader's ear, watch out UWF! Good explanation of the Patriots break up. I'll be watching out for Champion and his new attitude. Hot Stuff arrives and so do Benoit and Steiner. Hot Stuff Inc. will cause waves in 1987. Will Eddie remain a nice guy? Jake vs. Adnan and company will be a great headlining feud to kick off the new year. Awesome promo by Hayes! He sounds like he has a plan and Gordy better be on high alert. Speaking of being on high alert, Watts better be watching his back with Brody coming after him. Johnson and Casey had good UWF runs. Hopefully they carry that momentum to the next territories. Muta and Kendo will defiantly be a team to watch. Are the Jerry Lawler rumors true? Tune in to the Mid South Coliseum on New Year's Eve to find out. Great year Kev! Can't wait for 87!

Giant Slayers get the fans energized with a nice win. Good booking here with the Monsters battle royal. Perfect way for them to get everything settled. Thanks to some help from Bennett, Singh wins it. I do think 1987 will be a big year for Singh. YES! A match between 2 woman champs, who've been on big rolls of late. Medusa gets the hard-fought win but both woman looked strong here. Linda and Kat retain but Star Girls show some shocking aggression and attack after the bell. Very interesting. Main Event time as Richter and Combs go at it again for all the marbles. Moretti gets some sweet revenge and helps Combs win the title! Richter and Moretti are going to be one hot feud. I agree with Bleh. You've done an amazing job with the WWW. It's cool that all these great woman have a place to showcase their talents. I think it's only going to get better. Keep up the great work.

Sounds like a great way to kick off 1987!

"The King of Country" gets things going. The NWA defiantly knows how to book National Anthem singers. Flair wins the battle royal. Hmmmm, I wonder what title he's going for? Very interesting. Jones comes through on his promise as his army ends things with the Posse. Borne gets in his heat by piledriving Slater on the apron. Renegade Warriors unifies the tag titles with a crowd pleasing win over Foley's Commonwealth. Exciting 4 corners match with Wright coming out on top. I think Wright's an outstanding choice as TV champ. Looks like Foley's done with Benoit and we've got a hot feud going between Spivey and Kabuki. LOL, the Andersons manage to walk out with the titles. However, Dillion was lucky to leave alive after suffering the Doomsday Device! OOOOHHHH YEA! Macho Man wins the US title! What a moment! I can totally visualize that crowd's reaction. Post match sees Nikita and Ivan take care of Soldat. Talk about getting your heat back. Race almost wins his 8th world title but a second of hesitation is all Tully needs. Tully is now the undisputed NWA World Champ. I can only wonder what Flair was thinking. This was a great card with some tremendous blow offs. I love the direction the NWA is heading. Keep up the outstanding work!

Can a show start off any better than this? RPMs had a lot of fun but that ended tonight as the Rock n Roll Express show up and take care of business! I know that pop was insane. Long live rock n roll! After watching Vader put that beating on Steel, I can't say I blame Champion for getting out of there. 1987 could be a monster year for Vader. Looks like Brad Armstrong made the right move coming here because it pays off with the TV title. Johnson's solid reign comes to an end tonight. No shame because during this era, nobody got up from the DDT. We all knew the 6 man tag was going to be nuts. However, I didn't see Hayes turning on Jimmy Jam. If there's one certainty, it's Michael Hayes can never be trusted. Watts and Ladd prove they have more fuel in their tanks. These guys put it all out there. BRUISER BRODY shows up and that's it for Watts. Oh man, Brody and Ladd together?!?! Watch out UWF! Reed and Dibiase give us the thrilling match we expected. Adnan thinks he has it all wrapped up but NO! Jake turns and pulls out the DDT on Dibiase and Ayala! Loved Adnan's reaction. Reed retains! I'm glad Reed walked out with his title. He deserves a longer reign. As for Dibiase, I'm sure he'll want to settle things with Jake. Great way to end 1986. The UWF has some red-hot momentum going into 87.

Exciting match to kick things off. Cobra's mask remains but Scorpio loses his. I'm sure Scorpio will rebound well. Prichard comes back from Japan and abruptly loses the Jr. title to Scott Armstrong. I wonder how this will sit with Sherri? Adonis and Embry win the battle royal and get a shot at the gold. These two together will be very entertaining. What a pair. Thanks to Khannie, Madril gets his Garden back. I enjoyed the Exotic Garden but man, the Fiesta Garden is must see TV LOL. I can't imagine Bad News losing a Harlem Street Fight. I'm sure Cooley gave him a fight but, in the end, he gets some bad news courtesy of a chair. The JYD/Olympia story was so well done. After everything that went down, it all paid off tonight. Beating the Stud Stable in the cage for the titles! Doesn't get better than that. Cooley wasn't the only one who got some bad news. Landel retains thanks to Allen. I'm sure Allen is going to have a pissed off Idol coming after him. New Breed send the Starr's flying right off the scaffold! The future looks very bright for the New Breed. WOW! Fuller buys Continental and rebrands it USA Championship Wrestling! Can't wait to see this working relationship with Florida. I knew something big was going on when Fuller and Brisco were at ringside earlier. Christmas Clash couldn't have ended on a better note. The American Dream finishes his war with Brody and even gets to embarrass Chicky. Dusty wishing the fans a Merry Chrimmas was icing on the cake. Continental went out with a bang! Bring on 1987 and USA Championship Wrestling!

Nice seeing Siva Afi pop up here. He's had some pretty good runs in the other territories and should do well here. Jones promises a big night for his army at Christmas Chaos. The War Party. Great name! Another classic Savage promo. Nikita attacks Savage as we get some good last minute heat heading into Christmas. I'm really interested in how 1987 starts for the Horsemen. We'll get some answers tomorrow night. Spivey advances and the 4 corners match is set. I could see any one of those guys walking away with the TV title. Love that lineup for Christmas Chaos!

AWA TV @ The Hammond Center 12-24-86 Lance Russell: Hello everybody and welcome to this Christmas Eve edition of AWA Major League Wrestling. AWA fans must have been good this year because tonight you're going to see Blackjack Mulligan team with Crusher Blackwell to take on Syndicate members Iceman Parsons and Kerry Brown. After what went down at the Rupp Arena, the Union are no longer a team. And after what went down after that match, Spike Huber goes one on one with his former partner Ranger Ross. Also in action will be Jimmy Snuka, the British Bombers, Cabin Fever. The debut of Phil Apollo. Apparently, the Vin Man has a surprise for us. We'll be hearing from Tommy Rich. And that's not all. AWA World Champion, Ricky Steamboat will be in action. Boos as Tommy Rich comes out. He looks around at the booing fans, smiles and waves. Lance: Tommy, just listen to this crowd. I have to say, I don't blame them one bit after what you did to Jerry Lawler. On New Year's Eve, it will be you and Lawler in a non sanctioned loser leaves town match. I'm sure you're pretty happy about fighting a man who's not even medically cleared. Rich: Lance, I've said from the beginning, all I wanted was a fair shake in the AWA. A clean slate. I can't help it if Lawler's a sissy boy. He's just using this as an excuse so when I kick his ass in his own backyard he can use this as a sorry excuse. (BOOOOOS) Yea, you people should boo him. Lawler is a disgrace! WHAM! Jerry Lawler nails Tommy from behind! Lance: Jerry! You're not even cleared. Get security out here! Lawler stomps away on Rich as Security runs out and pulls him back. Lawler grabs a mic. Lawler: Tommy Rich! Medically cleared or not, I'm going to beat you to a bloody pulp! As Security helps Tommy up, Lawler grabs a trashcan and slams it over Tommy's head! Lance: Cut to a commercial! Commercial Break "Fantastic" Phil Apollo vs. Stu Jersky Apollo arrogantly puts a beating on Jersky and finishes him off with a diving clothesline from the middle rope. Apollo cuts a promo and says he's here to spice things up in the AWA. Commercial Break Cabin Fever vs. Trent Watkins and Sam Smith Cabin Fever steamrolls over their opponents. Manny hits the flying burrito then tags in Boone. Boone swings off the ropes and hits a big elbow drop for the win. Resnick: Cabin Fever, New Year's Eve in the Mid South Coliseum, you will get another chance at the National Tag titles held by Larry Zbyszko and Al Perez. Manny: Last time the so called champs barely walked away with the titles. This time they wont be that lucky! Boone: Larry's been shooting his big mouth off and come New Years, we're going to shut him up for good! Manny: The titles are coming back to us Daddy! Commercial Break Footage from the Rupp Arena is shown as the Olympians defeat The Union in a losing team must disband match. Afterwards Huber tried to hit Ross with his sledgehammer but Ross was one step ahead and nailed him with the Combat kick! Ranger Ross vs. Spike Huber The bell rings and Huber tries to attack Ross with his sledgehammer but once again Ross is ready, ducks the swing, kicks Huber, grabs the sledgehammer and tosses it to the outside. Ross gets the upper hand and pounds away on Huber, swings him to the ropes and back drops him. Huber staggers up as Ross is ready to put him down with the Combat kick but Huber quickly rolls out of the ring. Ross goes out after him but Huber kicks him low and slams his head on the apron. Huber rolls Ross back in the ring. Huber body slams Ross, then grabs the top rope and drops several knees on him. Huber picks up Ross and slams him throat first on the top rope. Huber picks up Ross and chokes him on the top rope then snaps him back. Huber swings Ross to the ropes and powerslams him over 1..2..Ross gets his shoulder up. Huber berates the Ref. Huber hoists Ross on his shoulders and goes for an airplane spin but Ross starts nailing Huber's head with several elbows to the head. Huber drops Ross. Ross fires up and slams Huber down. Ross swings off the ropes and hits a jumping knee drop. Ross picks up Huber and executes a snap suplex. Huber starts to stagger up but Ross nails him with a kneelift. Huber is in a daze as he slowly rises. Ross waits then puts him down with the Combat Kick 1..2..3! Big POP! Commercial Break Resnick: I'm standing here with Ranger Ross. Congratulations on that tremendous win. I understand you have something to say to the fans. Ross: Thank you Ken. Right now I would like to apologize to the fans and to the Olympians. My behavior over the past few months has been inexcusable. Not becoming of an Airborne Ranger. It's time to knock off the short cuts and regain my focus. First step was to finish things up with Spike Huber. Mission Accomplished. Ranger Ross is back and back with Airborne pride! The fans cheer as Ross raises his American Flag and salutes them. Resnick: OK, great to have the old Ranger Ross back. Switching gears, last week at the Rupp Arena, the fans witnessed a classic AWA world tag team title bout between champs Tsuruta and Fujinami and the Rock n Roll Express. The champions retained in a 45-minute thriller. Right now we have a video sent in by the RnR Express. Morton: This is very difficult for Robert and me but it's time for us to say goodbye to the AWA. We can't tell you how much we've enjoyed our time here. Even though we came up short in our bid to become AWA world tag team champs, we can say it was an absolute honor to be in the ring with two of the best wrestlers in the world today. Robert: Exactly right! We had a great run here and we think we went out on a high note. So, thank you to all the fans and all their overwhelming support. Morton: And just remember, Rock n Roll will never die! Commercial Break Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka vs. Willie Lopez Flash bulbs go off as Snuka hits the Superfly Splash for the win! Resnick: Jimmy Snuka, come on over. It seems things are heating up with you and one Gama Singh. Both times you guys have wrestled, the match ended in a DQ. Well, I've been informed that on New Year's Eve it will be you and Gama in a NO DQ match. Snuka: I wouldn't want it any other way brutha. This is right up the Superfly's ally. Gama Singh! You started something that the Superfly is gonna finish! Commercial Break "The Real Thing" Rip Morgan vs. Todd Rooney Morgan comes to the ring swinging his chain. Morgan pummels poor Rooney and finishes him off with a big boot to the face! There's a big commotion from the crowd as BILLY JACK HAYNES runs out, grabs Morgan's chain, runs in the ring and clotheslines Morgan down with it! The fans are cheering as Billy stands over Morgan swinging the chain around. Security is on high alert tonight and hits the ring quick. Commercial Break Highlights are shown of El Canek in action from his Mexico Tour. The British Bombers vs. Neil Jurgens and Ray Glader Bombers are hard hitting tonight. The match ends when Smith clips Glader behind the knee as Taylor nails him with a forearm blast! Resnick: British Bombers rack up another win. I've been informed that they will be wrestling the Olympians on New Year's Eve at the Mid-South Coliseum. That should be a tremendous match up. Commercial Break The camera follows Brenda Britton into a very elegant mansion. Britton: Hi everybody and welcome to a very merry Christmas edition of the Beauty Shop. I know this is my best Christmas ever because I have been invited to Gerry Morrow's VIP only Christmas Party. This is such a thrill. Look! There's Gerry now! Gerry! Gerry! Gerry walks over dressed in a tuxedo and wearing sunglasses. He smiles and hugs Brenda. Morrow: Ah Brenda, it has been far too long. Welcome! Welcome! Let me introduce you to some of the world's most powerful people. Morrow introduces Brenda to several high rollers and VIPs. VIP #1: So, Gerry, does this mean you're getting back in the ring? I mean we all saw what happened the last time you were in the ring. They all share a good laugh, but Morrow and Brenda aren't laughing. Britton: Hey you better watch your mouth! VIP#2: Oh, come on we're just having some yuletide fun. Relax. VIP#3: Yea, Gerry just retire. We all know you can afford it. Morrow: Hold on! Do you think I am done? VIP#1: Well, after what happened at SuperClash, maybe you should be. Britton: Hey! Enough! This man can do anything in the AWA that he wants! And I mean he can accomplish anything! Morrow: You all heard her. Anything! VIP#2: Really? Anything huh? Well, how about a fun little wager. You know for kicks. Morrow: AHHHHH, and what do you boys have in mind? The VIPs huddle up and converse then nod and turn back. VIP#3: Ok! We got it. We want you to pick two random wrestlers and make them a tag team success. They can't be an existing team. Oh no, no, no. Two strangers. You can pick them and then you have 12 months to make them a success and when we say success, we mean champions. Britton: You can do this Gerry. No problem. You were a champion. Morrow: (Takes a sip of champagne and ponders this) And what are de stakes? VIP#1: Oh nothing to big. Let us say...one million dollars? Britton: WHOA! Did you say one million dollars? VIP#2: He did. Britton: Gerry, this will be the easiest money you've ever made. Tell him you'll do it! Morrow: (Finishes his champagne, smiles and nods) I will accept de terms. Morrow and the VIPs shake hands and toast. Britton: As always, everything happens right here on the Beauty Shop. One million dollars! WOW! Merry Christmas and toooodles! Commercial Break Resnick: I have to say, that was quite a Beauty Shop. I'm certainly interested in watching that unfold. Boos as the Vin Man comes out wearing a Hawaiian shirt. Vin: Hey Rezman, what's happening? This is a very big moment for the Vin Man. Right now I'm going to introduce to you and all the world, the newest member of my family. Making his AWA debut, ladies and gentlemen, the Rocket Ron Ritchie! "Rocket Man" by Elton John plays as Ritchie walks out wearing a piano keys themed vest with piano keys themed trunks. Vinnie hugs him and walks him to the ring. "The Rocket" Ron Ritchie w/The Vin Man vs. Carl Kellerman Ritchie pulls out a lot of high flying offense as Vinnie applauds every move. Ritchie slams Kellerman, goes to the top rope and crashes down with a flying legdrop for the win! Commercial Break Blackjack Mulligan and Crusher Blackwell vs. Iceman Parsons and "Pitbull" Kerry Brown w/Roger Kirby A lot of hate in the ring as we get a pier six brawl to start things off. Kirby tries to get involved but Mulligan sends him over the top rope with a clothesline. After a couple minutes, the Ref finally gets some order. Blackwell punches away on Kerry, swings him to the ropes and puts him down with a shoulder block. Blackwell follows with a standing legdrop 1..2..Parsons breaks it. Mulligan runs in and hammers Parsons back to his corner. Blackwell continues to beat on Kerry then tags in Mulligan. Mulligan swings Kerry to the ropes and flips him over with a knee to the gut. Mulligan picks up Kerry and hits a gut wrench suplex 1..2..Parsons kicks Mulligan. Blackwell runs in but the Ref guides him back. Parsons rakes Mulligan's eyes and bodyslams him. Kerry and Parsons pick up Mulligan and double suplex him. Kerry tags Parsons in. Parsons jumps down and punches away on Mulligan. Parsons proceeds to stomp down on Mulligan. Parsons picks up Mulligan, swings him into the corner and follows with a running forearm blast. Parsons swings Mulligan to the ropes and hits the Booty Bump 1..2..Blackwell breaks it. Kerry runs in and him and Blackwell brawl like two big bulls. The Ref tries to stop them but simply can't. Kirby climbs to the top rope. Parsons picks up Mulligan and holds him. Kirby comes down with a double axehandle but Mulligan elbows Parsons and moves as Kirby hits Parsons. Mulligan picks up Kirby by the hair and hurls him over the top rope. Blackwell and Kerry brawl to the outside. Mulligan picks up Parsons, swings him to the ropes and hits the diving back elbow smash 1..2..3!!! Commercial Break Resnick: Blackjack Mulligan and Crusher Blackwell.... Kirby, Kerry and Parsons storm over. Kirby is still hurting and so is Parsons. Kirby: Mulligan! You're through! You hear me? Done! Parsons: Mulligan! I can tell you right now, you're not going to have a 1987 in this business! On New Year's Eve, I'm gonna give you the whoop'n of your life! You hear me you rooty poo! The Syndicate leave. Resnick: Tempers are flaring, that's for sure. AWA World Champ Ricky Steamboat is up next. Commercial Break AWA World Champ Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat vs. Alan Dorfman Solid showcase for Steamboat as he looks crisp and sharp. Steamboat hits the flying press from the top rope for the win! Resnick: AWA World Champ Ricky Steamboat, New Year's Eve, Mid South Coliseum, it will be you and Curt Hennig for all the marbles. Curt Hennig seems to be very confident. Steamboat: Every since I won this title; I have faced all comers. Curt Hennig has all the tools and credentials and will no doubt be a serious challenge. I can say.... Boos as Curt Hennig comes out. Resnick: Hold on. Curt, we don't want any more trouble tonight. This is Ricky's time. Hennig: Oh well pardon my interruption. I'm sorry but I just couldn't sit back and listen to this bore any longer. He's why the AWA just isn't as cool as it could be. The AWA needs a world champ like me. I've got it all and Steamboat, I'm not just a serious challenge but I'm the future world champion. 1987 will be my year. That's not a statement or resolution. It's a hard fact and a painful one for you Steamboat. Steamboat: You talk a great game Curt. No doubt about it, you can talk. However, I don't think you can back up all that talk. You see, during my reign, I defeated all those that talked the loudest. You're no different. It takes more than an arrogant mouth to be a world champion. Hennig: Oh, I'm a lot more than talk. Hennig pushes Steamboat. Steamboat calmly sets the title on the apron. Hennig is smiling and nodding. Steamboat lunges forward and a chop sends Hennig down. Officials come out and hold Steamboat back. An embarrassed Hennig stands up, but officials keep things from escalating as the show ends. New Year's Eve @ The Mid-South Coliseum AWA World Title Bout Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat (C) vs. Curt Hennig NON-SANTIONED-Loser Leaves Town Match! Jerry "The King" Lawler vs. Tommy "Wildfire" Rich AWA National Tag Team Title Bout Larry Z and Al Perez (C) vs. Cabin Fever Grudge Match! Crusher Blackwell and Kerry Brown banned from the building Blackjack Mulligan vs. Iceman Parsons w/Roger Kirby NO DQ Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka vs. Gama Singh The Olympians vs. The British Bombers Just Signed Billy Jack Haynes vs. "The Real Thing" Rip Morgan

With a little help from Medusa, Velvet once again retains. Always love the tag match and tonight we get a good one. Star Girls pull it off and beat the Glamour Girls. LOL, liked the pissed off post match Glamour Girls interview. Combs secures a Supercard title match by taking down Babyface. Looking forward to the Supercard. Richter vs. Combs, one more time!

AWA releases Scott McGhee AWA picks up Nelson Royal

Wright vs. Fleming going to a draw must've been a technical masterpiece. Nikita has a firm grip on the US title. Just ask Wahoo. Midnight Rockers pull off solo wins. Borne is getting a monster push and might win some gold soon. Flair gets in a nice win over Uncle Ivan. Could this have been a babyface trial match?

The sight of Travis strutting through Nashville wearing the TV title cracked me up. Hopefully he can win it for real LOL. Is there a team more intimidating than Brody and Abby? Buzz Sawyer was born to be in a dog collar match. The Rich's might be in serious trouble. Austin Idol defiantly has Landel's number. Can lightning strike 3 times? Dirty Dutch wants Dundee out of Continental! I hope Kirchner knows what he's in for going against Khannie in a Mongolian stretcher match. Armstrong's finish TV with a crowd pleasing win. To the Civic Center, "The real TV champ" Billy Joe delivers. I think Scott Armstrong has earned a Jr. title match. For the 2nd time, the Southern Boys defeat the Desperados. I knew Kirchner was in for it as Khan gives him a brutal beating and sends him out on the stretcher. Of course Buzz wins the dog collar match. Chalk another one up for the Sawyers. Will the Rich's want more? Slick actually makes a mistake and inadvertently helps Dundee send Dutch packing. I wonder how Fuller and Golden will react. Bullet gets some payback on Adonis and is now the number 1 contender. Ronnie Garvin has arrived! I think Continental is the perfect place for the Rugged One. Teijo is the difference maker as Brody and Abby double team Rhodes and get the win. This adds great heat to the upcoming Brody/Rhodes chain match. Great week Gene!

Caribbean Connection do a great job of warming up the fans. The Beach Boy pulls it off and defeats Sabu! This surely elevates West. Akbar is disgusted but I wonder how the Sheik feels. Luscious beats Zenk but at least he didn't make him squeal LOL. After what went down, I think the Spoiler has unleashed a beast. Texas Red might have the most devastating finisher in the game. Mr. Electricity and Kazaharu battle to a draw in the rubber match. "One more match!" "One more match!" Kokina has arrived and takes it to the Cartel. However, once again, El Jefe gets the last laugh and nearly takes LIghtfoot's eye out...again! Estrada is one bad dude. WHOA! WHOA! WHOA! Did not see that coming! I can't believe it but Tatum sends Keirn packing! What a shocker for the Florida fans. I can't imagine Tatum's next promo. Poor Gordon. After that last match, Good and Plenty hopefully put a smile on the fans faces. Good match placement. WOW! Herc does it and overcomes Backlund! Herc has proven to be one strong champ. Backlund's woes don't end as Lucious applies his crossface chicken wing and sends Backlund out in pain. At least Backlund got in a good shot at Akbar. Backlund's Florida run might have been short but it was defiantly memorable. One of the best feuds this game has seen comes to an end tonight. What a finale! This match will be talked about for years. The Glamour Boys finally put a stamp on things and put the Highwaymen down for good. Epic finish! Bobby Duncum couldn't have had a better send off. Loved the show of respect by the Boys. The visual of Duncum leaving his boots was truly a special moment. Props to you for creating this tremendous feud. Can't wait for 1987!

AWA places Brian Adias on the block

AWA @ The Rupp Arena 12-18-86 Phil Lafon defeated Gene Ligon by swinging off the ropes and hitting a Senton In the epic rematch between the O's- Steve O and Barry O once again wrestled to a draw Gold Standard and Scott "Powerhouse" Putski defeated The Diamond Aces and Vin Man- (Kelly's ribs were bandaged from yesterday's assault) During a pier six brawl, Putski rolled up Vinnie for the win. "Pitbull" Kerry Brown w/Roger Kirby defeated "Crusher" Jerry Blackwell- Kirby hit Blackwell behind his head with a loaded towel. As Blackwell stumbled forward, Brown put him down with a high knee to get the tainted win. Losing Team must disband The Olympians vs. The Union After months of heated back and forth matches, these teams go all out tonight. After a while, a frustrated Huber get his sledgehammer but once again Ross stops him. They have words, then Ross grabs the sledgehammer and tosses it. Ross continues to work over Rheingans. Ross tags in Huber. Huber swings Rheingans to the ropes and goes for a back drop but Rheingans kicks him, dives over and tags in Kazmaier. Huber staggers up and Kazmaier clamps on the bearhug. Ross runs in but Rheingans clotheslines him. Kazmaier belly to belly suplexes Huber over for the 1..2..3! After the Olympians leave. Huber gets up and is face to face with Ross. They have a heated argument but eventually calm down. Ross turns around and Huber nails him from behind. Huber goes out and gets his sledgehammer. He gets in the ring and raises it up to the booing crowd. When he turns around Ross puts him down with the Combat Kick! The fans cheer as Ross pumps his fist to them. Gama Singh defeated Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka by DQ- Snuka had Gama down and wouldn't stop punching him. The Ref couldn't get Snuka to stop and had to call for the DQ. AWA World Tag Team Title Bout Tatsumi Fujinami and Jumbo Tsuruta (C) vs. The Rock n Roll Express The fans get a 45 minute classic. Both teams are on their A game tonight. Tsuruta and Fujinami shine with their multiple suplex variations. RnR's chemistry is top notch with double team maneuvers and quick in and out tags. At the 40 minute mark, RnR is in control. Morton swings Fujinami to the ropes and hits him in the mid section as Gibson follows with a kneelift but Fujinami kicks out. Jumbo runs in but RnR double back drop him. Jumbo staggers up and RnR put him down with the double dropkick! However, Jumbo isn't the legal man. The Ref finally gets control and guides Morton back to his corner. Fujinami nails Gibson with an Enzuiguri, then follows with a Dragon Backbreaker! Fujinami tags in Jumbo. Jumbo goes to the top rope and crashes down with a diving knee drop 1..(Morton runs in but Fujinami tackles him)..2..3! After a moment, both teams are up and staring at each other. Fujinami and Jumbo offer handshakes. RnR shake their hands. Fujinami and Jumbo then show respect with a bow. RnR return with a bow as the fans cheer. Winners of the match and still AWA World tag team champs- Jumbo Tsuruta and Tatsumi Fujinami