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Championship Wrestling Association: Episode #1: March 4 1988 (Thought I'd get this started early as I am sure I will fall behind at some point) The traditional CWA opening is played with some music being played as we see all the big stars of Memphis past hitting big moves. One exception is there is no Jerry “The King” Lawler in the intro. Lance Russell: Yellow everybody. For the first time in over four years, the Championship Wrestling Association is back. Jerry Jarrett has separated from the AWA and is back in charge of the CWA and will be bringing great wrestling action to all the fans in Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana and Alabama. The CWA promises to bring you professional wrestling like it used to be and the way you like it. I’m Lance Russell and on this week’s program you are going to see such stars as Big Money Marcus, “All-America” Action Jackson, Brett Sawyer, The Hood, “The Franchise” Shane Douglas, and the Dirty White Boy. We will also be talking to the notorious Ron Wright and the Commissioner of Championship Wrestling Association, Jeff Jarrett. . In our main event, you will see “White Lightening” Tim Horner vs “The Mighty Russian”, Boris Zhukov. And right here to help me call all the action, the Dirty Dutchman, Dutch Mantel. Dutch Mantel: (gestures to the fans asking them to hold their applause but they are actually booing.) Hold it down out there. I know you are excited to see me, the one and only Dutch Mantell, back in Memphis but I’m here to see main eventers lock horns in the ring, not listen to you folks. I’m also here to see this guy they call “the Franchise,” one Shane Douglas. I’m going to get to see what Douglas has to offer and then I’ll give you an honest opinion if he is the real deal or not. Lance Russell: Yes sirreee, nothing but honesty coming from Dirty Dutch. We are ready to kick off our first show here in the CWA. Bell Time. Heeeeerrreeeeeee we go! (In order to fill time with a such a small roster, all matches begin with wrestlers making their entrance to the ring on camera and with entrance music.) . MATCH #1 Big Money Marcus vs Action Jackson Big Money Marcus makes a statement by just walking to the ring. He is about 6’7 and weighs way over 300 hundred pounds. He is dressed in a dark suit, with sunglasse and large gold chains are around his neck. He walks slowly to the ring daring a fan to get in his way while “The Gambler” from Kenny Rogers is playing on the background. This is all in contrast to Action Jackson who comes to the ring wearing only his wrestling tights. He jogs out to “Made in America” by James Brown and is interacting with as many fans as he could. Once the match starts we quickly find out that this is a wrestler vs a brawler. Big Money breaks every rule he could while trying to break Action Jackson. Jackson finds a way to withstand the abuse and connects with the top rope shoulder block for the win. Commercials + Promos for upcoming events in Memphis, Evansville, Louisville and Nashville Lance: That was a great opening match today. Folks, let me now bring in the commissioner of Championship Wrestling Association, Jerry Jarrett. Jarrett: Thank you Lance. It is sure good to be home. I’m going to make it my personal goal to bring great professional wrestling home to the Mecca of Wrestling… Memphis, Tennessee. No longer will the Mid-South Coliseum be just another arena. It’s going to once again be the center of this sport. No longer will Evansville, Louisville, and Nashville be some afterthoughts in this sport. They are going to be major players for great wrestling action. I’ve been involved in this business for over 30 years and I’ve seen every trick in the book tried against me. I’m ready for anything that these wrestlers will try to pull. It's time to bring wrestling back to a time of yesteryear; when wrestling was the sport of kings. I’m going to make wrestling affordable to all the fans. Championship Wrestling will have family friendly prices as it is you, the community that will make this promotion a success. The fines will be heavy on wrestlers who break the rules. No foreign objects, no touching the referees, no over-the-top rope, no nonsense. CWA Wrestling will live by this motto: God, Country, family and fairness. Anyone who goes against that will suffer a hefty price. Myself and my general manager, Eddie Marlin are going to be watching closely and we are going to make sure everyone plays by the rules. Lance: Thanks Jerry. I’m sure you’re the man to get this job done. Now let’s welcome to back to the CWA, one of the biggest stars in Memphis wrestling history, “The Fabulous One” Steve Keirn. Welcome Steve. Steve Keirn: Thanks Lance. It’s sure great to be here on the first CWA show in over 4 years. I’m real excited to get back to wrestling the way it used to be. Jerry Jarrett is right when he says order needs to be restored. I like that we are going to focus on wrestling here and not the chaos like they do in other places. I can’t wait for my first match here in Memphis and I don’t care who it’s against. I’m going to give these fans 100% each and every time I step in the ring. MATCH #2 “The Franchise” Shane Douglas vs Cougar Jay Shane Douglas makes quick work of Cougar Jay with the finish coming with a belly to belly suplex We now cut to a pre-taped interview with Ron Wright who is sitting in a wheelchair. Ron Wright: It certainly is nice to be here Tennessee. Just like to tell everyone why I’m sitting in this here wheelchair. My Rastlin career is over. All those years of a fighting those non-Christian heathens has taken a toll on my body. I need a hip implant. I need a knee implant. I’m generally just in a bad way. Now, I’m over here in the great state of Tennessee doing a little scouting. I’m a lookin over all the top rastlers in the area and wishing to sign one or two to a contract. Listen up everyone, if I get your name on a contract, I can a guarantee you that I will get you to the top. In this way, I can earn a little money and maybe get out of this wheelchair and get my life back. I have the experience. I have they knowledge and most of all, I understand the system here in this part of the country. But don’t you a worry one bit. It will all be done in the Christian way! As we head back to live tv, Dutch Mantel: What a shame Lance. Ron Wright is such a great man. I hope he gets a chance to manage someone and get these surgeries he so desperately needs. Lance: Come on Dutch. You know as well as I do that Ron Wright can’t be trusted. He’s been terrorizing the wrestling world and especially Tennessee for almost 40 years. Dutch: I think you are one of those Non-Christians he was talking about. Let’s get back to the ring. Commercials + Promos for upcoming events in Memphis, Evansville, Louisville and Nashville MATCH #3 The Hood vs Bret Wayne Sawyer The Hood comes to the ring wearing a black mask and long black tights. He is large, about 6’3, 270 pounds and in great shape. Throughout the match, Bret Sawyer tries to use his speed to keep the big man off balance but The Hood controls most of the action with a mix a power moves and rule breaking attacks. In the end, The Hood hoisted Sawyer up for a big bodyslam but Sawyer slipped out of his grip and rolled down his back, rolling up The Hood for the surprise pin. Lance: Well look at that. You never know what is going to happen if you don’t give up. Brett Sawyer pulls victory from the grasps of defeat. Dutch: I think he pulled victory with a grasp of the tights. That was cheating if you ask me. Lance: Oh Dutch, come on. Give Bret Wayne Sawyer some credit. Commercials + Promos for upcoming events in Memphis, Evansville, Louisville and Nashville Match # 4 The Dirty White Boy destroys Bill Taub with the end coming by the Bucksnort Blaster (chokeslam) Interesting thing here was that Ron Wright rolled himself out onto the entrance ramp and was taking notes. Both Lance and Dutch pointed out that it seems like Wright has started his scouting. Dutch continued by saying Ron Wright should sign the promising Dirty White Boy and it might help him to earn some of that money he so desperately needs to have those much needed hip and knee surgeries. You could tell Lance was fed up with the whole Ron Wright story and can’t believe that Dutch has fallen for it. Lance: Folks, I would now like to welcome back to the show, The Franchise, Shane Douglas. That was quite a win you had earlier. Shane Douglas: Thanks Lance. I’m here to show everyone what I got and I can’t wait to challenge myself against all the great wrestlers here in Memphis. I know down the road there is going to be a tournament to crown the new Southern Heavyweight Champion and I plan on giving that my best shot. It would be awesome to win that belt. Dutch: Hey Shane. I’m Dutch Mantel and I got a lot of experience in this sport. I was watching that match of your before and it was pretty good. Shane: Thanks Dutch Dutch: Hold on just a minute “Franchise.” I said pretty good. I think when you whipped your opponent into the corner earlier, you might have made a mistake on how you rushed in afterwards. I mean this might work out against the likes of Cougar Jay but not sure your skills are worthy of someone calling himself “The Franchise.” I mean you got a chance at success in this sport but if you don’t make some changes your going to flounder around on the bottom. All I’m saying is I would have wrestled that match a lot differently. Shane: That’s right Dutch, you would have lost the match! Lance: (laughing as Shane walks away) I think he got you on that one Dutch. Let’s get to the ring for our main event. Main Event Match “White Lightening” Tim Horner vs “The Mighty Russian” Boris Zhukov As the match drags on, it becomes obvious that Ron Wright is wheeling himself closer to the ring as he seems very intrigued by Zhukov. Eventually Wright is all the way to the apron as Zhukov and Horner are battling by the ropes. The camera catches Wright handing some sort of object to Zhukov. WHAM… Zhukov nails Horner with a loaded fist. The ref didn’t notice the object and makes the three count and wards Zhukov the match. Brad Armstrong, Horner’s partner, rushes to the ring. He is arguing with the ref about the illegal weapon. WHAM… from behind, Soldat Ustinov, Zhukov’s cousin, hits the ring and the two Russians begin to pummel Armstrong. Eventually they tie the big Russian chain around the neck of Armstrong and seem poised to toss Brad over the top rope and hang him. Tim Horner recovers just in time and attacks the Russians. Soon we get a 2-2 brawl all over the ring. Eventually Horner and Armstrong with the brawl and the Russians are heading for the aisle. Almost as fast as the Russians leave, General Manager Eddie Marlin appears… Marlin: Boris Zhukov! The cameras don’t lie. Ron Wright handed you an illegal object and you used it. While Ron Wright should not have done that, he did not force you to use so he is off the hook this time. But you Boris broke our “No Illegal Weapons” rule and you as of right now, you have been fined one thousand dollars. Lance: Finally, wrestling the way it should. Fans, we hope to have you join us each and every week right here on The Superstation 17 each and every Saturday evening at 7:05. Until next week, Lance Russell and Dutch Mantell saying bye bye everybody.

I enjoyed how realistic everything was. By this time, so many of the big guys were over doing tours in Japan. Liked how you worked that in. Continue to enjoy the figure shows at the end. Very creative. I think you made a good choice in Steamboat over Bam Bam. He is just capable of doing so many different things in the ring compared to Bigelow. I am really into your Savage/Freebird war. I still wonder who Savage is going to get to help in this feud. Good work!

Awesome trip to Hawaii as PCW gives the fans 20 great matches. The first time I ever tried this hobby, I wrote for Polynesian Power Pro Wrestling and it was really fun. The mainlanders always seemed to be the heels vs the native islanders with some Japanese wrestlers scattered in. It was cool. As for your trip to Hawaii, so many great things which will help shape PCW going forward. I can't wait to see what happens to Backlund now that he has lost his title! Smart booking having Steamboat win the first match of the event. This would have made the people of Hawaii completely buy in. As I said before, I love our twists of real life tag team partners going at it... Hart and Neidhart is a fun read. The Undertaker, even without a belt, might be the top dog in PCW and he proved it here. Even in a 6-Man tag match, I love seeing Billy Jack vs Playboy. Just has that Pacific Northwest real life feel. It will be interesting to see what the Midnight Express do after a tough loss. I like your decision to end the Windham/Hennig match with chaos. Keeps this feud going which will keep ticket sales high. Just a question... Do you know if the people of Hawaii were able to see wrestling from the mainland in 1988. I know as a kid, I got Polynesian Pro on the MSG channel but unsure of the cable situation in Hawaii at the time. I know they loved their show but not sure if it worked both ways. I remember Jerry Lawler being there, Lars Anderson being there but many of the stars were from the South Pacific. Farmer Boy Ipo, Samoan LeRoy Brown, Mighty Milo, Super Samoan Sakalia were some of the names I remember. It was really fun to watch.

Great event as the AWA returns to Canada. For me, the highlights included where that Billy Jack Jack Strong had the guts to try and hoist Kokina up on his shoulder, the details you wrote the Caribbean Death Match with, and that Chris Adams held his own with Nikita who eventually won with a roll-up of all things. I know Al Perez has held his own in back to back title matches but Bad News is growing in invincibility. Wonder who is next for the champ.

Mid-South Wrestling 1988: Episode #7: February 17, 1988 The show opens with a montage from last week’s big event in New Orleans. We see Super Destroyer with a superplex on Action Jackson, Vader with a middle rope knee drop on Mighty Goliath. Rick Steiner and Hercules Hernandez battling on the floor, Scott Steiner with a big suplex on Rick Steiner, Jake “The Snake” with a DDT on Nord “The Barbarian, Hacksaw Duggan hitting Mike Rotundo with a football tackle, Reed with a top rope shoulder block on Ivan Kolff, Ted Dibiase with a piledriver on JYD and then holding up his new Louisiana Heavyweight title and in the moment of the night… Hacksaw Butch Reed with a Military Press Slam on the Mid-South Champion Lex Luger. Gordon Solie: Thank you so very, very much indeed for turning into another episode of Mid-South Wrestling. I’m Gordon Solie and it is my pleasure to be coming to you today from the Memorial Auditorium in Shreveport, Louisiana. What an event it was last week in New Orleans and the Lakefront Arena with some big ramifications for Mid-South Wrestling. First, as you just saw, we do have a new Louisiana Heavyweight Champion in Ted Dibiase. Now that match was not without controversy, and we will be hearing from Ernie Ladd on that subject in just a little while. We also had a wild ending to the night as Konga “The Barbarian”, the newest member of the Million Dollar Corporation helped Lex Luger to keep his Mid-South title. We will be talking to both Ted Dibiase and Woman about this during this hour. We will also have the Super Destroyer in action against Billy Two Eagles. Hacksaw Butch Reed will be making his return to Mid-South television as he will take on Killer Brooks. The newest tag team in Mid-South, The Barbarians will face Mike Jackson and JT Southern and in our main event it will be Dr. Death taking on Vader. For those of you who were in New Orleans this past week, you know that Vader was as responsible for Dr. Death not getting his Mid-South title back as anyone so Dr. Death will be seeking revenge. Before we get to the ring, we need to bring out Mid-South President, Ernie Ladd. Welcome Mr. Ladd. Ernie Ladd: Thank you Gordon. First, I would like to thank the great people of New Orleans for helping to put on a great event this past Monday. We are looking forward to our return in just under a month on March 6th. Already signed for that match is Ted Dibiase vs Jake “The Snake” Roberts. Gordon Solie: That will make one heck of a Louisiana Title Match. Ernie Ladd: Not so fast Gordon. Junkyard Dog, who in my opinion, had his title stolen from him, will get his rematch right here on TV next week. As I said, I thought JYD had his title stolen from him by Sheik Adnan Al Kassie but as we say here in Mid-South Wrestling, we solve our problems in the ring. So, JYD, you get return match next week. Sheik Adnan… you clearly had something on that rag you stuck in JYD’s mouth. You clearly helped Ted Dibiase cheat his way to the title. For that you must pay. Again, here in Mid-South Wrestling, we settle things in the ring. So, today I have added one more match to the card. It will be Junkyard Dog vs…. Sheik Adnan Al Kassie. (The crowd explodes) And JYD, you can have as many of your friends at ringside so the rest of the Million Dollar Corporation can’t interfere. Gordon Solie: Well, well. This is some addition to our show. Fans, it looks like our timekeeper is ready to go. Let’s get to the ring. MATCH #1 Super Destroyer defeats Billy Two Eagles with a Superplex In a quick-post match interview, Super D continues to be after Hacksaw Duggan and a tv title shot. COMMERCIALIAL BREAK -PROMO FOR BATON ROUGE Prior to the match, Jake “The Snake” and Paul Ellering are at the both. Gordon Solie: Jake, it seems there is no way for Ted Dibiase to avoid you now. Ernie Ladd has signed the contract. It will be you and him on March 6th at the Lakefront Arena. Jake Roberts: Time… Sweet time. Sometimes it goes by real slow and sometimes it goes by in the blink of an eye. For me, the rest of this month is going to crawl bye. Day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, I will be consumed with the idea of revenge on Ted Dibiase. Then come March 6th, time will fly by like a whirlwind as I savory every moment of my total and complete destruction of Dibiase. And by March 7th, you Ted Dibiase will have eternity to think of what just happened. Paul Ellering: Gordon, I have been in this business a while now. I’ve wrestled. I’ve managed. I’ve controlled some of the most uncontrollable men ever to step foot in that ring. Jake “The Snake” Roberts is by far the most focused wrestler I’ve ever been around. He knows what he wants and how he is going to do it. The only questioned is, can Jake wait until the sands in the hourglass run out or will he find you, Ted Dibiase, when you least expect it. Gordon Solie: Very interesting words gentlemen. Let’s get back to the ring. Match #2 Hacksaw Butch Reed defeats Killer Brooks with a Military Press Slam After the match, Hacksaw Butch Reed is with Gordon Solie and wants to talk about last Friday night at Lakefront Arena. Gordon Solie: Butch first of all, great to have you back in Mid-South. Hacksaw Butch Reed: Gordon, I’m home. I’ve been away waaay to long. I admit that I left the wrong way back in July. I was frustrated at how Woman and Lex Luger stole my title. I just want to say sorry to all the fans and hope they can support me once again. Gordon: So what did bring you back? Hacksaw: It is just as Dick Murdoch explained. He needed a partner. He was sick of Wahoo McDaniel and Ivan Koloff. He called me up and in this business… when a friend calls, you answer it. Gordon: And take us back to last Monday night in New Orleans. Hacksaw: To tell ya the truth… it was like I never left. I got out there and Murdoch and I took care of business. Next thing you know, Woman is doing her mischief again. I see Vader and Konga attacking Dr. Death. I couldn’t hold myself back. When I tell ya the power I felt when I hoisted Luger up and slammed him to the ground… it was unbelievable. Woman… Luger…. I’ve been dreaming of my return and now I’m back! Gordon Solie: And we’re glad to have you back. Thanks for your time Hacksaw. COMMERCIAL BREAK -PROMO FOR BATON ROUGE Prior to the match, Ted Dibiase joins Sheik Adnan Al Kassie and The Barbarians at the podium Ted Dibiase: Gordon, before you even say a word, I just want you to know how good I feel just because of the fact that I am me. The head of the Million Dollar Corporation. More money than I know what to do with and yes… the new Louisiana Heavyweight Champion. Gordon Solie: A title you won by some questionable tactics but we will get to that in a moment. First, I want to ask you about why your man, Konga “The Barbarian.” He seemed to be helping Lex Luger in his match against Dr. Death. Ted Dibiase: Gordon, you have heard me talk time and time again about money. While I do have a whole heck of a lot of it, there is no sense wasting it. Woman has been “renting” out Konga for the better part of a year now. We’ve seen Konga working for Tully Blanchard and Dark Journey. We saw Konga up in the Chicago area. Well, when I negotiated the acquisition of Konga from Woman, we made a deal that Konga would work for Woman one last time. Gordon Solie: Fair enough. Now let me ask you Sheik about last Monday night in New Orleans. Obviously, you had some chemicals on that towel you put over Junkyard Dog. Sheik Adnan Al Kassie: Of course there were chemicals on that towel. JYD was foaming at the mouth from the beating he was receiving in the ring. It was like he had rabies and I went to save his life but I also wanted to save my own. Simple sanitizing solution was all that was on that towel. Gordon Solie: Ah huh Sir. Well neither Ernie Ladd nor myself are buying that one and tonight JYD gets you one on one in the ring. Sheik Adnan Al Kassie: Ernie Ladd… I will give you one last time to change your mind about the match tonight or you may suffer grave consequences. I am a manager; not a wrestler. You better pray that nothing happens to me tonight. My lawyers have already been contacted and if I get hurt or sick from that drooling heap of hound, I will sue you and everyone associated with Mid-South Wrestling. Ernie Ladd comes out and “clearly” explains to Sheik that he doesn’t have to enter the ring later to face JYD but that if he decides not to face JYD tonight, he will reverse the referees “controversial” decision and vacate the Louisiana Title. Suddenly, Dibiase lets Ernie Ladd know that Sheik will be in the ring later tonight to face JYD. Gordon now lets the Million Dollar Corporation know they have a match and need to head to the ring. Match #3 The Barbarians (Konga & Nord) with Sheik Adnan Al Kassie destroy Mike Jackson & JT Southern with the end coming from a top rope shoulder smash from Konga After the match, JYD and Dr. Death are with Gordon Solie Gordon Solie: Well, JYD, it seems like you got Sheik a little nervous. JYD: Gordon, (JYD howling at the moon) Sheik Adnan, you shouldn’t be the least bit nervous. I mean, I‘m only nervous when I don’t know what’s going to happen. We all know what’s about to happen to you. The Dog is going to Thump you so hard you might end up falling through the ring and land all the way down in your homeland. Now, Ted Dibiase on the other hand… he should be nervous. He don’t know if it’s going to be the Dog or the Snake that’s about to send him home. One thing for certain his Louisiana Title reign is not going to be too long. Dr. Death: Gordon… the tide is turing. The tide is turning. The next 30 minutes the entire landscape of Mid-South is gonna change. First, I’m going to take out a huge cog in Woman’s plans. Her security blanket… the one she counts on to deal with all the trouble, Vader, is going to pay, and pay severely for costing me the Mid-South title last week in New Orleans COMMERCIAL BREAK -PROMO FOR BATON ROUGE Prior to the match, Woman (wearing some big new diamond earrings, presumable from the sale of Konga), Lex Luger (the Mid-South Champion, and Vader are with Gordon Solie Gordon Solie: Woman, you always seem to have a plan. Woman: Gordon, darling, are you surprised. Are you saying that because I look like this, you presumed I couldn’t be smart also? Gordon: Ummm, uhh no, um Woman: Oh Gordon, you are so cute. I did have a plan for last week and I do have a plan going forward. I don’t care if its Dr. Death. I don’t care if its Dick Murdoch. And I really don’t care if its Hacksaw Reed. Lex Luger will be the Mid-South Champion for a long time, and it is my job to make sure he is. Vader… Konga… myself… It doesn’t matter but we will make sure that the gold stays in my stable. Lex Luger: Dr. Death… we have met twice in the last two months. Each time, I have come out on top. Soon, you should realize that no matter what you do, the Total Package can’t be stopped. Match #4 Dr. Death defeats Vader with Woman after connecting with two Oklahoma Stampedes. There was just no stopping Dr. Death tonight. No matter what Vader did, Williams was able to regain the momentum and eventually get the win. Interesting thing here was that at no point in the match did Woman or Luger even think of going after Dr. Death. When the match was over, Dr. Death dares Luger to come to the ring but he smugly declined. COMMERCIAL BREAK -PROMO FOR BATON ROUGE Match #5 Junkyard Dog vs Sheik Adnan Al Kassie The crowd was in a frenzy from the first chord of “Another One Bites the Dust” as they knew they were about to see a complete and utter destruction of the hated Sheik. With the ring surrounded by JYD allies, JYD gave the fans exactly what they wanted. He tore Sheik limb from limb and then connected with the biggest THUMP (powerslam) seen in Mid-South. As the ref completed the three count, Gordon Solie reminded fans that this was only the first step in JYD’s revenge against the Million Dollar Corporation and told everyone, that right here next week we will becoming to you from the Riverside Centroplex in Baton Rouge where the main event will be JYD against Ted Dibiase for the Louisiana Title. Gordon Solie: So long from the Pelican State.

Really good build for the Clash. I think it shows that I am an early 80's guy but my favorite angle has to be Dusty vs Harley. I think Steamboat vs Bigelow is a huge match as it will give us an idea of where you want to go with WCW. While Steamboat obviously has a lot left in the tank, it is still a bout of old vs new. Looking forward to this one!!

Now this is the Dawn of War we had in mind when we first started this back in 2019. The AWA is taking over the world. You got the bog show coming up in Canada and then the next title event in Puerto Rico. AWESOME!! I really like the idea of Dream Machine coming out and confronting Johnny Rich about how Tommy was such an awesome champ and Johnny disagreeing and wanting to save the Rich name!! El Canek leveling Gagne was the moment of the week in Dawn of War! I hate Gagne!! I like what you are doing with the Original Midnight Express. They have the name to be a major player in your tag division but they are going to have to earn it. Would enjoy a rematch with Venomous. Gerry Morrow is doing great things for the AWA!!

Awesome show in Greensboro. Love the Kazmaier-Black Bart angle and how they both interfered in each other's matches. Ric Flair-Tully 60 Minute draw. I think we in Dawn of War use the 60 minute draw a bit too much but in this case it fits perfectly. You need to have two wrestlers who are not only in good enough shape to do it but also have the ability to hold the fans interests for this long as this two can do both!!! Onto the Omni... Just a little background here... it was always my dream as a NY kid to go to one of the big events in the Onmi! When I saw the DDQ with Brody and Debeers, I thought that was a great booking decision. Brody continues to build his wildman reputation while the legend of Debeers keeps on growing. Nice job. Regardless of the outcome, any match between the Andersons and the RnR Express brings in major money. Great match. As for the TV shows this week, I love how you continue to make sure you push your angles allowing some big stars to get dominating wins while also keeping the fans on the edge of their seats with some great matches. I think Morton vs Dundee would be a classic as these two can do it all. Also, Fuller vs Jaggers is exactly what we always wanted watching Georgia, Florida or Mid-Atlantic.... A great Southern Brawl. Nice job!! Great bit of history with the 40 year anniversary of the NWA... Cool move with the Heritage Title. Garvin vs Garvin... cool!

Mid-South releases Adrian Adonis and adds Ted Allen, Rocky King and Joey Jackson

MEMPHIS WRESTLING IS BACK! The city of Memphis has long been a hotbed for professional wrestling. The Memphis Territory, officially called Championship Wrestling Association was apart of the National Wrestling Association until 1984. In 1984 the American Wrestling Association attempted to take over the industry and Memphis had no other option other than to stop being an NWA territory and to join the AWA. Memphis along with Dallas and San Antonio became the centers for a brand-new AWA territory known as the USWA. Eventually, the USWA faded away but what did not fade away was the importance of Memphis Wrestling. Memphis continued to be one of the major AWA markets over the past 4 years. The one constant in Memphis Wrestling for the past 20 years has been Jerry Jarrett. Jarrett had a long and successful career as a wrestler before moving into the administrative side of the business. Eventually Jarrett worked his way all the way to the top of the AWA where he took over for Verne Gagne. This past New Year’s Day, Jarrett made a decision to part ways with the AWA and until very recently, his future in wrestling seemed questionable. Last week, Jarrett met with cable television mogul Ted Turner. Ted Turner, who has long been a supporter of professional wrestling. Turner recently lost Bill Watts and UWF Wrestling from his Superstation lineup and he has been looking to fill this void and go back to having two hours of wrestling each Saturday night on WTBS 17. It seems like Turner has found that match as Jerry Jarrett has agreed to go back home to Memphis and reopen the Championship Wrestling Association. Also returning with Jarrett will be legendary wrestling announcer, Lance Russell. This will be the first time Russell will bring his dry wit and expertise to a national audience. Along with Gordon Solie, and now Lance Russell, Ted Turner can boost the best announce team in the business. One person not returning to the new Memphis program will be Lance Russell’s long time partner Dave Brown. Instead, professional wrestler, Dirty Dutch Mantell will be joining Lance at the podium. This two are sure to be like oil and water as most likely will not see eye to eye on much. While Jarrett and Russell will be returning to Memphis Wrestling, it is still uncertain if the show and the territory can survive without its King, Jerry Lawler. Lawler has been everything to Memphis Wrestling but seems to want a fresh start. He recently lost an AWA title match to Bad News Brown and has sense headed south to Florida. Whether this is a permanent decision or not is yet to be seen. With the King not in Memphis, Jarrett has been scrambling to find talent that will keep the national audience tuned in week after week. So far, he has signed such stars as Dick Slater, Brad Armstrong, Steve Keirn and Boris Zhukov. While these are big names in the wrestling business, they are not Jerry Lawler! With or without The King, one thing for sure is that Memphis has been long known as a wild and crazy territory where you can expect the unexpected. Fans in Memphis, Chattanooga, Louisville, Evansville and other nearby cities get ready… Memphis is Back. Tune in to Superstation 17 each and every Saturday starting March 4th.

Thanks for your help.

Here is an early list of rookies for 1989. I admit that we are getting out of my comfort zone by 1989 and I need some help. Some of these wrestlers might be already in our game but under different names. Wrestlers who debuted in the United States or Canada in 189 are available for the draft. If you know of anyone who should be in, let us know. 89 Rookies List Ahmed Johnson Al Green Amy Lee Big Titan Rick Bogner Bill Francis Billy Gunn Bobby Walker Booker T Brett Como Brickhouse Baker Bryan Clarke CW Bergstrom Charles Wright Chief Lightfoot Chris Walker Dan Cooley David Young Denise Storm Don Allen Dr. Luthor Dwayne Bruce El Gigante Frankie DeFalco Hardcore Harry Henry Goodwin JW Storm Jacqueline Jason Helton Jim McPhearson Jim Mitchell (Manager) Jimmy Jannety Joe Gunns John Kronus Jumbo Baretta Kensuke Sasaki King Cobra Kurrgan Lady Amazon Lou Fabiana Mad Man Pondo Mark Guleen (To retire after 1989) Mark Von Erich Mavrick Wild Mike Awesome Mike Golden Mike Lozanski Mike Samson Nitron Paul Lee Peaches Perry Saturn Richard Sartain (To retire after 1989) Ritchie Acevedo Sandman Scott Braddock Scott Norton Shane Sewell Shinji Sasazaki Steve Austin Steve Lawler Stevie Ray Tatanka Terry Simms Tim Hunt (To retire after 1989) Tim Parker Tom Barrett Tommy Dreamer Tommy Jammer Trisa Hayes Val Pucchio

Mid-South puts Adrian Adonis on the block. He has only like 4 months left and I will not get to my plans for him so if anyone wants to give him a proper send off, let me know.

I find it really amazing how you are able to switch gears so quickly. As soon as you finish from one big show, you transition to the next one so easily. What you have done with Carlos Colon over the past two years or so is remarkable. To me, he is like Tommy Rich was in Georgia. From one feud to the next, Colon just keeps on going. The missed fireball here was a cool extra. Not sure I have ever seen that done. Great choice with Larry Z to take over for Bully. His arrogance is going to drive my crazy and you have his promos down pat. Nikita vs Adams is interesting. Is Adams the real deal or the big time jobber. Looking forward to seeing where you go with this. Perfect angle for Crippler! In the end, does this have Rip Oliver moving up the ranks or out of the AWA. Can't wait to see how this plays out.

Very interested to see who or what Race sends to Clash of Champions for Dusty Rhodes.

COMING SOON TO SUPERSTATION WTBS

MID-SOUTH WRESTLING: FEBRUARY 6, 1988: EPISODE #6 LAKEFRONT ARENA: NEW ORLEANS Super Destroyer defeats Action Jackson with a Superplex. After the match he takes the house microphone and warns Hacksaw Duggan to watch his back. Vader defeats The Mighty Goliath with a diving knee drop from the middle rope. Hercules Hernandez and Rick Steiner with Missy Hyatt wrestled to a Double Count-out as these two big men brawled all over the place. Scott Steiner defeats “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert with Missy Hyatt with a German Suplex despite all the questionable tactics by both Gilbert and Hyatt. At one point it looked like Hyatt was frantically motioning to the back for help. Presumable this was for Rick Steiner but he never came out. Jake “The Snake” Roberts with Precious Paul Ellering defeats Nord “The Barbarian” with Sheik Adnan Al Kassie with a DDT. Sheik tried to interfer but Ellering put a quick stop to that. MID-SOUTH TELEVISION TITLE MATCH Hacksaw Duggan © defeats Mike Rotundo with Sheik Adnan Al Kassie with a football tackle. Again, Sheik tried to make his presence known but this time, Mighty Goliath came out and went after Sheik who hightailed it up the ramp. After the finish, Duggan gave a nod to thank Goliath. Hacksaw Butch Reed & Captain Redneck Dick Murdoch defeat “The Russian Bear” Ivan Koloff & Wahoo McDaniel when Reed connected with a top rope shoulder block on Koloff. Those who were in attendance said the applause for Reed was almost deafening. It has been a while since Reed was last in Mid-South and the fans are sure glad to have him back. SEMI-MAIN EVENT- LOUISIANA TITLE MATCH Ted Dibiase with Sheik Adnan Al Kassie defeat JYD with a piledriver by Dibiase. This was only made possible after Sheik seemed use an ether-soaked rag to knock out JYD as the ref was admonishing Dibiase for hitting JYD with a stiff right hand with what many believe was his “loaded” black glove. MAIN EVENT: MID-SOUTH TITLE MATCH (VADER IS SUSPENDED ABOVE THE CAGE IN HIS OWN CAGE) Steve “Dr. Death” Williams defeated Lex Luger © with Woman by DQ. This was a wild finish as Dr. Death seemed poised to win his title back as he had just connected with the Oklahoma Stampede. Vader started jumping furiously on his mini-cage which distracted the ref. WHAM… from behind it’s Konga “the Barbarian” with a top rope shoulder block on Dr. Death. Dr. Death is down as the ref calls for the bell… The fans will never forget what happened next… WHAM… Vader, from all of his stomping, breaks through the suspended cage and comes crashing down on Dr. Death. Konga simply walks away as Vader and Luger go to work on the crushed Dr. Death…. The other wrestlers in the back must have been watching as Scott Steiner, Hercules Hernandez, JYD and Hacksaw Butch Reed rush to the ring. The tag champs and JYD go right for Dr. Death but Reed chases Lex Luger and catches him. WHAM… Reed with a Military Press Slam of Luger on the concrete and the crowd goes wild. Woman and Vader are able to drag Luger away as all attention is turned to Dr. Death who miraculously, with the aid of the other wrestlers, is able to limp away on his own.

Run with it. I'm all in. This is awesome.

I think you win the award for most realistic house shows. You give the fans a few matches to keep your roster moving forward and then hit them with one or two big ticket matches to keep the money rolling in. This was Mid-Atlantics formula forever and they ran like 600 shows a year during the mid 80's. Really, really good booking. Look the loaded boot by Fuller-such a great heel gimmick. In my opinion, this is so much better then today with all these Dusty finishes. It was just so much more realistic back then. Between the Horseman, Paul Jones and now Jimmy Garvin going after his own brother, you're babyfaces better get organized or they are in some serious trouble. Reminds me of all the great territories back in the day. The heels always seemed in charge until the very last minute.

Brian Lee and the Undertaker are cousins!! This is very interesting. I think I need some popcorn for this one as it is now must see TV.

Very entertaining! Nice job using the Gauntlet match to hype up the TV title. Snuka and his energy is a good choice. Looking forward to seeing what you do with Dusty... A lot of big names ready to collide. Looking forward to all the action.

Sorry for falling a little behind. Loved the TV show, especially the whole Crippler angle. This is going to be great. I can't wait to see who you have winning this one in the end. While Stevens is nearing the end, he is just tough enough to go after anyone he considers to not be tough enough. Love how he called out the new Crippler. Very creative. I was also very interested in what you were going to do with DDP. When I saw his name in the draft, I was interested but with him not yet in the ring, I couldn't figure out what to do with him. You came up with the perfect idea... let DDP be DDP! I mean that energy and attitude had to be there from birth with him. Great thinking!!! In Milwaukee, I had a real bad feeling when I saw Larry Z getting the fill in match for the TV title.... You have made this title very important. Bully was an awesome fighting champ. Now with Larry Z, I think you have creatively gone the other way. His smugness and nonsense are going to drive fans crazy. This is going to be awesome and totally annoying at the same time. Seeing Idol take down George and Gagne eased some of the pain of the tv title match. Perez might have just earned himself a rematch!!

Mid-South Wrestling 1988: Episode #5: February 4, 1988 Gordon Solie: Thank you so very, very much indeed for turning into another episode of Mid-South Wrestling. I’m Gordon Solie and it is my pleasure to be coming to you today from the Civic Center in Monroe, Louisiana. We are less than one week away from the return to the city of New Orleans and Lakefront Arena. Before the night is out, we will give you the entire card and trust me, it is one you will not want to miss. As for our show tonight, we have a lot of great action instore for you. You will be seeing Dick Murdoch taking on Killer Brooks. Maybe we will get some information about who his tag team partner will be in New Orleans to take on Wahoo McDaniel and “The Russian Bear” Ivan Koloff. Newcomer Lanny Poffo will be here, and he will be facing Scott McGhee. The Mid-South Tag team champs, Hercules Hernandez and Scott Steiner will be taking on “Bad Man” Barry Horowitz and The Brooklyn Brawler. The Super Destroyer looks to continue his winning ways against JT Southern and in our main event, it will be Mid-South Television Champion Hacksaw Jim Duggan taking on Mike Rotundo. If that was not enough, we will be taking you back to the end of last week’s main event between The Mighty Goliath and Nord “The Barbarian. We promised you that if anything major happened in that match, we would show you and BRO-ther, you will want to see this! All that at much, much more. It looks like the timekeeper is ready to go. Let’s get to the ring. MATCH #1 Dick Murdoch defeats Killer Brooks with the Brainbuster. After the match, Dick Murdoch was at the podium talking about how he can’t wait to get to Lakefront Arena as he and his partner are going to give Wahoo McDaniel and Ivan Koloff just what they deserve. Suddenly, Wahoo and Ivan come out to a chorus of boos. Gordon Solie reminds them that they will be facing each other on just 6 days and that this is not the time nor the place for any problems. Ivan Koloff: Dick Murdoch… you said last week that Wahoo and myself were not good for wrestling. You said we were not good for this country. Are we supposed to be more like you? A typical American. A man who lies to all the people and says he has so many friends. A man who says he just needs to make a phone call and people will run to his aid. Typical American… lies to make himself seem important. Wahoo McDaniel: Murdoch… you and I go back a long, long way. Sometimes, in fact, you seemed to make sense. This is not you. We’ve all heard you brag about how tough you are… about being from West Texas and all that other nonsense. Now you’ve just turned yellow. Instead of taking us on, you make up stories. The Dick Murdoch I used to know was a fighter. You’re just a coward. I don’t like cowards. Wahoo and Ivan move in on Murdoch who gets in a fighting stance. Gordon Solie pleads for peace… Koloff throws a punch at Murdoch, but he blocks it. The crowd erupts… Wham… From behind it is none other than Hacksaw Butch Reed! Murdoch just smirks as Reed tosses both Koloff and Wahoo around. After a good, crowd-pleasing brawl that sees the heels get what they deserve, Murdoch tells Gordon, “It looks like I do have friends after all.” COMMERCIAL BREAK -PROMO FOR THE LAKEFRONT ARENA, NEW ORLEANS When we come out of break, Gordon takes us back to the end of last week’s show with Mighty Goliath taking on Nord “The Barbarian” Accompanying Nord was Dibiase and Rotundo while Jake “The Snake”, Paul Ellering and the Mid-South tag champs, Hercules Hernandez and Scott Steiner, accompanied Goliath. This bout started out much like a Lumberjack Match as all the men outside relished the opportunity to get a blow in against the enemy. After the show went off the air, this match ended just like so many others have as everyone gets involved. Rotundo hit the ring first after Goliath hit a running splash in the corner. Dibiase followed next followed by Snake and the tag team champions. For once, the fan favorites are the ones with the numbers advantage and they are having their way with Million Dollar Corporation…. That is until… Konga “The Barbarian” comes up from behind wielding a chair. He clobbers Snake across the head. With all the chaos, the rest of the wrestlers haven’t noticed him yet. WHAM: Top rope shoulder block by Konga on Hercules Hernandez. With Konga taking out two wrestlers by himself, the tide has turned and by the end of this brawl, the heels own the ring! As we come back to live TV, The Million Dollar Corporation (including Konga) is at the podium. Ted Dibiase: Jake Roberts… you talk about money being the root of evil and unhappiness. While I may, in your eyes, be evil, right now I am truly happy. Happy that I brought Konga back to Mid-South Wrestling. Last you saw him, he was doing great work for Tully Blanchard and now he will do great work for me. Gordon Solie, you asked why I bought and fired Goliath on the same day. Well now you know why. I have been searching for the greatest tag team in wrestling today to complete my corporation. I believe that the Barbarians are just that. Hercules Hernandez and Scott Steiner, I believe you days are numbered. As for my Louisiana title match next week in New Orleans against Junkyard Dog, I am going to treat my opponent just like the mangy mutt he is. Gordon Solie: It looks like you have everything planned out Mr. Dibiase. Mr. Rotundo, you have a big match coming up tonight for the TV Title and Hacksaw Duggan. Mike Rotundo: Big match only because it will be the night the TV title returns to the Million Dollar Corporation. As for my opponent, I am sorry to say, Hacksaw Duggan is a classless Neanderthal who I will easily defeat. Gordon Solie: Fair enough. Thank you for your time gentlemen. We need to get back to the ring. MATCH #2 Lanny Poffo defeats Scott McGhee with the Senton Splash in a very even match Gordon Solie: A very impressive debut for Lanny Poffo. We need to take a break. COMMERCIAL BREAK -PROMO FOR THE LAKEFRONT ARENA, NEW ORLEANS MATCH #3 MID SOUTH TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH Hercules Hernandez & Scott Steiner destroy “Bad Man” Barry Horowitz & The Brooklyn Brawler with the finish coming as Steiner hit the big clothesline on Horowitz At the interview desk, Gordon Solie wanted the champions opinions on Eddie Gilbert’s claim that he and Rick Steiner will be the next tag team champions in Mid-South. Scott Steiner: Before we get to that comment by Eddie Gilbert, I want to go back to last week where he said that Rick was now part of his family. Eddie… Rick might be an associate of yours. He might currently be in your group but it is only because he has yet to figure out that you are using him. This week in Lakefront Arena, it will be you and me in singles competition… tell Missy Hyatt to take a picture of you tonight… so she can remember what you used to look like. Gordon Solie: Strong words Scott but I understand family matters are difficult. Now what about the Million Dollar Corporation and their new team of the Barbarians. Hercules Hernandez: The Barbarians… they look mean. They look tough. They look like they can take care of business. In fact… they look an awful lot like Scott and myself. I got in this sport because I like to hit people. I can’t wait to face the Barbarians and see who hits harder. We worked hard to get these titles and we are going to work just as hard to keep them. Gordon Solie: Seems like you two have a plan. Good luck in New Orleans this week. Next, I’d like to welcome in Jake “The Snake” Roberts and Precious Paul Ellering who are also having problems with Ted Dibiase and the Million Dollar Corporation. Paul Ellering: I heard Ted Dibiase out here before talking about how he is truly happy. How his money has allowed him to buy and sell whatever or whoever he wants to. How his corporation is going to control all the titles in Mid-South Wrestling. He sounds more like a king than a wrestler. While your mind might be strong Dibiase, your body is not. You’ve become spoiled. You’ve become soft. It’s not a title we seek Dibiase. We know JYD will defeat you in New Orleans. We know he will be the Louisiana Champion. We also know, we will put Ted Dibiase out of wrestling. Jake Roberts: I agree with almost everything you just said Paul. But Ted Dibiase is not the king. As you said, he is getting soft. He is getting round. He is more like Humpty Dumpty than the King. And you know what they say about Humpty Dumpty. He had a great fall… and all the king’s men and all the kings horses couldn’t put Humpty back together again. This is your fate Dibiase. When I am done with you, there will be no putting you back together again. Gordon Solie: Ted Dibiase… It seems your happiness has made a lot of people angry. COMMERCIAL BREAK -PROMO FOR THE LAKEFRONT ARENA, NEW ORLEANS When we come out of break, Missy Hyatt, Eddie Gilbert and Rick Steiner are at the podium. Eddie Gilbert: Gordon, just a question for you. Who did you spend last Thanksgiving with. Gordon Solie: My family Eddie Gilbert: and what about a few weeks ago… Christmas. Who’d you spend that with? Gordon Solie: I’m unsure what your point is. We have a show to get to Mr. Gilbert. Eddie Gilbert: Please, just answer my last question. Gordon Solie: I was with my family. Eddie Gilbert: Exactly… families spend time with each other. Do you know who I spent Thanksgiving and Christmas with. Never mind. I’ll tell you. It was Missy and Rick. That’s right… We’re family. We may not be blood relatives, but we are more like family then Rick and Scott Steiner are. I mean who does he think he is. Out here before telling me to stay out of family business. Is he kidding. He wouldn’t know about family if his own little brat of a kid bite him on the ankles. Missy Hyatt: And then he has the nerve to tell me to take a picture of Hot Stuff Eddie Gilbert because he won’t look the same. Well listen up Scott Steiner… I do need to take a picture of Eddie because he will look differently when we are finally finished with you. He will have a brand new, shiny belt around his waist. Gordon Solie: Ah huh. And your thoughts on all of this Rick? Eddie Gilbert: I told you last week Gordon. Missy and I do the speaking for Hot Stuff International. Gordon Solie: I see. Can’t wait for the family reunion. Missy Hyatt: Watch it Solie. Gordon Solie: Let’s get back to the ring. MATCH #4 The Super Destroyer defeats JT Southern with the Superplex. A quick post-match interview has Super D thinking Mike Rotundo is about to become the new Mid-South TV champion but he hopes there is enough left of Hacksaw Jim Duggan so he can finish him off. After Super D leaves, Woman, and Lex Luger come out to hype up Luger’s Mid-South title defense against Dr. Death at Lakefront Arena. Both seem confident… almost too confident. COMMERCIAL BREAK -PROMO FOR THE LAKEFRONT ARENA, NEW ORLEANS MAIN EVENT MATCH MID-SOUTH TELEVISION TITLE MATCH Mike Rotundo with Sheik Adnan Al Kassie defeats Hacksaw Duggan © by countout as Duggan ended up brawling with the Super Destroyer who came out to “watch” the match but managed to hit Duggan with a knee to the gut at one point as the action spilled out onto the floor. Duggan was infuriated and forgot all about his match with Rotundo. It was hard to tell if Rotundo was angry as he just joined in on the attack. This 2-1 was short lived as JYD and Dr. Death rushed to his aid. The show ended with these three top fan favorites hyping up their matches for this Friday at the Lakefront Arena. Gordon Solie: Fans, I know you love watching our show right here every week on the Superstation but trust me, the action is even better in person. If you are anywhere near New Orleans this Friday night, come out and join us at the Lakefront Arena. It is going to be night to remember. So long from the Pelican State. Before the show goes off the air, we get a complete list of matches for The Lakefront Arena. Super Destroyer vs Action Jackson Vader with Missy Hyatt vs The Mighty Goliath Hercules Hernandez vs Rick Steiner with Missy Hyatt Scott Steiner vs Tom Prichard Jake “The Snake” Roberts with Precious Paul Ellering vs Nord “The Barbarian” with Sheik Adnan Al Kassie MID-SOUTH TELEVISION TITLE MATCH Hacksaw Duggan © vs Mike Rotundo with Sheik Adnan Al Kassie Hacksaw Butch Reed & Captain Redneck Dick Murdoch vs “The Russian Bear” Ivan Koloff & Wahoo McDaniel SEMI-MAIN EVENT- LOUISIANA TITLE MATCH JYD © vs Ted Dibiase with Sheik Adnan Al Kassie MAIN EVENT: MID-SOUTH TITLE MATCH (VADER IS SUSPENDED ABOVE THE CAGE IN HIS OWN CAGE) Lex Luger © with Woman vs Steve “Dr. Death” Williams

While I was never a huge WWF fan, I really enjoyed Brett Hart and Jim Neidhart. Enjoying seeing them on opposite sides here in PCW. Wrestling is all how you draw it up. Both the real story and the Dawn of War story work so well. Michael Hayes are Terry Gordy are always thought of as teammates with the Freebirds but they wrestled each other over 100 times. Would love to see about 100 more matches with Neidhardt and Brett on opposite sides.

Great event. I like the young rookies giving it their all for the Bees I think poor Iceman has fallen victim to the large rosters in Dawn of War. For the most part, we have all used him as a big name but never really made him a star. Muta seems to be on the way up and can't wait to seem him at his best. Good booking. I really enjoy the Road Warriors. They are so good at riding the fence between babyfaces and heels. I thought the Rockers might need some help and they got it in a big way!! RW vs TT is going to be wild! as is Steamboat and Bam Bam. Love Dusty doing the run-in and clobbering Race. The fans would have been going crazy. This is the perfect feud. Not title needed... just two superstars selling tickets!!!