GeneJackson95

(Sorry, another super busy week….another somewhat condensed show) AWA Championship Wrestling Recorded: May 8, 1985 Airing: Saturday May 9, 1985 nationwide on ESPN The Tropicana Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, New Jersey (Show opens with highlights from last week's 'GOLD RUSH' special ending with Nikita Koloff winning the AWA World Championship) Larry Nelson is joined by AWA Owner Verne Gagne who says that while last week's show was a ratings success there was a lot of things he's not happy about and that needs to be rectified. Verne is disappointed that there was interference in the World title match and North American title match and that the World tag team title match didn't have a clear winner because the ring couldn't contain them. Verne says he's talk it over with the AWA Championship committee and they've made a decision on how to settle some of these issues once and for all. On Sunday May 31st in Minneapolis, the AWA will have an event that will air on Closed Circuit television across the country entitled 'RAGE IN THE CAGE'! This unprecedented event will feature not one…..not two….but THREE STEEL CAGE MATCHES!! The matches signed for Rage in the Cage so far is… AWA RAGE IN THE CAGE '85 Minneapolis, MN. Sunday May 31, 1985 BROADCASTING LIVE VIA CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION Bell Time: 5pm MAIN EVENT STEEL CAGE MATCH AWA World Championship- REMATCH "The Russian Nightmare" Nikita Koloff w/Paul Jones Vs. Stan 'the Lariat' Hansen SEMI-MAIN EVENT STEEL CAGE MATCH AWA World Tag Team Championship Ivan Koloff/Krusher Kruschev w/Paul Jones Vs. "Big" Scott Hall/Curt Hennig w/Larry Hennig STEEL CAGE MATCH AWA North American Championship "Nature Boy" Buddy Landel w/Percival Pringle III Vs. "Nature Boy" Ric Flair w/"Rowdy" Roddy Piper AWA Ladies Championship Match Sherri Martel w/Johnny V. Vs. Wendi Richter w/Capt. Lou Albano ==================== (Buddy Landel once again joins Rod Trongard and Lord James Blears on commentary- here is some highlights from the commentary of the following match) Landel: "So now I have to defend my title against Flair in a Steel Cage and that tranny Roddy Piper is going to be at ringside? Piper is a joke, it's bad enough he's ripping off those two poor Mexican fellas with his stupid Piper's Pitiful show." Rod: "What two Mexican fellows?" Landel: "Do you not watch your own show? The Tortilla Garden with Tito Santana and Manny Fernandez." Rod: "That's not Tito Santana or Manny Fernandez!" Landel: "Don't get an attitude with me, Ron Lifeguard…..I meant Hector and Chavo Guerrero." Rod: "That's not Hector and Chavo…" Landel: "Well excuse me, Hector and Mando…" Rod: "It's not the Tortilla Garden and it's not hosted by the Guerreros." Landel: "Well somebody shoot me because I can't sit around the hotel all day and watch Telemundo to learn all these guys names….you know damn well what show I'm talking about….it's called Fiesta Nachos and they have a little bitty painted up bodyguard called 'BVD' or something." Rod: "Buddy, it's the Fiesta Garden with Al Madril, Chicky Starr, and TNT…" Landel: "Ok, so where was I even going with this?" Rod: "That Roddy Piper is ripping off their talk show…" Landel: "AH HA! So you do agree with me!" Blears: "Austin Idol has gotten the win with the figure four leglock." Landel: "Shows what you know Lord Alfred, it's the Las Vegas Leglock…..if you're going to talk to people on television, at least get the names right….it's embarrassing when people don't know what their talking about….anyways, I'm outta here….good luck to you two trying to do this without me." Blears: "Rod, I'm speechless." Rod: "If only Landel could be…..ever." Match #1: "Universal Heartthrob" Austin Idol w/Percival Pringle III defeated Frank Reynolds by submission with the 'Las Vegas Leglock' ===================== COMMERCIALS ===================== Match #2: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair/Brad Armstrong) wrestled The Samurai Machines (#1/#2) w/Mr. Fuji to a 10 minute time limit draw ====================== AWA President Stanley Blackburn says he has a couple of announcements. Number one is due to the "unfounded accusations directed at him recently" Curt Hennig, Larry Hennig, and Scott Hall are all suspended until their match on May 31st which wouldn't be happening if the owner Verne Gagne didn't insist on it. Announcement number two is….the AWA and ESPN have collaborated on something exciting for the AWA Championship Wrestling television show. The AWA ESPN Television championship. Next week, the names of everyone on the AWA roster will be placed in a box and two names will be drawn out….those two wrestlers will face off to crown the first champion, then each week someone will be drawn out to challenge for the championship in a 15 minute time limit match. With each successful defense the champion will earn $5,000 cash. If the match goes to a draw, the title will be declared vacant and two new challengers will be drawn the following week. Again, everyone on the roster will be in the box…..so you could potentially see some very interesting matches right here on television…..you could see Hulk Hogan face Nikita Koloff for the ESPN Television title, you could see Ricky Morton face Robert Gibson for the title….you could Larry Hennig wrestle his son Curt Hennig if they both weren't suspended….but you get the idea. This will be very exciting and we look forward to bringing these matches to you each and every week here on ESPN! ====================== Match #3: The Honky Tonk Man w/Col. Johnny V pinned Randy Watson following a swinging neckbreaker ======================= Paul Jones/Nikita Koloff/Ivan Koloff/Krusher Kruschev join Ken Resnick backstage. Paul Jones says that Nikita Koloff has no problem facing Stan Hansen in a steel cage match to prove to everyone that he is the greatest World Champion in professional wrestling. Jones says so far there hasn't been any so called World Champion to step up and answer the challenge laid down last week at Gold Rush and he knows why….because they are all cowards! Jones goes on to say that Bob Backlund is a crazy old man with dementia, Magnum TA is a punk kid how hasn't earned his title, and that Nick Bockwinkel is "too old and scared" to ever show his face in the AWA again. Jones says that Rage in the Cage will be the end of Stan Hansen and then he can go live in Japan since they seem to believe the "hype" that he's tough over there. Ivan says if the Hennigs and Scott Hall are smart, they will find somewhere else to wrestle and not return from their suspension by Comrade Blackburn. ======================= Match #4: Wendi Richter w/Capt. Lou Albano pinned Leilani Kai following a dropkick from the 2nd rope ======================= COMMERCIALS ======================= Match #5: "Macho Man" Randy Savage w/Ms. Elizabeth pinned Buck Spivey following an elbow drop from the top rope, at one point the Missing Link was shown standing in the aisle gawking at Elizabeth but turned and left when the match ended before Savage noticed he was there. ====================== Fiesta Garden Recap The Fiesta Garden returned this week with guests Hulk Hogan/Captain Lou Albano. Before the guests came out, Madril and Starr bantered back and forth and made some thinly veiled threats towards the Rock & Roll Express. They bring out Hogan and Albano and things are surprisingly cordial…..Hogan talks about his win over the Honky Tonk Man and how he's proud to be here in the AMERICAN Wrestling Association as he's a proud American and always looking to "fight for what's right". Before he can go any further, Mr. Fuji comes out along Jumbo Tsuruta and the Great Kabuki. Fuji says that Hogan is a very tough man when he's fighting an Elvis impersonator but he would stand no chance and would embarrass his beloved country if he ever faced an athlete the caliber of Jumbo Tsuruta…..Hogan tells them to name the time and place…..Jumbo manages to get out "May 31st". Captain Lou says, "We'll be there!" Hulk says, "You got it, brother!" ======================= Match #6: Stan 'the Lariat' Hansen destroyed Roy Munson after beating him all around the ringside area then tossing him back in the ring and giving him a lariat and then pinning him! (Larry Nelson approaches Hansen at ringside to try and get a word but gets shoved down and trampled as he storms his way back down the aisle) ====================== COMMERCIALS ====================== Match #7 MAIN EVENT Grudge Tag Team Match Tommy "Wildfire" Rich/Mr. Olympia Vs. "Mad Dog" Buzz Sawyer/"Dirty" Dick Slater The bell rang and this one never even resembled a tag match as Rich paired off brawling with Sawyer while Olympia tied up with Slater….eventually the action spilled out of the ring and into the crowd…..the referee finally had to declare it a 'no contest' as the show went off the air with Rich and Sawyer swinging chairs at each other back in about the fourth row…. © 1985 American Wrestling Association

TV starts out with big Grizzly Muldoon and we now know that we'll be seeing the battle of the big men as he faces Andre tonight on NBC!! I mentioned this in my comments on Spaldoni's show…..but I love the Fullers, especially Robert and I can't wait to see the adventures of the "Southern Gentleman" in the WWF! Tons of potential for great entertainment here, such as the "used car salesman" line from Bruno! I still have nightmares about the "New Coke" debacle when it briefly seemed you'd no longer be able to drink "Good Coke" lol Did you really think you were gonna be able to slip Terry Allen back in here and the Champ wasn't going to do anything about it??? That title is HIS!!!! HIIIISSSSSS!!!!! Some great promos and a nice win from "Dr. D" and now we're ready for SATURDAY NIGHT'S MAIN EVENT!!! I read this Saturday night at the same time it used to come on when I was a kid which made it even more fun! Perhaps the best promo yet from Backlund to open the show and you've got the feel of the SNME opening down…..I can see it all in my head play out just like the classic SNME shows of my childhood…kudos for capturing the feel of both this and Superstars. Well done on the subtle jab at the AWA in the opening promos….lol. I'm excited for Gorilla Monsoon to be calling the action Starting out hot with the tag title match is a great move……The Fantastics look strong but the Bulldogs escape with the titles leaving plenty of room for more great matches with these teams in the future. The Andre/Muldoon match was exactly what it needed to be….and we'll see what's next for Andre Great title match…..keeps Backlund crazy/Graham strong and further plants the seeds of Backlund vs. Bruno! Holy Shit!! Wrestlemania is coming!! Glad to see the Gunslingers didn't get mowed down by the Red Scare, I think they could have some good title matches with the Bulldogs at the very least on house shows. Wow….I can't put over enough how well written the battle royal was….although I was really hoping for a surprise return and win from Outback Jack…..but Ken Patera is a good choice as well. Excellent show! You've set the bar super high for all future Saturday Night's Main Event but you always deliver so I'm looking forward to them and certainly excited for WRESTLEMANIA!!

Another great tv bringing us closer to the HUGE Parade of Champions! You are the undisputed master of original tag teams in this game. Pairings I would have never thought to put together work seamlessly and you have to wonder why it never happened in real life! Oliver/Cooley vs. Miller/Rich is a great match for tv that keeps everybody hot and continues to build towards their singles matches at POC. If you can't tell by some of my past booking I'm a huge fan of the Fullers and I'm super excited to see Ron turn up here and Robert in the WWF. They are such great natural promos….and Ron Bass is an excellent opponent for the Tennessee Stud here in the USWA. Sonny King and the Movement are so super confident, I can't wait to see who the Grapplers have up their sleeves as their Mystery Partner at POC! The Sivi Afi streak continues, I assume he'll be looking for a shot at some gold soon! Great angle w/Lightfoot/St. Clair/Martel! More gas is thrown on the Lawler/Adonis fire….this match is going to be wild!! I think the Karachi Vice are going to be future tag champions…..such a great combination! Bockwinkel gets another cheap shot in Kerry leading to the huge title match at POC! Kerry is on fire in the USWA but if anyone is experienced enough to hold on to the title it's Tricky Nick! Super hot main event! Nice win for the Armstrongs, let's see if they carry that momentum to the big show!!

American Wrestling Association House Show Loop A Cincinnati/Dayton/Akron/Toledo May 4th-7th, 1985 Bell time: 7:30pm Brickhouse Brown pinned TNT with a sunset flip The Samurai Machines w/Mr. Fuji defeated The High Flyers (Greg Gagne/Jim Brunzell) when SM #1 pinned Gagne a hitting him with Fuji's cane while Fuji had the referee distracted Krusher Kruschev w/Paul Jones pinned "Big" Scott Hall w/Curt Hennig with his feet on the ropes Blackjack Mulligan/Kendall Windham defeated the Long Riders (Bill/Scott Irwin) when BJM pinned Bill Irwin after a powerslam…..after the match the Long Riders jumped Mulligan/Windham and left them laying The Great Kabuki w/Mr. Fuji defeated Rocky Johnson by count out when Johnson jumped out of the ring and chased Fuji down the aisle after the 2nd time Fuji tripped him SEMI-MAIN EVENT The Rock & Roll Express/Hulk Hogan w/Capt. Lou Albano defeated The California Connection/The Honky Tonk Man w/Johnny V when Hogan pinned Embry following a legdrop MAIN EVENT AWA World Heavyweight Championship "The Russian Nightmare" Nikita Koloff w/Paul Jones defeated Tommy "Wildfire" Rich with a 'Russian Sickle' American Wrestling Association House Show Loop B Chicago/Moline/Aurora/Rockford May 4th-7th, 1985May 4th-7th, 1985 Bell time: 7pm Dino Bravo pinned The Executioner following a side suplex The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair/Brad Armstrong) defeated The PYT Express (Koko Ware/Norvell Austin) when Blair pinned Ware after Austin walked out and abandoned him 12 minutes into the match Mr. Olympia fought "Mad Dog" Buzz Sawyer to a 15 minute time limit draw Jumbo Tsuruta pinned "Chief" Wahoo McDaniel with a bridging German suplex Special Challenge Match "Macho Man" Randy Savage w/Ms. Elizabeth defeated The Missing Link by DQ when Link headbutted the referee SEMI-MAIN EVENT Stan 'the Lariat' Hansen pinned 'the Russian Bear' Ivan Koloff by pinfall after a 'Lariat' MAIN EVENT "Nature Boy" Ric Flair/"Rowdy" Roddy Piper defeated The Pringle Dynasty (Austin Idol/Buddy Landel) w/Percy Pringle when Flair made Idol submit to the 'figure four leglock'

Great house show card for the Garden! Good win for the Hillbillies who have to be looking to try and get a shot at the winners of the upcoming tag team title match Surprised to see Horner take Kelly to the limit here...Hart and Sunshine's first night here at MSG didn't go as planned Great night for the Heenan Family Fans have to be excited to see Sarge get his hand raised after battling big Nikolai HUGE win for the Superstar....for anyone thinking Graham is washed up and doesn't have a chance against Backlund this victory will go a long way towards changing fans perception of the Superstar Great booking in the main event...Backlund is protected and furthers his unhinged persona while Andre gets a shot in on Muldoon but fans still wanna see these two tie up one on one at some point.

AWA Championship Wrestling Presents GOLD RUSH '85 A live television special on ESPN Sunday May 3, 1985 Airing at 7pm cst (RESULTS IN QUICK RECAP FORM-Except Piper's Pit) Larry Nelson welcomes everyone to AWA's special presentation of AWA Championship Wrestling GOLD RUSH live here on ESPN. He quickly runs down tonight's card and then sends us to ringside for our opening bout! ==================== Match #1: AWA Ladies Championship Sherri Martel w/"Luscious" Johnny V pinned Candi Devine with a small package and a handful of tights ==================== Ric Flair cuts a promo saying Buddy Landel is a goof and tonight he will show him why he's the one and only Nature Boy left in professional wrestling when he takes his title and shuts his big mouth while his buddies helplessly watch on while handcuffed to Blackjack Mulligan and Kendall Windham. ==================== Match #2: AWA North American Tag Team Championship 30 Minute Time Limit- Rematch The Rock & Roll Express (Ricky Morton/Robert Gibson) defeated The California Connection (John Tatum/Eric Embry) w/"Luscious" Johnny V when Morton pinned Embry with a sunset flip off the top rope……after the match, Los Mega Stars (Al Madril/Chicky Starr) w/TNT came to ringside and challenged the Rock & Roll Express to a championship match as the show went to commercial =================== COMMERCIALS =================== (The camera cuts to the Piper's Pit set where 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper walks out to a huge ovation) Piper: "Welcome once again to the one and only Piper's Pit! If you didn't know what Piper's Pit is all about, then last week gave you a crash course as we had Stan Hansen and Nikita Koloff nose to nose out here and in a short while hopefully those two will cripple each other for your entertainment here on ESPN…..for those who wondered why I let that Commie get away with choking me last week…believe me…..when the time is right….ol' Nikita will regret crossing 'Hot Rod'…..but that's for another day and time…..tonight we've got a major guest….one of the fastest rising stars in all of professional wrestling today…..the MACHO MAN RANDY SAVAGE!!" (Pomp and Circumstance plays as the Macho Man makes his way onto the set of Piper's Pit) Piper: "Greetings Mr. Savage…..do you prefer Mr. Savage? Macho? Randy? Randall? Angelo Jr.?" Savage: "Yeah, Mr. Savage will do just fine…UH HUH." Piper: "Alright, Mr. Savage it is then. So tell me Mr. Savage….what brings a man such as yourself to the AWA?" Savage: "Well Hot Rod, I would say that's a good question but actually it's not a good question….yeeahh, I'm here in the AWA because this is the Major League of Professional Wrestling…yeaahhh! Some of the biggest stars in the wrestling business such as yourself….such as Ric Flair….such as Stan Hansen….such as Hulk Hogan…reside here and the list goes on and on yeaahhhh." Piper: "Well Mr. Savage, I guess that's fair to say…..now here's a question for ya….it seems almost everyone here in the AWA has to have some sorta manager….even Hogan has fat Lou Albano with him……do you plan to have a manager?" Savage: "Freak OUT YEAAAHH! It's crazy you should bring that up because as an EXCLUSIVE for you right here in your Pit, I'm going to introduce my manager yeaahhh!" Piper: "Wait..wait…let me guess. Who could it be….let's see is that that wimpy blimp, Percy Pringle." Savage: "NOPE…not even close, Hot Rod!!" Piper: "Is it that goofy Johnny V?" Savage: "Come on Roddy, give me some credit here, brother…NOT A CHANCE!" Piper: "Then I suppose it must be that devious snake in the grass, Mr. Fuji!" Savage: "I squint a lot Piper, but not that much…YEEAAHH! Oh and before you ask…NOPE, not Paul Jones either…..So do ya give up??" Piper: "Wait a second?? You mean to tell me that you're with Albano too??" Savage: (turns around in disgust for a moment) "My manager is a 'guiding light'….but it's not Captain Lou….it's the beautiful……..MISS ELIZABETH!! OHHH YEAAHH!!" (the music plays once again and out walks the lovely Miss Elizabeth) Piper: "Well, well Mr. Savage I must say your taste in managers is much better than most." Savage: "Easy Piper! Let's not get cross this soon….I just got here, brother." Piper: "You take it easy….I ain't hittin' on her…I'm just saying she's prettier than that list of trolls we just named off…..(suddenly the Missing Link wanders onto the set) Umm, Can I help you, Mr. Green Person?" Savage: "Look…I'm the guest here, brother…..you need to take off!" (Link looks at Savage for a moment….then turns his attention to Elizabeth….he reaches for her hand, Savage smacks it away) Savage: "Listen, brother…..I don't know you and you seem like you may be a bit uh…touched…..but if you don't leave I'm going to touch you with my fists, you got it?" Piper: "What's with everybody just walking out here on my Pit every week…..listen pal, hit the bricks this isn't your interview." (Link turns and glares at Piper….then grabs his tuft of hair and nails Savage with a huge headbutt shattering his glasses and knocking him to the ground…Elizabeth immediately checks on Randy as Link reaches for her…Piper shoves him away) Piper: "What the hell is your problem, man?! (Link wanders off) Somebody come check on Savage, he's bleeding." (the show abruptly ends) =================== A video package airs of everything leading up to Flair vs. Landel =================== Match #3: AWA North American Heavyweight Championship Austin Idol handcuffed to Blackjack Mulligan at ringside Percival Pringle III handcuffed to Kendall Windham at ringside "Nature Boy" Ric Flair defeated "Nature Boy" Buddy Landel by DQ when The Long Riders hit the ring and attacked Flair while he had Landel locked into the figure four leglock =================== COMMERCIALS =================== Match #4: Special Challenge Match Hulk Hogan w/"Captain" Lou Albano pinned The Honky Tonk Man w/"Col." Johnny V. following an "Atomic Leg Drop"…..In the post match- Captain Lou waves the American flag while Hulk Hogan poses with Bruce Springsteen's 'Born in the USA' playing in the background =================== A highlight video airs of Los Mega Stars wrestling down in the WWC in Puerto Rico during their recent suspension for attacking the Samoan Swat Team. =================== Match #5: SEMI-MAIN EVENT AWA World Tag Team Championship Ivan Koloff/Krusher Kruschev w/Paul Jones fights "Big" Scott Hall/Curt Hennig w/Larry Hennig to a 'No Contest' as both teams are counted out after the match breaks down into a four way brawl at ringside! =================== COMMERCIALS =================== Highlights of Nikita storming the ring after Hansen won the title from Dibiase and from last week's Piper's Pit confrontation =================== Match #6: MAIN EVENT AWA World Heavyweight Championship Stan 'the Lariat' Hansen Vs. "The Russian Nightmare" Nikita Koloff w/Paul Jones & Ivan Koloff The fans are on the edge of their seats for this one. As the bell rings Hansen is one corner and Nikita is in another corner……Nikita walks out to the center of the ring…..and gives a big pose….Hansen charges and NAILS NIKITA WITH A LARIAT!! NIKITA IS DOWN….NIKITA IS DOWN!! Paul Jones jumps up on the ring apron and Hansen charges and blasts him off the ring with a lariat of his own…as Nikita struggling to get up…..Ivan jumps up on the apron on the opposite side….Hansen charges across the ring and blasts Ivan with a lariat knocking him to the floor as well …..as he turns back around…..Nikita floors him with a RUSSIAN SICKLE!! HANSEN IS DOWN!! Nikita takes a few steps back as Hansen rolls around on the mat and tries to get back to his feet and just as he does…..NIKITA BLASTS HIM WITH ANOTHER RUSSIAN SICKLE!!! Nikita covers him and hooks the leg….1---2---3!!! We have a new AWA World Heavyweight Champion!! "The Russian Nightmare" Nikita Koloff!!! As Hansen tries to make sense out of what just happened, Krusher Kruschev and Ivan Koloff collect Paul Jones off the floor and leave ringside along with the new champion as they come through the curtain and are met by Larry Nelson! Nelson: "Nikita Koloff, you've done it! You are the new AWA World Heavyweight Champion!" Nikita: "OF COURSE I AM!! I tell you one week ago Stan Handsome on Piper Pits…..a Cowboy is no match for a superior Russian athlete! NOW…I beat all challenger…Roddy Pipurer, Rich Flares, Randy Macho, Austin Idols, and Jumbo Sturootuh! I will beat them all RUSSIA #1!" (Paul Jones struggling to recover and brag) Jones: "That's right….Nikita Koloff is the REAL World Champion!! We're putting out a challenge to every so called champion in the wrestling world…..anyone who claims to be a World Champion….Bob Backlund, Magnum T.A., Nick Bockwinkel, any of you! Nikita will take you all on at once and beat you to prove he's the true World Champion!" (Before Jones can say anything else, Stan Hansen storms the set and brawls with Nikita as the show goes off the air!!)

David Sammartino has arrived! Let's hope no one takes out any frustration they have with Bruno on young David! Great job with 'Mr. Charisma' Jack Tunney, I could really hear his voice while reading his promo….I'm super excited to see the IC title coming back….another great reason to tune in for Saturday Night's Main Event! I always liked Patera's spinning full nelson…but that will be hard to apply in a battle royal! Then again Patera's brute strength should serve him well to pitch people out of said battle royal. RAMBO!!!! Fantastics vs. the British Bulldogs are one of those rare 'dream matches' that pop up in the game that never happened in their prime and with the added fun of the Bulldogs being heel along with Heenan in their corner makes the a possible show stealer for SNME! WOW…..I was a big fan of your depiction of 'Dr. D' in the game previously but fresh off of watching the Dark Side of the Ring episode this week with Schultz made this feel like reading a transcript from a Schultz promo….I could hear every word and it managed to get me excited to see a "Dr. D" vs. SD Jones match next week….such great lines in this one! Between Schultz and Backlund, WWF will continue to be must see TV each week! Even though IRL they didn't accomplish as much as a team I always felt the Volkoff/Zhukov duo were a better team than Volkoff/Sheik….I preferred Sheik as a single although I certainly understood why they stuck him in a team at this point in his career……The Red Scare name is fun and I love seeing all the original team names everyone comes up with in the game! No better way to close out a WWF show than the great Andre the Giant…..OHHH MYYY!! I'm looking forward to seeing Muldoon get a piece of Andre! Another great episode of Superstars!

Sonny King reacts exactly as you would expect with Ayala losing the Central States title to Colon The Lawler/Adonis feud continues to get more heated each and every week….I can't wait for these two to face off at POC! Slinker has given up on finding a partner to beat American Made, now he's gone to Japan to find a team that can take them down…..this is going to be the biggest test yet for the American Made TAPED FIST MATCH!! This will be a brutal classic straight outta WWC! Looking forward to this one….I think Carlos' title reign may be short lived! Ron Bass is pissed!! That's going to be bad for somebody! The Grapplers have been great champions here in the USWA but the Movement have proven time and time again….they are not to be taken lightly….The Grapplers may have met their match this time around unless they bring somebody who can have their back at POC! Bock has all the confidence in the world….but it's tough to beat a Von Erich in Texas. Great house show with a couple of big stand out matches….namely Martel vs. Colon and that huge main event that sees Bullet Bob get a pin fall over Blanchard heading into POC which can't get here soon enough…..the definition of a MEGA SHOW!

AWA Championship Wrestling Recorded: April 24, 1985 Airing: Saturday April 25, 1985 nationwide on ESPN The Tropicana Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, New Jersey (Opening video plays and we go to Larry Nelson who has some exciting news about next week's show) Nelson: "Hello and welcome once again to AWA Championship Wrestling, we have a great show in store for you today as we will see for the first time ever here on EPSN….Piper's Pit…and Roddy Piper's guest will be none other than….the AWA World Heavyweight Champion, Stan 'the Lariat' Hansen! That is going to be intense to say the least! We will also have an AWA North American Tag Team Title match in our main event as The Rock and Roll Express will defend against the California Connection with their manager 'Luscious' Johnny V……along so much more here tonight….however, some big news to report….Verne Gagne and Stanley Blackburn have been in meetings all day with executives at ESPN and we are happy to announce that right here next week we are going to have an extended AWA Championship Wrestling live special entitled, Gold Rush….in which every AWA championship will be defended right here on television! We will give you the full card at the conclusion of this broadcast as matchmakers are currently hard at work to give you the best card possible for this television special right here next week." (Mr. Fuji walks in with his new tag team who are both dressed like the Super Strong Machine) Nelson: "Mr. Fuji, I understand you are debuting your new tag team here tonight." Fuji: "Ah yes boy-san, Mr. Fuji have great new tag team from Japan…they are the Samurai Machines and they will be best tag team in AWA….champions very soon Larry-san!" Nelson: "Speaking of champions in the AWA, your man Jumbo Tsuruta came very close to winning the World Championship from Stan Hansen over in Tokyo." Fuji: "Tsuruta should be champion today, but they no let Fuji go to Tokyo for title match….it great conspiracy you see, Larry-san…but next week during Gold Rushes, I'm sure it will be Jumbo-san who gets rematch with crazy cowboy champion…..and when he does…BANZAI!! New champion!" (Fuji and the Samurai Machines (Angel of Death/Butch Moffat under hoods exit) ============================== Match #1: Rocky Johnson pinned Norvell Austin with a backslide In his post match promo with Ken Resnick, Rocky Johnson said that he will seek out the Honky Tonk Man soon enough….but right now his focus is on Mr. Kabuki, he says he refuses to call him the 'Great' Kabuki because there's nothing 'Great' about a man who would "spit in somebodies face" like Kabuki did to him during the Lumberjack Match….he's told Stanley Blackburn that he wants a match with Kabuki and he wants it soon! ============================== COMMMERCIALS ============================== Match #2: The Samurai Machines (#1/#2) w/Fuji defeated Jack Reed/Floyd Johnson when #1 hit Reed with a knee to the chest from the top rope followed by the pin ============================== Promo: "Big" Scott Hall/Curt Hennig/Larry Hennig join Larry Nelson in the back Nelson: "Guys, I know you have a lot on your mind but AWA President Stanley Blackburn stated we will not be discussing the AWA World Tag Team title situation here on television." The Axe: "You listen to me, Larry Nelson…..Blackburn may not talk about it….and YOU may not talk about it….but these boys got railroaded and we're fixing to talk about it….and if ONE WORD of this doesn't make air…..I will personally pay a visit to whomever edits it out!" Curt: "Thanks Dad, you know it makes me question if Stanly Blackburn is on the take…..we got the shaft and he doesn't want us to talk about it! Well that's bull….the fact of the matter is this, Madril and Chicky Starr took out the Samoans, having won the four corners match earlier that night WE were the declared the number one contenders and we BEAT the Russian team, we left the arena that night with the belts after being declared the champions and then suddenly Blackburn has a referee come take the belts from us in Cleveland and he hands them back to the Russians." Hall: "If you ask me…..I think it was another case of Paul Jones throwing some money around to get their titles back…plain and simple." The Axe: "What does it look like to you, Larry Nelson?" Nelson: (nervously) "Ummm, it looks like to me, we're out of time…back to ringside for our next match!" ============================== Match #3 Tommy "Wildfire" Rich pinned Randy Watson with a 'Thesz Press' As Rich was about to speak with Ken Resnick, Buzz Sawyer and Dick Slater attacked but before they could do any serious damage, Mr. Olympia came running down with a baseball bat causing Sawyer/Slater to retreat =============================== COMMERCIALS =============================== (As the show returns from commercial: Ken Resnick is joined in the ring by Captain Lou Albano and Wendi Richter) Albano: "Ken Resnick, please tell me why I'm hearing that Sherri Martel is defending her title here next week and my girl Wendi Richter, the rightful number one contender is not getting her shot until May 31st?" Resnick: "I have no idea why that is, Captain." (Meanwhile Johnny V, Sherri Martel, and the Honky Tonk Man enter the ring) Valiant: "Because we said so, fatso….that's why!" Albano: "Then what the hell are you doing out here right now?" Valiant: "We're here to call you out for being a liar!" Albano: "Lying about what??" Valiant: "Well….that could take all day Albano, you lie all the time….but specifically about you saying out here a few weeks ago you were bringing a so called huge superstar to the AWA….well look at you….not only do you not have a huge superstar….you don't even have your goofy Samoans anymore!" Albano: "Oh…I have a huge superstar, in fact he'll be here next week for the big Gold Rush show." HTM: "Albano, you know as well as I do that's not true. Not to mention the only huge superstar here in the AWA is me…..the Honky Tonk Man…no one else can measure up to my superstardom!" Valiant: "If you really have somebody and this isn't another one of your schemes….then tell us who it is!" Albano: "I'll tell you…..I'll tell you right now….but on one condition." Valiant: "Ok, liar…..just name it." Albano: "That Honky Tonk here agrees to wrestle him right here on television next week." (Johnny/HTM/Sherri have a side bar) HTM: "Deal, I'll beat any ham and egger jabroni you can scrape up from the retirement home….so, yeah I'll face him…..who is it?" Albano: "Just some ham and egger jabroni…….who goes by the name of……..HULK HOGAN!!" (The fans roar as HTM and Johnny V look really rattled as Albano and Wendi leave the ring smiling) =============================== COMMERCIALS =============================== Match #4: AWA North American Championship Match "Nature Boy" Buddy Landel w/PP3 defeated Brickhouse Brown by submission with the figure four leglock after Brown was tripped by Pringle, allowing Landel to hit the 'corkscrew elbow drop' and then lock in the figure four leglock (Ken Resnick approaches Landel/Pringle at ringside) Resnick: "Champ, I wanted to share some news with you and make sure you are one of the first to know." Landel: "First of all, let me just say this….didn't anyone tell you that you could come up with any name you wanted and your going with Ken Resnick? That's stupid." Resnick: "Ok, BUDDY….we can't all have cool names, I guess…..but I really think you're going to wanna hear the news I have to tell you." Landel: "Oh you think you're fixing to drop a bombshell on me, Ken Redneck or whatever your dumb name is…..well guess what? I already know what you're going to say….Ric Flair has been cleared to wrestle….so what! Big deal! I already heard." PP3: "You goofy announcer, you can't get one over on the Pringle Dynasty! We're always two steps ahead of everyone!' Resnick: "Ok, great….so then you guys already know that Buddy has to defend his North American title here next week at Gold Rush against Ric Flair then?" Landel: "Of course we do….Wait!! What did you say?" Resnick: "So being two steps ahead….you clearly already know that Austin Idol will be handcuffed at ringside to Blackjack Mulligan?" Landel: "Obviously I do….hold on! What!?!? Resnick: "I assume it's no secret to you then that, Percy Pringle will be handcuffed to Kendall Windham…" PP3: "Have you lost your mind? Who told you these lies?? NONE of this is happening, Ken Resnick!" Resnick: "I just confirmed all of this with Verne Gagne before I came to ringside!" Landel: "Who the hell does Verne Gagne think he is?? He can't do this!!" Resnick: "He's the owner, BUDDY…..he can do whatever he wants." Landel: "He's the owner? Greg Gagne's dad owns this thing?? You didn't tell me that, Percy….I hate Verne Gagne, Ken Redneck…..his name is dumber than yours……what the hell is happening around here….First, I hear somebody say Hulk Hogan is coming and now this….I just defended my title against Outhouse Brown…..I'm good for another thirty days!" Resnick: "I suggest you start getting ready….good luck, Naitch…" (Landel shoves Resnick to the ground) Landel: "It's bad enough I'm getting jacked around by the owner but I will not be disrespected by you worthless announcers…..I'm the champion! Bring it on Flair….I'll have you back on your couch with stitches quicker than you can say…..WOOOO! See ya next week, Flair!" PP3: "The Dynasty always wins…..you'll learn that soon enough, Ken Resnick." ================================ COMMERCIALS ================================ (As we come back from break we cut to the set of Piper's Pit as Roddy walks out) Piper: "ESPN…..welcome to Piper's Pit, now you really are….the TOTAL SPORTS NETWORK….it's been a while since I been in the pit, of course I'm your host Roddy Piper, but you already know that. So I've got a special guest….he's the World Champion so let's get right to it….here he is…the pride of Borger, Texas…..the AWA World Champeen….Stan Hansen." (Hansen storms the set with the AWA Championship belt on his shoulder) Piper: "Hi there Mr. Hansen……the names 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper…..my friends call me 'Hot Rod', you can call me, Mr. Piper." Hansen: (smiles) "Is that right? Well, how about I call ya, 'sweetie' seein' as how you wear a skirt and all." Piper: "It's called a kilt, and I can't say I'm shocked to hear you call me sweetie….since I've always heard there's only two things that come from Texas….steers and…" (Before Piper can finish that thought…Paul Jones leads Ivan & Nikita Koloff onto the set along with Krusher Kruschev) Jones: "As much as we'd all love to hear you two Mensa members square off…..there's more important business at hand…..my client Nikita Koloff is here to formally call you out for a Championship match right here next week on television!" Piper: "First of all, Mr. Jones….is that your name son, Paul Jones." Jones: "It's number one, Paul Jones." Piper: "That's funny, because you're full of number TWO if you think you are going to come out here and take over Piper's Pit…" (Nikita grabs Piper by the throat) Nikita: "SHUT YOUR MOUF! (turns Piper loose who clutches his throat and steps back) I'm not here to talk to you, Rowdy Pipurer. I'm here to talk to the so call champion, Stan Handsome. You claim to be tough cowboy, but you nearly loose to Jumbo Suboota in Toke-e-oh in Japan. I know you fear Nikita, I no blame you…..but if you have any guts Cowboy….you face Nikita next week in the Rush Gold for title." Hansen: "Listen here, Nicky! I ain't skeered of no Jap, no Russian, or no transvestite in a plaid skirt….I'd fight all three of you for this belt if I could…..but since your english seems to suck worse than your rasslin…how about I put this in a language even YOU can understand!" (Hansen slaps the living shit out of Nikita like Rick James telling a joke to Charlie Murphy…and a wild brawl ensues as Rod Trongard yells. "Go to commercial, please…..this is out of control!!) ================================ QUICK COMMERCIAL FOR TOMORROW'S FOOTBALL LINEUP ================================ (As we return we go quickly to Larry Nelson who is in the back with Roddy Piper) Nelson: "Roddy, that Piper's Pit didn't go exactly as planned I assume." Piper: "Gee, ya think so? Listen, someday soon….Nikita Koloff will pay for putting his hands on me….but in the meantime, I hope he gets his title shot next week and I hope those two beat each other to death…..but enough about that….Hey Larry, you want an exclusive?" Nelson: "Absolutely Hot Rod! Whatcha got?" Piper: "There's a new guy making his debut in the AWA next week…..he's kind of a big deal." Nelson: "Yes, we heard that Hulk Hogan will be debuting here next week facing the Honky Tonk Man!" Piper: "Nope….not Hogan. There's another guy who will debut next week…and he's going to do it in Piper's Pit." Nelson: "Oh come on Roddy….you gotta tell us!" Piper: "Ahh….he's just a man…..a MACHO MAN….that's right kids! 'Macho Man' Randy Savage will debut next week in Piper's Pit! And if you thought this week was wild, Gertrude…..you ain't seen nothin' yet!" ==================================== Match #5 MAIN EVENT AWA NORTH AMERICAN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP The Rock & Roll Express (Ricky Morton/Robert Gibson) wrestled The California Connection (John Tatum/Eric Embry) w/"Luscious" Johnny V to a 15 minute TV time limit draw Trongard: "Well, Lord James Blears….nothing was settled here that's for sure….these guys are going to need a rematch with more time in the near future." Blears: "No question as even the champions, Morton and Gibson are not happy with this outcome." Trongard: "I’m getting word right now that Larry Nelson is backstage with Verne Gagne and they have the card for next week's GOLD RUSH event right here on ESPN!" AWA Championship Wrestling Presents GOLD RUSH '85 A live television special on ESPN Saturday May 2, 1985 Airing at 7pm cst AWA Ladies Championship Sherri Martel w/"Luscious" Johnny V Vs. Candi Devine AWA North American Tag Team Championship 30 Minute Time Limit- Rematch The Rock & Roll Express (Ricky Morton/Robert Gibson) Vs. The California Connection (John Tatum/Eric Embry) w/"Luscious" Johnny V. Piper's Pit w/"Macho Man" Randy Savage AWA North American Heavyweight Championship Austin Idol handcuffed to Blackjack Mulligan at ringside Percival Pringle III handcuffed to Kendall Windham at ringside "Nature Boy" Buddy Landel Vs. "Nature Boy" Ric Flair Special Challenge Match Hulk Hogan w/"Captain" Lou Albano Vs. The Honky Tonk Man w/"Col." Johnny V. SEMI-MAIN EVENT AWA World Tag Team Championship Ivan Koloff/Krusher Kruschev w/Paul Jones vs. "Big" Scott Hall/Curt Hennig w/Larry Hennig MAIN EVENT AWA World Heavyweight Championship Stan 'the Lariat' Hansen Vs. "The Russian Nightmare" Nikita Koloff w/Paul Jones & Ivan Koloff © 1985 American Wrestling Association

AWA places Brickhouse Brown, Norvell Austin, and Missing Link on the block

What a way to kick off the show with Tully vs. Bullet Bob! Classic southern TV wrestling here, played to perfection with a hot feud put in a match on tv when interference causes a DQ and now I'm even more motivated to see these guys go at in a match where they're able to go one on one….without interference….not to mention, Southern Justice vs. Scott/Steve still has steam as well! The Masters Gs are going to mean trouble for Adias/Young…..this should be a fun little feud. I think Ted Arcidi has to be a huge a favorite to win that POC Battle Royal Mean Mike Miller is banking some good money here in the USWA being a hired thug….who will be next victim? I think Rip Oliver will take this lying down. It will be interesting to see who steps up to take Ayala's open challenge….he seems unstoppable at this point Lawler seems pretty confident going into this fight with Adonis, but he better not underestimate Adrian, no telling what tricks he has up his sleeve for this one! Once again Wendell Cooley comes oh so close once again, but just a little bit short….but continues the fans respect with each outing……however, not the respect of Johnny Rich…."the Memphis Mafia Man" still has a bone to pick with the 'Wildcat'! American Made continues to rack up the wins! I look forward to seeing Slinker's challenge Great segment to end the show to get Bockwinkel some heat back on Kerry and let the fans know this may not be the forgone conclusion they think it is…..in the words of the Beastie Boys….Bock is "crafty". Huge card lined up that should pack the house for Parade of Champions! On to the house show! The Club draws with the Blonde….much more to come with these two teams The gourdbuster is serving Ron Bass well here as the wins continue Speaking of wins, who will stop the winning ways of Sivi Afi?? Slinker just can't find the partner that can help him get the win over American Made, perhaps he has someone special in mind for next week's challenge Ted Arcidi continues to get the best of the Avalanche. WOW! Colon capitalizes on the absence of Sonny King and manages to take the Central States title from Hercules Ayala! What a treat for the fans in Hammond! Colon better be ready to fight for his life to keep that title because Sonny King will be looking to get that rematch sooner rather than later I'm sure! A much needed with for Johnny Rich who I'm sure will try to use that momentum to get a win over this rival Wendell Cooley. MASSSIVE Main Event for the fans here…..grudges and scores to settle everywhere you look in this one! Nice win for the babyfaces here but nothing is settled heading towards POC! Great shows!

You can't have a respectable rasslin show in 1985 without some "Scufflin Hillbillies"! Bob Backlund continues to be one of my favorite reads each week...you've captured the unhinged version of Backlund so perfectly..."liberated from your wretched filthy grasp" was the line that popped me the most in this one. I enjoyed the Blassie/Volkoff segment as Kevin said you do a great job describing things that makes it so easy to visualize but my favorite thing about this was the fact that it didn't play out all at once, grab job building the suspense and hooking the viewer to stick around and see how it plays out. I had that Phil Collins cassette! Sunshine makes a smart move alligning with Jimmy Hart, baby! It will be interesting to see if they can coexist in the long run but Kelly and Big John Studd in their Stable they will be formidable for sure. Saturday Night's Main Event is building to be a can't miss event!

American Wrestling Association House Show Detroit, Michigan Wednesday April 22, 1985 Bell time: 7:30pm Dino Bravo defeated The Detroit Destroyer by submission with a bearhug The Great Kabuki w/Mr. Fuji defeated Brickhouse Brown with the 'Oriental Spike' Mr. Olympia defeated Chicky Starr w/TNT by DQ when Al Madril interfered, Madril/Starr/TNT attacked Oympia until Dino Bravo ran in to make the save The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair/Brad Armstrong defeated The PYT Express (Koko Ware/Norvell Austin) when Armstrong pinned Austin after a 'Russian Leg Sweep' No DQ/No Count Out LUMBERJACK MATCH The Honky Tonk Man w/Col. Johnny V defeated Rocky Johnson by pinfall after Great Kabuki (who was one of the Lumberjacks) sprayed green mist into the eyes of Johnson allowing HTM to pin him with a school boy roll up and a handful of tights RETURN GRUDGE MATCH Curt Hennig/"Big" Scott Hall w/Larry Hennig defeated The Long Riders (Bill/Scott Irwin) w/Percy Pringle when Hall pinned Bill Irwin after a powerslam SEMI-MAIN EVENT "The Russian Nightmare" Nikita Koloff w/#1 Paul Jones defeated "Chief" Wahoo McDaniel in 8 seconds after charging across the ring at the opening bell nailing Wahoo with a 'Russian Sickle' and scoring a pinfall MAIN EVENT TAG TEAM GRUDGE MATCH Blackjack Mulligan/Roddy Piper w/Kendall Windham defeated The Pringle Dynasty (Austin Idol/Buddy Landel) w/Percy Pringle by DQ when the Long Riders interfered which brought out Curt Hennig/Scott to make the save

Since I'm running a few days late I'm going to go ahead and post this week's tv without the pics and what not, hopefully next week I can get back to normal AWA Championship Wrestling Recorded: April 10, 1985 Airing: Saturday April 18, 1985 nationwide on ESPN The Tropicana Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, New Jersey (the show opens with highlights of the mayhem from the end of last week's show where Hall/Hennig nearly had The Long Riders defeated when Austin Idol/Buddy Landel hit the ring and attacked Hall and Hennig until Roddy Piper hit the ring with a chair to make the save as the show went off the air……we then go to the opening video and then to our host, Larry Nelson) Nelson: "Hello and welcome to AWA Championship Wrestling and you just saw the craziness that took place last week at the end of the show, what you didn't see was all the craziness that took place in Peoria and Milwaukee, AWA President Stanley Blackburn has ruled that the AWA World Tag Team title situation will not be discussed here on television, I can only tell you that Ivan Koloff and Krusher Kruschev are still your AWA World Tag Team Champions. Also Mr. Blackburn has ruled due to all the chaos that took place during and after our main event last week no one involved in that match will be here this week on location…..now we will be hearing via videotape from the Pringle Dynasty and we'll also be hearing from Ric Flair who is currently at home convalescing from the injuries suffered at the hands of Percy Pringle's Pringle Dynasty. Despite all that we will have plenty of action for you this week as we'll be seeing highlights from Tokyo, Japan of Stan Hansen defending the AWA World title against Jumbo Tsuruta, we'll also see The High Flyers taking on The California Connection in a match where the winners will get a shot at the Rock & Roll Express next week on tv for the AWA North American tag team titles…..all that and a lot more but right now let's get down to ringside with Rod Trongard and Lord James Blears." ========================= Match #1: Dino Bravo pinned Randy Watson following a 'gut wrench suplex' ========================= (Ken Resnick is at ringside with Wendi Richter and Capt. Lou Albano) Resnick: "Wendi Richter, you've said since you arrived here in the AWA that you want a shot at the AWA Ladies Championship and so far you've been ignored….Sherri Martel hasn't acknowledged your challenge up til now but recently you've pinned Sherri Martel in some tag team matches and you feel you can no longer be ignored." Richter: "That's right Ken, how can you not give a title shot to the only woman in the company that's defeated you? Albano: "There's no disputing this Ken Resnick…..it's indisputable….Wendi Richter has pinned Sherri….she's proven she can beat the champion so there's no reason on earth that my girl Wendi here shouldn't be the Ladies Champion as we speak!" (Johnny V and Sherri Martel stroll down to ringside) Valiant: "I’m sorry Ken Resnick but what is this fat troll out here babbling about?" Albano: "My girl Wendi Richter should get a shot at Sherri Martel's Ladies title….it's indisputable…it can't be disputed." Martel: "Listen Albano, you fat sow! First of all just because she got lucky in some random meaningless tag team match….it doesn't mean she deserves a title match so shut your stupid mouth!" Richter: "Sherri, just admit it….you're scared of me and you know good and well if you have to face me you'll lose your belt!" Valiant: (steps towards Wendi) "Listen honey…Sherri will give you a title shot….but it's going to be a big deal when you face each other….Sherri wants to make the most money possible when she beats you…..so here's the deal, sweetheart. None of these goofs in the crowd know this but the AWA has a huge show coming to Minneapolis on May 31st….and if you sign the dotted line…THAT is when you can get a title shot." Richter: "That's over a month away, but hey….if that's what it takes…..then that's fine by me….show me a contract and I'll sign it." Valiant: "Unfortunately, I don't just carry contracts around with me….however we can make it official with a handshake." (Sherri puts her hand out…and Wendi shakes it……as that's happening Johnny V charges towards Albano ramming him into the ring post….as Wendi turns to check on Lou, Sherri nails her in the back of the head with the championship belt…leaving Wendi laid out on the floor next to Albano who is bleeding) ========================== COMMMERCIALS ========================== Match #2: "Mad Dog" Buzz Sawyer & "Dirty" Dick Slater defeated Frank Reynolds/Buck Spivey when Sawyer pinned Reynolds after a splash from the top rope After the match: Buzz Sawyer grabs a microphone and looks right into the camera yelling "TOMMY RICH.…WHEREEVER YOU ARE..STAY THERE!! YOU HAVE NO FRIENDS….YOU HAVE NO ALLIES….WE WON'T STOP UNTIL WE END YOUR CAREER!!!" ============================ Rod Trongard says that we are now going to the home of 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair. (Ric Flair is sitting in his home on a couch, his head is bandaged and his right arm is in a sling) Flair: "It pains me to say that I underestimated Percy Pringle and his band of cowards……they did a number on me….they really did and now because I let that happen….my good friend Roddy Piper is out there getting double teamed because every time he tries to wrestle one of these cowards, the other interferes….so Piper got mad and told Stanley Blackburn that if he has to fight them both then just put them both in the ring in front of him so he doesn't have to watch his back…..Well Hot Rod, I'll do you one better my friend….I convinced Stanley Blackburn to make it a tag team match…because I've got more than one friend…..and I just happen to have a good friend visiting me here today who said he's more than happy to fly to Detroit and team with ol' Hot Rod." (the camera pulls back to reveal Blackjack Mulligan sitting at the other end of the couch) BJM: "That's right Naitch! I'll be more than happy to take care of those beach blonde sissies! Buddy Landel, we're no strangers and Austin Idol…you damn sure know who I am as well. Oh and don’t think I forgot about you, Percy….I'm gonna bring my boy Kendall to be in our corner to make sure you don't stick your pudgy little nose in the match……and if there's anything left when we get done with you two…..then Naitch can have the rest when he gets back!" Flair: "I LOVE IT! So get ready boys! You've got 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper and Blackjack Mulligan coming for ya and I wouldn't wanna be you for anything in this world….WOOOOOOO!" (END VTR) ============================ Match #3: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair/Brad Armstrong) defeated The Hammer Brothers (Jack/Sledge) when Blair pinned Jack with a sunset flip ============================= (Larry Nelson is backstage) Nelson: "The footage you saw earlier from Ric Flair was sent to the Pringle Dynasty, this was their response." (VTR: Percy Pringle/Austin Idol/Buddy Landel are inside a limo) PP3: "We crippled Ric Flair and his career is over….let's put that out there first." Landel: "That's exactly right Percy, so let me get this straight….we took out Ric Flair, Roddy Piper is so scared of us he has to bring a weapon so he doesn't have to fight us man to man….and now he's called up his buddy this big dumb cowboy Flapjack Mulligan or whatever and I guess we're supposed to be scared? Do you understand I'm the North American Heavyweight Champion? That means, I won a fancy belt that proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that I'm the best wrestler in the ENTIRE continent of North America and you think that we're supposed to shake in our boots because you went out and got the real live version of Yosemite Sam to team up with that skirt wearing bagpipe playing loser Rodney Piper…..oh and I almost forgot the kicker…..their bringing Ken Doll Windham to be in their corner to supposedly 'take care' of Percy Pringle…..well I got news for you Flapjack, that beanpole you call a son won't stand a chance against ol' Hard Body Percy Pringle, ain't that right Idol?" Idol: "It's pretty humorous honestly as Ric Flair sits at home all busted up by us…..he has to call in favors from his buddies because he's not able to get the job done himself…..so he sits at home and expects somebody else to do it for him. That's fine Flair, bring them on…..bring them all on….Blackjack Mulligan and his anorexic kid can end up on the couch with you for good…with their own slings, casts, bandages, and whatever else the hospital gives them when we send them there. We are not like the rest of these guys…..this isn't Paul Jones or Johnny Valiant over here….this is Percival Pringle the third! We are what we say we are…..we are a Dynasty…..the best of the best….we'll be waiting in Detroit….so bring it on and let's see what you got, Cowboy!" PP3: "You see there Ric Flair, my guys are ready…..we fear no one least of all you or any of your so called friends….as for Kendall Windham, you put your hands on me and I won't be responsible for the consequences!" Landel: "Calm down Percy, we know what happens when you get angry and I promise the people watching this tv show don't want to have to see that…..I'm sure they see enough of that in the trailer park they live in…..or the inner city slum or whatever unfortunate living situation I'm sure your in……you don't ride around in limos like the real Nature Boy, Buddy Landel. You don't know what it's like to be a champion…..in closing just let me say that I hate you Ric Flair and I hope you never wrestle again….Rodney Piper, you’re a crossdresser and a nobody in this business compared to us and you're going to wish you minded your own business…..and Flapjack Mulligan, it's time someone put you out to pasture….and we're just the guys to do it…..Ken Doll Windham, go eat a sandwich….and Larry Nelson, brush your hair you look like a homeless panhandler." (END VTR) ============================= COMMERCIALS ============================= Match #4: The Honky Tonk Man w/Col. Johnny V defeated Parker Williams after a swinging neckbreaker (Ken Resnick approaches HTM and Johnny V following his match) Resnick: "Honky Tonk Man, in your first match with Rocky Johnson you got yourself counted out, in your rematch, Johnny V came in and purposely got you disqualified…this Wednesday in Detroit…Stanley Blackburn has signed a no disqualification, no count out, lumberjack match between Rocky Johnson and yourself….there will be no escape." HTM: "Listen here Ken Resnick, has the Honky Tonk Man ever said I'm the toughest FIGHTER in the AWA?" Resnick: "I don't guess so." HTM: "That's right Ken Resnick because I'm not a fighter. I don't box, I don't brawl. I'm an entertainer and a professional WRESTLER! Every time I step in the ring with this Rocky Johnson, he's throwing punches and trying to street fight because that's what he is….a thug, a street fighter….he's not an entertainer like me that can sing and dance……he's not a trained technical rassler such as myself…..but if he insists that I lower myself to his level……then so be it. I tried to take the high road with you SOUL MAN….gimme a break, the only sole you've got is on the bottom of your shoes Rocky Johnson……you wanna fight, then let's fight Rocky….just remember when it's over….you asked for this….be careful what you ask for…because once I get going on you Johnson, it'll be too late to say 'don't be cruel' and you'll find yourself a loser down at the end of lonely street at….what's that place called Colonel?" Valiant: "Oh I believe it's called…..Heartbreak Hotel…" HTM: "You know it is Colonel, and I think we better get outta here cause Ken Resnick looks….all shook up." (HTM and Johnny V leave) Resnick: "I can't wait to see Rocky pummel him again….now let's take a look at 'the Russian Nightmare' Nikita Koloff's insane training regimen." ============================= A training montage is shown of Nikita Koloff over in Moscow during his time on suspension ============================= Match #5: (Footage from Tokyo Japan) AWA World Championship Stan 'the Lariat' Hansen defeated Jumbo Tsuruta by pinfall with the lariat after a very hard hitting action with some very near falls back and forth (After the match, Hansen yells in the camera, "Come try to get this belt, Nicky") ============================= COMMERCIALS ============================= Stanley Blackburn says at this time it was scheduled to be the Fiesta Garden with special guest Mr. Fuji, but due to Al Madril and Chicky Starr's unprovoked attack on the Samoans in Peoria last week they've been suspended from television for three weeks. However, for the next two weeks beginning with next week's episode….replacing the Fiesta Garden will be……..PIPER'S PIT!" ============================= Match #6: MAIN EVENT Winners will get a shot at the North American Tag Team Titles The California Connection (John Tatum/Eric Embry) w/Johnny V. defeated The High Flyers (Greg Gagne/Jim Brunzell) when Johnny V tripped Gagne allowing Embry to then roll him up with a handful of tights for the win Trongard: "Good grief, this week was like the Johnny V show….he was all over the place!" Blears: "He certainly was, but it will be interesting to see what happens when Sherri has to face Wendi Richter and Honky Tonk Man has to take on Rocky Johnson in this Lumberjack match." Trongard: "Next week we'll see if his team can take the titles from the Rock & Roll Express….so long from the Tropicana Casino here in Atlantic City!" © 1985 American Wrestling Association

I wish I was able to write out matches like you did for the title match but for whatever reason I can't pull it off……you did it very well as I could see this match play out in my head hold for hold. I loved that Backlund "let out a roar" after avoiding the splash and right before pouncing on Snuka! I like that the heel champion got a clean win here….I know I'm guilty of leaning on the heel champion cheating to win more often than not but this does a good job of presenting Backlund not so much as a guy that's "turned bad" but a once beloved champion who has just simply gone batshit crazy and we're watching it unfold each time he appears on the show. On a related note….it's ironic your big title match for Snuka landed on the same week his Dark Side of the Ring episode debuted. Great promo from Superstar Graham….and I like that you addressed the whole unfortunate "Kung Fu" phase he went through….I think the fans will get behind him as a challenger for Backlund. Nice for the Islanders over the dreaded Blue Cyclone! Great job with the Who's the Boss promo…..I'm always anxious to see what 80's reference is in the "Promotional Consideration" each week. I like that you changed his name to Grizzly Muldoon….I can just imagine Vince saying, "He can't be Grizzly Boone, dammit, it's too similar to Daniel Boone….we need to think of something better." Patterson: "What if we call him Grizzly Muldoon?" Vince: "Goddammit pal, I like it!" I'm looking forward to Saturday Night's Main Event (I loved these as a kid!) The Bulldogs rematch with the Fantastics would have ensured I stayed up late not to miss it! Ken Patera, Big John Studd, and Mr. Wonderful! Exciting times ahead for the WWF!

Great way to kick off this week's tv with Nick Bockwinkel riling up the fans and Kerry Von Erich coming to confront and setting up a huge main event! The Movement feel slighted and everyone has seen that's when they are at their most dangerous ....The Grapplers better watch out! "Bullet" Bob manages to get him a piece of Tully....and Blanchard may not understand just how much trouble he's in with an angry Bullet! Nice win for Buzz Tyler but Ted Arcidi arrives and attacks before he can celebrate....what's Arcidi's beef with Buzz....guess we'll have to wait and see. Big win for "Outlaw" Ron Bass over Rip Oliver....albeit not a clean one but then again "Outlaws" don't care about the rules I'm so glad traded you Gama Singh because I wasn't sure what to do with him but the Karachi Vice are getting some serious heat in the USWA....I expect to see some gold around their waists sooner or later. I'm excited to see Martel vs. Cooley....should be a great match and another where.....win/lose/or draw...Cooley comes out a better wrestler Adonis wants a Streetfight at POC....Lawler better beware as I'm sure Adonis has a devious plan in place for this one. WOW...what a Main Event that sent everyone home from the Sportatorium happy....as well as the viewers at home....Kerry gets a win over the champ!! Onto to the house shows! Great way to get Adonis more heat on the Lawler feud with the attack and the fans are pissed at Adonis they get to see the King in action! Cooley/Oliver vs. Bass/Rich is a fun tag match to close the show and even though they might not have gotten the kind of win they wanted, everyone goes home happy seeing Oliver piledrive Fergie! Meanwhile in Texas: Arcidi messes with Tyler's head American Made is victorious! It's starting to become obvious that Bullet Bob/Tully are going to need some sort of "gimmick" match to settle the score at POC! HUGE tag team match to close the show with Kerry Von Erich and Carlos Colon getting the win....I like Colon pinned Ayala rather than doubling down on Kerry beating Nick so the Champ can still call it a fluke on tv next week Great stuff as always!

American Wrestling Association House Show Milwaukee, Wisconsin Wednesday April 15, 1985 Bell Time: 7pm Dino Bravo pinned "Dirty" Dick Slater after a gut wrench suplex Before the second match started, Larry Nelson brought out AWA President Stanley Blackburn who announced that referee Marty Miller came to him after the show on Sunday night and said that due to Ivan Koloff giving him a 'Russian Sickle' during Sunday night's World Tag Team title match in Peoria, as well as the outside interference from The Long Riders…..he declares the Russians were disqualified before the second referee came down and counted three….therefore the AWA World Tag Team Championships have been returned to Ivan Koloff and Krusher Kruschev and the win for Curt Hennig and Scott Hall has been overturned. I would also like to add since the majority of the title defenses have been made by Ivan and Krusher, Nikita Koloff can no longer participate in World Tag Team title defenses for the team." The announcement was met by a round of "boos" from the Milwaukee crowd, most who didn't even know there had been a title change until this announcement was made. Los Mega Stars (Al Madril/Chicky Starr) w/TNT defeated The High Flyers (Greg Gagne/Jim Brunzell) when Starr pinned Brunzell after interference from TNT while Madril distracted the referee No Count Out "Soul Man" Rocky Johnson defeated The Honky Tonk Man w/Col. Johnny V. by DQ when Johnny V blatantly came in and broke up the pin after Johnson hit HTM with a powerslam Non-Title Tag Team Match The Rock & Roll Express (Ricky Morton/Robert Gibson) fought The California Connection ("Hollywood" John Tatum/"Malibu" Eric Embry) w/"Luscious" Johnny V to a 'No Contest' when all four men started brawling and the referee could not restore order Special Challenge Match "The Russian Nightmare" Nikita Koloff w/#1 Paul Jones pinned The Missing Link following a 'Russian Sickle SEMI-MAIN EVENT SIX MAN TAG TEAM GRUDGE MATCH The Long Riders/Austin Idol w/Percival Pringle III defeated Curt Hennig/Larry Hennig/Scott Hall when Idol pinned Larry Hennig with his feet on the ropes MAIN EVENT AWA North American Championship "Rowdy" Roddy Piper defeated "Nature Boy" Buddy Landel w/Percival Pringle III by DQ when Austin Idol interfered……they tried to triple team Piper but Hall and the Hennigs came out and made the save LIGHTS OUT/UNSANCTIONED STRETCHER MATCH Tommy "Wildfire" Rich Vs. "Mad Dog" Buzz Sawyer A wild and brutal brawl that eventually went all around ringside then up and down the aisle seeing both guys hit each other with everything that wasn't nailed down……they finally fought their way back in the ring and just when it looked like Tommy Rich was going to put Sawyer away, Dick Slater ran down in his street clothes and clocked Rich in the head with a cowboy boot! They then gave Rich a spike piledriver through a ringside table, of course all this was legal due to it being unsanctioned…and since the show was over none of Rich's friends were still around to save him….Sawyer/Slater rolled Rich back in the ring and Sawyer got a three count….followed by Rich being carted out on a stretcher.

Great job with job with the Kevin Sullivan promo.

American Wrestling Association House Show Peoria, Illinois Sunday April 12, 1985 Bell Time: 4pm Tommy "Wildfire" Rich pinned Norvell Austin with a sunset flip Six Man Tag Team Match Los Mega Stars (Al Madril/Chicky Starr)/TNT defeated The Killers Bees (Brad Armstrong/B. Brian Blair)/Brickhouse Brown when TNT pinned Brickhouse after a thrust kick Mr. Olympia pinned "Dirty" Dick Slater with a backslide Four Corners Tag Team Match- 1 Fall The High Flyers (Greg Gagne/Jim Brunzell) Vs. The Long Riders (Bill/Scott Irwin) w/Percy Pringle Vs. Scott Hall/Curt Hennig w/Larry Hennig Vs. The California Connection (John Tatum/Eric Embry) w/Johnny Valiant Scott Hall/Curt Hennig won after Hennig pinned Eric Embry Ladies Tag Team Match Candi Devine/Wendi Richter w/Capt. Lou Albano defeated Leilani Kai/Sherri Martel w/Johnny V. when Richter pinned Martel with a small package SEMI-MAIN EVENT AWA World Tag Team Championship Krusher Kruschev/Ivan Koloff w/Paul Jones Vs. The Samoan Swat Team (Fatu/Samu) w/Capt. Lou Albano As the Samoan Swat Team were making their way to the ring….they were attacked in the aisle by Al Madril/Chicky Starr/TNT…..Fatu has his head busted open by the nunchucks…..and they dropped Samu throat first over the guard rail…..there was a delay as the Samoans had to be helped up out of the aisle….Verne Gagne came out and said the match would be delayed while they tried to find another team to challenge for the titles…..the Grudge match between Piper and Idol will take place now. MAIN EVENT Grudge Match "Rowdy" Roddy Piper defeated "Universal Heartthrob" Austin Idol w/Percy Pringle by DQ when Piper had Idol locked in the sleeper hold….when Percy Pringle came in nailed Piper from behind causing the ref to call for the DQ……Piper then quickly turned around and knocked Pringle on his butt who then rolled out and waddled away…allowing Idol to roll out of the ring and take off as well Verne Gagne comes down to ringside and announces that due to their win earlier tonight in the four corners match, Curt Hennig and Scott Hall will step in for the Samoan Swat Team to challenge for the AWA World Tag Team Championship. ADDED MATCH AWA World Tag Team Championship "The Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff/Krusher Kruschev w/ #1 Paul Jones Vs. "Big" Scott Hall/Curt Hennig w/ Larry 'the Axe' Hennig Solid back and forth tag team match……that finally saw the Russians get the upper hand thanks for some timely interference from Paul Jones….they worked over Curt for several minutes until he managed to get a hot tag to Scott Hall…..who came in and cleaned house on both the Russians, Ivan tried to give Hall a 'sickle' but Hall ducked and he caught the referee instead taking him down……Curt Hennig dropkicked Ivan out of the ring and then went out after him on the floor…with the referee down the Long Riders came running to ringside…..Scott Irwin attacked Hennig on the floor and Bill Irwin slid into the ring, he charged at Hall to give him the big boot to the face but Hall moved and Irwin connected with Kruschev instead…..Hall turned and clotheslined Irwin over the top rope and out of the ring…..as Kruschev tried to get back to his feet Hall nailed him with a running bulldog…..a 2nd ref slides in as Hall covers for the 1--2--3!!! We have new AWA World Tag Team Champions "Big" Scott Hall & Curt Hennig!!

AWA Championship Wrestling Recorded: April 10, 1985 Airing: Saturday April 11, 1985 nationwide on ESPN The Tropicana Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, New Jersey (Show opens with footage of Ric Flair pinning Ted Dibiase in the Loser Leaves the AWA Steel Cage Match and then getting beatdown afterwards by the Pringle Dynasty, we then go to the intro video and to our host Larry Nelson) Nelson: "Hello and welcome once again to AWA Championship Wrestling! We have a huge show lined up for you this week as Captain Lou Albano will be Al Madril's guest in the Fiesta Garden, Nikita Koloff's suspension has been lifted after Paul Jones agreed to pay one of the largest fines ever levied in the AWA, we have a HUGE main event signed for you right here tonight but before we get to anything else….allow me to welcome the man who showed up as Ric Flair's tag team partner last Sunday in Minneapolis….the one….the only….'Rowdy' Roddy Piper!" (Piper enters) Piper: "Mr. Nelson….pleasure to meet ya….they call me 'Hot Rod'! It was my intention to show up in Minneapolis and help out my friend Ric Flair…and move on down the road…but based on what's happened in the meantime over in Cleveland I'd say my work here is far from done! Percy Pringle…you know my kids have asked me what Santa Claus does the rest of the year, well I can now tell them he shaves off his beard and pretends to be a wrestling manager…" Nelson: "Kris Kringle…..Percy Pringle….I can see a resemblance." Piper: "I work alone Nelson….I got this…..ANYWAYS…..the bleach blond whale has quite the Dynasty as he has the nerve to call it…..he's got these two bikers that look like rejects from the Village People…the Long Riders….I've got several lines I could say about that name…none of which are appropriate even on ESPN…..then he's got Austin Idol…..Ol' Universal Heartburn himself….and then he's got the guy who has to be the President of the Ric Flair fan club…..if imitation is the truly the sincerest form of flattery I can't even imagine how flattered Flair must be by this goof Buddy Mandrel or Howie Landel or whatever his name is…..I'm not going to bother to learn his stupid name because he's not going to be around that long, Larry…..but I tell ya this….every chance I get to make those guys life hell….I'll be taking it…..see ya soon…PERCY!" Nelson: "Wow….the one and only 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper is here in the AWA and you never know what's going to happen when he's around….let's go to the ring for our opening contest." ================== Match #1: AWA North American Tag Team Champions The Rock & Roll Express defeated Jimmy Morgan/Roy Munson by pinfall when Gibson pinned Morgan after a double dropkick As the referee was raising the hands of Ricky/Robert, Johnny V and Sherri Martel came in and started bad mouthing them allowing the California Connection, John Tatum & Eric Embry to hit the ring and attack them from behind! Tatum/Embry worked them over as we cut to our first commercial break! ================== COMMERCIALS: ================== (Before the match got started, "We are the Champions" by Queen played as 'Nature Boy' Buddy Landel came down and joined Rod Trongard and Lord James Blears on commentary…getting in a few good lines during Austin Idol's match such as: "Wow, what time do they have to get you two back to the old folk's home?" "Austin Idol is aptly named and besides your current reigning North American Heavyweight Champion…who might I mention won it in only my SECOND match with the company…Austin should be everybody's IDOL." , "Who was that guy out here earlier in the skirt? Was that guy drunk? What's his problem? I would have come out and knocked him out but I was taught never to beat up a lady." , "Hey Rod, did you see Ric Flair's last match in Cleveland? It's ironic that he ran Dibiase out of the AWA and then we ended his career!" (laughing uncontrollably) , "If my old man looked like Larry Hennig, I don't think I would bring him out in public." , "Do you know why they call him 'BIG' Scott Hall? Because there's nothing else good to say about him, brother….I mean, if they wanted to be more honest they would call him "DUMB" Scott Hall or "MEDIOCRE AT BEST" Scott Hall." "Well, that's it….Las Vegas Leglock spells the end…I'm out of here…the pleasure was all yours…I have to say though….you guys are lot nicer calling these wrestling matches than you are heckling them folks on the Muppet Show.") Match #2: "Universal Heartthrob Austin Idol w/Percy Pringle defeated Randy Watson by submission with the 'Las Vegas Leglock' (Post match: Ken Resnick comes into the ring to speak with Percy Pringle and the Pringle Dynasty) Resnick: "Percy Pringle, tonight in the main event your team the Long Riders will be facing off once again with Curt Hennig and 'Big' Scott Hall with Larry 'the Axe' Hennig in their corner…your thoughts?" PP3: "First of all….before we get to that…you aren't even going to mention how we rid the AWA of that wannabe 'Nature Boy' Ric Flair?" Resnick: "The less said about that the better….I don't think we've seen the last of Ric Flair and now you have 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper to contend with as well." Idol: "He just got here and I'm already sick and tired of hearing about Roddy Piper….Buddy Landel and myself were getting 'rowdy' long before Roddy, baby!" Landel: (holds up his belt) "Ken Resnick, we've been out here all this time and you haven't taken the time to congratulate me on winning the North American Championship from that dumb hick Tommy Rich! (doing Tommy Rich impression) 'SUMBODY SAY SOMETHIN' BOUT EX CHAMPION!" Resnick: "I assumed the congrats would go to the man responsible, Buzz Sawyer." Landel: (snatches the mic from Resnick and shoves him away) "We're not going to start being disrespectful to the champ, you low budget 'Mean Gene' wannabe….get the hell outta here!" PP3: "These guys said it all….Flair is gone….Piper will soon join him when we get our hands on him…and as for Larry Hennig….if he comes around to my side of the ring tonight….I will knock him out!!" Landel: "That's right baby, they used to call him Ol' Iron Fists Pringle down there in Mobile, Alabama….Percy has crippled more people than polio….this man right here is nobody to mess with and Curt Hennig's old man will find out if he crosses his path!" ================== VTR: Footage of Honky Tonk Man vs. Rocky Johnson from Cleveland is shown with HTM walking out and getting counted out once he got in trouble in the match =================== Match #3: "Soul Man" Rocky Johnson pinned The Executioner with a powerslam Post match: Ken Resnick approaches Rocky at ringside, Rocky says that in Cleveland the Honky Tonk Man proved himself to be one of the biggest cowards in the history of wrestling….but Wednesday night in Milwaukee there's going to be a rematch with NO COUNT OUT….so this we'll see what the Honky Tonk Man is really made of this time around. ================== COMMERCIALS: ================== Match #4: Handicap Match "The Russian Nightmare" Nikita Koloff w/#1 Paul Jones defeated Jed Jackson/Bret Monroe after giving each the "Russian Sickle" and stacking them on top of one another and pinning them both at the same time! (Afterwards- Paul Jones and Nikita stood in the ring and demanded Larry come in with the mic) Jones: "Let this be a lesson to all of you! If Paul Jones tells you something….you take it to the bank…last week Nikita Koloff was suspended and I told you I would have him back soon…one week later you just watched him wrestle." Nelson: "Well…the word on the street is….you had to pay the largest fine in AWA history to get his suspension lifted." Jones: "What difference does that make? So I did what I said I would do….I got him out of his suspension and now he's back in action….and ready to take the AWA World Heavyweight Championship!" Nelson: "Listen, Nikita Koloff is one of the baddest men in wrestling….no question….an absolute monster….BUT….Stan Hansen will not back down from the 'Russian Nightmare' as you guys saw in Minneapolis recently." Koloff: "SHUT YOUR MOUF Larry Melson! Is Stan Hansen a tough man? I'm sure he is….but he have no idea what Nikita will bring against him…..his cowboy clothesline is nothing compared to the Russian sickle……I will destroy him!" (As Nikita finishes that statement, The Missing Link who is in the next match makes his way down to the ring) Nelson: "Ok guys, we have a match getting ready to take place with the Missing Link…" Jones: "We don't care about some green faced goof….we're done when we say we're done!" (Link enters the ring…and Koloff charges him and a brawl breaks out….causing wrestlers and security to rush the ring to try and break things up as we quickly go to commercial) ================== COMMERCIALS: ================== (The camera pans over to the Fiesta Garden set where we see Al Madril joined by Chicky Starr and their 'bodyguard' TNT) Madril: "Hola mi amigos! Welcome once again to the Fiesta Garden! I'm your host the 'Latin Legend' Al Madril and joining me is my tag team partner and new best friend, Chicky Starr and the head of security here at the Fiesta Garden….the one and only TNT! Say hello Chicky!" Chicky: "Hello Chicky!" Madril: "Good….but just not the same as Hercules….we'll find you something new. Anyways….Chicky, have you heard we have a big fat slob joining us on the show tonight?" Chicky: "Percy Pringles?" Madril: "No….but good guess." Chicky: "Wahoo McDaniels? Larry Hennig?" Madril: "All great guesses…..but no…we have that loud overbearing Captain Lou Albano about to come out." Chicky: "Why would we have him come on the show?" Madril: "That's a good question…" (As he's saying that Captain Lou, The SST, and Wendi Richter come out) Madril: "Hey speaking of the devil….here he is now….our special guest Captain Lou Albano! Welcome to the Fiesta Garden!" Albano: "Knock it off Madril, we hard all the garbage you were just saying!" Chicky: "Ok then, answer the question…..why should we have you out here as our guest?" Albano: "How about for starters….I've managed more champions than any other manager in wrestling history! That's why they call me the 'Guiding Light'!" Madril: "You mean you USED to manage champions…..I don't see any belts around anybody's waist that you manage now…" (Samu takes a step towards Madril, TNT steps between them and swings his nunchucks around) Albano: Hold on….take it easy! I'll answer your stupid question. Wendi Richter has been given a shot at Sherri Martel or she would be the Women's Champion right here and now….plus my boys Samu and Fatu have another shot at the Russians tomorrow night in Peoria, Illinois and they will become the new World tag team champions!" Chicky: "Well that all remains to be seen, amigo…..but answer this…how come you don't have a singles wrestler in your little stable of misfits here?" Albano: "It's funny you should ask that Chucky…." Chicky: It's CHICKY! Why can no one get that??" Madril: "Calm down Chicky, he's just stupid." (Fatu makes a move towards Madril while TNT/Chicky Starr step in between) Albano: "Like I was saying before Shecky rudely interrupted, I'm currently working on bringing one of the biggest singles stars in wrestling to the AWA…..and when I do…it's going to change everything….mark my words….now if you'll excuse us….we need to go back and work on strategy for our tag team title match tomorrow night." Madril: "Well good luck….if you win those belts….we'll be looking for a shot a them." Albano: "You'll have to earn a shot……hosting a phony talk show doesn't make you contenders….come on boys, let's go!" (Albano/Richter turn and leave as Samu/Fatu have a brief stare down with Chicky/Al/TNT before finally walking away) Madril: "Chicky, can you believe these guys?" Chicky: (mumbles profanity in spanish) Madril: "My thoughts exactly….and what's this garbage about bringing in a huge star….nobody with any credibility or talent would have anything to do with Albano." Chicky: "Oh he's full of it…..but I tell you one thing….those pendejos will regret disrespecting us…and the Fiesta Garden….and that's a fact." Madril: (smiling) "Oh yeah they will……that's all for this week amigos….be sure to join us next week for another exciting edition of the Fiesta Garden……Adios amigos!" ================== (Verne Gagne joins Larry Nelson and says that the Missing Link will not be allowed to wrestle tonight, however another wrestler has stepped forward to take over this match) ----------------------------- Match #5: "Rowdy" Roddy Piper defeated Buck Spivey with a Sleeper hold ================== (Larry Nelson runs down the cards for tomorrow in Peoria, IL and Wednesday in Milwaukee, WI.) American Wrestling Association House Show Peoria, Illinois Sunday April 12, 1985 Bell Time: 4pm Tommy "Wildfire" Rich Vs. Norvell Austin Six Man Tag Team Match The Killers Bees (Brad Armstrong/B. Brian Blair)/Brickhouse Brown Vs. Los Mega Stars (Al Madril/Chicky Starr)/TNT Mr. Olympia Vs. "Dirty" Dick Slater Four Corners Tag Team Match The High Flyers (Greg Gagne/Jim Brunzell) Vs. The Long Riders (Bill/Scott Irwin) w/Percy Pringle Vs. Scott Hall/Curt Hennig w/Larry Hennig Vs. The California Connection (John Tatum/Eric Embry) w/Johnny V. Ladies Tag Team Match Candi Devine/Wendi Richter w/Capt. Lou Albano Vs. Leilani Kai/Sherri Martel w/Johnny V. SEMI-MAIN EVENT Grudge Match "Rowdy" Roddy Piper Vs. "Universal Heartthrob" Austin Idol w/Percy Pringle MAIN EVENT AWA World Tag Team Championship Krusher Kruschev/Ivan Koloff w/Paul Jones & Nikita Koloff Vs. The Samoan Swat Team (Fatu/Samu) w/Capt. Lou Albano AND American Wrestling Association House Show Milwaukee, Wisconsin Wednesday April 15, 1985 Bell Time: 7pm No Count Out "Soul Man" Rocky Johnson Vs. The Honky Tonk Man w/Col. Johnny V. AWA North American Tag Team Title The Rock & Roll Express (Ricky Morton/Robert Gibson) Vs. The California Connection ("Hollywood" John Tatum/"Malibu" Eric Embry) w/"Luscious" Johnny V Special Challenge Match The Missing Link Vs. "The Russian Nightmare" Nikita Koloff w/#1 Paul Jones SEMI-MAIN EVENT SIX MAN TAG TEAM GRUDGE MATCH Curt Hennig/Larry Hennig/Scott Hall Vs. The Long Riders/Austin Idol w/Percival Pringle III MAIN EVENT AWA North American Championship "Nature Boy" Buddy Landel w/Percival Pringle III Vs. "Rowdy" Roddy Piper LIGHTS OUT/UNSANCTIONED STRETCHER MATCH Tommy "Wildfire" Rich Vs. "Mad Dog" Buzz Sawyer ================== COMMERCIALS: ====================== Match #6 MAIN EVENT Scott Hall/Curt Hennig w/Larry Hennig defeated The Long Riders (Bill/Scott Irwin) w/Percival Pringle III by DQ when Austin Idol & Buddy Landel hit the ring when it looked like Hall was about to pin Bill Irwin…..Larry Hennig tried to come in and help but the 4 on 3 advantage was too much until RODDY PIPER hit the ring with a chair and started cleaning house as the show was going off the air!! © 1985 American Wrestling Association

A couple of great house shows here.....Over in Texas we get The Armstrongs get a solid win over Southern Justice.....major six man tag with the Grapplers/Carlos against Ayala/T..great victory for Kerry Von Erich at home in Texas getting some revenge on Mike Miller then over in Tennessee we see very solid card headlined by a spectacular main event with Bullet Bob and Nick Bockwinkel.

Great episode!! Bob Backlund loses his shit and demands a match with James Snuka! I love it! Can't wait to see what Backlund has in store for the Superfly! I can just hear Vince's voice with that phony enthusiasm turned up to 100 when the Candy Man is in action! The Chocolate Drop gets me everytime! The new Highwaymen continue to impress I think Bobby Jaggers makes for a great partner for Duncum....and apparently so does this mystery lady whose is grabbing everyone's attention. I could just hear Jack Tunney's dry emotionless voice in every bit of that annnouncement....good job! I was pleasantly surprised at Valentine being the newest member of the Heenan Family, not who I was expecting but he's a perfect fit! Sarge closes out the show and I can't wait for next week to see Backlund vs. Snuka...which are words I never thought I'd type! Well done!

Sonny King brings the heat right of the gate this week now managing the Central States Champ and the Tag Champs! Count me in as a fan of the Young/Adias pairing...TONS of potential there! Wendell stays positive and keeps pushing forward after his impressive showing against the champ....I look forward to seeing him challenge Ayala sometime soon, I hope. I really like the pairing of Kirchner and Kernodle....they could be serious contenders for the Central States titles and eventually the USWA tag titles! Lawler vs. Adonis continues to heat up more and more each week! Nice win for the Armstrongs here on tv....could Bob have Bockwinkel's number....he sure seems to have Tully's!

SOLD

American Wrestling Association House Show Cleveland, Ohio Wednesday April 8, 1985 Bell Time: 7:30pm Wendi Richter w/Capt. Lou Albano pinned Leilani Kai after a dropkick from the 2nd rope Los Mega Stars (Alberto Madril/Chicky Starr) w/TNT defeated B. Brian Blair/Brickhouse Brown (subbing for Brad Armstrong) when Starr pinned Brown after he was struck by TNT "Soul Man" Rocky Johnson defeated The Honky Tonk Man w/Col. Johnny V by count out when HTM got frustrated and just walked out after grabbing the mic and exclaiming "Rocky Johnson you're a joke…how dare you call your self 'Soul Man'?? Larry Nelson has more 'Soul' than you do…and Cleveland, you're a terrible audience and you don't deserve to see the Honky Tonk Man! Johnny, we're out of here!" Mr. Olympia pinned The Great Kabuki w/Mr. Fuji with a backslide, after the match Fuji tried to hit Olympia with his cane but was caught….Olympia dropped Fuji with a big right hand but was sprayed in the eyes by Kabuki with the "green mist" Prior to the next match, With Percy and the Long Riders already in the ring….Curt Hennig and Scott Hall made their way down the aisle…..Curt Hennig took the mic and announced, "Hey Percy, I told you that I was gonna call somebody to keep their eye on you….well, true to my word I did…he purchased his manager's license and will be in our corner tonight and moving forward….my father, Larry 'the Axe' Hennig!" (The crowd roars and Larry the Axe makes his way down to the ring) GRUDGE TAG TEAM MATCH Scott Hall/Curt Hennig w/Larry Hennig defeated The Long Riders (Bill/Scott Irwin) w/Percival Pringle III by DQ when Scott Irwin pulled off his boot and nailed Scott Hall with it busting his head open AWA North American Heavyweight Championship "Nature Boy" Buddy Landel w/Percival Pringle III pinned Tommy "Wildfire" Rich when Pringle distracted the referee allowing Buzz Sawyer to run in and hit Rich with the championship belt that he had stolen from him…..after the match Sawyer handed the belt over to Landel as Pringle handed a thick envelope over to Sawyer who left the ring laughing SEMI-MAIN EVENT AWA World Tag Team Championship Ivan Koloff/Krusher Kruschev w/Paul Jones defeated The Samoan Swat Team (Samu/Fatu) w/Capt. Lou Albano when Koloff pinned Samu after a 'Russian Sickle' from the 2nd rope to retain the titles as Captain Lou and Paul Jones were having a shoving match at ringside MAIN EVENT STEEL CAGE MATCH LOSER LEAVES THE AWA "Nature Boy" Ric Flair pinned Ted Dibiase with a small package after brutal and bloody 36 minute battle! As Dibiase left the cage afterwards, Buddy Landel/Austin Idol/The Long Riders all ran into the cage as Percy Pringle locked the door behind them with a different lock from the referee's….they managed to beat on Flair for several minutes before Scott Hall, Curt Hennig, Larry Hennig, and Mr. Olympia managed to cut the lock off and enter the cage to even the odds…they brawled momentarily before the Pringle Dynasty fled the cage…....Flair had to be helped out of the cage afterwards....the extent of his injuries are unknown at this time