Scarlet-Left

Wonder Women of Wrestling – Episode No. I – 2nd of December 1985 – Airing Live! – Las Vegas, Nevada Advertised Match: Velvet McIntyre versus Debbie Combs for the No. 1 Contendership to the NWA World Women’s Championship Our night is kicked off with an advertisement for the promotion’s new merchandise catalogue, after a brief snazzy video package offering brief shots of each of the contracted wrestlers. Getting what she asked for, Rhonda Singh is in competition in our first bout, squaring off against the debuting Candice Pardue for the television title. With Penny Mitchell in her corner, Candice Pardue initially appears able to overcome her fears and hesitation about going up against such an intimidating opponent. Confidence is only able to carry her so far, however, as Rhonda Singh takes firm control after the five-minute mark, delivering big moves that leave Candice Pardue feeling weak and winded. Rhonda Singh defeats Candice Pardue in 07:56 by pinfall after a body splash to win the WWW Television Championship Rhonda Singh proceeds to beat on her fallen opponent, mostly with stomps and kicks until Penny Mitchell rushes in to intervene – landed mean punch to the face, enraging the new champion – just before officials are able to swarm in and separate the two. A sponsorship serves as our brief interlude before the interviews commence. Candice Pardue is a little too beaten up and/or reticent to speak, so Penny Mitchell speaks for her, promising to avenge her loss. Rhonda Singh, for her part, is happy to grant her that opportunity. That match, it would appear, is on for next week. A commercial break follows before we settle in for some six-woman action. Judy Martin, Despina Montagas and Liz Chase, face stiff opposition from Desiree Petersen, Susan Starr and Winona Little Heart. The narrative of the match quickly emerges: the faces have the energy, the athleticism and even the power but the heels have the wiles. Without some other form of unfair advantage, Judy Martin comes up short. Desiree Petersen & Susan Starr & Winona Little Heart defeat Judy Martin & Despina Montagas & Liz Chase in 11:38 when Susan Starr pins Judy Martin after a missile dropkick to win the WWW Trios Championship The interlude this time is promotional video for the face of the company, Wendi Richter. The interviews follow and Judy Martin surprisingly offers us a humble comment: “I suppose, well, they were just the better team on the night.” Liz Chase and Despina Montagas appear, respectively, angry and disgusted by this comment. The new champions are thrilled and bubbly, chattering over each in their excitement. The promise is heard, through the noise, however, that they plan to stay together as a unit for a long time to come. Our break takes us to our final match. The main event is familiar to anyone who has followed the career of either woman. The opening five minutes is full of counters and reversals, with a few shots landing here and there, divided evenly between the two. Debbie Combs is the first to make a serious play. Unfortunately for her, it’s a trap and the opening she tries to take advantage of leads to armbar that almost ends the contest right then and there. With her opponent sufficiently rattled, Velvet McIntyre goes in for the kill and bombards her with knees to the gut, arm drag takedowns and open palm strikes. Converting a flying crossbody into a pin, Debbie Combs is unprepared for the kick out at one and a lapse in concentration is all her opponent needs to put her away with a quick pin of her own. Velvet McIntyre defeats Debbie Combs in 16:21 by pinfall with a schoolboy roll-up With no time for interviews, we go off the air on a still of a now jubilant Velvet McIntyre.

Wonder Women Wrestling SHOWCASE 1985 Live from: Las Vegas, Nevada Once the cameras start rolling we get our first look at the WWW ring. The word that first comes to mind is … sponsorship. Each ring apron carries a different advertisement, with commercial stickers on each of the turnbuckle pads and a faded corporate logo on the white ring canvas as well. Our commentator, David McLane is always sure to mention the company’s sponsors in the downtime before matches, along with the particular beverage he’s enjoying and the forthcoming company merchandise catalogue. A lot of effort and money has also clearly been poured into the production values, be it the lights and music, the audio-visual quality or even the ring attire of the competitors. The first fifteen minutes of the programme is taken up with fluff, covering the early meet-and-greet with the fans and babyface wrestlers, promoting the soon-to-debut weekly television show, showing off the company’s initial line-up of championship titles and so on. The first match is for the WWW Fighting Spirit Championship. The silver plate, depicting an Amazonian warrior, sits on a dark red strap. The mysterious Medusa Miceli – done up in serpentine make up and green and purple ring gear – takes on the plucky underdog Susan Starr – in a simple sparkly pink singlet. Medusa Miceli is dominant and vicious throughout and Susan Starr is, soon, obviously fighting only to prolong the inevitable. Medusa Miceli is happy to let this play out for a while, as it allows her to inflict more pain and punishment on her opponent. Medusa Miceli defeats Susan Starr in 08:37 by pinfall after a German suplex to win the WWW Fighting Spirit Championship After a brief interlude replaying the finish and a few spots and a snazzy little graphic giving away the details for the first scheduled defence of the newly won title – the 9th of December on television. Afterwards, we establish the format for these events, as one of the company’s interviewers gets caught up with a dejected Susan Starr, who laments her loss but promises to do better next time. We then cut to the second interviewer who asks for Medusa Miceli’s thoughts – in a deliberate and cold manner, the inaugural champion explains that she cannot and will not ever lose. The next match is between Debbie Combs and Penny Mitchell. The former is dressed in black and white ring gear beneath a sparkly gold jacket and latter is dressed similarly, only in purple and white and with a sparkly white jacket. The fight is a little bit more competitive than the previous one, but Debbie Combs definitely comes across, throughout, as the stronger competitor. Despite having things mostly in hand, Debbie Combs still chooses to utilise underhanded tactics wherever possible, risking a disqualification and blowing up at the referee at one point – a move which ends up giving Penny Mitchell a roll-up and a close two count. Debbie Combs defeats Penny Mitchell in 11:09 by pinfall after a neckbreaker After another very brief interlude, the interviews get underway first with an angry Penny Mitchell who complains about her opponents dirty tactics and says she’ll be asking for a rematch and, second, with Debbie Combs who says she believes the match should put her in line for a world title shot. Our third match puts the current NWA Texas Women’s Champion, Velvet McIntyre, up against Despina Montagas though, as the commentator explains, the match is non-title. Velvet McIntyre wrestles barefoot, in a leopard print singlet, and Despina Montagas wrestles in a black and gold tunic. Velvet McIntyre despatches her opponent with relative ease, only occasionally hindered by the cheating wiles of Despina Montagas. Velvet McIntyre defeats Despina Montagas in 07:59 by pinfall after a flying crossbody When we get to the interview stage, Despina Montagas angrily refuses to even be interviewed and Velvet McIntyre uses her time to challenge the comments of Debbie Combs, saying that the world title shot should belong to her instead. Next up, our first tag team match, puts the Nasty Girls up against the Star Girls for the vacant NWA World Women’s Tag Team Championship. Comprised of Linda Dallas and Kat LeRoux, the Nasty Girls wear blue singlets and white headbands. Rockin’ Robin and Jamie West, instead wear a white and orange get up, bringing Stetsons to the ring with them for their cowgirl-based Star Girls team. The match is fast-paced, dramatic and competitive, with Jamie West as the face-in-peril and Rockin’ Robin as the crowd-pleasing hero. After a gruelling contest, however, the savagery and sneakiness of Linda Dallas and Kat LeRoux finally pays off for them and they take home the gold. Linda Dallas & Kat LeRoux defeat Rockin’ Robin & Jamie West in 14:42 when Linda Dallas pins Jamie West with her feet on the ropes to win the NWA World Women’s Tag Team Championship During the interlude, we are given the date of the next scheduled match for the title – the 26th of December. The interview with the – sweaty and teary-eyed – Star Girls reveals that they plan to keep their newly formed team together for a long time to come. The Nasty Girls relish their victory, essentially hijacking their interview, to smear the fans and their opponents and issue an open challenge to the rest of the WWW roster. The penultimate match is a low-intensity buffer between the two championship matches. Rhonda Singh, wearing her black and silver face paint and a matching singlet, faces Vicky Carranza – in a blue and white singlet. Singh secures the victory after a back-and-forth contest. Rhonda Singh defeats Vicky Carranza in 09:11 by pinfall after a splash After the interlude and a brief Spanish-language interview with Vicky Carranza, Rhonda Singh announces that she will be challenging for the television title on Wednesday. With some amount of fanfare, the main event gets underway in an explosive fashion. Wendi Richter – in a blue singlet with black stripes – has decided to make a statement and attempts to blitz Misty Blue Simmes – in American red, white and blue – with several big moves right out of the gate, followed by a handful of increasingly desperate pinfall attempts. At the five-minute mark it becomes obvious that this is not a winning strategy so, after a brief period with Misty Blue Simmes on top, Wendi Richter changes tack and the champ starts wearing her opponent down with holds and moves generally designed to tire her out. Wendi Richter generally avoids playing dirty, but she does leave a few five counts dangerously close. Misty Blue Simmes is not so ruthless, however, and it probably is what makes the difference in the end. Wendi Richter defeats Misty Blue Simmes in 19:56 by pinfall after a powerbomb to retain the NWA World Women’s Championship The show ends after the final set of interviews, with Misty Blue Simmes who vows to never give up and Wendi Richter who demands Misty Blue Simmes be sent to the back of the queue.

Roster & Championship Information for WONDER WOMEN WRESTLING Championships: National Wrestling Alliance World Women's Championship Medusa Miceli (27/04/1987) Lisa Moretti (II) (29/01/1987 - 27/04/1987) Debbie Combs (III) (25/12/1986 - 29/01/1987) Wendi Richter (II) (27/11/1986 - 25/12/1986) Debbie Combs (II) (30/10/1986 - 27/11/1986) Lisa Moretti (28/08/1986 - 30/10/1986) Debbie Combs (29/05/1986 - 28/08/1986) Wendi Richter (08/09/1985 - 29/05/1986) ** Misty Blue Simmes (05/07/1985 - 08/09/1985) * * Misty Blue Simmes won the title before it entered the regular schedule of Houston Wrestling ** Wendi Richter won the title before it entered the regular schedule of Wonder Women Wrestling National Wrestling Alliance United States Women's Championship Wendi Richter (26/10/1987) VACANT (26/10/1987 - 26/10/1987) Velvet McIntyre (03/08/1987 - 26/10/1987) National Wrestling Alliance World Women's Tag Team Championship Rhonda Singh (III) & Reggie Bennett (III) (28/09/1987) Desiree Petersen & Winona Little Heart (II) (31/08/1987 - 28/09/1987)) Rhonda Singh (II) & Reggie Bennett (II) (25/05/1987 - 31/08/1987) Misty Blue Simmes (II) & Heidi Lee Morgan (II) (30/03/1987 - 25/05/1987) Rhonda Singh & Reggie Bennett (26/02/1987 - 30/03/1987) Misty Blue Simmes & Heidi Lee Morgan (29/01/1987 - 26/02/1987) Linda Dallas (II) & Kat LeRoux (II) (27/11/1986 - 29/01/1987) Rockin' Robin (II) & Jamie West (II) (30/10/1986 - 27/11/1986) Wendi Richter & Peggy Lee Leather (31/07/1986 - 30/10/1986) Medusa Miceli & Mad Maxine (26/06/1986) Susan Starr & Winona Little Heart (24/04/1986 - 26/06/1986) Leilani Kai & Judy Martin (27/03/1986 - 24/04/1986) Rockin' Robin & Jamie West (30/01/1986 - 27/03/1986) Linda Dallas & Kat LeRoux (28/11/1985 - 30/01/1986) Wonder Women Wrestling Fighting Spirit Championship RETIRED (03/08/1987) Medusa Miceli (V) (27/07/1987 - 03/08/1987) Wendi Richter (II) (27/04/1987 - 27/07/1987) Debbie Combs (II) (02/03/1987 - 27/04/1987) Wendi Richter (19/01/1987 - 02/03/1987) Medusa Miceli (IV) (24/11/1986 - 19/01/1987) Babyface Nellie (10/11/1986 - 24/11/1986) Lisa Moretti (05/05/1986 - 10/11/1986) VACANT (28/04/1986 - 05/05/1986) Debbie Combs (07/04/1986 - 28/04/1986) Medusa Miceli (III) (27/03/1986 - 07/04/1986) Misty Blue Simmes (24/03/1986 - 27/03/1986) Velvet McIntyre (II) (10/02/1986 - 24/03/1986) Medusa Miceli (II) (27/01/1986 - 10/02/1986) Velvet McIntyre (13/01/1986 - 27/01/1986) Medusa Miceli (09/12/1985 - 13/01/1986) Wonder Women Wrestling Trios Championship Wendi Richter (III) & Linda Dallas (II) & Kat LeRoux (II) (07/12/1987) Medusa Miceli (II) & Velvet McIntyre (II) & Babyface Nellie (III) (05/10/1987 - 07/12/1987) Wendi Richter (II) & Rhonda Singh & Reggie Bennett (03/08/1987 - 05/10/1987) Misty Blue Simmes (II) & Heidi Lee Morgan & Babyface Nellie (II) (01/06/1987) Desiree Petersen (II) & Susan Starr (II) & Winona Little Heart (II) (02/03/1987 - 01/06/1987) Wendi Richter & Linda Dallas & Kat LeRoux (01/12/1986 - 02/03/1987) Debbie Combs & Misty Blue Simmes & Babyface Nellie (07/07/1986 - 01/12/1986) Medusa Miceli & Luna Vachon & Mad Maxine (05/05/1986 - 07/07/1986) Velvet McIntyre & Rockin' Robin & Jamie West (03/02/1986 - 05/05/1986) Leilani Kai & Judy Martin & Liz Chase (06/01/1986 - 03/02/1986) Desiree Petersen & Susan Starr & Winona Little Heart (02/12/1985 - 06/01/1986)) Wonder Women Wrestling Television Championship Misty Blue Simmes (III) (21/12/1987) VACANT (21/12/1987 - 21/12/1987) Debbie Combs (30/11/987 - 21/12/1987) VACANT (30/11/987 - 30/11/987) Lisa Moretti (III) (09/11/1987 - 30/11/1987) VACANT (09/11/1987 - 09/11/1987) Winona Little Heart (III) (12/10/1987 - 09/11/1987) VACANT (12/10/1987 - 12/10/1987) Wendi Richter (III) (21/09/1987 - 12/10/1987) VACANT (21/09/1987 - 21/09/1987) Misty Blue Simmes (II) (31/08/1987) VACANT (31/08/1987 - 31/08/1987) Babyface Nellie (10/08/1987 - 31/08/1987) Leilani Kai (03/08/1987 - 10/08/1987) VACANT (03/08/1987 - 03/08/1987) Medusa Miceli (II) (27/07/1987 - 03/08/1987) Wendi Richter (II) (22/06/1987 - 27/07/1987) Lisa Moretti (II) (18/05/1987 - 22/06/1987) Penny Mitchell (11/05/1987 - 18/05/1987) Winona Little Heart (II) (06/04/1987 - 11/05/1987) Rhonda Singh (IV) (23/03/1987 - 06/04/1987) Desiree Petersen (09/03/1987 - 23/03/1987) Wendi Richter (09/02/1987 - 09/03/1987) Velvet McIntyre (II) (01/09/1986 - 09/02/1987) Medusa Miceli (28/07/1986 - 01/09/1986) Velvet McIntyre (02/06/1986 - 28/07/1986) Rhonda Singh (III) (21/04/1986 - 02/06/1986) Desiree Petersen (07/04/1986 - 21/04/1986) Lisa Moretti (03/03/1986 - 07/04/1986) Misty Blue Simmes (10/02/1986 - 03/03/1986) Rhonda Singh (II) (06/01/1986 - 10/02/1986) Winona Little Heart (30/12/1985 - 06/01/1986) Rhonda Singh (02/12/1985 - 30/12/1985) Non-Company Championships: National Wrestling Alliance Texas Women's Championship RETIRED (03/08/1987) Medusa Miceli (III) (27/07/1987 - 03/08/1987) Wendi Richter (II) (22/04/1987 - 27/07/1987) Debbie Combs (III) (02/03/1987 - 22/04/1987) Wendi Richter (19/01/1987 - 02/03/1987) Medusa Miceli (III) (24/11/1986 - 19/01/1987) Babyface Nellie (10/11/1986 - 24/11/1986) Lisa Moretti (05/05/1986 - 10/11/1986) VACANT (28/04/1986 - 05/05/1986) Debbie Combs (II) (07/04/1986 - 28/04/1986) Medusa Miceli (II) (27/03/1986) Misty Blue Simmes (24/03/1986 - 27/03/1986) Velvet McIntyre (III) (10/02/1986 - 24/03/1986) Medusa Miceli (27/01/1986 - 10/02/1986) Velvet McIntyre (II) (07/07/1985 - 27/01/1986) Debbie Combs (26/05/1985 - 07/07/1985) Velvet McIntyre (14/04/1985 - 26/05/1985) Roster: To be confirmed ...

WWW picks up Desiree Peterson and Candi Devine. Also, here are a few women I believe should be placed into free agency: Candice Pardue, Peggy Lee Leather and Judy Martin. Would anyone object?

WWW picks up KC Houston and Jamie West.

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 33 “Legendary Showdown XII” – 10th of November 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold LEGENDARY SHOWDOWN XII “The End” Advertised Match: Harley Race & LeRoy Brown & George Wells & Dusty Rhodes & Magnum, T.A. & Barry Windham versus Tully Blanchard & Ox Baker & “the Masked Superstar” & Bobby Eaton & Dennis Condrey & Big Bubba Rogers For the twelfth edition of Legendary Showdown, no expense has been spared. The staff have on their Sunday best, Paul Boesch is at ringside after having been to a pre-show meet and greet with the fans and the ring has been done up in a striking blue and white colour scheme, with patriotic tricoloured ring ropes and a golden finish on ever metal bolt and fastening in sight. At ringside for the first match is the television title, shining brightly on a royal blue cushion. Dino Bravo and Shunji Takano give it their all in a stiff brawl. The interference of Pat Patterson and Gino Brito is neutralised by George Takano and Keiichi Yamada, allowing the participants to fight unimpeded. The fierce contest eventually goes Bravo’s way, however, on account of the champion being just a little bit more ruthless here and there. Dino Bravo defeats Shunji Takano in 13:05 by pinfall after an airplane spin to retain the HS Television Championship Our first commercial break takes us to a tag team battle royal. It is billed as the definitive contest in Houston’s tag team division. The pairings in question are; Mark Youngblood and Ricky Santana, Baron Von Raschke and the Sheik, Tony Garea and Rene Goulet, Tojo Yamamoto and Killer Khan, LeRoy Brown and George Wells and Ox Baker and “the Masked Superstar”. The latter two teams are booked for the main event also, adding a layer of complexity to the battle. The participants come down to the ring, two by two, at a staggered and leisurely pace, with considerable fanfare and a bit of showboating where appropriate. The match itself gets off to an explosive start when Raschke and the Sheik are knocked out the game within five minutes by Mark Youngblood and Ricky Santana. Things slowed down after that, with holds and blows in seemingly every combination of wrestler present are made to soften one another up rather than deliver a killing strike. Rene Goulet is eliminated during the commercial break and Ox Baker follows soon after, in a massive team-up effort. The loss of his teammate causes “the Masked Superstar” to cut his losses and eliminate himself in favour of preserving his strength for the main event. This leaves the heels considerably outnumbered but their strength advantage keeps them around long enough to dwindle the opposition. Tony Garea, George Wells and Ricky Santana are all eliminated in fairly quick succession. LeRoy Brown, however, manages to knock Tojo silly and enlist Mark Youngblood’s help to distract Killer Khan as he dumps Yamamoto over and out. Eventually overpowering Youngblood, an enraged Khan then grapples with Brown and, in an ugly display, tangles him up in the ropes to torture him. Just as Brown is finally, and unceremoniously, dumped out, however, Youngblood sees his opening and uses all his strength to toss out the big man. Marky Youngblood & Ricky Santana defeat Baron Von Raschke & the Sheik, Ox Baker & “the Masked Superstar”, Tony Garea & Rene Goulet, Tojo Yamamoto & Killer Khan and LeRoy Brown & George Wells in 27:32 during an over-the-top-rope tag team battle royal Our third commercial break leads us to a women’s match, with the team of Velvet McIntyre and Misty Blue Simmes going up against Wendi Richter and Debbie Combs. The match proceeds as one might expect. Richter is unmatched as a singles competitor but she is wholly unwilling or unable – or both – to cooperate with her partner. As the match continues, therefore, the advantages swings from the heels to the faces, eventually resulting a familiar for Combs, eliciting a reaction of disappointment and disgust from Richter. Velvet McIntyre & Misty Blue Simmes defeat Wendi Richter & Debbie Combs in 12:57 when Velvet McIntyre pins Debbie Combs after a running crossbody The fourth commercial break brings us to the junior heavyweight title match, pitting George Takano against Keiichi Yamada. The match is friendly but fierce, with the pair trying to put on a show for the ages. The contest is very close and, almost inevitably, devolves into a series of weak pin attempts towards the end. The finish comes, however, when Takano pulls away from this strategy, rethinks things, and deals a series of heavy strikes. George Takano defeats Keiichi Yamada in 13:46 by pinfall after a piledriver to win the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship The main event starts after a fifth commercial break, with all the participants present and accounted for. The match is a bonkers brawl from start to finish, with barely enforced rules, ringside antics and as many big moves and tag team spots as could be fit into fifteen minutes. The bell ringing to signal the finish is almost a formality as the brawling continues and the heels are routed just before the programme goes off the air. Harley Race & LeRoy Brown & George Wells & Dusty Rhodes & Magnum, T.A. & Barry Windham defeat Tully Blanchard & Ox Baker & “the Masked Superstar” & Bobby Eaton & Dennis Condrey & Big Bubba Rogers in 15:45 when Dusty Rhodes pins Dennis Condrey after a bionic elbow

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 32 – 3rd of November 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton & Big Bubba Rogers versus Dusty Rhodes & Magnum, T.A. & Barry Windham for the NWA Texas Six Man Tag Team Championship We kick of an action-packed episode with a squash for the television title. Dino Bravo, with a match for the heavyweight title to look forward to, takes no chances and brutalises his opposition for just long enough to secure a three count. Dino Bravo defeats a local talent in 03:07 by pinfall after a back body drop to retain the HS Television Championship The second match is a dual title match, pitting Mark Youngblood and Ricky Santana back up against the supremely dominant pair of Ox Baker and “the Masked Superstar”. Fighting with a renewed sense of purpose, however, the faces put on their strongest performance so far, making up for their size and strength disadvantage with agility, teamwork and determination. The contest then plays out as a lightning-paced and evenly matched war, with both teams going for flash falls wherever they can find them, desperate to avoid the gruelling effects of prolonging the match. Almost as though a coin flip landed in their favour, the victors are simply the first ones to have a quick pin actually stick. Mark Youngblood & Ricky Santana defeat Ox Baker & “the Masked Superstar” in 13:46 when Mark Youngblood pins Ox Baker with a schoolboy to win the NWA Western States Tag Team Championship and the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship Our first commercial break takes us to Dino Bravo’s second match of the night, as he takes on LeRoy Brown. George Wells is at ringside to keep Gino Brito occupied, though the unfortunately leaves Pat Patterson with free reign – who primarily restricts himself to antagonising the crowd but occasionally steps in to give Bravo some relief. Brown’s attitude never changes, however, and he gives as good as he gets, meeting cruelty with cruelty and managerial distraction with chops to Patterson’s head whenever he can. In the end, whether it be as a result of Bravo’s three extra minutes of exertion earlier in the night or Brown’s natural tactical advantage, the champion edges the contest out. LeRoy Brown defeats Dino Bravo in 15:22 by pinfall after a belly-to-belly suplex to retain the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship A second commercial break takes us to the opening of the main event with less than a second to spare. The six-man match plays out as an exciting mix of brutal violence and pantomime comedy, as Jim Cornette involves himself as often as possible and the both the faces and the heels relish the opportunity to punish each other multi-man beatdowns and tag team manoeuvres. Facing their toughest opponents for the six-man silver, the Midnight Express buckle under the pressure and are firmly on the backfoot by the ten minute mark, with Cornette blatantly searching for a cheap way out. Even this is denied to the champions, however. Dusty Rhodes & Magnum, T.A. & Barry Windham defeat Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton & Big Bubba Rogers in 15:39 when Dusty Rhodes pins Big Bubba Rogers after a bionic elbow to win the NWA Texas Six Man Tag Team Championship

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 31 – 27th of October 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: Mark Youngblood & Ricky Santana versus Tojo Yamamoto & Killer Khan Our first match, the return bout for the television title, gets the show off to an explosive start. Bravo and Wells hold nothing back, with officials in place to prevent any interference, they both know it’ll come down to their own abilities. Dino Bravo, in particular, comes across as a ruthless monster, taking every opportunity to bend and break the rules, whether to hurt Wells, piss off the crowd or, most likely, both. Bravo’s strategy changes abruptly at around the ten-minute mark when he seems to realise that his chances of a clean win are relatively low. Cue brawling around the ringside, wasting time and sneaking inside at the last minute. Dino Bravo defeats George Wells in 14:32 by count out and retains the HS Television Championship After a commercial break, we come to what promises to be a far cleaner match, as George Takano challenges Keiichi Yamada for juniors’ title. In the early goings at least, this promise proves correct as the two men engage in flashy and fast-paced but very respectful bout. However, an outside party soon arrives to cause chaos. Tojo Yamamoto and Killer Khan saunter down to the ring, taking their sweet time. The match’s participants and officials are initially confusion but that clears up as soon as the big pair hit the ring and deliver slams and beatdowns to both the champion and the challenger. Keiichi Yamada versus George Takano is declared a no contest in 13:01 after interference from Tojo Yamamoto and Killer Khan and the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship does not change hands The invaders are still in the ring after the commercial break, taunting the crowd and waiting for their main event opponents. After a few crushing losses, Youngblood and Santana are highly motivated and a little bit stronger and faster than their opponents were clearly expecting. Still, the bigger men are dominant early on and occasionally manage to throw their opponents around like ragdolls. Unable to secure a quick win, however, their early power moves and escapades during the previous match catch up to them. Yamamoto and Khan become visible tired just as their opponents get into a groove and the tide turns decisively. Mark Youngblood & Ricky Santana defeat Tojo Yamamoto & Killer Khan in 15:45 when Mark Youngblood pins Tojo Yamamoto after a dropkick

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 30 “Legendary Showdown XI” – 20th of October 1985 -Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold LEGENDARY SHOWDOWN XI Advertised Match: Harley Race versus Bobby Eaton for the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship After a snazzy clip package, we open on Pat Patterson in the centre of the ring. Paul Boesch is stood around looking awkward and out of place as Patterson does his obnoxious best to rile up the crowd, with gratuitous French galore as he introduces George Wells’ latest challenger, the one and only Dino Bravo. The match eventually begins, putting a merciful end to Patterson’s antics. The contest is fair and tough with two men trading an equal number of blows and holds. Patterson is unable to directly influence the events, as LeRoy Brown keeps him occupied. Bravo has a secret weapon, however, which he unleashes at the eleventh hour. Gino Brito, Jr. rushes down to the ring, causing enough chaos and confusion to distract Wells for a split second. A split second is all Bravo needs, however. Dino Bravo defeats George Wells in 13:04 by pinfall with a schoolboy roll-up to win the HS Television Championship Our first commercial break of the night then takes us to some women’s tag team action. The familiar team of Velvet McIntyre and Winona Little Heart against the new combination of Debbie Combs and Medusa Miceli. The story the plays out is easy to follow. Whereas Winona is the weak link overall, Combs and painted Miceli are a particularly dysfunctional pairing; the former’s traditional heel strategy clashes with the latter’s monstrous sadism. This dynamic eventually leads to a frustrated Combs abandoning the match after her partner makes one too many mistakes. Velvet McIntyre & Winona Little Heart defeat Debbie Combs & Medusa Miceli in 12:41 when Velvet McIntyre pins Medusa Miceli after a running crossbody After a second commercial break, Ox Baker and “the Masked Superstar” face off against the Takanos. Whilst the brothers mount a valiant attempt, the match proceeds broadly as one would expect, with the dual champions continuing their run of pure domination. Ox Baker & “the Masked Superstar” defeat Shunji Takano & George Takano in 14:37 when Ox Baker pins George Takano after a heart punch to retain the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship Another commercial break then takes us to the women’s world championship rematch. Wendi Richter and Misty Blue Simmes both bring their A game and take each other to the limit. Unfortunately for Simmes, Richter is just that bit much faster, stronger and smarter. Wendi Richter defeats Misty Blue Simmes in 15:12 by pinfall after a widowmaker to retain the NWA World Women’s Championship After the fifth commercial break, we see Tojo Yamamoto and Killer Khan take on the gatekeeper team of Tony Garea and Rene Goulet. Looking to make a point, and with the nefarious Pat Patterson in their corner, Yamamoto and Khan begin and end the match with an overwhelming advantage. Tojo Yamamoto & Killer Khan defeat Tony Garea & Rene Goulet in 12:01 when Killer Khan pins Tony Garea after a spinning powerbomb Our main event, after the final commercial break, begins with a bang as Harley Race and Bobby Eaton rush at each other, start clubbing one another and don’t stop. With Cornette and Condrey at ringside, making nuisances of themselves and antagonising the crowd, barely a minute passes without one outrageous action or another. With the unfair advantage, it looks like Eaton will eke out the win at various points throughout but, ultimately, Race’s wiliness and determination make the difference. Harley Race defeats Bobby Eaton in 16:22 by pinfall after a diving headbutt to retain the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship * * * Note: Apologies for this one coming out a little later than usual.Thanks for the feedback, everyone who's been commenting!

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 29 – 13th of October 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: LeRoy Brown versus Tojo Yamamoto for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship The opening match gets us off to a dramatic start as the stablemates of the recently disappeared Dory Funk look to get bloody revenge on George Wells. Whilst technically being up against Baron Von Raschke, accompanied by the Sheik, it seems throughout the match as though he is actually participating in a handicap match. The referee is beleaguered and made a fool of it every turn and the constant interference allows Raschke to equalise the contest. Whereas in a straight-up fight it’s obvious the advantage would go to Wells, in the end her requires outside assistance of his own. It comes in the form of the heavyweight champion, LeRoy Brown, who marches down to the ring and lays the Sheik out. George Wells defeats Baron Von Raschke in 13:55 by pinfall after a football tackle to retain the HS Television Championship After that shameful display and a commercial break, the audience is treated to a clean, respectful and competitive contest. Keiichi Yamada fends off a challenge from Denny Brown – a man looking to get another taste of the championship glory he feels he was so unjustly denied. Whilst the challenger has the fury, the champion has the skill and the match slips further and further into Yamada’s favour as it progresses. The finish, therefore, is almost ceremonial, as it seems almost any move could keep Brown down in the end. Keiichi Yamada defeats Denny Brown in 12:02 by pinfall after a top rope flying crossbody to retain the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship A second commercial break then takes us to our main event. The contest proves to be stiff and heavy, with big blows and even bigger slams. Tojo Yamamoto is shouting at the top of his lungs with rage towards the end and even appears murderous. After a few too many near falls, Tojo decides he’s had enough. LeRoy Brown defeats Tojo Yamamoto in 15:36 by disqualification and retains the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship The challenger steals a chair from the ringside area and smashes it across the back of LeRoy Brown. The referee gets a nasty kick to gut for his troubles when he tries to prize the weapon away. To retain the favour from earlier in the night, George Wells rushes down to try his look, managing to wrestle control of the chair away from Tojo. Tojo ends up with an equaliser of his own, however, when Pat Patterson escorts a newcomer down to the ring. The terrifying Killer Khan brutalises Wells and helps Tojo deliver bloody beatdown to the Brown and Wells. The programme ends on the chaotic scene, as the Takano brothers come to take their old partner down and, a little while after that, a hoard of officials pour into the ring to split everyone up.

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 28 – 6th of October 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: Ox Baker & “the Masked Superstar” versus Mark Youngblood & Ricky Santana for the NWA Western States Tag Team Championship and the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship The opening match gets underway mere seconds after the programme goes live. It’s an immediate return match over the television title. The contest plays out much the same as it had the previous week but with both Funk and Wells going up to eleven. George Wells defeats Dory Funk, Jr. in 14:49 by pinfall after a football tackle to retain the HS Television Championship When all is said and done, an enraged Dory storms off, spitting venom at some of the jeering fans on his way. After the first commercial break, the next match becomes decidedly more desperate and vicious than might be expect. Garea and Goulet push themselves as much as they can to regain some semblance of momentum and their opponents debase themselves with as many shortcuts and crooked tactics as they can get away with. The absence of Dory in their corner is keenly felt by Raschke and the Sheik and they are generally on the backfoot throughout the proceedings. The seemingly inevitable result, then, is a much needed win for the faces. Tony Garea & Rene Goulet defeat Baron Von Raschke & the Sheik in 12:09 when Tony Garea pins Baron Von Raschke after a diving crossbody A second commercial break then takes us to our title-for-title main event match. Youngblood and Santana fight tooth and nail to stave off the seemingly unstoppable rise of Ox Baker and “the Masked Superstar”, leading to a hard-hitting, fast-paced and exciting match up. The brutal power of the big guys is not so easily defeated, however, and by the ten-minute mark it is very obvious that Youngblood and Santana are fighting a lost battle. The only recourse left to them is to get out cheaply and live to fight another. Honourably, they instead go down swinging and lose their belts as a result. Ox Baker & “the Masked Superstar” defeat Mark Youngblood & Ricky Santana in 16:34 when Ox Baker pins Mark Youngblood after a heart punch to win the NWA Western States Tag Team Championship and retain the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 27 “Legendary Showdown X” – 29th of September 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold LEGENDARY SHOWDOWN X Advertised Match: Dusty Rhodes & Barry Windham & Magnum, T.A. versus Dory Funk, Jr. & Baron Von Raschke & the Sheik The show opens, as usual, with a match for the television title. Funk has his work cut out for him, going up against George Wells – with LeRoy Brown in his corner – who comes out swinging and spends the entirety of the match on fire, looking to make a good impression on the Houston crowd. He manages to do just that, eventually getting the better of Dory and snatching his title away. An enraged Funk is prevented from taking revenge by the presence of Brown and ends up looking decidedly unready for his second match-up in the main event. George Wells defeats Dory Funk, Jr. in 13:35 by pinfall after a football tackle to win the HS Television Championship Our first break then takes us to a six-woman contest, giving the losers of the tournament and a newcomer altogether each a chance to build momentum and get another shot at glory. The women in question are; Liz Chase, Penny Mitchell, Winona Little Heart, Susan Starr, Linda Dallas and Medusa Miceli – sporting veiny purple body paint. The match, an over-the-top-rope battle royal, is as chaotic as all such matches typically are but a narrative develops within, nevertheless. Medusa Miceli eliminates a scandalises Penny Mitchell before even the five-minute mark and Liz Chase forms an alliance with Linda Dallas to eliminate Winona Little Heart and Susan Starr. Once the match is down to just three women, the dynamic changes and the alliance falls apart. Chase identifies Dallas as the stronger of her two opponents and helps Miceli eliminate her. A brief one on one then takes us to the finish, with Chase baiting Miceli into a flying crossbody. Liz Chase then untangles the other woman from the ropes and dumps her out. Liz Chase defeats Penny Mitchell & Susan Starr & Winona Little Heart & Linda Dallas & Medusa Miceli in 14:02 After a second commercial break, we get to the junior heavyweight title match. Keiichi Yamada faces off against Tim Horner. The pair have a good, clean, athletic contest, with Horner putting the champ in serious danger at numerous points throughout. Contrary to how it began, however, the finish involves shenanigans, much in the way the previous juniors’ title match had. Keith Hart shows up to cause Horner just enough grief to cost him the match, avenging his own loss in the process. Keiichi Yamada defeats Tim Horner in 12:51 by pinfall after interference from Keith Hart to retain the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship After another commercial break, we get to see tag team match between two angry men on a mission, Harley Race and Jos Leduc, and a veteran team looking to stall an unfortunate pattern of losses, Tony Garea and Rene Goulet. The match is tough, hard-hitting but technical in more than a few places. Whilst no team is outright dominate, Garea and Goulet are far more often struggling to break out than they are containing their opponents. Race adds further proof, in the end, that he’s a force to be reckoned with. Harley Race & Jos Leduc defeat Tony Garea & Rene Goulet in 13:57 when Harley Race pins Tony Garea after a diving headbutt After another commercial break, we return to Debbie Combs and Velvet McIntyre ready and raring to go. The two women know each other inside and out and each of wants to turn the match into a statement. A quick victory is what they are both aiming for; for Combs it would give her a much-needed confidence boost heading into the return match and for McIntyre it would send her most troublesome opponent to the back of the line. Whereas the match begins as a race to the finish, the lack of a severe time limit means that it does not devolve into a series of roll-ups once it becomes obvious that neither woman can achieve an early pinfall. What eventually tips the balance is Debbie Combs letting frustration get to her. Outraged and upset, she resorts to dirty tactics, but she also begins making clumsy mistakes. McIntyre had developed counters to the former and pounces hungrily on the latter, producing a decisive victory. Velvet McIntyre defeats Debbie Combs in 15:01 by pinfall after a flying crossbody to retain the NWA Texas Women’s Championship A final commercial break then takes us to the main event. Rhodes, Windham and Magnum show their trio of opponents absolutely no mercy and treat the affair as a showcase for their power and their move set. Even after a gruelling opening match, Dory Funk is the opponent that presents the strongest defence and is, likely, single-handedly responsible for dragging the match beyond the ten-minute mark. Dusty Rhodes & Barry Windham & Magnum, T.A. defeat Dory Funk, Jr. & Baron Von Raschke & the Sheik in 11:46 when Dusty Rhodes pins the Sheik after a bionic elbow After the match, one is given the distinct impression that the Midnight Express should be very concerned.

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 26 – 22nd of September 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: Harley Race versus Tully Blanchard for the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship The opening video package promises an action-packed night and we transition straight into the first match at bell time. Dory Funk, Jr. tortures his opposition into submission without a care in the world, to get us started. Dory Funk, Jr. defeats a local talent in 02:37 by submission with a cloverleaf to retain the HS Television Championship After that we move onto a match for the vacant Texas tag team titles, pitting the reigning Western States champions against the new and intimidating team of Ox Baker and “the Masked Superstar”. The match is hard fought, as Mark Youngblood and Ricky Santana attempt to match their opponents’ power with an equalising amount of heart and determination. The result, however, can only be read as an indication that they have their work cut out for them if they want to keep hold of the silver around their waists. Ox Baker & “the Masked Superstar” defeat Mark Youngblood & Ricky Santana in 11:04 when Ox Baker pins Ricky Santana after a heart punch to win the vacant NWA Texas Tag Team Championship A commercial then takes us to a six-man contest, with the Midnight Express facing the Takanos and their new ally Keiichi Yamada. The match begins as a fun back and forth, with some comedy antics featuring the teams’ respective managers, but the end comes abruptly. Once the Express begin to take control, Pat Patterson makes a big show of giving up on his team, cursing at them and stomping angrily away. This distraction proves to be the fatal blow for the Japanese trio. Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton & Big Bubba Rogers defeat Shunji Takano & George Takano & Keiichi Yamada in 08:21 when Bobby Eaton pins George Takano after a rocket launcher to retain the NWA Texas Six Man Tag Team Championship Pat Patterson is not off our screen for long, however, as he accompanies Gino Brito, Jr. to the ring for his match against LeRoy Brown. The two men are fighting for the vacant Texas championship and also trying to make a good impression on their first night. The match is even, going hold for hold, with the slightest edge going to Brown. Whereas Pat’s presence should be an advantage, his intemperate behaviour, constant “advice” and easily thwarted tactics seem, instead, to be a net neutral for Brito, who is helped and hindered by them in equal measure. When the finish comes, Patterson blows his lid, almost being drawn to tears. LeRoy Brown defeats Gino Brito, Jr. in 07:50 by pinfall after a dropkick to win the vacant NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship All that remains after that is a commercial break and our main event. Without Larry Zbyszko by his side, Harley Race stays at a disadvantage throughout the match. This is mitigated somewhat by Blanchard overconfidence. Quite a few mistakes and missteps are shared between the two of them and it becomes obvious that the match will be decided by the first lucky hit. In the end, fortune favours Race, who is able to connect a blow to Tully’s face. A down and stunned Blanchard then proves unable to avoid the full force of the champ’s signature move. Harley Race defeats Tully Blanchard in 17:07 by pinfall after a diving headbutt to retain the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship

Houston trades Sam Houston and Woman to the AWA for Dino Bravo.

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 25 – 15th of September 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: Tony Garea & Rene Goulet versus “???” & “???” The show opens with a video package, detailing the previous week’s events and the seismic shift that has occurred because of them. It is in this package that we learn that the titles held by the Blue Stars were declared vacant immediately after their unmasking. The first match is a chance for Ricky Santana to keep his momentum going after exploding out of the gate with a championship win last week, as he takes on Dory Funk, Jr., the TV champion. They have a tough and exciting contest which includes more than a few teases of a Santana victory. In the end, however, Dory’s superior ring awareness and wily tactics secures him another successful title defence. Dory Funk, Jr. defeats Ricky Santana in 12:09 by pinfall with a roll-up to retain the HS Television Championship After a commercial break we get to see some intense and fast-paced junior heavyweight action between Keiichi Yamada and Keith Hart. Whilst Hart appears to have the edge throughout, threatening to end Yamada’s reign, the finish instead comes when Tim Horner rushes down to ringside and clocks Dave Morgan (Keith Hart’s outside help) and the distraction proves to be enough for Yamada to seal the deal. Keiichi Yamada defeats Keith Hart in 11:49 by pinfall after interference from Tim Horner to retain the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship The second commercial break takes us to our main event. With Tony Garea and Rene Goulet pacing nervously in the ring, the mystery team reveals itself. The men who emerge are Ox Baker and “the Masked Superstar” and they explode in a frenzy of power and violence, brutally dominating the first third of the match. The experience and intelligence of Garea and Goulet grants the pair a momentary reprieve after that, as the match settles into a more traditional contest. The damage is done, however, as they begin to show serious signs and weakness and exhaustion at around the twelve minute mark. Out of nowhere, and just before he can make a tag, Baker delivers a punch to Garea’s chest and he goes down hard. Ox Baker & “the Masked Superstar” defeat Tony Garea & Rene Goulet in 14:38 when Ox Baker pins Tony Garea after a heart punch

Houston drops Nelson Royal and picks up Gino Brito, Jr.

Sam Houston, Nelson Royal, Kevin Sullivan, Woman (Dark Angel / "the Fallen Angel) and Mark Lewin ("the Purple Haze") are all on the block.

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 24 “Legendary Showdown IX” – 8th of September 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold LEGENDARY SHOWDOWN IX “In Memory of Jay Youngblood” Advertised Match: Blue Star #1 & Blue Star #2 versus Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” for the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship The show opens with a new video package, focusing on the upcoming events. The Blue Stars will be unmasked, whether they win or lose. The Army of Darkness might be run out of Houston Wrestling. There will be an eight-man cage match, featuring Tojo Yamamoto, his former allies and many other participants left mysterious. On top of that, there’s a match for the world women’s title and match for the western states tag titles, rendered vacant by the passing of Jay Youngblood. The first match is, as usual, for the television title. Dory Funk, Jr. has clearly decided that he won’t let the match go on any longer than it needs to. He rushes to the finish and crushes his opposition quite decisively. Dory Funk, Jr. defeats a local talent in 03:01 by submission with a cloverleaf to retain the HS Television Championship The second match is a women’s tag match, with Velvet McIntyre and Winona Little Heart on one side and Debbie Combs and Liz Chase on the other. The match is fun, fast-paced and competitive, with both teams being roughly even. Disappointingly for Combs, who has another match for the Texas women’s title on the horizon, McIntyre is the one with the slightest edge. Velvet McIntyre & Winona Little Heart defeat Debbie Combs & Liz Chase in 10:46 when Velvet McIntyre pins Liz Chase after a crossbody After the first commercial break, we return to see a cage set up around the ring. All that’s left is to reveal the participants. Tojo Yamamoto comes down first, followed by his new allies; the trio of Dory Funk, Jr., Baron Von Raschke and the Sheik. The Takano brothers then emerge. Their allies come out one by one. First if the new junior heavyweight champion, Keiichi Yamada. Then, it’s Pat Patterson, who emerges in street clothes, rather than his usual suit. A few minutes later, the match begins, and it immediately descends into an anarchic and bloody brawl, with heavy hits and big bumps. The whole thing goes back and forth, with no one able to match Yamada’s athleticism or Yamamoto’s power. When we return from a commercial break, every man in the ring has a face stained with blood. Things go on a while longer, however, as, tried, weak and groggy though they may be, no man wants to cost his team the match. In the end, however, the weak link has no choice. With his team all distracted, each with an opponent of their own, Pat Patterson had to deal with an enraged and overpowering Tojo. Tojo Yamamoto & Dory Funk, Jr. & Baron Von Raschke & the Sheik defeat George Takano & Shunji Takano & Pat Patterson & Keiichi Yamada in 28:39 when Tojo Yamamoto pins Pat Patterson after a powerbomb After the match, we cut to the back, with Kevin Sullivan and his Army of Darkness. His voice is erratic and raspy. “Abudadein! Abudadein! Abudadein! You punks have never known power such as I have seen. Time’s up for you, now, and this is the end.” “the Fallen Angel” repeats the words “the end!” “I used to feel it, too. Until I sought out the snake master, I could feel every second of my life drawing me closer to the abyss. Not anymore! Instead, now I know that every second of my life is a second stolen from my enemies. Do you feel that?! Do you feel me tearing your lifeforce away from you?” “Do you?!” the woman repeated. Kevin Sullivan then began to laugh maniacally before the feed cuts off and we get sent to a commercial break. The next match starts after a brief period of silence for Jay Youngblood. The make-shift team of Mark Youngblood and Ricky Santana faces off against Tony Garea and Rene Goulet. The contest is clean, competitive and respectful, with both teams shaking hands before and after. Mark Youngblood & Ricky Santana defeat Tony Garea & Rene Goulet in 12:51 when Mark Youngblood pins Rene Goulet after a diving tomahawk to win the vacant NWA Western States Tag Team Championship The fourth commercial break then takes us to our women’s world title match. Wendi Richter wastes no time, barrelling into Misty Blue Simmes as soon as the bell rings and stay on the offensive from then on, letting in a few hits here and there to maintain a fully aggressive position. Only when Simmes realises that she has to take up the same stance, does the match become more even. The two women exchange heavy hits and big moves until the first signs of tiredness emerge. At that point, the match deteriorates, much as many of the tournament matches had, into a race to the finish with a few roll-ups and reversals bringing the match to an end. Wendi Richter defeats Misty Blue Simmes in 11:17 by pinfall with her feet on the ropes to win the NWA World Women’s Championship A fifth and final commercial break takes us to the main event. Blue Star #1 explodes out of the gate, dominating Sullivan with practiced ease. Only a tag to “the Purple Haze” saves the Army of Darkness from an early embarrassment. The match becomes more traditional from then on, but it seems clear, throughout, that Sullivan has still not come up with a way to upset the Blue Stars with a tactic they haven’t already developed a counter for. Indeed, “the Fallen Angel” proves to be worse than useless, once even getting one of her hands stomped on when she tries to slip it through the ropes to interfere. In the end, the Army of Darkness suffers a terrible defeat. Blue Star #1 & Blue Star #2 defeat Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” in 15:59 when Blue Star #1 pins Kevin Sullivan after a bulldog to retain the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship With that, the Army of Darkness are escorted from the building and the Blue Stars are to unmask, as promised. As many had already figured, the Blue Stars were Sam Houston and Nelson Royal – having used masks to avoid the consequences of their defeat at Legendary Showdown VI. On that ambiguous note, the show comes to a close.

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 23 – 1st of September 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: “the Purple Haze” versus Blue Star #1 for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship The opening match serves as taster for next week – which the graphic advertises as an eight-man cage match. Dory Funk, Jr. goes up against George Takano in a round-the-houses brawl, with bouts of technical wrestling here and there to showcase the abilities of both men. Fulfilling all of its requirements as an appetiser, the match ultimately leaves the crowd wanting a whole lot more, ending indecisively. Dory Funk, Jr. goes to a time limit draw with George Takano in 15:00 to retain the HS Television Championship After the first commercial break, we open on Kevin Sullivan. He looks angry and agitated, as do his followers. “I’ll make this quick and I want an answer by the end of the night! Let’s make our match next week truly interesting! If you want me gone from Houston. If you want the Fallen Angel and the Purple Haze gone from Houston … we’re gone, if you can beat us. If you defeat us, we leave. But! But, but, but … win or lose, you take off your masks. If you lose, you lose your titles. If we lose, we leave town. Either way, you show your faces.” We cut to our next match after a moment of silence, with Sullivan hold his head to the ceiling and chanting his praise for the Snake Master. The juniors contest is fun and fast-paced, mostly serving as showcase for the new champion without having Keiichi Yamada squash Bill Ash, with latter managing to get a few licks in and frustrating several attempts at early finishes. Yamada’s athleticism gives him the definitive edge, however. Keiichi Yamada defeats Bill Ash in 11:11 by pinfall after a top rope flying crossbody to retain the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship Our main event, after another commercial break, begins with both men in the ring and Paul Boesch in the centre, with a microphone. “Now, friends, before we – uh – before we get on with this contest, I can confirm that the Blue Stars have agreed to Kevin Sullivan’s terms for the match to – next week at the Legendary Showdown. If Kevin Sullivan and the Purple Haze fail to regain their tag team titles, they’ll be banned from Houston Wrestling. Win or lose, the Blue Stars will reveal their identities by the end of the night.” The match itself is a familiar one, Haze with the power advantage and his opponent with the speed. There is interference throughout, as ever, from Kevin Sullivan and “the Fallen Angel” but the Blue Stars have become masters at dealing with it and, for good measure, Blue Star #2 proves willing to get involved himself, occasionally distracting the champion or knocking him off balance with a well-placed boot. Between the five of them, the referee is run ragged and is sweaty and tired by the time he raises the victor’s hand. Victory itself comes when the Haze is worn down and slow, with Blue Star #1 knowing the perfect time to strike, with Sullivan and the Angel both caught out-of-position. Blue Star #1 defeats “the Purple Haze” in 17:35 by pinfall after a bulldog to win the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship We go off the air to scenes of a brawl developing between the Blue Stars and the Army of Darkness.

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 22 – 25th of August 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” versus Blue Star #1 & Blue Star #2 for the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship The opening match is a highly competitive and hard-hitting rematch between Shunji Takano and Dory Funk, Jr. Takano has the slightest edge throughout but, in the end, that doesn’t matter. Tojo Yamamoto continues his campaign against his former allies by storming down to the ring and delivering a nasty powerbomb to Pat Patterson. This proves to be just enough of a distraction for Funk to take advantage. Dory Funk, Jr. defeats Shunji Takano in 13:09 by pinfall with a roll-up to win the HS Television Championship After the commercial break we come to another interesting rematch, between two of the three tied winners of the recent women’s tournament – Wendi Richter and Debbie Combs. The winner will go on to face Misty Blu Simmes. In recognition of her overall success, however, the loser will also receive a title shot, against Velvet McIntyre. The match has slower, more measured pace, as neither woman needs to worry too much about the time limit. Nevertheless, the narrative of the match is that Richter, with a power advantage, needs to shorten the length of the match against the wilier Combs. Wendi Richter defeats Debbie Combs in 14:39 by pinfall after a widowmaker The second commercial break takes us to our main event for tag team titles. To the visible shock of Sullivan and his minions, the Blue Stars open the match like a house on fire. They tag in and out as whenever they can to keep their opponents on their toes and are unperturbed by the Angel’s repeated attempts to interfere. They come into some danger during the middle portion of the match, when “the Purple Haze” takes control of the pace of the contest but their strategy of keeping him as tired and confused as possible eventually pays of and his rage blinds him to their superior tactics. Blue Star #1 & Blue Star #2 defeat Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” in 16:02 when Blue Star #1 pins “the Purple Haze” after a bulldog to win the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship After a brief celebration, the Blue Stars run off with their new titles, pursued by an enraged Army of Darkness.

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 21 “Legendary Showdown VIII” – 18th of August 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold LEGENDARY SHOWDOWN VIII Advertised Match: Harley Race versus Austin Idol for the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship A brief recap package of the past few weeks events plays before the opening match for the Texas Women’s championship, with Velvet McIntyre taking on Liz Chase. The match is short but fast paced, with the decisive edge going to the champion. Velvet McIntyre defeats Liz Chase in 07:08 by pinfall after a running crossbody to retain the NWA Texas Women’s Championship The second match is a more anticipated bout and one with far more personal animosity involved. Shunji Takano is occupied by his brother and his manager, whereas Tojo Yamamoto stands alone against his former stablemates. The men on the outside do not attempt to interfere, however, and the match plays out in conventional fashion. Whatever Yamamoto’s power advantage might be, he is far more easily exhausted than his opponent and the champ capitalises on this fact – he takes Tojo from one end of the ring to the other, make him work for every strike he’s able to land. As soon as he feels that Yamamoto has become tired, Takano goes in for the kill. Shunji Takano defeats Tojo Yamamoto in 09:37 by pinfall after a missile dropkick to retain the HS Television Championship Suffer such as setback seems to trigger something in Tojo’s mind and, just before we cut to commercials, he delivers a powerslam to George Takano and then throttles Pat Patterson as officials swarm all over him. After the commercial break, the sixth round of the women’s tournament. First up are Linda Dallas and Susan Starr, who manage to have a fairly traditional competitive match in a tournament that has otherwise been about desperately racing to the finish. Linda Dallas defeats Susan Starr in 08:24 by pinfall after a bulldog to win three points, holding six points in total The next match returns to familiarity, as Wendi Richter batters Winona Little Heart with a particularly nasty looking powerbomb to the outside. Wendi Richter defeats Winona Little Heart in 02:10 by count out to win three points, holding twelve points in total The camera lingers on Little Heart, who requires a great deal of assistance in order to make her way to the back, before cutting to another commercial break. The third match of round six see Misty Blue Simmes go up against Debbie Combs. The two women drag each other dangerously close to the time limit and the final minute is a desperate series of pins and reversals culminating, perhaps only be chance, in one woman getting the win. Debbie Combs defeats Misty Blue Simmes in 09:51 by pinfall with a roll-up to win three points, holding fifteen points in total A swanky graphics package shows the situation heading into the seventh round before we cut for another commercial break. Coming hot off of his breakout successes in the ongoing NWA junior heavyweight tournament, Keiichi Yamada challenges Denny Brown for his title in a fun and fierce sprint. Yamada manages to stun his opponent just as much as he stuns the crowd. Keiichi Yamada defeats Denny Brown in 12:03 by pinfall after a top rope flying crossbody to win the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship After that, we cut to a pre-recorded promo from Kevin Sullivan, with his two disciples chanting all around him. “Blue Stars! Listen close …” Sullivan raises his tag team belt. “… I wear my pride around my waist and you … you wear your shame over your face. But I know who you are. Don’t think I can’t see through shame. You’ve not fooled me, even if you have fooled them. So … uh … so how about we put your shame up against my pride? Next week, I’ll give you a shot at my title belt … if you put your masks on the line. What say you, now? Don’t pass this up.” We cut from that package to a commercial break, before moving onto the seventh round of the women’s tournament. The first match of this round is another competitive contest with Wendi Richter failing to put Debbie Combs away with her tried-and-tested strategy. The match brings out the worst in both women, with nastiness and dirty tactics on full display, ending with a leveraged pinfall. Wendi Richter defeats Debbie Combs in 07:44 by pinfall with both feet on the ropes to win three points, holding fifteen points in total The second match is completely different as Winona Little Heart proved simply too badly hurt to compete. Linda Dallas defeats Winona Little Heart in 00:30 by forfeit to win three points, holding nine points in total The third match returns us to a more familiar sprint-to-the-finish style of match, with Susan Star just managing to edge Penny Mitchell out. Susan Starr defeats Penny Mitchell in 04:59 by pinfall with a backslide to win three points, holding four points in total With that, a graphic announces Debbie Combs, Wendi Richter and Misty Blue Simmes as joint winners of the tournament One last commercial break takes us to the main event, a wild brawl between Harley Race and Austin Idol. Whereas Idol is confident and competitive, Race has deviousness on his side as well as the aid of Larry Zbyszko. Harley Race defeats Austin Idol in 16:38 by pinfall with a roll-up to retain the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 20 – 11th of August 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton & Bubba Rogers versus Tony Garea & Rene Goulet & Denny Brown for the NWA Texas Six Man Tag Team Championship For the opening match, strangely enough, George Takano, Tojo Yamamoto and Pat Patterson all accompany the television champion to the ring. They are all obviously wary of each other and Yamamoto, especially, is kept at a distance. Shunji makes short work of the opposition and Patterson addresses the crowd, promising a match between Shunji Takano and Tojo Yamamoto and net week’s legendary showdown. Shunji Takano defeats a local talent in 03:02 by pinfall after a dropkick to retain the HS Television Championship The champion reluctantly agrees to shake Tojo’s had, only to receive a belly-to-belly suplex for his manners. Patterson bumps for a head chop before Tojo and George come to blows – at which point the ring officials pull them apart and gain control of the situation. The second match, with both the Texas and Western States tag championships on the line has all the early indications of a great match. The Youngbloods push themselves athletically and the Army of Darkness is unceasing in its ruthlessness. When it becomes clear, however, that they cannot secure a quick victory, Kevin Sullivan directs “the Purple Haze” to throw the match in order to preserve enough of his strength for the main event. Mark Youngblood & Jay Youngblood defeat Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” in 13:44 by count out and the NWA Western States Tag Team Championship, along with the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship, does not change hands After the commercial break, our third match serves as a showcase for the Midnight Express. Their opponents, in the form of Tony Garea, Rene Goulet and Denny Brown, aren’t pushovers by any means but the champions possess three distinct advantages; power, organisation and Jim Cornette. Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton & Bubba Rogers defeat Tony Garea & Rene Goulet & Denny Brown in 12:53 when Bobby Eaton pins Denny Brown after a flying body splash to retain the NWA Texas Six Man Tag Team Championship After the second commercial break we come to our main event. Looking to finally secure the vacant heavyweight championship, the Army of Darkness stalk the ring to prevent the Blue Stars spoiling things once again. Paul Roma gets his licks in, but narrative of the match revolves almost entirely around the threat of interference. Blue Star #1 and Blue Star #2 make their way to the ring at around the ten-minute mark. Blue Star #2 immediately goes after Sullivan, to keep him restrained and distracted. This works, giving Blue Star #1 a mostly clear path to the ring. “the Fallen Angel” seems to let him pass but, once he’s on the ring apron, she instead grabs a hold of a boot, distracting him long enough to “the Purple Haze” to stride over and nail him with a right. Blue Star #1 falls to the ground, recovering only in time to see the finish of the match. “the Purple Haze” defeats Paul Roma in 11:46 by pinfall after a powerbomb to win the vacant NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship The Army of Darkness then goes on the offensive, fighting in a back-and-forth brawl with the Blue Stars to close out the show.

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 19 – 4th of August 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: Denny Brown versus Rene Goulet for the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship As usual, the television title match opens the show, with Shunji Takano looking to make his first defence. The opposition doesn’t prove to be too much of a challenge and he secured the victory in short order. Shunji Takano defeats a local talent in 03:46 by pinfall after a missile dropkick to retain the HS Television Championship After the match, however, as the loser walks to the back, he is rattled by a clothesline from Tojo Yamamoto who proceeds to rush the ring. There looks set to be a fight until officials swarm inside. Instead, Tojo and Shunji trade insults in Japanese until they can be ushered to the back. Following that is the first match in the fourth round of the women’s tournament. Up against Penny Mitchell, Wendi Richter has a tried-and-tested strategy all worked out. It doesn’t make for a good match, but it does make for an easy win as Richter drags her open outside and nails her with a powerbomb. Wendi Richter defeats Penny Mitchell in 00:59 by count out to win three points, holding six points in total After that, Misty Blue Simmes and Susan Starr produce a far more competitive contest. Simmes looks to hold onto her tied first place and Starr seeks to reverse her poor performance last week. For as much as she tries, however, and she does come agonisingly close to a draw, Starr is just not able to get the job done. Misty Blue Simmes defeats Susan Starr in 09:31 by pinfall with a roll-up to win three points, holding twelve points in total A commercial break separates the final match of round four from the others and it sees Debbie Combs square off against Winona Little Heart. Combs fights nasty, dirty and cheaply to score another win and keep herself level with Simmes. Debbie Combs defeats Winona Little Heart in 06:11 by pinfall after a neckbreaker to win three points, holding twelve points in total After that we get the match that Pat Patterson cancelled two weeks prior, with Denny Brown facing off against the Rene Gouet. The match is fast-paced and evenly fought but Denny Brown is the one with just a little more fire in his belly as he fights to win the title – a title he likely believes should already be his. Denny Brown defeats Rene Goulet in 10:27 by pinfall with an Oklahoma roll to win the vacant NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship Another commercial break takes us to the fifth round of the women’s tournament. First up are Misty Blue Simmes and Winona Little Heart. Whilst Simmes doesn’t wrestle as aggressively or dirtily as Combs, Little Heart still remains on the back foot throughout, fighting desperately to drag the match past the ten minute mark to no avail. Misty Blue Simmes defeats Winona Little Heart in 05:57 by pinfall after a dropkick to win three points, holding fifteen points in total After that, Susan Starr takes on Wendi Richter. Richter sticks to her strategy, delivering two powerbombs to the outside, just be sure, briefly losing her composure to throw insults back to the crowd. Wendi Richter defeats Susan Starr in 01:05 by count out to win three points, holding nine points in total The final match of the round, and the night, follows. A fresh-faced Linda Dallas is, predictably, able to dominate Penny Mitchell in the early goings. Initially failing to full capitalise, however, Dallas allows the match to come dangerously close to the time limit. Linda Dallas defeats Penny Mitchell in 09:49 by pinfall with a backslide to win three points

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 18 “Legendary Showdown VII” – 28th of July 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold LEGENDARY SHOWDOWN VII “Ladies Night” Advertised Match: Tony Garea & Rene Goulet versus Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” for the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship The show opens with a snazzy new video package before transitioning into a graphical overlay, detailing the day’s coming events, including the first three rounds of a women’s tournament and the promised battle for the tag team gold in the main event. Having beaten several lower level challengers, Dory Funk, Jr. faces a tougher fight in the opening match against Shunji Takano. Enraged, perhaps by the recent controversies related to his manager, Takano holds nothing back and presses the power advantage at every turn. Funk begins and ends on the backfoot, escaping often and winning himself breathing room with cheap tactics but never managing to gain control of given entanglement. Towards the end, it becomes obvious that Funk is happy to settle for a time limit draw or loss by disqualification. Unluckily for him, Takano just doesn’t give him an opportunity. Shunji Takano defeats Dory Funk, Jr. in 13:52 by pinfall after a missile dropkick to win the HS Television Championship After a commercial break, we see the first round of our women’s tournament. Up first, Debbie Combs pushes for quick finish against the debuting Susan Starr. Fresh and dominant, Combs accomplishes this with little worry. Debbie Combs defeats Susan Starr in 05:33 by pinfall with a roll-up to earn three points On second, Misty Blue Simmes find similar success against Penny Mitchell. Misty Blue Simmes defeats Penny Mitchell in 06:09 by pinfall after a suplex to earn three points It is Wendi Richter in the third match, however, who manages to pull off the most impressive victory. She takes Linda Dallas to the outside as soon as possible and delivers a nasty powerbomb to the floor. Wendi Richter defeats Linda Dallas in 02:02 by count out to earn three points We cut to a commercial from the image of Dallas being helped to the back. An interesting contest awaits us when we return. Baron Von Raschke and the Sheik seek to improve their standings in the tag team division against an unknown and, presumably, low level team. Wearing very basic blue and white outfits, with masks of fairly low quality, Blue Star #1 and Blue Star #2 prove to be more than a match for their opponents, however, securing a shocking victory. Blue Star #1 & Blue Star #2 defeat Baron Von Raschke & the Sheik in 09:40 when Blue Star #1 pins Baron Von Raschke after a bulldog After that, we get the first match of the second round of the ladies’ tournament, with Misty Blue Simmes squaring off against the weakened Linda Dallas. Dallas struggles to get any offence in, still in noticeable pain from her previous match. All she can do, unfortunately, is delay the inevitable by a few minutes. Misty Blue Simmes defeats Linda Dallas in 04:29 by pinfall with a roll-up to earn three points, holing six points in total The second round continues after a commercial break, with Debbie Combs facing Penny Mitchell. Combs holds nothing against her ally and, seeming just as fresh as in the first round, makes short work of contest. Debbie Combs defeats Penny Mitchell in 04:56 by pinfall with a roll-up to earn three points, holding six points in total The following match, between Winona Little Heart and Susan Starr breaks the mould by going long. Susan Starr hold the edge throughout and comes close to pining Winona on numerous occasions, but the time limit works against her. Winona Little Heart and Susan Starr wrestle to a draw when the time limit expires at 10:00 and both women earn one point each The third round begins after a commercial break and the first match puts a frustrated Penny Micthell up against Winona Little Heart. Not prepared for Mitchell’s level of aggression, Heart allows her to secure her first victory. Penny Mitchell defeats Winona Little Heart in 04:47 by pinfall after a snap suplex to earn three points In the second match, Linda Dallas seeks to make up for her false start. Whereas Dallas has recuperated somewhat from her first match, she is still placed on the backfoot by a supremely confident former champion, in the form of Debbie Combs. Debbie Combs defeats Linda Dallas in 05:10 by pinfall with a roll-up to earn three points, holding nine points in total The final match of round three sees the undefeated Simmes and Richter square off. Beginning safe in the knowledge that their next matches will be in a week’s time, the match initially builds a slow and deliberate pace, the five-minute mark singles its deterioration into a race for the flash pinfall. Both women come dangerously close to a victory half a dozen times. In the end, Simmes snatches the win. Misty Blue Simmes defeats Wendi Richter in 07:02 by pinfall with a backslide to earn three points, holding nine points in total The final commercial break takes us to the main event. Accompanied to the ring by “the Fallen Angel”, Kevin Sullivan appears poised, confident and sinister, as if he believes he has already won. The match is quite competitive but, as well as having no real way to counter the influence of Sullivan’s woman, it becomes clear quite quickly that the Army of Darkness has produced a much strong team. Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” defeat Tony Garea & Rene Goulet in 12:34 when Kevin Sullivan pins Rene Goulet after a stomp to win the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 17 – 21st of July 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: Harley Race versus Kevin Sullivan for the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship Our opening match is a television title defence. Dory tortures the opposition with holds and, whether from arrogance or sadism, keeps the match going a few minutes longer than it needs to. Dory Funk, Jr. defeats a local talent in 07:11 by submission with a cloverleaf to retain the HS Television Championship A video package, detailing the previous week’s events, transitions us to the second scheduled match. Denny Brown and Rene Goulet are in the ring, set to contest the junior title, but the bell does not ring. Instead, a distressed and dishevelled Pat Patterson – who appears not to have changed clothes in a week – interrupts the pair. He is off-colour and shaky when he addresses the arena. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, no this match can’t go on! I’ve made a mistake … the title is vacant. It’s vacant now, I’ve vacated it. Hand it over … come on! Come on, hand it over!” Brown hesitates and Goulet looks shocked and disgusted but, in the end – to a chorus of boos, the champion relinquishes the belt. We cut away from these strange scenes to a commercial break, only to return for the crowning of a new heavyweight champion. “the Purple Haze” is up against a young unknown. The weirdness with Pat Patterson continues, it seems, with the matchmaker hovering around awkwardly at ringside. The match plays out predictably for the first few minutes, with “the Purple Haze” dominating in a comical fashion. To liven things up, however, two masked wrestlers – in black and silver – rush down to the ring and batter “the Purple Haze” before his allies can react. “the Purple Haze” defeats a local talent in 04:43 by disqualification after interference from unknown assailants and the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship remains vacant A brawl erupts that lasts for a few minutes, before the masked men change Sullivan’s army to the back, clearing the ring for our third match. With fewer shenanigans, the women’s division produces a competitive six man. The story is simple, one side has the champions Velvet McIntyre and Misty Blue Simmes, with a weaker third member in form of Winona Little Heart, and the other has the fairly equal trio of Debbie Combs, Liz Chase and Penny Mitchell. Each woman gets some time to shine, and the match threatens to go one way and then another at various points throughout. Velvet McIntyre & Misty Blue Simmes & Winona Little Heart defeat Debbie Combs & Liz Chase & Penny Mitchell in 09:25 when Velvet McIntyre pins Liz Chase after a running crossbody Another commercial break takes to the main event. From the off, it becomes obvious that Harley Race will not fall so easily into Sullivan’s traps. With Larry Zbyszko at ringside for backup and a distinct physical advantage, Sullivan repeatedly fails to find an opening and remains on the defensive for the majority of the contest. Cheating doesn’t work either for Sullivan either, as both participants in this heel programme stoop just as low as one another. Harley Race defeats Kevin Sullivan in 13:51 by pinfall after a diving headbutt to retain the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship