Scarlet-Left

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 16 – 14th of July 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: Mark Youngblood & Jay Youngblood versus Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton for the NWA Western States Tag Team Championship The first match – for the television championship – begins after a brief video package detailing the previous week’s events. Dory Funk, Jr. shows his opposition no mercy and retains his title with ease. Dory Funk, Jr. defeats a local talent in 03:18 by submission with a cloverleaf to retain the HS Television Championship We cut to a pre-taped promo with Kevin Sullivan in his druidic ropes. “the Fallen Angel” and “the Purple Haze” are behind him, chanting all the while. “Who can deny my power, now? Who can deny me, now that my enemies are strewn at my feet? I cannot be denied. The power of Abudadein cannot be denied! I have seized control of Houston and very soon I will have everything that was stolen returned to me! Pat Patterson! Watch your back! Your decisions have doomed you and I am nothing if not an agent of doom! Ah ha ha ha ha!” Our second match is a showcase for the power and charisma of Wendi Richter, with a slower pace than the opener but a no less dominant performance. Wendi Richter defeats a local talent in 08:02 by pinfall after a powerbomb After a commercial break, the fight for the western states’ tag titles begins. Cornette and Rogers make things quite tough for the champions but the main factor in their loss the prior week – Kevin Sullivan – remains absent. Mark Youngblood & Jay Youngblood defeat Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton in 13:56 when Mark Youngblood pins Dennis Condrey after a missile dropkick to retain the NWA Western States Tag Team Championship Our final commercial break carries us through to the main event, another tag team match – this time pitting Garea & Goulet against the Takanos. The match is competitive, though the Takanos take the slight edge on account of Pat Patterson’s influence. In the end, however, Pat’s presence comes back to bite his team when Kevin Sullivan makes his way to the ring. Sullivan is followed by three hooded figures, one obviously “the Purple Haze”, the other “the Fallen Angel” and the third a mystery but too large to be the exiled Gary Royal. Unprompted, Sullivan attacks Patterson with brutal lefts and rights before dragging him away and into the arms of “the Purple Haze”. The Takanos immediately race after their manager, only to be met by a roadblock in human form. Soon revealed to be their former ally, Tojo Yamamoto, the third of Sullivan’s followers has a face painted jet black, with white kanji on his cheeks and red pupilled eye in the middle of his forehead. Tony Garea & Rene Goulet defeat George Takano & Shunji Takano in 14:07 by count out and retain the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship

Houston releases Gary Royal (billed in Houston as "the Lone Star") and picks up Liz Chase and Susan Star.

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 15 “Legendary Showdown VI” – 7th of July 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: Losers Leave Town Six Man Tornado Tag Team Elimination Cage Match – Sam Houston & Nelson Royal & Leon White versus Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” & “the Lone Star” LEGENDARY SHOWDOWN VI A brief video package airs, promising a climatic showdown between the forces of good and evil and an end to the anarchy that been running rampant in Houston. The first match sees Dory attempt to defend his newly won television title against Paul Roma. The contest is fun and, at times, even becomes competitive but, in the end, Funk wily antics and reckless abandon are too much for Roma to keep up with. Dory Funk, Jr. defeats Paul Roma in 09:27 by submission with a cloverleaf to retain the HS Television Championship We cut to a brief appearance from Paul Boesch who reiterates the ringside ban for tonight: “Anyone who is not explicitly authorised to appear at ringside for any given match tonight will be banned from the Sam Houston Coliseum.” After the first commercial break, we have another champion defending his prize for the first time, with Shunji Takano taking on Denny Brown. An athletic showcase for Brown and a proving ground for Takano – now without backup, the match is clean, fast-paced and technical. In the end, the lack of outside assistance shows the champion up when, after an intense match, Brown picks up the bronze. Denny Brown defeats Shunji Takano in 09:07 by pinfall with an Oklahoma roll to win the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship Afterwards, another – less intense – juniors match gets underway, with Buddy Landel looking to make an impact in Houston. Buddy Landel defeats a local talent in 04:58 by submission with a figure four leglock Our second commercial break takes us to the women. For the third time in a row, we see Velvet McIntyre up against Debbie Combs – the first time the pair have met with McIntyre as the challenger and Combs as the champion. Given time, the two work an even and well-paced match, with McIntyre now full cognizant of Combs’ heelish tactics. Everything comes together, in the end, for Velvet and she becomes the new Houston’s first two-time champion. Velvet McIntyre defeats Debbie Combs in 15:09 by pinfall after a running crossbody to win the NWA Texas Women’s Championship for the second time We cut to a third commercial break and return for the first contest to feature ringside action, with the tag partners for Bret Hart and Tony Garea being allowed to serve in a managerial capacity. Structured as both a physical showcase for Hart and a spot of light entertainment, the emphasis is on flashy moves and heel antics, with ringside confrontations for good measure. Bret Hart defeats Tony Garea in 11:31 by pinfall after a German suplex We get to see the initial building of the cage before cutting to the fourth commercial break. When we return, the main event gets underway. The members of the opposing teams quickly pair off in an organic fashion, with “the Purple Haze” up against Leon White, Kevin Sullivan up against Sam Houston and “the Lone Star” up against Nelson Royal. The ten minutes are hellish, with hard hits, savageness and thuggery from the heels, culminating in Sam Houston having his head raked viciously against the cage until he’s gushing with blood. Though his teammates try valiantly to compensate for him, Sam Houston becomes the main target for the Army of Darkness. Shortly before the commercial break, Houston is shockingly eliminated. Escorted out of the temporarily opened cage door by a horde of referees, Houston is kicked off the apron by “the Purple Haze” who, enthused by this early victory, begins fighting like a man possessed. After a commercial break interrupts the faces in serious peril, we return to see them bravely holding out. White does all the heavy lifting, briefly managing to restrain Sullivan and Haze with a double headlock. It doesn’t last long but it does last just long enough for Royal to capitalise, eliminating “the Lone Star”, who has to be practically dragged out of the cage by officials. Sullivan and Haze are the able to reverse White’s hold and push him into a collision with Royal. With both men down, Sullivan once again tips the scales by eliminating Royal. The last five minutes see Leon White put on tremendous displays of tenacity and power. In the end, however, with Haze pinning his arms to the mat, Sullivan is able to claim victory. Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” & “the Lone Star” defeat Sam Houston & Leon White & Nelson Royal in 32:15 and the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship is rendered vacant A brawl, with Leon White eventually getting the slightest measure of revenge by busting Haze open, closes out the show.

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 14 – 30th of June 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 19 Gold Advertised Match: “Baby Bull” Leon White versus “the Purple Haze” for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship The tone of the show throughout the night is war. Everyone on the roster can feel that things are coming to a head. Brawling on the outside by every wrestler worth their salt is constant, for the most part, Houston’s officials seem to have given up even trying to maintain order. Our first match, for the television title, sets a precedent – the defending champion with the edge being upset by outside forces. Sam Houston and Dory Funk, Jr. go after each other with passion and ferocity – passion matched by their allies on the outside. In Dory’s corner are his natural allies, Baron Von Raschke and the Sheik, and Houston’s nemeses, the Army of Darkness. Backing Houston up are Nelson Royal, Leon White and the Youngbloods. It’s obvious to anyone watching that the match could’ve gone either way. In the end, however, Kevin Sullivan manages to achieve an early symbolic victory over the face of the company. Dory Funk, Jr. defeats Sam Houston in 12:45 by pinfall after interference from Kevin Sullivan to win the HS Television Championship After that upset we cut to the back to hear from Paul Boesch, flanked by Pat Patterson. “To all the great fans of Houston wrestling, I can confirm that the main event of Show – uh – Legendary Showdown six will be a losers-leave-town six-man elimination cage match. Sam Houston, Nelson Royal and Leon White will face off against the Army of Darkness and any man who is pinned or submits to a hold will be banned from returning to Houston for a full year. This penalty will also apply to anyone who tries to interfere in the match. The match will end when every member of one team has been eliminated. In addition, we will see the – um – the – uh – junior heavyweight championship in contention, Debbie Combs will face Velvet McIntyre for the Texas women’s title and much more.” Pat buts in the at the end. “You don’ wanna’ miss it!” After a brief commercial break, we return for the tag team title match and Sam Houston’s revenge. Tony Garea and Rene Goulet are not cut out to take on the champions on their own but their allies on the outside are extremely motivated to give them a fighting chance. In the end, a well-timed smack to the back of the head to Sullivan from the baby bull is what gives Garea the opening he needs. Tony Garea & Rene Goulet defeat Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” in 07:51 when Tony Garea pins Kevin Sullivan after interference from "Baby Bull" Leon White to win the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship Whilst the characters present did not change between the first and second match, the third match sees the arrival of the Midnight Express to challenge for the six-man championship. The pendulum swings back for this one and the Army of Darkness make common cause with Jim Cornette. This uneasy alliance – symbolised by more comedic antics from Cornette and “the Fallen Angel” – proves unstoppable. Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton & Bubba Rogers defeat “Baby Bull” Leon White & Jay Youngblood & Mark Youngblood in 08:13 when Bobby Eaton pins Jay Youngblood after interference from multiple people to win the NWA Texas Six Man Tag Team Championship Out of gratitude, the Midnight Express help the Army of Darkness beat Leon White down in the aftermath, and all throughout the commercial break. When we return for the main event, White is a battered and bloodied mess. He nevertheless puts on an astounding performance, enough to keep the Haze from capitalising on his weakened state. The match eventual devolves into all out chaos and the bell rings, signifying … something. A few minutes later a graphic appears on screen declaring the result to be a “no contest”. “Baby Bull” Leon White and “the Purple Haze” draw in 09:49 when the match is declared a “no contest” and the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship does not change hands. With no end to the brawl in sight, the programme eventually goes off the air.

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 13 – 23rd of June 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: Barry Windham versus Harley Race for the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship Before the opening match, we get a rundown of the previous week’s events in the form of brief clip compilation. Sam Houston’s first defence of his newly won television title gets of to a cracking start, with the champion firmly in control using the match as a showcase. Five minutes in, however, things take a dark turn. Sam Houston defeats a local talent in 06:02 by disqualification after interference from Kevin Sullivan and retains the HS Television Championship The Army of Darkness thunder to the ring, knocking down both participants and the referee. Whilst “the Purple Haze”, “the Lone Star” and “the Fallen Angel” get to work torturing Sam Houston, Kevin Sullivan demands (and receives) a microphone. “This cannot go on. Paul Boesch! Pat Patterson! We are the dominant force in Houston and no one can deny this. It seems, however, that the men in charge would prefer things to be different. Well, I won’t stand for it. It all ends one way or another! I want Sam Houston, Nelson Royal and Leon White out of this city! If I don’t get what I want … God help you!” Officials are eventually able to regain control and bring Sam Houston to the back. Sullivan and his army remain at ringside to wait out the commercial break in anticipation of the night’s second match. To challenge for the junior heavyweight title, Shunji Takano comes down to the ring, flanked by his brother and followed by Pat Patterson. Patterson exchanges some terse words with Sullivan before the match begins. The match itself highly competitive, with both men gaining and losing the edge at various points. The deciding factor is a surprising one, however. Apparently offended by what Sullivan had to say earlier in the night, Houston, Royal and White rush down for the finishing stretch, preventing “the Lone Star” from receiving some much-needed intervention and starting a familiar bloody brawl in the process. Shunji Takano defeats “the Lone Star” in 12:59 by pinfall after a dropkick to win the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship A commercial break later and we arrive at our main event, for the Western States heavyweight title. With Larry Zbyszko in tow, Harley Race is every bit as vicious and dastardly as one would expect. Barry Windham puts in a courageous performance, however, taking the heels through hell, regularly meeting Larry’s interference with nasty thumbs. It isn’t enough in the end, however. Harley Race defeats Barry Windham in 14:34 by pinfall after a diving headbutt to win the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship

Houston releases Terry Gibbs and picks up Madusa Miceli and Penny Mitchell.

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 12 “Legendary Showdown V” – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold LEGENDARY SHOWDOWN V Advertised Match: 30 Man Lottery Battle Royal for the HS Television Championship We open with a snazzy new video package with highlights from Houston and related NWA matches and victory poses from each champion. After a brief panning shot of the crowd and the empty ring, we got to Paul Boesch in the backstage area. “Hello, friends. We’re all so pleased you’re tuning for another excited night of – uh – NWA wrestling from here at the Sam Houston coliseum. Just a short notice before we begin. Our – uh – the television champion Leon White has asked to forgo his scheduled singles match, and, in return, he’s agreed to put his title on the line in tonight’s battle royal. Now, let’s get on with the show.” The opening match is a farce from beginning to end. Kevin Sullivan and “the Purple Haze” are set to defend their titles against the Takanos. Instead, they spend the first few minutes harassing the referee and wasting time before the match can even get underway. When the opening bell eventually goes off, the Army of Darkness respond to it by walking off, rather than risk injury before the main event. Shunji Takano & George Takano defeat Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” in 00:34 by count out but the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship does not change hands Their strategy backfires when an irate Pat Patterson leads his team in an assault on Sullivan and his minions before they can escape to the back. The brawl probably isn’t enough to make Sullivan regret his actions, however, when it is broken up by the extra personnel on hand for the battle royal. The next match sees Dory Funk facing a local talent instead of his scheduled opponent, Leon White. Dory let’s the young man know exactly how he feels about the situation. Dory Funk, Jr. defeats a local talent in 05:57 by submission with a cloverleaf We cut to a commercial break soon after, before returning for a women’s match. Free from interference by Debbie Combs, Velvet McIntyre and Winona Little Heart are free to have a long clean contest. The pace is determined by McIntyre throughout, who stops short of embarrassing Winona, a move that occasionally allows Little Heart to break out and briefly scare the former champion. Velvet McIntyre defeats Winona Little Heart in 13:21 by pinfall with a victory roll. After another commercial break, our second tag team match gets underway. The Youngbloods are set to face their toughest challenge yet, in the form of Harley Race and Larry Zbyszko. The heels make it patently clear, throughout, however, that there is aim is not to win the match so much as it is to inflict pain. For reasons unknown, the pair make it their mission to sabotage the Youngblood brothers’ chances in the battle royal. By the time the match is over the younger team are a bloody mess. Jay Youngblood & Mark Youngblood defeat Harley Race & Larry Zbyszko in 12:49 by disqualification when officials lose control of the match and retain the NWA Western States Tag Team Championship We cut to our third commercial break before the main event gets underway. After a video package, showing multiple wrestlers dipping into the tumbler to retrieve their entry number, number one reveals himself. 00:00 “Baby Bull” Leon White makes his way to the ring, with his television title over his shoulder. Still enraged, Dory Funk, Jr. thunders down the ramp after him and tackles him to the floor. Briefly getting his licks in, White is able to block a shot from his own belt and returns the favour with a powerbomb to the hard floor. Fortunately, as officials escort Funk to the back, Leon White is able to recuperate before the second entrant can emerge to kick of the match proper. 01:30 Tojo Yamamoto makes his way to the ring and the two big men get into a slug fest. They are relatively evenly matched, though this may be the result of White being involved with the brief scuffle with Funk. 03:00 The Sheik comes down, at number three, to shake things up. Specifically, he targets White and Tojo is more than happy to cooperate. After a brief scare sees the Bull halfway over the top rope, the defending champion powers out and thrashes the Sheik. Tojo and Leon are then able to continue their hellacious back-and-forth. 04:30 Suspiciously, Baron Von Raschke is entry number four and he allows the heels to regain dominance. After wearing him down with strikes, White three opponents are able to get him stuck back in the ropes, putting him dangerously close to elimination. Unable to power out, things look grim for the Baby Bull. 06:00 Yet another heel emerges in the form of Shunji Takano, at number five. Spurred on by his manager, Shunji immediately rushes to aid the effort to rid the ring of Leon White. This plan backfires, however, when Tojo’s attention is immediately drawn to his former ally. Yamamoto turns on him, letting go of White in the process. On their own, Raschke and the Sheik find it impossible to get the champ up and over. They’re blistered with strikes and Raschke is ejected from the ring in short order. Meanwhile, Tojo is battering Shunji Takano. Pat Patterson, however, makes sure to help his client however he, mostly by antagonising and distracting Tojo. 07:30 Tony Garea comes to the ring, as the sixth entrant, helping White eliminate the Sheik. After teasing a showdown with the Bull, Garea rushes over to nail Shunji, preventing him – with Pat’s help – from eliminating Tojo. Yamamoto grabs Patterson, stood on the apron, and hammers him with chops to the head before letting him tumble to the floor. With Garea, White and Yamamoto on him, Shunji Takano is then easily ejected from the match. 09:00 George Takano is entrant number seven but fares even worse than his brother, chucked out almost as soon as he enters, by an unstoppable makeshift trio. Patterson responds to this humiliation by cracking Tojo over the head with the TV title. Garea and White then dump the dazed Tojo over the top rope, after which he is immediately set up by his former faction. The faces then get into it, with White predictably dominating the fight. Before the fight can come to anything, however … 10:30 Along with the eighth entrant, “the Lone Star”, the Army of Darkness make their way to the ring in full strength. Attempts by officials both to eject the previously eliminated entrants and prevent Sullivan and his minions becoming involved in the match fail spectacularly and a massive brawl erupts on the ramp and around the ring. After a commercial break, we return to discover that officials have finally regained control. Picture in picture footage shows the ninth entrant, Mark Youngblood fighting through the chaos to enter the ring, Garea being eliminated by “the Lone Star”, the tenth entrant Chris Benoit entering with considerable fire and the eleventh entrant Jim Neidhart somewhat evening the odds. After a fight between Chris Benoit and “the Lone Star” ends with Sullivan’s man on top, with Benoit taking a big bump on the way out. 16:30 Just as angry, but slightly worse for wear, Dory Funk, Jr. makes his way to the ring as the twelfth entrant. The heel trio he creates keep White and Youngblood on the backfoot, eventually leading to Mark taking a spill to the outside. White makes as much hell for his opponents as he can, even managing to throw Neidhart over the top rope but Dory and “the Lone Star” are men possessed and throwing everything back at him. 18:00 Things get worse for the champion when Kevin Sullivan himself emerges as the thirteenth entrant, accompanied by “the Fallen Angel”. It is not enough to get him out, however, and the pace of the match grinds to a halt, with White tied up forever before breaking out with a wallop across the Lone Star’s head. 19:30 At number fourteen, Sam Houston turns the tide against the heels, kicking off his time in the ring by eliminating Dory. The match then becomes a very competitive tornado-style tag match, though neither makeshift team has a decisive edge. 21:00 Jay Youngblood emerges at number fifteen looking to become that decisive edge. He is stymied, however, by Sullivan’s trump card. “the Fallen Angel” tries her best to keep him out the match long enough for the next entrant to enter the match. Once he eventually gets into the ring, Jay Youngblood is able to help the babyfaces become dominant but not to score any eliminations. 22:30 The sixteenth entrant is Bret Hart who evens the odds and then some, helping to eliminate Jay Youngblood in short order. A pattern soon after emerges, with the evenly matched Hart and Houston fighting in an athletic contest, almost looking like a standard match at points, and the two members of the Army of Darkness teaming up to keep White on the backfoot. 24:00 Nelson Royal comes down at entry number seventeen to aid his teammate. Attempts by “the Fallen Angel” to keep him from the match were unsuccessful, however, as he pushed her to the floor as soon as she confronted him. Talented though he is, Hart is unable to deal with two men on his own, the match evolves into a three on three. Hart and Houston continue to go back-and-forth, “the Lone Star” has the edge on Nelson Royal and Leon White scares Kevin Sullivan with an indomitable performance. 25:30 Jim Cornette leads entrant number eighteen, Dennis Condrey, to the ring with instructions to target Hart. Cornette and “the Fallen Angel” get into a few comedic altercations as a result of his refusal to help Sullivan and the imbalance within the ring leads to “the Lone Star” being ejected from the ring by Houston and Royal. 27:00 The difference maker emerges at number nineteen. “the Purple Haze” enters the ring and immediately makes his mark by eliminating Nelson Royal and relieving the pressure of Sullivan by going after White. Sullivan moves onto Houston, though he has just as much trouble staying in control. He is aided by Hart, however, who eventually manages to get the better of Dennis Condrey and toss him up and over the top rope, to the frustration of Jim Cornette, who been being distracted by the Angel. With Hart and Haze taking it to his opponents, Sullivan is firmly in control, cackling, taunting the crowd and taking pot-shots were he can. 28:30 Rene Goulet, coming in at number twenty, tries to even the odds but comes up short, falling to Sullivan in short order and being eliminated. Then comes the moment of truth. With Houston worn down, Hart rushes over to help Sullivan and Haze get White over. “the Fallen Angel” helps at the ring apron to pull him over. When Cornette tries to interfere, whether to help or hinder their effort, Bret pops him good and hard and sends him crashing to the outside. He is soon followed by White, ousted after considerable effort. 30:00 At twenty-one, Porkchop Cash, comes to help out the overwhelmed Sam Houston. All the same, things look exceptionally bleak and both men soon find themselves tied up in the ropes. After a commercial break, we return to see Houston in a better spot. Picture in picture footage shows us the arrival of the twenty second entrant Brad Rheingans to even the odds, something he accomplished, the arrival and swift departure of Terry Gibbs at twenty-three, Jimmy Garvin’s entrance at number twenty-four and the most recent addition of the twenty fifth entrant, Bobby Eaton. Eaton eliminates Hart and the faces manage to eject Garvin quickly enough to avoid Eaton creating an imbalance. A competitive three on three continues until … 37:30 The twenty sixth entrant is the wild and evil Terry Funk. Things go badly for the faces after that, with Rheingans being eliminated and Cash and Houston getting savagely beaten down. Judging Funk to be the most dangerous, Sullivan and Haze turn on him after that. Initially unsure, Eaton joins in and they’re able to eliminate him. 39:00 Funk clocks number twenty-seven, Sweet Brown Sugar, on his way to the back, meaning that Houston and Cash remain in a sorry state for a while longer. The faces manage to stick around, however, long enough for Eaton to grow frustrated with his lack of progress and turn on his temporary allies. 40:30 Ron Garvin appearance at number twenty-eight caused this fractured alliance to reform, however, and the heels manage to hurl out Cash and Sugar. A fresh Garvin proves something of a match in the early going, especially with Houston at his side, but the numbers game eventually gets the better of him and he is tossed out. For revenge or, perhaps, purely opportunistically, Sullivan and Haze immediately pull Eaton into the ropes and try to get him over. They are thwarted, however, by Houston who barrels into them. 42:00 To Houston’s relief, Wahoo McDaniel is number twenty-nine. Whilst Eaton recuperates, uninterested in helping the Army of Darkness, McDaniel helps Houston in a two-on-two. With Haze in a bad situation and Sullivan thoroughly worn down, Eaton tries to help Wahoo and Sam get Haze up and over. 44:30 The final entrant is Hercules Hernandez. Spurred on by the need to prevent him from turning the tide, a gigantic heave from Wahoo and Houston gets Haze over the top rope. Enraged, Sullivan goes after Eaton. With Cornette and the Angel both getting into the mix, the pair manages to pull themselves out. In quick succession, Hernandez tosses Wahoo out and, with moment on his side, Houston gets under him and eliminates the final entrant. Sam Houston wins a thirty man lottery battle royal in 47:10 by last eliminating Hercules Hernandez and becomes the HS Television Championship

Houston picks up Wendi Richter and Terry Gibbs.

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 11 – 9th of June 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: “the Purple Haze” versus “Baby Bull” Leon White for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship and the HS Television Championship We open just moments before the first match gets underway. “the Lone Star” is accompanied by the rest of Kevin Sullivan’s army. Shunji Takano is accompanied by his brother and Pat Patterson but Tojo Yamamoto is notably absent. Patterson uses every trick he can think of to even the odds but it’s nowhere near enough. The champion remains dominant throughout and, if it weren’t for Pat distracting the referee during every pin attempt, he’d likely have put his opponent away within five minutes. Eventually, Sullivan manages to get the better of Patterson, however, and George Takano is kept restrained by “the Purple Haze”. “the Lone Star” defeats Shunji Takano in 11:56 by pinfall after a German suplex to retain the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship Once the officials manage to get both factions to leave the ring, we cut to the back for a word from Paul Boesch. “Well – uh – with the success of our experimental tag team battle royal, we’re going to be putting on our first ever – uh our first … annual Summertime Lottery Battle Royal. Next week, at Legendary Showdown number five, it’ll be every man for himself and anyone could win.” After a commercial break we return for our main event. This time with a thirty-minute time limit, Leon White faces off against “the Purple Haze” in a rematch for both men’s titles. Every indication seems to be that the two are evenly matched, with interference from the Army of Darkness kept to a minimum by the Youngbloods. Heavy hits, big slams and crushing holds are exchanged one for one. By the time we return from the mid-match commercial break, both men are noticeably tiring, and each new slam threatens to spell the end. Keeping Kevin Sullivan and his minions from interfering becomes harder and harder for the Youngbloods as the Haze’s allies start losing their minds. The Youngbloods receive some unlikely help, however, in the form of Pat Patterson and the Takanos. By now a familiar sight, the ringside area quickly descends into an unruly mass brawl. Tojo Yamamoto makes an appearance soon after, targeting the Takanos, triggering the entirety of the male roster to pour into the ringside area thick and fast. Evidently teasing the forthcoming battle royal, the brawl sufficiently distracts the referee for Pat Patterson to capitalise on an opportunity to get his own back on Kevin Sullivan, when he smashes a bottle over the Haze’s head. “Baby Bull” Leon White defeats “the Purple Haze” in 33:02 by pinfall after interference from Pat Patterson to win the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship and retain the HS Television Championship

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 10 – 2nd of June 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” versus George Takano & Shunji Takano for the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship A brief video package plays, showing the finishes of the previous week’s match before we jump into the opening match. Leon White and Dory Funk, Jr. take each other to the limit in a wild back-and-forth spectacle. Both men have a lot to prove, with White in particular being desperate to make a statement on account of the heavyweight title match scheduled for the following week. Dory seems to notice this at some point during the match, as it becomes increasingly obvious that he is willing to settle for a cheap victory. Such a win almost comes when, on a count of eight, Dory tries to kick the Baby Bull through the ropes. The move backfires on Funk, however, when White pulls him through to the outside and delivers a hellish powerbomb to the floor. A thoroughly exhausted White thinks better of bringing Funk back into the ring for a pin and, instead, leaves him lying. “Baby Bull” Leon White defeats Dory Funk, Jr. in 13:57 by count out and retains the HS Television Championship After a commercial break we go straight to a backstage segment with Kevin Sullivan. His minions are with him but, this time, they are ominously silent, and all dressed in druidic robes. “Leon White! I have a message for you, Leon White. From Abudadein! The altar has been prepared, the faithful have been called and a dark power lies in wait, watching and thirsting. I would warn you. I would tell you that this city is not safe for you … but I know you too well for that. There is … nothing! There is nothing in your mind that the Snake Master has not already revealed to me. The truth is that you will go willingly to your slaughter. You know that it is necessary for to … for you to be reborn! You long for defeat and I promise you that “the Purple Haze” will deliver! Steel yourself!” Sullivan hold the camera’s gaze for an uncomfortably long time before we cut to the next match. The first of two tag team bouts tonight, this match aims to clarify the previous week’s dramatic caged brawl, putting Houston and Royal up against Raschke and the Sheik. The affair plays out as one might expect. Though rattled by their loss, Houston and Royal prove themselves to be the far stronger pairing by miles. Sam Houston & Nelson Royal defeat Baron Von Raschke & the Sheik in 09:41 when Sam Houston pins the Sheik after a bulldog We cut to a commercial break and return for a heel programme. The main event sees Sullivan and Haze take on the Takanos. Whilst Sullivan and Haze prove themselves the deadlier in-ring fighters, Pat Patterson more than makes up for it with endless interference. Patterson & “the Fallen Angel” get into a few comic altercations, eventually leading to a crazed Lone Star rushing to ringside in an effort to turn the tide. Patterson retreats but the Army of Darkness’s celebrations are cut short when he returns with a thunderously enraged Tojo Yamamoto in tow. After making quick work of “the Lone Star”, Patterson directs Tojo to become involved with the events inside the ring. Just as soon he steps up to the apron, however, “the Purple Haze” smacks him across the head, causing him to fall on top of Pat. Shunji leaves his place on the apron to check on his manager and Sullivan’s army immediately take advantage. Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” defeat George Takano & Shunji Takano in 14:35 when Kevin Sullivan pins George Takano after a powerslam to retain the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship Dramatic events play out after the finish. Patterson become enraged with Tojo, going so far as to spit in his face. For this, he receives a chokehold that nearly puts him to sleep. The Takano brothers then meet this with a savage beatdown, ending only when officials drag them away from a bloodied Yamamoto.

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 9 “Legendary Showdown IV” – 26th of May 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: Terry Funk versus Barry Windham for the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship LEGENDARY SHOWDOWN IV We open with a brief shot of the crowd and the empty ring, replete with its gold ropes and yellow apron, before we cut to the backstage with Paul Boesch. “Hello again, friends, and welcome to our fourth Show – uh – our fourth Legendary Showdown. Before we can hold the twelve-man cage match I’m sure we’re – uh – you’re all waiting to see, it’s the – we’ve – uh – we’ve got to have our scheduled junior heavyweight title contest. To ensure a fair outcome, I have barred every other participant in the cage match from ringside on penalty of being removed from the match. I have also ban – uh – taken the decision to bar “the Fallen Angel” from the arena tonight. Now, without – uh – let’s get to the action.” The opening contest is a rematch from two weeks ago, “the Lone Star” against Nelson Royal. Without any interference from the Army of Darkness, the match proves to be far more even than that encounter, however. The two men go to toe to toe, matching each other hold for hold, and they both, presumably in anticipation of the cage match, decide to take very few risks. The finish, therefore, is unfortunately quite predictable. “the Lone Star” and Nelson Royal draw in 15:00 when the match’s time limit expires, and the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship does not change hands After a commercial break, we return for our second of three championship rematches. Leon White takes on Tojo Yamamoto in hard-hitting brawl. Pat Patterson, along with his Takano bodyguards, spends the match taunting White and becomes increasingly frustrated the longer the match drags on. Initially receptive to Pat’s constant calls of “put him away!”, “knock him out!” and “finish it!”, Tojo eventually becomes fed up with his manager and scowls at him in response. It becomes evident that Tojo simply cannot compete with the Baby Bull and he fails to recapture his title, to Pat’s obvious frustration. “Baby Bull” Leon White defeats Tojo Yamamoto in 13:03 by pinfall after a sit-out powerbomb to retain the HS Television Championship After White leaves, Tojo confronts Pat, screaming at him in Japanese. The Takanos trying to calm him down but only succeed in convincing him to back down from outright hitting Pat. Yamamoto storms to the back, leaving a flustered and confused Pat Patterson muttering something inaudible. We cut to another commercial break. We return to a shot of Debbie Combs’ face, angry eyes and a clenched jaw, as she watches Velvet McIntyre enter the ring. The match plays out much like the latter half of their previous encounter, with a vicious Combs playing dirty from the outset. McIntyre does not have much of an answer for this and sets most of the match on the backfoot, becoming exhausted far sooner than Combs. Debbie Combs defeats Velvet McIntyre in 12:20 by pinfall after a neckbreaker to win the NWA Texas Women’s Championship Once the two ladies have left the ring, we stick around to see the cage being put up for a few moments before cutting to a commercial break. We return just in time for the opening bell of the big one. On the face side, we have; Sam Houston, Nelson Royal, Tony Garea, Rene Goulet and the Youngbloods. On the heel side, we have; Kevin Sullivan, “the Purple Haze”, “the Lone Star”, Dory Funk, Jr., Baron Von Raschke and the Sheik. A savage brawl erupts almost immediately. Rene Goulet and Baron Von Raschke are quickly identified as weak links by their respective opponents and the two get colour within five minutes. By the time we get to a commercial break, almost all of the participants are bloodied up and very sweaty. We return to troubling scenes, as Tony Garea, Mark Youngblood and Nelson Royal have been knocked down and their partners are fighting a losing battle. The tides seem to change, however, Sam Houston goes for a desperation move and knocks Raschke and the Sheik down with the double clothesline. Sullivan responds to this quickly and cunningly, however, directing traffic towards his endgame strategy. The Haze pins Houston’s arms behind his back and Sullivan and Star smack Jay Youngblood around, trying to keep him busy as much as anything. Funk is then left to go in for the kill on Goulet, who holds on for an admirable length of time, nevertheless. Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” & “the Lone Star” & Dory Funk, Jr. & Baron Von Raschke & the Sheik defeat Sam Houston & Nelson Royal & Tony Garea & Rene Goulet & Mark Youngblood & Jay Youngblood in 28:52 when Dory Funk, Jr. submits Rene Goulet with a cloverleaf After the officials have evacuated the cage, we get a brief promotional video for next week’s tag title bout, promising that the Army of Darkness will take on the Takanos. Our main event comes after another commercial break, with Terry Funk taking on Barry Windham. The match is a wild brawl, with numerous trips to the outside, though it is nowhere near as bloody as the previous match. Tough competitive, the match seems to be heading Funk’s way until the arrival of an injured and enraged Dusty Rhodes. Without getting physical, the American Dream takes Terry off his game and gives Windham an opening. Barry Windham defeats Terry Funk in 15:47 by pinfall after a lariat to win the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 8 “The Gauntlet” – 19th of May 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: “Baby Bull” Leon White versus “the Purple Haze” for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship and the HS Television Championship The show opens with a brief speech from Paul Boesch. “Friends, it brings me great pleasure to introduce to you a night of championship wrestling we are calling “the Gauntlet”. We’ll be seeing two title for title matches and we’ll be pushing some of our champions to the limit. This is all in anticipation of next week’s – uh – “Legendary Showdown” and the – um – the return of the cage.” We cut to the opening match for the six-man title. The newly formed trio of Dory Funk, Jr., Baron Von Raschke and the Sheik take the champions to the limit, taking liberties wherever possible. In the end, however, the power of the bull prevails. “Baby Bull” Leon White & Mark Youngblood & Jay Youngblood defeat Dory Funk, Jr. & Baron Von Raschke & the Sheik in 13:03 when “Baby Bull” Leon White pins Baron Von Raschke after a sit-out powerbomb to retain the NWA Texas Six Man Tag Team Championship We cut to a commercial break and return for the women’s match that will serve as a much-needed break for the Youngbloods. “the Purple Haze” will not receive the same courtesy. More of an angle than a match, Velvet McIntyre dominates Winona Little Heart in what looks like a throwaway match until Debbie Combs storms to the ring and pulls the champion out. McIntyre takes a nasty spill to the outside and Combs follows up with a series of stomps. Velvet McIntyre defeats Winona Little Heart in 04:50 by disqualification after interference from Debbie Combs and retains the NWA Texas Women’s Championship Little Heart responds to these scenes and comes to her opponent’s defence, getting a few licks in on Combs before a swarm of officials descends upon all three women. Once the chaos has died down, the participants in our third match make their way to the ring. The western states tag champions go up against the Texas tag champions in what initially proves to be a ferocious match. The Youngbloods are certainly not operating at one hundred percent but they still prove to be far more of a challenge than the Army of Darkness were expecting. A few near falls, facilitated by “the Fallen Angel” and “the Lone Star”, tease the conclusion most hoped for by Sullivan. In the end, however, after witnessing a bit too much abuse coming the way of “the Purple Haze”, Kevin Sullivan decides to pick up his ball and go home. The Youngbloods (Jay Youngblood & Mark Youngblood) defeat Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” in 08:48 by count out and retain the NWA Western States Tag Team Championship but the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship does not change hands We cut to a commercial break, which serves as the only respite for “the Purple Haze”, before our main event. From the off, it is a lumberjack match for all intents and purposes. The Youngbloods are in White’s corner, whereas the Haze has all of his stable mates in his. As the match progresses, White’s Japanese enemies, led by Pat Patterson, come to bolster the forces of the Army of Darkness, only to be met by reinforcements from the face side; Sam Houston, Nelson Royal, Tony Garea and Rene Goulet. The brutality within the ring, with Leon White and “the Purple Haze” laying into one another, is soon matched on the outside, with a chaotic and bloody brawl that officials prove totally unable to contain. Thankfully, the brawling keeps interference to a minimum, though the finish is predictably indecisive. “Baby Bull” Leon White and “the Purple Haze” draw in 15:00 when the match’s time limit expires and neither the HS Television Championship nor the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship change hands When the cameras cut off, the brawl is still going on.

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 7 – 12th of May 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: Sam Houston versus Harley Race The programme starts with our new television champion and his first opponent in the ring. The Baby Bull puts on an extremely impressive display, vanquishing the opposition in less than a minute. “Baby Bull” Leon White defeats a local talent in 00:49 by pinfall after a sit-out powerbomb to retain the HS Television Championship Pat Patterson, a recent enemy of White but also the man behind the creation of the title and chairman of its match-making committee, comes down to the ring after the match, flanked by his Takano bodyguards. Pat offers the new champ a handshake. White milks the moment as much as possible but eventually decides to extend his hand. It proves to be a mistake, however, as Patterson maintains his grip long enough for George Takano to crack White across the back with a steel chair. Once Leon is sufficiently beaten down, Tojo Yamamoto makes an appearance and, with the aid of the Takano brothers, delivers a thunderous powerbomb to the barely conscious champion. We then cut to the back for a brief segment from Paul Boesch. “Well friends, I’ve got – uh – have we got some news for you? Our women’s champion Velvet McIntyre has recently informed the championship committee that she would like to defend her belt ahead of her scheduled match with Debbie Combs on the 26th. Next week, she will be giving Winona Little Heart a shot at the bronze. Now – uh – last get back to more wrestling action.” The next match is a heel showcase, with shine for each member of the trio of bad guys against three unfortunate souls. Dory Funk, Jr. & Baron Von Raschke & the Sheik defeat a local team in 09:34 We cut to a commercial break and return in time for some more championship action. Said championship action is a battle of the Royals, as Nelson Royal takes on the former Gary Royal – no relation – now known as “the Lone Star”. Unfortunately for Nelson, the Army of Darkness is no longer interested in staying on Paul Boesch’s good side and comes out in force. Nelson Royal puts in a valiant effort but it is nowhere near good enough to overcome interreference and distractions galore from Sullivan and his minions. “the Lone Star” defeats Nelson Royal in 12:22 by pinfall after a German suplex to retain the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship After the match, Sullivan’s army decides to take liberties with Nelson Royal and attempts a beatdown. Sam Houston rushes down, along with Tony Garea and Rene Goulet to make the save. The confrontation is a short but nasty affair that leaves Houston with a limp. Houston has enough time as the following commercial break allows to recover. His opponent in the main event, one Harley Race – accompanied by Larry Zbyszko – has clearly taken notice and spends a good portion of the match punishing Sam’s weakened leg. The match is competitive, but the edge goes to Race throughout especially since, having just come off the back of an intense match himself, Nelson is unable to effectively neutralise Zbyszko’s influence. Harley Race defeats Sam Houston in 14:05 by pinfall after a piledriver

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 6 “Legendary Showdown III” – 5th of May 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: Dusty Rhodes & Barry Windham versus The Midnight Express (Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton) LEGENDARY SHOWDOWN III We open on a shot of the ring, which is now adorned with gold ropes and a yellow apron – the new standard for Legendary Showdown branded events. A video package incorporating NWA action from Houston and elsewhere briefly plays and, once we return, we see the opening match ready to get underway. The TV champ is accompanied by his stable mates, Pat Patterson and the Takanos. White, on the other hand, stands alone. The odds are not as stacked as they might first appear, however, as the Takanos prove reticent to become involved, likely owing to their upcoming match. Pat remains a nuisance, constantly antagonising the bull and distracting the referee. All he really manages to accomplish, however, is drawing the match out in length by providing Tojo with the occasional respite from Leon’s power and dominance. “Baby Bull” Leon White defeats Tojo Yamamoto in 14:20 by pinfall after a sit-out powerbomb to win the HS Television Championship A break follows and we return for the opening bell of our women’s match. With Debbie Combs taking on Winona Little Heart, the story is simple. The match begins as a pure face-face affair, with a respectful handshake and a clean technical back-and-forth for the first seven minutes. After a few frustrating near falls, however, and a scare of her own, Combs indulges her darker side. She receives some mild chastisement from the referee for her hair-pulling and shows of viciousness, but it all pays off when she gets some leverage from the middle rope on her final pin attempt. Debbie Combs defeats Winona Little Heart in 12:02 by pinfall after a dropkick We cut to the back, with a bouncy Sam Houston and a determined Nelson Royal. Houston does the talking. “Kevin Sullivan listen up! You’ve made fools of us once or twice but that ends tonight! With a wall of steel on every side of the ring, you can’t rely on your old tricks. We’ll prove to all the world that pound for pound, man on man, we’re the better wrestlers. The numbers game can’t save you and you can’t even throw the match when things get too much. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if you fail to even show your ugly face tonight, now that you’ve got a fair fight on your hands. So, go on … surprise us!” We cut to a commercial break before a short bout of tag team action. Having successfully conserved their strength earlier in the night, at the expense of their stable mate, the Takanos put on an impressive showing against the experienced but ageing duo of Tony Garea and Rene Goulet. The affair is nowhere near the level of a squash but no one in the audience is ever in any doubt that the Takanos have the clear edge. The Takanos (Shunji Takano & George Takano) defeat Tony Garea & Rene Goulet in 09:057 when George Takano pins Rene Goulet after a piledriver We then cut to the back for an interview with Kevin Sullivan. He is flanked by “the Purple Haze” and “the Fallen Angel”. “Do you think I’m afraid of a steel cage, Sam Houston?! Do you think “the Purple Haze” has anything to fear? Oh no, no, no, Sam Houston!” “the Fallen Angel” begins wagging her finger. “He and I have left fear far behind us. The Snake Master cleansed us of fear! He purged that poison from our veins with an ancient technique, a thousand needles and a thousand eyes. We have grown to be totally unafraid of pain and of confinement. You, however, are still trapped in your own mind with no hope of escape from the false reality it has made for you. So, when you step inside that cage you will be doubly trapped and I – we – we’ll be truly free! We’ll be free, the Haze and I, to end your championship reign and start you on the road to your ultimate destruction! Ha ha ha ha!” We cut to a commercial break and return to see the last man in our six-man contest making his way to the ring, one Jimmy Garvin – accompanied by his glamorous valet, Precious. He shows off a little before joining his partners, Baron Von Raschke and the Sheik. They face tough competition in the form of Ron Garvin and the Fabulous Ones. As things get underway, the picture becomes clearer. The Fabulous Ones greatly outclass Raschke and the Sheik put Precious gives Jimmy the edge over Ron. We get a quick succession of tags, enough to showcase a little bit of each combination of opponents. The finish comes when Misty Blue Simmes rushes down to the ringside area to confront Precious, after one too many distractions. The commotion draws Jimmy’s attention away from the Sheik who, instead, has to settle for tagging in Raschke. The Baron is nowhere near one hundred percent, having taken quite a beating earlier, and proves to be no match for Stan Lane. Ron Garvin, Steve Keirn & Stan Lane defeat Jimmy Garvin, Baron Von Raschke & the Sheik in 13:11 when Stan Lane pins Baron Von Raschke after a savate kick After a brief video package, advertising next week’s match between Nelson Royal and “the Lone Star”, we cut to a commercial break. When we return, the steel cage has been set up and the next match’s participants are in the ring. Sam Houston and Nelson Royal cannot conceal their nervousness, and even Kevin Sullivan betrays the slightest hint of vulnerability but “the Purple Haze” is totally unfazed. “the Fallen Angel” is at ringside, though she does little more than cheer-lead for the bulk of the match. The match is rough and nasty, with each man getting his face raked against the cage at one time or another. The match is very competitive, with both teams regularly trading dominance but Nelson Royal is the clear weak link. “the Purple Haze”, meanwhile, is a monster, seeming to come alive within the confines of the cage. The Army of Darkness might have even won cleanly but “the Fallen Angel” leaves nothing to chance and supplies her master with a pair of brass knuckles, passed easily through the steel mesh. With his partner beaten, bloodied and exhausted, Sam Houston cannot overcome the odds and, after a nasty crack across the head from Sullivan, “the Purple Haze” restrains him to allow his leader to pick up the win. Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” defeat Sam Houston & Nelson Royal in 16:43 when Kevin Sullivan pins Nelson Royal after a stomp to win the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship After a commercial break, we’re left with our main event. It’s a feel-good affair, with the faces on top, some great action and an apoplectic Jim Cornette at ringside. Dusty Rhodes & Barry Windham defeat The Midnight Express (Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton) in 14:25 when Dusty Rhodes pins Dennis Condrey after a bionic elbow

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 5 – 28th of April 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: Sam Houston versus "the Purple Haze" for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship Our first match of the night is familiar. Tojo Yamamoto demolishes his opposition with ease, as Pat laughs and goads the crowd at ringside. The Takanos are also in attendance, spending most of their time on the entrance ramp, apparently to prevent Leon White from making an appearance. Tojo Yamamoto defeats a local talent in 04:30 by submission with a bear hug to retain the HS Television Championship After that, we cut to Paul Boesch in the back. “Next week, friends, we should hopefully see – uh – a – uh – more exciting contest for our television title. It’s one I know many of our fans are excited to see. Tojo Yamamoto will go one on one with the Baby Bull, Leon White. I have been increasingly disturbed by the conduct of Kevin Sullivan and his – uh – Army of Darkness. Rest assured, measures are being considered that would ensure a fair contest next week. If Kevin Sullivan proves, later today, that he cannot be trusted then his match for the – uh – Texas tag team championship will be fought in a steel cage.” The next match features a member of the Army of Darkness, “the Lone Star”, formerly Gary Royal. Whilst Sullivan, “the Fallen Angel” and “the Purple Haze” accompany him to the ring, they leave once the bell rings, apparently intent on complying with Paul Boesch’s instruction. “the Lone Star” wrestles like a man possessed and, breaking and bending the rules where necessary, comes out on top of the junior heavyweight champion without the assistance of his fellow cultists. “the Lone Star” defeats Chris Benoit in 11:02 by pinfall after a German suplex to win the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship We cut to a commercial break and return for another match featuring the Army of Darkness. Accompanying “the Purple Haze”, this time they stick around to help him. Sam Houston is not stupid, however, and has brought backup, in the form of Tony Garea and Rene Goulet. Throughout the match, Houston is bothered by the Army but, thanks to his allies, he is never truly overwhelmed. The two men have an intense back-and-forth, with displays of power from the Haze consistently met by shows of strength from Houston. The longer things drag on, however, the more frantic and restless Kevin Sullivan becomes. Not long after the fifteen-minute mark, the officials lose control of the situation and the match devolves into a wild brawl. Sam Houston defeats “the Purple Haze” in 16:22 by disqualification after interference from Kevin Sullivan but the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship does not change hands From scenes of several men getting colour we cut to a commercial break, returning to a calmer scene for our main event. It quickly becomes apparent that Terry Funk wants to play mind games with the challenger. Kevin Von Erich can barely seem to get a strike without Funk retreating to the ropes, clawing at the referee’s shirt or signalling for a time-out. These tactics work, especially after Funk begins teasing a count out loss, as Von Erich becomes more and more impatient, going for too many pinfalls that inevitably result in counts of one. After that, all it takes from Funk to seal the deal is one big move once the time is right. Terry Funk defeats Kevin Von Erich in 14:51 by pinfall after a piledriver to retain the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 4 – 21st of April 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: Sam Houston & Nelson Royal versus “the Purple Haze” & “the Lone Star” for the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship After a brief video package detailing the events of the previous week’s two-hour show, we open with Tojo Yamamoto. Tojo Yamamoto obliterates his opponent and, this time, Pat does not seem particularly interesting in hurrying it up. Tojo Yamamoto defeats a local talent in 02:35 by submission with a bear hug to retain the HS Television Championship The champ keeps the hold locked in, thrashing his opponent around and disobeying the referee’s instructions to stop. Before long, “Baby Bull” Leon White emerges from the back and thunders down the entrance ramp. Pat Patterson rushes up to confront him but gets a clothesline for his trouble and goes down hard. Tojo releases the hold just in time to receive a clothesline of his own, that sends him tumbling over the top rope and crashing to the floor. White scoops up the TV title and taunts a dazed and retreating Yamamoto with it before passing it the referee. We cut to a replay of the closing seconds of the women’s title match from last week before moving on to our second match. What follows is a sweet and short showcase for Winona Little Heart. Winona Little Heart defeats a local talent in 05:13 by pinfall with a victory roll We return from the commercial in time for the entrance of the Texas tag champions. “the Purple Haze” and “the Lone Star” are already in the ring, accompanied by Kevin Sullivan and “the Fallen Angel”. Things don’t look good for the champions in the early goings of the match. Whereas “the Lone Star” isn’t exactly lighting the world on fire – though he is competent – “the Purple Haze” is truly dominant. Most of the match is spent with Nelson Royal being beaten down by “the Purple Haze” which also has the effect of riling Sam Houston up. It’s “the Fallen Angel” who makes Houston most mad, however, acting as a constant source of illegal interference. When the tag comes, Sam can barely contain himself and he turns the tide easily against Sullivan’s Army of Darkness. Just as he begins to embarrass “the Purple Haze”, however, Kevin Sullivan puts a stop to things with a crack across the back with a steel chair. Sam Houston & Nelson Royal defeat “the Purple Haze” & “the Lone Star” in 12:50 by disqualification and retain the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship after Kevin Sullivan employs the use of a foreign object The beat-down continues for a minute or so but the officials are more prepared after the previous week’s incident and swarm the ring. Kevin Sullivan then leads his minions to the back, cackling all the while. We cut to a commercial break and return just in time for the opening bell of our main event. The Youngbloods and the Hart Foundation square off in an intense back-and-forth but, by the ten-minute mark, it becomes obvious the Hart Foundation have the edge. Though both teams get the chance to shine and each man gets roughly equal time in the ring, Bret Hart comes away looking exceptional, not once failing to get the better of an exchange. Hart has little to be cheery about, however, when one Jim Cornette comes hobbling to the ring. Confused, Hart meets him at the apron. He threatens to punch Corny after an inaudible remark from the man gets him riled up. Cornette has the last laugh, however. The Youngbloods (Mark Youngblood & Jay Youngblood) defeat the Hart Foundation (Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart) in 16:22 by pinfall after a schoolboy roll-up to win the NWA Western States Tag Team Championship

I do not watch RAW, so someone will have to tell me whether I was wrong about the Sonya thing. Has it been given an explicit reason or it just "Sonya bad now - do bad stuff - be bad people"?

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 3 “Legendary Showdown II” – 14th of April 1985 – Airing Live, with pre-taped segments, on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: Ten Team Lottery Draw Over-the-Top-Rope Battle Royal LEGENDARY SHOWDOWN II We open cold with our first match. Tojo, not accompanied by Pat Patterson this time, flattens his competition and, once again, seals his victory with a disrespectful foot on the chest. Tojo Yamamoto defeats a local talent in 03:46 by pinfall after an axe handle from the second rope to retain the HS Television Championship We cut from a beaming Tojo to the back, where Paul Boesch and Pat Patterson are standing in front of a golden tumbler. “What a show we’ve got for you today, friends! In just a moment we’ll be crowning our women’s champion but – uh – first we’re going to laid out just how our tag team battle royal is going to work.” The camera zooms in on Pat and the tumbler, to show that it’s been filled by ten ping pong balls, each a distinct colour. Pat explains, “we’ve got ten teams an’ ten places, entrens’ number one an’ number two start in da’ ring. Nine’y seconds later, team number three comes out an’ on and on. Before da’ match, dey’re gonna’ come up ‘ere an’ I’ll ‘and ‘em dey’re ball – ha ha!” “Well – uh – there’s, that’s … there it is. Ten teams, ten places, randomly drawn, staggered entry, over the top rope. Let’s get back to the action!” The women’s match is a pure face/face affair, though the crowd clearly favour Debbie Combs. It starts with a respectful handshake and plays out evenly and competitively, with the girls matching each other hold for hold, snapmare for snapmare. The tide, turns, however, when Combs misses a dropkick and McIntyre capitalises with a legdrop. Combs is too late to recover and gets hit with a running crossbody as soon as she finds her feet. Velvet McIntyre defeats Debbie Combs in 08:53 by pinfall after a running crossbody to win the NWA Texas Women’s Championship We cut to a commercial break after the match and return to the opening bell of another championship bout. Nelson Royal is up against Chris Benoit and proves himself more than a match for the rookie. Whilst Benoit has the power, the smarts go to Royal who gets the advantage of every hold and does everything he can to keep his opponent tired and grounded. As the match goes on, both men become panicked and desperate to put things away, leading to a finish stretch of roll-ups and reversals. Neither man can seal the deal, however. Chris Benoit goes to a time limit draw with Nelson Royal in 10:00 to retain the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship – Match Taped, 11th of April We cut to the back, with Paul Boesch, Kevin Sullivan, “the Fallen Angel” and “the Purple Haze”. “Well we just saw an excellent technical match but now I’ve – uh – we’ve got the – uh – Kevin Sullivan here. Now, you’ve got to face Sam Houston in our main event here tonight. Do you have anything to say about that?” As Sullivan speaks, “the Purple Haze” growls and groans at convenient intervals. “Yes I do! I know this match will go down. I learned the fate of Sam Houston when I received the wisdom of Abudadein. When I bathed in the earthen water, I understood the power he had to offer me. That power is why “the Purple Haze” is a champion! That power is why I cannot lose to Sam Houston!” “the Fallen Angel” concurs, “my master cannot lose!” “I cannot lose! When I learned this, sunlight rained from my body like a waterfall, but the snake master told me that that was not enough. He said I must expel the blackened lumps of clay from my soul. And when I did, I felt invigorated! I knew, from that day forward, that I was invincible … as are all who follow me … like “the Fallen Angel” …” “Yes!” “… like “the Purple Haze” …” “the Purple Haze” roars his approval. “… and just like “the Lone Star” … come look, Sam Houston, come see!” Sullivan ushers the former Gary Royal into view of the camera. He appears stony and vacant and his hair was been dyed jet black. He has a pentagram painted on his chest. “That is what you’re up against, Sam Houston … aha ha ha ha!” We cut for a commercial break and return to see the Fabulous Ones in the ring, awaiting entrant number two. A klaxon sounds and the Midnight Express rush down to the ring, with Jim Cornette at their heels. They waste no time in getting to work and the two teams go hard against each other, with strikes and slams. Cornette makes his appearance felt, helping to eliminate Stan Lane. The Midnight Express are devastating Steve Keirn with quite a beatdown until the klaxon sounds and the Youngbloods run down to re-balance the odds. Keirn and the Youngbloods then manage to eliminate Dennis Condrey, sending Cornette apoplectic at ringside. Eaton does a good job of fending of his attackers, however, long enough for the Cuban Assassins to come running down at the next sounding of the klaxon. The new alliance of the Cuban Assassins plus Bobby Eaton gets the better of Jay Youngblood, sending him over the top rope in short order. They aren’t effective enough to keep the momentum, however, as Steve Keirn and Mark Youngblood are eventually joined by Tony Garea and Rene Goulet. These guys remove both of the assassins from the match and Cornette has to whack a few of them with his tennis racket to save Eaton from his own exit. The klaxon then sounds for the fifth time and the Funk brothers bring hellfire to the four, eliminating each one in short order before turning on Eaton and throwing him over. Cornette responds to this with a temper tantrum before being escorted to the back by his team. The Funks hang around in the ring, jeering at the crowd as they await their next victims. The klaxon sounds and … Dusty Rhodes rushes down to the ring, with Barry Windham at his side. The two teams get into a wild brawl, ending when Dory is ejected and Terry goes to ground, rolling under the bottom rope and hiding. Rhodes and Windham are soon embroiled in a fight with the next entrants, the Lumberjacks. They get the better of the contest and eliminate the pair, just in time for another team to join the fray. The Hart Foundation prove to be challenge enough and produce a stalemate that is only upended by the arrival of the final team … the Takanos, accompanied by Pat Patterson. It is now, with Rhodes and Windham beset on all sides that we … cut to a commercial break. We return to find Rhodes and Windham in a bad way, beaten and exhausted but not without hope. A picture in picture shot, shows us, Shunji Takano being eliminated. The three on one contest is not interrupted by Terry Funk, who continues to hide at ring side. After a monumental effort, George Takano and the Hart Foundation, with assistance for Shunji and Pat, get Dusty out and over but Windham takes advantage and bowls George and Jim both out. Terry is unwillinging embroiled in a brawl with Dusty on the outside, as Bret and Barry go one on one. The Dream cannot be contained, however, and, among others, Pat Patterson bumps all other the place for him. Dusty rolls Terry into the ring, just as Bret is eliminated and gets his own comeuppance in short order. Dusty Rhodes & Barry Windham defeat Stan Lane & Steve Keirn, Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton, Mark Youngblood & Jay Youngblood, Cuban Assassin #1 & Cuban Assassin #2, Tony Garea & Rene Goulet, Terry Funk & Dory Funk, Jr., George Takano & Shunji Takano and Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart in 27:31 We cut to a pre-taped segment, where Paul Boesch is interviewing Sam Houston. “Now, we heard from Kevin Sullivan earlier but – uh – I think the fans to hear your thoughts, Sam. What’ve you got to say to Kevin Sullivan?” “Well, I don’t put much stock in what Mister Sullivan had to say. But I tell you what! I know now where I went wrong against “the Purple Haze”. I trained my body for a match against him when I should’ve trained my mind for a match against Kevin Sullivan. I don’t buy this whole dark side act, but I do buy that Sullivan’s a deranged psychopath what needs his ass whipped! The numbers game won’t work on me this time, pal. I’ve got Nelson Royal with me. Everyone’s he’d been the junior heavyweight champion now if the time limit hadn’t got the better of him. There’s a reason we’re tag team champions and there’s a reason we were invited to the Crockett Cup! Sullivan talks about how he can’t lose, man oh man is he in for a shock tonight! I’m gonna’ whip Sullivan and, then, I’m gonna’ whip “the Purple Haze” and there’s nothing either of them or their freaky friends can do about it!” With that, we cut to another commercial break and return to see Leon White knocking the Sheik silly in a big bumping, sometimes nasty, competitive squash. “Baby Bull” Leon White defeats the Sheik in 11:09 by pinfall after a sit-out powerbomb We then cut to another interview, with time with Velvet McIntyre, holding her new title belt. “Can we have your thoughts on becoming the first Texas women’s champion in two decades?” “I – um – I’m very proud to be Texas women’s champion. Debbie was a tough opponent and – yeah – I think I earned this.” “Alright, now don’t forget, friends, that coming up we have our main event! One half of the Texas tag team champions, Sam Houston, will be going up against the mysterious and formidable Kevin Sullivan … you don’t wanna’ miss it!” After another commercial break, our main event gets under way. Houston begins the contest with a display of power and fire straight from the opening bell not letting up until forced to break off from beatdown in the corner. If Sullivan is stunned, however, he does not let it show and he returns to the match with an exchange of holds, which he performs better in. On the outside, Nelson Royal does an admirable job of countering Sullivan’s stable, making sure he’s on the same side of the ring as “the Purple Haze” at all times. He’s unable to counter all three at once, of course, and “the Fallen Angel” proves herself to be a special kind of nuisance but he puts on a Herculean effort all the same. Interference from “the Lone Star” gets the finishing sequence going. Nelson Royal attacks him on the ring apron but this backfires on Royal as it is more than enough to get the referee attention. With the official distracted, “the Purple Haze” attacks Houston with a chair. He hits him in the gut and then wallops him over the back before rolling out of the ring. Sullivan pins Houston for the visual three and gets to two when the referee turns his attention back to match. Houston is able kick out at the last second and turn things around when an irate Sullivan gets in the referee’s face. Sam Houston defeats Kevin Sullivan by pinfall with a schoolboy roll-up in 16:17 – Match Taped, 11th of April On the outside, Nelson Royal gets a thunderous chair-shot to the back from “the Purple Haze” and Sullivan’s minions then descend on Houston. The referee receives a chop to the head from “the Lone Star” and “the Purple Haze” pins Houston’s arms behind his back. “the Fallen Angel” then hands a chain to Kevin Sullivan, who uses it to open up Houston’s forehead and whip him across the chest half a dozen times. Tony Garea and Rene Goulet, not quite at one hundred percent, rush down to the ring to even the odds but a couple of chair-shots for their trouble. We end with Sullivan and his minions celebrating in a cultish fashion.

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 2 – 7th of April 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: “the Purple Haze” versus Tony Garea for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship A brief video package plays with clips from Houston Wrestling intermixed with clips from the NWA. We immediately cut to the ring as Tojo Yamamoto makes his entrance. He is accompanied by Pat Patterson, who carries his title belt. After a few moments of teasing and taunting the crowd, the match gets underway and Tojo slaps the opposition all around the ring. He remains dominant throughout and ends the match when Pat begins yelling “make it quick!” Tojo Yamamoto (w/ Pat Patterson) defeats a local talent in 01:59 by pinfall after a flapjack to retain the HS Television Championship We cut backstage to Paul Boesch, flanked by Debbie Combs. “Well, friends, it’s a good thing for – uh – Tojo Yamamoto that he managed to defend his title so quickly because he’s got another match tonight! He’ll be challenging for the Texas – uh – Six Man title and, at end of the night, we’ll have just one champion left to crown … the women’s champion. Next week Houston Wrestling will be stretching to two hours of a – uh – the – uh – Legendary Showdown number two. That’s right and you’ll see all the best wrestlers from the National Wrestling Alliance. And Debbie Combs will go one on one with Velvet McIntyre. For now, though, we have plenty of championship action coming up!” We cut to the ring and, just seconds after the bell is rung, Tony Garea is getting his arse kicked. “the Purple Haze” is dominant and even his brief moments of hope are dashed by interference from Kevin Sullivan and the Fallen Angel. Garea’s own backup, in the form of Rene Goulet, is unable to even the odds. “the Purple Haze” defeats Tony Garea in 09:10 by submission with a sleeper to retain the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship We cut to commercials and return to the ring just before the opening bell. On one side, we have Nelson Royal and Sam Houston and, on the other, we have Baron von Raschke and the Sheik. The match is far more competitive than the opener but that isn’t saying match as Sam Houston in particular gets plenty of time to shine. Sam Houston & Nelson Royal defeat Baron von Raschke & the Sheik in 07:41 when Sam Houston pins Baron von Raschke after a bulldog to win the vacant NWA Texas Tag Team Championship We cut to commercials before returning to Paul Boesch, sans Debbie Combs. “So, we have our tag team champions and, for those not in the know, Nelson Royal and Sam Houston will be competing in the Crockett Cup. I certainly hope they do Houston Wrestling proud!” We cut to the ring. Tojo Yamamoto and the Takanos are already there, along with Pat Patterson, waiting for their opponents to appear. Flanked by the Youngbloods, Leon White marches down to the ring, looking all-business. The Takanos and the Youngbloods have an evenly matched back-and-forth, with a few tags between them until the story of the match begins to unfold. Jay Youngblood is eventually brought over to the Japanese team’s corner for some abuse. Yamamoto is brought in to finish the job but, with encouragement from Pat, decides to drag Jay back again to the corner. The abuse finally breaks Mark, after a hair pull from Pat, and he gets down from the apron to sprint around the ring. He gets himself into trouble with the Takanos but succeeds in his ultimate goal of freeing Jay up to make the tag. The Baby Bull gets in and thunders towards Tojo, knocking him to his feet with a shoulder tackle. Yamamoto doesn’t get time to adjust until the match is over. A belly to belly puts him away and Mark holds the Takanos by the legs as they try to make the save, getting a wallop on the back with a title belt from Pat for his troubles. “Baby Bull” Leon White & Mark Youngblood & Jay Youngblood defeat Tojo Yamamoto & George Takano & Shunji Takano in 14:03 when “Baby Bull” Leon White pins Tojo Yamamoto after a belly-to-belly suplex to win the vacant NWA Texas Six Man Tag Team Championship A brawl develops in the immediate aftermath of the match, with the Japanese besting the champions with the numbers advantage. A gruesome beatdown is prevented however when Nelson Royal, Sam Houston, Tony Garea and Rene Goulet rush down to chase the attackers off.

In that case, Houston will pick up Winona Little Heart and Velvet McIntyre.

Houston will pick up Debbie Combs.

Houston Wrestling Titles - Reigns Dated From 31/03/1985 National Wrestling Alliance World Women's Championship Wendi Richter (08/091985) Misty Blue Simmes (05/07/1985 - 08/09/1985) * * Misty Blue Simmes won the title before it entered the regular schedule of Houston Wrestling National Wrestling Alliance Western States Heavyweight Championship Harley Race (23/06/1985) Barry Windham (26/05/1985 - 23/06/1985) Terry Funk (31/03/1985 - 26/05/1985) National Wrestling Alliance Western States Tag Team Championship Mark Youngblood (III) & Ricky Santana (II) (03/11/985) Ox Baker & "the Masked Superstar" (06/10/1985 - 03/11/1985) Mark Youngblood (II) & Ricky Santana (08/09/1985 - 06/10/1985) VACANT (02/09/1985 - 08/09/1985) Mark Youngblood & Jay Youngblood (21/04/1985 - 02/09/1985) Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart (24/03/1985 - 21/04/1985) National Wrestling Alliance Texas Heavyweight Championship LeRoy Brown (22/09/1985) VACANT (08/09/1985 - 22/09/1985) Sam Houston (01/09/1985 - 08/09/1985) * "the Purple Haze" (II) (11/08/1985 - 01/09/1985) VACANT (07/07/1985 - 11/08/1985) "Baby Bull" Leon White (09/06/1985 - 07/07/1985) "the Purple Haze" (17/03/1985 - 09/06/1985) * Sam Houston wrestled as Blue Star #1 during this reign. National Wrestling Alliance Texas Tag Team Championship Mark Youngblood & Ricky Santana (03/11/985) Ox Baker & "the Masked Superstar" (22/09/1985 - 03/11/1985) VACANT (08/09/1985 - 22/09/1985) Sam Houston & Nelson Royal (II) (25/08/1985 - 08/09/1985) * Kevin Sullivan & "the Purple Haze" (II) (28/07/1985 - 25/08/1985) Tony Garea & Rene Goulet (30/06/1985 - 28/07/1985) Kevin Sullivan & "the Purple Haze" (05/05/1985 - 30/06/1985) Sam Houston & Nelson Royal (07/04/1985 - 05/05/1985) *Sam Houston and Nelson Royal wrestled as Blue Star #1 and Blue Star #2 during this reign. National Wrestling Alliance Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship George Takano (10/10/1985) Keiichi Yamada (18/08/1985 - 10/10/1985) Denny Brown (04/08/1985 - 18/08/1985) VACANT (07/07/1985 - 04/08/1985) * "the Lone Star" (28/04/1985 - 07/07/1985) ** Chris Benoit (31/03/1985 - 28/04/1985) * A decision on 21/07/1985 rendered the title reigns of Shunji Takano and Denny Brown invalid. ** A decision made on 21/07/1985 retroactively extended the reign of "the Lone Star" to 07/07/1985. National Wrestling Alliance Texas Women's Championship Vevlet McIntyre (II) (07/07/1985) Debbie Combs (26/05/1985 - 07/07/1985) Velvet McIntyre (14/04/1985 - 26/05/1985) National Wrestling Alliance Texas Six Man Tag Team Championship Dusty Rhodes & Magnum, T.A. & Barry Windham (03/11/1985) Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton & Bubba Rogers (30/06/1985 - 03/11/1985) "Baby Bull" Leon White & Mark Youngblood & Jay Youngblood (07/04/1985 - 30/06/1985) Houston Sports Television Championship Dino Bravo (20/10/1985) George Wells (29/09/1985 - 20/10/1985) Dory Funk, Jr. (II) (25/08/1985 - 29/09/1985) Shunji Takano (28/07/1985 - 25/08/1985) Dory Funk, Jr. (30/06/1985 - 28/07/1985) Sam Houston (16/06/1985 - 30/06/1985) "Baby Bull" Leon White (05/05/1985 - 16/06/1985) Tojo Yamamoto (31/03/1985 - 05/05/1985)

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 1 “Going Live” – 31st of March 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold Advertised Match: 12 Man Over-the-Top-Rope Battle Royal for the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship A brief video package plays with clips from Houston Wrestling intermixed with clips from the NWA. We cut to Paul Boesch and Pat Patterson backstage after a quick panning shot of the crowd featuring the NWA logo coloured dark red. Boesch is holding a microphone and Patterson is holding a small gold championship belt with a red strap. The engraving at the top of the main plate reads “Houston Sports” and covering the centre in large letters is “TV”. Boesch speaks after a few seconds of silence. “Well, good friends, it’s been a hectic time for Houston Wrestling and not just in these past two weeks but it’s, uh, all been worth it to have, uh, to, uh, for us to be going live. From now on, Houston Wrestling be broadcasting live every Tuesday night from the Sam Houston Coliseum. With me here today, is the man who made all this possible … the President of the Houston Sports Championship Committee, Pat Patterson. If we, uh, we want to take you back to March Seventeenth, a great night for fans of Houston Wrestling …” After a few seconds, footage airs from an event held at the Sam Houston Coliseum on the 17th of March, promoted variously as the “Showdown at Sundown” and the “Legendary Showdown”. The main attraction was a match between Sam Houston and “the Purple Haze” for the NWA Texas Heavyweight title (which the latter won) but it also featured a meet-and-greet with figures from Houston Wrestling’s past, most notably Grizzly Smith and Danny McShain. The event featured the reintroduction and reactivation of various title belts, along with the physical introduction of brand-new title designs. The Texas designs all followed a common aesthetic of large main plates with a lone star in the centre and a bronze finish on a black strap, though the women’s title was much slimmer, and the strap was white. The designs of the Western States were far more ornate, and the plates were silver on a dark blue strap. The video cuts off and Boesch begins speaking again. “Now, without any further ado, let’s get to a match in progress.” The match in progress is between Chris Benoit and Denny Brown. It’s a competitive back-and-forth but Benoit is more consistently in control. Chris Benoit defeats Denny Brown in 07:39 by pinfall with a German Suplex to win the vacant NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship After the match we throw right back to Paul Boesch, Pat Patterson having disappeared. “Don’t go anywhere folks … we’ve got more championship action coming up.” We cut for a commercial break and when the programme comes back on, Tojo Yamamoto is in the ring awaiting his opponent. Pat Patterson is at ringside, holding onto the television title, flanked by the Takanos (presumably his bodyguards). Sam Houston makes his entrance to applause and a heated match gets underway. The story is simple, Houston can’t match Yamamoto’s power, but Yamamoto can’t match Houston’s speed. The slight edge goes to Houston, however, once he proves capable of knocking Tojo off his feet a few times. Visibly angry, Yamamoto eventually breaks away from the action to rave at Patterson, threatening to leave the ring. This causes Pat to scarper around the ring to the other side. The Takanos appear to take Yamamoto’s bait, however, and they climb onto the apron. With the referee distracted, however, a dastardly plan reveals itself. Patterson steps up to the other side of the ring and clocks Houston across the head with the belt. Yamamoto fobs the Takanos off and rushes back to capitalise on Houston, who has been knocked silly. After a lazy scoop slam, Yamamoto pins Sam Houston with one foot on his chest. Tojo Yamamoto defeats Sam Houston in 12:44 by pinfall after a scoop slam to win the vacant HS Television Championship After the match, a beaming Pat Patterson hands the belt over to Yamamoto, as a confused-looking referee raises his arm. The Takanos flank the pair to a chorus of boos. We cut for a commercial break and return to Paul Boesch. He does not comment on the previous match, instead, throwing to another video package, detailing another untelevised event from the 24th of March, which saw the Hart Foundation crowned Western States tag champions. We cut back for the main event, watching the participants march out in single file. Magnum, T.A. is out first, followed by Terry Funk, Bret Hart with Jim Neidhart, Kevin Sullivan with “the Purple Haze” and “the Fallen Angel”, Bobby Eaton with Jim Cornette and Dennis Condrey, Kevin Von Erich, Tony Atlas, Steve Keirn with Stan Lane, “Hacksaw” Butch Reed, Pedro Morales, Jimmy Garvin and, finally, Barry Windham. Once all the participants are in the ring, the bell rings and all hell breaks loose. Jimmy Garvin is a shocking early elimination, being taken out by a group effort – deliberate or not – from Kevin Sullivan, Bret Hart and Butch Reed. Garvin tries to get back in the ring, against the fruitless resistance of numerous officials, but when he begins clubbing at the men who throw him out, Jim Neidhart and “the Purple Haze” attack him from the outside and pull him down, stomping on him until officials can escort him backstage. Tentative alliances are formed in the early goings of the match, most notably between Tony Atlas and Barry Windham but nothing last long after a massive pile-on rids the match of both Pedro Morales and Bobby Eaton. Enraged by this, Cornette instructs Condrey to get some kind of revenge. He ends up pulling Bret Hart out and over, with assistance from Butch Reed and Steve Keirn. The Hart Foundation and the Midnight Express proceed to brawl around the ring for the duration of the match. Butch Reed and Steve Keirn are tossed out by Kevin Von Erich and Tony Atlas, respectively, soon after. Terry Funk and Kevin Sullivan then team up to eliminate Tony Atlas and Barry Windham. Steve Kerin and Stan Lane join the tag team brawl around this time. Funk and Sullivan to do the same with Von Erich but, after a brief struggle, Funk gives up on that plan and tosses Sullivan over instead. Magnum, T.A. tries to capitalise on this and throw Von Erich and Funk both out on his own. A little too ambitious, the plan fails, and Funk gets the better of him. The final two, Kevin Von Erich and Terry Funk have a brief go at a wrestling match but, after a strike to the face sends Funk barrelling to the ring ropes, Von Erich goes all in on a charge. Feinting, Funk lets himself fall at just the right moment, pulling the top rope down and letting Von Erich fly out. Terry Funk defeats Jimmy Garvin, Pedro Morales, Bobby Eaton, Bret Hart, “Hacksaw” Butch Reed, Steve Keirn, Tony Atlas, Barry Windham, Kevin Sullivan, Magnum, T.A. and Kevin Von Erich in 14:09 to win the vacant NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship After a brief look at the night’s victors, the episode ends.

Houston will pick up The Cobra (George Takano) and Shunji Takano.

Houston will pick up Rene Goulet and Tony Garea.