SirEdger

It was weird getting used to Jean Brassard but I grew very fond of his color commentary ("Espèce de saltimbanque à moteur!") and his PPV Control Center reports always cracked me up. Saw Jean Brassard pop up in numerous TV shows lately like L&O SVU and MacGyver recently.

There was a gap of time between 1991 and 1993 where I could only access wrestling by videotapes since we didn't get cable TV in my household until 1993 (WWF disappeared from basic TV in 1991) so I was stunned to hear Guy Hauray in a Bobby Heenan type role on commentary and being absolutely offended by Doink the Clown coming to the ring with a cigar in his mouth (apparently Guy couldn't stand the smell of cigars) and I wish I could've witnessed heel Guy a bit longer because Jean Brassard took over in his position shortly thereafter in 1994. Although Jean Brassard gave me fantastic memories lol

Hauray and Carpentier did have a falling out over the years but they reunited in 2008 and they patched things up (Carpentier died in 2010 I believe so it was the last time they saw each other). I'm not really familiar with the neurocoaching stuff as I learned about this while reading the article that Pat Laprade wrote about Hauray's passing. I also believe that he had a falling out with his son but that I can't 100% confirm.

Guy Hauray played a bigger role in pro wrestling in Quebec that most people would imagine. Hauray first started as coach & consultant for numerous artists like Cyndi Lauper and Michael Douglas and he met Édouard Carpentier, who would become his long-time associate in 1977 in a movie festival for French actor Alain Delon. In the meantime, Gino Brito wanted to relaunch pro wrestling in Quebec following the passing of his father Jack Britton but couldn't get access to the Montreal Forum because he didn't have a TV contract. Brito then went to New York to see if someone would be interested in investing in the promotion and Vince McMahon Sr suggested him to talk to Frank Valois. Eventually, they convinced Andre the Giant to invest in the territory to create Promotions Varoussac, who would be the controlling entity to what would become Lutte Internationale. Brito & Valois would then bring Guy Hauray and Hauray was responsible to go to TV stations to pitch the idea of bringing Quebec wrestling back to TV. The first TV station that Hauray would convince would be Télé 7, who carried Lutte Grand Prix in the 70s. Gino Brito would even use ABC-22 in Burlington to invite fans to tune in for Lutte Internationale on December 7, 1980 for the next week. Guy Hauray would then join Édouard Carpentier on commentary. Hauray would be in that role for Lutte Internationale from 1980 to 1984 when CFCF-12 also wanted in and problems ensued between Lutte and Hauray with concerns of having too many hours of the same product in the same market (imagine saying that today!). Eventually, Lutte wanted to buy the TV rights from Guy Hauray but Hauray wasn't satisfied with what he had and threatened to leave for the WWF, not realizing that Hauray had total control over wrestling on Quebec TV. Lutte thought he was bluffing but they went horribly wrong as in December 1984, Lutte Internationale was replaced on Sunday morning by WWF Superstars of Wrestling; Guy Hauray had been in talks with WWF since 2 months prior to sell them the TV rights in Quebec. Hauray would become Vince McMahon's go-to man when it came to French TV and appointed him as EVP of European business since Hauray's company, Poly Spec Tele Video, had all the rights to WWF TV and would export the product worldwide. Many might have heard the rumors of WWF trying to book a WWF Championship match between Hulk Hogan and Dino Bravo at the Olympic Stadium in 1989. Turns out that Vince had mandated Guy Hauray to see if that was a feasible project but in Guy Hauray's words, it would've been a logistical nightmare because it would've been impossible to place giant screens in appropriate areas for all fans to see everything. However, it was very much something that Vince was thinking about. Over the years, Guy Hauray would also work with Marc Blondin and Raymond Rougeau (following Édouard Carpentier's 1 year suspension for comments he had made) and would do so until 1994 when he decided to retire and leave the company because he didn't want to move to Stamford to record commentary for the weekly TV shows like Vince wanted him to. Another interesting thing; Guy Hauray would then move on and would be working for Ted Turner as his personal coach. In fact, Ted Turner even asked him to create a French TV pilot for WCW but Hauray refused, knowing what it meant to be in competition with Vince McMahon and did the same for a local promotion in France who wanted to launch a promotion on Canal +. Hauray would eventually create "neurocoaching" and would spend the rest of his professional career working in that field (Hauray had a Bachelors degree in cognitive psychology and a Masters degree in social anthropology from UC-Irvine and UC-Berkeley) and huge conglomerates like CNN would use his training methods. Even if he didn't talk a whole lot about pro wrestling in recent years, he was always proud of what he had done with Édouard Carpentier and the business in general. For me, Guy Hauray was a big part of my childhood with Édouard Carpentier. They were not Gorilla Monsoon & Bobby Heenan in terms of dynamic but their significance for French speaking wrestling fans is as huge.

Apparently, he's also on a short-term deal with Impact Wrestling too? What's up with that?

That hair on Triple H though.

The Louisville Gardens show looks like a banger. I feel like Carlos Colon vs Kamala could end up being a good ol' fashioned Puerto Rico bloodbath.

Wonder in Shelley's case, it's due to his job outside of wrestling

Dreamer was the heart and soul of ECW. Of course, he was their top babyface, there's no doubt in my mind.

TV TAPING #3 January 14th, 1986 Centre Paul-Sauvé, Montréal Airing January 31st, 1986 Spike Huber beat Mr. Pogo (w/The Sheik) in 9:56 Before the Gauntlet Match, promoter Frank Valois comes out with the International TV Championship belt and presents it to the crowd International TV Championship Gauntlet Match - Stage 1: Tug Taylor beat Ron Harris with the Anchor Drop International TV Championship Gauntlet Match - Stage 2: Abdullah the Butcher (w/The Sheik) beat Tug Taylor with the Running Elbow drop International TV Championship Gauntlet Match - Stage 3: Tony Garea pinned Abdullah the Butcher to be the inaugural champion. At one point in the match, The Sheik tried to slip in the fork to Abdullah when Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissy came to the ring to prevent The Sheik from doing so. In the meantime, Larry Zbyszko left his position at the broadcast booth and as the referee was distracted, Zbyszko hit Abby with a roll of coins before dragging Garea on Abdullah behind the referee's back. Zbyszko went back to his position as nothing happened... Airing February 7th, 1986 Before the show starts, Milt Avrushin is discussing the events of last week with the interference of Larry Zbyszko in the Gauntlet Match to crown an inaugural International TV Champion. Promoter Frank Valois says he can't change the outcome but he can do something about what Larry Zbyszko. Avrushin is on his own on TV this week as Valois is reviewing Larry Zbyszko's actions and Zbyszko is under disciplinary sanctions for the moment -Ron Slinker upsets Billy Travis in 13:24 -The Cuban Assassin beat Jerry Oates in 15:51 -In the main event, in a return match from 2 weeks ago, Gino Brito Jr beat Rusty Brooks in 26:58 with a backslide pin Coming soon on Lutte Internationale TV: Tony Garea's first title defense of the International TV Championship against Mr. Ito The TV debut of Baron Von Raschke (w/Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissie)

Someone pointed this out on reddit and I found that very interesting about the main event between Darby Allin and Brian Cage: That's some pretty neat storytelling right there and coming full circle in the span of 8-9 months.

I guess to Vince, it was worth it to lose his TV deal in Canada with TSN the very next day and spend numerous years with WWE programming being slotted in the graveyard slots on Global until they signed the deal with Rogers to show WWE programming on Sportsnet 360 (The Score). Honestly, one of the stupidest booking moves Vince has ever made.

Now that he seems to have his life back in order from a personal demon standpoint, I'd like to see what Jake Roberts could come up with. His comprehension of psychology is unparalleled, in my book, and I wonder how it would translate on screen.

I love the term "detail worker". I can't help but look at what Alexa Bliss is doing on RAW at the moment and put her in the same category; never been a fantastic in-ring worker but in terms of character work, she nails it every time. Always thought it was important to have a good balance between workhorses and character workers. Just like how Alexa is doing it on RAW, Madison did it in Impact, and it's even more impressive as like you said, she did it at a time where people wouldn't bother really watching Impact/TNA because of the stigma that Dixie Carter's incompetence had put on the promotion.

I would assume that Madison Rayne will probably let the cat out of the bag about the speculations of retiring from the business and moving on to another job outside of it. And that's a career that isn't to be sneezed at either; at one time, she was brought in as the 3rd wheel of The Beautiful People and she turned out to be the most talented and valuable of the trio. Versatile in many positions, as her gig as color commentator on Impact proved it. I would easily put her in my top 5 of the greatest Impact Knockouts Champion of all time

TV TAPING #2 January 12th, 1986 Centre Paul-Sauvé, Montréal, QC Airing January 24th, 1986 As usual, Milt Avrushin is accompanied by Larry Zbyszko on commentary for the show. Right away, the show starts with The Sheik, once again accompanied by Yoshiaki Yatsu. Larry Zbyszko seems quite annoyed but keeps his smug calm. Milt Avrushin: Welcoming once again The Sheik along with Yoshiaki Yatsu and before you bring out your special attraction Kuniaki Kobayashi in action, we have to mention what happened 2 weeks ago when my "colleague" over here tried to push some buttons. And so far, we haven't seen much of Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissey other than his appearance with One Man Gang but it doesn't mean he hasn't something devious in mind. The Sheik: It takes a devious mind to know another one, Milt Avrushin. And I'm gonna be ready for the Adnan's Army when the time comes because my Apostles of Chaos are a well-oiled machine. There's a reason why I scoured the globe to find those men. (turning his attention to Larry Zbyszko) And Larry Zbyszko, you can laugh as much as you want, but you won't laugh as much if one of my men gets their hands on you. One week ago, Frank Valois announced that there'll be a new International TV Champion crowned on this show next week and lucky for me, but very unlucky for the 3 other men involved, Abdullah the Butcher is in this match. He's called the Madman from Sudan for a reason, Milt Avrushin and Larry Zbyszko and he's gonna leave a trail of blood through this entire territory. Larry Zbyszko: Now, hold on just a minute, Sheik. I don't know who you're trying to fool here because the only thing you're about to do is to send me into a deeply induced coma with your boredom and spewing non-sense. First of all (pointing Yatsu), tell that goof to back away. (Sheik talks to Yatsu). Second, you're out here making all those promises and all you do is talk, and talk and talk. Meanwhile, Sheik Adnan is staying low key and preparing his troops. He's preparing Baron Von Raschke, Alexis Smirnoff, Soldat Ustinov and The Missing Link to destroy people. You know why? Because actions speak louder than words. All I've seen so far from you is all talk and no action. You're lucky that I don't have my wrestler's license here because I would wipe that pillow sheet right off your head. The Sheik: Or maybe is it that the NWA knew how much of a pain in the ass you were and that's why they sent you here. Zbyszko, I'm gonna tell this to you one more time. This isn't something you want to get involved in; whether it's on your own or as part of Adnan's Army. So I highly suggest you stay out of our business and do your job and try not to - as you say yourself - induce people in deep sleep with your boredom and spewing non-sense. (Sheik is about to leave when Zbyszko grabs the Sheik's headdress and Yoshiaki Yatsu shoves Zbyszko. Zbyszko gets up in a heap and is angry.) Larry Zbyszko: YOU CAN'T TOUCH ME! I'M NOT A WRESTLER HERE! I'M GONNA HAVE YOUR ASS FIRED FROM THIS TERRITORY! SHEIK, YOU'RE A DEADMAN! (Cooler heads prevail as The Sheik escorts Yatsu out of the broadcast booth as the show can start) Match #1 Special Attraction Kuniaki Kobayashi (w/The Sheik) beat Jerry Oates in 6:19 with a Fisherman Suplex Match #2 Apostles of Chaos (Mr. Pogo & Bill Kazmaier, w/The Sheik) beat The Cuban Assassin & Bertram Hayter in 3:22 when Pogo pinned Hayter MAIN EVENT Match #3 6-Men Tag Gino Brito Jr, Richard "Le Magnifique!" Charland & Tony Garea beat Rusty Brooks, Terry Daniels & Jose Gonzalez in 18:38 when Gino Brito pinned Brooks with a Flying Crossbody Coming up next week: 4-Men Gauntlet to crown the International TV Championship Abdullah the Butcher vs Ron Harris vs Tony Garea vs Tug Taylor Plus return match: Rusty Brooks vs Gino Brito Jr!

Lutte Internationale signs Mr. Ito

Yeop, as I remember it it precisely started the same way the first GIF showed. Pretty sure Chyna was also in his corner that night (Triple Threat vs Goldust and Marc Mero; that was also the night that Mero blew his knee and missed several months of action)

It's almost horrifying to think that Haku was the calm one trying to break up a fight in this situation. But by all accounts, Paul Orndorff seems to be a very nice individual, something that we don't see a whole lot in the wrestling business, in terms of being appreciated by everyone.

I mean, considering that the endgame probably is supposed to remain the same - being The Fiend's "resurrection" -, they can feel like Triple H vs Orton is as good a replacement they can put agains the CFP title game than the original Drew vs Orton plans. I'm just curious as to how they'll set up that match tonight

From what I read on various news sites, WWE expected things to be much worse as they expected more cases after the holidays. There's apparently an unnamed Smackdown roster member who tested positive last week as well. It's seemingly implied that with all major promotions being affected by this outbreak, talents who'll test positive probably attended the same gatherings.

It's probably something that Harper did to pop the boys in the back. House shows are notoriously fun for stuff like that. I believe, my 2nd WWF house show I attended in 1997 featured a spot where Earl Hebner got into it with Hunter Hearst Helmsley and it ended with Earl chasing away Helmsley with a chair, all the way to the locker room and the crowd popped like crazy.

Taker got knocked out early in the match and if you watched The Last Ride, he stated that he doesn't remember from the match at Wrestlemania 30 from around 3 PM the afternoon of the show until when he was rushed to the hospital.

I've attended mostly WWF/E house shows and 2 TV tapings (RAW & Smackdown) and nothing really popped in my mind from those shows but the one I remember most was Kevin Steen vs Christopher Daniels in Quebec City in April 2004 for the defunct EWR promotion. The atmosphere on that night was amazing because of the duelling fans (lots of IWS fans had made the drive to Quebec City to cheer on Kevin Steen while Daniels mostly had the support of the Quebec City locals) and the match was truly fantastic as it was Steen's first breakout performance against an independent top star. Later that year, he went on to face AJ Styles and Steve Corino for the same promotion (that match with Corino is what got him booked for ZERO-1 in 2005 and the start of their friendship) and he also wrestled Samoa Joe on an indy supercard that same summer in a show that also had Colt Cabana, Chris Sabin and B-Boy booked on the card.

TV TAPING #1 January 9th, 1986 Centre Paul-Sauvé, Montréal, QC Episode #1 Airing January 10th, 1986 The show is hosted by Milt Avrushin and joining him on commentary, the self-proclaimed "Living Legend" Larry Zbyszko, who says he's here to bring some credibility to this territory. Match #1 Yoshiaki Yatsu (w/The Sheik) beat Bill Kazmaier in 10:19 after countering a Kazmaier bearhug into a belly-to-belly suplex. Milt Avrushin mentions after the match that The Sheik & Yoshiaki Yatsu will be interviewed a bit later in the show Match #2 Rusty Brooks beat Jose Gonzalez in 8:01 with the Spinning Toe Hold Match #3 Special Attraction One Man Gang (w/Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissey) beat Terry Daniels in 2:07 with the 747 Splash Milt Avrushin then invites The Sheik to join him with Yoshiaki Yatsu Milt Avrushin: Time now to get a word with the one and only Sheik as we've seen him with his protégé Yoshiaki Yatsu a bit earlier tonight and Sheik, I'm curious to hear about your plans for International Wrestling as we're starting a brand new era here. The Sheik: As you saw tonight, Milt Avrushin, I intend to use my extensive network of connections throughout the entire world to build the best and most dangerous stable there is in this territory. You've seen Yoshiaki Yatsu defeat an incredibly strong man and I have a lot of respect for him and what he did. So, I'm offering Mr. Bill Kazmaier an opportunity to be under my tutelage and I can make him an even more dangerous man. I've got a slew of Japanese warriors coming in; you'll see Mr. Pogo and Masanobu Fuchi right here next week and I have secured the services of the one and only Abdullah the Butcher so when it's all said and done, we will win all the titles in this territory and The Sheik will prove why he is the smartest man in this business. (Larry Zbyszko interjects himself in the conversation as One Man Gang and Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissey return from the ring and stop by the interview booth) Larry Zbyszko: Now, hold on a second, Sheik. With all due respect, as much as I admire your intellect and your cunning, everyone knows that there is only one man smarter than anyone else in this business and you're looking at him right now - the Living Legend himself. Did you just see what One Man Gang did out there with Sheik Adnan? Now, that was impressive! The Sheik: Zbyszko, you and I both know that One Man Gang just like you, was here on a special attraction basis. And I got contacts too. Thanks to my contacts with New Japan, in 2 weeks, I bring out my own special attraction as Kuniaki Kobayashi will be here, under my guidance, to entertain this audience. What does Adnan have that I don't? Larry Zbyszko: He has an Army, something that you don't have. He has a Baron and he has 2 Soviet Soldiers who will go to hell and back for him. One of those men was born here in Montreal and he was so disgusted with this place that he pledged allegiance to the USSR and change his name. That's dedication! The Sheik: I can guarantee you one thing, Zbyszko; 1st, you stay out of my business because you won't get back to the NWA in one piece. 2nd of all, I have the utmost confidence in my men that we will prove our superior ways. Sheik Adnan hasn't proven anything. (Sheik Adnan starts yelling at the Sheik in his native language and things get a bit testy as Yoshiaki Yatsu and One Man Gang steps in front of their respective managers. Larry Zbyszko continues to stir the pot and says something to Yatsu. Yatsu charges towards Zbyszko but encroaches Gang in the process. Gang then nails Yatsu with a solid right hand and Yatsu backs away a bit. Fortunately, cooler heads prevail as Gang & Sheik Adnan walk away and everyone is separated. Avrushin admonishes Zbyszko for stirring the pot) Match #4 Main Event Jos LeDuc beat Sunny War Cloud in 10:50 with the Bearhug Episode #2 Airing January 17th, 1986 Match #1 Mike Hammer beat Spike in 12:58 with a small package Match #2 The Memphis Connection (Billy Travis & Plowboy Frazier) beat Ron Slinker & The Heavenly Angel in 14:07 after Travis pinned the Angel with a piledriver Match #3 Masanobu Fuchi (w/The Sheik) beat Lou Winston in 6:33 Before the main event, Milt Avrushin invites Lutte promoter Frank Valois as he unveils the International Television Championship. Valois says the first TV champion will be crowned in a 4-men Gauntlet Match on the January 31st show and to make things interesting, he picked the names out of a hat to choose the contestants of this match. The names happened to be Abdullah the Butcher, Ron Harris, Tony Garea & Tug Taylor. One of these 4 men will have the honor of being the first International Television Champion and may the best man win. Main Event Match #4 Gino Brito Jr beat Prince Alofa Fatu in 25:27 with a Sunset Flip Coming up on January 24th edition of Lutte Internationale: -In the main event, Gino Brito Jr, Richard "Le Magnifique" Charland & Tony Garea in 6-Men tag team action -A special appearance from New Japan's Kuniaki Kobayashi -The Sheik responds to Larry Zbyszko & Sheik Adnan's attacks from January 10th!