Autistic Dragon

(From the August edition of the Wrestling Observer.) Smokey Mountain Wrestling is Back! After bursting onto the scene in early 1992, Jim Cornette's Smokey Mountain Wrestling would spend the next three years entertaining fans across the Southeast, gaining a cult following for it's classic old-school feel and Southern "wrasslin" style before closing its doors in November of 95. With Mr Cornette since signing with the World Wrestling Federation it seemed SMW was well and truly resigned to the history books. However things took a surprising turn this past July when it was announced that Mr Cornette had sold the rights to Smokey Mountain Wrestling, not to his current employer Mr McMahon but to a business consortium lead by a Mr Bert Prentice. Mr Prentice has experience running a wrestling promotion, starting Ozark Mountain Wrestling in 1994 before rebranding it as North American All-Star Wrestling late last year. He also has experience as a manager in Jerry Jarrett's USWA promotion in Memphis, even stepping into the ring on a few occasions. Mr Prentice has secured deals for the revived company to air on TV stations throughout the company's traditional touring areas Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, the Carolinas and the Virginia's. Rumors abound that Mr Prentice is looking for a cable TV station to be the promotions permanent home but he has refused to comment on the matter at this time. Through a series of appearances on local news and radio shows that the first show of the new era of Smokey mountain Wrestling will take place on Sunday, September third at the Civic Coliseum in Knoxville Tennessee. Reports say that while the event,which will be called "Rebirth", will not be televised, cameras will be present for an eventual VHS release. The event will be structured around a one night tournament to crown a new Smokey Mountain Wrestling Heavyweight Champion. No matches have been announced but star confirmed for the event include SMW regulars like "Dirty" Dutch Mantell, "Primetime" Brian Lee, Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson The Rock n Roll Express and Jake "The Snake" Roberts and many more. Bell time for the event is 7:PM

Thank you, happy to be here.

Cool. Thanks man.

Studio wrestling was fun but it looks like Bert has to pack up and move... again.

Bass seems to have found a good home here. Bruno brings home a win in a fun six man tag. Like the touch of Tojo and the Headhunter holding back due to there being a lot of kids in the crowd. Seems like the kinda call that would be made around this time. Michaels proves to Memphis why he deserved to hold onto that title. Ya know it occurs to me that depending on when your show ended and the CWA's show started, some lucky fans could've attended both of them.

Another solid card as the UWF looks to see if they can draw a crowd without frontman Maeda.

Portland. Finlay is back with a vengeance. Adams shows he's not to be overlooked. Another indecisive clash between Lee and Cactus. Bigelow continues his rise to the top. The Demon gets a big win but Cornette doesn't look happy. Portland night 2. Scotty gives Tina something to smile about after Starr's loss last night. Snow spikes Spicoli. BT vs CK should make quite the catfight. The Elder Steamboat wins what was sure to be a mat classic. Rhodes and Windham both hold on to their gold. Eugene. Armstrong buries the Gravedigger. The Force with a major win over former tag champs. Azul and King tear the house down again. Lynn gives a game effort against Hennig. The Diamond Exchange gets another win over the Hart Family. Pillman had better stock up on Garlic because there's a Vampire after him and his title.

I could've sworn John and Mark Laurentius were on my roster but they aren't listed and I can't find the post where I dropped them. What am I forgetting?

So excited to see the WARGAMES return to the AWA. Just had a thought, I know Jumbo already has a manager but maybe Sawyer could find a home in the Asylum.

Taped before Main Event at the Dorton Arena in Raleigh NC. Originally airing on 9/3/88 on the USA Network. On Commentary: Bob Caudle & David Crockett. "The Franchise" Shane Douglas defeats The Brooklyn Brawler with the "Pittsburgh Plunge". Brad Anderson w/Ole Anderson defeats The Pearl with a Fujiwara armbar. Junkyard Dog defeats The Mongolian Mauler with the "Thump". Main event. The Stud Stable (Rod Price & Tommy Cairo) w/"The Mastermind Ron Fuller defeats The Lawmen (Billy Joe Travis & Doug Gilbert) with a double spinebuster on Gilbert. In other news.... After recapping last night's Block A matches and the standings for the Starrcade Series, we learn Block B will continue next week with... "The Doctor of Desire" Tom Prichard vs "The Gatekeeper" Jimmy Golden. The Super Destroyer vs "The Ace" Bob Orton. "Raging Bull" Manny Fernandez vs "Gorgeous" Jimmy Garvin.

From the Dorton Arena in Raleigh NC. Previously recorded airing on 8/2/88 on the USA Network. On Commentary: Gordon Solie. Ring announcer/Interviews: Sean Moony Match 1. Starrcade Series Block A match. "Chief Joe Lightfoot vs Tennessee Stud" Robert Fuller w/"The Mastermind" Ron Fuller. The fans really didn't have a dog in this fight and you get the feeling they'd be happy if a way was found for both men to lose. Ron's presence proved the difference maker, snatching the "War club" away when Lightfoot went to retrieve it. Lightfoot demanded his property back, getting so caught up arguing with Ron he didn't notice Robert coming up behind for a schoolboy with both hands full of tights for 2 more points for the Tennessee native. Match 2. "World's Strongest Man" Bill Kazmaier defeats The Minotaur with a running powerslam. We see a video package showing highlights of Tully Blanchard's European tour. We see him defending the Ten Pounds of Gold in England, France and Germany! Match 3. Brett "Hack" Sawyer defeats The American Ninja with a bridging German suplex. After his win, Sawyer was heard boasting he had the "best German suplex in the business." Match 4. Starrcade Series Block A match. "Rugged" Ron Garvin vs "Wildcat" Wendell Cooley. The two fan favorites shake hands before embarking on a respectful yet competitive match. While Garvin certainly had his supporters, a large section of the crowd was rooting for Cooley to pull off what would have to be considered an upset. While the Wildcat was able to score a number of nearfalls, he wasn't able to seal the deal before Garvin caught him with a top rope sunsetflip for the win. The two shared another handshake to the delight of the fans. Match 5. The Sheepherders (Butch Miller & Luke Williams) w/"Number One" Paul Jones defeats The Carolina Bobcats with a double gutbuster on Bobcat #2. Paul Jones tells Sean Moony that he's done playing around with Indians and Japs and it's time for the Army to start collecting gold. Either Kamala or Super Destroyer is going to bring him the World Heavyweight Title and the Sheepherders are going to bring the United States Tag Team Titles! Match 6. Non title NWA Heritage Champion "Pitbull" Kerry Brown defeats "Psycho" Sid Miller with a Powerbomb. Main event. Starrcade Series Block A match. "Chief" Wahoo McDaniel vs "The Ugandan Giant" Kamala w/"Number One" Paul Jones & Friday. Unlike the previous two block A matches this one had a clear favorite as the fans rallied behind Wahoo as he took the fight to Jones's African headhunter. But no matter how much McDaniel dished out, Kamala just kept coming back for more. Eventually the popular Chief was overwhelmed and fell victim to "Air Africa".

Good job explaining the move from Arkansas to Memphis. I like that the champs are retaining their belts. What an ending as Tojo goes berserk and takes out the Headhunter with the Kendo stick.

Cool pic.

Rock n Roll has their eyes on tag gold. Abby kills a guy and Hart promises no more holding his monsters back. Bart/Funk vs Rhodes/Simmons at Fall Brawl. Bring it! Three way intergender tag match? WCW is taking a big step forward. Sting and Luger spoil Spivey's welcoming party. But to make it up to the Horsemen they brought one hell of a plus one in Gordy. Reed seems to be questioning his position in the Nation. Solid showing for Murdoch. Brad steps in for an AWOL Keirn and we get a fun brawl between the Latin Connection and Lightning Express to close the show.

DJ and the Bruisers warm up the crowd with a win in a wild n crazy opener. Sawyer wins a bloody battle. After 20 minutes, nothing is settled in the AWA's resident family feud. Loved the Rich's demanding 5 more minutes only to immediately bail. Unsettling moment as the Asylum lay a beating on Kerry. A truly Wonderful debut by Orndorff. I don't think Crusher is gonna let this one lay though. Venomous gets the win but no answers from the Bees. Fujinami and Jumbo's fight gets outta hand and both men need help walking away. Nikita gets past Boris but doesn't get to celebrate long because Tony Atlas makes it known that at the Brawl in St Paul the Man of Steel is coming for the gold.

Brandi is really getting over here. The Glamour Boys see how much they have in common with The Fantastics and they don't like it. The Gunslingers may have Kerry's back but he and Abbuda both will be on their own in Winnipeg. Gagne offers some serious cash to take out Canek. Blackwell thought he'd have the night off but Gerry didn't have the heart to keep his friend off the card in Winnipeg. I can't tell if the Olympians are just playing dumb or are so delusional they actually don't know they cheated. Mr Olympia is back and he's coming for the Dream Machine babay!

If the UWF continues growing at this rate, television stations will be fighting each other to give them a TV show.

The Steiners vs The Nasties sent me back to my childhood watching WCW. The Towers make a statement before the show begins. The Bulldogs give the show a proper start with a win over the Hart Coalition. Jimmy does his best spin job but I'm not sure it worked. Jacob the Snakob with a solid win over the Shiek. Muta comes out on top in what I imagine was a mid-card gem. The Rougeau Brothers give the Hart Coalition a much needed coarse correction. Heenan gives Haku a hand and nearly loses his hair for the trouble. A Fuji misfire allows Demolition to retain. Brother Love definitely delivered with the arrival of the Macho Man! The Rockers keep the good feelings going by turning back the red tide. Martel retains in an absolute bar burner. Despite some effective heel teamwork the Hulkster holds on to the gold. He doesn't get to celebrate long though as Savage is there and we close the show with the two trying to tear each other apart.

I think it's safe to say Heenan will never go back to that restaurant again. The Twin Towers cut loose on half the tag division. With plenty of encouragement from Brother Love I'm sure. Dino & Hart pull a fast one in the main event.

Taped at the Sumpter County Exhibition Center before Main Event. Originally airing on 8/27/88 on the USA Network. On Commentary: Bob Caudle & David Crockett Zodiac defeats The Pearl with a top rope kneedrop. "British Magician Steve Wright defeats The Brooklyn Brawler with the "Octopus Hold" The Samoan Island Tribe (Fatu & Alofa) defeat The Enforcer and The Pegasus Kid (Chris Benoit in a mask) when Fatu pinned The Enforcer with a diving splash. Main event. "The Latin Heartthrob" Al Perez defeats "Black Bullet" Shaska Whatley w/"Number One" Paul Jones with a bridging German suplex after Whatley accidentally bumped into Jones who was on the apron. In other news.... After a recap of Block B matches from last night, and an update on tournament standings as a whole, it's announced that Block A will continue next week with... "Chief" Joe Lightfoot vs "Tennessee Stud" Robert Fuller "Rugged" Ron Garvin vs"Wildcat" Wendell Cooley "Chief Wahoo McDaniel vs "The Ugandan Giant" Kamala

From the Sumpter County Exhibition Center in Sumpter SC. Previously recorded airing on 8/26/88 on the USA Network. On Commentary: Gordon Solie Ring announcer/Interviews: Sean Moony Match #1 Starrcade Series Block B match. "Gorgeous" Jimmy Garvin w/Precious vs The Super Destroyer w/"Number One" Paul Jones Block B got off to something of an intense start as Garvin didn't hesitate to answer Super D's bending the rules with his own dirty tricks. Ultimately Garvin countered a DDT attempt into a Brainbuster to claim the first win of the block. Match #2 Brad Anderson w/Ole Anderson defeats Ace Jackson with a Fujiwara armbar. Before their match, The Young Stallions join Sean Moony. They put over their history in the northeast as well as Florida and say their ready for the big time so naturally, they've come to the NWA. Match #3 The Young Stallions (Jim Powers & Paul Roma) defeat Matches Malone and Joe Chill with the "Stampede" (Super-plex/ Top rope splash combo) Match 4 "Raging Bull Manny Fernandez vs "The Gatekeeper" Jimmy Golden w/"The Mastermind" Ron Fuller Golden and Fuller were at their devious best, coming up with a number of ways to use the numbers game to their advantage. Still, Fernandez showed why he's one of the favorites by overcoming it all to put the Tennessee native away with the "Flying Burrito". Match #5 The Beasts of Burden (Rip Morgan & Nord the Barbarian) w/"The Notorious" Ox Baker defeat Barry Allen and Oliver Queen with a double big boot to Queen. After the match, Ox got in the ring and hit both men the Heart Punch! Baker and his Beasts go up to Mooney and Ox growls that they aren't finished with the Road Warriors yet! Match #6 Super Strong Machine defeats Alexander Ivo with the "Devil Windmill suplex" Main Event. Starrcade Series Block B match "The Doctor of Desire" Tom Prichard vs "The Ace" Bob Orton w/JJ Dillon This was the most technically sound of the block B matches tonight, though neither man was afraid to throw a punch if they thought it would help. Prichard was lining up for his Superkick when JJ climbed up on the apron. Prichard, not wanting to waste time, simply kicked JJ causing the manager to fall to the floor in a heap. This gave Orton time to collect himself however and he delivered a stiff lariat to the back of Prichard's neck for the win.

Victoria. After a rough re-entry, Spicoli finds his footing. Chono spikes the General. Steamboat shoots down some fan theories but makes it clear he & Adams are here to take the fight to the NoE. Hall breaks the Vampire Warrior. DDP boots Flowers out of the Diamond Exchange. The Dragon wins a dogfight. Pillman nets his first successful defense. Vancouver. Lynn, Christopher and Albright all get solid wins. The Southern Boys keep their title reign and their necks intact. Huge win for Enos with some help from Adams. Windham finds himself having to fend off a Demon, an unusual situation for an NoE member I'm sure. Kelowna. Cactus and the Bulldozer get heated. BT bounces back. St Clair may be "Simply the Best" but Hennig is Perfect. The Gentleman outkicks Kawada. The Malenko's give a good effort but the Midnights hold on to the tag straps. Cheetah Kid rolls on.

Fall Brawl is coming and its already got some buzz with the announcement of new US tag team champions. The Latin Connection certainly know how to get attention. Bart brought a friend in Jimmy Jack Funk but Simmons has caught the eye of some powerful allies. Love Dusty blowing up when he hears a Funk is in WCW. Sting has apparently singled out The Enforcer in the feud with the Horsemen. The US tag tournament gets instant cred with the entry of the Rock n Roll Express! The tag champs continue to walk the line even as they fend off Hart's beasts. Looks like Hot Stuff has decided he's the only one allowed to beat Zenk. After a weeks long tryout, it seems Spivey has finally made the cut.

Poffo proves he's not just Luscious, he's also a Genius! I agree with Nelson, the Bruisers is definitely a fitting name for Busick and Strong. Kerry is up for a rough first test against Abbuda. The Olympians displaying some serious troll energy against Synergy. I guess Sawyer was having too much fun with Colon to quit. The Bees and the Rich Cousins both get some shine ahead of big matches in Winnipeg. Adidas clearly doesn't mind taking a helping hand from Blackwell to retain the TV title. As expected, loads of intensity between the two Russians heading into their clash for the world title.

Everyone please note that I have edited the most recent episode of Worldwide.