Puerto Rico Wrestling

[El Boricua]

As requested, I'm cross-posting this from the terriories thread:

 

As for WWC, I have to clarify the 'went under' comment I made in another thread. All Star Wrestling did shut down in 93, but WWC went bankrupt at some point in the mid 90's. The times that it seems most likely that the bankruptcy occurred are in 93 or in 95 post Eddie Gilbert's death . Part of the problem in being sure when this happened is that the promotion did not stop airing their TV show or running cards for any notable period of time throughout this whole period. Basically, the point the bankruptcy happened is when they stopped referring to themselves as Capitol Sports Promotions (with their matches sanctioned by the WWC) and were just simply the WWC. So they really didn't stop having a presence, although they did have economical problems and went through bankruptcy.

 

The bankruptcy was also not common knowledge, so it was a surprise to quite a few people when the bankruptcy and closure of Capitol Sports was mentioned by Victor Quiñonez in an interview in 2003. The way he frames it in the interview, it sounds a bit like Carlos Colon and Victor Jovica took advantage of the bankruptcy declaration to force out everyone else and reincorporate as the sole owners. Quiñonez said that he owned 25% and that Abdullah owned 10%. According to the interview, he said that they weren't paid for their shares after the bankruptcy reorganization and reincorporation. So it may have just been a way for Jovica and Carlos to get full control of the promotion again. I'm not completely sold on some of the details of Quiñonez's account (he also says he left for Japan in 1989 and was there for 10 years with his own company, not sure if he had another company over there besides IWA which started in 94), but nobody denies now that the name change was due to the economical issues and reincorporation.

 

In recent years, WWC has run a couple shows outside of PR, but not that many or with any consistency. They had a show in Florida a couple of years ago and also had one in either the Virgin Islands or Trinidad. Also, I'm not sure if they've done co-promoted shows in the Dominican Republic or just had talent appear on some cards over there.

[El Boricua]

Ray Gonzalez v. Carlos Colon - 1998

 

 

I have thought about watching this many times, but have always been scared off by the length as the idea of a Colon match going 25-plus in 1998 seemed pretty unappealing. It turns out I was right to fear the length, but wrong to think it might sink the match. This was a good match, that would have been great if it was eight-to-ten minutes shorter. On the one hand all of the work in the opening shine was solid and actually pretty impressive in the sense that Colon was still moving around very well and Gonzalez was busting his ass to make the boss look good. On the other hand it had a real "rinse, wash, repeat" feel to it. They established with the first couple of exchanges that Colon was the superior wrestler and then they just drove that point home, over and over and over. It kind of felt like an otherwise good AWA match that was hampered by a front end obsessed with beating the viewer over the head with the notion that the heels are inferior crybabies. Having said that this match had a ton going for it. I loved the transition spot for instance as I think Colon legitimately flubbed a spot off the ropes and rather than it hurting the match, Gonzalez took over attacking the leg. The early brawling on the floor was really awesome and violent and led to Colon getting color which is always a plus in any match he's in. Colon fighting back with the timekeepers hammer was pretty great too. The stretch run basically starts when Gonzalez lifts a club from one of the police officers and whacks Colon in the leg with it. From that point forward the whole match is basically about leg work, including some sick looking chop blocks from Gonzalez and a couple of really epic figure-four spots. I wish Colon had sold the leg a bit more on his comeback, but it wasn't an egregious blow off and it worked in the moment. Still the star of this was Gonzalez. He bumped and stooged like a champ and still hung toe-to-toe with the baddest man on the block. He looked like a guy you could build a promotion around and make real money with here. He ended up being one of the bigger stars in the company, but watching this it seems like he should have been bigger than he became

When I get a bit more caught up with the road to La Gran Guerra, I'll see if I can add some details to what led up to this match. This was the main event of the first day of Aniverasrio 98. The very next day (the second and final day of Aniversario 98), they had a rematch which saw Ray regain the title. From there, they would continue to feud and it would eventually result in Carly Colon's (Carlito) debut as a wrestler.

[sek69]

The clasico match from last week's WWC TV was Invader I&III vs the Sheepherders in a barbed wire match. It was surprisingly not as violent as you'd expect a match with those guys to be but once it got going it was pretty damn good.

 

Also watching El Bronco on the current show showed how WWC these days seems to be the bizarro world version of TNA where the old guys are entertaining and putting on good matches and the young guys seem to be all blended together.

[El Boricua]

I was not expecting to see that at the end of today's WWC show. Never thought he'd be back.

[El Boricua]

Another notable match signed for "Vengeance in the Afternoon" involved Eric Embry. I'll take this opportunity to run through Embry's time in Puerto Rico. Embry had arrived to PR sometime in the summer of 85.

 

Gino Della Serra vs. Eric Embry (1985)

 

This is one Embry's first matches (if not the first) in PR. As the match starts, the commentators (Hugo Savinovich and Joaquin Padin) talk about Embry's attire (Hugo: What do you think of that attire?; Padin: It's impressive and fabulous that attire, but what matters is if he can win the match). Hugo mentions that Embry is known as the king of the piledriver (Mr. Piledriver). As the match progresses, Hugo says that Embry's a bit odd but knows about wrestling. He is also on a quest for the Junior Heavyweight title held by Invader 3. Gino controls most of the match but Embry takes over after a low blow. Embry proceeds to strut and brag as he takes over on Gino, but Gino eventually makes a comeback. Embry reverses a bodypress for the pin. The announcers put over Embry's smarts in pulling of the victory.

 

Although Embry was intent on winning the Junior Heavyweight title, he actually managed to win the Puerto Rican title first. This happend on Aug. 17 and he defeated Super Medico. While Embry had rematches wuth Super Medico around this time, he would also find himself facing off against Miguelito Perez.

 

Miguelito Pérez vs. Eric Embry (9/21/1985)

 

This is a grudge match from Aniversario 85. Miguelito is accompanied by his father. Meanwhile, Embry has Dan Greer and a female valet with him. The lady is Sasha, a Puerto Rican woman that, according to Hugo, is "madly in love with Embry, she basically idolizes him". We cut to about seven minute into the match as Embry promplty foul kicks Miguelito during a handshake. The ref misses it and the fans start getting on the ref's case for it. Embry controls the match and makes a couple of arrogant covers but is not able to put Miguel away. As Embry sets Miguel up on the top turnbuckle, Miguelito surprises Embry with a low blow of his own. Miguelito goes on offense and Embry tries to beg off. Miguelito continues on offense. As Miguelito goes for the pin, Greer puts Embry's foot on the ropes (in a somewat blown spot) and the ref stops the count. Miguels Sr. jumps on the apron to protest and Miguelito goes after Greer. While the ref is arguing with Perez Sr., Greer grabs a hold of Miguelito and Embry charges. However, Miguelito gets out of the way and Embry hits Greer. The ref, having seen this, calls for the bell and DQ's Embry. Miguelito continues attacking Embry and dropkicks him into Greer. As Embry stumbles on the outside, the Perez family celebrates in the ring.

 

Although Embry had lost, he was still the Puerto Rican champ. He would also go on to defeat Invader 3 for the Junior Heavyweight title on Nov. 25, making him a double title holder. With the Junior title win, Embry would enter into a feud with Invader 3. Sasha would play a prominent role, getting involved in their matches and helping Embry retain the title. Finally, a match was signed for Jan. 6, 1986 where Sasha would be locked in a cage to avoid any interference on her part.

 

Eric Embry vs. Invader III (Jan. 6, 1986)

 

The video starts with Invader 3 in the ring and with Embry and Sasha (who is sitting in a chair) at ringside. Sasha is refusing to get into the cage. As referee Tomas "El Martillo" Marin heads out to try to get Sasha to move, Hugo is mentioning on commentary that the referee is saying that if Sasha does not get into the cage, Embry will forfeit the match. Invader 3 decides to grab Sasha and carries her to the cage, where she is promptly locked inside. As an irate Sasha screams and hits the cage, Invader 3 goes after Embry. Both men slide into the ring but Embry jumps back out and heads toward the cage and Sasha. Embry tries to shake the cage door open, but its locked (Embry's frustrated expression during this is pretty amusing). Finally, a reluctant Embry gets into the ring and the match starts. Embry tries to stall in the first few minutes, but Invader 3 comes out ahead when they do lock up.

 

We come back from commercial with both men criss crossing on the ropes and Invader 3 once again taking control of the match. As Invader 3 works a headlock, Eliud Gonzales announces that we are at the 25 minute mark. Hugo repeats the time and apologizes to the fans as "most of you will see the match cut in parts due to the program's time constraints, but we will always strive that the most important moments and as much as is possible is shown, but this one is set for a one hour time limit and it is difficult fitting the entire match into the program". At this point, Embry takes over the match. As Embry has Invader 3 in a chinlock, Hugo introduces the ringside doctor, Hector Gonzalez, and asks him how is it possible for these two men to still be going at it after 25 minutes without tiring. Hector days that it is due to the phenomenal shape these two men are in. "They have a strict exercise regimen, a good diet, and they are in tremendous and enviable shape". As Embry continues with the chinlock, we go to another commercial break.

 

We come back with Invader 3 working over Embry's leg and Embry is bleeding. As Invader 3 continues working the hold, the time announcement is made: 50 minutes. Hugo puts over the condition of both men, in particular Embry for not giving up even with being busted open. There's a kid in the audience just screaming at Invader 3,cheering him on ("Put him in the figure four Johnny!!"). Invader 3 complies but Embry quickly grabs the ropes. Hugo again ask as the doctor for his opinion (Hugo: It has now been 53 minutes. How is it that Embry can still continue despite the fact he is bleeding? How has e not fainted from the blood loss?; Hector: Well Hugo, although he is bleeding, the blood will coagulate and that will slow down the bleeding. The cuts are not deep enough at this moment to produce dizziness and blackout symptoms yet").

 

Embry proceeds to go to the top but is tossed off by Invader 3. Invader 3 then goes on the offensive trying to get the win, but Embry keeps surviving. Invader 3 is getting annoyed, yanks off Embry's kneepad and goes after the knee. 55 minutes have elapsed! Invader 3 continues working on the leg as Embry can barely stand. Embry manages to get a piledriver but is too spent to follow up. Embry goes up top with 4 minutes left, but misses a headbutt. Abdominal stretch by Invader 3 as there are three minutes left. Embry hiptosses out of it but is hit with a clothesline of the rope. He manages to get a foot on the ropes to break the count. Backslide by Invader 3 and Embry barely manages to get loose. Two minutes left as Invader 3 hits a bodypress but again Embry manages to kick out. Sunset flip and Embry kicks out again! Both men collide their heads and they are both down. Embry gets up first and tries for a splash but Invader 3 gets his knees up. Pinfall attempt by Invader 3 is too close to the ropes and Embry gets his foot on them. 1 minute left!

 

Invader 3 tosses Embry outside of the ring and hits a tope onto him. Both men are out on the floor as the referee starts his count. 20 seconds left in the match! Invader 3 manages to roll back in with 10 seconds left. The crowd starts counting down along with Eliud Gonzalez. Embry is struggling to get up but does not make it. As the bell rings, Invader 3 raises his arms in victory. Embry, outside and on his knees, slightly raises one arm in victory and promptly collapses to the floor. As medical personnel and Sasha (who has been released from the cage) go to check on Embry, the official decision is announced: Invader 3 wins by countout but Embry retains the title.

 

After this encounter, they would have one more rematch. On Jan. 18, Invader 3 regained the Junior Heavyweight title from Eric Embry.

[El Boricua]

Another notable match signed for "Vengeance in the Afternoon" involved Eric Embry. I'll take this opportunity to run through Embry's time in Puerto Rico. Embry had arrived to PR sometime in the summer of 85.

 

Gino Della Serra vs. Eric Embry (1985)

 

This is one Embry's first matches (if not the first) in PR. As the match starts, the commentators (Hugo Savinovich and Joaquin Padin) talk about Embry's attire (Hugo: What do you think of that attire?; Padin: It's impressive and fabulous that attire, but what matters is if he can win the match). Hugo mentions that Embry is known as the king of the piledriver (Mr. Piledriver). As the match progresses, Hugo says that Embry's a bit odd but knows about wrestling. He is also on a quest for the Junior Heavyweight title held by Invader 3. Gino controls most of the match but Embry takes over after a low blow. Embry proceeds to strut and brag as he takes over on Gino, but Gino eventually makes a comeback. Embry reverses a bodypress for the pin. The announcers put over Embry's smarts in pulling of the victory.

 

Although Embry was intent on winning the Junior Heavyweight title, he actually managed to win the Puerto Rican title first. This happend on Aug. 17 and he defeated Super Medico. While Embry had rematches wuth Super Medico around this time, he would also find himself facing off against Miguelito Perez.

 

Miguelito Pérez vs. Eric Embry (9/21/1985)

 

This is a grudge match from Aniversario 85. Miguelito is accompanied by his father. Meanwhile, Embry has Dan Greer and a female valet with him. The lady is Sasha, a Puerto Rican woman that, according to Hugo, is "madly in love with Embry, she basically idolizes him". We cut to about seven minute into the match as Embry promplty foul kicks Miguelito during a handshake. The ref misses it and the fans start getting on the ref's case for it. Embry controls the match and makes a couple of arrogant covers but is not able to put Miguel away. As Embry sets Miguel up on the top turnbuckle, Miguelito surprises Embry with a low blow of his own. Miguelito goes on offense and Embry tries to beg off. Miguelito continues on offense. As Miguelito goes for the pin, Greer puts Embry's foot on the ropes (in a somewat blown spot) and the ref stops the count. Miguels Sr. jumps on the apron to protest and Miguelito goes after Greer. While the ref is arguing with Perez Sr., Greer grabs a hold of Miguelito and Embry charges. However, Miguelito gets out of the way and Embry hits Greer. The ref, having seen this, calls for the bell and DQ's Embry. Miguelito continues attacking Embry and dropkicks him into Greer. As Embry stumbles on the outside, the Perez family celebrates in the ring.

 

Although Embry had lost, he was still the Puerto Rican champ. He would also go on to defeat Invader 3 for the Junior Heavyweight title on Nov. 25, making him a double title holder. With the Junior title win, Embry would enter into a feud with Invader 3. Sasha would play a prominent role, getting involved in their matches and helping Embry retain the title. Finally, a match was signed for Jan. 6, 1986 where Sasha would be locked in a cage to avoid any interference on her part.

 

Eric Embry vs. Invader III (Jan. 6, 1986)

 

The video starts with Invader 3 in the ring and with Embry and Sasha (who is sitting in a chair) at ringside. Sasha is refusing to get into the cage. As referee Tomas "El Martillo" Marin heads out to try to get Sasha to move, Hugo is mentioning on commentary that the referee is saying that if Sasha does not get into the cage, Embry will forfeit the match. Invader 3 decides to grab Sasha and carries her to the cage, where she is promptly locked inside. As an irate Sasha screams and hits the cage, Invader 3 goes after Embry. Both men slide into the ring but Embry jumps back out and heads toward the cage and Sasha. Embry tries to shake the cage door open, but its locked (Embry's frustrated expression during this is pretty amusing). Finally, a reluctant Embry gets into the ring and the match starts. Embry tries to stall in the first few minutes, but Invader 3 comes out ahead when they do lock up.

 

We come back from commercial with both men criss crossing on the ropes and Invader 3 once again taking control of the match. As Invader 3 works a headlock, Eliud Gonzales announces that we are at the 25 minute mark. Hugo repeats the time and apologizes to the fans as "most of you will see the match cut in parts due to the program's time constraints, but we will always strive that the most important moments and as much as is possible is shown, but this one is set for a one hour time limit and it is difficult fitting the entire match into the program". At this point, Embry takes over the match. As Embry has Invader 3 in a chinlock, Hugo introduces the ringside doctor, Hector Gonzalez, and asks him how is it possible for these two men to still be going at it after 25 minutes without tiring. Hector days that it is due to the phenomenal shape these two men are in. "They have a strict exercise regimen, a good diet, and they are in tremendous and enviable shape". As Embry continues with the chinlock, we go to another commercial break.

 

We come back with Invader 3 working over Embry's leg and Embry is bleeding. As Invader 3 continues working the hold, the time announcement is made: 50 minutes. Hugo puts over the condition of both men, in particular Embry for not giving up even with being busted open. There's a kid in the audience just screaming at Invader 3,cheering him on ("Put him in the figure four Johnny!!"). Invader 3 complies but Embry quickly grabs the ropes. Hugo again ask as the doctor for his opinion (Hugo: It has now been 53 minutes. How is it that Embry can still continue despite the fact he is bleeding? How has e not fainted from the blood loss?; Hector: Well Hugo, although he is bleeding, the blood will coagulate and that will slow down the bleeding. The cuts are not deep enough at this moment to produce dizziness and blackout symptoms yet").

 

Embry proceeds to go to the top but is tossed off by Invader 3. Invader 3 then goes on the offensive trying to get the win, but Embry keeps surviving. Invader 3 is getting annoyed, yanks off Embry's kneepad and goes after the knee. 55 minutes have elapsed! Invader 3 continues working on the leg as Embry can barely stand. Embry manages to get a piledriver but is too spent to follow up. Embry goes up top with 4 minutes left, but misses a headbutt. Abdominal stretch by Invader 3 as there are three minutes left. Embry hiptosses out of it but is hit with a clothesline of the rope. He manages to get a foot on the ropes to break the count. Backslide by Invader 3 and Embry barely manages to get loose. Two minutes left as Invader 3 hits a bodypress but again Embry manages to kick out. Sunset flip and Embry kicks out again! Both men collide their heads and they are both down. Embry gets up first and tries for a splash but Invader 3 gets his knees up. Pinfall attempt by Invader 3 is too close to the ropes and Embry gets his foot on them. 1 minute left!

 

Invader 3 tosses Embry outside of the ring and hits a tope onto him. Both men are out on the floor as the referee starts his count. 20 seconds left in the match! Invader 3 manages to roll back in with 10 seconds left. The crowd starts counting down along with Eliud Gonzalez. Embry is struggling to get up but does not make it. As the bell rings, Invader 3 raises his arms in victory. Embry, outside and on his knees, slightly raises one arm in victory and promptly collapses to the floor. As medical personnel and Sasha (who has been released from the cage) go to check on Embry, the official decision is announced: Invader 3 wins by countout but Embry retains the title.

 

After this encounter, they would have one more rematch. On Jan. 18, Invader 3 regained the Junior Heavyweight title from Eric Embry.

[El Boricua]

Even though Embry had lost the Junior Heavyweight title, he still remained the Puerto Rican champion. Invader 3 would actually challenge Embry for that title also.

 

Invader 3 vs. Eric Embry (likely February 1986)

 

This a clip of the end of what was to be their final encounter. The Puerto Rico title is on the line as well as bragging rights in the quest for a decisive win between them. As the clip starts, Embry is busted open and Invader 3 is on the offensive. Invader 3 continues his assault but the ref ends up getting knocked down. Embry tries to take advantage of this and laces Invader 3 on the top turnbuckle. As Embry turns to gloat to the crowd, Invader 3 collects himself and jumps off with a punch to Embry's head. Invader 3 decides to give Embry a taste of his own medicine and sets him up for a superplex (one of Embry's maneuvers). However, Sasha grabs Invader 3's leg causing him to lose his balance when going for the move and hit his head on the mat. Embry tries to roll him up, they roll over twice fighting for posiiton and Embry ends up on top. Invader 3 is out of it from the hit he took and Embry gets the pinfall. Sasha celebrates as a woozy Embry is barely able to stand.

 

Embry remained the Puerto Rican champion, but he also decided to start wrestling in the tag ranks. To that end, he formed a team with The Crusher (Rip Morgan). Here is a clip of this team in action.

 

Eric Embry in Puerto Rico

 

Of note, the announcers mention how much of a factor Sasha is in her team's matches. They also mention that The Crusher had sent Victor Jovica to the hospital with a back injury after delivering two of his kicks to Jovica's back (Hugo: He's been going to the chiropractor three times a week"). Embry and Crusher win the match in short order.

 

The team of Embry and Crusher would start feuding with a recent arrival to Puerto Rico, the team of the Rock N Roll RPMs.

 

The Rock N Roll RPMs (Mike Davis & Tommy Lane) had arrived at the beginning of 1986 and were quite the sensation with the local fans. They intially faced off against the Sheepherders, but when that team left, they would move on to a feud with Eric Embry and The Crusher (Rip Morgan). Sasha was still with Embry and, to no one's surprise, would interfere constantly in Embry’s matches to help her man out.

Due to Sasha’s constant interference, the Rock N Roll RPMs brought in a friend to help neutralize her. It would be none other than Wendi Richter!

 

WWC: Wendi Richter vs. Sasha (1986)

 

The video starts with a short interview with Wendi Richter conducted by Hugo Savinovich. As the match starts, you'll notice a scaffold over the ring. This match is from the same card as the Invader 3 vs. Chicky Starr scaffold match. Embry (with a bandaged head) is with Sasha. Wendi dominates the early going, as Sasha keeps bailing to the outside. Embry keeps telling Sasha to get back in. Wendi keeps dominating the match. Eventually Embry interferes and Wendi wins by DQ. The RPMs (with their heads also bandaged) come to Wendi's aid. The RPMs grab Embry and Wendi gets some shots in. This brings out the Crusher (also with his head bandaged, that must have been some match these guys had earlier on the card) to help Embry. Both teams end up brawling at ringside. Sasha takes the opprtunity to blindside Wendi with a boot.

 

Unfortunately there are no matches from this stretch between Embry/Crusher and the RPMs available. Sasha and Wendi would have a cage match to settle their issues.

 

WWC: Wendi Richter vs. Sasha - Cage Match

 

Note that Sasha is by herself but Wendi is accompanied by the RPMs. Wendi gets the win and decisively ends this feud.

 

Eventually, the feud between the teams would run its course. Embry would move back into a feud with Super Medico. Also, Sasha would get tired of Embry's treatment towards her and would ditch him. As such, Sasha would accompany Super Medico, while Embry countered with Vivian St. John.

 

This feud would result in a match being signed for Vengeance in the Afternoon. Super Medico would take on Eric Embry with the added stipulation that it would be a hair vs. mask match.

 

Also for Vengeance in the Afternoon, The Crusher would go against Miguelito Perez.

 

As for the RPMs, well...

 

WWC: Mike Davis Receives An Award

 

Be warned, the second half of the video is a bit graphic. With that, we head to Vengeance in the Afternoon.

[Tim Evans]

I was not expecting to see that at the end of today's WWC show. Never thought he'd be back.

Yeah that was pretty crazy. I'm guessing he won't win the title though. Crossfire looks good with the Carlito/Rey Fenix mask vs hair match. Hasn't Rey lost his mask in WWC before? And WWC losing three guys in one facebook post has to hurt. Of course they are just undercard guys but 2 are babyfaces. WWC needs to get some new talent.

[El Boricua]

I was not expecting to see that at the end of today's WWC show. Never thought he'd be back.

Yeah that was pretty crazy. I'm guessing he won't win the title though. Crossfire looks good with the Carlito/Rey Fenix mask vs hair match. Hasn't Rey lost his mask in WWC before? And WWC losing three guys in one facebook post has to hurt. Of course they are just undercard guys but 2 are babyfaces. WWC needs to get some new talent.

 

It was crazy and awesome. After 22 years he has returned to WWC. I honestly never thought it would happen considering the history of nasty legal battles over the rights to the name.

 

Crossfire looks pretty good and they may be setting up a longer Universal title program. They might be looking to stretch it to Euphoria in January.

 

I think Ray previously had taken the mask off voluntarily, both as Ray Fenix in IWA and as El Condor when he returned to WWC (may be misremembering here though).

 

Yeah, losing three guys is never good, but to be honest, they were on the dreaded Junior treadmill. It always seems that WWC has the same guys wrestling lower card matches against each other for long periods without trying to do anything to build them up or give them some development character wise. Right now it looks like they've decided to build up Sylar Andrews, Rikochet, Xix Xavant and Mike Mendoza. What has me a bit wary is that Xavant's feud with Ash Rubinsky seemed to be headed for setting up Xavant as the challenger to Bronco's Puerto Rico title. But, it's Apolo getting the shot after not being a regular for quite a few months (and what is likely a weekend shot). Hopefully they'll pull the trigger on Xavant as a challenger soon but I won't believe it till I see it.

[sek69]

What was the Facebook post all about?

[El Boricua]

Zcion RT1, Steve Joel and Jay Velez left WWC, which was announced by Zcion via a Facebook post. Steve Joel also posted a comment.

[Tim Evans]

Was the TNT lawsuit centered around the whole Action Jackson as "Original" TNT storyline? I always found that to be strange.

[El Boricua]

Actually no. The Action Jackson as "Original" TNT storyline was a feud for TNT for the summer of 89 that was supposed to culminate at Aniversario 89 in a match where the winner gets the right to the name and paint. After TNT finished his program as challenger to Steve Strong, Chicky Starr started claiming that TNT was an impostor and that he was going to bring in the original TNT to prove it. Chicky, in a total dick heel move, would actually reveal TNT's real name during this and would keep calling him by it as he insisted TNT was an impostor. The "original" one showed up (managed by Chicky of course) complete with mastery of the Cobra Dinamita. In a match between both TNTs, the "original" put TNT out with the hold and refused to wake him up (a call back to what TNT did a few times as a heel). However, the blow off never happened, as the night of Aniversario 89 was cancelled that very same day due to the incoming Hurricane Hugo. By the time the event was rescheduled three weeks later, Action Jackson had left. Instead they had Chicky face TNT in a hair vs. gimmick 5 minute challenge match.

 

Fast forward to 1991, Action Jackson returns as the Original TNT and they restart tne feud. This time they have the winner take all match, won by TNT.

 

The actual legal battle (and I hope I'm not mixing up the details) starts when TNT jumps from Capitol Sports to the new AWF promotion. TNT would initially wrestle under that name for a while. However, WWC proceeded to file a trademark claim on the TNT name and gimmick. Once they had that trademark, they filed a suit for TNT to stop using the name and gimmick since they owned it. This necessitated AWF to run an angle where TNT was suspended and not allowed to wrestle. He would start wrestling under a different name but would assume the TNT name again after a while. By this point, both companies were in financial difficulties and were more focused on staying afloat than the legal squabble over the name. AWF would go under in mid 93 and TNT would disappear, heading to the WWF and becoming Kwang and then Savio Vega.

 

Savio would try again to compete locally in 96 with the WWA, but he wrestled as Savio. However, when IWA started in late 99 TNT was brought back. WWC countered in 2000 with a cease and desist order since they still owned the trademark. IWA responded by calling him El Hombre Dinamita but did not change anything else. Savio would end up shelving this alter ego and avoid using him save for a couple of occasions when he brought the gimmick back for a couple of appearances as a jab at WWC during the heated IWA vs. WWC promotional war. Those times he was named The Man They Call TNT.

 

Interestingly, when Ray Gonzalez first jumped to IWA, WWC also tried to legally block him from using his name. While the whole legal mess was decided, they came up with the Rey Fenix identity so that he could wrestle. When the courts ruled in favor of Ray Gonzalez, he unmasked himself and started wrestling by his established name again.

 

Because of the legal battle over the TNT name, I never thought Savio would ever go back to it in WWC.

[Dylan Waco]

Fuck, TNT came back? Someone send me the link to that show

[El Boricua]

Today's TV show was hyping the Crossfire card later today. I was pleasantly surprised by a return in the show opening hype video for the event.

[Tim Evans]

I'm guessing you are talking about TNT's manager? Yeah that was surprising. I was surprised WWC showed Sting/Carlito on the show since they said they wouldn't. Did they ever show the Carlito/Ray Gonzalez vs Thunder/Lightning masks vs hair match on the tv show from last year? Sting/Carlito was pretty bad too. Sting really showed his age.

[El Boricua]

Yeah, I was talking about El Profe. It's not something that may seem of the magnitude of TNT returning, but I have a certain fondness for El Profe. He was a staple of WWC in some notable capacity (manager, interviewer, host and/or commentator) from when I first started watching in elementary school all the way through when I was in college. Also, he has had some delicate health problems in recent years, so it was nice to see that he's recovered enough to get back into action in some way (even if it's just for a couple of appearances).

 

From what I recall, WWC had said they would not show the match on the iPPV and it's not on the DVD. I don't think they expressly said it would not air on TV. Typically the Aniversario matches are not aired until one year after the event, if at all (particularly if they are selling a DVD of the event). The one year rule has been the norm ever since I started watching (and I think started with Aniversario 87). In this case, since they really can't make money off the match by putting it on the DVD, they're airing the final moments of the match to help push the current Rey Fenix vs. Carlito issue.

 

That's why they haven't shown the Carllito/Ray Gonzalez vs. Thunder/Lightning masks vs. hair match on the TV show, it's one of the hooks for people to buy the DVD. Interestingly enough, they did air the rematch from the following day where they were already unmasked. There is some crowd handheld footage of the final minutes and unmasking, but not the full match.

[sek69]

It was also funny how for weeks after when hyping upcoming events, they would have Thunder & Lightning photos with their faces obscured despite them being in several matches unmasked (and doing promos) at that point.

[El Boricua]

That's likely because WWC management are notorious cheapas..., uhh, I mean very budget conscious (yeah that's it ), so they likely were wringing every last bit of their money's worth out of that graphic no matter how soon it was outdated.

[Rock_Of_Jericho]

I've been watching some of this WWC stuff the past few days and I've enjoyed a lot of the Carlos Colon stuff myself. The guy doesn't have a massive moveset, but he knows how to keep the audience into the match. His matches with Hansen and the fire match with Ayala were some of my favorite things ever...

[ohtani's jacket]

Enjoyed the Colon vs. Ayala feud.

 

Ayala obviously wasn't in the same class as Hansen as a brawler, but they made up for it with plenty of blood. That shot of Colon at the end of the Texas Death Match with his face covered in blood and his features indistinguishable is one of the most insane images in wrestling history. The only match I didn't like was the Barbed Wire match. I didn't like the psychology of the heel being afraid of the gimmick and it took forever for anything to happen, then when it did the match was over. On the other hand, I was really impressed with their Loser Leaves Town match where they were able to work an excellent brawl without any props.

 

Colon always reminds me of Harry Belafonte. He's not really a wrestler's wrestler in terms of his appearance, I find. He is one insane blader, though.

[El-P]

Colon always reminds me of Harry Belafonte.

Me too !!

 

He's not really a wrestler's wrestler in terms of his appearance, I find.

Yeah, he's got a peculiar look to him. Which helped make him unique I guess. That and the galons of blood.

[El Boricua]

Colon always reminds me of Harry Belafonte.

Funny you should mention this, Carlos wrestled under the name Carlos Belafonte when he was wrestling in Canada during the early 70's.

[Dylan Waco]

I actually think Colon v. Ayala is the crown jewel of Colon's career. The Hansen series is better (the Hansen series is better than almost anything I've ever seen really), but Ayala is a much more limited worker. I don't think Colon carried him, and I've seen other good Ayala matches and performances, but as a babyface I think you have to work really hard and smart to get the miles out of Ayala that Colon got. I also like the Barbed Wired Match a good bit fwiw.

[Tim Evans]

Meltzer mentioned in the daily update today that Los Matadores are in for this weekends WWC show vs Thunder and Lightning. Good to see Thunder/Lightning back but the Colons are also bringing Torito with them. I know the Colons can work some WWC shows but I didn't know Torito could come with them? When they were managed by Rosa Mendes, did she ever join them in WWC?