Montreal Results

[dawho5]

7/2/83 at the Montreal Forum (14,500)

 

The show opened with Jacques Rougeau, Sr. explaining that King Tonga and Tonga John would not be participating in the tournament based on their actions towards Jim Brunzell. "That kind of behavior will not be tolerated in the International Wrestling Association," warned Rougeau.

 

Jim Brunzell/Phil Lafon over Sgt. Slaughter/Mad Dog Lefebvre by DQ 11:14

 

Brunzell and Lafon started hot, but the veteran Slaughter took the advantage after going to the eyes and booting Lafon in the stomach several times. Lafon got worked over for a while, with Slaughter several times taking shortcuts to keep the advantage. The tag to Brunzell got a good reaction and he cleaned house on both of his opponents. A Brunzell dropkick to Lefebvre looked like Slaughter was too far away to make the save, but Slaughter kicked the ref in the head instead. Post-match the heels continued the assault and Slaughter produced a pair of brass knuckles that he bloodied Lafon with.

 

The Midnight Express over Armand Rougeau/Rene Goulet by pinfall 10:26

 

Prior to the match Eddie Creatchman walked out to the ring and addressed the crowd.

 

"The fans here in Montreal make me sick. They cheer Gino Brito and the Rougeaus. There's a reason Brito and the Rougeaus stay here. Nobody else wants them. They get by on their names around here andthat has to end. A couple of guys backstage had never heard of the Rougeaus or Brito before and I had a long conversation with them. We agreed that tonight, if nobody beat us to it, we would expose the Rougeaus and Brito for what they truly are."

 

The Midnight Express walked out to the ring and shook hands with Creatchman, already getting a lot of boos from the crowd. Armand and Goulet came out to big cheers. Armand was fired up and got the better of Rose for a very short time, mostly with right hands. Rose reversed a corner whip and hit a running back elbow into the corner. The Midnights worked the youngest Rougeau over, trying to goad Goulet into helping. The longtime veteran held his ground and patiently waited for his young teammate to make the tag, all the while urging Armand on. The tag came and it looked like Rougeau and Goulet were close to a submission victory on Condrey with an Armand sleeper, but Rose broke that up and cleared Goulet out of the ring, allowing Condrey to finish Armand with a full nelson facebuster.

 

The British Bulldogs over The Cuban Assassins by pinfall 11:48

 

The Bulldogs were clearly the fan favorites early and used their cutting edge style to great effect. The Assassins stalled several times, irritating the crowd. Davey fell victim to a double team in a neutral corner that set up the Assassins for a lengthy beatdown, mostly hair-pulling, eye gouging, tights-grabbing, choking and illegal double teams. Dynamite was hot on the apron, which caused several lengthy distractions the Assassins took full advantage of. Davey finally came back, catching Starr in a big overhead press slam and tagged Dynamite. Dynamite cleaned house and the Bulldogs unleashed double teams on both of their opponents much to the crowd's delight. The Assassins weren't done yet, the Cuban Assassin rolling Dynamite up and putting his feet on the ropes for leverage for a very close two count with Davey making the save. Davey tossed Dynamite into a body press of the top on Starr for the win.

 

The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers over Gino Brito/Tony Parisi by submission 13:38

 

The match was a very even, technical affair. Brito and the Rougeaus were evenly matched, with Parisi often the victim of short quick-tag sequences by the Rougeaus. The mat wrestling worked into a few slams and suplexes before the Rougeaus isolated Parisi, hit a double suplex off the second rope and Jacques applied the Quebec crab for the win.

 

The Midnight Express (with Eddie Creatchman) over Lafon/Brunzell by pinfall 9:25

 

Before the match, Creatchman talked in the ring about how the Midnights had already beaten one of the Rougeaus and the other two would be next. Lafon and Brunzell, visibly upset at being overlooked, attacked the Midnights before the bell to a big pop. The Midnights made several attempts at attacking Lafon's cut before Rose grabbed an armbar, put Lafon on the mat and started punching his forehead. Lafon took a quick but brutal beating before landing a big spinkick and tagging Brunzell. Brunzell held off the Midnights for a while, but Lafon was unable to help and the tide turned. Condrey set Rose up for a second rope powerslam to get the three.

 

The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers over the British Bulldogs by pinfall 10:10

 

The match was back and forth action all the way through, with Jacques showing his athleticism and both teams busting out double teams when they were in control. Davey Boy hit a running powerslam on Jacques only to have Raymond break it up just before Dynamite could stop him. Jacques reversed a rollup (the third in sequence) to pin Dynamite.

 

Rick Martel over Dino Bravo to retain the NWA Canadian Heavyweight Championship by pinfall 26:04

 

Martel and Bravo were both greeted with loud cheers and fought over basic holds in the early going. Bravo finally got control and began working over Martel's back. Martel countered by going after Bravo's arm and working on it for a long while. Things got a little heated when Martel didn't break for the ropes until the referee's three count and right hands started flying. A dropkick by Martel sent Bravo to the floor. Bravo fought his way out of an attempted suplex into the ring by Martel and dragged Martel to the floor in what almost turned into a double countout. Back in the ring Bravo hit a drokick and got a few close nearfalls on Martel before the champ started focusing on his back. Bravo had the airplane spin on Martel, but the champ was just close enough to grab the ropes. Bravo made it to the ropes on the Quebec crab and it looked like a stalemate. Bravo looked for a belly to back suplex, but Martel went behind and rolled Bravo up when the challenger went to the ropes, bridging back for the three. The two shook hands post-match and Martel celebrated with his NWA Canadian title.

 

The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers over the Midnight Express (with Eddie Creatchman) by pinfall to win the Canadian International Tag Team Titles 9:46

 

Creatchman and the Midnights came out first, Creatchman predicting the fall of the Rougeau dynasty. The Rougeaus rushed the ring and a two on two brawl started the match. Things settled down and the Rougeaus got the better of Condrey for a while. Raymond got caught with a few Condrey right hands and seemed ripe for the picking. Rose hit a second rope powerslam that Condrey followed with a big running leg drop, but Jacques interrupted the pinfall attempt. Raymond had to battle his way through Condrey and Rose with right hands to tag in Jacques, who came in on fire. Jacques cleared Rose out of the ring and the Rougeaus double teamed Condrey. Rose was sent right back off the apron when he tried to get back in the fray. Jacques locked in a Quebec crab as the illegal man and Raymond climbed to the top rope and came crashing down with a knee drop to Condrey's back to put the Midnights away. Creatchman was fuming mad post-match, screaming at the ref about the double teaming done by the Rougeaus. The Rougeaus, meanwhile, were displaying their new hardware to the appreciation of 14,000+ fans.

[KrisZ]

Good stuff here dawho

[dawho5]

Thanks, it's mostly low end setup so I wasn't overly ambitious. I'm in a position that involves the people I want to be my big names not being really over yet and a lot of the people who are over won't get any kind of name recognition from most. Just gonna have to push through that and be patient.

 

July 5th, Saguenay, Quebec, (1,700)

"the Farmer" Louis Laurence and Tony Ricco defeated Tim & Alex Gerrard

Dave Kochen defeated Rudy Kay

Rene Goulet defeated Gilles "the Fish" Poisson

Gino Brito and Tony Parisi defeated Richard Charland and Dan Johnson

The Fabulous Rougeau brothers and Armand Rougeau defeated the Midnight Express and Mad Dog Lefebvre

[dawho5]

International Wrestling 7/8/83 (taped 7/6/83 in the Paul Suave Arena, Montreal, Quebec)

 

Opening/1st match (0:00 - 10:00)

 

The show opens with a montage of the Rougeaus, Brito/Parisi, Armand Rougeau, Gilles Poisson, Mad Dog Lefebvre, Louis Laurence and Richard Charland followed by the International Wrestling Association logo before cutting to Jacques Rougeau, Sr. in the ring.

 

Jacques, Sr.: Welcome fans to International Wrestling on Friday Night. We have a great show for you tonight that features some of the new faces you'll be seeing plenty of over the next few months-

 

Rougeau is cut off by a very loud round of boos from the fans and turns to the entranceway. Captain Lou Albano, Tonga John (in plain short tights with no boots or pads) and King Tonga (in loos long pants with no boots or pads) come to the ring with a few pieces of garbage thrown their way. Rougeau waits patiently for the trio to enter the ring before addressing Albano.

 

Jacques, Sr.: It doesn't seem like the fans here in the Paul Suave Arena are very happy to see you and your charges, Mr. Albano.

 

Albano: Good for them. Let me tell you a story, Rougeau. I came in here and the first two people I met were two poor Tongan wrestlers who had been denied a chance to prove themselves by Frank Valois and his goons for no good rea-

 

Jacques, Sr.:They beat up a man for no-

 

Albano snatches the microphone from Rougeau.

 

Albano: These two men have beat up a lot of people, Rougeau. And if you interrupt me again they are gonna add one more to that number. These men deserved a chance at those titles and now they feel wronged. These men, no, not men. These are monsters. It didn't have to be this way, but nothing can change that now. These monsters are going to show you, Frank Valois, the fans and the other wrestlers that they will not be denied a chance at gold. The man who is responsible for this is not here tonight and that's a shame. Now everyone has to pay. Every action has consequences and Frank Valois will see tonight the consequences of his actions last Saturday.

 

Bobby and Rudy Kay emerge from the back as Albano exits the ring and the Tongan wrestlers proceed to attack them before they even start entering the ring.

 

King Tonga/Tonga John against Bobby & Rudy Kay

 

The Tongan wrestlers dominate this from the start to finish, King Tonga showing off his kicks and headbutts before Bobby Kay walks into a savate kick from King Tonga. Tonga John climbs the top rope and hits a diving headbutt to put Kay away. The Tongans continue the assault, clubbering and stomping both of their fallen foes until the commercial break.

 

King Tonga/Tonga John by pinfall with a combination savate kick/diving headbutt 4:19

 

Commercial Break

(10:00 - 20:00)

 

The Tongan wrestlers are being dragged from ringside by several security officers, referees and wrestlers from the back. They make several attempts to get back to the ring only to be driven back by superior numbers. Randy Rose makes his way to the ring to loud boos. Tim Gerrard gets little to no reaction, but some of the crowd seem to want to cheer him.

 

Randy Rose vs. Tim Gerrard

 

Rose dominated from the get-go, but Gerrard got in a quick comeback before Rose hit a side suplex after several punches. Rose locked in a crab, but the plucky Gerrard made the ropes. Rose had enough and picked Gerrard up before climbing to the second turnbuckle and hitting a powerslam for the win.

 

Rose over Gerrard by pinfall with a second rope powerslam at 5:48

 

Rose was out of the ring quickly following his victory, leaving only the battered Gerrard to get beaten by King Tonga and Tonga John as they crashed the ring, Albano pointing at the downed Gerrard. Gerrards brother and tag partner Alex came out for the save but is immediately overwhelmed. The scene going to commercial break #2 is very similar to the first.

 

Commercial Break

(20:00 - 36:30)

 

The Tongans were once again being herded to the back with no sign of Albano. The camera cuts to Albano in the back with a microphone in the backstage interview area.

 

Albano: I told you these men are monsters. Not just monsters, terrors! Nobody in the arena is safe!

 

The scuffle of King Tonga and Tonga John being escorted to the back breaks into the shot. Albano says a few words to his wrestlers and they stop fighting to get back to the ring. The assorted personnel wrestling the Tongans away from the ring warily back away before returning to whatever they were doing.

 

Albano: Frank Valois will regret the day he decided to leave my terrors out of the tag tournament. I give to you, ladies and gentlemen, the future Canadian International Tag Team champs, the Tongan Terrors! You will be afraid of them, I can guarantee you that. These monsters are large, strong, agile, ANGRY men who want nothing more than what they deserve. They will get it.

 

The camera cuts back to the ring after Albano and the newly named Tongan Terrors walk away. All three Rougeau brothers walk to the ring to massive cheers from the crowd. Mad Dog Lefebvre, Gilles Poisson and Richard Charland emerge as their opponents to boos.

 

The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers & Armand Rougeau vs. Mad Dog Lefebvre, Gilles Poisson & Richard Charland

 

The Rougeaus were able to dominate the early going much to the crowd's delight. Poisson used a handful of Armand Rougeau's hair off of a rope break to bludgeon the least experienced Rougeau with a few big forearms. The heels worked Armand over until he fired up and overcame Charland with rapid fire right hands. Raymond took the hot tag and cleaned house before getting in an intense brawl with Lefebvre. The Rugeaus looked ready to put the match away when the Tongan terrors again hit the ring, Albano pointing out Armand Rougeau and Charland as targets. This time they were driven back after the initial surprise as all six men in the ring banded together to clear them out.

 

No Contest due to interference at 12:25

 

Commercial Break with Upcoming Show Advertisements

 

July 9th at Paul Suave Arena, Montreal Quebec

Gino Brito against King Tonga

Phil Lafon, Jim Brunzell and Tony Parisi against Mad Dog Lefebvre, Gilles Poisson and Tonga John

Armand Rougeau will be in action!

 

July 12th at Gatineau, Quebec

The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers & Armand Rougeau against The Midnight Express & Mad Dog Lefebvre

Rene Goulet against Tonga John

 

July 13th at Paul Suave Arena, Montreal, Quebec

The Midnight Express and Dan Johnson against Gino Brito, Tony Parisi and Louis Laurence

The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers against Phil Lafon and Jim Brunzell

Armand Rougeau against Mad Dog Lefebvre

 

(36:30 - 57:00)

 

Albano and the Tongan Terrors are in the interview area in back when we return from break.

 

Albano: You can't say I didn't warn you. I told you everyone was gonna pay and they have. I also told you that these guys are monsters and they are. Not only that, they are MY monsters. When I tell them to destroy someone, they do it. When I tell them to stop, they stop. That means you won't be seeing a whole lot out of anyone besides my monsters, because I don't plan on stopping anytime soon. You may as well get used to this fans, because I can guarantee you'll be seeing a lot of it. Jim Brunzell is not here tonight, but I can be patient when I need to be. Next week we get our hands on Brunzell and he pays very personally for what he did!

 

Dennis Condrey comes to the ring greeted by heavy boos from the fans. Gino Brito gets a really big pop and the crowd is buzzing for the main event.

 

Dennis Condrey vs. Gino Brito

 

The match started out with Brito working over an arm and Condrey coming back with a mixture of brawling and headlocks and chinlocks. Brito started brawling as well, uncorking big right hands. Condrey came back with more brawling, but Brito will not to be denied. Brito gets a few nearfalls before Condrey ducks a right hand and hits a back elbow that staggers Brito into the corner. Right hands by Condrey leave Brito in bad shape and Condrey drapes him over the middle rope, bounces off the far ropes and sits down across his upper back. A clothesline in the center of the ring by Condrey sets him up for a big running leg drop that nearly put Brito away. The crowd give Brito and Condrey plenty of notice that the Tongan Terrors were coming and Condrey bailed. Brito iss waiting on the Tongans to attack when Condrey slides into the ring from behind and nails him with a few forearms to the back before hitting a full nelson facebuster. Condrey again bailed and left ringside as Albano signals to the Terrors it was time to attack. The Tongans go to work on Brito, which brings out his tag partner Tony Parisi. Parisi has some success, but it is short lived as King Tonga caught him with a savate kick while he was focused on Tonga John. The Tongans continue their assault while the fans throw garbage into the ring at them. The Rougeaus sprint down to ringside and chase the Tongans off to end the show.

 

Gino Brito wins by DQ when the Tongan terrors interfere at 17:22

 

Dark Matches:

pre-show

Tony Ricco vs. Simon Dupree was a no contest when Tonga John & King Tonga attacked both.

Louis Laurence vs. Dan Johnson was a no contest when Tonga John & King Tonga attacked both.

[Flyin' Brian]

Good job with the Tongan Terrors. You are making them stars.

[dawho5]

House Show, July 9th, Paul Suave Arena (2800)

 

Louis Laurence/Tony Ricco defeated Bobby and Rudy Kay when Laurence submitted Rudy Kay with a half crab at 6:11.

 

Armand Rougeau defeated Tim Gerrard with a sleeper at 5:31

 

Dave Kochen defeated Dan Johnson with an abdominal stretch at 7:44

 

Mad Dog Lefebvre, Gilles Poisson and Tonga John defeated Phil Lafon, Jim Brunzell and Tony Parisi when Tonga John hit a running big boot on Lafon at 16:08

 

Gino Brito and King Tonga went to a double count-out at 18:56

[Grimmas]

I'm glad I switched from wanting Montreal to Toronto, you have done a great job keeping the local flavour.

[dawho5]

July 12th, 1983 from Gatinaeu, Quebec (2,300)

 

Richard Charland and Dan Johnson defeated the Kay Brothers with a spike piledriver

 

Phil Lafon and Jim Brunzell defeated the Gerrard Brothers when Lafon hit a Canadian Rocky Buster on Tim Gerrard

 

Gilles Poisson defeated Tony Parisi with a bearhug

 

Rene Goulet defeated Tonga John when Tonga John passed out in a scorpion claw hold after John dominated the majority of the match when he busted Goulet open with a headbutt early and worked the cut all match

 

The Midnight Express and Mad Dog Lefebvre defeated The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers and Armand Rougeau when Lefebvre used a second rope superplex to pin Armand Rougeau

[goc]

Did monster heel Tonga John actually submit?

[dawho5]

Crap, I need to remember to add details when necessary on these smaller shows. Lazy writing will be the end of me. Thanks for the reminder.

[dawho5]

International Wrestling 7/15/83 (taped 7/13/83 in the Paul Sauve Arena, Montreal, Quebec) 3,200 fans

 

0 - 14:30

Opening/1st Match

 

The opening montage leads once again to Jacques, Rougeau, Sr. This time he is in the backstage interview area in front of the International Wrestling Association banner. Captain Lou Albano, looking very unhappy, shuffles into frame with no Tongan terrors in tow.

 

Rougeau, Sr.: Mr. Albano, how do you feel about the decision handed down by none other than Frank Valois himself that the Tongan Terrors were banned from the arena for tonight’s show?

 

Albano: How do you think I feel about it, Rougeau? This is a travesty and exactly the kind of thing that caused what happened last week. My monsters are very passionate men and their anger got the better of them. What do you think-

 

Rougeau, Sr.: Excuse me, Mr. Albano, but you were the one who was directing traffic last week.

 

Albano: I thought I told you never to interrupt me, Rougeau!

 

Rougeau, Sr.: I wrestled for many years, Mr. Albano. If you think you are going to intimidate me you are dead wrong.

 

Albano: I’m sorry, I was out of line. As I was saying, my monsters are very passionate and difficult to control. You can’t expect me to be able to keep this kind of thing from happening.

 

Rougeau, Sr.: I expected this kind of response from you and had a video montage of last week prepared.

 

Clips of Albano ordering the Tongan Terrors to attack other wrestlers are shown followed by Albano’s comments to the effect that they are his monsters and he controls them. The camera cuts back to Albano, looking both enraged and a little scared with Jacques, Sr.

 

Albano: I was a little angry myself. I can promise you that we will never disrupt an entire show like that again. We’ve learned our lesson Mr. Rougeau.

 

Rougeau, Sr.: I’d like to say I believe you, Mr. Albano, but-

 

Albano snatches the microphone from Rougeau.

 

Albano: And I’d like to tell everyone watching that Jim Brunzell has NOT gotten any kind of reprieve. He will pay next week for causing all of this!

 

Albano tosses the microphone at Rougeau’s feet and glares at the retired wrestler before stalking away. The camera cuts to the ring as Tony Ricco comes out to a mild reaction. Richard Charland is booed, but not overly loudly.

 

Tony Ricco vs. Richard Charland

 

Ricco and Charland feel each other out with basic exchanges, Ricco getting the better of things and working an arm. Charland goes to the hair several times before raking the eyes to take control. Charland cuts off Ricco comebacks with eye gouges before getting cocky and slapping Ricco around. Ricco fires up and makes a comeback, but Dan Johnson runs out to ringside. Referee Adrian Desbois turns his attention to clearing Johnson away from ringside, allowing Charland to hit a low blow. Charland’s piledriver finisher is enough to get the three count.

 

Richard Charland over Tony Ricco by pinfall with a piledriver 9:28

 

Jacques Rougeau, Sr. Talks about the next match before the commercial break.

 

Commercial Break

 

(14:30 - 27:30)

 

Mad Dog Lefebvre is approaching the ring to boos when we come back from commercial. Armand Rougeaus gets a very good reaction from the crowd as he heads to the ring. Lefebvre ambushes Rougeau as he enters the ring and the match is off to a hot start!

 

Armand Rougeau vs. Mad Dog Lefebvre

 

Armand was taking the worst of it at first, but he fired up and came back strong with right hands. A crossbody put Armand firmly in charge and he hammered away with right hands. Lefebvre went to the floor for a break, but Armand followed him out. Lefebvre reversed a whip into the rail as they brawled around ringside and started pounding away on Armand again. The two fought tooth and nail, but Lefebvre eventually gained enough of an advantage to set Rougeau up for his second rope superplex. Armand recovered and hit a few short punches to the face to send Lefebvre stumbling down to the mat. Rougeau lept off the top into a sunset flip for the three.

 

Armand Rougeau over Mad Dog Lefebvre by pinfall with a flying sunset flip 10:49

 

Jacques Rougeau, Sr. talks about the final two matches on the card tonight before the break.

 

Commercial Break

 

27:30 - 42:30

 

Jacques and Raymond Rougeau come out to a tremendous reaction. Jim Brunzell and Phil Lafon come to the ring and get a lot of cheers, especially after the Rougeaus start clapping and encouraging the fans to do the same.

 

The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers vs. Jim Brunzell and Phil Lafon

 

Both teams came out fast and furious, working to find an advantage. After a lot of fast chain wrestling and counters the Rougeaus were able to work on Lafon for a while, but the youngster was able to kick his way out of trouble and tag Brunzell. More furious back and forth action followed. Eventually the Rougeaus wore down both Lafon and Brunzell enough to set up a Raymond sleeper on Lafon. Lafon just barely made the ropes and Raymond set Lafon up in a Quebec crab after tagging in Jacques. Jacques flew off the top with a knee drop and covered for the three while Raymond held off Brunzell. After the match the Rougeaus shook hands with Brunzell and Lafon before holding up the arms of the defeated tag team.

 

Jacques Rougeau over Phil Lafon by pinfall after a Quebec crab/flying knee drop combination 13:16

 

Commercial break with upcoming events promoted

 

July 16th, Paul Sauve Arena, Montreal, Quebec

Gino Brito & Tony Parisi vs. The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers
Mad Dog Lefebvre vs. Armand Rougeau
Gilles "The Fish" Poisson vs. "The Farmer" Louis Laurence

 

July 19th, Colisée de Saint-Jean, Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Quebec

The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers & Armand Rougeau vs. The Midnight Express & Mad Dog Lefebvre
Rene Goulet vs. Tonga John
Phil Lafon, Jim Brunzell and Tony Parisi on the card.

 

July 20th, Paul Sauve Arena, Montreal, Quebec

Stan Hansen vs. Gino Brito
Jim Brunzell & Phil Lafon vs. The British Bulldogs
Armand Rougeau, Rene Goulet & Dave Kochen vs. Mad Dog Lefebvre, Gilles Poisson & Richard Charland
Dan Johnson vs. Louis Laurence

 

 

(42:30 - 45:30)

 

Jacques, Sr. is in the interview area as Eddie Creatchman and the Midnight Express casually stroll in. The Midnights look ready for action.

 

Jacques, Sr.: Eddie Creatchman and the Midnight Express, you were the only ones not victims of the brutal attack by the Tongan terrors last week. How do we know you weren’t in on it?

 

Creatchman: You never did like me, Rougeau. You think I had anything to do with that? Of course you do. Anyone with half a brain knows that we were not involved.

 

Jacques, Sr.: I don’t believe that for a second, Eddie Creatchman. But that’s not what we’re here to talk about. You said that you had something to say regarding my boys?

 

Creatchman: I do and I would appreciate you not taking up my time with your conspiracy theories in the future. You see, these men came within a hair’s breadth of being the Canadian International Tag Team champs a few weeks ago and there’s another big show coming up on the 30th in the Montreal Forum. It is our considered opinion that we are the natural challengers for the titles.

 

Jacques, Sr.: I think you may be the only three men who have that opinion. Regardless that’s up to Frank Valois to decide.

 

Creatchman: You would think like that, Rougeau. But we will prove that we are the number one contenders. You give us any tag team besides the Rougeaus and we will make good. So why don’t you just slink back to-

 

Creatchman is cut off by the appearance of Gino Brito and Tony Parisi, also in their ring gear. Brito walks over to Rougeau, Sr. and a standoff between the two tag teams ensues.

 

Jacques, Sr.: We will not have a brawl here, gentlemen. You will keep your tempers.

 

Brito: We have a match whenever Creatchman gets done talking. The Midnight Express lost their match for the titles, now it’s our turn. Nothing their mouthpiece spews out can change that.

 

Creatchman: Tonight you find out what real wrestlers are, Gino Brito! Too long you’ve skated by on your reputation. That ends tonight. But a six-man match doesn’t prove anything. It’s only fair that you have to fight for your title shot. In two weeks you two against the Midnight Express to decide who faces the Rougeaus on the 30th.

 

Brito: You’re on Creatchman, and don’t think you can weasel your way out of this when you lose!

 

Both teams leave in opposite directions as we go to commercial.

 

Commercial Break

 

(45:30 - 60:00)

 

Gino Brito, Tony Parisi and Louis Laurence are already in the ring, playing to the crowd as the Midnight Express, with Creatchman in tow, and Dan Johnson make their way to the ring to boos.

 

Gino Brito, Tony Parisi, & Louis Laurence vs. The Midnight Express & Dan Johnson

 

Brito and Parisi both started hot against Condrey and Rose. Laurence and Johnson went back and forth. Brito and Condrey had an intense brawl, very likely the result of Condrey’s sneak attack on Brito last week. Parisi was brought in after Brito took control and fell victim to several punches to the gut, one to the face and a neckbreaker to swing momentum Condrey’s way. The Midnights and Johnson cut off the ring and worked Parisi over. Laurence took the tag and came in on fire, Brito tagging in soon after and doing the same. Condrey and Rose tried saving Johnson as Brito and Laurence took turns attacking him, but Brito was fired up and not letting them get control back. Brito tagged in Parisi and hit a side suplex on Johnson, staying in the ring to slow down the Midnights as Parisi came off the top with a senton to finish Johnson. The crowd went nuts as Brito, Parisi and Laurence celebrated. The Midnights tried to attack the faces after the match, but Brito and Parisi were ready for them and they had to retreat, dragging a groggy Johnson to the back with them.

 

Parisi over Johnson by pinfall after a combination side suplex/flying senton 13:26

 

Dark matches:
Pre-show
Dave Kochen defeated Bobby Kay with an abdominal stretch
Gilles Poisson defeated Alex Gerrard with a bearhug

[dawho5]

July 16th, 1983 at the Paul Sauve Arena, Montreal, Quebec (3,300)

 

The Kay Brothers defeated Etienne Bergeron and Frederic Tremblay when Bobby Kay rolled Tremblay up with an inside cradle

 

Richard Charland and Dan Johnson defeated The Gerrard Brothers with a spike piledriver

 

Gilles Poisson defeated Louis Laurence with a bearhug

 

Mad Dog Lefebvre and Armand Rougeau went to a double count-out

 

The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers defeated Gino Brito and Tony Parisi with a crab/flying knee drop combination on Parisi

[Crazymax Jack]

Enjoying the TV layout and the format of your first big house show. Good use of the talent. Keep it up!

[dawho5]

July 19th, 1983 at the Colisée de Saint-Jean, Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Quebec (2,500)

Dave Kochen defeated Alex Gerrard with an abdominal stretch

 

Jim Brunzell and Phil Lafon defeated Louis Laurence and Tony Ricco with a combination dropkick/cobra clutch to Ricco

 

Tony Parisi defeated Dan Johnson with a flying senton

 

Tonga John defeated Rene Goulet with a flying headbutt off the top

 

The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers and Armand Rougeau defeated the Midnight Express and Mad Dog Lefebvre when Armand Rougeau used a sleeper on Lefebvre

[Crazymax Jack]

Montreal is really getting off on a strong foot. Good wins here for Barbarian and The Rouggeaus. I like the duo of Brunzell and the rookie Lafon.

 

 

Just a small thing, but shouldn't Armand automatically be included in the "Fabulous Rougeau Brothers" team and not be listed separately. I mean, he is a Rougeau brother so he should automatically qualify. Does Armand have to prove himself to be a full blown Rougeau?

[goc]

He's an UN Fabulous Rougeau Brother

[dawho5]

That is the name I am using for the team of Raymond & Jacques specifically. I've toyed with the idea of calling them The Rougeau Brothers as a three man unit. That's something I'm not quite sure how to handle yet.

[dawho5]

International Wrestling on July 22nd, 1983 (taped July 20th in the Paul Sauvé Arena, Montreal, Quebec) 3,600 fans

 

Opening/First Match

 

0-11:00

 

The show opening montage leads to Jacques, Sr. In the backstage interview area, Lou Albano and the Tongan Terrors stalking into the shot.

 

Rougeau, Sr.: Welcome to another night of International Wrestling, fans! We have a great show for you tonight! Once again we start off with Captain Lou Albano. It looks like your team is back tonight, Mr. Albano, but they aren’t involved in any matches. I imagine you’ll be on your best beh-

 

Albano rips the microphone from Rougeau’s hand and starts in a growl.

 

Albano: Let’s get something straight, Rougeau. Last week you said some very disrespectful things to me and we’re going to talk about that. First, do not ever interrupt me again or the next time I see you my monsters will make it so you can’t talk for a week. Second, if you ever threaten me again I will order my monsters to rip you limb from limb! Can you hold a microphone without any arms, Rougeau?

 

Albano tosses the mic back to Jacques, Sr. The ex-wrestler catches it gracefully while glaring at Albano.

 

Rougeau, Sr.: I can see your manners haven’t improved, Mr. Albano. Regardless, you did request this time. I’m sure these fans would like to know what’s on your mind.

 

Albano: About time, Rougeau. How about you get to the point next time instead of all this pointless chatter? Tonight Jim Brunzell is in the building and he gets what’s coming to him! We haven’t seen him yet, but when we do my monsters will educate him on why it’s a big mistake to make us mad!

 

Rougeau, Sr.: It sounds like you want to spend next week without your charges in the building just like last week, Mr. Albano.

Albano: And another thing, Rougeau. Smart mouth comments like that will carry the same punishment as interrupting me. Do you think we care if the IWA doesn’t like what we do? Two weeks ago was just a start and it will get worse. Watch what my monsters do to Brunzell tonight and understand that’s just the beginning!

 

Albano and the Tongan Terrors storm off, kicking open every door in sight and peering in before continuing. The camera cuts to the ring where Dan Johnson is climbing in as the crowd boos him a little. “The Farmer” Louis Laurence comes out to more than a few cheers.

 

Louis Laurence vs. Dan Johnson

 

Johnson starts things out by ambushing Laurence during introductions. Laurence battles back with elbows and punches before trying a takedown. Johnson makes the ropes and cheapshots Laurence on the break, coming up with an arm as Laurence reels. Johnson works the arm over until Laurence is able to reverse a hold and grab Johnson’s left leg. Laurence works the leg until Johnson manages to come back and hit a few slams for nearfalls, but Laurence goes right back to the leg to set up a half crab for the win.

 

Louis Laurence over Dan Johnson by submission with a half crab 7:19

 

Jacques, Sr. runs down the remaining matches on the card.

 

Commercial Break

 

11:00-25:30

 

We return from commercial with Jacques, Sr. talking about Laurence’s win. Mad Dog Lefebvre, Gilles Poisson and Richard Charland walk out to the ring while the crowd boos. Jacques, Sr. highlights Lefebvre’s ferocity and the willingness of both of his teammates to cheat in order to gain the smallest advantage. Armand Rougeau, Rene Goulet and Dave Kochen come out of the back to a great response. Dave Kochen is put over by Jacques, Sr. as a bright young prospect while Goulet is presented as a wise veteran who has taken Armand under his wing. A father’s pride comes through as Jacques, Sr. talks about Armand’s fire and athleticism.

 

Armand Rougeau, Rene Goulet & Dave Kochen vs. Mad Dog Lefebvre, Gilles Poisson & Richard Charland

 

The match goes back and forth at the beginning with Lefebvre and Rougeau having several intense exchanges. Goulet gets worked over for a short time with a blistering Armand comeback only to have Poisson trap him in the corner for both of his partners to beat Rougeau up while Kochen argues with referee Luigi Marcera. Armand takes a good beating before tagging in Kochen, who comes in hot with Goulet joining in. In the confusion, Poisson hits a low blow to stun Kochen and set him up for a bearhug. Poisson was not the legal man and set Kochen up on the second turnbuckle for Lefebvre to superplex him for the win.

 

Mad Dog Lefebvre over Dave Kochen by pinfall after a bearhug/second rope superplex combination 11:26

 

Commercial Break

 

25:30 - 44:30

 

We return from commercial to Jacques Rougeau, Sr. in the ring with Phil Lafon and Jim Brunzell. The two young wrestlers play to the crowd and soak in the cheers.

 

Rougeau, Sr.: I’m here with two of International’s most exciting young wrestlers, Jim Brunzell and Phil Lafon. You two seem to have had nothing but trouble since you arrived.

 

Lafon: We can handle whatever trouble comes our way, Jacques, Sr. We are glad to be here in the International Wrestling Association. There’s a lot going on here and we want to be a part of it!

 

Brunzell: The fans here have been great and we hope we can live up to the example the Rougeaus are setting.

 

Rougeau, Sr.: What about Lou Albano and the Tongan Terrors? They seem to have it out for you, Jim.

 

Brunzell: If they have a problem with me, we’ll settle it in the ring like men.

 

Lafon: What we want to talk about is the number Slaughter did on us in the tournament. We hear he’s coming back to town for the show on the 30th. I think the fans want to see us take out Slaughter and Lefebvre!

 

The fans cheer, but it’s not the reaction Gino Brito or a Rougeau would get.

 

Rougeau, Sr.: It does seem that way.

 

Lafon: We have one more thing to address, Jacques, Sr. The Midnight Express overlooked us three weeks ago in that tournament and it almost cost them. I won’t make excuses for the loss, they got the one, two, three on us fair and square. We’re not done with them, but it seems like we have other things to deal with first.

 

Brunzell: I think we’ve proven that we’re more than capable as a team. Every tag team needs a name. We don’t want to forget the Midnight Express while we deal with Slaughter, so we’re going to remind ourselves whenever we get in the ring. You can call us the Can Am Express!

 

The newly named Can Am Express wait in the ring for their opponents, the British Bulldogs to enter. Jacques, Sr. Returns to the announce table and talks about what a shame it is that a veteran and a man with the size advantage Poisson has would resort to cheating in the previous match. The British Bulldogs emerge and Jacques, Sr. begins talking about how well the Bulldogs did in the tournament and how excited he is for this matchup. He only hopes that the Tongans won’t take this opportunity to follow up on Albano’s threats. The crowd cheers the team of young, exciting British stars after their performance on July 2nd.

 

The Can Am Express vs. The British Bulldogs

 

This match goes a mile a minute as both teams work fast and furious with no clear control for any amount of time. Each team takes turns double-teaming a member of the opposite team before a series of rollup reversals between Dynamite and Lafon. The Tongan Terrors sprint down to ringside and pull Brunzell off the apron just as he turns around. Albano points into the crowd and both big Tongans toss Brunzell over the guard rail into the crowd. Tonga John holds off the other three wrestlers, swinging a chair wildly while King Tonga starts tossing Brunzell around in the crowd with little regard for where any fans may be. The King grabs a chair, waiting for Brunzell to stand up right in front a a couple with several children and hurls the chair straight at Brunzell’s head. Brunzell, unable to move because of what would happen to the people behind him, gets his hands up, but goes down in a heap and King Tonga continues to stomp at him after hitting him several times over the back with another chair. Jacques, Sr. Is mortified through all of this, demanding that somebody from the back come out and help. The other three wrestlers are finally able to subdue Tonga John and help Brunzell, but the damage has been done. Brunzell, his forehead bleeding profusely, has to be helped to the back by Davey Boy and Lafon.

 

No contest due to interference 13:06

 

Eddie Creatchman and the Midnight Express are with Jacques Rougeau, Sr. in the interview area backstage as we come back from break.

 

Rougeau, Sr.: It looks like your team won’t get your opportunity to face the Rougeaus for the titles, Eddie Creatchman. What’s next for the Midnight Express?

 

Creatchman: You sure make a lot of assumptions, Rougeau. Let me ask you this. Who did Tony Parisi pin last week? Was is Randy Rose or Dennis Condrey?

 

Rougeau, Sr.: No, it was Dan Johnson. They seemed like they did just fine against Rose and Condrey.

 

Creatchman: I won’t stand here and tell you that Brito is nothing in that ring. I know he’s good. But he’s not as good as he thinks he is and my guys are better. Better than your pampered sons, too!

 

Rougeau, Sr.: I’m not even going to dignify that with a response.

 

Creatchman: It’s too bad you already did. Your family never did have any brains. Brito hasn’t got much going on up there either. After my guys put Brito and Parisi away next week, you’ll have to watch them take the tag titles away from your sons, Rougeau!

 

Creatchman and the Midnight Express storm off, leaving Jacques, Sr. Shaking his head.

 

Commercial Break and Upcoming Events

 

July 23rd, Paul Sauvé Arena, Montreal, Quebec

 

Gino Brito, Tony Parisi & Armand Rougeau vs. The Midnight Express & Mad Dog Lefbvre
The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers vs. The Can Am Express
Rene Goulet vs. Gilles “The Fish” Poisson

 

July 26th, Palais des Sports, Sherbrooke, Quebec

 

The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers vs. The Midnight Express & Mad Dog Lefebvre
Rene Goulet vs. Tonga John
King Tonga and Phil Lafon in action.

 

July 27th, Paul Sauvé Arena, Montreal, Quebec

 

Gino Brito & Tony Parisi vs. The Midnight Express, winner takes on the Fabulous Rougeau Brothers for the Canadian International Tag Team titles on July 30th in the Montreal Forum
Rene Goulet vs. Mad Dog Lefebvre
The Can Am Express and Gilles “The Fish” Poisson will be on the card.

 

44:30 - 60:00

 

We return from commercial to Jacques Rougeau, Sr. In the interview area. Stan Hansen comes into the shot, announced by the bell on his bullrope, swniging the bullrope wildly and causing Jacques, Sr. To dodge nervously away. Hansen is in his always-present cowboy hat with his ring and entrance gear on. Hansen starts shouting loudly enough that he is heard without the microphone.

 

Hansen: Andre, you may be the biggest bastard I’ve ever faced in a wrestling ring, but that don’t mean I won’t kick your ass, boy! In a week and a half I’m gonna lariat you so hard the people in the first row will feel it!

 

Jacques, Sr.: Mr. Hansen, tonight you face Gino Brito-

 

Hansen: I don’t care about Gino...what’d you say his name was?

 

Jacques, Sr.: Gino Brito, Mr.-

 

Hansen: Never heard of that sumbitch. How about that Jacques Rougeau? He’s scrawny, but from what i seen he likes a good fight! I wouldn’t mind kickin’ his scrawny French Canadian ass to warm up for Andre.

 

Jacques, Sr.: Regardless, tonight y-

 

Hansen: Boy, I don’t think you’ve been payin’ any attention to me. I’m here to fight Andre. We got unfinished business and nothin’ else in this one horse town is worth my time. This Brito like a good fight?

 

Jacques, Sr.: He’ll surprise you.

 

Hansen: Damn, boy, yer catchin’ on. I think I might like you yet. Let me just say this to any fans watching. Me and Andre got a history, and it ain’t pretty. We ain't gonna be doing no high flyin' or technical wrestlin'. If that's what you want to see, stay home. If you love a good knock down, drag out brawl, come on down, 'cause that's what yer gonna get! Right now I got me a French Canadian to beat up before I do the same to a giant Frenchman!

Jacques shakes his head, partially in relief as Hansen never stopped moving during his promo or slamming the bell on his bullrope around. We cut to the crowd roaring for Gino Brito entering the ring. Jacques, Sr. highlights Brito’s years as a fan favorite right here in Montreal. Brito soaks it in as Stan Hansen emerges from the back to a heavy round of boos. Hansen swings is bullrope around wildly on his way to the ring, threatening Brito with it upon entering the ring. Hansen is described by Jacques, Sr. as a “Texas tornado.” Jacques, Sr. describes how Hansen has been fined and banned from promotions for behavior similar to that of the Tongan Terrors.

 

Gino Brito vs. Stan Hansen

 

Hansen and Brito go straight to brawling, then both work a headlock for a while. Hansen lays a mean beating in on Brito, who fires up and brawls back into the match before going to the leg to set up his figure four. Hansen nearly falls victim to the hold, but scrambles halfway to the ropes while fighting Brito putting it on to make his escape much easier. Hansen rolls out of the ring and Brito chases him down, much to the fans delight. Brito puts on the brakes when Hansen tries to run him into the ringpost, but the big Texan slams Brito on the arena floor to set up a lariat in the ring for the three.

 

Stan Hansen over Gino Brito by pinfall after the lariat 12:57

 

The show ends with Hansen in the ring celebrating. The big Texan is giving the "longhorn" gesture as Gino Brito lays on the mat motionless as head referee Adrian Desbois and several medical personnel check on him.

 

Dark Matches:
Pre-show
The Tongan Terrors defeated the Gerrard Brothers after a savate kick/flying headbutt combo.
The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers defeated the Kay Brothers after a crab/flying knee drop combo.

[goc]

Great stuff. Although Hansen saying "ass" on TV in 1983 would have gotten you in hot water!

 

Brunzell & LaFon vs. The Bulldogs sounds like a really good match.

[dawho5]

Yeah, I was pretty sure about that myself. Maybe switch it over to "tail" or something. It's too bad that match had to be ruined before it could have a finish though.

[dawho5]

July 23rd, 1983 from the Paul Sauvé Arena, Montreal, Quebec (3,600)

 

The Gerrard Brothers defeated Etienne Bergeron and Frederic Tremblay with a cross-body by Tim Gerrard on Bergeron

 

Richard Charland and Dan Johnson defeated The Kay Brothers with a spike piledriver

 

Rene Goulet defeated Gilles Poisson with the scorpion claw hold

 

The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers defeated the Can Am Express after a competitive match with a crab/flying knee drop combination on Lafon

 

The Midnight Express and Mad Dog Lefebvre defeated Gino Brito, Tony Parisi and Armand Rougeau when the Midnight Express used a second rope powerslam/leg drop combination on Parisi

[Jesse Ewiak]

The Rougeau Brothers/Can-Am Express match was hopefully taped for the 2015 versions of us to watch and marvel at.

 

That main event also would've been fun, if not a little more formulaic.

[dawho5]

July 26th, Palais des Sports, Sherbrooke, Quebec (3,200)

Louis Laurence and Tony Ricco defeated the Gerrard Brothers with a wishbone snap followed by a Laurence single leg crab on Tim Gerrard

 

King Tonga defeated Rudy Kay with a savate kick

 

Armand Rougeau defeated Dan Johnson with a sleeper

 

Rene Goulet defeated Tonga John with a schoolboy and escaped the ring quickly to avoid punishment

 

The Midnight Express and Mad Dog Lefebvre defeated The Fabulous Rougeau Brothers and Armand Rougeau when the Midnight Express set up Armand Rougeau for a second rope superplex by Lefebvre

 

 

Yeah, but the thing about being a touring promotion before the internet era is you can do very similar six-man tags in every town without really killing the match. Each town gets a look at a running feud in not-quite exactly how you want to see it form. Then we put some teasers for the big match on TV in hopes that folks come out from the towns within a few hours to the Forum show. I'm considering running bigger cards in the towns 4+ hours out of Montreal at some point just to give them a good show now and again.

 

As far as taping, all big events in the Montreal Forum and the top two matches on each card will be taped. One reason I like Montreal as a background is I can run workrate face vs. face tag matches, more evenly matched face vs. heel matches without the traditional southern structure, etc. and mix up matches on shows without killing the match because the crowd wants a certain kind of tag match.

[Flyin' Brian]

You better run, Rene Goulet. Smart man.

[JerryvonKramer]

I like the really precise timings on the TV.

 

This is another strong promotion. Everyone has been doing a really good job.

 

I love the use of Albano here, and to a slightly lesser extent Creachman. Some good use of managers to get acts over.