NWA Lutte Internationale Presents 2nd Annual Johnny Rougeau Memorial Cup

[SirEdger]

No problem. Will do so in the brackets!

[SirEdger]

With Grimmas' CMLL out for a while, his slots has been allotted as bye (thus why you'll see CMLL 1, 2, 3 & 4 on the brackets but we'll take it as if CMLL has forfeited their slots) so the brackets have been generated. Jerry Lawler, Dusty Rhodes, Masa Chono & Larry Zbyszko receive byes. Chono & Larry Z is the only offically known 2nd round match.

 

And we have MAMMOTH first round matches. I'm gonna have a headache booking this LOL

 

http://challonge.com/v8s5e3pz

[gordi]

You are not kidding. Some amazing match-ups there. Particularly looking forward to Kawada vs Rose!

[rainmakerrtv]

There is a possiblity, based on the brackets, that Rick Rude and Buddy Rose could face each other in the 3rd round. Although the AWA has declared that the San Francisco and Portland matches would be the final matches would be the final times these two face off, this potential matchup would not be covered by the stipulation as it is outside the AWA.

[SirEdger]

I'll keep that in mind while booking the tournament

[SirEdger]

 

Johnny Rougeau Memorial Cup Night 1

April 28^th, 1985

Forum de Montréal

 

(It’s inside a jampacked Forum that Guy Hauray & Édouard Carpentier await the start of this year’s tournament at ringside.)

 

Guy Hauray: Good evening, wrestling fans! It has finally arrived: the 2^nd annual Johnny Rougeau Memorial Cup is here and 28 men will compete to be this year’s winner. Last year, it was USWA’s Terry “Bam Bam” Gordy who was the winner by defeating our own Rick Martel and we saw things changing drastically for him.

 

Édouard Carpentier: Absolutely, Guy. Despite being excommunicated from the Fabulous Freebirds, Terry Gordy still found the way to maintain his momentum by forming the Miracle Violence Committee and they have been tearing that territory ever since, now in the newly-formed UWF. Who knows what impact this year’s tournament will have for the winner?

 

Guy Hauray: As we mentioned, 28 men will compete this year and 4 byes have been randomly allotted in the brackets. Meaning that Jerry “The King” Lawler, Dusty Rhodes, Masa Chono & Larry Zbyszko will all benefit from that bye. And we already know that Masa Chono will meet Larry Zbyszko in the 2^nd round!

 

Édouard Carpentier: What a huge opportunity this will be for the young Chono to make a name for himself. I know that hopes are very high for him in Japan but winning this tournament here would skyrocket his worth, no question about it.

 

Guy Hauray: Alright, enough talking! We’re ready for action so let’s kick off this tournament!

 

*All 1^st Round & 2^nd Round Matches are of a 15-minute time limit

 

Match #1

First Round Match

NWA World TV Champion Tully Blanchard (MACW, w/JJ Dillon) vs Ted Dibiase (USWA)

 

The broadcast team mentions that the winner of this match will take on Jerry “The King” Lawler in the 2^nd round. Both men technically versed showing why they’re at the top of their professions in their respective territory. At some point, Tully whipped Dibiase in the ropes for his manager JJ Dillon to hit him with his World TV title belt but Dibiase reversed and Tully got hit in the back by Dillon! Tully staggered towards Dibiase and Dibiase got the victory with a backbreaker to advance to the next stage.

 

Winner: Ted Dibiase (USWA, 5:07)

 

Match #2

First Round Match

Yoji Anjoh (JWA) vs NWA International Heavyweight Champion Terry Funk (Mid-Atlantic)

 

Terry Funk seems a bit prudent after the recent threats from the Strong Machines as well as their recent message last week on NWA Lutte TV. Funk dominates the early moments of the match and repeatedly yells at Anjoh: “COME AT ME, JAP!”, like he previously did several weeks ago on Lutte TV. However, Anjoh isn’t intimidated at all and is showing some good offense against Funk, scoring several near falls. But one tackle behind Anjoh’s leg cuts his momentum short as the NWA International Heavyweight Champion works on that leg, allowing him to slap the Spinning Toehold on Anjoh, and the Japanese opponent has no choice but to tap out.

 

Winner: Terry Funk (Mid-Atlantic, 9:53)

 

Match #3

First Round Match

Toshiaki Kawada (JWA) vs Buddy Rose (AWA)

 

10 seconds. It’s all Kawada needed to score the upset. A bloody Buddy Rose made his way to the ring, with a Machine mask in his hands, pretty much assuming that the Strong Machines’ threat on NWA Lutte TV last week became true and attacked the Playboy backstage. As Rose charged the corner to start the match despite being still dizzy, Kawada dodged and Rose smacked the corner headfirst, allowing Kawada to score the stunning upset to advance with a school boy!

 

Winner: Toshiaki Kawada (JWA, :10)

 

Match #4

First Round Match

Rick Rude (AWA) vs AWA World Tag Team Champion Mike Rotundo (AWA, w/Missy Hyatt)

 

No quick finish, unlike the previous match but both AWA wrestlers are determined to end it early as they go for early pinfalls. Rude seems a bit frustrated by Rotundo’s tremendous wrestling acumen but he tries not to show it too much. Both men traded momentum in the late moments and as Rotundo lifted Rude for a Samoan Drop, Rude reached with the fingers in the eyes, momentarily blinding Rotundo! Rude then evaded Rotundo’s Samoan Drop and hit the Rude Awakening to score the pinfall! The broadcast team considered this somewhat as an upset as Rude just pinned one half of the AWA World Tag Team Champions!

 

Winner: Rick Rude (AWA, 6:30)

 

Match #5

First Round Match

CCW Champion Mr. Olympia vs Steve Regal (AWA)

 

The broadcast team mentions Mr. Olympia’s accolades in Continental Championship Wrestling and they believe that Regal should be quick work for him. Mr. Olympia shows a bit of a cocky side in torturing Regal inside the ring and interrupting numerous pinfalls by voluntarily removing Regal’s shoulders from the mat. Olympia eventually becomes even more cocky, toying even more with Regal and the broadcast team mentions that Olympia’s arrogance could lead him to an early demise as the time limit could expire! But it’s gonna be a Regal European Uppercut that will change the momentum! Regal scoring several nearfalls as we near the final moments of the match! Regal attempted a kick but Mr. Olympia grabbed his leg and hit a kneebreaker on young Regal, before locking in the Figure Four Leglock. With just over 30 seconds to go before the time limit, Steve Regal has no choice but to tap out, securing the victory. Postmatch, the crowd gave Steve Regal a standing ovation for showing a lot of heart and even Mr. Olympia did the same, with a nod of the head as the CCW Champion moves on to Round 2.

 

Winner: Mr. Olympia (CCW Champion, 14:28)

 

Match #6

First Round Match

Austin Idol (CCW, w/Johnny V) vs Nobuhiko Takada (JWA)

 

Contrarily to his countryman earlier in the night, Nobuhiko Takada didn’t have the same luck than Kawada in having assistance. Takada is able to dish out some nice offense early in the match, to stun a bit the Universal Heartthrob but the devious Johnny V tripped Takada at ringside, allowing Idol to regain an unfair advantage. Idol then makes quick work out of Takada and finishes him off with the Elbow Smash.

 

Winner: Austin Idol (CCW, 4:00)

 

Match #7

First Round Match

Brad Armstrong (CCW) vs North American Champion Hacksaw Jim Duggan (USWA)

 

As motivated and quick as Brad Armstrong is, Hacksaw Jim Duggan is proving to be too dominant for Armstrong. The USWA representative ends the match quickly with a scoop slam, pinning Armstrong to score the win

 

Winner: Hacksaw Jim Duggan (USWA, 2:53)

 

Match #8

First Round Match

Stan “The Lariat” Hansen (Freelancer) vs Bruiser Brody (Freelancer)

 

While both men are usually partners & great friends, they don’t hold off on each other and it’s a pier-six brawl taking place in the early goings. This goes out of hands VERY quickly as both Hansen & Bruiser shove referee Luigi Macera, and the referee goes down hard. Then, as the brawl continues, all 3 Strong Machines make their way to the ring to jump on both Hansen & Brody! Strong Machine 1 exchange fists with Hansen while Brody is trying to handle both Machines 2 & 3. Eventually, Hansen gets rid of Strong Machine 1 with a stiff Lariat but in the process, 2 & 3 hit a spike piledriver on Bruiser! Hansen quickly sees what happened and he chases off the other Strong Machines from the ring. Hansen helps up Brody while referee Luigi Macera regains his footing....but Hansen nails Brody with the Lariat! Hansen covers Brody to score the victory! While the Lariat moves on to Round 2, the broadcast team discusses how Brody would’ve probably done the same if the roles had been reversed. Hansen will now face Dusty Rhodes in the 2^nd round.

 

Winner: Stan “The Lariat” Hansen (Freelancer, 3:31)

 

Match #9

First Round Match

NWA International Tag Team Champion Rick Martel (Lutte Internationale) vs Andre the Giant (WWF/Freelancer)

 

Both men received a great ovation on their way to the ring and both men shake hands to start the match. As talented as Rick Martel is, it is very difficult for him to destabilize Andre the Giant. Andre is establishing his dominance early on but the broadcast team feels that perhaps Andre is holding back a bit on Martel because of their friendship. Nevertheless, Martel is able to regain control of the match but each time he goes for some offense, Andre neutralizes him. Andre scoops Rick Martel for a bearhug, possibly wanting to finish off Martel, but once again, the Strong Machines show up but this time, they just circle the ringside area. Andre lets go of Martel and he doesn’t hesitate to step outside the ring to confront the Japanese masked men. In the meantime, the referee is counting as Andre is now battling all 3 Machines and he has the definite advantage. Unfortunately for Andre, the damage is done and he can’t come back in time to beat the 10-count. Rick Martel scores the victory by countout and he doesn’t seem happy either of how he won it. Postmatch, Andre takes the ring announcer’s microphone and tells the fans in the Forum that by weekend’s end, he will settle his score with the Strong Machines and he wants a match with all 3 of them tomorrow night!

 

Winner by countout: Rick Martel (Lutte Internationale, 9:38)

 

Match #10

First Round Match

One Man Gang (Mid-Atlantic) vs UWF World 6-Men Tag Team Champion Hacksaw Butch Reed (USWA, w/Skandor Akbar)

 

Two very rugged men going at it in this tournament and no one is willing to give the other man an inch. The Gang ‘s size & strength proves to be the advantage for him in the first moments of the match but under the tutelage of Skandor Akbar, Butch Reed is able to reverse the tide of the match and without necessarily sweeping the big man off his feet, Reed does his damage, mostly working in the corner – and with some timely assists from Akbar in the process. Butch Reed can’t definitely hit his Gorilla Press Slam on the Gang but he is able to hit the DDT for a nearfall. Reed gets a bit too cocky attempting a piledriver but the Gang back body drops him. Gang with the elbow drop but Hacksaw Reed kicks out. To ensure that this time will be the charm, Gang climbs on the 2^nd rope and hits another elbow drop, and he finally secures the win after a hard-fought battle.

 

Winner: One Man Gang (Mid-Atlantic, 11:52)

 

Match #11

Mid-Atlantic Champion George “The Animal” Steele (w/Paul Jones) vs Bob Backlund (Lutte Internationale)

 

Backlund hasn’t even made it to the ring yet that George Steele attacked him from behind, smashing Backlund’s shoulder right into the post! Steele quickly sent Backlund back inside the ring and started working on the shoulder of Backlund. Steele immediately locks in the hammerlock on Backlund and referee Adrien Desbois fearing severe injury to his shoulder, calls for the bell at only 1:18.

Winner by referee stoppage: George “The Animal” Steele (Mid-Atlantic, 1:18)

 

Match #12

First Round Match

Southeastern Heavyweight Champion Hercules Hernandez (CCW) vs Luke Williams (Lutte Internationale)

 

Again, two rugged & tough men going at it and the Southeastern Heavyweight Champion wants to establish dominance early. Hercules shows his strength early but the Sheepherder isn’t backing out of anything thrown at him. Luke Williams gets dominated for most of the match as Hercules tries to weaken the back of his opponent but Luke sees Hercules miss an elbow drop and he gets his opening. However, the wear & tear on his back proves to be Williams’ downfall and Hercules is able to score the victory with a backbreaker to advance.

 

Winner: Hercules Hernandez (CCW, 11:40)

 

NIGHT 1 MAIN EVENT

NWA World Tag Team Championship

30-minute Time Limit

The Rougeau Brothers (Lutte Internationale) vs The Tiger Masks (JWA)

 

The Rougeaus seem to have found their Japanese match in Tiger Mask I & II as their Japanese counterparts can match them move for move. As opposed to the Japanese crowd, the Montreal crowd shows their appreciation to the Japanese stars at every occasion they get and they seem to enjoy it as well. The Tiger Masks come within an eyelash of scoring the victory after a Tiger Mask 1 Tiger Suplex on Jacques but Jacques miraculously kicked out! Finally, Jacques is able to make the tag to Raymond after a Tiger Mask II missed cross body block and the Rougeaus are able to put away Tiger Mask II with La Bombe Rougeau after 25 minutes! The crowd gave both teams a standing ovation to conclude this first night of action.

 

Winners & still champions: The Rougeau Brothers (Lutte Internationale, 25:11)

 

NIGHT 2 LINEUP

 

2^nd Round Matches

 

Ted Dibiase vs Jerry Lawler

Toshiaki Kawada vs Terry Funk

Rick Rude vs Mr. Olympia

Austin Idol vs Hacksaw Jim Duggan

Stan Hansen vs Dusty Rhodes

Rick Martel vs One Man Gang

George Steele vs Hercules Hernandez

Masa Chono vs Larry Zbyszko

 

Non-Tournament Matches

 

 

3-ON-1 HANDICAP MATCH

Andre the Giant vs The Strong Machines

 

NWA WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

The Rougeau Brothers vs UWF World Tag Team Champions The Perfect Alliance (w/Baby Doll)

 

Updated bracket: http://challonge.com/v8s5e3pz

[GeneJackson95]

First round was awesome! CCW had a tremendous showing here, not bad for the alabama boys. Can't wait for Round 2!

[kevinmcfl]

I love this type of tournament where we all seem to have a stake in it. Great opening round. Looking forward to reading the next two days!

[gordi]

Love how you are using the Strong Macuhines here!

[SirEdger]

 

JOHNNY ROUGEAU MEMORIAL CUP NIGHT 2

April 29^th, 1985

Forum de Montréal

 

(Back at ringside, we join Guy Hauray & Édouard Carpentier for Night 2 of the Johnny Rougeau Memorial Cup)

 

Guy Hauray: Good evening, wrestling fans. Welcome to Night 2 of the Johnny Rougeau Memorial Cup. Night 1 provided us with some stunning upsets but we can definitely also say that the Strong Machines delivered on their promise to wreak havoc in the tournament. They are directly responsible for 3 men being eliminated from the tournament in Buddy Rose, Bruiser Brody & Andre the Giant!

 

Édouard Carpentier: But one has to wonder how smart it is to incur the wrath of men such as Andre the Giant & Bruiser Brody. We both know that they’re gonna be looking for revenge in some fashion tonight or even tomorrow.

 

Guy Hauray: That is for sure, Eddie. We now just hope that this tournament will go forward and conclude tomorrow without any hitch from the Strong Machines. With that said, we’re headed to ringside for our first match of the night!

 

Match #1

2^nd Round Match

Ted Dibiase (UWF) vs Jerry “The King” Lawler (Freelancer)

 

It’s hard to believe that Ted Dibiase would probably be the fan favourite in this match but with Jerry Lawler’s tirade prior to the match, talking about how he doesn’t understand a word being said and how Quebecers are a bunch of in-bred morons, this did the trick for Dibiase. Both men are trading momentum early in the match and it doesn’t take long for Lawler to go to his dirty tricks. And that’s a stray elbow from Dibiase to the referee that will allow him to do that. Lawler reaches in his tights for a pair of brass knuckles and Lawler goes for it but Dibiase blocks it and kicks Lawler in the gut. Lawler drops the brass knux and Dibiase nails Lawler, knocking him out cold! Dibiase gets rid of the weapon and just to make it look legit as the referee recovers from the erring elbow, Dibiase locks in a sleeper hold on Lawler. As he notices that Lawler is unresponsive, the referee calls for the bell and Ted Dibiase moves on to the quarter-finals, later tonight.

 

Winner: Ted Dibiase (6:54)

 

Match #2

2^nd Round Match

NWA International Heavyweight Champion Terry Funk (Mid-Atlantic) vs Toshiaki Kawada (JWA)

 

Doesn’t seem like Terry Funk’s mood has improved since last night when he gave Yoji Anjoh quite the beating. Kawada continues his wave of momentum early from his upset victory from last night and dishes everything he can give to Terry Funk. But Funk returns the favour to Kawada as well and the first half of Footloose also takes everything Funk gives him. But eventually, Funk snaps and attacks Kawada with his branding iron, causing referee Luigi Macera to call for the bell. Funk continues his attack with the branding iron, yelling “COME AT ME, JAP!” numerous times. Finally, Funk stops the carnage but the broadcast team wonders if Kawada will have recovered enough to be in condition to work his quarter-final match later tonight.

 

Winner: Toshiaki Kawada by DQ (5:38)

 

Match #3

2^nd Round Match

Rick Rude (AWA) vs Continental Heavyweight Champion Mr. Olympia (CCW)

 

Rick Rude is looking to score a 2^nd upset in a row after pinning one half of the AWA World Tag Team Champions last night but Mr. Olympia has no intentions to let that happen. Olympia shows his strength and dominates Rude in the early stages. And it looks like Olympia will be able to move forward to the next round but we see Johnny V run at ringside to distract referee Adrien Desbois. That allows Austin Idol to run out and clip Olympia on the knee with an iron pipe! Mr. Olympia’s knee buckles and Idol quickly flees the scene of the crime. Rick Rude grabs Olympia and hits Rude Awakening and scores another upset! Rick Rude moves to the quarter-finals!

 

Winner: Rick Rude (5:50)

 

(Austin Idol doesn’t have even time to retreat backstage that Hacksaw Jim Duggan runs in to attack Idol, following him jumping on Mr. Olympia. Duggan wastes no time and sends Austin Idol in the ring, starting the next 2^nd round match!)

 

Match #4

2^nd Round Match

Austin Idol (CCW, w/Johnny V) vs North American Champion Hacksaw Jim Duggan (UWF)

 

The Universal Heartthrob does some pleading early but Duggan doesn’t wanna hear it and pummels Idol mercilessly. Idol is trying to run his way out of the match but Duggan neutralizes Johnny V early so he won’t be a factor. Duggan controls most of the match and is about to hit another scoop slam, just like how he won his match vs Brad Armstrong last night but Idol locks in the small package – and extra leverage with the handful of tights – and secures the win for himself. Austin Idol moves on to the quarter-finals!

 

Winner: Austin Idol (6:25)

 

Match #5

2^nd Round Match

Stan “The Lariat” Hansen (Freelancer) vs Dusty Rhodes (UWF)

 

The broadcast team speculates that this is the most anticipated match in the 2^nd round. Great ovation for Dusty Rhodes from the Montreal Forum faithful. As expected, both men have the crowd in the palm of their hands through the whole duration of this match. Hansen wants to avoid Dusty’s Bionic Elbows to the head as much as he can so he started working on Dusty’s right arm early. However, whenever Hansen doesn’t expect it, Dusty hits one Bionic Elbow, momentarily neutralizing the Lariat. Finally, Dusty whips Hansen in the corner and hits him with a series of punches to the head. However, Hansen dropped Dusty face first in the corner, momentarily dazing Dusty in the process. That’s enough time for Stan Hansen to hit his patented Lariat and he secures the victory in the process! Hansen moves on to the quarterfinals later tonight.

 

Winner: Stan Hansen (10:16)

 

Match #6

2^nd Round Match

NWA Canadian International Tag Team Champion Rick Martel (Lutte Internationale) vs One Man Gang (Mid-Atlantic)

 

Once again, a daunting task ahead for Rick Martel and contrarily to Andre last night, One Man Gang doesn’t hold back and he makes sure that Martel doesn’t advance to the quarterfinals. The Gang figuring that it worked against Butch Reed last night, the Gang goes for another 2^nd rope elbow drop just like last night. But only this time, Martel dodged and Gang missed the mark. That gave enough time for Martel to mount a comeback and he finished off the Gang with a diving crossbody block, securing the win.

 

Winner: Rick Martel (5:01)

 

Match #7

Mid-Atlantic Champion George “The Animal” Steele (w/Paul Jones vs Southeastern Heavyweight Champion Hercules Hernandez

 

The Animal doesn’t have an easy task this time as he definitely can’t afford to use the same tactic he used against Bob Backlund last night. Hercules proves to be a more formidable opponent for Steele as the Southeastern Heavyweight champion is more powerful than Steele and that gives him an advantage. Unable to work on the arm of Hercules the way he did with Backlund, it’ll take a powerslam from George to secure the victory. George Steele moves on to the quarter-finals

 

Winner: George Steele (6:12)

 

Match #8

Masa Chono (JWA) vs Larry Zbyszko (Lutte Internationale)

 

This is both men’s first presence in the tournament this year and Larry Z feels cocky enough to use his karate skills against Chono. But however, Chono shows him what a real martial artist looks like and stuns Zbyszko. However, Chono’s inexperience comes into play early and Larry Z takes control of the match. Zbyszko seemed to be en route for a victory and a ticket to the quarterfinals but a spinning heel kick from Chono changed everything and the young man causes another surprise! Masa Chono punches his ticket for the quarterfinals!

 

Winner: Masa Chono (9:44)

 

Match #9

NWA World Tag Team Championship

The Rougeau Brothers © vs UWF World Tag Team Champions The Perfect Alliance (w/Baby Doll)

 

The broadcast team discusses that of all the teams they’ll face this weekend, the Perfect Alliance is probably the most suitable in terms of athletics & skills. As opposed to the previous night, the Rougeaus must also worry about Baby Doll on the outside, looking for her Perfect Alliance to add more gold. And she proves to be a factor in the thick of things as Arn Anderson & Bobby Eaton corners Raymond Rougeau and Baby Doll interjects herself at will. But a miscue between Anderson & Eaton changed the fortunes of the Rougeaus allowing Raymond to tag in Jacques and the brothers cleaned house. It’ll be Bobby Eaton who’ll fall prey to La Bombe Rougeau, allowing the Rougeaus to retain.

 

Winners & still champions: The Rougeau Brothers (13:19)

 

**Quarterfinals & Semifinals will have a 30-minute time limit**

 

Match #10

Quarter-Finals

Ted Dibiase (UWF) vs Toshiaki Kawada (JWA)

 

While we first thought that Kawada wouldn’t have recovered from the previous attack from Terry Funk, he proves otherwise as he’s standing toe-to-toe with Dibiase and showing a lot of heart in the process. But as the match goes further along, Dibiase puts the pressure on Kawada’s injured leg and Dibiase will resort to multiple stomps to the knee, including a 2^nd rope stomp to the knee to finish off Kawada. Dibiase gets the cover and moves on to the semi-finals tomorrow night

 

Winner: Ted Dibiase (24:42)

 

Match #11

Quarter-Finals

Rick Rude (AWA) vs Austin Idol (CCW, w/Johnny V)

 

The broadcast team wonders if Rick Rude will be able to follow up on his huge upset series so far in the tournament. Rude picks off where he left off in the 2^nd round but Austin Idol isn’t intimidated at all. Idol reverses the momentum quickly and works on Rude’s lower base, setting things up for his patented Las Vegas Leglock. Rude is able though to comeback and hits the Rude Awakening on Idol but Idol kicks out! A disgusted Rude will then later fall prey to the Las Vegas Leglock and the Universal Heartthrob moves on to the semis.

 

Winner: Austin Idol (13:26)

 

Match #12

Quarter-Finals

Stan “The Lariat” Hansen (Freelancer) vs NWA Canadian International Tag Team Champion Rick Martel (Lutte Internationale)

 

Two completely different styles; Hansen’s tough grit vs Rick Martel’s science. Hansen’s objective is really clear: wear down Rick Martel to make sure that he won’t be able to use his aerial skills to have him win the match. And that’s exactly what The Lariat does as each time that Martel mounts a comeback, Hansen takes him down again. It looks like Hansen is setting up Martel for his patented Lariat and he wants to whip him in the ropes but a series of reversals leads to Martel hiptossing Hansen outside the ring! Rick Martel climbs on the top rope and jumps with a diving cross body on Hansen outside! Martel is the first man up and makes it first inside the ring. However, no luck for Hansen as the move stunned him long enough to allow Martel to get the countout victory! Martel moves on to the semis!

 

Winner: Rick Martel by countout (14:17)

 

Match #13

Quarter-Finals

NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Champion George “The Animal” Steele (w/Paul Jones, Mid-Atlantic) vs Masa Chono (JWA)

 

Chono is the freshest man remaining in the tournament but clearly, he has perhaps the toughest opponent remaining in this stage. Just like against Larry Zbyszko, Masa Chono shows no fear and goes right ahead at George Steele. Again, the inexperience of Chono proves to be a detriment to him only that this time, you need to have Paul Jones’ deviousness and this will ultimately lead to Masa Chono’s downfall. In this particular case, an exposed turnbuckle as Chono is tripped by George Steele as he went for a spinning heel kick. Chono is out and that’s all the Mid-Atlantic champion needs to advance to the semifinals. Just like last year, The Animal will meet Rick Martel in the semis!

 

Winner: George Steele (23:16)

 

MAIN EVENT

Match #14

3-on-1 Handicap Match

Andre the Giant (Freelancers) vs Strong Machines (JWA/Lutte Internationale)

 

It is an irate Andre that the Strong Machines must deal with following last night’s attack on him. At all times, the Strong Machines are always on Andre, as the Giant cannot get any of them one-on-one. However, Andre regains the advantage towards the end of the match and is able to beat up on Super Strong Machine quite a bit until Strong Machine 2 grabs a chair at ringside and smacks it behind the back of Andre to cause the DQ. The Strong Machines work on Andre and Super Strong Machine is about to hit Andre in the knee with the chair until BRUISER BRODY & STAN HANSEN charge the ring! The crowd goes nuts as Bruiser Brody & Stan Hansen cleans house with Hansen swinging his bullrope around in an attempt to hit any of the Machines. As the night draws to an end, Brody & Hansen help Andre to get up and it looks like we’ll have a 6-Men Tag tomorrow!

 

Winner: Andre the Giant by DQ (10:05)

 

NIGHT 3 LINEUP

 

Semifinals

 

Ted Dibiase vs Austin Idol

Rick Martel vs George Steele

 

Finals

Winner Dibiase/Idol vs Winner Martel/Steele

 

Non-Tournament Matches

 

6-MEN TAG TEAM GRUDGE MATCH

Andre The Giant, Bruiser Brody & Stan “The Lariat “ Hansen vs The Strong Machines

 

NWA WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

The Rougeau Brothers © vs The Road Warriors

 

Updated bracket: http://challonge.com/v8s5e3pz

[kevinmcfl]

Love the show! Great and exciting read!

[agentofenton]

Really fun series here thus far. I'm very surprised that out of all the MACW talent, George Steele is one of the final four. I would have bet on Tully Blanchard and/or Terry Funk. That is what makes this tournament so much fun. The mixture of talent from all over the world, anything could possibly happen.

[gordi]

Really exciting and unpredictable booking!

[SirEdger]

 

JOHNNY ROUGEAU MEMORIAL CUP NIGHT 3

April 30^th, 1985

Forum de Montréal

 

(For the final night of the tournament, we see Guy Hauray & Édouard Carpentier at ringside)

 

Guy Hauray: We started with 28 men, we’re now down to 4. Ted Dibiase, Austin Idol, Rick Martel or George “The Animal” Steele will walk away with the Johnny Rougeau Memorial Cup and a check for $100,000 as well. Any predictions, Eddie?

 

Édouard Carpentier: This is anybody’s game now, Guy. Any of those 4 are worthy of winning this tournament and no matter who it is, they’ll have deserved the bragging rights to bring back to their territory. And let’s not forget about our non-tournament matches tonight

 

Guy Hauray: Of course, a 6-Men Tag Team Grudge Match between the Freelancers and the Strong Machines as well as our dream confrontation as the Rougeaus will defend the NWA World Tag Team Championship against The Road Warriors. Perhaps the biggest threat to their titles yet!

 

Édouard Carpentier: This could be the night where the Rougeaus lose their titles. We know the Road Warriors are primed and have been waiting for this match ever since the tournament started. Tonight might be their night.

 

Guy Hauray: With that said, let’s go to the ring to kick off this unforgettable night!

 

Match #1

Semi-Finals

Ted Dibiase (UWF) vs Austin Idol (CCW, w/Johnny V)

 

A great technical match going between two of the best in the business. Ted Dibiase is most definitely in control in the early moments and as expected, Austin Idol sees his manager Johnny V become an X-Factor in the match and he turns the tide in his favour. Idol, like the previous nights, work on the legs to set up his Las Vegas Leglock down the road. Idol decides to change course and opts for a piledriver but he’s blocked by Dibiase and he sends him flying over the top rope. Dibiase goes to the corner but Austin Idol has had enough time to recoup and he trips Dibiase! He then rams Dibiase groin first in the ringpost, starting to whack Dibiase’s damaged leg on the ring post. Idol then returns in the ring and after a few moments, Idol locks in the Las Vegas Leglock and Dibiase must tap out. The Universal Heartthrob is bound for the finals!

 

Winner: Austin Idol (14:21)

 

Match #2

Semi-Finals

NWA Canadian International Tag Team Champion Rick Martel (Lutte Internationale) vs NWA Mid-Atlantic Champion George “The Animal” Steele (w/Paul Jones)

 

George “The Animal” Steele is looking to avoid last year’s fate and to defeat Rick Martel to head straight to the finals. However, it looks like this time, Steele’s cardio comes into play as Martel’s physical condition proves to be the difference maker. Also, The Animal trying to repeat the way he won his quarterfinal match with Masa Chono with the exposed turnbuckle backfired against him as Martel reversed The Animal’s whip and it’s the Mid-Atlantic Champion who hits the corner back first. This allows Martel to eventually lock in the Boston Crab and George Steele has no choice but to tap out! For the 2^nd year in a row, Rick Martel is headed to the finals!

 

Winner: Rick Martel (7:27)

 

Match #3

GRUDGE MATCH

Andre the Giant, Bruiser Brody & Stan Hansen (Freelancers) vs The Strong Machines (JWA/Lutte Internationale)

 

The freelancers are hot and it looks like under those masks, the Strong Machines might finally regret having provoked them. While the Machines have the momentum early, once Andre gets in the ring, it goes haywire for the Strong Machines. Although Super Strong Machine is able to hit his Machine DDT on Bruiser Brody, Stan Hansen breaks up the count and throws Super Strong Machine outside the ring. It will be Strong Machine #2 who’ll fall prey to Stan Hansen’s Lariat. And just to add insult to injury – and making sure that he doesn’t get up – Andre sits on Strong Machine 2 to secure the victory. Postmatch, all 3 freelancers celebrate much to the delight of the Montreal Forum attendees.

 

Winners: Andre the Giant, Bruiser Brody & Stan Hansen (6:46)

 

Match #4

NWA WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

The Rougeau Brothers © (Lutte Internationale) vs The Road Warriors (UWF)

 

Most definitely, the hardest task the Rougeaus has ever had to face as NWA World Tag Team Champions. The broadcast team that they have never faced a more rugged tag team than the Road Warriors ever. And as anticipated, the Road Warriors are dominant through the early moments of the match, although the Rougeaus quickness helps them a lot in the process. However, it’s a too eager Jacques Rougeau, as the Rougeaus are getting ready for La Bombe Rougeau on Animal that causes the tide to turn as Hawk trips Jacques on the top rope, followed by a superplex. Afterwards, it’s all Road Warriors as they completely wear down Jacques. Time might be of the essence but that doesn’t seem to faze the Road Warriors a bit, as they’re fully in control. What changes the fortunes of the Rougeaus is when Hawk miss a diving clothesline, allowing Jacques to tag in Raymond. The Rougeaus are back in charge but we’re in the final minutes before the time limit expires! The Rougeaus are finally able to neutralize Animal and they hit La Bombe Rougeau on Animal! However, Hawk breaks the count just in time as we’re in the final moments of the match. A missed dropkick by Jacques and it looks like doomsday for the Rougeaus! Animal sets up Jacques....DOOMSDAY DEVICE. COVER...1....2.....DING, DING DING! The time limit has expired! The Road Warriors were ONE SECOND AWAY from becoming the new NWA World Tag Team Champions. Of course, the Road Warriors are dejected as they see the Rougeaus being handed the NWA World Tag Team titles. Hawk asks for the mic and tell the Rougeaus that tonight, they were saved by the bell. Next time they meet, they’re gonna make sure that it won’t happen again. Nonetheless, they tentatively shake hands before retreating to the back

 

Winner: Time Limit Draw (the Rougeaus retain)

 

MAIN EVENT

JOHNNY ROUGEAU MEMORIAL CUP FINALS

Austin Idol (CCW, w/Johnny V) vs NWA Canadian International Tag Team Champion Rick Martel (Lutte Internationale)

 

No blurred lines in this one; people definitely want Rick Martel to win this against Austin Idol. The broadcast team is hoping that Johnny V won’t be a factor in the final match like he was in the previous match for Idol. And of course, Johnny V tries his hand in the early moments of the match but gets caught red-handed by referee Adrien Desbois as he trips Martel....AND IS EJECTED! The crowd goes nuts as Johnny V refuses to leave but Rick Martel makes sure he does leave, but not before striking him with a stiff right hand. Martel can now focus on facing Austin Idol one-on-one. What ensues might probably be the best match of the whole tournament. Lots of athleticism & technical prowess are exhibited by both men. The cunning of Austin Idol meets the quickness & science of Rick Martel and it’s a work of art. Both men trading nearfalls; Idol with the piledriver; Martel with a crossbody; Idol locking in the sleeper but Martel reversing into a side suplex; Martel with a second crossbody; who knows who’ll win it! Idol goes for a 2^nd piledriver but Idol is tripped by Martel and Martel locks in the Boston Crab! Martel has it cinched tight but somehow, Idol is able to reach the ropes and the hold must be broken. Martel brings Idol back to his feet and whips him in the corner. Martel then charges, wanting to hit the running high knee but Idol dodges and Martel’s knee connects with the same exposed turnbuckle that allowed Martel to win earlier! The broadcast team wonders how could Lutte officials have let this happen as the turnbuckle should’ve been checked more thoroughly earlier the first time it came off in the semifinals. Nevertheless, this is the only opening Austin Idol asked for and he got it. Idol locks in the Las Vegas Leglock and Martel is fighting as best as he can, trying to reverse the hold but Idol is able to maintain the pressure. Despite all of his heart, it’s gonna be Martel’s body finally shutting off on him as Martel slowly dives into unconsciousness. As the referee checks on Martel, you can hear a pin drop inside the Montreal Forum as the referee Adrien Desbois asks for the bell to finally end the match. In total disbelief, the audience can only watch as Austin Idol’s hand is raised in victory. For the 2^nd year in a row, Rick Martel falls short in his bid to win the tournament and Austin Idol is this year’s winner! As many of Rick Martel’s friends come to the ring to check on him, Johnny V returns triumphantly as Austin Idol is about to receive the trophy and $100,000 check coming with it. However, as Frank Valois hands over the prizes to Austin Idol, the winner proves to be less humble than Terry Gordy last year as he says that he knew all along that he would win it and that Rick Martel is a loser and a nobody. Austin Idol now claims to be the greatest wrestler in the universe and this trophy just proves that. Idol says that Montreal can kiss his ass and he’s bringing back this trophy to Vegas and they’ll never see him again. As Idol & Johnny V leave, Rick Martel recovers and asks for the mic. Martel apologizes profusely as he feels he let the fans and Lutte Internationale down for a second year in a row. However, he promises that next year will be the charm and he vows to win the tournament next year. The crowd gives Rick Martel a standing ovation as he leaves the ring along with his friend and tag team partner Gino Brito and other wrestlers as the tournament comes to an end.

 

Winner of the tournament: Austin Idol (26:52)

[GeneJackson95]

This whole tournament has been an amazing and fun read! Kudos for all the hard work you've put in to it and I can promise you...Austin Idol won't let ANYONE forget about his huge win! Much appreciated!

[kevinmcfl]

For the second year in a row, this tournament has been one of the highlights of the entire game.

[agentofenton]

Awesome way to end the three night extravaganza! Big time matches, super fun tournament. Great six-man special attraction and a huge draw between the Road Warriors and the Rougeau Brothers for the World Tag Team Titles!

[Boon]

Great tournament, didn't see Austin Idol winning it if I'm honest, but was great for him. What I liked about these 3 days was the timings of the matches, now normally Luttle will have very long matches, but everything seems right for each day. Looking forward to next year..

[gordi]

What a great night of wrestling that was! I can imagine that tapes of night 3 will be getting traded all over our version of the 1985 pro wrestling world.

[LowBlowPodcast]

A couple of great days of action. Well written. Very good story. I have said it before, I don't buy Austin Idol... but that is what makes this a special event with a surprise finish. Very well done.

[SirEdger]

Thanks to all, much appreciated. Motivates even me more to keep this going for 1986!