Official Johnny Rougeau Memorial Cup Entry Thread

[dawho5]

Yeah, one of the reasons I'm glad he's in the AWA is all of the great brawlers, both young and experienced alike. Great place for a guy like Bigelow to spend his time.

[SirEdger]

Here are the brackets for the 3rd annual Johnny Rougeau Memorial Cup:

 

https://challonge.com/9l59mxwt

 

Looking for one more match to fill Night 2 of the tournament!

[dawho5]

Holy crap. Terry Funk vs. Buddy Rose!! Orndorff vs. Brody! Magnum vs. Piper, Dusty vs. Baba...Ron Starr vs. Kerry Von Erich could be sneaky kinds of good too. But some of those match-ups are ridiculous.

[LowBlowPodcast]

Is there a bracket challenge for this? I could see it going one of 32 different ways

[SirEdger]

I guess we could make some predictions prior to the tournament, sure!

[spaldoni]

Good Grief!!!! That first round is full of main event matches! This is shaping up to be one of the most epic events I've ever seen.

[SirEdger]

Yeah. And I'm the one who has to figure out who goes over in every match. I might have made things a tad complicated to book LOL

[spaldoni]

LOL! Very tough task indeed

[gordi]

I guess we could make some predictions prior to the tournament, sure!

My "Elite 8" predictions:

 

Terry Funk vs Bruiser Brody

 

Rick Martel vs Magnum TA

 

Jumbo Tsuruta vs John Studd

 

Nikita Koloff vs Kerry Von Erich

 

"FInal Four"

 

Martel vs Terry

 

Jumbo vs Kerry

 

"FInals"

 

Any of the four possible match-ups would be great, and any of those four would be worthy winners. I'll guess Kerry vs Terry with Von Erich going over... ???

 

I am 100 per cent confident on zero of those picks. Like LowBlow said, this could go 32 different ways.

[LowBlowPodcast]

I am going to go full on...

 

Round of 32

Race

Orndorff

Funk

Hashimoto

Martel

Dusty

Piper

Pillman

Abby

Jumbo

Hansen

Studd

Terry Taylor

Nikita

Kerry

Inoki

 

Sweet 16

Race

Funk

Martel

Piper

Jumbo

Hansen

Nikita

Kerry

 

Elite 8

Funk

Martel

Jumbo

Nikita

 

Final Four

Martel

Nikita

 

Finals

Martel (Can't go against the champ and what a run he makes here...)

[SirEdger]

Johnny Rougeau Memorial Cup Night 1

May 1st, 1986

Forum de Montréal

 

(It’s inside a jampacked Forum that Guy Hauray & Édouard Carpentier await the start of this year’s tournament at ringside. The camera also pans over the scaffold looming over the ring for tonight’s main event for the NWA North American Tag Team Championship between the Rougeaus and Jimmy Garvin & Eric Embry.)

 

Guy Hauray: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the 3^rd Annual Johnny Rougeau Memorial Cup. Once again this year, a stacked field with 32 competitors from all over the world ready to duke it out to crown a winner.

 

Édouard Carpentier: And in the past 2 years, this tournament has done wonders for whoever won it. In 1984, Terry Gordy had a huge boost to his career when he won it and this lead him to be the inaugural National Heavyweight Champion. And in 2 nights, Gordy gets his shot at the World Heavyweight Championship. And of course last year, that honor went to Austin Idol and he’s doing pretty good for himself as well.

 

Guy Hauray: As you mentioned, Terry Gordy will get his shot on Sunday afternoon to capture the World Heavyweight Championship from Rick Martel and it should be an epic battle. We know the bad blood between this two and there’s no doubt that the Freebirds will wanna be involved.

 

Édouard Carpentier: We can’t forget about tonight’s main event, the Scaffold Match. This will be brutal, someone might get injured. And we might have new North American Tag Team Champions as well.

 

Guy Hauray: It sure will be an exciting event. And we’re gonna get ourselves started with the 1^st round of the tournament tonight. The 2^nd round will take place tomorrow with the Quarter-Finals and the Semi-Finals & Finals will take place on Sunday afternoon at 1 PM. But for now, let’s get started!

 

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

 

Match #1

First Round Match

Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Champion Harley Race (MACW) vs Pirata Morgan (Lutte)

 

The Mid-Atlantic champion doesn’t waste any time in establishing his superiority over the Lutte representative. Morgan is experienced himself, but not at the level of Handsome Harley. In the end, Harley hits his Piledriver on Morgan and secures a bid to the 2^nd round.

 

Winner: Harley Race (8:37)

 

Match #2

Paul Orndorff (MACW) vs Bruiser Brody (Freelance)

 

As expected, Bruiser Brody is a madman and jumps on Orndorff from the start, but Mid-Atlantic’s newest star isn’t intimidated whatsoever and exchanges with Brody, shot for shot. At one point, Orndorff clocks Brody solid with a right hand to the jaw and Brody sees red. Brody throws Orndorff in the corner and starts pummelling away at Orndorff. Eventually, Orndorff becomes unresponsive and referee Luigi Macera calls for the bell. Bruiser Brody thinks he won by stoppage....but NO, HE IS DISQUALIFIED! Brody is livid and starts running after Luigi Macera, who has never run this fast in his life! Paul Orndorff moves on to the 2^nd round and he’ll have enough time to recover for tomorrow.

 

Winner: Paul Orndorff (3:57)

 

Match #3

Terry Funk (WCCW) vs Buddy Rose (AWA)

 

To no surprise, the crowd isn’t solidly behind any of those men as both men have a history of wreaking havoc in Montreal. Terry Funk and Buddy Rose offer us a solid match where both men trade off cheapshots behind the referee’s back. Terry Funk thinks he has all of this covered after locking the spinning toe hold on Buddy but the Playboy locks Funk into an inside cradle and he’s able to secure the win! Huge win for Buddy as he moves on to Round #2!

 

Winner: Buddy Rose (10:24)

 

Match #4

Shinya Hashimoto (JWA) vs Tommy Rogers (Lutte)

 

Fans and Tommy Rogers showing respect to Shinya Hashimoto before the match starts. Tommy Rogers knows he has a weight disadvantage against the heavier Hashimoto and he still tries to set up his Tommyknocker throughout the match but Hashimoto is able to counter every time, driving Rogers to the edge of frustration. In the final moments of the match, Rogers tries to hit the Tommyknocker one more time but Hashimoto counters for the umpteenth time and hits his Jumping Spike DDT! Hashimoto goes for the cover but the time limit expires! The fans are disappointed but give a rousing ovation to both men as they exit the ring. Playboy Buddy Rose gets himself a bye in the 2^nd Round!

 

Time Limit Draw – Both men are eliminated

 

Match #5

NWA World Heavyweight Champion Rick Martel (Lutte) vs “Hacksaw” Butch Reed (UWF)

 

The broadcast team mentions the recent turn of events in UWF where Butch Reed has become a fan favourite over the past few weeks. Butch Reed’s strength plays to his advantage in the start but Martel’s quickness allows him to rally back into the match. It looks like Martel has a shot at winning this match, preparing to hit the Slingshot Splash on Butch Reed when out of nowhere, NIKITA KOLOFF runs in and trips Martel outside. The referee asks for the bell and Nikita goes on a rampage! Butch Reed tries to intervene but Nikita sends him face first on the ringpost. Nikita pummels Martel and it doesn’t take long for Martel to get busted open. Nikita sends Martel on the ring apron and brings his chain with him! Nikita starts choking Martel with his chain and he pulls away as much as he can. Martel is now hanging from the apron! Martel is literally turning purple and finally, a slew of officials are able to stop Nikita Koloff’s carnage! Martel is motionless on the floor and Nikita is escorted out of the ringside area by police officers. Rick Martel moves on to the 2^nd round but in what condition?

 

Winner: Rick Martel by DQ (7:53)

 

Match #6

“The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes (WCCW) vs Giant Baba (JWA)

 

As The American Dream makes his way to the ring, out comes Terry Funk to jump on Dusty Rhodes! Dusty and Funk battle their way to the ringside area and both men exchange fists and elbows! Eventually, Funk pokes Dusty in the eyes with a thumb to pull him away. Funk pulls off his branding iron from under the ring and delivers a stiff shot to Dusty right in the face! Dusty goes down and he’s busted open. Funk decides he wants to do more damage and....HE LIGHTS THE BRANDING IRON WITH FIRE! But before more damage is done, Dusty’s opponent, Giant Baba makes his way to the ring and takes care of Terry Funk, sending Funk flying outside with a Big Boot. Dusty is struggling back to his feet and despite his better judgment, he insists on going forward with the match. Reluctantly, the referee calls for the bell and the match starts. But it is cleared that Dusty is severely injured after Funk’s attack and even Giant Baba struggles to bring himself to do anything to Dusty. Seeing that Dusty can barely defend himself, the referee calls a pre-emptive halt to the match and declares Baba the winner by stoppage. In an act of sportsmanship, Baba helps Dusty returning all the way to the locker room.

 

Winner: Giant Baba by referee stoppage (1:26)

 

Match #7

Magnum TA (UWF) vs Roddy Piper (AWA)

 

Perhaps one of the most anticipated matches of the 1^st round in the tournament as the fans are clearly behind Magnum TA. Piper spends the early goings antagonizing the crowd and Magnum TA. A fantastic match full of heat with plenty of dramatic action. Magnum TA is able to hit his Belly-to-Belly Suplex on Piper but Piper is able to put his foot on the ropes to escape the 3-count. The action continues in the corner and Magnum decides to go for a big move and traps Piper in a corner for perhaps a Super Belly-to-Belly Suplex. Magnum and Piper trade fists in the corner and Piper eyepokes Magnum while the referee interjects himself in the match. Piper trips Magnum and with the referee out of position, he puts his feet on the ropes for leverage and steal the victory! To a chorus of boos, Piper quickly escapes the ring, heading on to the 2^nd round tomorrow!

 

Winner: Roddy Piper (10:14)

 

Match #8

Brian Pillman (AWA) vs Ricky Santana (WWC)

 

Undoubtedly, the most fast-paced and exciting match of the first round so far with lots of high-flying action. Pillman is able to hold his own in this one, despite the fact that he tweaked his knee midway in the match. The match reaches the final minute and Ricky Santana is about to take advantage of Pillman’s injury but while the referee checks on Pillman, Owen Hart runs in and shoves Santana off the top rope! Santana goes down and Owen runs away through the crowd. Pillman manages to climb on the top rope and hits a flying crossbody to get the victory with :30 left before the time limit expired! Pillman moves on to Round 2!

 

Winner: Brian Pillman (14:30)

 

Match #9

WWC Universal Heavyweight Champion Abdullah the Butcher (w/Floyd Creatchman) (Freelancer) vs Owen Hart (WWC)

 

Abdullah is already in the ring when Owen comes out, staggering and visibly bruised and battered. The explanation is then easy to find: Ricky Santana has gotten to Owen backstage for his interference in his match minutes before and Owen got a pounding. Owen is able to make it into the ring but a veteran as experienced like Abdullah doesn’t even need to break a sweat in this one. He just toys around with Owen, eventually hitting Owen with the Sudanese Meat Cleaver and getting the easy pinfall. Abdullah moves on to the 2^nd Round.

 

Winner: Abdullah the Butcher (3:55)

 

Match #10

Toshiaki Kawada (JWA) vs Jumbo Tsuruta (JWA)

 

The first occasion of seeing two entrants from the same promotion facing each other. One half of the Middleweight Tag Team Champions, Kawada doesn’t seem the least intimidated by the veteran Jumbo Tsuruta and he answers everything Tsuruta throws at him; tit for that. Kawada’s speed brings him close to victory a few times but to no avail. It’s finally a powerbomb that will be Kawada’s demise as Tsuruta scores the win and advances to Round 2.

 

Winner: Jumbo Tsuruta (11:03)

 

Match #11

Stan “The Lariat” Hansen (Freelance) vs UWF Southern States Heavyweight Champion Lex Luger (w/Baby Doll) (UWF)

 

Pretty much like his regular tag team partner Bruiser Brody earlier in the night, Hansen starts the match like a freight train but despite his lack of experience, Luger stands toe-to-toe with Hansen and defends himself as best as he can, getting several good shots at Hansen. However, Hansen is ready to hit his devastating Lariat but Hansen accidentally clips the referee in the face before throwing a punch to Luger. That allows Baby Doll to climb on the ring apron and throw powder in Hansen’s face! Hansen is blinded and Luger adds insult to injury by using his Southern States Championship belt to knock out Hansen. Luger covers Hansen and to the shock of everyone, Luger moves to the 2^nd round. Perhaps, the biggest shocker so far in the tournament.

 

Winner: Lex Luger (3:45)

 

Match #12

MACW TV Champion Tom Pritchard (w/Rock Riddle) vs NWA North American Champion Big John Studd (w/Percival Pringle III)

 

Before the match starts, Rock Riddle decides to talk trash to both Pringle & Studd but neither of them seem to be impressed with Riddle claiming to have the best champion in the whole NWA. Studd then shows how Riddle & Pritchard are so but oh so wrong. Studd displays his dominance and locks in a bearhug and Pritchard has no choice but to give up. Studd moves on to Round 2.

 

Winner: Big John Studd (4:28)

 

Match #13

Terry Taylor (MACW) vs Hercules Ayala (WWC)

 

Another example of finesse vs brawl in this one where Ayala gets his way early but Taylor’s experience pays off rapidly as he can turn the tide. Taylor scores a victory after a Sitout Gutwrench Powerbomb on Ayala at the 5-minute mark to move on to Round 2.

 

Winner: Terry Taylor (5:00)

 

Match #14

The Botswana Beast (Lutte) vs Nikita Koloff (UWF)

 

Before the introductions, promoter Frank Valois comes to the ring and has announced that after a phone conversation with NWA President Bob Geigel, following his actions in the Rick Martel vs Butch Reed match, Koloff has been arrested by the police and is currently in jail, waiting for bond. Therefore, he will forfeit his match to The Botswana Beast. Frank Valois says Rick Martel wants to compete tomorrow against Giant Baba in the 2^nd round but NWA officials and doctors will keep a close eye on him so he can defend his title against Terry Gordy on Sunday afternoon.

 

Winner: The Botswna Beast by forfeit

 

Match #15

WWC Caribbean Tag Team Champion Ron Starr (WWC) vs “The Modern Day Warrior” Kerry Von Erich (WCCW)

 

Many people expected this match to be a piece of cake for Kerry Von Erich but they didn’t know how resourceful Ron Starr could be and perhaps Von Erich as well. Nevertheless, both men give the fans a spirited fight with Von Erich even being caught in a Clawhold of his own but somehow he made it back to his feet. Eventually, Von Erich traps Starr in the Claw as well but the momentum sends both men over the top rope outside. Both Von Erich and Starr try to keep their grip of the claw (Von Erich on Starr’s forehead, Starr on Von Erich’s ribs) and their tussle completely made them forget about getting back in the ring in time. Both men are counted out and the brawl continues. Starr with a low blow on Von Erich. Starr goes again for the Clawhold again but Kerry sends him flying with a Discus Punch! The crowd (and Kerry) is disappointed but they give him a nice ovation as he retreats to the back.

 

Double Countout (13:45)

 

Match #16

Antonio Inoki (Freelance) vs Leon White (AWA)

The young super heavyweight rookie from the AWA shows a lot of heart and guts but his inexperience blatantly shows and despite the weight advantage, Inoki’s experience is just too much for the big man to overcome. Inoki makes quick work out of White and he pins him after hitting an Enziguiri to move on to the 2^nd round.

 

Winner: Antonio Inoki (2:53)

 

Match #17

SPECIAL CHALLENGE

Bam Bam Bigelow vs Sgt. Slaughter

 

Sarge is certainly determined to not make the same mistakes his young protégé did a few minutes ago against Antonio Inoki and he takes a more methodic approach to take down the monster from New Jersey. Slaughter is on the offensive early and looks to be on his way to get the victory early but Bam Bam Bigelow stunned Slaughter with a stiff lariat and that’s how he got the momentum back in the match. Bigelow misses a diving headbutt and Sarge regains the advantage. Sarge is finally able to lock the Cobra Clutch on Bam Bam but Bam Bam manages to ram Sarge’s back in a corner. Bam Bam follows with an Avalanche that staggers Sarge. Bam Bam then climbs on the top rope and hits the Nuclear Splash to score a major victory. Huge statement made by Bam Bam on this night!

 

Winner: Bam Bam Bigelow (9:45)

 

MAIN EVENT

Match #18

NWA North American Tag Team Championship

Jimmy Garvin & Eric Embry (w/Precious) © vs The Rougeau Brothers (w/Armand Rougeau)

 

The challengers come out to the ring fully confident but same can’t be said for the champions as Eric Embry realizes that his big mouth might have put them into more trouble than ever. Embry stalls a bit and finally the Rougeaus chase both Garvin & Embry all the way to the top of the scaffolding. Obviously, many officials and doctors at ringside just in case something bad happens. The broadcast team mentions that to win the match, only one member of a team must be thrown off the scaffolding. The match progresses at a slow pace and seeing that her men are in trouble, Precious....WANTS TO CLIMB THE SCAFFOLDING? Seeing this, Armand Rougeau grabs Precious and puts her on the floor. Precious drops her purse and a cameraman grabs the purse....BUT THEN HE HITS ARMAND WITH IT! Confusion galore on the outside as the cameraman now leaves his equipment on the floor and climbs the scaffolding. In the meantime, Jacques Rougeau is about to throw off Jimmy Garvin when the cameraman comes from behind and lowblows Jacques. Garvin backs off and the cameraman THROWS OFF JACQUES ROUGEAU DOWN OF THE SCAFFOLDING! The crowd is stunned as doctors and officials check on Jacques while the cameraman removes his disguise....OH MY GOD, IT’S DON KERNODLE!!! Eric Embry is laughing with glee telling Jimmy Garvin “I told you I had a plan!”...As Night 1 goes off the air, Jacques is stretchered off with Raymond & Armand checking on the Canadian Heavyweight International Champion while Don Kernodle soaks in the boos of the audience. What did Don Kernodle just do???

 

Winners and still champions: Jimmy Garvin & Eric Embry (6:24)

 

Round 2 matches

 

Harley Race vs Paul Orndorff

Rick Martel vs Giant Baba

Roddy Piper vs Brian Pillman

Abdullah the Butcher vs Jumbo Tsuruta

Lex Luger vs Big John Studd

Terry Taylor vs The Botswana Beast

 

Buddy Rose & Antonio Inoki gets bye to the Quarter-Finals

[gordi]

Wow!

 

Brody, Hansen, Terry Funk, Dusty, Kerry Von Erich, Magnum TA... all eliminated on day one! JRMC is always full of surprises.

 

I hope Martel can make it to the ring to face Baba. I'm also looking forward to Jumbo vs Abby.

[LowBlowPodcast]

My bracket is shot... but what an awesome first round. Great stuff man... very creative on the finishes which can be very difficult!

[SirEdger]

Yeah, given the first round, it's always the trickiest part to book because I got so many matches. It should be easier for the next 2 days

[kevinmcfl]

Great show as always. This is one of the highlights of the year in our game and as always, it doesn't disappoint. I hope the authorities find it in their hearts to release my UWF champion.

[dawho5]

I loved some of the surprise endings. Luger over Hansen is crazy. Nikita being in jail is a nice bit of booking. Piper vs. Magnum would have been all kinds of fun. Kernodle just can't stop himself with the heelish behavior lately.

[GeneJackson95]

What an exciting first round! Definitely some surprises in there which makes it fun. I love the finish if the scaffold match...Embry always finds a way!

[spaldoni]

Good Grief what an explosive start to the tournament! A night of twists and turns. Nikita in jail, Martel in serious jeopardy, Hansen, Magnum, Slaughter, Von Erich, Funk and Rhodes out of the tournament. The territory feuds had a major impact on the tournament. What a scaffold match! Kernodle has been losing it but man he went over the edge tonight. Man cant wait for round 2!

[SirEdger]

Johnny Rougeau Memorial Cup Night 2

May 2^nd, 1986

Forum de Montréal

 

(After a video package of last night is shown, including the dramatic finish of the Scaffold Match, we head to the broadcast booth to get us started for Night 2.)

 

Guy Hauray: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and it is Night 2 of the Johnny Rougeau Memorial Cup. Lots of surprises in the tournament itself, with several favourites out of the picture already. 14 men remain, since Buddy Rose and Antonio Inoki are getting a bye for the Quarter-Finals later tonight. The rest of the participants will have to wrestle twice if they reach the quarterfinals. And this may include Rick Martel, victim of a savage attack by UWF World Champion Nikita Koloff, who’s been arrested afterwards.

 

Édouard Carpentier: The good news is that Martel has been cleared to wrestle but we have no idea how much damage he suffered. Truth be told, even if he’s been cleared, everyone advised him to forfeit his match to Giant Baba and focus on his title defense tomorrow afternoon against Terry Gordy.

 

Guy Hauray: And in the meantime, we’ve been told that Nikita Koloff has been released on bond this morning, by someone presumably from the Koloff camp. Extra security has been added around the Forum but we know that Nikita is still in Montreal as we speak. We hope that we’ll have an uneventful night 2 here.

 

Édouard Carpentier: And we should not forget about Jacques Rougeau, who was tossed off the scaffolding by Don Kernodle last night. Another traitorous act by Kernodle, who keeps heading into a downward spiral, consumed by jealousy and entitlement.

 

Guy Hauray: We can now confirm that Jacques Rougeau has demanded to face Don Kernodle at Prelude in 3 nights. Jacques has promised he’ll be ready for the match but we have to wonder if this is a smart move.

 

Édouard Carpentier: But, ultimately, Don Kernodle got what he wanted. He wanted attention and he got it. I’m sure that his tag team partner, Corporal Kirschner isn’t too thrilled about this either.

 

Guy Hauray: In any event, we’re ready for our 2^nd night of action. 2^nd round action starting right now!

 

Match #1

2^nd Round

Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Champion Harley Race vs “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff

 

The broadcast team mentions the current history between those two in Mid-Atlantic, as both are fighting over Harley Race’s Mid-Atlantic title. Harley has a much tougher time than yesterday and Orndorff being relatively fresh from last night , is able to score the victory with a Piledriver on Harley Race to move to the quarterfinals.

 

Winner: “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff (3:25)

 

Match #2

2^nd Round

NWA World Heavyweight Champion Rick Martel vs Giant Baba

 

Before the match starts, referee Luigi Macera asked Martel if he wanted to go through with this and even Baba seemed to be tentative and showed respect to Martel. But the champ confirmed he was ready to go and the bell rang. Martel gave it a valiant effort but the injuries from the night before were too much to overcome. Baba hit his Big Boot on Martel and scored the pinfall to move on. The broadcast booth now discuss if Giant Baba shouldn’t be the one facing Martel in Japan at the end of the month, rather than Jumbo Tsuruta...

 

Winner: Giant Baba (7:22)

 

Match #3

2^nd Round

Roddy Piper vs Brian Pillman

 

It seemed like Roddy Piper thought he’d had an easy time against Brian Pillman but it was far from being the case. In fact, this match has stolen the entire 2^nd round in a spectacular display of heart and guts from Brian Pillman. Piper had to result to every trick in the book and even then, it wasn’t enough for Pillman to go down. They’re headed into the last minute and both men are on the verge of reaching the time limit draw! However, another well-timed low blow and a roll-up with :17 left before the time limit secures another win for Hot Rod. The crowd gives a standing ovation to Brian Pillman as he leaves the ring.

 

Winner: Roddy Piper (14:43)

 

Match #4

2^nd Round

WWC Universal Champion Abdullah the Butcher (w/Floyd Creatchman) vs Jumbo Tsuruta

 

Just like the first round, this isn’t pretty. It is short and it gets bloody in a hurry. Abdullah drew first blood but Jumbo didn’t waste any time drawing blood from Abby as well. Floyd’s protégé ends up picking a victory with a splash on Jumbo to move on to the quarterfinals

Winner: Abdullah the Butcher (4:25)

 

Match #5

2^nd Round

UWF Southern States Champion Lex Luger vs NWA North American Champion Big John Studd

 

Another short affair in this tournament. Luger doesn’t have the same luck he had against Stan Hansen in the first round. Big John Studd ends things early with a butterfly suplex and he moves on to the quarterfinals.

 

Winner: Big John Studd (3:23)

 

Match #6

2^nd Round

Terry Taylor vs The Botswana Beast (w/Floyd Creatchman)

 

Obviously, winning by forfeit the night before became a tremendous advantage for the Beast as he was the freshest man in the tournament already. However, the veteran in Terry Taylor wasn’t ready to let the Beast get away with the win. It was a hard-fought battle with the Beast slowing down the pace during various points of the match. However, a miscue with Floyd Creatchman at ringside allowed Taylor to hit a nice floatover suplex to secure a bid to the quarterfinals later tonight!

 

Winner: Terry Taylor (13:54)

 

Match #7

JWA Japanese Championship

Tatsumi Fujinami © vs Bob Backlund

 

A dream match if there ever was one. The match was under a 15-minute time limit as well but both men spent the entire match displaying their craft to the Montreal faithful. Bob Backlund tried to go for a crossface chicken wing but somehow, Fujinami countered with a Fujiwara armbar. Luckily, Backlund was able to reach the ropes. In the end, Backlund goes for a German Suplex but Fujiwara slipped between Backlund’s legs, tripped him and positioned himself into a nice pinning combination, scoring the victory over Bob Backlund to retain. After the match, both men shook hands and Backlund raised Fujinami’s hand in sign of respect.

 

Winner: Tatsumi Fujinami to retain (8:42)

 

The quarterfinals and semifinals all have a 30-minute time limit.

 

Match #8

Quarter-Finals

“Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff vs “Playboy” Buddy Rose

 

If Piper vs Pillman stole the show in the 2^nd round, this one did the same and set a high standard for the rest of the quarterfinals. A well-paced mix of technical wrestling and dastardly heel tactics from the Playboy. However, Mr. Wonderful isn’t ready to quit. We’re getting closer to the time limit and Buddy Rose is getting desperate. Towards the end of the match, Orndorff accidentally elbows the referee and that allows Rose to go grab a chair outside. Rose gets inside and as Orndorff spots Rose, he drops down on the mat. And “oddly enough”, the referee comes to! He sees Rose with the chair and Orndorff, playing possum, acts like he’s been literally shot by Rose. Even if the Playboy tries to explain himself, it’s too late. The referee calls for the bell and DQs Buddy Rose! Buddy throws a fit in the ring while Orndorff slides outside, smiling and proud to have outsmarted Buddy Rose. We have our first semi-finalist tomorrow afternoon!

 

Winner: “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff by DQ (29:00)

 

Match #9

Quarter-Finals

Giant Baba vs Roddy Piper

 

This match was the sudden realization for Roddy Piper that he wouldn’t be able to use the same tactics he did earlier in the tournament with Magnum TA or Brian Pillman. Nevertheless, a few dirty tricks worked in the early going. Piper decides to take the action on the outside with Baba, in hopes he could win this one the easiest way possible. Piper eventually uses the ring apron to jump on Baba and lock in a sleeper. However, Baba rams Piper’s back on the steel post and in the process, Piper bangs his head hard on the post. Baba has enough time to recover and slides back in the ring. Piper isn’t so lucky as he barely reaches the apron when the ref reaches the count of 10. Baba reaches the semis!

 

Winner: Giant Baba (15:25)

 

Match #10

Quarter-Finals

WWC Universal Heavyweight Champion Abdullah the Butcher (w/Floyd Creatchman) vs NWA North American Champion Big John Studd

 

To no surprise, this one follows the same Abby match pattern: it’s short and it gets bloody quickly. Only this time, Big John Studd takes the battle to him and it quickly carries over outside the ring. The referee loses control of that one and both men get counted out. The winner of tonight’s main event will now move straight to the finals!

 

Double Countout (5:14)

 

Match #11

Terry Taylor vs Antonio Inoki

 

Terry Taylor finally gets a matchup more suited to his skills against Antonio Inoki but Inoki is the freshest man in this one, considering he had a bye in Round 2. Taylor had his moments but his gruelling match against The Botswana Beast earlier in the night is getting to him and this allows Inoki to score another victory with his Enzuiguri. For the 2^nd time in the tournament, Inoki gets a bye and he goes straight to the finals!

 

Winner: Antonio Inoki (7:38)

 

Tomorrow afternoon’s lineup:

 

Semi-Final Match

Paul Orndorff vs Giant Baba

 

Finals

Winner of Orndorff/Baba vs Antonio Inoki

 

JWA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

Power Rush © vs Ken Patera & Jerry Blackwell

 

NWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Rick Martel © vs Terry “Bam Bam” Gordy

[LowBlowPodcast]

What a second night... so many surprises... and I will go on record that I am not the biggest on the Japanese contingent doing so well... no offense to Gordi but it just surprises me in a big way. Also while I am on record... Martel could might lose the NWA title to Gordi in the shape he is. Great stuff to keep me hooked!

[SirEdger]

I knew while booking the tournament that it would get people talking, some would like it, some a little less. But that's OK, that's what I was aiming for

[spaldoni]

Awesome follow up with Round 2. Oh man, Orndorff beats Race with the piledriver! This is going to add heat to their feud. I'm sure Pillman got people talking after holding his own against Piper. Strong showing from Terry Taylor, no shame in losing to a legend like Inoki. I agree, Japan's reps are looking strong. Abby and Studd would of been a great spectacle to watch. Fujinami will a great title defense over Backlund. Good to see Orndorff represent MACW well, but tough task ahead against Baba. I don't know if Martel will be ready for Gordy, doesn't look good for the champ. So far, this has more than lived up to the hype.

[kevinmcfl]

I love the tournament so far because how many surprises there have been. Martel vs Gordy should be great!

[GeneJackson95]

Great job so far, very unpredictable and fun!

[dawho5]

Piper going out due to his own miscalculation is a great finish. Loved Pillman gutting it out. Rose vs. Orndorff would have been a great match with an even better turnabout finish by Orndorff. Martel vs. Gordy should be great.