Pacific Coast Wrestling

[rainmakerrtv]

Pacific Coast Wrestling show from McArthur Court, Eugene, January 9^th

 

Mike Rotunda vs. Bob Backlund

 

This wound up being a taught technical battle where Rotunda looked like he might just take it on a number of occasions. But Backlund showed the skill that made him a dominant World Champion in the past , trapping Rotunda in the Backlund Bridge for the victory.

 

Black Tiger vs. Mr. Hito

 

In another highly competitive bout, Tiger got a big cheer from the crowd when he won with a Black Tiger Bomb (sitout crucifix power bomb)

 

Dan Severn & Jeff Jarrett vs. Badd Company

 

Diamond hit a low blow from behind on Jarrett to set him up for a crescent kick by Tanaka to get another tainted win

 

Tony St. Clair vs. Chavo Guerrero

 

A furious battle between two of PCW's most highly regarded competitors ended in "Tough" Tony finally being able to put down Chavo with the spinning forearm smash

 

US Steel vs. Mando Guerrero

 

In his third outing this weekend, Steel bounced back from his previous loss and managed to defeat the veteran Guerrero with an over the knee backbreaker followed by a front slam

 

California Title Match : Owen Hart © vs. Gary Young

 

After his, controversial countout win over Keiichi Yamada last week, Gary Young was able to lobby for a title match against Owen Hart. Once again, Bob Backlund was at ringside, but again simply observed and advised. This was a much more focused and intense Gary Young than his previous run in PCW, and it was all Owen could do to keep one step ahead of the Gorgeous One. Neither man was able to keep the other down for the three count, and the match ended up going to a 20 minute time limit draw. After the match, Backlund had his arm around Young's shoulder and was full of support and advice for him.

 

Pacific Tag Team Title Match : The Midnight Express © vs. British Steel (Steven Regal & Robbie Brookside)

 

While British Steel fought hard to regain their titles, the newly minted Midnight Express were just too much, with Lane putting Brookside in a bearhug then lowering him for Eaton to come off the top rope with a legdrop in a devastating move they called the Veg-O-Matic.

 

Pacific Television Title Match : Big Bubba Rogers © vs. Brian Pillman

 

At first, Rogers didn't seem to be taking Pillman seriously. This was a mistake, as Flyin' Brian was no pushover. Pillman went with hit and run tactics, hitting precision dropkicks while staying out of the range of most of Big Bubba's offense. No matter what the champ tried, he couldn't keep Pillman down for long. This reached a climax when Pillman dropkicked Rogers off the ring apron to the outside. Big Bubba crashed hard to the floor and was unable to make it back in time, giving the win to Pillman by countout. Rogers remained TV champ, but Flyin' Brian had proved himself to be a worthy challenger.

 

[Autistic Dragon]

Backlund shows why he's the leader of this crusade with a win over the leader of the Brigade.

Tiger wins a tough one with Hart International's enforcer.

Badd Company's trip to the dark side continues to pay off.

St Clair defeats Chavo classic in what must've been a classic midcard workrate bout.

US Steel manages to ground down Mando.

Young shows how far he's come under Backlund's teaching by taking Owen to a draw.

The MXE debut the Veg-O-Matic to retain their tag titles.

Bubba overlooks Pillman & pays for it with a c.o loss which basically guarantees a rematch.

[spaldoni]

You know you're in for a great night when Backlund vs. Rotonda opens the show. 

Loved that Badd Co. finish.

St. Clair gets a nice win over Chavo. St. Clair has made quite a name for himself in Pacific. 

Young takes Ca. Champ Owen to the limit. I'm really liking this Backlund angle. 

Sweet Stan and Beautiful Bobby are proving to be a dominant version of the Midnight Express. 

WOW! Pillman scores a big c.o. victory over Bubba. Defiantly earned himself another TV title shot. 

[kevinmcfl]

Great event in Eugene.  For me, the first match with Rotundo and Backlund might have been my favorite.  Two great wrestlers who could go babyface or heel....

Also, enjoyed the Midnight Express vs British Steel as we get a glimpse into your pecking order for a stacked tag division.

Pillman vs BBR would be awesome also.  Glad we get the DQ finish as maybe we get more here.  

PCW is off to a great start in 87.  

 

[rainmakerrtv]

Pacific Wrestling Showcase from the Oakland Alameda County Arena, Oakland, on ESPN / TSN, January 14^th

 

Tabarnak De Team (Jos Leduc & Pierre Carl Ouellet) vs. Gabriel Cade & John Reynolds

 

 

The new team of TDT have been making quite an impact in recent matches, teaming with Rip Oliver against the Playboy Club. Oliver was in their corner tonight and they completely ran roughshod over their opponents. Cade and Reynolds never stood a chance as Leduc and Ouellet dismantled them with power moves from Leduc and high flying from Ouellet. They finally put them out of their misery with a devastating combination move they called the Clear Cut (Leduc put Reynolds over his knee while Ouellet came off the top with a flying elbow smash). It looks like the already crowded PCW Tag Team scene has some major new players.

 

Konnan vs. Hector Guerrero

 

 

 

For the past couple of weeks, the masked Konnan has been winning both matches and fans with his power and style. He certainly had his work cut out for him as he took on the always cocky and dangerous Hector Guerrero. Unusually, neither of them seemed interested in going for a pinfall. Instead, they focused on trying to get each other in their respective submission holds, the Gory Special for Hector, the Tequila Sunrise for Konnan. Hector seemed very close to getting the masked man in the Special. But the powerful Konnan was able to block it and take Hector down with a legsweep.  He swiftly followed up by catching him in the Tequila Sunrise, and struggle though he might, Hector could not escape. He quickly tapped the ground, a gesture he had picked up on a tour of Japan that meant he was giving up the match. The ref recognized the gesture and called for the bell, and Konnan immediately released the hold. Konnan helped Hector to his feet and the two shook hands as a show of respect. It seems more and more PCW wrestlers are embracing submission holds as a way to get the victory. Only time will tell if this trend continues.

 

Dingo Warrior vs. Jed Hildebrand

 

 

The always unusual Dingo Warrior has been rolling through the opposition and getting a lot of attention, both from the fans and the wrestlers and manager of PCW. Last week, Gary Hart tried to get his attention, seemly to no avail. This week, it was Buddy Rose who was observing Dingo in the ring. He was making sure to stay as far away from his new nemesis, the burly bearded man who was, as usual, in a front row ringside seat. After Dingo easily disposed of Hildebrand, Rose got a ringside microphone and was able to catch his eye. Dingo seemed to be willing to hear him out, but just barely.

 

Rose : Dingo! Warrior! My new friend! Have I got an offer for you! I have been watching you in the ring, and am duly impressed. You have the power, you have the drive. You just need some direction. Direction that I would be more than happy to provide for you. To that end, I am offering you a coveted position within the Playboy Club, the most elite collection of athletes in Pacific Coast Wrestling, and indeed, the world of wrestling. A privilege that is offered to few, and it is yours for the taking. What do you say?

 

Dingo Warrior stares for a moment, then takes the microphone.

 

Dingo : Mark my words and mark them well, man who calls himself Playboy. The Dingo Warrior is on a quest, a quest that will lead him to glory. I am walking a righteous path. But the day I walk that path with the likes of you, it will be a cold day in hell! You can take your offer, your poisoned chalice, and you can keep it. The Dingo Warrior is nobody's lackey!

 

The Dingo Warrior then barges past a flabbergasted Buddy Rose, who is left, embarrassed and dumbfounded at ringside.

 

Mike Rotunda vs. Bob Backlund

 

 

Prior to tonight, Bob Backlund had appeared in house shows and interviews, but this would be his first match on PCW TV. While he brings with him a wealth of technical expertise, he would be facing another accomplished collegiate wrestler in Mike Rotunda. Backlund also brought with him the other members of the Knights Templar, but they didn't interfere, and in fact Backlund gave them orders to closely observe the match. This match was real nail biter, with Backlund determine to prove himself the superior scientific wrestler, and Rotunda equally set on proving himself against the former world champion. In the end, Backlund was able to trap Rotunda in the Backlund Bridge to get the one two three. Rotunda was clearly disappointed in the result, but still offered his hand to Backlund after the match. Backlund shook his hand, but had a particularly self satisfied grin as he did so, and the Knights Templar were fawning over him as he left the ring.

 

Art Barr vs. Eddie Guerrero

 

 

This was another match with a large contingent observing from ringside, with the rest of the Five Man Army and the Guerrero Brothers out to support their newest members. Although the potential for chaos was in the air, the observers stuck with observing and cheering on their men, as the two second generation rookies did battle. They had an incredibly fact paced match, with plenty of dropkicks, armdrags and high flying moves. The two fought each other to a stalemate at a number of points in the match, in the end going to a 10 minute time limit draw. Barr and Eddie wanted to keep going after the ref declared the end of the match, but their partners talked them down. I don't think we have seen the last of this match up.

 

Interview : Frank Bonnema stands in the ring

 

Bonnema : Ladies and gentlemen, my next guests are … oh, Jesus, you've got to be kidding me … Buddy Rose and the Playboy Club!

 

 

The crowd rains down boos as Buddy Rose, Ed Wiskowski, Fit Finlay and the Sheepherders march out to the ring. A notable exception is the burly, bearded man, who sat there glowering in silence. Rose had a similarly sour expression as he entered the ring.

 

Bonnema : Well , Buddy Rose, it seems like your recent confidence didn't take long to evaporate. You don't seem very happy now.

 

Rose : You are damned right I am unhappy, Bonnema. And can you blame me? Barry Windham keeps cheating me out of the Pacific Heavyweight Title that is rightfully mine! I have to keep fighting off Rip Oliver and his band of goons. That painted up goofball turns down my perfectly legitimate and selfless offer. And every night, I have to deal with this jerk giving me the stink eye! And I'm sick of it ! * the bearded man frowns even more deeply * Security, get that guy!

 

Bonnema : Hold on, Buddy Rose! He's just minding his own business, he has as much right to be here as any other fan.

 

Rose : No, I want them to bring him here! Into the ring! I want to talk to him, face to face, once and for all!

 

Security escorts the bearded man into the ring. Rose is a bit taken aback as he sees how much the burly man towers over him, but he composes himself as he takes the mic and gets in his face.

 

Rose : Alright, Big Man, it's you and me at last. What's your name, Big Man?

 

Big Man : John.

 

Rose : Alright, John. You've been on my case for the past few weeks. What is your deal? You don't like me for some reason? You think you're tougher than me? Sure, you're big, but there's more to being tough than size. Do you even have any qualifications for being in a fight?

 

John draws himself up, looming over the Playboy.

 

John : I was a champion Sumo wrestler in Japan.

 

The crowd gasps as Rose has a panic stricken in his eyes. John grabs the microphone from his hands.

 

John : My name is John Tenta. In Japan, I was known as Kototenzan. I competed in Sumo until I retired, undefeated. Towards the end, I started training to start a new career as a pro wrestler in Japan. I had intended to sign on with one of the Japanese wrestling organizations. But I was visiting home in BC to see my family , when I made a trip down to Portland to see my favorite wrestler, Barry Windham. * a cheer goes up from the crowd * I saw you and your band of creeps do everything you could to cheat your way to a victory. I kept going to more PCW matches, and what I saw from you disgusted me. So I made a change of plans. I started looking into beginning my wrestling career, not in Japan but in Pacific Coast Wrestling. I made some new friends, and they got me my wrestler's license and a contract with PCW. I think you know them, they are here tonight … Rip Oliver and TDT!

 

The crowd and the Playboy Club start buzzing as Rip Oliver, Jos Leduc and Pierre Carl Ouellet come out to the ring and stand behind Tenta.

 

Tenta : So we've got another challenge for you. You've been keeping a numbers advantage ever since Rip came back to PCW. So we're going to give you a chance to face to face us on an even playing field. Next week, at the LA Sports Arena, the entire Playboy Club can face our team in the ring. You say you are sick of me? Well , I'm sick of you! So I'm giving you your shot at me. What do you say … Playboy?

 

Rose : Well, I didn't get to be where I am today without learning how to count. I see four of you against five of us. Oh boy, we're sure to win, there's more of us … yeah, right! I've been in this business long enough, I know how this works. You've got some special secret partner you are keeping up your sleeve. Well I don't care! I have the toughest men in the world backing me up, and I am a multiple time Pacific Coast champion! I don't scare so easy! So you bring your secret partner. I don't care who it is. I don't even care if it is that muscle bound idiot! Bring your whole team to LA and we will teach you what it means to mess with the Playboy Club. In one week, your PCW career begins … and ends!

 

 

Ron Simmons vs. Mike Miller

 

 

Ever since his triumph over Stan Hansen at San Diego Battleground, Ron Simmons has been cutting through the Crazy Gang like a hot knife through butter. Both Mike Miller and Bob Orton have gone down in defeat to the All American, but "Mean" Mike Miller was quick in demanding a rematch. Miller was accompanied by both Orton and his manager Percy Pringle. He tried to fight a canny match against Simmons, striking then scurrying away to stay out of his range. But every blow Simmons was able to land rocked Miller with incredible force. Eventually, Orton got on the ring to distract the ref. Miller tried a sneak attack on Simmons, but Simmons flattened him with a sudden clothesline. But Orton turned out to be providing a distraction for a different reason. From the other end of the ring, Maxx Payne charged in and ambushed Simmons. He took him down with a belly to back suplex and then locked him in the Payne Killer. The ref called for the DQ and insisted that Payne release the hold, but Miller slugged him and knocked him to the mat. Barry Windham, Mike Rotunda, Scott Hall and Tom Magee ran out to try to rescue their teammate, but they were intercepted by Miller and Orton, who were joined by Sabu and Lord Humongous. The two sides did battle, with Tom Magee taking the worst of it when Humongous hit two huge over the knee backbreakers on it, and followed it up by power slamming him back first into the corner ringpost. Windham was finally able to break through the line and knock Payne off Simmons, and the Crazy Gang scuttled back to the locker room. But Simmons and Magee were both in agony and had to be helped by their colleagues away from the ring. After a year long feud, it looks like the Crazy Gang have inflicted their severest damage yet on the Brigade.

 

[Autistic Dragon]

TDT send a strong message.

Konnan defeats the cagey Hector in a de facto submission match.

Dingo turns the Playboy down flat! I could totally hear the Warrior's voice during that promo.

Backlund & Rotundo sounds like a wrestling purists dream.

Barr vs Eddie could be a good establishing feud for the youngsters.

John Tenta sets off an Earthquake in his official PCW debut by aligning Oliver & TDT against the Playboy Club!

The Crazy Gang makes their move to remove Simmons from the playing field permanently! McGee gets his share of damage as well. There's a bloody blowoff on the horizon.

[kevinmcfl]

Really fun show.

Was that true about tapping out coming from Japan?  Interesting bit of history.  Thanks.

I really enjoyed the interviews. Dingo turning down Playboy was really well written.  Then with Rose and Tenta... Awesome.  Looking forward to the match and the mystery man.

Nice job getting all your new talent involved.  

 

[rainmakerrtv]

3 hours ago, Autistic Dragon said:

 

Dingo turns the Playboy down flat! I could totally hear the Warrior's voice during that promo.

 

Of all the people on my roster, the two that are the easiest to "think in their voice" in interviews are Warrior and, ironically, Jim Cornette  

[rainmakerrtv]

Pacific Coast Wrestling show from the Cow Palace , San Francisco,  on Pacific Super Cards, January 15^th

 

Konnan vs. Mr. Hito

 

Hito really put the masked man through the ringer with many vicious kicks and armlocks, but Konnan came back and overpowered the Japanese veteran, forcing him to give up to the Tequila Sunrise

 

Mike Rotunda vs. Maxx Payne

 

Rotunda was out to avenge his fellow Brigade member Ron Simmons, but could not overcome the size and power of Payne, who trapped him in the Payne Killer. After the match, Payne looked like he was going to go after Rotunda again, but a threat of a substantial fine from the ref led to Percy Pringle calling his man off

 

Black Tiger vs. Sabu

 

Black Tiger had a wild and exciting match against the unconventional newcomer Sabu. Sabu gave him all that he could handle with his dropkicks and legdrops, but Black Tiger prevailed with the Black Tiger Bomb.

 

Jim Neidhart vs. One Man Gang

 

Well, if there was ever any doubt that the Hart Foundation have left Gary Hart International, this match would put it to rest. Hart has sent the big 747 after the Anvil, and while Neidhart more than held his own, he ended up getting caught in the corner by an Avalanche that gave Gang the win. Gang tried to do more damage with a running splash, but Neidhart rolled out of the ring, and Hart told Gang to wait for another opportunity

 

Rip Oliver & Tabarnak De Team (Big Jos Leduc & Pierre Carl Ouellet) vs. Buddy Rose & The Sheepherders

 

Oliver and TDT won by DQ when Ed Wiskowski and Fit Finlay came in the ring and attacked them. The Playboy Club were clearly looking to do some damage in advance of their match against Oliver's crew next week, but John Tenta came in to the rescue and between he and the swinging axe handles of Leduc and Ouellet, they cleared the Playboy Club out of the ring.

 

Golden State Tag Team Title Match : Scott Hall & Tom Magee © vs. Badd Company

 

Magee came out with his ribs heavily taped after the damage done to them the night before by Lord Humongous. Gator and Megaman were at a distinct disadvantage against the newly aggressive Badd Company, who mercilessly went after Magee's injured ribs every chance they got, but the champs put in a valiant effort to defend their titles. Part way through the match, Gary Hart came down to ringside. The reason for his appearance soon became clear, as when the ref was escorting Hall out of the ring, Hart tossed in a set of brass knucks. They were caught by Diamond , who used them to jack Magee in the back of the head. Tanaka followed up on the staggered Magee with a crescent kick and went for the pin. Hall was unable to make it in time to break up the pin, and the titles changed hands. It looks like Gary Hart has wasted no time in replacing the Hart Foundation in Gary Hart International, and they are the new Golden State Tag Team champions!

 

Pacific Heavyweight Title Match : Barry Windham © vs. Bret Hart

 

After a pair of intense matches, both Hart and Windham insisted that this rematch be signed for the Heavyweight Title. Although he was still roughed up from his earlier match with One Man Gang, Jim Neidhart was at ringside, both to support his partner and keep an eye out for Gary Hart. Luckily, the head of GHI stayed away from the match, making way for a classic to unfold in the ring. Bret gave it his all, and it seemed at several points he just might come away with the title. Windham had Bret set up on the top turn buckle for a Superplex, but Bret punched his way out of it until Windham fell to the mat. Bret then hit a flying clothesline that looked like it just might put away the man from Sweetwater. One … two … Barry just got his long leg on the ropes to break up the pin. Bret picked up Windham and whipped him into the ropes, but Barry came back with a lariat. Bret ducked under it and when Windham rebounded off the ropes, Bret ducked down for a back body drop. Barry was able to stop just in time and hit Bret with a jarring DDT. One … two … THREE! Barry Windham was able to ultimately prevail and retain his Heavyweight Title. Barry helped Bret up from the mat after the match and held up his arm as a sign of respect, and in return, both Bret and Neidhart shook hands with the champion.

[Autistic Dragon]

Konnan is quickly becoming PCW's resident tapout artist.

Though Maxx Payne is certainly pulling his weight in that regard.

Sabu brought the fight but he wasn't ready to ride the Tiger!

Niedhart suffers the consequences of he & Bret parting ways with GHI courtesy of OMG.

Tenta earns his keep by helping his new friends run off the Playboy Club.

Badd Company capture Golden State gold thanks to McGee's bad ribs & their new manager Gary Hart!

With all distractions finally removed, Windham & Bret have the mat classic we were all expecting. Windham retains but Hart definitely proves he belongs.

Great night in the Cow Palace!

[kevinmcfl]

PCW is off to a great start in 1987.  Konnan comes in like a house afire and Max Payne is on a big roll.  You gave us some big matches that gave us a look into the pecking order of PCS (Gang-Neidhart) which is always fun.  I wish the WWF did this back in the day but I had to grow up with jobber match after jobber match.

AWESOME MAIN EVENT... these two could do it all.  Too bad Windham didn't always focus on wrestling.  He was one of the best in my opinion but he seemed to be inconsistent. 

[spaldoni]

TDT has been nothing but impressive.

Loved the submission drama between Konan and Hector. 

We get our first Warrior promo! When your first promo is with Rose, big things are coming. 

Rotunda gives Backlund a technical test but Backlund prevails and without cheating.

Look at that. A young Barr verses a young Eddie. 

The Playboy's night gets worse. John Tenta is the name and he wants to eliminate Rose and company. Very well thought out storyline. Behind the scenes I imagine Rose got some major props for giving a rub to 2 new comers in one night. 

Oh man, the Crazy Gang did a number on the Brigade. Mega Man took a beating. I can't wait to see Simmons and Payne go toe to toe.

To the Cow Palace, 

Payne had a dominating week. 

Black Tiger wins a thriller over Sabu.

OMG puts the Anvil down. I'm sure Gary loved this. 

Good set up between TDT and Playboy Club. That LA match is going to be off the charts.

NEW Golden State Tag Champs! Awesome! Badd Company has had the best comeback story. 

Windham and Hart had an epic trilogy. I'm glad we got to see an uninterrupted classic. Loved that finishing sequence. Windham retains. I think we're in for a historic Windham title run. 

 

 

 

 

[rainmakerrtv]

Pacific Coast Wrestling show from the Selland Arena, Fresno,  January 16^th

 

Robbie Brookside vs. Cannonball Grizzly

 

Young Brookside found himself overwhelmed by the size and power of Grizzly, who beat him with a devastating top rope splash

 

Jeff Jarrett vs. Eddie Guerrero

 

In another exciting match between young, second generation stars, Jarrett was able to defeat the young firebrand Eddie by making him give up to a Figure Four Leglock

 

Pacific Light Heavyweight Title Match : Chris Candido © vs. Art Barr

 

Barr was looking to impress and went all out against the champ, but fell just short when Candido rolled out of the way of the Frog Splash. Candido followed up with a running legdrop to successfully defend his title.

 

Tony St. Clair vs. Fit Finlay

 

As can be expected, neither man held anything back in this hard hitting match. Both men had been at each other since their arrival in PCW, and took each other to the limit in this match. Finlay tried to put him away with a tombstone piledriver, but St. Clair blocked it and countered with a floating Butterfly Suplex for the one two three. That's where things took a bit of an unusual turn. After the match, St. Clair helped Finlay to his feet and offered a handshake to him. Finlay lightly slapped St. Clair's palm but also gave him a nod of respect before leaving the ring. In a related story from the weather bureau, Hell just froze over.

 

Pacific Tag Team Title Match : The Midnight Express © vs. Black Gold (Steve Blackman & Shane Douglas)

 

Black Gold gave an considerable challenge, but the Midnight Express are on a roll and would not be denied, pinning Douglas after the Rocket Launcher

 

California Title Match : Owen Hart © vs. Al Snow

 

Snow continued his run of breakout matches with a ferocious challenge to Owen's California title. Owen was able to score the victory by catching Snow coming off the ropes with a spinning back heel kick, but he certainly had to work hard for the victory.

 

Pacific Television Title Match : Big Bubba Rogers © vs. Steven Regal

 

The young English gentleman gave a good accounting of himself, laying in some blistering punches on the Louisville Slugger, but ultimately, Big Bubba was too much to overcome, taking the win with the Big Bubba Slam

[Autistic Dragon]

Brookside gets mauled by Grizzly in the opener.

Double J scores the submission victory over Eddie.

Candido retains against a game Barr.

Finlay showing respect to a brit after a loss would have me checking for flying pigs.

Black Gold's vein comes up empty.

Snow comes up short in his quest to bring more gold to the Knight Templars.

Bubba wins a slugfest over Regal. It's gonna be war getting that belt off him.

[spaldoni]

Grizzly gets the fans warmed up with that flying splash! 

One of the things I like about this game is watching future stars like Jarrett and Eddie going at it. 

Candido continues to have a firm grip on the LHW title. 

WHOA! WAIT! What just happened? St. Clair and Finlay acting civil to each other? Defiantly looking forward to watching where this goes. Unbelievable! 

I agree, the Midnight's are on a serious roll. 

Another battle between two rising stars as Owen retains against Snow.

Regal gives Bubba some stiff shots but the big man takes him down with the Bubba Slam! 

 

[kevinmcfl]

I continue to enjoy the quality events PCW produces each time.  Even in defeats, some of your roster continues to rise as they put up quality efforts against top teams  like Al Snow and Black Gold.  As Spaldoni was, I was surprised at the handshake between Finley and St. Clair.  It will be interesting to see where this goes!

[LowBlowPodcast]

Jeff Jarrett and Eddie at this point in their careers could be a fun encounter.  The Same goes for Owen Hart and Al Snow. A great eclectic group of talent who all will bring out the best in their opponents. I am very high on Big Bubba at this point... I see him being one of the tip top stars in this world of wrestling.

[rainmakerrtv]

Pacific Wrestling Showcase from the Olympic Auditorium , Los Angeles , on ESPN / TSN, January 21^st

 

John Tenta vs. Robb Zbacnik

 

 

While this would be his first PCW match, Tenta is certainly a familiar face to the Pacific Coast fans, being a conspicuous presence in his ringside seat, frequently giving static to "Playboy" Buddy Rose. As he announced last week, Tenta, a former champion Sumo wrestler in Japan, has signed a contract to become one of the newest stars of Pacific Coast Wrestling. Rip Oliver and Tabarnak De Team were at ringside to cheer on their new friend.  Zbacnik was likely wishing that Tenta had gone with original plans of starting his pro wrestling career in Japan. The huge Tenta easily dismantled Zbacnik with scoop power slams and belly to belly suplexes, even hitting a shocking dropkick that got a gasp from the crowd. Tenta finally finished the match with a running sitting splash that looked like it could have crushed poor Zbacnik's sternum. Buddy Rose may well be quaking in his boots seeing what he has to face tomorrow night at the LA Sports Arena.

 

Shane Douglas vs. Maxx Payne

 

 

Ever since his ambush of Ron Simmons last week, people have been giving a wide berth to the terrifying Maxx Payne. Shane Douglas looked determined but it was clear that the odds were against him, as Payne towered over him. Douglas' partner Steve Blackman and mentor Leo Burke were at ringside to support him, but no matter what he did, Douglas was unable to make a dent in the nightmare from Hell's Kitchen. Payne tossed Douglas around with as series of brutal suplexes before locking in the Payne Killer, forcing the young man to submit. Payne was about to put him back in the hold after the end of the match but Burke and Blackman were quick to pull Douglas out of the ring. Say what you will about his tactics, but Payne has clearly arrived in PCW in a big way.

 

The Rainbow Warriors (Brian Adams & Vic Steamboat) vs. Ryan Aiken & Daniel Lue

 

 

The Rainbow Warriors are the newly minted team of Adams and Steamboat. Choosing to celebrate their shared Hawaiian backgrounds, the Warriors are sporting rainbow patterned armbands and are looking to forge a new alliance in 1987. The year before, they had some very intense matches but their newfound friendship seems to have birthed a very impressive team, easily dominating Aiken and Lue. Their finisher, called the Refraction, got a big reaction from the fans, where Adams got Lue up in a suspended vertical suplex and Steamboat came off the top with a flying cross body press. While they may be unlikely allies, Adams and Steamboat are off to a great start as a duo.

 

Rip Oliver vs. Cannonball Grizzly

 

 

While Oliver is gunning for "Playboy" Buddy Rose, he faced a considerable challenge this week from the newcomer Cannonball Grizzly. Oliver seemed to be caught off guard by how aggressively Grizzly came after him, but fired back with his own trademark aggression. The match eventually spilled out to the outside, where Grizzly went for an avalanche against the corner, but Oliver dodged out of the way at the last second and Grizzly went hard chest first into the corner post. Oliver was able to make it back into the ring to beat the count, and the match went to "Crippler" by countout. Grizzly still kept going after him post-match, with the PCW officials finally separating the two. What has gotten under Cannonball Grizzly's skin?

 

Interview : Frank Bonnema stands in the ring

 

Bonnema : Ladies and gentlemen, my next guests are one of the favorite groups in PCW … the Brigade!

 

 

The fans cheer enthusiastically as the Brigade head out to the ring, but Barry Windham, Mike Rotunda, Ron Simmons , Scott Hall and Tom Magee have very serious expressions on their faces. Simmons has his arm in a sling , the result of the previous week's ambush by Maxx Payne, and Magee's ribs are still taped from the damage done by Lord Humongous.

 

Bonnema : Ron Simmons, I couldn't help notice how uncharacteristically dour the Brigade is tonight. But I can't really blame you, after the recent loss of the Golden State Tag Team Titles and your injuries at the hands of Maxx Payne .

 

Simmons : That is true, Frank Bonnema, but you can't keep us down for long. The doctors said that Maxx Payne dislocated my shoulder, so that puts me on the shelf for a bit, but I am going to let it heal and come back, better than ever. And when I do, Maxx Payne is going to really learn the meaning of the word pain!

 

Rotunda : But there's more to it than that, Frank. There's a lot of changes going on in the Brigade. As I am sure most of you have notice, Brickhouse Brown has not been with us for the past few weeks. He was offered a position wrestling back home in Florida, and he took it. I am sure he will do incredible things there, and we wish him well. And it's time for some more of us to move on. Scott will also be heading home to Florida, while Tom has been offered an opportunity to wrestle in the Mid Atlantic promotion.

 

Hall : I got a chance to be closer to my family, so much though I have enjoyed my time in the Pacific Coast, I will be moving back home. The PCW fans have always treated me with respect, and I will have good memories of my time here.

 

Magee : I also want to thank the great fans from the Pacific Coast. No matter what I do or where I go, I will always keep of PCW close to my heart.

 

Rotunda : And there's one more change, and it is the toughest one for me to talk about. As I am sure everyone has noticed, I have been on a bit of a tough streak lately. I have had trouble getting the wins. I have been leading the Brigade for two years now, and my battery has pretty much run dry. I came to the realization that, much though I love it here, I need to change my environment and recharge. To that end, I have accepted a spot in the AWA. * a gasp goes up from the crowd * Believe me, this hurts me to do, but it is something I must do. It has been an honor for me to lead the Brigade and be a part of Pacific Coast Wrestling, but it is time for me to move on.

 

Bonnema : Wow, that is quite the bombshell. Barry Windham, it looks like there is nobody left in the Brigade but you and Ron Simmons.

 

Windham : It might seem like that, Frank, but the Brigade is always looking to the future. While nobody can really take the place of Mike, Scott, Tom and Brickhouse, we've found a couple of new members who will forge their own legacy and bring glory to the Brigade. Mike was mentioning he is going to the AWA. Well, our good friend Al Perez has been doing some great things in the AWA, and we are all very proud of him. But there has been something missing from the Brigade ever since he left us, a bit of Latin spice. Well, we've found a young super star on the rise, a Latino contender who has unlimited potential … Konnan!

 

 

The fans cheer as the masked man makes his way to the ring, shaking hands with the crowd before he joins his new allies in the ring.

 

Konnan : Thank you , Barry, I am incredibly proud to be a part of the Brigade. I can't wait to show everyone what I can do.

 

Windham : And our other new member is someone who has a considerable history here on the West Coast. He is a second generation star who is a former champion in the Pacific Northwest … Curt Hennig!

 

 

The crowd are enthusiastic as "Cool" Curt slaps palms with them takes his place among the Brigade.

 

Hennig : Thank you, Barry, let me say, it is great to be back on the Pacific Coast! I came back because I know that the best wrestling competition in the world is here in PCW. And I am going to join forces with the Brigade and take on all comers. 1986 was the year that the Brigade breaks out. Well, 1987 will be the year the Brigade takes over!

 

Leo Burke vs. Mr. Hito

 

 

 

While many of the matches tonight featured some of the young, up and coming talent of PCW, this match would have a showdown between two veterans. Hito and Burke would have a tightly contested technical bout, with Hito trying to break Burke down with arm and leglocks, while Burke showed his considerable ring savvy by working his way out of those hold. He was able to get behind Hito and apply his feared Sleeper hold. Hito was unable to break out of the Sleeper and tapped out, a Japanese gesture that has now been accepted by PCW officials as a signal to surrender the match. It seems like more and more PCW wrestlers are using submission holds and trying to prove that theirs is supreme. PCW might just have to so something to figure out once and for all who has the ultimate submission skills.

 

Dingo Warrior vs. Roger Sexton

 

 

After harshly rebuffing Buddy Rose's offer of Playboy Club membership last week, Dingo once again came out on his own. At one point, Jim Cornette could be seen at the back of the arena, giving Dingo an appraising look, but he was gone before the end of the rather brief match. Dingo swiftly dispatched Sexton with the Gorilla Press Slam and splash combination and posed in the middle of the ring. It looks like, for the time being, Dingo Warrior continues to walk his own path.

 

Steve Blackman vs. Bob Backlund

 

 

A few weeks ago, Backlund made his PCW debut by attacking Keiichi Yamada during a match against Gary Young. Tonight, Backlund would face off with another young up and comer in Steve Blackman, one on one in the ring. Backlund had the rest of the Knights Templar at ringside, and they watched the match with rapt attention, fixated on every move their leader made. Blackman certainly gave Backlund quite the fight , but the considerable experience of Backlund was too much for him to overcome. Backlund was able to, errr, procure the Cross Face Chicken Wing and Blackman  had no choice but to tap out. Backlund then gave a signal and his acolytes followed him to the back. The effect Backlund has had on the Knights Templar is proving to be quite scary.

 

[Autistic Dragon]

Tenta impresses in his debut.

Maxx is really bringing the Payne with that armbar.

I've long thought that a suplex/crossbody would make a great doubleteam move but nobody ever seems to use it. The Rainbow Warriors pull it off nicely.

I'm calling it now, Rose payed off Grizzly. The big man will make an effective roadblock if nothing else.

It's a time of rebirth for the Brigade as Brown, Hall, McGee & Rotundo all seek new challenges elsewhere while Konnan & Henning arrive to inject new life.

Burke taps out Hito in a battle of PCW's elder statesmen. I like the emphasis your putting on submissions.

Dingo Warrior squashes another goober & has another manager with their eye on him.

Backlund gives young Blackman some shine but the nobody escapes the Chickenwing.

[rainmakerrtv]

Pacific Coast Wrestling show from the LA Sports Arena, Los Angeles, on ESPN / TSN Pacific Super Cards, January 22^nd

 

Tony St. Clair & Black Tiger vs. The Bomb Squad (Chris Candido & Al Snow)

 

In a bit of an upset, Tiger caught Candido in a rolling cradle and pinned the Light Heavyweight Champion.

 

Konnan vs. Sabu

 

Sabu was a wild one to try to corral, but Konnan was eventually able to hit a cradle DDT to get the pinfall

 

Art Barr vs. Jack Victory

 

The game Art Barr gave a spirited effort against "Venomous" Jack but ultimately went down to the Victory-Plex

 

Steve Blackman vs. Lord Humongous

 

Try though he might, Blackman could not overcome the man in the hockey mask and had to submit to the dreaded Shininomaki

 

Rip Oliver, Tabarnak De Team (Jos Leduc & Pierre Carl Ouellet), John Tenta & ?? ?? vs. Buddy Rose, Ed Wiskowski , Fit Finlay & The Sheepherders

 

There was a buzz of anticipation in the crowd, with everyone curious to see who would be the mystery partner of Rip Oliver's team would be. After the Playboy Club, Oliver and his partners (minus the mystery partner) headed out to the ring. Buddy Rose was impatient, telling Oliver, "Bring him on!" Then the lights briefly went out, then came back on as the arena PA started playing "Just Got Paid" by ZZ Top. Rose looked initially puzzled, then terrified when the mystery partner came out … TEXAS RED !!!! The big raw boned Texan had not been seen in PCW in over a year, but was making his return in a big way. But this seemed to be a different man from the one the fans remembered. Word had it that he had been through some intense experiences in Florida, and he was clearly a changed man. Never the most ebullient character, he wore a severe scowl on his face that never let up. Instead of his more familiar trunks, he was wearing black tights and a long black duster coat. Nonetheless, he did take to slap palms with the fans on the way to the ring where he stood beside his partners.  Predictably, Buddy Rose wanted to part of this match, mostly letting the other Playboy Club members do his fighting for him. While Wiskowski, Finlay and the Sheepherders were certainly not lacking in toughness, Oliver and company were not about to hold back. Tenta and Texas Red in particular were tossing their opposition all over the ring, and Rose was clearly quaking in the corner. While they were unable to draw Rose into the ring for more than brief periods, Texas Red put the final nail in the match when he planted Butch Miller with a tombstone piledriver, an unfamiliar move from him but devastatingly effective. As if Rose doesn't have enough to worry about these days, the return of Texas Red is quite the blockbuster.

 

Pacific Heavyweight Title Match : Barry Windham © vs. TNT

 

A vicious fight that ended in a DQ win for Windham when TNT sprayed him with the green mist. TNT continued to attack the blinded Windham after the match until Konnan charged out and ran him and Gary Hart out of the ring

 

[Scarlet-Left]

A solid introduction for John Tenta!

I'm solidly behind the Rainbow Warriors, I hope they get a chance to shine.

Konnan and Curt Hennig are a great get for the Brigade - they're such a cool babyface stable!

That was a fun return for Texas Red! I'm really looking forward to seeing his development going forward!

[Autistic Dragon]

Black Tiger definitely has a claim on a title match after the opener.

Between Konnan's lucha libre & Sabu being Sabu, I think they could have had a crazy match.

Victory's new "Venomous" streak pays off.

It takes more than a few impressive karate moves to defeat the lord of the wasteland!

Texas Red returns with a new look, some new moves & a seemingly better (if not necessarily friendlier) disposition and it carries his team to victory.

TNT may have blown this chance at the title but I got a feeling he'll have another opportunity sooner or later.

[kevinmcfl]

Again.... loved the big interview you did this with the Brigade.  Man, you have cleaned house but I am excited to see what you have instore for us.  One thing I can see is that Maxx Payne is going to be a huge player. I also think the addition of Hennig is going to be huge for PCW.

[rainmakerrtv]

Pacific Coast Wrestling Show from the UCSB Event Center, Santa Barbara, January 23^rd

 

Cactus Jack vs. Hector Guerrero

 

The rather odd looking Cactus Jack had his first PCW match and gave a good fight to Hector before finally being wrapped up in the Guerrero Clutch

 

Tony St. Clair vs. Rick Gantner

 

This was a knock down , drag out fight between "Tough" Tony and one half of the Wild Bulls. In his second match in 2 days, St. Clair pulled off an incredible feat when he was able to hit big Rick Gantner with the spinning forearm smash and knock Gantner out for the one two three.

 

US Steel vs. Chavo Guerrero

 

Guerrero attempted a running cross body, but Steel caught him and hit a jarring over the knee back breaker, followed by a front slam for the win

 

Leo Burke vs. Ed Gantner

 

The Wild Bull took Burke down with the Bull Hammer (running forearm smash to the face)

 

California Title Match : Owen Hart© vs. Gary Young

 

Young's mentor, Bob Backlund, was in his corner for this match, and Backlund's teaching clearly has had a marked impact on Young, who took the champ to the limit in a 20 minute time limit draw

 

Golden State Tag Team Title Match : Badd Company © vs. British Steel (Steven Regal & Robbie Brookside)

 

The newly aggressive Badd Company had a furious title defense against British Steel, finally getting the pin when Diamond Superkicked Brookside into a German Suplex by Tanaka

 

Dan Severn, Jeff Jarrett & Brian Pillman vs. The Midnight Express & Big Bubba Rogers

 

Jim Cornette's men came out with plentiful title belts and arrogance, but Severn, Jarrett and Pillman came out with something to prove. Despite the trickery of Camp Cornette, the fan favorites just kept coming back to push their opponents to the extreme. Eventually, things broke down with all six men in the ring. Eaton tried to Irish Whip Pillman into Big Bubba, but Pillman reversed it at the last moment. Not realizing what had happened, Big Bubba reflexively hit the Big Bubba Slam on Eaton. Rogers was aghast at what he had done, but before he could do anything else, Jarrett and Pillman hit him with a double dropkick that sent the big man flying out of the ring. Severn then locked Eaton in the body scissors sleeper and forced him to tap out. Cornette and his crew have been flying high of late, but this match may well have brought them back down to earth.

[Autistic Dragon]

I don't care that he lost, I'm just glad to see Cactus Jack. Bang Bang!

St Clair outbattles the Bull!

Steel gets a big win over Chavo Classic.

The Gantner Brothers break even as Ed beats the General.

Backlund must've been proud watching his "son" go twenty minutes with Hart.

Badd Company prove to be even harder than British Steel as they retain the Golden State Titles.

A Big Bubba botch gives the Odd Couple a submission win over the Tag Champs. That will be fun.