Pacific Coast Wrestling

[spaldoni]

Anvil says goodbye on a high note.

I agree, 1989 will be Azul's year.

Eddie and Barr rekindle their feud with fire. But the question is, who is this green villain? 

Sunshine had a great run in Pacific, sad to see her go.

Hahahahaha Backlund was the perfect guy for Spicoli to finally get his long awaited win. That pop must've been unreal.

The Hart Foundation walk away together one last time. Bret is going to need some new allies in 89. 

Vancouver,

Stormfront end 88 with a big win over the Malenkos. 

I see more matches between Hall and Hennig. 

Another team looking to make a serious run in 89 is the Can Am Express. 

After a bit of a slump, Rose has really turned things around. 

Rhodes gets battered but manages to retain. 

After Battleground, it made total sense for Lee to get a title shot. He came up short but he'll rebound. 

Kelowna,

Regal is another guy I'll be watching next year. 

Who is this mysterious green man? He seems to be having a good time. 

Chono's stock is rising. 

Destruction Crew found out the FOJ can fight fire with fire. 

Looks like Silver King has earned himself a LHW title shot. 

Pillman and Finlay end the year on the highest note. Pillman's reign has been incredible. 

1989 should be another epic year for PCW. 

[rainmakerrtv]

The shot comes up on an LA rooftop at night. It is backlit, but police helicopters overhead bring flashes of occasional additional light. At first, there is no one there, but suddenly , a man appears at the edge. He is all in green, a bizarre green mask on his head. He says nothing but a ghastly , gutteral cackle. Then, just as suddenly, he is gone, leaving nothing behind but echoing laughter. The text comes up on the screen.

Coming to PCW in 1989

Just who is ....... the Jackal?

[Autistic Dragon]

I was hoping you'd do these vignettes again!

[LastStopTour]

Where is Spiderman to take care of things? Cue the cartoon theme song ...

[rainmakerrtv]

The scene is set on Zuma Beach near Malibu. A tall, blonde man strides down the beach like he owns the place. On his arms are two, attractive, bikini clad women. The man is tanned and bare chested, wearing swim trunks, and he is powerfully built. He then stops, spotting a skinny man sitting on his own on the beach, then walks over to him and kicks sand in his face, smirking as he does so. The women laugh, and the skinny man looks like he is about to respond, but then thinks better of it when he sees how big the blonde man is. The camera gets close to the blonde man, but he rudely shoves the cameraman aside. The text comes up on the screen.

Catch a wave and you'll be sitting on top of PCW! Hanging ten on the West Coast in 1989, it's ....

"The Illustrious" Johnny Ace!

[Autistic Dragon]

Interested to see what you can get out of "Mr Excitement".

[rainmakerrtv]

The scene opens up outside a packed Hollywood club at night. The paparazzi are out in full force, taking pictures of every star or would be star who comes to the entrance. Their heads turn as a limo pulls up and three people step out. The two men are handsome and athletic, wearing suspenders on their slacks and open shirts that show off their physiques. The women present definitely are excited by their arrival. But the photographers pay most of their attention to the beautiful young woman who is with them. The men are all smiles but the woman is more enigmatic as she links her arms with theirs, leading them into the club. The text comes up on the screen.

Cruising into PCW in 1989, make way for ..... the Dreamboats!

[Autistic Dragon]

Well they certainly look the part.

[spaldoni]

Yes! The PCW vignettes are back. These are such a great way to introduce characters. 

 

[rainmakerrtv]

The scene is set in a forest in Oregon. One can hear a rhythmic thudding of something being rended. The camera finds two men on either side of a tree, alternating chopping opposing sides of it with axes. A broad shouldered man with a short beard is familiar to Pacific Coast fans. The other is a newcomer, a ruggedly built man with close cropped hair and goatee. It doesn't take long for the tree to come down. Once it is felled, the two men give the camera a stern look. The text comes up on the screen :

Clearing a path to PCW in 1989, its ..... the Oregon Wrecking Crew!

[Autistic Dragon]

Having watched a good amount of NWA Wildside/Anarchy I'm actually quite familiar with David Young. He and Albright should make a formidable duo.

[rainmakerrtv]

The scene is set in a gym. There seems to be a bit of a commotion, as the regulars are surrounding some sort of occurance. The cameraman pushes their way through the the crowd to see what all the fuss is about. A very muscular man is bench pressing a terrifying amount of weight. The crowd is agog as he does his reps like it is no effort at all. Once he is done, he stands up and gives a double arm flex, towering over everyone present. The text comes up on the screen.

In 1989, PCW is about to get  even more awesome thanks to .... Mike Awesome!

[Autistic Dragon]

PCW just signed itself a living, breathing war machine! If you get it, you get it.

[kevinmcfl]

Really enjoying all these introductions.  Perfect for your territory!

[rainmakerrtv]

The scene is set in a graveyard late at night. The camera work is jittery and agitated as it tries to track two men in face paint, snickering and scampering among the gravestones . One is the familiar figure of "Beetlejuice" Art Barr, the other a tall muscular man in a sleeveless shirt that shows off his impressive physique. The two men stop when they run into a huge imposing man with a Mohawk and several tattoos. The facepainted men stare at the newcomer wide eyed, then all three start laughing. The laughter is high pitched from the men in paint, deep and booming from the man with the Mohawk. The text comes up on the screen.

PCW is going to get a whole lot weirder in 1989 , with .... the Soultaker and the Juice Crew!

[Autistic Dragon]

Between the Jackal and Barr's two new friends, I wonder what Cactus thinks of the direction the Wild Things are taking.

[spaldoni]

Once again, these vignettes are so cool. I've always loved using vignettes as a way of introducing wrestlers. I just can't seem to capture the full vision like you can. However, you've inspired me to keep trying 

[LastStopTour]

On 11/30/2023 at 9:30 PM, rainmakerrtv said:

The scene opens up outside a packed Hollywood club at night. The paparazzi are out in full force, taking pictures of every star or would be star who comes to the entrance. Their heads turn as a limo pulls up and three people step out. The two men are handsome and athletic, wearing suspenders on their slacks and open shirts that show off their physiques. The women present definitely are excited by their arrival. But the photographers pay most of their attention to the beautiful young woman who is with them. The men are all smiles but the woman is more enigmatic as she links her arms with theirs, leading them into the club. The text comes up on the screen.

Cruising into PCW in 1989, make way for ..... the Dreamboats!

She was meant to be in Tennessee.

The only one of my picks I didn't get.

[rainmakerrtv]

The scene is set on a ranch. From the distance, a dust cloud approaches. It turns out to be a rider on horseback, who pulls up to the camera. It is a handsome young cowboy in full cowboy gear, including a duster coat and white stetson. He grins, tips his stetson and winks to the camera. The text comes up on the screen.

Riding the dusty trail in 1989, all the way to PCW, comes .... Billy Gunn!

[Autistic Dragon]

Looks like PCW just found its Smoking Gunn.

[rainmakerrtv]

The scene is set in an Irish Pub. "If I Should Fall From Grace With God" by the Pogues plays on the jukebox, but there is little other sound. Nearly every table in the place is broken, and the floor is littered with the battered, unconscious bodies of burly men. The one person standing is a small but pugnacious man, breathing heavily and glaring. The camera shifts to show the one other conscious person present. Sitting at the bar is Fit Finlay with a glass of Guinness, giving a proud smile to the other man. He raises his glass in a salute to the other man. The text comes up.

In 1989, PCW will experience a strange magic thanks to ... the Leprechaun!

[kevinmcfl]

Just loved the intro of the Soultaker and the Juice Crew!  

[Control21]

These vignettes are very well done and are a great idea as others have noted. 1989 looks to be a very colorful year for PCW!

[rainmakerrtv]

Pacific Coast Wrestling New Years Day Special 1989 from the Northlands Colisseum, Edmonton, January 1^st

 

The Dreamboats (Tommy Dreamer & Glamour Boy Shane) vs. BB Andersen & Dirk Been

 

Pacific Coast Wrestling had an action packed 1988 and has come back to kick off 1989 in style. The first match up of their big New Years Day Special would feature the debut of a brand new tag team looking to make their mark on the West Coast. Coming out to the sound of "Peg" by Steely Dan, Dreamer and Shane were two handsome and well built men, both wearing suspenders and tights, and had ready smiles while they shook hands with the fans as they made their way to the ring. Their manager, Trisa Hayes, had more of a cool confidence as she accompanied them, but her considerable beauty certainly drew a lot of looks. Once the match started, the Dreamboats proved her confidence in them was well founded, easily dominating their opposition before Shane polished off Anderson with the Glamour Profession (top rope flying elbow smash). They may face an uphill climb in the always competitive PCW Tag Team Division, but the Dreamboats are certainly off to a good start.

 

Chris Candido vs. Louie Spicolli vs. Dragon Azul vs. Silver King

 

1988 saw a host of younger wrestlers start to come into their own, and this match would feature several of them square off in a Four Way Elimination Match. Curiously, Jerry Lynn showed up for this match, standing at the back of the arena and carefully observing the goings on.  Although Candido is the youngest wrestler in the match, he has the most experience in PCW, having won the Light Heavyweight Title for a notable reign. He closed off 1989 having renewed his friendship with his former partner Spicolli, but that didn't stop them from going all out against each other. Louie Spicolli had developed something of a fan following as a beloved underground, and his victory over Bob Backlund established himself as someone to watch. After an enthusiastic battle, he attempted to get Candido up for a Samoan Drop, only for Candido to breakout with a slide down and a rollup that just barely held his shoulders down for the three count. In spite of being eliminated from the match, Spicolli shook Candido's hand good naturedly before leaving the ring. As he departed, Jerry Lynn beckoned him over, having a brief word in his ear before the two watched the rest of the match together. The three remaining competitors stepped up the pace, having a breathtaking dual before Candido was taken out by Dragon with a takeover suplex. Another handshake and Candido joined Lynn and Spicolli at the back of the arena. The match now came down to Dragon Azul and Silver King. The two wrestlers were very familiar with each other, with both men having scored victories over the other in several well regarded matches in 1989. The two men got down to brass tacks and the anticipation rose in the fans as to who would come out on top. It seemed like it might be Dragon who would prevail when he attempted a DDT, but Silver King powered out with a backdrop. He then followed up with the Silver Crash (rolling Fireman's Carry Slam), and that was enough to make Silver King the ultimate winner. After the match, Lynn, Spicolli and Candido joined the other two in the ring, and after a quick discussion, all five men left the ring together. Whatever is going on, something tells me this will turn out to be big for Pacific Coast Wrestling.

 

Mike Awesome vs. Joel Klug

 

The next debut was an imposing man going by the name of Mike Awesome. If his height and powerful physique were not intimidating enough, he was accompanied by Buddy Rose, Scotty The Body, Mark Starr and Tina Ferrari, indicating that Mr. Awesome was the newest recruit to the Playboy Club. It turns out, Awesome didn't need the backup, immediately taking Klug off his feet with a running kick before following up with a running knee drop. He then proceeded to dismantle Klug with a series of power moves before full on knocking him out with a huge Power Bomb. Awesome didn't even bother to cover him, simply putting a foot on Klug's chest and giving a double flex pose while the ref made the three count. It didn't take long for Mike Awesome to prove that his name was no exaggeration.

 

The Southern Boys vs. The Oregon Wrecking Crew (Gary Albright & David Young)

 

This match would be the first appearance for the new team of the Oregon Wrecking Crew. Albright was by now a familiar face to the PCW fans, but Young was a newcomer, a ruggedly build man with close cropped hair and a beard. With Albright and Young hailing from Montana and Georgia, respectively, their team name was a bit of an oddity, but they certainly were setting the bar high for their first match, taking on the former Pacific Tag Team champs. Albright and Young were certainly tough customers, landing some jarring slams and suplexes on the Southern Boys. Smothers and Armstrong were taken aback by this show of aggression from the new team, but rallied with their own double team moves and got themselves back in the game. The match took a turn when a commotion arose at ringside. It was Billy Jack Haynes , who had not been seen since coming up short in his Pacific Heavyweight Title match at San Diego Battleground. Before that, he had several altercations with Gary Albright, and he proceeded to stare down Albright. This proved a sufficient distraction for Smothers to sneak into the ring and roll up Albright for a two count. Albright was able to kick out and the ref escorted Smothers out of the ring. While the ref was thus distracted, Billy Jack entered the ring … and levelled Armstrong with a huge clothesline! He dove out of the ring while Albright grabbed Armstrong and whipped him into Young, who planted him with a crushing Spinebuster Slam. Albright knocked Smothers off the ring apron with a running elbow smash while the ref made the count, giving the first victory to the Wrecking Crew. It seemed they had not had enough fun, as Billy Jack returned to the ring and locked the helpless Armstong in a Full Nelson, only releasing it under orders from the ref. The crowd was agog at this shocking betrayal, but Billy Jack paid the fans no mind as he led Albright and Young from the ring.

 

Johnny Ace vs. Kel Gleason

 

The debuts continued with "The Illustrious" Johnny Ace, a tall blonde haired wrestler who came out in a tropical shirt and colourful trunks. He seemed well pleased with himself to the point of smug, and the fans took an instant dislike to the confident man. To his credit, he certainly had the athletic skill to back up his braggadocio . He dominated young Gleason, tossing him from pillar to post before putting him down for good with the Ace Dropper. A convincing win, but Ace will need to do a lot to make a dent in the always competitive PCW rankings.

 

Interview : Don Coss stands in the ring

 

Coss : Ladies and gentlemen, my next guest is one of the top contenders in Pacific Coast Wrestling … Bret "The Hitman" Hart!

 

The crowd cheers the much beloved star as he makes his entrance. "The Hitman" is looking serious even for him as he heads out to the ring.

 

Coss : Bret, I can imagine that you came out of 1988 with mixed feelings. You got a big victory over Bam Bam Bigelow at San Diego Battleground, but you lost two of your closest allies in Jim Neidhart and your brother Owen.

 

Hart : You're not wrong, Don. While it was great to finally get that win over Bigelow, it hurt like hell to lose Jim and Owen. Don't get me wrong, they will both be just fine and be stars in their new promotions. But it isn't going to be easy to face the Diamond Exchange without my family by my side. Speaking of family, I want to talk about something else for a bit. As you know, my dad, Stu Hart, is not just a legendary wrestler, he is also one of the greatest trainers in all of wrestling. Last year, he got a visit from a young man from Texas. This man wanted to become a wrestler and wanted to learn from the best. Unfortunately, my dad has just closed down Stampede wrestling. But he saw something in this guy, so he agreed to train him the best he could. You know my dad. He put this kid through hell, gave him the most strenuous and intense training in all of wrestling. Most young prospects who have headed for the hills at this point. But this kid just kept coming back for more. He wasn't going to be held back from making his dream come true. My dad did everything he could, but there comes a point when you've got to leave the Dungeon and start wrestling day in and day out in a regular promotion. Like I said, Stampede had closed down, so dad called me and asked me for a favor. He said this kid was something special, and asked if I could find him a spot in PCW, keep an eye out for him. I'd do anything for my father, and am always glad to help out a young wrestler who is willing to work hard, so I agreed. I want to introduce a young star in the making who I think has what it takes to go all the way in wrestling …. "Stunning" Steve Austin!

 

The crowd warmly greets young Austin as he heads out to join Bret in the ring. Austin is a good looking man with long blond hair and a muscular physique, and he is all smiles as he greets his new mentor.

 

Coss : Well, Mr. Austin, an introduction like that must feel hard to live up to.

 

Austin : Gosh, Mr. Coss, you can call me Steve. Bret is being too kind with his words, I am just another wrestler trying to make the most of his chance. Bret has been incredibly generous with his time and attention, and I am going to make sure he doesn't regret it. And he doesn't have to worry anymore about the Diamond Exchange! With me by his side, they are going to regret that they messed with the Hitman!

 

Bret : Whoah! Hold it there, Steve, I'm not bringing you here to fight my wars. I'll figure out a way to take care of the Diamond Exchange, you aren't ready for them … not yet. You have incredible potential, but you are still learning to walk before you can run. You'll get there soon enough. Just promise you will focus on that and becoming the best wrestler you can, and the world won't be able to deny you.

 

Austin : I promise I won't let you down, Bret. I will make you proud!

 

The Soultaker vs. Mitchell Olson

 

The next new face to PCW was one of the scariest to appear tonight. The towering Soultaker was a huge man with a powerful build and mohawk haircut, along with several tattoos on his chest and arms. If that wasn't intimidating enough, he was accompanied at ringside by Cactus Jack and Art Barr, showing that he was the latest recruit to the Wild Ones. Once the bell rang, the newcomer quickly displayed that he terrifying look wasn't all show. He tore into Olson like a stewed chicken, using his considerable power to batter him before polishing him off with the Exorcism (Spine Snapper back breaker). Things took an even stranger turn after the match. As Cactus and Barr were congratulating their new crony in the ring, the lights in the arena went out. When they came back on, a spotlight was shining at the back of the arena on the mysterious masked man who had been ambushing the opponents of the Wild Things. He was laughing madly and waving to them. Soultaker looked annoyed, Cactus concerned, but Barr soon started laughing along with him. Hmmmmm …..

 

Toshiaki Kawada & Kensuke Sasaki vs. Fit Finlay & Erin O'Grady

 

The next match featured two teams combining both old and new. Kawada's Footloose partner Ricky Fuyuki had returned to Japan, but he had found a new partner in Kensuke Sasaki, another promising young Japanese star. Meanwhile, Finlay was doing something rather unexpected with his partner. The Belfast Bruiser has hardly seemed like the most nurturing of individuals, but has taken a young pupil under his wing in the form of "The Leprechaun" Erin O'Grady. The diminutive grappler seemed eerily familiar to the PCW fans, showing a fair amount of his mentor's pugnacious attitude, but with a fast paced style all his own. He was always willing to throw down with the Japanese team, which wound up costing him when he was taken down by Sasaki with a single armed throw. Sasaki immediately trapped him in the Stranglehold Gamma, and while O'Grady held out as long as he could, it was only a matter of time before he tapped out. Despite the loss, Finlay helped his young pupil to his feet and was very encouraging as they returned to the back together. It seems like Finlay does have a bit of a soft spot for someone. Who knew?

 

The Juice Crew (Art Barr & Big Juice) vs. Jeff Varner & Carl Bilancione

 

"Beetlejuice" Art Barr made his second appearance of the evening, this time as part of a new tag team. He had an incredible reign as Golden State Tag Team champ in 1988 with Eddie Guerrero, but has wasted no time in finding a new partner with the appropriately named Big Juice. Juice was an imposing, muscular man who loomed over both the opposition and his partner. Cactus Jack and Soultaker joined their comrades at ringside and were constantly looking out for the mysterious masked man, but the Juice Crew simply got on with the business of destroying Varner and Billancione. The pair simply annihilated the rookies, easily pinning Varner after the Juice Loosener (Bearhug by Big Juice into a slingshot lariat by Beetlejuice) and just like that, there was a new team making an impact on the West Coast.

 

Billy Gunn vs. Bob Johnson

 

The final debut of the evening came in the charismatic form of a long , lanky Texan in a Stetson, duster coat and cowboy boots. With a drop handlebar mustache and a winning smile, Gunn easily caught admiring glances from the ladies in the audience. That said, he quickly proved his worth to everyone in the audience, showing considerable athletic ability as he easily dominated Johnson. Johnson didn't stand a chance as Gunn sent him flying all over the ring before dispatching him with the Gunnslinger (swinging side slam). Once the match ended, Gunn was joined in the ring by Scott Hall, Dustin Rhodes and Brian Lee. After a brief discussion, Gunn's smile got even wider as he left the ring with them. It didn't take long for Gunn to earn himself a spot in the Brigade.

 

Maxx Payne vs. Genichiro Tenryu

 

Genichiro Tenryu arrived in PCW last year and since then, the Blood Syndicate leader has cut his way through the roster like a cleaver. Competitor after competitor has taken on Tenryu, only to end up destroyed by the Japanese star. He had his young pupil, Masahiro Chono, at ringside to observe what he was certain to be his next easy victory. His opponent tonight, Maxx Payne, didn't seem unnerved by this. After having been unceremoniously abandoned by the Neighborhood Of Evil early last year, he has found a new home in the Citadel and has worked hard to earn a reputation as a tough and determined contender. He certainly seemed to give Tenryu more of a battle than he expected. Payne was able to dodge the Enzuiriri a couple of times, resist attempts to hit the Power Bomb, and fought like a tiger to escape several submission attempts. He was even able to hit some jarring suplexes of his own, coming close to cinching in the Payne Killer. He really got the fans behind him, but got in too close and Tenryu was able to hit a massive Belly To Belly suplex. Tenryu followed up with a gutwrench suplex before a backdrop suplex that dropped Payne on his head to finish him off. Even after the pinfall, Tenryu was not done, demanding Chono put Payne in the STF to make an example of him. Payne glared balefully at Tenryu and said nothing, but it was clear he was in excruciating pain. It was then that someone charged in and dropkicked Tenryu out of the ring. He then hit a spin kick to Chono's head, forcing him to release the hold. It was Steve Blackman! The Lethal Weapon had not been seen on the Pacific Coast since early last year, but had come back to help out his old Citadel comrade. Tenryu pulled Chono out of the ring and the two headed to the back, no doubt planning some retaliation further down the line. Blackman helped Payne to his feet and assisted his friend back to the locker room. Payne may have gotten back his friend tonight, but the two are going to have to keep an eye out for two powerful enemies.

 

Pacific Tag Team Title Match : The Destruction Crew © vs. Stormfront (Al Snow & Alex Porteau)

 

The Destruction Crew had an up and down year in 1988, but it ended in triumph for them. The rookie team found new direction under the guidance of Diamond Dallas Page and ended the year as Pacific Tag Team Champions. Their first challengers of 1989 would be a team that worked hard to get their shot. After a low key start, Stormfront have made considerable progress over the past year to establish themselves as a team on the rise. The Crew didn't seem to be taking Snow and Porteau particularly seriously, but soon learned how big a mistake that was. Bloom, a former standout Greco-Roman wrestler, actually had an exciting technical duel with Porteau, but "The Pug" was eventually able to come out on top with some hard hitting suplexes. DDP tried to tip the balance by sliding the sledgehammer into the ring, but Snow immediately stopped it with the heel of his boot. Instead of picking it up and trying to use it against the Crew, as other teams usually did, Snow simply used the side of his foot to just slide the hammer out the other side of the ring. The Crew seemed unable to figure out what to do with Stormfront, as none of their usual tactics seemed to work against the pugnacious challengers. The two teams were still duking it out when the bell rang, signalling a 15 minute time limit draw, but there can be no doubt that Stormfront have earned another shot at the belts somewhere down the line.

 

Bret Hart vs. Steven Regal

 

The crowd buzz reached a fever pitch with this, the first match of the double main event of the evening. The Canadian fans were certainly psyched to see the Hitman, who was coming off a tumultuous 1988. No longer backed by his partner Jim Neidhart or his brother Owen, Bret had his new pupil Steve Austin in his corner to observe the match. Regal himself was going it alone, after successful runs in British Steel and the Knights Templar. Whether as a tag wrestler or singles, Regal has a well earned reputation for being hard as ten bears, and he and the Hitman had a match that mixed technical brilliance and bruising blows. Partway through the match, there was the unwelcome appearance of DDP, Chris Adams and Bam Bam Bigelow, who took an immediate interest in young Steve Austin. The trio proceeded to mock and taunt Austin until they goaded him into taking a swing at them, then laughed as PCW security swarmed in between them. Bret Hart came out and calmed down Austin, and the Diamond Exchange left without further incident. After that distraction, Bret and Regal got back down to business. Regal was able to fight his way out of attempts to get him in the Sharpshooter, but Bret was able to catch him in a rollup out of the corner and keep his shoulders to the mat for the One Two Three. A big victory for the Hitman, but it looks like he is going to have his hands full, not just with the Diamond Exchange but with keeping his young ward out of trouble.

 

Pacific Heavyweight Title Match : Barry Windham © vs. Scott Hall

 

A long and exciting evening of wrestling comes to a close with a Heavyweight Title match. Barry Windham's second title reign saw him face a host of tough contenders, but the tall Texan saw the end of the year with the title belt still wrapped around his waist. He was definitely not taking it easy to start off the new year, defending it against his former Brigade colleague , big Scott Hall. Hall had an epic year after his return to the West coast, having a brutal feud that culminated with him defeating the seemingly undefeatable Undertaker at San Diego Battleground. The stage was set for a clash of titans, and they certainly delivered. The two big heavyweights went at it in a way that caused the ring to shake and shudder. Hall was able to keep Windham from getting him up on the top turnbuckle for the Superplex, but was still unable to hit the Gator Breaker (Fallaway slam) on the champ. He was going for a big clothesline to take Windham down, but Windham ducked and caught Hall on the rebound with a huge dropkick. He then went up top and levelled Hall with a Flying Lariat and that was that. 1989 starts of with the same question as 1988 finished : just who can stop the Widowmaker?

 

[rainmakerrtv]

Pacific Wrestling Showcase from the Victoria Memorial Arena, Victoria, on ESPN / TSN, January 5^th

 

Steve Austin vs. Silas Gaither

 

At the New Years Special, Bret Hart introduced to the world his young protégé "Stunning" Steve Austin, but this would be the first chance for the world to see what he could do in the ring. The young Texan showed a confidence that belied his relative inexperience, smoothly dominating Gaither before administering the Coup De Grace with the Stun Gun. Bret Hart was watching from ringside with a proud papa look, and after the match, put his arm around Austin as he led him from the ring. Time will tell, but it looks like the sky is the limit for "Stunning" Steve.

 

Steve Blackman vs. Phil Lafon

 

"The Lethal Weapon" Steve Blackman made a very welcome return when he came to the rescue of his friend from the Citadel, Maxx Payne. The fans were very glad to see the Ancaster, PA native make his comeback and he has gotten right back into the thick of things, taking on one half of the highly touted Can-Am Express. Lafon has his own considerable history on the West Coast, and this was an exciting technical showdown. Lafon ended up trying to take Blackman out with a reverse flying body press, only for Blackman to dodge it. When Lafon was able to get back to his feet, Blackman hit him with a roundhouse kick to the head that knocked him out and got the win. No doubt about it, Steve Blackman is back and on track.

 

The Oregon Wrecking Crew (Gary Albright & David Young) vs. Clarence Black & Peter Harkey

 

The Oregon connection to the Oregon Wrecking Crew was made shockingly clear at the New Years Day Special when Oregon native Billy Jack Haynes turned on his former friends the Southern Boys to hand a big victory to Albright and Young. Haynes was at ringside as his new allies ran roughshod over Black and Harkey. The Wrecking Crew demolished their opponents with crushing throws and slams before Young planted Harkey with a Spinebuster Slam to put it all to rest. It certainly hasn't taken long for the Oregon Wrecking Crew to earn a reputation as a force to be reckoned with.

 

The Dreamboats (Tommy Dreamer & Glamour Boy Shane) vs. Buddy Rose & Scotty The Body

 

The Dreamboats are another team looking to establish themselves in PCW and they got off to a fast start on New Years Day. Tonight, they would be facing the determined and focused Playboy Club, although the looks that Scotty was giving the Dreamboats' manager Trisa Hayes hinted that his focus was perhaps slipping. Tina Ferrari in turn was giving Trisa looks of pure venom, but Trisa kept her attention locked on supporting her men in the ring. Rose and Scotty never let up on Dreamer and Shane, but the young team kept bouncing back, not about to knuckle under to the more experienced Club. Scotty's frequent showboating in a misguided attempt to impress Trisa wound up costing him dearly. While giving a double bicep flex and a wink in the direction of the unimpressed manager, he failed to notice Tommy Dreamer coming up behind him and catching him in a schoolboy rollup. He was just able to hold Scotty's shoulders for the mat for the three count, earning a huge victory for the young team. Rose and Tina were furious and could both be seen swatting Scotty in the back of the head as they lambasted him all the way back to the locker room. I don't think they will be letting him be distracted like this in the future.

 

Erin O'Grady vs. Gabriel Cade

 

"The Leprechaun" may have been on the losing end of a tag match on New Years Day, but that didn't seem to have diminished his mentor Fit Finlay's faith in him one iota. The Belfast Bruiser was in the corner of his young pupil and giving him encouragement throughout. Bolstered by his mentor's faith in him, O'Grady was all over his opponent, pinning Cade following the Pot O' Gold (springboard bulldog). It certainly has to be a real shot in the arm for O'Grady to have Finlay in his corner.

 

Interview : Don Coss stands in the ring

 

Coss : Ladies and gentleman, my next guest is a rising star on the Pacific Coast … Jerry Lynn!

 

Although Jerry Lynn is the only one announced, his is accompanied by Chris Candido, Louie Spicolli, Dragon Azul and Silver King. The crowd warmly greets the young wrestlers as they head to the ring.

Coss : Well, Jerry Lynn, I guess it can't say it is too big a surprise to see who is joining you tonight, given what happened at the New Years Day Special. Does this mean that you are now the leader of a new group of wrestlers?

 

Lynn : Yes and no, Don. We will be working together, but I am not the leader. The guys just agreed that I will be the spokesman. (The other wrestlers nod in agreement) Most of us here are used to being in groups. We used to be taking the lead from more experienced wrestlers. That was important for us at the time. We learned a lot from the wrestlers like Leo Burke, Dan Severn and Bob Backlund. But time passes and things change. With all respect to those worthy gentlemen, there comes a time when a man needs to step out on his own and make his own decisions.  We've all talked together and have agreed to work together and support each other. Help each other become the best wrestlers we can possibly be and get the title shots we deserve.

 

Coss : So I take it you and your men will be aiming at the Pacific Light Heavyweight Title?

 

Candido : Not just the light heavyweight title, Don. I've held that title before, and while it was a great honour to hold it, we're not just going to limit our horizons to that title alone. Louie and I had a pretty good tag team going for a little while in early 1988, and we could see ourselves getting a shot at either of the tag team titles. In fact, there isn't a title on the Pacific Coast that we aren't up for making a challenge.

 

Coss : Even the Pacific Heavyweight Title?

 

Spicolli : (laughing) Hey, why not? Even big Barry Windham had best be prepared for a challenge from the New Generation!

 

Tracy Smothers vs. Billy Jack Haynes

 

As mentioned earlier, Billy Jack shocked and disappointed the fans when he turned on his old friends the Southern Boys and joined up with the Oregon Wrecking Crew. In doing so, he temporarily put Steve Armstrong on the shelf, so Tracy Smothers was out to avenge his partner. Smothers is one tough customer, but an enraged Billy Jack Haynes proved to be just too much to overcome. As the Oregon Wrecking Crew watched from ringside, Haynes hit the Shoulder Breaker, then locked Smothers in the Full Nelson to force him to tap out. Haynes refused to release the hold after the match, and it took Shinya Hashimoto, Kensuke Sasaki and Toshiaki Kawada rushing out to the ring to get him to let Smothers go and leave the ring. Clearly, the new Oregon Wrecking Crew are not just a group to contend with, but full on dangerous.

 

Bret Hart vs. Dean Malenko

 

The evening closed out with a matchup between two great second generations. Bret and Dean are both the sons of legendary wrestlers but have worked hard to become standout contenders in their own right and had a gripping technical match. Both men had each other well scouted, so while they did work hard to cinch in the Sharpshooter or the Texas Cloverleaf, they were too canny to fall for the other's traps. It was the proverbial game of human chess, but it was Bret who was able to achieve checkmate with a belly to back suplex on Dean out of the corner. Bret offered a handshake of respect after the match, which Dean begrudgingly accepted.