AWA World Class Wrestling

[SirEdger]

Almost a broadway in the main event in all of your spot shows. Awesome to give the World Class faithful their money's worth!

[GeneJackson95]

Great series of house shows here.  I've been debating on going with a more realistic approach to house shows with most of the same matches taking place each night.....but haven't decided to go that route but it really seems to make more sense. Fans, really getting the bang for their buck with 10 matches and those huge main events. Great job!

[spaldoni]

I agree, those almost hour long 10 man tag main events defiantly gives the fans their money's worth! 

Also like the Blair/Zenk-Bass/Bart tag matches. 

 

[Blehschmidt]

-Broadcasting live to our local affiliates in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri, as well as in Syndication across these great United States, the American Wrestling Association proudly presents World Class Wrestling, coming to you this week from the Irish McNeil Boys Club in Shreveport, Louisiana!-

Jim Ross: Good Evening Ladies and Gentleman, and welcome to AWA World Class Wrestling! I'm Jim Ross and joining me as always is "Cowboy" Bill Watts.

Bill Watts: Thank you Jim. We have quite a line up of action this week, including the first two second round matches in the tournament for the...Oh, what the heck is this...

Skandor Akbar and Friday are leading Kamala to ringside. Friday and Kamala head into the ring, but Akbar heads over to the Marc Lowrance and grabs the house microphone.

Skandor Akbar: KABUKI!! I know you are here tonight! I am daring you to come to this ring and fight Kamala right now!

Akbar shoves the microphone back into the hands of Lowrance and joins Friday in the ring with Kamala.

Jim Ross: Skandor Akbar calling for The Great Kabuki to come to the ring and fight Kamala. Last week we saw Akbar berate Kabuki after Kabuki lost to Magnum TA, and we saw Kabuki respond by spraying that green mist into the eyes of the "General."

Bill Watts: Well, it looks like Akbar is going to get what he wants, because here comes Kabuki!!

The Great Kabuki comes to the ring, followed by a host of security and referee's. From the back comes Bob Geigel making a rare on camera appearance, and he tells security and all of the referee's other than Jerry Usher to get out of the ring and declares the match official!

 

1 Fall, 30 Minute Time Limit

-The Great Kabuki vs Kamala w/Skandor Akbar & Friday-

Kamala immediately began to lay into Kabuki with wild chops to the top of the head, but Kabuki fired back with martial arts blows into the midsection of the Ugandan Giant that staggered Kamala into the corner. Kabuki used a side kick that stunned Kamala and then attempted to lock in a nerve hold under the armpits of his larger opponent, but Kamala bit him which got Kabuki to let go. Kamala again began firing away with big chops to the head that staggered Kabuki, but Kabuki fought back with a series of kicks to the stomach and one to the head, that actually knocked the big man off of his feet.

It was then that Akbar waved frantically to the back and The Mongols raced toward the ring and interjected themselves into the action. Nazar Bulba was the first one into the ring, and he received a face full of the green mist for his effort. Taras fared a little better, throwing a clothesline at Kabuki, which was ducked, and then catching a huge Thrust Kick to the face that sent him down to the canvas. What he did do however was buy Kamala enough time to recover, and when Kabuki turned back around he was met with a huge thrust kick from Kamala! As soon as Kabuki hit the canvas, Kamala leapt onto him with the Big Splash. Akbar and Friday were both quickly into the ring, and Akbar could be heard screaming "AGAIN." Friday was jabbering instructions and Kamala obliged, delivering another Big Splash onto the prone form of Kabuki.

Taras Bulba recovered, and stretched the arms of Kabuki out over his head, while Akbar grabbed the legs of Kabuki leaving his midsection totally exposed and unprotected. Friday pointed Kamala to the turnbuckle. Kamala looked unsure, but eventually complied and came crashing down on the exposed Kabuki with a huge Splash from the Second Rope.

As Friday herded Kamala away from the ring, and Taras Bulba helped his blinded partner away from ringside, Skandor Akbar stood laughing over the prone form of The Great Kabuki.

Winner, by Disqualification: The Great Kabuki

 

-Commercial Break-

Jim Ross: Welcome back folks. While we were at break, The Great Kabuki was taken out of the ring on a stretcher and is now being loaded into an ambulance to be taken to the hospital. It would seem to me that Akbar never cared about a match, or winning or losing. That whole thing was a set up in an attempt to take The Great Kabuki out of our sport. Your thoughts Bill?

Bill Watts: I have to agree with you Jim. After the events of last week, a match between Kamala and Kabuki made sense, which is why Bob Geigel came out here and made it. But as you said, Akbar never cared about the outcome of any match. His plan all along was to hurt the man. I hope he is happy that he achieved that goal, because I am certain there will be repercussions for his actions.

Jim Ross: Up next we have the first match of the second round of the Heavyweight Title tournament, which will see Dick Murdoch take on Barry Windham.

 

1 Fall, 30 Minute Time Limit

-Barry Windham vs Dick Murdoch-

Murdoch took early control of this one grabbing a headlock out of the lock up and working it for all it was worth. Windham did all he could to get out of it, but Murdoch stubbornly held on until finally Barry dropped him with a big back suplex that got him to let go. Then it was Barry's turn as he grabbed Murdoch and nailed him with a series of atomic drops that had Murdoch doing some wild dancing and flailing as the pain rocketed up his back side. Barry then slapped on his own side headlock, took Murdoch over and nearly scored a surprise three count! Murdoch managed to work his way back to his feet while in the headlock and shot Barry into the ropes, Dick nailed him with a shoulderblock that sent Windham to the canvas. Murdoch hit the ropes for momentum, and went for an elbow drop, but Windham rolled out of the way. With a pained expression Murdoch jumped back up and went for another elbow, but Windham rolled out of the way again. Both men were quickly back up, and an irate Murdoch charged at Windham, only to be caught with an armdrag, that Windham converted into an armbar.

The match continued in this back and forth manner until well past the ten minute mark with both men gaining near falls on the other, until finally the veteran Murdoch was in full control at around the twelve minute mark nailing his younger opponent with a big bodyslam, then dropping a knee across his forehead. Murdoch kept on him, dropping an elbow across his chest, then pulled him up by his hair and whipped him hard into the turnbuckle. Murdoch followed him in with a back elbow, then used a series of shoulders to his midsection. Murdoch shoved Windham into the center of the ring and then charged him with a clothesline that put Barry down hard on the mat. Murdoch smirked as he grabbed two handfulls of hair and pulled Windham to his feet and hooked him for the Brainbuster. Murdoch hoisted him up in the air, but before he could drop him on his head, Windham began to scissor his legs and the momentum sent Barry's feet back down toward the canvas. In one amazingly smooth motion, as he was coming back down toward the mat, Barry threaded his legs in between those of Dick Murdoch and rolled him into an air tight small package. Referee James Beard counted the One, Two, Three and a stunned Murdoch could only watch as Barry Windham had his hand raised.

Winner: Barry Windham

 

Jim Ross: Barry Windham may have been playing a bit of possum there! Murdoch looked to be in complete control, but when Murdoch lifted him for the Brainbuster, Windham shifted the momentum, and cradled him for the victory.

Bill Watts: Murdoch is still sitting on the mat absolutely stunned. Windham advanced to the semi-finals, and will take on the winner of our main event tonight when Kerry Von Erich takes on David Schultz.

Jim Ross: Folks, we are going to take another break, and we'll be back with the Oriental duo of Yatsu and Duk. Don't go anywhere!

-Commercial Break-

1 Fall, 15 Minute Time Limit

-Kim Duk/Yoshi Yatsu vs Shane Tylor/Alexander Winston-

This was a one sided demolition as the Asian duo wiped the mat with the two youngsters. Yatsu first worked over Tylor hitting him with suplexes and applying submissions, before smashing him with a huge Powerslam that could have easily ended the match. Instead he tossed the man into his corner and signaled for his partner to tag himself in. Yatsu then tagged in Duk, who went to work on Winston in much the same way. Chops, suplexes, brutal knee drops and finally an inverted piledriver. Duk then covered the man with a single foot on his chest which was enough for the victory. The crowd in Louisiana boo'ed as the Asians left the ring with sadistic smiles on their faces.

Winners: Kim Duk/Yoshi Yatsu

 

Jim Ross: An impressive television debut for the team of Duk and Yatsu as they maul the competition in quick fashion.

Bill Watts: Both men had feared reputations when they arrived from the Orient, now that they have combined their skills they will be a hard team to defeat.

Jim Ross: Alright folks, we are going to take a commercial break and then we will return with our main event of the evening!

-Commercial Break-

 

1 Fall, 30 Minute Time Limit

-David Schultz vs Kerry Von Erich-

Kerry was fired up for this one and started laying in haymakers the moment the bell rang, sending Dr. Dr to the floor where he took full advantage of the referee's count. This repeated several times, until Kerry followed him out to the floor and Schultz took advantage sending Kerry back first into the apron of the ring, and then smashed his head down onto it as well. Schultz tossed Von Erich back into the ring and clamped on a rear chinlock, perfectly happy to slow the pace way down much to the disdain of the fans. Kerry attempted to rally back nailing several elbows into the midsection of Dr. D after working his way to his feet, but Schultz thumbed Kerry in the eye and clamped on a headlock. Kerry managed to shoot Schultz into the ropes, but Dr. D ducked a clothesline and caught a shoulder tackle on the rebound. He covered Von Erich, but only managed a one count.

After this, the match went back and forth for a solid ten minutes with both men having control at different points. At around the fourteen minute mark, Dick Murdoch made his way to ringside. It didn't take long for Kevin Von Erich to show up on the other side of the ring to make sure that no shenanigans went down. As you might expect, it didn't take long for Murdoch to get involved. Schultz had been peppering Kerry with punches in the corner, when Kerry nailed him with a huge right hand that sent Dr. Dr staggering backwards out of the corner. Kerry followed it up with a massive Discus Punch that laid Schultz out. Kerry was quick to make the cover, and referee Alfred Neely counted to two before he saw the foot of Schultz on the rope. What he didn't see was Murdoch put it there. Kevin did...

Kevin rushed around the ring and actually leapt off the ring stairs to tackle Murdoch which drew a huge cheer from the audience. Murdoch and Kevin began to brawl all over the ringside area. Fists were flying, the timekeepers table was knocked over, chairs were being thrown, and a host of referee's and security were trying to break it up. Alfred Neely was leaning over the ropes screaming for them to get away from ringside as there was a match going on.

That's why he never saw Michael Hayes come out of the crowd, slide into the ring, and blast Kerry Von Erich in the back of the head with a chain wrapped around his fist, and head right back out the way he came!

As Murdoch and Kevin Von Erich were herded away from ringside, the referee turned around just in time to see David Schultz cover Kerry Von Erich. He dropped down and counted the One, Two, Three.

Winner: David Schultz

 

Jim Ross: What a miscarriage of justice! Kerry Von Erich just got his lights turned out by Michael Hayes, and it cost him his chance at the Heavyweight Title

Bill Watts: Alfred Neely was trying to get Kevin and Murdoch out of their and never saw it. Unfortunately the decision of the referee is final.

Jim Ross: The Fabulous Freebirds have now caused both Kevin and Kerry Von Erich to be eliminated from the tournament by underhanded means.

Bill Watts: This war between the Freebirds and the Von Erichs is going to have to end one way or another sooner rather than later.

Jim Ross: Dr. D advances in the Heavyweight Title Tournament and will meet Barry Windham in a couple of weeks in the Semi-Finals. Next week we will have Magnum TA taking on Terry Gordy in tournament action as well as The Junkyard Dog versus The One Man Gang.

Bill Watts: Two huge matches as we are getting down to the nitty gritty Jim.

Jim Ross: Thanks Everyone for watching AWA World Class, we'll see you next week!

[kevinmcfl]

I really enjoyed this show as you gave us such huge matches but with the way you did your finishes, you kept everybody looking strong!

[SirEdger]

I echo Kev's sentiment; some really huge matches but you leave room for continuity and everyone can still have some momentum down the road, no matter the result. This Kabuki/Kamala thing will get nasty in a hurry!

[spaldoni]

Your shows have been stacked with action and the roll continues.

Wild start as Kabuki holds his own against Kamala and the Mongols. Things take a turn for the worst as Kabuki does the stretcher job. 

Great match between Murdoch and Windham. Windham scores the big win to advance.

Duk and Yatsu add to a stacked tag division. 

Oh man the Von Erichs/Freebirds feud just went up a level as Hayes helps Shultz advance over Kerry.

Loving this tournament! 

[GeneJackson95]

Wow! Huge TV show here with big wins for Windham and Schultz and a big angle with Kamala/Kabuki.  

Tournament is rolling along and you've done amazing job of capturing the feel of both World Class and Mid South and bringing us the best of both!

 

[Blehschmidt]

-4-20-84 from The Barton Coliseum in Little Rock, AR-

1) Jack Hart/Mark Fleming beat Ron Ritchie/Mike Bond in 5:45 when Fleming pinned Bond

2) Hercules Hernandez over Tiger Conway Jr in 5:28 w/Backbreaker

3) Ron Bass/Black Bart defeated Tom Zenk/Brian Blair and Scott Casey/Johnny Mantell and The Mongols (Taras Bulba/Nazar Bulba) w/Skandor Akbar in 25:27 when Bass pinned Casey

4) One Man Gang w/Percival Pringle III over Blackjack Lanza in 7:03 w/ 747 Splash

5) Kim Duk/Yoshi Yatsu defeated The Island Boys (Tio/Tapu) in 14:38 when Duk pinned Tapu

6) Kerry Von Erich/Kevin Von Erich/Al Madril and The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes/Terry Gordy/Buddy Roberts) wrestled to a Double Disqualification in 24:49

7) David Schultz defeated Eddie Hogan w/Sunshine in 15:02 w/Second Rope Elbow

8) Barry Windham over Dick Murdoch in 21:19 w/Bulldog

9) The Junkyard Dog beat Boris Zhukov w/Krusher Darsow in 10:27 w/Powerslam

10) Magnum TA defeated Kamala w/Skandor Akbar by Disqualification in 9:09

 

-4-21-84 from The American Legion Arena in Jonesboro, AR-

1) Jack Hart/Mark Fleming beat Ron Ritchie/Mike Bond in 5:15 when Fleming pinned Bond

2) Hercules Hernandez over Charlie Cook in 4:58 w/Backbreaker

3) Ron Bass/Black Bart defeated Tom Zenk/Brian Blair and Scott Casey/Johnny Mantell and The Mongols (Taras Bulba/Nazar Bulba) w/Skandor Akbar in 23:57 when Bart pinned Casey

4) One Man Gang w/Percival Pringle III over Blackjack Lanza in 7:26 w/ 747 Splash

5) Kim Duk/Yoshi Yatsu defeated The Island Boys (Tio/Tapu) in 14:24 when Duk pinned Tapu

6) Kerry Von Erich/Kevin Von Erich/Al Madril and The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes/Terry Gordy/Buddy Roberts) wrestled to a Double Disqualification in 25:40

7) David Schultz defeated Eddie Hogan w/Sunshine in 15:04 w/Second Rope Elbow

8) Barry Windham over Dick Murdoch in 22:29 w/Bulldog

9) The Junkyard Dog beat Boris Zhukov w/Krusher Darsow in 10:09 w/Powerslam

10) Magnum TA defeated Kamala w/Skandor Akbar by Disqualification in 9:15

 

-4-22-84 from The Municipal Auditorium in St. Louis, MO-

St. Louis Tag Extravaganza '84

1) Jack Hart/Mark Fleming beat Ron Ritchie/Mike Bond in 5:25 when Fleming pinned Bond

2) Kim Duk/Yoshi Yatsu over The Island Boys (Tio/Tapu) in 12:34 when Duk pinned Tapu

3) The Mongols (Taras Bulba/Nazar Bulba) w/Skandor Akbar defeated Johnny Mantell/Scott Casey in 10:43 when Nazar pinned Casey

4) Tom Zenk/Brian Blair over The Russians (Krusher Darsow/Boris Zhukov) by Disqualification in 13:38 when Darsow hit Zenk with the chain

5) Black Bart/Ron Bass defeated Barry Windham/Blackjack Lanza in 12:54 when Bass pinned Lanza

6) David Schultz/Dick Murdoch beat Eddie Hogan/Al Perez in 14:19 when Schultz pinned Hogan

7) Hercules Hernandez/One Man Gang w/Percival Pringle III over Charlie Cook/Tiger Conway Jr in 7:48 when Hercules pinned Conway

8) Magnum TA/The Junkyard Dog defeated The Grizzlies (Grizzly Boone/Grizzly Evans) in 6:56 when JYD pinned Evans

9) The Von Erichs (Kerry Von Erich/Kevin Von Erich) and The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes/Terry Gordy) wrestled to a Double Disqualification in 18:24

10) Magnum TA won the 16 Man Tag Extravaganza Battle Royal last eliminating Hercules Hernandez

 

-4-23-84- from The Shrine Mosque in Springfield, MO-

1) Jack Hart/Mark Fleming beat Ron Ritchie/Mike Bond in 5:21 when Fleming pinned Bond

2) Hercules Hernandez over Charlie Cook in 4:49 w/Backbreaker

3) Ron Bass/Black Bart defeated Tom Zenk/Brian Blair and Scott Casey/Johnny Mantell and The Mongols (Taras Bulba/Nazar Bulba) w/Skandor Akbar in 25:05 when Bart pinned Mantell

4) One Man Gang w/Percival Pringle III over Blackjack Lanza in 6:59 w/ 747 Splash

5) Kim Duk/Yoshi Yatsu defeated The Island Boys (Tio/Tapu) in 14:41 when Duk pinned Tio

6) Kerry Von Erich/Kevin Von Erich/Al Madril and The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes/Terry Gordy/Buddy Roberts) wrestled to a Double Disqualification in 23:49

7) David Schultz defeated Eddie Hogan w/Sunshine in 13:54 w/Second Rope Elbow

8) Barry Windham over Dick Murdoch in 26:06 w/Bulldog

9) The Junkyard Dog beat Boris Zhukov w/Krusher Darsow in 10:21 w/Powerslam

10) Magnum TA defeated Kamala w/Skandor Akbar by Disqualification in 8:57

 

-4-24-84 from The Memorial Hall in Joplin, MO-

1) Jack Hart/Mark Fleming beat Ron Ritchie/Mike Bond in 5:28 when Fleming pinned Bond

2) Hercules Hernandez over Tiger Conway Jr in 4:59 w/Backbreaker

3) Ron Bass/Black Bart defeated Tom Zenk/Brian Blair and Scott Casey/Johnny Mantell and The Mongols (Taras Bulba/Nazar Bulba) w/Skandor Akbar in 25:28 when Bass pinned Mantell

4) One Man Gang w/Percival Pringle III over Blackjack Lanza in 6:56 w/ 747 Splash

5) Kim Duk/Yoshi Yatsu defeated The Island Boys (Tio/Tapu) in 14:21 when Yatsu pinned Tio

6) Kerry Von Erich/Kevin Von Erich/Al Madril and The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes/Terry Gordy/Buddy Roberts) wrestled to a Double Disqualification in 25:42

7) David Schultz defeated Eddie Hogan w/Sunshine in 12:56 w/Second Rope Elbow

8) Barry Windham over Dick Murdoch in 27:03 w/Bulldog

9) The Junkyard Dog beat Boris Zhukov w/Krusher Darsow in 10:01 w/Powerslam

10) Magnum TA defeated Kamala w/Skandor Akbar by Disqualification in 9:00

 

[kevinmcfl]

I love all your hard work and I think your results have everything moving in the right direction.  I like the idea of having the Mid-South guys wrestling towards the main events in this part of your loop.  Would you move the World Class guys into those spots in Texas?

[spaldoni]

You defiantly have everything clicking right now. I like that you have something interesting for everybody on the roster. For instance in the tag division the Von Erichs and Freebirds are rocking the main event scene while teams like Bart/Bass, Zenk/ Blair and Yoshi/ Duk are fighting their way up. Junkyard Dog is a huge main event guy but then you have Windham and Magnum right there. On the heel side you have Shultz, Murdoch, Kamala and OMG that can slip into the main events at any time. Awesome job! 

[SirEdger]

Everything's moving along smoothly on your part. You got such a hot feud with the Von Erichs and the Freebirds that you don't need them in the big title picture. That allows you to take guys like Magnum TA, Barry Windham and JYD and to groom them for that big run.

[GeneJackson95]

So much great stuff going on here.

I really enjoy the team of Zenk/Blair, great babyface tag team!

Great way to build One Man Gang with victories over Blackjack Lanza

I'm big fan of Hercules in this era, looking forward to seeing him take on Barry Windham and Magnum as well

[Blehschmidt]

-Broadcasting live to our local affiliates in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri, as well as in Syndication across these great United States, the American Wrestling Association proudly presents World Class Wrestling, coming to you this week from the Memorial Hall in Kansas City!-

Jim Ross: Welcome Ladies and Gentleman to AWA World Class Wrestling, I'm Jim Ross and joining me as always is "Cowboy" Bill Watts.

Bill Watts: Thank You Jim. Tonight we have two more huge matches in our Heavyweight Title tournament as Magnum TA goes one on one with "Fabulous Freebird" Terry Gordy and The Junkyard Dog will tangle with the nearly seven foot tall One Man Gang.

Jim Ross: Two of those four men will move on to face each other next week when we will also see "Dr. D" David Schultz take on Barry Windham, and then the winners of those matches will compete to become the first AWA World Class champion.

Bill Watts: It's been a long road, but we are nearly there. Whoever ends up winning that title will have busted their butt to get it, and will deserve to be called champion.

Jim Ross: Also tonight we will see the AWA World Class television debut of Hercules Hernandez. Fans, if you have not seen this man, he is a very impressive physical specimen. We will also have a pre-taped interview with some very special guests who will be joining us next week. But for now let's head down to the ring, and get the first of our tournament matches under way.

 

1 Fall, 30 Minute Time Limit

-Magnum TA vs Terry Gordy-

Gordy jumped Magnum from behind as TA was taking his vest off and proceeded to lay a series of sledgehammer forearms across his back, elbows to his neck, and then planted him with a massive bodyslam. Gordy bounced off the ropes and dropped a huge elbow into the center of the chest of Magnum TA and covered for a count of two. Gordy pulled Magnum to his feet and shot him into the ropes and caught him with a back elbow that put him down. Gordy went to the buckle and ascended to the second rope and came off with a knee drop that scored another count of two.

Gordy grabbed a side headlock takeover and slowed his quick opening pace down to a crawl and grinded on Magnum for several minutes, switching from the headlock, to a hammerlock, then back to the headlock into a takeover every time TA got to his feet. Each time Magnum was able to get any form of momentum going, Gordy would use the hair to drag him back to the canvas.

Finally the referee caught Gordy pulling the hair and forced him to break the hold, and an irate Magnum unleashed a series of punches to the face of Gordy and whipped him into the ropes where he caught him with a huge powerslam. Gordy managed to kick out at two, but then Magnum was all over him, beating Gordy from pillar to post, and then from out of nowhere, Magnum scored with the Belly to Belly Suplex, but Gordy landed right next to the ropes and fell out of the ring.

Magnum jumped out of the ring to try and get Gordy, but Michael Hayes and Buddy Roberts came running down to ringside as fast as they could, and immediately squared off with TA. Referee Jerry Usher was quickly out of the ring and standing between the parties, and then a cheer went up from the audience as Kerry and Kevin Von Erich sprinted to ringside and jumped on Hayes and Roberts!

As the Hayes, Roberts, and Von Erichs brawl was sent away from ringside by Usher, Magnum picked up the prone form of Gordy and rolled him back into the ring. Magnum rolled in and pulled Gordy off the mat, only for Gordy to stiff arm him in the groin. As Magnum clutched at his crotch, Gordy kicked him in the stomach, hooked him, and dropped him with a Piledriver. Gordy then covered him as Usher slid back into the ring, just in time to count the One, Two, Three.

Winner: Terry Gordy

 

Jim Ross: OH COME ON!! Gordy kicked him in the groin!!

Bill Watts: The referee never saw it Jim, he was trying to get everyone else out of there.

Jim Ross: Gordy used the distraction at ringside to recover from the Belly to Belly that would have ended it, and to cheat. It's just wrong Cowboy.

Bill Watts: The battle between the Freebirds and The Von Erichs just cost Magnum TA his shot at the Heavyweight Title.

Jim Ross: Terry Gordy advances to face the winner of our main event between The Junkyard Dog and the One Man Gang. We'll be right back Ladies and Gentleman.

-Commercial Break-

Jim Ross: Okay folks, at the beginning of the show we promised you an interview with some special guests who will be joining us next weekend. Let's go ahead and roll that footage right now.

The footage comes in deep focused on one of the AWA World Tag Team Title belts.

"When sorrows come, they come not in single spies, but in battalions."

The camera pulls back to show that the voice belongs to "Precious" Paul Ellering who has both of the belts over his shoulders, and has both members of The Road Warriors, Hawk and Animal standing behind him looking as menacing as can be.

"For the tag teams of AWA World Class, the sorrows come not in battalions, but in legions. As in my Legion of Doom, my Road Warriors. You have seven days before we arrive and show your television viewers what we can do, eight days before we decimate every team in your tag team tournament, and nine days before we add the World Class Tag Team Titles to our collection. This will be your only warning. Doomsday is upon you!"

Animal flexes, Hawk sticks out his tongue, and Ellering lets out a long laugh as the video comes to an end.

Jim Ross: There you have it folks, the AWA World Tag Team Champions, The Road Warriors will compete right here on AWA World Class Television right here next week, and will be part of our tournament to crown the World Class Tag Team Champions.

Bill Watts: They will be tough to beat Jim. But with The Freebirds, The Mongols, and a ton of other teams, they won't have a walk in the park.

Jim Ross: Very true Bill. Now, let's head to the ring for the television debut of Hercules Hernandez.

 

1 Fall, 10 Minute Time Limit

-Hercules Hernandez w/Percival Pringle III vs Ron Ritchie-

No one was expecting Pringle to accompany Hercules to the ring, but once the action started his presence was quickly forgotten. Hercules mauled the youngster with decapitating clotheslines, spine jarring bodyslams, and a one armed vertical suplex that left Jim Ross speechless. He then hoisted Ritchie over his shoulder in a One Armed Backbreaker and the submission came in seconds.

Winner: Hercules Hernandez

Pringle and Hercules quickly join Marc Lowrance at ringside.

Marc Lowrance: A very impressive display of power and a big win tonight Mr. Hernandez.

Percival Pringle III: Oh Marc Lowrance, what you just saw was the tip of the iceberg! My Hercules is the strongest man in all of professional wrestling! He barely broke a sweat tossing that nine to fiver around in there tonight. He could do that to all the rest of these common people in attendance here tonight and then still go hit the gym before heading home!!  

That comment draws a huge round of boos from the crowd. Pringle rolls his eyes as Hercules smirks.

Percival Pringle III: Next week you will all see the true magnitude of his power when he enters the battle royal for the World Class Television Title. You will all stand in awe as he throws one man after another out of that ring, and then you will bow before him as I strap the championship around his waist. You can count on it!

Pringle and Hercules walk away from Lowrance. Hercules heads toward the back, and Pringle is met by the One Man Gang who is headed toward the ring.

 

-Commercial Break-

Jim Ross: An impressive debut from Hercules Hernandez to say the least Bill.

Bill Watts: He is a powerful man for sure Jim. I'm just not sure why he chooses to align himself with that loudmouth.

Jim Ross: Pringle is eccentric, that's for sure. It's time for our main event, so let's head down to the ring.

 

1 Fall, 30 Minute Time Limit

-One Man Gang w/Percival Pringle III vs The Junkyard Dog-

This started with a series of lock ups with both men trying to push the other across the ring. The power of the Dog versus the size of the Gang made for a series of stalemates. Finally on the fourth try, the Dog reached down and scooped the Gang up for a bodyslam! But the size of the Gang proved to be too much, and he crashed down on top of JYD for a two and nine tenths count that left the crowd stunned. The Gang drug JYD up by the hair and whipped him into the corner. Dog hit the buckle hard, and then the Gang followed in with a huge avalanche that left JYD rocked. OMG continued ramming his weight into the form of JYD over and over, until he finally let him stumble out of the corner and collapse to the mat.

Gang took a moment to raise his fist into the air as Percy Pringle jumped up and down clapping on the floor. OMG then bounced off the ropes and delivered the 747 Splash, to a spot of empty canvas, as JYD rolled out of the way at the last possible second. Both men were slow to make it to their feet, and when they did they took to exchanging punches in the center of the ring. Each massive blow leaving their opponent staggering. OMG threw a huge forearm that sent JYD back several steps, then JYD charged forward and cracked the Gang with a huge headbutt to the jaw!

OMG teetered on one leg and looked like he was going to go down, but instead fell backwards into the ropes. When he rebounded forward, a grimace appeared on the face of the Dog as he reached down and with all his might scooped the One Man Gang up and took him all the way over with a HUGE Powerslam!! They hit with such impact that JYD bounced off of the Gang, but he quickly leapt back on and hooked the leg, and Ron West counted the One, Two, Three!

Winner: The Junkyard Dog

 

Bill Watts: My God, What a Powerslam!!!

Jim Ross: Junkyard Dog has eliminated the One Man Gang from the tournament with one of the most impressive feats of strength that I have ever seen! Percy Pringle is beside himself at ringside. The Gang doesn't know what hit him, and the Dog is out celebrating with the people!!

Bill Watts: Those two were just throwing haymakers at each other in there, and I think the Dog may have knocked him silly with that headbutt. But that Powerslam was unbelievable Jim.

Jim Ross: It certainly was Bill. We have to take another commercial break, but it appears we may have time for one of our stand by contests. We'll be right back.

-Commercial Break-

 

1 Fall, 10 Minute Time Limit

-Jerry Oske vs George Weingeroff-

These two had no more than locked up when a third competitor hit the ring and attacked both of them. The large bald man first nailed Jerry Oske in the throat with a martial arts chop that sent him to the canvas clutching his throat. Then when George Weingeroff charged at him, the man with the mustache and black gi pants caught him and squeezed the life out of him with a Bear Hug. Rag dolling him and tossing him aside, Superstar Billy Graham flexed his muscles and then threw a series of martial arts blows into the air.

Winner: No Contest

 

Marc Lowrance enters the ring to interview the Superstar.

Marc Lowrance: "Superstar" Billy Graham, what are....

Graham grabs the microphone from Lowrance.

Superstar Graham: The Superstar has arrived in World Class Wrestling! Tonight I announced my arrival by clearing my ring of these two nobodies. Next week I will clear the ring of however many men I must, to claim the World Class Television Title. Because Billy Graham is going to make all of the AWA his kingdom, and World Class is going be to his castle.

Jim Ross: and fans, with the unexpected arrival of "Superstar" Billy Graham, we are out of time. See you next week for our huge weekend of champions!!

[SirEdger]

Interesting choice to book Magnum vs Terry in the beginning of the show as I would've expected to see Superstar's arrival at the top to create a buzz but you accomplish to do the same anyway. But Magnum vs Terry set the tone for the show in its whole and things are sure picking up!

[GeneJackson95]

Pringle is building quite the menacing stable!

Big wins for Gordy and JYD!

Impressive debut for the Superstar,  can't wait to see what's next for Graham here in World Class!

[Captain Redneck]

JYD vs. Bam Bam should be a burn burner
Graham with an impressive debut

[spaldoni]

Man you have put together one stacked roster! 

Magnum and Gordy open the show with a hot match as both the Freebirds and Von Erichs get involved. Magnum looks great but Gordy advances. 

You really have Precious Paul down. Classic promo as he hypes up the Road Warriors.

Percy debuts Hercules and Herc looks like a force! 

JYD puts the thump on OMG and advances. JYD and Gordy will be a battle! 

Show doesn't end there as Superstar Graham debuts with his karate gimmick and vows to win the battle royal.  

That Battle Royal for the TV title is going to be a lot of fun. 

[kevinmcfl]

Magnum vs Gordy  and JYD vs OMG on TV.... sign me up

Looking forward to Hercules... one of the more underrated stars!

Interested to see where you go with all your big roster changes.  World Class is awesome to read

 

[Blehschmidt]

-4-27-84 from the Municipal Auditorium in Topeka, KS-

1) Eddie Hogan w/Sunshine beat The Bounty Hunter in 5:54 w/ High Knee

2) Hercules Hernandez w/Percival Pringle III over Jerry Oske in 4:26 w/ One Armed Backbreaker

3) One Man Gang w/Percival Pringle III defeated Brian Blair in 7:28 w/ 747 Splash

4) The Russians (Krusher Darsow/Boris Zhukov) won a 10 Team Tag Team Battle Royal over Jack Hart/Mark Fleming, Charlie Cook/Tiger Conway Jr, Kim Duk/Yoshi Yatsu, The Island Boys (Tio/Tapu), Scott Casey/Johnny Mantell, Tom Zenk/Al Perez, The Mongols (Taras Bulba/Nazar Bulba), Grizzly Boone/Grizzly Evans, and Ron Bass/Black Bart in 20:33

5) "Superstar" Billy Graham beat Al Madril in 8:29 w/ Bearhug

6) David Schultz/Dick Murdoch over Barry Windham/Blackjack Lanza in 16:14 when Schultz pinned Lanza

7) Magnum TA defeated Kamala w/Skandor Akbar & Friday by Disqualification in 9:09

8) The Junkyard Dog/Kerry Von Erich/Kevin Von Erich defeated The Fabulous Freebirds in 35:05 when JYD pinned Buddy Roberts

 

-4-28-84 from the Levitt Arena in Wichita, KS-

1) Eddie Hogan w/Sunshine beat The Bounty Hunter in 5:50 w/ High Knee

2) Hercules Hernandez w/Percival Pringle III over Jerry Oske in 4:04 w/ One Armed Backbreaker

3) One Man Gang w/Percival Pringle III defeated Brian Blair in 7:33 w/ 747 Splash

4) The Russians (Krusher Darsow/Boris Zhukov) won a 10 Team Tag Team Battle Royal over Jack Hart/Mark Fleming, Charlie Cook/Tiger Conway Jr, Kim Duk/Yoshi Yatsu, The Island Boys (Tio/Tapu), Scott Casey/Johnny Mantell, Tom Zenk/Al Perez, The Mongols (Taras Bulba/Nazar Bulba), Grizzly Boone/Grizzly Evans, and Ron Bass/Black Bart in 21:01

5) "Superstar" Billy Graham beat Al Madril in 8:38 w/ Bearhug

6) David Schultz/Dick Murdoch over Barry Windham/Blackjack Lanza in 16:26 when Schultz pinned Lanza

7) Magnum TA defeated Kamala w/Skandor Akbar & Friday by Disqualification in 9:12

8) The Junkyard Dog/Kerry Von Erich/Kevin Von Erich defeated The Fabulous Freebirds in 35:02 when JYD pinned Buddy Roberts

 

-4-29-84 from the Convention Center in Tulsa, OK-

1) Chick Donovan beat The Bounty Hunter in 6:01 w/ Figure Four Leglock

2) Hercules Hernandez w/Percival Pringle III over Jerry Oske in 4:19 w/ One Armed Backbreaker

3) One Man Gang w/Percival Pringle III defeated Brian Blair in 7:23 w/ 747 Splash

4) Ron Bass/Black Bart won a 10 Team Tag Team Battle Royal over Jack Hart/Mark Fleming, Charlie Cook/Tiger Conway Jr, Kim Duk/Yoshi Yatsu, The Island Boys (Tio/Tapu), Scott Casey/Johnny Mantell, Tom Zenk/Al Perez, The Mongols (Taras Bulba/Nazar Bulba), Grizzly Boone/Grizzly Evans, and The Russians (Krusher Darsow/Boris Zhukov) in 20:57

5) "Superstar" Billy Graham beat Al Madril in 8:07 w/ Bearhug

6) David Schultz/Dick Murdoch over Barry Windham/Blackjack Lanza in 15:58 when Schultz pinned Lanza

7) Magnum TA defeated Kamala w/Skandor Akbar & Friday by Disqualification in 9:04

8) The Junkyard Dog/Kerry Von Erich/Kevin Von Erich defeated The Fabulous Freebirds in 35:25 when JYD pinned Buddy Roberts

 

-4-30-84 from the Myriad Convention Center in Oklahoma City, OK-

1) Chick Donovan beat The Bounty Hunter in 5:55 w/ Figure Four Leglock

2) Hercules Hernandez w/Percival Pringle III over Jerry Oske in 4:30 w/ One Armed Backbreaker

3) One Man Gang w/Percival Pringle III defeated Brian Blair in 7:41 w/ 747 Splash

4) Ron Bass/Black Bart won a 10 Team Tag Team Battle Royal over Jack Hart/Mark Fleming, Charlie Cook/Tiger Conway Jr, Kim Duk/Yoshi Yatsu, The Island Boys (Tio/Tapu), Scott Casey/Johnny Mantell, Tom Zenk/Al Perez, The Mongols (Taras Bulba/Nazar Bulba), Grizzly Boone/Grizzly Evans, and The Russians (Krusher Darsow/Boris Zhukov) in 22:03

5) "Superstar" Billy Graham beat Al Madril in 8:12 w/ Bearhug

6) David Schultz/Dick Murdoch over Barry Windham/Blackjack Lanza in 16:14 when Murdoch pinned Lanza

7) Magnum TA defeated Kamala w/Skandor Akbar & Friday by Disqualification in 8:58

8) The Junkyard Dog/Kerry Von Erich/Kevin Von Erich defeated The Fabulous Freebirds in 34:59 when Magnum TA pinned Buddy Roberts

 

-5-1-84 from the Memorial Auditorium in Wichita Falls, TX-

1) Chick Donovan beat The Bounty Hunter in 5:57 w/ Figure Four Leglock

2) Hercules Hernandez w/Percival Pringle III over Jerry Oske in 4:15 w/ One Armed Backbreaker

3) One Man Gang w/Percival Pringle III defeated Brian Blair in 7:27 w/ 747 Splash

4) Ron Bass/Black Bart won a 10 Team Tag Team Battle Royal over Jack Hart/Mark Fleming, Charlie Cook/Tiger Conway Jr, Kim Duk/Yoshi Yatsu, The Island Boys (Tio/Tapu), Scott Casey/Johnny Mantell, Tom Zenk/Al Perez, The Mongols (Taras Bulba/Nazar Bulba), Grizzly Boone/Grizzly Evans, and The Russians (Krusher Darsow/Boris Zhukov) in 22:13

5) Al Madril beat "Superstar" Billy Graham by Count Out in in 5:47

6) David Schultz/Dick Murdoch over Barry Windham/Blackjack Lanza in 16:17 when Schultz pinned Lanza

7) Magnum TA defeated Kamala w/Skandor Akbar & Friday by Disqualification in 9:24

8) The Junkyard Dog/Kerry Von Erich/Kevin Von Erich defeated The Fabulous Freebirds in 35:23 when Kerry Von Erich pinned Buddy Roberts

 

[spaldoni]

Those tag team battle royals looked like a lot of fun and during this era would of been a good draw. 

Both Hercules and OMG had a dominant loop. 

Shultz and Murdoch get the best of Lanza and Windham. 

JYD teaming with the Von Erichs against the Freebirds is money, money, money! 

[Captain Redneck]

The Birds need to get a win somwhere.
Big fan of Schultz/Murdoch 
Hernandez is a powerhouse.
 

[kevinmcfl]

Keep sending the fans home happy!

[Blehschmidt]

-Broadcasting live to our local affiliates in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri, as well as in Syndication across these great United States, the American Wrestling Association proudly presents World Class Wrestling, coming to you this week from the Sportatorium in Dallas!-

Jim Ross: Good Evening Ladies and Gentleman, and welcome to AWA World Class Wrestling. I am Jim Ross, and joining me for what is looking to be the biggest television program we have ever presented, is "Cowboy" Bill Watts.

Bill Watts: Thank You Jim, and that is the absolute truth. Tonight, not only will we see a twenty five man over the top rope battle royal to crown the first ever AWA World Class Television Champion. Not only will we see the AWA World Tag Team Champions, The Road Warriors. But we will also see the two semi-final matches in the tournament to crown the inaugural AWA World Class Heavyweight Champion.

Jim Ross: I am so excited Cowboy! Before we go off the air this evening, we will know which two men will compete one on one this Sunday night at the Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas for the honor of becoming the first World Class Heavyweight Champion. We started with sixteen men competing in the tournament, we are now down to four. Tonight we narrow the field down to two. The stakes have never been higher.

Bill Watts: Let's head down to the ring with Marc Lowrance.

We cut to the ring where Marc Lowrance is prepared to make an announcement, but before he can a chorus of boo'ing begins as "General" Skandor Akbar comes to the ring followed by Kim Duk and Yoshi Yatsu.

Marc Lowrance: Skandor Akbar? I didn't think you worked here any longer?

Skandor Akbar: Well you heard wrong Marc Lowrance! But it wasn't for their lack of trying!! After my Devastation Incorporated sent that no good traitor Kabuki running back to Japan with his tail tucked between his legs, I got a call from Bob Geigel saying that the Board of Directors was having a meeting to discuss repercussions for what they called the "heinous acts" that we committed that night. Do you believe that crap!!

Marc Lowrance: Well it was a set up.

Skandor Akbar: NO ONE ASKED YOU! Anyway, Geigel and the Board have fired my Ugandan Giant, and the last time I saw him he was being loaded into a reinforced steel tractor trailor with New York license plates and being hauled out of Texas!

Huge cheers from the Sportatorium crowd

Skandor Akbar: Shut Up you bunch of idiots!! Then, while they chose not to fire or suspend The Mongols, they did take away my license to manage them!

Another round of cheers from the Sportatorium crowd

Skandor Akbar: So they thought they had done it. They thought that Devastation Incorporated was dead. But then when I was at my lowest moment, I saw the two men behind me debut on this television show, and I knew that there was still life in Devastation Incorporated. So I went to Kim Duk and Yoshi Yatsu, and I showed them the money and I promised them that with there talent and my power and knowledge, that I would take them to those World Class Tag Team Titles. So with the Oriental Assassins as the first members, Devastation Incorporated lives again Marc Lowrance!!

Marc Lowrance: There you have it fol...

Skandor Akbar: That's not all Lowrance!! That's not all!! Tonight they are having a battle royal for the World Class Television Title. Tonight... they are going to have a Battle Royal... for the World....Class...Television....Title.... and who better Marc Lowrance.... WHO BETTER!! to win a battle royal...than a Giant.....six feet ten inches tall, three hundred and seventy pounds, the cornerstone of the new Devastation Incorporated, and your next World Class Television Champion...

BIG JOHN STUDD!!!

Studd makes his way down the aisle wearing his red robe and comes to stand next to Akbar and Lowrance. He places his huge hand on the shoulder of Lowrance and smirks.

Skandor Akbar: Anything you'd like to say now Mr. Lowrance?

Marc Lowrance: No

Skandor Akbar: No what?

Marc Lowrance: No General

Skandor Akbar: Didn't think so. Let's go boys.

With a laugh Akbar, Studd, and the newly christened Oriental Assassins exit the ringside area while a shaken Marc Lowrance heads for the ring.

-Commercial Break-

Jim Ross: Welcome back folks. Just before the break we had a huge revelation as Skandor Akbar has rebuilt his Devastation Incorporated from the ground up, adding the team of Kim Duk and Yoshi Yatsu and bringing Big John Studd to World Class Wrestling!

Bill Watts: Studd is a tough, giant of a man, and if he is really entered in the Battle Royal this evening, you have to believe there is a new favorite.

Jim Ross: Well, the time has come, let's find out who is going to go on and compete to become the World Class Heavyweight Champion.

 

1 Fall, 30 Minute Time Limit

-Barry Windham vs David Schultz-

This started with Dr. D laying the bad mouth on Barry in the center of the ring. Barry stood looking at him just nodding his head until finally he blasted him with a huge right hand and we were off to the races. Barry battered Schultz with right hands all the way across the ring, and then wound up with another huge right that sent Schultz sailing between the ropes and to the floor. Windham followed him out and Schultz rammed him back first into the ring apron. Dr. D wasn't finished there, following it up with a bodyslam on the hard concrete floor. Schultz yanked Windham off the floor and tossed him back into the ring.

Schultz headed back into the ring and clamped on a rear chinlock with his knee planted squarely in the back of Barry. The Sportatorium crowd came alive clapping and stomping for Windham and Dr. D wrenched on the move for all he was worth, but Windham fought his way off the mat and started firing elbows into the midsection of Schultz. With the upper hand, Barry whipped Schultz into the ropes and caught him flush with a dropkick. Windham yanked Schultz off the mat and signaled for the Bulldog. Barry began running forward, but Schultz shoved him forward into the ropes. On the rebound, Schultz nailed Barry with a back elbow that sent Windham sailing over the top rope to the floor.

Schultz chose not to follow and allowed David Manning to put the count on Windham who managed to roll back into the ring at the count of thirteen. Schultz jumped onto him with a big elbow and peppered him with punches on the mat. Dr. D then yanked Windham up by the hair and slammed him hard to the canvas. Schultz when to the turnbuckle and came off with the Second Rope Elbow Drop, but Windham was able to roll out of the way. Manning began to count out both men, and each of them got to their feet at the count of seven. Windham charged forward and nailed Dr. D with a huge Lariat, but only managed to get a count of two off the cover.

An exhausted Windham pulled Schultz to his feet, but Dr. D shoved Barry away and into David Manning. Manning crashed to the canvas, but Barry charged forward and caught Schultz with another huge Lariat. He covered, but there was no referee to count. Windham looked around and saw Manning on the canvas and went over to check on him. Barry never saw Dick Murdoch come running down the aisle and slide into the ring. Windham was attempting to rouse David Manning when Murdoch dropped down to one knee behind him and stiff armed Barry in the groin. Murdoch then spun Windham around, hoisted him up, and dropped him with a Brainbuster.

Murdoch quickly shook Schultz, before sliding out of the ring and heading to the back. Schultz crawled across the ring and covered Windham. He reached across and shook the leg of David Manning until the referee groggily realized where he was, and counted the One, Two, Three.

Winner: David Schultz

 

Jim Ross: David Schultz advances to the finals of the tournament with a cheap victory over Barry Windham thanks to the interference of Dick Murdoch. It's unfortunate too Cowboy as they were having one heck of a match in there.

Bill Watts: This pairing of Schultz and Murdoch are almost as bad as the Freebirds about not staying out of each others business. But like it or not, Dr. D is going to the finals of the Heavyweight Title tournament.

Jim Ross: Folks, stay tuned because right after this break, the AWA World Tag Team Champions The Road Warriors along with their manager Paul Ellering will be joining us.

-Commercial Break-

 

1 Fall, 15 Minute Time Limit

-The Road Warriors (Animal/Hawk) w/Paul Ellering vs Bob Bradley/Mike George-

This was thirty seconds of total destruction. When the bell rang, The Warriors charged across the ring and nearly decapitated both men with clotheslines. Hawk pressed Bradly over his head and dumped him out to the floor, while Animal swung George into the ropes and caught him with a huge powerslam. Animal pulled George up and put him on his shoulders while Hawk scaled the turnbuckles, and the Doomsday Device spelled victory for the the World Tag Team Champions.

Winners: The Road Warriors

 

Jim Ross: They don't come much more decisive than that Cowboy.

Bill Watts: They are the AWA World Tag Team Champions for a reason.

Jim Ross: A few more performances like that and they will be the World Class Tag Team Champions as well.

Bill Watts: You're not wrong Jim.

Jim Ross: Folks, let's take a quick break, and we will be right back to find out who will advance to take on David Schultz for the AWA World Class Heavyweight Championship!

-Commercial Break-

 

1 Fall, 30 Minute Time Limit

-Terry Gordy w/Michael Hayes & Buddy Roberts vs The Junkyard Dog-

As Marc Lowrance finished his ring introductions, but before the bell could ring, David Manning came racing down to the ring where he met with Alfred Neely, the official assigned to the match, and Marc Lowrance. Lowrance then announced that per the order of Bob Geigel and the AWA World Class Board of Directors, Michael Hayes and Buddy Roberts were to leave ringside in the next ten seconds, and if they returned at any point during the match Terry Gordy would be disqualified, and The Fabulous Freebirds would be suspended for ninety days!!

Bill Watts: I Love It!!

Jim Ross: Hayes and Roberts are beside themselves, but they are headed back to the dressing room. Gordy is stomping mad, and JYD has a huge smile on his face!!

Bill Watts: I Absolutely Love It!!

 

1 Fall, 30 Minute Time Limit

-Terry Gordy vs The Junkyard Dog-

As soon as Alfred Neely called for the bell, an irate Terry Gordy charged across the ring at JYD who ducked under him, and caught him with a huge Powerslam on the rebound!! Neely counted One, Two, Three!!

Winner: The Junkyard Dog

 

Jim Ross: IT'S OVER!! JYD WINS!!

Bill Watts: I LOVE IT!!

Jim Ross: The Dog took advantage of Gordy's anger and pinned him in seconds. So now we know, this Sunday night at Reunion Arena, it will be The Junkyard Dog against "Dr. D" David Schultz for the AWA World Class Heavyweight Title. I can't wait to see how it goes down Cowboy.

Bill Watts: It should be a hell of a fight Jim.

Jim Ross: Folks, let's take our last commercial break, and we will be back with the Battle Royal to determine the first ever AWA World Class Television Champion!

-Commercial Break-

20 Man Battle Royal

-AWA World Class Television Title-
-Al Madril vs Al Perez vs Chick Donovan vs Blackjack Lanza vs Kerry Von Erich vs Kevin Von Erich vs "Superstar" Billy Graham vs Black Bart vs Boris Zhukov vs Buddy Roberts vs Dick Murdoch vs Hercules Hernandez vs Krusher Darsow vs Michael Hayes vs One Man Gang vs Ron Bass vs Johnny Mantell vs Scott Casey vs Tom Zenk vs Big John Studd-

Elimination #1: As Marc Lowrance was finishing ring introductions, Billy Graham grabbed the microphone from him and went into his spiel about how he was the strongest man in all of wrestling, and how no one in this battle royal would be able to eliminate the man with the largest arms in the world. Hercules Hernandez grabbed him by the back of his tights and the back of the neck and chucked him over the top rope just as the bell rang. A shocked Graham looked up from the floor to see Hercules flexing his massive biceps as the ring descended into chaos behind him.

"Superstar Billy Graham is eliminated

Elimination #2: The action had been going on for several minutes, everyone was for the most part fighting everyone. The Russians had singled out Kevin Von Erich in the corner and were laying a beating on him. Kerry Von Erich had been tied up with the One Man Gang, but had managed to get away from him and saw his brother in trouble. He grabbed both Darsow and Zhukov from behind and gave them the double noggin knocker. He then hurled Zhukov over the rope and out of the match.

Boris Zhukov is eliminated

Elimination #3 & #4: Buddy Roberts and Al Madril were tied up near the ropes, both trying to push each other out of the ring. Roberts had a handful of Madril's hair, and Madril had an arm wrapped around the leg of Buddy. Both were struggling for every inch of leverage they could muster to push one another out of the ring, but it was all for nothing. Big John Studd noticed the both of them tied up, and simply reached down, grabbed a leg of each man and sent them both tumbling out of the ring.

Al Madril is eliminated

Buddy Roberts is eliminated

Elimination #5: The One Man Gang was an impressive figure to be sure, but his size made him a target in a match like this. It started with the trio of Scott Casey, Johnny Mantell, and Blackjack Lanza targeting him. The three of them were doing everything they could to lift the massive Gang out of the ring. Then Chick Donovan noticed the effort and joined in. Then Krusher Darsow and Dick Murdoch figured that it was better to help out now than deal with the Gang later. So with the combined might of six men, they put the One Man Gang out of the ring and to the floor.

One Man Gang is eliminated

Elimination #6: Tom Zenk was trying to use his speed for hit and run attacks all around the ring, and so far it had been working. He had just nailed Black Bart with a dropkick that had caused him to collide with his own partner Ron Bass. Zenk was now preparing to go after Michael Hayes, but what he didn't know was that Hercules Hernandez was stalking him like he was stalking Hayes. When the clothesline connected with the back of his head, and sent him sailing out of the ring, Zenk had no idea what hit him.

Tom Zenk is eliminated

Elimination #7: Krusher Darsow had Al Perez down on the canvas and had his boot across his throat. Chick Donovan took a few seconds to figure out the best angle and then charged Darsow so he'd have some momentum, and plowed into him, while at the same time shoving him up and over the ropes. A stunned Darsow could only glare from the floor as the newcomer smirked at him from the ring.

Krusher Darsow is eliminated

Elimination #8: Blackjack Lanza and Dick Murdoch had begun fighting almost immediately after eliminating One Man Gang. They were still trading lefts and rights in the corner of the ring. Lanza appeared to be getting the advantage when Michael Hayes snuck up from behind and kicked Lanza hard in the groin from behind. Together Hayes and Murdoch pitched Lanza over the top rope.

Blackjack Lanza is eliminated

Elimination #9 & #10: Black Bart and Ron Bass had Scott Casey on the mat and were just stomping the daylights out of him. They didn't seem interested in eliminating him, they just appeared interested in injuring the man. The Von Erich's took advantage of them not paying attention and a pair of dropkicks from Kevin and Kerry sent Bart and Bass over the ropes and out of the ring.

Black Bart is eliminated

Ron Bass is eliminated

Elimination #11: Al Perez had just caught Michael Hayes with a spectacular looking savate kick and was about to pick him up off the canvas, when a pair of giant hands grabbed him from behind and blasted him with a huge headbutt. Big John Studd nailed Perez with a follow up right hand and then hurled him over the top rope.

Al Perez is eliminated

Elimination #12, #13, #14: The Von Erich's had cornered Michael Hayes and were dishing him out a beating. Punch from Kevin, punch from Kerry, one after the other, again and again, and the Sportatorium was going insane. Hayes was reeling back and forth from each big punch, until one from Kerry spun him around and left him draped across the top rope. The brothers pounced and were both trying to send Hayes the rest of the way over, when Big John Studd came up from behind and grabbed the legs of both Kevin and Kerry and dumped them out of the ring. Hayes also crashed to the floor with them.

Kerry Von Erich is eliminated

Kevin Von Erich is eliminated

Michael Hayes is eliminated

Elimination #15: The deafening boo'ing of the crowd caught the attention of the remaining men in the ring who all turned their attention to the threat of Big John Studd. Johnny Mantell was the first to charge at Studd, but Studd caught him by the throat, turned with him and sent him sailing over the ropes to the floor.

Johnny Mantell is eliminated

Elimination #16: But this was the opening the other wrestlers needed. Hercules charged forward and grabbed Studd around the waist. Murdoch and Scott Casey each grabbed one of his legs, while Chick Donovan shoved at his head and neck on the side opposite of Hercules. It took all four of them, exerting everything they had, but they managed to get Studd off of his feet and teetering on the ropes. Studd fought with all he head, kicking his legs and swatting at Herc and Chick, but they continued to shove and finally managed to deposit Studd on the floor.

Big John Studd is eliminated

Elimination #17: As Studd hit the floor, Dick Murdoch looked down at him, then looked at Scott Casey with a big smile on his face. He nodded at Casey then stuck out his hand. Casey looked at Murdoch with trepidation, but then accepted the handshake. Murdoch swung a sucker punch at Casey, but Casey ducked which spun Murdoch around. Casey grabbed Murdoch from behind and gave him a huge atomic drop, the impact of which sent Murdoch up and over the top rope!

Dick Murdoch is eliminated

Elimination #18: Hercules grabbed Scott Casey from behind and with one hand full of tights, and the other full of mullet tossed him over the top rope where he landed right next to Murdoch.

Scott Casey is eliminated

Elimination #19: Hercules turned just in time to see a Chick Donovan dropkick catch him square in the face. Hercules stumbled backwards into the ropes. Donovan ran to the the opposite side of the ring for momentum, and Hercules came forward to meet him. Donovan launched himself into a cross body, but unfortunately for Chick, Hercules caught him! Hercules muscled Donovan up, took him over to the ropes, and flung him out to the floor.

Chick Donovan is eliminated

Winner, and AWA World Class Television Champion: Hercules Hernandez

 

Jim Ross: Hercules Hernandez has won the battle royal and is the first AWA World Class Television Champion!!

Bill Watts: By my count he eliminated, or was a part of eliminating five men in that battle royal. That is a fourth of the field. Pretty impressive numbers Jim Ross.

Jim Ross: You can say that again Bill. Alright folks, we are out of time. Please join us tomorrow night at the Fort Worth Convention Center for the opening night of the AWA World Class Tag Team Title Tournament, and then on Sunday at the Reunion Arena in Dallas where we will see The Junkyard Dog take on David Schultz to determine the first World Class Heavyweight Champion! Good Night Everyone!

[Blehschmidt]

-Saturday May 4th-

-Fort Worth Convention Center-
-Fort Worth, Tx-

AWA World Class Tag Team Title Tournament Round 1

1) Al Perez and Tom Zenk defeated "Marvelous" Mark Flaming and "Handsome" Jack Hart in 9:37 when Fleming was hit with a Double Dropkick and pinned by Zenk.

2) Black Bart and Ron Bass beat Al Madril and Bugsy McGraw in 14:27 when Bass pinned McGraw with his feet on the ropes.

3) Michael Hayes and Terry Gordy of The Fabulous Freebirds defeated Scott Casey and Johnny Mantell in 11:47 when Gordy pinned Mantell after a Piledriver.

4) Hawk and Animal, The Road Warriors beat Grizzly Boone and Grizzly Evans in 4:58 when Hawk pinned Grizzly Boone after a Flying Clothesline.

5) Samu and The Tonga Kid defeated The Mongols (Taras Bulba/Nazar Bulba) in 17:19 when Tonga Kid pinned Nazar with a Flying Splash.

6) One Mang Gang and Hercules Hernandez w/Percival Pringle III beat Charlie Cook and Tiger Conway Jr in 6:13 when Gang nailed Cook with the 747 Splash

7) Krusher Darsow and Boris Zhukov, The Russians defeated The Island Boys (Tio/Tapu) in 11:53 when Darsow pinned Tapu after a Backbreaker.

8) Kerry Von Erich and Kevin Von Erich beat Kim Duk and Yoshi Yatsu w/Skandor Akbar in 16:59 when Kevin forced Yatsu to submit to the Iron Claw.

 

AWA World Class Tag Team Title Tournament Round 2

 

9) Black Bart and Ron Bass defeated Al Perez and Tom Zenk in 12:29 when Bart pinned Zenk after a stun gun.

10) The Road Warriors and The Fabulous Freebirds wrestled to a Double Disqualification in 8:14 when both teams stopped listening to the referee's instructions.

11) One Mang Gang and Hercules Hernandez w/Percival Pringle III beat Samu and The Tonga Kid in 11:49 when Pringle held the foot of Samu while Hercules was covering him.

12) Kerry Von Erich and Kevin Von Erich defeated The Russians (Krusher Darsow/Boris Zhukov) in 15:11 when Kerry ducked a Zhukov punch with the chain, nailed him with a Discus Punch, and covered him for the 1,2,3.