NWA Houston

[Scarlet-Left]

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 10 – 2^nd of June 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold

Advertised Match:

Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” versus George Takano & Shunji Takano for the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship

A brief video package plays, showing the finishes of the previous week’s match before we jump into the opening match. Leon White and Dory Funk, Jr. take each other to the limit in a wild back-and-forth spectacle.

Both men have a lot to prove, with White in particular being desperate to make a statement on account of the heavyweight title match scheduled for the following week. Dory seems to notice this at some point during the match, as it becomes increasingly obvious that he is willing to settle for a cheap victory.

Such a win almost comes when, on a count of eight, Dory tries to kick the Baby Bull through the ropes. The move backfires on Funk, however, when White pulls him through to the outside and delivers a hellish powerbomb to the floor.

A thoroughly exhausted White thinks better of bringing Funk back into the ring for a pin and, instead, leaves him lying.

“Baby Bull” Leon White defeats Dory Funk, Jr. in 13:57 by count out and retains the HS Television Championship

After a commercial break we go straight to a backstage segment with Kevin Sullivan. His minions are with him but, this time, they are ominously silent, and all dressed in druidic robes.

 “Leon White! I have a message for you, Leon White. From Abudadein! The altar has been prepared, the faithful have been called and a dark power lies in wait, watching and thirsting.

I would warn you. I would tell you that this city is not safe for you … but I know you too well for that. There is … nothing! There is nothing in your mind that the Snake Master has not already revealed to me.

The truth is that you will go willingly to your slaughter. You know that it is necessary for to … for you to be reborn! You long for defeat and I promise you that “the Purple Haze” will deliver! Steel yourself!”

Sullivan hold the camera’s gaze for an uncomfortably long time before we cut to the next match.

The first of two tag team bouts tonight, this match aims to clarify the previous week’s dramatic caged brawl, putting Houston and Royal up against Raschke and the Sheik.

The affair plays out as one might expect. Though rattled by their loss, Houston and Royal prove themselves to be the far stronger pairing by miles.

Sam Houston & Nelson Royal defeat Baron Von Raschke & the Sheik in 09:41 when Sam Houston pins the Sheik after a bulldog

We cut to a commercial break and return for a heel programme. The main event sees Sullivan and Haze take on the Takanos. Whilst Sullivan and Haze prove themselves the deadlier in-ring fighters, Pat Patterson more than makes up for it with endless interference.

Patterson & “the Fallen Angel” get into a few comic altercations, eventually leading to a crazed Lone Star rushing to ringside in an effort to turn the tide. Patterson retreats but the Army of Darkness’s celebrations are cut short when he returns with a thunderously enraged Tojo Yamamoto in tow.

After making quick work of “the Lone Star”, Patterson directs Tojo to become involved with the events inside the ring. Just as soon he steps up to the apron, however, “the Purple Haze” smacks him across the head, causing him to fall on top of Pat.

Shunji leaves his place on the apron to check on his manager and Sullivan’s army immediately take advantage.

Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” defeat George Takano & Shunji Takano in 14:35 when Kevin Sullivan pins George Takano after a powerslam to retain the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship

Dramatic events play out after the finish. Patterson become enraged with Tojo, going so far as to spit in his face. For this, he receives a chokehold that nearly puts him to sleep. The Takano brothers then meet this with a savage beatdown, ending only when officials drag them away from a bloodied Yamamoto.

[kevinmcfl]

Awesome TV show again.

Leon White gets his biggest win to date and seems like he is really becoming a big threat in Houston.

Like seeing Sam Houston week after week take on the big heels.  This makes it easier for him to get over and become a huge star!

Sullivan and his craziness are perfect in a one city promotion as week after week people would tune it to see him.  I think like the fans of Memphis loved Lawler, the fans of Houston will come to hate Sullivan but they would show up week after week to hope he would be stopped.

Patterson and Tojo are an interest duo but they better be careful messing with Sullivan.

[Wahoos Leg]

Love the steady build of Leon into a force. I think that guy's got a future in this business 

[Scarlet-Left]

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 11 – 9^th of June 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold

Advertised Match:

“the Purple Haze” versus “Baby Bull” Leon White for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship and the HS Television Championship

We open just moments before the first match gets underway. “the Lone Star” is accompanied by the rest of Kevin Sullivan’s army. Shunji Takano is accompanied by his brother and Pat Patterson but Tojo Yamamoto is notably absent.

Patterson uses every trick he can think of to even the odds but it’s nowhere near enough. The champion remains dominant throughout and, if it weren’t for Pat distracting the referee during every pin attempt, he’d likely have put his opponent away within five minutes.

Eventually, Sullivan manages to get the better of Patterson, however, and George Takano is kept restrained by “the Purple Haze”.

“the Lone Star” defeats Shunji Takano in 11:56 by pinfall after a German suplex to retain the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship

Once the officials manage to get both factions to leave the ring, we cut to the back for a word from Paul Boesch.

“Well – uh – with the success of our experimental tag team battle royal, we’re going to be putting on our first ever – uh our first … annual Summertime Lottery Battle Royal. Next week, at Legendary Showdown number five, it’ll be every man for himself and anyone could win.”

After a commercial break we return for our main event. This time with a thirty-minute time limit, Leon White faces off against “the Purple Haze” in a rematch for both men’s titles.

Every indication seems to be that the two are evenly matched, with interference from the Army of Darkness kept to a minimum by the Youngbloods. Heavy hits, big slams and crushing holds are exchanged one for one.

By the time we return from the mid-match commercial break, both men are noticeably tiring, and each new slam threatens to spell the end. Keeping Kevin Sullivan and his minions from interfering becomes harder and harder for the Youngbloods as the Haze’s allies start losing their minds.

The Youngbloods receive some unlikely help, however, in the form of Pat Patterson and the Takanos. By now a familiar sight, the ringside area quickly descends into an unruly mass brawl.

Tojo Yamamoto makes an appearance soon after, targeting the Takanos, triggering the entirety of the male roster to pour into the ringside area thick and fast. Evidently teasing the forthcoming battle royal, the brawl sufficiently distracts the referee for Pat Patterson to capitalise on an opportunity to get his own back on Kevin Sullivan, when he smashes a bottle over the Haze’s head.

“Baby Bull” Leon White defeats “the Purple Haze” in 33:02 by pinfall after interference from Pat Patterson to win the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship and retain the HS Television Championship

[kevinmcfl]

Baby Bull comes out shinning here but to me, the Patterson faction of the Army of Darkness stole the show.  Nice build to thid feud and with some many participants, this one could keep us entertained all summer long.

[Scarlet-Left]

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 12 “Legendary Showdown V” – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold

LEGENDARY SHOWDOWN V

Advertised Match:

30 Man Lottery Battle Royal for the HS Television Championship

We open with a snazzy new video package with highlights from Houston and related NWA matches and victory poses from each champion. After a brief panning shot of the crowd and the empty ring, we got to Paul Boesch in the backstage area.

“Hello, friends. We’re all so pleased you’re tuning for another excited night of – uh – NWA wrestling from here at the Sam Houston coliseum. Just a short notice before we begin. Our – uh – the television champion Leon White has asked to forgo his scheduled singles match, and, in return, he’s agreed to put his title on the line in tonight’s battle royal.

Now, let’s get on with the show.”

The opening match is a farce from beginning to end. Kevin Sullivan and “the Purple Haze” are set to defend their titles against the Takanos. Instead, they spend the first few minutes harassing the referee and wasting time before the match can even get underway. When the opening bell eventually goes off, the Army of Darkness respond to it by walking off, rather than risk injury before the main event.

Shunji Takano & George Takano defeat Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” in 00:34 by count out but the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship does not change hands

Their strategy backfires when an irate Pat Patterson leads his team in an assault on Sullivan and his minions before they can escape to the back. The brawl probably isn’t enough to make Sullivan regret his actions, however, when it is broken up by the extra personnel on hand for the battle royal.

The next match sees Dory Funk facing a local talent instead of his scheduled opponent, Leon White. Dory let’s the young man know exactly how he feels about the situation.

Dory Funk, Jr. defeats a local talent in 05:57 by submission with a cloverleaf

We cut to a commercial break soon after, before returning for a women’s match. Free from interference by Debbie Combs, Velvet McIntyre and Winona Little Heart are free to have a long clean contest.

The pace is determined by McIntyre throughout, who stops short of embarrassing Winona, a move that occasionally allows Little Heart to break out and briefly scare the former champion.

Velvet McIntyre defeats Winona Little Heart in 13:21 by pinfall with a victory roll.

After another commercial break, our second tag team match gets underway. The Youngbloods are set to face their toughest challenge yet, in the form of Harley Race and Larry Zbyszko. The heels make it patently clear, throughout, however, that there is aim is not to win the match so much as it is to inflict pain.

For reasons unknown, the pair make it their mission to sabotage the Youngblood brothers’ chances in the battle royal. By the time the match is over the younger team are a bloody mess.

Jay Youngblood & Mark Youngblood defeat Harley Race & Larry Zbyszko in 12:49 by disqualification when officials lose control of the match and retain the NWA Western States Tag Team Championship

We cut to our third commercial break before the main event gets underway. After a video package, showing multiple wrestlers dipping into the tumbler to retrieve their entry number, number one reveals himself.

00:00

“Baby Bull” Leon White makes his way to the ring, with his television title over his shoulder. Still enraged, Dory Funk, Jr. thunders down the ramp after him and tackles him to the floor. Briefly getting his licks in, White is able to block a shot from his own belt and returns the favour with a powerbomb to the hard floor.

Fortunately, as officials escort Funk to the back, Leon White is able to recuperate before the second entrant can emerge to kick of the match proper.

01:30

Tojo Yamamoto makes his way to the ring and the two big men get into a slug fest. They are relatively evenly matched, though this may be the result of White being involved with the brief scuffle with Funk.

03:00

The Sheik comes down, at number three, to shake things up. Specifically, he targets White and Tojo is more than happy to cooperate. After a brief scare sees the Bull halfway over the top rope, the defending champion powers out and thrashes the Sheik.

Tojo and Leon are then able to continue their hellacious back-and-forth.

04:30

Suspiciously, Baron Von Raschke is entry number four and he allows the heels to regain dominance. After wearing him down with strikes, White three opponents are able to get him stuck back in the ropes, putting him dangerously close to elimination.

Unable to power out, things look grim for the Baby Bull.

06:00

Yet another heel emerges in the form of Shunji Takano, at number five. Spurred on by his manager, Shunji immediately rushes to aid the effort to rid the ring of Leon White. This plan backfires, however, when Tojo’s attention is immediately drawn to his former ally. Yamamoto turns on him, letting go of White in the process.

On their own, Raschke and the Sheik find it impossible to get the champ up and over. They’re blistered with strikes and Raschke is ejected from the ring in short order.

Meanwhile, Tojo is battering Shunji Takano. Pat Patterson, however, makes sure to help his client however he, mostly by antagonising and distracting Tojo.

07:30

Tony Garea comes to the ring, as the sixth entrant, helping White eliminate the Sheik. After teasing a showdown with the Bull, Garea rushes over to nail Shunji, preventing him – with Pat’s help – from eliminating Tojo.

Yamamoto grabs Patterson, stood on the apron, and hammers him with chops to the head before letting him tumble to the floor. With Garea, White and Yamamoto on him, Shunji Takano is then easily ejected from the match.

09:00

George Takano is entrant number seven but fares even worse than his brother, chucked out almost as soon as he enters, by an unstoppable makeshift trio. Patterson responds to this humiliation by cracking Tojo over the head with the TV title.

Garea and White then dump the dazed Tojo over the top rope, after which he is immediately set up by his former faction.

The faces then get into it, with White predictably dominating the fight. Before the fight can come to anything, however …

10:30

Along with the eighth entrant, “the Lone Star”, the Army of Darkness make their way to the ring in full strength. Attempts by officials both to eject the previously eliminated entrants and prevent Sullivan and his minions becoming involved in the match fail spectacularly and a massive brawl erupts on the ramp and around the ring.

After a commercial break, we return to discover that officials have finally regained control. Picture in picture footage shows the ninth entrant, Mark Youngblood fighting through the chaos to enter the ring, Garea being eliminated by “the Lone Star”, the tenth entrant Chris Benoit entering with considerable fire and the eleventh entrant Jim Neidhart somewhat evening the odds.

After a fight between Chris Benoit and “the Lone Star” ends with Sullivan’s man on top, with Benoit taking a big bump on the way out.

16:30

Just as angry, but slightly worse for wear, Dory Funk, Jr. makes his way to the ring as the twelfth entrant. The heel trio he creates keep White and Youngblood on the backfoot, eventually leading to Mark taking a spill to the outside.

White makes as much hell for his opponents as he can, even managing to throw Neidhart over the top rope but Dory and “the Lone Star” are men possessed and throwing everything back at him.

18:00

Things get worse for the champion when Kevin Sullivan himself emerges as the thirteenth entrant, accompanied by “the Fallen Angel”.

It is not enough to get him out, however, and the pace of the match grinds to a halt, with White tied up forever before breaking out with a wallop across the Lone Star’s head.

19:30

At number fourteen, Sam Houston turns the tide against the heels, kicking off his time in the ring by eliminating Dory. The match then becomes a very competitive tornado-style tag match, though neither makeshift team has a decisive edge.

21:00

Jay Youngblood emerges at number fifteen looking to become that decisive edge. He is stymied, however, by Sullivan’s trump card. “the Fallen Angel” tries her best to keep him out the match long enough for the next entrant to enter the match.

Once he eventually gets into the ring, Jay Youngblood is able to help the babyfaces become dominant but not to score any eliminations.

22:30

The sixteenth entrant is Bret Hart who evens the odds and then some, helping to eliminate Jay Youngblood in short order. A pattern soon after emerges, with the evenly matched Hart and Houston fighting in an athletic contest, almost looking like a standard match at points, and the two members of the Army of Darkness teaming up to keep White on the backfoot.

24:00

Nelson Royal comes down at entry number seventeen to aid his teammate. Attempts by “the Fallen Angel” to keep him from the match were unsuccessful, however, as he pushed her to the floor as soon as she confronted him.

Talented though he is, Hart is unable to deal with two men on his own, the match evolves into a three on three. Hart and Houston continue to go back-and-forth, “the Lone Star” has the edge on Nelson Royal and Leon White scares Kevin Sullivan with an indomitable performance.

25:30

Jim Cornette leads entrant number eighteen, Dennis Condrey, to the ring with instructions to target Hart. Cornette and “the Fallen Angel” get into a few comedic altercations as a result of his refusal to help Sullivan and the imbalance within the ring leads to “the Lone Star” being ejected from the ring by Houston and Royal.

27:00

The difference maker emerges at number nineteen. “the Purple Haze” enters the ring and immediately makes his mark by eliminating Nelson Royal and relieving the pressure of Sullivan by going after White.

Sullivan moves onto Houston, though he has just as much trouble staying in control. He is aided by Hart, however, who eventually manages to get the better of Dennis Condrey and toss him up and over the top rope, to the frustration of Jim Cornette, who been being distracted by the Angel.

With Hart and Haze taking it to his opponents, Sullivan is firmly in control, cackling, taunting the crowd and taking pot-shots were he can.

28:30

Rene Goulet, coming in at number twenty, tries to even the odds but comes up short, falling to Sullivan in short order and being eliminated.

Then comes the moment of truth. With Houston worn down, Hart rushes over to help Sullivan and Haze get White over. “the Fallen Angel” helps at the ring apron to pull him over. When Cornette tries to interfere, whether to help or hinder their effort, Bret pops him good and hard and sends him crashing to the outside.

He is soon followed by White, ousted after considerable effort.

30:00

At twenty-one, Porkchop Cash, comes to help out the overwhelmed Sam Houston. All the same, things look exceptionally bleak and both men soon find themselves tied up in the ropes.

After a commercial break, we return to see Houston in a better spot. Picture in picture footage shows us the arrival of the twenty second entrant Brad Rheingans to even the odds, something he accomplished, the arrival and swift departure of Terry Gibbs at twenty-three, Jimmy Garvin’s entrance at number twenty-four and the most recent addition of the twenty fifth entrant, Bobby Eaton.

Eaton eliminates Hart and the faces manage to eject Garvin quickly enough to avoid Eaton creating an imbalance. A competitive three on three continues until …

37:30

The twenty sixth entrant is the wild and evil Terry Funk. Things go badly for the faces after that, with Rheingans being eliminated and Cash and Houston getting savagely beaten down. Judging Funk to be the most dangerous, Sullivan and Haze turn on him after that. Initially unsure, Eaton joins in and they’re able to eliminate him.

39:00

Funk clocks number twenty-seven, Sweet Brown Sugar, on his way to the back, meaning that Houston and Cash remain in a sorry state for a while longer. The faces manage to stick around, however, long enough for Eaton to grow frustrated with his lack of progress and turn on his temporary allies.

40:30

Ron Garvin appearance at number twenty-eight caused this fractured alliance to reform, however, and the heels manage to hurl out Cash and Sugar. A fresh Garvin proves something of a match in the early going, especially with Houston at his side, but the numbers game eventually gets the better of him and he is tossed out.

For revenge or, perhaps, purely opportunistically, Sullivan and Haze immediately pull Eaton into the ropes and try to get him over. They are thwarted, however, by Houston who barrels into them.

42:00

To Houston’s relief, Wahoo McDaniel is number twenty-nine. Whilst Eaton recuperates, uninterested in helping the Army of Darkness, McDaniel helps Houston in a two-on-two.

With Haze in a bad situation and Sullivan thoroughly worn down, Eaton tries to help Wahoo and Sam get Haze up and over.

44:30

The final entrant is Hercules Hernandez. Spurred on by the need to prevent him from turning the tide, a gigantic heave from Wahoo and Houston gets Haze over the top rope. Enraged, Sullivan goes after Eaton.

With Cornette and the Angel both getting into the mix, the pair manages to pull themselves out.

In quick succession, Hernandez tosses Wahoo out and, with moment on his side, Houston gets under him and eliminates the final entrant.

Sam Houston wins a thirty man lottery battle royal in 47:10 by last eliminating Hercules Hernandez and becomes the HS Television Championship

[kevinmcfl]

Nice show here with a great match for TV.  The lottery battle royal would have been all I could talk about if I saw that on TV.  Like Houston as the champ here.  He is a face you can really build around.  Sullivan and his Army of Darkness continue to be one of my favorite stables in the game.

[Scarlet-Left]

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 13 – 23^rd of June 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold

Advertised Match:

Barry Windham versus Harley Race for the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship

Before the opening match, we get a rundown of the previous week’s events in the form of brief clip compilation.

Sam Houston’s first defence of his newly won television title gets of to a cracking start, with the champion firmly in control using the match as a showcase. Five minutes in, however, things take a dark turn.

Sam Houston defeats a local talent in 06:02 by disqualification after interference from Kevin Sullivan and retains the HS Television Championship

The Army of Darkness thunder to the ring, knocking down both participants and the referee. Whilst “the Purple Haze”, “the Lone Star” and “the Fallen Angel” get to work torturing Sam Houston, Kevin Sullivan demands (and receives) a microphone.

“This cannot go on. Paul Boesch! Pat Patterson! We are the dominant force in Houston and no one can deny this. It seems, however, that the men in charge would prefer things to be different. Well, I won’t stand for it. It all ends one way or another!

I want Sam Houston, Nelson Royal and Leon White out of this city! If I don’t get what I want … God help you!”

Officials are eventually able to regain control and bring Sam Houston to the back. Sullivan and his army remain at ringside to wait out the commercial break in anticipation of the night’s second match.

To challenge for the junior heavyweight title, Shunji Takano comes down to the ring, flanked by his brother and followed by Pat Patterson. Patterson exchanges some terse words with Sullivan before the match begins.

The match itself highly competitive, with both men gaining and losing the edge at various points. The deciding factor is a surprising one, however. Apparently offended by what Sullivan had to say earlier in the night, Houston, Royal and White rush down for the finishing stretch, preventing “the Lone Star” from receiving some much-needed intervention and starting a familiar bloody brawl in the process.

Shunji Takano defeats “the Lone Star” in 12:59 by pinfall after a dropkick to win the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship

A commercial break later and we arrive at our main event, for the Western States heavyweight title. With Larry Zbyszko in tow, Harley Race is every bit as vicious and dastardly as one would expect. Barry Windham puts in a courageous performance, however, taking the heels through hell, regularly meeting Larry’s interference with nasty thumbs.

It isn’t enough in the end, however.

Harley Race defeats Barry Windham in 14:34 by pinfall after a diving headbutt to win the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship

[kevinmcfl]

Sullivan is goin to have some wanted posters of himself around Houston soon.  He is doing awesome causing chaos and Sam Houston seems to be one of his main targets.

At least, they got some measure of revenge as Takano took the Junior HW title with the protection of Houston. Royal and White.

Windham vs Race on TV for a Title!  Count me in every time.

Must say how much I enjoy your format.  It is so nice and simple to follow.

[Scarlet-Left]

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 14 – 30^th of June 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 19 Gold

Advertised Match:

“Baby Bull” Leon White versus “the Purple Haze” for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship

The tone of the show throughout the night is war. Everyone on the roster can feel that things are coming to a head. Brawling on the outside by every wrestler worth their salt is constant, for the most part, Houston’s officials seem to have given up even trying to maintain order.

Our first match, for the television title, sets a precedent – the defending champion with the edge being upset by outside forces.  Sam Houston and Dory Funk, Jr. go after each other with passion and ferocity – passion matched by their allies on the outside.

In Dory’s corner are his natural allies, Baron Von Raschke and the Sheik, and Houston’s nemeses, the Army of Darkness. Backing Houston up are Nelson Royal, Leon White and the Youngbloods.

It’s obvious to anyone watching that the match could’ve gone either way. In the end, however, Kevin Sullivan manages to achieve an early symbolic victory over the face of the company.

Dory Funk, Jr. defeats Sam Houston in 12:45 by pinfall after interference from Kevin Sullivan to win the HS Television Championship

After that upset we cut to the back to hear from Paul Boesch, flanked by Pat Patterson.

“To all the great fans of Houston wrestling, I can confirm that the main event of Show – uh – Legendary Showdown six will be a losers-leave-town six-man elimination cage match. Sam Houston, Nelson Royal and Leon White will face off against the Army of Darkness and any man who is pinned or submits to a hold will be banned from returning to Houston for a full year. This penalty will also apply to anyone who tries to interfere in the match.

The match will end when every member of one team has been eliminated. In addition, we will see the – um – the – uh – junior heavyweight championship in contention, Debbie Combs will face Velvet McIntyre for the Texas women’s title and much more.”

Pat buts in the at the end. “You don’ wanna’ miss it!”

After a brief commercial break, we return for the tag team title match and Sam Houston’s revenge.

Tony Garea and Rene Goulet are not cut out to take on the champions on their own but their allies on the outside are extremely motivated to give them a fighting chance. In the end, a well-timed smack to the back of the head to Sullivan from the baby bull is what gives Garea the opening he needs.

Tony Garea & Rene Goulet defeat Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” in 07:51 when Tony Garea pins Kevin Sullivan after interference from "Baby Bull" Leon White to win the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship

Whilst the characters present did not change between the first and second match, the third match sees the arrival of the Midnight Express to challenge for the six-man championship.

The pendulum swings back for this one and the Army of Darkness make common cause with Jim Cornette. This uneasy alliance – symbolised by more comedic antics from Cornette and “the Fallen Angel” – proves unstoppable.

Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton & Bubba Rogers defeat “Baby Bull” Leon White & Jay Youngblood & Mark Youngblood in 08:13 when Bobby Eaton pins Jay Youngblood after interference from multiple people to win the NWA Texas Six Man Tag Team Championship

Out of gratitude, the Midnight Express help the Army of Darkness beat Leon White down in the aftermath, and all throughout the commercial break.

When we return for the main event, White is a battered and bloodied mess. He nevertheless puts on an astounding performance, enough to keep the Haze from capitalising on his weakened state.

The match eventual devolves into all out chaos and the bell rings, signifying … something. A few minutes later a graphic appears on screen declaring the result to be a “no contest”.

“Baby Bull” Leon White and “the Purple Haze” draw in 09:49 when the match is declared a “no contest” and the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship does not change hands.

With no end to the brawl in sight, the programme eventually goes off the air.

[kevinmcfl]

Quote

The tone of the show throughout the night is war. Everyone on the roster can feel that things are coming to a head. Brawling on the outside by every wrestler worth their salt is constant, for the most part, Houston’s officials seem to have given up even trying to maintain order.

Great intro.  Had me hooked from the get go!

I was so excited when I saw your advertised match but you didn't let us know that ever other match would be just as good!  What a TV show.

Funk over Sam Houston for the TV Championship starts the craziness as Sullivan can't help himself but to get involved.

Garea and Goulet with the upset as Baby Bull gets some revenge on Sullivan's crew.  The heat is really building now.

The Midnight Express win the 6 Man titles as Sullivan again can't help himself.  He might be the most hated man in wrestling right now.

Can't went for Legendary Showdown #6!

[Scarlet-Left]

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 15 “Legendary Showdown VI” – 7^th of July 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold

Advertised Match:

Losers Leave Town Six Man Tornado Tag Team Elimination Cage Match – Sam Houston & Nelson Royal & Leon White versus Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” & “the Lone Star”

LEGENDARY SHOWDOWN VI

A brief video package airs, promising a climatic showdown between the forces of good and evil and an end to the anarchy that been running rampant in Houston.

The first match sees Dory attempt to defend his newly won television title against Paul Roma. The contest is fun and, at times, even becomes competitive but, in the end, Funk wily antics and reckless abandon are too much for Roma to keep up with.

Dory Funk, Jr. defeats Paul Roma in 09:27 by submission with a cloverleaf to retain the HS Television Championship

We cut to a brief appearance from Paul Boesch who reiterates the ringside ban for tonight: “Anyone who is not explicitly authorised to appear at ringside for any given match tonight will be banned from the Sam Houston Coliseum.”

After the first commercial break, we have another champion defending his prize for the first time, with Shunji Takano taking on Denny Brown.

An athletic showcase for Brown and a proving ground for Takano – now without backup, the match is clean, fast-paced and technical. In the end, the lack of outside assistance shows the champion up when, after an intense match, Brown picks up the bronze.

Denny Brown defeats Shunji Takano in 09:07 by pinfall with an Oklahoma roll to win the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship

Afterwards, another – less intense – juniors match gets underway, with Buddy Landel looking to make an impact in Houston.

Buddy Landel defeats a local talent in 04:58 by submission with a figure four leglock

Our second commercial break takes us to the women.

For the third time in a row, we see Velvet McIntyre up against Debbie Combs – the first time the pair have met with McIntyre as the challenger and Combs as the champion. Given time, the two work an even and well-paced match, with McIntyre now full cognizant of Combs’ heelish tactics. Everything comes together, in the end, for Velvet and she becomes the new Houston’s first two-time champion.

Velvet McIntyre defeats Debbie Combs in 15:09 by pinfall after a running crossbody to win the NWA Texas Women’s Championship for the second time

We cut to a third commercial break and return for the first contest to feature ringside action, with the tag partners for Bret Hart and Tony Garea being allowed to serve in a managerial capacity.

Structured as both a physical showcase for Hart and a spot of light entertainment, the emphasis is on flashy moves and heel antics, with ringside confrontations for good measure.

Bret Hart defeats Tony Garea in 11:31 by pinfall after a German suplex

We get to see the initial building of the cage before cutting to the fourth commercial break. When we return, the main event gets underway.

The members of the opposing teams quickly pair off in an organic fashion, with “the Purple Haze” up against Leon White, Kevin Sullivan up against Sam Houston and “the Lone Star” up against Nelson Royal. The ten minutes are hellish, with hard hits, savageness and thuggery from the heels, culminating in Sam Houston having his head raked viciously against the cage until he’s gushing with blood.

Though his teammates try valiantly to compensate for him, Sam Houston becomes the main target for the Army of Darkness. Shortly before the commercial break, Houston is shockingly eliminated. Escorted out of the temporarily opened cage door by a horde of referees, Houston is kicked off the apron by “the Purple Haze” who, enthused by this early victory, begins fighting like a man possessed.

After a commercial break interrupts the faces in serious peril, we return to see them bravely holding out. White does all the heavy lifting, briefly managing to restrain Sullivan and Haze with a double headlock.

It doesn’t last long but it does last just long enough for Royal to capitalise, eliminating “the Lone Star”, who has to be practically dragged out of the cage by officials.

Sullivan and Haze are the able to reverse White’s hold and push him into a collision with Royal. With both men down, Sullivan once again tips the scales by eliminating Royal.

The last five minutes see Leon White put on tremendous displays of tenacity and power. In the end, however, with Haze pinning his arms to the mat, Sullivan is able to claim victory.

Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” & “the Lone Star” defeat Sam Houston & Leon White & Nelson Royal in 32:15 and the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship is rendered vacant

A brawl, with Leon White eventually getting the slightest measure of revenge by busting Haze open, closes out the show.

[kevinmcfl]

Enjoyed Legendary Showdown VI

I like the debut of Landell.  Houston seems like a good fit for him along with being the perfect place for Dory.  

Very interested to see where you go with the whole women's division that you are creating.

Great main event.  I know I say it week after week, but I think Sullivan is great here.  His evilness makes him main event week in and week out and you can just keep rotating baby faces in to go after him kind of like the opposite of Laweler in Memphis or Hogan in the WWF were they just rotated in heels to go after them.  Sullivan has put Houston on the list of my favorite reads each week.

 

[Scarlet-Left]

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 16 – 14^th of July 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold

Advertised Match:

Mark Youngblood & Jay Youngblood versus Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton for the NWA Western States Tag Team Championship

The first match – for the television championship – begins after a brief video package detailing the previous week’s events. Dory Funk, Jr. shows his opposition no mercy and retains his title with ease.

Dory Funk, Jr. defeats a local talent in 03:18 by submission with a cloverleaf to retain the HS Television Championship

We cut to a pre-taped promo with Kevin Sullivan in his druidic ropes. “the Fallen Angel” and “the Purple Haze” are behind him, chanting all the while.

“Who can deny my power, now? Who can deny me, now that my enemies are strewn at my feet? I cannot be denied. The power of Abudadein cannot be denied! I have seized control of Houston and very soon I will have everything that was stolen returned to me!

Pat Patterson! Watch your back! Your decisions have doomed you and I am nothing if not an agent of doom! Ah ha ha ha ha!”

Our second match is a showcase for the power and charisma of Wendi Richter, with a slower pace than the opener but a no less dominant performance.

Wendi Richter defeats a local talent in 08:02 by pinfall after a powerbomb

After a commercial break, the fight for the western states’ tag titles begins. Cornette and Rogers make things quite tough for the champions but the main factor in their loss the prior week – Kevin Sullivan – remains absent.

Mark Youngblood & Jay Youngblood defeat Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton in 13:56 when Mark Youngblood pins Dennis Condrey after a missile dropkick to retain the NWA Western States Tag Team Championship

Our final commercial break carries us through to the main event, another tag team match – this time pitting Garea & Goulet against the Takanos.

The match is competitive, though the Takanos take the slight edge on account of Pat Patterson’s influence. In the end, however, Pat’s presence comes back to bite his team when Kevin Sullivan makes his way to the ring.

Sullivan is followed by three hooded figures, one obviously “the Purple Haze”, the other “the Fallen Angel” and the third a mystery but too large to be the exiled Gary Royal.

Unprompted, Sullivan attacks Patterson with brutal lefts and rights before dragging him away and into the arms of “the Purple Haze”. The Takanos immediately race after their manager, only to be met by a roadblock in human form.

Soon revealed to be their former ally, Tojo Yamamoto, the third of Sullivan’s followers has a face painted jet black, with white kanji on his cheeks and red pupilled eye in the middle of his forehead.

Tony Garea & Rene Goulet defeat George Takano & Shunji Takano in 14:07 by count out and retain the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship

[kevinmcfl]

NWA Houston continues to be on a roll.

Enjoyed the Sullivan interview.  His stable is pure evil!

Really happy you put the titles on the Youngbloods here!  The win over the MNE helps their stock to continue to rise.

Tojo under Sullivan's spell.  This is going to get WILD!

Garea and Goulet are a legit tag team but wonder how long they can keep the belts in the wild city of Houston!

Very interested to see where you take your women's division.  It is truly a missing part of our game and I am glad someone is taking the lead on this.

[Scarlet-Left]

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 17 – 21^st of July 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold

Advertised Match:

Harley Race versus Kevin Sullivan for the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship

Our opening match is a television title defence. Dory tortures the opposition with holds and, whether from arrogance or sadism, keeps the match going a few minutes longer than it needs to.

Dory Funk, Jr. defeats a local talent in 07:11 by submission with a cloverleaf to retain the HS Television Championship

A video package, detailing the previous week’s events, transitions us to the second scheduled match. Denny Brown and Rene Goulet are in the ring, set to contest the junior title, but the bell does not ring.

Instead, a distressed and dishevelled Pat Patterson – who appears not to have changed clothes in a week – interrupts the pair. He is off-colour and shaky when he addresses the arena.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, no this match can’t go on! I’ve made a mistake … the title is vacant. It’s vacant now, I’ve vacated it. Hand it over … come on! Come on, hand it over!”

Brown hesitates and Goulet looks shocked and disgusted but, in the end – to a chorus of boos, the champion relinquishes the belt.

We cut away from these strange scenes to a commercial break, only to return for the crowning of a new heavyweight champion.

“the Purple Haze” is up against a young unknown. The weirdness with Pat Patterson continues, it seems, with the matchmaker hovering around awkwardly at ringside.

The match plays out predictably for the first few minutes, with “the Purple Haze” dominating in a comical fashion. To liven things up, however, two masked wrestlers – in black and silver – rush down to the ring and batter “the Purple Haze” before his allies can react.

“the Purple Haze” defeats a local talent in 04:43 by disqualification after interference from unknown assailants and the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship remains vacant

A brawl erupts that lasts for a few minutes, before the masked men change Sullivan’s army to the back, clearing the ring for our third match.

With fewer shenanigans, the women’s division produces a competitive six man. The story is simple, one side has the champions Velvet McIntyre and Misty Blue Simmes, with a weaker third member in form of Winona Little Heart, and the other has the fairly equal trio of Debbie Combs, Liz Chase and Penny Mitchell.

Each woman gets some time to shine, and the match threatens to go one way and then another at various points throughout.

Velvet McIntyre & Misty Blue Simmes & Winona Little Heart defeat Debbie Combs & Liz Chase & Penny Mitchell in 09:25 when Velvet McIntyre pins Liz Chase after a running crossbody

Another commercial break takes to the main event.

From the off, it becomes obvious that Harley Race will not fall so easily into Sullivan’s traps. With Larry Zbyszko at ringside for backup and a distinct physical advantage, Sullivan repeatedly fails to find an opening and remains on the defensive for the majority of the contest.

Cheating doesn’t work either for Sullivan either, as both participants in this heel programme stoop just as low as one another.

Harley Race defeats Kevin Sullivan in 13:51 by pinfall after a diving headbutt to retain the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship

[kevinmcfl]

Just the first line had me hooked!  Harley Race vs Kevin Sullivan for the Western States title.... WOW

I am really enjoying Dory Funk as the TV champ and beating up on lesser opponents.  It will be interesting to see who makes the first real challenge.  I could just see Dory torturing these youngsters and jobbers and enjoying every minute of it.

Okay... I must know!  What is going on with Pat Patterson.  Never seen a legit match stopped and a title taken away.  I must know why!  Get me to next week already.  

Race and Sullivan doesn't disappoint but I must admit, I don't think Sullivan will be pleased with his minions that he went down in defeat.

[Scarlet-Left]

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 18 “Legendary Showdown VII” – 28^th of July 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold

LEGENDARY SHOWDOWN VII

“Ladies Night”

Advertised Match:

Tony Garea & Rene Goulet versus Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” for the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship

The show opens with a snazzy new video package before transitioning into a graphical overlay, detailing the day’s coming events, including the first three rounds of a women’s tournament and the promised battle for the tag team gold in the main event.

Having beaten several lower level challengers, Dory Funk, Jr. faces a tougher fight in the opening match against Shunji Takano.

Enraged, perhaps by the recent controversies related to his manager, Takano holds nothing back and presses the power advantage at every turn. Funk begins and ends on the backfoot, escaping often and winning himself breathing room with cheap tactics but never managing to gain control of given entanglement.

Towards the end, it becomes obvious that Funk is happy to settle for a time limit draw or loss by disqualification. Unluckily for him, Takano just doesn’t give him an opportunity.

Shunji Takano defeats Dory Funk, Jr. in 13:52 by pinfall after a missile dropkick to win the HS Television Championship

After a commercial break, we see the first round of our women’s tournament.

Up first, Debbie Combs pushes for quick finish against the debuting Susan Starr. Fresh and dominant, Combs accomplishes this with little worry.

Debbie Combs defeats Susan Starr in 05:33 by pinfall with a roll-up to earn three points

On second, Misty Blue Simmes find similar success against Penny Mitchell.

Misty Blue Simmes defeats Penny Mitchell in 06:09 by pinfall after a suplex to earn three points

It is Wendi Richter in the third match, however, who manages to pull off the most impressive victory. She takes Linda Dallas to the outside as soon as possible and delivers a nasty powerbomb to the floor.

Wendi Richter defeats Linda Dallas in 02:02 by count out to earn three points

We cut to a commercial from the image of Dallas being helped to the back.

An interesting contest awaits us when we return. Baron Von Raschke and the Sheik seek to improve their standings in the tag team division against an unknown and, presumably, low level team.

Wearing very basic blue and white outfits, with masks of fairly low quality, Blue Star #1 and Blue Star #2 prove to be more than a match for their opponents, however, securing a shocking victory.

Blue Star #1 & Blue Star #2 defeat Baron Von Raschke & the Sheik in 09:40 when Blue Star #1 pins Baron Von Raschke after a bulldog

After that, we get the first match of the second round of the ladies’ tournament, with Misty Blue Simmes squaring off against the weakened Linda Dallas.

Dallas struggles to get any offence in, still in noticeable pain from her previous match. All she can do, unfortunately, is delay the inevitable by a few minutes.

Misty Blue Simmes defeats Linda Dallas in 04:29 by pinfall with a roll-up to earn three points, holing six points in total

The second round continues after a commercial break, with Debbie Combs facing Penny Mitchell. Combs holds nothing against her ally and, seeming just as fresh as in the first round, makes short work of contest.

Debbie Combs defeats Penny Mitchell in 04:56 by pinfall with a roll-up to earn three points, holding six points in total

The following match, between Winona Little Heart and Susan Starr breaks the mould by going long. Susan Starr hold the edge throughout and comes close to pining Winona on numerous occasions, but the time limit works against her.

Winona Little Heart and Susan Starr wrestle to a draw when the time limit expires at 10:00 and both women earn one point each

The third round begins after a commercial break and the first match puts a frustrated Penny Micthell up against Winona Little Heart. Not prepared for Mitchell’s level of aggression, Heart allows her to secure her first victory.

Penny Mitchell defeats Winona Little Heart in 04:47 by pinfall after a snap suplex to earn three points

In the second match, Linda Dallas seeks to make up for her false start. Whereas Dallas has recuperated somewhat from her first match, she is still placed on the backfoot by a supremely confident former champion, in the form of Debbie Combs.

Debbie Combs defeats Linda Dallas in 05:10 by pinfall with a roll-up to earn three points, holding nine points in total

The final match of round three sees the undefeated Simmes and Richter square off. Beginning safe in the knowledge that their next matches will be in a week’s time, the match initially builds a slow and deliberate pace, the five-minute mark singles its deterioration into a race for the flash pinfall.

Both women come dangerously close to a victory half a dozen times. In the end, Simmes snatches the win.

Misty Blue Simmes defeats Wendi Richter in 07:02 by pinfall with a backslide to earn three points, holding nine points in total

The final commercial break takes us to the main event.

Accompanied to the ring by “the Fallen Angel”, Kevin Sullivan appears poised, confident and sinister, as if he believes he has already won. The match is quite competitive but, as well as having no real way to counter the influence of Sullivan’s woman, it becomes clear quite quickly that the Army of Darkness has produced a much strong team.

Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” defeat Tony Garea & Rene Goulet in 12:34 when Kevin Sullivan pins Rene Goulet after a stomp to win the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship

[Scarlet-Left]

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 19 – 4^th of August 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold

Advertised Match:

Denny Brown versus Rene Goulet for the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship

As usual, the television title match opens the show, with Shunji Takano looking to make his first defence. The opposition doesn’t prove to be too much of a challenge and he secured the victory in short order.

Shunji Takano defeats a local talent in 03:46 by pinfall after a missile dropkick to retain the HS Television Championship

After the match, however, as the loser walks to the back, he is rattled by a clothesline from Tojo Yamamoto who proceeds to rush the ring. There looks set to be a fight until officials swarm inside. Instead, Tojo and Shunji trade insults in Japanese until they can be ushered to the back.

Following that is the first match in the fourth round of the women’s tournament. Up against Penny Mitchell, Wendi Richter has a tried-and-tested strategy all worked out. It doesn’t make for a good match, but it does make for an easy win as Richter drags her open outside and nails her with a powerbomb.

Wendi Richter defeats Penny Mitchell in 00:59 by count out to win three points, holding six points in total

After that, Misty Blue Simmes and Susan Starr produce a far more competitive contest. Simmes looks to hold onto her tied first place and Starr seeks to reverse her poor performance last week. For as much as she tries, however, and she does come agonisingly close to a draw, Starr is just not able to get the job done.

Misty Blue Simmes defeats Susan Starr in 09:31 by pinfall with a roll-up to win three points, holding twelve points in total

A commercial break separates the final match of round four from the others and it sees Debbie Combs square off against Winona Little Heart. Combs fights nasty, dirty and cheaply to score another win and keep herself level with Simmes.

Debbie Combs defeats Winona Little Heart in 06:11 by pinfall after a neckbreaker to win three points, holding twelve points in total

After that we get the match that Pat Patterson cancelled two weeks prior, with Denny Brown facing off against the Rene Gouet.

The match is fast-paced and evenly fought but Denny Brown is the one with just a little more fire in his belly as he fights to win the title – a title he likely believes should already be his.

Denny Brown defeats Rene Goulet in 10:27 by pinfall with an Oklahoma roll to win the vacant NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship

Another commercial break takes us to the fifth round of the women’s tournament.

First up are Misty Blue Simmes and Winona Little Heart. Whilst Simmes doesn’t wrestle as aggressively or dirtily as Combs, Little Heart still remains on the back foot throughout, fighting desperately to drag the match past the ten minute mark to no avail.

Misty Blue Simmes defeats Winona Little Heart in 05:57 by pinfall after a dropkick to win three points, holding fifteen points in total

After that, Susan Starr takes on Wendi Richter. Richter sticks to her strategy, delivering two powerbombs to the outside, just be sure, briefly losing her composure to throw insults back to the crowd.

Wendi Richter defeats Susan Starr in 01:05 by count out to win three points, holding nine points in total

The final match of the round, and the night, follows. A fresh-faced Linda Dallas is, predictably, able to dominate Penny Mitchell in the early goings. Initially failing to full capitalise, however, Dallas allows the match to come dangerously close to the time limit.

Linda Dallas defeats Penny Mitchell in 09:49 by pinfall with a backslide to win three points

[kevinmcfl]

Sorry I fell a little behind with my comments.

Really enjoyed Showdown VII.  I was a little surprised to see Dory lose the TV title but Takano and Yamamota will be fun to watch.  Looking forward to seeing what's next for Dory here in Houston.

Glad someone took control of the women's division.  The tournament is really taking shape.  Looks like Misty Blue and Richter are heading to the top of the class.  

Okay... so who are the Blue Stars!

As always, enjoyed NWA Houston!

[Scarlet-Left]

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 20 – 11^th of August 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold

Advertised Match:

Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton & Bubba Rogers versus Tony Garea & Rene Goulet & Denny Brown for the NWA Texas Six Man Tag Team Championship

For the opening match, strangely enough, George Takano, Tojo Yamamoto and Pat Patterson all accompany the television champion to the ring. They are all obviously wary of each other and Yamamoto, especially, is kept at a distance. Shunji makes short work of the opposition and Patterson addresses the crowd, promising a match between Shunji Takano and Tojo Yamamoto and net week’s legendary showdown.

Shunji Takano defeats a local talent in 03:02 by pinfall after a dropkick to retain the HS Television Championship

The champion reluctantly agrees to shake Tojo’s had, only to receive a belly-to-belly suplex for his manners. Patterson bumps for a head chop before Tojo and George come to blows – at which point the ring officials pull them apart and gain control of the situation.

The second match, with both the Texas and Western States tag championships on the line has all the early indications of a great match. The Youngbloods push themselves athletically and the Army of Darkness is unceasing in its ruthlessness. When it becomes clear, however, that they cannot secure a quick victory, Kevin Sullivan directs “the Purple Haze” to throw the match in order to preserve enough of his strength for the main event.

Mark Youngblood & Jay Youngblood defeat Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” in 13:44 by count out and the NWA Western States Tag Team Championship, along with the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship, does not change hands

After the commercial break, our third match serves as a showcase for the Midnight Express. Their opponents, in the form of Tony Garea, Rene Goulet and Denny Brown, aren’t pushovers by any means but the champions possess three distinct advantages; power, organisation and Jim Cornette.

Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton & Bubba Rogers defeat Tony Garea & Rene Goulet & Denny Brown in 12:53 when Bobby Eaton pins Denny Brown after a flying body splash to retain the NWA Texas Six Man Tag Team Championship

After the second commercial break we come to our main event. Looking to finally secure the vacant heavyweight championship, the Army of Darkness stalk the ring to prevent the Blue Stars spoiling things once again.

Paul Roma gets his licks in, but narrative of the match revolves almost entirely around the threat of interference.

Blue Star #1 and Blue Star #2 make their way to the ring at around the ten-minute mark. Blue Star #2 immediately goes after Sullivan, to keep him restrained and distracted. This works, giving Blue Star #1 a mostly clear path to the ring.

“the Fallen Angel” seems to let him pass but, once he’s on the ring apron, she instead grabs a hold of a boot, distracting him long enough to “the Purple Haze” to stride over and nail him with a right. Blue Star #1 falls to the ground, recovering only in time to see the finish of the match.

“the Purple Haze” defeats Paul Roma in 11:46 by pinfall after a powerbomb to win the vacant NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship

The Army of Darkness then goes on the offensive, fighting in a back-and-forth brawl with the Blue Stars to close out the show.

[kevinmcfl]

Interesting opening bout.  I was surprised when they all came out together and appeared to be on the same side.  Tojo quickly reminded me we they were  bit reluctant at the opening.

Some really great bouts for TV that would keep me coming back week after week.

Was just wondering were Sam Houston has been.  Wondering if I missed part of an angle?

[Scarlet-Left]

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 21 “Legendary Showdown VIII” – 18^th of August 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold

LEGENDARY SHOWDOWN VIII

Advertised Match:

Harley Race versus Austin Idol for the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship

A brief recap package of the past few weeks events plays before the opening match for the Texas Women’s championship, with Velvet McIntyre taking on Liz Chase.

The match is short but fast paced, with the decisive edge going to the champion.

Velvet McIntyre defeats Liz Chase in 07:08 by pinfall after a running crossbody to retain the NWA Texas Women’s Championship

The second match is a more anticipated bout and one with far more personal animosity involved. Shunji Takano is occupied by his brother and his manager, whereas Tojo Yamamoto stands alone against his former stablemates.

The men on the outside do not attempt to interfere, however, and the match plays out in conventional fashion. Whatever Yamamoto’s power advantage might be, he is far more easily exhausted than his opponent and the champ capitalises on this fact – he takes Tojo from one end of the ring to the other, make him work for every strike he’s able to land.

As soon as he feels that Yamamoto has become tired, Takano goes in for the kill.

Shunji Takano defeats Tojo Yamamoto in 09:37 by pinfall after a missile dropkick to retain the HS Television Championship

Suffer such as setback seems to trigger something in Tojo’s mind and, just before we cut to commercials, he delivers a powerslam to George Takano and then throttles Pat Patterson as officials swarm all over him.

After the commercial break, the sixth round of the women’s tournament. First up are Linda Dallas and Susan Starr, who manage to have a fairly traditional competitive match in a tournament that has otherwise been about desperately racing to the finish.

Linda Dallas defeats Susan Starr in 08:24 by pinfall after a bulldog to win three points, holding six points in total

The next match returns to familiarity, as Wendi Richter batters Winona Little Heart with a particularly nasty looking powerbomb to the outside.

Wendi Richter defeats Winona Little Heart in 02:10 by count out to win three points, holding twelve points in total

The camera lingers on Little Heart, who requires a great deal of assistance in order to make her way to the back, before cutting to another commercial break.

The third match of round six see Misty Blue Simmes go up against Debbie Combs. The two women drag each other dangerously close to the time limit and the final minute is a desperate series of pins and reversals culminating, perhaps only be chance, in one woman getting the win.

Debbie Combs defeats Misty Blue Simmes in 09:51 by pinfall with a roll-up to win three points, holding fifteen points in total

A swanky graphics package shows the situation heading into the seventh round before we cut for another commercial break.

Coming hot off of his breakout successes in the ongoing NWA junior heavyweight tournament, Keiichi Yamada challenges Denny Brown for his title in a fun and fierce sprint. Yamada manages to stun his opponent just as much as he stuns the crowd.

Keiichi Yamada defeats Denny Brown in 12:03 by pinfall after a top rope flying crossbody to win the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship

After that, we cut to a pre-recorded promo from Kevin Sullivan, with his two disciples chanting all around him.

“Blue Stars! Listen close …” Sullivan raises his tag team belt. “… I wear my pride around my waist and you … you wear your shame over your face.

But I know who you are. Don’t think I can’t see through shame. You’ve not fooled me, even if you have fooled them. So … uh … so how about we put your shame up against my pride? Next week, I’ll give you a shot at my title belt … if you put your masks on the line.

What say you, now? Don’t pass this up.”

We cut from that package to a commercial break, before moving onto the seventh round of the women’s tournament.

The first match of this round is another competitive contest with Wendi Richter failing to put Debbie Combs away with her tried-and-tested strategy. The match brings out the worst in both women, with nastiness and dirty tactics on full display, ending with a leveraged pinfall.

Wendi Richter defeats Debbie Combs in 07:44 by pinfall with both feet on the ropes to win three points, holding fifteen points in total

The second match is completely different as Winona Little Heart proved simply too badly hurt to compete.

Linda Dallas defeats Winona Little Heart in 00:30 by forfeit to win three points, holding nine points in total

The third match returns us to a more familiar sprint-to-the-finish style of match, with Susan Star just managing to edge Penny Mitchell out.

Susan Starr defeats Penny Mitchell in 04:59 by pinfall with a backslide to win three points, holding four points in total

With that, a graphic announces Debbie Combs, Wendi Richter and Misty Blue Simmes as joint winners of the tournament

One last commercial break takes us to the main event, a wild brawl between Harley Race and Austin Idol. Whereas Idol is confident and competitive, Race has deviousness on his side as well as the aid of Larry Zbyszko.

Harley Race defeats Austin Idol in 16:38 by pinfall with a roll-up to retain the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship

[kevinmcfl]

Great show!  

Tojo is like a ticking time bomb.  You never know when he is going to snap.

Big win for Debbie Combs over the NWA Women's Champ

If I knew Idol was going to face Race on TV, I would have set in front of the TV all day long.

[Scarlet-Left]

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 22 – 25^th of August 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold

Advertised Match:

Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” versus Blue Star #1 & Blue Star #2 for the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship

The opening match is a highly competitive and hard-hitting rematch between Shunji Takano and Dory Funk, Jr. Takano has the slightest edge throughout but, in the end, that doesn’t matter. Tojo Yamamoto continues his campaign against his former allies by storming down to the ring and delivering a nasty powerbomb to Pat Patterson.

This proves to be just enough of a distraction for Funk to take advantage.

Dory Funk, Jr. defeats Shunji Takano in 13:09 by pinfall with a roll-up to win the HS Television Championship

After the commercial break we come to another interesting rematch, between two of the three tied winners of the recent women’s tournament – Wendi Richter and Debbie Combs. The winner will go on to face Misty Blu Simmes. In recognition of her overall success, however, the loser will also receive a title shot, against Velvet McIntyre.

The match has slower, more measured pace, as neither woman needs to worry too much about the time limit. Nevertheless, the narrative of the match is that Richter, with a power advantage, needs to shorten the length of the match against the wilier Combs.

Wendi Richter defeats Debbie Combs in 14:39 by pinfall after a widowmaker

The second commercial break takes us to our main event for tag team titles. To the visible shock of Sullivan and his minions, the Blue Stars open the match like a house on fire. They tag in and out as whenever they can to keep their opponents on their toes and are unperturbed by the Angel’s repeated attempts to interfere.

They come into some danger during the middle portion of the match, when “the Purple Haze” takes control of the pace of the contest but their strategy of keeping him as tired and confused as possible eventually pays of and his rage blinds him to their superior tactics.

Blue Star #1 & Blue Star #2 defeat Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” in 16:02 when Blue Star #1 pins “the Purple Haze” after a bulldog to win the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship

After a brief celebration, the Blue Stars run off with their new titles, pursued by an enraged Army of Darkness.