NWA Houston

[kevinmcfl]

Great week of NWA Houston as we get 3 matches and 2 title changes.

Wendy Richter vs Misty Blue is the one I have been waiting for.

Like Dory winning some gold down here in Texas.

It took me a while but I finally think I know who the Blue Stars are... and they are getting some revenge now!

[Scarlet-Left]

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 23 – 1^st of September 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold

Advertised Match:

“the Purple Haze” versus Blue Star #1 for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship

The opening match serves as taster for next week – which the graphic advertises as an eight-man cage match. Dory Funk, Jr. goes up against George Takano in a round-the-houses brawl, with bouts of technical wrestling here and there to showcase the abilities of both men.

Fulfilling all of its requirements as an appetiser, the match ultimately leaves the crowd wanting a whole lot more, ending indecisively.

Dory Funk, Jr. goes to a time limit draw with George Takano in 15:00 to retain the HS Television Championship

After the first commercial break, we open on Kevin Sullivan. He looks angry and agitated, as do his followers. “I’ll make this quick and I want an answer by the end of the night! Let’s make our match next week truly interesting! If you want me gone from Houston. If you want the Fallen Angel and the Purple Haze gone from Houston … we’re gone, if you can beat us.

If you defeat us, we leave. But! But, but, but … win or lose, you take off your masks. If you lose, you lose your titles. If we lose, we leave town. Either way, you show your faces.”

We cut to our next match after a moment of silence, with Sullivan hold his head to the ceiling and chanting his praise for the Snake Master.

The juniors contest is fun and fast-paced, mostly serving as showcase for the new champion without having Keiichi Yamada squash Bill Ash, with latter managing to get a few licks in and frustrating several attempts at early finishes. Yamada’s athleticism gives him the definitive edge, however.

Keiichi Yamada defeats Bill Ash in 11:11 by pinfall after a top rope flying crossbody to retain the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship

Our main event, after another commercial break, begins with both men in the ring and Paul Boesch in the centre, with a microphone. “Now, friends, before we – uh – before we get on with this contest, I can confirm that the Blue Stars have agreed to Kevin Sullivan’s terms for the match to – next week at the Legendary Showdown. If Kevin Sullivan and the Purple Haze fail to regain their tag team titles, they’ll be banned from Houston Wrestling. Win or lose, the Blue Stars will reveal their identities by the end of the night.”

The match itself is a familiar one, Haze with the power advantage and his opponent with the speed. There is interference throughout, as ever, from Kevin Sullivan and “the Fallen Angel” but the Blue Stars have become masters at dealing with it and, for good measure, Blue Star #2 proves willing to get involved himself, occasionally distracting the champion or knocking him off balance with a well-placed boot.

Between the five of them, the referee is run ragged and is sweaty and tired by the time he raises the victor’s hand.

Victory itself comes when the Haze is worn down and slow, with Blue Star #1 knowing the perfect time to strike, with Sullivan and the Angel both caught out-of-position.

Blue Star #1 defeats “the Purple Haze” in 17:35 by pinfall after a bulldog to win the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship

We go off the air to scenes of a brawl developing between the Blue Stars and the Army of Darkness.

[kevinmcfl]

I'm with Kevin Sullivan here... I need to know who is behind the masks!

Also hoping that Sullivan has something up his sleeve here as I would hate to see him go.  You have done an awesome job with him being the center of attention here in Houston

[Scarlet-Left]

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 24 “Legendary Showdown IX” – 8^th of September 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold

LEGENDARY SHOWDOWN IX

“In Memory of Jay Youngblood”

Advertised Match:

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

The show opens with a new video package, focusing on the upcoming events. The Blue Stars will be unmasked, whether they win or lose. The Army of Darkness might be run out of Houston Wrestling. There will be an eight-man cage match, featuring Tojo Yamamoto, his former allies and many other participants left mysterious. On top of that, there’s a match for the world women’s title and match for the western states tag titles, rendered vacant by the passing of Jay Youngblood.

The first match is, as usual, for the television title. Dory Funk, Jr. has clearly decided that he won’t let the match go on any longer than it needs to. He rushes to the finish and crushes his opposition quite decisively.

Dory Funk, Jr. defeats a local talent in 03:01 by submission with a cloverleaf to retain the HS Television Championship

The second match is a women’s tag match, with Velvet McIntyre and Winona Little Heart on one side and Debbie Combs and Liz Chase on the other. The match is fun, fast-paced and competitive, with both teams being roughly even. Disappointingly for Combs, who has another match for the Texas women’s title on the horizon, McIntyre is the one with the slightest edge.

Velvet McIntyre & Winona Little Heart defeat Debbie Combs & Liz Chase in 10:46 when Velvet McIntyre pins Liz Chase after a crossbody

After the first commercial break, we return to see a cage set up around the ring. All that’s left is to reveal the participants. Tojo Yamamoto comes down first, followed by his new allies; the trio of Dory Funk, Jr., Baron Von Raschke and the Sheik.

The Takano brothers then emerge. Their allies come out one by one. First if the new junior heavyweight champion, Keiichi Yamada. Then, it’s Pat Patterson, who emerges in street clothes, rather than his usual suit.

A few minutes later, the match begins, and it immediately descends into an anarchic and bloody brawl, with heavy hits and big bumps. The whole thing goes back and forth, with no one able to match Yamada’s athleticism or Yamamoto’s power.

When we return from a commercial break, every man in the ring has a face stained with blood. Things go on a while longer, however, as, tried, weak and groggy though they may be, no man wants to cost his team the match.

In the end, however, the weak link has no choice. With his team all distracted, each with an opponent of their own, Pat Patterson had to deal with an enraged and overpowering Tojo.

Tojo Yamamoto & Dory Funk, Jr. & Baron Von Raschke & the Sheik defeat George Takano & Shunji Takano & Pat Patterson & Keiichi Yamada in 28:39 when Tojo Yamamoto pins Pat Patterson after a powerbomb

After the match, we cut to the back, with Kevin Sullivan and his Army of Darkness. His voice is erratic and raspy. “Abudadein! Abudadein! Abudadein!

You punks have never known power such as I have seen. Time’s up for you, now, and this is the end.”

“the Fallen Angel” repeats the words “the end!”

“I used to feel it, too. Until I sought out the snake master, I could feel every second of my life drawing me closer to the abyss. Not anymore! Instead, now I know that every second of my life is a second stolen from my enemies.

Do you feel that?! Do you feel me tearing your lifeforce away from you?”

“Do you?!” the woman repeated.

Kevin Sullivan then began to laugh maniacally before the feed cuts off and we get sent to a commercial break.

The next match starts after a brief period of silence for Jay Youngblood.

The make-shift team of Mark Youngblood and Ricky Santana faces off against Tony Garea and Rene Goulet. The contest is clean, competitive and respectful, with both teams shaking hands before and after.

Mark Youngblood & Ricky Santana defeat Tony Garea & Rene Goulet in 12:51 when Mark Youngblood pins Rene Goulet after a diving tomahawk to win the vacant NWA Western States Tag Team Championship

The fourth commercial break then takes us to our women’s world title match. Wendi Richter wastes no time, barrelling into Misty Blue Simmes as soon as the bell rings and stay on the offensive from then on, letting in a few hits here and there to maintain a fully aggressive position.

Only when Simmes realises that she has to take up the same stance, does the match become more even. The two women exchange heavy hits and big moves until the first signs of tiredness emerge. At that point, the match deteriorates, much as many of the tournament matches had, into a race to the finish with a few roll-ups and reversals bringing the match to an end.

Wendi Richter defeats Misty Blue Simmes in 11:17 by pinfall with her feet on the ropes to win the NWA World Women’s Championship

A fifth and final commercial break takes us to the main event. Blue Star #1 explodes out of the gate, dominating Sullivan with practiced ease. Only a tag to “the Purple Haze” saves the Army of Darkness from an early embarrassment. The match becomes more traditional from then on, but it seems clear, throughout, that Sullivan has still not come up with a way to upset the Blue Stars with a tactic they haven’t already developed a counter for.

Indeed, “the Fallen Angel” proves to be worse than useless, once even getting one of her hands stomped on when she tries to slip it through the ropes to interfere. In the end, the Army of Darkness suffers a terrible defeat.

Blue Star #1 & Blue Star #2 defeat Kevin Sullivan & “the Purple Haze” in 15:59 when Blue Star #1 pins Kevin Sullivan after a bulldog to retain the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship

With that, the Army of Darkness are escorted from the building and the Blue Stars are to unmask, as promised. As many had already figured, the Blue Stars were Sam Houston and Nelson Royal – having used masks to avoid the consequences of their defeat at Legendary Showdown VI.

On that ambiguous note, the show comes to a close.

[kevinmcfl]

Legendary Showdown was HUGE!

Dory doing double duty just shows how big he is in Texas.  Nice move.

Tojo is still a beast at his age!

I had a feeling we would see a new women's champ.

Glad to see Mark continue with the Western States Tag titles

Awesome ending.  I had the Blue Stars figured out but still thought Sullivan would come out on top.  

[Blehschmidt]

The feud between the Blue Stars and the Sullivan group was well done! Your Sullivan interviews are top notch and a definite highlight for me.

Big props on turning the women's division into something here in Houston. Several people attempted it, but you've managed to make it into something and it's working. Liking the aggressive Wendi Richter as champion.

Glad to see Dory putting away the competition. Love me some Funks!

I'd been enjoying the Youngbloods as champions, and it's cool to see Mark carrying on. Still sucks that Jay died so young all these years later.

Really like what you have going on here with a smaller roster in a one town setting. Hoping I can pull off something similar!

[Scarlet-Left]

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 25 – 15^th of September 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold

Advertised Match:

Tony Garea & Rene Goulet versus “???” & “???”

The show opens with a video package, detailing the previous week’s events and the seismic shift that has occurred because of them. It is in this package that we learn that the titles held by the Blue Stars were declared vacant immediately after their unmasking.

The first match is a chance for Ricky Santana to keep his momentum going after exploding out of the gate with a championship win last week, as he takes on Dory Funk, Jr., the TV champion.

They have a tough and exciting contest which includes more than a few teases of a Santana victory. In the end, however, Dory’s superior ring awareness and wily tactics secures him another successful title defence.

Dory Funk, Jr. defeats Ricky Santana in 12:09 by pinfall with a roll-up to retain the HS Television Championship

After a commercial break we get to see some intense and fast-paced junior heavyweight action between Keiichi Yamada and Keith Hart. Whilst Hart appears to have the edge throughout, threatening to end Yamada’s reign, the finish instead comes when Tim Horner rushes down to ringside and clocks Dave Morgan (Keith Hart’s outside help) and the distraction proves to be enough for Yamada to seal the deal.

Keiichi Yamada defeats Keith Hart in 11:49 by pinfall after interference from Tim Horner to retain the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship

The second commercial break takes us to our main event. With Tony Garea and Rene Goulet pacing nervously in the ring, the mystery team reveals itself. The men who emerge are Ox Baker and “the Masked Superstar” and they explode in a frenzy of power and violence, brutally dominating the first third of the match.

The experience and intelligence of Garea and Goulet grants the pair a momentary reprieve after that, as the match settles into a more traditional contest. The damage is done, however, as they begin to show serious signs and weakness and exhaustion at around the twelve minute mark.

Out of nowhere, and just before he can make a tag, Baker delivers a punch to Garea’s chest and he goes down hard.

Ox Baker & “the Masked Superstar” defeat Tony Garea & Rene Goulet in 14:38 when Ox Baker pins Tony Garea after a heart punch

[kevinmcfl]

Another fun hour of NWA Houston.

Dory Funk Jr. is really bringing some legitimacy to the TV title.

The lightweight division is really stacked and brings a lot of faced paced action to the crowd in that middle match.

Ox and Superstar will be huge for you!

[Scarlet-Left]

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 26 – 22^nd of September 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold

Advertised Match:

Harley Race versus Tully Blanchard for the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship

The opening video package promises an action-packed night and we transition straight into the first match at bell time. Dory Funk, Jr. tortures his opposition into submission without a care in the world, to get us started.

Dory Funk, Jr. defeats a local talent in 02:37 by submission with a cloverleaf to retain the HS Television Championship

After that we move onto a match for the vacant Texas tag team titles, pitting the reigning Western States champions against the new and intimidating team of Ox Baker and “the Masked Superstar”.

The match is hard fought, as Mark Youngblood and Ricky Santana attempt to match their opponents’ power with an equalising amount of heart and determination. The result, however, can only be read as an indication that they have their work cut out for them if they want to keep hold of the silver around their waists.

Ox Baker & “the Masked Superstar” defeat Mark Youngblood & Ricky Santana in 11:04 when Ox Baker pins Ricky Santana after a heart punch to win the vacant NWA Texas Tag Team Championship

A commercial then takes us to a six-man contest, with the Midnight Express facing the Takanos and their new ally Keiichi Yamada. The match begins as a fun back and forth, with some comedy antics featuring the teams’ respective managers, but the end comes abruptly.

Once the Express begin to take control, Pat Patterson makes a big show of giving up on his team, cursing at them and stomping angrily away. This distraction proves to be the fatal blow for the Japanese trio.

Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton & Big Bubba Rogers defeat Shunji Takano & George Takano & Keiichi Yamada in 08:21 when Bobby Eaton pins George Takano after a rocket launcher to retain the NWA Texas Six Man Tag Team Championship

Pat Patterson is not off our screen for long, however, as he accompanies Gino Brito, Jr. to the ring for his match against LeRoy Brown. The two men are fighting for the vacant Texas championship and also trying to make a good impression on their first night.

The match is even, going hold for hold, with the slightest edge going to Brown. Whereas Pat’s presence should be an advantage, his intemperate behaviour, constant “advice” and easily thwarted tactics seem, instead, to be a net neutral for Brito, who is helped and hindered by them in equal measure.

When the finish comes, Patterson blows his lid, almost being drawn to tears.

LeRoy Brown defeats Gino Brito, Jr. in 07:50 by pinfall after a dropkick to win the vacant NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship

All that remains after that is a commercial break and our main event.

Without Larry Zbyszko by his side, Harley Race stays at a disadvantage throughout the match. This is mitigated somewhat by Blanchard overconfidence. Quite a few mistakes and missteps are shared between the two of them and it becomes obvious that the match will be decided by the first lucky hit.

In the end, fortune favours Race, who is able to connect a blow to Tully’s face. A down and stunned Blanchard then proves unable to avoid the full force of the champ’s signature move.

Harley Race defeats Tully Blanchard in 17:07 by pinfall after a diving headbutt to retain the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship

[kevinmcfl]

WOW... what a win by Harley Race over the NWA Champion!  Race not only retains his title but moves way up the list for title shots

Really enjoying NWA Houston.  Shows have such quality matches from top to bottom and all seem to be connected to a big feud or have a title on the line.

Masked Superstar and Ox Baker are making quick waves here!  

 

[Scarlet-Left]

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 27 “Legendary Showdown X” – 29^th of September 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold

LEGENDARY SHOWDOWN X

Advertised Match:

Dusty Rhodes & Barry Windham & Magnum, T.A. versus Dory Funk, Jr. & Baron Von Raschke & the Sheik

The show opens, as usual, with a match for the television title. Funk has his work cut out for him, going up against George Wells – with LeRoy Brown in his corner – who comes out swinging and spends the entirety of the match on fire, looking to make a good impression on the Houston crowd.

He manages to do just that, eventually getting the better of Dory and snatching his title away. An enraged Funk is prevented from taking revenge by the presence of Brown and ends up looking decidedly unready for his second match-up in the main event.

George Wells defeats Dory Funk, Jr. in 13:35 by pinfall after a football tackle to win the HS Television Championship

Our first break then takes us to a six-woman contest, giving the losers of the tournament and a newcomer altogether each a chance to build momentum and get another shot at glory. The women in question are; Liz Chase, Penny Mitchell, Winona Little Heart, Susan Starr, Linda Dallas and Medusa Miceli – sporting veiny purple body paint.

The match, an over-the-top-rope battle royal, is as chaotic as all such matches typically are but a narrative develops within, nevertheless. Medusa Miceli eliminates a scandalises Penny Mitchell before even the five-minute mark and Liz Chase forms an alliance with Linda Dallas to eliminate Winona Little Heart and Susan Starr. Once the match is down to just three women, the dynamic changes and the alliance falls apart.

Chase identifies Dallas as the stronger of her two opponents and helps Miceli eliminate her. A brief one on one then takes us to the finish, with Chase baiting Miceli into a flying crossbody. Liz Chase then untangles the other woman from the ropes and dumps her out.

Liz Chase defeats Penny Mitchell & Susan Starr & Winona Little Heart & Linda Dallas & Medusa Miceli in 14:02

After a second commercial break, we get to the junior heavyweight title match. Keiichi Yamada faces off against Tim Horner. The pair have a good, clean, athletic contest, with Horner putting the champ in serious danger at numerous points throughout.

Contrary to how it began, however, the finish involves shenanigans, much in the way the previous juniors’ title match had. Keith Hart shows up to cause Horner just enough grief to cost him the match, avenging his own loss in the process.

Keiichi Yamada defeats Tim Horner in 12:51 by pinfall after interference from Keith Hart to retain the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship

After another commercial break, we get to see tag team match between two angry men on a mission, Harley Race and Jos Leduc, and a veteran team looking to stall an unfortunate pattern of losses, Tony Garea and Rene Goulet.

The match is tough, hard-hitting but technical in more than a few places. Whilst no team is outright dominate, Garea and Goulet are far more often struggling to break out than they are containing their opponents. Race adds further proof, in the end, that he’s a force to be reckoned with.

Harley Race & Jos Leduc defeat Tony Garea & Rene Goulet in 13:57 when Harley Race pins Tony Garea after a diving headbutt

After another commercial break, we return to Debbie Combs and Velvet McIntyre ready and raring to go. The two women know each other inside and out and each of wants to turn the match into a statement. A quick victory is what they are both aiming for; for Combs it would give her a much-needed confidence boost heading into the return match and for McIntyre it would send her most troublesome opponent to the back of the line.

Whereas the match begins as a race to the finish, the lack of a severe time limit means that it does not devolve into a series of roll-ups once it becomes obvious that neither woman can achieve an early pinfall. What eventually tips the balance is Debbie Combs letting frustration get to her. Outraged and upset, she resorts to dirty tactics, but she also begins making clumsy mistakes.

McIntyre had developed counters to the former and pounces hungrily on the latter, producing a decisive victory.

Velvet McIntyre defeats Debbie Combs in 15:01 by pinfall after a flying crossbody to retain the NWA Texas Women’s Championship

A final commercial break then takes us to the main event. Rhodes, Windham and Magnum show their trio of opponents absolutely no mercy and treat the affair as a showcase for their power and their move set. Even after a gruelling opening match, Dory Funk is the opponent that presents the strongest defence and is, likely, single-handedly responsible for dragging the match beyond the ten-minute mark.

Dusty Rhodes & Barry Windham & Magnum, T.A. defeat Dory Funk, Jr. & Baron Von Raschke & the Sheik in 11:46 when Dusty Rhodes pins the Sheik after a bionic elbow

After the match, one is given the distinct impression that the Midnight Express should be very concerned.

[kevinmcfl]

NWA Houston puts on another great show.

Big win for George Wells as he gets the gold in a hurry.  Can't wait to see what becomes of the Texas legend, Dory Funk Jr.

Great ways to keep the women's division getting some attention.  A fun over-the top  battle royal and a title match on the same card!

Keith Hart will do anything to keep Tim Horner down!

Awesome main event... big win for the fan favorites but Funk impressive in his second match of the night.  Could we see Dusty, Barry and T.A. as the 6 man champs soon?

 

[Scarlet-Left]

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 28 – 6^th of October 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold

Advertised Match:

Ox Baker & “the Masked Superstar” versus Mark Youngblood & Ricky Santana for the NWA Western States Tag Team Championship and the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship

The opening match gets underway mere seconds after the programme goes live. It’s an immediate return match over the television title. The contest plays out much the same as it had the previous week but with both Funk and Wells going up to eleven.

George Wells defeats Dory Funk, Jr. in 14:49 by pinfall after a football tackle to retain the HS Television Championship

When all is said and done, an enraged Dory storms off, spitting venom at some of the jeering fans on his way.

After the first commercial break, the next match becomes decidedly more desperate and vicious than might be expect. Garea and Goulet push themselves as much as they can to regain some semblance of momentum and their opponents debase themselves with as many shortcuts and crooked tactics as they can get away with.

The absence of Dory in their corner is keenly felt by Raschke and the Sheik and they are generally on the backfoot throughout the proceedings. The seemingly inevitable result, then, is a much needed win for the faces.

Tony Garea & Rene Goulet defeat Baron Von Raschke & the Sheik in 12:09 when Tony Garea pins Baron Von Raschke after a diving crossbody

A second commercial break then takes us to our title-for-title main event match. Youngblood and Santana fight tooth and nail to stave off the seemingly unstoppable rise of Ox Baker and “the Masked Superstar”, leading to a hard-hitting, fast-paced and exciting match up.

The brutal power of the big guys is not so easily defeated, however, and by the ten-minute mark it is very obvious that Youngblood and Santana are fighting a lost battle. The only recourse left to them is to get out cheaply and live to fight another. Honourably, they instead go down swinging and lose their belts as a result.

Ox Baker & “the Masked Superstar” defeat Mark Youngblood & Ricky Santana in 16:34 when Ox Baker pins Mark Youngblood after a heart punch to win the NWA Western States Tag Team Championship and retain the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship

[kevinmcfl]

Really buying into this new team of Ox and Superstar!  Great show of respect for Ox to get a title so late in his career.

I could just picture Dory being so mad that he is spitting at the Houston fans!

Thanks again for another fun read.  Your style and format is so easy to follow!

[Scarlet-Left]

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 29 – 13^th of October 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold

Advertised Match:

LeRoy Brown versus Tojo Yamamoto for the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship

The opening match gets us off to a dramatic start as the stablemates of the recently disappeared Dory Funk look to get bloody revenge on George Wells. Whilst technically being up against Baron Von Raschke, accompanied by the Sheik, it seems throughout the match as though he is actually participating in a handicap match.

The referee is beleaguered and made a fool of it every turn and the constant interference allows Raschke to equalise the contest. Whereas in a straight-up fight it’s obvious the advantage would go to Wells, in the end her requires outside assistance of his own. It comes in the form of the heavyweight champion, LeRoy Brown, who marches down to the ring and lays the Sheik out.

George Wells defeats Baron Von Raschke in 13:55 by pinfall after a football tackle to retain the HS Television Championship

After that shameful display and a commercial break, the audience is treated to a clean, respectful and competitive contest. Keiichi Yamada fends off a challenge from Denny Brown – a man looking to get another taste of the championship glory he feels he was so unjustly denied.

Whilst the challenger has the fury, the champion has the skill and the match slips further and further into Yamada’s favour as it progresses. The finish, therefore, is almost ceremonial, as it seems almost any move could keep Brown down in the end.

Keiichi Yamada defeats Denny Brown in 12:02 by pinfall after a top rope flying crossbody to retain the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship

A second commercial break then takes us to our main event. The contest proves to be stiff and heavy, with big blows and even bigger slams. Tojo Yamamoto is shouting at the top of his lungs with rage towards the end and even appears murderous. After a few too many near falls, Tojo decides he’s had enough.

LeRoy Brown defeats Tojo Yamamoto in 15:36 by disqualification and retains the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship

The challenger steals a chair from the ringside area and smashes it across the back of LeRoy Brown. The referee gets a nasty kick to gut for his troubles when he tries to prize the weapon away. To retain the favour from earlier in the night, George Wells rushes down to try his look, managing to wrestle control of the chair away from Tojo.

Tojo ends up with an equaliser of his own, however, when Pat Patterson escorts a newcomer down to the ring. The terrifying Killer Khan brutalises Wells and helps Tojo deliver bloody beatdown to the Brown and Wells.

The programme ends on the chaotic scene, as the Takano brothers come to take their old partner down and, a little while after that, a hoard of officials pour into the ring to split everyone up.

[kevinmcfl]

I really enjoyed the wild finish here.  Doesn't matter how old he is, Tojo really knows how to get the everyone all riled up.

Keiichi continues his rise!

George Wells makes a perfect TV champ as he is very believable in beating those mid-card heels.  

[Scarlet-Left]

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 30 “Legendary Showdown XI” – 20^th of October 1985 -Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold

LEGENDARY SHOWDOWN XI

Advertised Match:

Harley Race versus Bobby Eaton for the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship

After a snazzy clip package, we open on Pat Patterson in the centre of the ring. Paul Boesch is stood around looking awkward and out of place as Patterson does his obnoxious best to rile up the crowd, with gratuitous French galore as he introduces George Wells’ latest challenger, the one and only Dino Bravo.

The match eventually begins, putting a merciful end to Patterson’s antics. The contest is fair and tough with two men trading an equal number of blows and holds. Patterson is unable to directly influence the events, as LeRoy Brown keeps him occupied. Bravo has a secret weapon, however, which he unleashes at the eleventh hour. Gino Brito, Jr. rushes down to the ring, causing enough chaos and confusion to distract Wells for a split second. A split second is all Bravo needs, however.

Dino Bravo defeats George Wells in 13:04 by pinfall with a schoolboy roll-up to win the HS Television Championship

Our first commercial break of the night then takes us to some women’s tag team action. The familiar team of Velvet McIntyre and Winona Little Heart against the new combination of Debbie Combs and Medusa Miceli.

The story the plays out is easy to follow. Whereas Winona is the weak link overall, Combs and painted Miceli are a particularly dysfunctional pairing; the former’s traditional heel strategy clashes with the latter’s monstrous sadism. This dynamic eventually leads to a frustrated Combs abandoning the match after her partner makes one too many mistakes.

Velvet McIntyre & Winona Little Heart defeat Debbie Combs & Medusa Miceli in 12:41 when Velvet McIntyre pins Medusa Miceli after a running crossbody

After a second commercial break, Ox Baker and “the Masked Superstar” face off against the Takanos. Whilst the brothers mount a valiant attempt, the match proceeds broadly as one would expect, with the dual champions continuing their run of pure domination.

Ox Baker & “the Masked Superstar” defeat Shunji Takano & George Takano in 14:37 when Ox Baker pins George Takano after a heart punch to retain the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship

Another commercial break then takes us to the women’s world championship rematch. Wendi Richter and Misty Blue Simmes both bring their A game and take each other to the limit. Unfortunately for Simmes, Richter is just that bit much faster, stronger and smarter.

Wendi Richter defeats Misty Blue Simmes in 15:12 by pinfall after a widowmaker to retain the NWA World Women’s Championship

After the fifth commercial break, we see Tojo Yamamoto and Killer Khan take on the gatekeeper team of Tony Garea and Rene Goulet. Looking to make a point, and with the nefarious Pat Patterson in their corner, Yamamoto and Khan begin and end the match with an overwhelming advantage.

Tojo Yamamoto & Killer Khan defeat Tony Garea & Rene Goulet in 12:01 when Killer Khan pins Tony Garea after a spinning powerbomb

Our main event, after the final commercial break, begins with a bang as Harley Race and Bobby Eaton rush at each other, start clubbing one another and don’t stop. With Cornette and Condrey at ringside, making nuisances of themselves and antagonising the crowd, barely a minute passes without one outrageous action or another.

With the unfair advantage, it looks like Eaton will eke out the win at various points throughout but, ultimately, Race’s wiliness and determination make the difference.

Harley Race defeats Bobby Eaton in 16:22 by pinfall after a diving headbutt to retain the NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship

* * *

Note: Apologies for this one coming out a little later than usual.Thanks for the feedback, everyone who's been commenting!

[kevinmcfl]

I continue to enjoy reading Houston each week.  The format and quality of matches makes it a must read for me.

Liked seeing Dino go over Wells here but I am hoping Wells takes out Gino Jr.  Dino could be a big time heel here as I am sure that French Canadian attitude won't play in Texas.

Enjoying the women's division and wondering who will be the next big challenger to Richter.

Ox and Superstar could rule Houston.  One of my favorite teams in the entire came.

Harley is still Harley and it just feels right that he is holding some gold in the NWA!

[spaldoni]

I really like what you're doing with this roster. It's good to see guys like Ox, Garea and Goulet having a fun run during their twilight years. 

George Wells was always one of my favorites so it was cool to see him hold the TV title. Bravo was a great choice to end Wells reign. I can't imagine the heat Patterson, Bravo and Brito will get in Houston. 

Ox and Masked Superstar is one brutal duo.  

Props to you for building a nice woman's division. I hope Richter has a long reign. 

Killer Khan will cause a lot of destruction here. 

Great main event between Race and Eaton. Eaton almost scores an upset but the legend Race pulls it out to retain. No doubt about it, Harley can still go. 

[Scarlet-Left]

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 31 – 27^th of October 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold

Advertised Match:

Mark Youngblood & Ricky Santana versus Tojo Yamamoto & Killer Khan

Our first match, the return bout for the television title, gets the show off to an explosive start. Bravo and Wells hold nothing back, with officials in place to prevent any interference, they both know it’ll come down to their own abilities. Dino Bravo, in particular, comes across as a ruthless monster, taking every opportunity to bend and break the rules, whether to hurt Wells, piss off the crowd or, most likely, both.

Bravo’s strategy changes abruptly at around the ten-minute mark when he seems to realise that his chances of a clean win are relatively low. Cue brawling around the ringside, wasting time and sneaking inside at the last minute.

Dino Bravo defeats George Wells in 14:32 by count out and retains the HS Television Championship

After a commercial break, we come to what promises to be a far cleaner match, as George Takano challenges Keiichi Yamada for juniors’ title. In the early goings at least, this promise proves correct as the two men engage in flashy and fast-paced but very respectful bout. However, an outside party soon arrives to cause chaos.

Tojo Yamamoto and Killer Khan saunter down to the ring, taking their sweet time. The match’s participants and officials are initially confusion but that clears up as soon as the big pair hit the ring and deliver slams and beatdowns to both the champion and the challenger.

Keiichi Yamada versus George Takano is declared a no contest in 13:01 after interference from Tojo Yamamoto and Killer Khan and the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship does not change hands

The invaders are still in the ring after the commercial break, taunting the crowd and waiting for their main event opponents. After a few crushing losses, Youngblood and Santana are highly motivated and a little bit stronger and faster than their opponents were clearly expecting. Still, the bigger men are dominant early on and occasionally manage to throw their opponents around like ragdolls.

Unable to secure a quick win, however, their early power moves and escapades during the previous match catch up to them. Yamamoto and Khan become visible tired just as their opponents get into a groove and the tide turns decisively.

Mark Youngblood & Ricky Santana defeat Tojo Yamamoto & Killer Khan in 15:45 when Mark Youngblood pins Tojo Yamamoto after a dropkick

[kevinmcfl]

Another great show with quality matches throughout. Liked how Bravo changed strategies in the middle of the match. 
 

Looking forward to hearing why Tojo and Killer Khan attacked the juniors but karma paid off in the end as they go down in defeat. 

[Scarlet-Left]

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 32 – 3^rd of November 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold

Advertised Match:

Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton & Big Bubba Rogers versus Dusty Rhodes & Magnum, T.A. & Barry Windham for the NWA Texas Six Man Tag Team Championship

We kick of an action-packed episode with a squash for the television title. Dino Bravo, with a match for the heavyweight title to look forward to, takes no chances and brutalises his opposition for just long enough to secure a three count.

Dino Bravo defeats a local talent in 03:07 by pinfall after a back body drop to retain the HS Television Championship

The second match is a dual title match, pitting Mark Youngblood and Ricky Santana back up against the supremely dominant pair of Ox Baker and “the Masked Superstar”. Fighting with a renewed sense of purpose, however, the faces put on their strongest performance so far, making up for their size and strength disadvantage with agility, teamwork and determination.

The contest then plays out as a lightning-paced and evenly matched war, with both teams going for flash falls wherever they can find them, desperate to avoid the gruelling effects of prolonging the match. Almost as though a coin flip landed in their favour, the victors are simply the first ones to have a quick pin actually stick.

Mark Youngblood & Ricky Santana defeat Ox Baker & “the Masked Superstar” in 13:46 when Mark Youngblood pins Ox Baker with a schoolboy to win the NWA Western States Tag Team Championship and the NWA Texas Tag Team Championship

Our first commercial break takes us to Dino Bravo’s second match of the night, as he takes on LeRoy Brown.

George Wells is at ringside to keep Gino Brito occupied, though the unfortunately leaves Pat Patterson with free reign – who primarily restricts himself to antagonising the crowd but occasionally steps in to give Bravo some relief.

Brown’s attitude never changes, however, and he gives as good as he gets, meeting cruelty with cruelty and managerial distraction with chops to Patterson’s head whenever he can.

In the end, whether it be as a result of Bravo’s three extra minutes of exertion earlier in the night or Brown’s natural tactical advantage, the champion edges the contest out.

LeRoy Brown defeats Dino Bravo in 15:22 by pinfall after a belly-to-belly suplex to retain the NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship

A second commercial break takes us to the opening of the main event with less than a second to spare. The six-man match plays out as an exciting mix of brutal violence and pantomime comedy, as Jim Cornette involves himself as often as possible and the both the faces and the heels relish the opportunity to punish each other multi-man beatdowns and tag team manoeuvres.

Facing their toughest opponents for the six-man silver, the Midnight Express buckle under the pressure and are firmly on the backfoot by the ten minute mark, with Cornette blatantly searching for a cheap way out. Even this is denied to the champions, however.

Dusty Rhodes & Magnum, T.A. & Barry Windham defeat Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton & Big Bubba Rogers in 15:39 when Dusty Rhodes pins Big Bubba Rogers after a bionic elbow to win the NWA Texas Six Man Tag Team Championship

[kevinmcfl]

Another awesome card!  I think seeing how you use some of your roster really makes the next draft very interesting as you get a lot of value out a small roster.  Sometimes stars rise up and get two matches a night like DIno and Ricky Santana and Mark Youngblood become huge stars.

[Scarlet-Left]

Wrestling from the Sam Houston Coliseum – Episode No. 33 “Legendary Showdown XII” – 10^th of November 1985 – Airing Live on KHTV 39 Gold

LEGENDARY SHOWDOWN XII

“The End”

Advertised Match:

Harley Race & LeRoy Brown & George Wells & Dusty Rhodes & Magnum, T.A. & Barry Windham versus Tully Blanchard & Ox Baker & “the Masked Superstar” & Bobby Eaton & Dennis Condrey & Big Bubba Rogers

For the twelfth edition of Legendary Showdown, no expense has been spared. The staff have on their Sunday best, Paul Boesch is at ringside after having been to a pre-show meet and greet with the fans and the ring has been done up in a striking blue and white colour scheme, with patriotic tricoloured ring ropes and a golden finish on ever metal bolt and fastening in sight.

At ringside for the first match is the television title, shining brightly on a royal blue cushion. Dino Bravo and Shunji Takano give it their all in a stiff brawl. The interference of Pat Patterson and Gino Brito is neutralised by George Takano and Keiichi Yamada, allowing the participants to fight unimpeded.

The fierce contest eventually goes Bravo’s way, however, on account of the champion being just a little bit more ruthless here and there.

Dino Bravo defeats Shunji Takano in 13:05 by pinfall after an airplane spin to retain the HS Television Championship

Our first commercial break takes us to a tag team battle royal. It is billed as the definitive contest in Houston’s tag team division. The pairings in question are; Mark Youngblood and Ricky Santana, Baron Von Raschke and the Sheik, Tony Garea and Rene Goulet, Tojo Yamamoto and Killer Khan, LeRoy Brown and George Wells and Ox Baker and “the Masked Superstar”.

The latter two teams are booked for the main event also, adding a layer of complexity to the battle.

The participants come down to the ring, two by two, at a staggered and leisurely pace, with considerable fanfare and a bit of showboating where appropriate.

The match itself gets off to an explosive start when Raschke and the Sheik are knocked out the game within five minutes by Mark Youngblood and Ricky Santana. Things slowed down after that, with holds and blows in seemingly every combination of wrestler present are made to soften one another up rather than deliver a killing strike.

Rene Goulet is eliminated during the commercial break and Ox Baker follows soon after, in a massive team-up effort. The loss of his teammate causes “the Masked Superstar” to cut his losses and eliminate himself in favour of preserving his strength for the main event.

This leaves the heels considerably outnumbered but their strength advantage keeps them around long enough to dwindle the opposition. Tony Garea, George Wells and Ricky Santana are all eliminated in fairly quick succession.

LeRoy Brown, however, manages to knock Tojo silly and enlist Mark Youngblood’s help to distract Killer Khan as he dumps Yamamoto over and out. Eventually overpowering Youngblood, an enraged Khan then grapples with Brown and, in an ugly display, tangles him up in the ropes to torture him.

Just as Brown is finally, and unceremoniously, dumped out, however, Youngblood sees his opening and uses all his strength to toss out the big man.

Marky Youngblood & Ricky Santana defeat Baron Von Raschke & the Sheik, Ox Baker & “the Masked Superstar”, Tony Garea & Rene Goulet, Tojo Yamamoto & Killer Khan and LeRoy Brown & George Wells in 27:32 during an over-the-top-rope tag team battle royal

Our third commercial break leads us to a women’s match, with the team of Velvet McIntyre and Misty Blue Simmes going up against Wendi Richter and Debbie Combs.

The match proceeds as one might expect. Richter is unmatched as a singles competitor but she is wholly unwilling or unable – or both – to cooperate with her partner. As the match continues, therefore, the advantages swings from the heels to the faces, eventually resulting a familiar for Combs, eliciting a reaction of disappointment and disgust from Richter.

Velvet McIntyre & Misty Blue Simmes defeat Wendi Richter & Debbie Combs in 12:57 when Velvet McIntyre pins Debbie Combs after a running crossbody

The fourth commercial break brings us to the junior heavyweight title match, pitting George Takano against Keiichi Yamada.

The match is friendly but fierce, with the pair trying to put on a show for the ages. The contest is very close and, almost inevitably, devolves into a series of weak pin attempts towards the end. The finish comes, however, when Takano pulls away from this strategy, rethinks things, and deals a series of heavy strikes.

George Takano defeats Keiichi Yamada in 13:46 by pinfall after a piledriver to win the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Championship

The main event starts after a fifth commercial break, with all the participants present and accounted for. The match is a bonkers brawl from start to finish, with barely enforced rules, ringside antics and as many big moves and tag team spots as could be fit into fifteen minutes.

The bell ringing to signal the finish is almost a formality as the brawling continues and the heels are routed just before the programme goes off the air.

Harley Race & LeRoy Brown & George Wells & Dusty Rhodes & Magnum, T.A. & Barry Windham defeat Tully Blanchard & Ox Baker & “the Masked Superstar” & Bobby Eaton & Dennis Condrey & Big Bubba Rogers in 15:45 when Dusty Rhodes pins Dennis Condrey after a bionic elbow

[kevinmcfl]

Awesome ending to NWA Houston.  I am really looking forward to your new project but will certainly miss reading the weekly chaos from Texas.