Smoky Mountain Wrestling

[kevinmcfl]

Episode #27

October 17,1991

WBIR-TV (Channel 10-Knoxville)

Syndicated across the mountain regions of Southern Appalchia

LES THATCHER:  Welcome wrestling fans, coming to you from Knoxville Auditorium Studio for Smoky Mountain Wrestling… wrestling the way it used to be and the way you like it.  I’m Les Thatcher along with “Dirty” Dutch Mantel.   I am still in shock of what went down last week where we saw Sherri Martel act as the referee and make a three count in favor of her Heavenly Bodies. 

DUTCH MANTEL:  And what would you want her to do.  That referee was as incompetent as you taking Geometry. 

Suddenly Commissioner Armstrong appears holding the Smoky Mountain Tag Team Titles. 

 

BOB ARMSTRONG: Last week, we saw what is becoming normal here in Smoky Mountain Wrestling… a manager cheating and I have had enough.  Sherri Martel interfered in a championship match, helped her Heavenly Bodies, and then, when the referee was knocked down, she climbed into that ring and counted the three herself! Now, I've made a decision… The Smoky Mountain Tag Team Titles are being held up.  As of right now, there is no tag team champions in Smoky Mountain Wrestling. 

LES THATCHER: I think that's fair, Dutch. You can't have a manager jumping into the ring and deciding who the champions are. Those titles represent Smoky Mountain Wrestling, and we have to protect the integrity of this sport.

DIRTY DUTCH: Integrity? Les, you make me sick! Sherri Martel is a woman of action! Maybe she just realized the referee wasn't doing his job! Why should the Heavenly Bodies suffer because a man in a striped shirt can't count to three?

LES: Dutch, it was her men that caused the ref to be knocked out and she is not and never has been a referee!

DUTCH: And you're not the commissioner, either, but here you are, giving your opinion like you're running the whole operation!

(Suddenly, Sherri Martel storms onto the set with Eddie Gilbert and Tom Prichard. The Heavenly Bodies are livid.)

SHERRI MARTEL: Bob Armstrong, you have absolutely NO RIGHT to take those championships away from my men! The Heavenly Bodies won those titles, and everybody in this building knows it!

EDDIE GILBERT: You can't do this to us! We earned those championships!

TOM PRICHARD: You want to make an example of us because you can't stand the fact that we're the best tag team in this territory!

ARMSTRONG: I've made my decision, and it stands. At Halloween Scream, October 30, at the Knoxville Civic Center, you two teams are going to settle this once and for all. The Heavenly Bodies will face the team they beat under those disputed circumstances, and the winners will be recognized as the rightful Smoky Mountain Tag Team Champions!  And to make sure you Sherri Martel, don’t get involved, I am handcuffing you to the ring post!

SHERRI: What!!! WHAT!!!  You're going to regret this, Armstrong!

Sherri and her men storm off.

ARMSTRONG: One more thing for our fans. Remember, if  you wear a Halloween costume to Halloween Scream, you'll receive two dollars off your ticket to our next Knoxville Civic Center event. So come dressed up, bring the family, and get ready for a night you'll never forget!

DUTCH: This is a travesty! Those men are being robbed in broad daylight!

LES: The only thing that was robbed where the fans at the last match between these two teams as Sherri cheated. 

Match 1: Dirty White Boy vs. Sweet Brown Sugar

(Dirty White Boy enters with his manager, Ron Wright. Wright waves his finger and shouts insults at the fans. Sweet Brown Sugar tries to use his speed, but the bigger, more powerful Dirty White Boy overwhelms him.)

LES: Sugar needs to keep moving. If he gets caught in that corner, this could be a very short night.

DUTCH: He's already caught, Les! That's what happens when you put someone like Sweet Brown Sugar in in the ring  there with a man who eats three steaks for breakfast!

LES: I don't think that's an actual nutritional recommendation, Dutch.

DUTCH: It is if you're from my part of the country!

Dirty White Boy finishes the match with the Bucksnort Blaster, a devastating powerslam.

LES: That's it! Dirty White Boy has destroyed Sweet Brown Sugar.

DUTCH: And that's what a real wrestler looks like! No fancy dancing, no nonsense. Just a good, hard country beating!

Post-Match Interview — Ron Wright and Dirty White Boy

RON WRIGHT: Now, Les Thatcher, you listen to me, you slick-haired city boy! Last week, that no-good, unchristian Tommy Rich and that heathen Wahoo McDaniel snuck up on my boys like a couple of possums raidin' a henhouse! That's the lowest-down, dirtiest, most chicken-hearted thing I've ever seen in my born days!

LES: Ron, perhaps if your men weren't always cheating, interfering, and attacking people from behind, this whole situation might never have happened.

DIRTY WHITE BOY: WHAT DID YOU SAY TO HIM?!

RON: Now, hold on, son! I can handle this tinhorn! Les, you sit there in your fancy little suit and tell me about cheating, but you ain't never had to fight for your supper! My boys do what they gotta do, and if Tommy Rich and that feather-wearin' Indian want a fight, by golly, they'll get one and the same goes for that long-haired hippie boy Steve Austin.

LES: I simply said—

DIRTY WHITE BOY: YOU DON'T TELL RON WRIGHT WHAT TO DO! YOU UNDERSTAND ME?!

DUTCH: Les, I think you ought to apologize before that big man turns you into a pancake.

LES: Dutch, I'm beginning to think you're enjoying this.

DUTCH: That’s right Les.  This is one of the first times I’ve ever enjoyed being here with you. 

(Ron wheels away with Dirty White Boy pushing him as they are both still shouting about Tommy Rich, Steve Austin and Wahoo McDaniel.)

 

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Rock 'n' Roll Express Music Video

(A high-energy music video airs featuring Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson, the Rock 'n' Roll Express. Fast cuts show the duo strutting down the aisle, exchanging punches in the ring, celebrating with the crowd, and posing together as the music builds.)

ANNOUNCER: They're coming to Smoky Mountain Wrestling! The Rock 'n' Roll Express are on their way, and the tag team division will never be the same!

DUTCH: Oh, terrific. Two more pretty boys with big hair and no common sense.

LES: Dutch, those men have won championships all over the country. The tag team division should be very concerned.

DUTCH: I'm concerned about the price of hair spray in this territory!

 

Match 2: Freebird Michael Hayes vs. Outlaw Joel Deaton

Hayes wrestles with his usual swagger, using the ropes for leverage, distracting the referee, and delivering a few questionable shots when the official's attention is elsewhere.

LES: Hayes is an exceptional athlete, but those tactics are unnecessary. He's got enough ability to win without taking shortcuts.

DUTCH: Les, if the referee doesn't see it, it didn't happen. That's rule number one of professional wrestling!

LES: I don't believe that's written in any rulebook I've ever read.

Hayes finally plants Deaton with the running Bulldog for the three-count.

LES: Michael Hayes gets the victory, but I'm not impressed with the way he went about it.

DUTCH: A win is a win, Les. You don't get extra points for being a good citizen.

Post-Match Interview — Michael Hayes and Terry Gordy

Michael Hayes takes his place at the interview desk. Moments later, Smoky Mountain Wrestling Champion Terry Gordy joins him, carrying his championship belt.

HAYES: Ladies and gentlemen, the Freebirds are here, and Bad Street is running this town! Now, everybody's talking about Halloween Scream. The Freebirds have challenged the West Texas Outlaws, Dory Funk Jr. and Dick Murdoch, to a tag team showdown. And my man Terry Gordy has to defend that Smoky Mountain Championship against Mr. Perfect, Curt Hennig, on the very same night.

LES: Michael, that's the problem. How can Gordy wrestle a tag team match and then defend his championship against a man of Hennig's caliber? That is an awful lot to ask of one man in one evening.

HAYES: Les, I've solved it! I talked to Commissioner Armstrong, and I asked him to put our tag match early in the card. That way, Terry has plenty of time to rest before he takes on Hennig. Heck, Gordy could beat Curt Hennig with one arm tied behind his back!

[Gordy's expression changes immediately.]

GORDY: Hold it right there, Michael. I've told you a dozen times that my championship comes first. I'm the champion of this territory, and I'm not about to let a tag team match get in the way of defending my title.

HAYES: Terry, brother, I'm helping you out!

GORDY: I didn't ask for your help! You made this decision without asking me!

LES: Terry, do you believe wrestling the Outlaws first will affect your title defense?

GORDY: Les, I'm a professional. I'll wrestle anybody they put in front of me. But I will not have somebody else deciding what's best for my championship!

HAYES: Come on, Terry! We're the Freebirds! We always find a way!

[Gordy glares at Hayes, adjusts his championship belt, and storms off.]

LES: Michael, that doesn't look like a man who's happy with your solution.

HAYES: Terry's just a little emotional. He'll come around. You mark my words. The Freebirds are fine, everything's fine, and by Halloween Scream, everybody will be singing our song!

DUTCH: That's what I like about Michael Hayes. He sees a problem, and he solves it. Terry Gordy just needs to learn to appreciate genius when it's standing right in front of him.

LES: If that's genius, Dutch, I'd hate to see what you call a mistake.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Match 3: King Kong Bundy vs. White Lightning Tim Horner

Tim Horner attempts to use his speed to avoid the massive Bundy, but Bundy cuts him off and backs him into the corner.

LES: Horner has to stay mobile. There's no reason to stand in front of a man that size.

DUTCH: That's easy for you to say, Les. Bundy's so big, he casts a shadow over the entire front row!

Bundy crushes Horner in the corner with the Avalanche and finishes him off for the three-count.

LES: King Kong Bundy with a dominant victory. Tim Horner never had an answer for that power.

DUTCH: That's what happens when a freight train meets a bicycle! Bundy's got the kind of power that can change a man's zip code!

 

Interview — The West Texas Outlaws

Dory Funk Jr. and Dick Murdoch stride to the interview desk. Murdoch has a cold, intimidating stare, while Funk looks completely unimpressed by the proceedings.

LES: Gentlemen, Halloween Scream is coming up, and Michael Hayes has announced that he wants your tag team match placed early in the card so Terry Gordy can prepare for his title defense. What do you think of that?

DICK MURDOCH: I don't care if we wrestle first, last, or in the parking lot. I don't care if they make us wrestle before the doors open! We're going to get our hands on Michael Hayes and we're going to hurt them.

DORY FUNK JR.: Michael Hayes thinks he's clever. He thinks he can arrange the evening to suit his convenience. Well, let me tell you something, Michael. You can have the match whenever you want it. You can bring every trick you've got. But when that bell rings, you're going to find out what happens when you stand across the ring from the West Texas Outlaws.

MURDOCH: We ain't coming to Knoxville to put on a dance. We're coming to fight. And when we're done with those Freebirds, they'll be wishing they'd stayed home on Bad Street.

LES: That's a pretty clear warning.

DUTCH: Michael Hayes might not be so pretty after Halloween.  People will be saying he still has his mask on. 

 

Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig appears at the interview desk, impeccably dressed and carrying himself like a man who believes he is untouchable.

 

HENNIG: Let's get one thing straight. At Halloween Scream, Terry Gordy is going to walk into the Knoxville Civic Center as Smoky Mountain Wrestling Champion, and he's going to walk out as just another big, slow wrestler who thought he was better than Mr. Perfect.

LES: Terry Gordy is a world-class champion in his own right. He's a dangerous opponent, and he's got a lot of experience.

HENNIG: Experience? Les, I have more natural ability in my little finger than Terry Gordy has in his entire body. And you know what? Michael Hayes said one thing that I actually agree with. The outcome is already decided. It doesn't matter if Gordy wrestles the Outlaws first or if he gets a full night's sleep and a massage before our match. He's got no shot at leaving Knoxville with that title!

DUTCH: I like your confidence, Curt. A champion should have to prove himself against the very best, and you're as close to perfect as they come.

HENNIG: Dutch, you're absolutely right. I'm not just the best wrestler in Smoky Mountain Wrestling. I'm the best wrestler in the world. Terry Gordy can bring that championship, his reputation, and all his Freebird friends. None of it will matter when I put him in the Perfect Plex!

LES: That's a mighty bold prediction.

HENNIG: It isn't a prediction, Les. It's a guarantee. Halloween Scream is going to be the night the entire territory learns what perfection really looks like.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

Match 4: Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig vs. Eric Embry

Hennig controls the match with ease, showing off his athleticism and precision. Embry struggles to gain any momentum.

LES: Hennig makes everything look effortless. He's one of the most technically gifted wrestlers we've ever seen in this territory.

DUTCH: And he knows it! That's the difference between a great wrestler and a perfect wrestler. A great wrestler hopes to win. Curt Hennig expects to win!

[Hennig catches Embry and executes the Perfect Plex for a decisive three-count.]

LES: That's an impressive victory. No question about it, Curt Hennig is a remarkable athlete.

DUTCH: Remarkable? Les, you just watched perfection in motion!

LES: I said he was remarkable, Dutch. Don't put words in my mouth.  After seeing that performance, though, I have to agree on one thing: Terry Gordy needs to think very carefully before wrestling another match earlier in the evening. Hennig could capitalize on even the smallest mistake.

DUTCH: For once, Les Thatcher, you've said something intelligent! If Gordy wrestles the Outlaws first, Hennig might not even need to work up a sweat!

 

Tommy Rich, Wahoo McDaniel, and Stunning Steve Austin come out together. Rich is visibly fired up, Austin looks focused and intense, and Wahoo carries himself with the calm confidence of a seasoned fighter.

LES: Gentlemen, Halloween Scream will feature a six-man tag team Last Man Standing Match. You'll be facing IRS and the Dirty White Boys. Tommy, after what happened last week, you look like you're ready to explode.

TOMMY RICH: Les, I'm FIRED UP! I'm fired up because I'm sick and tired of Ron Wright and his whole army of cheatin', lyin', no-good bullies! If they learned anything last week, they'd better have learned that the people around Smoky Mountain Wrestling have had ENOUGH!

AUSTIN: Tommy's right. I've watched these guys sneak around, jump people from behind, and act like they're untouchable. Well, at Halloween Scream, I'm ready for anything. Weapons, fists, whatever it takes. If they want a fight, we're going to give them one they'll never forget.

WAHOO MCDANIEL: I've been in more fights than I care to count, and I've been in plenty where the other man thought he had me beat before we even started. Funny thing is, I usually walk away looking a whole lot better than my opponent. IRS, Dirty White Boys, whoever they put in that ring, they're going to find out why I’ve been in the business so long and why I keep on winning.

RICH: Ron Wright, you can send every one of your boys after us, but it won't make a difference! At Halloween Scream, somebody's going to stay down, and it ain't going to be us!

DUTCH: Now, hold on a minute. You three are talking about weapons and fists like you're planning a war!

AUSTIN: Dutch, that's because we're planning a war.

LES: I don't think there's any question that this will be one of the most dangerous matches on the Halloween Scream card.

DUTCH: Dangerous for whom? I'm betting on Ron Wright's Army. They've got the size, they've got the numbers, and they've got the brains to win.

LES:  Dutch it’s 3 against 3… Ron Wright is in a wheelchair!

DUTCH:  Now look who is insensitive.  Wheelchair people count!

RICH: Dutch, the only thing needs countin is how many times they hit the mat!

The three men raise their fists as the crowd cheers.

COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

Time-Remaining Match: Brad Armstrong vs. Killer Kyle

As the program returns from commercial, Brad Armstrong is already in the ring with Killer Kyle. Les and Dutch explain that the match will continue until television time expires.

LES: Brad Armstrong has been on a roll lately, and he's got the kind of technical ability that makes him a threat to anybody in this territory.

DUTCH: He's good, I'll give him that. But Killer Kyle isn't exactly the sort of fellow you want to meet in a dark alley.

LES: I don't think Killer Kyle is the sort of fellow anybody wants to meet in a well-lit alley, either.

DUTCH: That's fair.

Suddenly, Nature Boy Buddy Landel charges down the aisle and attacks Armstrong from behind!]

LES: WHAT IN THE WORLD?! Buddy Landel has just blindsided Brad Armstrong!

DUTCH: Look at that! The Nature Boy has arrived, and he's making an impression!

LES: An impression? That's a Pearl Harbor attack, Dutch! Brad Armstrong was wrestling a match, and Landel came out of nowhere and drove him into the canvas!

Landel stomps away at Armstrong as Killer Kyle backs off. The referee tries to intervene, but Landel continues his assault. Armstrong is left down on the mat as the crowd erupts in boos.

LES: This is absolutely disgraceful! Buddy Landel has no business doing this! Somebody get out here and stop him!

DUTCH: Les, you can't blame a man for taking advantage of an opportunity. That's what separates the winners from the losers!

LES: There is a difference between being opportunistic and being a coward, Dutch, and Buddy Landel has just shown everybody which side of that line he's on!

Landel stands over Armstrong, raises his arms, and sneers at the crowd. The officials rush in as the camera closes in on Armstrong, still down on the mat.

LES: We're out of time, folks, but this situation is far from over! What does Buddy Landel want with Brad Armstrong? And what kind of shape will Brad be in after this vicious attack?

DUTCH: All I know is that the Nature Boy has certainly made himself noticed tonight!

LES: For all of us here at Smoky Mountain Wrestling, I'm Les Thatcher. We'll see you next week!  So long from Knoxville.

 

[ErictheDragon]

Commissioner Bullet gives Sherri her just desserts and she does not take it well.

White and DWB were particularly ornery tonight.

Hayes shows Deaton what a real Outlaw looks like. Unfortunately, Gordy was not impressed with his idea for Halloween Scream.

Bundy still hasn't found his challenge.

The West Texas Outlaws and Hennig all agree that the Freebrids, especially Hrody are in for a rough night on Halloween.

Austin & co are ready to go.

Budro definitely got himself some attention taking Brad out like that.

[spaldoni]

One thing about Bullet Bob, he takes his job as commissioner very seriously. I like the angle. It's putting a lot of importance on the tag titles 

Wright and DWB send a strong message to Austin and friends 

RnR are coming! 

Man, Hayes is really pushing it with Gordy. Having to deal with the Outlaws and later Hennig is too much for any man. 

Squashing Horner in SMW is quite the showcase. I wonder who'll finally step up to Bundy 

Dory and Murdoch are two old school tough guys I wouldn't want to mess with. 

Hennig brings the confidence and the man can back it up 

Austin and Wahoo are fired up like Tommy. We're in for a wild one at Halloween Scream 

It's always fun seeing Budro gets some shine. Him and Brad will deliver 

[kevinmcfl]

[ErictheDragon]

Nice poster. Very Halloween feel to it.

[kevinmcfl]

Knoxville Civic Center

October 30, 1991

 

 

The Knoxville Civic Center was absolutely packed for Smoky Mountain Wrestling’s Halloween Scream! The building was filled with fans in Halloween costumes. Kids dressed as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Batman, Ghostbusters, and Freddy Krueger.  The adults were just as enthusiastic. Men sported flannel shirts and cowboy hats  while others arrived dressed as Dracula, Frankenstein, and other scary creatures.   A few fans wore wrestling-inspired costumes, complete with homemade championship belts and colorful robes. Women dressed as witches, vampires, and a few dared to  show up in their best Daisy Dukes.  Pumpkins, cobwebs, and orange-and-black decorations adorned the Civic Center.

 

Opening Match

Booker T defeats Killer Kyle with a Spinning Heel Kick to the head. 

SMW continues to try to get Booker T and his brother over with the fans but, while they show great talent, the crowd is somewhat mixed on them.

 

Hustler Rip Rogers defeats Eric Embry with a Ripper Plex

Rogers continues to be a good company man and gets thrown a bone here with the win.  He does everything well in this match from arguing with the fans to arrogantly strutting around the ring when he has the momentum to playing the frightened heel when Embry gains the momentum.  Speaking of Embry, he looks really good in the ring here and while he came up short tonight, he may just have a future here in SMW.   

 

 

Nature Boy Buddy Landel vs. Brad Armstrong

Landel sauntered to the center of the ring, brushing imaginary dust off his robe before offering Armstrong a condescending pat on the cheek.

Armstrong took control early with crisp chain wrestling, countering a headlock into a wristlock and smoothly transitioning into an arm drag. Landel scrambled to the ropes, complaining to the referee that Brad had pulled his hair. While the official checked Armstrong, Landel landed a cheap shot to the ribs.

Brad remained composed, catching Landel in a side headlock and taking him down with a clean takedown. Landel immediately raked his eyes and slipped outside, waving to the crowd as though he had just won the match. He climbed onto the apron, demanding applause, then kicked Brad through the ropes when Armstrong approached.

Frustration began to show. Landel slapped Brad across the face and strutted around the ring, shouting insults. Armstrong finally snapped, catching Landel with a right hand that sent him staggering into the corner. Brad unloaded with punches of his own, backing Landel across the ring before whipping him into the ropes and flooring him with a clothesline.

Brad pressed the advantage, but Landel gouged his eyes and drove a knee into his stomach. He hooked Brad for a suplex.  With Armstrong down, Landel turned toward the crowd, flexing and blowing kisses, soaking in the boos.

Landel strutted back, still taunting the fans, and grabbed Brad by the hair. Armstrong suddenly hooked both legs and rolled him into a tight cradle!

One! Two! Three!

Brad scrambled to his feet as Landel sat stunned, pounding the mat and screaming at the referee. Armstrong raised his arms while the furious Nature Boy protested. 

 

The Freebirds (Michael Hayes & Terry Gordy) vs. The West Texas Outlaws (Dory Funk Jr. & Dick Murdoch)

The Outlaws entered first, sneering at the crowd and boasting that they were about to embarrass the legendary Freebirds. Michael Hayes came out next, followed by Terry Gordy, whose expression was anything but friendly. Gordy argued with Hayes on the way to the ring, repeatedly pointing toward the back and reminding him of his upcoming SMW Title Match against Curt Hennig.

When the referee called for the opening bell, Hayes stepped back giving way for Gordy to start the match.  Gordy remained on the apron, arms folded, refusing to enter. After a heated exchange, Hayes reluctantly started the match alone.

Surprisingly, Hayes held his own. He outmaneuvered Murdoch with quick punches and a dropkick before catching Funk with a flying forearm when the Outlaws attempted a double-team. Hayes strutted around the ring, playing to the crowd, but his confidence proved short-lived.

Murdoch grabbed Hayes from behind, allowing Funk to deliver a knee to the stomach. The Outlaws began isolating Hayes in their corner, using frequent tags, double-team punches, and illegal choking tactics whenever the referee turned away.

Desperate, Hayes finally staggered toward his corner and reached for Gordy. Gordy looked away, pretending he hadn't seen the tag attempt. Hayes was left exposed, and Murdoch dragged him back to the Outlaws' corner for another beating.

Moments later, Hayes fought free and crawled toward Gordy again. This time, Gordy jumped off the apron, walked over to a ringside fan, and exchanged a high five while Hayes desperately reached for him. The Outlaws dragged Hayes away once more.

Exhausted, Hayes summoned one final burst of energy. He blasted Murdoch with punches, ducked a clothesline, and sent Funk crashing into the turnbuckles. The crowd roared as Hayes stumbled toward Gordy for one last chance.

Gordy simply shook his head no.

Hayes stared at his partner in disbelief. Murdoch seized the distraction.  Diving at Hayes, Murdoch nailed the back of Hayes' kness and down he went.  Funk comes leaping off the top rope with his own knee drop to the leg of Hayes and Hayes is howling.  He tries to get up but to no avail.  Dory locks in the Spinning Toe Hold and round and round he goes.  Hayes tries to hold out but can't.  

Hayes is slapping the matt and giving up!  The West Texas Outlaws get the win.  

 

The Outlaws celebrated their victory while Gordy stepped down from the apron, glanced briefly at his fallen partner, and walked straight to the back without a word.

Hayes lay motionless in the ring as the Outlaws stood over him, having taken full advantage of the Freebirds' bitter division.

 

6-Man Last Man Standing-Tennessee Street Fight

Stunning Steve Austin/Wildfire Tommy Rich & Wahoo McDaniel vs

The Dirty White Boys & Irwin R. Schyster with Ron Wright

 

The bell rings, and all six men charge into a chaotic brawl that spills out of the ring almost immediately. Steve Austin trades punches with one of the Dirty White Boys near the entrance aisle while Tommy Rich and the other Dirty White Boy crash into a stack of folding chairs. Wahoo McDaniel goes straight after Irwin R. Schyster, chopping him across the chest so hard that IRS stumbles backward into the steel ring steps.

Ron Wright wheels himself closer to the action, shouting encouragement to his men while trying to stay out of harm’s way.

The Dirty White Boys use their freedom under the “come as you want” rules to introduce a trash can, a leather strap, and a pair of folding chairs into the fight. Austin gets slammed across the back with a chair, but he refuses to stay down, answering with punches that send his opponent stumbling into the barricade.

Meanwhile, Wahoo and IRS battle through the crowd. IRS attempts to escape a series of thunderous chops, but Wahoo corners him against the guardrail and keeps firing away. Wahoo grabs the leather strap and lashes IRS across the back before smashing him with an elbow drop on the arena floor.

Across the building, Rich and the remaining Dirty White Boy are fighting in the aisle, over the barricade, and back toward the ring. Rich gets thrown shoulder-first into the steel steps, but he rallies with punches and a running clothesline that sends his opponent sprawling.

IRS finally catches Wildfire and launches him into an Airplane Spin. The dizzy Rich barely has time to recover before IRS hoists him up and drives him down with a crushing Samoan Drop! Rich lies motionless as IRS staggers to his feet, believing he has put the veteran away for good.

But somehow, Rich begins crawling toward the ring.

The fight grows even wilder as all six men converge near ringside. Wahoo continues chopping one Dirty White Boy relentlessly, then cracks him across the back with the leather strap again and again. Wahoo finishes with a brutal elbow drop, leaving his opponent sprawled on the floor.

On the opposite side of the ring, Austin battles the other Dirty White Boy. The two exchange punches until Austin suddenly grabs his opponent and drives his throat across the top of the steel barricade with the Stun Gun! The Dirty White Boy collapses onto the floor, clutching his throat.

Rich, meanwhile, catches IRS from behind and locks in the sleeper hold. IRS struggles desperately, reaching for the ropes that cannot save him in this fight. His knees buckle, and he slumps to the floor as Rich releases the hold and rolls away, exhausted.

The referee begins the ten-count.

Wahoo's opponent cannot rise. Austin's victim remains down beside the barricade. IRS tries to push himself up, but his arms give out.

Eight! Nine! TEN!

The referee signals for the bell!  The babyfaces survive a true war. 

So much for Bob Armstrong’s promise to bring family entertainment back to the Smoky Mountains.  This was violent as hell!

 

 

Smoky Mountain Wrestling Tag Team Championship:

The Heavenly Bodies (Tom Prichard & Eddie Gilbert) w/ Sherri Martel vs. TNT (Shawn Michaels & Jeff Jarrett)

The Smoky Mountain Tag Team Championship had been vacated by Commissioner Bob Armstrong after Sherri Martel had fraudulently pretended to be the referee during the previous encounter between these bitter rivals. Armstrong declared that neither team could claim the titles until they settled the score in a sanctioned championship match.

Sherri, wearing a very revealing Halloween costume, walks out first and grabs the microphone

“When the Heavenly Bodies are making their way to the ring, under no circumstances can any females attempt to grope or touch them in any way.  Any extent to touch the Heavenly Bodies will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.  We ask the men in the audience to keep their women under control.”

 

 TNT entered to a tremendous ovation, Michaels and Jarrett slapping hands with the fans before charging into the ring.

The opening minutes were lightning-fast. Michaels and Prichard exchanged arm drags, dropkicks, and quick reversals, with Shawn repeatedly outmaneuvering the Doctor of Love. Jarrett tagged in and caught Gilbert with a hip toss and a flying forearm, nearly scoring an early pinfall.

Gilbert slowed the pace with a thumb to Jarrett's eye, then tagged Prichard, who caught Jeff with a knee to the midsection. The Bodies isolated Jarrett with frequent tags and double-team maneuvers, using Sherri's constant interference to frustrate the challengers.

Jarrett finally ducked a double clothesline and sent both opponents crashing together. He dove for his corner, and Michaels exploded into the ring with a series of punches, a flying forearm, and a running crossbody on Gilbert. Shawn covered him, but Prichard broke up the count at the last possible moment.

The match descended into chaos. All four men exchanged punches, and Michaels sent Gilbert tumbling through the ropes while Jarrett nearly pinned Prichard with a small package. The crowd erupted as TNT appeared moments away from winning the championship.

Then Sherri made her move.

She climbed onto the apron, dramatically displaying her ample Halloween assets and distracted the referee, who turned toward her protests. Michaels momentarily glanced over, wondering what was happening.

That split second was all the Heavenly Bodies needed.

Gilbert grabbed Shawn from behind while Prichard delivered a brutal low blow. Michaels crumpled to the canvas as Sherri continued occupying the referee's attention. Gilbert held Shawn in place while Prichard climbed to the top rope.

Prichard launched himself off the turnbuckle with a devastating elbow drop directly onto Michaels' chest!

Gilbert hurriedly rolled Shawn over as Sherri dropped from the apron. The referee turned back just in time to count.

One! Two! Three!

The bell rang, and the Heavenly Bodies were declared the new Smoky Mountain Tag Team Champions.

Sherri rushed into the ring, celebrating wildly as Gilbert and Prichard raised their championship belts. Jarrett protested furiously, but the damage was done. Once again, Sherri Martel had manipulated the circumstances, and TNT had been robbed of their opportunity to become champions.

 

 

SMOKY MOUNTAIN TITLE MATCH:

Freebird Terry Gordy © vs Mr. Perfect Curt Henning

The Smoky Mountain Wrestling Championship Match begins with Terry “Bam Bam” Gordy and “Mr. Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig meeting in the center of the ring, neither man willing to give an inch. Hennig shoves the champion backward, and Gordy responds by driving a massive shoulder into Hennig’s chest. The two powerhouses trade forearms until Gordy catches Orndorff with a clubbing blow that sends him staggering into the ropes.

Gordy follows with a thunderous clothesline, nearly taking Hennig off his feet. He hoists the challenger up and plants him with a powerslam before dropping a heavy elbow across his chest. Gordy covers, but Hennig kicks out at two.

The champion drags Hennig up for a suplex, but Mr. Perfect blocks the attempt and reverses it into a vertical suplex of his own. Hennig follows with a running elbow smash, then scoops Gordy up and delivers a powerful body slam that shakes the ring. Hennig flexes his muscles as the crowd roars, then drops a knee across Gordy’s forehead.

Hennig tries to finish the champion with a piledriver, but Gordy fights free, drives his opponent into the corner, and crushes him with a running avalanche. Gordy follows with a belly-to-belly suplex and hooks both legs. Hennig barely escapes at two and a half!

The champion grows frustrated and pulls Henniog up for another power move. Mr. Perfect suddenly fires back with a series of punches, then whips Gordy across the ring. The two collide in the center with simultaneous clotheslines, leaving both men down.

They struggle to their feet and resume trading blows. Hennig catches Gordy with a knee to the midsection and attempts a running shoulder tackle, but Gordy sidesteps him.Hennig crashes into the referee, sending the official sprawling to the canvas!

Gordy sees his opportunity. 

Suddenly, Freebird Michael Hayes comes hobbling out.

 Gordy holds Curt up and looks to be going for a big suplex.

WHAM…. Hayes dives directly at the champion’s knee! Gordy’s leg buckles, and the massive champion crashes violently to the mat with Hennig landing on top of him.  It looks like what is good for the goose is good for the gander!

Hayes immediately grabs Hennig and the two men work together to execute a devastating spike Perfect-plex on Gordy!

ONE! TWO! THREE!

Curt Hennig has defeated Terry Gordy to become the NEW Smoky Mountain Wrestling Champion!

Hayes raises Mr. Perfect arm as the new champion clutches the title belt. Gordy lies motionless in the ring, betrayed by his own partner.

Michael Hayes stares down at the fallen Freebird, his expression cold and satisfied. The championship has changed hands, but the bigger story is the shocking betrayal that has shattered the Freebirds from within.

[ErictheDragon]

Ebony Expess must be getting frustrated with how slowly the SMW fans are warming up to them.

The Hustler gets an often elusive W.

Budro's passion for screwing with the fans costs him.

Gordy decides that since Hayes got them into this mess, he can get them out.

Poor Ron White, it's gonna be so hard for a wheelchair bound man line himself to help his boys to the back.

Sherri does her part to help the Bodies get their belts back.

Hayes does NOT take Gordy's earlier action well and helps Orndorff(?) capture the SMW title.

[spaldoni]

The Halloween scene is set. Let's do this 

I'm interested in watching what SMW does with the Ebony Express at this point. 

Rip's work ethic gets him a bump in pay tonight. It also looks like some eyes are on Embry as well 

Budro's showboating costs him. Brad always did have a lightning fast cradle 

Well, Gordy took matters into his own hands and really left Hayes hanging

That 6 man tag was as crazy as I thought it would be. Hell of a finish by the babyfaces. Can't wait to hear Wright's explanation for this 

I'll say this, Sherri's always all in as a manager. Heavenly Bodies walk away with the straps. Gilbert and Prichard are heel gold together. 

Man, what a main event. Gordy and Hennig go toe to toe. I get why Gordy did what he did to Hayes but he had to know Hayes wasn't going to let that slide. Hayes gets his payback and Hennig is the new champ. 

The fan's sure got their money's worth tonight