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Post by JoshiQ on Oct 13, 2010 8:18:49 GMT -5
Really glad you brought back in Kowalski. I always liked that guy. Also it's good to see Rhodes in some singles action. Definitely interested to see where you go with Rhodes and Morales as to who beat up Dusty backstage.
I'll echo Vertigo's comments from above that whoever beats Race is going to be a huge deal. I don't think it's Brisco. I could see Race being the last champion to hold the title for more than a couple of years.
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Post by rey619 on Oct 15, 2010 16:01:39 GMT -5
August 3 I think I really need to learn a little more from your writing. Your writeups doesn't contain move-for-move descriptions, but I still seem to get the entire match in my head, somehow.. hmm.. Ladd seems to always return to the main event scene, even if he sometimes seems like a low midcarder.. and it still makes sense.. strange.. Love how you turned the Ali vs. Monsoon mega-publicity match into a feud between the Blackjacks and Monsoon. I also liked the fact that the tag-titles changed hands two shows in a row. Not just because I did something similar in TNAW, but sometimes you don't have to have the champ hold a title for a year or more (aka the ROH way). How long is awhile? Heh, contracts in the 70's wasn't that tight. If I were Koloff, I would have asked for a title match soon August 26 I predict a Russian pairing is in the works, something which'll heat up your tag-team scene even more. I really prefer the Grahams as tag champs (albeit you jump-started a feud by switching the titles for a month's time). Brothers vs brothers matches are always special, but the right team won. Nice build-up of Brisco as the challenger, a win in a terrific match against Duncum puts him in line for a title shot. Race retaining over Ladd was predictable, but still a nice match. Ladd is the kinda guy you always can rely on, even though he'll probably not do anything big from now on. I'm still enjoying your circuit, even though there's a lot of people here I'm unfamiliar with. The closer you get to the 80's the more I'm familiar with though
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Post by snabbit888 on Oct 21, 2010 19:17:56 GMT -5
September 17, 1975 - Capital Centre - Landover, MD
Gorilla Monsoon defeated Killer Kowalski by disqualification in 0:03:03. Rating: -1/4* [Bobby Heenan interfered against Gorilla Monsoon.]
Killer Kowalski surprised everyone by returning to GCW to team with Gorilla Monsoon against the Blackjacks. We hadn't seen Kowalski in years, but in the early era of GCW, Monsoon & Kowalski were a dominant team, winning the World Tag Team Titles. Kowalski shocked everyone more by turning on Monsoon and joining forces with the Heenan Family. The two were put in a match here in Landover, but this was more of an ambush than an athletic contest. Not long into this match, THE BLACKJACKS ran down and attacked Monsoon, giving him a DQ win, but helping to leave him lying before officials broke it up. Monsoon can't seem to buy a friend these days.
Ivan Koloff pinned Nikolai Volkoff with the Russian Sickle in 0:07:05. Rating: *
The two big Russians squared off tonight after a confrontation in Boston. Nikolai Volkoff is upset with Ivan Koloff for catering to the American fans, believing he should have more loyalty to their homeland of Russia. If we know anything about Koloff it's that he doesn't like he be called out by anybody, and he used that as motivation against Volkoff in this one. Volkoff's focus was to get the Russian Bear in the Bearhug, but he was a bit too one-dimensional in his attack, which allowed Koloff to catch him off-guard with the Russian Sickle to get the victory. After the match, Captain Lou Albano said he was impressed by Koloff and offered to manage him, an offer that Koloff refused. Albano was embarrassed to be turned down and told Koloff he would regret this.
Interview: Dory Funk Jr.& Don Muraco try to recruit Bobby Duncum.
Intercontinental champion Dory Funk Jr. and Don Muraco came out for an interview, and they had business on their mind as they asked Bobby Duncum to join them in the ring. Funk told Duncum that he has watched him for months and is thoroughly impressed, and wants Duncum to join forces with he & Muraco to be the most powerful faction in all of wrestling. Duncum thanked Funk for the offer, but told him that he would have to think about it. If Funk can get Duncum behind him, he may be the most dominant man in GCW.
Texas Death No-Countout-No-DQ-Match: Pedro Morales made Dusty Rhodes submit to the Boston Crab in 0:30:45. Rating: *** 1/2
Dusty Rhodes fully believed in his heart that Pedro Morales was the person who brutally attacked him and took him out of the World Tag Team Title rematch against the Grahams, citing that Morales replaced him and won the titles with Rhodes' regular partner, Dick Murdoch. Morales has pleaded his innocence, but Rhodes is not hearing it. After this match, maybe he wishes he would have. The match was fought under Texas Death rules, which you know means it's going to be a brutal contest. A lot of falls were enchanged in this match, but the pride of Morales & Rhodes alike wouldn't let either man stay down. We got to the point where both men were exhausted and bleeding profusely from the forehead, but they kept fighting and kept fighting. While the referee was checking on Morales' cut, DICK MURDOCH came down to ringside with a pipe in hand. Nobody was sure why he was there until he reared back and blasted his own tag team partner between the eyes with it! Murdoch had turned his back on Dusty Rhodes, and the crowd immediately tore into him, showering him with trash. Murdoch was even busted open when he was hit in the back of the head with a beer bottle. But that was nothing compared to what had happened to Rhodes. Morales hadn't seen the attack and simply put on the Boston Crab. The ref saw Rhodes was out and called for the bell. Rhodes couldn't respond to the ten count and thus, the match was awarded to Morales. On October 13 in Philly, "Dirty" Dick Murdoch will explain his actions from tonight.
Harley Race pinned Kintaro Ohki after a flying headbutt in 0:17:57. Rating: ** 1/2 (Harley Race retained the GCW World Title.)
World champion Harley Race might not want to face Jack Brisco (despite his claims), but he is still facing tough competition as his World Title reign nears a year in length. His opponent tonight was South Korean wrestling legend Kintaro Ohki, who has been great in his time in the United States. The ultimate cherry on top for Ohki's run in GCW would be to become the World Heavyweight champion, but that's easier said than done with the crafty Race. Handsome Harley is never in a rush and knows how to work an opponent until he finds his opening, and he did that again tonight before putting Ohki away with a flying headbutt. Another successful title defense, but one has to wonder if Race's title reign is on borrowed time. He can't avoid Jack Brisco forever, can he?
[WINNER GETS WORLD TITLE SHOT ON 10/13/75]: 26-Man Battle Royal: Gorilla Monsoon won a 26-man Battle Royal: x B. Graham threw out Johnny Valiant after a roundhouse right in 0:01:06 x B. Graham threw out Jack Brisco in 0:03:49 x Lanza threw out Garea in 0:05:40 x Duncum threw out Robinson in 0:06:29 x D. Funk Jr. threw out I. Koloff after a vertical suplex in 0:07:21 x L. Graham threw out Jimmy Valiant in 0:08:33 x Murdoch threw out L. Graham after a side suplex in 0:10:16 x Murdoch threw out B. Graham in 0:10:45 x D. Funk Jr. threw out Murdoch in 0:10:48 x Fuji threw out Zbyszko after a fist to the midsection in 0:12:27 x J. Snuka threw out O. Baker in 0:13:51 x Monsoon threw out Kowalski in 0:14:14 x Mulligan threw out Ernie Ladd after a flying lariat in 0:16:19 x Monsoon threw out Lanza in 0:18:38 x J. Snuka threw out Matsuda in 0:20:42 x Duncum threw out Tanaka in 0:21:30 x D. Funk Jr. threw out J. Snuka after a backdrop in 0:22:40 x Volkoff threw out Bravo after a punch in 0:23:06 x Monsoon threw out Rodz after a Gorilla Press in 0:24:13 x Duncum threw out Mulligan in 0:24:42 x Monsoon threw out Muraco in 0:25:45 x Duncum threw out Fuji after a nerve hold in 0:26:15 x Volkoff threw out Duncum in 0:27:47 x Monsoon threw out Volkoff after an elbowsmash in 0:28:19 x Monsoon threw out D. Funk Jr. in 0:28:38 Rating: ** 3/4 (Mr. Wrestling I no-showed.)
Harley Race was still World champion, but he was very interested in our main event as we had a 26-man battle royal to determine who he would defend the title against in Philadelphia. Though Race claimed he was just an "interested bystander" when he sat at ringside, we soon learned he was anything but that when not long into the match, he distracted Jack Brisco which allowed Billy Graham to throw him out of the ring and eliminate him from the match. Brisco was livid and chased Race to the back, who hightailed it out of there in a hurry. It looked like this was Dory Funk Jr.'s match to win as he was working together with Don Muraco to survive in the battle royal. However his luck ran out when he ran into the buzzsaw that was a motivated Gorilla Monsoon. Monsoon showed great heart by recovering from the 3-on-1 beating earlier to fight through and win this battle royal. Monsoon even eliminated Killer Kowalski & Blackjack Lanza en route to finally throwing out Funk to earn a shot at the World Title. Monsoon has been with the company since the very beginning, but has yet to be the World champion. Could this be the day it finally happens?
Card rating: ** 3/4
Match observations:
The card for the October 13 show in Philadelphia is looking like this thus far:
WORLD TITLE - Harley Race (c) vs. Gorilla Monsoon Ivan Koloff vs. Nikolai Volkoff
In addition, Bobby Duncum will respond to Dory Funk Jr.'s request, and Dick Murdoch will explain his attack on Dusty Rhodes tonight.
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Post by LillaThrilla on Oct 22, 2010 11:31:20 GMT -5
Big win by Gorilla there! Heenan Family probably interfere in the title match and cause him to lose though.
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Post by snabbit888 on Oct 29, 2010 17:46:39 GMT -5
October 13, 1975 - The Spectrum - Philadelphia, PA
Billy Robinson pinned Mr. Fuji with the Double-Arm Suplex in 0:12:24. Rating: *** 1/4
Billy Robinson got the wrestling kicked off tonight with a well fought victory over Mr. Fuji. Great wrestling action highlighted the opener as we often get from Robinson, one of the best in the world. Fuji tried to use the blue mist on Robinson, but Robinson ducked it and dropped Fuji with the Double-Arm Suplex for the 1-2-3.
Ox Baker pinned Ernie Ladd with the Heart Punch in 0:08:19. Rating: * 1/4
Ernie Ladd came within an eyelash of capturing the World Title recently, but he had a rough match ahead of him tonight against "The Master of the Heart Punch" Ox Baker. Ladd is a hoss to this day, but Baker is a mountain of a man that is hard to move. Ladd rocked Baker early with hard right hands, but it was just a matter of time before Baker caught Ladd with the Heart Punch to put this one in the books.
Interview: Bobby Duncum answers Funk & Muraco.
Bobby Duncum wasn't in action tonight, but he still had a big role as he came out for an in-ring interview to discuss the offer made to him in Landover by Don Muraco & Intercontinental champion Dory Funk Jr. Duncum said he thought long and hard about it since the last show, but has decided to gracefully turn down their kind offer and continue to go at it alone. This brought out Funk & Muraco, who came out to persuade Duncum to join forces with them, promising him that they would own wrestling, that "GCW will be our playground." Duncum thought some more, but said he was sorry, but his decision was final. Funk thanked him for his time and shook his hand, but as soon as Duncum turned his back to leave, Muraco attacked him from behind! Muraco pounded on Duncum to the delight of Funk, but when Duncum turned the tables and hit Muraco with the Full Nelson Slam, Funk bailed out of the ring in a hurry. Bobby Duncum is one of the last people I would want to make angry at me. Funk might live to regret this.
The Blackjacks (Blackjack Lanza and Blackjack Mulligan) defeated Larry Zbyszko and Dino Bravo when Mulligan defeated Zbyszko when Zbyszko passed out in the Blackjack Claw in 0:18:18. Rating: ** 1/4 [Bobby Heenan interfered against Dino Bravo.]
The Blackjacks clearly underestimated Larry Zbyszko & Dino Bravo in this next match, expecting to walk through the match without much effort against the rookie team. Zbyszko & Bravo had other plans as the youngsters took Lanza & Mulligan to the limit and nearly picked up the huge upset victory. It took some cheating by Bobby Heenan to help secure the win for his team, but they were clearly rattled by this match. The future is bright for Zbyszko & Bravo.
Kintaro Ohki defeated Johnny Valiant by disqualification in 0:04:27. Rating: 3/4* [Lou Albano interfered against Kintaro Ohki.]
Kintaro Ohki came close to becoming a World champion, but didn't let that setback affect him as he took on Johnny Valiant here tonight. The Valiants were clearly not looking to mess around with Ohki, because as soon as Ohki had a clear advantage, Jimmy Valiant joined the fray and made the attack to get his brother Johnny disqualified. Ohki tried to fight them off but was overwhelmed when Lou Albano nailed him in the ribs with his cane, but luckily for Ohki's sake, ERNIE LADD came in and made the save. A tag team match has been set up for November 6 at Madison Square Garden.
Peter Maivia made Johnny Rodz submit to the Stump Puller in 0:04:44. Rating: *** 1/4
"High Chief" Peter Maivia made an unexpected and emotional return to GCW tonight, taking on and defeating "The Unpredictable" Johnny Rodz (whose "unpredictable" act tonight was, and I kid you not, only wearing one wrestling boot). Maivia grabbed the microphone afterwards and thanked the fans for their support and welcoming him back after a rough four years (alluding to the unfortunate injury to Bobo Brazil that left the former World champion paralyzed). Maivia said he has changed his ways and will fight for the honor of the fans from now on.
The Graham Brothers (Billy Graham and Luke Graham) defeated Jimmy Snuka and Tony Garea when B. Graham pinned Garea after a piledriver in 0:08:14. Rating: ** 1/4 (The Graham Brothers retained the GCW World Tag Team Titles.) [The Grand Wizard interfered against Jimmy Snuka.]
Luke & Billy Graham might go down as the greatest tag team in GCW history, because right now, it's hard to imagine how any team can beat them. They had a small hiccup when they lost to Dick Murdoch & Pedro Morales, but they regained the titles and look to have focused even more (which I attribute to The Grand Wizard's leadership). Jimmy Snuka & Tony Garea had a big chance to win their first titles as a team (Garea has a previous reign with Dominic DeNucci), but it simply wasn't in the cards tonight. Crazy Luke & Superstar Billy keep the titles in their possession.
Jack Brisco defeated Killer Kowalski by disqualification in 0:05:13. Rating: * [Bobby Heenan interfered against Jack Brisco.]
Jack Brisco had a mountain of a challenge forthcoming against Killer Kowalski, whose career has been revitalized thanks for coming under the tutelage of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. Brisco knew he couldn't match power with Kowalski, but he did a great job of keeping the big man off his feet and working over his knees. When Brisco got Kowalski and his massive legs in the Figure-Four Leglock, Heenan didn't want to see his man submit and jumped in to cause a disqualification. Brisco received some help though when GORILLA MONSOON got into the ring and helped chase Kowalski & Heenan off. Brisco shook Monsoon's hand and thanked him for his help.
Interview: Dick Murdoch reveals that he attacked Dusty Rhodes.
Perhaps the most hated man in wrestling right now is "Dirty" Dick Murdoch, and the trash that showered him in the ring as he tried to do his interview. Murdoch seemed to enjoy the hatred being spewed his way. During this interview Murdoch explained that not only did he assault Dusty Rhodes last month and cost him his match against Pedro Morales, but he also revealed that he was the man behind the attack that put Rhodes out of commission and allowed he & Morales to win the tag titles in the first place. When pushed for the reason why, he said he was tired of carrying Rhodes, of doing all the work for the team while Rhodes was the one whose popularity continued to grow. Murdoch said he wouldn't play second fiddle to a "son of a bitch" any longer, and if Rhodes was smart, he would stay out of his business from now on. Anyone who thought that would happen needs to get his head examined as DUSTY RHODES ran out a house of fire and took it right to Murdoch with rights and lefts! The crowd was going nuts as Rhodes took it to his former best friend, but he was too aggressive. Murdoch grabbed him by the front of his jeans and pulled him forward, making his face crash into the second turnbuckle. Murdoch followed up with a low blow and then pulled a railroad spike out of his boot, using it to gouge Rhodes' forehead wide open. Rhodes was bleeding like a stuck pig before PEDRO MORALES got to the ring and brawled with Murdoch, sending him sprawling out of the ring with a big clothesline. Apparently Morales was not big on Murdoch getting involved in his match last month or with this new attitude of Dirty Dick's. The medical staff helped Rhodes to the back before our next match began.
Pedro Morales made Hiro Matsuda submit to the Boston Crab in 0:16:09. Rating: *** 3/4 [Bobby Heenan interfered against Pedro Morales.]
Pedro Morales had to be careful going into this match with Hiro Matsuda, especially since his emotions were running high after the brawl he just got into with Dick Murdoch, and Matsuda is a highly dangerous competitor even under ideal circumstances. Morales did admittedly look out of sorts in this match, but he managed to get his act together and get Matsuda to submit to his dangerous Boston Crab finishing hold. Morales is going to be an interested observer of the Rhodes/Murdoch match at MSG.
Ivan Koloff defeated Nikolai Volkoff by disqualification in 0:00:38. Rating: -3/4* [Lou Albano interfered against Ivan Koloff.]
Ivan Koloff & Nikolai Volkoff once again locked horns, but Captain Lou Albano's intentions were once again to get the Russian Bear under his management. Albano asked Koloff again to come under his control, but a big shove was a clear and resounding, "No!" This didn't sit well with Volkoff, who seemingly snapped and beat the tar out of Koloff. When referee Willie Webber tried to intervene, Volkoff attacked him and threw him out of the ring, an obvious disqualification and going to be a fine. Like we have rarely seen, Volkoff left Koloff lying in the middle of the ring, the Russian Bear needing to be helped to the back. This looks like it is going to get a whole lot uglier.
Harley Race pinned Gorilla Monsoon after hitting him with the ring bell in 0:11:26. Rating: * 3/4 (Harley Race retained the GCW World Title.) [Killer Kowalski interfered against Gorilla Monsoon.]
Gorilla Monsoon has been with Global Championship Wrestling since the very beginning, wrestling the great Antonino Rocca in the World Heavyweight Title tournament on January 5, 1963. In his time here, this is only the second time Monsoon has gotten a World Title match, and his first in over six years. Monsoon earned this chance of a lifetime by winning the battle royal in Landover, and now the only thing standing between him and his dream was Harley Race, the dominant World Heavyweight champion. In the early goings, Race had no answer for Monsoon's size and power, and the crowd was buzzing with the reality that Monsoon could very well win the World Title. But that all changed when KILLER KOWALSKI & BOBBY HEENAN came to crash the party. Kowalski jumped up on the apron but was cut off by referee Dick Kroll from getting into the ring. Monsoon had Race down and in position for the Big Splash, but he turned his attention to Kowalski instead. Monsoon & Kowalski were locked up with Kroll stuck in the middle, which let Heenan slide the ring bell into the ring to Race. Race picked it up in his groggy state and clocked Monsoon in the back of the head, knocking the Monster From Manchuria out cold. Race removed the evidence from the ring and made the cover to steal a win and retain the World Title. Race knew he escaped by the skin of his teeth, but for Race, it's not about how you win but THAT you win. The Heenan Family however remains a big thorn in the big side of Gorilla Monsoon. Race & Kowalski weren't done putting the hurt on Monsoon, trying to take him out for good, but he received a receipt from JACK BRISCO who ran down to help Monsoon fight off his aggressors! The show came to an end with Brisco & Monsoon standing tall in the middle of the ring.
Card rating: * 3/4
Match observations:
Only three more shows left in the year 1975, and two of them come from the greatest arena in the world, MADISON SQUARE GARDEN! The first takes place on November 6, and the card is shaping up as follows:
MAIN EVENT - Jack Brisco/Gorilla Monsoon vs. Harley Race (World champion)/Killer Kowalski Dusty Rhodes vs. Dick Murdoch Bobby Duncum vs. Don Muraco Kintaro Ohki/Ernie Ladd vs. The Valiant Brothers
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Post by snabbit888 on Oct 29, 2010 17:49:54 GMT -5
November 6, 1975 - Madison Square Garden - New York, NY
Ernie Ladd and Kintaro Ohki defeated The Valiant Brothers (Jimmy Valiant and Johnny Valiant) when Ohki pinned Johnny Valiant with the Back Suplex in 0:07:31. Rating: ** 1/4
Kintaro Ohki's time in GCW is coming to a close we found out tonight as he will return to his native South Korea at the end of the year, but he has a couple of matches left in him, including tonight's tag team match with Ernie Ladd against the Valiant Brothers. On paper this should have been the Valiants' match to take home. But matches aren't wrestled on paper - they're wrestled in the ring, and tonight's match belonged to Ladd & Ohki. Ladd & Ohki wrestled a tremendous match and took the win when Ohki hit the Back Suplex on Johnny. Ohki received a wonderful ovation for his efforts tonight.
Nikolai Volkoff defeated Dino Bravo when Dino Bravo passed out in the Bearhug in 0:05:52. Rating: 1/2* [Ivan Koloff interfered against Nikolai Volkoff.]
Dino Bravo had a big mountain ahead of him in the form of Nikolai Volkoff, who has been wrestling angry in recent weeks. Bravo is a powerful man himself, but with a motivated Volkoff in his way, Bravo was in trouble, getting trapped in the Bearhug and passing out. It was getting worse for Bravo though as Volkoff was refusing to release the hold. Serious injury was a legit concern for Bravo as Volkoff wrenched away at his back until IVAN KOLOFF ran down and chased Volkoff out of the ring.
The Graham Brothers (Billy Graham and Luke Graham) defeated Mr. Fuji and Toru Tanaka when B. Graham pinned Fuji after a powerslam in 0:02:13. Rating: ** 1/4 (The Graham Brothers retained the GCW World Tag Team Titles.)
The Grand Wizard certainly has the Graham Brothers in a frenzy. Crazy Luke & Superstar Billy just keep on winning, and they're doing it in dominating fashion. Just ask Mr. Fuji & Professor Toru Tanaka, who got the title shot tonight. It only took the Grahams just over 2 minutes to put them away - and Fuji & Tanaka are former World Tag Team champions! Looking at what Luke & Billy are doing, I'm not sure if any team can get those titles out of their grasp.
Larry Zbyszko pinned Ox Baker after a small package in 0:05:23. Rating: * 3/4
What a huge upset! The youngster Larry Zbyszko is still learning on the top, but no one gave him much of a shot against Ox Baker, who has made a career of hurting people and hurting people badly. Everyone expected Zbyszko to be another victim, but the plucky youngster showed great hard and a never say die attitude, holding on long enough to catch Baker with a small package and get a shocking win! Zbyszko had to make a narrow escape to avoid a post-match beatdown, but this was a huge victory for him. Bobby Heenan was livid with the result, and has told Zbyszko to get Dino Bravo ready because he wants it to be Zbyszko/Bravo vs. Baker/Hiro Matsuda in Lowell on December 2!
Bobby Duncum pinned Don Muraco with the Full Nelson Slam in 0:06:20. Rating: *** 3/4
After spurning their offer to join forces with them, Bobby Duncum is now public enemy number one to Dory Funk Jr. & Don Muraco. Muraco was the one looking to put Duncum down tonight, but that's an uphill battle with as sharp as Duncum has been in 1975. Muraco tried to overpower Duncum, but Muraco's raw power wasn't enough to protect him from the Full Nelson Slam and a 1-2-3 loss. Dory Funk Jr. slid into the ring to attack Duncum from behind, but Duncum saw him coming, causing Funk to turn tail and jump out of the ring before Duncum could get to him. Word has it that Duncum could be in line for an Intercontinental Title shot, and a nasty rumor is going around that Funk is doing everything in his power to avoid that.
The Blackjacks (Blackjack Lanza and Blackjack Mulligan) defeated Jimmy Snuka and Tony Garea when Mulligan made J. Snuka submit to the Blackjack Claw in 0:24:15. Rating: *** 3/4
The Graham Brothers are the cream of the crop in GCW right now, but there are a lot of teams jockeying for position to be the #1 contenders. The Blackjacks are a team that would love to get a crack at the titles, once their issues with Gorilla Monsoon are settled. Still, this match here against Jimmy Snuka & Tony Garea would go a long way to establish the rankings, and the 25 minutes of action packed wrestling proved how important these matches are. Snuka & Garea looked as crisp as they've ever looked, but unfortunately for them, they came up just short in a match that could have gone either way. The end came when the Superfly came off the top rope, but he fell right into the Blackjack Claw from Blackjack Mulligan. Snuka is a proud man, but he had to submit as he had taken a lot of punishment in this match. A great match, and a great win for the Blackjacks.
Ivan Koloff pinned Johnny Rodz with the Russian Sickle in 0:00:54. Rating: *
Nikolai Volkoff's actions early got Ivan Koloff in a foul mood, which the Russian Bear took out on Johnny Rodz, who didn't even have time to do anything unpredictable before Koloff slaughtered him with the Russian Sickle. The real story though came after the match.
Interview: Lou Albano threatens Ivan Koloff.
Captain Lou Albano had a microphone and told Ivan Koloff he was tired of playing around. Albano said that the Russian Bear IS going to join forces with him, because Albano did some research and found out some information about Koloff that he is sure Koloff doesn't want to get out. Albano told Koloff he would give him until December 2 in Lowell to "do the right thing." Koloff looked concerned in the ring before heading to the back.
Peter Maivia defeated Hiro Matsuda when Hiro Matsuda passed out in the Stump Puller in 0:09:51. Rating: ***
"High Chief" Peter Maivia seems rejuvenated and revitalized since returning to GCW with a new outlook, and that is going to make him a very dangerous man in the squared circle. Just ask Hiro Matsuda, another dangerous man who had all kinds of problems with the High Chief. The fans have also taken a shine to Maivia again, and you can tell that means quite a lot to him by the way he wrestles. Maivia got the Stump Puller on Matsuda and picked up a big, big win.
Billy Robinson pinned Dory Funk Jr. after a sunset flip in 0:12:28. Rating: *** 1/4
Dory Funk Jr. narrowly escaped Bobby Duncum's wrath earlier, but he wasn't nearly as fortunate in avoiding Billy Robinson. These two have feuded for much of 1975, with Robinson coming close to taking the Intercontinental Title but not close enough. That led to Funk making sure this match was a non-title match, saying Robinson "didn't deserve a title shot." Robinson sure showed him tonight. Don Muraco was there to cheat on Funk's behalf throughout the match, and it looked like it would be another sad night for the English superstar, but Robinson got an unexpected assist from BOBBY DUNCUM, who attacked Muraco and fought with him to the back. During the chaos of this, Funk got distracted, leading to Robinson catching him with a sunset flip and getting the 1-2-3! Robinson and the crowd exploded, until everyone remembered that it was a non-title match. Either way, this is a HUGE victory. We have also learned that a tag team match has been signed for Lowell pitting Funk & Muraco against Duncum & Robinson!
Dusty Rhodes pinned Dick Murdoch with the Bionic Elbowdrop in 0:14:54. Rating: *** 1/4
It wasn't long ago that Dusty Rhodes & "Dirty" Dick Murdoch were tag team champs together, but boy has a lot changed since then. The story is well documented, and this was the first time these two duked it out one-on-one, and what a fight it was! Sometimes you want to watch a great technical wrestling match, and other times you want to see a FIGHT. This was a fight if there ever was one. Two barroom brawlers, clubbering the nonsense out of each other. There was no clear advantage in this match, as both men were so fueled by adrenaline that neither let up. Rhodes would ultimately get the win when he hit the Bionic Elbowdrop, but he just barely kept Murdoch's shoulders down for the 3 before the fight kept going. Murdoch hit Rhodes with a low blow and grabbed a chair from ringside, breaking off a leg and was looking to stab Rhodes in the forehead with it! Thankfully for everyone involved, PEDRO MORALES was down in the ring and had a chair of his own, chasing Murdoch out of the ring. Rhodes shook Morales' hand after the match, but it was a tentative one at that. Morales grabbed the microphone and told Rhodes they had some unfinished business to take care of in Lowell on December 2.
Harley Race and Killer Kowalski defeated Jack Brisco and Gorilla Monsoon when Race pinned Jack Brisco with the Piledriver in 0:24:53. Rating: *** 1/2 [Bobby Heenan interfered against Jack Brisco.]
A ton of combustible elements in our main event as it looks like Gorilla Monsoon finally has a friend he can trust in Jack Brisco. The two teamed up to face Killer Kowalski and the World Heavyweight champion, Harley Race. This was the first chance that Brisco got to get his hands on Race, though Race spent a lot of the match avoiding Brisco at all costs, a strategy designed to frustrate the potential challenger to the title. Brisco is too crafty for that though as he didn't let Race get into his head. However, as he has so many times before, Bobby "The Brain" Heenan's presence at ringside turned out to be instrumental. Late in the match, Heenan grabbed onto Monsoon's foot as he was hitting the ropes, upsetting the monster from Manchuria to the point where Monsoon hopped to the floor and began stalking Heenan! Kowalski jumped Monsoon from behind and the two men brawled their way to the back. While referee Dick Kroll was trying in vain to stop that, Race grabbed the World Title and clocked Brisco in the back of the head with it, followed by hitting the Piledriver right on top of the gold! Brisco was out cold and easy pickings for the cover when Kroll returned to the ring. Brisco had lost, but he's also lucky that he escaped serious injury. Because of these actions by Race, he is being forced to defend the title against Brisco on December 2! Brisco finally gets his wish, but what kind of condition will he be in?
Card rating: ***
Match observations:
We are nearing the huge year end show, but we have one more stop in Lowell, MA before then, taking place on December 2!
WORLD TITLE - Harley Race (c) vs. Jack Brisco Dusty Rhodes vs. Pedro Morales Dory Funk Jr./Don Muraco vs. Bobby Duncum/Billy Robinson Larry Zbyszko/Dino Bravo vs. Ox Baker/Hiro Matsuda Gorilla Monsoon vs. Killer Kowalski
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Post by rey619 on Oct 30, 2010 11:31:04 GMT -5
Sept 17 - Seems like there's a civil war brewing in the Soviet Union! 15 years early, but OK So it was Murdoch who attacked his own partner? Devious! Who will Morales side with? Monsoon gets awarded for doing the job to Ali, but he won't become the world champion. Since it's custom to turn down invitations to join, I predict Duncum will do the opposite. Oct 17 - Yes, I was right, Duncum did refuse! What do I win? Ooh - Peter Maivia's back. Maivia paralyzed Brazil? Can't seem to remember.. but it has been years! They did throw trash at wrestlers back then, didn't they? Nowadays, they would get kick out for doing such a foul deed. Seems like Pedro's on Dusty's side though. Monsoon puts up a good fight against the champ, but loses as expected. Wonder who's next for Race, he'll probably hold the belt to well within 1976 I think. Good shows as usual, it's approaching my birth date soon.
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Post by snabbit888 on Oct 30, 2010 13:03:49 GMT -5
You win being born soon. I owe you some feedback soon as well. It's tricky because I just moved and don't have internet at my new place yet, but I'll do my best when I can.
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Post by JoshiQ on Nov 1, 2010 10:21:44 GMT -5
I really like the team of Zbyszko and Bravo although I can't imagine them as faces. Every single time I've seen them they have been heels (except for Zbyszko's short return to face Regal). So this is interesting. Hope they have a nice run.
Peter Maivia's return is a nice surprise. I had alomst forgotten about the Bobo Brazil incident. Great continuity here. Really a nice touch to see him return after four years.
Loving the angle with Murdoch and Rhodes. I was wondering how long they'd stick together. I guess it's time for Rhodes' massive face push.
Although I knew Monsoon wasn't winning the title, I still held out hope. It's a good thing he didn't as Race is great as a dominant champion, but poor Monsoon deserves some reward for hanging around so long.
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Post by JoshiQ on Nov 1, 2010 10:33:12 GMT -5
Well, I had more written, but I timed out, hit reply and it said I had been logged out. Oh, well.
Anyways, loving the build for the year end show. You have so many matches built up perfectly that if you put them all on one card it's really going to be impressive. Can't wait to see it.
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Post by snabbit888 on Nov 2, 2010 16:17:19 GMT -5
December 2 ,1975 - Memorial Auditorium - Lowell, MA
Peter Maivia defeated Toru Tanaka after a kick to the head in 0:07:14. Rating: ** 3/4
"High Chief" Peter Maivia remained undefeated since coming back to GCW with a win in our opener over Professor Toru Tanaka. Despite being primarily a tag team wrestler, Tanaka is still a tough out for anyone and Maivia definitely had to work for his win. But Maivia showed some aggression and put Tanaka down and out with a vicious kick to the head.
Ernie Ladd pinned Mr. Fuji with the Boot to the Face in 0:06:09. Rating: ** 3/4 (Johnny Rodz no-showed.)
The unpredictable act of Johnny Rodz this show? Not showing up at all. That's right - Rodz no-showed the event on purpose to "get in Ladd's head." Sigh. The Big Cat was still looking for action though, and he got it in the form of Mr. Fuji, who was hoping to have better luck than his partner did in the previous match. Well you know what they say - hope in one hand,… Fuji put up a fight, but this match was never in much doubt as Ladd hit the Boot to the Face to get the win.
Larry Zbyszko and Dino Bravo defeated The Heenan Family (Hiro Matsuda and Ox Baker) when Bravo pinned O. Baker with the Side Suplex in 0:11:27. Rating: *** 1/4 [Bobby Heenan interfered against Larry Zbyszko.]
Ox Baker was pinned in a shocking upset by rookie Larry Zbyszko last month in MSG, an embarrassing setback for the Heenan Family. Bobby Heenan wanted another crack at Zbyszko and thus challenged he & partner Dino Bravo to a tag match against Baker & Hiro Matsuda. Though Zbyszko & Bravo are very inexperienced, sometimes the benefit of youth is you don't know when you're outmatched. On paper, this was a match Baker & Matsuda should have won, but someone forgot to tell Zbyszko & Bravo. They showed incredible heart and were rewarded for it when Bravo, in an amazing feat of strength, lifted Baker up in the Side Suplex and drove him to the mat to get the 1-2-3. The Memorial Auditorium went NUTS as Bravo & Zbyszko celebrated their improbable victory, and this clearly cements Bravo as one of the strongest men in all of wrestling. What an impressive feat of strength! One man not impressed was Bobby Heenan, who ripped into Baker about losing for the second time in a row, saying it was unacceptable. Heenan became more animated and eventually SLAPPED Baker right in the face! This upset the Ox, who snapped and grabbed Heenan by the shirt, looking to his his Heart Punch, but was cut off by Matsuda spitting a green mist in Baker's eyes, and then blasting him over the head with a chair, knocking the big man out cold. To rub more salt in the wounds, Heenan grabbed the microphone and publicly fired Ox Baker.
Gorilla Monsoon defeated Killer Kowalski by countout in 0:09:17. Rating: 3/4* [Bobby Heenan interfered against Gorilla Monsoon.]
Gorilla Monsoon & Killer Kowalski went at it one more time, and this match was as hard-hitting as all the others have been. The history between these two men goes all the way back to 1963, so if there were ever two people familiar with each other, it was these two. A lot of power offense here as you would expect, but after Monsoon hit a big avalanche in the corner, Kowalski had had enough and got out of the ring, getting himself counted out on purpose. This merely served as a distraction as THE BLACKJACKS hit the ring and beat the 2-on-1 beatdown. Monsoon tried to fight them off but couldn't, succombing to Lanza & Mulligan before ERNIE LADD came in to help even the odds. However Kowalski was back in the ring and with the odds once again uneven, the Heenan Family was winning that battle. When it looked most grim, a man jumped over the guardrail and was in the ring hitting Mulligan with punches - it was MUHAMMAD ALI! No one even knew he was in the building, but apparently he bought a ticket to watch the show. With Ali's help, Monsoon & Ladd cleared the ring and stood tall. If this unexpected turn of events was enough, we now know a 6-man tag has been signed for the year end show at MSG - The Blackjacks & Killer Kowalski vs. Gorilla Monsoon, Ernie Ladd, & Muhammad Ali!
The Graham Brothers (Billy Graham and Luke Graham) defeated Jimmy Snuka and Tony Garea when B. Graham defeated Garea when Garea passed out in the Bearhug in 0:17:57. Rating: *** (The Graham Brothers retained the GCW World Tag Team Titles.)
Another show, another successful title defense for the Graham Brothers. The opponents tonight in Lowell were Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka & Tony Garea, who have come so close to winning the titles in the past but haven't been able to get over the hump. Snuka & Garea wrestled their hearts out, but as has been their history, fell just a bit short. After the match, Snuka told Garea the team simply wasn't working out and he wanted to try his hand at singles wrestling. Garea gave him his blessing, the two shook hands and parted amicably. Snuka will enter the singles division while word has it that Garea is scouting another tag team partner.
Dick Murdoch pinned Kintaro Ohki with the Gourdbuster in 0:10:54. Rating: ***
This was Kintaro Ohki's last match in GCW, and he received a wonderful ovation because of it. One man not cheering was his opponent, "Dirty" Dick Murdoch. Murdoch received equal the amount of jeers that Ohki had received cheers - they simply hate this guy! Murdoch almost seems to feed off that hate, using it to motivate him in the ring. Murdoch was able to do something only one other man this year was able to do, and that's pin Ohki in the middle of the ring. Murdoch hit the Gourdbuster and racked up a big win. This wouldn't be the last time we would see Murdoch tonight.
Ohki, on the other hand, waved a final goodbye to the America fans, grabbing the mic and saying in broken English, "Thank you, friends!" Ohki is a legend and we wish him well in the future.
Interview: Captain Lou Albano gets a new client.
Captain Lou Albano came out to the ring for our next segment with the powerhouse Nikolai Volkoff in tow. Volkoff & Albano were all smiles. Albano recapped his recent quest to manage Ivan Koloff. Albano mentioned that a lot of people have forgotten, including Koloff, that if it wasn't for the Captain, the Russian Bear wouldn't even be in GCW in the first place. "I pulled you from obscurity and brought you to the big time!" Albano told Koloff to come to the ring and tell him that he accepted the proposal to join the ranks. Ivan Koloff did come out, but he didn't look in much of a mood to accept any offer. Koloff ran down Albano, calling him the scum of the earth. Before he could outright refuse, Albano cut him off, reminding Koloff that he knows some sensitive information that surely the Russian Bear wouldn't want released, adding, "You know EXACTLY what I'm talking about." Koloff thought about it long and hard, clearly wrestling with a tough decision before finally saying, "Okay, I'll join with you." A big smile crept onto Albano's face as it appears he is now officially managing Ivan Koloff again. What information about Koloff could Albano possibly know that would cause the Russian Bear to turn on his fans like this?
Dusty Rhodes pinned Pedro Morales with the Bionic Elbowdrop in 0:10:10. Rating: **
Though Pedro Morales has helped Dusty Rhodes in his battles with Dick Murdoch, there is still a lot of unfinished business between the two remaining, business they looked take care of once and for all in this match. The story of the match was that Morales didn't trust Rhodes, but Rhodes kept surprising him with clean breaks and simply wrestling an aggressive, but clean match. Rhodes even showed tremendous courage when he got trapped in the Boston Crab, by not giving up and getting himself to the ropes. This threw Morales off his game, making him uncharacteristically make a big mistake by going up to the top. Rhodes caught him through and crotched him on the turnbuckle, bringing him down with a huge superplex. The Bionic Elbowdrop soon followed and Rhodes picked up the biggest win of his career by pinning the former World champion. After the match, the two engaged in a long staredown before Morales extended his hand, which Rhodes accepted. Rhodes had earned Morales' respect. The moment didn't last long though as DICK MURDOCH and a mystery assailant attacked them, beating the ever-living stuffing out of them. Rhodes & Morales were both bleeding profusely by the time officials broke up this massacre. We learned that Murdoch's bellowing braggish partner is Stan Hansen, a man Murdoch says he "can finally trust." We'll see about that, as the duo will have to wrestle Rhodes & Morales on December 27!
Bobby Duncum and Billy Robinson defeated Don Muraco and Dory Funk Jr. when Duncum pinned D. Funk Jr. after a jawbreaker in 0:26:28. Rating: *** 1/2
Intercontinental champion Dory Funk Jr. has no choice but to give Bobby Duncum a title shot now! Funk teamed up with his lackey Don Muraco to take on Duncum and Billy Robinson, and Duncum was fired up to say the least. Duncum & Funk had a few exchanges, and for the most part, Duncum had the advantage every time. Duncum has something to prove, and when that is the case, good luck slowing him down. With Robinson fully neutralizing Muraco, Duncum got the pinfall on Funk after drilling him with a stiff jawbreaker (Duncum was alter heard saying he'll knock Funk out if he has to). With this pinfall victory, Duncum has earned himself a shot at the IC Title which will take place at the year end MSG show!
Harley Race defeated Jack Brisco by countout in 0:36:27. Rating: **** (Harley Race retained the GCW World Title.)
World champion Harley Race did everything in his power for months to avoid this match, but sooner or later, it was going to have to take place. Tonight was that night, as he put the title on the line against Jack Brisco. There was no question in anyone's mind who the fans wanted to see win tonight as the sold out Memorial Auditorium loudly voiced their want to see a new champion crowned. In the early stages of the contest, it looked like we were well on our way to that. Brisco was a step ahead of Race at every turn, frustrated the champion with his wrestling accumen. Race hasn't held the title for over a year by sheer fluke though, as he is a master of luring an opponent in before making his move. Watching these two ring generals play human chess was something to see. Something that is perhaps going to let Race keep the title for a lengthy amount of time is how he doesn't care how he keeps the title, as long as he keeps it. His method would be countout here, luring Brisco to the outside. Brisco rushed Race for a clothesline, but Race moved and Brisco smacked hard into the ring post, taking him out of commission for the ten count so Race could keep his title. Because of the questionable method of title retention, Race will again have to defend the title against Brisco on December 27, but with a new twist - there will be a special referee, and that man is LOU THESZ! Thesz is not going to put up with any nonsense and we will be sure to see a certain winner.
Card rating: ***
Match observations:
We're at the end of the year, so you know what that means - back to Madison Square Garden for the huge year-end show!
WORLD TITLE - SPECIAL REFEREE Lou Thesz - Harley Race (c) vs. Jack Brisco INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE - Dory Funk Jr. (c) vs. Bobby Duncum Dusty Rhodes/Pedro Morales vs. Dick Murdoch/Stan Hansen Gorilla Monsoon/Ernie Ladd/Muhammad Ali vs. The Blackjacks/Killer Kowalski Peter Maivia vs. Mr. Fuji
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Post by snabbit888 on Nov 2, 2010 16:18:07 GMT -5
December 27, 1975 - Madison Square Garden - New York, NY
Peter Maivia pinned Mr. Fuji after a backslide in 0:05:47. Rating: ***
"High Chief" Peter Maivia was in action in our first match on our last show of 1975, taking on Mr. Fuji. Maivia beat Fuji's partner Toru Tanaka in Lowell 4 weeks ago, and Fuji was hoping to fair better than Tanaka did. That wouldn't be in the cards as Maivia showed great wrestling skill with a backslide, drove his feet, and got the 1-2-3.
Jimmy Snuka pinned Johnny Rodz after a flying headbutt in 0:00:32. Rating: *
Jimmy "Snuka" Snuka made his official return to singles action tonight, and what an emphatic statement he made by pinning Johnny Rodz in only 32 seconds! Snuka has set the bar high for himself, and I for one am not going to bet against him.
Ivan Koloff and Nikolai Volkoff defeated Dean Ho and Tony Garea when I. Koloff pinned Ho with the Russian Sickle in 0:10:48. Rating: **
We didn't know what to expect with our next match. Ivan Koloff is (begrudgingly) back under the management of Captain Lou Albano, and Albano put Koloff in a tag team against the man he has been battling for the last several months, Nikolai Volkoff. No one was sure how that team could coexist. In addition, they had a team filled with variables to go against as they took on Tony Garea & his brand new partner, the debuting Dean Ho. Ho & Garea fired on all cylinders and they appear to be a team that will have to be taken seriously in the future. Koloff & Volkoff, however, weren't on the same page at all. If it wasn't for the competitive pride of Koloff, they would have lost this match. The Russian Bear surely doesn't want to help Albano make any money, but he is going to try to win at all costs no matter what. Koloff did just that, hitting Ho with the Russian Sickle and getting the 3 count. Despite winning, Albano reprimanded Koloff after the match, telling him to let Volkoff finish the match off next time. This relationship cannot possibly end well.
Don Muraco pinned Billy Robinson with the Flying Crossbody in 0:14:30. Rating: *** 1/2
This match has to be the biggest win in Don Muraco's career. Muraco took on his former mentor, Billy Robinson, and managed to get the pinfall victory after the Flying Crossbody. Sure, he had a big handful of tights to do it, but in the record books, it will be forever emblazened as a win for the young Muraco. Robinson was less than happy about this turn of events, leaving the ring quite disappointed in himself.
Ernie Ladd, Gorilla Monsoon and Muhammad Ali defeated The Heenan Family (Blackjack Lanza, Blackjack Mulligan and Killer Kowalski) when Ernie Ladd defeated Kowalski by disqualification in 0:16:12. Rating: * 1/2 [Bobby Heenan interfered against Ernie Ladd.]
We were all surprised to see that boxing great MUHAMMAD ALI saved his former enemy Gorilla Monsoon and agreed to team with him and Ernie Ladd to take on the Heenan Family, but what a partner he turned out to be! Monsoon & Ali have developed a friendship over the course of their battles, and that didn't bode well for the Heenan Family. The match was back and forth throughout, but Killer Kowalski got frustrated and ended up getting DQ'ed when he wouldn't release a chokehold on Ladd. A pier six brawl ensued between the 6 men that resulted in Monsoon, Ladd, & Ali cleaning house. The chaos officially ended when Monsoon got a hold of Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, who was then knocked clean out by a hard punch from Muhammad Ali, a moment that will surely live on for years to come.
Larry Zbyszko and Dino Bravo defeated The Graham Brothers (Billy Graham and Luke Graham) when Bravo pinned L. Graham with the Side Suplex in 0:19:05. Rating: ** (Larry Zbyszko and Dino Bravo won the GCW World Tag Team Titles.)
In one of the biggest upsets in GCW history, we have brand new World Tag Team champions! The Graham Brothers have looked nearly unstoppable in the tag team division in 1975, and on paper, this should have been just another title defense. They had the size advantage, the strength advantage, and the experience advantage over young Larry Zbyszko & Dino Bravo. But one place where they didn't have the advantage was in the heart department. Zbyszko & Bravo took a hell of a beating - one they won't soon recover from. Luke & Billy Graham had this match firmly in their favor and made the mistake of toying with their overmatched foes, neglecting to put them away and rather choosing to dish out more punishment. Mistake. It all backfired when Superstar Billy was holding Zbyszko and Crazy Luke went for the Thumb to the Throat, but Zbyszko wiggled away and Luke hit his own brother! Zbyszko made the hot tag, and Bravo hit the stunned Luke with the Side Suplex, getting the quick 3 count and just like that, we had new tag team champions! The fans in MSG almost blew the roof off the arena as the new champions were presented with the titles. No one looked as shocked as Zbyszko & Bravo who could hardly believed what they pulled off. Congrats to the new champions!
Bobby Duncum pinned Dory Funk Jr. with the Full Nelson Slam in 0:10:54. Rating: *** 3/4 (Bobby Duncum won the GCW Intercontinental Title.)
Title changes must have been in the air, because in our second straight match we had a brand new champion! The calculated risk that Bobby Duncum took a year ago to break ties with Bobby Heenan has paid off as he won his first title, capturing the Intercontinental Title from Dory Funk Jr. Funk brought Don Muraco down to ringside with him, hoping his presence would be a distraction. Muraco tripped Duncum up at one point, but instead of being disqualified, Muraco was ejected from ringside! This was not what Funk expected, and Duncum carried this momentum into hitting the Full Nelson Slam and walking out of New York City the brand new IC champion.
Dusty Rhodes and Pedro Morales defeated The Dirtbags (Dick Murdoch and Stan Hansen) when Morales defeated Hansen when Hansen passed out in the Boston Crab in 0:21:05. Rating: *** 1/4
"Dirty" Dick Murdoch has a new partner in crime, and he is just as nasty as he is. Stan Hansen is big, he is mean, and he loves to fight. Together they're referring to themselves as The Dirtbags, and there couldn't be a more fitting name. Two men who know for sure how big of dirtbags they really are would be Dusty Rhodes & Pedro Morales. Rhodes & Morales have had their own battles, but they've fought through them and developed a friendship out of the whole ordeal, and they wanted to shut Murdoch & Hansen up on the year end show. Easier said than done, and a fierce brawl raged on between these two teams. Based on sheer brutality, this match could have went either way, but tonight belonged to Rhodes & Morales as Morales got Hansen to pass out in the Boston Crab and taker the win. Though Rhodes & Morales stood tall tonight, there is too much bad blood involved for this one to be over.
Match with Special Referee Lou Thesz: Harley Race pinned Jack Brisco with the Piledriver in 0:21:34. Rating: *** 1/2 (Harley Race retained the GCW World Title.)
Finally, the match we all had been waiting for. Harley Race vs. Jack Brisco for the World Title, with special guest referee, wrestling legend and former World champion Lou Thesz. Race fluked his way into a win in Lowell, but he wouldn't have that luxury with Thesz as the ref. If Race was going to retain the title, he was going to do so on his own merits. The frustrating thing about Race is though he will cut corners often, he doesn't have to - he does so simply because he can. Brisco planned to take advantage of the strict enforcing of the rules because he believes that he can out wrestle anyone on the planet. I would normally not bet against Brisco, but Race stepped up his game and showed why he is the undefeated World champion. Race fought off Brisco's attempts at the Figure-Four Leglock, frustrating Brisco into making a mistake that let him hit the Piledriver to retain the title.
After the match, Race looked to send a message to Brisco, picking him up and setting up for a second Piledriver, but Thesz intervened and pulled Race away, bringing him to the mat with a waistlock takedown. Race was furious, but when Thesz readied himself to fight, Race backed away. Thesz made the mistake of turning his back on Race though, who blindsided Thesz as he checked on the fallen Brisco! Race stomped a mudhole in Thesz, busting him wide open before hitting him with not one, not two, but THREE Piledrivers before officials could stop the cowardly ambush. Thesz was taken away on a stretcher, which is not the way we would have wanted to end our biggest show of the year.
Card rating: ***
Match observations:
1976 will begin in Chicago, Illinois at the Chicago Stadium on January 29, with these matches signed and ready to deliver:
INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE - Bobby Duncum (c) vs. Dory Funk Jr. WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES - Larry Zbyszko/Dino Bravo (c) vs. The Graham Brothers Dusty Rhodes vs. Dick Murdoch Pedro Morales vs. Stan Hansen
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Post by JoshiQ on Nov 5, 2010 21:15:24 GMT -5
Definitaly a great way to end the year. Great build to a great card. Harley Race retaining is the right decision, at least to me. I don't know where you will go with Thesz, but wouldn't he be in his late 50s around this time? I doubt he makes a return so I don't know who you will go with to face Race. Loving that the Rhodes-Murdoch angle keeps going and bringing in Hansen was a mark out moment for me. One of my all time favorites. Zbyszko/Bravo have been built up really well. It felt like an upset, but not an unbelievable one when they won the straps. Looking forward to the beating they will surely suffer from the Graham Brothers. I like the whole Ali returning angle to help out Monsoon. It really flowed well and seemed like something you actually would see in wrestling. Great stuff.
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Post by rey619 on Nov 7, 2010 13:46:33 GMT -5
December 2
Wow.. Ali in the house? Maybe the effect had been even better if we'd seen him earlier on, but I guess these shows aren't televised, right?
Wonder what Koloff's done? Been a communist?
Rhodes is primed for a mega-push alright, pinning Morales doesn't mean that Morales is on his way down, only that it's time for the American Dream. And Stan Hansen? Wow!
Good showing from Brisco, but I don't think he'll walk away with the belt, even with Lou Thesz as special referee.
December 27
Johnny Rodz may be your wrestling universe's first jobber! Even Scicluna made his way up the ranks.
Wonder how long Koloff will take Albano's abuse...
Would've wanted a clean winner in the big six-man, but Ali decking out Heenan is a good ending.
Wow, new champions! Didn't see that one coming. I really don't want the Graham's turning on each other again, at least not right away. New IC champ too? Fans love face champs at the end of the year, this is what ROH does almost every year, give faces belts at the last show. I like it, but I doesn't feel it's too obvious in GCW.
Race retains as expected, but Brisco has really earned a star or two in this feud. I am also excited to see where you're going with Thesz. Maybe Sammartino returns..? Or maybe not..
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Post by snabbit888 on Nov 8, 2010 18:53:31 GMT -5
WRESTLER OF THE YEAR: Harley Race TAG TEAM OF THE YEAR: Luke Graham & Billy Graham MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Bobby Heenan MATCH OF THE YEAR: 16-man Battle Royal for the United States Title, Baltimore, MD - 1/13/75 FEUD OF THE YEAR: Gorilla Monsoon vs. Muhammad Ali MOST POPULAR: Jack Brisco MOST HATED: Harley Race NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: Larry Zbyszko
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Post by snabbit888 on Nov 8, 2010 18:54:21 GMT -5
January 29, 1976 - Chicago Stadium - Chicago, IL
Jimmy Snuka pinned Hiro Matsuda with the Superfly Splash in 0:12:04. Rating: ****
Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka has been with GCW for a few years now and he feels he is ready to break through and become a main event player. But to do so, he is going to have to string together a few wins. He started last month with a 32 second win over Johnny Rodz, and kept that momentum going with a victory over Hiro Matsuda. It was considering more difficult than his last match, but Snuka showed he could contend with adversity and come out victorious.
Gorilla Monsoon and Sgt. Slaughter defeated The Valiant Brothers (Jimmy Valiant and Johnny Valiant) when Slaughter defeated Johnny Valiant when Johnny Valiant passed out in the Cobra Clutch in 0:06:17. Rating: **
Gorilla Monsoon brought in a new tag team partner for 1976, the young ex-military man, Sgt. Slaughter. Slaughter is a big young hoss with a big ol' chin, and although he is rough around the edges, he showed how much promise he has in this tag team match against the Valiant Brothers. Slaughter's Cobra Clutch was enough to make Johnny Valiant pass out and get this Monsoon/Slaughter union off to a tremendous start.
Killer Kowalski pinned Ernie Ladd after a flying kneedrop in 0:07:38. Rating: ** 1/2
Wrestling is no doubt a dangerous sport, and it's situations like what happened in this match between Ernie Ladd & Killer Kowalski that cement this as true. These two monsters beat the tar out of each other for several minutes before Kowalski put Ladd down with a big clothesline. Kowalski went to the top rope and came off with a flying kneedrop on the Big Cat, but Kowalski landed awkwardly on Ladd. Kowalski made the quick pin and put this one in the books, but upon closer inspection, we saw that Kowalski's knee had RIPPED Ladd's ear off! A chunk of Ladd's ear was laying in the ring as Ladd clutched his bleeding head. This is one of those things that happens sometimes, as unfortunate as it is. We wish Ladd a speedy recovery from this gruesome injury.
Jack Brisco made Don Muraco submit to the Figure-Four Leglock in 0:10:13. Rating: *** 1/2
Though Jack Brisco fell just short of winning the World Title in 1975, he has made it known that his quest to be a World champion is not over. He is going to have to climb back up the ladder to get another title shot, but a little hard work has never scared Brisco. He started that ascent with a match against Don Muraco. Muraco saw this match as a chance to really prove something and he wrestled with some extra motivation. Muraco more than held his own against Brisco, but in the end, he couldn't find that move that would get the job done. Brisco got the Figure-Four Leglock on and took this match by submission.
Pedro Morales defeated Stan Hansen when Stan Hansen passed out in the Boston Crab in 0:13:19. Rating: *** 1/2
Stan Hansen is a newcomer that needs a lot of polish, but he has shown in his time in GCW so far that he is one tough customer. Pedro Morales has been one of the men to experience this first hand and the two locked horns in Chicago. After the match, Morales would say that in all his time in GCW, he's never felt punches that hit as hard as the ones Hansen gave him. Morales was physically bruised up after the match, but he did manage to escape with a victory when he dodged Hansen's Lariat, hit a bodyslam, and put on the Boston Crab. The burly Texan held on for awhile but eventually passed out from the pain of the hold.
Bobby Duncum pinned Dory Funk Jr. with the Full Nelson Slam in 0:09:55. Rating: **** 1/4 (Bobby Duncum retained the GCW Intercontinental Title.)
Dory Funk Jr. wasted no time in asking for his rematch after losing the Intercontinental Title to Bobby Duncum in MSG and he was determined to recapture the gold. Duncum had no plans on relinquishing the title in his first defense though, and after a great back and forth battle, Duncum caught Funk out of nowhere with the Full Nelson Slam and remained IC champion.
Mr. Fuji and Toru Tanaka defeated Dean Ho and Tony Garea when Fuji pinned Ho after a headbutt in 0:05:41. Rating: ***
Dean Ho & Tony Garea are going to be a good team, no doubt about it, but they have had some bad luck in their teaming thus far. Case in point, tonight's match against Mr. Fuji & Toru Tanaka. The match was going great for the fan favorites, but Fuji caught Ho with a big headbutt that knocked him loopy enough to let Fuji get the pin. Ho was very disappointed in himself, and has requested a rematch against Fuji & Tanaka for February 25 in Atlantic City.
Dick Murdoch pinned Dusty Rhodes after an inside cradle in 0:13:14. Rating: ***
"Dirty" Dick Murdoch's running buddy lost earlier in the night, but Murdoch was going to make sure he didn't suffer the same fate against former partner Dusty Rhodes, by hook or by crook. With the hatred that now exists between Rhodes & Murdoch, the devastating blow to the ego of the loser is unacceptable to either man. Each punch has a little extra behind it, and the crowd gets a hell of a match as a result. Rhodes looked like he would be the one to pick up the win, but Murdoch got him in an inside cradle out of nowhere, and with the aid of a pull of the tights, Murdoch stole a win in Chicago. After the bell, the fight continued and they were joined by PEDRO MORALES & STAN HANSEN before officials broke it up. GCW matchmakers have determined that this feud needs to end before it gets even more out of control, and have signed a tag team Texas Death match. We are going to see a clear winner one way or another.
Harley Race pinned Billy Robinson with the Piledriver in 0:09:42. Rating: ** (Harley Race retained the GCW World Title.)
We're not really sure what it was, but Billy Robinson was not on top of his game tonight. Not on top of your game is not something you want when you get a shot at the World Title and Harley Race, who has never been defeated in GCW action. Robinson was a step off the entire match, and that is not something you want to be against Race. Race will take advantage of any opening you give him, getting Robinson with the Piledriver for another successful title defense. With Race continuing to rack up win after win, who will step up to be his next challenger?
Nikolai Volkoff pinned Peter Maivia after a bodyslam in 0:03:24. Rating: * 1/2 [Lou Albano interfered against Peter Maivia.]
You have to feel for Ivan Koloff. He's obviously in a situation he doesn't want to be in, having to take on the managerial services of Captain Lou Albano once again due to some information Albano holds over him. The things Albano is asking him to do don't sit well with him, but he's being forced to. Case in point, his involvement in the match between Nikolai Volkoff & "High Chief" Peter Maivia. Albano demanded that Koloff get involved and help Volkoff win, and despite some protest, the Russian Bear did just that, holding Maivia's foot down from the outside after Volkoff hit a bodyslam, causing Maivia his first loss since returning. Koloff was not happy about what he had to do, but the only man who was more upset was Maivia, demanding an explanation from Koloff. The Russian Bear wanted to apologize, but Albano ordered him to leave. Word has it that the High Chief will be confronting Koloff in Atlantic City.
Larry Zbyszko and Dino Bravo defeated The Graham Brothers (Billy Graham and Luke Graham) when Zbyszko pinned B. Graham after a spinebuster slam in 0:41:32. Rating: ***** (Larry Zbyszko and Dino Bravo retained the GCW World Tag Team Titles.)
To beat the Graham Brothers one time can easily be considered a fluke. To do it twice in a row, this time in the main event is talent, plain and simple. That is exactly what Larry Zbyszko & Dino Bravo managed to do, and in one of the greatest tag team matches we have ever seen in Global Championship Wrestling, no less. Zbyszko & Bravo got the crap beat out of them for much of this match, no one would deny that. But the heart in these two youngsters is off the charts, and it is exactly why they have become the World Tag Team champions. For over 40 minutes, the young duo survived, escaping from pinfall after pinfall like their team name could have been the Houdinis. It looked all over though when "Superstar" Billy Graham got the Bearhug on Zbyszko and began squeezing the life out of him. Zbyszko refused to give up though and slid his arms through to break the tension, showed tremendous will by lifting Billy Graham up and driving him into the canvas with a spinebuster. Bravo cut Luke Graham off from getting in the ring, and just BARELY Zbyszko held Billy down for the 1-2-3 and a triumphant title defense. The Grand Wizard nearly lost his mind, but his men failed to recapture the gold. He vowed that this wasn't over though, not by a long shot.
Card rating: ***
Match observations:
We make a glorious return to Atlantic City on February 25, the following matches already on the books:
INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE - Bobby Duncum (c) vs. Don Muraco TEXAS DEATH MATCH - Dusty Rhodes/Pedro Morales vs. The Dirtbags Larry Zbyszko vs. Luke Graham Dino Bravo vs. Billy Graham Dean Ho/Tony Garea vs. Mr. Fuji/Toru Tanaka
And Peter Maivia will look for some answers from Ivan Koloff! All this and a whole lot more!
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Post by snabbit888 on Nov 8, 2010 18:55:13 GMT -5
February 25, 1976 - Convention Hall - Atlantic City, NJ
Billy Graham pinned Dino Bravo after a powerslam in 0:04:49. Rating: * 3/4
The Grand Wizard signed singles matches between the Graham Brothers and the World Tag Team champions to show that these wins Larry Zbyszko & Dino Bravo are getting over them are just flukes. Billy Graham did his part to prove that with a powerslam-aided victory over Bravo. We'll see if Luke Graham has the same luck with Zbyszko later in the evening.
Dean Ho and Tony Garea defeated Mr. Fuji and Toru Tanaka when Garea pinned Fuji with the High Cross Body in 0:12:42. Rating: ****
On their third try, Dean Ho & Tony Garea have gotten their first victory as a team, defeating former World Tag Team champions Mr. Fuji & Professor Toru Tanaka. Ho & Garea had been close before, but they were finally able to put one away. After this loss, Fuji & Tanaka have decided to head back to Japan for awhile and wrestle there. Ho & Garea, in the mean time, look to keep this momentum going.
The Heenan Family (Blackjack Lanza, Blackjack Mulligan and Hiro Matsuda) defeated The Valiant Brothers (Jimmy Valiant and Johnny Valiant) and Johnny Rodz when Matsuda pinned Rodz after a gutwrench suplex in 0:07:30. Rating: *** 1/4 [Bobby Heenan interfered against Jimmy Valiant.]
An odd mix of talent in this match as members of the Heenan Family took on the Valiant Brothers & Johnny Rodz, who "unpredictably" wore a wig to match the long blond locks of Jimmy & Johnny. The Blackjacks & Hiro Matsuda all have the same manager, Bobby Heenan, and that helped them in strategizing for this match. The Valiants, on the other hand, seemingly wanted nothing to do with Johnny Rodz, and that lack of teamwork ultimately led to the Heenan Family taking the win.
Luke Graham pinned Larry Zbyszko with the Thumb to the Throat in 0:03:59. Rating: *** 1/4
Much like his brother Billy earlier, Luke Graham was victorious in his match against one half of the World Tag Team champions, Larry Zbyszko. Zbyszko was game and ready for the match, but Luke Graham is one of the most decorated competitors in GCW history, having held championship gold on 8 different occasions. The Thumb to the Throat put this one in the record books. With their wins tonight, the Graham Brothers will get one more shot to regain the tag titles n March 11 at Madison Square Garden. GCW officials have decided that to keep this a fair fight and keep The Grand Wizard out of it, it will be a cage match! As great as the story of Zbyszko & Bravo has been, I think this Cinderella tale is coming to an end at MSG.
Killer Kowalski pinned Billy Robinson after a flying kneedrop in 0:11:32. Rating: *** 1/4 [Bobby Heenan interfered against Billy Robinson.]
After accidentally ripping part of Ernie Ladd's ear off last month, you would think that Killer Kowalski would show a little compassion for what he did this month. Then we remembered it was Killer Kowalski. During his match with Billy Robinson, Kowalski constantly mocked Ladd's injury, a despicable act to say the least. Robinson wasn't impressed and did his best to keep the big man off his feet, but Kowalski locked on the Claw and incapacitated Robinson. Kowalski could have put Robinson away right then, but he chose to go to the top rope and hit Robinson with a flying kneedrop, the same move that injured Ladd in the first place. Luckily Robinson avoided injury, but the intent was clearly there. Bobby Heenan just laughed the entire time. What a bunch of creeps.
Interview: Peter Maivia wants answers from Ivan Koloff.
As he said he would, "High Chief" Peter Maivia called out Ivan Koloff, wanting answers for Koloff costing him a match against Nikolai Volkoff last month. Koloff, to his credit, did come out like a man and faced Maivia. Koloff explained that he had no choice - he has to do whatever Captain Lou Albano tells him to do. Maivia said that wasn't good enough, and that if he was a real man, he would do the right thing instead of what a piece of scum like Albano tells him. Koloff said it wasn't that simple - there were reasons why Koloff couldn't do that. Maivia wanted to know those reasons, but before he could get them, NIKOLAI VOLKOFF was in the ring and beating down on Maivia. Koloff intervened and pulled Volkoff away, but Albano demanded that Koloff stand back and let it happen. Koloff looked pained, but he did as he was told, watching Volkoff squeeze the life out of Maivia until officials broke it up.
Dory Funk Jr. made Jimmy Snuka submit to the Texas Cloverleaf in 0:14:36. Rating: ****
Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka is committed to being a successful singles wrestler, but there are bound to be some potholes and speed bumps along the road. Snuka has looked good so far, but he ran into one of those speed bumps in Dory Funk Jr. Funk is wanting to get himself back into contention for the Intercontinental Title, and this win over Snuka helps in that quest. Funk dodged the Superfly Splash and quickly locked on the Texas Cloverleaf to get the submission win in New Jersey.
Harley Race pinned Sgt. Slaughter with the Piledriver in 0:13:51. Rating: ** 1/2
The World Title may not have been on the line, but rookie Sgt. Slaughter had a huge opportunity never the less as he took on World Heavyweight champion Harley Race. Gorilla Monsoon, Slaughter's tag team partner, was not in the building tonight but we had heard he had advised Slaughter against taking the match, but it's hard to convince a youngster out of wanting to go against the World champ in an effort to proof himself. Slaughter had a lot of youthful spirit, and on a couple of occasions looked like he was going to pull off the upset. But the window for the miracle quickly closed as Race hit the Piledriver and got the pin. Race wasn't happy with how close the match was though, and decided to teach Slaughter a lesson. Race hit Slaughter with another Piledriver, and looked to go for a third when he was stopped by LOU THESZ. Race cowardly attacked Thesz at the year end show in New York, and Thesz was back out for revenge. Thesz, the former World champion, will have the chance at ultimate revenge for we have found out that Thesz will challenge Race for the World Title on March 11 at Madison Square Garden!
Jack Brisco made Mr. Wrestling I submit to the Figure-Four Leglock in 0:08:41. Rating: *** 1/2
It was nice to see Mr. Wrestling I back in action tonight after he had been on the shelf for several months with an injury. He was back for a great wrestling match with Jack Brisco. Mr. Wrestling looked good, but he was admittedly a bit rusty, having not competed since last September. He fought valiantly though, but in the end, he was caught in the Figure-Four Leglock and had to submit. After the match, Brisco offered Mr. Wrestling I a handshake, but Mr. Wrestling was tentative and just walked away! This is very unlike Mr. Wrestling. What has gotten into him?
Bobby Duncum pinned Don Muraco after a powerslam in 0:17:12. Rating: ** 3/4 (Bobby Duncum retained the GCW Intercontinental Title.)
Don Muraco wanted to do what his partner couldn't do and that's win the Intercontinental Title, but to do that he'd have to beat Bobby Duncum, something that has become increasingly difficult to do. Muraco put the heat on Duncum, but in the end, he got his Flying Crossbody finisher reversed into a powerslam that drove the air out of his lungs and let Duncum keep the gold.
Texas Death Match: Dusty Rhodes and Pedro Morales defeated The Dirtbags (Dick Murdoch and Stan Hansen) when Dusty Rhodes pinned Hansen with the Bionic Elbowdrop in 0:26:04. Rating: *** 1/4
The feud between Dusty Rhodes & Pedro Morales and the Dirtbags had to come to an end sooner or later, and what more vicious way for it to do so than in this Texas Death match. As this war waged on, we weren't exactly sure who was going to win, but we did realize that no matter what, the winner was going to be clear and decisive. It was obvious the crowd was solidly behind Rhodes & Morales, and though it was nip and tuck throughout, they would get their wish as Rhodes hit a bloodied Stan Hansen with the Bionic Elbowdrop for the decisive fall, and a finish to this violent, bloody feud.
Card rating: *** 1/4
Match observations:
Madison Square Garden is already sold out and ready to go for our big show on March 11!
WORLD TITLE - Harley Race (c) vs. Lou Thesz WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE CAGE MATCH - Larry Zbyszko/Dino Bravo (c) vs. The Graham Brothers Bobby Duncum/Billy Robinson vs. Dory Funk Jr./Don Muraco Peter Maivia vs. Nikolai Volkoff Jimmy Snuka vs. Killer Kowalski Jack Brisco vs. Mr. Wrestling I Dean Ho/Tony Garea vs. The Dirtbags Gorilla Monsoon/Sgt. Slaughter vs. The Valiant Brothers
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Post by JoshiQ on Nov 9, 2010 14:24:59 GMT -5
January 29: It's weird seeing Monsoon and Slaughter together, but I'm loving the fact that I'm starting to recognize most of the names you are bringing in. Loving the fact you switched Yukon Eric with Ernie Ladd for the ear incident. Poor Ladd got the short end of the stick on this rewrite of history. I'm liking the push you're giving Hansen. He's too young to be pulling off very many victories, but you sure are getting him over as one tough bastard. It's not very often that Fuji and Tanaka pick up a win so good for them. The tag team scene could use them getting back on their game. Looks like Robinson may be on his way out. Pretty harsh writeup of his attempt at winning the Title. Looking forward to seeing what happens between Maivia and Koloff. I like you throwing Maivia in to this Koloff angle. Good spot for him since he has nowhere else to be. Glad to see Zbyszko and Bravo retain the titles. I'm hoping that the Graham's may go back to singles wrestling. I miss the dominant heel Luke Graham.
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Post by JoshiQ on Nov 9, 2010 14:33:05 GMT -5
February 25
Ah, Fuji and Tanaka are heading out? They've been a part of GCW for a LONG time. At least several years, right?
Didn't realize the Valiant Brothers were on the same level as jobber Rodz. Poor guys. I do enjoy the random "unpredictable" stunts that Rodz pulls off every show. Keeps him entertaining.
Good to see Luke Graham dominate in singles action. The cage match should be really good, but I think Zbyszko and Bravo hold on to the titles.
I'm really enjoying Killer Kowalski right now. Hopefully he keeps up his push and goes after Duncum.
Surprised that Slaughter got the match against Race, but I like the way you built it up to Lou Thesz getting involved. Well done. Thesz vs Race should be good, but I think Thesz is way too far past his prime to be a real threat to Race.
Kind of weird wording for the Duncum-Muraco match.
I'm a little sad that the Rhodes/Murdoch feud is over, but I guess it had to end sometime. This is the type of feud you can bring back though whenever both men need something to do. Looking foward to seeing where you go with Rhodes now.
Good start to the new year.
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Post by snabbit888 on Nov 9, 2010 15:52:03 GMT -5
The weird wording is a result of I started to edit the match comments through TNM, closed out and save to check something else, and forgot to go back and finish it. I'm a champion.
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Post by rey619 on Nov 10, 2010 8:51:28 GMT -5
January 1976
Due to the fact that my own wrestling gimmick is that of a millitary sergeant, I'm really psyched to see Sergeant Slaughter in GCW. Dunno if the partnership with Monsoon was a one-night thing, but I'm excited to see how far he'll go.
Wow! His ear fell off? Did that injury show up in TNM?
I'm a little surprised you didn't let Hansen have a win streak (which you've done for several other new signings), but it isn't necessarily a bump in the road for his career, especially since he lost against Morales.
You know that the world title belt won't change hands when it's not the main event, not that I would've thought Robinson would be the one to stop Race.
Early match of the year candidate from the Grahams and the Houdinis? Terrific match, hope this isn't the last match we'll see between these two teams.
February 1976
Seems that the Grahams are way better than the Houdinis in singles action, but fails to defeat them in tandem? Interesting, they being brothers and all. Looking forward to the cage match.
Good way to spin a freak injury into a nice angle. Killer Kowalski seems more interesting now than before.
When will Koloff snap? He can't just stand by and watch as the High Chief gets beaten up, can he?
Wow, didn't think you'd pit Slaughter against Race this early, but lasting almost a quarter of an hour against the unbeaten Race is a great push for the sergeant nonetheless.
Great main event again, I really like the fact that the world champ or a world title match doesn't have to close off a show. If it isn't a feud, it's better to showcase the good feuds you have. Also, it gives someone else a chance to deal with the pressure involved in doing main event matches.
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Post by snabbit888 on Nov 10, 2010 19:58:43 GMT -5
Not a TNM injury for Ladd's ear, but based on the real life event on how Killer Kowalski got his name. Accidentally took off the ear of Yukon Eric, I believe. Just decided to transfer that into GCW, and give Ladd a bit of a twist too. Kowalski's career is close to over (real life time frame) so I'm trying to give him some interesting stuff before he goes.
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Post by snabbit888 on Nov 11, 2010 15:20:38 GMT -5
March 11, 1976 - Madison Square Garden - New York, NY
Gorilla Monsoon and Sgt. Slaughter defeated The Valiant Brothers (Jimmy Valiant and Johnny Valiant) when Slaughter made Jimmy Valiant submit to the Cobra Clutch in 0:07:23. Rating: ** 1/4 [Lou Albano interfered against Gorilla Monsoon.]
The Gorilla Monsoon/Sgt. Slaughter partnership is a work in progress, but so far, so good. They had a tough test in the Valiant Brothers, but Slaughter showed that he is learning quickly by getting Jimmy Valiant in the Cobra Clutch for the win. The rumor going around the locker room is that Captain Lou Albano is becoming disenchanted with the Valiants and his focus is on Ivan Koloff & Nikolai Volkoff.
Dusty Rhodes pinned Hiro Matsuda after a swinging neckbreaker in 0:10:01. Rating: **** [Bobby Heenan interfered against Dusty Rhodes.]
With his violent feud with Dick Murdoch behind him, Dusty Rhodes can look to the future, and to say his future is bright would be a vast understatement. Rhodes doesn't have a "wrestler's body," but what he lacks in physique he more than makes up for in heart, presence, and charisma. When he gets his motor going, it's hard to slow it down, as Hiro Matsuda can now attest to as he fell to the big man here in the Garden. GCW, look out.
Billy Robinson and Bobby Duncum defeated Don Muraco and Dory Funk Jr. when Robinson pinned D. Funk Jr. with the Double-Arm Suplex in 0:12:55. Rating: ***
Dory Funk Jr. has been in a rage since losing the Intercontinental Title to Bobby Duncum, and has grown increasingly frustrated that it's been two and a half months and he hasn't gotten the title back. He wouldn't get the chance tonight, but this tag match with Don Muraco against Duncum & Billy Robinson would go a long way in getting him another title shot. He's going to have to wait in line though, as Robinson would exorcise a demon of his own with a solid clean pinfall on Funk, drilling him with the Double-Arm Suplex for the duke. After the match, Robinson said he wanted to prove he could still be a champion in GCW, and challenged Duncum to a match for April 3 in the Boston Garden for the IC Title. Duncum didn't hesitate to accept, and we will see what should prove to be a mat wrestling classic!
Blackjack Mulligan defeated Pedro Morales via pinfall in 0:08:01. Rating: *** 1/4 [Bobby Heenan interfered against Pedro Morales.]
The Heenan Family has a bad habit of making enemies mout of people they probably shouldn't. The man they pissed off here in New York was Pedro Morales, who's fiery temper is legendary. Morales had a singles match against Blackjack Mulligan, and Bobby Heenan wanted this win badly. Heenan is a master of diverting the referee's attention, and he did just that to allow BLACKJACK LANZA to whack Morales in the back with a chair, putting him down and allowing Mulligan to score the upset victory. Morales was hurt, but it didn't stop the Blackjacks from getting the hell out of there when Morales came back to his feet and had a look of pure hatred etched on his face. Mulligan may have gotten the win, but this may not be a war the Heenan Family needed to start.
Killer Kowalski defeated Jimmy Snuka by disqualification in 0:04:39. Rating: ** 1/2 [Ernie Ladd interfered against Killer Kowalski.]
Jimmy Snuka is looking to prove himself against any and all comers, and a win over Killer Kowalski, a current member of the Heenan Family which Snuka was in earlier in his career, would have been a huge feather in his cap. He wouldn't get that tonight, because someone else had a pressing issue with Kowalski, and that was the man who attacked him and caused the disqualification, ERNIE LADD. The Big Cat had his head still bandaged from Kowalski taking Ladd's ear off with a flying kneedrop, and Ladd didn't take kindly to Kowalski mocking the unfortunate injury. Ladd is out for blood, and the GCW officials recognize that this situation needs to be resolved as soon as possible. Therefore, a CAGE MATCH has been signed between these men for Boston!
Mr. Wrestling I pinned Jack Brisco after a sunset flip in 0:11:16. Rating: ****
We're not sure what happened to Mr. Wrestling I while he was out with an injury, but his attitude has changed for the worst. We may not like the attitude changed, but after tonight, it's hard to say it's not effective. He took on Jack Brisco, who felt disrespected by Wrestling I in Atlantic City when I walked away from Brisco's offer of a sportsmanlike handshake. We thought maybe I simply had a bad night, but we learned that wasn't the case when after a sunset flip, he put his feet on the ropes for extra leverage and stole a win from Brisco! Brisco wanted an explanation after the match, but I said he got his feet tangled and it was a complete accident. Something is definitely rotten in the state of Denmark.
The Dirtbags (Dick Murdoch and Stan Hansen) defeated Dean Ho and Tony Garea when Hansen pinned Garea with the Lariat in 0:10:45. Rating: **** 1/4
The tag team division has changed its shape over the past few months with several young but hungry teams looking to establish themselves in this new landscape. Two of the newest teams, Dean Ho & Tony Garea and The Dirtbags, hooked up here, and they really got a chance to showcase what they could do, both teams winning some new fans (or new enemies, as it were). In a match like this, it's hard to determine who might win because the match is so evenly competed. The Dirtbags would get the all-important win though, as Stan Hansen nearly took Garea's head off with the Lariat. Even though one team had to win and one team had to lose, I think both team's stock have went up.
Cage Match: Larry Zbyszko and Dino Bravo defeated The Graham Brothers (Billy Graham and Luke Graham) when Zbyszko pinned L. Graham with the Shoulderbreaker in 0:25:17. Rating: *** 1/4 (Larry Zbyszko and Dino Bravo retained the GCW World Tag Team Titles.)
This was man up time for the young World Tag Team champions. Larry Zbyszko & Dino Bravo have two tag team victories over the Graham Brothers, but the general feeling in the wrestling world is that the victories were of the fluke variety. Zbyszko & Bravo were dominated in singles matches last month, so not many people were giving them much of a chance in the third tag match, this one contested inside a 15-foot high steel cage! Zbyszko & Bravo were jacked up for the match, but as the match wore on, they were getting beaten to a pulp. Luke & Billy Graham were taking great joy in pounding the young champs into the mat, using the cage as a weapon to bloody up Bravo pretty badly. I thought that the match was going to be called by the referee because of the loss of blood, but to Willie Webber's credit, he let the match continue. The champs are sure glad he did, as they held on and fought back. Zbyszko moved out of the way of a charging Luke Graham, knocking Crazy Luke's head into the steel bars, long enough to hoist him up in the Shoulderbreaker. Billy Graham was cut off when Bravo tackled him to the mat, and the champs proved once and for all that they deserve to be carrying the gold.
Peter Maivia defeated Nikolai Volkoff by disqualification in 0:03:56. Rating: *
"High Chief" Peter Maivia wanted a rematch against Nikolai Volkoff after Ivan Koloff's interference cost him the matchup last month, even if the interference was against Koloff's wishes. Maivia was thus extra fired up for the match, and Volkoff didn't want to deal with it, getting himself disqualified with a low blow just under the 4 minute mark. Volkoff put the beatdown on Maivia, and eventually Koloff had seen enough and he pulled Volkoff off of Maivia and threw him out of the ring! Captain Lou Albano had to restrain Volkoff from getting back in the ring to fight Koloff. Maivia wasn't that thankful for Koloff's late save, and attacked the Russian Bear! Officials had to pull Maivia and Koloff apart. Koloff was furious that Maivia attacked him, and said if that's how it's going to be, he wanted the High Chief in the ring! He'll get his wish on April 3 in Boston.
Harley Race defeated Lou Thesz via pinfall in 0:31:25. Rating: **** (Harley Race retained the GCW World Title.)
Our main event had the chance to be an improbable but fantastic story. Lou Thesz, a former GCW World champion who held the title for nearly 3 years back in the early 1960s, a little on in years but not in heart, back to take on the young, brash, arrogant World champion, "Handsome" Harley Race. Race came into the match way too confident, figuring he would have no problem putting away an "old man" and retaining his title. Thesz is not just an old man - he is Lou Thesz, an incredible competitor and one of the greatest of all-time. You could see the frustration in Race's eyes as the match wore on and Thesz was still in it at the 15, 20, 25 minute mark. The crowd was buzzing thinking we might see a new World champion, especially when Thesz drilled Race with a German suplex. The place exploded when referee Dick Kroll counted the 1-2-3, but were shocked when Race's hand was raised instead! It turns out Race got his shoulder up just before the 3 count, while Thesz's shoulders were still on the mat. Race is still the World champion, and perhaps the luckiest man in the world right now.
Card rating: *** 1/4
Match observations:
April 3 in Boston, MA will be the site of our next big show, with these matches set to deliver:
INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE - Bobby Duncum (c) vs. Billy Robinson WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES - Larry Zbyszko/Dino Bravo (c) vs. The Valiant Brothers CAGE MATCH - Ernie Ladd vs. Killer Kowalski Peter Maivia vs. Ivan Koloff Pedro Morales vs. Blackjack Lanza Jack Brisco vs. Mr. Wrestling I
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Post by rey619 on Nov 12, 2010 2:52:30 GMT -5
I can certainly see the benefits of having a relative rookie like Slaughter team up with Monsoon (who's close to the end of his own career), and I like that you let Slaughter get the wins.
I'm still not sure if I agree with Josh that Robinson's on his way out. It may be so, even though he has another title shot.
Cage match for Ladd and Kowalski? Watch your ear Killer, it might get stuck in the steel mesh!
Could Mr. Wrestling I be someone else now? He's still masked, right? And how does one put his feet on the ropes after a sunset flip... hmm...
Three wins aren't flukes. Zbyszko and Bravo is the best team in GCW right now, and I wonder if this might be the end for one or both of the Grahams..
Thesz still got it, but he just couldn't win this. Great write-up though, must've been a terrific match ending to witness.
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Post by snabbit888 on Nov 15, 2010 18:19:25 GMT -5
April 3, 1976 - Boston Garden - Boston, MA
Interview: Harley Race issues an open challenge.
Our show in Boston kicked off with the World Heavyweight champion, Harley Race, coming out with a huge smile on his face. Race gloated about how he "dominated" Lou Thesz at MSG (anyone who saw the match knows it was anything but domination) and how little competition there was in the wrestling. Race was riding on cloud nine, and made an open challenge to anyone who wanted to come out and have a shot at the champion should do so now - non-title match, of course. The challenge was answered by JIMMY "SUPERFLY" SNUKA, who ran out and was all over Race right away!
Harley Race pinned Jimmy Snuka with the Piledriver in 0:15:41. Rating: **** 1/4
Harley Race's cockiness almost cost him in a big way once again. Race made a foolish open challenge to start off the evening, and Jimmy Snuka was more than willing to take advantage of it. This was truly an everything to gain-nothing to lose scenario for Snuka, and he put his all into the match. Race was not prepared for this match thanks to his own bravado, and Snuka's stock rose in a big way. Snuka won the match on points, but in pro wrestling, points don't make a winner. Snuka did everything right except for miss his Superfly Splash, crashing and burning on the canvas instead. Race quickly hit the Piledriver and escaped with a win. Snuka impressed GCW officials so much in this match though, that on April 30 in Toronto at the Maple Leaf Gardens, Snuka will get a shot at the World Title!
Dusty Rhodes pinned Johnny Rodz with the Bionic Elbowdrop in 0:04:56. Rating: ****
Dusty Rhodes' popularity continues to rise in GCW as he continues to get huge ovations no matter where we go. Rhodes had a match with Johnny Rodz here, whose unpredictable act tonight was wrestling in a vest. Yes, a vest. The Vest of Power did him little to no good, as Rhodes didn't have much of a problem putting Rodz away.
Dean Ho and Tony Garea defeated The Graham Brothers (Billy Graham and Luke Graham) when Ho defeated B. Graham by disqualification in 0:08:33. Rating: * 3/4
Dean Ho & Tony Garea now hold a victory over the Graham Brothers, but they certainly didn't look like winners when this one was over. Billy & Luke have been inconsolable since not being able to regain the tag titles from Larry Zbyszko & Dino Bravo, and they took it out on Ho & Garea. The Grahams got disqualified, choosing to beat the tar out of their opponents instead of trying to win. So Ho & Garea win the match, but had to be helped to the back when it was all said and done. The Grahams left screaming about wanting another shot at the gold.
Pedro Morales made Blackjack Lanza submit to the Boston Crab in 0:17:10. Rating: ** 1/4
Pedro Morales has had some recent troubles with the Blackjacks, and those troubles continued with his match against Blackjack Lanza. The referee was a lot better focused than last month when Morales lost to Blackjack Mulligan thanks to Lanza's interference, so tonight, Terry Taranova sent Mulligan to the back right away. Bobby Heenan put up a huge fuss, saying that Lanza would wrestle this match under protest. Morales didn't care about all that - he just wanted to win, and he did just that in a hotly contested match with his patented Boston Crab. Morales' celebration was cut short when Mulligan returned and blasted Morales in the back with a branding iron! Morales was knocked out cold and left laid out by the Blackjacks for the second show in a row.
The Dirtbags (Dick Murdoch and Stan Hansen) defeated Gorilla Monsoon and Sgt. Slaughter when Hansen pinned Monsoon with the Lariat in 0:11:18. Rating: *** 1/2
The Dirtbags came out licking their wounds after the battles with Dusty Rhodes & Pedro Morales, and they need to get some wins under their belt to get on the right track. Gorilla Monsoon & Sgt. Slaughter are another new team, and they have been making great strides as well. Murdoch & Hansen gained a huge win here thanks to Hansen's raw and wild Lariat clocked Monsoon for the 3 count.
Jack Brisco defeated Mr. Wrestling I by disqualification in 0:06:49. Rating: ** 1/2
If there was any question about where Mr. Wrestling I's intentions lies, they were put to bed tonight. Something changed in Mr. Wrestling I when he was injured, and it's not good. Brisco got the advantage early on I with some great mat wrestling, frustrating the masked man. When I finally put a little distance between himself and Brisco, he grabbed the ring bell and cracked Brisco in the skull with it! No accidents, no excuses - Mr. Wrestling I is scum. When Brisco came to after the shot, he had a look of rage we have never seen on his face before, and he sprinted to the locker room in search of Mr. Wrestling I.
Billy Robinson and Bobby Duncum battled to a no contest in 0:16:00. Rating: *** 3/4 (Bobby Duncum retained the GCW Intercontinental Title.) [Dory Funk Jr. interfered against Bobby Duncum.] [Dory Funk Jr. interfered against Billy Robinson.]
Intercontinental champion Bobby Duncum & Billy Robinson have developed a respect for each other over the past few months, aiding each other in battles against Dory Funk Jr. & Don Muraco. But tonight, it wasn't about respect - it was about the IC Title. Duncum had it, Robinson wanted it. This had the potential to be a special match, and as the match wore on, it was looking like it could turn out to be one of the all-time classics. That is, until Dory Funk Jr. got involved and attacked both men, leaving referee Terry Taranova no choice but to rule this one a no contest. Both men were exhausted from the match and were prone to Funk's attacks, which culminated in Funk locking on the Texas Cloverleaf on Billy Robinson before officials could get the situation under control. Funk & Robinson will meet in a match in Toronto to determine the new #1 contender to the IC Title.
Ivan Koloff pinned Peter Maivia with the Russian Sickle in 0:14:30. Rating: ** 3/4
"The Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff is not happy with what Captain Lou Albano makes him do, but he doesn't have a choice. A man who doesn't care about Koloff's plight is Peter Maivia, who has been the victim of Koloff's forced actions in the past. Maivia wants to take it out of Koloff's hide, and the Russian Bear is never one to duck a fight. That is exactly what this match turned into - a fight. What really started as an unfortunate misunderstanding seems to have spiraled into much more. Though Koloff would officially get the win with the Russian Sickle, it seemed only to be a technicality as the fight went on after the bell. This isn't the last we've heard from this one.
Larry Zbyszko and Dino Bravo defeated The Valiant Brothers (Jimmy Valiant and Johnny Valiant) when Bravo pinned Johnny Valiant after a gutwrench suplex in 0:23:14. Rating: ** 3/4 (Larry Zbyszko and Dino Bravo retained the GCW World Tag Team Titles.) [Lou Albano interfered against Dino Bravo.] [Lou Albano interfered against Larry Zbyszko.]
Though they haven't been impressing Captain Lou Albano all that much recently, he managed to get the Valiant Brothers a World Tag Team Title shot against Larry Zbyszko & Dino Bravo here in Boston. Johnny & Jimmy fought with a little extra "oomph," knowing that winning tag team gold would turn it all around in a heartbeat. But the problem is, no team in the world is hotter than Zbyszko & Bravo, who gain more and more confidence with each match. The Valiants got close, but not close enough as the champions retain their titles.
Albano was irate after the match, chewing the Valiants out for their loss. Johnny & Jimmy took it until Albano spit at them, which sent them into a rage. They didn't get a chance to get a hold of Albano though, as NIKOLAI VOLKOFF & IVAN KOLOFF were beating the stuffing out of them! The Valiants were left an unconscious mess by Albano's Russian beasts.
Cage Match: Ernie Ladd defeated Killer Kowalski by escaping the cage in 0:21:21. Rating: *** 1/2
Ernie Ladd was still wearing a protective bandage on his ear from the heinous injury he suffered at the hands of Killer Kowalski, but there was nothing that was going to keep him out of this main event steel cage match with the perpetrator of the violent assault. These two are veterans of many ring wars, and although they may not be what they used to, they're still as intense as ever. And both men have notorious reputations for doing whatever it takes to win. This was a knock out, drag out brawl from the opening bell, and both men used the cage expertly as a weapon. Two crimson masks were the result and a rabid crowd got to see a great fight. Ladd managed to survive Kowalski's Claw to fight back and hit the Boot to the Face before exiting the cage door, getting his revenge in brutal fashion.
Card rating: ***
Match observations:
We visit our friends north of the border in Toronto on April 30 for our next huge GCW event!
WORLD TITLE - Harley Race (c) vs. Jimmy Snuka NON-TITLE - Bobby Duncum vs. Don Muraco WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES - Larry Zbyszko/Dino Bravo (c) vs. Nikolai Volkoff/Ivan Koloff Jack Brisco vs. Mr. Wrestling I #1 CONTENDER FOR THE IC TITLE - Billy Robinson vs. Dory Funk Jr. Pedro Morales/Ernie Ladd vs. The Blackjacks
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