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Post by snabbit888 on Nov 15, 2010 18:20:43 GMT -5
April 30, 1976 - Maple Leaf Gardens - Toronto, ON, CA
Bobby Duncum pinned Don Muraco with the Full Nelson Slam in 0:06:31. Rating: ** 3/4
Bobby Duncum is waiting to see who will get the next title shot at his Intercontinental gold, but he didn't want to get rusty and took a non-title match against Don Muraco. Muraco mounted some early offense, but Duncum is at the peak of his career and isn't about to lose right before an important title defense. Muraco ate the Full Nelson Slam and that was that.
Luke Graham pinned Johnny Rodz with the Thumb to the Throat in 0:03:25. Rating: **
Luke Graham is still fuming over not being a tag team champion right now, and poor Johnny Rodz took the punishment for it. Luke was all over him so fast that Rodz didn't even have a chance to be unpredictable. After a lot of unnecessary punishment, Graham mercifully put Rodz away with the Thumb to the Throat.
The Dirtbags (Dick Murdoch and Stan Hansen) defeated Dean Ho and Tony Garea when Murdoch pinned Garea with the Gourdbuster in 0:08:15. Rating: *** 1/4
Dean Ho & Tony Garea and the Dirtbags are developing a bit of a rivalry as the two newish teams are looking to establish their place in the pecking order. Ho & Garea would once again come up just short when Dick Murdoch planeted Garea with his Gourdbuster to pick up the duke. Both of these teams are starting to show they could be future opponents for Larry Zbyszko & Dino Bravo.
Hiro Matsuda pinned Sgt. Slaughter after a lariat in 0:09:59. Rating: ****
The rookie Sgt. Slaughter has learned a lot under the wing of Gorilla Monsoon, but his match tonight with Hiro Matsuda showed that he still has a ways to go. Matsuda is a veteran of GCW rings, and with Bobby Heenan in his corner, an always dangerous foe. Slaughter learned that firsthand here, unable to figure out Matsuda's martial arts offense or cope with Heenan's distraction. A tough loss, but a sure learning experience for the young military man.
Mr. Wrestling I and Jack Brisco battled to a double disqualification in 0:12:01. Rating: ** 3/4
Mr. Wrestling I has shown exactly what type of person he really is, and that is a piece of trash. Jack Brisco was the unfortunate victim of I's unveiling of his true colors, and the proud Native American was PISSED. Though these two are noted as amongst the best technical wrestlers in the world today, you wouldn't know it by this match as it broke down into a brawl in short order. The match continued to spiral out of control before referee Terry Taranova simply threw it out, ending it in a double disqualification. With the intensity of this feud brewing, it has been decided that these two will meet in New York on May 27 in an I QUIT MATCH!
The Blackjacks (Blackjack Lanza and Blackjack Mulligan) defeated Ernie Ladd and Pedro Morales when Lanza pinned Ernie Ladd after a short lariat in 0:09:55. Rating: ***
Pedro Morales had backup with him in his battles against the Blackjacks this time, and it's hard to imagine a tougher partner than Ernie Ladd, another one of GCW's original competitors still active (the other being Gorilla Monsoon). Morales & Ladd are going to stand toe-to-toe with anybody, but as a team, they were lacking that all important chemistry to be successful. The Blackjacks pick up the win, much to the chagrin of the fans in Toronto.
Billy Graham made Gorilla Monsoon submit to a sleeperhold in 0:04:39. Rating: * 1/2
Gorilla Monsoon is not an easy draw for anybody, but "Superstar" Billy Graham made it look about as easy as one can against the Monster From Manchuria. Graham couldn't get his arms around the massive Monsoon, but he changed his strategy on the fly and put Monsoon out with a sleeperhold, using his massive arm strength to quickly drain the life out of Monsoon's body.
[#1 CONTENDER FOR THE INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE]: Number-One-Contenders-Match: Billy Robinson pinned Dory Funk Jr. after a figure-four leglock in 0:09:44. Rating: *** 1/4
Dory Funk Jr. ruined the Intercontinental Title match between champion Bobby Duncum & challenger Billy Robinson last show, and seemingly got rewarded for it by being put in a match with Robinson where the winner gets the next IC title shot. Even though he had every reason to be extremely upset, Robinson kept his cool and wrestled his match, despite Funk's attempts to frustrate him. Funk suffered a freak incident in the match when he did an up-and-over in the corner, but when he landed, he tweaked his knee somewhat. Robinson then went to work on Funk's knee, working it over before putting on a figure-four leglock. Funk was in tremendous pain and ended up getting pinned in the hold, but his arms were under the ropes when he was pinned. The GCW Championship Committee reviewed the tape and has decided on a landmark decision. On May 27 at the Garden, there will be not one, but TWO Intercontinental Title matches! The first match with be Bobby Duncum defending the gold against Dory Funk Jr. Billy Robinson will later in the night take on the winner of that match for the title. But to make it even, Robinson will have to wrestle a match prior to his title shot, and that match will be against Don Muraco.
Larry Zbyszko and Dino Bravo defeated Ivan Koloff and Nikolai Volkoff when Bravo pinned Volkoff with the Side Suplex in 0:18:07. Rating: ** (Larry Zbyszko and Dino Bravo retained the GCW World Tag Team Titles.) [Lou Albano interfered against Larry Zbyszko.] [Peter Maivia interfered against Ivan Koloff.]
Larry Zbyszko & Dino Bravo saw what Nikolai Volkoff & Ivan Koloff did to the Valiant Brothers in Boston, and insisted they get this match against the Russian duo. Koloff & Volkoff are still not on the same page, but Koloff is really beginning to take his frustrations on being associated with Albano out on his opponents. Zbyszko & Bravo got beaten down for most of this match, getting occasional flurries in with their speed and technique. Volkoff had Zbyszko in his dreaded Bearhug late, but became distracted when PETER MAIVIA pulled Koloff off the apron and fought with him in the aisleway! Volkoff released the hold and yelled at Koloff to get back on the apron, but the Russian Bear was too busy brawling with the High Chief. Volkoff didn't see Zbyszko tag in Bravo, who scooped Volkoff up and hit the Side Suplex to get the 3 count and retain the tag team titles.
After the match, THE GRAND WIZARD entered the ring and had a proposal for Zbyszko & Bravo. He wanted one more title shot for the Grahams, but he knew Luke & Billy weren't the current #1 contenders, so he sweetened the pot a little. He said if Zbyszko & Bravo won the match, the Grahams would break up forever! Zbyszko & Bravo thought about it and accepted the deal. They both tentatively shook the hand of the Wizard, only to be jumped by the Grahams and left laid out in the middle of the ring.
Dusty Rhodes pinned Killer Kowalski with the Bionic Elbowdrop in 0:06:43. Rating: ** 1/2 [Bobby Heenan interfered against Dusty Rhodes.]
Dusty Rhodes is on a roll right now, and Killer Kowalski picked a bad time to be his next opponent. Kowalski is still suffering the effects of the punishing steel cage match with Ernie Ladd in Boston, and that coupled with the tremendous hot streak Rhodes is on spelled the end for the Killer.
Harley Race pinned Jimmy Snuka after a gutwrench suplex in 0:20:36. Rating: *** 3/4 (Harley Race retained the GCW World Title.)
Without question, this match was the biggest of the Superfly's career. Jimmy Snuka and Harley Race, one on one, for the World Title. Though Snuka didn't win the non-title match with Race in Boston, he took him to the limit as much as anybody. Tonight, he got even closer. At one point, Snuka had so much momentum in his favor, the fans in Toronto were certain they were going to witness a historic title change. But as he has so many times in the past, Race found a way to survive and escape by the skin of his teeth. He hit a beautiful gutwrench suplex, and while pinning Snuka, grabbed a hold of the tights for extra leverage to get the 1-2-3. What a cheap way to retain the World Title, but it's a successful title defense never the less. He's going to have to find one more escape against Snuka, however, as the Superfly has been granted one more shot at the gold in MSG, but it will be contested under best two-of-three falls rules!
Card rating: ** 3/4
Match observations:
We always love coming back to Madison Square Garden, and on May 27, we will do just that!
WORLD TITLE TWO-OUT-OF-THREE FALLS - Harley Race (c) vs. Jimmy Snuka INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE MATCH #1 - Bobby Duncum (c) vs. Dory Funk Jr. Billy Robinson vs. Don Muraco INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE MATCH #2 - Winner of Match #1 (c) vs. Billy Robinson WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES (If Grahams lose, they must split up) - Larry Zbyszko/Dino Bravo (c) vs. The Graham Brothers I QUIT MATCH - Jack Brisco vs. Mr. Wrestling I Peter Maivia vs. Ivan Koloff
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Post by JoshiQ on Nov 15, 2010 21:53:56 GMT -5
I've really enjoyed the Grahams as a tag team, but I guess it's about time for them to split up. I'm just afraid it's leading to the end of Luke Graham's career. He really doesn't have much more to do. I'm not sure what age he'd be around now, I'll have to look that up.
Jimmy Snuka sure is getting the rub from Harley Race. After this series of matches I actually won't have a problem seeing him beating some higher ups like Volkoff and Dory Funk Jr.
Looks like a pretty big card coming up at MSG which is the way it should be. Looking forward to it.
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Post by snabbit888 on Nov 17, 2010 16:41:34 GMT -5
May 27, 1976 - Madison Square Garden - New York, NY
Billy Robinson pinned Don Muraco with the Double-Arm Suplex in 0:15:19. Rating: *** 1/2
For the first time in GCW history, the Intercontinental Title would be defended not once, but twice in the same night. Bobby Duncum went into MSG as the champion, but he'd have to defend successfully against Dory Funk Jr. & Billy Robinson if he wanted to leave the champion. Funk would get the first shot, but to make it even, Robinson would also have to wrestle a second match, taking on Funk's lackey, Don Muraco. Muraco may know Robinson better than anyone, having trained under the Englishman for some time, and it showed with how well he took it to Robinson. Robinson would ultimately walk away with the win, but it took him a considerable amount of time and he took quite a bit of punishment before hitting the Double-Arm Suplex, surely hurting his chances in match #2.
Dean Ho and Tony Garea defeated The Dirtbags (Dick Murdoch and Stan Hansen) when Garea pinned Hansen with the High Cross Body in 0:05:12. Rating: *** 1/2
The rivalry between Dean Ho & Tony Garea and the Dirtbags continued to heat up here as they locked horns in tag team action. Stan Hansen is going to be a great one, no doubt about it, but right now his biggest problem is he is too raw, too aggressive. He often goes for his big power moves too soon, and an experienced grappler will take advantage of those kind of mistakes. Case in point, Garea avoided Hansen's early attempts to hit the Lariat and hit his High Cross Body to get the 1-2-3 at around the 5 minute mark.
Bobby Duncum pinned Dory Funk Jr. with the Full Nelson Slam in 0:12:42. Rating: **** (Bobby Duncum retained the GCW Intercontinental Title.)
No matter what, it was going to be a long night for Bobby Duncum. He was either going to have to wrestle two matches with his Intercontinental Title on the line, or he was going to lose the strap in the first match, or possibly both. Dory Funk Jr. got the first crack at the title, and like these two have done so many times before, they put on one hell of a match. These two may be enemies, but the familiarity they have established with each other is evident every time they lock up. Funk worked over Duncum's back to try to get him in the Texas Cloverleaf, but Duncum wasn't ready to see his title reign end just yet, managing to stay out of the painful hold en route to hitting the Full Nelson Slam and winning the first match. Duncum was favoring his back after the match, and still had Billy Robinson to contend with later in the night.
The Heenan Family (Blackjack Lanza, Blackjack Mulligan, Hiro Matsuda and Killer Kowalski) defeated Gorilla Monsoon, Sgt. Slaughter, Ernie Ladd and Pedro Morales when Mulligan pinned Monsoon after a kick to the head in 0:08:36. Rating: ** 1/2
Eight man tag team action was next as Pedro Morales, Ernie Ladd, Gorilla Monsoon, & Sgt. Slaughter teamed up to take on the entire Heenan Family - Killer Kowalski, Hiro Matsuda, and the Blackjacks. You can say what you want about Bobby "the Brain" Heenan - mostly that he's a weasel - but he does run a tight ship and his men are ever dangerous. With a lot of cheating involved, of course, the Heenan Family would walk away with this one after Blackjack Mulligan nearly kicked Monsoon's head off.
Dusty Rhodes pinned Nikolai Volkoff with the Bionic Elbowdrop in 0:11:24. Rating: * 1/2 [Lou Albano interfered against Dusty Rhodes.]
Another tough match for Dusty Rhodes as he climbs up the ladder, taking on one of Captain Lou Albano's mighty Russians in Nikolai Volkoff. The match itself was bowling shoe ugly, which you'll get from time to time when you have two brawlers like this duking it out. As the match wore on, it became clear that this one would go to whoever could hit something to knock the other loopy enough to get the victory. That distinction would belong to Rhodes, who rocked Volkoff with three big Bionic Elbowdrops to get the pinfall.
I-Quit Match: Jack Brisco defeated Mr. Wrestling I when Mr. Wrestling I passed out in the Figure-Four Leglock in 0:19:15. Rating: *** 3/4
This match wasn't about simply winning. For Jack Brisco & Mr. Wrestling I, it was about beating the other so badly that they had to say, "I quit." Both men are known for their submission wrestling, but each pulled out some very clever and unique submissions to try to get the other to say those magic words. Mr. Wrestling almost won the match when in a big slap to Brisco's face, he put him in his own finisher, the Figure-Four Leglock. Brisco held tough though and managed to escape, only to get Wrestling I into a Figure-Four of his own! Mr. Wrestling tried with everything he had to get out of it, but the pain became too great and he passed out, leaving referee Willie Webber with no choice but to call the match. Brisco won, but Mr. Wrestling I has been complaining to anyone who will listen that he never said "I quit" and thus this match shouldn't even count, which has only gone on to anger Brisco more.
[IF GRAHAMS LOSE, THEY MUST SPLIT UP]: Larry Zbyszko and Dino Bravo defeated The Graham Brothers (Billy Graham and Luke Graham) when Zbyszko pinned B. Graham after hitting him with the title belt in 0:13:03. Rating: ** 1/2 (Larry Zbyszko and Dino Bravo retained the GCW World Tag Team Titles.) [The Grand Wizard interfered against Larry Zbyszko.]
The frustrations of the Grand Wizard about the Grahams inability to regain the World Tag Team Titles led to him agreeing to Billy & Luke Graham splitting up as a team forever. Larry Zbyszko & Dino Bravo jumped at the opportunity, because one way or another, this issue with the Grahams was going to be over once and for all. As has been the story in the previous matches, this was about survival for the champions, having to withstand the onslaught of the Grahams. Zbyszko & Bravo have gelled as a team though, and now when they win, it's no longer viewed as a fluke but a result of being a great tag team. The Grand Wizard was clearly a desperate man, and when referee Danny Bartfield got caught with a stray elbow and knocked out, he put his plan into effect. He instructed Billy Graham to hold Zbyszko while he took one of the World Tag Team Titles. Wizard took an awkward swing, but Zbyszko move and the title belt connected with Graham's jaw instead! Bravo entered the ring and tossed the Grand Wizard to the floor and held Luke Graham at bay for good measure while Zbyszko hit Billy Graham in the head with the title belt! A groggy Bartfield made the 1-2-3, and your winners and STILL tag team champions, Larry Zbyszko & Dino Bravo!
Afterwards, the Grahams didn't take too kindly to the loss, blaming the Grand Wizard's interference for their loss and having to break up as a team. They showed their frustration by firing The Grand Wizard as their manager, and punctuating it with a pair of right hands - one big punch from each Graham brother! It looks like that will be the last we see of The Grand Wizard for some time.
Peter Maivia defeated Ivan Koloff by disqualification in 0:03:10. Rating: ** 1/4 [Lou Albano interfered against Peter Maivia.]
It looks like the pressure has finally gotten to Ivan Koloff. The Russian Bear has not been shy about letting it be known how much he dislikes Lou Albano, but for whatever reason, he is stuck with him, and tonight he finally had enough. Peter Maivia has been less than sympathetic about Koloff's plight, and tonight Koloff had had enough. In their one-on-one matchup, Koloff didn't take long to get himself disqualified, grabbing his big chain and clocking the High Chief with it, busting the proud Samoan wide open. Nikolai Volkoff joined the fray, and you should have seen the sick smile on Albano's face as it looks like he finally has his Russians on the same page of destruction. Luckily for Maivia, a lot worse beating was prevented when DUSTY RHODES came out swinging a chair to chase them all from the ring. A tag team match has been signed for Baltimore on June 13.
Bobby Duncum pinned Billy Robinson with the Full Nelson Slam in 0:07:48. Rating: ** 1/2 (Bobby Duncum retained the GCW Intercontinental Title.)
Both Duncum & Robinson were tired and sore from their previous matches in the evening, so their tenacity was going to be tested in a big way here. It was a matter of who wanted it more, and Duncum was not going to be denied, finishing his second title defense of the night in the same way he finished the first - the Full Nelson Slam and a victory. After two grueling title defenses, Duncum just wanted to go rest, but he wouldn't get that chance as TERRY FUNK shot into the ring from the crowd and was all over Duncum! We haven't seen Terry Funk in a GCW ring in over 5 years, and now here he was, unannounced, and brutalizing the Intercontinental champion! Funk scooped Duncum up and hit him with not one, not two, but THREE huge piledrivers before officials came and took him away. Duncum's neck appeared to be seriously hurt and he had to be taken out of the ring on a stretcher. We hope that the injury isn't as serious as it appears, and we're still not sure why Terry Funk was even here in the first place! We hope to get some answers in Baltimore.
Two-out-of-three-Falls Match: Harley Race beat Jimmy Snuka 2 falls to 0: x Race beat J. Snuka via the Piledriver in 0:26:43 x Race beat J. Snuka via the Piledriver in 0:34:41 Rating: *** 1/4 (Harley Race retained the GCW World Title.)
Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka took a huge risk by breaking up his team with Tony Garea to focus on singles wrestling, but it had the potential to pay off in a big way here as he had a prime opportunity to walk out of New York as the undisputed World Heavyweight champion. He has taken his game to another level and has proven he belongs with the best, and that's who he was facing now as he took on the undefeated and reigning World champion, "Handsome" Harley Race. With each win Race compiles, he's stating his case to be what he already claims he is, and that's the greatest World champion in history. Race finds a way to win, plain and simple, and he's taking everyone's best shot in doing so. Snuka came at him guns blazing, putting as much into every punch, every kick, every bodyslam that he could. Race can take a beating as good as anyone in the business and still have a lot left in the tank - he's a legitimate tough guy. Though Snuka got in a great amount of offense, his pacing was a bit too fast for a best two-of-three falls match and in the end, it cost him. Snuka fell victim to Race's Piledriver for the first fall, and he just wasn't able to recover after that, losing the second fall a few minutes later for Race to keep his gold. A tremendous effort by Snuka, who came so close and proved that he belongs with the big boys.
Card rating: ** 3/4
Match observations:
A lot of big news coming out of this big MSG show, and it will carry us right into June 13 at the Civic Center in Baltimore!
WORLD TITLE - Harley Race (c) vs. Jack Brisco Dusty Rhodes/Peter Maivia vs. Ivan Koloff/Nikolai Volkoff Gorilla Monsoon/Sgt. Slaughter vs. The Blackjacks
Plus, we will attempt to get an interview with Terry Funk to explain his actions tonight!
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Post by snabbit888 on Nov 18, 2010 18:16:45 GMT -5
June 13, 1976 - Civic Center - Baltimore, MD
Luke Graham pinned Dean Ho with the Thumb to the Throat in 0:09:53. Rating: **
The Graham Brothers have officially broken up and each is on their own for the first time in a long time, but Luke Graham showed tonight that he still has the skills to be a serious contender in the singles division. Dean Ho did all he could, but he wasn't going to beat a former World champion who is in a bad mood. Graham wins with the Thumb to the Throat.
Jumbo Tsuruta pinned Johnny Rodz with the Jumbo Knee in 0:08:32. Rating: ***
Johnny Rodz knew he was going to be taking on a debuting competitor from Japan, so his "unpredictable" act of the night was to dress up like a samurai. …Yeah. A samurai. The debuting wrestler was Jumbo Tsuruta, a former amateur champion in Japan who has been making waves as a pro and has come to the United States for more experience against the world's best. They started off quiet, but the fans really took a shine to Jumbo with his smash mouth style and great technique. Rodz was helplessly outmatched and Tsuruta hit his Jumbo Knee finisher for the 1-2-3 and a successful debut.
Dory Funk Jr. made Tony Garea submit to the Texas Cloverleaf in 0:15:52. Rating: **** 1/4
Dory Funk Jr. missed his chance to become a 2-time Intercontinental champion, but he got back on the winning track here against Tony Garea, getting the win with his painful Texas Cloverleaf finisher. Garea is a proud man and doesn't like to submit, but when Dory Funk really cranks back on that hold, you don't really have any other recourse. The ring announcer tried to ask Dory his opinion on his brother Terry Funk returning to GCW last show, but Dory was silent and went to the back.
The Blackjacks (Blackjack Lanza and Blackjack Mulligan) defeated Gorilla Monsoon and Sgt. Slaughter when Mulligan made Monsoon submit to the Blackjack Claw in 0:13:33. Rating: ** 1/2
The team of Gorilla Monsoon & Sgt. Slaughter continues to grow, but the tag team competition in Global Championship Wrestling is intense, so you always have to be at the top of your game if you want to be successful. Monsoon & Slaughter fought hard, but the Blackjacks are amongst the best, and with that weasel Bobby "The Brain" Heenan calling the shots, they are a very dangerous tandem. Lanza & Mulligan used every illegal tactic in the book, but they got the win here in Baltimore. As a result of their impressive win-loss record, they have been granted a shot at the World Tag Team Titles on July 19 in Philadelphia at the Spectrum, regardless of who the champs might be.
Pedro Morales pinned Don Muraco after an inside cradle in 0:11:28. Rating: ** 3/4
Pedro Morales has been a mainstay in GCW since day one, and his resume' is a highly impressive one. Former World champion, 3-time United States champion, 2-time World Tag Team champion. He has done it all. But he still has that fire in him, that desire to be on top, making him one of the top superstars in the world today. Don Muraco experienced that fire first hand in this one. Not only that, but Morales showed hot crafty he is by reversing Muraco's Flying Crossbody into an inside cradle to pick up the win. Muraco was frustrated and charged Morales after the match, but Pedro sent Muraco flying to the floor with a backdrop much to the delight of his fans in Baltimore.
Hiro Matsuda pinned Billy Robinson after a lariat in 0:07:36. Rating: ***
Bobby Heenan will do anything to get one of his men a win, as was shown in crystal clear fashion in Hiro Matsuda's match against Billy Robinson. As you would expect from these two, it was a good ground-based affair, but Heenan knew that if Matsuda was in that kind of match too long with Robinson, it wasn't going to end well for his charge. Heenan took matters into his own hands by throwing salt into the eyes of Robinson, an act undetected by the referee. Matsuda followed by rocking Robinson's jaw with a lariat to get the pin. Robinson had to have his eyes flushed after the match. He also went right to GCW officials and demanded a rematch against Matsuda, which will take place in Philly.
Interview: Terry Funk explains why he attacked Bobby Duncum.
Up next we had the much anticipated interview with Terry Funk as we all wanted to hear his answers to the questions about what he did to Bobby Duncum last month. Funk was as belligerent as ever, not wanting to give a straight answer to anything. He said that he was going to do something his "no good, lousy, scumbag of a brother" couldn't do, and that's beat Bobby Duncum and become the Intercontinental champion. Funk continued by saying that he has been gone for years, but in that time away from GCW, he has become badder, stronger, and meaner than ever, and that anyone foolish enough to mess with him is going to get hurt. This brought out BOBBY DUNCUM himself, still wearing a neck brace after the three vicious piledrivers he received from Funk in New York. Duncum came into the ring and threw punches wildly as the fans went NUTS, begging Duncum to rip Funk's head off. The injured neck of Duncum came back to haunt him though as Funk got in a good shot in, leaving Duncum screaming in pain. If that wasn't enough, Funk once again dropped Duncum with a piledriver before officials broke up the ordeal. Duncum's already weak neck was in worse shape. Regardless of this injury, Duncum is insisting that he get his hands on Terry Funk in Philadelphia, and is even willing to sign a consent form to exonerate GCW of all responsibility should he suffer an even more serious injury. This match has been signed and we will see it at the Spectrum!
Larry Zbyszko and Dino Bravo defeated The Dirtbags (Dick Murdoch and Stan Hansen) when Bravo pinned Murdoch with the Side Suplex in 0:09:21. Rating: *** 3/4 (Larry Zbyszko and Dino Bravo retained the GCW World Tag Team Titles.)
The Dirtbags have impressed the Championship Committee enough that they were granted a World Tag Team Title shot against Larry Zbyszko & Dino Bravo, and it was a fantastic match between two of the great young teams in wrestling. The fast rise to superstardom of the champions still seems a bit surreal, like you'd expect the bottom to drop out any day now, but they simply keep on winning. "Dirty" Dick Murdoch & Stan Hansen were as nasty as ever, but they couldn't overcome Zbyszko & Bravo, who put another successful title defense under their belts. Even though the Dirtbags came up short tonight, they showed that they have all the potential in the world to be future tag team champions.
Jimmy Snuka defeated Killer Kowalski by countout in 0:05:47. Rating: ** [Bobby Heenan interfered against Jimmy Snuka.]
Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka is coming off a series of matches with World champion Harley Race where he came painfully close to becoming a World champion. Even after that disappointment, there was no hangover as Snuka took it to Killer Kowalski. Snuka used to be a former member of the Heenan Family, which Kowalski is a member of now, so you know the Superfly wanted to stick it in Heenan's face. Kowalski could never get comfortable as Snuka's speed threw a big monkey wrench in Kowalski's plans, eventually frustrating Kowalski to the point that he walked to the back for a countout.
Billy Graham pinned Ernie Ladd after a powerslam in 0:12:51. Rating: **
Much like his brother Luke earlier, "Superstar" Billy Graham was wrestling on his own again, and he had that same aggression that Luke showed. Billy's match was against Ernie Ladd, a man who used to be a former friend of his. the Superstar showed np signs of caring for his former friend as he pounded on the Big Cat before putting him down and out with a huge powerslam.
Dusty Rhodes and Peter Maivia defeated The Russians (Ivan Koloff and Nikolai Volkoff) when Maivia defeated Volkoff by disqualification in 0:07:44. Rating: * 1/4 [Lou Albano interfered against Peter Maivia.]
Dusty Rhodes did Peter Maivia a solid last month by saving him from a 2-on-1 beating from Ivan Koloff & Nikolai Volkoff, Lou Albano's two Russian monsters. Rhodes & the High Chief both are said to be shocked and disappointed by Koloff's agreeing to be a hired gun for Albano, and all of this negative sentiment toward him has turned the Russian Bear back into the killer he used to be. He's turned his back on the fans, and he doesn't seem to care. He also had no regard for the safety of Rhodes or Maivia, as not long into this match while Volkoff was in the ring, he grabbed his chain and entered the ring, blasting Maivia in the face with it for the blatant disqualification. Rhodes came in to help his partner, but he received a shot from the chain as well. The Russians viciously assaulted Rhodes & Maivia before security finally convinced Captain Lou to call off the dogs. Rhodes & Maivia were understandably upset after this, and will get their shot at retribution on July 19 in a chain match!
Harley Race pinned Jack Brisco after hitting him with the ring bell in 0:18:53. Rating: *** (Harley Race retained the GCW World Title.) [Mr. Wrestling I interfered against Jack Brisco.]
Mr. Wrestling I has screwed Jack Brisco once again! Brisco had another chance to win the World Heavyweight Title from Harley Race, the undefeated and ever cocky champion. Brisco has come closer than anyone so far to dethroning Race, and this might have been his closest attempt yet. Brisco had the game plan to work on Race's legs, and it was going off without a hitch. Brisco even got the Figure-Four Leglock on at one point, but Race was too close to the ropes and escaped. Brisco kept the pressure on, which was when MR. WRESTLING I got down to ringside and grabbed the ring bell from our timekeeper. Wrestling I got up on the apron, but he was cut off by Dick Kroll. With Wrestling I tied up with Kroll, he threw the ring bell into the ring to Race. Mr. Wrestling I still had a hold of Kroll as Race clocked Brisco in the head with the bell, letting out a sickeningly "DING!" Race tossed out the evidence and made the cover as Wrestling I conveniently dropped to the floor so Kroll could make the 1-2-3.
Interview: Jack Brisco puts his career on the line.
After Brisco came to, he got the microphone and addressed Mr. Wrestling I. Brisco said that tonight Wrestling I went too far, and that he was tired of all of this. "It has to end, one way or another." Brisco added that he was tired of Wrestling I hiding behind a mask and that a real man would show his true identity if he was going to be brave enough to do the low-life acts that Mr. Wrestling I has been. Brisco said he wanted one more match with Mr. Wrestling I to take place in Philadelphia. If Brisco won, Mr. Wrestling I would have to unmask. If Mr. Wrestling I won, Jack Brisco would leave Global Championship Wrestling FOREVER! Wrestling I felt this deal was too good to pass up, and accepted the match!
Card rating: ** 1/2
Match observations:
What a night of wrestling we have lined up for July 19 in Philadelphia at The Spectrum! One way or another, the landscape of GCW is going to change!
INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE - Bobby Duncum (c) vs. Terry Funk WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES - Larry Zbyszko/Dino Bravo (c) vs. The Blackjacks CAREER VS. MASK - Jack Brisco vs. Mr. Wrestling I CHAIN MATCH - Dusty Rhodes/Peter Maivia vs. The Russians Billy Robinson vs. Hiro Matsuda
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Post by JoshiQ on Nov 20, 2010 2:55:42 GMT -5
I'm glad to see Luke Graham is going to do okay in singles action. I was afraid you might start jobbing him out to the younger talent. Tsuruta is an interesting addition. I'm not sure who you'll pair him off with for his first feud, but I'm betting somebody in the Heenan Family. Kind of surprised that Hiro went over Robinson. Hiro has pretty much been the low man on the totem pole, and Robinson has been doing pretty well for himself. The rematch will probably rectify matters. The Blackjacks are going to be a huge challenge for Bravo and Zbyszko. I'm assuming they will be in for a pretty big feud with one another. Loving Terry Funk. Maybe there is a long IC Title reign for him in the future. And definitely looking forward to seeing how Dory Funk Jr. reacts if Terry beats Duncum. I didn't expect Koloff to be turned so completely. I figured he would refuse to do a lot of Albano's bidding. This actually makes me like the angle a lot more since it's something not seen often. Really excited to see how all of this plays out. I have no idea who comes out on top between Brisco and Wrestling I...I'm taking a wild guess that Wrestling I wins it and we will have seen the last of Brisco. The May and June cards were top notch. It seems like your cards are getting longer. It really is getting to the point where you've built up most of your roster that there is very little filler in any card you run. Great job, looking forward to seeing where you go for Race's next challenger. There isn't anybody that really stands out ... maybe a Graham.
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Post by snabbit888 on Nov 20, 2010 18:17:05 GMT -5
July 19, 1976 - The Spectrum - Philadelphia, PA
Billy Graham pinned Tony Garea after a powerslam in 0:05:10. Rating: ** 1/2
"Superstar" Billy Graham looks bigger, stronger, and more focused since parting ways with The Grand Wizard, and Tony Garea was the unfortunate recipient of a beating from the Superstar. After Graham was done toying with him, he put Garea away with a powerslam.
Jumbo Tsuruta pinned Don Muraco with the Jumbo Knee in 0:10:46. Rating: *** 1/2
Jumbo Tsuruta made a grand debut a month ago, but he had a tougher task this time against Don Muraco. Muraco can match strength with Jumbo, but the amateur wrestling background of Tsuruta helped him keep Muraco off balance before hitting the Jumbo Knee that put this one in the books.
Billy Robinson pinned Hiro Matsuda with the Double-Arm Suplex in 0:10:24. Rating: ***
Billy Robinson wanted a rematch with Hiro Matsuda after the cheap way Matsuda had defeated him in Baltimore, and that rematch took place next. A good wrestling match again between these two mat generals, but again, Bobby Heenan tried to be sneaky and grabbed a handful of salt to throw in Robinson's eyes. Robinson was prepared this time though and ducked the throw, causing the salt to hit Matsuda instead! Robinson capitalized on the miscue with the Double-Arm Suplex and that was all she wrote.
The Blackjacks (Blackjack Lanza and Blackjack Mulligan) defeated Larry Zbyszko and Dino Bravo when Lanza made Bravo submit to the Blackjack Claw in 0:21:18. Rating: *** 1/2 (The Blackjacks won the GCW World Tag Team Titles.) [Billy Graham and Bobby Heenan interfered against Larry Zbyszko and Dino Bravo.]
History was made here in Philadelphia as we saw the crowning of brand new World Tag Team champions! Gold has finally returned to the Heenan Family as THE BLACKJACKS now carry the prestigous tag team championships. And they owe it all to the newest member of the Family. This was a solid tag team match that was highly competitive, your prototypical back and forth affair. The crowd was really into it and cheering loudly for Zbyszko & Bravo to retain, but they got an unexpected surprise when BILLY GRAHAM stuck his nose into it all. While Bravo was in the ring, Graham pulled Zbyszko off the apron and threw him into the ring post! Zbyszko was knocked out and bleeding from the forehead. Then while Heenan distracted referee Dick Kroll, Graham got in the ring and nearly clotheslined Bravo's head off! This let Lanza put on the Blackjack Claw, and once he gets that in tight, that's the end. Your winners, and new tag team champions (with a HUGE assist from Billy Graham), the Blackjacks. Zbyszko & Bravo are entitled a rematch, but Zbyszko has stated he wants to get his hands on the Superstar, so that match will take place first on August 7 at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY! Bravo meanwhile will meet Blackjack Lanza one-on-one.
Luke Graham pinned Ernie Ladd with the Thumb to the Throat in 0:07:20. Rating: ** 1/2
Before this next match started, Ernie Ladd grabbed the microphone and announced that he would be leaving GCW after the night was over. It would have been a great story had Ladd, one of GCW's originals and a 2-time United States champion, left on a winning note. Unfortunately, real life doesn't always have a happy ending, and it didn't for Ladd, who took a loss to Luke Graham, one of his old bitter enemies. After the match, Ladd grabbed the mic again and thanked the fans for their support, and said they might see him again in the future. Then, in a despicable act, Luke Graham attacked Ladd, hitting him with the Thumb to the Throat! If that wasn't bad enough, he kept pounding on Ladd like a mad man, busting him wide open! The attack was getting disgusting before JIMMY SNUKA, who was wrestling in the next match, ran out and floored Graham with a dropkick, knocking him to the floor! Not the way Ladd expected his last night in GCW to go, I'm sure. Luke Graham is an embarrassment to sportsmanship.
Jimmy Snuka pinned Dory Funk Jr. with the Superfly Splash in 0:07:18. Rating: *** 3/4
Jimmy Snuka was still fired up over what just happened, which didn't bode well for his opponent, Dory Funk Jr. Funk rode the initial wave of the Superfly's aggression, and decided that he needed to do something drastic to slow Snuka down. Funk took the top turnbuckle pad off, looking to send Snuka crashing into it. Problem was, when he tried to whip Snuka into that corner, Snuka reversed it and Funk nailed the exposed steel instead! Snuka followed with a jumping headbutt to knock Funk down and hit the Superfly Splash for the 1-2-3, an absolutely HUGE win for Snuka.
After the match, LUKE GRAHAM tried to get down to the ring, but officials cut him off before he could get there. Snuka was looking to fight though, and jumped OVER the officials and began nailing Graham with right hands! The skirmish was quickly broken up, but it's clear that these two want to tear each other to bits already!
Chain Match: Dusty Rhodes and Peter Maivia defeated The Russians (Ivan Koloff and Nikolai Volkoff) when Dusty Rhodes pinned Volkoff with the Bionic Elbowdrop in 0:08:18. Rating: ***
You expect for a chain match to be a hard-hitting match, but not like this. The match didn't last long in terms of time, but it had to have felt like an eternity for Dusty Rhodes, Peter Maivia, Ivan Koloff, and Nikolai Volkoff. The only one who escaped bleeding was Koloff, but he took his share of a beating as well. All four men took advantage of the rules and used the chain as a weapon, and they all have the welts and scars to prove it. In the end though, the sight of his own blood sent Rhodes into a frenzy, and he used that to propel him to smashing Volkoff with the chain, and then with the chain wrapped around his arm, hitting the Bionic Elbowdrop for the pinfall victory in a bloody match.
The Dirtbags (Dick Murdoch and Stan Hansen) defeated Gorilla Monsoon and Sgt. Slaughter when Hansen pinned Slaughter after a power bomb in 0:08:44. Rating: *** 1/4
The Dirtbags picked up a big win in the tag team division by getting past Gorilla Monsoon & Sgt. Slaughter after a vicious power bomb from Stan Hansen knocked the wind right out of Slaughter. After the match, Monsoon gave Slaughter a stern talking to, saying that they need to step it up if they're going to be a competitive team in GCW. Slaughter did not look pleased with the scolding.
[BRISCO'S CAREER VS. WRESTLING I'S MASK]: Mr. Wrestling I defeated Jack Brisco when Jack Brisco passed out in the Sleeperhold in 0:15:18. Rating: *** 1/4
There was a TON at stake in this match. For Mr. Wrestling I, the mask that he cherishes and having to reveal his identity to the world. For Jack Brisco, his career in GCW would be over if he lost. With the stakes as high as they were, both men wrestled with that extra fire. There was no question who the fans wanted to win, strongly lending their support to Brisco. Brisco not only wanted to get Wrestling I's mask, but he wanted to cause him great physical harm in doing so. Wrestling I appeared to be in a great deal of trouble when he pulled an object out of his trunks and slid it into his mask. When Brisco came after him, Wrestling I blasted Brisco with a loaded headbutt, causing Brisco to drop like a sack of bricks! To make it look 'on the level,' he locked Brisco in the Sleeperhold. Brisco was out cold, and the referee called for the bell. The crowd was in shock, but Brisco had just LOST to Mr. Wrestling I, his career over. Mr. Wrestling I got out of the ring in a hurry like the thief he was, which is a good thing because it looked like the crowd was ready to murder him. When Brisco came to, he had to be told what had happened, that his career in Global Championship Wrestling was over. He was understandably angry, but he saluted the crowd and thanked them for their support before leaving to a standing ovation.
Terry Funk defeated Bobby Duncum via referee stoppage in 0:17:08. Rating: ** 3/4 (Terry Funk won the GCW Intercontinental Title.)
The doctors advised Bobby Duncum not to take this match given the condition of his neck, but there was no stopping Duncum as he signed a waiver to get his hands on Terry Funk. This was Funk's first match since coming back, and he had the chance to win the Intercontinental Title. Duncum wasn't going to go down without a fight, but he clearly had a big bullseye on that injured neck. You could tell Funk expected this to be a far easier match than it was, underestimating the fight in Duncum. But once Funk got to working over that neck, it was over. Funk escaped the Full Nelson Slam late in the match when Duncum grabbed his neck in pain, letting Funk hit a piledriver. He could have went for the pin, but instead hit a SECOND piledriver! Duncum was clearly out of it and injured, but Funk set him up for a third piledriver anyway. Referee Terry Taranova stepped in and called the match - he had no other choice - and awarded it to Funk. Terry Funk is your new Intercontinental champion. Funk pretended like that would be all, happy he got the title, but for good measure he hit a THIRD piledriver before taking his new championship and going to the back, being pelted with trash the whole way back. A stretcher had to be called to take Duncum to the back and to the hospital. His career may very well be over at the hands of Terry Funk.
Interview: Harley Race's mouth again gets him into trouble.
If the mood in the arena wasn't negative enough, World champion HARLEY RACE came out at the end to do an interview. He first poked fun at the injury to Bobby Duncum, which is just an absolutely disgusting and deplorable thing to do. If that wasn't enough, he made fun of Jack Brisco having to retire and said that nobody will miss him anyway. After that unpleasantness, he went on another one of his arrogant rants, talking about how nobody is ever going to get the World Title from around his waist. "The only person who will get the title from me is Harley Race when I retire." Race was feeling great about himself, again offering an open challenge for the show in Uniondale, mentioning how "easily" he handled Jimmy Snuka when he answered the challenge (those matches were anything BUT easy). Race was then interrupted by the man answering the challenge, a former World champion himself, PEDRO MORALES! Morales wasn't there to chit chat though as he immediately hit Race with a dropkick, a bodyslam, and then finally a clothesline before Race bailed out of the ring and retreated to the back! This could be the time where Race has bit off more than he can chew!
Card rating: ***
Match observations:
The card for the August 7 show at the Nassau Coliseum is PACKED, and this isn't even what the full card will be!
WORLD TITLE - Harley Race (c) vs. Pedro Morales Jimmy Snuka vs. Luke Graham Dusty Rhodes vs. Ivan Koloff Larry Zbyszko vs. Billy Graham Dino Bravo vs. Blackjack Lanza Jumbo Tsuruta vs. Hiro Matsuda
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Post by snabbit888 on Nov 20, 2010 18:19:29 GMT -5
Oddly enough, I hadn't noticed the cards getting longer. I've been on a roll writing recently so it's all coming out pretty quickly. I assume when I get stuck in the mud again they will shorten up somewhat. I've really liked 1976 in general. I think I have some good stuff planned, although I've had a few curveballs to work around which I'm not happy about. But it's a big part of what makes it all fun.
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Post by gentlemanjeff on Nov 21, 2010 20:11:45 GMT -5
Yeah, 1975-1976 have been rolling by pretty fast. Fun stuff.
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Post by JoshiQ on Nov 22, 2010 16:04:57 GMT -5
Evil Luke Graham is back! I'm definitely a fan of him returning to what made him a star. Sad to see Ladd go, but I guess it was getting to be his time. Good way to bring Snuka in to a big feud at the same time.
Zbyszko and Bravo losing the titles already after their long feud with the Grahams was a tad bit surprising. I doubt they win them back anytime soon now that the Blackjacks have them.
I have always loved the loaded mask headbutt. Good finish. I'm not too upset about Brisco leaving GCW. I enjoyed his run against Race, but besides that he didn't seem to offer much.
Looks like we might be shaking up the roster a bit so I'll be looking forward to see how everything turns out.
Morales as the next challenger to Race is a good call. Doubt it's him that beats Race, however.
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Post by rey619 on Nov 23, 2010 9:50:11 GMT -5
You're posting shows faster than I can reply to them ;D
Just wanted to say great work, I'm reading. How long has Race been champ now? Feels like ages. Maybe Dusty will be the one to de-throne him? He's been building up a nice momentum now in his feud against the Russians.
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Post by gentlemanjeff on Nov 23, 2010 11:02:41 GMT -5
"King" Harley Race vs. Blue Collar Working Man Dusty Rhodes has a good feel to it.
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Post by snabbit888 on Nov 25, 2010 19:58:17 GMT -5
August 7, 1976 - Nassau Coliseum - Uniondale, NY
Blackjack Lanza defeated Dino Bravo when Dino Bravo passed out in the Blackjack Claw in 0:08:11. Rating: * 3/4
The opening contest of the evening saw Dino Bravo take on one-half of the World Tag Team champions, Blackjack Lanza. The Blackjacks essentially stole the titles from Bravo & Larry Zbyszko, and this match saw Bravo trying to get some retribution. However, with Zbyszko focused on his match with Billy Graham later, Bravo was alone to contend with Lanza, Bobby Heenan, and Blackjack Mulligan. The odds were too great for him to overcome as Lanza got on the Blackjack Claw to take the win.
Dean Ho and Tony Garea defeated The Dirtbags (Dick Murdoch and Stan Hansen) when Garea pinned Hansen with the High Cross Body in 0:11:24. Rating: *** 1/4
The matches between Dean Ho & Tony Garea and The Dirtbags continue to be heated back and forth events, and this one here in Uniondale was no exception. These two teams have become quite familiar with one another, and the competitive nature of the matches reflects this. Tonight's match would belong to Ho & Garea as Garea blocked a superplex attempt from Hansen, shoving him to the canvas, and then connecting with the High Cross Body to get the 1-2-3. The GCW Championship Committee recognizes what these two teams have been doing this year and has decided that they will meet one more time on September 1 at Madison Square Garden, the winning team earning a tag team title shot at the next show.
Mr. Wrestling I defeated Sgt. Slaughter when Sgt. Slaughter passed out in the Sleeperhold in 0:07:11. Rating: *** 1/2
Mr. Wrestling I was pelted with garbage on his way to the ring, a direct result for his underhanded tactics that resulted in the popular Jack Brisco having to leave GCW. Wrestling I's opponent was Sgt. Slaughter, the youngster wrestling with a chip on his shoulder after the verbal lashing he received from Gorilla Monsoon after their match last show. Slaughter took Mr. Wrestling I to the limit, but the veteran savvy of Wrestling I was too much as he put Slaughter to sleep for the duke. After the match, Mr. Wrestling I was looking to make an example out of Slaughter, but before he could do anything, GORILLA MONSOON stalked down to the ring and got Mr. Wrestling I to back down and leave the ring.
Jumbo Tsuruta pinned Hiro Matsuda with the Jumbo Knee in 0:06:59. Rating: **** 1/4
Jumbo Tsuruta got his first taste of the Heenan Family, taking on Hiro Matsuda. These two were familiar with each other's style of wrestling, leading to a great match between the two. Matsuda was positioning himself to put on the Japanese Sleeper, but he couldn't get Jumbo in a position to do so. Tsurutam however, can hit his Jumbo Knee on a dime, and that's exactly what he did to pick up the victory. KILLER KOWALSKI came in to go after Jumbo post-match, but Jumbo saw him coming and dispatched him from the ring in short order.
Peter Maivia defeated Nikolai Volkoff when Nikolai Volkoff passed out in the Stump Puller in 0:05:49. Peter Maivia injured his left knee. He will be out for approximately 2 months. Rating: **
Both Peter Maivia and Nikolai Volkoff were worse for wear after the chain match in Philly, but they were both ready to compete against each other in the Nassau Coliseum. The match was a bit sloppy, and Maivia looked to have tweaked his knee early on in the match, a match he would win when Volkoff missed a big splash and Maivia got the Stump Puller. Doctors checked out the High Chief and he did in fact injure his left knee, but he should only miss a show or two at the most.
Billy Graham made Larry Zbyszko submit to the Bearhug in 0:16:22. Rating: *** 3/4 [Bobby Heenan interfered against Larry Zbyszko.]
Just when you think that Billy Graham can't sink any lower, he does something like he did here tonight. Larry Zbyszko's career may very well be over thanks to the Superstar. Zbyszko wanted this match against Graham after it was the Superstar who cost he & Dino Bravo the tag titles at the Spectrum, and perhaps Zbyszko's heart was bigger than his brain on that one. Zbyszko's been one of the biggest feel good stories in a long time in GCW, but Billy Graham is ruthless, especially as of late. He's not simply trying to win a match - he wants to end careers. Zbyszko showed that big heart that has made him so successful, and even though he came so close to the upset win on several occasions, Graham was too much for him. Once Graham hit a powerslam, it was all but over, the deal officially sealed by the Bearhug.
Like I said though, Graham wasn't content merely winning - he needed to send a message. The horrible assault continued, Zbyszko being incapacitated by the Bearhug to where he couldn't defend himself. At Bobby Heenan's urging, Graham grabbed a chair from ringside and used it to decimate Zbyszko's left leg. If that wasn't enough, Graham threw Zbyszko to the outside, scooped him up, and swung him leg first into the ringpost. We later found out Zbyszko has a severely broken leg and may very well never wrestle again. One day Billy Graham is going to get his, and he is going to deserve it.
Billy Robinson defeated Killer Kowalski by disqualification in 0:01:37. Rating: ** [Bobby Heenan interfered against Billy Robinson.]
Not much of a match here between Billy Robinson & Killer Kowalski. The crowd was flat, obviously still shaken up after what just happened to Larry Zbyszko. Not only that, but Kowalski didn't want a thing to do with the star from England, getting himself disqualified when he wouldn't release a chokehold. Robinson picks up the win, but I bet he didn't feel like much of a winner afterwards.
Jimmy Snuka pinned Luke Graham after a sunset flip in 0:08:16. Rating: ** 3/4
If there were any doubts about Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka being a main event player, they were all erased tonight after his match with Luke Graham. Graham has been a dominant force in GCW for over a decade, and has done everything there is to do. And Snuka beat him, clean, right in the middle of the ring. It wasn't easy, don't get me wrong. Luke Graham is anything but an easy out, but Snuka has stepped up his game so much this year that he found a way to both survive Graham's onslaught and win. Graham got too sure of himself, and when he lifted Snuka up for a suplex, the Superfly slid down into a sunset flip and got the flash pin! The roof nearly came off the building as Snuka jumped out of the ring the victor as Graham nearly blew a gasket! Luke Graham was going nuts, vowing to get revenge on Snuka.
Ivan Koloff pinned Dusty Rhodes with the Russian Sickle in 0:10:35. Rating: **
"The Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff has that killer instinct back. I'm not sure what Captain Lou Albano has over him, but Koloff has chosen to channel that frustration into becoming a monster once again. Koloff was told to take care of Dusty Rhodes tonight for meddling in their business with Peter Maivia, and with Maivia being injured earlier in the night, Rhodes was on an island by himself. Rhodes isn't afraid of anybody though, and he went straight ahead at the former World champion. A timely distraction from Captain Lou proved the difference though, as it allowed Koloff to nearly decapitate Rhodes with the Russian Sickle for the pinfall victory. Rhodes felt that he could beat Koloff, and has asked for another match against the Russian Bear at MSG.
Interview: Dory Funk Jr. confronts his brother Terry.
Dory Funk Jr. didn't have a match tonight, but he did have something to get off his chest. Dory had Don Muraco in tow with him as he called out his brother, the Intercontinental champion TERRY FUNK. Terry came down, and Dory ripped right into him, asking what the hell he was doing back in GCW. Terry told Dory to calm down and not get all up in arms just because he did something Dory couldn't do, and that's beat Bobby Duncum and take the IC Title. Terry said that Duncum wasn't only beaten, but he was gone forever thanks to the beating he gave him, and that Dory was next. Terry said he hated Dory and was so hurt that his older brother did nothing to get him reinstated back into GCW when Dory brown nosed his way back in the door. Dory said that after how Terry tried to kill him with barbed wire the last time they wrestled all the way back in 1970, that Terry didn't deserve to be in GCW, or in wrestling at all! Dory said that he and Muraco were about to take care of that. However, instead Muraco attacked Dory Funk Jr.! Terry joined in as this was a clear double cross. Don Muraco is in cahoots with Terry Funk, and they were beating the tar out of Dory Funk! Officials broke it up, luckily just before Terry could piledrive him.
Harley Race and Pedro Morales battled to a draw in 0:45:00. Rating: ** 1/4 (Harley Race retained the GCW World Title.)
Harley Race has a way of putting his foot into his mouth, but thus far, those verbal snafus have not cost him his undefeated streak or the World Heavyweight Title. That had a good chance of changing tonight though as in our main event, he defended against the former World champion Pedro Morales. Though Morales has been with GCW since the very first show back in 1963, he still has a lot in the tank and feels he has another reign as champion in him. He took Handsome Harley to the limit here, staying one step ahead of the champion and keeping him grounded. Both men wrestled a slow, methodical pace, a clear sign of the respect for the other. The problem was Morales took too long to make his move and ran out of time as this one ended in a time limit draw. Race once again escaped, World Title firmly around his waist. Officials and fans alike want to see a clear winner, and we will attempt to make that happen at MSG when these two go at it one more time!
Card rating: ** 1/2
Match observations:
September will kick off the push toward the end of the year, and the lineup for Madison SQuare Garden promises to be a big one!
WORLD TITLE REMATCH - Harley Race (c) vs. Pedro Morales INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE - Terry Funk (c) vs. Dory Funk Jr. WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES - The Blackjacks (c) vs. Dino Bravo/Mystery Partner Jimmy Snuka vs. Luke Graham Dusty Rhodes vs. Ivan Koloff #1 CONTENDERS MATCH - Dean Ho/Tony Garea vs. The Dirtbags Gorilla Monsoon vs. Mr. Wrestling I
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Post by snabbit888 on Dec 10, 2010 17:36:43 GMT -5
September 1, 1976 - Madison Square Garden - New York, NY
Number-One-Contenders-Match: The Dirtbags (Dick Murdoch and Stan Hansen) defeated Dean Ho and Tony Garea when Murdoch pinned Ho with the Gourdbuster in 0:17:08. Rating: *** 3/4
The opening contest here at MSG would determine the next challengers for the World Tag Team Titles. The budding rivalry between Dean Ho & Tony Garea and the Dirtbags has led to some great matches, and this one was no exception. The two teams bring out the fire in each other, and a chance for a title shot made this all the more exciting. After a terrific match including a fantastic final few minutes, it will be Dick Murdoch & Stan Hansen getting the title shot in Providence on September 25!
Jimmy Snuka pinned Luke Graham after a small package in 0:10:47. Rating: ** 1/2
For the second match in a row, Jimmy Snuka has pinned Luke Graham! Much like what happened last time, the story of the contest was Luke beating the tar out of the Superfly, but Snuka refusing to stay down before he caught a cocky Graham off-guard with a small package to get the win! Again, Luke Graham lost his cool post-match and nearly destroyed the ringside area. Luke Graham is going crazy.
Killer Kowalski defeated Johnny Rodz when Johnny Rodz passed out in the Stomach Claw in 0:02:32. Johnny Rodz injured his right knee. He will be out for approximately 2 months. Rating: *** [Jumbo Tsuruta interfered against Johnny Rodz.]
Killer Kowalski has had a legendary career and has made a career out of decimating people. Johnny Rodz got to experience that first hand as Kowalski destroyed Rodz, injuring his knee in the process.
Dory Funk Jr. defeated Terry Funk by disqualification in 0:04:55. Rating: ** 1/4 (Terry Funk retained the GCW Intercontinental Title.) [Don Muraco interfered against Dory Funk Jr..]
Brothers Terry & Dory Jr. haven't wrestled each other in nearly 6 years, but the sibling rivalry is still as strong as ever as the two fought for Terry's Intercontinental Title. The match didn't last long, but both men were winded from how fast and furious they went at it. Dory ended up getting the upperhand in the fight, which prompted DON MURACO to hit the ring and help beat down Dory, his former mentor. Terry Funk loses the match, but he keeps the IC Title around his waist, and his brother Dory got a beating.
Billy Graham pinned Sgt. Slaughter after a powerslam in 0:01:02. Rating: **
The destructive path of "Superstar" Billy Graham continued with a drubbing of Sgt. Slaughter. Slaughter has improved over the course of his rookie year, but let's face it - Billy Graham is about as dominant as they come right now. Graham gets the win in a little over a minute.
Billy Robinson pinned Nikolai Volkoff with the Double-Arm Suplex in 0:08:47. Rating: ** 1/4
Billy Robinson had a tough mountain to climb tonight in the form of Nikolai Volkoff, but Robinson never feels like he is out matched. He is not the strongest guy in the world, but he is such a skilled grappler that he often turns that disadvantage of strength into his advantage with superior technique. That's exactly what he did with Volkoff tonight, frustrating the powerhouse into a few mistakes before Robinson hit the Double-Arm Suplex to get a big victory in the Garden.
Jumbo Tsuruta and Dino Bravo defeated The Blackjacks (Blackjack Lanza and Blackjack Mulligan) when Tsuruta pinned Mulligan after a power bomb in 0:24:34. Rating: *** 1/2 (Jumbo Tsuruta and Dino Bravo won the GCW World Tag Team Titles.)
Dino Bravo was entitled a World Tag Team Title shot against the Blackjacks due to the rematch clause in the contract when he lost the titles, but his former partner, Larry Zbyszko, is no longer with GCW after suffering a broken leg at the hands of Billy Graham. Bravo was allowed to choose a replacement partner, and he was wise to keep who that partner was quiet until match time, a clear disadvantage for Lanza & Mulligan. The reigning champions were less than thrilled to find out the mystery partner was JUMBO TSURUTA, who has looked terrific in his rookie year with GCW. The teamwork of Bravo & Tsuruta was crisp and they weren't at all intimidated by the experience and skill of the Blackjacks. Bobby Heenan pulled everything he could out of his bag of tricks, but the inability to prepare for Bravo & Jumbo as a team proved to be too much to overcome. Jumbo floored Blackjack Mulligan with a power bomb, driving the air out of his lungs and allowing the crowning of brand new World Tag Team champions! Heenan is already demanding a rematch for his men, citing the unfair nature of the mystery partner, but he will have to wait in line as the Dirtbags get the first crack at the new champs on September 25.
Mr. Wrestling I pinned Gorilla Monsoon after a dropkick to the knee in 0:04:22. Rating: **
Mr. Wrestling I made the mistake of getting on the bad side of Gorilla Monsoon by trying to make an example out of Monsoon's protege, Sgt. Slaughter. Wrestling I knew he was a dead man if he let Monsoon get a hold of him, so he used a hit and run technique that proved to be quite effective. Wrestling I targeted Monsoon's knee with great malice, getting a pinfall after a dropkick to the knee buckled the Monster From Manchuria's leg. Mr. Wrestling I is a mammoth jerk, but it's hard to argue with the results this attitude change is getting.
Ivan Koloff pinned Dusty Rhodes after a small package in 0:14:31. Rating: ** 1/4 [Lou Albano interfered against Dusty Rhodes.]
Dusty Rhodes is wanting to beat Ivan Koloff in the worst way, but thus far, he has seen no success. There's no shame in that, as Koloff is a former World champion and one of the overall meanest dudes on the planet. Rhodes' popularity continues to grow every show, and it's hard to ignore the amount of cheers he is receiving each and every time he steps into the ring. These cheers were clearly bothering Koloff, who used to be the recipient of the crowd's love before joining forces again with Lou Albano. Rhodes took the fight to Koloff, and nearly had him defeated on more than one occasion, but it was not meant to be as the aggressiveness of Rhodes came back to haunt him. Koloff trapped Rhodes in a small package, and three seconds later had won the match. Close for Rhodes, but yet still so far.
Harley Race defeated Pedro Morales by referee stoppage in 0:25:34. Rating: ** 1/2 (Harley Race retained the GCW World Title.)
Harley Race shouldn't be the World champion any more after what happened tonight! A very controversial call led to him retaining his title in the main event against Pedro Morales. Morales wrestled a great match and he seemed to be in great position to become a 2-time World Heavyweight champion. Unfortunately for Morales, circumstance said otherwise. Earlier in this match, Race opened up a cut on Morales' forehead that progressively got worse as the war waged on. The cut didn't seem to be slowing Morales down though, instead motivating the fiery competitor from Puerto Rico to really take it to Handsome Harley. The blood was pouring profusely from his face as Morales locked on the Boston Crab, and it looked like Race was going to have no choice but to submit. The crowd exploded in cheers when the bell rang, thinking Morales had made Race submit, ending his title reign and his undefeated streak. The crowd nearly rioted when it was announced that referee Dick Kroll had stopped the match due to concerns for Morales' health, and awarded the match to Race! Kroll had to be led out of the arena by several police officers. In all fairness, the cut on Morales' head was deep and did require stitches, but he had this match all but wrapped up. Morales has DEMANDED a rematch in Providence, and he wants it to be a cage match where there is no way that the match will be stopped due to excessive blood. If you asked me, Harley Race's days as champion are numbered.
Card rating: ** 1/2
Match observations:
September 25 will be our next show in the Providence Civic Center in Providence, RI, with these great matches already announced!
WORLD TITLE CAGE MATCH - Harley Race (c) vs. Pedro Morales INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE - Terry Funk (c) vs. Dory Funk Jr. WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES - Jumbo Tsuruta/Dino Bravo (c) vs. The Dirtbags Dusty Rhodes vs. Ivan Koloff Jimmy Snuka vs. Mr. Wrestling I
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Post by LillaThrilla on Dec 19, 2010 11:17:00 GMT -5
With his tag team partner gone from GCW, shouldn't Mr. Wrestling I drop the roman numeral?
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Post by snabbit888 on Dec 21, 2010 13:44:58 GMT -5
With his tag team partner gone from GCW, shouldn't Mr. Wrestling I drop the roman numeral? I kind of like it staying there. Mr. Wrestling II was always Mr. Wrestling II. I just like the consistency of having the same name.
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Post by rey619 on Dec 23, 2010 13:52:29 GMT -5
Ooh.. Crazy Luke Graham is back! I've missed him..
Great finish for the World Title match, referee Kroll will probably be your version of Earl Hebner for that decision.
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Post by JoshiQ on Jan 3, 2011 21:28:05 GMT -5
I can't believe that idiot Kroll. I'm surprised Morales didn't destroy him after the decision was announced. Seems like you are having quite a few guys heading out right now. It's sad to see Zbyszko go as he was finally coming into his own. Don Muraco is such a mentor whore. Every month it seems like he has another one. Didn't see Jumbo teaming with Bravo, but it does make an interesting combo. Those tag titles aren't really sticking with any team right now. Maybe we need the Crusher and the Bruiser to come back. Really good stuff.
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Post by snabbit888 on Jan 4, 2011 14:07:23 GMT -5
I can't believe that idiot Kroll. I'm surprised Morales didn't destroy him after the decision was announced. Seems like you are having quite a few guys heading out right now. It's sad to see Zbyszko go as he was finally coming into his own. Don Muraco is such a mentor whore. Every month it seems like he has another one. Didn't see Jumbo teaming with Bravo, but it does make an interesting combo. Those tag titles aren't really sticking with any team right now. Maybe we need the Crusher and the Bruiser to come back. Really good stuff. Kroll is always the center of controversy. I liked the parallel that it was Kroll who screwed Sammartino out of the title for Morales to win it, and now he screwed Morales. He's equal opportunity. I wanted Zbyszko to be one of my major players in the future, but he didn't re-sign. Stupid TNM. I get really excited about pushing someone and then they won't sign long-term deals. Muraco's close to being able to stand on his own.
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Post by snabbit888 on Jan 4, 2011 14:09:51 GMT -5
September 25, 1976 - Providence Civic Center - Providence, RI
Jumbo Tsuruta and Dino Bravo defeated Killer Kowalski and Stan Hansen when Tsuruta pinned Hansen after a crucifix in 0:07:13. Rating: ** 1/2 (Dick Murdoch no-showed.)
Our first match of the evening here in Providence was slated to be for the World Tag Team Titles, but due to a traveling conflict, "Dirty" Dick Murdoch was unable to make it. Thus, Stan Hansen teamed with Killer Kowalski to take on Dino Bravo & Jumbo Tsuruta, the new tag team champions. To say that Kowalski & Hansen didn't get along would be a vast understatement. Between their bickering and the collective tag team skill of the new champs, this outcome was never much in doubt. After the match, Kowalski & Hansen got into a brawl at ringside. While that chaos was going on, Bravo & Jumbo didn't see THE BLACKJACKS run in from the crowd and jump them from behind. Officials were able to intervene, but the damage had been done.
Nikolai Volkoff pinned Gorilla Monsoon after hitting him with the cane in 0:03:28. Rating: -1/2* [Lou Albano interfered against Gorilla Monsoon.]
Captain Lou Albano continues to show what levels he will stoop to in order to get his men wins, and these days, he seems to be successful more than he is not. Gorilla Monsoon was the unfortunate recipient of one of the Captain's schemes, a well placed distraction allowing Nikolai Volkoff to smash the Monster From Manchuria with the cane and get the win.
Peter Maivia defeated Don Muraco when Don Muraco passed out in the Stump Puller in 0:11:18. Rating: *** 1/2
Say what you want about his character, but Don Muraco is turning himself into one of the toughest opponents to face in all of GCW. Muraco has clearly hit the gym and is as strong as they come, and with his bad attitude, he's not a competitor to take lightly. "High Chief" Peter Maivia had the challenge of wrestling Muraco tonight, and Maivia had his hands full with the muscle-bound Hawaiian. It took a lucky break for Maivia to get the win, narrowly avoiding Muraco's Flying Crossbody and putting on the Stump Puller to get his hand raised. Word has it that Muraco will have a new finisher soon as he feels the high-flying is costing him too many matches.
Luke Graham pinned Sgt. Slaughter after hitting him with a foreign object in 0:12:14. Rating:
Luke Graham is a scary man for the sole reason that he doesn't have to hurt you to beat you, but he chooses to. Sgt. Slaughter fought valiantly, but this match with Graham was never really in much doubt. Graham wanted to send a message to Jimmy Snuka though, and chose to pound Slaughter until he was barely conscious. Then, for no good reason other than maliciousness, Graham put Slaughter away after nailing him with brass knuckles. Snuka has a couple of victories over Luke Graham, but he may have angered one of the most dangerous men in GCW history to the point where he will regret it.
The Blackjacks (Blackjack Lanza and Blackjack Mulligan) defeated Dean Ho and Tony Garea when Mulligan made Garea submit to the Blackjack Claw in 0:06:53. Rating: ***
The Blackjacks learned the hard way that they're not going to be able to bully Dino Bravo & Jumbo Tsuruta. After Lanza & Mulligan defeated Tony Garea & Dean Ho, they looked to continue the attack, but Bravo & Jumbo intervened and sent them sprawling from the ring, a receipt for the Blackjacks' earlier attack on the champions. These teams will have a chance to get at each other in the ring, because on October 18 in the Boston Garden, these teams go at it for the World Tag Team Titles!
Jimmy Snuka defeated Mr. Wrestling I by disqualification in 0:00:34. Rating: * [Luke Graham interfered against Jimmy Snuka.]
From the looks of things, Luke Graham isn't going to want to let this issue with Jimmy Snuka go until he's seriously hurt him. Snuka had a match with Mr. Wrestling I that he didn't even get a chance to get out of the blocks in, because barely 30 seconds in, Luke Graham was attacking the Superfly. Wrestling I wasn't happy about this, but when he saw the anger in Graham, he thought better of saying anything and simply went to the back. Graham left Snuka laid flat out on his back before officials finally convinced him to stop the assault. Something's going to have to be done before someone gets his career ended.
Terry Funk pinned Dory Funk Jr. after a DDT in 0:09:21. Rating: *** 1/4 (Terry Funk retained the GCW Intercontinental Title.)
Two brothers fighting each other with this kind of intensity is a sad thing to see if you're a mother, but it's great for us as fans as the matches between Terry Funk & Dory Funk Jr. As important as the Intercontinental Title is, the prize seems to be secondary over the sibling rivalry. It's shocking what lengths these two will go to beat the other, as shown by Terry having Don Muraco slide the IC Title into the ring so he could DDT Dory onto it for the 1-2-3. Dory Funk was more or less helpless and out on his feet, at the mercy of Terry Funk & Don Muraco, but to everyone's surprise, BOBBY DUNCUM made his return from injury and was a house of fire, sending Terry & Muraco running for higher ground! Duncum & Dory Funk have been bitter enemies, so seeing the two shake hands after was a surreal but fantastic moment. They're never going to be good friends, but they have common enemies and common goals, and now maybe we'll see some fair fights now!
Ivan Koloff pinned Dusty Rhodes after hitting him with a foreign object in 0:18:53. Rating: ** 1/2
Dusty Rhodes keeps coming agonizingly close to defeating "The Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff, but something happens at the last moment that snatches victory out of his grasp. The two fought again here in Providence, and Rhodes had an extra fire lit underneath him, feeling that tonight would be the night. Rhodes was exceptionally close to a pinfall on several occasions, but Koloff would barely kick out or some interference from Captain Lou Albano would prevent the count from being completed. Koloff got desperate and got a hold of his chain while Albano had the ref's attention, clocking Rhodes between the eyes with it, busting him wide open and getting the cheap pin. What is Rhodes going to have to do to beat Koloff, or maybe the better question is, can he even beat him at all?
Billy Graham pinned Billy Robinson after a backbreaker in 0:06:19. Rating: *** [Bobby Heenan interfered against Billy Robinson.]
If there's anybody you don't want to see your name opposite of on the card these days, it's "Superstar" Billy Graham. Graham took on Billy Robinson, who you'll get few arguments from anyone about being one of the toughest opponents you can face in GCW, and the Superstar dominated him. Nothing Robinson tried slowed Graham down for long, and a series of backbreakers was too much for the Englishman to overcome as he was pinned 1-2-3 in the middle of the ring. Billy Graham put him in the Bearhug after the match for good measure.
Cage Match: Harley Race defeated Pedro Morales by escaping the cage in 0:43:56. Rating: **** 1/4 (Harley Race retained the GCW World Title.)
Pedro Morales had one more shot to wrestle the World Heavyweight Title away from undefeated champion "Handsome" Harley Race, and he'd get that chance in a steel cage to close out our show here in Providence. Race has lived dangerously as the champion, being taken to the limit time after time but always seeming to find a way to pull out victory in the end. He was for all intents and purposes beat in the Garden, but an iffy judgment call was made that the cut on Morales' head was too severe to continue, but in the steel cage, there would be no such thing as too much blood. We were going to see a winner, no matter it took. And let me tell you - it took a lot. Both men were a bloody mess by the end of this one, but it looked like Race got the worst of it. Morales was still going strong, not wanting to be detoured yet again. Morales couldn't find enough offense to put Race down long enough though, because for all of Race's faults, he is a certifiable tough guy that can take a beating and keep coming at you. Race again showed how crafty he was too, dodging out of Morales' way and sending the Puerto Rican into the steel bars, knocking him loopy. He then tied Morales up in the ropes, giving him just enough time to crawl out the door and retain his title in a well-deserved title defense. Another near miss, but Harley Race remains the champion.
Card rating: ***
Match observations:
We are getting near the end of the year, which means the action will get better and better with each show! The next event is on October 18 at the Boston Garden, with these matches set to take place:
INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE - Terry Funk (c) (w/ Don Muraco) vs. Dory Funk Jr. (w/ Bobby Duncum) WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES - Jumbo Tsuruta/Dino Bravo (c) vs. The Blackjacks Battle Royal for a future World Title shot
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Post by snabbit888 on Jan 4, 2011 14:11:55 GMT -5
October 18, 1976 - Boston Garden - Boston, MA
The Russians (Ivan Koloff and Nikolai Volkoff) defeated Dean Ho and Tony Garea when I. Koloff pinned Garea after the Iron Curtain in 0:11:40. Rating: **
A big night here in Boston kicked off with tag team action as the Russians took on Dean Ho & Tony Garea. Ho & Garea tried to quicken the pace of the match, but the power of the Russians was too much for them to deal with. The Iron Curtain (double lariat) put Garea on his back and that was all she wrote.
After that match, an announcement was made to the live crowd regarding GCW's return to Japan! On December 23, GCW will be at the Tokyo Dome! Not only that, but the main event has been announced. Provided he is still World champion on December 23, Harley Race will put the title on the line against former champion, ANTONIO INOKI! What a colossal match that should be!
Billy Graham made Mike Graham submit to the Bearhug in 0:04:15. Rating: ***
Just when you think you have seen "Superstar" Billy Graham reach the lowest point he is going to, we see something like what happened tonight. The Superstar's opponent here in Boston was his nephew, Mike Graham, the son of GCW great Eddie Graham. Mike was making his debut, and Eddie asked his brother to wrestle his son, thinking it would be a nice, technical match. It turned into anything but. After a hug to start the match, Billy Pearl Harbored Mike and the onslaught was on. Mike was beaten to the point of bleeding before being put away with the Bearhug and tossed aside like he was garbage. When Eddie Graham founded out about this, he was livid and said he would do anything to get his hands on his brother, a match that will take place on November 14 at Madison Square Garden!
Terry Funk and Dory Funk Jr. battled to a double disqualification in 0:19:25. Rating: *** 1/4 (Terry Funk retained the GCW Intercontinental Title.)
Terry Funk & Dory Funk Jr. were at it again, and with Don Muraco & Bobby Duncum in thir corners respectively, we knew this one couldn't possibly end cleanly. There's too much hostility and bad blood involved here for that to happen. Duncum's presence in Dory's corner helped neutralize Muraco for most of the contest, but when Dory got Terry in the Texas Cloverleaf, Muraco jumped in the ring. This prompted Duncum to jump in the ring, and all hell broke loose. Referee Terry Taranova had no other option but to toss this one out as the four men beat the tar out of each other. We have found out that Duncum will make his return to the ring on November 14 at MSG, where he will team with Dory Funk Jr. against Terry Funk & Don Muraco in a Tornado Tag Team Match!
Jumbo Tsuruta and Dino Bravo defeated The Blackjacks (Blackjack Lanza and Blackjack Mulligan) when Tsuruta pinned Mulligan with the Jumbo Knee in 0:19:51. Rating: *** 1/2 (Jumbo Tsuruta and Dino Bravo retained the GCW World Tag Team Titles.) [Bobby Heenan interfered against Dino Bravo.]
The Blackjacks got their return match for the World Tag Team Titles, but it didn't go the way that Bobby Heenan had hoped. Heenan assumed that with proper preparation, his more experienced team would be able to easily defeat Jumbo Tsuruta & Din Bravo, who won the titles on their very first match teaming together. This was a big mistake in philosophy on Heenan's part, as Mulligan & Lanza learned the hard way that the champs are the real deal. In a great 20 minute match, Jumbo & Bravo managed to turn back the advances of the Blackjacks and retain the titles, Tsuruta hitting his Jumbo Knee on Mulligan to put it away. Heenan has managed to get the Blackjacks one more shot at the titles at MSG, but they're going to have to win or they won't get another shot as long as Tsuruta & Bravo are holding the straps.
[WINNER RECEIVES WORLD TITLE SHOT]: 20-Man Battle Royal: Peter Maivia won a 20-man Battle Royal: x Monsoon threw out Hansen after a side step in 0:01:25 x Dusty Rhodes threw out B. Graham in 0:03:46 x Murdoch threw out Ho in 0:05:50 x I. Koloff threw out Garea in 0:06:16 x L. Graham threw out Slaughter in 0:06:48 x I. Koloff & Volkoff threw out Monsoon in 0:09:00 x J. Snuka threw out Wrestling I in 0:13:04 x L. Graham threw out D. Funk Jr. in 0:15:31 x L. Graham threw out Robinson after a side suplex in 0:17:36 x L. Graham threw out J. Snuka in 0:19:19 x Maivia threw out Volkoff after a bodyslam in 0:21:13 x Dusty Rhodes threw out Matsuda in 0:23:34 x Maivia threw out T. Funk in 0:25:32 x Dusty Rhodes threw out Muraco in 0:25:35 x Maivia threw out Kowalski in 0:27:31 x I. Koloff threw out Dusty Rhodes in 0:30:18 x Maivia threw out I. Koloff in 0:31:32 x Maivia threw out Murdoch in 0:32:22 x Maivia threw out L. Graham in 0:35:05 Rating: **** 1/4
Our main event featured 20 of the top GCW superstars competing in a battle royal, the winner being granted a future match for the World Title against Harley Race. A lot of storylines in this one. For starters, the relatively early elimination of Billy Graham was a shocker, as he had to be considered one of the favorites going in. However, he was the second man eliminated thanks to Dusty Rhodes. The issues between Jimmy Snuka & Luke Graham continued as well as the two couldn't seem to stay away from each other in the ring, culminating with Graham hitting Snuka with a shot below the belt to eliminate him. Dusty Rhodes once again came out on the wrong side against Ivan Koloff, thinking he had thrown the Russian Bear out, but Koloff held onto the ropes and dumped Rhodes out of the ring. Another big disappointment for Rhodes.
The night would belong to Peter Maivia, however. After Rhodes was eliminated, it was down to Maivia, Koloff, Dick Murdoch, and Luke Graham - not good odds for the High Chief. He got a bit of an assist from Rhodes who again jawjacking with Koloff, allowing Maivia to dump Koloff out of the ring from behind. Not long after, Maivia caught an overzealous Murdoch charging in and sent him to the floor with a backdrop, leaving just Luke Graham. Graham wasn't so easily thwarted though, giving Maivia a beatdown. Graham was toying with Maivia, taking his sweet time, and this ultimately cost him in a big way. He could have thrown Maivia out but chose to keep beating him, causing JIMMY SNUKA to return to the ring and hit Graham with a low blow of his own! Maivia used this help to dropkick Graham out of the ring and win the match, earning himself a shot at the World Title!
Card rating: *** 3/4
Match observations:
Only four more shows left in 1976, the next being on November 14 from Madison Square Garden!
WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES - Jumbo Tsuruta/Dino Bravo (c) vs. The Blackjacks CAGE MATCH - Jimmy Snuka vs. Luke Graham TORNADO RULES - Dory Funk Jr./Bobby Duncum vs. Terry Funk/Don Muraco Eddie Graham vs. Billy Graham Stan Hansen vs. Killer Kowalski Peter Maivia/Dusty Rhodes vs. The Russians
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Post by gentlemanjeff on Jan 5, 2011 9:37:54 GMT -5
Your roster really gets jazzed up for battle royals, don't they?
I'm digging Harley Race as champ. The handling of his challengers has been pretty classically old school, which is fun to see. And it's been impressive the way he's dispatched them one by one. I predict the same for Maivia.
I too would like to see a team rise and stick with the tag titles--but not Tsuruta/Bravo. Though it's not unrealistic or anything the way they've been bouncing around; a look at the WWF's tag titles, for example, shows them to be short-term television angle fodder up until the mid-80s when the first golden era of tag wrestling arrived.
I like how you keep your roster tight; about 30-35 people with almost everyone used every show. Really forces you to trim the fat and be decisive on who gets pushed and who doesn't.
The IC title picture strikes me as funny. I always think of the Intercontinental title as the technician's workrate title (well, back in the good old days), but here it's become the southern brawler's championship.
The rise of Jimmy Snuka has been fun. Dude came around too early for his own good. Also his whole "stranglin' his girlfriend" thing.
The Ivan Koloff storyline seems to have slowed down.
Gotta' love the Golden Grahams.
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Post by LillaThrilla on Jan 5, 2011 11:07:42 GMT -5
Big win for Maivia, even if he got some help.
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Post by rey619 on Jan 5, 2011 13:26:40 GMT -5
Dude, I don't remember Eddie Graham. Was he there for long? Anyways, I don't think he could have seen a lot of his brothers matches if he thought Billy would do a technical, friendly match.
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Post by snabbit888 on Jan 5, 2011 16:30:47 GMT -5
Your roster really gets jazzed up for battle royals, don't they? I'm digging Harley Race as champ. The handling of his challengers has been pretty classically old school, which is fun to see. And it's been impressive the way he's dispatched them one by one. I predict the same for Maivia. I too would like to see a team rise and stick with the tag titles--but not Tsuruta/Bravo. Though it's not unrealistic or anything the way they've been bouncing around; a look at the WWF's tag titles, for example, shows them to be short-term television angle fodder up until the mid-80s when the first golden era of tag wrestling arrived. I like how you keep your roster tight; about 30-35 people with almost everyone used every show. Really forces you to trim the fat and be decisive on who gets pushed and who doesn't. The IC title picture strikes me as funny. I always think of the Intercontinental title as the technician's workrate title (well, back in the good old days), but here it's become the southern brawler's championship. The rise of Jimmy Snuka has been fun. Dude came around too early for his own good. Also his whole "stranglin' his girlfriend" thing. The Ivan Koloff storyline seems to have slowed down. Gotta' love the Golden Grahams. My battle royals always get great ratings. Kind of annoying, actually. I like battle royals, but they're not four star affairs. I'm still figuring out who should dethrone Race. So far, I don't want it to be anybody. He's been too good as my champ. I have been trying to have long term tag champs, but generally, either someone quits or gets hurt or doesn't re-sign. Since I don't do a tv show and it's just supercards, a small roster is a necessity. Otherwise each show would have 30 matches, which I don't have the patience for. As for the IC Title, I guess you're right. Though it wasn't done intentionally, I'm trying to do enough things to differentiate GCW so that it's not an exact mold of WWF/E. I'm surprised with how much I've enjoyed Snuka too. Not a character I generally like too much in real life, but he's been fun to write here. Hopefully Koloff/Rhodes picks up again.
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Post by snabbit888 on Jan 5, 2011 16:31:38 GMT -5
Dude, I don't remember Eddie Graham. Was he there for long? Anyways, I don't think he could have seen a lot of his brothers matches if he thought Billy would do a technical, friendly match. First few years, tagged with Dr. Jerry Graham. Later was a short time manager. Easily forgettable.
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