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Post by snabbit888 on May 12, 2010 0:32:32 GMT -5
June 9, 1974 - Madison Square Garden - New York, NY
Pedro Morales and Billy Robinson battled to a draw in 0:30:00. Rating: ** 1/2
Neither Billy Robinson nor Pedro Morales was happy with the 20-minute time limit draw they wrestled to in Baltimore, so here in the Garden, they wrestled with a 30-minute time limit. Another great wrestling display between two of the world's best, and much like last month, 30 minutes just wasn't enough time for these two to settle it. Robinson hit the Double-Arm Suplex near the end of the match, but couldn't make the cover before the time limit expired. Both Robinson and Morales have petitioned for one more match, and their petitions have been answered. On July 3 from Chicago Stadium, Robinson & Morales meet for a third time, but this time, there will be no time limit at all! We are going to see a winner, no matter how long it takes.
Gorilla Monsoon pinned Johnny Rodz after a splash in 0:01:28. Rating: **
Poor Johnny Rodz. You have to admire his guts for asking for a match against Gorilla Monsoon, the 400-pound monster from Manchuria and an all-time great in GCW. Rodz, for all of his faults, is never going to back down from a fight, even if the odds are seemingly insurmountable. Rodz got the first few shots in, but the punches had little effect before Monsoon crushed him, winning this match in speedy fashion with a splash. Another trip to the loser's circle for Johnny Rodz.
Dominic DeNucci and Tony Garea defeated Crusher & Bruiser (The Crusher and Dick the Bruiser) when DeNucci defeated Bruiser by countout in 0:06:08. Rating: * 3/4
Speaking of cold streaks, there might not be a colder team in all of wrestling right now than Dick the Bruiser & The Crusher. The 7-time tag team champions are legends, no doubt about it, but the rumblings going around backstage and in the arenas is that they're too old to compete on a serious level anymore. No one's had the guts to say that to Bruiser & Crusher directly, but the results of their matches in recent months suggest that the rumblings may be correct. Bruiser & Crusher looked completely out of whack against another former tag team championship team trying to get back on track, Dominic DeNucci & Tony Garea. Bruiser & Crusher never got on the same page, and as they have been prone to do in the past, got into a shoving match on the floor. As the argument escalated, they didn't even realize they were being counted out - that is, until the bell sounded and DeNucci & Garea were awarded the victory. Bruiser & Crusher jumped back in the ring but DeNucci & Garea bailed. Bruiser & Crusher got into another shoving match before cooler heads prevailed. These two really need to right the ship in a hurry.
Harley Race pinned Ernie Ladd after a diving headbutt in 0:14:03. Rating: ** 1/4 (Harley Race retained the GCW United States Title.)
Harley Race has thus backed up everything he has said, which is unfortunate considering he continues to talk about it. Now as the United States champion, Race has even more of a leg to stand on to back up his claims. The calm and stoic egomaniac made his first title defense since winning the gold, defending against a former 2-time champion Ernie Ladd. If you want a tough test for your first title defense, wrestle The Big Cat. Ladd is a veteran who is not going to put up with anyone's attitude, particular Race's. Ladd didn't back down and hit Race in the mouth early and often, throwing Race completely off his game. Race looked flustered and almost got pinned on more than one occasion, but a well-placed poke to the eye that the referee didn't detect ultimately led to Race hitting the diving headbutt to win a hard fought title defense.
Don Muraco pinned Baron Mikel Scicluna with the Flying Crossbody in 0:06:54. Rating: ** 3/4
Baron Mikel Scicluna is back on his own after Spiros Arion left GCW, wrestling in singles tonight against Don Muraco. Muraco is one of the top young up-and-comers in wrestling, and with his training under Billy Robinson, he has improved by leaps and bounds in a relatively short time. Muraco showcased those skills in great fashion, putting Scicluna away with the Flying Crossbody to beat the veteran.
Number-One-Contenders-Match: The Texas Outlaws (Dusty Rhodes and Dick Murdoch) defeated The Cripplers (Nick Bockwinkel and Ray Stevens) when Murdoch made R. Stevens submit to an abdominal stretch in 0:27:39. Rating: *** [Bobby Heenan interfered against Dusty Rhodes.]
The Cripplers and The Texas Outlaws are two highly unpopular teams, but they are also two of the best, and they have developed quite a rivalry in recent weeks. Dusty Rhodes & "Dirty" Dick Murdoch are ready to take the next step, and the best way to do that would be a victory over the former 3-time World Tag Team champions in a #1 contenders match. Neither of these teams are particularly well liked by the fans, but the large crowd in MSG had no choice but to get into this match due to the intensity and the fight the two factions took to each other. The fight raged on for nearly a half hour. Stevens & Bockwinkel knew that they weren't going to out brawl the Outlaws, so they used their status as veterans to slow the match down and frustrate the youngsters. In the end though, the youth and drive of Rhodes & Murdoch would make the difference. The merciless attacks on Ray Stevens' ribs paid off as Murdoch was able to submit him to an abdominal stretch. The Texas Outlaws get their shot they want at the World Tag Team Titles in Chicago. Now, who will they be facing?
Carlos Colon pinned Jimmy Snuka with the Figure-Four Leglock in 0:08:56. Rating: ** 3/4
A rare fan favorites match with Carlos Colon and Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka going one-on-one. Snuka looked to have control later in the match, but when he went for the Superfly Splash, he hit nothing but canvas, allowing Colon to lock on the Figure-Four Leglock. The pain caused Snuka to pass out and get pinned in the hold, putting this one in the books.
Mr. Wrestling I and Mr. Wrestling II defeated Mr. Fuji and Toru Tanaka when Wrestling II pinned Tanaka with the Million Dollar Kneelift in 0:26:02. Rating: 1/2 (Mr. Wrestling I and Mr. Wrestling II retained the GCW World Tag Team Titles.)
This could be the early favorite for the match of the year! Mr. Wrestling I & Mr. Wrestling II are a mysterious masked team, but if we know one thing about them, it's that they are excellent ring generals. If there's any tag team in GCW that can match the champs in the ring, it would be the challengers, Mr. Fuji & Professor Toru Tanaka. This match was a tag team wrestling clinic, plain and simple. Fuji & Tanaka have been to the top of the mountain before, so they know what it's like. I & II are the current champions, and aren't looking for their title reign to end any time soon. That competitive spirit translated to one fantastic match, a spectacular 30 minute affair littered with nearfalls and near submissions. Mr. Fuji tried to spray the blue mist into his opponent's face like he has so many times in the past, but he made a major mistake in planning. Fuji forgot that Mr. Wrestling I & II both wear masks. The only thing the mist did was make the white mask of II blue, and it surely didn't save Tanaka from the Million Dollar Kneelift. A great match with a great finish. It'll be interesting to see how much this match took out of the champs, as their next title defense is against the burly and rugged Texas Outlaws.
[LIGHTS OUT BUNKHOUSE MATCH]: No-Countout-No-DQ-Match: Billy Graham pinned Luke Graham after a powerslam in 0:22:56. Rating: *** [The Grand Wizard interfered against Luke Graham.]
Luke Graham & Billy Graham. Two brothers, but two of the most bitter enemies in GCW history. After Billy cost Luke the US Title last month, this one had to be settled once and for all. Thus, for the first time ever, a Lights Out Bunkhouse match. The rules were simple - come to the ring dressed as you are, all weapons are legal, beat the holy hell out of each other until there is a winner. We have seen some ridiculously brutal and bloody battles in the 11 years GCW has been in business, but this one stands out as the most brutal yet. The fact that two brothers would try to destroy each other as badly as they did is beyond me. They gouged eyes. They used chokeholds. They used ring bells, chairs, lines of cable. Whatever wasn't strapped down, these two used on each other. As the two men became sicker and sicker in what they did, it looked like Luke Graham was starting to hesitate, not wanting to maim his little brother this badly. Luke's momentary sympathy for his baby brother served to be his downfall, as The Grand Wizard jumped in the ring and sprayed rubbing alcohol right into Luke's open head wounds! Luke was writhing in pain which allowed Billy to powerslam him right on a chair to get the 1-2-3 and finally get that monkey off his back. It took the most brutal match in GCW history to do so, but Billy Graham has finally defeated his older brother.
The Heenan Family (Blackjack Lanza and Bobby Duncum) defeated Baron Von Raschke and Ivan Koloff when Duncum pinned I. Koloff with the Full Nelson Slam in 0:45:54. Rating: 1/4 [Nikolai Volkoff interfered against Ivan Koloff.]
The main event was high stakes tag team action with World champion Ivan Koloff teaming up with Baron Von Raschke to take on from the Heenan Family, Blackjack Lanza & Bobby Duncum. This was your classic good old-fashioned brawl of a tag team match between four bonafied tough men. It took everything Dick Kroll had to keep anything even closely resembling order. The tension was building up until the end when a fight erupted on the floor between Lanza & Raschke, who were not the legal men. Kroll tried to break that up in the floor, turning his back to the action between Koloff & Duncum in the ring. Koloff hit the Russian Sickle on Duncum, but there was no referee to count. While Koloff was making the cover, a huge man came out from the back, and following behind him was LOU ALBANO, who we hadn't seen in months! This man jumped in the ring and kicked Koloff hard in the back of the head. This man put Koloff in a huge Bearhug, squeezing the life out of our tired champion. This man left the ring as Kroll turned back to watch Duncum hit the Full Nelson Slam on the already incapacitated Koloff to get the 1-2-3, the first time Koloff's shoulders have ever been pinned to the canvas!
After the show, this huge man was identified as Nikolai Volkoff, a beast of a man from Russia. Albano is bringing him in to get revenge on Koloff for firing him earlier this year. Koloff has wasted no time in demanding a match with Volkoff, and it will take place on July 3 in Chicago.
Card rating: *** 1/4
Match observations:
On July 3, right before our nation's Independence Day, GCW will invade Chicago for live action at the Chicago Stadium!
WORLD TITLE - Ivan Koloff (c) vs. Nikolai Volkoff WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES - Mr. Wrestling I/Mr. Wrestling II (c) vs. The Texas Outlaws CHICAGO STREETFIGHT - Baron Von Raschke vs. Bobby Duncum NO TIME LIMIT - Billy Robinson vs. Pedro Morales
In addition, we have learned that there will be a special in-ring interview with Dick the Bruiser & The Crusher!
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Post by JoshiQ on May 12, 2010 9:23:41 GMT -5
Things continue to progress nicely here. It seems like we are in the middle of a changing of the guard. I could see the Bruiser and the Crusher retiring shortly, same with Luke Graham.
Interesting to see Nikolai Volkoff come in. I know he was a lot bigger deal back in his prime, but I will always remember him as the jobber tag team with Boris Zhukov or the jobber in the Million Dollar Corporation from the '90s. That being said, I'd love to see him take the title from Ivan Koloff even though I doubt that's how you go with this.
Glad to see Muraco pick up a win too.
It's pretty weird that half of your roster are cowboys or Russians, but it's working out really well. Surprised to see Duncum be the first man to pin Ivan Koloff, but it makes sense in the build up for Volkoff.
Anyways, you never fail to entertain. Another good card.
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Post by LillaThrilla on May 12, 2010 9:26:25 GMT -5
Russian on Russian violence!
It's pretty funny Gorilla Monsoon was billed as being from Manchuria since he doesn't look remotely Asian. Heck, from his later years as a WWF announcer & figurehead it's hard to believe that guy was once 400 lbs either...
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Post by magiccitydawg on May 12, 2010 9:44:01 GMT -5
Things continue to progress nicely here. It seems like we are in the middle of a changing of the guard. I could see the Bruiser and the Crusher retiring shortly, same with Luke Graham. Interesting to see Nikolai Volkoff come in. I know he was a lot bigger deal back in his prime, but I will always remember him as the jobber tag team with Boris Zhukov or the jobber in the Million Dollar Corporation from the '90s. That being said, I'd love to see him take the title from Ivan Koloff even though I doubt that's how you go with this. Glad to see Muraco pick up a win too. It's pretty weird that half of your roster are cowboys or Russians, but it's working out really well. Surprised to see Duncum be the first man to pin Ivan Koloff, but it makes sense in the build up for Volkoff. Anyways, you never fail to entertain. Another good card. Of course, I remember a little further back and fondly remember a tag team called The Mongols, Bepo and Geto. Bepo was none other than, you guessed it, Nikolai Volkoff. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikolai_Volkoff
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Post by snabbit888 on May 12, 2010 19:37:20 GMT -5
Things continue to progress nicely here. It seems like we are in the middle of a changing of the guard. I could see the Bruiser and the Crusher retiring shortly, same with Luke Graham. Interesting to see Nikolai Volkoff come in. I know he was a lot bigger deal back in his prime, but I will always remember him as the jobber tag team with Boris Zhukov or the jobber in the Million Dollar Corporation from the '90s. That being said, I'd love to see him take the title from Ivan Koloff even though I doubt that's how you go with this. Glad to see Muraco pick up a win too. It's pretty weird that half of your roster are cowboys or Russians, but it's working out really well. Surprised to see Duncum be the first man to pin Ivan Koloff, but it makes sense in the build up for Volkoff. Anyways, you never fail to entertain. Another good card. Volkoff was apparently pretty legit back in the 70s/early 80s. He's one of those wrestlers who I like though I'm not entirely sure why. In all fairness, during the 70s, it seems like a ton of wrestlers were either cowboys or Russians, so it's hard not to have them. I generally don't like cowboy characters all that much, but guys like Lanza & Duncum are pretty f'n awesome, so it's hard not to use them.
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Post by snabbit888 on May 12, 2010 21:30:28 GMT -5
July 3, 1974 - Chicago Stadium - Chicago, IL
No-Time-Limit-Match: Billy Robinson pinned Pedro Morales after a small package in 0:31:33. Rating: *** 1/2
With both 20 minutes and 30 minutes not being enough for Billy Robinson & Pedro Morales to settle their differences, they met for a third time - this time, with no time limit. In addition, the two went on first to ensure that there would be a winner. It's a good thing they were given over 30 minutes, because they needed it. They wrestled for over 30 minutes, wrestling a slower and more plodding pace than they did before knowing that they had all night if they needed it. In the end it would be a great wrestling counter by Billy Robinson that put this away, turning Morales' Boston Crab attempt into a small package for the 3 count. After the match, Robinson offered a handshake after the battles they have had over the past several months, but Morales wanted none of it and walked to the back. There's a reason why he is the most hated man in wrestling.
Carlos Colon pinned Johnny Rodz with the Figure-Four Leglock in 0:05:53. Rating: *** 3/4
Carlos Colon keeps on the winning pace while Johnny Rodz does the exact opposite in our second contest of the night. Rodz has been going around saying that he is going to end his losing streak by being more unpredictable, leading to many in the locker room jokingly nicknaming him "The Unpredictable" Johnny Rodz. So far, this new out-of-left-field Johnny Rodz has not paid dividends.
Billy Graham pinned Jimmy Snuka after a powerslam in 0:08:47. Rating: ** 1/4
"Superstar" Billy Graham finally got the monkey off his back by pinning his brother Luke in a match at MSG. He was still bruised up for this match with Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka, a man who is a tough fight even if you're 100% healthy. Snuka's high-flying had Graham off balance in the early stages, but Graham powered through it and dropped Snuka with a powerslam, a move that's starting to become a secondary finisher for the Superstar, making him that much more dangerous. Billy Graham got great news after the show, learning that on August 1 in Toronto, he would wrestle for the World Heavyweight Title regardless of who was the champion. A huge opportunity for Graham.
Ernie Ladd pinned Baron Mikel Scicluna with the Thumb to the Throat in 0:08:11. Rating: ** 1/4
Ernie Ladd fell short in his bid to win the United States Title for a third time, but he did get some momentum going back his way tonight with a strong victory over Baron Mikel Scicluna.
Harley Race pinned Don Muraco after a gutwrench suplex in 0:18:09. Don Muraco suffered an elbow injury. He will be out for approximately 3 months. Rating: ** 1/4 (Harley Race retained the GCW United States Title.)
Don Muraco's recent impressive performances were enough for the Championship Committee to determine that he was deserving of a United States Title shot against Harley Race, a match that took place next. Muraco is still learning every match he wrestles in, but he took one of the world's best to the absolute limit here. Race was taking Muraco very lightly early on, and Muraco almost made him pay for it 2 minutes in when he hit the Flying Crossbody for a 2 and a half. After that, Race buckled down, but Muraco seemed to be one step ahead of him at every move. The fans were really behind Muraco and they thought they were witnessing history here as this would have been a huge upset. Muraco kept getting nearfall after nearfall as Race looked more and more flustered with each passing moment. It looked like this was Muraco's match to win until he missed an elbow drop and looked to have hurt his elbow pretty badly. Race wasted no time in hitting a gutwrench suplex and this match was over. After being examined by the doctor, Don Muraco was diagnosed with a dislocated elbow that is going to put him out of action for up to 3 months. An unfortunate injury to a young man who was just starting to hit his stride. On the flip side, Race better start taking his opponents more seriously or his reign with the US Title is going to be a short one.
The Heenan Family (Blackjack Lanza and Ray Stevens) defeated Dominic DeNucci and Tony Garea when Lanza made Garea submit to the Blackjack Claw in 0:12:52. Rating: *** (Nick Bockwinkel no-showed.)
This tag team match was supposed to be Dominic DeNucci & Tony Garea vs. The Cripplers, but Nick Bockwinkel was not in attendance. According to Bobby Heenan, Bockwinkel was out in Los Angeles filming a commercial so instead, Blackjack Lanza was called upon to do double duty by teaming with Stevens. Though Stevens & Lanza are not regular tag team partners, the Heenan Family is tight knit and Heenan claims that all of the cogs are interchangeable, making them a dominant group. Heenan's group showed that to be true, as Stevens & Lanza picked up an impressive victory over the former tag team champions. Lanza now has a singles match later in the evening against Gorilla Monsoon to contend with.
[CHICAGO STREETFIGHT]: No-Countout-No-DQ-Match: Baron Von Raschke made Bobby Duncum submit to the Claw in 0:08:30. Rating: 1/4
The other member of the Heenan Family had a big match himself as he was going to end his issues with Baron Von Raschke once and for all. Bobby Duncum has been ruthlessly against Raschke for months now, and matters came to a head in Chicago with the signing of this Chicago Streetfight. The match was short but brutal, as Raschke had his eyes set on making Duncum bleed for all of the times he had done it to him. Despite taking a beating, Duncum got the advantage when he hit Raschke below the belt and grabbed a boot from under the ring that had a spur on it. Duncum was going to carve Raschke up, exactly the same way he did when this whole mess started to begin with! Duncum took too much time though and got caught with a low blow himself. Raschke grabbed the spur and used it to cut open Duncum's forehead instead! As Duncum was gushing out blood, Raschke put on the Claw and Duncum had to submit or face permanent injury. A violent and bloody end to an equally violent and bloody feud.
The Texas Outlaws (Dusty Rhodes and Dick Murdoch) defeated Mr. Wrestling I and Mr. Wrestling II when Dusty Rhodes pinned Wrestling II with the Bionic Elbowdrop in 0:32:56. Rating: (The Texas Outlaws won the GCW World Tag Team Titles.)
The Texas Outlaws earned the title shot that they coveted so much by beating The Cripplers last month, but they would have to put up or shut up against the reigning champions, Mr. Wrestling I & II, who have been nearly unstoppable since coming to GCW. Another fantastic tag team match that showed exactly why GCW has the greatest tag team division in all of wrestling. Two different styles between the teams, but they meshed well and the fans in Chicago were treated to a helluva match. No winner could be reached in the 30 minute time limit, but referee Willie Webber made a gutsy call and ordered the match to continue. This did not sit well with the champs, who felt they should have got to leave with the titles still in their possession. As it turned out, they never refocused, which allowed Dusty Rhodes to hit the Bionic Elbowdrop on II to get the 1-2-3 and become the new World Tag Team champions!
Interview: Dick the Bruiser & The Crusher put their careers on the line for a title shot.
As Rhodes & Murdoch were presented the titles, DICK THE BRUISER & THE CRUSHER came into the ring and grabbed the microphone. Bruiser & Crusher mock congratulated Rhodes & Murdoch on their title win, but said they haven't impressed anyone yet. Crusher noted how it wasn't more than 8 months ago that they were bouncing the Texas Outlaws all over arenas, and that they planned on doing it again. Bruiser followed by saying that they've been on a losing streak, and they need to show that they still got it, and they want a title shot to do so. Rhodes grabbed the mic and told them that the Outlaws don't owe them anything and to look elsewhere. Bruiser stopped them from leaving and said that if they couldn't win the titles on August 1 in Toronto, they would leave GCW forever! Rhodes & Murdoch had a discussion about this, and apparently the opportunity to retire the greatest tag team in GCW history was too good for them to pass up, and thus the match is on!
Blackjack Lanza pinned Gorilla Monsoon after a short lariat in 0:05:52. Rating: ** [Bobby Heenan interfered against Gorilla Monsoon.]
This was our second time seeing Blackjack Lanza, an impressive feat for anyone to even be competing in 2 matches in one night. To make it even more impressive, he was wrestling Gorilla Monsoon, one of the most feared men in GCW. Lanza was still riding high from the victory earlier, as he didn't seem to be suffering many ill effects from the previous match, getting a great win. Lanza caught Monsoon hard under the chin with a short lariat to knock the big man loopy and make the pinfall.
Ivan Koloff defeated Nikolai Volkoff by countout in 0:24:06. Rating: 1/2* (Ivan Koloff retained the GCW World Title.) [Lou Albano interfered against Ivan Koloff.]
Little is known about Nikolai Volkoff, but what we do know is that he is Captain Lou Albano's hired gun and he wants to rip Ivan Koloff's head clean off his body. This was Volkoff's first match and at Koloff's request, the match was for the World Title as he wants to be a fighting champion, especially if it means shutting Albano up. The match was a brutal affair as these two surly Russians tore into each other with reckless abandon. The match was bowling shoe ugly - no one would deny that - but the force behind every blow was palpable. No blood, but both men were covered with noticeable bruises by the end of this one. Koloff would get the W in the match by a countout, knocking Volkoff to the floor and Albano instructing him to walk out to take the loss. A dumbfounding move, but with Albano, you know he has something up his sleeve. I don't think this one is over by a long shot.
Card rating: ** 1/2
Match observations:
Only two matches have been announced so for for the August 1 show at the Maple Leaf Gardens, but they are astronomically huge! More matches will be added to the card, but what we have signed so far is:
WORLD TITLE - Ivan Koloff (c) vs. Billy Graham WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES (If Bruiser/Crusher don't win the titles, they will leave GCW) - The Texas Outlaws (c) vs. Dick the Bruiser/The Crusher
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Post by snabbit888 on May 16, 2010 13:58:16 GMT -5
August 1, 1974 - Maple Leaf Gardens - Toronto, ON, CA
Jimmy Snuka pinned Baron Mikel Scicluna after a small package in 0:01:54. Rating: * 1/4
Our return to the Great White North started out with a quick match as Jimmy Snuka got the better of The Grand Wizard's Baron Mikel Scicluna. Snuka is known for his aerial attack, but he didn't need it here as a small package caught the Maltese blue blood by surprise and pinned his shoulders to the mat. After the match, we learned that The Grand Wizard is cutting ties with Scicluna, having sold his contraxt to Captain Lou Albano, who is looking to amass a new stable of wrestlers. This change of management could be what Scicluna needs to get back on track.
Nikolai Volkoff pinned Dominic DeNucci after a lariat in 0:07:40. Rating: * 1/2 [Ivan Koloff interfered against Nikolai Volkoff.]
Speaking of Albano, his Russian monster Nikolai Volkoff was in action against veteran tag team specialist Dominic DeNucci. DeNucci tried to wrestle Volkoff, but there was simply too much size and power there to contend with, not to mention a meanstreak. Volkoff gets his first official win in a GCW ring.
Gorilla Monsoon and Dino Bravo defeated The Cripplers (Nick Bockwinkel and Ray Stevens) when Bravo pinned Bockwinkel with the Side Suplex in 0:11:23. Rating: ** 1/4
The Cripplers have been in a foul mood since losing the World Tag Team Titles, and what happened tonight isn't going to make them any happier. They had a tag team match scheduled against Gorilla Monsoon and a partner to be named, but since Ray Stevens & Nick Bockwinkel are as arrogant as they come, they didn't seem all that concerned. When Monsoon came out with a newcomer, Canada's own DINO BRAVO, they seemed even less concerned. It's hard to blame them, considering this is the first time Monsoon & Bravo ever teamed, and the Cripplers are amongst the best. Well, there's a reason why they wrestle the matches. Monsoon & Bravo used the element of surprise to bumrush the Cripplers, and in the end, the beefy Bravo hit the Side Suplex on Bockwinkel to get the upset win. Maybe Bockwinkel should have filmed another commercial. Heenan was livid, and has already arranged for a rematch for August 26 in Madison Square Garden.
Interview: Harley Race bites off more than he can chew.
United States champion Harley Race had the night off as he was supposed to defend again against Don Muraco, but Muraco is out with an injury. Race could have stayed home in Kansas City, but he chose to come to Toronto to put himself over. Race stoically talked about how he is the finest wrestler in the world, and that there was nobody in Global Championship Wrestling that could hold a candle to him. Race went as far as to say that Muraco wasn't actually injured, but rather afraid of being humiliated by Race again. As Race continued to run Muraco down, BILLY ROBINSON finally had enough and came out to confront Race. Robinson is Muraco's mentor and didn't appreciate Race disrespecting him. Robinson was ready to fight, but Race backed down and went to the back without incident.
Baron Von Raschke defeated Johnny Rodz when Johnny Rodz passed out in the Claw in 0:03:11. Rating: ** 3/4
Johnny Rodz's unpredictable move tonight was to put on a mask so that Baron Von Raschke "can't see my facial expressions." Hrm… yeah. I don't think the Claw Master cares a lick about anyone's facial expressions - he just cares about hurting people and winning matches. He did both of those in short order in Toronto, locking on the Claw to get a dominant victory.
Carlos Colon and Blackjack Lanza battled to a double countout in 0:09:00. Rating: *** 1/4
Sometimes when we have a match that doesn't have any history, some history starts. Carlos Colon & Blackjack Lanza have no beef with each other, but as this match waged on, a beef was clearly developing. Tempers started flaring, and before you knew it, the two were on the floor trying to beat the stuffing out of each other! Both men were counted out and a slew of officials were needed to break them up, but not before Lanza caught Colon with a cheap shot that busted his nose up pretty good. This one is just getting started.
Mr. Fuji and Toru Tanaka defeated Mr. Wrestling I and Mr. Wrestling II when Tanaka defeated I when I passed out in the Japanese Sleeper in 0:14:36. Rating: ** 3/4
Many were surprised that Mr. Wrestling I & II lost the World Tag Team Titles in Chicago, and they were even more surprised with what went down in this match against Mr. Fuji & Toru Tanaka. In the end of this competitive match, Tanaka caught I in the Japanese Sleeper, a dangerous submission hold. I struggled to get close enough to tag in his partner, but when he got to the corner, II dropped to the floor so I couldn't make the tag! The fans booed II mercilessly as II watched on as I passed out in the hold, putting this match away. II evidentally is blaming I for the title loss, and to make matters worse for Mr. Wrestling I, II has quit GCW, so I won't even have a chance for revenge! Where Mr. Wrestling I goes from here is anyone's guess, but one of the brightest teams in the world is no more.
Pedro Morales pinned Tony Garea after a roundhouse right in 0:05:50. Rating: ***
Pedro Morales wrestled some fantastic matches against Billy Robinson, but came up on the short end of the stick. Morales came back with all guns blazing and literally knocking Tony Garea out with a huge roundhouse right. Morales is poised to make a run at getting another shot at the World Title.
Bobby Duncum pinned Ernie Ladd with the Full Nelson Slam in 0:06:11. Rating: ** 3/4
Bobby Duncum was sporting a huge scar on his head from Baron Von Raschke carving him up with his own spur, but he was here and ready for action against Ernie Ladd. Though Duncum lost the Chicago Streetfight to Raschke last month, you can't forget that it was Duncum who was the first man to pin World champion Ivan Koloff's shoulders to the mat in a tag team match back in June. Duncum again showed why he may be the best wrestler in the Heenan Family and a future champion by besting GCW veteran Ernie Ladd. Duncum's chance to become a champion will be soon, as he has been granted the next shot at the World Title on August 26 at Madison Square Garden.
Ivan Koloff pinned Billy Graham with the Russian Sickle in 0:26:48. Rating: *** (Ivan Koloff retained the GCW World Title.) [The Grand Wizard interfered against Ivan Koloff.]
Ivan Koloff continues to take tough test after tough test, and he had one of his toughest as he defended the World Title against "Superstar" Billy Graham. Graham is riding high after finally pinning his brother's shoulder's to the mat, and with that confidence, he is definitely a serious threat to Koloff and the World Title. The story of this match was Graham working over Koloff's back. Graham is probably the strongest man in all of wrestling, and the clubbing blows to the Russian Bear illustrated this. Graham even hit the powerslam on Koloff, a move that has been putting opponents away as of late, but Koloff showed that fighting spirit by kicking out. Koloff showed exactly why he is champion, however, when he got trapped in Graham's vicious Bearhug for well over a minute, but found a way to escape and get to the ropes. After this, Graham lost some momentum, as he was shocked Koloff could escape his signature hold. Koloff put a few moves together, hit the Russian Sickle, and got one of his toughest title defenses to date.
The Texas Outlaws (Dusty Rhodes and Dick Murdoch) defeated Crusher & Bruiser (The Crusher and Dick the Bruiser) when Murdoch pinned Bruiser after hitting him with the title belt in 0:23:59. Rating: ** 3/4 (The Texas Outlaws retained the GCW World Tag Team Titles.)
Our main event had the potential to be a historic event as Dick the Bruiser & The Crusher, the former 7-time World Tag Team champions and universally considered the greatest tag team in GCW history, were putting their careers on the line against The Texas Outlaws, the new tag team champs. Bruiser & Crusher needed to prove not only to the fans and wrestlers of GCW, but to themselves, that they can still go. This was a classic Bruiser/Crusher match featuring some of the best brawling you will see anywhere, even at their advancing age. If Bruiser & Crusher are the top brawlers of the last 10 years, Dusty Rhodes & Dick Murdoch may be the top brawlers of the next 10. No one has ever stood toe-to-toe with Bruiser & Crusher like the Outlaws did tonight. The fans in Toronto were firmly behind Bruiser & Crusher, wanting to see a historic 8th title reign and the best tag team in the world continue their careers. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be. As they have done to others countless times in the past, Bruiser & Crusher were the victims of a foreign object. Referee Dick Kroll took a hard shot and was out of commission, so Bruiser took this opening to grab one of the World Tag Team Titles. He was primed to paintbrush Murdoch with it, but he didn't notice Rhodes had grabbed the other title belt and walloped Bruiser in the back of the skull with it, causing him to drop like a sack of potatoes. A groggy Kroll crawled over to make the count while Rhodes knocked Crusher off the apron, putting an end not only to this match, but to the stellar career of two of the all-time greats. Post match, Bruiser & Crusher received a standing ovation in appreciation for their efforts over the years. It'll be strange to see GCW without Dick the Bruiser & The Crusher, but it was an honor to have seen them in the first place.
Card rating: ** 3/4
Match observations:
After this emotional night, we now head to Madison Square Garden in 3 weeks time on August 26th!
WORLD TITLE - Ivan Koloff (c) vs. Bobby Duncum UNITED STATES TITLE - Harley Race (c) vs. Billy Robinson Gorilla Monsoon/Dino Bravo vs. The Cripplers Carlos Colon vs. Blackjack Lanza
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Post by JoshiQ on May 16, 2010 21:47:58 GMT -5
You do this to me every single time. You build up a guy who I'm sure is going to take the title and it doesn't happen. I know Billy Graham is taking the strap sometime, I just don't know when. Maybe after Koloff's feud with Volkoff ends.
The write-up for Crusher and the Bruiser's send off was really well done. It's hard to imagine them not being in the GCW, but I guess it's time for some new guys to take over.
Also happy to see Dino Bravo make his debut. I was always a fan of his.
I've really been in to this fed since card one. I love the way you have built up future World Title challengers. Right now you have Race, Volkoff, and I still think Billy Graham as possible future champions. But I also like the fact that just because they are being "groomed" for a possible World Title shot, doesn't mean they always take the strap because you have such long title reigns. It really makes the World Title feel special.
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Post by LillaThrilla on May 17, 2010 15:42:36 GMT -5
Good stuff. Goodbye Mr. Wrestlings. Maybe #1 will just wrestle solo as Mr. Wrestling (with no number)? He might end up with a bad case of jobberitis though.
Good sendoff to Crusher & Bruiser that really puts over the Texas Outlaws.
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Post by JoshiQ on Jun 4, 2010 13:48:51 GMT -5
Not a huge fan of GCW-OS being so far down on the threads. Here's a friendly bump.
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Post by snabbit888 on Jun 30, 2010 16:36:36 GMT -5
My apologies to everyone for being a bit out of it as of late.
I won't go into the specifics (although some of you know already) but it's been an interesting couple of months, both with my summer acting job and some personal issues I've been dealing with.
On the bright side, I'm literally the happiest I have ever been which makes everything I've gone through completely worth it, for better or for worse.
I have started writing again for GCW too, and should hopefully have the next new card up this weekend so I can get back into the flow. It'll be a little interesting past this summer though as right now, my intentions are to go back to Los Angeles for a little while, more or less couch hopping and living in a van, which I can only imagine will cut into my TNM time considerably. But we'll cross that bridge when we get there.
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Post by JoshiQ on Jun 30, 2010 23:52:13 GMT -5
I hear they have computers in Los Angeles. Internet being hooked up in a van, not so sure. I guess you'll have to go to one of them cool internet cafes that I hear are all the rage.
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Post by LillaThrilla on Jul 1, 2010 16:55:26 GMT -5
Internet being hooked up in a van, not so sure. WiFi is everywhere!
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Post by gentlemanjeff on Jul 2, 2010 12:18:34 GMT -5
I feel like I've learned a lot catching up with this circuit.
Also, I've been playing the Death of the Territories (D.O.T.T.) mod for Wrestling Spirit II, and that has been insanely educational. It's an encyclopedic database set in 1983.
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Post by snabbit888 on Jul 7, 2010 22:57:16 GMT -5
August 26, 1974 - Madison Square Garden - New York, NY
Harley Race pinned Billy Robinson with the Piledriver in 0:23:24. Rating: *** 1/2 (Harley Race retained the GCW United States Title.)
Our opening contest had all the makings to be a wrestling classic as Harley Race defended the United States Title against an angry Billy Robinson. Robinson is wrestling for the honor of his protege' Don Muraco, who Race has been bragging about injuring in recent weeks. Robinson is usually pretty stoic in the ring, not letting his emotions get the better of him, but Race has a unique way of getting under people's skin. He did that tonight, and eventually got Robinson to make some uncharacteristic mistakes en route to hitting the Piledriver. Race retains the US Title, but it might be short lived. Robinson has been granted another shot at Race on September 15 for our debut at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY!
The Valiant Brothers (Jimmy Valiant and Johnny Valiant) defeated Dominic DeNucci and Tony Garea when Johnny Valiant made Garea submit to the Sleeperhold in 0:06:08. Rating: **
The tag team division in GCW is one of our corner stones, and it just got a whole lot better with the debut of the Valiant Brothers. Jimmy & Johnny are an arrogant team, but in their debut they proved they have the goods to back it up, getting a win over the experienced team of Dominic DeNucci & Tony Garea. After the match, the Valiants grabbed the microphone and said that they are in the market for a manager to guide them to the World Tag Team Titles.
Luke Graham pinned Johnny Rodz with the Thumb to the Throat in 0:03:29. Rating: *** 1/4
Luke Graham was back in action after a 2-month hiatus following a brutal loss to his brother Billy back in June, but he looked healed up and ready to go as he made short work of the hapless Johnny Rodz.
Nikolai Volkoff pinned Mr. Wrestling I with the Bearhug in 0:10:28. Rating: *** 1/2
Mr. Wrestling I is still trying to find himself since his tag team partner turned on him and left GCW, and he tried his hand in singles action against Lou Albano's Russian machine Nikolai Volkoff. Wrestling I kept Volkoff grounded early on, but once the powerhouse got his bearings, there wasn't a lot Wrestling I could do to stop him.
Pedro Morales defeated Jimmy Snuka when Jimmy Snuka passed out in the Boston Crab in 0:09:15. Rating: ***
Pedro Morales continues his efforts to get back into World Title contention with a hard fought victory over Jimmy Snuka. Snuka has improved by leaps and bounds over his time in Global Championship Wrestling, but Morales is a former World champion and amongst the best in the world. The Boston Crab proved to be enough to get the duke.
The Cripplers (Nick Bockwinkel and Ray Stevens) defeated Gorilla Monsoon and Dino Bravo when Bockwinkel pinned Bravo after a gutwrench suplex in 0:18:57. Rating: *** [Bobby Heenan interfered against Dino Bravo.]
The Cripplers didn't have an answer for the new team of Gorilla Monsoon and the debuting Dino Bravo in Toronto, but they were better prepared for the duo tonight in the Garden. However, the 3-time World Tag Team champions were still given all they could handle and more by the veteran and the newcomer. After a hard fought 19 minutes, a textbook gutwrench suplex from Bockwinkel on Bravo put this one in the books as a win for the Heenan Family.
Interview: Bobby Heenan tries to recruit The Texas Outlaws to the Heenan Family.
After the match was over, Bobby Heenan grabbed the microphone and called out the Texas Outlaws, the reigning World Tag Team champions. Heenan said that he was impressed by Dusty Rhodes & Dick Murdoch, and that he was going to offer them the chance of a lifetime and offer his managerial services. The Outlaws thought about it, before vehemently refusing Heenan's offer. Heenan doesn't like to be turned down, so he had Ray Stevens & Nick Bockwinkel attack them as they were exiting the ring. The Cripplers left the Outlaws lying in a heap.
Toru Tanaka defeated Baron Von Raschke by disqualification in 0:07:53. Rating: * 1/4 [Mr. Fuji interfered against Baron Von Raschke.]
Professor Toru Tanaka was in singles action against Baron Von Raschke, and the action turned sour in a hurry. Tanaka soon realized that he wasn't going to slow down the angry Raschke, and he brought a foreign object out of his trunks after Mr. Fuji had the referee distracted. Raschke blocked the blow from Tanaka and got a hold of the object, but the ref turned around and saw Raschke holding the weapon and called for the disqualfication. Raschke had lost the match, and he was not happy about it, putting Tanaka in the Claw after the bell. This was broken up when Fuji spit a blue mist right in Raschke's eyes, leaving him temporarily blinded. Fuji & Tanaka ran away, but they have made the mistake of awakening a sleeping giant.
Billy Graham pinned Ernie Ladd after a piledriver in 0:04:05. Rating: * 1/2
Ernie Ladd & "Superstar" Billy Graham used to be in the same stable, but have gone in distinctly different directions. Ladd is still adjusting to having the support of the fans, while Billy Graham keeps terrorizing opponents with his brute strength. Add Ladd to that list tonight, as Graham targetted the neck of Ladd to put him away with a piledriver.
Blackjack Lanza pinned Carlos Colon after a short lariat in 0:14:09. Rating: 1/4 [Bobby Heenan interfered against Carlos Colon.]
The brewing feud between Carlos Colon & Blackjack Lanza hit the next step as they took to it in a singles match in the Garden. Somehow, this match ended up being more brutal than their first encounter, starting to resemble a bar fight more than an athletic contest. This battle would go to Lanza, who caught Colon with a thumb to the eye before trying to take his head off with a short lariat. Another match is rumored to be signed between these two in the near future.
Ivan Koloff pinned Bobby Duncum after hitting him with a foreign object in 0:10:47. Rating: *** (Ivan Koloff retained the GCW World Title.) [Bobby Heenan interfered against Ivan Koloff.]
Bobby Duncum took a little time off after his battles with Baron Von Raschke, but he got to come back to wrestle in our main event at Madison Square Garden to challenge Ivan Koloff for the World Title. Duncum is the only man to pin Koloff's shoulders to the mat in his GCW career, defeating him in a tag team match under nefarious circumstances. Duncum was going to get his shot to be the champion of the world, but one-on-one is an entirely different animal when it comes to the Russian Bear. Duncum learned like so many have in the past that Koloff is capable of anything and will do whatever it takes to remain the champion, including taking advantage of openings. Bobby Heenan tried to be clever and slide Duncum Koloff's steel chain late in the match, but Koloff saw it happen and cut him off at the pass. Koloff was the one who used the chain to knock Duncum out cold, make the cover, and remain the World champion.
Interview: Luke Graham wants one more shot at the top, and challenges Ivan Koloff to a match.
After our main event, we had one more surprise as LUKE GRAHAM came out and got nose-to-nose with Ivan Koloff! The crowd was in shock as Graham then asked for the microphone. Graham said he is the toughest man in GCW history, but he needs to prove it again - not just to the fans, but to himself. He wants one more chance at the top, and challenged Ivan Koloff to a match for the World Heavyweight Title! Koloff isn't one to turn down a challenge and promptly accepted, and we will have this match on September 15!
Card rating: ** 3/4
Match observations:
GCW debuts at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY, and we have one of the biggest main events you will ever see!
WORLD TITLE - Ivan Koloff (c) vs. Luke Graham UNITED STATES TITLE - Harley Race (c) vs. Billy Robinson The Texas Outlaws/Gorilla Monsoon/Dino Bravo vs. The Cripplers/Mr. Fuji/Toru Tanaka Carlos Colon/Mr. Wrestling I vs. Blackjack Lanza/Bobby Duncum
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Post by JoshiQ on Jul 8, 2010 9:42:32 GMT -5
- Thank the Lord that GCW has returned.
- Race retaining is good.
- LUKE GRAHAM ~~~!!!!
- Does Snuka submit?
Really glad you are back.
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Post by LillaThrilla on Jul 8, 2010 16:47:07 GMT -5
So Koloff hit Duncum with Koloff?
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Post by snabbit888 on Jul 8, 2010 16:53:10 GMT -5
So Koloff hit Duncum with Koloff? No. That would have read, "Ivan Koloff pinned Bobby Duncum after hitting him with a foreign sex object."
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Post by snabbit888 on Jul 20, 2010 22:06:19 GMT -5
September 15, 1974 - Nassau Coliseum - Uniondale, NY
Carlos Colon and Mr. Wrestling I defeated The Heenan Family (Blackjack Lanza and Bobby Duncum) when C. Colon pinned Duncum with the Figure-Four Leglock in 0:09:49. Rating: *** 3/4 [Bobby Heenan interfered against Mr. Wrestling I.]
We debuted at the Nassau Coliseum with our first match being tag team action with Carlos Colon & Mr. Wrestling I taking on Blackjack Lanza & Bobby Duncum. Colon & Lanza are dying to get their hands on each other, but Colon showed tonight that he want sit more so. Colon was in a totally different world tonight, showing a kind of aggressiveness we haven't seen from him. Colon was so out of control that Lanza ended up abandoning his partner Duncum to avoid Colon's wrath, leaving Duncum prey to be defeated by Colon & Wrestling I. Word has it that Duncum was not thrilled by his partner leaving him high and dry.
Don Muraco pinned Baron Mikel Scicluna after a small package in 0:05:26. Rating: **
Our next match saw Don Muraco use a great small package counter to get a win against Baron Mikel Scicluna. Captain Lou Albano was not happy with his new charge's performance.
Jimmy Snuka pinned Billy Graham after a flying headbutt in 0:09:10. Rating: ** 1/4
In what has to be considered a bit of an upset, Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka surprised the recently unstoppable Billy Graham with a flying headbutt to get the 1-2-3 and pick up the win. Superstar Billy dominated most of the contest, which made him take the loss even harder. After the match, Graham assaulted Snuka after the contest and locked him in the Bearhug before officials ran out to break it up. A rematch has been signed between these two for October 8 at Madison Square Garden.
Nikolai Volkoff made Ernie Ladd submit to the Bearhug in 0:07:33. Rating: 1/2* [Lou Albano interfered against Ernie Ladd.]
Nikolai Volkoff continued his path of destruction by getting a win against the bruiser that is Ernie Ladd. Volkoff getting a win over someone like Ladd looks good on his resume' as he tries to get another World Title shot. Captain Lou Albano has big plans for Volkoff.
The Texas Outlaws (Dusty Rhodes and Dick Murdoch), Gorilla Monsoon and Dino Bravo defeated The Cripplers (Nick Bockwinkel and Ray Stevens), Mr. Fuji and Toru Tanaka when Bravo pinned Tanaka with the Side Suplex in 0:23:04. Rating: ***
Bobby Heenan has announced that he will stop at nothing to get the World Tag Team Titles off of The Texas Outlaws after Dusty Rhodes & Dick Murdoch rejected his offer to join the Heenan Family. He enlisted the help of Mr. Fuji & Professor Toru Tanaka tonight to take on the Outlaws, Gorilla Monsoon, & Dino Bravo in an 8-man tag team match. The match was well wrestled, but it would be outside interference that would ultimately decide on the outcome. The match broke down in the end with the Outlaws & The Cripplers all brawling on the floor. During the chaos, BARON VON RASCHKE came down, and he was PISSED. Raschke went right after Fuji & Tanaka, wanting revenge for the mist spitting incident from a few weeks back. Raschke decimated the Japanese team, leaving Tanaka prone to Bravo's Side Suplex, putting this one in the books.
Baron Von Raschke defeated Pedro Morales when Pedro Morales passed out in the Claw in 0:01:03. Rating: **
We thought we were going to see a great match between Baron Von Raschke & Pedro Morales, but instead we saw something much more shocking. Morales knows full well how big and strong Raschke is, and with Raschke having exerted himself to attack Fuji & Tanaka in the previous match, he tried to get the upperhand with a pre-match attack, but it didn't take long for Raschke to turn the tables and lock on the Claw! Morales fought to get out, but he couldn't and ended up passing out from the pain… only a minute into the match! Morales was fuming when he came to, and has been claiming that the Claw is an illegal hold and that the decision should be reversed. GCW officials made it clear that's not going to happen, but a rematch is set for October 8.
Billy Robinson and Harley Race battled to a draw in 0:30:00. Rating: ** 1/2 (Harley Race retained the GCW United States Title.)
Harley Race hasn't found anyone who can outwrestle him yet, but he may have met his match in Billy Robinson. Race is methodic and can usually wear down his opponents, but Robinson does the exact same thing. Tonight, Robinson seemed to do it better. Unfortunately, he ran out of time when the 30 minute limit elapsed, just short of him being able to put Race away. Race looked relieved to escape with the title, but the third time could be the charm at MSG.
The Valiant Brothers (Jimmy Valiant and Johnny Valiant) defeated Dominic DeNucci and Tony Garea when Jimmy Valiant made Garea submit to the Sleeperhold in 0:10:08. Rating: *** 1/2
The Valiant Brothers, Jimmy & Johnny, were once again highly dominant in this their second match, again getting the better of the former World Tag Team champions, Dominic DeNucci & Tony Garea. With another big win such as this one, the bidding war of the managers in GCW is sure to pick up as these are a couple of studs that any manager would want in his stable.
Ivan Koloff pinned Luke Graham with the Russian Sickle in 0:16:14. Rating: ** 1/4 (Ivan Koloff retained the GCW World Title.)
Ivan Koloff & Luke Graham. Two names that when you mention them, you immediately think of the two of the toughest men to ever grace a GCW ring. And for the first time ever, these two were going to lock horns one on one in our main event to close out our inaugural show in Uniondale. The mutual respect between the two was obvious, but once that was done, this became a pier six brawl in a hurry. Two proud men who refuse to back down and thus beat the tar out of each other as a result. I could count the number of actual wrestling moves performed in this match on one hand, but the brawl was so intensity charged that no one seemed to care. It came down to who would hit the big shot first, and that was the champion who nearly took Graham's head off with the Russian Sickle after ducking the Thumb to the Throat to get the 1-2-3 and narrowly escape Uniondale with the World Title. After the match, the two shook hands in a great sign of respect.
Card rating: ** 1/2
Match observations:
October 8, 1974 - Madison Square Garden! It's going to be a huge night of action.
WORLD TITLE - Ivan Koloff (c) vs. Luke Graham UNITED STATES TITLE - Harley Race (c) vs. Billy Robinson WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES - The Texas Outlaws (c) vs. The Cripplers Carlos Colon vs. Blackjack Lanza Jimmy Snuka vs. Billy Graham Baron Von Raschke vs. Pedro Morales Mr. Wrestling I vs. Bobby Duncum
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Post by LillaThrilla on Jul 21, 2010 17:19:06 GMT -5
Snuka~!
What did Luke do to deserve another shot at Koloff?
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Post by snabbit888 on Jul 21, 2010 20:49:02 GMT -5
Snuka~! What did Luke do to deserve another shot at Koloff? Essentially, it was a good hard fought match, and he's an all-time GCW great. That's the story I'm using anyway.
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Post by snabbit888 on Jul 23, 2010 14:19:48 GMT -5
October 8, 1974 - Madison Square Garden - New York, NY
Bobby Duncum pinned Mr. Wrestling I with the Full Nelson Slam in 0:06:06. Rating: *** 3/4
In our opening contest here at MSG, Bobby Duncum was wrestling with an obvious chip on his shoulder as he took on Mr. Wrestling I. Wrestling I flustered the rowdy cowboy with his technical prowess, but this seemed to only anger Duncum more, who nearly took I's head off with a lariat. Not long after, he hit the Full Nelson Slam for a dominant victory.
The Valiant Brothers (Jimmy Valiant and Johnny Valiant) defeated Gorilla Monsoon and Dino Bravo when Jimmy Valiant defeated Bravo when Bravo passed out in the Sleeperhold in 0:03:37. Rating: * 3/4
The Valiant Brothers continued their impressive showings in the tag team ranks with a quick win over Gorilla Monsoon * Dino Bravo. After the match, the Valiants announced that they have made their decision on who will be their new manager to lead them to greatness, and that will be revealed on November 11 when we debut in Providence, Rhode Island.
Ernie Ladd pinned Baron Mikel Scicluna with the Thumb to the Throat in 0:08:54. Rating: * 1/2 [Lou Albano interfered against Ernie Ladd.]
Ernie Ladd got a much needed win by defeating the now seemingly hapless Baron Mikel Scicluna. Ever since his contract was bought out by Lou Albano, Scicluna hasn't had much luck in the singles ranks. Word has it that Albano's patience is wearing thin.
Billy Graham defeated Jimmy Snuka by countout in 0:07:36. Rating: * 1/4
In what some people are considering a bit of an upset, Jimmy Snuka beat Billy Graham in our debut at the Nassau Coliseum. Superfly doesn't consider any win of his to be an upset, thus he had no problem accepting this rematch against the Superstar. Snuka's speed and agility once again bothered Graham. Sometimes a wrestler will just have another wrestler's number, and it looked like this was the case with Snuka & Graham. However, Snuka made an uncalculated risk, jumping to the floor to attack Graham, but the Superstar moved and Snuka crashed and burned. Snuka was hurt and couldn't get back in the ring in time, resulting in a countout victory for Billy Graham. GCW officials are not convinced that this match had a convincing conclusion, and thus have signed a rematch for November 11 in Providence!
Johnny Rodz defeated Nikolai Volkoff by disqualification in 0:00:09. Rating: DUD [Lou Albano interfered against Johnny Rodz.]
Well, Johnny Rodz got his first victory, but I don't think this is the way he wanted it to go down. Before his match with Nikolai Volkoff, a man who was probably going to kill him, Rodz's "unpredictable" act was to spit in Volkoff's face. All this did was anger the Russian, who grabbed a chair from ringside and clocked Rodz with it for a fast and furious disqualification. Captain Lou, luckily, calmed Volkoff down before any more damage was done, but a lesson was learned here - don't spit in Volkoff's face.
Billy Robinson and Harley Race battled to a draw in 0:40:00. Rating: 1/4 (Harley Race retained the GCW United States Title.)
Billy Robinson has been a thorn in US champion Harley Race's side for the past several months, and he had one more chance to get the title away from Race in this match. Just like the other matches have been, this one was a wrestling clinic from both sides. They've gotten to know each other so well at this point, that the match featured a plethora of counters and great wrestling holds. The match was winding down to the 30-minute time limit, and at the end, Race was firmly in control. Race was about to put the match away when the bell rang. With Robinson in such a precarious position, Race demanded that 10 more minutes be added to the match. Referee Terry Taranova granted the request, but Robinson recovered and turned the tide. As the 10-minute overtime period was coming to a close, Robinson was the man in control. Robinson hit the Double-Arm Suplex, but the time limit again expired. Robinson asked for the another overtime period, but Race refused it, taking his title and retreating to the back to a huge chorus of boos. There's your fighting champion.
Baron Von Raschke defeated Pedro Morales by disqualification in 0:09:50. Rating: * 3/4 [Mr. Fuji and Toru Tanaka interfered against Baron Von Raschke.]
The last time these two wrestled, Pedro Morales' pre-match attack backfired and Baron Von Raschke won the match in a mere 9 seconds. Morales learned from his mistake in the rematch, taking his time and realizing he has to pick his shots against someone like Raschke. The Baron is simply too big and too scary to overrun - you have to be smart against him. Morales also spent the match working on Raschke's hand to neutralize the Claw, which is great strategy. However, it ultimately did him no good as Raschke managed to get the Claw on, but not for long before MR. FUJI & TORU TANAKA ran in to brutalize Raschke - and cause the disqualification. Fuji & Tanaka beat down Raschke and were later joined by Morales in a cowardly 3-on-1 assault. Thankfully, GORILLA MONSOON & DINO BRAVO ran down to make the save, chasing off the heels. This also sets the stage for a 6-man tag team match in Providence.
The Texas Outlaws (Dusty Rhodes and Dick Murdoch) defeated The Cripplers (Nick Bockwinkel and Ray Stevens) when Dusty Rhodes pinned Bockwinkel with the Bionic Elbowdrop in 0:22:29. Rating: *** 1/2 (The Texas Outlaws retained the GCW World Tag Team Titles.)
Bobby Heenan is still walking around embarrassed that The Texas Outlaws, the reigning World Tag Team champions, turned down his services as a manager, and has said he will stop at nothing until he gets the titles off of Dusty Rhodes & Dick Murdoch and into the camp of the Heenan Family. The Cripplers were looking to become 4-time champions, and the title reign of the Outlaws was in serious jeopardy because Ray Stevens & Nick Bockwinkel are two of the best in the world. These two teams couldn't be more different in their lifestyles and in-ring style, but both are highly effective and successful in the ring. The game plan of the Cripplers was obvious - take out the knees of the much bigger Outlaws. Rhodes & Murdoch were in a lot of trouble throughout the match, but they showed tremendous heart by fighting through the pain and refusing to give up. This tenacity would pay off as a miscommunication by The Cripplers opened the door for Rhodes to hit the Bionic Elbowdrop on Bockwinkel to retain the titles. After the match, Heenan berated The Cripplers for failing to capture the titles. This didn't sit well with Stevens or Bockwinkel, but everyone went to the back with no further incident.
Carlos Colon defeated Blackjack Lanza by countout in 0:14:18. Rating: *** 3/4 [Bobby Duncum interfered against Carlos Colon.]
If things weren't bad for Bobby Heenan before, they got a lot worse in our next match, pitting Heenan's Blackjack Lanza against Carlos Colon. The rivalry between Colon & Lanza is reaching epic levels, and this next chapter only added to it. We expected the knockdown, drag out fight we got, but what we didn't expect was the shocking conclusion to the match. Lanza was firmly in control of the contest and had Colon on the outside of the ring. After throwing him into a ringside table, Lanza threw Colon back into the ring. While referee Danny Bartfield checked on Colon's condition, he didn't see BOBBY DUNCUM grab Lanza by the hair and throw him into the ring post! Bobby Heenan was furious that a member of the Family just knocked Lanza out, causing him to get counted out. We tried to get a statement from Duncum, but he left the building before anyone could talk to him. Something is definitely rotten in the Heenan Family.
Ivan Koloff pinned Luke Graham with the Russian Sickle in 0:15:27. Rating: ** 3/4 (Ivan Koloff retained the GCW World Title.)
After the mutual respect shown in their first encounter last month, Luke Graham wanted one more shot to see if he could best Ivan Koloff and wrestle the World Heavyweight Title away from him, and the Russian Bear was more than willing to oblige in our main event. Graham seemed to have a chip on his shoulder as at this point in his career, this could be the last opportunity he has to become the World champion. Graham came very close, even hitting the Thumb to the Throat, but Koloff landed too close to the ropes and got his foot over the bottom one when Graham made the cover. Graham was furious when senior referee Dick Kroll noticed this and stopped the count. Graham almost seemed unstable after this moment, obviously highly frustrated that he didn't win the match. Graham couldn't get his focus back, which opened the door for Koloff to hit the Russian Sickle and retain the title. Afterwards, Koloff again offered a handshake to Luke Graham, but this time, Graham was too upset to accept it and walked away to the back, garnering a few boos for that action. Koloff didn't seem okay with this, but he needs to let it go, because his next challenge is going to be the United States champion, HARLEY RACE!
Card rating: ** 3/4
Match observations:
GCW continues to expand into new markets, next debuting at the Providence Civic Center in Providence, RI! This event will take place on November 11, and the card is going to be huge!
WORLD TITLE - Ivan Koloff (c) vs. United States champion Harley Race WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES - The Texas Outlaws (c) vs. The Valiant Brothers Baron Von Raschke/Gorilla Monsoon/Dino Bravo vs. Pedro Morales/Mr. Fuji/Toru Tanaka Jimmy Snuka vs. Billy Graham
And also, Blackjack Lanza will call out Bobby Duncum!
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Post by snabbit888 on Jul 31, 2010 0:54:14 GMT -5
November 11, 1974 - Providence Civic Center - Providence, RI
The Cripplers (Nick Bockwinkel and Ray Stevens) defeated Dominic DeNucci and Tony Garea when R. Stevens pinned DeNucci with the Bombs Away Kneedrop in 0:18:14. Rating: *** [Bobby Heenan interfered against Dominic DeNucci.]
A good opening contest to our debut in Providence as two former World Tag Team championship teams battled. Ray Stevens & Nick Bockwinkel fell short in their attempt to become 4-time champions last month, but they got a much needed victory to help keep themselves near the top of contention for a future title shot, defeating Dominic DeNucci & Tony Garea. DeNucci & Garea have been in a slump recently, and many are questioning if they still have what it takes to compete at a championship level.
Billy Robinson pinned Johnny Rodz with the Double-Arm Suplex in 0:10:49. Rating: *** 1/2
Many feel that Billy Robinson is the uncrowned United States champion, but he didn't let his disappointment in not winning the title distract him from a dominating performance against "The Unpredictable" Johnny Rodz.
Nikolai Volkoff pinned Mr. Wrestling I after a kneedrop in 0:12:25. Rating: * 1/2 [Lou Albano interfered against Mr. Wrestling I.]
Nikolai Volkoff continues to blitz through opponent after opponent, tonight making the technically savvy Mr. Wrestling I. Mr. Wrestling did everything in his power to ground the mighty Russian, but Volkoff's power could not be contended with this evening, leading to a massive kneedrop and another check in the win column for Captain Lou's enforcer.
Don Muraco pinned Baron Mikel Scicluna after a powerslam in 0:04:58. Rating: ** 1/2
Don Muraco back in action after taking a little time to nurse some injuries, and he looked crisp as ever with a win over Baron Mikel Scicluna.
Interview: Blackjack Lanza calls out Bobby Duncum.
After the previous match, Blackjack Lanza ran out to the ring and leveled both Don Muraco & Baron Mikel Scicluna with a huge lariat, clearly not in a pleasant mood. Lanza called out Bobby Duncum and wanted him to get on his hands and knees and BEG for forgiveness for what he did last month at the Garden. Duncum did come out all right, but it wasn't to apologize - it was to fight. Lanza & Duncum were beating the tar out of each other before officials finally pulled them apart. It looks like the seeds of hatred run a lot deeper than we originally thought, but it's clear that Duncum is no longer a part of the Heenan Family.
Gorilla Monsoon, Dino Bravo and Baron Von Raschke defeated Mr. Fuji, Toru Tanaka and Pedro Morales when Raschke defeated Fuji when Fuji passed out in the Claw in 0:16:09. Rating: **
Six-man tag team matches are always chaotic affairs with so many moving parts being involved, and this one was no different. Baron Von Raschke has been a man possessed as of late, and he hag across the ring from him that he wanted to tear limb from limb. Not only that, but he had two impressive partners on his side in the form of Gorilla Monsoon & Dino Bravo. There wasn't much teamwork on either side, but we did get ourselves quite a fight which the fans in Providence highly approved of. The match broke down near the end as we all expected that it would, but the real turning point came when Mr. Fuji tried to spray the blue mist into Raschke's eyes, but Raschke moved out of the way and the mist caught Toru Tanaka instead! This let Raschke lock Fuji in the Claw to get the win for his team and put a lot of issues to rest.
The Texas Outlaws (Dusty Rhodes and Dick Murdoch) defeated The Valiant Brothers (Jimmy Valiant and Johnny Valiant) when Murdoch defeated Johnny Valiant by disqualification in 0:33:56. Rating: * 3/4 (The Texas Outlaws retained the GCW World Tag Team Titles.) [Lou Albano interfered against Dusty Rhodes.] [Lou Albano interfered against Dick Murdoch.]
The Valiant Brothers have made a huge impact in GCW already, being undefeated. They made an even bigger impact tonight by announcing their new manager, LOU ALBANO. Albano has managed many champions in the past, and he showed his worth already by getting Johnny & Jimmy Valiant a title shot against the reigning tag team champions, The Texas Outlaws. This match had periods where it was bowling shoe ugly, but it was a passionate battle for the top tag team championship in the world. After over half an hour of war, Captain Lou got a little overzealous when he got involved in the match to end it in a disqualification. The two teams brawled after the match, and clearly this is just the beginning of a bigger issue.
Billy Graham defeated Jimmy Snuka by countout in 0:10:23. Rating: * 1/2
It looks like the issue between Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka & "Superstar" Billy Graham is done and over. There hadn't been a definite winner in their previous string of matches, but it you would be hard pressed to say that there wasn't a clear winner tonight. Graham took it to a new level after Snuka blitzed him early. Snuka made a big miscalculation though when he went for the Superfly Splash too soon, crashing and burning. Superstar Billy decided he was tired of playing games and put a hurting on the injured ribs of Snuka, culminating in the Bearhug. Snuka was out of it, especially after Graham dumped him to the floor, laid out unconscious. It's a bad time to be an opponent of Billy Graham, I can tell you that.
Harley Race pinned Ivan Koloff with the Piledriver in 0:14:24. Rating: ** 1/2 (Harley Race won the GCW World Title.) [Luke Graham interfered against Ivan Koloff.]
We knew that this was going to be a historic night, but we didn't realize we were going to witness what we saw. "The Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff is not only an undefeated monster, but he is the World champion. However, he had a tremendous challenge ahead of him tonight as he took on the also undefeated United States champion, Harley Race. This was a match a lot of people were dying to see, and we got it to close out our Providence debut. Both men were tentative in the early stages, knowing how talented the other man is and exactly how quickly each can end a match if someone makes a mistake. Once the action picked up though, it was an amazing display of wrestling from two of the world's very best. Race used counter after counter to keep the Russian Bear off-balance while Koloff used the brute strength he is known for to rattle Race's bones. We were witnessing a wonderful match, but unfortunately, we wouldn't get to see who the better man was based on their talents at all. Referee Dick Kroll did an inadvertant thumb to the eye from Race during a tieup, which left the official temporarily blinded. During this opening, LUKE GRAHAM ran out and to the shock of everyone, threw a fireball right in Ivan Koloff's face!Koloff howled in pain as Race then followed with the Piledriver, wiping the champion out. Kroll recovered enough to make the slow count, and shockingly, we all witnessed the crowning of a new World Heavyweight champion. The fans in Providence were so mad at both Luke Graham & Harley Race that they angrily pelted the two with trash and bottles. It was a dangerous scene, but Race & Graham got out of the arena unscathed. But this whole situation leaves us with more questions than answers - why did Luke Graham do the terrible thing that he did, and where does Ivan Koloff go from here now that he is no longer the World champion?
Card rating: **
Match observations:
We are entering the final month of 1974, and though the winter month's are coming, the action is heating up! We go to the Boston Garden on December 5, with the following action signed thus far:
WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES - The Texas Outlaws (c) vs. The Valiant Brothers Mr. Wrestling I vs. Blackjack Lanza Carlos Colon vs. Bobby Duncum
And we will hear from the brand new World Heavyweight champion HARLEY RACE, as well as from the man who helped him win the championship, LUKE GRAHAM!
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Post by snabbit888 on Jul 31, 2010 0:55:47 GMT -5
December 5, 1974 - Boston Garden - Boston, MA
Jimmy Snuka pinned Johnny Rodz after a gutwrench suplex in 0:07:18. Rating: ***
The only thing unpredictable about Johnny Rodz is exactly how he is going to lose every month. Rodz is an interesting case, because fundamentally, he is a very skilled competitor, but there's just something about him where he can't put a match away. He wouldn't get that clean pinfall win here in our opener in Boston, as Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka got back on the winning track with an impressive victory.
Ox Baker pinned Dino Bravo with the Heart Punch in 0:04:40. Rating: -*
Bobby Heenan's Family has been in disarray recently, what with Bobby Duncum going rogue and battling with Blackjack Lanza, formally taking himself out of the stable. Things have gotten worse as Heenan announced tonight that Nick Bockwinkel has unexpectedly left GCW, choosing to follow some acting leads in Hollywood. Heenan announced that there is nothing to worry about, because the Heenan Family is still strong with Lanza, Ray Stevens, and the debuting OX BAKER. Baker is a hoss of a man, and just plain scary looking. His opponent was Dino Bravo, an impressive rookie who has looked great in tag team action with his mentor, Gorilla Monsoon. Bravo is a strong competitor, but he couldn't do much against the massive Baker, who finished this off with a devastating Heart Punch. With Baker in tow, Heenan could be running GCW in no time.
Jimmy Snuka and Tony Garea defeated Mr. Fuji and Toru Tanaka when J. Snuka pinned Fuji with the Superfly Splash in 0:08:46. Rating: ** 1/2 (Dominic DeNucci no-showed.)
The match was originally slated to be Mr. Fuji & Professor Toru Tanaka taking on Dominic DeNucci & Tony Garea, but when the announcements were made, DeNucci was nowhere to be seen. No one knew exactly where he was, including Garea. Garea was ready to wrestle in a handicap match, which may have been career suicide, but luckily for him, JIMMY SNUKA ran down to be Garea's partner. The addition of the Superfly into the match threw Fuji & Tanaka completely off their games. Not only that, but Snuka & Garea meshed extremely well as a team, looking as if they had been teaming for years instead of for the first time ever. It resulted in an upset win for Snuka & Garea, and a highly frustrated contingent from the Land of the Rising Sun. Fuji & Tanaka have demanded a rematch and promised that with having time to be prepared, history would not repeat itself.
Interview: Luke Graham explains why he attacked Ivan Koloff.
Luke Graham was one of the most popular wrestlers in GCW, but that is no more after he turned his back on the fans by costing Ivan Koloff the World Heavyweight Title by throwing a fireball into his face in Providence. Koloff's injuries have healed, but his anger hasn't subsided. Luke Graham was out for an interview here in Boston to explain his actions, and clearly he has some screws loose. Something has snapped within Graham, but maybe his actions shouldn't be all that surprising. After all, Graham was one of the most sinister individuals in GCW for years. When asked why he did what he did, Graham simply laughed. That's all he did - laugh. This answer didn't sit well with Ivan Koloff, who hit the ring from the back and swung his chain at Graham. Graham ducked out of the ring unscathed, laughing at Koloff the whole time. That man is sick, plain and simple. But what's really sick is that this sure to be bloody feud is only getting started.
Blackjack Lanza made Mr. Wrestling I submit to the Blackjack Claw in 0:13:07. Rating: *** 1/2
For Blackjack Lanza & Bobby Duncum, tonight was about oneupsmanship. Each man wanted to prove to the other that they were the superior wrestler, but their opponents weren't going to lie down and make it easy for them. Lanza's opponent was Mr. Wrestling I, one of the top technical wrestlers in the game. Wrestling I's style was frustrating Lanza to say the least. Lanza likes to punch you in the mouth right from the word go, but Wrestling I didn't let that happen, using a variety of holds to wear down Lanza. Lanza's desire to out do Duncum almost cost him this match, but in the end, he narrowly escaped with the win by catching Wrestling I by surprise with the Blackjack Claw. Duncum, it's your turn.
Pedro Morales pinned Ernie Ladd after a clothesline in 0:07:18. Rating: ** 1/4
Pedro Morales is one of the best in the world, but he showed tonight that he's not above cheating. He has said he does it not because he has to, but because he can. He had a tough man going against him in Ernie Ladd, but Morales showed that craftiness when he clocked Ladd with a clothesline and put his feet on the ropes for extra leverage to get the 1-2-3.
Nikolai Volkoff and Gorilla Monsoon battled to a double countout in 0:15:19. Rating: -3/4*
Gorilla Monsoon & Nikolai Volkoff beat the trash out of each other for 15 minutes in our next match. It wasn't pretty, but when you take a look at who was involved, to expect pretty would be ridiculous. We did get a bruising fight though that didn't see a clear winner as both men were more than happy to keep fighting on the floor than go for winning the match. A double countout was the result, but neither party cared all that much.
Billy Graham defeated Don Muraco when Don Muraco passed out in the Bearhug in 0:13:53. Rating: ** 1/2 [The Grand Wizard interfered against Don Muraco.]
Don Muraco put up a valiant fight, but he fell just short against "Superstar" Billy Graham. I swear that every time we see Billy Graham, he is that much stronger and that much meaner. He isn't the raw unproven rookie he was a few years ago - he is a bonafied superstar. Muraco is a man coming into his own as well, but seems to be just a few key steps away from reaching this top level. Muraco looked good, but got got going for the Flying Crossbody by the powerful Graham, who turned it into the Bearhug to get the duke.
Baron Von Raschke made Ray Stevens submit to the Claw in 0:06:35. Rating:
Ray Stevens hasn't been wrestling as a singles for years, but he is definitely not a man who backs down from that challenge, stepping right into the hornet's nest against Baron Von Raschke. Unlike most wrestlers who go against Raschke, Stevens didn't back down at all, getting right in his face and challenging him to hit him with his best shot. A gutsy move by anyone's definition, but a foolish one. Raschke doesn't need much of a window to knock you out, and that's what ended up happening to Stevens tonight. It wasn't long before Stevens was caught in the Claw and he quickly submitted to spare himself injury. Stevens said this was all merely a miscalculation, and promises there won't be a repeat performance on December 30 at MSG.
Bobby Duncum pinned Carlos Colon with the Full Nelson Slam in 0:06:43. Rating: *** 1/2
I would say if there was a competition between Bobby Duncum & Blackjack Lanza, Bobby Duncum won. Whatever has gotten into Duncum, it does not bode well for the rest of Global Championship Wrestling, and especially for Blackjack Lanza. Duncum's opponent tonight was Carlos Colon, known universally as one of the toughest men in wrestling. You wouldn't know it from watching this match, as Duncum was on another planet. It was like Colon's offense didn't even phase him, and it only served to full Duncum's rage even more. The match ended in a hurry as Duncum planted Colon into the canvas with the Full Nelson Slam. Good morning, good afternoon, good night. After the match, BLACKJACK LANZA tried to attack Duncum, but Duncum saw him coming and grabbed his branding iron, keeping Lanza at bay before he got in the ring. Duncum may have won this battle, but we'll see who wins the war when the two go one-on-one at MSG.
The Texas Outlaws (Dusty Rhodes and Dick Murdoch) defeated The Valiant Brothers (Jimmy Valiant and Johnny Valiant) when Dusty Rhodes pinned Jimmy Valiant with the Bionic Elbowdrop in 0:19:08. Rating: ** 1/2 (The Texas Outlaws retained the GCW World Tag Team Titles.) [Lou Albano interfered against Dick Murdoch.]
Our wrestling main event was for the World Tag Team Titles as The Texas Outlaws defended against The Valiant Brothers. Captain Lou Albano had Jimmy & Johnny ready to go, but Dusty Rhodes & Dick Murdoch are always ready to get into a good old-fashioned country brawl. That's exactly what we got because even though they're rough around the edges, the Outlaws are great at turning any match into their style of match. If you're going to beat them, you better be able to out brawl them. The Valiants did their best, as they were surprisingly adept at fighting. However, nobody does it better than the Outlaws, who successfully retained their titles.
Interview: Harley Race celebrates his World Title win.
The show closed out with our new World champion HARLEY RACE coming out for an interview. Race came out sporting two titles as he is also the reigning United States champion. If Race was confident before, now that he's holding the two major singles titles in GCW, his arrogance is going to be unmatched. Race declared that because of this, he is officially not only the gretest wrestler in the world today, but the greatest wrestler of all-time. This brought out BILLY ROBINSON, who needless to say was not thrilled about the braggard statements of our champion. Robinson said that sure, holding the World & US Titles might make him the best right now, but to say that he was the greatest ever was a huge slap in the face to the ones who came before them - Lou Thesz, Buddy Rogers, Bobo Brazil, Gorgeous George. Robinson said he might not have took the US Title from Race, but he guaranteed he would take the World Title from him at Madison Square Garden! Race laughed and asked what made Robinson think he deserved a shot at the World Title. All Robinson said was, "This…" and slapped Race across the face! Robinson confidently left the ring, leaving Race fuming! Race said that if Robinson wanted a title shot, he had it! We later learned that the match has been made 2-out-of-3 falls!
Card rating: ** 1/2
Match observations:
1974 has been a marquee year for GCW, and there is still one monumental show left to go on December 30, the big year-end show from Madison Square Garden!
WORLD TITLE 2-OF-3 FALLS MATCH - Harley Race (c) vs. Billy Robinson BUNKHOUSE MATCH - Ivan Koloff vs. Luke Graham Bobby Duncum vs. Blackjack Lanza Baron Von Raschke vs. Ox Baker Jimmy Snuka/Tony Garea vs. Mr. Fuji/Toru Tanaka
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Post by snabbit888 on Aug 6, 2010 17:18:45 GMT -5
December 30, 1974 - Madison Square Garden - New York, NY
Gorilla Monsoon and Dino Bravo defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna and Johnny Rodz when Monsoon defeated Scicluna when Scicluna passed out in a bearhug in 0:01:18. Rating: **
The new year is quickly approaching, but the superstars of GCW are looking to leave the old year on a positive note. A big win on the year-end show from Madison Square Garden can give you a ton of momentum going into the next year. Gorilla Monsoon & Dino Bravo are hoping to take advantage of that, getting a quick and decisive victory over the makeshift team of Baron Mikel Scicluna & Johnny Rodz to open up our show.
Billy Graham defeated Mr. Wrestling I when Mr. Wrestling I passed out in the Bearhug in 0:10:08. Rating: **** 1/4
Tonight would turn out to be a big night for "Superstar" Billy Graham, but at this point, we weren't exactly sure why. Billy Graham's improvements in the ring continued to be evident as he took on Mr. Wrestling I. Much of Wrestling I's offense was useless as Graham was simply too strong and powerful for his holds to have a lot of effect. It would be a hold from the Superstar, the Bearhug, that would spell the difference in this match.
Don Muraco pinned Nikolai Volkoff with the Flying Crossbody in 0:06:10. Rating: * 1/4 [Lou Albano interfered against Don Muraco.]
Nikolai Volkoff has been nearly unstoppable in a GCW ring, thus far only falling to former World champion Ivan Koloff. So when Volkoff took on Don Muraco, most expected Volkoff to wipe the floor with him. One person who didn't think that was Muraco. Volkoff, at the advice of Lou Albano, decided to toy with Muraco instead of putting him away when he could, and it cost him. Volkoff missed a big kneedrop from the top rope, giving Muraco ample time to hit the Flying Crossbody and get the flash 1-2-3, and score a huge upset!
Ox Baker pinned Baron Von Raschke after outside interference in 0:07:11. Rating: * 1/2 [Ray Stevens interfered against Baron Von Raschke.]
Originally this match was supposed to be a rematch from Boston pitting Baron Von Raschke against Ray Stevens, but Stevens came out on crutches, claiming to have injured his leg in a car accident the week before. Taking his place was Bobby Heenan's latest find, OX BAKER, who looked impressive in his debut in Boston. Baker's the type of guy who intimidates his foes, but Raschke is not easily intimidated. What we got is two large man who refuse to back down wailing away at one another. That is, until we found out that Stevens' injury was all a ruse. Raschke went after Stevens on the floor, but was cut off by referee Terry Taranova. When Taranova turned his attentions to Baker to keep him in the ring, Stevens blasted Raschke in the back of the head with his crutch! Stevens rolled Raschke back into the ring where Baker made the pin to put this one away.
It wasn't over though as Stevens jumped in the ring and put a beatdown on Raschke, targeting his leg with the crutch while Baker held him down. It culminated in Stevens going to the top and crashing down on Raschke's leg with the Bombs Away Kneedrop, shattering his leg and putting him out of action for an undisclosed amount of time, possibly forever. What a sickening act by some sick individuals. Word has it though that someone has stepped up to the plate to challenge Stevens for his wrongdoings, and this mystery man will meet the Crippler on January 13 in Baltimore.
Jimmy Snuka and Tony Garea defeated Mr. Fuji and Toru Tanaka when J. Snuka pinned Fuji after a flying headbutt in 0:08:32. Rating: ** 3/4
Mr. Fuji & Professor Toru Tanaka said they would be better prepared for the rematch against Jimmy Snuka & Tony Garea, but Snuka & Garea were better prepared too, having more time to work on their tag team continuity. Again, Fuji & Tanaka took Snuka & Garea too lightly, leading to another loss.
Pedro Morales made Ernie Ladd submit to the Boston Crab in 0:12:06. Rating: ** 3/4
Ernie Ladd announced before this match that he is going to return to the top of GCW in 1975, but he got off to a rocky start as his opponent tonight was Pedro Morales. While the fans seem to care about the feel good story of Ladd trying to turn his fortunes around, Morales most certainly does not, beating Ladd in a competitive match by making him tap out to the Boston Crab.
Bobby Duncum pinned Blackjack Lanza after hitting him with a foreign object in 0:19:00. Rating: *** 3/4 [Bobby Heenan interfered against Bobby Duncum.]
Before the grudge match between Bobby Duncum & Blackjack Lanza, Bobby Heenan made one final plea to get Duncum back in his stable, trying to make peace between these two cowboys. Heenan's words seemed to be doing the trick, much to the crowd's chagrin, as Duncum & Lanza shook hands. However, that chagrin turned to delight when Duncum blasted Lanza with a short clothesline to get this match started. No one is for certain why Duncum is so angry with Heenan & Lanza, but what we do know is that this guy is a man fueled by anger. A ridiculously hard-hitting affair between two of the best brawlers in wrestling today. The whole match disintegrated into a chaotic affair by the end, culminating in Lanza bringing a cowbell into the ring. Duncum saw it coming though and ducked the shot, got the cowbell from Lanza, and knocked him silly with it to get the pin. Lanza & Heenan were outraged, calling for the decision to be reversed, but the decision will stand as is. Heenan is already working on getting a rematch signed.
Two-out-of-three-Falls Match: Harley Race beat Billy Robinson 2 falls to 1: x Robinson beat Race via a backslide in 0:13:28 x Race beat Robinson via the Piledriver in 0:20:30 x Race beat Robinson via the Piledriver in 0:35:20 Rating: *** 1/4 (Harley Race retained the GCW World Title.)
Harley Race & Billy Robinson have had some battles in the past, Robinson nearly taking the United States Title on more than one occasion. Now Race is the World champion as well, and this was his first title defense in a 2 out of 3 falls match. These two know each other so well at this point that this became a bit of a wrestling clinic. If you're a youngster wanting to get into the sport, watch these two go to work to see it done the right way. The 2 of 3 falls rules help prevent there from being a fluke result, but it also adds a lot of strategy. Race's strategy was to get a fall as quickly as possible, and perhaps it was misguided as he looked to be tiring himself out early. Robinson used this to his advantage and caught Race in a backslide to take the first fall. Race was in trouble, but he slowed the pace down. Robinson uncharacteristically became impatient trying to get that second fall, and Race used this to turn the tide and catch Robinson with the Piledriver to take fall 2. That piledriver really shook Robinson up, because he wasn't quite the same for the rest of the match. Robinson used his mat wrestling skill to stay in this one, but it was simply putting off the inevitable. Race would hit a second Piledriver to take the third fall and make his first World Title defense a successful one.
The Texas Outlaws (Dusty Rhodes and Dick Murdoch) defeated The Valiant Brothers (Jimmy Valiant and Johnny Valiant) when Murdoch defeated Johnny Valiant by disqualification in 0:12:00. Rating: * 3/4 (The Texas Outlaws retained the GCW World Tag Team Titles.)
The World Tag Team Titles were also on the line tonight as The Texas Outlaws defended the gold against The Valiant Brothers, who are proving to be quite the thorn in the side of the champs. Captain Lou Albano had the Valiants ready to go and has been clearly bestowing a lot of his knowledge on the eccentric duo. Amongst that knowledge set is the ability to cheat, which the Valiants do in spades. Perhaps even when they don't need to, which led to a disqualification here for double teaming and not listening to referee Willie Webber's instructions. Dusty Rhodes & Dick Murdoch are more than willing to bar fight with you though, and the scene got a little crazy before officials broke it up. I have a feeling we will be seeing more from these two teams in the future.
[BUNKHOUSE MATCH]: No-Countout-No-DQ-Match: Luke Graham pinned Ivan Koloff with the Thumb to the Throat in 0:12:21. Rating: ** 1/4
That only left one more match, and that was our huge main event pitting Ivan Koloff & Luke Graham against each other in a dangerous Bunkhouse Match! The rules are simple - there are no rules! Koloff & Graham are each frightening enough in a standard match, let alone when you throw the rules out the window. If you were expecting anything close to a wrestling match here, you were gravely misinformed. We have seen a lot of brutal matches in our time, but I can honestly say I don't think I can remember a match with this much fury in it. It was chaos, and GCW is lucky no fans got hurt in the fray because Koloff & Graham were throwing each other around like mad men. Needless to say, both men were wearing the crimson mask by the end of this one, but this only seemed to fuel the fire of the two. Koloff had the match firmly in hand when he made use of his steel chain, but Luke Graham received help from a highly unlikely source. Koloff had a weakened Graham all set up for a chain-aided Russian Sickle, when out of nowhere he was clocked in the back of the head with a pipe by BILLY GRAHAM! Luke's little brother and one of his greatest rivals came to his aid! What in the world? Billy hit Koloff with two more shots to the ribs with the pipe before holding the big Russian prone for Luke to hit the Thumb to the Throat and get the cheap 1-2-3. The Graham brothers have been reunited, and it's just sickening. The fans voiced their disapproval by pelting Luke & Billy with garbage as police officers rushed them to safety. The Graham brothers are reunited, and this spells nothing but trouble for GCW.
Card rating: ** 1/2
Match observations:
1975 starts with a lot of unanswered questions, but it will also start with some great wrestling from the Civic Center in Baltimore on January 13!
Ivan Koloff vs. Billy Graham Ray Stevens vs. A Mystery Opponent Jimmy Snuka/Tony Garea vs. The Valiant Brothers
Plus, we are told there will be a major announcement involving the future of the United States Title!
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