River City Wrestling

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling - October, 1997

Roster

Faces
Tito Santana
Ben Bassarab
Devon Storm
Ace Darling
Hysteria
EZ Ryder
Robbie Royce
Elmwood Brawler
Darcy McGee

Heels
Manny Silva
Joe E. Legend (/ Oshean)
Koko B Ware
Kevin Northcutt
Enigma
Brick Bronsky (/w G.Q. Bronsky)
Bobby Duncum Jr
Nikolai Kishka 
Vance Nevada
Caveman Broda 

Ladies
Mistress Gloom
Barbie Wired
Catherine Nolan
Deep Blue
Alexandra Beres

Suspended
Vendetta (mid-October)




River City Wrestling #698
October 4, 1997
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Brick Bronsky (/w G.Q. Bronsky) defeated Elmwood Brawler by submission to the full nelson at 5:11
**glorified squash match. Apparently Doug Flex has left the RCW and Brick is on his own now.

Bout #2
Nikolai Kishka defeated Devon Storm by pinfall after a jumping spinning leg lariat at 4:47
**the young Russian continues to impress. A nice victory over half of the tag team champions.

Bout #3
#1 Contender Match for TV Title
Ben Basarab defeated Hysteria by pinfall after a flying crossbody block at 8:29
**about as good of an under 10 minute match as you will find. Bassarab, in his return from injury, is a high flyer by American standards, but Hysteria fights the lucha style which is quite a fast paced style of its own. Bassarab went for the victory coming off the top but Hysteria rolled out of the way. He then went to the top himself and came off with a moonsault but this time Bassarab moved out the way. The record setting TV champion then went back to the top and this time nailed his finisher to pick up the win.

Bout #4
Tito Santana defeated Koko B. Ware by disqualification for use of a foreign object at 6:58
**former friends, but Koko has a new-bad attitude. Santana though was controlling the bout and Koko got frustrated and used a steel chair outside the ring to lay out Santana and get the automatic disqualification.


Hour #2

Bout #5
North American Women's Title Match
Bermuda Triangle Match
Barbie Wired defeated Alexandra Beres and Mistress Gloom by countout at 6:00
[Barbie Wired retained the North American Women's Title]
**Gloom had Wired in trouble, and a change in title looked possible. However Beres and Gloom got locked up outside and it really escalated quickly, fuelled by their two previous matches. Wired decided to just take a seat inside the ring and allow her two challengers to be counted out.

Bout #6
RCW Television Title Match
Joe E. Legend (/w Oshean) defeated Ace Darling by pinfall after a Legend cutter at 5:48
[Joe E. Legend retained the RCW Television Title]
**the tag champion faired all right against Legend, but Oshean was a big distraction in this bout and the champ won it fairly clean.

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Manny Silva defeated Kevin Northcutt and Bobby Duncum Jr by pinfall when Silva pinned Northcutt after a wheelbarrow suplex at 10:58
[Manny Silva retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**hard fought match that featured a lot of one on one battles while the 3rd was recovering. There were no favourites played between the three either, it was every man for himself. The end came when Duncum was exchanging punches with Silva. Nortcutt got to his feet on the floor and tripped up Duncum. This made him vulnerable and Silva nailed him with his finisher. Then Northcutt was climbing back into the ring and Silva caught him by crotching him with the ropes. He then nailed Northcutt with his finisher and got the impressive win.


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!




River City Wrestling #699
October 11, 1997
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Commissioner Jim Brunzell announced that the 18th Anniversary Spectacular would be held December 13th, once again at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. There will be a return to brining in more top stars from around the globe. The first announcement right now is that our friends from the South African Wrestling Federation will be travelling half way around the world to compete. The SAWF Heavyweight Title will be defended against the #1 contender. As of right now the champion is Vendetta II.

Opening Bout
Nikolai Kishka defeated EZ Ryder by pinfall after a jumping spinning leg lariat at 3:02
**the young Russian made short work of the biker.

Bout #2
Brick Bronsky (/w G.Q. Bronsky) defeated Robbie Royce by pinfall after a full nelson slam at 4:48
**Royce looked all right, but Bronsky used his manager's interference and his power to come up with his second straight singles victory.

Bout #3
Kevin Northcutt defeated Ace Darling by pinfall after a double underhook piledriver at 5:35
**Northcutt looked powerful against half of the tag champs. 

Bout #4
Bobby Duncum Jr defeated Devon Storm by pinfall after a running bulldog at 5:11
**Before the bout Duncum promised he would beat the other tag champion quicker then Northcutt (his sometimes tag partner, sometimes rival) defeated his. He was successful and boasted about it later to anyone that would listen. The tag champions prove once again that they seem much stronger together then separate. So with all four fan favourites losing so far this was not a very up lifting hour of wrestling for fans.


Hour #2

Bout #5
Tito Santana & Hysteria defeated Koko B. Ware & Enigma by pinfall when Santana pinned Enigma after a flying forearm smash at 7:38
**Two sets of former tag partners now facing off against each other. The good guys were way ahead of the villains in this one, with cheating being a partial equalizer. Hysteria had no problem though breaking the rules right back, fighting fire with fire, but Santana was a bit more hesitant. In the end things don't seem completely settled between Santana and Ware quite yet.

Bout #6
Streetfight
Alexandra Beres defeated Mistress Gloom by 10 count in a streetfight at 6:19
**Gloom was bigger and more experienced but Beres was in much better condition. Gloom ran out of gas, and when she went for a piledriver she had to pause and catch her breath. So Beres countered with a back bodydrop, but did so positioned to send Gloom over the top rope, crashing below. To add one more shot Beres came off the far ropes and flew over the top with a head tope. That was it, Gloom was out, and was counted out. The Hungarian fitness competitor has to now be in line for a title shot.

Main Event
RCW Television Title Match
Ben Bassarab defeated Joe E. Legend (/w Oshea) by disqualification for outside interference (Oshean) at 9:54
[Joe E. Legend retained the RCW Television Title]
**The champ may call himself a Legend, but Bassarab is an actual legend and an RCW Hall of Famer. Legend had his fair share of the match under his control but Bassarab just kept fighting back. At one point Legend hit his Legend cutter, but got complacent with a pin that barely pressed his opponent down, and Bassarab was able to lift a shoulder. Legend tried to get back to that spot but just couldn't manage it, becuase Bassarab was getting stronger. With Legend down and out, Bassarab perched on top of the turnbuckle waiting to nail his finisher, so Oshean jumped up on the apron and threw Bassarab off. Of course that was seen and got Legend disqualified. 

Post-Match:
Oshean kicked and choked Bassarab as Legend was slowly getting to his feet. From the back came Hysteria, who pulled Oshean off of Bassarab and threw her out of the ring. Legend though caught Hysteria from behind with a legend cutter, and then nailed one on Bassarab too as he got up. Legend and Oshean left with the title and Hysteria and Bassarab laid out.


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!




River City Wrestling #700
October 18, 1997
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Commissioner Jim Brunzell announces the return from suspension of Vendetta tonight. Also in addition to Vendetta II defending his SAWF Heavyweight title at the 18th Anniversary Spectacular, two more matches have been added featuring mixed martial artists who have competed for the controversial UFC - Ultimate Fighting Championship. Legendary Dan Severn will face Mark Coleman, and Garry Goodridge will face Oleg Taktarov.

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Bermuda Triangle Match
Nikolai Kishka defeated Brick Bronsky (/w G.Q. Bronsky) and Robbie Royce by pinfall when Kishka pinned Bronsky after a running legdrop at 5:36
**A pecking order match. Bronsky had Royce in his full nelson finisher. Kishka climbed to the top and nailed Bronsky in the back with a missile dropkick. This drove Bronsky forward, crushing Royce into the mat. Kishka then came off the far ropes and nailed a running legdrop on the back of Bronsky's neck and made the pin.

Bout #2
Bermuda Triangle Match
Deep Blue defeated Mistress Gloom and Catherine Nolan by pinfall when Deep Blue pinned Nolan after a moonsault at 4:40
**There is an all-women's episode coming up on November 1st. It may breathe fresh life into a women's division which has gone stale.

Bout #3
Tito Santana defeated Koko B. Ware by pinfall after a flying forearm smash at 6:10
**looks like Tito wins this feud with a clean victory over his former friend.

Bout #4
Ben Bassarab & Hysteria defeated Joe E. Legend (/w Oshean) & Enigma by pinfall when Bassarab pinned Enigma after a flying cross bodyblock at 5:31
**seems like we just saw a "mixed feud" tag match with the two luchadores on opposite sides. Bassarab and Hysteria showed some great team work, while Legend acted like an idiot throughout the match. 


Hour #2

Bout #5
North American Women's Title Match
Barbie Wired and Alexandra Beres battled to a double countout at 5:11
[Barbie Wired retained the North American Women's Title]
**fan support was pretty much down the middle for this one, but nothing was settled. They will do it again as the main event on November 1st.

Bout #6
Non-Title Match
Vendetta defeated Manny Silva by pinfall after a jumping DDT at 8:21
**Vendetta's suspension is over, and Jim Brunzell felt so bad about having to have suspended him he gave him a shot at Silva. It was non-title but now with the victory a rematch for the title will have to be held. There was no feeling out process in this one, it was a straight forward donnybrook.

Main Event
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Bobby Duncum Jr. & Kevin Northcutt defeated Ace Darling & Devon Storm by countout at 7:40
[Ace Darling & Devon Storm retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**even their superior tag team work was not enough for the champs against the challengers. In the end the challengers basically played lawn darts with the champs, and seemed to be happy enough with holding the ring, as both champs were flat on their backs when they were counted out.

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!



River City Wrestling #701
October 25, 1997
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
EZ Ryder defeated Vance Nevada by pinfall after a powerbomb at 3:34
**Ryder picks up a rare win in a battle of the jobbers.

Bout #2
Enigma defeated Elmwood Brawler by pinfall after a 5 star splash at 4:56
**another match to set the pecking order in RCW.

Bout #3
Brick Bronsky (/w G.Q. Bronsky) defeated Robbie Royce by pinfall after a full nelson slam at 4:10
**very even match but the muscle man beat the two time former tag champion thanks in part to interference from G.Q.

Bout #4
#1 Contender Match for TV Title
Hysteria defeated Nikolai Kishka by pinfall after a standing moonsault at 6:09
**Kishka's first set back in RCW. He looked like he had the match in hand, but he went for his jumping spinning leg lariat only to have Hysteria deliver a headbutt to his crotch. He then nailed a standing moonsault and got the victory.


Hour #2

Bout #5
RCW Television Title Match
Joe E. Legend (/w Oshean) and Ben Bassarab battled to a no-contest at 5:14
[Joe E. Legend retained the RCW Television Title]
**fast paced match. Had a ref bump. Oshean got into the ring and clobbered Bassarab from behind. Hysteria came to the resuce, was seen by the ref though who tossed the bout out. Bassarab wasn't happy with Hysteria, and neither was happy with Legend. Ended with a 3-way dustup. Looks like we still have two #1 contenders for the TV belt.

Bout #6
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Ace Darling & Devon Storm defeated Bobby Duncum Jr. & Kevin Northcutt by countout at 8:10
[Ace Darling & Devon Storm retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**another screwy ending, and more bad blood. Two really good tag teams, but the bad feelings between Duncum and Northcutt boiled over into a brawl between partners outside the ring which got them counted out.

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Manny Silva defeated Vendetta by pinfall after a wheelbarrow suplex (and his feet on the ropes) at 8:27
[Manny Silva retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**yet another Dusty finish, but then again we are working our way to the 18th Anniversary show. 


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling - November, 1997

Roster

Faces
Tito Santana
Ben Bassarab
Devon Storm
Ace Darling
Hysteria
EZ Ryder
Robbie Royce
Darcy McGee
Duncan Duncan (NEW)
Borro The Butcher's Son (NEW)

Heels
Manny Silva
Joe E. Legend (/ Oshean)
Kevin Northcutt
Enigma
Brick Bronsky (/w G.Q. Bronsky)
Bobby Duncum Jr
Nikolai Kishka
Caveman Broda
The Pharaoh (NEW)
Scott D'Amore (NEW)

Ladies
Barbie Wired
Deep Blue
Alexandra Beres
Nikki Kixxx (NEW)
Mercedes (NEW)
Becky Hennig (NEW)



River City Wrestling #702
November 1, 1997
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Another special All-Women's Episode

Hour #1

Bout #1
Pink Demon defeated Oshean by pinfall after a diving elbowdrop at 3:49
**Wow, that has to be the first time in RCW history that any of the coloured Demons has ever won a match straight up. Oshean has no place in a wrestling ring.

Bout #2
Becky Hennig defeated Jane Dirt by pinfall after a Northern lights suplex at 4:57
**premiere of Hennig, who claims to be a cousin of Curt & Jesse. Dirt is a curtain jerker and Hennig got a clean win but didn't exactly dominate her. Becky is not a big girl, coming in at around 5'4 and a medium build.

Bout #3
Nikki Kixxx defeated Daisy Rhodes by pinfall after a spinning heel kick at 6:10
**another premiere, this time Kixxx, who is a good looking, tall, athletic girl, but with a bad attitude. She seemed to be a step ahead of Rhodes.

Bout #4
Deep Blue defeated Mercedes by pinfall after flying headscissors into a cradle at 3:34
**3rd straight match with a premiere, the first one who came out on the losing end. Mercedes is a fairly tall woman (around 5'10), Latino, mid 30's, but seems more like the type to be a glamour valet at ringside than competing in the ring.


Hour #2

Bout #5
The Runaways Jane & Cherie defeated Jeanne Basone & Luna Vachon by countout at 7:00
**The Runaways make their premiere in RCW. They were okay but have their opponents to thank for the upset victory as Basone and Vachon began to argue, it escalated throughout the match, and ended with the two going at it outside the ring.

Bout #6
Mistress Gloom defeated Eternity by pinfall after a piledriver at 6:25
**Gloom is big, but Eternity is even taller. This was a match between two Amazons, with none of the glamour that usually is in place in the RCW women's division. Match could have gone either way but Gloom ended up with a clean win.

Main Event
North American Women's Title Match
Barbie Wired defeated Alexandra Beres by pinfall after the Ape Hanger at 10:56
[Barbie Wired retained the North American Women's Title]
**both women employed a share of wear down holds, with the challenger preferring to work bodyscissors using her strong legs, while the champ worked over the legs and went for a figure four a couple of times. Both women held big advantages. The end came when the champ reversed a whip, and sent Beres into a collision course with the ref. Beres though managed to slam on the breaks, but this made her vulnerable to a dragon leg whip, then an inverted DDT, and finally Wired's finisher. 


That's it for another special Women's edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!




BREAKING KAYFABE, looking at the roster

Faces
Tito Santana (I think everyone is aware of who Tito was. He was never one of my favourites, but he was doing the indy circuit squeezing what he could out of his career at this time, so he was a good fit for RCW)

Ben Bassarab (Was a Stampede trained wrestler, in the vane of Dynamite Kid and Chris Benoit. He was before Benoit and I liked him better. He married into the Hart family, didn't get picked up by WWF when they bought Stampede, retired, and is now a truck driver. But I used him extensively both in RCW and other pop up feds I ran in TNM, as he was one of my favs.)

Devon Storm (I think most people are familiar with Storm and Darling who were teaming up at the time as the Extremists. Storm would later become Crowbar in WCW.)
Ace Darling

Hysteria (wrestled as this for a few matches in WWF when they were trying to match WCW's cruiserweight division and luchas. He is actually better known as Super Crazy. I liked what I saw as Hysteria and began to use him, and I liked him even more when he turned into Super Crazy).

EZ Ryder (a local indy guy at the time. Had a biker image, but in the grand scheme of things wasn't that big or tough, so not exactly main event material)
 
Robbie Royce (another local indy guy, more a grappler and some high flying moves. Somehow became a two time tag champion in RCW.)

Darcy McGee (I'm pretty sure this was just a created guy, unless he was a jobber somewhere, but I haven't been able to find any record of that, so am going with the theory I created this jobber)

Duncan Duncan (NEW)
Borro The Butcher's Son (NEW) (these two are based on two NPC's from a D&D campaign I ran. Not sure how they morphed over, kind of comic relief jobbers)


Heels

Manny Silva (one of my favourite created wrestlers who will have a 20 year career in RCW, and is sure Hall of Famer. This Hawaiian has a bit of Manny Fernandez in him, a little Bruiser Brody, but shorter compact. Spoiler alert, he will never soften. His trademark hair (tight afro) and his propensity to pat it down is based on a friend of mine who did the same playing high school basketball. It would lead to Silva's nickname of Poodle that the fans will hang on him.)

Joe E. Legend (/ Oshean) (Legend is of course the Canadian indy wrestler who had a pretty decent career. Oshean is based on a high end local escort who did some porn as well. She had large inflatables that were pretty ridiculous, but then again the 90's were a different time)

Kevin Northcutt (a successful indy wrestler. Kind of crossed over to RCW from the South because I liked the way that Carl Todd/John Fredrickson's WWA/PWA world used him. At the time I don't think I had ever seen him wrestle. I am struggling to keep from him mimicking a more modern day Triple H)

Enigma (lucha. pretty sure he was created, unless he was a jobber somewhere but I can't find any record of that)

Brick Bronsky (/w G.Q. Bronsky) (Brick was a muscle head that I saw in Stampede. His relative, G.Q. I never personally saw but read about)

Bobby Duncum Jr (was always one of my favs, even before he got his WCW run which I loved. Left us too soon.)

Nikolai Kishka (created character, based on a friend's D&D character, name and personality)
 
Caveman Broda (local indy wrestler, jobber)

The Pharaoh (NEW) (real wrestler, not sure the whole story.)

Scott D'Amore (NEW) (real wrestler, was just pretty much an indy name to me, didn't realize that he was a booker and owner of indy feds as well. will only have a short run in RCW.)


Ladies

Barbie Wired (created, based on Barb Wire (Pamela Anderson) movie) 

Deep Blue (created, masked lucha, name comes from the computer that played chess against Kasparov)
 
Alexandra Beres (real Hungarian fitness model and competitor. Very athletic but as far as I know never actually wrestled)
 
Nikki Kixxx (NEW) (created. Based somewhat on pictures of Susanna Spears the adult model, the series where she is wearing green hitting a heavy bag.)

Mercedes (NEW) (created. Based on model of same name who was a glamour model)

Becky Hennig (NEW) (created. Age old ploy of cashing in on someone else's name)




River City Wrestling #703
November 8, 1997
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
The Pharaoh defeated Darcy McGee by pinfall after a moonsault at 4:16
**the premiere of The Pharaoh (5'9" 255 lbs) a muscular but also acrobatic competitor. 

Bout #2
Brick Bronsky (/w G.Q. Bronsky) & Enigma defeated Duncan Duncan & Borro the Butcher's Son at 4:55
**Bronsky and Enigma had never teamed before and had no chemistry but the premiere of their opponents was underwhelming. Duncan and Borro seemed to be more comic relief then a serious challenge.

Bout #3
Jeanne Basone defeated Luna Vachon by submission to the camel clutch at 5:12
**settled differences from last week.

Bout #4
Bobby Duncum and Kevin Northcutt fought to a no-contest at 0:00
**this match did not even officially start, even though the two fought it out for about five minutes, as the two met each other on the way to the ring. Officials tried to break it up so the match could happen but the former tag partners didn't care about wins and losses, just bruises and bones.


Hour #2

Commissioner Jim Brunzell comes out to update the card for the 18th Anniversary show. Based on what we just saw Duncum versus Northcutt has been added in a streetfight, this one needs to be settled. In addition Madusa Micelli will return to RCW to try and get back her tag belt. Right now that bout would be Barbie Wired vs Madusa. Finally, it is announced that the main event will be for the heavyweight title between Manny Silva and Vendetta. However, if Silva should lose the belt between now and then it would change the card, but these two will still meet in a cage match that night to try and settle things.

Bout #5
RCW Television Title Match
Hysteria defeated Joe E. Legend (/w Oshean) by disqualification for outside interference at 8:53
[Joe E. Legend retained the RCW Television Title]
**both Ben Bassarab and Hysteria have been having a hard time getting a clean shot at the title. Hysteria looked on the verge of winning this one when Oshean entered the ring and attacked the luchadore with a high heel shoe earning the DQ.

Bout #6
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Ace Darling & Devon Storm and African Bulldogs: Pariah & Temple battled to a no-contest at 6:45
[Ace Darling & Devon Storm retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**the former SAWF tag champions travelled from South Africa to take a shot at the titles and acquitted themselves quite well. In the end tempers flared and the ring could not contain the animosity.

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Manny Silva defeated Ben Bassarab by pinfall after a wheelbarrow suplex at 9:30
[Manny Silva retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**Bassarab always puts up a good fight but never seems to be able to take home the big one.


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!


18th Anniversary Show Update
December 13, 1997
Winnipeg Convention Centre
Winnipeg, Manitoba

RCW Heavyweight Title Match: Manny Silva (C) vs Vendetta 
SAWF Heavyweight Title Match: Vendetta II vs to be announced
North American Women's Title Match: Barbie Wired vs Madusa Micelli
Gary Goodridge vs Oleg Taktarov
Dan Severn vs Mark Coleman
Streetfight: Kevin Northcutt vs Bobby Duncum Jr




River City Wrestling #704
November 15, 1997
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Bout #1
Nikki Kixxx defeated Becky Hennig by pinfall after a spinning heel hick at 4:30
**solid win for Kixxx, but Hennig lived up to her family name and wouldn't let it go, attacking Kixxx after the bout.

Bout #2
The Pharaoh defeated EZ Ryder by pinfall after a moonsault at 3:24
**it's the second straight week we saw the Pharaoh win a bout with the moonsault, but it still looks strange, and impressive, to see someone with his build pull it off.

Bout #3
Alexandra Beres defeated Mercedes after a powerslam at 3:09
**another quick bout, and Beres looks quite a step higher than Mercedes.

Bout #4
Vendetta defeated Enigma by pinfall after a jumping DDT at 1:58
**speaking of quick wins. The popular Haitian is looking forward to his title match at the Anniversary show.


Hour #2

Bout #5
#1 Contender Match for TV Title
Hysteria and Ben Bassarab battled to a double countout at 5:50
**both these guys were having trouble getting a fair shot at Legend's TV title, so Jim Brunzell set up this bout with the winner getting a title shot at the Anniversary show. The bout was fast paced and alternated between chain wrestling and high flying impact moves. In the end Hysteria nailed Bassarab with a head tope, but neither man was able to get to their feet and into the ring to beat the 10 count. So Jim Brunzell came out to announce that both men would get a title shot at the year end show, it would be a Bermuda Triangle bout.

Bout #6
RCW Tag Team Title Match
African Bulldogs: Pariah & Temple defeated The Extremists: Ace Darling & Devon Storm by pinfall when Temple pinned Storm after a doomsday device at 7:23
[African Bulldogs Won the RCW Tag Team Title]
**this was a bit of an upset as the Extremists had looked so dominating, but the Bulldogs have fantastic teamwork as well. The Extremists seemed to give their opponents full due after the bout, giving them a congratulatory nod, and receiving one in return. 

Commissioner Jim Brunzell came to the ring and announced that the Extremists would get their rematch at the Anniversary show. In addition Greg Valentine and Stan Lane will return to RCW at that show facing each other in a tag match, with both men brining in a very special tag partner, which will be revealed next week. In addition, former RCW competitor Chi Chi Cruz has won the SAWF Heavyweight Title, so as of right now that bout at the Anniversary show is now Chic Chi Cruz defending against Vendetta II.

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Manny Silva defeated Joe E. Legend (/w Oshean) by pinfall after a wheelbarrow suplex at 12:30
[Manny Silva retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**a champion versus champion bout that had huge ramifications for the Anniversary show. If Legend was able to win the belt then he would end up getting Vendetta at the big show, while likely Bassarab and Hysteria would meet for the vacant TV title. At least that was what Brunzell was saying doing guest commentary during the bout. Legend did surprisingly well and the one time he got into trouble his valet Oshean helped him out. However, that was costly as Silva had no qualms taking out a woman, and he threw her head first into the ringsteps, and she was helped to the back by security as the match continued. Legend made one more short comeback but Silva kept coming on. In desperation Legend went for a cutter, too early, and Silva slammed him to the mat, then nailed his own finisher for the win.


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!


18th Anniversary Show Update
December 13, 1997
Winnipeg Convention Centre
Winnipeg, Manitoba

RCW Heavyweight Title Match: Manny Silva (C) vs Vendetta
SAWF Heavyweight Title Match: Chi Chi Cruz (C) vs Vendetta II
North American Women's Title Match: Barbie Wired vs Madusa Micelli
Gary Goodridge vs Oleg Taktarov
Dan Severn vs Mark Coleman
Streetfight: Kevin Northcutt vs Bobby Duncum Jr
RCW Heritage Title Match: Joe E. Legend vs Ben Bassarab vs Hysteria
RCW Tag Team Title Match: African Bulldogs vs The Extremists
Stan Lane & mystery partner vs  Greg Valentine & mystery partner




River City Wrestling #705
November 22, 1997
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Pariah defeated Ace Darling by pinfall after a sitout powerbomb at 5:50
**one half of the tag champs beat one half of the former champs.

Bout #2
Devon Storm defeated Temple by countout at 4:57
**the other half of the challengers beat the other half of the champions, evening the score. Storm hit a plancha knocking Temple out and rolled back in to beat the count.
Post-Match: Pariah came out to help his partner to his feet, and Darling came out to back up his partner. The champs challenged the Extremists to come get them, and they did, and a four man brawl occurred.

Bout #3
Nikki Kixxx defeated Alexandra Beres by pinfall after a spinning heel kick (and her feet on the ropes) at 3:44
**Beres was fuming after the bout. Kixxx' finisher only partly connected and she would never have won if it were not for the cheat. After the bout Beres attacked Kixxx until security broke it up.

Bout #4
Tito Santana defeated Nikolai Kishka by disqualification for use of a foreign object at 7:07
**Kishka started strong, in fact he controlled most of the first 5 minutes. But the veteran Tito made a good comeback. Kishka didn't want to lose so after he rolled out of the ring, and Santana was reaching out to pull him back in, he grabbed a steel chair and while the ref was tied up with Tito, Kishka nailed him with the chair. He then rolled back into the ring with the chair and nailed Santana a half dozen times more in the back and head.


Hour #2

Commissioner Jim Brunzell comes out with more news for the 18th Anniversary show. First of all, with what just happened those two are going to get at it again, Tito vs Kishka. Next Greg Valentine has picked his partner for the anniversary show and it is great Japanese star Masa Chono!! Stan Lane will have to announce his partner next week. In addition we are going to have a Fatal Five Way Women's match; Beres vs Kixxx vs vs Blue vs Hennig vs Mercedes; with the winner to get a women's title shot in 1998. 

Bout #5
Duncan Duncan & Borro the Butcher's Son defeated Joe E. Legend & Oshean by pinfall when Duncan Duncan pinned Legend after a hot shot at 5:55
**kind of a big upset, but it was basically a handicap match as Legend did not want Oshean involved and she was willing to stay out of it. However, she did tag in at one point to save Legend from a Boston crab. She got beat up pretty good but managed to tag out to Legend. Duncan lifted Legend straight up, and fell backward, while Borro snapped Legend's neck off the top rope which set up the pin.

Bout #6
Ben Bassaab & Hysteria defeated Brick Bronsky & The Pharaoh by pinfall when Bassarab pinned Bronsky after a flying crossbody block at 8:29
**There was no animosity between Bassarab and Hysteria, which is bad news for Legend for the Bermuda Triangle match at the anniversary show. Pharaoh acquitted himself quite well and Bronsky took the fall.

Main Event
Vendetta & Kevin Northcutt defeated Manny Silva & Bobby Duncum Jr by pinfall when Vendetta pinned Silva after a jumping DDT at 10:18
**All four men took turns in control, and all four took their beatings. In the end though Silva and Duncum were not on the same page, and when Silva was in trouble instead of helping him Duncum went after Northcutt. This gave Vendetta a clear shot to hit a running forearm smash, and then his finisher.


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!


18th Anniversary Show Update
December 13, 1997
Winnipeg Convention Centre
Winnipeg, Manitoba

11 matches so far

RCW Heavyweight Title Match: Manny Silva (C) vs Vendetta
SAWF Heavyweight Title Match: Chi Chi Cruz (C) vs Vendetta II
North American Women's Title Match: Barbie Wired vs Madusa Micelli
Gary Goodridge vs Oleg Taktarov
Dan Severn vs Mark Coleman
Streetfight: Kevin Northcutt vs Bobby Duncum Jr
RCW Heritage Title Match: Joe E. Legend vs Ben Bassarab vs Hysteria
RCW Tag Team Title Match: African Bulldogs vs The Extremists
Stan Lane & mystery partner vs Greg Valentine & Masa Chono
Tito Santana vs Nikolai Kishka
Fatal Five Way #1 Contender: Alexandra Beres vs Nikki Kixxx vs Mercedes vs Deep Blue vs Becky Hennig




River City Wrestling #706
November 29, 1997
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Scotty D'Amore defeated Robbie Royce by submission to the cobra clutch at 4:18
**successful premiere of the arrogant D'Amore who comes to RCW from out east.

Bout #2
Nikki Kixxx & Becky Hennig defeated Deep Blue & Alexandra Beres by pinfall when Kixxx pinned Beres after a spinning heel kick at 6:49
**a bit of an upset, but Kixxx has done quite well in her run so far in RCW.

Bout #3
Bermuda Triangle Match
Ace Darling defeated Ben Bassarab and Brick Bronsky by pinfall when Darling pinned Bronsky after a five star splash at 6:46
**All 3 competitors for the TV title Bermuda Triangle Match at the anniversary show will have a warm up 3 way match tonight. Bassarab looked like he had Bronsky beat, but Darling broke up the pin with a boot to the head and then threw Bassarab over the top rope. Darling went to the top and landed the splash on Bronsky and picked up the win.

Bout #4
Bermuda Triangle Match
The Pharaoh defeated Hysteria and Devon Storm when Pharaoh pinned Hysteria after a moonsault at 5:29
**match pretty much mirrored the previous one, except in this one Storm tried to finish off Hysteria with flying headscissors while walking the ropes, but Pharaoh hit the ropes causing Storm to crotch himself and fall out of the ring. Pharaoh hit Hysteria with a belly to back suplex then the moonsault and picked up the upset win.


Hour #2

Manny Silva came out to make an announcement. He has signed Nick Bockwinkel to be his manager, for one night only, at the 18th Anniversary show. The veteran will be there to make sure that the refs call it right down the middle, and that Vendetta doesn't cheat his way to the title.

Jim Brunzell comes out to counter Silva by saying that Vendetta will be allowed to bring his own manager then, and should announce that next week. Speaking of announcements, Stan Lane has announced that his partner for the Anniversary Show will be Telia Tuli, the Samoan sumo wrestler who competed at UFC 1. So it will be Lane & Tuli against Valentine & Chono. Finally a 12th and final match has been added to the card and it will feature former SAWF Tag champions Hank Armstrong & Bryce Armstrong against former Thug Life members Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage. Speaking of the SAWF their heavyweight title has changed hands again, with Cobra having won the belt from Chi Chi Cruz. Cobra will defend that belt at the anniversary show against the #1 contender who will be announced next week.

Bout #5
Non-Title Match
Bermuda Triangle Match
Duncan Duncan defeated Joe E. Legend (/w Oshean) and Borro the Butchers Son by pinfall when Duncan pinned Legend after a superplex at 4:29
**this had to be considered a major upset, although Duncan and Borro worked together pretty much the whole match, never turning on each other. In fact Borro helped Duncan set up Legend for the superplex and didn't try and break up the pin. So none of the 3 competitors in the Triangle match at the Anniversary show won their warmup.

Bout #6
Vendetta defeated Bobby Duncum Jr by pinfall after a jumping DDT at 8:15
**Vendetta controlled the first four minutes, tried to get a submisison with the cloverleaf to no avail. Duncum then controlled the next four minutes working over mostly the lower back of Vendetta. The end though came when Duncum went for his running bulldog, but Vendetta pushed him off into the corner, turned him around, hit his finisher, and got a pretty quick count from the ref.

Main Event
Non-Title Match
Manny Silva defeated Kevin Northcutt by pinfall after a wheelbarrow suplex at 6:05
**this match alternated between in and out of the ring, with neither man holding an advantage for more than a minute. The end came when Silva caught Northcutt climbing back into the ring with a knee, then a hotshot off the ropes, a spinebuster slam, and then his finisher.


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!


18th Anniversary Show
December 13, 1997
Winnipeg Convention Centre
Winnipeg, Manitoba

12 matches in total

RCW Heavyweight Title Match: Manny Silva (C) (/w Nick Bockwinkel) vs Vendetta (/w to be announced)
SAWF Heavyweight Title Match: Cobra (C) vs to be announced
North American Women's Title Match: Barbie Wired vs Madusa Micelli
Gary Goodridge vs Oleg Taktarov
Dan Severn vs Mark Coleman
Streetfight: Kevin Northcutt vs Bobby Duncum Jr
RCW Heritage Title Match: Joe E. Legend vs Ben Bassarab vs Hysteria
RCW Tag Team Title Match: African Bulldogs vs The Extremists
Stan Lane & Telia Tuli vs Greg Valentine & Masa Chono
Tito Santana vs Nikolai Kishka
Fatal Five Way #1 Contender: Alexandra Beres vs Nikki Kixxx vs Mercedes vs Deep Blue vs Becky Hennig
Hank & Bryce Armstrong vs Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling - December, 1997

River City Wrestling #707
December 6, 1997
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Opening Bout
Scotty D'Amore defeated Borro the Butchers Son by pinfall after a springboard back elbow at 3:50
**D'Amore is 2-0 in RCW now.

Bout #2
Deep Blue defeated Alexandra Beres by pinfall after a flying crossbody block at 4:34
**fast paced bout with Beres trying to make it a power game, but DB successful in her attempts to pick up the pace.

Bout #3
Hysteria defeated The Pharaoh by pinfall after a springboard moonsault at 5:11
**Pharaoh loses for the first time in RCW, and Hysteria goes into the Anniversary show on a positive note. Unhappy with the result though the Pharaoh attacked Hysteria after the bout and went after a knee. One has to wonder if that knee will recover in a week.

Bout #4
RCW Television Title Match
Joe E. Legend (/w Oshean) defeated Duncan Duncan by countout after a Legend cutter at 3:28
[Joe E. Legend retained the RCW Television Title]
**Duncan was overmatched, but got the title shot after winning the 3 way match last week against Legend. Getting his butt handed to him Duncan decided to slide out of the ring, dip Oshean and give her a big wet kiss. But when he released the busty blonde, he turned into a cutter, and was left face down to be counted out.


Hour #2

Bout #5
North American Women's Title Match
Barbie Wired defeated Nikki Kixxx by countout at 8:06
[Barbie Wired retained the North American Women's Title]
**hard fought match, that went out of the ring, they brawled, Wired beat the count back in, Kixxx did not. 

Bout #6
Vendetta defeated Kevin Northcutt by pinfall after a superplex at 6:37
**Vendetta looks ready to take on Silva in the main event next week.

**Vendetta announced his choice for a manager for the anniversary show to counter Silva having Nick Bockwinkel, would be none other than Baron von Raschke!!
**Jim Brunzell also announced that the SAWF Heavyweight Title match is slated to be champion Cobra against #1 challenger Linley Tolbert.

Main Event
RCW Tag Team Title Match
African Bulldogs: Pariah & Temple defeated Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage by pinfall when Temple pinned Cage after a running powerslam (with outside interference) at 8:30
[African Bulldogs retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**Bulldogs required some cheating, with Pariah reaching into the ring to hold down the feet of Cage while his partner was making the pin. Of interest is that the fans were solidly behind the young exciting team of Hardcastle and Cage, and there was no mention or connection anymore with Thug Life.


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week for the big 18th Anniversary Show!!

River City Wrestling #708
December 13, 1997
Winnipeg Convention Centre
Winnipeg, Manitoba

18th Anniversary Spectacular!!

Opening Bout
Tito Santana (6'2" 234 lbs., Tocula, Mexico) vs Nikolai Kishka (6'0" 250 lbs., Kazan, Russia)
time limit 15:00
This rematch started with Santana going right after the young Kishka, banging his head off the turnbuckles, some bodyslams, more turnbuckle shots, chops, a biel and then a rear chinlock to slow things down. Santana worked him on the mat with the chinlock, then a side headlock. Kishka tried to gain the advantage by tossing him off but got on the wrong side of a shoulderblock. Santana picked up the pace again with a pair of kneelifts, a dropkick, and then an armdrag takedown into a an armbar. Kishka finally got the advantage by executing a Roman-Grecco rake of the eyes. A couple punches, then knees to the gut. Kishka took it a bit more technical with a legsweep, then a diving elbow drop, and a slingshot legdrop. It looked like he was going for a cover but instead the Russian went straight into a choke, risking DQ a couple times. Kishka nailed a head and arm suplex, then a powerbomb, for a 2 count. Kishka set up Santana for a superplex but the veteran Mexican fighting for his life (perhaps literally) punched him off, then nailed a clothesline from the top rope for a 2 count. It was Santana's turn again with a pair of monkeyflips, a running clothesline, a reverse Russian legsweep for a 2 count. Santana sent Kishka to the ropes, maybe setting up for his finisher, but the Russian grabbed the top rope and pulled himself out of the ring. Santana went after Kishka, the two fought outside, then back inside, then outside again. The second time they rolled back inside Kishka caught Santana with a knee to the head, then a Death Valley Driver, for a 2 count. It looked like Santana may rally, but Kishka then hit his jumping spinning leg lariat, and got the win.
[Nikolai Kishka defeated Tito Santana by pinfall after a jumping spinning leg lariat at 11:53]


Bout #2
Fatal Five Way - All Women Are Legal - First Fall Wins
#1 Contenders Bout
Deep Blue (5'4" 126 lbs., parts unknown)  vs  Alexandra Beres (5'8", 136 lbs. Budapest, Hungary) vs  Becky Hennig (5'5" 125 lbs., Robbinsdale, Minnesota) vs  Nikki Kixxx (5'6" 120 lbs., Los Angeles, California)  vs Mercedes (5'7" 121 lbs., Carolina, Puerto Rico)
time limit: 20:00
Five women, all legal, but with the caveat that the match would end with the first pinfall or submission inside the ring. However, a wrestler could be counted out or disqualified by a second referee outside the ring, thus eliminating them. 
Mercedes was the weakest link of the five making her fresh meat. But there was not enough room in the ring to get a clear pin as there were too many competitors to break it up. The first elimination came around the 4 minute mark when Mercedes decided she had enough and walked out, taking a countout. Down to four women all of them looked good, including Hennig who really came alive in this bout playing spoiler on several occasions. The end came when Beres had Deep Blue set up for a superplex. Kixxx ran over, kneeling Beres in the back, then tossed Deep Blue off the top buckle to the floor. Kixxx then took Beres over with a Northern lights suplex. But Hennig had anticipated it, climbed to the top buckle and came off with a splash onto Kixxx. She pulled Kixxx a foot over, Deep Blue tried to make the save but was just not quite on time.
[Becky Hennig won the Fatal Five Way by pinfall over Nikki Kixxx after a top rope splash at 7:05]


Bout #3

Non-Title Match
Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage (combined wt. 441 lbs.)  vs Hank & Bryce Armstrong (combined wt. 534 lbs.)
time limit: 20:00

The last time we saw "Hard Impact" they were part of Thug Life, and they worked hard tonight to wipe those bad memories from the fans. The Armstrong brothers have a bit of a "Godwinns" farmer vibe to them, but from South Africa where they are the current Tag Team champions. The match started with the good guys pressing their advantage with speed and quick tags. But after about 3 minutes Hank changed things with a spinning spinebuster slam on Cage. For the next 7 minutes, which felt like forever, Cage played the role of Ricky Morton. Somehow though Cage managed to avoid pinfalls and submissions, despite having his head busted open. Finally though Bryce made a mistake charging into the corner, and Christian moved out of the way and then pulled Bryce down with a falling inverted DDT. As Cage went to make the tag Hank tried to interfere but Hardcastle threw him over the top rope, then went back out to get the tag. Hardcastle was a house on fire, but when he tried to pin Bryce it was broken up by Hank. The tag was made out to Hank, and Hardcastle got the advantage on him too, but was then taken out from behind by Bryce. A short double team put the advantage right back with the South Africans. In the meantime Cage was slumped, sitting on the ring apron, back against the post, unable to compete. Twice Hardcastle went over to tag but didn't because Cage wasn't ready, and so the Armstrongs took back their advantage. Then Hank put Hardcastle in a full nelson and Bryce came off the ropes for a double team...but Cage managed to lower the top rope and Bryce tumbled to the floor. Hardcastle flipped over backward on the stunned Hank, landing behind him and then nailing a German suplex. He then followed up with a half-nelson bulldog, and rolled up Hank. Bryce tried to get in to break it up but Cage just sort of threw himself at Bryce, delaying him long enough to allow Hardcastle to make the pin.

[Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage defeated Hank & Bryce Armstrong by pinfall when Hardcastle pinned Hank after a half-nelson bulldog at 15:44]

Bout #4
Gary Goodridge (6'3" 245 lbs., Barrie, Ontario) vs Oleg Taktarov (6'0" 216 lbs., Gorky Oblast, Russia)
time limit: 20:00

Goodridge was the fan favorite obviously, a Canadian boy against an arrogant Russian. Goodridge used his height, reach, and weight advantage early, and then turned it into keeping the Russian at a distance with some kickboxing moves. The ref seemed a bit hesitant to enforce rules since this unorthodox combination of wrestling and mixed martial arts was new to RCW. The fans were fairly quiet but showed bursts of appreciation for the skill shown. The Russian though got in close and showed off his Judo/Sambo background with throws and short kicks, keeping the champ on one knee and struggling for air. Taktarov managed to lock on a rear choke and was surprised when the ref called for the break. This allowed Goodridge to attack from behind with a series of three rolling German suplexes, and then a powerbomb, covered and got the 3 count.

[Gary Goodridge defeated Oleg Taktarov by pinfall after a powerbomb at 6:10]

Bout #5
Stan Lane & Telia Tuli (combined wt. 645 lbs.) vs  Greg Valentine & Masa Chono (combined wt. 465 lbs.)
time limit: 25:00

Lane wanted his arch nemesis Valentine to start but the Hammer demurred and Chono started instead. After some tentative lockups Chono backed Lane into the corner and then distracted the ref as Valentine choked Lane. The Japanese star then went on the offensive, staying behind Lane and attacking with strikes, kicks and a suplex, before locking on an armbar. Chono tagged out to Valentine while still holding the armbar which allowed the Hammer to deliver an elbow between the eyes. Valentine made the mistake of trying to send Lane to the buckle and "the man" reversed it sending Valentine hard into the corner where he hit it and flipped over top. The bad guys had a meeting of the minds outside the ring until big Tuli walked over and smacked their heads together and then rolled Valentine back inside the ring. Lane worked over Valentine then tagged out to Tuli for the first time. The big Samoan went to work on Valentine in the corner, and then hit him with a splash in the middle of the ring. He covered and got 1, 2, Chono in and broke it up. Chono attacked the back of Tuli but was then thrown out of the ring. Tuli tagged in Lane who went back to work on Valentine. The good guys took turns working over Valentine but he managed to kick out 3 times barely beating pin attempts. Finally Valentine managed to back Lane into the ropes where Chono nailed him with a kick to the back of the head, and was then tagged in by Valentine. The bad guys now took advantage of Tuli's inexperience as they would taunt or aggravate Tuli, who would then tie up the ref who was trying to put him out of the ring, which allowed more double teams and chokes. This went on for about five minutes and Tuli finally got with the program and waited for his tag partner. Chono made the mistake of going to the top rope and Tuli went over and bumped into the ring post adjacent to the one Chono was on, but he is so heavy it bumped Chono to the mat. This gave Lane the seconds he needed to stumble over and tag in the big Samoan. Tuli went to work first on Chono, chopping him to the mat, then on a charging Valentine by hitting him with a shoulderblock. Tuli proceeded to beat up each of them, but made the mistake of throwing Chono out of the ring, and putting a bearhug on Valentine. The ref was counting out Tuli who didn't realize that Valentine was not the legal man, and the distraction allowed Chono to take him down by clipping his knee from behind. Chono attacked Tuli keeping him on the ground. The big man though managed to stand with Chono on his back and walk over and tag in Lane. It was Lane's turn to work over Chono now, but that only lasted a minute before he made a quick tag to Valentine who caught Lane with a chop to the throat. Valentine nailed a back bodydrop, a pair of spinning elbowdrops, and a vertical suplex for a 2 count. Valentine tagged in Chono who worked over Lane with a series of kicks, and a diving shoulder block. Chono tagged out to Valentine, but instead of leaving the ring he caught Tuli by surprise by drop kicking his legs as he stood on the apron. Tuli tumbled to the ground, and back inside Valentine came off the top rope and nailed Lane with an elbow smash. He covered, and Tuli did not have the agility to get back into the ring in time to break up the pin. Very good match.

[Greg Valentine & Masa Chono defeated Stan Lane & Telia Tuli by pinfall when Valentine pinned Lane after a top rope elbowsmash at 21:51]

Bout #6
Mark Coleman (6'1" 225 lbs., Columbus, Ohio) vs Dan Severn (6'2" 249 lbs., Coldwater, Michigan)
time limit: 20:00
The match started with both men trying to get low on their hookups. They exchanged moves on the floor, but when Coleman got the advantage Severn got to the ropes for a break. He then took a powder outside the ring. The same thing happened a second time. Then the third time instead of locking up Severn ducked between the ropes. Frustrated Coleman went after him but Severn threw a forearm shot at him. Severn then took it up a notch with stomps and punches, and then a belly to belly suplex. Severn worked over Coleman for a bit, but then Coleman fought right back fighting fire with fire. The two stood toe to toe with punches and kicks, took it outside and brawled, and then back inside. Severn tried to whip Coleman to the ropes, Coleman tried to reverse it, but Severn reversed it again, held on, and with the ref all twisted around Severn drove a knee into the groin of Coleman, unseen by the ref. The Beast then drove Coleman to the mat, and put on his Beast choker (dragon sleeper with body scissors) and got Coleman to tap out. Interestingly enough this was the first time someone tapped out in RCW, as before it had always been the old style of crying uncle to submit.
[Dan Severn defeated Mark Coleman by submission to the Beast Choker at 7:19]


Bout #7
Streetfight
Kevin Northcutt (6'6" 275 lbs., Chalmette, Louisiana) vs  Bobby Duncum Jr (6'6" 290 lbs., Austin, Texas)
no time limit
Well streetfights are just that, brawling fisticuffs. In the ring, out of the ring, on the apron, around the announce table, into the crowd. Northcutt lifted Duncum up as if for a suplex but instead slammed him backward into the concrete wall of the convention centre. The action then went through the beer line with Duncum taking off a man's scarf and first choking Northcutt with it and  then ramming it down his throat. Northcutt though took control of the fight and 3 times Duncum had to struggle to his feet to beat the 10 count. Inside the ring 3 out of the 4 top turnbuckles were uncovered, and as as they fought Duncum nailed an atomic drop, clothesline, running clothesline, second buckle kneedrop. He went for a piledriver but Northcutt reversed it with a back body drop. One more time brawling back outside the ring. Then they fought as Northcutt was on the apron and Duncum inside the ring. Duncum dragged his opponent back inside the ring over the top rope, lifted him up and dropped him head first on an exposed buckle, lifted him and did it again. Northcutt was busted wide open. Duncum put him in a side headlock and signalled for his running bulldog finisher. He took a couple seconds though, enough to build the suspense on whether Northcutt would be able to push him off into an exposed buckle. But no, Duncum executed the move perfectly, and then let the ref count the 10 count.
[Bobby Duncum Jr. defeated Kevin Northcutt by 10 count in a streetfight at 12:04]

Post-Match:
Duncum was making his way to the back, when he changed his mind and walked back to the ring. Northcutt was slowly getting to his feet with some aid from the ref, his face a mask of blood. Duncum took him away from the ref, and lifted him to his feet. The big Texan then raised the arm of his opponent in the air as a sign of respect, and helped Northcutt as the two sometimes partners, sometimes enemies, walked to the back together.


Bout #8
North American Women's Title Match
Barbie Wired (champion) (5'6 125 lbs., New York City, New York) vs  Madusa Micelli (5'10" 150 lbs., Milan, Italy)
time limit: 30:00
Our first title match of the night. Madusa is a legend in women's wrestling and the odds on favorite to win the belt back again tonight. It was Madusa who Wired defeated for the title back on June 14th of this year.  Maybe that's why Wired went really aggressive to start, working over Madusa with kicks, punches, and using her hair a couple times to pull and control her. Madusa fought right back though with punches of her own, then a series of martial arts kicks that left Wired face down. Madusa locked on a camel clutch gut Wired was able to make her way to the ropes for a break. Wired grabbed the advantage back with a surprising headbutt, then a hotshot. The champ quickly scaled to the top and came off with a flying elbowsmash, but not fast enough, as Madusa was able to get out of the way. The challenger then nailed two German suplexes, and a sidekick, driving the champ out of the ring. Madusa quickly followed up with a baseball slide hitting the champ squarely in the shoulder. She rolled Wired back inside the ring, but the champ caught her with a double axhandle as she came through the ropes after. The champ then laid in a series of double axhandles, driving her repeatedly from her hands and kness to face down. The champ then locked on her own camel clutch, which Madusa managed to get out with her power advantage, bridging her back. The champ then used Madusa's hair again twice during hip tosses. She sent the challenger to the corner and charged right after her with a back elbow, hair tossed her to the middle of the ring again, nailed a running legdrop, and covered for a 2 count. Dragging Madusa back to her feet she set her up for the Ape Hanger in the standing headscissors position, but the challenger popped out, twisted around, put a back slide on the champ, and got a 2 count. Back to their feet Wired backed into a corner, and then double kicked out to the gut of Madusa, then hit her with a back elbow. The champ then used the top buckle for leverage and put Madusa in headscissors as she climbed along the top rope. She tried to release the headscissors into flying headscissors but Madusa stood firm and pulled the champ off the ropes face down. Still holding her legs Madusa spun the champ in an inverted swing, finally releasing her, sending her skidding face first across the mat. Both women struggled to their feet, dizzy, and Wired was covering her rug burnt face with her hands, as Madusa nailed her with a superkick, for 1, 2, 3!! 
New Champion! Madusa win's the women's title for the 4th time, tying Tawney England, and only Cynthia Rothrock with 6 title wins has more. Thus begins the 61st women's title reign. The fans cheer Madusa out of respect for the match she just fought.
[Madusa Micelli defeated Barbie Wired by pinfall after a superkick at 9:06]
[Madusa Micelli Wins the North American Women's Title]



Bout #9
South African Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Title Match
Cobra (champion) (6'0 265 lbs., parts unknown) vs Linley Tolbert (6'0 239 lbs., Cape Town, South Africa)
time limit: 60:00
These two have been feuding lately in South Africa so there was no love lost to start. Tolbert has wrestled a couple of times in RCW so the fans naturally gravitated toward cheering for Cobra since Tolbert has been an arrogant competitor in the past. Cobra started strong with a series of open hand strikes to the side of the head of Tolbert, and then an earringer which left him staggering around the ring. Cobra then lived up to his name, attacking the challenger from behind, taking his legs out from under him, sending him crashing face first into the mat. He immediately locked on a cloverleaf, but Tolbert got to the ropes for a break. Cobra dragged Tolbert into the middle of the ring and punished him with a series of kicks to the inner thighs, and then dropping a knee. He then put him in a legspreader. But when the champ went for a figure-four Tolbert managed to reach his head and pull him by the mask to break the hold. Tolbert scrambled to try and get between the ropes but Cobra caught him, only to have Tolbert feed him a back elbow. Instead of pressing the advantage though Tolbert did his best Larry Zbyszko impression for the next two minutes, avoiding entering the ring, stalling for time, and threatening to quit. He finally grabbed a chair and in his protest had a seat just outside the ring. Finally the champ had enough and shook off the ref and left the ring. Tolbert of course caught him with a chop to the throat, but when he tried to whip the champ into the announce table the champ slammed on the brakes, and scooped and then gorilla press slammed Tolbert back inside. However the challenger caught him coming back inside with a series of boots. Tolbert went to work with an abdominal stretch (using the ropes of course), and then a front facelock (slipping it into a choke of course). Tolbert then nailed a piledriver for a 2 count. He went for a second piledriver but Cobra countered with a backflip, sending Tolbert over the ropes, and as luck would have it, crashing down on that steel chair he had left set up. Cobra left the ring and brought the challenger back inside. A couple of back breakers, a diving lariat, a Samoan drop got a 2 count. The champ then nailed a cobra clutch slam and this time got the 3 count.
[Cobra defeated Linley Tolbert by pinfall after a cobra clutch slam at 10:37]
[Cobra retained the South African Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Title]


Bout #10
RCW Tag Team Title Match
African Bulldogs: Pariah & Temple (champions) (combined wt. 495 lbs.)  vs  The Extremists: Ace Darling & Devon Storm (combined wt. 470 lbs.)
time limit: 60:00
The Bulldogs are like a black version of the ECW's Pitbulls. Pariah is 5'9 235 lbs, built like a fire hydrant, while Pariah is 6'2 260 lbs, so taller and leaner but still very strong. This was a match between two well oiled machines, champions versus former champions. Storm and Darling started strong working Pariah with a series of side headlocks, hip tosses, knee drops, and rear chinlocks, with frequent tags. Temple got tagged in, and Pariah tied up Darling which allowed Temple to cheap shot him. Temple then worked Darling with a full nelson, working him to the ground, then rag dolling him. Tag in to Pariah who went quicker with several bounces off the ropes into kneesmashes, elbowsmashes, and a leg drop across the back of the neck. Temple then took over, bodyslam, sidekick, running clothesline, release overhead suplex. Pariah then set up Darling for a superplex but Ace was able to shove him off. Tag out to Storm after a somersault. It was Pariah isolated for a few minutes by the Extremists. Then there was a four man brawl, and it sorted out to Temple with the upperhand on Storm. Temple then managed to complete the superplex on Storm and got a 2 count. Pariah joined Temple and they nailed a double spear. This brought Darling in but Temple nailed him with a running clothesline, then tossed him over the top rope. Pariah then bolstered Storm up to Temple on the top buckle, who brought Storm down with a powerbomb, cover 1, 2, Darling came in to break it up. Temple took Storm up for a gorilla press slam, but Storm dropped behind him, drove him to the ropes and right into the elbow of Darling, roll up 1, 2 kickout. Both men tagged out, and Pariah caught Darling with a kick, then went high speed with kicks, punches, stomps, and chokes. The bulldog then went after the back, stomps, back breaker, then a Boston crab. Darling got out but Temple was tagged in and he went right after the back with shoulderblocks, headbutts, and then a standing surfboard. Unable to get a submission they went for a double team but this brought Storm in. Extremists grabbed back the advantage, Storm nailed a legdrop from the second rope on Pariah and got a 2 count. Darling came in belly to belly suplex, roundhouse kick, 2 count. Pariah punched Darling in the head and tagged in Temple. Shoulderblocks in the corner, kick to the head, double axhandle, series of boots to the head. Pariah came back in which brought in Storm, we had a short four man brawl, and Pariah tossed Storm over the top rope. Temple took Darling to the top rope, took him down with a superplex. Pariah then came off another top turnbuckle with a somersault splash. Temple made the pin.
[African Bulldogs defeated The Extremists by pinfall when Temple pinned Ace Darling after Pariah hit a top rope somersault splash at 15:19]
[African Bulldogs retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]


Bout #11
RCW Television Title Match
Bermuda Triangle Match
Joe E. Legend (/w Oshean) (champion) (6'4" 250 lbs., Toronto, Ontario) vs Ben Bassarab (5'11" 220 lbs., Calgary, Alberta) vs Hysteria (5'9" 205 lbs., Tulancingo, Mexico)
time limit: 60:00
The match started off with the two challengers going right after the champ, taking turns chopping him, and running elbows off the ropes. Legend decided to leave the ring to regroup and complain to the ref about the double teaming. Bassarab made the mistake of turning his back on Hysteria who rolled him up from behind, and got a 2 count. But that near fall brought Legend into the ring who really doesn't want to lose his belt while hiding on the floor. Legend kicked Hysteria in the head after Bassarab had rolled out. The champ tried for a DDT but Hysteria pushed him off, colliding with Bassarab, who was hunched over so Legend flipped over his back. Hysteria then nailed a dropkick to Bassarab, then Legend, then another on Bassarab. Hysteria nailed the champ with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, then nailed Bassarab with a spinning wheel kick, covered, but Legend broke it up. Legend threw Hysteria out of the ring, then grabbed Bassarab but Hysteria hit the floor, and immediately springboarded back onto the apron. Legend worked a front facelock before slamming Bassarab to the mat, but then Hysteria came off the top rope, but Legend moved out of the way. Legend went to work on both men with elbows and suplexes, tried twice to pin each man, but all 4 pin attempts failed. Legend called for his belt, and Oshean retrieved it, but the ref began to wrestle it away. In the meantime Bassarab recovered and nailed Hysteria with a German suplex, then walked over and took out Legend. Bassarab scooped up the champ and nailed a running powerslam, covered for a 2 count before Hysteria broke it up. The luchadore threw Bassarab out of the ring, then nailed him with a head tope. He then rolled back inside and threw Legend out of the ring, and nailed him with a plancha. Hysteria rolled Bassarab back inside the ring, came off with a five star splash, 1, 2, Oshean reached in and pulled the leg of Hysteria. The Mexican then nailed Oshean in the back with a baseball slide as she was helping Legend to his feet. Bassarab caught Hysteria with a running clothesline from behind, then nailed a springboard back elbow, a DDT and got a 2 count before Hysteria kicked out. We were about 7 minutes into the match.
Legend was back inside the ring now, and we had all four men punching, and kicking, then all three men exchanged suplexes. Hysteria got Legend hung up on the tree of whoa, but after a couple kicks Bassarab came over and tossed the lucha away, then Bassarab started to lay in kicks on the champ. Then Hysteria came in and tossed Bassarab out of the ring, and he continued the kicks to the champ. Bassarab came back into the ring, but this time instead of going after Hysteria both challengers began to lay in kicks on the champ much to the appreciation of the fans. Finally Legend fell out of the tree, and Oshean pulled him out of the ring. It took Legend a couple minutes to recover and in the meantime the challengers went through a series of chain wrestling, including roll ups, cradles, suplexes, and rolling armbars. Hysteria took back control and nailed a standing moonsault, covered, got a 2 count before Legend came in to break it up. We were 11 minutes into the match.
Legend worked over Hysteria, nailed a piledriver, got a 2 count. He nailed the Mexican with the Legend cutter right in the middle of the ring, but Bassarab speared him before he could make the pin. Legend and Bassrab went after each other tooth and nail while Hysteria was laid out, face down in the middle of the ring. At one point Bassarab reversed a whip, and sent Legend across the ring, but the champ tripped over the downed luchadore. Bassarab nailed a double stomp to Hysteria, then the same to Legend. The Stampede product went to the top, came off with a flying crossbody block, but Legend moved out of the way and Bassarab landed right on Hysteria, who was still showing no signs of moving. Legend nailed Bassarab with a one handed bulldog, then a roaring elbow, covered for a 2 count. Legend had Bassarab set up for a cutter, when Hysteria suddenly kipped up to his feet. Legend charged at the luchadore, who did a back arch, but Legend launched himself over Hysteeria and nailed Bassaab with a flying shoulderblock. Legend then ducked away from a Hysteria spinning heel kick and took him down with a clothesline, then nailed a sitout powerbomb for a 2 count. We were 15 minutes into the match.
Bassarab then took Legend down with a running clothesline, and a pair of drokicks. Bassarab then threw Hysteria over the top rope. Bassarab turned his back to the luchadore to get to Legend, but Hysteria had held on and boosted himself back into the ring, over the top rope. Bassarab nailed Legend with a Northern Lights suplex for 1, 2..Hysteria came off the top rope with a splash right on Bassarab to break it up. Hysteria then nailed a standing moonsault on Legend, covered, 1, 2, 3!! 
New Champion!! Hysteria not only beat the current champ Legend but also the six time and true legend of RCW Ben Bassarab. This will be Hysteria's first title reign, and the 40th reign of the TV/Heritage title.
[Hysteria defeated Joe E. Legend and Ben Bassarab by pinfall when Hysteria pinned Legend after a standing moonsault at 16:28]
[Hysteria Wins the RCW Television Title]


Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Manny Silva (5'11" 245 lbs., Hawaii) (/w Nick Bockwinkel) (champion)  vs  Vendetta (6'4" 261 lbs, Port-au-Prince, Haiti) (/w Baron von Raschke)
time limit: 60:00; referee Buddy Lane
This is a rematch from the 1992 Anniversary show, 5 years ago, where Silva won thanks to grabbing a handful of tights. This could very well be the most hated against the most beloved wrestlers in RCW, at least since Destroyer and Chris Lyon faced off in the inaugural years. Despite that history it was Bockwinkel and Raschke who looked like they would fight before the opening bell and had to be persuaded to take up their corners. The referee for this one of course was the head of officials, Buddy Lane.
The match started off tentatively with a series of collar elbows where Vendetta showed off his height and leverage advantage, but Silva is a bull as well. Vendetta frustrated the champ with a series of armbars, both standing and on the mat that kept Silva at bay. Two time former RCW Heavyweight champion Vendetta picked up the pace against his fellow two time champion Silva, with a Russian legsweep, then a spinning wheel kick. He worked a front facelock, then nailed a neckbreaker, for a 1 count. Silva slipped out of the ring to bide his time and get some advice from Bockwinkel. Raschke ended up coming around the ring to go after Bock, but took a clothesline from Silva. This brought Vendetta out of the ring, but the champ rolled back inside and then caught Vendetta with a knee as he was reentering the ring. 
Silva went to work with clubbing forearms, then straddling the challenger driving him down by jumping on him. Holding onto the ropes Silva began to stomp away at Vendetta. The ref backed the champ off, and Raschke pulled Vendetta out of the ring for a pow-wow and a reprieve. We were about 6 minutes into the bout.
Vendetta got back into the ring and Silva was all over him. But the Haitian fired right back and we had a brawl in the middle of the ring. Vendetta out punched him, and then took him down with a double legtakedown, and tried to turn him into a cloverleaf but the champ grabbed onto the ropes. Silva caught Vendetta with a kick to the gut, and followed up with forearms backing him into the buckle. The champ tried to toss him out of the corner, but Vendetta hung on, and ended up elbowing Silva between the eyes. He did this four times, basically walking Silva across the ring, until he spun on his heels and fell face first into the top buckle. Vendetta nailed a pair of dropkicks, and then slapped on a sleeperhold. This brought Nick Bockwinkel onto the ring apron, complaining to the ref about a choke hold; Bockwinkel was the master of slipping a sleeperhold into a choke. The Baron came over and pulled Bock off the apron, and the two argued but did not get physical. Back inside the ring wth the ref distracted with the action outside the ring Silva raked Vendetta's eyes to break the hold. He then kicked away at the back of his legs, and locked on a standing surfboard with Vendetta on his knees. We were about 10 minutes into the bout.
Unable to get the submission that method, Silva rocked onto his back still holding the surfboard. Finally Vendetta was able to roll out of it, and frustrated Silva locked on a chokehold, broke it at four, and then repeated two more times. This time it was Raschke's turn to complain and Bock's turn to come over and pull him off the apron. But Raschke turned and locked on the clawhold on Bockwinkel, sending the fans into a frenzy. Silva didn't like that and left the ring, clotheslining Raschke to break the hold. Vendetta came out and we had him and Silva brawling around the ringside. Back inside the champ had the advantage and nailed an atomic drop, a vertical suplex, and a running legdrop for a 2 count. He set up the Haitian for a piledriver but Vendetta back bodydropped him. We were about 15 minutes into the bout.
Vendetta whipped the champ to the ropes, hoisted him up, and nailed a delayed spinebuster slam that shook the ring. Vendetta whipped Silva into the corner and followed right in with a running clothesline, and then came out of the corner with a one-handed jumping bulldog. He covered for a 2 count. A belly to belly suplex set up the front facelock for the jumping DDT, but Silva countered by getting under Vendetta, then taking him down with a Samoan drop. The action spilled outside again, and this time the managers got involved and we had a four man brawl until the ref left the ring to restore order. Silva nailed two bodyslams, and a flying forearm smash for a 2 count. He then went for his running kneesmash, but Vendetta managed to move out of the way. The challenger attack with a series of jabs and crosses, picking the champ apart, then took him to the top. The two fought before Vendetta was able to bring Silva down with a superplex. Both men were stunned, and by the time Vendetta was able to try pinning the champ he was able to kick out at 2. Vendetta continued the pressure with a front layout suplex, a springboard splash, then smashed his head off of each turnbuckle. Vendetta sent Silva to the ropes, but the champ tumbled out of the ring, between the ropes. The two fought right around the announce table while the managers kept each other busy. Vendetta set up Silva for a DDT on the table, but Silva threw him off, and then jumped off, nailing the challenger with a knee to the head. Silva rolled Vendetta back into the ring and used the bottom rope to choke him, repeatedly, risking disqualification. We were about 20 minutes into the bout.
Silva nailed a series of clubbing forearms, then a piledriver, for a 2 count. More forearms, another piledriver, for a 2 count. An elbow drop from the second buckle, a kneedrop from the second buckle, for a 2 count. The champ put on a figure-four but Vendetta managed to get to the ropes. He applied it a second time, but again Vendetta got to the ropes. Silva then nailed his finisher the running kneesmash, nailing Vendetta. He covered, 1, put his feet on the ropes, 2...Bockwinkel pushed Silva's feet off the ropes! Vendetta kicked out just before the 3 count. Silva was stunned and began to argue with Bockwinkel who told him to win the match fair and square. Silva then left the ring to go after Bockwinkel, but Raschke came around the ring and stood beside Bockwinkel. Together they convinced Silva to go back into the ring. He picked up Vendetta by the hair, went for a choke, and Vendetta kicked him in the gut, and then nailed a scoop slam. Vendetta reeled back into the corner, and waited for Silva to come after him. The champ obliged and we had more fisticuffs, and then Vendetta launched himself out of the corner with a clothesline. The challenger then sling shot Silva head first off the corner buckle, rolled him up, for 1, 2 Kickout! Vendetta then nailed his jumping DDT, and we had 1, 2, 3...
New Champion!!
Vendetta has won his 3rd RCW Heavyweight Title, and begins the 43rd RCW Heavyweight title reign. Only Jim Brunzell has had more (4), and Vendetta joins The Destroyer, Chris Lyon, and Stan Lane (3). Silva was mad at Bockwinkel, but the native of Beverly Hills had already left ringside. Jim Brunzell joined Baron von Raschke in the ring to congratulate the Haitian and award him the title.
[Vendetta defeated Manny Silva by pinfall after a jumping DDT at 24:20]
[Vendetta Wins the RCW Heavyweight Title]


That's it for another fantastic year of River City Wrestling. See ya next year!!

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling - January, 1998

Roster

Faces

Vendetta

Ben Bassarab
Hysteria

Christian Cage

Sexton Hardcastle

Duncan Duncan
Borro The Butcher's Son

Darren Peebles (NEW)

Mark Schrader (NEW)

Joey Matthews (NEW)

Heels
Manny Silva
African Bulldog Pariah
African Bulldog Temple
Joe E. Legend (/ Mercedes)

Enigma

Nikolai Kishka

The Pharaoh

Masa Chono (NEW)

Adam Knight (NEW)

Pierre Oulette NEW)

Ladies

Madusa Micelli

Barbie Wired
Deep Blue
Nikki Kixxx
Becky Hennig

Runaway Jane

Runaway Cherie

Other

Nick Bockwinkel

1997 Year End Awards

Wrestler of the Year: Manny Silva
Woman of the Year: Barbie Wired
Tag Team of the Year: Extremists: Ace Darling & Devon Storm
Manager of the Year: Oshean
Feud of the Year: Bobby Duncum Jr vs Kevin Northcutt
Match of the Year: December 13th (18th Anniversary Show): Hysteria defeated Joe E. Legend and Ben Bassarab by pinfall when Hysteria pinned Legend after a standing moonsault at 16:28.
Hysteria Wins the RCW Television Title.



River City Wrestling #709
January 1, 1998
Sun City, South Africa

Opening Bout
Tito Santana defeated Chi Chi Cruz by pinfall after a flying forearm smash at 6:03
**Chi Chi may never have progressed past mid-carder in RCW but he faired better in SAWF, having held their heavyweight title earlier n 1997. So for Tito to get a win in the opening bout is impressive.

Bout #2
Nikki Kixxx defeated Becky Hennig by pinfall after a spinning heelkick at 5:57
**solid match, maybe a bit of an upset since Hennig is considered the #1 contender now for the women's title.

Bout #3
Hank & Bryce Armstrong and Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage battled to a double countout at 9:50
**this was originally scheduled to be an SAWF tag title defence, but the Armstrongs lost the tag belts yesterday (setting up a title vs title match later tonight). Both teams seemed in a foul mood throughout, with Hardcastle & Cage taking on the role of faces. In the end the ring could not contain the animosity which quickly built between the two teams.

Bout #4
North American Women's Title Match
Madusa Micelli defeated Barbie Wired by pinfall after a kneedrive from the top rope at 8:18
[Madusa Micelli retained the North American Women's Title]
**rematch between the new champion and the former champion. Wired tried to finish off the champ with a superplex, but Madusa blocked it and countered by driving Wired off the buckles to the mat, nailing her with a knee on landing.

Bout #5
RCW Television Title Match
Hysteria defeated Joe E. Legend by disqualification for use of a foreign object at 9:47
[Hysteria retained the RCW Television Title]
**Legend decided he didn't want to risk a clean loss. He didn't get his title back that he lost at the Anniversary show but he made sure that he would remain in the title picture.

Bout #6
Stan Lane defeated Greg Valentine by pinfall after a superkick at 8:37
**two world renown wrestlers, and former RCW mainstays.

Bout #7
RCW Tag Team Title Match - Champions vs Champions
Dennis Cale & Ken Van Beselaere defeated African Bulldogs (Pariah & Temple) by countout at 11:31
[African Bulldogs retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**Cale and KVB just won the SAWF tag titles yesterday over the Armstrongs and were pretty beat up but still brought plenty of game tonight. The SAWF titles were not on the line in this bout. The Bulldogs didn't seem in any hurry to settle things fair and square and were pretty happy to just be able to get on the plane after the event still holding the belts. 

Bout #8
SAWF Heavyweight Title Match
Linley Tolbert defeated Cobra by pinfall after a piledriver (with his feet on the ropes) at 10:04
[Linley Tolbert retained the SAWF Heavyweight Title]
Tolbert just defeated Cobra for the title last night, so 24 hours later and they were back at it.

Main Event - CAGE MATCH
Vendetta & Vendetta II defeated Manny Silva & Crimson Mask when Vendetta pinned Silva after a double team DDT at 12:23
**Vendetta is the current RCW Heavyweight Champion with Silva the former champ. Vendetta II and Crimson Mask are also involved in a big feud at the moment in South Africa.



River City Wrestling #710
January 10, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Annual Awards Show

Hour #1

Pre-Match:
Jim Brunzell, Nick Bockwinkel, and Baron von Raschke come to the ring. Brunzell announces two year end awards for recipients no longer in the territory. 
Feud of the Year: Bobby Duncum Jr vs Kevin Northcutt. While it wasn't the longest feud, it captivated the audience because of the on again, off again, relationship of the two as tag partners and feuding.
Tag Team of the Year: The Extremists: Ace Darling & Devon Storm. They had a great title run in the middle of the year, and were a great example of the whole being greater then the sum of the parts.
After that Brunzell has another announcement to make. Based on his actions at the Anniversary show he has had some discussions with Bockwinkel and mended some fences. The result, is that Brunzell has decided to take a step back, a break from wrestling. And he will leave the RCW in the hands of the new commissioner of RCW Nick Bockwinkel.
Bockwinkel's first action as commissioner is to order a rematch tonight between Vendetta and Manny Silva, but with a special guest referee, Baron von Raschke!

Opening Bout
Adam Knight defeated Darren Peebles by submission to the Boston crab at 5:43
**premiere of both men. Knight is 6'5 280 lbs, has been wrestling in the Canadian territories for just over a year. Peebles on the other hand is average sized and didn't get much offense in. 

Bout #2
Pierre Oulette defeated Mark Schrader by pinfall after a Senton Bomb at 4:59
**two more premieres. Oulette of course is know to Canadians as Carl Oulette, and to WWF fans as Pierre Oulette which is what he went by here. At 6'1 240 lbs, he was pretty much the same size as his opponent who had more of a young collegiate look to him. Oulette though controlled most of the bout with Schrader only controlling for about a minute when he was able to ground Oulette and work him on the mat.

Bout #3
Runaways Cherie & Jane defeated Nikki Kixxx & Becky Hennig by pinfall when Jane pinned Hennig after a Texas piledriver at 6:10
**Kixxx and Hennig are probably better wrestlers but they still have some heat and the animosity grew between the two as the match progressed. In the end Hennig had a chance to tag out but Kixxx refused the tag, dropping off the apron, which ended things for Hennig.

Bout #4
The Pharaoh defeated Ben Bassarab by pinfall after a moonsault at 8:51
**excellent match with lots of chain wrestling and some fisticuffs. While Pharaoh used his finisher to get the win the damage was done from an exposed turnbuckle, which tainted the victory.


Hour #2

Commissioner Nick Bockwinkel comes out to present the Woman of the Year Award to Barbie Wired. The former champion accepted the plaque graciously but it was obvious her thoughts were on her upcoming rematch and she wanted her title back more than this accolade.

Bout #5
North American Women's Title Match
Madusa Micelli defeated Barbie Wired by pinfall after a superkick at 6:32
[Madusa Micelli retained the North American Women's Title]
**the official rematch for Wired after losing her title to Madusa at the Anniversary show.

Commissioner Nick Bockwinkel came out to present the Manager of the Year Award to Oshean. But when Joe E. Legend came out to the ring, instead of Oshean he was accompanied by Mercedes. He told Bockwinkel that he had fired Oshean because she was incompetent, and had upgraded to the fiery Puerto Rican Mercedes. Mercedes looked very glamorous in a pencil skirt, back seam stockings, and heels. Legend grabbed the plaque from Bockwinkel and gave it to Mercedes saying he would get the name changed tomorrow. Bockwinkel also presents plaques to both Hysteria and Joe E. Legend as their triangle match with Ben Bassarab at the 18th Anniversary show was voted match of the year. Bockwinkel then takes back all 3 plaques and takes them to the back to make sure that none of them are used as foreign objects in the match.

Bout #6
RCW Television Title Match
Hysteria defeated Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) by disqualification for abuse of official at 7:50
[Hysteria retained the RCW Television Title]
**Hysteria started strong but he was delayed coming from the top by Mercedes, giving Legend the advantage. The former champ went to work on Hysteria and was relentless, getting four near pinfalls and working a Boston crab twice. Hysteria finally was able to duck a lazy clothesline attempt and come off the ropes with a flying forearm. He then went back to the ropes, but this time was tripped up by Mercedes. Hysteria left the ring and went after Mercedes, who hid behind the ref. When the ref tried to disentangle himself Mercedes nailed him with a low blow. By now Legend had come out of the ring and clotheslined the ref. Hysteria attacked Legend, and tossed him around ringside, and when the ref recovered his wits he called for the bell.


Pre-Match:
Nick Bockwinkel presents the Wrestler of the Year award to Manny Silva. It's the second time he has won and he edged out Stan Lane and Joe E. Legend in the voting. Silva wouldn't touch the award so Bockwinkel just had to take that one to the back as well.

Main Event - Special Guest Referee Baron von Raschke
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta defeated Manny Silva by pinfall after a jumping DDT at 10:08
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**In this title rematch from the Anniversary show, Raschke played an active role, forcing Silva to break a couple times while choking Vendetta, by pulling him off by the hair. With the playing surface level it was all Vendetta needed to rally and beat Silva clean. 


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling, to start a new year. We'll see ya next week!!




River City Wrestling #711
January 17, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Enigma defeated Darren Peebles by pinfall after a top rope frankensteiner at 3:32
**impressive way to get back to the pay window for Enigma. Peebles is 0-2 and not looking so good.

Bout #2
Joey Matthews defeated Nikolai Kishka by pinfall after an inside cradle at 4:56
**big upset. Matthews' first match in RCW, and at 5'9 185 lbs, he's not the most physically imposing specimen. Kishka dominated most of the match but got too distracted arguing with the fans and posing. Matthews caught him from behind, rolled him up and got a surprising win.

Bout #3
Manny Silva & Masa Chono defeated Duncan Duncan &  Borro the Butchers Son by pinfall when Chono pinned Duncan after a Kenta Kick at 5:29
**squash match, not very sure on the purpose of throwing Silva and Chono together, but they dominated.

Bout #4
Runaway Jane defeated Deep Blue by pinfall after a sunset flip at 4:11
**this would have to be considered a major upset, and Jane looks to break out on her own.


Hour #2

Bout #5
Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage defeated Adam Knight & Pierre Oulette by pinfall when Cage pinned Oulette after a springboard flying bodypress at 8:42
**the fans absolutely love the team of Hardcastle and Cage, and although this was a good test, its obvious that they are ready for a showdown with the African Bulldogs.

Bout #6
Becky Hennig defeated Nikki Kixxx by pinfall after a running neck snap at 5:55
**This was a defacto #1 contenders match with Hennig defending her status that she won at the Anniversary show. This match could have gone either way but Hennig pulled out a move that her "family" (at least her generation) is known for.

Main Event
RCW Television Title Match
Bermuda Triangle Match 
Hysteria defeated The Pharaoh and Ben Bassarab by countout at 9:23
[Hysteria retained the RCW Television Title]
**trying to catch lightning in a bottle, recapturing some of the magic of the triangle match from the anniversary show. This was a very good, fast paced, match but not up to those standards. The animosity grew so much between Pharaoh and Bassarab that they allowed themselves to be counted out as Hysteria could barely get to his feet inside the ring.
 
That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!

River City Wrestling #712
January 24, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Opening Bout

Nikki Kixxx defeated Runaway Jane by pinfall after hitting her with a steel chair at 7:00

**for an opening bout, especially a women's, this one got out of hand in a big way. On a ref bump Kixxx nailed Jane with a steel chair to pick up the tainted win.

Bout #2

Nikolai Kishka defeated Joey Matthews by pinfall after a jumping spinning leg lariat at 5:09

**a return bout, and this time Kishka learned his lesson and wrestled a straight match, ignoring the fans and not wasting time. Maybe a lesson learned for the young Russian.

Bout #3

Adam Knight & Pierre Oulette defeated Hysteria & Mark Schrader by pinfall when Oulette pinned Hysteria after a Senton bomb at 6:56

**Schrader was the weak link in this bout, but fairly quick into it he hurt his knee and couldn't tag in. This made the last 4 minutes a handicap bout that the heels enjoyed using to pick apart the TV champion. Knight tried his best to get the submission with the Boston crab but Hysteria refused to submit, so he tagged in Oulette who then used his finisher to end the bout.

Bout #4

#1 TV Title Contenders Bout

The Pharaoh defeated Ben Bassarab by pinfall after a moonsault at 6:20

**really good match between these two which alternated between a ground, chain wrestling, and high flying moves. Bassarab came off the top too soon and Pharaoh moved out of the way, then hit his finisher for a clean win. 

Hour #2

Bout #5
North American Women's Title Match
Madusa Micelli defeated Becky Hennig by pinfall after a superkick at 4:27
[Madusa Micelli retained the North American Women's Title]
**Hennig was overmatched but she tried her best by cheating as much as possible. Eventually her tricks ran out.

Bout #6
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage defeated the African Bulldogs: Pariah & Temple by pinfall when Hardcastle pinned Temple after a half-nelson Bulldog at 8:44
[Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage won the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**short title reign for the Bulldogs. Look like they might be headed back to South Africa. Hardcastle & Cage are extremely popular with the fans.

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match (Triangle Match)

Vendetta defeated Masa Chono and Manny Silva by pinfall when he pinned Silva after a missile dropkick at 8:26
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**Vendetta was in trouble throughout this match, but the challengers kept each other from finishing it off. The champ recovered enough to bide his time, and after Silva tossed Chono out of the ring he struck from the top rope.

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!

River City Wrestling #713
January 31, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Nikolai Kishka defeated Joey Matthews by pinfall after a cradle piledriver at 5:28
**3rd match between these two, having split the previous two encounters. They never fail to give a great effort. The end came when Matthews went for flying headscissors but the stronger Kishka held his ground and countered with a cradle piledriver.

Bout #2
Four Way Match
Joe E. Legend defeated Duncan Duncan, Borro the Butcher's Son, and Enigma by pinfall when he pinned Duncan and Borro after Legend cutters at 5:09
**Duncan and Borro may have had a chance in this bout if they had managed to team up, but sensing that Enigma and Legend were careful to split their efforts, each taking a member of the unusual tag team. In the end Engima was preparing to come off the top rope but Legend knocked him off to the ground below. Duncan and Borro were having a slapping contest in the middle of the ring, and Legend took each of them out with a cutter, and then laid over top and pinned them both. 

Bout #3
Sexton Hardcastle defeated Adam Knight by pinfall after a diving legdrop at 4:38
**Knight looks pretty good, but one half of the tag team champions Hardcastle is on a roll. 

Post-Match:
Knight caught Hardcastle by surprise as he was leaving the ring. Outside the ring Knight slammed him on the announce table. Hardcastle's partner Cage came out to make the save, but that brought out Pierre Oulette (scheduled to face Cage next). Oulette and Knight managed to soften up Cage.

Bout #4
Pierre Oulette defeated Christian Cage by disqualification for outside interference (Sexton Hardcastle) at 6:04
**After a TV time out Cage had recovered a bit, but Oulette had the advantage from the start and Cage was fighting uphill. Still the Tag Team champion was a game competitor and kicked out after a piledriver, and again after a Senton bomb. Oulette locked him in a Boston crab and Cage fought through the pain, but the end looked inevitable, until his tag partner Sexton Hardcastle came in for some revenge for what happened after his bout. Of course this brought Knight back into the fray, and again, because Cage was already damaged, the heels were able to lay in a beat down on the tag champions.

Hour #2

Bout #5
Triangle Match 
Runaway Jane defeated Nikki Kixxx and Becky Hennig by pinfall when Jane pinned Hennig after a Texas piledriver at 5:50
**this was a defacto #1 contenders match and Kixxx looked mad after the bout because she lost the bout without actually being pinned.She tried to convince Jane and officials to start a one on one bout with her and Jane but they wouldn't of course. Kixxx managed to grab Jane by the hair and slam her to the mat, before the two tussled in a catfight.

Bout #6
RCW Television Title Match
Hysteria defeated The Pharaoh by pinfall after a standing moonsault at 8:25
[Hysteria retained the RCW Television Title]
**battle of the moonsaults in this one, and two guys with a bit thicker of frames then you normally see on high flyers. Pharaoh did quite well, a pretty even match, and the heel didn't resort to cheating too much, just a real hard, vicious attack. In the end though the champ nailed a series of moves like a well oiled machine, ending in a spinning heel kick, a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, a slingshot suplex, and then his finisher standing moonsault. 

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta defeated Manny Silva by submission to the cloverleaf at 10:49
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**It really felt like something had to give in this bout tonight, like the invincible force meeting the immovable object, with Vendetta being an other-worldly force and Silva being so stubborn as to be an immovable rock. Lots of punches and kicks to start, a good old fashioned brawl. Lots of leniency shown by the ref. Then Silva took over with a series of stomps, rope chokes, and a running bulldog for a 2 count. Silva took the bout outside and threw Vendetta into the barriers, busting him wide open. Back inside Silva worked the cut leaving Vendetta a bloody mess. The champ though fought back, from the apron as Silva was inside. After an exchange, Vendetta wrapped his hands around the back of the head of Silva and pulled him forward as he leapt off the apron to the floor below, smashing Silva face first off the turnbuckle. He came up holding his jaw as Vendetta took him down with a spear. This was followed by a hanging vertical suplex, and then his jumping DDT finisher for 1, 2, Silva got a foot on the ropes!! The champ then nailed a pair of back breakers and put Silva in the cloverleaf. Silva refused to submit, and Vendetta refused to break the hold. After about 90 excruciating seconds the arm of Silva was no longer responding. It goes down in the books as a submission but really Silva never quit, he passed out from the pain.


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!!

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling Annual Awards


Wrestler of the Year:

1980: The Destroyer

1981: The Destroyer

1982: The Destroyer

1983: Chris Lyon

1984: Chris Lyon

1985: Jim Brunzell

1986: Bob Backlund

1987: Steve Disalvo

1988: Vendetta

1989: Davey Boy Smith

1990: Steve Disalvo

1991: Larry Cameron

1992: Baron von Raschke

1993: Manny Silva

1994: Ben Bassarab

1995: Stan Lane

1996: Greg Valentine

1997: Manny Silva



Woman of the Year:

1995: Pamela Principal

1996: Emma Bezzlerr

1997: Barbie Wired

 

Tag Team of the Year:

1980: Vegas Brothers: Kenny Deeler & A.J. Dice

1981: Roughnecks: Stan Rodgers & Russel Riggs

1982: Mike Valiant & Chris Lyon

1983: Angelo Mosca & Bobby Duncum

1984: Keith & Bret Hart

1985: Masked Superstar & Super Destroyer

1986: The Longriders: Wild Bill & Scott Irwin

1987: The Longriders: Wild Bill & Scott Irwin

1988: Top Guns: Ricky Rice & Derrick Dukes

1989: The Bruise Brothers: Larry Picone & Dave Koorajian

1990: Ben Bassarab & Biff Wellington

1991: Destruction Crew: Mike Enos & Wayne Bloom

1992: Bob Orton Jr. & Mike Lozansky

1993: Super Destroyers 2000 & 2001

1994: Robbie Royce & Dan Kroffat

1995: Destruction Crew: Mike Enos & Wayne Bloom

1996: Wolfgang Haessler & Untermenschen

1997: The Extremists: Ace Darling & Devon Storm

 

Manager/Valet of the Year:

1981: Shiek Fal-Had

1982: Shiek Fal-Had

1983: Tawney England

1984: Miss Hartel

1985: Miss Hartel

1986: Lisa Caress

1987: Madusa Micelli

1988: Bob Orton Jr

1989: Bob Orton Jr

1990: Nick Bockwinkel

1991: Nick Bockwinkel

1992: Nick Bockwinkel

1993: Nick Bockwinkel

1994: Jon Paul Demans

1995: Cory Everson

1996: Nick Bockwinkel

1997: Oshean

 

Rookie of the Year:

1980: Chris Lyon

1981: Jeannie Rahib

1982: Tawney England

1983: Rob Flett & Neil Sutherland

1984: Robbie Royce

*1985: n/a

1986: Shawn Cummings

1987: Mike Lozansky

1988: Troy Galveston


*1985 saw Tod Hestrerey originally declared the Rookie of the Year. However after subsequent events it became known he was the Destroyer and not a rookie so he was stripped of that honor. With no obvious second place finisher the award was not handed out.



Feud of the Year

1980: Destroyer versus Dean Jarrett & Moose Morowski

1981: Destroyer versus Chris Lyon

1982: Destroyer versus Clarke Roenick

1983: Chris Lyon versus Mike Valiant

1984: Angelo Mosca versus Bobby Duncum

1985: Jim Brunzell versus David Schultz

1986: Bob Backlund versus David Schultz

1987: Vendetta versus Steve Disalvo

1988: Rogue versus Nick Mercury

1989: Ben Bassarab versus Ricky Rice

1990: Ben Bassarab & Biff Wellington versus Texas Hangmen: Psycho & Killer

1991: Toni Adams versus Jeannie Adams

1992: Vendetta versus Rogue

1993: Baron von Raschke versus Nick Bockwinkel

1994: Jim Brunzell versus Greg Valentine

1995: Ben Bassarab versus Jesse Hennig

1996: Greg Valentine versus Stan Lane

1997: Bobby Duncum Jr versus Kevin Northcutt

Match of the Year

1980: Jan 5th RCW #1
Finals for the New River City Wrestling Heavyweight Championship.
The Destroyer defeated Mike Valiant when he countered a piledriver with a sunset flip then arched back and made the pinfall holding Valiants legs. 28:27
[The Destroyer wins the RCW Heavyweight Championship]

1981: March 28th: RCW #29
CAGE MATCH RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Chris Lyons (ch) v The Mummy (/w Shiek Fal-Had)
The Mummy wins via submission at 16:16.
[The Mummy won the RCW Heavyweight Championship]

1982: Oct 24th: RCW #80
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Chris Lyon defeated The Destroyer by pinfall with a bridging pin at 32:46
[Chris Lyon wins the RCW Heavyweight Title]

1983: August 27th : RCW # 113
#1 Contenders Match - No time Limit
Ray Stevens defeated Dyanmite Kid by stoppage due to excessive blood loss at 48:24

1984: July 25th: RCW #154 (Wrestling Summit 2)
Former World Champions Collide
Harley Race defeated Bob Backlund by countout at 31:22

1985: Dec 19th: RCW #220 (6th Anniversary Show)
Fabulous Ones: Stan Lane & Steve Keirn defeated Masked Superstar & Super Destroyer by pinfall to win the RCW tag team titles at 33:53

1986: Jul 26th: RCW #246 (Wrestling Summit 3)
Former World Champions Collide
Bob Backlund defeated Bruno Sammartino by pinfall at 23:50

1987: Dec 17th: RCW #313 (8th Anniversary Show)
Cage Match for the RCW Heavyweight Title
Vendetta defeated Steve Disalvo to retain his title at 31:18

1988: Dec 16th: RCW #358 (9th Anniversary Show)
NWA Tag Team Title Match - 2 out of 3 falls
British Bulldogs defeated Road Warriors 2 falls to 1, but Road Warriors retain the world titles at 22:29

1989: Dec 14th: RCW #406 (10th Anniversary Show)
Ricky Steamboat defeated Don Muraco by pinfall at 28:03

1990: Feb 24th: RCW #413
#1 Contenders Match
Davey Boy Smith defeated Ricky Steamboat by pinfall after a running powerslam at 17:40 (thanks to outside interference by Pat Brady).

1991: April 6: RCW #463

Best 2 out of 3 Falls

Paul Orndorff defeated Don Muraco in an extra fall 2-1-1 at 23:55

1992: February 29: RCW #490

Jerry Lynn and Ben Bassarab batted to a time limit draw 25:00

1993: December 4: RCW #535 (14th Anniversary Show)
Stan Lane defeated Harley Tragger by pinfall after a diving elbowdrop at 25:20 to win the RCW Heavyweight Title

1994: April 23: RCW # 543
Best 2 out of 3 Falls
Midnight Express: Stan Lane & Dennis Condrey defeated Killer Bees: Jim Brunzell & Brian Blair 2 falls to 1

1995: Dec 9. #593 (16th Anniversary Show)
Thrillseekers defeated African Bulldogs by pinfall when Jericho pinned Pariah after he was put through a table at 24:15

1996: May 18: RCW #609
Best 2 out of 3 Falls
Greg Valentine defeated Lewis O'Day (the TV champion) 2 falls to 1 to retain the RCW Heavyweight Title

1997: Dec 13: RCW #708 (18th Anniversary Show)
Triangle Match - Television Title
Hysteria defeated Joe E. Legend (champion) and Ben Bassarab by pinfall when Hysteria pinned Legend after a standing moonsault at 16:28

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling - February, 1998

Roster

Faces
Vendetta
Ben Bassarab
Hysteria
Christian Cage
Sexton Hardcastle
Duncan Duncan
Borro The Butcher's Son
Mark Schrader 
Joey Matthews 

Heels
Manny Silva
Joe E. Legend (/ Mercedes)
Enigma
Nikolai Kishka
The Pharaoh
Masa Chono 
Adam Knight 
Pierre Oulette 

Ladies
Madusa Micelli
Barbie Wired
Nikki Kixxx
Becky Hennig
Runaway Jane

Commissioner
Nick Bockwinkel




River City Wrestling #714
February 7, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Six-Man Elimination Match
Nikolai Kishka, The Pharaoh, & Enigma defeated Joey Matthews, Duncan Duncan, & Borro the Butchers Son at 8:28
**Enigma eliminated by Matthews after a double arm DDT at 2:20
**Borro eliminated by Pharaoh after a moonsault at 5:09
**Duncan eliminated himself by countout at 5:25
**Matthews eliminated by Kishka after a jumping spinning leg lariat at 8:28
[Nikolai Kishka & The Pharaoh survived]

Bout #2
#1 Contenders Match (Part 1)
Runaway Jane defeated Nikki Kixxx by pinfall after a piledriver at 6:51
**next week is another all women's edition of RCW, and the main event will feature champion Madusa in a triangle match. This was the first of two matches to determine her opponents. Lots of heat between Kixxx and Jane.

Bout #3
#1 Contenders Match (Part 2)
Barbie Wired defeated Becky Hennig by pinfall after the Ape Hanger at 3:36
**fairly quick match for the former champion who looked dominating in this match (both from a wrestling perspective and a leather BDSM outfit point of view).


Hour #2

Bout #4
#1 Television Title Contenders Match
Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) defeated Ben Bassarab by pinfall after a Legend cutter at 7:35
**very good match between two former TV champions. The difference in this bout turned out to be Mercedes who first tripped Bassarab at an optimal time, and later feigned injured to distract him using his chivalry against him.

Bout #5
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage and Adam Knight & Pierre Oulette battled to a double countout at 8:58
[Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**lots of heat in this bout with no clear weak link. The teamwork between the champs was superior to the challengers, however they were at a disadvantage in size and willingness to break the rules that evened things out. In the end the challengers seemed quite willing to make the champs fight their style of fight which was a brawl, and resulted in all 4 men being counted out. The brawl continued for several minutes after the bell as security and officials did their best to try and separate the combatants. 

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Champion vs Champion
Vendetta defeated Hysteria by pinfall after a jumping DDT at 10:03
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**clean but aggressively fought match. At times when Hysteria was rolling, especially with his chain wrestling, Vendetta looked like a fish out of water, or a dinosaur. But inevitably Vendetta would use his power and ability to bounce back from damage to take back the match. While both men are faces, Vendetta was the clear favourite of probably 75% of the crowd. After the bout Vendetta offered a handshake which was accepted by the TV champion, and the two shared a quick embrace.


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week for a special all ladies edition!!




River City Wrestling #715
February 14, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Welcome to another All-Ladies Episode of River City Wrestling. Some Heartbreakers to celebrate Valentine's Day.

Opening Bout
Mercedes defeated Michelle Bellini by pinfall after an inside cradle at 3:13
**fitness competitor Bellini returns to RCW, and dominated 3 minutes and 10 seconds of this match, but makes the mistake of arguing with the ref after a 2 count, which allows Joe E Legend's valet Mercedes to roll her up from behind, put her feet on the ropes, undetected by the ref, and get a quick 3 count.

Bout #2
Heather Kennedy defeated The Underweartaker by pinfall after a hanging vertical suplex at 4:45
**bikini model Kennedy returns to RCW and she beats the parody that is the UWT.

Bout #3
Heather McTague defeated Karen Hulse by submission to a single leg Boston crab at 5:18
**best match of the night so far, but thats not saying much. Bikini competitor and actress McTague was able to beat fitness competitor Hulse. McTague has a couple more matches experience under her belt which allowed her to pick up the win against a more fit opponent.

Bout #4
Becky Hennig & Daisy Rhodes defeated Catherine Nolan & Nikki Milne by pinfall when Hennig pinned Milne after a running necksnap at 6:28
**Hennig and Rhodes looked like a pair of trailer park trash trying to look like Daisy Dukes. However they worked well together, finding it easy to distract the ref and to frustrate their opponents. 


Hour #2

Bout #5
Triple Threat Match
Nikki Kixxx defeated Starla Saxton and Misty Blue by pinfall when she pinned Saxton after a spinning heel kick at 7:40
**pretty good match with the veteran Blue (aka Misty Blue Simmes) carrying the action. However, the other 2 competitors were younger and maybe hungrier and at times double teamed Simmes. In fact the ending came when the two took Simms down with a double team superplex, and as they got to their feet Kixxx got up first and nailed the kick to get the win.

Bout #6
Jeanne Basone defeated Deep Blue by pinfall after a Frankensteiner at 6:29
**former GLOW girl (Hollywood) and former North American champion came out on top defeating the lucha Blue. Basone played the heel in this one and still looked in incredible shape, getting up high to execute a surprise 'steiner for the finisher.

Pre-Match
In some very non-RCW like shenanigans, perhaps more associated with WWF or GLOW, Nikki Kixxx came out with some legal documents. The referee assigned for tonight's match was Buddy Lane, but according to her documents the RCW rulebook says all competitors must get a pat down from the referee before starting. But Kixxx has filed a complaint with human rights and got an injunction against male refs patting down female participants. RCW commissioner Nick Bockwinkel was pissed, and said he would get a female member of the RCW security team to do the pat down. Not so fast though Kixxx intervened again; according to the RCW  by-laws all pat downs need to be done by the referee of record. So Lane can not do the pat downs, therefore he can't referee. Well here is the interesting thing...Nikki went out last week and got certified by the Manitoban Boxing and Wrestling commission as a referee..and she's here, and she's a she, so she is the only option! Bockwinkel is livid but the participants step forward and say since there are 3 of them, and none of them has any love lost for Kixxx they are okay with it, and if she gets out of line, they will put her in her spot..on her ass.

Main Event
North American Women's Title Match
Special Referee: Nikki Kixxx
Madusa Micelli defeated Runaway Jane and Barbie Wired by pinfall when she pinned Jane after a superkick at 10:23
[Madusa Micelli retained the North American Women's Title]
**Madusa looked pretty dominant in this bout, but Kixxx was a constant distraction. By about the six minute mark we had a continuous series of one against one while the third was recovering. Jane nailed Wired with a boot from the top rope, but Kixxx made a very slow count. Jane got into Kixxx' face and the two had a pushing match. Wired tried to grab Jane by the hair but Madusa took her down with a spear. Jane smacked Kixxx, but Kixxx smacked her back, she reeled, right into the superkick from the champ, and this time the count was very fast as Wired was on the verge of recovering. 

Post-Match:
Nikki Kixxx did not stick around for the belt presentation, leaving the ring right away. However, she did grab the belt and do a crotch rub on it before tossing it into the ring for a now fuming Madusa. It would appear that Kixxx doesn't care who she pisses off as Madusa, Bockwinkel and Jane all have to be wanting to take her down now.


That's it for another special All-Ladies' Heartbreakers edition of River City Wrestling. Have a Happy Valentine's Day and we'll see ya next week!!




River City Wrestling #716
February 21, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
The Pharaoh defeated Joey Matthews by pinfall after a moonsault at 4:37
**good effort by Matthews but he came up short.

Pre-Match:
Commissioner Nick Bockwinkel came out to announce the signing of a new female referee. RCW is going to change their by-laws so that a non-referee female, such as security, can do the pre-match pat downs. But regardless, it is time since we have a female division that we have a female ref. Bockwinkel brought out a local girl Jennifer Greaves (who looks about 20) who will be handling all the female division matches going forward unless otherwise noted. Greaves gets a polite applause from the crowd, especially when they made mention that she is a local girl.

Bout #2
Becky Hennig & Daisy Rhodes defeated Starla Saxton & Barbie Wired by pinfall when Hennig pinned Wired after a running neck snap at 6:45
**Saxton and Wired are probably better wrestlers then their opponents, especially Wired, and especially compared to Rhodes. However, the teamwork between Hennig and Rhodes, who came out in new matching daisy dukes over pantyhose, is quite compelling. Their ability to distract the ref, and frustrate their opponents is remarkable.

Bout #3
Nikolai Kishka defeated Ben Bassarab by pinfall after a running leaping kneesmash at 6:06
**pretty much a pecking order match and Kishka surprisingly came out on top. 

Bout #4
Runaway Jane defeated Nikki Kixxx by pinfall after a schoolgirl at 4:21
**the match was a big distraction as Kixxx had a problem with new referee Greaves, who was not taking any crap and gave it right back to Kixxx. The ending came when Kixxx didn't like being told to break after a hair pull, and she pushed Greaves who pushed right back, who was promptly rolled up from behind by Jane who benefited from a fairly fast count.

Post-Match:
Kixxx nailed Jane from behind, threw her over the top rope, then nailed referee Greaves with a DDT, leaving her lying.


Hour #2

Bout #5
RCW Television Title Match
Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) defeated Hysteria by countout at 6:46
[Hysteria retained the RCW Television Title]
**fairly even match but Hysteria was careful to avoid putting himself in line for a cutter, grabbing onto the ropes or hitting the mat and rolling to avoid the finisher. The end came when Hysteria went for a head tope and Mercedes jumped in the way taking the shot, allowing Legend to take only part of it. The former champ was still pretty dazed and elected to roll in the ring at the count of 8 to beat the countout.

Post-Match:
Hysteria tried to help Merceds to her feet but she was out cold. Legend attacked Hysteria from behind while he was trying to help Mercedes. He even pulled off one of his valet's shoes and used the high heel to beat Hysteria.

Bout #6
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage defeated Adam Knight & Pierre Oulette by pinfall when Cage pinned Knight after a double slingshot suplex at 8:54
[Sextron Hardcastle & Christian Cage retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**solid match, good competition, but in the end the champs are just better. However, the challengers seem to refuse to take a loss graciously and attacked the champs after the match, and used their title belts to whip them.

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Masa Chono defeated Vendetta by pinfall after a cradle piledriver at 9:18
[Masa Chono Won the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**Chono made his return to RCW with a title shot that he made the most of. Both men are strong, determined, and resilient. The action went back and forth, with neither man holding the advantage for more than a minute. Vendetta went for his finisher the jumping DDT, but Chono timed it when Vendetta left his feet, Chono snuck in a knee to the groin (unseen by the ref). Chono laid in a few kicks, a belly to back suplex, and then his finisher. The crowd seemed to be in a sense of shock after the match and the crowd was hushed. Masa Chono begins his 1st RCW Heavyweight title reign, ending Vendetta's short two month 3rd title reign, and beginning the 44th title reign in the belt's history. 


That's it for another week of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!




River City Wrestling #717
February 28, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Pre-Match:
Commissioner Nick Bockwinkel comes out to announce that unlike a normal show which typically has 7 matches, tonight we will only have 5 because of the nature of tonight's matches which includes two cage matches and a six man elimination match. 
The first match was scheduled to be between recent partners Becky Hennig and Daisy Rhodes. However the Daisy Duke wearing twins came out to complain. After they beat Saxton and Blue last week they should be the # 1 contenders. Bockwinkel points out that there is no women's tag title.."of course" there isn't is the reply from the Duke's. But there is a men's tag titles, which is unfair, but since that is all there is they want a title shot. Bockwinkel just laughs at them which doesn't go over well and they try to intimidate him. Finally he says, fine you want to wrestle against men then we'll get you a match right now. And he beckons for the comedy duo of Duncan Duncan and Borro the Butcher's Son.


Opening Bout
Becky Hennig & Daisy Rhodes defeated Duncan Duncan & Borro the Butcher's Son by pinfall when Rhodes pinned Duncan with a kiss press at 4:35
**Duncan and Borro had no qualms about wrestling women, tossing them around the ring pretty good. The girls did grab an advantage when the ref was putting Borro out of the ring which allowed the girls to double team, with a low blow of course. But the guys took back the advantage. The end came when Duncan sent Rhodes to the ropes and delivered an elbow across the chest. He was about to go for a scoop slam, but hesitated before putting his arm under the crotch of Rhodes. She then stuck his bent head between her legs in a standing headscissors and gave it some shakes. He popped out and she took him down with a double leg takedown, then jumped on top of him giving him a kiss. He was too busy enjoying the kiss and having her on top of him to notice the ref counting the 1, 2, 3.

Bout #2
Six-Man Elimination Match
#1 contenders match for Television Title
Mark Schrader eliminated by Enigma by pinfall after a flying bodypress at 2:29
The Pharaoh eliminated by Bassarab by pinfall after a spiked piledriver (/w Matthews) at 5:02
Joey Matthews eliminated by Nikolai Kishka by pinfall after a victory roll (/w Enigma adding extra leverage on the pin) at 6:36
Enigma eliminated by countout at 7:44
Ben Bassarab eliminated by Nikolai Kishka after a jumping spinning leg lariat at 10:42
[Nikolai Kishka wins the Six Man Elimination Match at 10:42]

Bout #3
RCW Television Title Match
Hysteria defeated Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) by pinfall after a top rope moonsault at 8:19
[Hysteria retained the RCW Television Title]
**former champion Legend had a mic and insisted that Hysteria apologize to Mercedes for last week, and thrust the mic into his face. The luchadore refused, whether it was a lack of remorse or language skills we don't know. Frustrated Legend hit Hysteria in the face with the mic while Mercedes low blowed him from behind. With that Legend controlled the first half of the bout beating the champ from pillar to post. Twice Legend positioned Hysteria face up on the mat near the ropes so he could argue with the ref while his valet choked the champ. When Legend went for his cutter finisher however, Hysteria had it well scouted enough to push him off, then nail a standing dropkick on the challenger. Hysteria then took over the bout until Mercedes reached in and tripped up the champ. That advantage didn't last long though as Hysteria managed to move out of the way of a spear attempt and Legend went flying through the ropes taking out his manager. The champ followed up with a plancha on the challenger, rolled him back inside and hit his finisher to pick up the win.


Hour #2

Bout #4
CAGE MATCH
Runaway Jane defeated Nikki Kixxx by pinfall after a Texas piledriver at 10:26
**the referee for this bout was of course Jennifer Greaves, and again she was not taking any lip from Kixxx. The match went back and forth but with each women holding the advantage for about 2-3 minutes each. Unusual for a women's bout saw Jane busted open and quite a bit of blood trickling down her face. Kixxx attempted a roundhouse kick but was wobbly and ended up nailing Greaves, hard to tell whether it was an accident. She then went to work on Jane by grabbing her hair and throwing her into the cage wall. She hung Jane in the tree of whoa and peppered her with kicks. Finally Greaves was able to recover, and forcefully removed Kixxx so she could get Jane down. As she was doing so Kixxx charged the corner, and Greaves pushed Jane out of the way and ducked herself, so that when Kixxx left her feet for the splash she found nothing but cage wall. This sort of evened things out and after an 8 count they went at it in the middle of the ring. Kixxx grabbed the advantage but Jane moved out of the way of a spinning heel kick, took Kixxx down with a double leg, then slingshot her face first into the cage wall, hit her finisher, and got the big win. Kixxx was not happy with Greaves after the bout but thought better of physically attacking her.

Main Event
CAGE MATCH
RCW Tag Team Title Match - Texas Tornado Rules
Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage defeated Adam Knight & Pierre Oulette by pinfall when Hardcastle pinned Knight after a face first double flapjack into the cage wall at 12:21
[Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**the excellent teamwork and double teams by the champs were not effective for the first half of this bout as all four men were legal, and the challengers had the size and strength advantage which they utilized fully. After a good beating and several nearfalls the champs finally managed to turn things around when they both reversed a double whip to the ropes sending their opponents into a collision course. Knight and Oulette managed to slam on the brakes, and give each other a pat on the bat, but the champs nailed each of them from behind with a standing dropkick causing them to collide head first. The champs were off and running then, and while the challengers made a couple short comebacks the second half of the bout belonged to the champs. Cage and Oulette were both busted open early on the cage but Hardcastle and Knight managed to avoid colour. The end finishing move was a beauty, and the champs actually hit both opponents with the same move, but it was Knight that they pinned.
 

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling Heavyweight Title History

1. The Destroyer
Jan 5/80: defeated Mike Valiant at RCW #1 in a tournament final.

2. Chris Lyon
Jan 24/81: defeated The Mummy in tournament final at RCW #26.
The Destroyer was stripped of his title after not being able to
defend the title for 30 days due to injury.

3. The Mummy
Mar 28/81: defeated Chris Lyons in a cage match at RCW #29.

4. The Destroyer (2)
Aug 1/81: defeated the Mummy at RCW #36.

5. Chris Lyon (2)
Oct 24/82: defeated the Destroyer at RCW #80

6. The Destroyer (3)
Apr 30/83: defeated Chris Lyon at RCW #97.
Best 2 out of 3 falls

7. Chris Lyon (3)
July 9/83: defeated The Destroyer at RCW #106

8. Jim Brunzell
Sep 22/84: defeated Chris Lyon at RCW #162

9. David Schultz
Mar 23/85: defeated Jim Brunzell at RCW #184

10. Jim Brunzell (2)
Apr 20/85: defeated David Schultz at RCW #187
3 falls to 2, 30-minute Ironman Cage Match

11. Jerry Blackwell
June 30/85: defeated Jim Brunzell at RCW #196

12. Bob Backlund
Oct 5/85: defeated Jerry Blackwell at RCW #209

13. David Schultz (2)
Dec 19/85: defeated Bob Backlund at RCW #220

14. Bob Backlund (2)
Feb 15/86: defeated David Schultz at RCW #225

15. Steve Disalvo
Aug 23/86: defeated Bob Backlund at RCW #250

16. Vendetta
Oct 10/87: defeated Steve Disalvo at RCW #304

17. Don Muraco
Mar 18/89: defeated Vendetta at RCW #367

18. Dynamite Kid
Apr 15/89: defeated Don Muraco at RCW #371

19. Don Muraco (2)
May 27/89: defeated Dynamite Kid at RCW #377

20. Davey Boy Smith
Sep 2/89: defeated Don Muraco at RCW #391

21. Dynamite Kid (2)
Dec 14/89: defeated Davey Boy Smith by pinfall in a Coal Miners Glove match at RCW #406 (10th Anniversary Spectacular)

22. Paul Orndorff
May 26/90: defeated Dynamite Kid by pinfall at RCW #425
**vacated July 7th due to injury

23. Steve Disalvo (2)
Aug 4/90: defeated Don Muraco in tournament final at RCW #435

24. Ricky Steamboat
Dec 15/90: defeated Steve Disalvo at RCW #449 at (11th Anniversary Spectacular)

25. Larry Cameron
Mar 14/91: defeated Jerry Lynn at RCW #459 in tournament final
**Vacated by Steamboat due to injury

26. Paul Orndorff (2)
Sep 28/91: defeated Cameron by pinfall at RCW #480

27. Rogue
Feb 15/92: defeated Orndorff in a cage match at RCW #489

28. Vendetta (2)

Jun 20/92: defeated Rogue 2 falls to 0 in a best of 3 falls match at RCW #498

29. Dirty White Boy
Aug 15/92: defeated Vendetta by pinfall at RCW #502

30. Jerry Lynn
Dec 5/92: defeated Dirty White Boy 2 falls to 1 in a best of 3 falls match at RCW #510 (13th Anniversary Spectacular)

31. Manny Silva

Mar 27/93: defeated Jerry Lynn by pinfall at RCW #517

32. Harley Tragger
Sep 25/93: defeated Dirty White Boy in tournament final at RCW #530
**Manny Silva was stripped of the title and suspended for his actions

33. Stan Lane
Dec 4/93: defeated Harley Tragger by pinfall at RCW #535 (14th Anniversary Spectacular)

34. Jim Brunzell (3)
Apr 9/94: defeated Stan Lane by submission at RCW #542 in a steel cage match

35. Greg Valentine
Jun 4/94: defeated Jim Brunzell by referee's decision at RCW #546 

36. Harley Tragger (2)

Sep 24/94: defeated Greg Valentine by pinfall at RCW #554

37. Stan Lane (2)
Dec 3/94: defeated Harley Tragger by pinfall at RCW #559 (15th Anniversary Spectacular)

38. Jim Brunzell (4)
Oct 21/95: defeated Stan Lane by pinfall at RCW # 587
**Vacated title for retirement after Dec 9/95 title defence.

39. Greg Valentine (2)
Jan 20/96: defeated Waylon Mercy by pinfall at RCW #596
**tournament final for vacant title

40. Waylon Mercy
Jul 6/96: defeated Greg Valentine by pinfall at RCW #619

41. Stan Lane (3)
Sep 14/96: defeated Waylon Mercy by pinfall at RCW #634

42. Manny Silva (2)
Jul 19/97: defeated Stan Lane by pinfall at RCW #680

43. Vendetta (3)
Dec 13/97: defeated Manny Silva by pinfall at RCW #708 (18th Anniversary Spectacular)

44. Masa Chono
Feb 21/98: defeated Vendetta by pinfall at RCW #716

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling - March, 1998

Roster

Faces
Vendetta
Hysteria
Christian Cage
Sexton Hardcastle
Mark Schrader
Joey Matthews
Earthquake Ferris (NEW)
Doc McMartin (NEW)
William Perry (Guest)

Heels
Masa Chono
Joe E. Legend (/ Mercedes)
Nikolai Kishka
The Pharaoh
Adam Knight
Pierre Oulette
Flaming Freak (NEW)
Richard Odom (NEW)


Ladies
Madusa Micelli
Barbie Wired
Nikki Kixxx
Becky Hennig
Runaway Jane

Officials
Commissioner - Nick Bockwinkel
Referee - Buddy Lane
Referee - 
Referee - Jennifer Greaves

Injured/Off
Ben Bassarab
Manny Silva




River City Wrestling #718
March 7, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) defeated Mark Schrader by pinfall after a Legend cutter at 3:25
**squash match

Bout #2
The Pharaoh defeated Earthquake Ferris by pinfall after a DDT (after throwing sand in his eyes) at 4:42
**premiere of Ferris, not the Earthquake (John Tenta) from WWF, this one is in his mid 30's, 6'6 305 lbs., a big boy. Pharaoh was having trouble with his opponents size, and premiered tonight another method of cheating, borrowing a page from Mr. Saito's playbook, but instead of salt he used sand (because he's a Pharaoh).

Bout #3
Sexton Hardcastle defeated Pierre Oulette by pinfall after a missile dropkick at 5:57
**tag champion in singles action

Bout #4
Christian Cage defeated Adam Knight by pinfall after an inverted DDT at 5:30
**the other tag champion in singles action


Hour #2

Pre-Match:
Commissioner Nick Bockwinkel has relented and if Hennig and Rhodes want to compete in the men's tag division after beating Duncan Duncan & Borro the Butchers' son last week, albeit with a move that only worked because they were females,  then he is going to allow it. So tonight they have a #1 contenders match but Bockwinkel found it difficult to find a tag team willing to fight against the girls. Schrader & Matthews were given the chance and they refused, and a couple teams from outside the territory also turned him down including Ricky Rice & Derrick Dukes, and the Destruction Crew. However, he did find a team to come in from the PWA/WWA on loan from John Fredrickson's organization; and they are unconventional to say the least.

Bout #5
#1 Contender Match
Flaming Freak & Richard Odom defeated Becky Hennig & Daisy Rhodes by pinfall when the Freak made Hennig submit to the clawhold while licking her face at 4:02
**I don't even want to describe this travesty of a match. The Freak and Odom lived up to the Freaks name.

Post-Match:
The Freak and Odom continued to assault the girls, and had Rhodes on a table, and while Odom climbed to the top buckle the Freak held her down on the table, choking her and licking her face. This brought out the tag champions Hardcastle & Cage, but the Freaks were waiting for this. As the champs slid into the ring the challengers were on them. Odom jumped Cage, and Freak caught Hardcastle with a lowblow and then slammed him through the table after pushing Rhodes to the mat. 

Bout #6
North American Women's Title Match
Madusa Micelli defeated Runaway Jane by pinfall after a Northern lights suplex at 7:40
[Madusa Micelli retained the North American Women's Title]
**competitive match as Jane has come a long way. No sign of Kixxx, and referee Jennifer Greaves called it right down the middle.

Main Event
RCW Television Title Match
Hysteria and Nikolai Kishka battled to a no-contest at 6:42
[Hysteria retained the RCW Television Title]
**very even match, nothing was decided as the heat took the match outside and after the two began to throw chairs at each other referee Buddy Lane threw out the match.


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!




River City Wrestling #719
March 14, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

St. Patrick's Day Shenanigans & Hall of Fame Announcement

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Doc McMartin defeated Adam Knight by pinfall after a running boot to the head at 6:04
**Premiere of McMartin who not oddly looks exactly how he sounds, complete with big boots. Knight actually controlled more of the bout then McMartin but the ending came quickly.

Bout #2
Mixed (Midgets & Females) Battle Royal
**competitors could be eliminated by being thrown out of the ring, didn't have to be over the top
Nikki Kixxx (eliminated herself after fending off advances from Leprechaun and Irish Car Bomb) at 2:39
Mascarita Sagrada and Irish Car Bomb eliminated each other when ICB jumped on MS' shoulders, and they backed against the ropes and both went through at 5:12
Runaway Jane eliminated by Hennig & Rhodes when they tossed her over the top rope at 6:37
Tzuki eliminated by Hennig & Rhodes when they tossed him over the top rope at 8:20
Daisy Rhodes eliminated by Leprechaun after a drop toe hold at 9:36
Becky Hennig eliminated by Leprechaun using a back body drop at 10:51
[Leprechaun wins the Mixed Battle Royal at 10:51]

Bout #3
Earthquake Ferris & William "The Refrigerator" Perry defeated The Pharaoh & Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) by pinfall when Perry pinned Pharaoh after a splash at 6:37
**The 'Fridge made his RCW debut, as a special attraction and did not disappoint the crowd. The size advantage of the faces was just too much for the heels.


Hall of Fame Announcement
The Hall of Fame Committee (Stan Mullen, The Destroyer, Chris Lyon, Mike Valiant, Jim Brunzell, Tawney England) came to the ring and newest members Brunzell and England did most of the talking. The 11th entry into the Hall of Fame never held the RCW Heavyweight Title, but he is a 2 time RCW Tag Team champion, and a Heritage Title holder. As well he helped organize the wrestlers and shows from backstage, helped mentor many of the up and comers, and is a former commissioner of River City Wrestling. The committee is proud to announce that the newest entrant into the Hall of Fame is the very popular Baron von Raschke!! He will be inducted in April. And that is all the people need to know!


Hour #2

Bout #4
RCW Television Title Match
Hysteria defeated Nikolai Kishka by submission to a leglock at 4:49
[Hysteria retained the RCW Television Title]
**Rematch after a no-contest brawl last week. Hysteria controlled the first couple minutes but Kishka made a strong comeback. Then he flipped over the back of Hysteria when the champ telegraphed a back body drop, and landed funny. His legs went out from under him and he was in a lot of pain. Hysteria gingerly put Kishka in a simple leglock and the challenger submitted before the hold was even cinched in. After the bout Kishka was removed on a stretcher.

Bout #5
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage defeated The Flaming Freak & Richard Odom by disqualification for use of a foreign object at 7:47
[Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**the champs controlled most of the bout, but instead of taking a clean loss the Freak and Odom decided to bring a table into the ring and set it up in the corner. They were quickly disqualified but it ended up being the challengers not the champions who were put through the table.

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Masa Chono defeated Vendetta by pinfall after an overhead suplex (and a handful of tights) at 12:40
[Masa Chono retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**this bout had a PPV feel, or a heavyweight boxing match. The introductions were a bit longer, music infused, and more complete then a usual episode. They also introduced all the former greats on hand; The Destroyer, Chris Lyon, Mike Valiant, Jim Brunzell, Tawney England, and Nick Bockwinkel. Vendetta started strong, then the match went outside the ring. Back inside the champ worked over the legs of Vendetta with a series of leglocks, stomps, and then an Indian death lock. Vendetta battled back with his back to the ropes and buckle for support. The match went outside the ring again, and the ref Buddy Lane gave them a lot of leniency. Back inside Vendetta went to work with a running elbowsmash, scoop slam, spinebuster slam, and an STF. Chono battled back with some chops, kicks, an arm capture suplex, and an armbar. Vendetta took over again, climbed to the top and came off with an armbreaker, then a chickenwing. Chono went for a rake to the eyes, some elbows, a kneedrop from the second buckle, then hit the overhead suplex, got 1, 2, Vendetta tried to kick out but Chono stopped the momentum by grabbing the tights and got the 3. Many of the former champs who were sitting ringside were up in arms and complaining, some to Chono, some to the ref, and some to Bockwinkel. But Chono got the win and escaped with the title.


That's it for another episode of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!




River City Wrestling #720
March 21, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Vendetta defeated Adam Knight by pinfall after a jumping DDT at 4:41
**fairly easy match for the former champion.

Bout #2
Manny Silva defeated Joey Matthews by pinfall after a wheelbarrow suplex at at 5:36
**this too was a fairly easy match for a former champion.

Post-Match:
Nick Bockwinkel announces that although champion Masa Chono's win over Vendetta last week was tainted, he still won. Now that Silva is back from injury, the two of them, Vendetta and Silva, will meet next week in a #1 contenders match for the RCW Heavyweight Title shot.

Bout #3
Doc McMartin and Pierre Oulette battled to a double disqualification at 4:54
**nothing settled in this one.

Bout #4
Mixed Tag Match
Becky Hennig & Daisy Rhodes defeated Leprechaun & Irish Car Bomb by pinfall when Rhodes pinned ICB after a powerbomb at 6:05
**the Dwarfs gave it their best effort but they came up short.


Hour #2

Bout #5
#1 Contenders Triangle Match
Nikki Kixxx defeated Runaway Jane and Barbie Wired by pinfall when Kixxx pinned Wired after a spinning heel kick at 7:15

Bout #6
#1 Television Title Contenders Triangle Match
The Pharaoh defeated Earthquake Ferris and Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) by pinfall when Pharaoh pinned Legend after a moonsault at 8:37

Main Event
Streetfight
RCW Tag Team Title Match 
Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage defeated The Flaming Freak & Richard Odom by pinfall when Cage pinned Odom after putting him through a table (and outside interference by Becky Hennig and Daisy Rhodes) at 8:20
[Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**Champions controlled early, the challengers kept wanting to bring tables into play. Finally the challengers had an advantage, and had both champions laid out on the table in the ring, as the challengers were both poised on the top buckle. From the back came Becky Hennig and Daisy Rhodes, pushing the challengers, causing them to crotch themselves. The Freak fell off to the floor below but Odom hung on. However, Cage and Hardcastle recovered, and together gorilla press slammed Odom through the table and then Cage made the pin.

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!



River City Wrestling #721
March 28, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Barbie Wired defeated Heather Kennedy by pinfall after an Ape Hanger at 3:36
**glorified squash match

Bout #2
Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) & Eric Freedom defeated Joey Matthews & Mark Schrader by pinfall when Freedom pinned Schrader after a flying shoulderblock (the Freedom Missile) at 5:57
**Freedom makes his return to RCW, but unlike last time when he was cheered by the crowd, this time he has aligned himself with Legend and was willing to break the rules and take short cuts to win.

Bout #3
Runaway Jane defeated Daisy Rhodes after a piledriver at 5:48

Bout #4
Nikki Kixxx defeated Becky Hennig by pinfall after a spinning heel kick at 4:21


Hour #2

Bout #5
Pierre Ouelett & Adam Knight defeated Doc McMartin & Earthquake Ferris by pinfall when Ouelett pinned Ferris after a Senton Bomb at 6:09
**good win for this team that seemed to have just been thrown together when they both arrived in RCW around the same time. 

Bout #6
RCW Heritage Title Match
Hysteria defeated The Pharaoh by pinfall after a top rope moonsault at 9:00
[Hysteria retained the RCW Heritage Title]
**Pharaoh is a solid challenger for Hysteria but came up short this time. He tried to throw sand into the face of the champ at one point, but the Lucha kicked him in the hand and made him drop it. Pharaoh tried to step away and slid on the stand making him an easy target for the champ's savate kick. 30 seconds later the champ was hitting his finisher and picking up the win.

Main Event
#1 Heavyweight Contenders Match
Vendetta defeated Manny Silva by pinfall after a jumping DDT at 11:34
**another solid match between two of RCW's all time greats. Silva seemed to be nursing a knee injury which has kept him out for a few weeks. Vendetta didn't necessarily target the knee but it limited Silva's mobility and move set. Silva worked a lot of moves on the mat, but hesitated when going for a suplex when his knee buckled, and took Vendetta down to the mat with a front facelock instead. In the end Vendetta got stronger as the bout progressed while Silva got weaker. Vendetta nailed a series of chops, a whip to the buckle with a back bodydrop, a running legdrop, and then his finisher.


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling - April, 1998

Roster

Faces
Vendetta
Hysteria
Christian Cage
Sexton Hardcastle
Mark Schrader
Doc McMartin
Steve Rivers (NEW)
Alex Rain (NEW)

Heels
Masa Chono
Manny Silva
Joe E. Legend (/ Mercedes)
Eric Freedom (NEW)
Nikolai Kishka
The Pharaoh
Adam Knight
Pierre Oulette
Slapshot (NEW)

Ladies
Barbie Wired
Nikki Kixxx
Becky Hennig
Runaway Jane
Daisy Rhodes
Heather Kennedy
Starla Saxton

Officials
Commissioner - Nick Bockwinkel
Referee - Buddy Lane
Referee - Jennifer Greaves

Injured/Off
Ben Bassarab



River City Wrestling #722
April 4, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
The Pharaoh defeated Mark Schrader by pinfall after a moonsault at 5:07
**glorified squash match

Bout #2
Pierre Oulette defeated Doc Martin by pinfall after a Senton bomb at 7:12
**Oulette attacked Martin before the opening bell and controlled the first 4 minutes or so. But then Martin made a nice comeback and looked to be on the verge of winning, but he tried for a running splash only to have Oulette move out of the way and have Martin drop himself throat first on the top rope. Oulette immediately came off the ropes while Martin was holding his throat and nailed the Senton bomb for the win.

Bout #3
Becky Hennig & Daisy Rhodes defeated Starla Saxton & Heather Kennedy by pinfall when Hennig pinned Kennedy after a running neck snap at 6:31
**Saxton may have actually been the most talented wrestler in this bout, but Kennedy was the least, and that stopped their team from being able to capitalize on their advantages. 

Bout #4
Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) & Eric Freedom defeated Steve Rivers & Slapshot by pinfall when Legend pinned Rivers after a Legend cutter at 5:14
**Rivers makes his return to RCW (formerly one half of Massive Damage) and Slapshot makes his debut with a hockey player gimmick. In the end Slapshot was breaking all the rules, and drew the ire of his partner. Finally they got into a pushing contest, Slapshot gave a Gordie Howe elbow to Rivers who stumbled right into the cutter.


Hour #2

Hall of Fame Induction
Jim Brunzell and Nick Bockwinkel are on hand to say some words about this year's entrant into the Hall of Fame, Baron von Raschke. The Baron then gave a thank you speech, and of course ended it telling everyone that is all the people need to know.

Bout #5
RCW Television Title Match
Hysteria defeated Adam Knight by pinfall after a top rope frankensteiner at 7:43
[Hysteria retained the RCW Television Title]
**Knight is capable, but this one never really felt in doubt.

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta defeated Masa Chono by pinfall after a top rope DDT at 14:40
[Vendetta won the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**really good match between these two. Vendetta came out like a house on fire for the first minute until Chono fed him a knee. Then it was all Chono for the next 4-5 minutes as he worked a side headlock, front chancery, and an Octopus stretch. Vendetta battled back though with chops, and when Chono hit him in the throat, he retaliated with kicks as he was backed into a corner. Exploding out of the corner the Haitian grabbed Chono by the head and slammed him to the mat. Sending him to the ropes Vendetta then nailed an elevated, delayed spinebuster slam and got a 1 count. Vendetta followed up with a sidewalk slam, then a legdrop, sent the champ to the buckle and caught him coming out with a big back body drop. But when the challenger went to the top he took too long and the champ brought him back to earth with a slam. Chono locked in an STF which Vendetta was lucky to survive. The champ kicked the challenger out of the ring and then followed him. The brawl outside was short but intense, and Vendetta took control of the bout. Back inside we had a criss cross sequence that ended with Chono missing a kick and Vendetta nailing him with a spinning wheel kick. The champ then nailed the challenger with three consecutive reverse Russian legsweeps, covered and got a 2 count. Vendetta nailed his jumping DDT and covered for the 1, 2, Chono got a foot on the ropes! The challenger picked up Chono who tried to punch his way out of it only to be fed two elbows between the eyes. Vendetta set Chono up on the top buckle, and then brought him down with a spectacular falling DDT from the top, covered, 1, 2, 3!! New Champion!! Vendetta begins his 4th title reign, tying Jim Brunzell for most in RCW history, and the 45th Heavyweight Title reign overall.

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!




River City Wrestling #723
April 11, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
The Pharaoh defeated Doc McMartin by submission to the Camel Clutch at 5:28
**competitive bout, new finisher for Pharaoh instead of his regular moonsault.

Bout #2
Starla Saxton defeated Daisy Rhodes by pinfall after a Frankensteiner at 3:39
**Saxton has looked really good in her RCW appearances, while Rhodes continues to be the weaker link in the Daisy Dukes' tag team.

Bout #3
Slapshot defeated Steve Rivers by pinfall after the Gordie Howe elbows at 5:05
**When the match spilled outside Slapshot used a hockey stick that he had left at ringside. His finisher was to throw his opponent into the corner and then nail him with an elbow, except he did this in all 4 corners consecutively. Slapshot reminds many of the Goon from WWF, but is not the same guy, just a similar gimmick.

Bout #4
Becky Hennig defeated Heather Kennedy by pinfall after a northern lights suplex at 2:47
**fast match for the other half of the Daisy Dukes'.


Hour #2

Bout #5
Adam Knight & Pierre Oulette defeated Mark Schrader & Alex Rain by pinfall when Knight pinned Rain after a powerbomb at 5:54
**Knight and Oulette look to be taking one more try as a tag team. This was Rain's premiere in RCW, he didn't look very good.

Bout #6
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage defeated Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) & Eric Freedom by pinfall when Cage pinned Legend after a double team slingshot suplex at 9:04
[Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**This was the former Thug Life leader Legend against his former teammates. Mercedes cost the challengers the match when she tried to trip up Cage, but he had reversed it, so she tripped up Legend instead.

Main Event
RCW Television Title
Nikolai Kishka defeated Hysteria by pinfall after a jumping spinning leg lariat at 8:13
[Nikolai Kishka wins the RCW Television Title]
**Kishka returns from injury and comes up with a big upset. The young Russian was clicking on all cylinders as he and the lucha champion had counters to each other's counters. The end came when Hysteria went for a side suplex but Kishka countered with flying headscissors, nailed a standing sidekick and then his finisher. Kishka now begins the 41st title reign of the RCW Television/Heritage Title, ending Hysteria's reign which began when he beat Joe E. Legend at the Anniversary Show on Dec 13/1997.


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!




River City Wrestling #724
April 18, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Tonight we have a special episode of River City Wrestling. It was announced that Madusa Micelli had suffered an injury and would not be able to defend her title. So tonight we have an unscheduled all ladies episode of RCW. We will have an 8 person tournament tonight for the title. 

Hour #1

Quarter-Finals

Starla Saxton defeated Becky Hennig by pinfall after a Frankensteiner at 4:50
**a bit of an upset to start the proceedings.

Nikki Kixxx defeated Heather Kennedy by pinfall after a spinning heel kick at 2:45
**quick win which is important for tonight's tournament format.

Jeanne Basone defeated Barbie Wired by pinfall after a DDT at 5:31
**Basone came in for this tournament and got a big win in this match-up of two former champions.

Runaway Jane defeated Daisy Rhodes by pinfall after a springboard bulldog at 9:08
**good win for Jane, but it was the longest match by far, and at the end of the round, leaving her tired and worn out.


Hour #2

Semi-Finals

Nikki Kixxx defeated Starla Saxton by countout at 3:55
**another quick win for Kixxx. This match saw Saxton make an attempt for a flying cross body block and Kixxx managed to power her over the top rope instead where she landed hard and was counted out.

Runaway Jane defeated Jeanne Basone by pinfall after a piledriver at 6:36
**solid win for Jane but she looks worn out. To make matters worse Basone was a sore loser and attacked Jane after the bout and laid in a bit more of a beating until security managed to break it up.

Main Event
Tournament Final for the Vacant North American Women's Title
Nikki Kixxx defeated Runaway Jane by pinfall after a cradle (and a hold on the ropes) at 7:05
[Nikki Kixxx won the North American Women's Title]
**Kixxx started strong and drew the ire of the fans as Jane was the big underdog. Jane though fought back and looked like she had Kixxx set up for her piledriver finisher. However, Kixxx backflipped her, and Jane tried to roll her up, but Kixxx dropped down onto Jane's arms pinning her. While the ref counted she was able to grab the middle rope for extra leverage.


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!




River City Wrestling #725
April 25, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Night of Champions

Since we have had 3 of the 4 recognized RCW titles change hands lately, one in each of the last three weeks, RCW has decided to celebrate with a Night of Champions, where every match is a title bout. 

Hour #1

Opening Bout
RCW Television Title Match
Nikolai Kishka defeated Hysteria by pinfall after a top rope flying clotheline at 8:42
[Nikolai Kishka retained the RCW Television Title]
**Kishka's first defence of the belt against the former champion and he came out on top. Hysteria looked uninspired during the bout.

Bout #2
Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Championship Match
Bruce Hart defeated Ben Bassarab by countout at 9:12
[Bruce Hart retained the Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Championship]
**the belt name is quite a handful. These two fought an old style Stampede match that started off as a respectful, scientific affair, but degenerated the last couple minutes to a more fierce (but not dirty) battle. In the end Hart tossed Bassrab over the top rope where he landed hard and was counted out.

Bout #3
Central States Heavyweight Title Match
Blizzard defeated Buddy Landell by pinfall after a frog splash at 6:55
[Blizzard retained the Central States Heavyweight Title]
**this marked the first time that someone from Central States (a member organization in WWA) defended their title in RCW. Solid match pitting a young up and comer against a wily old veteran.


Hour #2

Bout #4
North American Women's Title Match
Runaway Jane defeated Nikki Kixxx by pinfall for use of a foreign object at 7:34
[Nikki Kixxx retained the North American Women's Title]
**Kixxx' first title defence, and its against the woman she beat in the tournament final. The champ started strong going right after Jane, pulling her by the hair, smashing her head off the top buckle, and doing a couple hairplane spins. She then took it to the mat for a couple body scissors. Finally Jane fought back with fury, laying in forearms, a pair of monkey flips, and a couple drokicks. The last one sent the champ out of the ring and when the challenger chased her Kixxx grabbed the ring bell and ~waffled~ Jane getting herself disqualified.

Bout #5
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage defeated Adam Knight & Pierre Oulette by pinfall when Cage pinned Knight after a superplex at 9:19
[Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**the challengers gave it a good try but the champs are just on another level. 

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta defeated Manny Silva by pinfall after a jumping DDT at 11:27
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**Masa Chono has gone back to Asia, and did not stick around for his guaranteed rematch after dropping the belt to Vendetta. Silva stepped in as the #1 challenger and gave Vendetta everything he could handle. The match went back and forth, and with all the animosity that familiarity can bring this bout was heated and spent almost as much time out of the ring as inside. The match did not end without controversy. Silva actually nailed his wheelbarrow suplex and covered the champ..but referee Buddy Lane had been caught in the crossfire of the suplex and was knocked out. Silva went over to revive Lane but by then Vendetta had recovered. Silva landed a couple punches but a third was blocked and Vendetta unleashed a series and punches and kicks. The champ sent Silva into the buckle, and then hit him with a running clothesline as he bounced out. Vendetta then came from behind Silva and nailed a dropkick, sending him face first into the mat. He then hit his finisher and got the 1, 2, 3. Silva was livid but today was one of those days where his demeanour seemed to say "the fix is in" instead of completely losing his temper on all those around him.


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling Hall of Fame

Members of the Hall of Fame

The Destroyer (1984)

Marty Goldstein (1986)

Chris Lyon (1988)

Tawney England (1990)

Mike Valiant (1991)

Corrie England (1992)

Larry Cameron (1994)

David Schultz (1995)

Ben Bassarab (1996)

Jim Brunzell (1997)

Baron von Raschke (1998)



Hall of Fame Committe Members
as established Dec 15/1983
[Marty Goldstein, Matt Brock, Jack McAdam, Stan Mullen, Bob Brown, George Gadasky]

modified February 6/1988
remove Marty Goldstein and Bob Brown.
add The Destroyer and Gene Kiniski.
[Gene Kiniski, Matt Brock, Jack McAdam, Stan Mullen, George Gadasky, The Destroyer]

modified March/1994
remove Gene Kiniski and George Gadasky
add Chris Lyon and Mike Vaiiant
[Matt Brock, Jack McAdam, Stan Mullen, The Destroyer, Chris Lyon, Mike Valiant]

modified March/1998
remove Matt Brock, Jack McAdam
add Jim Brunzell, Tawney England
[Stan Mullen, The Destroyer, Chris Lyon, Mike Valiant, Jim Brunzell, Tawney England]

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling - May, 1998

Roster

Faces
Vendetta
Ben Bassarab
Christian Cage
Sexton Hardcastle
Mark Schrader
Doc McMartin
Steve Rivers 
Alex Rain
Darren Dalton (NEW) 

Heels
Manny Silva
Joe E. Legend (/ Mercedes)
Eric Freedom 
Nikolai Kishka
The Pharaoh
Adam Knight
Pierre Oulette
Slapshot
Angel (NEW) 

Ladies 
Nikki Kixxx
Becky Hennig
Runaway Jane
Daisy Rhodes
Heather Kennedy
Starla Saxton
Christine Law (NEW)
Combat Girl (NEW)

Officials
Commissioner - Nick Bockwinkel
Referee - Buddy Lane
Referee - Jennifer Greaves




River City Wrestling #726
May 2, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Darren "the Bomb" Dalton defeated Adam Knight by pinfall after a powerbomb (and hitting him with a chain) at 7:59
**the fans got a bit more then generally expected out of an opening bout, with the premiere of Darren Dalton. "The Bomb" came to the ring JYD style with a chain around his neck. These were two big boys with a slight size advantage to Knight. It was a slobberknocker, and Knight was cheating like a lonely oil rigger. But when we had a ref bump Dalton evened things up by using his chain to smack Knight in the head, then hit his finisher to pick up the win.

Bout #2
Runaway Jane defeated Daisy Rhodes by pinfall after a piledriver at 4:34
**just to remind us that Jane is ahead of Rhodes in the pecking order.

Bout #3
Doc McMartin defeated Angel by disqualification for ignoring referee instructions at 5:07
**another premiere, this one for Angel, who looks like one of the Baldies from The Wanderers. He was vicious and when things didn't go his way he just tried to choke out McMartin until security broke it up. Angel seems more like a fallen angel, a man without a soul.

Bout #4
Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) & Eric Freedom defeated Steve Rivers & Alex Rain by pinfall when Freedom pinned Rain after a missile shoulderblock at 7:10
**Rivers & Rain, a new tandem has a catchy name, but not much chemistry yet. With Knight & Oulette having lost their second attempt to get the tag belts from Hardcastle & Cage, it looks like Legend & Freedom now stand as the top contenders again and should get their second chance.


Hour #2

Bout #5
#1 Contenders Match
Starla Saxton defeated Becky Hennig by pinfall after a bridging back suplex at 6:12
**perhaps a bit of an upset, but Saxton will now get her shot at the gold. Saxton has become very popular with the fans in short order.

Bout #6
#1 Contenders Match - Triangle Match
Ben Bassarab defeated Slapshot and Pharaoh by pinfall when Bassarab pinned Slapshot after a diving crossbody block at 8:35
**Slapshot and Pharaoh had a short lived pact to make Bassarab their rag doll, but of course that broke down when it came to making the pin. The end came when all 3 men were brawling outside the ring. Bassarab came off the apron with a flying elbow. Then he climbed to the top buckle and prepared to fly down, but stopped when Slapshot smacked his hockey stick over the head of Pharaoh knocking him out, but not before Pharaoh had thrown a hand full of sand into the goon's face. Slapshot heard the count and managed to slip back into the ring but was still having trouble seeing. Slapshot did not see Bassarab perched on the top as he rubbed his eyes, and then the Calgarian came off the top buckle with his finisher to pick up the win.

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Special Guest Referee: Jurgen Hermann
Manny Silva defeated Vendetta for abuse of official at 9:54
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**After last week's match Manny Silva was sure that the fix was in, the conspiracy to keep the title on Vendetta was permeating throughout the organization. He challenged commissioner Nick Bockwinkel to bring in an official that Silva could trust. Begrudgingly Bockwinkel relented and brought in former RCW official Jurgen "long time inept referee" Hermann. It was not that Hermann, now retired, was dirty or partial to heels, its just that he was so inept that the rulebreakers could use it to their advantage. Tonight he was brought back for one night.
As expected Silva used every distraction and complaint he could, as well as the largest blind spots since 1970's luxury sedans, to cheat his way to being on the verge of winning the belt. Vendetta would battle back, but then Silva would get in a low blow, throat chop, rake of the eyes, etc to take back control. And when Vendetta would retaliate with fists, Hermann would lay down the law and step between the two men, his arms blocking the champ's hands, and this allowed Silva to sucker punch the Haitian champ. Finally when this happened a second time, in frustration Vendetta punched out, aiming for Silva, maybe, and landed a grazing blow to the side of Hermann's head. The ref dropped like a rock. Silva went for a punch, but Vendetta blocked took him down with a side Russian legsweep, then hit his finisher...but Hermann called for the bell and the DQ.


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!




River City Wrestling #727
May 9, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Combat Girl defeated Daisy Rhodes by submission to the cobra clutch at 5:31
**premiere of the Combat Girl, who came out in fatigues and eye black. She proved popular with the fans and came away with the victory.

Bout #2
Slapshot defeated Alex Rain by pinfall after the Gordie Howe elbows at 4:50
**fairly easy win for Slapshot

Bout #3
Becky Hennig defeated Christine Law by pinfall after an inside cradle and a handful of tights at 5:05
**another premiere, this time Law. Yes she has a bit of a highway patrol girl look to her including the mirrored sunglasses. She looked good in the bout, it was fairly evenly matched. However, after hitting a fallaway slam she covered for a 2 count, and when she got up she complained to the ref about a slow count. This allowed Hennig to roll her up from behind, grab a handful of tights, and come away with the tainted victory.

Bout #4
Darren Dalton & Doc McMartin and Adam Knight & Angel battled to a no-contest at 6:59
**putting the Dalton vs Knight, and McMartin vs Angel, bad blood together in a tag match didn't have any kind of calming effect, it just made everything blow up further. And with 4 guys to break up outside the ring the action continued long after the bell with the men really battering each other with anything not nailed down. Dalton and Angel were both busted wide open.


Hour #2

Bout #5
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage defeated Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) & Eric Freedom by reverse decision / disqualification for use of a foreign object at 9:47
[Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**the first couple minutes featured the challengers getting no momentum at all, as everything they threw at the champs was thrown right back at them, in spades. We went through all four combinations and the champs had them beat. But of course the heels finally managed a nice double team, thanks to Mercedes distracting the ref by getting into an argument with Hardcastle. So Christian Cage then played Ricky Morton for a good chunk of the bout. Once the hot tag was made though it was all champions again and the fans were loving it. So Mercedes went back to the well again, passing a pair of brass knuckles to Legend. She then went over and pulled Hardcastle off the apron, got into an altercation with him that distracted the ref. Cage was hit from behind by Freedom from the apron which made him easy prey for Legend who nailed him with brass knuckles, covered, and got 1, 2, 3!! We had new champions...
Until the ref grabbed the hand of Legend to lift it into the air, and the brass knux were still on. They stared at each other for a good 2 seconds before the ref Buddy Lane jerked the arm down and reversed his decision. Very controversial ending to the match and Nick Bockwinkel and security had to come out to settle things down.

Bout #6
RCW Television Title Match
Ben Bassarab defeated Nikolai Kishka by countout at 7:08
[Nikolai Kishka retained the RCW Television Title]
**Kishka, the young athletic Russian (think of a Russian version of a young RVD), has been on an absolute roll since arriving in RCW. But tonight he met the wily veteran of the middle weight wars, and was clearly the lesser man. He proved that fact by feigning returning to the ring only to back up and take the countout loss. Live to fight another day.

Main Event
CAGE MATCH
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta defeated Manny Silva by pinfall after a back suplex off the cage wall at 13:01
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**these two men, hated rivals for a decade now, will forever be linked in history. The classic hero, and the classic villain, but neither would be so driven and successful if not for the other. Once again they met up in epic circumstances after two weeks of controversy. Referee Buddy Lane did nothing but count pins, check for submissions, and on occasion call for the break of a Silva chokehold. He did not object to closed fists, low blows, hair pulls, nail rakes, or chops to the throat. In fact as the match went along both men became somewhat hampered because they had to keep turned to the side or an arm down in block to protect their groins. Silva seemed to believe that if he choked and attacked the neck and throat of the champ the bruising and battering would pay off by taking away Vendetta's wind, and it seemed to work at times with the champ sputtering and holding his throat. On the other hand Vendetta busted Silva's head open and seemed determined to win the bout by blood loss. In fact at around the 8 minute mark Lane called for the ring doctor to come to the cage wall and stay there and keep an eye on Silva. Vendetta managed to kick out after a piledriver and after Silva's wheelbarrow suplex finisher, which really popped the crowd. On the other hand Silva managed to kick out of Vendetta's finisher, a jumping DDT (although some watchers noted that Vendetta barely left his feet because he was so exhausted). When the champ went for his finisher with more gusto, Silva countered with an inverted atomic drop. The fight went up the buckle as Silva climbed and Vendetta went after. Silva left the top buckle to try and get away from the champ, kicking out at him. But that didn't work, and Vendetta managed to pull Silva off the cage wall in a sort of back suplex, sending both men crashing to the mat. Vendetta draped an arm over Silva and got the pinfall.


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!

 


River City Wrestling #728
May 16, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Opening Bout
Slapshot defeated Steve Rivers by pinfall after a Gordie Howe hat-trick at 5:30
**this finisher is a lot quicker, he put Rivers into a headlock and gave him a punch to the head, then followed up with an elbow between the eyes, and lastly a spinebuster slam.

Bout #2
Combat Girl & Christine Law defeated Becky Hennig & Daisy Rhodes by pinfall when Combat submitted Rhodes to the cobra clutch at 6:22
**perhaps a bit of an upset considering how much Hennig & Rhodes have teamed together.

Bout #3
Christian Cage defeated Eric Freedom by pinfall after a flying forearm smash at 7:34
**one half of the tag team champions taking care of business.

Bout #4
Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) defeated Sexton Hardcastle by pinfall after a bodyslam (with outside interference) at 5:57
**the other half of the tag champs did not fare as well. Legend had tried for a cutter but Hardcastle pushed him off. Twenty seconds later Legend nailed a normal looking bodyslam, and Mercedes reached in and held down the feet of Hardcastle to allow Legend to get a surprising win.


Hour #2

Bout #5
Streetfight
Doc McMartin & Darren Dalton defeated Adam Knight & Angel by 10 count in a streetfight at 8:34
**this was as close to an ECW style match as you will find in RCW. It was more out of the ring then in, and used a liberal amount of tables and chairs. In the end Knight went for a chair shot on McMartin but he moved and the chair nailed Angel instead. The baldie went right after his own partner with a chair of his own, smashing him six times over the head. Angel then threw the chair on top of Knight and walked off. The ref counted, but only got to 9 before Knight staggered to his feet, his head busted wide open. McMartin and Dalton circled him, telling him to lie down and take the fall, but he refused. So they attacked him but only with fists, and knocked him down and out again. But somehow Knight staggered to his feet at a count of 9. Having seen enough bloodshed though, referee Buddy Lane began to count the 10 count on Angel who had left for the backstage area after nailing Knight. The other 3 men seemed to respect that decision and allowed the 10 count to stand.

Bout #6
North American Women's Title Match
Nikki Kixxx defeated Starla Saxton by pinfall after a spinning heel kick at 6:43
[Nikki Kixxx retained the North American Women's Title]
**no win by Kixxx could be called completely clean, due to how she constantly cheats, but this one was at least without controversy.

Main Event
RCW Television Title Match
Nikolai Kishka defeated Ben Bassarab by countout at 10:04
[Nikolai Kishka retained the RCW Television Title]
**it's not often that the champion goes into a match as the underdog to retain his title, but considering how Bassarab handled the young Russian last week, and how he is the most decorated mid-heavyweight in RCW and has held the TV/Heritage title a record 6 times (oh, and he's also already an RCW Hall of Famer), well Kishka comes into this bout a huge underdog. Unlike the last bout though this one was completely even with neither man holding the advantage for more than about a minute. Kishka went to work with several varities of kicks, a running cross body, a top rope splash, and an enzuigiri, but could not come up with the pin. Bassarab countered with a few varieties of suplexes, elbows, atomic drop, diving headbutt, and an indian deathlock, but could not get the win. As you can guess there was no real feeling out process in this bout. Bassarab went for a plancha nailing Kishka outside the ring, but only caught a piece of him. Buddy Lane applied the count and Kishka managed to roll in on 9 to take the win.
 

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!



River City Wrestling #729
May 23, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Bout #1
The Pharaoh defeated Darren Dalton by pinfall after a belly to belly suplex (and a face full of sand) at 5:45
**Dalton had a pretty good match but Pharaoh cheated his way to a win.

Bout #2
Fatale Four Way Match
Runaway Jane defeated Starla Saxton, Heather Kennedy, and Daisy Rhodes when she pinned Saxton after a Texas piledriver at 7:07
**Kennedy and Rhodes teamed up to do most of the damage to Saxton, but then took themselves out of play outside the ring which allowed Jane to hit her finisher and pick up the win.

Bout #3
#1 Contenders Match
Combat Girl defeated Becky Hennig by pinfall after a cobra clutch suplex at 4:49
**bit of a change to her finisher as the fan favourite didn't wait for the submission, turning it into a suplex instead.

Bout #4
Streetfight
Angel defeated Adam Knight by 10 count in a Streetfight at 9:20
**Vicious match that could have gone either way, with both men battering each other and putting each other through tables. Both were bleeding from the head, but Angel was far worse, with his bald head looking like a horror mask. In the end though Darren Dalton came out, and everyone assumed he was there to help his partner Knight when Angel was setting him up on a table. But instead as Knight tried to get off the table Dalton clotheslined him, then placed him on the table. Angel came with a bodypress off the top buckle and drove Knight through the table. He could not beat the 10 count after that.

Post-Match:
Darren Dalton basically says he carried Knight, and he is already sick of being the fall guy. So it's no more Mr. Nice Guy from here on in for him.
 

Hour #2

Bout #5
RCW Television Title Match
Best 2 out of 3 Falls
Nikolai Kishka vs Ben Bassarab
**the first fall was a complete brawl between these two based on their recent couple of matches and the bad blood that resulted. Finally Bassarab came off the top rope with his finisher, but Kishka rolled through, got 1, 2, Bassarab rolled through, got 1, Kishka rolled through got 1, grabbed a handful of tights, 2, 3!!
[Nikolai Kishka wins fall by pinfall after rolling through a diving crossbody block at 7:38]
**as if realizing that their strengths lie with a more classic wrestling style, both men decided to take it down a notch and actually wrestle. Both men took turns controlling the action on the mat. Kishka went for a Texas cloverleaf, but Bassarab countered with an ankle lock and the champ decided to submit after about 10 seconds and save himself for the second fall.
[Ben Bassarab wins fall by submission to an anklelock at 12:11]
**the third fall started with some chain wrestling and about a dozen near falls. Bassarab then worked a series of armbars and then bodyscissors. Kishka was wounded but fought back with chops to the throat, a reverse Russian legsweep and then an armbar series of his own. They then fought each other on the floor, then up the aisle, with the ref letting them go at it. Back inside Bassarab climbed to the top rope but Kishka did a springboard somersault colliding into the corner but also kicking Bassarab at the same time. The challenger crotched himself, and Kishka climbed up with his back to Bassarab, wrapped an arm around his head and pulled him off with a neckbreaker. The champ covered and got the 3 count.
[Nikolai Kishka wins fall by pinfall after a top rope neckbreaker at 18:47]
[Nikolai Kishka retained the RCW Television Title 2 falls to 1 in 18:47]

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta defeated Slapshot by pinfall after a hotshot at 7:50
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**This was the main event because it was for the big title, but most felt rightfully so that the previous match was the big one of the night. Slapshot gave Vendetta some trouble but he took too long trying to use his hockey stick as referee Buddy Lane warned him it would be a DQ, and Vendetta ended up delivering a kick to the stick which smacked the challenger in the face and knocked him off the ring apron. Slapshot fell on the floor with the stick on top of him, and Vendetta went out after him nailing a legdrop onto the stick. He then rolled Slapshot back into the ring. The challenger took a swing at the champ who ducked, waist cinched him and dropped him throat first across the top rope to pick up the win.


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!




River City Wrestling #730
May 30, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Another All-Ladies episode of River City Wrestling!

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Amanda Garrity defeated Sharon Montgomery by pinfall after a double underhook facebuster at 4:40
**Garrity, a fitness competitor returns to a RCW ring against the premier of Sharon Montgomery. Sharon is a tall, picturesque competitor, but not as athletic as Garrity and that made all the difference.

Bout #2
Julie Ann Gerhard defeated Sheona Stewart by submission to the torture rack at 3:56
**Another fitness competitor getting the better of another wrestler making her premiere. Unlike Montgomery, Stewart was a shorter, thicker girl.

Bout #3
Heather Kennedy defeated Vine by pinfall after a top rope clothesline at 5:44
**Vine, returning to RCW, controlled much of the match, working rest holds, but Kennedy picked up a much needed win.

Bout #4
Tammy Rief defeated Mercedes by pinfall after a superplex at 3:32
**Mercedes returns to the ring but had very little interest in locking up, just avoiding the returning Rief.

Bout #5
Winners Will Face Off
Christine Law & Starla Saxton defeated Becky Hennig & Daisy Rhodes by pinfall when Saxton pinned Rhodes after a double slingshot suplex at 4:48
**interesting stipulation, that the winners would then face off against each other in a #1 contenders match. Many were eagerly anticipating the Daisy Dukes winning and then imploding against each other but that didn't happen as Rhodes made a mistake coming off the top rope too early and this led to the faces taking the win.

Hour #2

Bout #6
#1 Contenders Match
Starla Saxton defeated Christine Law by pinfall after a Frankensteiner at 5:50
**looks like Saxton will get another title shot.

Bout #7
Runaway Jane defeated Jeanne Basone by pinfall after a Texas piledriver at 8:41
**return match from April where Jane won, but was attacked by "Hollywood" after the bout. That beatdown may have cost Jane the tournament as she lost to Kixxx in the final.

Main Event
North American Women's Title Match
Nikki Kixxx defeated Combat Girl by pinfall after a spinning heel kick at 6:49
[Nikki Kixxx retained the North American Women's Title]
**Kixxx controlled early but the upstart Combat Girl made a spirited comeback. Kixxx though pulled the referee Jennifer Greaves in front of her when CG was running toward her, forcing the challenger to awkwardly abort whatever move she was going for. Her knee kind of buckled, and this allowed Kixxx to apply a facebuster, and then her finisher and pick up a quick win.


That's it for this special All-Ladies edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling - June, 1998

Roster

Faces
Vendetta
Ben Bassarab
Christian Cage
Sexton Hardcastle 
Doc McMartin  
Adam Knight
Alex Rain
Mike McFly (NEW)
Pitbull Kid (NEW)
Rising Son (NEW)
 
Heels
Manny Silva
Joe E. Legend (/ Mercedes)
Eric Freedom
Nikolai Kishka
The Pharaoh
Angel
Darren Dalton
Eric Freeze (NEW) 

Ladies
Nikki Kixxx
Becky Hennig
Runaway Jane
Daisy Rhodes
Starla Saxton
Christine Law 
Combat Girl
Sheona Stewart (NEW) 

Officials
Commissioner - Nick Bockwinkel
Referee - Buddy Lane
Referee - Jennifer Greaves




River City Wrestling #731
June 6, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
The Pharaoh defeated Alex Rain by pinfall after a moonsault at 4:05
**glorified squash match, no sand in the face required.

Bout #2
Rising Son & Pitbull Kid defeated Eric Freeze & Caveman Broda by pinfall when Son pinned Broda after an elevated whiplash at 5:47
**three premieres, everyone but Broda. The other 3 are all "Stampede" style guys with Son and Kid a bit more like British Bulldog clones, and Freeze having a bit more of a classical wrestling, psychology, and ground game. In the end Broda was the weak link, and Son put Broda's feet on the top rope, and then twisted inward as he pulled Broda off the top and drove him face first into the mat, knocking him out cold.

Bout #3
Combat Girl & Sheona Stewart defeated Becky Hennig & Daisy Rhodes by pinfall when Combat Girl pinned Rhodes after a cobra clutch suplex at 5:12
**well the inevitable finally happened, with Hennig turning on Rhodes. First refusing a tag, and then nailing her in the back of the head from the apron. Afterward she explained that Rhodes was riding on her coat tails. Hennig pointed out that more often then not Rhodes failed to get to the pay window.

Bout #4
Streetfight
Angel & Darren Dalton defeated Adam Knight & Doc McMartin by 10 count in a streetfight at 10:23
**so basically the teams had switched partners from about a month ago with Knight becoming a face and Dalton a heel. Dalton came out with a new look, a shaved head instead of his previously worn short hair. Knight and McMartin controlled early but Angel and Dalton delivered a crushing double chair shot to the knee of McMartin. After that with his mobility limited there were a lot of two on one's and eventually the bad guys wore them down and they were both counted out after being put through tables.


Hour #2

Bout #5
North American Women's Title Match
Nikki Kixxx defeated Starla Saxton after an inside cradle (and a handful of tights) at 6:26
[Nikki Kixxx retained the North American Women's Title]
**Kixxx' ego continues to grow. She doesn't even look for a clean match, taking an easier way out.

Bout #6
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) & Eric Freedom defeated Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage by pinfall when Legend pinned Hardcastle after a Legend cutter at 8:38
[Joe E. Legend & Eric Freedom won the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**Freedom had a long stretch taking punishment from the popular champs who looked on an absolute roll. Mercedes once again was able to tip the scales of justice though with a well timed trip. Legend didn't fair much better at first but once Freedom recovered they were able to make a couple short double teams. Legend hit his finisher and got the pin. Hardcastle & Cage's title reign ended after 4 1/2 months, and Legend begins his second tag title reign (first with Freedom, the other was with Steele), and the 61st tag title reign in RCW history.
Post-Match: Hardcastle was not moving after the bout and they had to immobilize his neck before taking him off on a stretcher.

Main Event
Champion vs Champion
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta defeated Nikolai Kishka by pinfall after a jumping DDT at 7:17
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**solid match, Kishka is a good young wrestler and gave Vendetta all he could handle for the first 5 minutes. The champ though is a 10+ year veteran and has a physical superiority to the TV champion that allowed him to take over the bout, hit his finisher and get the win. The TV title was not on the line in this bout, only the Heavyweight title, so no gold changed hands.


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!




River City Wrestling #732
June 7, 1998
Grand Forks, North Dakota

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta (champion) defeated Nikolai Kishka by pinfall after a superplex at 12:30

North American Women's Title Match - Triangle Match
Nikki Kixxx (champion) defeated Starla Saxton and Combat Girl by pinfall when she pinned Combat Girl after a spinning heel kick at 10:55

Doc McMartin & Adam Knight defeated Angel & Darren Dalton by pinfall when Knight pinned Dalton after a release powerbomb at 10:28

Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) defeted Alex Rain by pinfall after a Legend cutter at 5:15

Rising Son defeated Eric Freedom by countout at 11:02
**easily the best match of the night

Pitbull Kid defeated Dr. Luther by pinfall after a spinning DDT at 7:09

Becky Hennig and Daisy Rhodes battled to a double countout at 8:43

Eric Freeze defeated Caveman Broda by submission to the sleeperhold at 4:46




River City Wrestling #733
June 13, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Eric Freedom defeated Mike McFly by pinfall after a Freedom missile at 5:35
**premiere of Mike McFly, and not an overly impressive one against one half of the tag champions. McFly? McFly?

Bout #2
Adam Knight defeated Eric Freeze by pinfall after a release powerbomb at 7:02
**very competitive match that could have gone either way. Sort of a pecking order match. Freeze though could not accept the loss quietly and attacked Knight after the bell, thus assuring himself a rematch.

Bout #3
Doc McMartin defeated The Pharaoh by pinfall after a running boot at 5:13
**another pecking order match, and perhaps a slight upset.

Bout #4
#1 Contenders Match - Triangle 
Christine Law defeated Combat Girl and Sheona Stewart when she pinned Stewart after a sidewalk slam at 6:40
**Law nailed the sidewalk slam, and then Combat Girl came running over with a legdrop on Law, but she moved out of the way. So CG nailed the legdrop on Stewart, and then Law threw CG over the top rope before pinning Stewart.


Hour #2

Bout #5
Becky Hennig defeated Daisy Rhodes by pinfall after a running necksnap at 6:45
**this match occurred after Hennig turned on her fellow Daisy Dukes tag partner. Not a great match but there was some decent heat.

Bout #6
Rising Son & Pitbull Kid defeated Angel & Darren Dalton by pinfall when Kid pinned Angel after a double team elevated whiplash at 8:09
**the new fan favourites clearly positioned themselves into the #1 contenders slot. Sounds like between losing the belts and the injury sustained to Hardcastle, that the former champs Hardcastle & Cage have forfeited their automatic rematch and have left the territory.

Main Event
RCW Television Title Match
Nikolai Kishka defeated Vendetta by pinfall after a jumping spinning leg lariat (and feet on the ropes) at 9:38
[Nikolai Kishka retained the RCW Television Title]
**major upset. After losing his title shot last week for the Heavyweight title, Kishka wanted a rematch. Commish Nick Bockwinkel though said he had his chance and it was time for someone else to get a title shot, and time for him to defend his TV title. So Kishka proposed a deal, he would defend his title against Vendetta, but if he won then he would get another title shot next week. Vendetta controlled most of this bout, but Kishka did fairly well. While he won the bout it was not without controversy as he used the ropes for leverage on the pin. Still a pinfall victory over Vendetta is a rare win indeed.

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!



River City Wrestling #734
June 14, 1998
Fargo, North Dakota

Main Event
Three Way Match - Both Heavyweight & TV Titles On The Line
Vendetta (HW champion) defeated Nikolai Kishka (TV champion) and Joe E. Legend by pinfall when Vendetta pinned Legend after a top rope forearm smash at 13:58
**no titles changed hands

North American Women's Title Match
Nikki Kixxx (champion) defeated Becky Hennig by pinfall after a spinning heel kick at 9:10

Rising Son, Pitbull Kid & Doc McMartin defeated Angel, Darren Dalton & The Pharaoh by pinfall when Kid pinned Dalton after a top rope somersault roll up at 12:03

Adam Knight and Eric Freeze battled to a no-contest at 8:46

Joe E. Legend & Mercedes defeated Alex Rain & Sheona Stewart by pinfall when Legend pinned Stewart after a Legend cutter at 7:40

Christine Law defeated Daisy Rhodes by pinfall after a swinging neckbreaker at 5:19

Mike McFly defeated Caveman Broda by pinfall after an inside cradle at 6:42



River City Wrestling #735
June 20, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Mike McFly defeated The Pharaoh by pinfall after a victory roll at 5:15
**huge upset for McFly. Pharaoh was overly cocky in this one, and despite having control of the match decided to use a referee distraction to try and throw sand in the face of McFly. The youngster though smacked the hand of the Pharaoh pushing the sand into his face, then rolled him up for the win.

Bout #2
Becky Hennig & Sheona Stewart defeated Daisy Rhodes & Combat Girl by pinfall when Hennig pinned Combat Girl after a Northern lights suplex at 6:40
**well Hennig didn't take long to replace Rhodes with another girl, Stewart, who has now donned a pair of Daisy Dukes and has turned her back on the fans.

Bout #3
Angel & Darren Dalton defeated Doc McMartin & Alex Rain by pinfall when Angel pinned Rain after a diving headbutt at 6:12
**solid win for the hated Angel/Dalton team getting them back on track.

Bout #4
Eric Freeze defeated Adam Knight by disqualification for abuse of official at 8:31
**Knight won their last bout but Freeze attacked him after the loss. In this rematch Freeze frustrated Knight by constant chokes and hair pulls. Finally as he hid behind the ref Freeze poked the eye of Knight. The big man lost his temper and when the ref got in the way again Knight speared him, getting himself disqualified. 


Hour #2

Bout #5
North American Women's Title Match
Nikki Kixxx defeated Christine Law by pinfall after a spinning heel kick at 8:18
[Nikki Kixxx retained the North American Women's Title]
**another solid win for the champ who looks good, but might be getting a bit too cocky and over confident.

Bout #6
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Rising Son & Pitbull Kid defeated Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) & Eric Freedom by disqualification for outside interference at 10:53
[Joe E. Legend & Eric Freedom retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**Son & Pit started strong but soon the champs took control thanks to a double team. Son played the role of Ricky Morton for a few minutes before the challengers made a spirited comeback. They worked over Freedom and got a couple near falls. Finally Legend got a tag in but he didn't fair any better. A four man brawl allowed the champs to grab back the advantage but it didn't last long. Freedom came in to interfere but Son dropkicked him over the top rope. The challengers had Legend set up for the double team elevated whiplash when Mercedes came into the ring and attacked Kid with a high heel shoe. She was soon joined by Freedom who had grabbed a steel chair. The beat down of the challengers was on when the ref called for the disqualification.

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta defeated Nikolai Kishka by pinfall after a jumping DDT at 12:03
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**The 3rd match between the two, having split the past two, and this is the title shot earned by Kishka for his tainted victory last week. Things started swimmingly for Vendetta as he out punched Kishka then worked him over from pillar to post for the first couple minutes. Kishka though started to use a series of facelocks and sleepers that he would constantly slip down to a chokehold. Eventually the Haitian lost his temper and lifted Kishka straight up with a double handed chokehold. Referee Buddy Lane tried to get Vendetta to release the hold but he wouldn't, until Kishka's leg kicked out and caught him in the groin. Kishka went to work and got 3 near falls, after a cutter, after a second rope elbowdrop, and after hitting his finisher the spinning leg lariat. Having no where else to go after that kick out, Kishka threw Vendetta out of the ring and went after him. However, Vendetta out fought him outside the ring, and Lane let them go at it. Finally Vendetta rolled Kishka back inside the ring. The TV champ though tried to nail Vendetta with his jumping spinning leg lariat again, but this time Vendetta dove out of the way, then took Kishka down with a Samoan drop. Vendetta went to work now with a couple spinning kicks himself, a whip to the buckle followed by a clothesline, then a top rope clothesline for a 2 count. The champ then hit his finisher and this time the young Russian could not kick out.


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!



River City Wrestling #736
June 21, 1998
Sauk Centre, Minnesota

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta (champion) defeated Nikolai Kishka by pinfall after a jumping DDT at 15:56

RCW Tag Team Title Match
Jim Brunzell & Baron von Raschke defeated Joe. E. Legend (/w Mercedes) & Eric Freedom (champions) by countout at 12:08
**Brunzell and Raschke came out of retirement to make this appearance.

North American Women's Title Match
Nikki Kixxx (champion) defeated Christine Law by pinfall after a victory roll at 6:46

Rising Son & Pitbull Kid defeated Angel & Darren Dalton by pinfall when Son pinned Dalton after a double team elevated whiplash at 13:50

Becky Hennig & Sheona Stewart defeated Daisy Rhodes & Combat Girl by pinfall when Hennig pinned Rhodes after a running neck snap at 9:44

Adam Knight defeated Eric Freeze by countout at 8:38

The Pharaoh defeated Mike McFly by pinfall after a moonsault at 6:41

Alex Rain defeated Caveman Broda by pinfall after a top rope elbowdrop at 7:02



River City Wrestling #737
June 27, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Doc McMartin defeated Darren Dalton by pinfall after a running boot at 8:00
**solid opening bout between two strong men. No flippity floppity here.

Bout #2
The Pharaoh defeated Mike McFly by submission to the camel clutch at 4:46
**Pharaoh avenged his loss to McFly, and dominated McFly. After the bout he refused to stop applying the hold, and risked disqualification. Adam Knight came out to make the save.

Bout #3
Starla Saxton & Christine Law defeated Becky Hennig & Sheona Stewart by pinfall when Law pinned Stewart after a superplex at 7:44
**Stewart was the weak link in this bout.

Bout #4
Six-Man Mixed Tag Match
Rising Son, Pitbull Kid, & Combat Girl defeated Joe E. Legend, Eric Freedom, & Mercedes by pinfall when Combat Girl pinned Legend after a cobra clutch suplex at 9:37
**the good guys outclassed the bad guys, and Mercedes was a liability. The coup de grace of the bout was that Kid & Son set up Legend, had him reeling, and Combat Girl was tagged in and nailed her finisher, to add insult to injury.


Hour #2

Bout #5
Streetfight
Eric Freeze and Adam Knight battled to a no-contest in a streetfight at 7:30
**Streetfights are not supposed to end in a no-contest because they are basically no dq, but somehow this one did. The problem was that The Pharaoh came in and attacked Knight because of his earlier interference. Mike McFly joined the brawl to even things up, then in came Doc McMartin and then Darren Dalton. With all six men brawling no resolution was had.

Bout #6
North American Women's Title Match
Runaway Jane defeated Nikki Kixxx by pinfall after a Texas piledriver at 8:59
[Runaway Jane won the North American Women's Title]
**Kixxx started strong, and controlled early, but spent a lot of time jawing with the fans and the announcers, showing her arrogance. Jane had enough and fired back, tossing Kixxx around ringside, including whipping her so hard into the guardrail she flipped upside down and into the crowd. Back inside Jane beat her from pillar to post, but when she went to the top too early the champ knocked her off. Kixxx went to work and then after a criss cross we had the obligatory ref bump, with Jennifer Greaves going down. Kixxx used the distraction to pull the hair of Jane, kick her twice in the face and then went and retrieved a chair. But when she slid back inside with the chair, from the back came Christine Law, who wrestled the chair away from Kixxx, and left the ring. Jane caught Kixxx from behind driving her into the buckle, then nailing a belly to back suplex. The ref was back up, and Kixxx tried to out punch the challenger, but the momentum was against her. Jane catapulted the champ into the corner then hit her finisher, and got the 1, 2, 3..new champ! That ended a two month reign by Kixxx, and begins Jane's 1st title reign, and the 63rd in the title lineage.
 
Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta defeated Angel by disqualification for use of a foreign object at 7:15
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**Quite simply Angel tried to bully his way to the win, and when Vendetta would not back down, and out brawled him, Angel decided to bring a wrench into the ring that he found under the ring. He nailed the champ in the head dropping him to his knees, then hit him again, dropping him on his face. When Vendetta struggled to his feet his head was busted wide open. Angel decided to hit him once more in the head, knocking him backward and unconscious. 

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!



River City Wrestling #738
June 28, 1998
Thief River Falls, Minnesota

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta (champion) defeated Angel by countout at 12:28

RCW Tag Team Title Match
Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) & Eric Freedom (champions) defeated Rising Son & Pitbull Kid by pinfall when Legend pinned Son after a Legend cutter at 14:12
**interference by Mercedes was a big part of the outcome.

North American Women's Title Match
Runaway Jane (champion) defeated Nikki Kixxx by pinfall after a superplex at 8:51

Doc McMartin & Adam Knight defeated Eric Freeze & Darren Dalton by pinfall when Knight pinned Dalton after a release powerbomb at 10:30

The Pharaoh defeated Mike McFly by pinfall after a moonsault at 5:13

Starla Saxton & Christine Law defeated Becky Hennig & Sheona Stewart by pinfall when Law pinned Stewart after a slingshot suplex at 7:57

Alex Rain defeated Caveman Broda by pinfall after a top rope elbowdrop at 5:45

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling Tag Team Title History

1. Jan 19/1980: Vegas Brothers (Kenny Deeler & A.J. Dice)
- tournament final over Chris Lyons & J.P. Moran, Winnipeg, Canada

2. Aug 16/1980: KISS Army (Demon Gene & Superstar Paul)
-by pinfall over the Vegas Brothers, Winnipeg, Canada
 
3. Mar 7/1981: Roughnecks: (Stan Rodgers & Russel Riggs)
- by pinfall over the KISS Army, Winnipeg, Canada
 
4. Aug 1/1981: Royal Kiwis: (Kelly Hobin & Keith McIvor)
-by pinfall, 2 out of 3 falls, over the Roughnecks, Winnipeg, Canada
 
5. Mar 20/1982: Mike Valiant & Chris Lyon
- by pinfall over the Royal Kiwis, Winnipeg, Canada
-Chris Lyon forfeited the titles on Oct 30/82 due to his also holding the RCW Heavyweight Title.

6. Dec 11/82: Roughnecks: (Stan Rodgers & Russel Riggs) (2)
-Tournament final for vacant titles
-by pinfall over the Cuban Assassin & Iranian Assassin, Winnipeg, Canada
 
7. Aug 4/83: Angelo Mosca & Bobby Duncum
-by pinfall over Roughnecks, Wrestling Summit, Winnipeg, Canada
 
8. Feb 25/84: Phil Lafleur & Ben Bassarab
-by pinfall over Mosca & Duncum, at RCW #134, Winnipeg, Canada

9. Mar 10/84:Angelo Mosca & Bobby Duncum(2)
-by pinfall over Lafleur & Bassarab at RCW #136, Winnipeg, Canada

10. Jul 28/84: Keith & Bret Hart
-by pinfall over Mosca & Duncum at RCW #155, Winnipeg Canada

11. Dec 13/84: King Tonga & Abdullah the Butcher
-by pinfall over the Hart Brothers at RCW #174, Winnipeg, Canada
5th Anniversary Spectacular
-titles stripped on Feb 16/85 when Abdullah and Tonga split as a tag team

12. Mar 23/85: Chris Lyon & Bobby Duncum
-by pinfall over Masked Superstar & Super Destroyer at RCW #184, Calgary, Canada
-tournament final. Lyon & Duncum had won the RCW bracket. MS & SD had won the North American bracket (said to be a fictional tournament).

 13. May 25/85: Masked Superstar & Super Destroyer
-by pinfall over Chris Lyon & Bobby Duncum at RCW #191, Edmonton, Canada
-Texas Tornado style match

 14. Dec 19/85: Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane)
-by pinfall over Masked Superstar & Super Destroyer at RCW #220, Winnipeg, Canada
-6th Anniversary Spectacular

 15. Feb 22/86: The Longriders (Wild Bill Irwin & Scott Hogg Irwin)
-by pinfall over Fabulous Ones at RCW #226, Fargo, North Dakota

16. Jul 11/87: The Terminators: Riggs & Wolff
-by pinfall over The Hart Brothers: Bruce & Owen at RCW #291, Winnipeg, Canada
-tournament final, the Longriders forced to forfeit titles after injury to Scott Hogg

 17. Dec 17/87: Buck Zumhoffe & Baron von Raschke
-by pinfall over The Terminators: Riggs & Wolff at the 8th Anniversary Spectacular RCW #313, Winnipeg, Canada

18. Jan 16/88: The Terminators: Riggs & Wolff (2)
-by pinfall over Buck Zumhoffe & Baron von Raschke at RCW #314, Winnipeg Canada

19. Feb 27/88: Top Guns: Derrick Dukes & Ricky Rice
-by pinfall over the Terminators at RCW #320, Regina, Canada

20. June 11/88: Bryan St. John & Terry Orndorff
-by pinfall over the Top Guns at RCW #333, Grand Forks, North Dakota

21. July 23/1988: Owen Hart & Chris Benoit
-by pinfall over St. John & Orndorff at RCW #339, Minot, North Dakota

22. Aug 7/1988: The Sheepherders Butch & Luke
-by pinfall over Owen Hart & Chris Benoit at RCW #341, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan

23. Aug 14/1988: Owen Hart & Chris Benoit (2)
-by pinfall over the Sheepherders at RCW #342, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

24. Sep 11/1988: Bad Company: Pat Tanaka & Paul Diamond
-by pinfall over Owen Hart & Chris Benoit at RCW #345, Brandon, Manitoba

25. Nov 13/1988: Top Guns: Derrick Dukes & Ricky Rice (2)
-by pinfall over Bad Company at RCW #353, Winnipeg, Manitoba

26. Mar 18/1989: Bolsheviks: Nikolai Volkoff & Boris Zhukov
-by pinfall over Top Guns at RCW #367, Regina, Saskatchewan

27. May 13/1989: High Flyers: Greg Gagne & Jim Brunzell
-by submission over the Bolsheviks at RCW #375, Winnipeg, Manitoba

28. Jun 10/1989: Destruction Crew: Mike Enos & Wayne Bloom
-by pinfall over the High Flyers at RCW #379, Regina, Saskatchewan

29. Sep 2/1989: Jack Steele & Ricky Rice
-by pinfall over the Destruction Crew at RCW #391, Winnipeg, Manitoba

30. Oct 14/1989: The Bruise Brothers: Larry Picone & Dave Koorajian
-by pinfall over Steele & Rice at RCW #397, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

31. Feb 3/1990: Ben Bassarab & Biff Wellington
-by pinfall over The Bruise Brothers at RCW #410, Regina, Saskatchewan

32. Mar 3/1990: The Blackhearts (Matt & Brett Derringer)
-by pinfall over Ben Bassarab & Biff Wellington at RCW #414, Regina, Saskatchewan

33. Apr 14/1990: Ben Bassarab & Biff Wellington (2)
-by pinfall over the Blackhearts at RCW #419, Winnipeg, Manitoba

34. June 30/1990: The Texas Hangmen Psycho & Killer
-by pinfall over Bassarab & Wellington at RCW # 430, Winnipeg, Manitoba

35. July 21/1990: Ben Bassarab & Biff Wellington (3)
-by pinball over Texas Hangmen in a Steel Cage match at RCW #433, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

36. Dec 15/1990: Texas Hangmen Psycho & Killer (2)
-by pinfall over Bassarab & Wellington at RCW # 449; 11th Anniversary Show. Winnipeg, Manitoba

37. Feb 23/1991: Ben Bassarab & Kid Gallahad

-in a Texas Tornado Bullrope match at RCW #457, Winnipeg, Manitoba

38. May 25/1991: Destruction Crew: Wayne Bloom & Mike Enos (2)

-by pinfall over Bassarab & Gallahad at RCW #471, Winnipeg, Manitoba

39. Dec 7/1991: Bob Orton Jr. & Mike Lozansky

-by pinfall over Destruction Crew at RCW #485, 12th Anniversary Show, Winnipeg, Manitoba

40. Sep 12/1992: Sebastien Rikard & Archangel

-by pinfall over Orton & Lozansky at RCW #504, Winnipeg, Manitoba

41. Dec 5/1992: Mike Lozansky & Lightning Kid

-by pinfall over Rikard & Angel at RCW #510; 13th Anniversary Show, Winnipeg, Manitoba

42. Jan 30/1993: Dirty White Boy & Barry Horowitz

-by pinfall over Lozansky & Lightning Kid at RCW #513; Winnipeg, Manitoba

43. Mar 13/1993: Baron von Raschke & Brad Rheingans

-by pinfall over Dirty White Boy & Barry Horowitz at RCW #516; Winnipeg, Manitoba

44. May 8/1993: Kevin Sullivan & Nightstalker
-by pinfall over Raschke & Rheingans at RCW #520; Winnipeg, Manitoba

45. Aug 28/1993: Super Destroyers 2000 & 2001
-by pinfall over Brad Rheingans & Derrick Dukes by pinfall in a tournament final at RCW #528; Winnipeg, Manitoba
**Sullivan & Nightstalker had been stripped of the titles

46. Oct 9/1993: Brad Rheinghans & Ken Patera 
-by pinfall over the Super Destroyers at RCW #531; Winnipeg, Manitoba

47. Oct 23/1993: Sebastien Rikard & Lenny Thompson
-by pinfall over Rheinghans & Patera at RCW #532; Winnipeg, Manitoba

48. Apr 23/1994: Tommy Jammer & The Trooper

-by submission over Rikard & Thompson at RCW #543; Winnipeg, Manitoba

49. Jun 4/1994: Destruction Crew: Wayne Bloom & Mike Enos (3)
-by pinfall over Jammer & Trooper at RCW #546; Winnipeg, Manitoba

50. Sep 10/1994: Robbie Royce & Dan Kroffat
-by pinfall over Destruction Crew at RCW #553; Winnipeg, Manitoba

51. Feb 4/1995: Stan Baker & Jesse Hennig

-by pinfall over Royce & Kroffat at RCW #562; Winnipeg, Manitoba

52. Jul 8/1995: Destruction Crew: Wayne Bloom & Mike Enos (4)
-by pinfall over Chi Chi Cruz & Eric Freedom in a tournament final at RCW #577; Winnipeg, Manitoba
**Baker and Hennig were stripped of their titles after Baker suffered an injury

53. Dec 9/1995: Fabulous Ones:Steve Keirn & Stan Lane (2)
-by pinfall over Destruction Crew in a Texas Tornado Match at RCW #593; Winnipeg, Manitoba

54. Feb 17/1996: Man Mountain Rock & Hakushi
-by pinfall over Greg Valentine & Stan Lane in a tournament final at RCW #599; Winnipeg, Manitoba
**Fabulous Ones forfeited the title when Lane turned on Keirn

55. Jun 1/1996: Wolfgang Haessler & Untermenschen
-by pinfall over Man Mountain Rock & Hakushi at RCW #611; Winnipeg, Manitoba

56. Oct 19/1996: Todd Bullett & Robbie Royce
-by pinfall over Wolfgang Haessler & Untermenschen at RCW #639; Winnipeg, Manitoba 

57. Apr 19/1997: Thug Life: Joe E. Legend & Steele
-by pinfall over Todd Bullett & Robbie Royce at RCW #662; Winnipeg, Manitoba

58. Jun 21/1997: The Extremists: Ace Darling & Devon Storm
-by pinfall over Joe E. Legend & Steele at RCW #672; Winnipeg, Manitoba

59. Nov 15/1997: African Bulldogs: Pariah & Temple
-by pinfall over the Extremists at RCW #704; Winnipeg, Manitoba

60. Jan 24/1998: Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage
-by pinfall over the African Bulldogs at RCW #712; Winnipeg, Manitoba

61. Jun 6/1998: Joe E. Legend & Eric Freedom
-by pinfall over Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage at RCW #731; Winnipeg, Manitoba

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling - July, 1998

Roster

Faces
Vendetta
Ben Bassarab
Doc McMartin
Adam Knight
Alex Rain
Mike McFly 
Pitbull Kid 
Rising Son 

Heels
Joe E. Legend (/ Mercedes)
Eric Freedom
Nikolai Kishka
The Pharaoh
Angel
Darren Dalton
Eric Freeze
Coke Agent (NEW)
Mike Shaw (NEW)

Ladies
Runaway Jane
Nikki Kixxx
Becky Hennig
Starla Saxton
Christine Law
Combat Girl
Sheona Stewart 

Officials
Commissioner - Nick Bockwinkel
Referee - Buddy Lane
Referee - Jennifer Greaves

Injured/Off
Manny Silva



River City Wrestling #739
July 4, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Becky Hennig defeated Starla Saxton by pinfall after a back elbow at 5:05
**pecking order match

Bout #2
Non-Title Bout
Nikolai Kishka defeated Alex Rain by pinfall after a jumping spinning leg lariat at 4:48
**clean win for the champ, but as he retrieved his belt from the announce table he decided to jaw with Ben Bassarab who was on hand to do guest commentary. The two got into a pushing match.

Bout #3
Six-Man Gangfight
Adam Knight, Doc McMartin, & Mike McFly defeated Eric Freeze, Darren Dalton, & Pharaoh when Pharaoh was counted out at 11:14
**total brawl, all six men were busted open. Pharaoh took the fall being counted down.


Hour #2

Bout #4
North American Women's Title Match
Nikki Kixxx defeated Runaway Jane by disqualification for outside interference at 5:49
[Runaway Jane retained the North American Women's Title]
**Jane controlled early but Kixxx made a comeback, using the top cable for chokes and rope burns. She then locked on a front facelock and kept slipping it into a chokehold. It looked like she was going to pick up the win. Christine Law came down to ringside to complain to referee Jennifer Greaves about the chokes. But Greaves just ordered her to the back, which actually provided a distraction for Kixxx who now straddled Jane and openly choked her. She covered the listless body and got the 1, 2, Law came in broke it up, attacking Kixxx. But the former champ caught Law with a chop to the throat than a hotshot on the top rope. Jane recovered though and nailed Kixxx with a double axhandle from behind and then a piledriver. The ref's decision was a bit abnormal for RCW where usually outside interference unless perpetrated by a manager or know tag partner / stablemate causes a no-contest instead of a DQ. 

Bout #5
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) & Eric Freedom defeated Rising Son & Pitbull Kid by pinfall when Legend pinned Son after a Legend cutter at 8:07
[Joe E. Legend & Eric Freedom retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**very even match, with Freedom and Kid both playing Ricky Morton for a bit. The end came during a four man brawl, but Mercedes tripped up Kid, and then after Legend kicked him in the head, Merceds dragged him out of the ring. Inside Freedom hit Rising Son with a low blow, then Legend hit his finisher and made the cover for the tainted win.

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta defeated Angel by disqualification for outside interference (Darren Dalton) at 9:10
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**Angel is outclassed in more than one way by the popular champion. However, he controlled early and the first half of the match was Angel trying to butcher Vendetta, and referee Buddy Lane doing his best to stop him. But once the champ started his comeback it was obvious that Angel was overmatched. Darren Dalton hit the ring and they laid in a beat down until Adam Knight made the save.


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!



River City Wrestling #740
July 5, 1998
Falcon Beach, Manitoba

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta (champion) defeated Angel by pinfall after a jumping DDT at 12:21

RCW Tag Team Title Match
Rising Son & Pitbull Kid defeated Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) & Eric Freedom (champions) by disqualification for outside interference (Mercedes) at 10:45

RCW Television Title Match
Nikolai Kishka (champion) defeated Alex Rain by pinfall after a jumping spinning leg lariat at 5:36

North American Women's Title Match
Runaway Jane (champion) defeated Nikki Kixxx by pinfall after hitting the ringpost at 6:54

Adam Knight & Doc McMartin defeated Eric Freeze & Darren Dalton by pinfall when Knight pinned Freeze after a release powerbomb at 10:12

Femme Fatale Four Way Match
Christine Law defeated Sheona Stewart, Combat Girl, and Becky Hennig when she pinned Stewart after a top rope clothesline at 8:30

Mike McFly defeated Caveman Broda by pinfall after a flying hip attack at 6:25



River City Wrestling #741
July 11, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Eric Freeze defeated Mike McFly by submission to the sleeperhold at 5:22
**Freeze get a much needed win

Bout #2
Nikki Kixxx and Christine Law fought to a no-contest at 6:10
**This was a catfight. In the end as they battled outside the ring Runaway Jane came out and helped Law double team the villain. However, Law didn't really appreciate the help, and before you know it we had a three way brawl on our hands.

Bout #3
Coke Agent & Mike Shaw defeated Alex Rain & Doc McMartin by pinfall when Coke Agent pinned Rain after a splash at 6:45
**premiere of Coke Agent and Shaw, two more strange competitors reminiscent of the short run of the Flaming Freak and Richard Odom. The newcomers showed very little wrestling ability, basically just thugs who beat their opponents into submission.

Bout #4
North American Women's Title Match
Runaway Jane defeated Becky Hennig by pinfall after a Texas piledriver at 6:03
[Runaway Jane retained the North American Women's Title]


Hour #2

Bout #5
Vendetta & Adam Knight defeated Angel & Darren Dalton by pinfall when Vendetta pinned Angel after a jumping DDT at 8:32
**Vendetta wanted Angel and Dalton after getting attacked last week by them. Commissioner Bockwinkel told him to get a partner, so he got a man in Adam Knight with history and hatred as well for their opponents. The champion Vendetta was clearly the best man in the ring and drove the match.

Bout #6
RCW Television Title Match
Ben Bassarab defeated Nikolai Kishka by disqualification for using a foreign object (title belt) at 7:50
[Nikolai Kishka retained the RCW Television Title]
**Kishka started strong and controlled the first couple minutes of the bout, but then Bassarab took over and beat the champ from pillar to post for the last 5 minutes of the match. Kishka took the opportunity to leave the ring, grab his belt and start heading to the showers. Instead of accepting a countout victory with no title change though Bassarab went after him. But Kishka was expecting this, luring the Hall of Famer in, and he turned around and nailed Bassarab in the head with the title belt, knocking him out cold, and busting him open.

Main Event
RCW Tag Team Title Match
valet Mercedes handcuffed at ringside to Jennifer Greaves
Joe E. Legend & Eric Freedom defeated Rising Son & Pitbull Kid by pinfall when Legend pinned Kid after a Legend cutter at 9:38
[Joe E. Legend & Eric Freedom retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**originally this was advertised as Mercedes being handcuffed to commissioner Nick Bockwinkel, but when Mercedes provided some legal paperwork about not being handcuffed to her male employer, it was changed to referee Jennifer Greaves instead. Without the distraction of Mercedes at ringside, and in fact the situation seemed to distract the champs a fair bit, this match belonged to the challengers who beat back everything the champs threw at them. Finally though the inevitable happened when Mercedes pushed Greaves from behind into the ring post. She then started to choke Greaves with the handcuff chain.This distracted Rising Son who left the apron to go deal with that, and back inside it distracted the legal man Pitbull Kid who fell easy prey to the fast application of the Legend cutter.

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!



River City Wrestling #742
July 12, 1998
Brandon, Manitoba

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta (champ) defeated Angel by pinfall after a jumping DDT at 13:32

RCW Television Title Match
Ben Bassarab defeated Nikolai Kishka (champ) by disqualification for abuse of official at 11:56

Mixed Six-Man Tag Match
Joe E. Legend, Eric Freedom & Mercedes defeated Rising Son, Pitbull Kid & Jennifer Greaves by pinfall when Mercedes pinned Greaves after Legend hit her with a Legend cutter at 8:45

Nikki Kixxx & Becky Hennig defeated Christine Law & Runaway Jane by pinfall when Kixxx pinned Law after a spinning heel kick at 6:40
**the problem was that Law and Jane started to argue and then got into a pushing match which allowed their opponents to pick them off.

Adam Knight defeated Darren Dalton by pinfall after a release powerbomb at 7:27

Coke Agent & Mike Shaw defeated Alex Rain & Mike McFly by countout at 8:48
**they basically beat the crap out of their opponents, tossed them both out of the ring where they could not make it back to beat the count.

Doc McMartin defeated Eric Freeze by pinfall after a running boot to the head at 6:09



River City Wrestling #743
July 18, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Eric Freeze defeated Alex Rain by submission to the sleeperhold at 5:57
**Freeze is on a bit of a roll, stocking up wins against lower level opponents.

Bout #2
Combat Girl defeated Sheona Stewart by pinfall after a cobra clutch slam at 4:36
**no doubt that CG is much better at this point than SS. This match also featured the premiere of a new female referee; Bambi Beaulieu. Commissioner Nick Bockwinkel explained that tonight Mercedes and Jennifer Greaves will settle their differences so a female official is required for this bout, and that one. Bambi as it turns out is the grand niece of Bockwinkel, and he seems much more impressed with her credentials than anyone else.

Bout #3
Rising Son & Pitbull Kid defeated Coke Agent & Mike Shaw by disqualification for use of a foreign object at 7:00
**RS & PK will get another title shot next week, but later tonight Mercedes and Jennifer Greaves will settle their differences with the winner getting to officiate that title match next week. So each of those teams will have a warm up bout tonight, this was for the challengers. Their goon opponents had no desire to play by the rules and finally Buddy Lane had to throw the match out because they were brining tables into the ring.

Bout #4
Non-title Match
Joe E. Legend & Eric Freedom defeated Doc McMartin & Mike McFly by pinfall when Freedom pinned McFly after a Freedom missile at 6:22
**Legend seemed distracted at times not having Mercedes at ringside, as the valet was busy preparing for her match. But the champs still found a way to come out on top. The two Mc's had a lot of fun together but didn't get a break today.


Hour #2

Bout #5
Winner Will Officiate Tag Title Match Next Week
Jennifer Greaves defeated Mercedes by pinfall after a slingshot suplex at 5:17
**Mercedes controlled early, but Greaves is more athletic and heavier, and her temper matched her flaming red hair. She began to beat Mercedes from pillar to post, but when she went for a pin Bambi Beaulieu slapped the mat and broke her nail, making her stop the count. It looked like the fix may be in but as she sought medical attention she was read the riot act by her Uncle Nick and returned to the ring with new attention. Greaves continued the beat down, and when the tag champs tried to enter the fray they were blocked by Rising Son and Pitbull Kid as Greaves finished off Mercedes.

Bout #6
RCW Television Title Match
Ben Bassarab defeated Nikolai Kishka by disqualification for use of a foreign object (title belt) at 8:50
[Nikolai Kishka retained the RCW Television Title]
**it was like deja vu all over again after last week. This time there was a ref bump which allowed Kishka to retrieve his title belt and use it to bust open Bassarab and make the cover. But referee Buddy Lane saw the belt shot and instead of counting the pin called for the DQ instead.

Main Event
Fatal Four Way RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta defeated Adam Knight, Angel, and Darren Dalton by pinfall when Vendetta pinned Angel after a jumping DDT at 10:26
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**after the successful tag match last week the champ still didn't feel like he got enough of Angel, so he wanted him again. But Bockwinkel decided that as a follow up to last week that all four men deserved to compete for the title, so he made this four way which is so dangerous to the champ because he could lose his belt without actually being pinned. The first complication of the night was that Buddy Lane was not doing well after his ref bump last match, and so couldn't answer the bell (literally). So Bambi Beaulieu was pressed into service, and someone needs to get a paternity test done because I think we have found longtime inept referee Jurgen Hermann's daughter. Trying to keep track of four wrestlers in a brawl was just too much for her, so it was pretty much anything goes. In fact at the end Angel had just put Knight through a table outside the ring as Beaulieu tried in vain to count to 10. But when Angel tried to pin Knight outside the ring Bambi looked confused. Meanwhile inside the ring Vendetta countered a powerbomb attempt by Dalton with flying headscissors, then a standing dropkick, then his finisher. He covered, and Bambi decided to make the count inside the ring instead of outside. Angel of course was not happy about it and attacked Bambi from behind before Vendetta was able to make the save.

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!


 
River City Wrestling #744
July 19, 1998
Winkler, Manitoba

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta (champion) defeated Angel by pinfall after a superplex at 12:52

RCW Television Title Match
Nikolai Kishka (champion) defeated Ben Bassarab by disqualification for use of a foreign object at 13:31

Non-Title Match - Triangle Match
Nikki Kixxx defeated Christine Law and Runaway Jane when she pinned Jane after a spinning spinebuster slam at 7:44

Mixed-Six Man Tag Match
Pitbull Kid, Rising Son & Combat Girl defeated Joe E. Legend, Eric Freedom & Mercedes by pinfall when Combat Girl pinned Mercedes after a cobra clutch suplex at 10:05

Doc McMartin & Mike McFly defeated Coke Agent & Mike Shaw by disqualification for abuse of official at 9:12

Becky Hennig defeated Sheona Stewart by pinfall after a Northern lights suplex at 6:57

Adam Knight defeated Eric Freeze by pinfall after a release powerbomb at 7:22



River City Wrestling #745
July 25, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

A very special jam packed card tonight with a double main event (two cage matches), and all 4 titles on the line. 

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Becky Hennig defeated Combat Girl by pinfall after a running neck snap at 4:10
**pecking order match to get us started.

Bout #2
Darren Dalton defeated Adam Knight by pinfall after a powerbomb at 6:37
**a rare win for Dalton, as Knight has had the upper hand in this ongoing feud.

Bout #3
Doc McMartin & Mike McFly defeated Coke Agent & Mike Shaw by disqualification for abuse of official at 7:08
**the thugs didn't like the way the match was going so they assaulted referee Buddy Lane. After the dust had cleared Nick Bockwinkel came out to announce that security has removed Coke Agent and Mike Shaw from the arena and they have been banned from RCW. There is no place for their ilk here in RCW.

Bout #4
North American Women's Title Match - Triangle Match
Christine Law defeated Runaway Jane and Nikki Kixxx by pinfall when Law pinned Kixxx after a frog splash at 6:30
[Christine Law Won the North American Women's Title]
**The champion Jane looked like she would have the bout won when she hit Kixxx with a superplex. But Law then came off the top buckle with a splash on Kixxx. She threw Jane out  of the ring and covered Kixxx for her first title win. It ends Jane's 1 month reign (without her actually being pinned), and begins Law's first reign and the 64th women's title reign.


Hour #2

Bout #5
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Joe E. Legend & Eric Freedom (/w Mercedes) defeated Pitbull Kid & Rising Son by pinfall when Legend pinned Kid after a Legend cutter at 8:19
[Joe E. Legend & Eric Freedom retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**special referee for this one was Jennifer Greaves who had won that honour by beating Merceds last week. However, Mercedes got her revenge by distracting Greaves. The ref thought that Mercedes had something in her purse, but it was just a distraction so the tag champs could cheat their way to a win.

Bout #6
CAGE MATCH
RCW Television Title Match
Nikolai Kishka defeated Ben Bassarab by pinfall after a headsmash into an exposed turnbuckle at 9:50
[Nikolai Kishka retained the RCW Television Title]
**Kishka started strong but soon the legendary Bassarab took over the bout and looked like he would once again win "his" belt. Kishka tried to flee by climbing out of the ring but Bassarab brought him down from the cage wall and almost got the pin. Kishka fought back and exposed a turnbuckle, but as is usually the case it back fired and Bassarab sent the champ into the buckle. However, Kishka bounced back and collided with referee Bambi Beaulieu, knocking her out. This distraction proved fatal for Bassarab as Kishka recovered and played possum as Bassarab came off the top rope with a headbutt, and got nothing but mat. Kishka then ran the Hall of Famer head first into the exposed buckle, covered and got the win. Both men were busted open from the exposed buckle shots.

Main Event
CAGE MATCH
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta defeated Angel by pinfall after a jumping DDT at 8:05
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**Vendetta put his stamp on this feud in a cage match insisted upon by Nick Bockwinkel after Angel had attacked his niece Bambi Beaulieu after his last loss. Vendetta controlled the majority of the bout and busted Angel wide open, he was a bloody mess. Darren Dalton and Eric Freeze both tried to interfere by climbing the cage wall, but Adam Knight and Doc McMartin came out to neutralize them.

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!



River City Wrestling #746
July 26, 1998
Kenora, Ontario

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta (champion) defeated Angel by pinfall after a jumping DDT at 14:43

RCW Television Title Match
Nikolai Kishka (champion) defeated Ben Bassarab by pinfall after a jumping spinning leg lariat at 10:02

North American Women's Title Match - Triangle Match
Christine Law (champion) defeated Nikki Kixxx and Runaway Jane by pinfall when Law pinned Kixxx after a superplex at 8:28

Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) defeated Rising Son by pinfall after a Legend Cutter (and outside interference by Mercedes) at 9:45

Pitbull Kid defeated Eric Freedom by pinfall after a diving headbutt at 6:47

Doc McMartin & Mike McFly battled Darren Dalton & Eric Freeze to a double countout at 5:41

Combat Girl defeated Sheona Stewart by pinfall after a cobra clutch suplex at 5:04

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling Women's Title Lineage

1. Tawney England
Oct 30/82: won an 8 lady Battle Royal at RCW #81
Chalmers Community Club, Winnipeg MB

2. Jeannie Rahib
Dec 11/82: defeated Tawney England by submission at RCW #87
Winnipeg Arena, Winnipeg MB

3. Tawney England (2)
Jan ??/83 defeated Jeannie Rahib at a house show in Teulon, MB
**rumored to be a phantom title switch.

4. Jeannie Rahib (2)
June 4/83 defeated Tawney England by pinfall at RCW #101
Winnipeg Convention Center, Winnipeg MB

5. Judy Martin
July 2/83 defeated Jeannie Rahib by pinfall at RCW #105
Winnipeg Convention Center, Winnipeg, MB

[re-name] Canadian Women's Title

5. Judy Martin
[Martin defeats Leilani Kai holder of Maple Leaf Title to merge the two titles into the Canadian Women's Title. RCW #128, Dec 15/1983, Winnipeg Arena, Winnipeg MB]


6. Natasha
November 3/84 defeated Judy Martin by pinfall at RCW #168
Silver Dollar, Calgary, AB

7. Corrie England
December 13/84 defeated Natasha by pinfall at RCW #174
Winnipeg Convention Center, Winnipeg MB

8.. Tawney England (3)
March 23/85 defeated Corrie England and Natasha by pinfall in a Triple Threat match at RCW #184
Silver Dollar, Calgary, AB

9. Corrie England (2)
June 2/85 defeated Tawney England by pinfall at RCW #192
Lethbridge, AB

10. Tawney England (4)
Dec 19/85 defeated Corrie England by pinfall at RCW #220
Winnipeg, MB

11. Misty Blue Simmes
Feb 15/86 defeated Tawney England by pinfall at RCW #225
Billings, MT

[Re-name North American Women's title]

12. Hollywood [Jeanne Basone]
Jul 26/86 defeated Misty Blue Simmes by pinfall at RCW #246 (Wrestling Summit 3)
Edmonton, Alberta

13. Misty Blue Simmes (2)
Aug 16/86 defeated Hollywood by pinfall at RCW #249
Duluth, Minnesota

14. Orca
Dec 18/86 defeated Misty Blue Simmes by pinfall at RCW #265
Winnipeg, Manitoba

15. Madusa Micelli
Sep 12/87 ?  at RCW #300 Winnipeg, Manitoba. Madusa showed up on TV having claimed to have won the title from Orca. The day and location were never specified. This was a phantom title switch.

16. Hollywood [Jeanne Basone] (2)
Dec 17/87 defeated Madusa Micelli pinfall at the 8th Anniversary Spectacular RCW #313, Winnipeg, Manitoba

17. Mad Maxine
June 4/88 defeated Hollywood by pinfall at RCW #332, Regina, Saskatchewan

18. Wendy Richter
Dec 16/88 defeated Mad Maxine by pinfall at RCW #358, 9th Anniversary Spectacular, Winnipeg, Manitoba

19. The Terrorist
Sep 30/89 defeated Wendy Richter by pinfall at RCW #395, Winnipeg, Manitoba

20. Magnificent Mimi
Dec 14/89 defeated The Terrorist by pinfall at RCW #406, 10th Anniversary Spectacular, Winnipeg, Manitoba

21. Candi Divine
Feb 17/90 defeated Magnificent Mimi by pinfall at RCW #412, Winnipeg, Manitoba

22. Rockin' Robin
Mar 3/90 defeated Candi Divine by pinfall at RCW #414, Regina, Saskatchewan

23. Wendy Richter (2)
Apr 14/90 defeated Rockin' Robin by pinfall at RCW #419, Winnipeg, Manitoba

24. Bad Girl
Sep 22/90 defeated Wendy Richter by pinball at RCW #439, Winnipeg, Manitoba

25. Donna Spangler
Oct 20/90 defeated Bad Girl 2 out of 3 falls at RCW #442, Thunder Bay, Ontario

26. Bad Girl (2)
Nov 1/90 in Springfield, Illinois (phantom switch?)

27. Desiree Petersen

Mar 14/91 defeated Bad Girl at RCW #459, Winnipeg, Manitoba

28. K.C. Houston

Jun 8/91 defeated Kelly St. Croix by pinfall in a tournament final at RCW #472, Winnipeg, Manitoba

**Petersen vacated the title due to injury

29. Toni Adams

Jul 6/91 defeated K.C. Houston by pinfall at RCW #474, Winnipeg, Manitoba

30. Jeannie Adams

Aug 3/91 defeated Toni Adams by pinfall at RCW #476, Winnipeg, Manitoba

31. Toni Adams (2)

Aug 31/91 defeated Jeannie Adams by pinfall at RCW #478, Winnipeg, Manitoba

32. Desiree Petersen (2)

Sep 28/91 won a 9 woman battle royale to win the vacant title at RCW #480, Winnipeg, Manitoba

**Toni Adams vacated the title when she left the territory

33. K.C. Houston (2)

Oct 26/91 defeated Desiree Petersen by pinfall at RCW #482, Winnipeg, Manitoba

34. Desiree Petersen (3)

Nov 9/91 defeated K.C. Houston by pinfall at RCW #483, Winnipeg, Manitoba

35. K.C. Houston (3)

Jan 18/92 defeated Desiree Petersen by submission at RCW #487, Winnipeg, Manitoba

36. Fantasy

Feb 15/92: defeated K.C. Houston by pinfall at RCW #489, Winnipeg, Manitoba

37. Cynthia Rothrock

Mar 14/92: defeated Fantasy by pinfall at RCW #491, Winnipeg, Manitoba

38. April Cummings

May 9/92: defeated Cynthia Rothrock by pinfall at RCW #495, Winnipeg, Manitoba

39. Cynthia Rothrock (2)

May 23/92: defeated April Cummings by pinfall at RCW #496, Winnipeg, Manitoba

40. Beverlee Hills

Jul 4/92: defeated Cynthia Rothrock by submission at RCW #499, Winnipeg, Manitoba

41. Cynthia Rothrock (3)

Aug 15/92: defeated Beverlee Hills by pinfall at RCW #502, Winnipeg, Manitoba

42. April Cummings (2)

Dec 5/92: won a 16-woman battle royale, last eliminating Beverlee Hills, at RCW #510 (13th Anniversary Show), Winnipeg, Manitoba

**Rothrock was stripped of the title due to not defending the belt

43. Cynthia Rothrock (4)

Feb 27/93: defeated April Cummings by pinfall at RCW #515, Winnipeg, Manitoba

44. Jacquelyn

Jun 5/93: defeated Cynthia Rothrock by pinfall at RCW #522, Brandon, Manitoba

45. Velvet McIntyre

Jul 3/93: defeated Jacquelyn by pinfall at RCW #524, Winnipeg, Manitoba

46. Jacquelyn (2)
Jul 17/93: defeated Velvet McIntyre by pinfall at RCW #525, Winnipeg, Manitoba

47. Susan Sexton 
Oct 9/93: defeated Jacquelyn by pinfall at RCW #531, Winnipeg, Manitoba

48. Sherri Martel
Oct 23/93: defeated Susan Sexton by pinfall at RCW #532, Winnipeg, Manitoba

49. Bull Nakano
Jun 18/94: defeated Sherri Martel by pinfall at RCW #546, Winnipeg, Manitoba

50. Sherri Martel (2)

Dec 3/94: defeated Bull Nakano by pinfall at RCW #559 (15th Anniversary Show), Winnipeg, Manitoba
**Vacated title due to injury

51. Little Beaver Pelt
Mar 4/95: defeated Dawn Whitham by pinfall at RCW #564, Winnipeg, Manitoba
**won an 8 woman Tournament for the vacant title

52. Pamela Principal
Apr 1/95: defeated Little Beaver Pelt by pinfall at RCW #566, Winnipeg, Manitoba

53. Madusa Micelli (2)
Dec 9/95: defeated Pamela Principal by pinfall at RCW #593 (16th Anniversary Show), Winnipeg, Manitoba

54. Emma Bezzlerr
Mar 16/96: defeated Madusa Micelli by pinfall at RCW #600, Winnipeg, Manitoba

55. Cynthia Rothrock (5)
Jul 27/96: defeated Emma Bezzlerr by pinfall at RCW #625, Winnipeg, Manitoba

56. Jeanne Basone (3)
Aug 31/96: defeated Cynthia Rothrock by pinfall at RCW #632, Winnipeg, Manitoba

57. Cynthia Rothrock (6)
Sep 28/96: defeated Jeanne Basone in a ladder match at RCW #636, Winnipeg, Manitoba

58. Julie Strain
Oct 26/96: defeated Cynthia Rothrock by pinfall at RCW #640, Winnipeg, Manitoba

59. Madusa Micelli (3)
Nov 16/96: defeated Julie Strain by pinfall in an Apartment Style Match at RCW #643, The Hills, California

60. Barbie Wired
Jun 14/97: defeated Madusa Micelli by pinfall at RCW #670, Winnipeg, Manitoba 

61. Madusa Micelli (4)
Dec 13/97: defeated Barbie Wired by pinfall at RCW #708 (18th Anniversary Show), Winnipeg, Manitoba

62. Nikki Kixxx
Apr 18/98: defeated Runaway Jane by pinfall at RCW #724, Winnipeg, Manitoba
**won an 8-woman tournament after Madusa Micelli forfeited title due to injury

63. Runaway Jane
Jun 27/98: defeated Nikki Kixxx by pinfall at RCW #737, Winnipeg, Manitoba

64. Christine Law
Jul 25/98: defeated Runaway Jane and Nikki Kixxx in a Triangle Match (pinning Kixxx), at RCW #745, Winnipeg, Manitoba

[snabbit888]

This is such an interesting circuit to me. I'll be honest, I don't care a ton about a lot of the wrestlers individually, but you have built such a cool history here. It's fun to read.

[jacklarkin]

Jul 29, 2020 20:12:20 GMT -5 snabbit888 said:

This is such an interesting circuit to me. I'll be honest, I don't care a ton about a lot of the wrestlers individually, but you have built such a cool history here. It's fun to read.

Thanks for that. Thanks for reading.

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling - August, 1998

Roster

Faces
Vendetta
Ben Bassarab
Doc McMartin
Adam Knight
Mike McFly
Pitbull Kid
Rising Son
Gary Goodridge (NEW)

Heels
Joe E. Legend (/ Mercedes)
Eric Freedom
Nikolai Kishka
Angel
Darren Dalton
Eric Freeze
Manny Silva
Brujah (NEW)

Ladies
Christine Law
Runaway Jane
Nikki Kixxx
Becky Hennig
Combat Girl
Sheona Stewart

Officials
Commissioner - Nick Bockwinkel
Referee - Buddy Lane
Referee - Jennifer Greaves
Referee - Bambi Beaulieu




River City Wrestling #747
August 1, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Manny Silva defeats Alex Rain by pinfall after a wheelbarrow suplex at 2:38
**Silva is back and as angry as ever.

Bout #2
Combat Girl defeated Nikki Kixxx by disqualification for closed fists at 4:59
**The night of anger continues as Kixxx was in a really bad mood, because of being left out of the title picture. She ignored referee discussions and kept hammering at CG with closed fists until the ref Jennifer Greaves disqualified her.

Bout #3
#1 Contenders Match
Doc McMartin & Mike McFly defeated Darren Dalton & Eric Freeze by pinfall when McFly pinned Freeze after a Break Today at 8:43
**Dalton and Freeze actually controlled most of the bout, with McFly playing Ricky Morton. But the good guys made a solid comeback, and then McMartin put Freeze in an inverted slingshot position but as he slammed him face first in the mat, McFly came bouncing off the ropes with a legdrop across the back of the neck.

Bout #4
North American Women's Title Match
Christine Law and Runaway Jane battled to a no-contest at 5:56
[Christine Law retained the North American Women's Title]
**the match didn't get too much momentum due to its brevity. However, Jane was really frustrated with having lost the belt and not actually getting pinned. Jane started to cheat more and more and lost her temper. The match spilled outside and the ref threw them out.


Hour #2

Bout #5
Ben Bassarab defeated Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) by pinfall after an inside cradle at 8:03
**very even match, could have gone either way. Mercedes was on the apron arguing with the ref to distract Bassarab. When Legend went for the cutter, Bassarab managed to push him off, and he collided with Mercedes, smacking heads. Bassarab rolled up the tag champion and got the win.

Bout #6
RCW Television Title Match - Triangle Match
Nikolai Kishka defeated Pitbull Kid and Rising Son by pinfall when Kishka pinned Kid after a missile dropkick at 8:11
[Nikolai Kishka retained the RCW Television Title]
**Kid and Son, tag partners really put the champ at a disadvantage but eventually they had to fight each other too. Finally Kid ducked away from a Son attack and sent him flying between the ropes. In the meantime he had lost track of the champ who had climbed the top rope and came off with the winning dropkick.

Main Event
Angel & Brujah defeated Vendetta & Adam Knight by pinfall when Brujah pinned Adam Knight after a jumping face slam at 10:40
**Angel wanted another shot at Vendetta so he got a new tag partner, the powerful and sinister looking Brujah making his premiere. The newcomer was 6'5 275 lbs, with taped forearms, lots of tattoos, and a reverse mohawk. The end came when Brujah grabbed Knight by the back of his head, actually grabbing two handfulls of hair. Then leaving his feet he slammed Knight face first into the mat, knocking him out. After the bout Knight was not moving and as Vendetta went to check on him Brujah and Angel attacked him. The three men spilled on top of Knight, probably not doing him any favours. The laid in a beating on the RCW champion until officials were able to break it up.

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!



River City Wrestling #748
August 2, 1998
Brandon, Manitoba

Main Event
Vendetta & Ben Bassarab defeated Angel & Brujah by pinfall when Vendetta pinned Angel after a jumping DDT at 11:11

RCW Television Title Match
Nikolai Kishka (champion) defeated Rising Son by pinfall after a jumping spinning leg lariat at 14:20

North American Women's Title Match
Christine Law (champion) defeated Runaway Jane by disqualification for use of a foreign object at 9:45

Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) defeated Pitbull Kid after a Legend cutter at 8:23

Doc McMartin & Mike McFly defeated Darren Dalton & Eric Freeze by pinfall when McFly pinned Freeze after a Break Today at 10:24

Nikki Kixxx defeated Combat Girl by pinfall after a spinning heel kick at 5:51

Sheona Stewart defeated Mercedes by pinfall after a slingshot suplex at 4:33



River City Wrestling #749
August 8, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Sheona Stewart defeated Mercedes by pinfall after a brainbuster at 4:38

Bout #2
Rising Son & Pitbull Kid defeated Darren Dalton & Eric Freeze by disqualification for use of a foreign object at 6:43
**the DQ was Dalton using a chair, and its probably enough to guarantee a rematch. There was also a post match beat down to make sure that rematch happens.

Bout #3
Christine Law & Combat Girl defeated Runaway Jane & Nikki Kixxx by pinfall when Combat Girl pinned Kixxx after a cobra clutch suplex at 8:24
**if there was a weak link in this bout it was probably CG who spent about 4 minutes playing Ricky Morton. However the good girls made a spirited comeback until the villains used some double teams to take back the momentum. The problem was that there is no love lost between Jane and Kixxx, as Jane still blames Kixxx for getting pinned by Law in the triangle title bout that caused her to lose her title. So when Kixxx was going for a pin Jane came in to break it up, and wanted the glory for herself. The two fought it out, Kixxx went for a spinning heel kick but Jane ducked out of the way then took Kixxx down with a flying clothesline. Law then tossed Jane out of the ring as CG nailed her finisher on Kixxx and picked up the win.

Bout #4
Manny Silva defeated Angel by pinfall after a wheelbarrow suplex at 8:54
**Commissioner Nick Bockwinkel wanted to make sure that Angel was not rewarded for his part in the post match beatdown after the main event last week. So instead of giving him a match with Vendetta (who wanted a piece of him again) Bock made Angel fight the one guy in RCW that is as crazy as him. This was a brawl of course, there is no honour amongst thieves. In the end Angel may be strong and double tough, but Silva is a warrior, a survivor, and triple tough. Silva wore him down and then finished him off.


Hour #2

Bout #5
Brujah defeated Gary Goodridge by disqualification for abuse of official at 7:20
**And part 2 of Bockwinkel's wrath was to get a special hand picked opponent for the newcomer Brujah. That opponent is the MMA competitor Goodridge (a Canadian no less). Brujah though controlled the first 5 minutes thanks to illegal moves like a groin shot, and chokes. Goodridge battled back and after two release suplexes and a near fall, Brujah raked the eyes of Goodridge, not once but twice. Goodridge then swung out nailing the ref, dropping him. Brujah went to work on Goodridge until Bockwinkel and security came down to break it up. Referee Buddy Lane was knocked completely out so Bock called for the DQ.

Bout #6
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) & Eric Freedom defeated Doc McMartin & Mike McFly by pinfall when Freedom pinned McFly after a Freedom missile at 9:32
[Joe E. Legend & Eric Freedom retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**solid match but it would have been a major upset if the red and yellow adorned challengers had taken the titles. Having said that, once again Mercedes figured into it with a key distraction.

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta and Nikolai Kishka battled to a no-contest at 8:42
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**As the final part of Bockwinkel's master plan, instead of rewarding the thugs, he gave a title shot to the Television champion. Kishka has had title shots before and fell short, and once again tonight it looked like Vendetta was on his way to victory. However, Brujah decided to enter the fray and attack Vendetta. This brought out Gary Goodridge to make the save. Kishka didn't deal with any of it, leaving the ring, while the other 4 paired off to do battle.

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!



River City Wrestling #750
August 9, 1998
Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta (champion) defeated Angel by pinfall after a jumping DDT at 12:39

RCW Tag Team Title Match - Triangle Match - Hardcore Rules
Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) & Eric Freedom (champions) defeated Doc McMartin & Mike McFly and Rising Son & Pitbull Kid by pinfall when Freedom pinned Kid after a Freedom missile at 13:08

North American Women's Title Match
Christine Law (champion) defeated Runaway Jane by countout at 9:13

Brujah defeated Ben Bassarab by pinfall after a jumping face slam at 8:20

Nikki Kixxx defeated Sheona Stewart by pinfall after a schoolgirl pin at 5:54

Combat Girl defeated Becky Hennig by submission to the cobra clutch at 7:01

Darren Dalton defeated Alex Rain by pinfall after a release powerbomb at 7:44




River City Wrestling #751
August 15, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Combat Girl defeated Becky Hennig by submission to the cobra clutch at 5:58

Bout #2
#1 Contender - Street Fight
Nikki Kixxx defeated Runaway Jane by pinfall after a jumping spinning heel kick off a table at 7:11

Bout #3
RCW Television Title Match
Nikolai Kishka defeated Adam Knight by pinfall after a Northern lights suplex at 6:26

Bout #4
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) & Eric Freedom defeated Doc McMartin & Mike McFly by pinfall when Legend pinned McMartin after a Legend cutter at 8:04


Hour #2

Bout #5
#1 Contender Six Pack Match
Rising Son defeated Manny Silva, Ben Bassarab, Pitbull Kid, Darren Dalton, and Eric Freeze at 12:50
**all six men were legal, it was no countout, no DQ, but only pinfalls and submissions inside the ring count
*Darren Dalton eliminated by Manny Silva after a wheelbarrow suplex at 5:04
*Eric Freeze eliminated by Manny Silva after a wheelbarrow suplex at 5:50
*Ben Bassarab eliminated by Rising Son after a frog splash at 8:19
*Manny Silva eliminated by Pitbull Kid after a stuffed piledriver (/w Rising Son) at 11:22
*Pitbull Kid eliminated by Rising Son after a running bulldog at 12:50
 **some hard feelings between the former tag partners as Son went right after Kid following his pin of Silva, without giving him a chance to get up.

Main Event
Vendetta & Gary Goodridge and Brujah & Angel battled to a no-contest at 8:56
**Vendetta and Goodridge had the better of their opponents, with Angel especially getting his butt handed to him. However, before the match could be resolved Manny Silva hit the ring to join the fray. He was followed 30 seconds later by Ben Bassarab. A chaotic brawl ensued and was still going on when the show went off the air.

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!




River City Wrestling #752
August 16, 1998
Falcon Beach, Manitoba

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta (champion) defeated Angel by pinfall after a jumping DDT at 11:03

RCW Tag Team Title Match
Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) & Eric Freedom (champions) defeated Doc McMartin & Mike McFly by pinfall when Freedom pinned McFly after a Freedom missile at 13:34

RCW Television Title Match
Nikolai Kishka (champion) defeated Adam Knight by pinfall after a superplex at 7:52

North American Women's Title Match
Christine Law (champion) defeated Runaway Jane by disqualification for use of a foreign object at 10:55

Gary Goodridge and Brujah battled to a double disqualification at 9:57

Manny Silva defeated Ben Bassarab by pinfall after a wheelbarrow suplex at 14:46

Pitbull Kid defeated Darren Dalton by pinfall after top rope flying headscissors at 6:36

Nikki Kixxx defeated Sheona Stewart by pinfall after a spinning heel kick at 6:03



River City Wrestling #753
August 22, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Eric Freedom defeated Alex Rain by pinfall after the Freedom missile at 4:56
**glorified squash match with half of the tag champions picking up the win in solo action.

Bout #2
#1 Contender Triangle Match
Darren Dalton & Pitbull Kid defeated Doc McMartin & Mike McFly and Adam Knight & Eric Freeze by pinfall when Kid pinned Knight after a hurrancanrana at 7:05
**this was advertised as McMartin/McFly vs Knight/Kid vs Freeze/Dalton, but before the match Darren Dalton said he didnt want to team with Freeze anymore, calling him a loser. He also said he already teamed with Knight before and he is a turncoat, snake in the grass. So he offered Pitbull Kid a chance to team up, and after some back and forth he convinced him. This was in essence a heel turn for Pitbull Kid following his old partner Rising Son getting a TV title shot. The new team of course caught everyone by surprise and picked up the win to become the #1 contenders. The other interesting twist in this is it sets up two heel teams to face off for the title.

Bout #3
Gary Goodridge defeated Angel by submission to the ankle lock at 6:12
**big win for the MMA turned wrestling star. Angel wanted to make this brawl, but really that fed right into Goodridge's strengths.

Bout #4
Manny Silva defeated Ben Bassarab by pinfall after a wheelbarrow suplex at 8:40
**another good match between these two long time RCW rivals. Silva comes out on top as clean as a Silva match could ever be.


Hour #2 

Bout #5
North American Women's Title Match
Christine Law defeated Nikki Kixxx by disqualification for use of a foreign object at 7:04
[Christine Law retained the North American Women's Title]
**absolute brawl, but when Kixxx gave Law a double underhook piledriver on the announcers table and left her knocked out, referee Jennifer Greaves had enough and called for the DQ.

Bout #6
RCW Television Title Match
Nikolai Kishka defeated Rising Son by countout at 8:10
[Nikolai Kishka retained the RCW Television Title]
**Rising Son really impressed in one of his first singles outings, but his former tag partner Pitbull Kid cost him the win. The match was still pretty even and in doubt when Kid came out and started to argue with Son from the floor. He then went and argued with the announce crew and tried to leave with the TV title. This allowed Kishka to nail Son in the back of the head with a spinning kick, and then toss him out of the ring. The challenger was knocked out and landed hard getting himself counted out. After the bout Pitbull Kid taunted his former partner but didn't touch him.

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta defeated Brujah by pinfall after a top rope clothesline at 10:23
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**relative newcomer Brujah who hot shot to title contention fared pretty well against a great champion, but Vendetta kept getting stronger as the match wore on. On the other hand Brujah became more and more frustrated and flirted with disqualification. The end of the match came following a brawl outside the ring. Brujah whipped Vendetta into the ringsteps, and then attempted to beat him inside the ring. However, while he slid under the bottom rope and caught his breath, Vendetta recovered and entered the ring via the top buckle. As Brujah got to his feet he did not realize the champ was posed like a condor, and was hit with the clothesline from the top to end the bout.

Post-Match:
However, after the bout Brujah seized on an opportunity to viciously attack the champ, running him shoulder first into the ring post, then delivering a pair of shoulder breakers, and then bashing his shoulder around the ringpost until security and Bassarab and Goodridge came out to break it up.

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!



River City Wrestling #754
August 23, 1998
Estevan, Saskatchewan

Main Event - CAGE MATCH
Gary Goodridge defeated Brujah by pinfall after a belly to belly suplex at 12:47

RCW Television Title Match - Triangle Match
Nikolai Kishka (champion) defeated Rising Son and Pitbull Kid by pinfall when he pinned Kid after a jumping spinning leg lariat at 10:40

RCW Tag Team Title Match
Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) & Eric Freedom (champions) defeated Doc McMartin & Mike McFly by pinfall when Freedom pinned McFly after a Freedom missile at 10:21

North American Women's Title Match
Christine Law (champion) defeated Becky Hennig by submission to the sleeperhold at 8:36 

Ben Bassarab defeated Manny Silva by pinfall after a flying crossbody block at 13:58

Darren Dalton defeated Adam Knight by pinfall after a release powerbomb at 8:29

Angel defeated Eric Freeze by pinfall after a chokeslam at 4:40

Nikki Kixxx defeated Runaway Jane by pinfall after a spinning heel kick at 7:48



River City Wrestling #755
August 29, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Mike McFly defeated Eric Freeze by pinfall after a cradle piledriver at 5:15
**big singles win for McFly

Bout #2
Combat Girl and Runaway Jane battled to a double countout at 6:44

Bout #3
Manny Silva defeated Doc McMartin by pinfall after a wheelbarrow suplex at 5:32

Bout #4
North American Women's Title Match - Streetfight
Christine Law defeated Nikki Kixxx by 10 count in a streetfight at 10:12
[Christine Law retained the North American Women's Title]


Hour #2

Bout #5
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) & Eric Freedom defeated Darren Dalton & Pitbull Kid by pinfall when Legend pinned Dalton after a Legend cutter at 9:03
[Joe E. Legend & Eric Freedom retained the RCW Tag Tam Titles]

Bout #6
RCW Television Title Match
Rising Son defeated Nikolai Kishka by countout at 7:58
[Nikolai Kishka retained the RCW Television Title]

Main Event
Gary Goodridge & Ben Bassarab defeated Brujah & Angel by pinfall when Bassarab pinned Angel after a flying cross bodyblock at 12:20
**a bloody match which saw all 4 men busted open. Heavyweight champion Vendetta is off nursing an injury he suffered from the post match attack last week by Brujah. 

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!




River City Wrestling #756
August 30, 1998
Brandon, Manitoba

Main Event
Gary Goodridge defeated Brujah by submission to the ankle lock at 12:43

RCW Television Title Match - Triangle Match
Nikolai Kishka (champion) defeated Rising Son and Pitbull Kid by pinfall when Kishka pinned Son after a spear at 10:44

RCW Tag Team Title Match
Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) & Eric Freedom (champions) defeated Doc McMartin & Mike McFly by pinfall when Freedom pinned McFly after a Freedom missile at 8:51

North American Women's Title Match
Christine Law (champion) defeated Nikki Kixxx by pinfall after a double underhook piledriver at 8:28

Manny Silva defeated Ben Bassarab by pinfall after a wheelbarrow suplex at 13:06

Darren Dalton defeated Adam Knight by pinfall after a release powerbomb at 8:48

Runaway Jane defeated Combat Girl by pinfall after a Texas piledriver at 6:27

Eric Freeze defeated Alex Rain by pinfall after an inside cradle at 5:35

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling - September, 1998

Roster

Faces
Vendetta
Ben Bassarab
Adam Knight
Mike McFly
Rising Son
Gary Goodridge
Chris LeLand (NEW) (/w Sharon Montgomery)
Patrick LeLand (NEW) (/w Sharon Montgomery)

Heels
Joe E. Legend (/ Mercedes)
Eric Freedom
Nikolai Kishka
Pitbull Kid
Darren Dalton
Eric Freeze
Manny Silva
Brujah
Ace Allen (NEW) 

Ladies
Christine Law
Runaway Jane
Nikki Kixxx
Becky Hennig
Combat Girl
Sheona Stewart
Tina Rigdon (NEW)
Strawberry Fields (NEW)

Guest
Papi Chulo

Officials
Commissioner - Nick Bockwinkel
Referee - Buddy Lane
Referee - Bambi Beaulieu
Referee - Jennifer Greaves
Referee - Mike Valiant



River City Wrestling #757
September 5, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Eric Freedom defeated Mike McFly by pinfall after a death valley driver at 5:49
**a different finisher for one half of the tag team champions in singles action.

Bout #2
Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) defeated Adam Knight by pinfall after a diving elbowdrop at 6:41
**the other half of the tag champions also busts out a new move.

Bout #3
Chris & Patrick LeLand (/w Sharon Montgomery) defeated Darren Dalton & Ace Allen by pinfall when Chris pinned Allen after a dropkick/school boy at 9:01
**premiere for a pair of Australian brothers, who look to be classically trained mat wrestlers with a bit of flare and aerial moves mixed in. Their valet is the tall, picturesque Montgomery adorned in an evening gown, who we first (and last) saw at the May 30th all women's show where she did not fair well as a grappler. She seemed more like an agent, talent scout, and advised a bit on tactics, but was not actively involved in the bout. Of course she didn't need to be as her charges kept the pace fast and kept their opponents off balance. This was also the premiere of Ace Allen, who looks like a curtain jerker and took the loss.

Bout #4
Combat Girl defeated Runaway Jane by pinfall after a cobra clutch suplex at 8:57
**a bit of an upset in this rematch from last week's double countout, as Jane is a former champion and seemed to be well situated in the "elite 3" of the women's division (along with Christine Law and Nikki Kixxx). Seems like CG has put herself in that elite company.


Hour #2

Bout #5
Loser Leaves Town - Triangle Match
Manny Silva defeated Angel and Ben Bassarab by pinfall when Silva pinned Angel after a wheelbarrow suplex at 10:10
[Angel is out of the RCW]
**so the stipulation was only the person who gets pinned had to leave town. There was some animosity between the competitors over the past few weeks but this seemed to escalate fast. Silva and Angel both wore the proverbial crimson masks after getting busted open in a bout that Buddy Lane treated like a no DQ, no countout bout. The ending was interesting as Bassarab and Angel collided in the middle of the ring after a criss cross segment and were both knocked out. Silva assessed the situation and decided to deliver his finisher to Angel instead of choosing Bassarab. The fans serenaded Angel with "na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na, hey hey hey goodbye".

Bout #6
RCW Television Title Match - Triangle Match
Nikolai Kishka defeated Rising Son and Pitbull Kid when he pinned Son after hitting him with brass knuckles at 8:05
[Nikolai Kishka retained the RCW Television Title]
**there was more animosity between the former tag team partners then with the champ who was able to sit back a bit. Son had Kid laid out after a running bulldog. Kishka though did not want to lose his title as an observer and broke up the pin, reached into his trunks, and nailed Rising Son, unseen by new referee (RCW Hall of Famer) Mike Valiant. The pin was then elementary. 

Main Event
CAGE MATCH
Brujah defeated Gary Goodridge by pinfall after kicking him off the cage wall at 11:19
**this was the tale of two bouts. The first one lasted around six minutes and it was all Brujah who seemed to specialize in using the ring ropes to choke Goodridge, and the cage wall to rake his head. Goodridge was busted wide open. However, the MMA trained star made a comeback and controlled the last four minutes. However, Brujah climbed the cage wall and looked like he was trying to escape. The Canadian Goodridge gave chase and caught Brujah, but then ate a big boot that dropped him from the cage wall on his back. Brujah was able to climb a few feet back and then leap down and cover for the win. Goodridge was very slow to get up both because of the bump and also because he had been bleeding quite bad.

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!



River City Wrestling #758
September 12, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Tonight will be the annual battle royale with the winner getting a title shot at Vendetta. The heavyweight champion has been nursing some injuries after a sneak attack by Brujah, but will return next week and defend his title against the culprit. The winner of tonight's battle royale will then be next in line for a title shot. Additionally, tonight again is "Commissioner's choice" where Bockwinkel makes the matches pairing up wrestlers that will be in the battle royale in any manner he wishes.

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Ace Allen & Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) defeated Adam Knight & Eric Freedom by pinfall when Legend pinned Freedom after a Legend cutter at 7:51
**tag team champions Legend and Freedom are pitted against each other in this bout. The deciding factor was Mercedes showed her true loyalty by pushing Freedom off the top buckle while Allen was distracting the ref. This made him easy pickings for a Legend cutter. While Freedom was angry about the situation nothing else came of it.

Bout #2
Mike McFly & Darren Dalton defeated Eric Freeze & Caveman Broda by pinfall when Dalton pinned Broda after a release powerbomb at 4:45
**the face McFly and heel Dalton made short work of their opponents, with Broda being the weak link and taking the pin.

Bout #3
Rising Son & Patrick LeLand defeated Pitbull Kid & Chris LeLand by pinfall when Son pinned Kid after a diving headbutt at 6:13
**former tag partners Son & Kid already had animosity, but the LeLands kept it civil between themselves, refusing to participate in the shenanigans. Valet Sharon Montgomery was at ringside but remained neutral throughout the bout. 

Bout #4
Papi Chulo & Derrick Dukes defeated Ricky Rice & Devon Storm by pinfall when Chulo pinned Rice after a 450 splash at 9:10
**really good, high octane match. Chulo (aka Aguilara, Essa Rios) made his RCW debut and was really popular with the crowd and was the top performer of the show so far. 


Hour #2

Bout #5
Ben Bassarab & Manny Silva defeated Gary Goodridge & Nikolai Kishka by pinfall when Silva pinned Kishka after a wheelbarrow suplex at 8:27
**really good match with Bassarab and Silva partnered after Silva's choice to eliminate Angel in a 3 way dance sending him packing instead of Bassarab. Goodridge (face and Kishka (heel) also made an effective team, even if they had differences of opinion which slowed them down. 

Bout #6
Tina Rigdon defeated Sheona Stewart by pinfall after a springboard legdrop at 4:33
**Premiere of Rigdon a fitness competitor turned grappler. She is 20 years old, and comes in at 5'4 119 lbs, from Maysville, Kentucky. link

Main Event
20 Man Battle Royal - Winner Gets Heavyweight Title Shot
in order of elimination (who eliminated them) (time)
20. Eric Freeze (Dalton) 1:03
19. Darren Dalton (Knight) 3:10
18. Caveman Broda (Goodridge, Chulo) 3:34
17. Nikolai Kishka (Silva, Bassarab) 5:04
16. Ace Allen (Freedom, Legend) 5:35
15. Joe E. Legend (Dukes, Storm, Freedom) 7:29
14. Mike McFly (Freedom, Kid) 7:34
13. Pitbull Kid (Son, Freedom) 7:50
12. Derrick Dukes (Rice, Storm) 8:36
11. Patrick LeLand (Silva, Goodridge) 9:02
10. Ben Bassarab (C. LeLand) 9:10
9.  Adam Knight (Goodridge) 9:56
8.  Eric Freedom (Silva, C. LeLand) 11:03
7.  Chris LeLand (Silva, Chulo) 11:11
6.  Devon Storm (Rice) 12:40
5.  Ricky Rice (Goodridge) 13:12
4 & 3. Rising Son & Papi Chulo (each other) 14:26
2.  Manny Silva (Goodridge) 17:04
Winner: Gary Goodridge 

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!



River City Wrestling #759
September 19, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Papi Chulo defeated Darren Dalton by pinfall after a 450 splash at 6:14
**this is the second appearance for Chulo, and the last as it was just a guest appearance.

Bout #2
Strawberry Fields defeated Becky Hennig by pinfall after a Samoan drop at 5:47
**premiere of Strawberry Fields who has been wrestling in the indies for just over a year. She is a comely blonde, who in RCW played a bit of a ditz, but has some good talent in the ring.

Bout #3
Mixed Six-Man Tag Match
Patrick & Chris LeLand & Sharon Montgomery defeated Joe E. Legend, Eric Freedom, & Mercedes by pinfall when Chris LeLand pinned Mercedes after a DDT at 7:19
**neither lady was very capable in the ring, but the one time they locked up against each other Mercedes used an eyer rake and then chokes to get the advantage. In the end it looked like Freedom may have been able to interfere and break up the DDT finisher but chose not to. Legend was tied up with Patrick at the time.

Bout #4
Rising Son and Pitbull Kid battled to a no-contest at 3:30
**this match never really go any rhythm going as it spilled outside and referee Buddy Lane couldn't get control of it so he threw it out. The two continued to battle long after the decision and both former partners mixed it up with security in an attempt to renew hostilities.


Hour #2

Bout #5
North American Women's Title Match
Christine Law defeated Combat Girl by pinfall after a jawbreaker at 6:23
[Christine Law retained the North American Women's Title]
**two faces here, and they wrestled hard but honest. CG did well, and was looking to hook in her cobra clutch to end things when Law countered with a jawbreaker and got the quick pin.

Bout #6
RCW Television Title Match - Triangle Match
Nikolai Kishka defeated Manny Silva and Ben Bassarab by countout at 9:55
[Nikolai Kishka retained the RCW Television Title]
**solid match with three good workers, both in work rate and in psychology. Any budding alliance, as strange as it may have seemed, between Silva and Bassarab was torn apart in the second half of this bout. The first half they both seemed to want to go after Kishka, but soon turned on each other. In the end the champ did the smart thing and stayed inside the ring and allowed referee Mike Valiant to count out both his opponents as they threw down.

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta defeated Brujah by countout at 10:57
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**countout victory makes it sound cheap or tainted, but this one was anything but. The match started outside the ring, and given the history, rather then try and get the combatants inside the ring referee Buddy Lane called for the bell and allowed them to brawl. The first four minutes or so was spent outside the ring and Lane elected to let it go. Brujah had his moments but Vendetta busted him open and got stronger and stronger. Finally Brujah fled into the ring and then caught Vendetta with a boot to the head as the champ climbed inside. Brujah lorded over the champ and kept driving him to the mat with his butt, his knees, and stomps. He then put on a camel clutch that Vendetta took awhile to get out of. Brujah went to kicks and punches, and then went for a powerbomb, but Vendetta punched his way out of it. Now the champ went to work with running elbows, knee drops, a couple different suplexes, and a flying clothesline from the top rope. The champ covered and got a 2 count, and the challenger elected to leave the ring. The champ chased him and they brawled, but it was pretty much Vendetta in control now. The Haitian whipped the devil into the guard rail and then clotheslined him over top. The champ came smashed him into the ringsteps and then came off the apron with a bulldog. Vendetta then took the challenger on top of the announce table and nailed him with his jumping DDT finisher. Instead of trying to bring him back in for the pin, the champ left him outside the ring to be counted out in convincing style. Brujah didn't even get to his knees until the 9 count and fell face first trying to get up.

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!!




River City Wrestling #760
September 26, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Strawberry Fields defeated Sheona Stewart by pinfall after a Samoan drop at 6:27
**second straight win for Fields.

Bout #2
Darren Dalton & Ace Allen defeated Adam Knight & Mike McFly by pinfall when Dalton pinned McFly after a release power bomb at 7:05
**just a throw together match

Bout #3
Tina Rigdon defeated Combat Girl by pinfall after a slingshot (and a handful of tights) at 4:58
**Second straight victory for Rigdon as well but a very tainted one.

Bout #4
Manny Silva and Ben Bassarab battled to a double disqualification at 6:36
**yet another battle between these two RCW stalwarts, after it seemed like they might be flirting with an alliance. This one put to rest any chance of that detente.


Hour #2

Bout #5
Dog Collar Match
Rising Son defeated Pitbull Kid by touching all 4 buckles in a dog collar match at 10:56
**possible blow off match between former tag partners. Even match, both men bled, entertaining, but not really much to describe. Rising Son wins it, and from his previous matches with Kishka and Pitbull Kid it really looks like he may be on his way up the RCW ladder, more so then Kid.

Bout #6
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Patrick & Chris LeLand (/w Sharon Montgomery) defeated Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) & Eric Freedom by countout at 6:04
[Joe E. Legend & Eric Freedom retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**the running theme of this match was that the champs continually made up things to complain about to referee Mike Valiant; phantom hair pulls, tight pulls, etc. Finally after getting their butts handed to them in a 4 man brawl, the champs took a powder, complained one more time to the ref about cheating, grabbed their belts and left.

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta and Gary Goodridge battled to a no-contest at 9:33
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**As much experience as Goodridge has in MMA he was foiled by Vendetta who knows the pro game. Finally after about 5 minutes of that Goodridge took it to the mat and went from one hold to another, ground and pound. Vendetta though made a comeback, nailed a trio of running clotheslines, then a shoulderblock from the second buckle, and had him set up for his jumping DDT but was pushed off. Goodridge then nailed a kick to the gut, and a DDT of his own. Brujah came down to ringside though and grabbed the leg of Goodridge when he went for the pin. Goodridge left the ring and brawled with Brujah, but the villain nailed him with a steel chair. He was about to hit him again but Vendetta clobbered him from behind. Vendetta and Brujah then battled. Goodridge recovered and joined Vendetta in pounding at Brujah who quickly climbed the ring barricade and took off.

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling - October, 1998

Roster

Faces
Vendetta
Ben Bassarab
Mike McFly
Rising Son
Gary Goodridge
Chris LeLand (/w Sharon Montgomery)
Patrick LeLand (/w Sharon Montgomery)
Spyder (NEW)
Devon Storm (NEW)
Ace Darling (NEW)

Heels
Joe E. Legend (/ Mercedes)
Eric Freedom
Nikolai Kishka
Pitbull Kid
Darren Dalton
Eric Freeze
Manny Silva
Brujah
Ace Allen 

Ladies
Christine Law
Runaway Jane
Nikki Kixxx
Becky Hennig
Combat Girl
Sheona Stewart
Tina Rigdon 
Strawberry Fields

Officials
Commissioner - Nick Bockwinkel
Referee - Buddy Lane
Referee - Bambi Beaulieu
Referee - Jennifer Greaves
Referee - Mike Valiant



River City Wrestling #761
October 3, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Tina Rigdon defeated Combat Girl by pinfall after a springboard legdrop at 5:13
**last week Rigdon had to use a handful of tights, but this week the heel picked up a less contested victory.

Bout #2
Ace Darling & Devon Storm defeated Darren Dalton & Ace Allen by pinfall when Storm pinned Allen after after "The Extreme" (double team slingshot catapult/missile dropkick) at 6:56
**former RCW Tag Team Champions, the Extremists, make their return with a victory.

Bout #3
#1 Contenders Match
Ben Bassarab defeated Manny Silva by pinfall after a flying crossbody block at 8:11
**solid win for Hall of Famer Bassarab.

Bout #4
North American Women's Title Match - Triangle Match
Christine Law, Nikki Kixxx, and Runaway Jane battled to a triple countout at 6:39
[Christine Law retained the North American Women's Title]
**too much history and bad blood between these three and it spilled outside the ring. 


Hour #2

Bout #5
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) & Eric Freedom defeated Chris & Patrick LeLand (/w Sharon Montgomery) by pinfall when Legend pinned Patrick after a Legend cutter at 8:21
[Joe E. Legend & Eric Freedom retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**The LeLands looked very good, very coordinated. On the other hand Legend and Freedom still seem to be stressed, both by their recent conflicts surrounding the battle royale, their tag match against each other, as well as Mercedes' constantly making it clear that she is only the valet of Legend and has no use for Freedom. Mercedes figured in greatly to the result again, as she got into a fight with Montgomery which provided a distraction that the champs used to their advantage.

Bout #6
RCW Television Title Match
Nikolai Kishka defeated Rising Son by pinfall after a jumping spinning leg lariat at 6:32
[Nikolai Kishka retained the RCW Television Title]
**shorter match but because of the high pace of the chain wrestling involved it felt long and both men were winded by the end. This was a bit of a rematch as the last time Son had a title shot it was destroyed by interference from his former partner Pitbull Kid. Kishka is having a very nice and unexpected run with the title.

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match - Triangle Match
Vendetta defeated Gary Goodridge and Brujah by pinfall when he pinned Goodridge after a running legdrop at 9:20
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**at first there was more animosity shown toward Brujah by the other two participants who took turns battering him. However, soon enough they realized they still had to fight each other to win. Once that started all alliances were in the past and it was your typical three way slug fest. In the end Brujah exposed a turnbuckle while the other two were brawling, and then when he got the chance he smashed Goodridge head first into it. He covered, for 1, 2, but Vendetta broke it up. Vendetta tossed Brujah over the top rope, then nailed a running legdrop on the already fallen, and busted open, Goodridge and picked up the pin.

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!



River City Wrestling #762
October 10, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Spyder defeated Ace Allen by pinfall after a T-Bone suplex at 6:11
**premiere of Spyder, a young guy who just started wrestling locally last year (trained by Rick Patterson). He comes in at about 5'9" 215 lbs., hailing as a hometown boy from Winnipeg. Got a nice pop from the crowd and overcame some cheating by Allen to pick up the win.

Bout #2
Tag Team Return Match on the Line
Mercedes defeated Montgomery by pinfall after a school girl pin at 5:07
**so because Mercedes helped the tag champs get their win by distracting the ref when she attacked Montgomery, the stipulation of this bout was that if Montgomery could pick up the win then her team of the LeLand brothers would get one more title shot. Everyone in the arena pretty much expected Montgomery would get the duke and we would get a rematch. Surprisingly that didn't happen. Montgomery had control of the bout but she made one mistake charging into the corner, and when Mercedes moved out of the way Montgomery went shoulder first hard into the ringpost. Mercedes rolled her up and picked up the win.

Bout #3
Ace Darling & Devon Storm defeated Pitbull Kid & Eric Freeze by pinfall when Storm pinned Freeze after "The Extreme" (double team slingshot catapult/missile dropkick) at 6:54
**so that's two straight wins for the former tag champs against pretty much thrown together teams. Taking into account that the LeLands don't look like like they are in the picture anymore and it sure looks like "The Extremists" are the new top contenders.

Bout #4
#1 Contenders Match
Nikki Kixxx defeated Runaway Jane by pinfall after a spinning heel kick at 8:12
**seems like women's champ Christine Law, Kixxx, Jane, and to a lesser extent Becky Hennig are just sort of shuffling chairs in the women's scene, with Tina Rigdon and Strawberry Fields the new fresh faces. This bout followed last week's no decision triangle match. Commissioner Nick Bockwinkel decided that if these two settled their differences first, then the winner might get a clean shot at the champ. It could have gone either way but Kixxx punched her way out of a Texas piledriver setup attempt, and a minute later hit her finisher.


Hour #2

Bout #5
Gary Goodridge defeated Brujah by submisison to a knee lock at 7:25
**not exactly a #1 contenders bout but one had to think that the winner would stay in the title hunt, while the loser slips down a bit. Hard fought contest with Brujah preferring to brawl, and Goodridge quite willing to oblige. Brujah though has no "plan B" while Goodridge can also mat wrestle, so Brujah just sort of ran out of options and was slowly taken apart by Goodridge.

Bout #6
RCW Television Title Match
Nikolai Kishka defeated Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) by pinfall after a springboard bulldog at 8:18
[Nikolai Kishka retained the RCW Television Title]
**former TV champion, and current Tag Team champion Legend got a shot at his former belt. Kishka has been a strong champion but in Legend he met his equal, someone willing to cheat like hell to win. Mercedes got involved in the bout reaching in and choking the champ while the ref was distracted by Legend. This brought out Montgomery who attacked her nemesis Mercedes removing her from the equation. Eric Freedom, Legend's tag partner came out to help, but when he was trying to help Legend his partner directed him to go to the aid of Mercedes instead. Freedom refused, and just left the ringside area. With all the distractions it was easy for Kishka to take Legend down with a German suplex, followed by a springboard bulldog and get the win.

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta defeated Ben Bassarab by countout at 12:20
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**Once again Bassarab comes up short in winning the big title. The champ controlled the first four minutes or so, wearing down Bassarab with leverage holds, slams, and suplexes. Bassarab though countered a DDT attempt with an atomic drop, then took over the bout for the next stretch. Bassarab worked a stick and move attack that increased in intensity with a pair of snap suplexes, a running leg drop, and a pair of elbowdrops from the second buckle. However when Bassarab went to the top rope to finish things off the champ recovered enough to bump him off the top, sending Bassarab tumbling to the floor. The champ then got the crowd to his feet when he did a bit of flying himself, launching himself over the top rope with a head tope, nailing the challenger. The 10 count was then applied after that car crash, and the champ was able to beat the count but the challenger was not.

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!



River City Wrestling #763
October 17, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Tina Rigdon defeated Strawberry Fields by pinfall after a DDT at 5:41
**Rigdon puts herself at the top of the heap as these two undefeated wrestlers clashed. Rigdon controlled early, Fields made a comeback, the two then brawled outside the ring. Back inside Fields went for a clothesline but it looked lazy. Rigdon ducked under, spun around her as if to go for a crucifix, but instead took her down with a DDT. Impressive ending for the heel Rigdon but not a popular one with the fans.

Bout #2
Spyder defeated Darren Dalton by pinfall after a sprinboard shooting press at 5:03
**Spyder's second straight victory, and a bit of an upset against the bigger Dalton. Spyder looked good bouncing off the second rope and taking Dalton down. After the bout however, Dalton attacked Spyder while his hand was being raised and gave him a good beatdown; thus assuring himself a rematch.

Bout #3
Rising Son defeated Manny Silva by disqualification for abuse of official at 6:55
**Son used a stick and move attack to frustrate the veteran Silva. Finally Silva had enough and in a fit of frustration after a break, he pushed referee Mike Valiant down on his butt and then kicked him in the chest to get the loss.

Bout #4
Brujah defeated Ben Bassarab by pinfall after a powerslam at 5:47
**Brujah showed a bit more of that invincibleness that he showed when he first came into the territory. Bassarab controlled much of the match but couldn't put Brujah away. Finally he went for his diving crossbody block from the top buckle, only to have his opponent catch him mid-air and turn it into a powerslam to pick up the win.


Hour #2

Bout #5
North American Women's Title
Christine Law defeated Nikki Kixxx by pinfall after a flying elbowsmash at 6:39
[Christine Law retained the North American Women's Title]
**feels like the champion needs some new competition as its been cycling between Kixxx, Jane, and Hennig for a while. Looks like Rigdon and Fields are ready to shake things up.

Bout #6
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) & Eric Freedom defeated Ace Darling & Devon Storm (/w Sharon Montgomery) by disqualification for outside interference (Montgomery) at 8:02
[Joe E. Legend & Eric Freedom retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**solid match with the Extremists looking like the better team, and a change in title looking eminent. However, Mercedes tripped up Storm coming off the ropes, but when Montgomery did the same to Legend seconds later as he was setting himself up to deliver the cutter, she was seen by the ref Mike Valiant who called for the DQ.

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Gary Goodridge defeated Vendetta by countout at 10:50
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**A rematch of sorts, as the last time they hooked up one on one was September 26th, and it was ruined by Brujah. Match between two faces, fairly clean but still hard fought. Goodridge had his moments but Vendetta controlled more of the offence, with Goodridge nailing some nice counter measures to stay alive. In the end though Vendetta went for a head tope but only caught a small piece of Goodridge. The challenger managed to get back into the ring and beat the count, but the champ did not.

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!




River City Wrestling #764
October 24, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Darren Dalton defeated Mike McFly by pinfall after a release powerbomb at 4:44
**filler

Bout #2
Pitbull Kid defeated Spyder by pinfall after a top rope splash at 5:50
**solid pecking order match and Spyder's first set back since joining RCW. Spyder looked like he was going to the pay window with a superplex but Kid blocked it and then drove Spyder to the mat, landing on top of him for the win.

Bout #3
Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) defeated Ace Darling by pinfall after a Legend cutter at 6:03
**after Darling/Storm got DQ'd last week for Sharon Montgomery's interference, they fired Montgomery. As former champs they wanted another rematch, but the tag champs said that they would face them in singles action instead and that if either one of the challengers could win then they would get another title shot. Round 1 though went to the champs (of course), thanks to more interference from Mercedes (another timely trip).

Bout #4
Devon Storm defeated Eric Freedom by pinfall after a brainbuster at 5:57
**and of course in the second bout the challenger won to assure a title rematch. And of course it was Freedom taking the loss and drawing the scorn of Mercedes with Legend trying to play peacemaker, but himself growing less patient with his partner. No idea where this is going!


Hour #2

Bout #5
Triangle Match
Combat Girl defeated Becky Hennig and Sheona Stewart by pinfall when CG pinned Hennig after a sitout piledriver at 5:00
**Hennig had the bout won after nailing Stewart with her running somersault necksnap, but she had not accounted for CG, and when she got to her feet, CG kicked her in the gut and nailed the piledriver finisher. Next week is another All Women's edition of River City Wrestling, and this gives CG some momentum going into the big event.

Bout #6
RCW Television Title Match - Triangle Match
Nikolai Kishka defeated Ben Bassarab and Rising Son by pinfall when Kishka pinned Bassarab after a running spinning leg lariat at 7:42
[Nikolai Kishka retained the RCW Television Title]
**the young Russian champion continues to impress. He has rolled through challenger after challenger, and has become very arrogant. In fact his arrogance showed when Sharon Montgomery came out prior to the match in a beautiful gold sequin evening dress and offered her services as a valet to the champion; and he refused, saying he doesn't need anyone. For Montgomery she has now been spurned by the LeLands, Extremists, and now Kishka. Bassarab and Son both came off big wins last week so were granted this bout. Things might have worked out differently if the match had been allowed to progress normally, but Manny Silva came out (still smarting after his DQ loss last week to Rising Son), and attacked Son outside the ring. Silva nailed Son with a running chair shot, knocking him right out. Bassarab was distracted by this and was leaving the ring to help Son when Kishka crotched him by pulling up the top rope. He then tossed Bassarab across the ring and nailed his finisher for the tainted victory.

Main Event
#1 Contender Stipulations Match
Vendetta & Gary Goodridge defeated Brujah & Manny Silva by pinfall when Vendetta pinned Brujah after a jumping DDT at 9:48
**These four have been circling the main events here for a couple months. The stipulation for this bout was that if Vendetta/Goodridge won then Goodridge would receive a Heavyweight title shot on November 7th, but if Brujah and Silva won then they would win a Heavyweight Title shot in a Triangle match that night instead. Surprisingly, the champion himself played Ricky Morton through a good portion of this bout. In fact the heels controlled most of it, and worked together because of the stipulation. However, once the good guys made their spirited comeback the brawl was on. Goodridge had Silva locked in a kneebar outside the ring while inside the champ took care of business with his finisher.

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya next week!!



River City Wrestling #765
October 31, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

**A Special Halloween Themed -  All-Women's Edition of River City Wrestling**

Tonight's first bout will be a "Lucky 13" Battle Royale with the winner getting a title shot in tonight's main event against North American Women's Champion Christine Law.
12 of the 13 participants are scheduled for special Halloween themed matches tonight, while the 13th participant ("Hollywood" Jeanne Basone) is the wildcard. Unless Basone wins the battle royale she will take the place of the winner in their normally scheduled bout so that the winner can face Law in the main event.
The scheduled bouts are; 
Mercedes vs Sharon Montgomery (Evening Gown Match)
Tina Rigdon vs Strawberry Fields (Apartment Style Match)
Nikki Kixxx & Eternity vs Runaway Jane & Mistress Gloom (Dungeon Match)
Becky Hennig vs Combat Girl (Spanking Paddle Match)
Sheona Stewart vs Daisy Rhodes (Bunkhouse Brawl)


Hour #1

Opening Bout
Lucky 13 - Battle Royale
In order of elimination (who eliminated them) (time)
13. Mercedes (Montgomery) 1:04
12. Daisy Rhodes (Hennig, Combat Girl) 1:45
11. Runaway Jane (Gloom, Eternity) 2:07
10. Sheona Stewart (Kixxx, Eternity) 3:15
9.  Becky Hennig (Fields, Combat Girl) 3:41
8.  Sharon Montgomery (Basone) 4:11
7.  Strawberry Fields (Rigdon, Basone) 4:29
6. Eternity (Kixxx) 5:33
5. Combat Girl (Kixxx, Rigdon) 6:29
4. Mistress Gloom (Basone, Kixxx, Rigdon) 8:20
3. Nikki Kixxx (Rigdon, Basone) 9:46
2. Jeanne Basone (Rigdon) 11:00
Winner: Tina Rigdon 

Bout #2
Bunkhouse Brawl
Sheona Stewart defeated Daisy Rhodes by 10 count at 5:49
**not so much a bunkhouse brawl as a daisy dukes catfight. Rare win for Stewart.

Bout #3
Spanking Paddle Match
Combat Girl defeated Becky Hennig by spanking at 5:01
**paddle on a pole match, with CG getting the paddle and pleasing the crowd by administering a spanking on the daisy dukes wearing Hennig. However, it seemed like Hennig enjoyed it and asked for more, and CG was only too happy to oblige.

Bout #4
Evening Gown Match
Sharon Montgomery defeated Mercedes by removing her evening gown at 3:32
**One big, rolling, cat fight, with Montgomery driving Mercedes with a face slam and then pulling off her dress, leaving her in her lingerie.


Hour #2

Bout #5
Apartment Style Match
Strawberry Fields defeated Jeanne Basone by pinfall after a Samoan drop at 6:56
**nice upset win for Fields over the accomplished Basone (aka Hollywood from GLOW). The ring was filled with a couch, kitchenette, coffee table, etc ,that were all used as weapons and jumping surfaces. Unlike the usual folding tables though these ones did not bust under pressure. The ring looked like a frat house by the end of the mayhem.

Bout #6
Dungeon Match
Runaway Jane & Mistress Gloom defeated Nikki Kixxx & Eternity by pinfall when Jane pinned Eternity after an inside cradle at 7:18
**the apartment furnishings were replaced with various S&M looking devices, paddles, etc. Gloom looked very good in a return to RCW, but the end came when Kixxx accidently nailed her own partner Eternity with a superkick, and then Jane rolled her up for the pin.

Main Event
North American Women's Title Match
Tina Rigdon defeated Christine Law by pinfall after a DDT at 5:01
[Tina Rigdon Won the North American Women's Title]
**straight forward match after all the other specialty matches, seemed like a breath of fresh air. Law controlled much of the bout but Rigdon made a short comeback and nailed a devastating looking DDT in the middle of the ring to get a short win. 

That's it for another special all-ladies edition of River City Wrestling.

See ya next week!!

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling - November, 1998

Roster

Faces
Vendetta
Ben Bassarab
Rising Son
Gary Goodridge
Spyder 
Devon Storm 
Ace Darling 
HICAL (NEW)
Jobu the Four Armed Monkey (NEW)
John "Dumptruck" Darraugh (NEW)

Heels
Joe E. Legend (/ Mercedes)
Eric Freedom
Nikolai Kishka
Pitbull Kid
Darren Dalton
Manny Silva
Ace Allen
Full Nelson (NEW)
Roadblock (NEW)

Ladies
Tina Rigdon
Christine Law
Runaway Jane
Nikki Kixxx
Becky Hennig
Strawberry Fields
Sharon Montgomery

Officials
Commissioner - Nick Bockwinkel
Referee - Buddy Lane
Referee - Bambi Beaulieu
Referee - Jennifer Greaves
Referee - Mike Valiant




River City Wrestling #766
November 7, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Full Nelson defeated Spyder by pinfall after a full nelson slam at 4:36
**Full Nelson makes his premiere. He is a Val Venis rip-off but gets the pin.

Bout #2
Hical defeated Darren Dalton by pinfall after a top rope flying headscissors at 5:05
**another victory in a premiere, the high flying masked luchadore Hical picks up the win. Looked like Dalton's power advantage might be too much for the smaller opponent, but when he flipped Hical over the top rope and turned his back, the lucha hung on to the top rope, flipped himself off the apron back onto the top rope, and came off with flying headscissors, hooked the legs, and got the win.

Bout #3
Strawberry Fields and Nikki Kixxx battled to a no-contest at 4:41
**the animosity between these two grew quickly, dissolved into a brawl that the ref threw out.



Bout #4
Ben Bassarab defeated Pitbull Kid by pinfall after a flying crossbody block at 6:09
**solid match, lots of good wrestling and a few high spots. Pecking order match with Hall of Famer Bassarab showing he still has it.


Hour #2

Commissioner Nick Bockwinkel comes to the ring to announce that this year's big card, the 19th Anniversary Spectacular will be held on December 5th, at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.
A special tag team match featuring four of the greatest in RCW history has been signed; Paul Orndorff & Don Muraco will face off against Greg Valentine & Stan Lane.
Jeanne Basone (aka Hollywood from GLOW) will also return to RCW to compete.
More matches will be added soon.


Bout #5
North American Women's Title Match
Tina Rigdon defeated Christine Law by pinfall after a DDT at 8:18
[Tina Rigdon retained the North American Women's Title]
**This was Law's automatic rematch after dropping the belt to Rigdon last week. She didn't fair much better against the very fit champ who is not afraid to cheat her way to victory.

Bout #6
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Devon Storm & Ace Darling defeated Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) & Eric Freedom by pinfall when Storm pinned Freedom after a brainbuster at 7:30
[Devon Storm & Ace Darling win the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**well you could see this one coming. There was a four man brawl in the ring, Mercedes jumped onto the apron, and Darling sent Legend colliding with Mercedes. Legend was then distracted and this allowed a quick double team, and then Storm hit a brainbuster and picked up the win. After the bout Legend was much more concerned about Mercedes than he was about losing the tag belts. This will begin the Extremists' second tag reign, the last one starting in 1997 after defeating Joe E. Legend (again) and Steele. Legend and Freedom had held the belts since June 6th, so about a 5 month reign. 

Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Vendetta defeated Gary Goodridge by pinfall after an inverted DDT at 8:37
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
**Goodridge had won this title shot on Oct 24th when he helped Vendetta beat Brujah and Manny Silva in a tag match. Goodridge has skills but Vendetta is a more experienced pro wrestler and used that to his advantage. Goodridge though mounted several impressive comebacks. In the end Vendetta moved out of the way and Goodridge crashed into the corner buckle, followed by a German suplex and then the finisher.

Post-Match:
Goodridge seemed to shake off the loss and shook hands with the champ, but when the champ turned his back Goodridge attacked him from behind. He laid in the boots for about a minute before help arrived to chase him away. I guess he's a bit of a sore loser.

That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling.

See ya next week!!




River City Wrestling #767
November 14, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
John "Dumptruck" Darraugh defeated Ace Allen by pinfall after a spear at 3:46
**premiere of Darraugh, a former football linebacker, built like a dump truck, and about as smart. 

Bout #2
Hical defeated Full Nelson by pinfall after a springboard lariat at 5:15
**better match then it had a right to be, between two newcomers who both premiered last week and picked up wins. Nelson is stronger and can also move at a good clip, but Hical has a certain star power and octane level that took over the bout in the end when the porn star wannabe was sucking wind.

Bout #3
Manny Silva defeated Jobu the Four Armed Monkey by pinfall after a wheelbarrow suplex at 2:31
**squash match
**after the bout Silva continued to smack around and humiliate Jobu. This brought out Ben Bassarab but Silva snuck in a low blow and then attacked the Calgarian. Bassarab fought back though and the two brawled around ringside.

Bout #4
The Spinebusters: Jerry Orth & Bryan Carruthers defeated Rising Son & Spyder by pinfall when Carruthers pinned Spyder after a spinning spinebuster slam at 6:13
**premiere of the Spinebusters who have wrestled for a few years in mostly mid-western Indies under various WWA banners. While Bryan Carruthers is comparable to a poor man's Arn Anderson (maybe more like C.W. Anderson), and his partner Orth is probably closer to Steve Corino than he is to Tully Blanchard. The two have an old-time tag team feel to them and worked that slow, methodical, mean match. A very impressive duo but one can see why they have not caught on with the big leagues yet.


Hour #2

Bout #5
#1 Contenders Match
Strawberry Fields defeated Nikki Kixxx by submission to the Texas Cloverleaf at 5:27
**with this win Fields gets a title shot at the anniversary show against Tina Rigdon.

Bout #6
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Ace Darling & Devon Storm defeated Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) & Eric Freedom by pinfall when Darling pined Freedom after a frog splash at 7:09
[Ace Darling & Devon Storm retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**this was the automatic rematch for the former champs. During a melee Mercedes tried to toss a brick from her purse to Freedom but he dropped it, and then Darling dropped him. After pitching Legend out of the ring Darling climbed to the top and landed the finishing move on Freedom to pick up the win.

Post-Match:
In one of the smallest surprises in wrestling history, Mercedes pointed the finger at Freedom after the bout. Freedom told Legend to control her after she pushed him, but Legend just pointed the finger at Freedom as well. Finally he had enough and punched Legend in the face. He went after Joe E., only to get low blowed from behind by Mercedes. The beat down was on until the champs returned to clear the ring.

Commissioner Nick Bockwinkel comes out to the ring to update everyone on the line-up for the 19th Anniversary show. After what happened last week after the main event the championship committee has decided on a rematch between Vendetta and Gary Goodridge for the RCW title, that will be your main event. Also after what just happened, he has dictated that Legend and Freedom will face off. 

Main Event
RCW Television Title Match
Nikolai Kishka and Ben Bassarab battled to a no-contest at 5:58
[Nikolai Kishka retained the RCW Television Title]
**Bassarab had the upper hand, and based on his experience and pedigree here in RCW it felt like the title might change hands tonight. But then Manny Silva, the crazy Hawaiian, hit the ring and attacked Bassarab getting the match thrown out. This was obvious retaliation for Bassarab coming to the aid of Jobu earlier this evening.


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling.

See ya next week!!


Current line-up for the 19th Anniversary Spectacular
December 5, 1989; Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Main Event: RCW Heavyweight Title Match: Vendetta (champ) vs Gary Goodridge
North American Women's Title Match: Tina Rigdon (champ) vs Strawberry Fields
Jeanne Basone (aka Hollywood from GLOW) vs to be determined
Best 2 out of 3 Falls legends match: Paul Orndorff & Don Muraco vs Greg Valentine & Stan Lane
Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) vs "Turbo" Eric Freedom

more matches to be announced


Ben Bassarab





River City Wrestling #768
November 21, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Full Nelson defeated Jobu the Four Armed Monkey by pinfall after a full nelson slam at 3:50
**squash match

Bout #2
Roadblock defeated John "Dumptruck" Darraugh by pinfall after a powerslam at 5:02
**power versus power, and it was unpopular but Roadblock came out on top.

Bout #3
Winner Faces Hollywood at 19th Anniversary Show
Nikki Kixxx defeated Becky Hennig and Runaway Jane by pinfall when she pinned Hennig after a spinning heelkick at 5:53
**decent match but nothing new

Bout #4
#1 Contenders Match
The Spinebusters: Jerry Orth & Bryan Carruthers defeated Rising Son & Pitbull Kid when Carruthers pinned Kid after a spinebuster slam (with Orth holding his feet) at 7:05
**very good tag match. This match saw the surprise reunion of Son & Kid, who have put the past behind them apparently. They looked good but the Busters are a very polished team. They took one mistake and ended the match. Carruthers nailed Kid with his finisher, and Orth had been brawling with Son outside the ring, got the chance to reach in and hold down Kid's feet as he tried to kick out. The Spinebusters will go on to the 19th Anniversary show to face the tag champions The Extremists.


Hour #2

Bout #5
Non-Title Match
Strawberry Fields defeated Tina Rigdon by pinfall after a DDT at 6:02
**good thing for Rigdon it was a non-title match, and now does she go into the Anniversary show to defend her belt as the underdog?

Bout #6
RCW Television Title Match
Nikolai Kishka defeated Hical by pinfall after a jumping spinning leg lariat at 7:53
[Nikolai Kishka retained the RCW Television Title]
**Kishka started the bout a little bit Larry Zbyszko like with stalling and frustrating the challenger. He then grabbed the advantage after a shot to the throat and grounded the opponent for the first 4 minutes or so. Hical finally got his feet underneath him and started to take over the bout. But he had to slam on the breaks when Kishka pulled the ref in front of him. This left him vulnerable to a sidekick, and then Kishka nailed a couple suplexes for a 2 count. Hical made a short comeback but a flying crossbody block was turned into a powerslam, then when the challenger got to his feet the champ hit him with the finisher to end it.

Commissioner Nick Bockwinkel comes to the ring for the weekly update on the card for the 19th Anniversary Show, which will take place December 5th, at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.
First of all, in addition to the already announced blockbuster legends tag match featuring Paul Orndorff & Don Muraco against Greg Valentine & Stan Lane, another legends match will occur with Baron von Rashcke, Jim Brunzell, & Brian Blair to take on The Destruction Crew (Wayne Bloom & Mike Enos) and a partner yet to be named. The legends tag match will be best of three falls, and the six man tag match will be elimination style. 
Next, Nikolai Kishka has been on an impressive tear lately defending his belt so we are brining in a new opponent for him from our friends over in the SAWF in South Africa. Kishka will defend his TV title against Cobra who comes in at 6'3" 265 lbs, and is a former SAWF Heavyweight champion.
Finally, after what happened last week, Ben Bassarab will face Manny Silva one on one. 

Main Event
Vendetta & Ben Bassarab defeated Gary Goodridge & Manny Silva by disqualification for choking at 6:50
**kind of a mixed tag match with two singles matches at the anniversary show combined into a tag match. It became obvious that Goodridge and Silva didn't care about winning or losing, only on trying to weaken their opponents for the big event. In the end during a four man brawl Goodridge put Vendetta in a rear naked choke, and when Bassarab tried to break it up Silva put him in a sleeper chokehold. The ref counted to 5 and when they refused to break the holds called for the bell. However, they continued the chokes until the ring swarmed with security and other wrestlers who forced them to break. Both Vendetta and Bassarab were completely choked out and laid out in the ring at the end of the telecast.


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling.

See ya next week!


Current line-up for the 19th Anniversary Spectacular
December 5, 1989; Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Main Event: RCW Heavyweight Title Match: Vendetta (champ) vs Gary Goodridge
Television Title Match: Nikolai Kishka (champ) vs Cobra (SAWF)
North American Women's Title Match: Tina Rigdon (champ) vs Strawberry Fields
Jeanne Basone (aka Hollywood from GLOW) vs Nikki Kixxx
Best 2 out of 3 Falls legends match: Paul Orndorff & Don Muraco vs Greg Valentine & Stan Lane
Best 2 out of 3 Falls: Baron von Raschke, Jim Brunzell, Brian Blair vs Destruction Crew (Mike Enos & Wayne Bloom) & TBA
Ben Bassarab vs Manny Silva
Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) vs "Turbo" Eric Freedom

more matches to be announced


Gary Goodridge




River City Wrestling #769
November 28, 1998
Winnipeg, Manitoba

We are on the eve of the big year end show, the 19th Anniversary show. The wrestling message boards which have helped fuel a new explosion of interest in pro wrestling have been lit up this week by rumours that River City Wrestling has been sold, or will be sold, and may be absorbed by a bigger entity. There is no talk of that on the show tonight.

Hour #1

Opening Bout
Jim Brunzell & Baron von Raschke defeated Ace Allen & Caveman Broda by submission when Raschke submitted Allen to the clawhold at 5:33
**warm-up match for the legends for the anniversary show. After the win the big man Roadblock came to the ring to announce that he will be the 3rd man on the Destruction Crew team. He looks like he wants to attack Brunzell and Rascke and they tell him to bring it, but its 2 on 1 so he thinks better of it and leaves without incident.

Bout #2
Fatal Four Match - All Women are Legal
Nikki Kixxx defeated Christine Law, Runaway Jane, and Becky Hennig by pinfall when she pinned Law after a spinning heel kick at 7:06
**wild four way match, a good tune-up for Kixxx as she will face Jeanne Basone at the Anniversary show. The end came when Jane and Hennig got tied up with each other outside the ring, and inside Kixxx gave Law a hotshot, and then nailed her finisher.

Bout #3
Six-Man Tag Match
Roadblock, Full Nelson, & Darren Dalton defeated Rising Son, Pitbull Kid, & John Darraugh by pinfall when Roadblock pinned Kid after a powerslam at 8:26
**solid match to showcase 6 of RCW's mid-carders. In the end Roadblock gets the win which sets him up as being a legitimate team member for the Destruction Crew.


Hour #2

Bout #4
Hical defeated Spider by pinfall after a hurrancanrana at 7:21
**two guys, two faces, that can both work a match with the Lucha coming out on top.

Bout #5
Handi-Cap Match
Joe E. Legend & Mercedes defeated Eric Freedom by pinfall when Mercedes pinned Freedom after a legdrop at 6:22
**Freedom wanted to get his hands on Mercedes, but Legend refused to tag her in. However, she joined in double teams and was a big distraction. In the end it was obvious that Freedom lost all composure and when he went for Mercedes, she jumped off the ring apron, and it allowed Legend to hotshot his throat off the top rope, and then hit his Legend cutter finisher. Instead of going for the pin though he tagged out to Mercedes (finally) she hit a weak looking legdrop, hooked a leg and got the 3 count.

Post-Match: Eric Freedom was irate and wanted a special stipulation added for their bout, that if he beat Legend then he would get the managerial contract of Mercedes transferred over to him. He ended up goading them into accepting the stipulation. 

Nick Bockwinkel comes down to the ring to announce a last few changes and additions to the 19th Anniversary Spectacular!
First, because of the animosity between the two, and because it has dragged on so long, that the Ben Bassarab versus Manny Silva match has been made a loser leave town match. These are two RCW legends, so this stipulation is huge. The Commish wants this feud to be over, he does not want to see it bleed over to 1999.
A triangle tag match has also been added with Rising Son & Pitbull Kid, Spyder & Hical (who we just saw tonight wrestle against each other), and Darren Dalton & Full Nelson.
The tag champions Extremists will defend their titles against the Spinebusters, and we will have a preview of that bout next. Of course if the Busters win then they will go into the Spectacular as the champions.

Main Event
RCW Tag Team Title Match
Ace Darling & Devon Storm defeated The Spinebusters: Bryan Carruthers & Jerry Orth by disqualification for use of a foreign object at 9:45
[Ace Darling & Devon Storm retained the RCW Tag Team Titles]
**well this little preview of their match at the Anniversary Show left the people eager to see the rematch. It was a classic showdown of very agile faces against tough, cheating, more traditional heels. The challengers used cheats to control the first 5 minutes but then the champs used their own double teams to turn it around. The turning point in the bout though came when Sharon Montgomery came down to ringside, apparently she is now managing the Spinebusters. When it looked like her men were in trouble she handed Orth a chair as he watched from the ring apron, and he ~waffled~ Storm over the back, and then a charging Darling in the head. A couple more chair shots for each before security came to break it up.


That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling.

See ya next week for the 19th Anniversary Spectacular!!



Line-Up for the 19th Anniversary Spectacular
December 5, 1989; Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Main Event: RCW Heavyweight Title Match: Vendetta (champ) vs Gary Goodridge
RCW Tag Team Title Match: The Extremists: Ace Darling & Devon Storm (champs) vs Spinebusters: Bryan Carruthers & Jerry Orth (/w Sharon Montgomery)
Television Title Match: Nikolai Kishka (champ) vs Cobra (SAWF)
North American Women's Title Match: Tina Rigdon (champ) vs Strawberry Fields
Jeanne Basone (aka Hollywood from GLOW) vs Nikki Kixxx
Best 2 out of 3 Falls legends match: Paul Orndorff & Don Muraco vs Greg Valentine & Stan Lane
Best 2 out of 3 Falls: Baron von Raschke, Jim Brunzell, Brian Blair vs Destruction Crew (Mike Enos & Wayne Bloom) & Roadblock
Ben Bassarab vs Manny Silva (loser leaves town match)
Joe E. Legend (/w Mercedes) vs "Turbo" Eric Freedom (managerial contract for Mercedes is on the line)
Triangle Tag Match: Rising Son & Pitbull Kid vs Hical & Spyder vs Darren Dalton & Full Nelson

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling #770
December 5, 1998
Winnipeg Convention Centre
Winnipeg, Manitoba

19th Anniversary Spectacular

Opening Bout
Triple Threat Tag Match (One man from each team is legal)
One fall 25 minute time limit - referee Buddy Lane
Rising Son & Pitbull Kid (combined wt. 450 lbs.) ("Hard Knock Life" Jay-Z)
v
Hical & Spyder (combined wt. 452 lbs.) ("Hello Nasty" Beastie Boys)
v
Darren Dalton & Full Nelson (combined wt. 480 lbs.) ("Rock The Boat" Hughes Corporation)

This was not a typical RCW match, it was a bit of a spot-fest because of the nature of having three men in the ring. However, for an opening match it entertained the crowd, especially with two high flying fan favourite teams facing off against a heel team who both cheated and played the buffoons (Dalton & Nelson). The best way to recap this match is to give a list of the highlights, or top spots. The masked lucha Hical was in a bit of trouble around the three minute mark, but he was pulled out of the ring by his partner Spyder. They did the head to head conference, spinning around a couple of times, and then while Dalton and Kid were fighting inside the ring, Spyder donned an identical mask to Hical and attempted to take his place in the ring. It was obvious to the fans, Rising Son, and Full Nelson what was going on since Spyder is lighter skinned, has long black hair flowing from under the mask, and wears pants instead of tights, but to Lane and the combatants who were otherwise distracted it was ignored for about 20 seconds before Lane noticed and ordered the change. By then however, and after some arguing, Hical was nicely recovered and no longer in immediate danger of being pinned. The next spot series came around the 5 minute mark when all the combatants took turns nailing each other with suplexes, including the non-legal partners who had come in to the ring. In fact 5 of the 6 men were out on their backs with only Rising Son staggering to his feet. Buddy Lane made the mistake of getting too close to him, patting him on the shoulder to indicate he had to leave the ring since he was not legal, and Son nailed him with a neckbreaker, not looking to see who it was. Now Lane was the last man out as the six competitors gradually all got to their feet and had a nice brawl as Lane lay on the mat, and kept getting a wrestler dropped on him, or kick him, etc to keep him knocked down. Finally he got to his feet and after giving all six men a stern warning he allowed the bout to continue.
The next series saw Kid, Spyder, and Nelson all in the ring going for the pin, but having to throw the 3rd man out to gain time. In each case the tag partner threw their partner back into the ring to help them break up the pin attempt. A brawl erupted outside the ring between the three non-legal men, and soon the legal men joined them in a six man brawl outside the ring. A table was set up, and Dalton laid Kid on the table as Spyder leapt from the top and drove Kid through the table. Back inside the ring and Pitbull Kid was in trouble but neither of the other teams could put him away as they couldn't get enough time to make a clean pin.
Kid made a comeback and he rolled up Dalton, but was losing it, until Son reached in and they linked hands for leverage. But before Lane could count the three count Hical ran around and pulled Son off, causing him to smash himself face first on the ring apron. The next spot of interest was when Full Nelson was in trouble, disorientated he made the tag out to Rising Son instead of Dalton...who shrugged his shoulders and joined his partner Pitbull Kid in the ring as they double teamed Hical. Spyder came in to protest but Lane dealt with him, putting him out first, with the long delay allowing Son and Kid to double team Hical. They had him set up for a version of the electric chair but Dalton came in the ring and half-ass suplexed both Kid and Hical who was on his shoulder. Hical bounced off the middle strand and rolled out of the ring. Order was slowly restored with Hical and Full Nelson both on shaky street against the much more energetic Pitbull Kid. The Pitbull whipped them both to the buckles and then smashed their heads together. He then threw Hical over the top rope. Nelson recovered enough to nail Kid with a lowblow. Lane stepped between them to warn Nelson. Kid though reached between Lane's feet, grabbed Nelson by the boots and yanked him to the mat. He then pushed Lane down a bit, and springboarded/launched himself off of the back of Lane, landing butt first on the chest of Nelson, grabbed the feet into a victory roll....Dalton tried to make the save but ended up running into Hical who was finally getting back into the ring, and Rising Son took out Spyder who likewise was trying to enter the ring..1, 2, 3!!
[Rising Son & Pitbull Kid defeated Hical & Spyder and Darren Dalton & Full Nelson by pinfall when Kid pinned Nelson after a victory roll at 15:48]


Bout #2
One Fall 25 minute time limit - Referee Jennifer Greaves
Jeanne "Hollywood" Basone (5'7" 128 lbs., Hollywood, California)  ("Hollywood" Streetheart) vs Nikki Kixxx (5'6" 120 lbs., Wildwood, New Jersey) ("Bad Medicine" Bon Jovi)
A matchup of former North American Women's Champions with Basone (in her mid 30's) holding the title on 3 occasions (most recently in 1996) and Kixx (in her early 20's) having her one and only reign earlier this year. Hollywood was the "face" in this bout and Kixxx the "heel" but Basone used some stall tactics, including taking photos with fans during the early minutes of the match to frustrate her younger opponent. Then she worked a series of mundane moves like standing headlock and bodyscissors, and when broken she would go to the ropes to stop further engagment. Kixxx went for a spinning heel kick way too early, and Basone ducked away, then nailed Kixxx with a clothesline, then a slingshot into the buckle, followed by applying an STF. It was too early though and Kixxx managed to get out of it. Finally though Kixxx chopped Baone in the throat and then began to choke her, to take her first real advantage of the bout after almost 5 minutes of ring time. Kixxx worked a front chancery, and a side headlock on the mat, working both into chokes when possible, and then did the same with a sleeperhold. Kixxx then picked up the pace with some suplexes, coming off the ropes for a couple moves, and then nailed a superkick, which got a 2 count because Basone got a foot on the ropes. Kixxx was angered and stomped away at Basone, then basically straddled her and started to slam her head off the mat until referee Greaves physically got between the two. Kixxx then threw her opponent out of the ring, and went for a plancha, but Basone rolled out of the way. A count of 9 was applied but both women managed to roll back into the ring to break it, but then decided to leave the ring and renew hostilities. They brawled around the ring, slamming each other off the guardrail, announce table and ringsteps, rolling into the ring on two occasions to stop the 10 count. Basone came out on top, and back inside the ring nailed an elbowsmash from the second rope, a back suplex, for a 2 count, a swinging neckbreaker for a 2 count, and then a camel clutch. We were over 10 minutes into the bout at this point. Kixxx made a comeback again started with a throat chop, and after a couple setup moves, nailed a DDT for a 2 count. Then she attacked Hollywood using her opponent's long blonde hair to her advantage. First standing on it while yanking on her arms pulling her upward from the mat, then grabbing it and delivering a hairplane spin. Finally she was tying it around the ringrope when Greaves had enough and made her stop. Kixxx argued with Greaves and the two even exchanged shoves. That was all the time Basone needed to recover. The two punched it out in the middle of the ring, then Basone smashed her opponent's head off of each turnbuckle, and then a running bulldog, for 1, 2, 3.
[Jeanne Basone defeated Nikki Kixxx by pinfall after a running bulldog at 13:35]


Bout #3
Managerial Contract of Mercedes is on the line
One Fall 25 Minute Time limit - Referee Mike Valiant
Joe E. Legend (6'4" 250 lbs., Toronto, Ontario) ("A Legend Never Dies" Blackfoot) (/w Mercedes) vs "Turbo" Eric Freedom (5'11 220 lbs., Chicago, IL) ("Turbo Lover" Judas Priest) 
It's a common enough story. Former tag team partners, champions, broken apart by a combination of losing and a woman. The table had been set with the contract of Mercedes on the line. To be specific if Freedom won then he would get the contract of Mercedes to manage him. No one is quite sure how long, or why he would want that, or how much her fees are, but that is the vagueness of pro wrestling. So the heat should have been there for this match, yet for some reason the passion just wasn't there. Some reports circled later that Freedom was nursing a knee injury that may have held him back a bit. There were plenty of fisticuffs and Mercedes was front and center getting involved in the action and giving Legend lots of hugs, kisses, and shoulder rubs whenever he left the ring. Freedom though controlled most of the bout. Mercedes jumped up on the ring apron, and Freedom looked like he had fallen for it, but when Legend charged him he moved out of the way, and Legend speared Mercedes right off the ring apron. Freedom tried to roll him up from behind, but Legend hung on to the top rope with both hands sending Freedom tumbling back. Legend struck with a springboard back elbow, then hit his cutter and got the win.
[Joe E. Legend defeated Eric Freedom by pinfall after the Legend Cutter at 8:52]


Bout #4
Best 2 out of 3 Falls
60 minute time limit - referee Buddy Lane 
Baron von Raschke, Jim Brunzell & Brian Blair (combined wt. 750 lbs.) ("Born to Run" Bruce Springsteen)
v
Destruction Crew: Mike Enos & Wayne Bloom, & Roadblock (combined wt. 865 lbs.) ("Hell To Pay" Jeff Healey Band)
The first fall saw each guy get a quick turn in the ring, and it settled in with Roadblock slamming Blair to the mat and then working him over with his size advantage. Blair played Ricky Morton for a few minutes with each heel taking a turn on the beatdown but with Roadblock taking the lead, with his huge size (350 lbs.). The problem was that Roadblock got cocky and told Enos to hold Blair while he climbed to the top rope. Well it took him so long to get to the top rope that Blair managed to recover and sneak in a mule kick to the groin of Enos while Lane was counting Roadblock in a futile gesture. Blair then slammed Roadblock off the top rope and made the tag out. It looked like things had turned the corner as Raschke went to work on Roadblock then tagged in Brunzell who picked the pace up a bit. However, in a surprise Brunzell telegraphed his dropkick finisher, and Roadblock hung on to the top rope. Brunzell landed on his head and a winded but still moving Roadblock then splashed down on him, covered and got the 3 count.
[Roadblock pinned Brunzell after a splash at 8:02]
The second fall started with a fired up and motivated Brunzell who went right to work on Roadblock. He whipped Roadblock to the ropes, tagged in Raschke, moved out of the way, and Roadblock walked right into a clawhold. It only took the big man a couple seconds before he submitted. Destruction Crew tried to make the save but the "Bees" stopped them in their tracks.
[Raschke submitted Roadblock to the clawhold at 9:57]
The third fall started with a six man brawl after what had just transpired. It shook out to Brunzell being in trouble and the Crew making several quick tags to sneak in some double teams. Brunzell tagged in Raschke and after some initial success he too fell victim to double teams from the Crew. This broke down into another six man brawl, this one longer, in and out of the ring, and Lane let it go instead of throwing the bout out. Finally it shook out with Raschke having control over Bloom, nailing a couple back body drops, big boot to the head, a couple hip tosses and clotheslines. He locked the clawhold in but before the damage could be done Bloom slammed him to the corner where Enos and Roadblock helped him with a short triple team. Tag was made and Enos, then Roadblock, then Bloom all took turns punishing Raschke. Enos climbed to the top rope while Bloom was setting Raschke up for a spiked piledriver. But Raschke back dropped Bloom, and Blair came around the ring to knock Enos to the mat. Raschke tagged out to Brunzell who hit Bloom with a flying dropkick, for 1, 2 kickout. A short six man brawl ensued with Roadblock and Enos being thrown from the ring. Blair joined Brunzell in the ring, they whipped Bloom to the ropes, nailed a double dropkick and picked up the 1, 2, 3!!
[Brunzell pinned Bloom after a double dropkick at 19:12]
Baron von Raschke, Jim Brunzell & Brian Blair defeated Destruction Crew: Mike Enos & Wayne Bloom, & Roadblock 2 falls to 1 at 19:12


Bout #5
Loser Leave Town Match
No Time Limit - Referee Mike Valiant
Ben Bassarab (5'11" 220 lbs., Calgary, Alberta) ("You've Got Another Thing Comin'" Judas Priest)
v
"Mad Dog" Manny Silva (5'11" 245 lbs., Hawaii) ("Mad Dog" Deep Purple)
Not sure exactly how many times these two legends have hooked up in their RCW careers but they know each other well. Bassarab is already in the hall of fame, and Silva will one day make it in unless vindictiveness keeps him out. Nobody likes the Mad Dog, and the Mad Dog don't like nobody. It was obvious that the Mad Dog was chomping at the bit and was going to attack Bassarab before the bell so Ben didn't make him wait and met him in the middle of the ring with his warm up jacket still on. The two went toe to toe as the bell was rung before the introductions were complete (pretty safe to say though that the fans know who these two men are). Silva won the fisticuffs as he is the better brawler and began to batter Bassarab around the ring, and then outside the ring. He focused his attention on the back of Bassarab and at one point, after two camel clutches, and several sitdowns on his back, Silva lorded over him making the phantom title belt around his own waist (taunting Bassarab for the one thing he has never done in RCW, won the Heavyweight title). Silva was going for his wheelbarrow suplex finisher but Bassarab pushed up and over landing beside Silva and then took him face first down with a legsweep. Bassarab delivered some sound kicks to the head of Silva as he tried to get up, then some forearm uppercuts, off the ropes and a flying backelbow. The smaller Bassarab went to work with his Stampede style stick and move attack, but when he went for a float behind he ate an elbow from the Hawaiian, who then immediately went to the throat and then the eyes. Silva was back in charge and we were about 6 minutes into the bout. Silva slowed things down with some bearhugs, then straight punches, a trio of backbreakers for a 2 count. A reverse chinlock and then a series of knees to the back followed by a standing surfboard. When Silva went for a belly to belly suplex though Bassarab tackled him, sending both men out of the ring. Bassarab recovered first, rolled into the ring, and then charged at Silva as he tried to get back into the ring. Silva lowered the rope sending Bassarab up and over. Silva went to work on him outside the ring, throwing him off the ringsteps then the guardrail. But it was Bassarab who literally drew first blood when he reversed a whip and sent Silva head first into the ringpost. Back inside Bassarab was not shy in going after the wound with punches, and knees opening Silva up. He then tried to wear Silva down with a series of mat wear down holds like a front facelock as his opponent's head dripped crimson onto the mat. The action picked up again as the two men exchanged punches, kicks, and then traded suplexes. We were about 13 minutes into the bout. Silva grabbed the advantage with an atomic drop, a high knee, a one arm bodyslam, double stomp, and then an impressive vertical suplex powerslam, for 1, 2 kickout. Silva sent Bassarab to the buckle and then caught him with a kick to the head, covered for 2. Silva then ignored the ref's count and uncovered the top turnbuckle. As the two reengaged Valiant tried in vane to get the buckle covered again and gave up after watching the two men exchanging closed fist punches. Now Bassarab grabbed the advantage with a series of high knees, then a facebuster for a 2 count that left a nice blood splotch on the mat. Bassarab attacked with a pair of running clotheslines, then a top rope kneedrop to the skull, for a 2 count. He tried to set up Silva for a figure four but the Hawaiian "accidentally" kicked him in the groin to get the break. Valiant delayed Silva a bit while Bassarab recovered from the nut shot, but Silva tossed him to the side. Bassarab though returned the favour by punching Silva in the groin, then dropped him with a fireman's carry. Bassarab went to the top rope for the flying crossbody block finisher but Silva caught him with a punch to the gut mid-air. Silva though looked VERY wobbly from blood loss, and when he went for a suplex he couldn't lift Bassarab. He then went for a piledriver but was too slow so Bassarab backdropped him. Both men were slow to get up, Silva caught Bassarab with a kick to the gut, then went to throw him into the corner with the exposed turnbuckle, but Bassarab reversed it. It looked like Silva would go in head first but he slammed on the breaks with hands on either side of the buckle. But Bassarab caught him by surprise with a dropkick and Silva went chin first into the buckle and looked to be knocked right out. Bassarab covered, didn't hook a leg, 1, 2, 3!! Tough win.
[Ben Bassarab defeated Manny Silva by pinfall after a dropkick into an unexposed turnbuckle at 21:51]
Post-Match: Manny Silva recovered while the fans sang "na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na, hey-hey-hey, goodbye" to him. Silva gave Bassarab a quick nod of recognition, so Bassarab went to shake his hand only to have the Mad Dog try and attack him again, wrapping his hands around Bassarab's throat. He was still weak though so it was easy enough for Bassarab to throw him out of the ring, and give him a hand wipe motion. But Silva tried to grab a chair and get back into the ring but Bassarab booted him out again and then security surrounded him and escorted him out as the fans continued to sing even louder.


Bout #6
Best 2 out of 3 Falls Legends Tag Match
60 minute time limit - referee Buddy Lane
Paul Orndorff & Don Muraco (combined wt. 527 lbs.) ("Sharp Dressed Man" ZZ Top)
v
Greg Valentine & Stan Lane (combined wt. 467 lbs.) ("Everybody Wants You" Billy Squier)
Stan Lane is a 3 time RCW Heavyweight champion, Greg Valentine, Don Muraco, and Paul Orndorff each holding it two times. A little gamesmanship to start with the faces choosing to use Sharp Dressed Man, Lane's song as part of the Fabulous Ones, as their entrance music, and obviously mocking his prima donna style. Despite that there was obviously a lot of mutual respect between all four men in this match. That respect played out with a slow, methodical start, lots of playing up to the crowd and complaints to the ref, and some ground holds (with the occasional choke and hair pull thrown in). Then Muraco and Orndorff brought their power to bear, delivering simultaneous gorilla press slams to their opponents who rolled out of the ring to regroup. Once inside though the Hammer distracted Muraco and the legal man Lane took him out from behind. Muraco played Ricky Morton for a few minutes, but when Valentine went for a pin Muraco chest pressed him off, then monkey flipped him into the corner where Orndorff nailed him. Muraco tagged out to Orndorff who sent Valentine to the ropes, clotheslined him, dropped a running legdrop, German suplex, and then the piledriver. Lane came in to break it up but Orndorff rolled out of the way and Lane dropped an elbow on Valentine, and then was ejected from the ring by Muraco. Referee Buddy Lane though was distracted by putting Muraco out of the ring which allowed Lane to come back inside the ring and again drop an elbow...but again Orndorff rolled out of the way. Lane dropped that elbow on his partner again, and this time it was Orndorff who tossed him out of the ring and covered Valentine for the fall.
[Paul Orndorff pinned Greg Valentine after a piledriver and some botched interference by Lane at 8:25]
The second fall began with bickering between Valentine and Lane that almost cost them the fall, and the match. But Valentine hung on despite being punished by both Orndorff and then Muraco. Finally Valentine managed to deliver a nut shot to Orndorff and tag out to Lane. The former Fabulous One went right to work on Orndorff with a series of chops, a belly to belly suplex, some kicks to the head, a kneedrop from the second buckle, and then a kneedrop from the top buckle, but only got a 2 count. Valentine came in and continued to punish Orndorff. He managed to lock in the figure-four but Mr. Wonderful managed to get to the ropes for a break. Valentine dragged Orndorff to the corner though where he worked over the knee as he tagged in Lane. After some more knee work Lane also locked in a figure four. When Orndorff refused to submit Valentine made the mistake of entering the ring and attacking the vulnerable Orndorff who was still in the figure four. It was a mistake because as Buddy Lane put Valentine out of the ring it allowed Don Muraco to come in and kick away at Stan Lane to break the lock. Orndorff made a slow recovery, basically hulking off, sustaining some punches as he recovered. He then bodyslammed Lane and tagged out to Muraco. The Rock went right to work on Lane with a couple running shoulderblocks, knee drops, then a Samoan drop, and cover for a 2 count. Muraco worked over the back of Lane, tried a couple bear hugs, some backbreakers, and then tagged out to Orndorff who continued to work the back, and also locked in some bearhugs. Lane though went to the eyes of Orndorff and tagged out to Valentine. Orndorff was blinded and got tangled up with Buddy Lane which allowed Valentine the ability to deliver another low blow, then climb to the second rope, and as Lane took out Muraco, he dropped the elbow and got the pin.
[Greg Valentine pinned Don Muraco after a second rope elbowdrop at 18:37]
The final fall saw all four men take a turn getting beat on by their opponents. The pace was actually pretty impressive for four older guys, thanks to quick tags and featured power and brawling moves, not restholds. All four men nailed a finisher move on an opponent (Orndorff - Piledriver, Muraco - tombstone piledriver, Lane - superkick, Valentine - second rope elbow drop) but in each case the save was made by the tag partner. This resulted in a four man brawl that went from inside the ring, to out, and then back inside. Referee Buddy Lane let the men go at it. Inside the ring Valentine and Stan Lane both locked their opponents in simultaneous figure fours. But Orndorff and Muraco were able to rotate themselves around so that they were side by side with the opposite member applying the holds, and were able to elbow/punch their way out of it. The heels tried to whip the faces into each other but Orndorff and Muraco slammed on the breaks, and then took their opponents down with clotheslines. They then hit simultaneous piledrivers and made the cover. Buddy Lane probably had no idea who was the legal man and just smacked the mat 3 times for both.
[Paul Orndorff & Don Muraco pinned Stan Lane & Greg Valentine after simultaneous piledrivers at 25:55]
Paul Orndorff & Don Muraco defeated Stan Lane & Greg Valentine 2 falls to 1 at 25:55
Post-Match: After a bit of hesitation to accept, all four men ended up shaking hands, and then spent an extra couple minutes posing and waving for the crowd (including doing the four corner thing). They also went and greeted some fans around ringside before making their way to the back.



Bout #7
North American Women's Title Match
30 Minute Time Limit - Referee Jennifer Greaves
Tina Rigdon (champion) (5'4" 119 lbs., Maysville, Kentucky) ("Sock It To Me" Missy Elliot & Da Brat)
v
Strawberry Fields (5'6" 138lbs., Charlotte, North Carolina) ("Strawberry Fields" The Beatles)
Rigdon attacked Fields before the opening belt nailing her with the title belt. She would have done it again but Greaves pulled the title belt away from her and threatened disqualification. Rigdon just yelled at her, you can't disqualify me the bell hasn't rung yet. The bell then promptly rang and the champ continued the onslaught. Stomps, hip tosses, dropkick, springboard backelbow, and a snap suplex got only a 2 count. A vicious looking jawbreaker set up a DDT, and a cover for another 2 count. Rigdon nailed a couple more dropkicks, a German suplex, and then came off the top rope with a splash...but Fields lifted her knees. The champ still got to her feet first, landed a couple punches, tossed Fields into the corner, then did a somersault backelbow, covered, and got another 2 count. She went for a figure-four but was kicked off by Fields. The champ pounded away at Fields, then went for a piledriver but Fields countered with a back bodydrop. For the first time in the match, and we are fully 5 minutes in, the challenger had the advantage. A couple hair assisted hip tosses, a vicious trio of kicks to the back, and then a jumping necksnap. Rigdon managed to grab the challenger and toss her out of the ring. The champ then nailed the challenger twice trying to get back into the ring. The third time though Fields was able to grab her feet and pull the champ out of the ring. They brawled outside and Fields reversed a whip into the guardrail sending Rigdon head over heels into the steel. Back inside Fields went to work with a pair of running elbowdrops, and a front layout suplex for a 2 count. Fields set Rigdon up for a superplex but the champ blocked it, wrapped herself around the challenger's back to take her down in a sunset flip, but the challenger hung on while Greaves counted to 5. With the champ unwilling to break and the challenger holding onto the top rope, Greaves tried to intervene by propping herself up on the second buckle and trying to separate the two. However, all three ended up spilling to the mat. Fields got up and nailed the champ with a trio of rolling German suplexes, covered...but Greaves was still recovering. The ref finally counted but only got to 1 before Rigdon kicked out. The champ then nailed a headbutt to the gut of Fields, then nailed a fireman's carry into a slam for 1, 2, she put her feet on the middle strand to make sure...but Greaves noticed and stopped her hand inches from the mat and called for the break. Rigdon wasted time arguing with Greaves, and Fields rolled her up from behind 1, 2, Rigdon rolled through 1, 2, handfull of tights..again seen by Greaves who called for the break. Scrambling to their feet Rigdon went for a clothesline but Fields ducked under. The champ slammed on the breaks but Fields nailed her with a standing sidekick, then a powerbomb, covered and got the 1, 2, 3!! New Champion!!  This will be the 66th title reign for this championship lineage, and Fields' first title run. Rigdon, a bit of an upstart had won the belt on Halloween night from Christine Law. The women's title has played hot potato a lot in its history and this year was no exception with it going from Madusa Micelli to Nikki Kixxx to Runaway Jane to Christine Law to Tina Rigdon and now to Strawberry Fields.
[Strawberry Fields defeated Tina Rigdon by pinfall after a powerbomb at 10:08]
[Strawberry Fields Wins the North American Women's Title]


Bout #8
RCW Television Title Match
30 Minute Time Limit - Referee Buddy Lane
Nikolai Kishka (champion) (6'0" 250 lbs., Kazan, Russia) ("Hymn of the Russian Federation")
vs
Cobra (6'0 265 lbs., parts unknown) ("Head Like a Hole" Nine Inch Nails)
Kishka has been the top surprise of the year, going from a young up and comer to a really nice run as Television champion. While he may be a heel he has earned the respect of the fans, and I guess it was in the "he may be a heel, but he's our heel" vein that the fans were 50/50 in their support against Cobra who has wrestled in RCW before but has mainly been a SAWF South African guy, including having held their heavyweight title. Cobra has a bit of a "Sting-Crow" gimmick ripoff going, although his colors are red and black. He wrestles with that same methodical but explosive style. Kishka on the other hand attacked with a more stick and move style, and preferred to lock up and do some chain wrestling. With these opposing styles the fans began to get frustrated with Cobra and the sentiment of the crowd began to shift. Around 5 minutes into the bout when Cobra was given a chorus of jeers for countering some chain wrestling from Kishka with a double axhandle chop to the back and then a couple boots to the head, he left the ring to jaw with the crowd, and it was now soundly 90% of the crowd pulling for Kishka. The new found adoration of the crowd seemed to spur on Kishka who took it to Cobra with dropkicks, flying armdrags, slingshot suplex, and a missile dropkick for a 2 count. He went for his finisher the jumping spinning leg lariat, but Cobra ducked away and "accidentally" collided with the groin of the champion. It was all Cobra now as he grounded the champ and worked over his legs with twists, locks, knees, and then a figure four. Cobra then locked on his version of the cloverleaf (Cobra Lock) but Kishka managed to make his way to the ropes. Frustrated Cobra pounded away at Kishka in the corner, before the champ finally retaliated with a knee to the groin, then took him  down from behind with a bulldog, for a 2 count. Kishka continued to work over the challenger, and then they did some criss cross moves, and Cobra ended up catching the champ with a flying shoulder to the knee. He then nailed an innocent enough looking kneebreaker, covered, 1, Cobra put his feet on the bottom rope for leverage, 2, 3!! New champion, tainted but official. This will be Cobra's first reign under the RCW Television/Heritage Championship, and the 42nd overall of that title lineage. It ends Kishka's impressive run which began on April 11th when he defeated Hysteria. Kishka was upset at Buddy Lane for missing the feet on the ropes but seemed thankful to the fans for the support they gave him.
[Cobra defeated Nikolai Kishka by pinfall after a kneebreaker (with his feet on the ropes) at 11:53]
[Cobra Wins the RCW Television Title]


Bout #9
RCW Tag Team Title Match
60-Minute Time Limit - Referee Mike Valiant
The Extremists: Ace Darling & Devon Storm (champions) (combined wt. 470 lbs.) ("Get The Funk Out" Extreme)
v
The Spinebusters: Bryan Carruthers & Jerry Orth (/w Sharon Montgomery) (combined wt. 480 lbs.) ("Seek & Destroy" Metallica)
The champions wanted immediate payback from getting chair shots last week, but this worked against them as Mike Valiant had to restrain them letting them fall prey to illegal shots and double teams. The first few minutes of the bout were fought under this frustration level by the champions before they calmed down and tried to out wrestle their opponents. After a double team Carruthers telegraphed a back bodydrop while Orth was standing beside him. Storm countered by spinning around the back of Carruthers, kicking Orth in the head, and then taking Carruthers down with a DDT. This started a stretch for the champs that saw the champs take turns working over Carruthers with quick tags. Twice the challengers tried to turn the tide illegally, once when Montgomery jumped on the ring apron and distracted the ref, and the other when Orth entered the ring illegally to make it a four man brawl. On both occasions though the champs gave better then they got and held onto the advantage. The champs got a near fall after Storm hit Carruthers with a top rope clothesline but only got a 2 count. Finally Carruthers was able to push Storm into their corner where Orth held him from behind until Carruthers could get over and make the tag. Orth went to work on Storm with kicks, chops, headslams off the top buckle, and tilt-a-whirl slam for a 2 count. But without a fresh partner Orth could not hold the advantage, a tag was made and Darling went to work on Orth. Ace nailed a hotshot off the top rope, a springboard splash, and then a standing moonsault for 1, 2, Carruthers came in to break it up. We had our first big four man brawl of the match and it left the challengers in control. Carruthers hit a spinning spinebuster, hooked a leg, got 1, 2, kickout by Darling. He then attempted to slam Darling over and over again in the corner, until Darling fought back with a forearm shiver, some elbows, and a scoop slam that he rolled out of and tagged in his partner. Storm went right to the top rope and came off with a flying cross bodyblock, covered for 1, 2, Montgomery reached in and put Carruthers foot on the bottom rope to get a break. This brought Darling running around to confront Montgomery which distracted Mike Valiant. Back inside Storm had Carruthers lifted high for a brainbuster, but Orth came in and clipped his leg from behind. He then nailed Storm with a DDT. By this time Darling rolled back inside the ring but was stopped by Orth, which allowed Carruthers to whip Storm into the buckle, and then nail him with a spinning spinebuster, and got the 1, 2, 3!! New Champions. Incredibly all three title matches tonight have now resulted in a change of champions. The title reign of the Extremists, their second, was very short at just less than a month. The Spinebusters begin their first title reign and the 63rd in the title lineage.
[Bryan Carruthers & Jerry Orth defeated Ace Darling & Devon Storm by pinfall when Carruthers pinned Storm after a spinning spinebuster at 13:02]
[Bryan Carruthers & Jerry Orth Win the RCW Tag Team Titles]

Prior to the main event, commissioner Nick Bockwinkel came to the ring to address the audience. He of course thanked everyone for being there and for supporting River City Wrestling. He then asked that everyone remain in their seats after the main event is over as there will be an announcement and some more festivities that they do not want to miss.



Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
60-minute time limit - Referee Buddy Lane
Vendetta (champ) (6'4" 261 lbs, Port-au-Prince, Haiti) ("Redemption Song" Bob Marley & The Wailers)
v
Gary Goodridge (6'3" 245 lbs., Barrie, Ontario) ("The Outlaw Torn" Metallica)
Former friends, now fighting tooth and nail for the top title in RCW. The pomp and circumstance was cut short by Vendetta when he hit the ring he went right after Goodridge, who met him in the middle of the ring. They traded punches as the various entourage scrambled to get out of the ring and Buddy Lane called for the bell to start things off. Goodridge has a slight advantage in the striking category, landed a solid haymaker, and followed it up with a spinning heel kick that sent the champ reeling into the corner. But when Goodridge came in for more the champ kicked him in the gut, reversed their positions and laid in a series of knees to the midsection. Goodridge though fought back by hoisting the champ up and delivering an atomic drop and then clotheslined him. The challenger took the battle outside where they fought for nearly a full minute, Lane having given up on the count but certainly smart enough to know you don't just prematurely toss out the main event of his employer's signature show. Inside they went through a criss cross sequence. Goodridge tried to hook the arms of the champ for a facebuster but Vendetta worked his way out of it and tried to take the challenger down with an inside cradle but Goodridge instead delivered a knee on knee shot. He then turned the champ over into a side twisted inverted sharpshooter. It looked painful for the champ but he was still fresh and managed to spin his way out of it. The champ fired back with a forearm upper, then an armbar that he worked into an octopus submission. Again it looked impressive but Goodridge was too fresh and managed to back Vendetta into the ropes to get the break. But when they went into the ropes backward they both fell out of the ring to the floor below. Getting to their feet Goodridge nailed the champ with a running clothesline, then a savate kick, and then a double underhook piledriver. Back inside it looked like Goodridge would win by countout so he left the ring again and rolled the champ back in. He slowed things down working a front chancery, then a side headlock. We were just over the 5 minute mark in the bout at this point.
The challenger picked things up with a belly to belly suplex, but when he went for a second the champ landed a palm blow to the face, then a headbutt that stunned both men. After shaking off the cobwebs though Goodridge still had the champ in his grasp and completed the second suplex. Vendetta created a bit of space backing into the corner and then came out like a man backed into a corner. Goodridge though out punched him again, landing some open hand strikes to the side of the champ's head which played havoc with his equilibrium. As a result the champ dropped to a knee, then missed a wild swing at the challenger, and then was taken over with a belly to back suplex. Goodridge stomped away at the champ's shoulder then locked in an STF. Vendetta managed to get to the ropes for a break but was looking hurt. Keeping his hands up to guard the shoulder left him prey to a kick to the midsection, a hip toss, then a kick to the back of the head while kneeling. Playing into his MMA days the challenger then locked on an Anaconda vice and the champ was in big trouble. However, he managed to work a leg over the head of Goodridge and leverage his way out of it. Goodridge landed a pair of bodyslams, then a pin for a 1 count. He followed this up with a shoulderbreaker and then another STF. Vendetta got to the ropes again but was in big trouble. We were about 10 minutes into the bout.
Unsure what to do the challenger wasted too much time and he went for a superkick but the champ managed to duck under and then come up with Goodridge on his shoulders, and dumped the challenger over the top rope to the floor below. It was a nasty fall and it looked like the champ might win by countout. But whether it was in recognition of what Goodridge did early, or just stunned stupidity, or wanting a clean win, the champ left the ring to break the count and rolled Goodridge back inside. The champ went to work with a running legdrop, spinning elbowdrop, and a standing moonsault for a 2 count. He then nailed a snap suplex, and then went for a slingshot suplex but when Goodridge hit the top rope he slid back enough to back himself onto the ring apron. He then tried to hoist the champ over the top rope and nearly succeeded, but the champ used his better footing to reverse things and brought Goodridge back in with a suplex. The champ came off the second rope with a flying clothesline for a 2 count. He then hooked him up for his jumping DDT finisher but the challenger managed to work the champ's arm out, and brought him down to the mat into a crossface. Goodridge managed to slowly work his way to the ropes for a break, but it was he that was in big trouble now. The champ went to work with a series of stomp on the head and neck area, then put on a neck vice, and then a pair of neckbreakers. A surfboard submission hold on the mat followed, and then more punishment to the back, and then a Samoan drop for another two count. We were about 15 minutes into the bout.
Vendetta worked over the upper body of the challenger for a couple minutes but wasn't having much luck putting him away. The champ then went to the top buckle where he perched until Goodridge turned into him and he hit the challenger with a missile dropkick. The champ was slow to cover though as he is feeling the effects of the bout as well. By the time he covered he didn't even get a 1 count before Goodridge pressed him off. The champ went for a flying clothesline but the challenger countered with a crucifix into a roll, and then locked on a lying hangman's clutch. Vendetta though kept moving and didn't allow it to be fully locked on. The challenger nailed him with a knee, then went for a powerbomb but the champ countered with flying headscissors. Vendetta then went for his own powerbomb but Goodridge resisted, keeping his feet firmly on the ground, so the champ reached through and made it a cradle lift and then a powerbomb. He covered and got a 2 count. Vendetta then went for his jumping DDT but Goodridge countered with an inverted atomic drop, then nailed his own DDT, covered for a 2 count. Both men were now exhausted with their hands on their knees. The timekeeper made the announcement that we had 20 minutes expired.
The battle went to a low tech exchange of punches and kicks, and once again spilled outside the ring.  This time it also went into the crowd, and again Lane was very lenient letting them battle outside for a good couple minutes. Back inside the two battled but this was more Goodridge's game and he clobbered away at Vendetta, then nailed a roundhouse kick to the back of the head, and then took him down with a front Guillotine. However, it slipped into a chokehold and Lane ordered a break. Vendetta tried to kick Goodridge in the gut but the challenger caught his foot, but paid for it as the champ struck him with an enzuigiri. The champ then nailed a piledriver in the middle of the ring but instead of going for a pin locked the challenger into a sharpshooter. It looked grim for Goodridge but after a bit he managed to grab the foot of the champ and pull his way out of the hold. Goodridge managed to grab Vendetta by the hair and toss him over the top rope. This was only to gain himself time to recover though as he let the champ regain his senses outside and return to the ring. Goodridge hammered away with forearms and then kicks, alternating feet and backed the champ into the corner. The champ then fought his way out with a series of elbow smashes to the head and then speared him into the far corner. Instead of letting up though, as the challenger was sitting in the corner, Vendetta held onto the bottom ropes and drove his shoulder several times into the chest and gut of the challenger. He tried to pull Goodridge out of the corner, but the challenger kept holding onto the bottom rope. Finally he couldn't hold on anymore and the champ pulled him up and he landed on his back. Bu the challenger was ready for this and the champ was leaning forward off balance. Goodridge made him pay by taking him down with a legwhip, then locked on a combo armbar and leglock. The champ finally managed to roll backward out of it but landed in the ropes. Vendetta got up on the apron and Goodridge slugged him, then ran him along the apron smashing his head off the top steel. The challenger then came off the ring apron and nailed Vendetta with a double axhandle to the back as he was trying to get to his feet. Goodridge whipped him into the guardrail, then the ringsteps, then rolled him back inside. We were about 28 minutes into the bout.
Goodridge decided to take an uncharacteristic risk, and instead of following the champ into the ring climbed to the top buckle. This was a mistake of course as Vendetta recovered and met him in the corner, bringing him back to earth with a superplex. The champ covered for 1, 2 kickout. The champ hooked the neck setting up for the DDT but again the challenger countered, this time hoisting the champ up and taking him down with a front layout suplex. Goodridge then locked on a camel clutch but made the mistake of grabbing the dreadlocks of the champ, which caused Lane to make him break the hold. He went to reapply it but Vendetta pulled his leg out from under him, then locked him up for an STF, but instead pulled him up, and then took him down with an inverted DDT, covered and got 1, 2, 3!! Vendetta becomes the first of 4 champions to hold onto their belt tonight in a classic match. 
[Vendetta defeated Gary Goodridge by pinfall after an inverted DDT at 29:50]
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]


Post-Match: As Goodridge went to exit the ring Vendetta called out to him. They exchanged some quiet words, some nods, and then Vendetta offered a handshake. It was accepted by the challenger and the two embraced, and lifted each other's arms in the air. By now the house lights had come on and RCW officials and wrestlers were making their way down to ringside. Vendetta stayed in the ring with the title belt, and Goodridge made his way to a standing position outside the ring.

Inside the ring Vendetta was joined by commissioner Nick Bockwinkel, Hall of Famers Destroyer, Chris Lyon, Mike Valiant, Tawney & Corrie England, Jim Brunzell, Ben Bassarab, Marty Gold, referee Buddy Lane, and Hall of fame committee member Stan Mullen, and Baron von Raschke. All the wrestlers that performed tonight with the exception of Manny Silva, and the refs stood outside the ring looking in. The fans grew quiet not really liking what they were seeing given the internet rumours. They began to chant R-C-Dub in imitation of ECW's famous chant. Nick Bockwinkel thanked everyone for staying and suggested the house lights be dimmed again. He then handed the mic off to Jim Brunzell who he said was the glue that held this wrestling company together.

Jim Brunzell let the crowd know that he, along with Baron von Raschke, and Marty Gold were majority owners of River City Wrestling. As everyone knows that behemoth from the east coast has been making it very difficult for any mid-size or regional group to make a living anymore. River City Wrestling has managed to do just that for 19 glorious years. However, it has come time that it is no longer feasible to continue the way it is going...the fans were growing incensed...so Brunzell in an effort to keep a lid on things told everyone, it's okay, RCW is still going to be run. With the tension brought down a notch though he announced that they were selling controlling interest to a group from out east, well from Toronto (again jeers from the crowd). Brunzell is holding back tears. He tells the crowd that the managing partner should be good for the company, he is from a wrestling family. Brunzell says he doesn't want to reveal too much, as that is the right of the new owners as they see fit, but the new C.E.O. will be a man Jack Larkin who made his money as an investment banker, but his family goes back 3 generations in wrestling promotion. Jack's Grandpa Lazarus Larkin began a wrestling company in Toronto that also toured the Ohio Valley. The company was passed down to Jack's father Frank, and was eventually sold in the early 80's to the WWF. Jack has been very interested in getting back into the wrestling business. At this point Jim is having a hard time keeping it together so he hands the mic off to Marty Gold who continues the statement. Marty says most wrestling companies would just keep their fans in the dark, and let it pass, but that is not the way RCW operates. That is not how you thank fans for 19 years of allegiance. Marty says that they are not sure what changes will be made for sure, and can't really divulge much of what they do know, but that RCW has made a commitment to continue to run shows in Winnipeg. However, Larkin will be putting money in to expand the quality of the product and it is likely he will expand elsewhere. However, there are a couple traditions that the current management want to continue. First of all, we want the Hall of Fame to continue. So if the new ownership decides not to continue to honour the past the Stan Mullen led fan club will continue to operate the Hall of Fame Committee and selection process and will hold a non-wrestling event, like a lunch or dinner, to induct hall of famers for the foreseeable future. The other tradition is the year end awards. The wrestlers bust their ass all year and the best of the best deserve their recognition. Therefore as a bonus to fans, we are going to give out the year end awards right now!! This was met by enthusiasm from the crowd.  

The first award given out will be for tag team of the year. While Joe E. Legend & Eric Freedom held the tag titles the longest, 5 months, the award is being given to Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage who held the title for slightly less time (about 4 1/2 months) but showed a level of team work and were very popular with the fans. Unfortunately they can not be here to accept the award so it will be sent out to them. We wish them all the best in their future, where right now they are signed to contracts with the WWF. (this drew boos from the crowd).
Tag Team of the Year - Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage

That was the only award where there is no one on hand to accept (this drew cheers from the crowd). The manager or valet of the year, which Brunzell jokes should be renamed the Nick Bockwinkel award since he won it 5 times in the 90's, was then given to Bockwinkel to announce. The commissioner said that RCW is more of a stand on your own feet federation, which means there are not many managers or valets. There were two good candidates this year, and sorry to Sharon Montgomery but she was a little too little, little too late. The award this year goes to the woman who managed the tag team champions, Legend & Freedom for that five month reign; Mercedes. She is accompanied by Legend to the ring to accept the award. Legend tries to complain about being jobbed out of the tag awards but is menaced away by Vendetta.
Manager/Valet of the Year - Mercedes

For feud of the year, there were also a lot of good candidates. It seems like ever year someone tangled with Ben Bassarab or Manny Silva is at the forefront of the running. This year though it was a very spread out and even voting, and had to go to a second ballot. For the second time ever, and the first since 1991, the feud of the year is between two women. Off and on for over half the year, one on one, or part of three ways, Nikki Kixxx and Runaway Jane lit up the ring with their intensity. On hand tonight to accept on their behalf is Nikki Kixxx. The heel Kixxx took a minute to grab the mic and say that since she is here to accept the award and Jane is long gone, that it looks like everyone knows who won the feud.
Feud of the Year - Nikki Kixxx vs Runaway Jane

Before she left the ring though she was asked to stay by Brunzell. The Woman of the Year award is still in its infancy, this is the 4th year the award has been given out, and this is the 4th different winner. Nikki Kixxx burst on the scene and although Madusa Micelli technically held the women's title the longest, she didn't make that many appearances this year. Nikki Kixxx, Runaway Jane, Christine Law, Tina Rigdon, and now Strawberry Fields joined Micelli in each holding the belt once this year. However, as a full body of work, and taking into account other candidates like Mercedes, Sharon Montgomery, and new referee Jennifer Greaves, the award winner was chosen to be the very impressive Kixxx.
Woman of the Year - Nikki Kixxx

Match of the year had been chosen, but as mentioned earlier tonight, the award committee kept in contact tonight. As the night progressed votes changed, but by the end of the main event we had a unanimous decision. In typical RCW fashion we saved the best for last, as the winner of Match of the Year was the last match of the year, and perhaps the last match of an era, Vendetta versus Gary Goodridge. Both men pose with plaques but they are blank and are told they will be filled out and sent to them.
Match of the Year - RCW Heavyweight Title Match: Vendetta defeated Gary Goodridge by pinfall at 29:50 to retain the title; RCW #770 December 5th (19th Anniversary Spectacular)

The final award of the evening is the wrestler of the year. There was no doubt this year, and again it was a unanimous decision and would have been regardless of the outcome tonight. One of RCW's biggest legends, and most popular performers ever, Vendetta won the heavyweight title on April 4th from Masa Chono. He withstood challenges from men like Slapshot, Nikolai Kishka, Manny Silva, Angel, Brujah and Gary Goodridge. He also carried himself like a champion and hid from no one. As a 4 time Heavyweight champion he is tied only in that regard with me (Jim Brunzell), this is his second Wrestler of the Year award, the other one being exactly a decade ago in 1988. The one and only, the Haitian warrior, Vendetta! He gets an ovation from the crowd, a standing ovation since everyone has been standing since the end of the main event.
Wrestler of the Year - Vendetta
 
Vendetta asks for a mic and is given one. He thanks those in the ring, and his competitors around the ring, and most of all the fans for another fantastic year. However, he announces that at this time he is going to relinquish the Heavyweight title (this draws jeers from the crowd who are shocked). Vendetta says its not just about the change in ownership and the uncertainty, although that has a part to play in the timing. He left wrestling once before to return to his native Haiti to do humanitarian work because of the deplorable political and economic conditions there. So now he finds it a good time to once again take a break from wrestling, return home to Haiti, and try and make a difference to his homeland. He says he would never rule out a return to RCW though, and guaranteed he would never accept an offer from WWF or WCW because those are the kinds of corporations that are doing so much damage to the world. He wishes everyone happiness and peace. He draws closing cheers from the crowd.

Jim Brunzell is then flanked by RCW's officials and top wrestlers and he once again thanks everyone for a great 19 year run, this is not the end, but we are not sure what the future will look like. But for now, "that's another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya...soon".

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling - Annual Awards

Wrestler of the Year:

1980: The Destroyer

1981: The Destroyer

1982: The Destroyer

1983: Chris Lyon

1984: Chris Lyon

1985: Jim Brunzell

1986: Bob Backlund

1987: Steve Disalvo

1988: Vendetta

1989: Davey Boy Smith

1990: Steve Disalvo

1991: Larry Cameron

1992: Baron von Raschke

1993: Manny Silva

1994: Ben Bassarab

1995: Stan Lane

1996: Greg Valentine

1997: Manny Silva

1998: Vendetta


Woman of the Year:

1995: Pamela Principal

1996: Emma Bezzlerr

1997: Barbie Wired

1998: Nikki Kixxx



Tag Team of the Year:

1980: Vegas Brothers: Kenny Deeler & A.J. Dice

1981: Roughnecks: Stan Rodgers & Russel Riggs

1982: Mike Valiant & Chris Lyon

1983: Angelo Mosca & Bobby Duncum

1984: Keith & Bret Hart

1985: Masked Superstar & Super Destroyer

1986: The Longriders: Wild Bill & Scott Irwin

1987: The Longriders: Wild Bill & Scott Irwin

1988: Top Guns: Ricky Rice & Derrick Dukes

1989: The Bruise Brothers: Larry Picone & Dave Koorajian

1990: Ben Bassarab & Biff Wellington

1991: Destruction Crew: Mike Enos & Wayne Bloom

1992: Bob Orton Jr. & Mike Lozansky

1993: Super Destroyers 2000 & 2001

1994: Robbie Royce & Dan Kroffat

1995: Destruction Crew: Mike Enos & Wayne Bloom

1996: Wolfgang Haessler & Untermenschen

1997: The Extremists: Ace Darling & Devon Storm

1998: Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage



Manager/Valet of the Year:

1981: Shiek Fal-Had

1982: Shiek Fal-Had

1983: Tawney England

1984: Miss Hartel

1985: Miss Hartel

1986: Lisa Caress

1987: Madusa Micelli

1988: Bob Orton Jr

1989: Bob Orton Jr

1990: Nick Bockwinkel

1991: Nick Bockwinkel

1992: Nick Bockwinkel

1993: Nick Bockwinkel

1994: Jon Paul Demans

1995: Cory Everson

1996: Nick Bockwinkel

1997: Oshean

1998: Mercedes



Rookie of the Year:

1980: Chris Lyon

1981: Jeannie Rahib

1982: Tawney England

1983: Rob Flett & Neil Sutherland

1984: Robbie Royce

*1985: n/a

1986: Shawn Cummings

1987: Mike Lozansky

1988: Troy Galveston


*1985 saw Tod Hestrerey originally declared the Rookie of the Year. However after subsequent events it became known he was the Destroyer and not a rookie so he was stripped of that honor. With no obvious second place finisher the award was not handed out.



Feud of the Year

1980: Destroyer versus Dean Jarrett & Moose Morowski

1981: Destroyer versus Chris Lyon

1982: Destroyer versus Clarke Roenick

1983: Chris Lyon versus Mike Valiant

1984: Angelo Mosca versus Bobby Duncum

1985: Jim Brunzell versus David Schultz

1986: Bob Backlund versus David Schultz

1987: Vendetta versus Steve Disalvo

1988: Rogue versus Nick Mercury

1989: Ben Bassarab versus Ricky Rice

1990: Ben Bassarab & Biff Wellington versus Texas Hangmen: Psycho & Killer

1991: Toni Adams versus Jeannie Adams

1992: Vendetta versus Rogue

1993: Baron von Raschke versus Nick Bockwinkel

1994: Jim Brunzell versus Greg Valentine

1995: Ben Bassarab versus Jesse Hennig

1996: Greg Valentine versus Stan Lane

1997: Bobby Duncum Jr versus Kevin Northcutt

1998: Nikki Kixxx versus Runaway Jane



Match of the Year

1980: Jan 5th RCW #1
Finals for the New River City Wrestling Heavyweight Championship.
The Destroyer defeated Mike Valiant when he countered a piledriver with a sunset flip then arched back and made the pinfall holding Valiants legs. 28:27
[The Destroyer wins the RCW Heavyweight Championship]

1981: March 28th: RCW #29
CAGE MATCH RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Chris Lyons (ch) v The Mummy (/w Shiek Fal-Had)
The Mummy wins via submission at 16:16.
[The Mummy won the RCW Heavyweight Championship]

1982: Oct 24th: RCW #80
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Chris Lyon defeated The Destroyer by pinfall with a bridging pin at 32:46
[Chris Lyon wins the RCW Heavyweight Title]

1983: August 27th : RCW # 113
#1 Contenders Match - No time Limit
Ray Stevens defeated Dyanmite Kid by stoppage due to excessive blood loss at 48:24

1984: July 25th: RCW #154 (Wrestling Summit 2)
Former World Champions Collide
Harley Race defeated Bob Backlund by countout at 31:22

1985: Dec 19th: RCW #220 (6th Anniversary Show)
Fabulous Ones: Stan Lane & Steve Keirn defeated Masked Superstar & Super Destroyer by pinfall to win the RCW tag team titles at 33:53

1986: Jul 26th: RCW #246 (Wrestling Summit 3)
Former World Champions Collide
Bob Backlund defeated Bruno Sammartino by pinfall at 23:50

1987: Dec 17th: RCW #313 (8th Anniversary Show)
Cage Match for the RCW Heavyweight Title
Vendetta defeated Steve Disalvo to retain his title at 31:18

1988: Dec 16th: RCW #358 (9th Anniversary Show)
NWA Tag Team Title Match - 2 out of 3 falls
British Bulldogs defeated Road Warriors 2 falls to 1, but Road Warriors retain the world titles at 22:29

1989: Dec 14th: RCW #406 (10th Anniversary Show)
Ricky Steamboat defeated Don Muraco by pinfall at 28:03

1990: Feb 24th: RCW #413
#1 Contenders Match
Davey Boy Smith defeated Ricky Steamboat by pinfall after a running powerslam at 17:40 (thanks to outside interference by Pat Brady).

1991: April 6: RCW #463
Best 2 out of 3 Falls
Paul Orndorff defeated Don Muraco in an extra fall 2-1-1 at 23:55

1992: February 29: RCW #490
Jerry Lynn and Ben Bassarab batted to a time limit draw 25:00

1993: December 4: RCW #535 (14th Anniversary Show)
Stan Lane defeated Harley Tragger by pinfall after a diving elbowdrop at 25:20 to win the RCW Heavyweight Title

1994: April 23: RCW # 543
Best 2 out of 3 Falls
Midnight Express: Stan Lane & Dennis Condrey defeated Killer Bees: Jim Brunzell & Brian Blair 2 falls to 1

1995: Dec 9. #593 (16th Anniversary Show)
Thrillseekers defeated African Bulldogs by pinfall when Jericho pinned Pariah after he was put through a table at 24:15

1996: May 18: RCW #609
Best 2 out of 3 Falls
Greg Valentine defeated Lewis O'Day (the TV champion) 2 falls to 1 to retain the RCW Heavyweight Title

1997: Dec 13: RCW #708 (18th Anniversary Show)
Triangle Match - Television Title
Hysteria defeated Joe E. Legend (champion) and Ben Bassarab by pinfall when Hysteria pinned Legend after a standing moonsault at 16:28

1998: Dec 5: RCW #770 (19th Anniversary Show)
RCW Heavyweight Championship Match
Vendetta (champion) defeated Gary Goodridge by pinfall after an inverted DDT at 29:50

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling #771
February 11, 1999
House Show
Winnipeg, Manitoba

JODY CHRISTMAS NEW RCW CHAMPION!!
BALLS MAHONEY WINS 3 MATCHES TO WIN TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP!!
LEWIS O'DAY WINS MATCH FOR NEW EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP!!
STAN BAKER & NEIDHART WIN THE RCW TAG TEAM TITLES!!

A solid 3 1/2 hour action packed house show as RCW returns to Winnipeg under new management.


Bout #1: Triangle Match for the vacant RCW Tag Team Titles
Vincent Regliatti & Derek Graves (/w Sharon Montgomery) vs Jim Neidhart & Stan Baker vs IBZ: Wiked Klown & Shaggy
The Spinebusters: Bryan Caruthers & Jerry Orth were stripped of the titles when they did not sign to wrestle with the new RCW. A three way match was set up to crown new champions. Sharon Montgomery who had been the manager of the Spinebusters was allowed to bring in a tag team and she introduced us to Vincent Regliatti & Derek Graves. Regliatti is from Vancouver, BC and has the stoner snowboarder vibe, while Derek Graves is apparently also the new boy friend (or boy toy) of Montgomery, and at 6'2 255 lbs., is a physical and athletic specimen. All three of them have egos the size of Texas. The next team was supposed to be Jim Neidhart & Vic Gate but it was announced that Gate had missed his flight. Neidhart asked for a replacement from the back and he got "Sinister" Stan Baker. He didn't seem to like the fact he got a rulebreaker for a tag partner but Neidhart had no other real options so agreed. The final team were the IBZ; Wiked Klown and Shaggy (Insane Clown Posse rip offs apparently).
Baker was the first man to juice tonight getting busted wide open. Wiked Klown of the IBZ of the got the pin over Vincent Regliatti to eliminate Montgomery's team. (17:20)
However, it was Wiked Klown who would then be pinned by Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart to give Neidhart and Baker the tag belts.
Winners by pinfall Jim Neidhart/Stan Baker (19:02)
[Jim Neidhart & Stan Baker win the RCW Tag Team Titles]

********************************************************************

Jack Larkin (the new owner) came to the ring to introduce himself to a mix of cheers and jeers. He gave everyone an update on all the title situations, what they would see tonight, and the addition of a new title (The European Title). The hope would be that RCW would start to do more co-branded shows with European partners. And a 4-man mini-tournament would be held next to determine the first champion.


Bout #2: European Title Tournament Semi-Final
Spyder pinned Scarlett Birmingham after a 5-star splash 7:27
**upset as Spyder is just a local worker while Birmingham is a veteran star of the NWA and was one of the big signings of the new RCW. The fans loved it though.

Bout #3: European Title Tournament Semi-Final
Lewis O'Day pinned Boss Strickland while applying the figure-four in 6:18
**O'Day makes a triumphant return to RCW. Strickland is another newcomer signed by RCW. He has only been a pro for a year or so, but comes from a solid amateur background. Despite that classical wrestling background he is an arrogant heel who would prefer to cheat then fight fair.


*******************************************************************

Cobra had also elected to return to SAWF and was stripped of his Television title, and that set the stage for another tournament to crown a new champion.

Bout #4: Television Title Tournament Quarter-Final
Ben Bassarab pinned Kutlu Warrior Johnny Stewart after a lariat in 8:49
**Fans were excited to see Bassarab return to RCW. Johnny Stewart has made a major transformation over the past two years from a fast paced wrestler to a hardcore legend having spent time in Singapore and in the NWA. 

Bout #5: Television Title Tournament Quarter-Final
Balls Mahoney pinned Nick Mercury after a running legdrop in 17:30
**Balls Mahoney beating Nick Mercury was the best match of the night so far that saw Mahoney juice badly. Nick Mercury made his return to RCW but much to the surprise of the fans came back as a heel, a spoiled prima donna, with his out of shape personal security guard Big Albert. At one point Mercury was going to leave the match but Albert talked him into staying.

On the other side of the tournament;

Bout #6: Television Title Tournament Quarter-Final
Joe E. Legend (/w Mistress Gloom) pinned Menele after the Legend cutter in 9:29
**although Legend managed to win both men were bleeding and busted up pretty good by the end of the match. Legend has stayed with RCW but has a new manager, apparently dumping Mercedes for Mistress Gloom (a heavier set BDSM looking monster). Speaking of monsters, the mysterious Menele does not speak, is built like a brickhouse, wrestlers with singlet and shaved head, and no desire to follow the rules.

Bout #7: Television Title Tournament Quarter-Final
Jesse Hennig pinned Gary Goodridge after the running necksnap in 14:30
**Big upset for Hennig over Goodridge. Both these men of course have been in RCW before, and Goodridge seems to have converted back to a face following his main event loss last year to Vendetta.


***********************************************************************************

The last RCW Heavyweight Champion of course was Vendetta who abdicated his title back at the Anniversary show. A 4 man mini-tournament is held tonight to crown a new champion.

Bout #8: Heavyweight Title Tournament Semi-Final
Steve Corino defeated Bobby Duncum Jr by pinfall after a spingboard back elbow at 14:48
**Corino is not well known to the crowd but the fact he hails from right here in Winnipeg gave him a big pop against the return of a well known heel. Duncum controlled Corino for most of this match but the local boy kept fighting back. Duncum survived being in a sharpshooter for over a minute but was caught off guard by what turned out to be the finisher.

Bout #9: Heavyweight Title Tournament Semi-Final
Jody Christmas defeated Kurrgan by pinfall after a flying cross bodypress (with his feet on the ropes) at 16:32
**excellent match. Jody Christmas was a big signing for RCW. He has cut his teeth in indies and in the NWA for several years now and had a short stint with a WWF developmental territory. However, he couldn't tow the corporate line in WWF and was released. He is in the Shawn Michaels, Stan Lane, Michael Hayes style of wrestler. Good in the ring, but even better on the mic. He cut a heel promo before the bout to make sure the fans knew what was what, and so the paying public happily embraced the former "Oddity" Kurrgan who looked like the absolute monster that he is. Kurrgan controlled most of the bout. Christmas missed a plancha and landed heavily on the floor. Kurrgan nailed a tombstone piledriver but Mistress Gloom (who we had seen earlier in the corner of Joe E. Legend) had come out to ringside and put Christmas' leg across the bottom rope to save him. She then distracted Kurrgan which allowed an attack from behind. Christmas nailed a short flurry of moves then a flying crossbody and put his feet on the ropes for extra leverage to pick up the win.

***********************************************************************

Bout #10: Television Title Tournament Semi-Final
Balls Mahoney pinned Ben Bassarab after a gutwrench suplex in 4.39
**The night's most disappointing effort.

Bout #11: Television Title Tournament Semi-Final
Joe E. Legend (/w Mistress Gloom) pinned Jesse Hennig after the Legend Cutter in 10:56


************************************************************************

Bout #12: European Title Tournament Final
Lewis O'Day pinned Spyder by pinfall after a running kneesmash at 5:33
[Lewis O'Day wins the tournament for the vacant European Championship]
O'Day also injured his knee but would only miss one week's action.

*************************************************************************

Bout #13: Television Title Tournament Final
Balls Mahoney defeated Joe E. Legend (/w Mistress Gloom) by pinfall after a running legdrop at 11:58
[Balls Mahoney won the RCW Television Title]

*************************************************************************

Main Event: RCW Heavyweight Title Tournament Final
Jody Christmas (/w Mistress Gloom) defeated Steve Corino by pinfall after a superkick at 6:24
[Jody Christmas won the vacant RCW Heavyweight Title]
Christmas controlled early, and every time that Corino made a comeback Gloom was there to do something to aid her man in getting back control. The match turned into a brawl, and Christmas was able to pull off a surprise superkick and pick up the win.

[jacklarkin]

River City Wrestling #772
February 13, 1999
RCW Rage
Fargo, North Dakota

VENDETTA II MAKES A SURPRISE ARRIVAL IN THE RCW!!
MAIN EVENT AT RIVERWARS SET: CHRISTMAS V CORINO LADDER MATCH!!
BAKER AND STRICKLAND NEW RCW TAG CHAMPIONS!!

River City Wrestling is back on TV, throughout the mid-west with a two hour syndicated show called RCW Rage! It's also announced that on Saturday, March 27th RCW will be having its first ever PPV event, "RiverWars" , live from Minneapolis, Minnesota!

The show opened with RCW Commisioner Nick Bockwinkel with the mic in the ring.
He announces first that Stan Baker and Jim Neidahrt, who won the tag titles on the 11th have had a difference of opinion. They will each have new partners tonight and face off for the RCW tag team titles. Basically, Neidhart believed that
he and Vic Gate should be champions; that Baker was only filling in for Gate and should relinquish his belt. So tonight it will be Neidhart & Gate against Baker & Boss Strickland.
Then Bock introduces your RCW World Champion; Jody Christmas! Christmas  is actually fairly graceful about his win over Corino and invites Corino to the ring. Corino seems skeptical but then Bock announces that it will be these two men in the main event at RiverWars. However, Christmas wants it to be a ladder match - to which Corino agrees.
Then the ringing of cowbells signifies...the arrival of Bobby Duncum Jr.. He says he is the best wrestler in RCW and promises that a clean main event will never happen at this RiverWars unless he has his fair chance. Corino agrees to put up his RiverWars shot against Duncum Jr in the main event tonight. Duncum says he wants a Dog Collar Match, and Corino agrees saying he likes it extreme!
Bock makes the match official and then announces that the ref for that match will be none other than the champ - Jody Christmas.


Bout #1: The new team of Rising Son & Spyder set the ring on fire in a pretty good match against the IBZ. Rising son gets the pin on Shaggy following a flying senton at 8:59. 


Lewis O'Day is interviewed. His injury is minor and says he will put up the title, which he claims is now a true "European" title, next week. His opponent will be Scarlett Birmingham. There is no love lost between the Irish and the English so this one should by dynamite.


Bout #2: Jesse Hennig started out strong against Joe E. Legend, but a big masked man came down to ringside; sending Becky Hennig packing. The masked man then lowered the top rope and dragged Hennig to the floor. When Legend distracted the ref the masked man hit Hennig with a DDT outside the ring. Legend followed with the pin at 2:36.
**worth noting that Hennig had a new valet, his cousin Becky, and they seemed a bit too close to each other for family. On the other hand Legend was not seconded tonight by Mistress Gloom.

Joe Aiello announces that a new championship belt has been created. It will be defended only on Rage, and will be fought under Toughman rules (no dq, no countout).
Tonight we will see the first 2 of 4 quarter-final matchups.


Bout #3: Toughman Championship Quarter-Final
Kurrgan vs Menele
A tremendous match which saw both men busted open. Then the crowd went nuts as VENDETTA II (VII) CAME FROM OUT OF THE CROWD and went down to ringside, sporting his "Crow" look and carrying a Louisville slugger. Some fans probably thought at first that it was Vendetta (and some may have thought it was Sting). Menele actually attacked VII first, which caused VII to later extract revenge with a scorpion death drop from behind. Menele managed to avoid being pinned. Menele DDT'd Kurrgan on the concrete floor, returning the favour for Kurrgan's earlier piledriver on the floor. Inexplicably the bell rang to call the match to a halt at the 20 minute mark.
20 Minute time limit draw.


After the commercial break Bockwinkel came out to announce that from now on the Toughman matches will be no time limit, and that Kurrgan and Menele will have a rematch next week.


Bout #4: Toughman Quarter-Final
Gary Goodridge defeated Nick Mercury
One would not typically think of Nick Mercury when you think Toughman but he did very well. His man valet Big Alberts is becoming more involved in the action in the RCW, tripping up Goodridge. Mercury used a chair early in this match both to smash Goodridge, as well as to spring off to hit some high risk moves. Goodridge was busted wide open. Mercury did an Asai moonsault off the ring apron and onto Goodridge through a table! Goodridge fought back and made Mercury submit to the guillotine choke. Time 21:19. 

After the match Mercury complained that he had been screwed again by the RCW since they changed the rules in the middle of the night. The match should have been declared a draw at the 20 minute mark he claimed.


Bout #5: For the Held-up Tag Team Championships
Stan Baker & Boss Strickland defeated Jim Neidhart & Vic Gate
Boss Strickland hit the overhead suplex on Vic Gate to give the team of Baker & Strickland the tag belts. This match got the crowd chanting "boring". 8:44 

After a commercial break, Gate and Neidhart were still in the ring arguing. Steve Corino came out to play peacekeeper but was attacked in the aisle by Bobby Duncum Jr.. Our main event begins as the officials break up the wrestlers and attach them by dog collars and a chain.


Main Event: Dog Collar Match - Falls Count Anywhere
The Winner goes to RiverWars in the main event
Special Guest Referee - Jody Christmas
Steve Corino defeated Bobby Duncum Jr
Christmas turns out to be a very leniant ref, only there to count pinfalls. Duncum opens up Corino's head with a fire extinguisher. Corino returns the favour later and opens up Duncum on the wall. Up the aisle Corino uses the ringbell and then the chain to gain an advantage. Corino spots Vendetta II's Louisville Slugger lying around the announce table and whacks Duncum with it! He then follows up immediately with a fisherman suplex and the pin. A VERY QUICK 3 COUNT BY CHRISTMAS!
Time 10:05

Corino and Christmas jaw at each other...as we


FADE TO BLACK