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Post by rey619 on Apr 12, 2014 9:57:07 GMT -5
The Gladiator is way too cool a name for a jobber. I am picturing Russel Crowe, by the way. That's a big win for the Rougeau's. Jacques should be up for a title match now! Good to see the Universe back. I wish you were here more often
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Post by JoshiQ on Apr 12, 2014 21:31:54 GMT -5
I'd almost forgotten about Shiro!
Big fan of jobbers with names like "The Gladiator" ... a nod to the times.
Dino Bravo is going to be fun foil for DiBiase. The arm-wrestling match should lead to a fun heel beatdown.
Monsoon's bickering with Niemiller and Blassie had to be just as entertaining as the match. Shiro is a good hand to have around to make a star look good now and then. But to do so he needs a few squashes.
That has to be considered as the biggest win of the Rougeaus' career. This might get them back on track. Don't think there is anyway Jacques is unseating Blanchard, but it does provide the type of feud that fits the TV Title perfectly.
Only Andre could make a squash against Lombardi that ends with a bodyslam must-see television.
It is interesting that the Fabulous Ones are turning into faces. It almost feels like a current day gimmick that is being forced to turn face due to the fans' interest.
Good way to end the show and it kind of breaks up our standard outline of how to end a TV show with a main event. I like it.
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Post by mattharms on Apr 14, 2014 20:12:20 GMT -5
DiBiase's win is short but sweet and going up against someone like Bravo in that type of environment would be crazy.
Simple squash there.
Now that was an impressive win and the Rougeaus have to be rolling forward. Big win for them, and a really amazing match for television.
Well Lombardi almost made it a minute.
Fabolous win by the Fabs.
Talkshow ending in a match being made for next week, always a classic.
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Post by vertigo on Apr 16, 2014 15:12:08 GMT -5
I couldn't help but have the image of Mike Awesome in my head during the opening match but I highly doubt this Gladiator is the same guy.
I wouldn't completely write off Dibiase in an arm wrestling match with Bravo but slim chance Jimmy Hart doesn't have something up his sleeve.
Blassie doing what he does best. Good way to get over a couple of matches involving guys who can't speak English.
Incredible win for the Rougeau's. You're pushing Jacques pretty good the last couple of weeks. He seems like a very legitimate threat going into the TV title match SNSM.
MSG is stacked!
Lombardi is gutsy but why anger a giant? Never thought of what a War Games would be like had Andre been in one IRL...
The fans can't help themselves when the Fabulous Ones come out. They're so damn entertaining! The unholy alliance are a couple of miserable bastards.
I'm sure Dusty had a field day with all the inappropriate comments he made towards Adonis. I bet it would get over HUGE in '85 too! Adonis is fantastic though, especially as the Adorable One.
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Post by JoshiQ on Apr 21, 2014 21:49:22 GMT -5
Probably a stupid question, but with Andre going into War Games, did he ever blade?
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Post by snabbit888 on Jun 3, 2014 7:13:43 GMT -5
Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too long between updates. Think I got some of my writing mojo back. I hopefully will not have some long lapses in new content again. Will start getting to some feedback for others as well soon.
12/14/85 - GCW Superstars (TAPED: 12/3/85) LOCATION: Mid-Hudson Civic Center - Poughkeepsie, NY
Welcome everyone to another edition of GCW Superstars! Gorilla Monsoon & Mark Niemiller at the helm as usual, and what a broadcast we have for you today! They ran down the card, which will include Dusty Rhodes taking on Adrian Adonis, in a match that Niemiller claims will show that Adonis is way tougher than he looks. The Hart Foundation are here, as is the Electric Dream Machine. Niemiller said he was looking forward to seeing Big John Studd in action as he would send a huge message to Bob Backlund's team that they don't have a prayer in War Games. Not only that, but Ted DiBiase and Dino Bravo will be arm wrestling, and in our feature bout, Sgt. Slaughter meets Robert Gibson in a preview of the World Tag Team Title match at the Garden! But now to the ring for our first contest.
MATCH #1 Corporal Kirchner vs. Mr. X
Corporal Kirchner was in our first match of the day, taking on the mysterious Mr. X. We don't know much about Mr. X, but we do know he didn't have much of a chance against Kirchner. Kirchner made short work of X, hitting a nice powerslam to pick up the win.
Corporal Kirchner pinned Mr. X after a powerslam in 0:01:21. Rating: DUD
CORPORAL KIRCHNER WANTS TO SHUT UP THE FOREIGN LEGION ONCE AND FOR ALL
Lord Alfred Hayes met Kirchner at ringside after the match as Kirchner had requested some interview time before today's show. Kirchner said that he is a proud man and stands up for the United States of America. And he made it clear that it wasn't just those born here - he supported those immigrants who come into this country seeking to better their lives and live the American dream. He mentioned the Mexican Eagles as an example of two proud Mexican competitors trying to blaze a trail in the greatest country of the world. Kirchner said he knew the Eagles would be taking on The Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff in a week's time on Superstars, and he knew what the Foreign Legion was capable of. Kirchner said he would be in the corner of the Eagles to make sure no funny business goes down.
MATCH #2 The Hart Foundation (w/ Jimmy Hart) vs. Dave Barbie/Joe Mirto
Tag action next with the Hart Foundation. The Hart Foundation continue to build and get better all the time, and as much as I hate to say it, Jimmy Hart has done a lot for this team to get them improving each and every week. They get more and more crisp, and Dave Barbie & Joe Mirto couldn't contend with their unique combination of speed, power, and technical wrestling ability. Another solid win for the duo as the Hitman and the Anvil are hoping to better their stock in the tag team division.
The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart) defeated Dave Barbie and Joe Mirto when B. Hart pinned Mirto after an elbowdrop from the second turnbuckle in 0:01:58. Rating: 1/2*
MATCH #3 "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes vs. "Adorable" Adrian Adonis (w/ Jimmy Hart)
The Flower Shop got very tense last week as Adrian Adonis questioned whether or not Dusty Rhodes still had it, using the recent inability of the Dream to consistently defeat the unholy alliance of Sgt. Slaughter & Stan Hansen. Rhodes wanted to shut the Adorable One up and show that he indeed could still go. Rhodes did what a lot of people have been doing since the debut of the "new" Adonis, and that is take him lightly. Adonis may look less than manly in his dress and makeup, but he is still a dangerous competitor in the ring as Rhodes was experiencing early on. Once Rhodes realized he was going to need to take this more seriously, we had a great fight on our hands. Adonis nearly finished Rhodes off on a few occasions, but Rhodes showed great heart by fighting back en route to hitting the Bionic Elbowdrow to get the win.
Dusty Rhodes pinned Adrian Adonis with the Bionic Elbowdrop in 0:06:03. Rating: ***
A win like this might just be the jolt of confidence that the American Dream needs to finally turn the tide against the World Tag Team champions.
THE TED DIBIASE/DINO BRAVO ARM WRESTLING MATCH
This was not a traditional match by any means. Dino Bravo was unsuccessful in his attempt to wrest the Intercontinental Title from Ted DiBiase recently, so he challenged him to something that he was confident he'd be able to win - an arm wrestling match. In all fairness, I don't think DiBiase himself thought he would be able to defeat Bravo in arm wrestling, but he's not one to back down from a challenge. Once they finally locked up (after Bravo had complained about everything from grip to DiBiase's hand being covered in oil), the contest was on. It looked like Bravo would easily win, but DiBiase fought back. At one point, it even looked like DiBiase was going to turn Bravo's wrist over, which was when Jimmy Hart distracted the champ. Bravo took this opportunity to catch DiBiase in the eye with a thumb. Bravo then took the table set up for the match and smashed DiBiase in the face with it! Officials came to break up the situation before it got worse. DiBiase escaped major injury, but he is definitely upset.
MATCH #4 Big John Studd (w/ Bobby "The Brain" Heenan) vs. Greg Eberhart
We got back from commercial and the ring had been cleared for our next match, which featured the intimidating Big John Studd. There was an insert promo recorded earlier with Studd and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. Heenan told Bob Backlund and his team to pay close attention to Studd's match today, as it was just a small sample of what was in store for them at War Games.
Big John Studd pinned Greg Eberhart with the Backbreaker in 0:01:31. Rating: -1/4*
LIVE EVENT REPORT WITH GENE OKERLUND
Mean Gene was back again for the Live Event Report. The first thing he had to announce was breaking news based on what happened earlier in today's program. Ted DiBiase was irate after what happened in the arm wrestling challenge. Okerlund said that if Dino Bravo wanted a real competition, DiBiase would give him a rematch for the Intercontinental Title on December 30 at Madison Square Garden! Add that to the World Tag Team Titles being defended, as well as the massive War Games match, and this will be the party before the New Year's Eve party!
And Okerlund made sure we didn't forget about January 4, where Tampa will play host to Saturday Night Slam Masters! Two titles will be on the line there, starting with Tully Blanchard defending the Television Title against the man who beat him in a tag team match last week, Jacques Rougeau. We got a pre-recorded interview with Blanchard, who had Bobby "The Brain" Heenan with him. Blanchard was already upset when the interview started, saying he wanted the match last week stricken from the record as there was no way he would ever give up to some goof like Jacques Rougeau. Heenan said that the Rougeaus love souvenirs. Well he promised that Blanchard would give him the ultimate souvenir at Slam Masters, and that's a black eye. Back to Okerlund, and mention of the other title match, which is Bob Backlund getting his last rematch against King Kong Bundy for the World Title! There is a lot at stake in this match, obviously, which is why President Jack Tunney has appointed a special referee to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. Okerlund had breaking news, and said the name of the referee will be revealed next week on Superstars! Okerlund could also announce that a tag team match has been signed which will pit the Fabulous Ones against the Electric Dream Machine. All that and more to be announced as we get closer to the show!
MATCH #5 The Electric Dream Machine (w/ Precious) vs. Terry Gibbs/Gary Starr
The Electric Dream Machine will be at Slam Masters, but they got a chance to showcase their skills on Superstars this week. They were as cocky as ever, and of course, pretty damn sparkly as well. Not much of a contest here as the EDM easily handled Terry Gibbs and Gary Starr, much to the delight of Precious. They'll have a considerably harder time with the Fabulous Ones on January 4.
The Electric Dream Machine (Jimmy Garvin and Steve Regal) defeated Terry Gibbs and Gary Starr when S. Regal pinned Gibbs after a backdrop in 0:01:42. Rating: -* 1/4
MATCH #6 Sgt. Slaughter (World Tag Team champion) vs. Robert Gibson
Today's main event had all the potential in the world to be a fantastic match as it was a singles preview of the World Tag Team Title match at the end of the month with tag team champion Sgt. Slaughter meeting Robert Gibson of the Rock 'N Roll Express. Neither man's partner was supposed to be at ringside for this, but that was broken pretty quickly when STAN HANSEN made his way to the ring. We of course thought that would mean RICKY MORTON would be making an appearance, but that never materialized. Instead, while Slaughter had the referee distracted, Hansen pulled Gibson to the floor and absolutely leveled him with the Lariat! Hansen then rolled Gibson back in where Slaughter locked on the Cobra Clutch. With Gibson already being out cold, this one was called in a hurry.
Sgt. Slaughter defeated Robert Gibson when Robert Gibson passed out in the Cobra Clutch in 0:02:53. Rating: **
We thought that surely Morton would come out now to stop any other shenanigans from going on, but still, he didn't appear. Monsoon was almost begging Morton to make the save as Hansen wrapped Gibson's left leg around the ring post and grabbed a steel chair. While Slaughter held Gibson in place in the ring, Hansen swung the chair into Gibson's leg as hard as he could! Gibson was clearly extremely hurt, but Morton was still nowhere to be seen. Even Niemiller was curious where Morton was as Hansen swung the chair one more time. Gibson finally did get some help, but it was in the former of DUSTY RHODES & JIM DUGGAN! Duggan had his 2x4, and Rhodes had a chair of his own! The tag team champions took off as quickly as they could, but the damage had been done. We went off the air with medical staff tending to Gibson while Rhodes & Duggan held the unholy alliance at bay.
Next week on Superstars, the Mexican Eagles take on The Iron sheik & Nikolai Volkoff, as well as Tully Blanchard defending the Television Title against Junkyard Dog! So long, everybody!
Match observations:
12/30/85 - MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - New York, NY
WAR GAMES - Bob Backlund/Rick Martel/Barry Windham/Junkyard Dog/Andre the Giant vs. King Kong Bundy/Big John Studd/Tully Blanchard/Arn Anderson/Eddie Gilbert WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES - Sgt. Slaughter/Stan Hansen (c) vs. The Rock 'N Roll Express IC TITLE - Ted DiBiase (c) vs. Dino Bravo
1/4/86 - SATURDAY NIGHT SLAM MASTERS - SUNDOME - Tampa, FL
WORLD TITLE - King Kong Bundy (c) vs. Bob Backlund TELEVISION TITLE - Partners banned from ringside - Tully Blanchard (c) vs. Jacques Rougeau The Fabulous Ones vs. The Electric Dream Machine
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Post by rey619 on Jun 3, 2014 8:11:57 GMT -5
Yay! You're back!
Jobber matches continue to build up the "named" talent, even though they'll never move past JTTS such as Corporal Kirchner.
Arm wrestling contests always end up as something else, no surprise there.
Good to see Rhodes back on track, but he needs to defeat tougher men than Adonis to get back to the top.
Interesting to see who the special ref will be. I don't think Backlund will win back the title though. I knew he had a WWE reign in the 80's in real life, but I think his days at the top are past. Besides, you've built Bundy so well (better than I thought possible), so he deserves a monster heel reign.
Wonder where Morton was? Taken out by Hansen/Slaughter? Or did he betray Gibson?
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Post by JoshiQ on Jun 5, 2014 8:43:59 GMT -5
Yes! GCW is back in action!
Kirchner is a true patriot. Smart way to continue the feud by having him in the corner of the Mexican Eagles next week.
It's only a matter of time before the Hart Foundation take that next step.
This win shows Rhodes is still a threat in the main event scene of the GCW. Thought you might have gone for a DQ ending here to protect the "flamboyant" Adonis.
I doubt anyone expected this arm wrestling match to end in any other way but a beatdown of DiBiase. Classic booking, but still very well done. Should lead into a rematch nicely.
Big John Studd has been dominant since his debut. Going to be hard for the good guys in War Games to handle him.
Special referee? My interest is piqued.
Terry Gibbs~! EDM are such a fun team that it is hard not to cheer for them.
Crazy ending to the show. I wouldn't be surprised to find out Gibson is out for an extended period of time after that beating. The question has to be where Morton was. I don't think you're splitting the team up this early into their run, so I'd have to assume he was taken out earlier backstage. Looking forward to the explanation.
Great to see the Universe back on track. Now, I need to go write.
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Post by vertigo on Jun 6, 2014 22:01:17 GMT -5
Kirschner is a great American and he lives up to the countries reputation by sticking his nose in other people’s business. Ha! He will level the playing field a bit for the Eagles, though.
Good showing for the Hart Foundation here. They need all the warmups they can get since they’re challenging Tito & Hector for the WWA Tag Titles in a couple of weeks.
Adonis will get over easily without needing to win a match. He has skills and he has a gimmick that people will pay to see him get beat. Both guys were elevated in this match.
Great arm wrestling segment! I’m glad to see Bravo being used this way again. He could get a little rejuvination out of a feud with Dibiase.
Studd gets on TV. Studd destroys man. Studd intimidates everyone in War Games.
I’m liking how MSG is coming together. Really looking forward to War Games.
EDM vs. Fab Ones should be highly entertaining. Lots of strutting I bet.
Something must have happened to Morton backstage. I refuse to believe that he just sat idly while Gibson took that beating. Things are not looking good for the RnRs heading into MSG.
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Post by LillaThrilla on Jun 15, 2014 13:44:41 GMT -5
Welcome back! That is one colossal War Games lineup.
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Post by snabbit888 on Jul 18, 2014 1:37:10 GMT -5
12/21/85 - GCW Superstars (TAPED: 12/3/85) LOCATION: Mid-Hudson Civic Center - Poughkeepsie, NY
With the year winding down, the action turns up as we bring you another episode of GCW Superstars! Gorilla Monsoon & Mark Niemiller were at the helm as always for this big show, which will feature a Television Title match between two members of the War Games match in the Garden, Tully Blanchard defending the gold against Junkyard Dog! Dino Bravo is here, as are the Fabulous Ones! Bad News Brown is in action, we will hear from Dusty Rhodes & Jim Duggan, and the special referee for the World Title match between King Kong Bundy & Bob Backlund will be announced! But now up to the ring with Howard Finkel for our first match!
MATCH #1 The Mexican Eagles (w/ Corporal Kirchner) vs. The Iron Sheik/Nikolai Volkoff (w/ "Classy" Freddie Blassie)
Corporal Kirchner said he would be in the corner of the Mexican Eagles for this following match, and it's a good thing he did. Freddie Blassie wanted to get involved several times, but the presence of the American military man was enough to keep him at bay. However, it wasn't enough to keep the third member of the Foreign Legion, SHIRO KOSHINAKA, from jumping in the ring to cause a disqualification.
The Mexican Eagles (Chavo Guerrero and Dos Caras) defeated The Foreign Legion (Nikolai Volkoff and The Iron Sheik) when Dos Caras defeated Sheik by disqualification in 0:04:00. Rating: 1/2*
It didn't take long for Kirchner to slide in the ring to even the odds, and along with Chavo Guerrero & Dos Caras, he cleared the ring of the Foreign Legion. When we returned from a commercial break, Monsoon announced that because of what we saw before the break, a 6-man tag team match has been signed for Madison Square Garden on December 30. Niemiller was glad to hear it, as he declared that Blassie's men would put an end to all of this nonsense from Corporal Kirchner.
DUSTY RHODES/JIM DUGGAN HAVE A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
We cut to the back where Lord Alfred Hayes was standing by with Dusty Rhodes, Jim Duggan, & Ricky Morton. Hayes asked Morton about where he was last week when his partner, Robert Gibson, was being assaulted by the World Tag Team champions. Morton said that it made him sick to his stomach that he wasn't able to help his partner and best friend out, but he had been locked in a janitor's closet by Sgt. Slaughter & Stan Hansen after they had gotten him from behind. He thanked Rhodes & Duggan for stepping in and making sure that the injuries to Gibson weren't worse. Hayes asked about the condition of Gibson. Rhodes spoke and said that Gibson will be just fine, but he is going to need a couple of weeks to recuperate. Morton added that because of this, the Rock 'N Roll Express would have to postpone their title rematch against Slaughter & Hansen at MSG. But Morton said that he would do his best to defend his friend's honor next week when he meets Hansen on Superstars. Duggan chimed in now, saying that it doesn't mean the champs get a night off. Hacksaw said they spoke to President Jack Tunney, who made it official that Rhodes & he would step in to face Slaughter & Hansen for the gold! Morton wished them the best of luck and told them to bring the titles home. Rhodes said they would, and the first thing they'd do as champs is grant the Rock 'N Roll Express their fair title shot whenever Gibson is healthy.
MATCH #2 Bad News Brown vs. Mario Mancini
Bad News Brown is never in a good mood, but seemed particularly pissed off today. That didn't play out well for Mario Mancini, who ate a barrage of offense before meeting defeat after a German suplex.
Bad News Brown pinned Mario Mancini after a German suplex in 0:02:13. Rating: -*
Before the Fink could even finish announcing him the winner, Brown ripped the microphone away from him. Brown said it made him sick that he was being overlooked, and claimed that the racists in charge of GCW were holding him back because he was a "street thug from Harlem." He talked about how he kicked Jim Duggan's teeth in, Duggan gets rewarded with a World Tag Team Title shot and Bad News Brown isn't even on the card in his hometown. He said he was going to change that and wanted any punk with the guts to face him to show up at the Garden and face him.
Monsoon commented on how unpleasant Brown's demeanor was, but Niemiller said he couldn't blame him. Niemiller said it would be suicide to sign on to face Bad News in his state of mind right now.
MATCH #3 The Fabulous Ones vs. John Rizzo/Ted Gripley
During the Fabulous Ones' shortened-for-television-but-still-way-too-long entrance, they cut an insert promo about their upcoming match against the Electric Dream Machine at Slam Masters. Stan Lane said that he was excited for their match on MTV, because the Fabulous Ones are going to show why they have the greatest ring entrance in all of professional wrestling. Steve Keirn said it takes more than sparkles to make a great entrance, and the whole world would see that on January 4. As for this match, the Fabulous Ones showed that they're not just a ring entrance but actually an impressive tag team as well. Good win here going into the new year.
The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn and Stan Lane) defeated John Rizzo and Ted Gripley when S. Keirn pinned Gripley with the Facedrill in 0:03:40. Rating: -1/4*
LIVE EVENT REPORT WITH GENE OKERLUND
"Mean" Gene Okerlund was back for the Live Event Report. The ever-excited Okerlund was is rare form today, running through the new developments for our next two big shows coming up, starting with December 30 at Madison Square Garden. The main event of course will be War Games, which will be worth the price of admission alone. But we also had a few new developments to make this show even more spectacular. We now know that Robert Gibson's injuries suffered at the hands of the tag team champions last week will keep him out of action for this event. But we will have a World Tag Team Title match when Sgt. Slaughter & Stan Hansen now defend their gold against long time rivals, Dusty Rhodes & Jim Duggan! Add to that the 6-man tag team match and the open challenge by Bad News Brown, and we have ourselves a full night of action.
As for Saturday Night Slam Masters, it will be our first major event of 1986, and will be shown live on MTV. The main event will have an entirely different complexion after the end of our show, where Okerlund informed us that the special referee for the World Title match between King Kong Bundy & Bob Backlund will be announced. This rivalry goes back a considerable length of time, and with so many distractions and attacks from both sides, a special referee is being brought in to maintain control. That won't be the only title up for grabs as Tully Blanchard puts the Television Title on the line against the man who recently pinned him in a tag team match, Jacques Rougeau. Another big match Okerlund was proud to announce was Rick Martel, who is currently unable to ever wrestle for the World Title, but that doesn't mean he's not eligible to get some revenge on the Heenan Family. He will be going one-on-one with the thus far undefeated Big John Studd. It's bound to be a fantastic night of action!
MATCH #4 "The Canadian Strongman" Dino Bravo (w/ Jimmy Hart) vs. Gino Carabello
Highlights of the arm wrestling match from last week were shown before Dino Bravo was in action today, showing Bravo's cowardly attack with the table on Intercontinental champion Ted DiBiase. The Canadian Strongman has been less than apologetic about what he did, and Jimmy Hart feels that the Intercontinental Title is as good as his. Someone who might have another idea is the current Intercontinental champion. After Bravo dispatched of Gino Carabello, TED DIBIASE ran to the ring, grabbed him from behind, and tossed him over the top! The crowd was on fire as an enraged DiBiase followed him to the floor and threw him over the timekeeper's table! Officials came to break it up as a disoriented Bravo stumbled to the back with Jimmy Hart helping him.
Dino Bravo pinned Gino Carabello with the Side Suplex in 0:01:53. Rating: 3/4*
MATCH #5 Television Title Match Tully Blanchard (c) (w/ Bobby "The Brain" Heenan) vs. Junkyard Dog
Not only was our main event for the day a huge because it was for the Television Title, but it's also huge because it was another preview of War Games. Junkyard Dog is one of the most popular wrestlers in recent GCW history, but he has never held a championship. He was looking to change that against Tully Blanchard, who has already proven time and again that there are no lengths he won't go to in order to keep the TV Title around his waist. That was proven again here today, when as soon JYD was rocking and rolling, Blanchard deliberately hit him with a low blow to cause the disqualification.
Junkyard Dog defeated Tully Blanchard by disqualification in 0:04:38. Rating: * 3/4 (Tully Blanchard retained the GCW Television Title.)
Not only Blanchard keep the title because of the DQ, but it also let the Heenan Family unleash their plan to try to take JYD out. Out came ARN ANDERSON, EDDIE GILBERT, BIG JOHN STUDD, and KING KONG BUNDY, and they had bad intentions on their minds. Luckily for JYD, his partners were in the house too as BOB BACKLUND, RICK MARTEL, BARRY WINDHAM, and ANDRE THE GIANT came out to even the score! We ended our in-ring portion of the show today with these ten men brawling in the ring.
THE GUEST REFEREE FOR SLAM MASTERS IS REVEALED
After the in-ring portion of the show was over, we cut backstage to a video that was filmed earlier in the day with Lord Alfred Hayes. Hayes was proud to announce the man who would be the special referee for the World Title match between King Kong Bundy & Bob Backlund on January 4 on Saturday Night Slam Masters. Hayes said this man was a legend in GCW, and a former World champion himself. He is well respected as one of the toughest men in the history of wrestling, and someone who will surely keep order in this match. At this point he introduced LOU THESZ! Thesz thanked Hayes for the introduction, and said he took his role as special referee very seriously. As someone who has held that World Heavyweight Title before, he knows that it is the most important championship in all of wrestling. He said he didn't care who it was. If Bundy, Backlund, Bobby Heenan, or even Rick Martel wanted to get out of line, he would take care of it personally. Hayes thanked Thesz for his time, and reminded people to tune into MTV on January 4th to see Saturday Night Slam Masters!
Next week on Superstars, we hit the final stretch before our end of the year MSG show! Dusty Rhodes & Jim Duggan will be in tag team action to tune up for their World Tag Team Title shot. Barry Windham meets Arn Anderson, and Ricky Morton goes for revenge as he takes on Stan Hansen!
Match observations:
12/30/85 - MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - New York, NY
WAR GAMES - Bob Backlund/Rick Martel/Barry Windham/Junkyard Dog/Andre the Giant vs. King Kong Bundy/Big John Studd/Tully Blanchard/Arn Anderson/Eddie Gilbert WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES - Sgt. Slaughter/Stan Hansen (c) vs. Dusty Rhodes/Jim Duggan IC TITLE - Ted DiBiase (c) vs. Dino Bravo Corporal Kirchner/The Mexican Eagles vs. The Foreign Legion Bad News Brown's Open Challenge
1/4/86 - SATURDAY NIGHT SLAM MASTERS - SUNDOME - Tampa, FL
WORLD TITLE w/ Special Referee Lou Thesz - King Kong Bundy (c) vs. Bob Backlund TELEVISION TITLE - Partners banned from ringside - Tully Blanchard (c) vs. Jacques Rougeau Rick Martel vs. Big John Studd The Fabulous Ones vs. The Electric Dream Machine
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Post by JoshiQ on Jul 18, 2014 9:16:53 GMT -5
Good way to start the show and a six man tag, while a pain to write, is always a welcome addition to any card.
Didn't figure Morton was abandoning Gibson this early in their run. He should probably get his head checked though. Trying to wrestle Hansen one-on-one is never a smart decision.
Don't see Rhodes and Duggan dethroning Slaughter and Hansen, but it should be a helluva brawl.
Brown going the 'racist' route. Could be entertaining. Would probably get him some heat with the fans.
It is hard to picture the Fabulous Ones as heels with their gimmick, but they have come across as sympathetic after their beatings from Hansen/Slaughter. Their match with the EDM is either going to be a disaster or extremely entertaining.
Okerlund brings the goods once again.
I'm a big fan of Dino Bravo, don't know why, so his feud with DiBiase has been fun.
You can't go wrong with a big brawl to end the show. And since it involved Andre, I know the fans were happy at home.
Lou Thesz! Maybe not the flashiest of choices, but one that should get the attention of Bobby Heenan.
Happy to see the Universe flowing again. Russ is up next and then I play two.
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Post by vertigo on Sept 10, 2014 9:50:14 GMT -5
Here we go! Opening up with what could have been a great tag match had Shiro not interfered. But this was a textbook setup to get the 6-man tag officially signed.
Morton's "janitor's closet" reasoning seems a little ugh, weak. I mean, sure, that could have happened. But what pro wrestler can't fight his way out of a closet?
Bad News playing the racist card. PERFECT! I wonder which yellow bellied, sharecropper is going to accept his challenge.
The Fabulous Ones and EDM battling over who has the best entrance is so good. Your writeup of these entrances at Slam Masters had better be top notch.
A special referee added to the World Title match at Slam Masters? This could get very interesting. I'm wondering if it will be a wrestler, or possibly a pop personality since it's airing on TV. Neither Bundy or Backlund really lend themselves to the 80's MTV pop culture style though.
Hot ending to Bravo's match with Dibiase coming out and laying it on thick. It's awesome to see Dibiase showing that kind of fire. Their upcoming match has a lot more heat than I thought it would get.
JYD is a good hand. He's always over and doesn't need a belt. He also gets sympathy easily. This match was just a tease to get us to War Games and the ensuing 10 man donnybrook gets everyone pumped up even more.
Lou Thesz is the referee?! Wow! You couldn't have picked a more straight laced guy for the job. Bundy is going to really be tested at Slam Masters.
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Post by snabbit888 on Nov 7, 2014 0:33:56 GMT -5
12/28/85 - GCW Superstars (TAPED: 12/3/85) LOCATION: Mid-Hudson Civic Center - Poughkeepsie, NY
We are only two days away from Madison Square Garden and the year-end show, and that means we're only two days away from WAR GAMES! But first, we still had an episode of GCW Superstars first! Gorilla Monsoon & Mark Niemiller welcomed everyone to the show, and what a show it would be! The #1 contenders for the World Tag Team Titles, Dusty Rhodes & Jim Duggan, will be in action, as well as Raymond Rougeau in singles action! Ricky Morton will go for a measure of revenge against Stan Hansen as well! First up though, to Howard Finkel in the ring for Barry Windham vs. Arn Anderson!
MATCH #1 Barry Windham vs. "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson (w/ Bobby "The Brain" Heenan)
With us being only two days away from War Games, Monsoon made the point that this was a dangerous match for both Windham & Anderson to take. If either was to suffer an injury, their team would be at a great disadvantage. Niemiller thought that they might take it easy as a result. We found out immediately that wouldn't be the case when as soon as the bell rang, these two were tearing into each other in a wild brawl! It is shocking this match went as long as it did because the fists were flying like crazy and didn't let up until the final bell. Anderson held his own, but in a fist fight, it's hard to beat Windham as he has some of the heaviest fists in GCW. But one thing the Enforcer did have though was BOBBY HEENAN, who hooked Windham's foot when he was up on the turnbuckles going for the Superplex. Anderson caught Windham with a stiff right hand to knock him off the turnbuckles, quickly followed with the Gourdbuster, and stole a win.
Arn Anderson pinned Barry Windham with the Gourdbuster in 0:07:23. Rating: *** 1/2
It's hard to say, but this match could have a lot of impact on War Games because currently, the Heenan Family has all of the momentum.
MATCH #2 "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes/"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan vs. Sal Gee/Tony Mateo
If there were any questions about if Dusty Rhodes & Jim Duggan were ready for their World Tag Team Title shot in two days, this should have answered them. Not only did they win today, they won in dominant fashion. It only took them 25 seconds before Rhodes smacked Sal Gee with the Bionic Elbow to knock him out of the ring while Hacksaw hit Tony Mateo with the Three Point Stance for the 1-2-3.
Dusty Rhodes and Jim Duggan defeated Sal Gee and Tony Mateo when Duggan pinned Mateo with the Three Point Stance in 0:00:25. Rating: -1/2*
Even Niemiller was impressed with Rhodes & Duggan. Monsoon asked if he thought they would win the titles in New York. Niemiller responded with "not that impressed."
MATCH #3 Raymond Rougeau vs. Steve Lombardi
Raymond Rougeau cut an insert promo as he was being introduced for his match against Steve Lombardi. Raymond said he was very proud of his brother Jacques, and discussed how happy they both were to be in the United States. Raymond said they were especially thrilled to be on MTV on January 4 when Jacques will become the Television champion. Raymond showed that he has some chops in singles competition as well. He had some problems early with the brawling Lombardi, but Raymond's speed proved to be enough to hit the Rougeau Bomb to get the duke.
Raymond Rougeau pinned Steve Lombardi with the Rougeau Bomb in 0:03:43. Rating: **
TULLY BLANCHARD CONFRONTS RAYMOND ROUGEAU
After the match, Television champion Tully Blanchard came out to confront Raymond Rougeau, knowing full well that Jacques Rougeau wasn't here this week. Blanchard said he wanted Raymond to give his brother a message, and that message was… SMACK! Before he finished his sentence, he hit Raymond in the face with the TV Title! Officials ran out to help before any further damage could be done, but I think the message was made abundantly clear.
MATCH #4 Ricky Morton vs. Stan "The Lariat" Hansen
You have to give credit to Ricky Morton. His partner was brutally attacked by Sgt. Slaughter & Stan Hansen, and even without Robert Gibson around, he went into a match against the Lariat with no hesitation. Slaughter was barred from ringside so that we didn't have a repeat performance of the Gibson/Slaughter match. Morton jumped on Hansen with a crossbody to the floor before the match started. Morton knew his best shot at winning was to catch Hansen early before he could use his power, and Morton got a flurry of nearfalls with roll ups, small packages, and sunset flips. Morton went for another crossbody, but Hansen caught him and dropped him with a fallaway slam. Hansen wore him out to where we could barely see how Morton was conscious. Morton got one last flurry in when he dodged a charging Hansen in the corner, rocking him with a back kick before going to the top for the Flying Dropkick. Morton jumped off, but right into the Lariat. Game, set, match.
Stan Hansen pinned Ricky Morton with the Lariat in 0:06:11. Rating: *** 1/4
Morton fought valiantly, but Hansen was simply too much to overcome. Things might be very different once Gibson is back though.
LIVE EVENT REPORT WITH GENE OKERLUND
"Mean" Gene Okerlund back again this weekend for all the happenings in Global Championship Wrestling in the Live Event Report. It will be Monday night at Madison Square Garden where we will see War Games! We got an interview with Bobby Heenan where he talked about how out of their league Bob Backlund's team was. He said that individually, Backlund's team is fantastic, putting over each man on the team. But he said compared to the Heenan Family, they were a mess. He concluded with saying that when all of these guys were locked in the two-ringed cage, it was going to be a bloodbath, not to mention they would have a big surprise coming for them very soon. Okerlund moved on to the Intercontinental Title match between champion Ted DiBiase and top challenger Dino Bravo. Okerlund showed the clip from last week on Superstars when DiBiase attacked Bravo and threw him over a table, retribution for Bravo's assault during the arm wrestling challenge. He finally mentioned the open challenge that Bad News Brown put out, including getting more words from Brown about the challenge itself. Brown said he didn't care who stepped in between those ropes, they were in for the butt kicking of a lifetime. Okerlund concluded by saying that the year end shows have been a GCW tradition for over 20 years, and if there's any show you're going to want to see this year, it is the show from the Garden!
MATCH #5 Bob Backlund/Rick Martel/Andre the Giant vs. Dave Barbie/Greg Eberhardt/Neil Carr
Our final match of the day was 6-man tag team action. Bob Backlund wanted to build a little teamwork between his team going into War Games, so he teamed up with Rick Martel & Andre the Giant. Let's just say, Backlund's team is ready. Word around the locker room said that Bobby Heenan was sure that his team would be dominant because his team was a well-oiled machine while Backlund's had too many differing personalities. Well they certainly meshed well today. Every man got in some great offense, and they even hit some tandem moves we wouldn't have expected en route to victory.
Andre the Giant, Bob Backlund and Rick Martel defeated Dave Barbie, Greg Eberhardt and Neil Carr when Andre pinned Eberhardt with the Elbowdrop in 0:02:52. Rating: 3/4*
Next week on Superstars, we'll have all the results of the year-end show in New York City, not to mention we will be gearing up for next Saturday's huge show on MTV, Saturday Night Slam Masters! Thanks for joining us, everybody!
Match observations:
12/30/85 - MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - New York, NY
WAR GAMES - Bob Backlund/Rick Martel/Barry Windham/Junkyard Dog/Andre the Giant vs. King Kong Bundy/Big John Studd/Tully Blanchard/Arn Anderson/Eddie Gilbert WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES - Sgt. Slaughter/Stan Hansen (c) vs. Dusty Rhodes/Jim Duggan IC TITLE - Ted DiBiase (c) vs. Dino Bravo Corporal Kirchner/The Mexican Eagles vs. The Foreign Legion Bad News Brown's Open Challenge
1/4/86 - SATURDAY NIGHT SLAM MASTERS - SUNDOME - Tampa, FL
WORLD TITLE w/ Special Referee Lou Thesz - King Kong Bundy (c) vs. Bob Backlund TELEVISION TITLE - Partners banned from ringside - Tully Blanchard (c) vs. Jacques Rougeau Rick Martel vs. Big John Studd The Fabulous Ones vs. The Electric Dream Machine
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Post by vertigo on Nov 10, 2014 16:06:09 GMT -5
Windham and Double A will always deliver the goods. I wouldn’t be surprised if these are the two guys who start out War Games.
Duggan is getting a great rub teaming with Rhodes and going after the most hated men in wrestling. This is going to be one hell of a brawl at MSG.
A nice little post-match altercation to build up some heat for Slam Masters between the Rougeau’s and Tully. I can’t see Jacques taking the title, but it seems like something has to come out of this other than Tully successfully defending his belt on MTV.
Morton is at his best when he’s getting his ass kicked. That’s a pretty sick finish, too.
I can always count on the Live Report to get me back up to speed after some time away from the Universe.
I’m looking forward to War Games for sure. The cast is INSANE and having the match in MSG is something really unique to this universe. The entire card is strong. Good luck writing that one up!
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Post by JoshiQ on Nov 14, 2014 0:42:24 GMT -5
Helluva opening match to begin the show. Surprised Windham lost, but Anderson needed the win more. Very fun way to start the tv.
Duggan and Rhodes is a team so full of in-ring chemistry that it's scary.
Never would have thought a Rougeaus/Blanchard feud would hold my interest, but you've done it.
Crazy effort by Morton. And this match would have been fun as hell to watch in person. I don't see Morton or Gibson ever doing very well against the likes of Slaughter and Hansen, but you've them enough offense to keep it interesting.
That was a good show all around with a nice of mix of your current angles going. Pretty sure I'm up next.
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Post by snabbit888 on Apr 29, 2015 10:43:15 GMT -5
This isn't a new card yet (I'm so close though, I promise!) but it is a bit of an update of what's going on. 1985 in this universe is almost complete, once I get War Games posted. After that, we are going to do a bit of a format switch. With 3 people in the universe (and it being 4 before Jeff had to bow out) doing a weekly TV, house shows, TV specials, and now PPVs getting into the mix, it's brought our progress to a halt. Josh, Russ, and I all agreed that in order to keep progress going and motivation higher, TV shows will be far more abbreviated. It seems silly that we've been doing a decent sized show writeup for hour long TV shows featuring mostly squashes. I know for me at least, the biggest motivation killer is feeling like I'm making no forward progress, and I am hoping this helps. Just like anything else, interest ebbs and flows when it comes to hobbies. I started this in real time almost a decade ago, so I feel it's acceptable to have some lulls here and there.
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Post by LillaThrilla on May 7, 2015 20:42:10 GMT -5
1985 in this universe is almost complete Yay! With 3 people in the universe (and it being 4 before Jeff had to bow out) Boo! Josh, Russ, and I all agreed that in order to keep progress going and motivation higher, TV shows will be far more abbreviated. It seems silly that we've been doing a decent sized show writeup for hour long TV shows featuring mostly squashes. Makes sense. I started this in real time almost a decade ago, so I feel it's acceptable to have some lulls here and there. Also I'm pretty sure this is easily the longest running circuit ever, both real time and TNM time (excluding circuits that were just results with no writeup).
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Post by JoshiQ on May 17, 2015 7:20:22 GMT -5
Yeah, this is definitely the longest I've ever run a circuit. Real time is about 3 years? Maybe longer. And TNM time is 1979-1985. And Ryan has been going a lot longer than that. Pretty crazy.
I still have a card or two that might still be in the longer format, but will start abbreviating best I can after that. Can't wait for War Games. *hint hint, Ryan*
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Post by snabbit888 on May 17, 2015 19:56:20 GMT -5
I'm working on it right now. It's like the final hurdle for getting into new writing. Argh.
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Post by snabbit888 on May 17, 2015 21:20:40 GMT -5
12/30/85 - Madison Square Garden - New York, NY
AN ANNOUNCEMENT IS MADE TO KICK OFF THE SHOW
Madison Square Garden was a sellout as we ended the year with a bang! The people were here to see WAR GAMES! The show kicked off with an announcement as we had a change to the main event. Howard Finkel announced that unfortunately due to an as of yet undisclosed injury, ANDRE THE GIANT would not be able to compete tonight. The crowd booed loudly as they wanted to see the 8th Wonder of the World get his hands on the Heenan Family. Finkel did say that there would be a replacement for Andre the Giant in War Games, but that person would not be named until match time. With that, he brought out the competitors for our first match.
MATCH #1 The Mexican Eagles/Corporal Kirchner vs. The Foreign Legion (w/ "Classy" Freddie Blassie)
Corporal Kirchner is about as proud of an American as you're ever going to see, and he's been battling with Freddie Blassie and the Foreign Legion since he came to GCW. When the Legion began to cause problems with the Mexican Eagles, Kirchner did not hesitate to join their side in this fight. Unfortunately, though the intentions were good, the communication between the American Kirchner and the primarily Spanish-speaking Mexican Eagles was lacking. Blassie's team meanwhile, despite what you may think of them personally, are well managed and always on the same page. Despite the will being there, once Dos Caras got caught in the Bearhug of Nikolai Volkoff, he couldn't escape and that was the end of this match.
The Foreign Legion (Nikolai Volkoff, Shiro Koshinaka and The Iron Sheik) defeated The Mexican Eagles (Chavo Guerrero and Dos Caras) and Corporal Kirchner when Volkoff made Dos Caras submit to the Bearhug in 0:12:01. Rating: ** 1/4
A disappointing result, but Corporal Kirchner would get the last laugh. After the contest, Nikolai Volkoff insisted on singing the Russian national anthem, something that would not sit well with the proud former US soldier. Volkoff barely got out the first bar before Kirchner nailed him from behind, sending him flying to the outside in the process. Guerrero & Dos Caras hit The Iron Sheik & Shiro Koshinaka with stereo dropkicks to cause them to join their stablemate on the floor. Kirchner grabbed Old Glory and waved it proudly as the Foreign Legion retreated to the back.
MATCH #2 Koko B. Ware vs. Bad News Brown
Bad News Brown has been very vocal about what he feels has been a "lack of competition and opportunity" by President Jack Tunney and GCW. Brown issued an open challenge for tonight to prove what he brings to the table. Brown got more than he bargained for though. The man who would answer the challenge was someone we had never seen in GCW, an exciting youngster by the name of Koko B. Ware. Koko sure came out with a lot of energy, but looking at him standing across the ring from Bad News seemed like quite the mismatch. And in the early goings, that's exactly how the match played out. Brown almost found it laughable that a much smaller man had answered the challenge. Brown began toying with Koko early, using his overwhelming strength advantage to try to make a fool out of the youngster. Brown would get too cocky though as he stopped taking the match seriously. He telegraphed a backdrop, and Koko showed that sometimes speed can beat strength when he countered with a sunset flip. It surprised Brown enough to hold him down for the 1-2-3, and in a shocking turn of events, Koko B. Ware had won!
Koko B. Ware pinned Bad News Brown after a sunset flip in 0:04:12. Rating: 1/2*
Madison Square Garden erupted in cheers as Koko jumped out of the ring to celebrate his stunning victory! The look on Bad News Brown's face said it all as he looked like he was going to rip someone's face off. Brown can be as mad as he wants to, but that's what happens when you overlook an opponent in Global Championship Wrestling. But suffice it to say, I don't think Brown is going to let this go.
MATCH #3 Ricky Morton vs. "Adorable" Adrian Adonis (w/ Jimmy Hart)
This one was a bonus match on the show, not previously announced beforehand. With his partner still out of action for a few more weeks, Ricky Morton has been wrestling some singles matches, recently taking Stan Hansen to the limit on GCW Superstars. He was up against "Adorable" Adrian Adonis, and this one did not last long. Adonis is a talented grappler, but he often gets distracted by his… erm, "persona." As the bell rang, Adonis insisted on pulling out a small mirror to check his makeup. Morton took that time to get on the second turnbuckle. When Adonis finally decided his makeup was spot on, he turned around into the Flying Dropkick from Morton. Adonis was knocked loopy enough for Morton to secure the quick win.
Ricky Morton pinned Adrian Adonis with the Flying Dropkick in 0:00:39. Rating: *
MATCH #4 Intercontinental Title Match Ted DiBiase (c) vs. "The Canadian Strongman" Dino Bravo (w/ Jimmy Hart)
This feud between Ted DiBiase and Dino Bravo has turned rather personal. Bravo has had a couple of chances at the Intercontinental Title before, and has come close on two occasions to wrestling the gold away from DiBiase. It became extremely personal after DiBiase looked like he was going to defeat Bravo in an arm wrestling contest, but Bravo attacked DiBiase with the table. DiBiase turned the tables so to speak when he threw Bravo over the announcers' table on Superstars. DiBiase was still upset with Bravo and came out throwing fists, which did not play to his strengths. Bravo is way too strong to go toe to toe with like that, and the IC champ paid for it early. Bravo used a variety of slams and hard punches to wear DiBiase down. But DiBiase has proven time and time again that he is resilient as they come. No matter what Bravo hit him with, DiBiase kicked out. Jimmy Hart became more and more unhinged at ringside as each of Bravo's attempts to finish the champ off came up short. Bravo lost his focus, and that's where DiBiase is most dangerous. DiBiase countered one move, and then another one, and before you knew it, DiBiase was firmly in control. Bravo hit get in an eye poke and went for the Side Suplex, but DiBiase fought out of it and locked on the Cobra Clutch. Bravo desperately tried to get himself to the ropes, but DiBiase cleverly kept him away from them to keep his championship.
Ted DiBiase made Dino Bravo submit to the Cobra Clutch in 0:12:34. Rating: *** (Ted DiBiase retained the GCW Intercontinental Title.)
A tremendous effort by Ted DiBiase to fight off a tough challenge from a very game Dino Bravo. It's too soon to tell, but it's looking like DiBiase is well on his way to becoming a tremendous Intercontinental champion.
MATCH #5 World Tag Team Title Match Sgt. Slaughter/Stan "The Lariat" Hansen (c) vs. "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes/"Hacksaw" Jim Duggan
This match was originally supposed to be Sgt. Slaughter & Stan Hansen defending the World Tag Team Titles against the team they beat for the titles, the Rock 'n' Roll Express. That didn't end up happening thanks to their cowardly attack on Robert Gibson. Being the stand up gentlemen they are, Dusty Rhodes & Jim Duggan stepped up to the plate to attempt to be the men to put the Unholy Alliance in their place. This is not the first time the American Dream & Hacksaw have tangled with the champs, and just like previous instances, this was a war. Sometimes there are some competitors that simply don't like each other, that every blow has a little something behind it. These two teams exemplify that. Rhodes has had battles with Slaughter & Hansen that have been the thing of legends, and since taking Duggan under his wing, Hacksaw has been there by his side. Despite the tough efforts of the challengers, it once again looked like the Unholy Alliance was going to cheat their way to another victory. Referee Dick Kroll had gotten crushed in the corner, and this is when the champs can do their most damage. Duggan had gotten thrown to the floor by Slaughter while Hansen got his cowbell from ringside. Slaughter held Rhodes open, but before Hansen could do anything sinister, RICKY MORTON was in the ring, and he had a chair with him! He smacked Hansen in back, causing him to drop the cowbell in the process. Slaughter let go of Rhodes to go after Morton, but Morton sidestepped. Duggan pulled the ropes down at this time causing Slaughter to tumble to the floor. Rhodes then hit the Bionic Elbow on Hansen, made the cover, and we had brand new World Tag Team champions!
Dusty Rhodes and Jim Duggan defeated Sgt. Slaughter and Stan Hansen when Dusty Rhodes pinned Hansen with the Bionic Elbow in 0:10:13. Rating: *** 3/4 (Dusty Rhodes and Jim Duggan won the GCW World Tag Team Titles.) [Ricky Morton interfered against Stan Hansen and Sgt. Slaughter.]
Madison Square Garden exploded as the titles were handed over to the new champions, Ricky Morton celebrating as hard as anybody. This is the American Dream's third tag team title reign, but this is the first championship reign for "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, and you could tell what an amazing moment this was for him. Slaughter & Hansen are said to have already enacted their rematch clause, and that rematch will take place on January 11th in the Boston Garden, and it will be a STEEL CAGE MATCH!
THE HEENAN FAMILY HAS SOME SHOCKING NEWS
While the cages were being setup for the War Games match, Bobby "the Brain" Heenan came out with the entire Heenan Family. Heenan had a big smile on his face as he was flanked by his team. Heenan said that the announcement about Andre the Giant's injury earlier wasn't mysterious, and it wasn't unexplained. "You want to know how Andre the Giant got hurt? It wasn't some training accident. No, the man responsible was BIG JOHN STUDD." The crowd was not happy to hear that apparently it was an attack by Studd that resulted in Andre not being here tonight. We did find out there was a replacement for Andre though, and when Bob Backlund, Ricky Martel, Barry Windham, & Junkyard Dog came out with the returning WAHOO MCDANIEL, the Heenan Family was not happy. I think Heenan's plan was to have a 5 on 4 advantage, but not only were the sides even, but now there was a wildcard to deal with.
MATCH #6 MAIN EVENT War Games Bob Backlund/Rick Martel/Barry Windham/Junkyard Dog/Wahoo McDaniel vs. The Heenan Family (w/ Bobby "the Brain" Heenan)
The cage was all set up, and we were ready for WAR GAMES! Who starts the match is a huge bit of strategy in these matches because it sets the tone for the rest of the contest. Bob Backlund's team went with Barry Windham, which might not be a bad idea based on his youth and stamina. To counter, the Heenan Family sent out Tully Blanchard, the reigning Television champion. For 5 minutes, these two were going to go at it, and surprising given the nature of War Games, most of this 5 minutes was a technical exchange. It was a matter of oneupsmanship. Blanchard prides himself on being a technical wizard in the ring, but during the early going, Windham was getting the best of him at every turn. That is when Blanchard started to fight dirty, poking Windham in the eye. Blanchard went to throw Windham into the cage, but Windham put on the brakes, and the look in Windham's eyes showed that maybe Blanchard shouldn't have poked the bear. Windham threw Blanchard into the cage, and started popping him with hard right hands. At this point, the 5 minute period was finished and we had the coin toss, a toss won by the Heenan Family. Into the ring came Blanchard's sometimes tag team partner, ARN ANDERSON.
Unfortunately for Windham, he didn't see Anderson come into the cage. Anderson spun Windham around and dropped him with a DDT. From there, the next two minutes were brutal for Windham as Anderson & Blanchard picked him apart. The crowd was pleading with Windham to just hold on when Blanchard put him in an abdominal stretch while the Enforcer laid punches into his ribcage. The period ended, and in the ring came WAHOO MCDANIEL. McDaniel was on the warpath (pun intended), grabbing Anderson and throwing him from one ring clear into the other. Blanchard looked terrified as he had an angry Indian chief bearing down on him. Wahoo chopped away at Tully before throwing him into the fence. Wahoo then looked down at Blanchard and indicated he wanted the Television Title! If you remember, Wahoo never was beaten for the Television Title, having to vacate it due to an injury. Wahoo continued the assault of Blanchard. Anderson tried to climb back over into the second ring, but Windham was back up at this point. Windham caught him on the top turnbuckle and brought him back into the ring with the Superplex!
This match can swing in tide so quickly based on the periods, and now we were about to go back to the Heenan Family as it was their turn to get the third man in. They went big with the World champion KING KONG BUNDY! Bundy went immediately into domination mode, dropping the Big Splash on Windham while he was still down from the Superplex. Wahoo didn't realize Windham was down and now a 450 pound angry World champion was barreling in behind him. Bundy smashed him in the corner from behind with the Avalanche (crushing Blanchard in the corner as well in the process). Just like that, the fan favorite deep was wiped out. Fortunately for them, the match couldn't end before all competitors were in the ring, because this one could have been over then. Mercifully the period came to an end, and in came RICK MARTEL! It was interesting because it looked like Backlund wanted to come in next, but Martel's desire to get his hands on Bundy overwhelmed him as he practically shoved Backlund out of the way to get in there.
Martel came in a house of fire, unloading on Bundy with right hands and a dropkick, but it was not enough to get Bundy off his feet. The problem for Martel was, Windham & Wahoo were down and out at the moment. Martel fought Blanchard and Anderson off, sending them both flying face first into the chain link fence, but this just opened him up for Bundy to level him with a clothesline. To make matters worse, the period ended and it was time for another member of the Heenan Family, EDDIE GILBERT. Gilbert came in running right at Martel, but he was shocked to be caught with a tackle by Windham! Wahoo was up too and brawled with Anderson in the corner. Blanchard came back over to help out Gilbert with Windham while Bundy had his way with Martel, working on his previously injured neck. And then out came the next man for the fan favorites, team captain BOB BACKLUND! Backlund is a veteran of cage matches and even though he is best known for his technical wrestling skill, he knows how to mix it up within the confines of the 15 feet of steel. Just ask Blanchard, bleeding profusely from his face who Backlund immediately elevated with a backdrop into the cage. Gilbert ran at Backlund only for Backlund to sidestep and send him into the steel as well. The kicker came when Backlund spun Bundy around and got in his face. The MSG crowd was about to lose it as Backlund slapped Bundy and then begged him to hit him. Bundy took a wild swing at Backlund, but Backlund ducked and caught Bundy in the face with a dropkick staggering the World champion. Backlund hit another one but Bundy wouldn't fall. Backlund helped Martel back to his feet and a double dropkick sent Bundy into the ropes, getting his arms tangled in between the second and third ropes.
War Games matches are all about momentum swings, and they swung back again when the final man for the Heenan Family entered, one BIG JOHN STUDD. Studd is a monster of a man under normal circumstances, but he couldn't be stopped in the early goings of his time in the ring. He grabbed Backlund's head in one hand and Martel's in the other, slamming their skulls together. Wahoo was still working over Anderson, but not when Studd hit him with a headbutt to the back of the head. Windham was in his face, blood pouring down his just asking for a fight with Studd. Windham nailed Studd with a right hand, but it only made Studd angry who picked Windham up and bodyslammed him. The final period was over and in came the final man, JUNKYARD DOG. JYD came in and went nuts, punching away at any member of the Heenan Family he could find. The highlight of this flurry was JYD punching Bundy right when he had finally got untangled from the ropes, knocking him back into them and tied up again.
Now that everyone was in the match, a decision could be made in the match. At this point, the first person to cause a member of the opposing team to submit will win the War Games for his team. For the competitors who have been in the ring for a long time, a lot of this part of the match is survival. Barry Windham & Tully Blanchard in particular were a bloody mess, so at this point the best they could hope for is to stay out of submission holds. This part of the match was also very chaotic. It wasn't pretty, but it was definitely a huge fight. There were a lot of near misses, but there was always a save based on how many people were in the ring. There had to be an end to this fight though, and it came when Gilbert had Wahoo leaning up against the cage. Gilbert ran in with a flying knee, but Wahoo moved and Gilbert connected with the cage. Wahoo was quick to lock on the Indian Deathlock. Gilbert yelled out for help, but the nearest to him was Studd, who got pulled back by Backlund & Martel. Gilbert couldn't hold on any longer and called it quits, putting this match in the books!
War Games Match: Barry Windham, Bob Backlund, Junkyard Dog, Rick Martel and Wahoo McDaniel defeated The Heenan Family (Arn Anderson, Big John Studd, Eddie Gilbert, King Kong Bundy and Tully Blanchard) when Wahoo made E. Gilbert submit to the Indian Deathlock in 0:37:00. Rating: *** 3/4
What an epic encounter that was! Bobby Heenan was shaking his head in disbelief as he saw the fan favorites exiting the cage celebrating their victory. Heenan wasn't just going to shake his head though. Heenan told the fans that he is a loser and no one makes a fool out of him. He said the only person to embarrass himself tonight was Eddie Gilbert. The Brain told everyone that the Heenan Family has no room for quitters and as a result, Eddie Gilbert was FIRED! Gilbert tried to plead his case, but before he could, Arn Anderson clipped his knee. Gilbert crumpled to the mat in pain, but it was about to get worse as King Kong Bundy came down on him with the Big Splash. I wouldn't expect to see Gilbert back for a long time.
Card rating: *** 1/4
Match observations:
1/4/86 - SATURDAY NIGHT SLAM MASTERS - SUNDOME - Tampa, FL
WORLD TITLE w/ Special Referee Lou Thesz - King Kong Bundy (c) vs. Bob Backlund TELEVISION TITLE - Partners banned from ringside - Tully Blanchard (c) vs. Jacques Rougeau Rick Martel vs. Big John Studd The Fabulous Ones vs. The Electric Dream Machine
1/11/86 - BOSTON GARDEN - Boston, MA
WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE CAGE MATCH - Dusty Rhodes/Jim Duggan (c) vs. Sgt. Slaughter/Stan Hansen
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Post by rey619 on May 18, 2015 7:46:31 GMT -5
Good to see you back too Ryan! I must admit that NWF seem to have a younger and more well-known (to me, at least) roster than GCW at this point, but War Games is always a tremendous event and you definitely capitalized on it. The tension between the Freebirds is off the charts. I'm glad Hayes seems to be staying with von Erich. He has been double crossed enough for one lifetime, even for a wrestler. Wonder what happened to Andre though. You do have a couple of enormous guys on the heel side (Studd and Bundy). Would have been great to have a face foil too. Looking forward to seeing if Backlund can overcome the size difference (think not, but maybe Good to have you back buddy!
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Post by snabbit888 on May 18, 2015 9:16:20 GMT -5
Andre actually got injured in the TV taping prior to this event, so he had to be "attacked" to explain his absence. I wanted him in the match too, but best laid plans. It does help move along my planned Andre/Studd feud though, so that's a plus.
Will get you feedback soon!
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Post by JoshiQ on May 19, 2015 6:55:29 GMT -5
Great to be back!
Can't even imagine the backlash at Andre not being able to compete. The fans would have been pissed!
Nice way to start the show. I doubt Kirchner or the Eagles are going far, and the Foreign Legion aren't as important as they once were. Still, you left the fans somewhat happy with Kirchner and the Eagles clearing the ring.
I had forgotten you signed Ware. And what a debut! I never saw much use for him except a guy just barely above jobber, so I hope you get more use out of him. And maybe a little Frankie in the future. Pretty stunned he beat Brown, but that just means a beatdown is in Ware's future.
I can't remember how big of a push Adonis was receiving before our stoppage, but this has to be a big win for Morton. Adonis is a big name in the sport.
Big fan of Bravo for some reason, but DiBiase is the right choice for IC Champ right now. Can't wait to see how far DiBiase goes in this Universe. I think a possible World Title is in his future.
That's probably the best way to get the tag titles off the unstoppable Unholy Alliance. Since it hasn't been done that much, I have no problems with two singles wrestlers taking the gold. I'm sure they will drop them quickly. And Slaughter and Hansen do need to be freed up to go after singles gold.
Huh. Wahoo. I could almost see the fans turning on this, but I am glad to see him back for at least a little while.
Great writeup for the main event. Sounded like a helluva match. And several of the faces came across as big stars. Giving Wahoo the submission win definitely puts him right back in the TV Title hunt. Love the moments with Bundy/Backlund/Martel and Bundy/JYD. The spot where Bundy gets free of the ropes only to be put right back in them was great.
Great stuff as always, Ryan. I've been waiting a long time to see if you run with Martel as the future face of the company. Guess it'll just be a matter of time before he gets around the stip that he can't challenge for the title and faces Bundy.
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Post by vertigo on May 20, 2015 12:01:27 GMT -5
What?! No ANDRE!! He was the primary attraction for me! No wonder your writeup took so long. Andre bowing out killed ALL THE MOMENTUM! It leaves some intrigue as to who the replacement may be… but I swear, if it’s a letdown, I’m canceling the Network!
No problems with the first match. It actually rated better than I would have thought. It’s kind of funny that USA Kirchner was somewhat of a sore loser AND attacked Russia from behind, but hey, it’s almost 1986 and USA! USA! USA!
Koko wins in his debut! I like this. A good feud that will hopefully elevate both guys, even if Koko is destined to be the guy we know in the long run.
Hell, Morton and Adonis was over before it really started. I was expecting these two to try to outsell each other for 10 minutes, but it is what it is.
I’m sure I’ve said this before, but you’ve brought some life back into Dino Bravo. Dibiase is going to be continue being a great IC Champion and he will get good matches out of everyone, but keep Bravo with guys who can carry him and he could sell a few tickets.
Loved the finish for the Tag titles. Such a good comeuppance for Slaughter & Hansen who have made enemies out of damn near everybody. And OH! I’ve got a Tag Team Cage Match booked for January 18th… that I’ve had booked since early December… and you go and book one to happen BEFORE mine.. with just 12 DAYS notice!!? I bet you’ll steal my finish idea, too!
Wahoo is a formidable choice to replace Andre. He could also take the fall and no one would question it because he wasn’t prepared for the match anyway.
That was a great read. Just enough detail to follow the action. I liked the bit with Martel rushing into the cage to get to Bundy. Wahoo securing the fall will likely take him in a direction you weren’t expecting when you brought him back to GCW. Looks like Eddie Gilbert hits free agency too.
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