Post by murphy42782 on Dec 30, 2011 15:59:10 GMT -5
Live Event - 7/20/63 - Hartford, Ct.
Lou Thesz & Stu Hart are in the ring to kick off the show
Lou Thesz & Stu Hart were in the ring and they both made it clear that they want a piece of "Vicious" Johnny Valentine. Thesz argued that it was his fight as he has been at odds with the dangerous superstar for months, while Hart argued that he deserved revenge for last weeks chair shot. The bickering was brought to a halt as Buddy Rogers made his way out into the aisle way. Rogers had a mic and told both "little girls to stop bickering". Rogers said that while he understands the frustration both men must feel over not being as popular with the ladies as The Nature Boy & Johnny V, but it was no reason to argue. Rogers went on to say that he understands their match last week didn't end pleasantly. Rogers "offered" Hart a rematch inside a steel cage to make sure "that scoundrel" doesn't get involved. Rogers also informed both men, that while they argue over who gets to fight who, Valentine and himself were singing on the dotted line to fight matches. Valentine and Rogers had open contracts tonight, and both men were beaten to the punch as Miguel Perez had jumped at the opportunity for his own revenge against Valentine. Rogers told Hart that he would end his title reign and prove without a doubt that he is the best in the business. Hart accepted and Thesz again looked flustered over his inability to get a match against Johnny V.
Dominic DeNucci made Larry Hennig submit to an abdominal stretch in 0:06:23.
Rating: *
Dominic DeNucci has battled show in and show out and the same can be said for "Pretty Boy" Larry Hennig. Hennig has been focusing on his teaming with Angelo Mosca the last few months while DeNucci has been absorbing a beating. Hennig looked like he was going to follow in the footsteps of the Italian's previous foes as he was beginning to lay waste to DeNucci. Hennig tossed Dominic into the corner and went for an avalanche splash, but DeNucci moved and Hennig crashed hard against the turnbuckles and DeNucci locked in an abdominal stretch to get a quick submission victory. "The Axe" looked to get revenge, but Dominic DeNucci got out of dodge with his very first victory here in the WWWF.
Killer Kowalski and Haystacks Calhoun battled to a double disqualification in 0:11:07.
Rating: ***
These two behemouths have really grown a disdain for one another the last few months. Calhoun has been looking for revenge since Kowalski's vicious assault in Boston. Kowalski used this to his advantage throughout the match as Haystacks was a little over zealous. The fans were hot for this one and really let the competitors know it. A fan even threw a soda pop at Killer as he made his way to ringside. Kowalski and Calhoun have taken the violence to a new level here in Hartford. Rules seemingly went out the window as the official lost total control of this one as chairs were introduced into the match. Kowalski and Calhoun each had one and as they swung wrecklessly at each other. The official called for the bell for his own safety if not that of the competitors. It took a sea of officials to break this one up.
Johnny Valentine pinned Miguel Perez after an elbowsmash in 0:09:53.
Rating: **
The fans echoed Thesz's & Hart's resentment of Valentine from earlier as the "Vicious One" made his way out. Johnny got in the face of several hispanic fans in the front row who had signs cheering for Miguel Perez. It was only a few months ago that Valentine might of ended Perez's best friends career, with his near crippling of Antonino Rocca. Valentine has been on a path of destruction ever since and Perez has made it known that he wants revenge for Rocca. When Perez saw the open contract his eyes must of lit up, but signing on to fight such a dangerous opponent might not have been wise. Valentine put a beating on Miguel and mercifully put an end to this one around the 10 minute mark. Valentine set Perez up for the same destructive hanging figure four he locked Antonino in but before he could lock it on Lou Thesz was out and chasing him through the crowd. Valentine made a hasty retreat and last we saw of the two Johnny V was jumping in a cab and getting out of town as Thesz looked irate on the street corner.
Karl Gotch pinned Mark Lewin after a cradle piledriver in 0:01:44.
Mark Lewin suffered a back injury. He will be out for approximately 4 months.
Rating: **
This one was over quick as Mark Lewin suffered a serious injury on a cradle piledriver. Gotch is a machine and if he wasn't such a nice guy he really could have made this worse. After the piledriver "Maniac" Mark Lewin shrieked in pain. His back was damaged and he could miss up to 4 months or more rehabbing the injury.
The All Americans (Danny Hodge and Johnny Weaver) defeated The Rougeau Brothers (Jacques Rougeau and Johnny Rougeau) when J. Weaver pinned Johnny R. after a waistlock suplex in 0:14:04.
Rating: ** 3/4
The Rougeau Brothers had a slight mishap last month when Johnny was detained at the border and Jacques came out on the losing end of a singles match, not once but twice. Meanwhile The All Americans have been on a rocketship to the top, narrowly losing to The Graham Brothers in a #1 Contenders Match last month. This one was competitive throughout and The Rougeaus showed they were better then their last few performances. Jacques ate two pinfalls last month and this month it was Johnny's turn. Weaver hit a waistlock suplex and got the duke. The All Americans were celebrating at ringside with the fans when something inside of Jacques must of snapped. He grabbed the ring bell and dropped Weaver with a vicious shot to the ribs and drilled him once more in the head before Hodge chased him off. Weaver looked worse for wear but made his way to the back without medical assistance.
Lou Thesz pinned Bob Orton after the Doctor Bomb in 0:14:08.
Rating: ****
Lou Thesz was irate he couldn't get his hands on Johnny Valentine, but he hung around and was looking for a fight. "Bulldog" Bob Orton was more then game and he met the legend in the ring. Orton really gave the distracted Thesz more of a fight then he could've possibly wanted. Orton connected with several high impact suplexes and right hands. Orton actually looked as if he was gonna pick up the win with a bulldog takedown. But Thesz got the right shoulder up just before the 3 count. Thesz battled back and ultimately ended this one with a Doctor Bomb as he looks ahead to an inevitable confrontation with Valentine.
Mike DiBiase pinned Bobo Brazil with the Top Rope Kneedrop in 0:11:22.
Rating: **
(Mike DiBiase won the WWWF North American Heavyweight Title.)
This match came about as Bobo Brazil was looking to cement his legacy as a fighting champion and Mike DiBiase was coming off a big win versus 1/2 of the WWWF World Tag Team Champions, Dory Funk Sr. Brazil and DiBiase have a lengthy history with one another. DiBiase eliminated Brazil from the World Heavyweight Title Battle Royal, while Brazil defeated DiBiase in the North Amercian Title Tournament. Brazil has also defeated DiBiase in 2 subsequent battles, but DiBiase was hoping his 3rd attempt to capture the title would be his lucky charm. Both men came out guns blazing and tore into each other as the duo exchanged lefts and rights. Brazil managed to connect with the Coco Butt. However, "Iron" Mike was in the ropes and the official refused to make the count. This frustrated Bobo, and in a rare miscue he went to the top rope for a big splash. DiBiase was playing possum and moved out of the way. Mike grabbed control and was unrelenting. DiBiase connected with a picture perferct side suplex and mounted the ropes. Fans were screaming for their man to get off the mat, but he didn't. "Iron" Mike hit the Top Rope Kneedrop and this one was in the books. DiBiase had his hand raised and collected the North American Heavyweight Title as Bobo began to stir. Brazil looked like he had lost his only friend. Brazil has vowed to climb his way back to the top.
Crusher & Bruiser (The Crusher and Dick the Bruiser) defeated Team Japan (Antonio Inoki and Giant Baba) when Crusher pinned Baba after a powerslam in 0:16:32.
Rating: * 1/2
Last month Team Japan came to ringside and challenged Crusher & Bruiser because they were sick of being bullied and sick of watching heel teams break rules and cheat their way to countless victories. The young duo from the Orient really gave the veteran duo a fight. Baba and Bruiser were going toe to toe, when Baba flung Dick into the ropes, Crusher made the blind tag and Baba connected with the Crush Kick. Crusher ran into the ring as Baba was covering Bruiser, Crusher connected with the Bolo Punch to an unsuspecting Antonio Inoki in the corner, Baba got up and yelled at the official for not making the 3 count, but the ref tried to explain that Dick wasn't the legal man. Crusher hit a devastating clothesline and really laid into Giant Baba. After a powerslam Crusher put this one in the books. Despite winning this one cleanly, Baba & Inoki still feel cheated. Baba & Inoki have laid out the challenge once again, telling Dick the Bruiser & The Crusher that they won't let this travesty stand.
The Funks (Dory Funk Jr. and Dory Funk Sr.) and The Graham Brothers (Eddie Graham and Dr. Jerry Graham) battled to a draw in 0:30:00.
Rating: *** 1/4
(The Funks retained the WWWF World Tag Team Titles.)
The Graham Brothers are coming off a stellar couple of matches against The All Americans and were primed to take the titles from a dysfunctional Funk team. Dory Sr. & Dory Jr. are fighters though. These 4 men all wanted to walk out with gold around their waists, but in the end only 2 of them could. But it didn't mean anyone would be walking out with the winners share of the purse though. This one went the championship match time limit and after 30 minutes we were without a winner. The Grahams left the ring a bit dejected that they once again came up short in their quest, but they weren't the most upset. Senior was in the ring laying into Junior with a verbal beating, telling the younger Funk he failed to finish the job. He said Junior's repeated failures have left him no choice, and with that he dropped Lil' Dory with a wicked lariat. Senior left the ringside area and a woozy looking Junior grabbed a mic. He apologized for letting the fans down and said next month, he would make his pappy proud and told Eddie & Jerry Graham next month, he would score the victory and granted them a rematch for the titles.
Cage Match: Buddy Rogers pinned Stu Hart with the Figure-Four Leglock in 0:18:38.
Rating: *** 1/2
(Buddy Rogers won the WWWF World Heavyweight Title.)
This cage match was made to keep the match between the two competitors in the ring. The fans were sick of seeing Johnny Valentine interject himself in matches. Rogers' & Valentine's alliance in recent months has made everyone take notice of the duo. Hart has been frothing at the mouth to get revenge against them and so he gladly signed the contract for this championship cage match. Rogers had a game plan and he really took it to Hart. He attacked the legs of the champion and tried to lock in his Figure Four, but Hart had it countered. As the fight waged on, Valentine made his way to ringside to cheer on Rogers, but was met by Lou Thesz. The brawl in the aisle did nothing to distract Hart, and Hart connected with the Stu Hart Special laying The Nature Boy out. As Hart made his way through the door, it was slammed back in his face by LARRY HENNIG. ANGELO MOSCA was also out and he got in the ring and laid Hart out with a KING KONG SLAM. Hart was out and Rogers locked in the Figure Four to steal the title. Thesz and Valentine brawled into the ring where the heel foursome overwhelmed Hart & Thesz as the show drew to an end.
Card rating: ** 3/4
Match observations:
Stu Hart was robbed of the WWWF World Heavyweight Title at the hands of Buddy Rogers and Company. Hart and Thesz have vowed revenge on The Nature Boy, Valentine, Hennig, & Mosca. But at a numbers disadvantage can they really gain the upperhand in this rivalry?
Bobo Brazil also lost gold here tonight. Mike DiBiase took control of the WWWF North American Heavyweight Title.
Next Month we are back in Boston on the 17th:
World Heavyweight Title Match - Stu Hart vs Buddy Rogers (c)
World Tag Team Titles Match - The Funks (c) vs The Graham Brothers
Team Japan vs Dick The Bruiser & The Crusher
10 Man #1 Contender Battle Royal
Lou Thesz & Stu Hart are in the ring to kick off the show
Lou Thesz & Stu Hart were in the ring and they both made it clear that they want a piece of "Vicious" Johnny Valentine. Thesz argued that it was his fight as he has been at odds with the dangerous superstar for months, while Hart argued that he deserved revenge for last weeks chair shot. The bickering was brought to a halt as Buddy Rogers made his way out into the aisle way. Rogers had a mic and told both "little girls to stop bickering". Rogers said that while he understands the frustration both men must feel over not being as popular with the ladies as The Nature Boy & Johnny V, but it was no reason to argue. Rogers went on to say that he understands their match last week didn't end pleasantly. Rogers "offered" Hart a rematch inside a steel cage to make sure "that scoundrel" doesn't get involved. Rogers also informed both men, that while they argue over who gets to fight who, Valentine and himself were singing on the dotted line to fight matches. Valentine and Rogers had open contracts tonight, and both men were beaten to the punch as Miguel Perez had jumped at the opportunity for his own revenge against Valentine. Rogers told Hart that he would end his title reign and prove without a doubt that he is the best in the business. Hart accepted and Thesz again looked flustered over his inability to get a match against Johnny V.
Dominic DeNucci made Larry Hennig submit to an abdominal stretch in 0:06:23.
Rating: *
Dominic DeNucci has battled show in and show out and the same can be said for "Pretty Boy" Larry Hennig. Hennig has been focusing on his teaming with Angelo Mosca the last few months while DeNucci has been absorbing a beating. Hennig looked like he was going to follow in the footsteps of the Italian's previous foes as he was beginning to lay waste to DeNucci. Hennig tossed Dominic into the corner and went for an avalanche splash, but DeNucci moved and Hennig crashed hard against the turnbuckles and DeNucci locked in an abdominal stretch to get a quick submission victory. "The Axe" looked to get revenge, but Dominic DeNucci got out of dodge with his very first victory here in the WWWF.
Killer Kowalski and Haystacks Calhoun battled to a double disqualification in 0:11:07.
Rating: ***
These two behemouths have really grown a disdain for one another the last few months. Calhoun has been looking for revenge since Kowalski's vicious assault in Boston. Kowalski used this to his advantage throughout the match as Haystacks was a little over zealous. The fans were hot for this one and really let the competitors know it. A fan even threw a soda pop at Killer as he made his way to ringside. Kowalski and Calhoun have taken the violence to a new level here in Hartford. Rules seemingly went out the window as the official lost total control of this one as chairs were introduced into the match. Kowalski and Calhoun each had one and as they swung wrecklessly at each other. The official called for the bell for his own safety if not that of the competitors. It took a sea of officials to break this one up.
Johnny Valentine pinned Miguel Perez after an elbowsmash in 0:09:53.
Rating: **
The fans echoed Thesz's & Hart's resentment of Valentine from earlier as the "Vicious One" made his way out. Johnny got in the face of several hispanic fans in the front row who had signs cheering for Miguel Perez. It was only a few months ago that Valentine might of ended Perez's best friends career, with his near crippling of Antonino Rocca. Valentine has been on a path of destruction ever since and Perez has made it known that he wants revenge for Rocca. When Perez saw the open contract his eyes must of lit up, but signing on to fight such a dangerous opponent might not have been wise. Valentine put a beating on Miguel and mercifully put an end to this one around the 10 minute mark. Valentine set Perez up for the same destructive hanging figure four he locked Antonino in but before he could lock it on Lou Thesz was out and chasing him through the crowd. Valentine made a hasty retreat and last we saw of the two Johnny V was jumping in a cab and getting out of town as Thesz looked irate on the street corner.
Karl Gotch pinned Mark Lewin after a cradle piledriver in 0:01:44.
Mark Lewin suffered a back injury. He will be out for approximately 4 months.
Rating: **
This one was over quick as Mark Lewin suffered a serious injury on a cradle piledriver. Gotch is a machine and if he wasn't such a nice guy he really could have made this worse. After the piledriver "Maniac" Mark Lewin shrieked in pain. His back was damaged and he could miss up to 4 months or more rehabbing the injury.
The All Americans (Danny Hodge and Johnny Weaver) defeated The Rougeau Brothers (Jacques Rougeau and Johnny Rougeau) when J. Weaver pinned Johnny R. after a waistlock suplex in 0:14:04.
Rating: ** 3/4
The Rougeau Brothers had a slight mishap last month when Johnny was detained at the border and Jacques came out on the losing end of a singles match, not once but twice. Meanwhile The All Americans have been on a rocketship to the top, narrowly losing to The Graham Brothers in a #1 Contenders Match last month. This one was competitive throughout and The Rougeaus showed they were better then their last few performances. Jacques ate two pinfalls last month and this month it was Johnny's turn. Weaver hit a waistlock suplex and got the duke. The All Americans were celebrating at ringside with the fans when something inside of Jacques must of snapped. He grabbed the ring bell and dropped Weaver with a vicious shot to the ribs and drilled him once more in the head before Hodge chased him off. Weaver looked worse for wear but made his way to the back without medical assistance.
Lou Thesz pinned Bob Orton after the Doctor Bomb in 0:14:08.
Rating: ****
Lou Thesz was irate he couldn't get his hands on Johnny Valentine, but he hung around and was looking for a fight. "Bulldog" Bob Orton was more then game and he met the legend in the ring. Orton really gave the distracted Thesz more of a fight then he could've possibly wanted. Orton connected with several high impact suplexes and right hands. Orton actually looked as if he was gonna pick up the win with a bulldog takedown. But Thesz got the right shoulder up just before the 3 count. Thesz battled back and ultimately ended this one with a Doctor Bomb as he looks ahead to an inevitable confrontation with Valentine.
Mike DiBiase pinned Bobo Brazil with the Top Rope Kneedrop in 0:11:22.
Rating: **
(Mike DiBiase won the WWWF North American Heavyweight Title.)
This match came about as Bobo Brazil was looking to cement his legacy as a fighting champion and Mike DiBiase was coming off a big win versus 1/2 of the WWWF World Tag Team Champions, Dory Funk Sr. Brazil and DiBiase have a lengthy history with one another. DiBiase eliminated Brazil from the World Heavyweight Title Battle Royal, while Brazil defeated DiBiase in the North Amercian Title Tournament. Brazil has also defeated DiBiase in 2 subsequent battles, but DiBiase was hoping his 3rd attempt to capture the title would be his lucky charm. Both men came out guns blazing and tore into each other as the duo exchanged lefts and rights. Brazil managed to connect with the Coco Butt. However, "Iron" Mike was in the ropes and the official refused to make the count. This frustrated Bobo, and in a rare miscue he went to the top rope for a big splash. DiBiase was playing possum and moved out of the way. Mike grabbed control and was unrelenting. DiBiase connected with a picture perferct side suplex and mounted the ropes. Fans were screaming for their man to get off the mat, but he didn't. "Iron" Mike hit the Top Rope Kneedrop and this one was in the books. DiBiase had his hand raised and collected the North American Heavyweight Title as Bobo began to stir. Brazil looked like he had lost his only friend. Brazil has vowed to climb his way back to the top.
Crusher & Bruiser (The Crusher and Dick the Bruiser) defeated Team Japan (Antonio Inoki and Giant Baba) when Crusher pinned Baba after a powerslam in 0:16:32.
Rating: * 1/2
Last month Team Japan came to ringside and challenged Crusher & Bruiser because they were sick of being bullied and sick of watching heel teams break rules and cheat their way to countless victories. The young duo from the Orient really gave the veteran duo a fight. Baba and Bruiser were going toe to toe, when Baba flung Dick into the ropes, Crusher made the blind tag and Baba connected with the Crush Kick. Crusher ran into the ring as Baba was covering Bruiser, Crusher connected with the Bolo Punch to an unsuspecting Antonio Inoki in the corner, Baba got up and yelled at the official for not making the 3 count, but the ref tried to explain that Dick wasn't the legal man. Crusher hit a devastating clothesline and really laid into Giant Baba. After a powerslam Crusher put this one in the books. Despite winning this one cleanly, Baba & Inoki still feel cheated. Baba & Inoki have laid out the challenge once again, telling Dick the Bruiser & The Crusher that they won't let this travesty stand.
The Funks (Dory Funk Jr. and Dory Funk Sr.) and The Graham Brothers (Eddie Graham and Dr. Jerry Graham) battled to a draw in 0:30:00.
Rating: *** 1/4
(The Funks retained the WWWF World Tag Team Titles.)
The Graham Brothers are coming off a stellar couple of matches against The All Americans and were primed to take the titles from a dysfunctional Funk team. Dory Sr. & Dory Jr. are fighters though. These 4 men all wanted to walk out with gold around their waists, but in the end only 2 of them could. But it didn't mean anyone would be walking out with the winners share of the purse though. This one went the championship match time limit and after 30 minutes we were without a winner. The Grahams left the ring a bit dejected that they once again came up short in their quest, but they weren't the most upset. Senior was in the ring laying into Junior with a verbal beating, telling the younger Funk he failed to finish the job. He said Junior's repeated failures have left him no choice, and with that he dropped Lil' Dory with a wicked lariat. Senior left the ringside area and a woozy looking Junior grabbed a mic. He apologized for letting the fans down and said next month, he would make his pappy proud and told Eddie & Jerry Graham next month, he would score the victory and granted them a rematch for the titles.
Cage Match: Buddy Rogers pinned Stu Hart with the Figure-Four Leglock in 0:18:38.
Rating: *** 1/2
(Buddy Rogers won the WWWF World Heavyweight Title.)
This cage match was made to keep the match between the two competitors in the ring. The fans were sick of seeing Johnny Valentine interject himself in matches. Rogers' & Valentine's alliance in recent months has made everyone take notice of the duo. Hart has been frothing at the mouth to get revenge against them and so he gladly signed the contract for this championship cage match. Rogers had a game plan and he really took it to Hart. He attacked the legs of the champion and tried to lock in his Figure Four, but Hart had it countered. As the fight waged on, Valentine made his way to ringside to cheer on Rogers, but was met by Lou Thesz. The brawl in the aisle did nothing to distract Hart, and Hart connected with the Stu Hart Special laying The Nature Boy out. As Hart made his way through the door, it was slammed back in his face by LARRY HENNIG. ANGELO MOSCA was also out and he got in the ring and laid Hart out with a KING KONG SLAM. Hart was out and Rogers locked in the Figure Four to steal the title. Thesz and Valentine brawled into the ring where the heel foursome overwhelmed Hart & Thesz as the show drew to an end.
Card rating: ** 3/4
Match observations:
Stu Hart was robbed of the WWWF World Heavyweight Title at the hands of Buddy Rogers and Company. Hart and Thesz have vowed revenge on The Nature Boy, Valentine, Hennig, & Mosca. But at a numbers disadvantage can they really gain the upperhand in this rivalry?
Bobo Brazil also lost gold here tonight. Mike DiBiase took control of the WWWF North American Heavyweight Title.
Next Month we are back in Boston on the 17th:
World Heavyweight Title Match - Stu Hart vs Buddy Rogers (c)
World Tag Team Titles Match - The Funks (c) vs The Graham Brothers
Team Japan vs Dick The Bruiser & The Crusher
10 Man #1 Contender Battle Royal
