National Wrestling Legends

[bookerbill]

This is the flip side of my legends coin... National Wrestling Legends.

Card 01 – NWL @ Coliseum - Charlotte, NC January 1, year one

Koko B. Ware v. Chris Candido w/Tammy
Ware had the fans dancing at ringside prior to the match but once the action was underway the Birdman struggled to get anything going. However, with the fans support, Ware made a solid comeback building to a GHOSTBUSTER which only produced a two count. The action went back and forth as the match progressed with both men having moments in control. Candido was able to run Ware into the ringpost shoulder first and Ware was not able to recover with Candido getting the win after a BLONDE BOMB. * ½

Missing Link w/Abdullah Farouk v. Hacksaw Jim Duggan
No one expected any holds and counters in this one. The first flew from the opening bell with neither man backing down. The fans cheered every blow Duggan was able to land. Duggan was able to catch Link charging into the corner with an elbow to the head and then immediately followed with a FLYING SPEAR to get the three count. The fans were ecstatic at ringside as Duggan was announced the winner. Suddenly, Sabu storms the ring and attacks Duggan from behind drawing huge heat. Link joins the battle making it two on one. Duggan takes a beating before Bruiser Brody storms the ring with his chain in hand and breaks up the attack. Brody leaves just a quickly chasing Sabu and Link to the back. Duggan needs to be assisted from the ring (four card injury). * 1/2

Tag Team Title Tournament Semi Finals

Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane) w/Jim Cornette v. Last of the Famous International Playboys (Brutus Beefcake & Buff Bagwell)
The fans are all over Cornette as he leads Eaton and Lane to the ring. From the outset, the Express outclass their opponents cutting off Bagwell and making frequent tags. A Flapjack stuns Bagwell but he proves hard to defeat and eventually, with the fans support, makes the tag to Beefcake. Beefcake tries to slow the pace down but eventually he is also overcome by the Express. Beefcake is able to catch Lane on the top of the corner and tosses Lane to the mat turning the momentum. Beefcake then hits a FLYING KNEE SMASH for the stunning upset. **

Vachon Brothers (Mad Dog Vachon & Butcher Vachon) v. Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell)
Solid ovation for the Bees as they make their way to the ring. The action went back and forth as both teams were able to make use of frequent tags to keep a fresh man in the ring. The match came to a sudden end when Mad Dog Vachon took control of Brunzell with a bite to the forehead and then plants the Killer Bee with a PILEDRIVER to move on in the tournament to the finals. *

World Title Tournament

Bruiser Brody v. Masked Superstar
Brody made his return to the ring swinging his chain overhead. Brody just went on the offensive at the opening bell and never stopped. His attack including slams, suplexes, stomps and even a pair of figure four leglocks (ch). Superstar was able to keep his shoulders off the mat as he battled for his life. A Superstar Clothesline turned the match around and gave Superstar a near fall. The action went back and forth from that point until Brody was able to catch Superstar in the corner with a running slingshot and then crushed him with a JUMPING KNEE DROP to advance in the title tournament. **

Don Leo Jonathan v. Ed Lewis
Interesting clash of styles was next and many fans were curious to see how Lewis would deal with an opponent with the size advantage of Jonathan. Jonathan’s agility was on display in the opening moves and gave him the edge. The momentum evened out and then went to the floor. Both men traded forearms before Lewis decided to make use a chair and earned a disqualification. dud

Antonio Inoki v. George Hackenschmidt
There was a short puroesu ceremony prior to the opening bell that the fans were very respectful of. A handshake started off the action. Inoki was able to avoid Hackenschmidt’s power and gained the upper hand with a top rope knee drop. Hackenschmidt was in trouble from that point as Inoki attacked with an ENZUIGIRI followed by an OCTOPUS HOLD. Hackenschmidt was able to escape defeat both times but a second OCTOPUS HOLD was enough to weaken the European powerhouse enough that the following ENZUIGIRI downed him for the three count. **

Mil Mascaras v. Jim Londos
Both men are out to a solid ovation and shake hands at the bell. The story in this one was Londos trying to find a way to counter Mascaras’s superior strength and speed with little success. Londos managed to barely hang on as Mascaras kept coming throwing hold after hold at Londos in an effort to get the pin or submission. Londos kicked out after a CROSS BODY ATTACK. Twice Mascaras dove onto Londos at ringside rocking the fans but both times Londos rolled back into the ring at the count of 9 ½ to keep the action going. Finally, Londos found his opening reversing an Irish whip at ringside and sending Mascaras into the ring post injuring his shoulder. Back inside, Londos hit a perfect AIRPLANE SPIN but the referee’s hand came down just twice before Mascaras kicked out. Londos went to work on the shoulder and arm with back to back grinding arm bars and Mascaras submitted. Londos was onto the next round in yet another shocking upset. ****

[bookerbill]

Card 02 – NWL @ Civic Center - Roanake, VA January 8, year one

Mad Dog Vachon v. Koko B. Ware
It is not often that Ware has the size advantage in a contest. It made no difference to Vachon however who proceed to just brawl his way through Ware from the opening bell. Ware showed some fight during a brawl on the floor but could not maintain the advantage as Vachon rolled clear of a deathjump attempt moments later sending the Birdman crashing to the mat. Ware kicked out of the cover at two but Vachon followed with a PILEDRIVER for the win. *

Chris Candido w/Tammy v. Iron Mike DiBiase
The fans are all over Tammy from the opening bell. Good pace to this one including an impressive superplex by Candido early on. After a snap mare, Candido sends DiBiase into the ropes and on the rebound, DiBiase cradles Candido for the three count. The fans love it, obviously Tammy and Candido do not. Dud.

Killer Bees (Jim Brunzell & B. Brian Blair) v. Bob Orton Sr. and Cowboy Bob Orton
Great back and forth action early on with both sides making frequent tags. The Orton’s cut off Brunzell from his corner. A SUPERPLEX can only get a two count and a Blair saves his partner from a PILEDRIVER. Brunzell is finally able to get the hot tag to Blair but the Bees are never really able to turn the momentum. Both teams continue to make frequent tags until Orton plants Brunzell with a second PILEDRIVER and gets the win while Cowboy Bob Orton blocks Blair from making the save. * ½

Sabu w/Abdullah Farouk v. Justin Credible
The fans expected plenty of brawling and chaos in this one. Credible scored with an early DDT that stunned Sabu but he was able to catch Credible in the corner with a running slingshot to turn things around. Three times Sabu locked in the CAMEL CLUTCH but was not able to get the submission. Credible mounted a comeback after getting the best of the brawl on the floor but THAT’S INCREDIBLE only resulted in a two count. The intensity picked up and Credible cracked Sabu with a SINGAPORE CANE earning a disqualification. Things really pick up from there as Missing Link storms the ring making it two on one against Credible. Suddenly Hacksaw Jim Duggan hits the ring in street clothes with his 2 x 4 in hand to break things up before Credible can be injured. **

Ed Lewis v. George Hackenschmidt
A very interesting matchup was next as two of the real mat specialists squared off. A handshake gets the action started. Hackenschmidt is able to frustrate Lewis for a large portion of the match slowing building his offense until a twisting heel hook nearly gets the win followed by a RUSSIAN BEAR HUG which Lewis is somehow able to escape. Lewis is able to reverse a whip at ringside and Hackenschmidt goes into the ringpost. It is the break the Lewis needed and he takes over the offensive of the bout. Lewis then builds to back to back STRANGLER’S HEADLOCKS but Hackenschmidt won’t give up. Lewis runs Hackenschmidt into the ring rails causing an uproar from ringside but the action continues. Lewis goes back to the STRANGLER’S HEADLOCK and third and fourth time to finally get the comeback win. The win causes some to question why Lewis was not included in the NWL Title Tournament. ***

Masked Superstar & Midnight Express (Stan Lane & Bobby Eaton) w/Jim Cornette v. Mil Mascaras & The Last of the International Playboys (Brutus Beefcake & Buff Bagwell)
Last week the Playboys stunned the fans by eliminating Cornette’s Midnight Express from the NWL Tag Team Title Tournament and Eaton and Lane wanted another shot at the Playboys as soon as possible. Eaton looked impressive against Beefcake early on but Bagwell was able to turn things around with his power advantage. Lane and Bagwell traded moves and Mascaras then tagged in for a slingshot plancha that earned a solid ovation. Defensive tags gave the advantage back to the Express. Eaton was able to catch Mascaras with a running slingshot in the corner and gave way to Superstar who immediately went for the win with a SPINNING NECKBREAKER. Mascaras kicked out and Superstar then locked in a COBRA HOLD but Mascaras made the ropes. Superstar then connected with a second SPINNING NECKBREAKER for the stunning three count. Mascaras continues to struggle. **

World Title Tournament Semi Finals

Bruiser Brody v. Don Leo Jonathan
This battle of the big men was epic. The story in this one is Brody dominating the action in the ring but just not being able to find a way to get the pin. For the most part the action stays in the ring which surprized some but there was certainly significant intensity between the ropes. A one handed body slam on the Mormon Giant is something to behold. As the action wore one both men had chances on top. Things began to break down as both men tired and the action when to the floor. Brody was busted open but battled back to connect with a JUMPING KNEE SMASH that likely would have led to the win but Abdullah Farouk lead Missing Link & Sabu to ringside which distracted both Brody and the official. Hacksaw Jim Duggan & Justin Credible arrived and brawled with Link and Sabu to the back. The action continued and Jonathan was able to capitalise on the break hitting a MORMON SWING to advance to the tournament finals in controversial fashion. *****

Antonio Inoki v. Jim Londos
A brief puroesu ceremony and a handshake gets things underway. Inoki is a machine tonight and absolutely dominates the action. Londos survives an ENZUIGIRI and is nearly counted out twice before Inoki traps Londos in an OCTOPUS HOLD to earn the second spot in the tournament finals. *

[bookerbill]

Card 03 – NWL @ Civic Center - Asheville, NC, January 15, year one

Butcher Vachon v. Buff Bagwell
This was the first of two previews of what the fans could expect next week in Greensboro when The Last of the Famous International Playboys battle the Vachons in the Tag Team Tournament finals. Bagwell looks very impressive early on and even picks up a near fall after a double arm DDT but when the action goes to the floor Vachon takes over. Bagwell struggled the balance of the match and falls to a backbreaker. *

Iron Mike DiBiase v. Chris Candido w/Tammy
Candido demanded this rematch after DiBiase’s victory last week. DiBiase controls the action early forcing Candido to the floor. DiBiase comes out after Candido who grabs a chair. However, DiBiase is able to get control of the chair and cracks Candido with it earning himself a disqualification in the process. dud

Killer Bees (Jim Brunzell & B. Brian Blair) v. Midnight Express (Stan Lane & Bobby Eaton) w/Jim Cornette
Both of these teams have struggled early on and are looking to get back into the hunt for the Tag Team Titles. Although the Bees pushes the action, it was defensive tags that were the highlights early on with both teams making frequent switches to keep a fresh man in. Blair ended up in against Eaton and caught Eaton with a lateral guillotine that really woke up the fans. The Bees then connected for a BEE STING on Eaton allowing Brunzell to make the cover and take the huge victory. It was hard to tell who was more stunned, the fans or Cornette. *

Cowboy Bob Orton v. Bruiser Brody
Brody has the fans running for cover as he cuts his way to ringside with a swinging chain. Orton showed no fear and in fact took the fight directly to Brody scoring a very near fall with a roll up early on and then planting Brody with a SUPERPLEX for a 2 ¾ count. The fans loved the action in this one as Brody slowly brawled his way back into the match. Just when thought you had seen everything, Brody nails a cross body block deathjump for a near fall. It went back and forth with Brody picking up near falls after a one handed body slam and big boot to the face. Orton nearly ended it again with a second rope splash but Brody was able to kick out the cover. Brody then seemed to take it to the next level including a figure four leglock (ch) before connecting with a JUMPING KNEE DROP for the three count. *** ½

Mad Dog Vachon v. Brutus Beefcake
Beefcake was looking to do better than his partner early in the evening in the second of the two singles matches between the teams in the Tag Team Title tournament finals. Vachon takes control early but Beefcake is able to counter and connects with a FLYING KNEE SMASH out of nowhere for a 2 ¾ count. Vachon then becomes tangled in the ropes and Beefcake moves in to attack. The referee attempts to free Vachon but Beefcake shoves the official to the mat and unloads on Vachon. The referee calls for the disqualification. The referee is not impressed and neither are the fans. *

Mil Mascaras v. Masked Superstar w/Jim Cornette
The fans were anything but pleased to see Cornette back at ringside. Superstar picked up the huge pinfall on Mascaras last week in the six man tag match and Mascaras was looking for some payback in this battle of masked competitors. This one was awesome. Mascaras was clearly fired up for another chance at the Superstar and really took the action to his opponent. Mascaras had the match won with a FLYING BODYPRESS but Cornette was able to cause a distraction which was the exact thing Superstar needed to start his comeback. Superstar was not able to get the submission with two COBRA HOLDS and a sleeper also failed to finish Mascaras off. Mascaras stormed back and nearly won the match with a CROSSBODY ATTACK but Superstar kicked out of the cover. Outside, Superstar rammed Mascaras into the ring post back first but the referee let the action continue. In the ring, Superstar could not capitalize and Mascaras was able to battle back and get the pin with a CROSSBODY ATTACK. **** ½

Ed Lewis v. Jim Londos
Fans were really excited to see this classic matchup on tonight’s card and many wondered why it was not booked in the main event slot given the history between these two competitors. Londos and Lewis wasted no time in trading holds and it was Londos who caught the first break with a crotch lift and slam. Londos then worked the arm before hitting back to back AIRPLANE SPINS. Lewis kicked out of both covers but Londos kept on him with a Sleeper Grip that forced Lewis to the ropes. Londos then dragged a semi-conscious Lewis to the middle of the ring and locked in a BOSTON CRAB for the huge win. **

Sabu & Missing Link w/Abdullah Farouk v. Hacksaw Jim Duggan (inj) & Justin Credible
No real surprize who the fans were backing tonight but many wondered if Duggan, with his body still bandaged up, could trust Credible. Duggan showed no signs of being held back by his injury early on as he went right after Sabu in and out of the ring with the fans cheering each blow. Duggan then hit a FLYING SPEAR and hooked the leg for the three count (cat’s eyes). It is chaos after the bell as a wild brawl breaks out. The faces appear to have the upper hand when suddenly The Sheik comes out of nowhere and attacks Duggan with a pencil while Link and Sabu pound Credible. Sheik traps a bloody Duggan in a CAMEL CLUTCH drawing off the charts heat from ringside. The fans then appear to panic as Bruiser Brody cuts his way into the chaos with his chain and Farouk wisely gathers his army and retreats to the back. Duggan needs medical assistance to leave the ring (five card injury). **

News Update: The official in charge of the Mad Dog Vachon v. Brutus Beefcake match has filed a complaint with NWL Management after being shoved by Beefcake during the contest. Not only did this cost Beefcake the match by disqualification but it may have cost Beefcake much more as well. NWL takes the protection of their referees very seriously and as a result they have suspended Beefcake for one card. Beefcake, and his partner Buff Bagwell, are booked to face the Vachon Brothers next week in the finals of the Tag Team Title Tournament. As of now, it is unknown what will happen next week as the NWL faces its first major controversy.

[cruefan68]

Godd stuff BB, I really liked the suspension angle with Brutus Beefcake and how it puts the tag title match in some jeopardy. Looking forward to seeing how it is resolved. Overall excellent show.

[bookerbill]

Opening the Book: Setting up the Hardcore Battle

When I put together the roster for the NWL I was immediately drawn to the possibility of pitting Bruiser Brody against The Sheik. However, Brody was booked into the title tournament while The Sheik was not so I needed to set the stage for a battle down the road. I had already booked the first card with Hacksaw Duggan against Missing Link which I thought would be a fun brawl to roll out. However, I have heard Duggan speak of the influence Brody had on him early in his career so I put Abdullah Farouk with Link with the idea perhaps Sheik would interfere in the match and that would set up a tag team battle between Link/Sheik and Brody/Duggan. Sure enough the match ended with doubles and the stage was set for some post match action. However, I called an audible and decided to have Sabu interfere instead of the Sheik. (I had also wanted to face Sabu and Justin Credible off and I thought Credible, with his Sinapore Cane, and Duggan, with his 2 x 4 would make an interesting team) What started as a build to Brody v. Sheik had turned into a potential six man tag team feud with lots of possible match ups. The next step in the feud was Sabu against Credible on card 2. A disqualification finish let me roll on the chart created by EpicDave and once again Duggan, Sabu, Link and Credible ended up in the ring together. The next step was dealing with Brody in the title tournament. I was happy to have Brody go to the finals but the dice once again worked in my favour. Sabu and Link tipped the scale for Jonathan’s and Brody was out of the running had had further reasons to seek revenge against Farouk’s army. The stage was then set for the tag team showdown on Card 3 between Sabu & Link against Duggan & Credible. Although the match was a squash, the action after the bell was perfect (have to love Cat’s Eyes). Sheik arrived and Brody cleaned house. Duggan was the victim and will be out of action now (in my fed wrestlers are out of action while a double injury is in play) so we have Brody and Credible left to battle Farouk’s Army. The six man war will have to wait a few cards but I am looking forward to the next set of bouts between the two factions. Will Duggan, Brody & Credible be able to co-exist and trust one another. Can Sabu and Link trust The Sheik & Farouk. Brody v. Sheik might be a bust (not sure the card mechanics will work well together or not) but it has been fun getting there. Hope everyone has enjoyed the action so far.

I also wanted to expand on the suspension angle with Brutus Beefcake and particular give a shout out to Dayton Dave. The suspension was a direct result of the roll on the Suspension Chart created by Dayton Dave and not a decision I would normally make on my own. It does set up several possibilities. Will Buff Bagwell fight the Vachons on his own? Will the match be put off? Will the Vachons be awarded the belts by default? Will Bagwell be able to pick a replacement partner? Dave’s charts are a lot of fun to use and I would suggest anyone looking to try something different, check them out. I don’t use them all (I set aside the Mayhem Table) but they can both add to your action and challenge you as a booker at the same time. Great work DD

[EpicDave]

Thanks for the shoutout, BB. Any suggestions you have for improvements to the charts are welcome!

[bookerbill]

Card 04 – NWL @ Coliseum, Greensboro, NC, January 22, year one “Battle for the Belts”
Junior Heavyweight Title Tournament Round One

Jim Londos v. Koko B. Ware
Those who gave Ware no chance at all in this one to pull out the upset were proven foolish as Ware showed he could go hold for hold with Londos. At one point Ware landed three straight flying headbutts but could only get a two count. Twice Londos appeared to have the match won with an AIRPLANE SPIN but both times the Birdman was able to get the shoulder up. Ware landed back to back GHOSTBUSTERS but could not get the win. The action went back and forth until Ware caught Londos with a running slingshot in the corner and then landed back to back GHOSTBUSTERS (the fourth and fifth of the bout!) to get the three count. ****

George Hackenschmidt v. Iron Mike DiBiase
Hackenschmidt barely made the weight requirement for this tournament and held a distinctive power advantage going into tonight’s action. DiBiase quickly negated that advantage with an impressive offensive flurry that included back to back to back TOP ROPE KNEE DROPS. To his credit Hackenschmidt did not go down that easily. Hackenschmidt kicked out and kicked out again and again. He survived an abdominal stretch and an assault at ringside before a fourth TOP ROPE KNEE DROP ended it. ** ½

Sabu w/Abdullah Farouk v. Chris Candido w/Tammy
This one is over before it is even really started. Candido forces Sabu to the floor with an illegal choke and the runs Sabu face first into the ringside rails. The referee is obviously looking for an excuse to end this one early and calls for the disqualification. Sabu is onto the next round. dud

Ed Strangler Lewis v. Justin Credible
Lewis dominated the early action which lead to two STRANGLER’S HEADLOCKS but Credible showed some toughness and did not give in. The onslaught continued and Lewis nearly took the win with a full nelson. Late in the contest, Credible made a huge comeback including a SINGAPORE CANE blow and THAT’S INCREDIBLE but Lewis found a way to kick out both times. A superkick nearly took off Lewis’ head and lead to a deathjump cross body block that gave Credible a two and half count. Credible then landed another SINGAPORE CANE shot and covered Lewis for the pin. ****

Junior Heavyweight Title Tournament Semi Finals

Koko B. Ware v. Iron Mike DiBiase
Ware has the fans dancing prior to the match but finds himself in trouble early on. DiBiase connects with a TOP ROPE KNEE DROP but cannot get the three count. Ware comes back with back to back cross bodyblocks and the action goes to the floor where DiBiase runs Ware into the ring post shoulder first and exits the tournament via disqualification. *

Sabu w/Abdullah Farouk v. Justin Credible
The fans had an expectation of chaos heading into this one and were not disappointed. Credible really dominated the action and even nailed Sabu with a SINGAPORE CANE for a near fall. Credible hit a second SINGAPORE CANE shot. Farouk was not able to cause a distraction but Missing Link and The Sheik arriving at ringside did. Credible dove out onto Link just a Bruiser Brody arrived with his chain in hand starting a crazy brawl. Security arrived and Credible returned to the ring to carry on with the match. The action went to the floor again and Credible again used a chair to bust open Sabu. The referee decided that enough was enough and disqualified Credible. The referee intervenes but Credible shoves the official to the floor and carries on with his attack as Sabu and Farouk retreat to the back. ** ½

Tag Team Title Tournament Finals

The Vachon Brothers are introduced to a round of boos. It is announced that due to the suspension of Brutus Beefcake, the team of the Last of the International Playboys have been forced to forfeit the match and as a result, Mad Dog Vachon & Butcher Vachon are your first tag team champions. As the brothers congratulate each other and strap the belts on the announcer addresses the crowd again. “Our next contest is for the NWL Tag Team Titles!” The Vachons are not happy but the Killer Bees are out and we have tag team title match after all.

Vachon Brothers (Mad Dog Vachon & Butcher Vachon) v. Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Bruznell)
The fans are solidly behind the Bees. Both teams make plenty of tags early on as the momentum goes back and forth. Blair gets cut off from his corner and takes a beating in and out of the ring but the Vachon’s are unable to get a pin attempt before Brunzell tags back into the match. Butcher Vachon is able to overpower Brunzell leading up to a HANGMAN but Brunzell survives. Mad Dog Vachon tags in and plants Brunzell with a PILEDRIVER. Butcher blocks Blair from making the save and the Vachon Brothers retain the belts. **

Junior Heavyweight Title Tournament Finals

Sabu w/Abdullah Farouk v. Koko B. Ware
The fans are solidly behind the Birdman. The action starts out quickly and Ware mounts the corner for a deathjump but Sabu slams him to the mat. Sabu then grabs a chair and hits an Arabian facebuster. The referee calls for the disqualification. Koko B. Ware is the first NWL Junior Heavyweight Champion! dud

NWL World Title Tournament Finals

Antonio Inoki v. Don Leo Jonathan
Media from around the globe are at ringside to cover the tournament finals. There is a lengthy puroesu ceremony prior to the match. Inoki looks like a superstar from the opening match and dominates the bout. Jonathan escapes an OCTOPUS HOLD and then kicks out after a ENZUIGIRI but Inoki just keeps coming. A top rope knee drop sets up a belly to back suplex that has to been seen to be believed. Inoki covers and wins the NWL World Title! * ½

News update: NWL Management has been busy once again following tonight’s action and have focused their attention of Justin Credible and his attack on a NWL official. The NWL has suspended Credible for four fight cards for his actions. Credible was obviously not pleased with the news and vowed to take out his frustrations on all of Farouk’s army when he returns to action.

[bookerbill]

Card 05 – NWL @ Cumberland Country Civic Center, Fayetteville, NC, January 29, year one

Mil Mascaras v. Chris Candido w/Tammy
Big ovation for Mascaras as he comes to the ring. Many of the fans are surprised to see the Mexican legend so low on the card. Mascaras dominates the action after a few minutes of back and forth. Mascaras thrills the fans with a pair of slingshot planchas and ties Candido up in knots in between the high flying spots. Candido shows his frustration running Mascaras shoulder first into the ring post and is disqualified. *

Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane) w/Jim Cornette v. Cowboy Bob Orton and Bob Orton Sr.
The fans did not care for either one of these teams but there was something intriguing about this match up. The Express uses frequent tags to keep Orton Sr. in the ring early on but Orton manages to kick out of a pin attempt by Eaton before getting the tag himself. Lane gets worked over by both Ortons before the Express catch Orton Sr. with a flapjack out of nowhere for a very near fall. Lane takes the battle to the floor but Orton Sr. gets the best of Lane and when the action goes back into the ring, Orton plants Lane with a PILDRIVER. Cowboy Bob Orton blocks Bobby Eaton from making the save and Orton Sr. gets the three count. The Express continue to struggle. * ½

Ed “Strangler” Lewis v. Iron Mike DiBiase
After an early exchange of counters, DiBiase explodes with back to back TOP ROPE KNEE DROPS but cannot get the three count. Lewis slows the pace but DiBiase manages to escape a STRANGLER’S HEADLOCK. The action continues to go back and forth with DiBiase pressing the attack until he is able to wrap up Lewis in an abdominal stretch to claim the submission victory. **

Masked Superstar w/Jim Cornette v. Don Leo Jonathan
Loads of skill and power in the ring between these two competitors. Superstar gets the early advantage and tries unsuccessfully for the submission with a CORBA HOLD. Jonathan gets the fans behind him and mounts a comeback leading to a MORMON SWING. The fans love it but Superstar finds a way to get his shoulder up. The action goes back and forth between the two with no clear advantage. Jonathan is able to catch Superstar in a second MORMON SWING and would have had the match won but Cornette was able to distract the referee keeping Superstar alive. The distraction was key as Jonathan scaled the corner for a deathjump in the moments afterwards but Superstar rolled clear sending Jonathan crashing to the mat. Superstar wise hooked the leg and claimed the win. ** ½.

Jim Londos v. George Hackenschmidt
A handshakes gets the action underway in this one. This one was fantastic. Hackenschmidt asserted himself early with his power but Londos showed some fire of his own when he refused to submit during back to back to back to back RUSSIAN BEAR HUGS. Londos came back with a pair of BOSTON CRABS before the action went to the floor. Londos maintained the advantage sending Hackenschmidt into the ring rails. Londos with two AIRPLANE SPINS but could not get the three count. Hackenschmidt then took control with a vertical suplex. After another altercation at ringside, Hackenschmidt trapped Londos in another RUSSIAN BEAR HUG. Londos battled free but Hackenschmidt applied the hold again and this time Londos submitted. *****

Junior Heavyweight Title – Koko B. Ware (ch) v. Sabu w/Abdullah Farouk
Many insiders are still scratching their heads over Ware’s Title Tournament win but the fans really seem to enjoy the Birdman and his dancing ways. Ware title reign ultimately proved to be a short one as Sabu was able to avoid a standing dropkick, catch Ware with a punch and followed with a slingshot leg drop for the three count. Sabu is your new Junior Heavyweight Champion. *

Bruiser Brody v. Missing Link w/Abdullah Farouk
With Hacksaw Jim Duggan injured and Justin Credible under suspension, Brody has suddenly found himself alone in his war with Farouk’s Army. However, Brody has never been one to run away from a challenge. As expected, there was nothing pretty about this one with both men brawling from the outset. The action went in and out of the ring. Brody executed a one handed body slam that sent Link to the floor. Outside, Brody grabbed his chain and choked out Link. The referee quickly called for the disqualification. The fight continues after the bell as Sabu joins Link to make it two on one. Suddenly, Hacksaw Jim Duggan arrives with his 2 x 4 in hand breaking up the attack. * ½

NWL Tag Team Title Match – Vachon Brothers (Mad Dog Vachon & Butcher Vachon) (ch) v. The Last of the Famous International Playboys (Brutus Beefcake & Buff Bagwell)
There is some bad blood between these two teams after the events leading up to the conclusion the Tag Team Title Tournament. Both teams are able to make defensive tags early on until Bagwell gets caught in the ring and nearly is pinned after a Mad Dog Pounce. The Playboys even the action out with a series of tags. Butcher Vachon is able to overpower Bagwell and the action spills to the floor. Both men brawl around the ring but Vachon grabs his title belt and decks Bagwell. The referee calls for the bell and disqualifies the champions. The Vachon Brothers grab their belts and head to the back to a chorus of boos. *

[bookerbill]

Official Rankings

NWF World Champion: Antonio Inoki
1. Bruiser Brody
2. Sabu – Junior Heavyweight Champion
3. Mil Mascaras
4. Don Leo Jonathan
5. Mad Dog Vachon
6. Masked Superstar
7. Iron Mike DiBiase
8. Jim Londos
9. George Hackenschmidt
10. Ed Lewis

Card 06 – NWL @ Auditorium, West Palm Beach, FLA, February 5th year one

Chris Candido w/Tammy v. Koko B. Ware
Candido was looking to move up the rankings with a victory over the former Junior Heavyweight Champion. Ware had the fans behind him from the outset but struggled to get something going. Ware eventually made his comeback and the fans ate it up. However, despite a near fall after a cross body block Ware could not get the pin. Candido came back and needed to BLONDE BOMBS to put the Birdman away. **

Cowboy Bob Orton & Bob Orton Sr. v. Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell)
Both these teams put on a solid display of defensive wrestling especially the Bees early on when the Ortons are pressing the attack. Brunzell gets himself in some trouble when he is cut off for a stretch from his corner. Orton picks up a near fall off a middle rope splash while Orton Sr. attempts a submission with a spinning toehold. Brunzell is eventually able to get the hot tag and the Bees explode against Cowboy Bob Orton including a BEE STING but Orton Sr. makes the save. Orton kicks out after a KILLER DROPKICK and then Blair traps him in a SLEEPER. Brunzell block the pin save and the Bees have a big win. ***

Mad Dog Vachon v. Brutus Beefcake
An interesting mix of brawling and wresting between these two men as one half of the tag team champions took on one half of their top challengers. Vachon punched and clawed his way into control and added in an airplane spin for a near fall. Beefcake showed he could brawl as well getting the best of several exchanges including a wild brawl at ringside. Vachon stepped up the violence when he clocked Beefcake with his title belt at ringside and Beefcake never really recovered. Vachon planted Beefcake with back to back PILEDRIVERS to get the three count. ** ½

Ed Lewis v. Jim Londos
The fans were really looking forward to another showdown between these two enemies. This was epic and both men traded counter after counter. Londos was finally able to break away and dominated the match working the arm and leg of Lewis nearly getting the submission with both a figure four leglock (ch) and a grinding arm bar. Lewis started a comeback at ringside running Londos into the ring post drawing huge heat. Lewis then went to work with multiple STRANGLER’S HEADLOCKS but Londos refused to give in. The momentum switched again and Londos gained the upper hand with a crotch lift and slam for a near fall. Lewis then powered his way back into control slowing the pace with a series of bear hugs (ch), full nelsons and half nelsons before finally grinding out a submission with the sixth STRANGLER’S HEADLOCK on the contest. **** ½

Don Leo Jonathan v. Masked Superstar w/Jim Cornette
Jonathan has the fans behind him and beats Superstar from corner to corner early on. Cornette is able to cause a distraction that saves Superstar from the MORMON SWING and then kicks out after a giant swing. The action goes to the floor and Superstar runs Jonathan into the ring post drawing huge heat. This sets up a COBRA HOLD and SPINNING NECKBREAKER back to back without victory. The action is back and forth for the balance of the match until Superstar catches Jonathan in the corner with an elbow to the face and then follows with a SPINNING NECKBREAKER for the three count. ** ½

George Hackenschmidt v. Iron Mike DiBiase
Promoters have announced that the winner of this one gets the next Junior Heavyweight Title shot so both men were focused on the task at hand as the action got underway. Both men counter wrestle well before Hackenschmidt is able to overpower DiBiase which leads to a RUSSIAN BEAR HUG but DiBiase is able to hang on. Iron Mike comes back and nails a deathjump smash that takes out the referee but only monetarily. The action carries on and DiBiase is really beginning to press the advantage. Hackenschmidt goes into the rope and on the rebound stuns DiBiase with an inside cradle for the three count. Hackenschmidt will face Sabu for the Junior Heavyweight Title on the next card. **

Sabu & Missing Link w/Abdullah Farouk v. Bruiser Brody & Hacksaw Jim Duggan (Inj 3)
The ovation for Duggan and Brody is off the charts but many fans were wondering Hacksaw was coming back too soon from his injuries. No surprized that Brody starts the match and brawls with Link. Sabu tags in and nails a slingshot legdrop that sends Brody to the floor. Sabu is outside and the fans are running for cover as Brody and Sabu tear apart ringside. Sabu takes things to the next level when he cracks Brody with a chair shot. The referee makes the disqualification call. Sabu then decks the referee and that is when things really get nuts. Duggan grabs his 2 x 4 and Brody manages to grab his chain. Farouk wisely gathers up his team and heads to the back before any more damage can be done. *

World Title Match – Antonio Inoki (ch) v. Mil Mascaras
There is a lengthy puroesu ceremony prior to the match and there is extensive international media at ringside for the match. The pace in this one was incredible and the action was very closely contested. Both men told an excellent story with Mascaras trying for the high flying moves and Inoki uses a ground attack. Inoki made use of karate kicks to the leg to slow down his challenger but Mascaras proved equal to the task as the two began to exchange mat counters including dueling octopus holds and bow and arrows. The match flowed in and out of the ring. Inoki mixed in some top rope moves as well as both men exchanged near falls. The fans thought it was over with a CROSSBODY ATTACK from Mascaras but Inoki kicked out of the cover. Mascaras used his strength advantage to gain the upper hand as the action went on. Late in the contest, Mascaras connected with a deathjump smash and then mounted the corner for a second one but Inoki rolled clear and Mascaras crashed to the mat. Inoki hooked the leg but Mascaras kicked out at 2 ¾. The fans were in hysterics at this point as both men stumbled to their feet exhausted and Inoki connected with an ENZUIGIRI. Inoki just had enough energy to lay a hand across Mascaras to retain the title. Huge ovation from ringside for both men as Inoki is announced as the winner. *****

News Update: As a result of this attack on an NWL official tonight, management has decided to suspend the reigning Junior Heavyweight Champion Sabu for five fight cards! As a result, Sabu has been stripped of his title. Therefore, NWL management has announced that George Hackenschmidt will take on Ed Lewis for the vacant championship.

[bookerbill]

Card 07 – NWL @ Dorton Arena, Raleigh, NC, February 12th year one

Koko B. Ware v. Cowboy Bob Orton
This one was meant to be a fun opener to get the crowd going but the ending took some by surprize. Ware really showcased his agility early on before Orton was able to counter a spinning neckbreaker (ch) and take over the match. Orton hit a SUPERPLEX but could only get two. The action went to the floor where Orton showed some frustration and decked Ware with a chair shot. The bell sounded and Orton was disqualified. Orton decides to inflict some more punishment but Ware is game and battles back. Ware nails Orton with a cross body off the apron to the floor that sends both man crashing into the barrier. Orton comes up limping and appears to have a lower body injury. (Orton 3 cards) **

Iron Mike DiBiase v. Jim Londos
The crowd was really looking forward to this match up and especially seeing Londos in action. He does not disappoint and goes to work after few minutes of opening exchanges. A short arm scissors leads to a crotch lift and slam that stuns DiBiase. Londos follows with back to back AIRPLANE SPINS and get the victory. *

Buff Bagwell v. Butcher Vachon
Co-Tag Team Champion Vachon is greeted with great heat but does not really seem to care. Vachon overpowers Bagwell very early in the match leading to back to back backbreakers. Vachon then cranks up the heat biting Bagwell and then hooking the leg for the three count (Snake Eyes!). Mad Dog Vachon arrives and the beat down of Bagwell continues. Brutus Beefcake then hits the ring to assist his partner but is taken out by Mad Dog. The Vachons then piledrive Bagwell on the arena floor! The Vachons are removed by security and Bagwell goes out on a stretcher. (10 card injury) dud

Killer Bees (Jim Brunzell & Jim Brunzell) v. Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane) w/Jim Cornette
The Express continue to look for some success in the NWL having struggled since the very first card. Tonight does not start well for them as the Bees are all over their opponents from the opening bell. Blair almost submits Eaton with a SLEEPER and later Lane survives a KILLER DROPKICK. Lane is cut off from his corner for some time and looks to be about finished when he is somehow able to get the best of a brawl on the floor against Blair. Back inside, Eaton is tagged in fresh and the Express crush Blair with a VEG-O-MATIC. Eaton makes the cover while Lane trips up Brunzell. The Express have a big win. **

Mil Mascaras v. Don Leo Jonathan
A very interesting match-up of power v. skill was next and the action started with a handshake. Mascaras was able to get a quick start and which lead to Jonathan being tied up in an octopus hold. Mascaras took flight with back to back FLYING BODYPRESSES but could not get the three count. Jonathan showed he was no slouch and battled back making a match of it. Mascaras rocked the fans with a full nelson suplex (ch) that shook the ring. Johnathan scored with a roll up after avoiding Mascaras’ dive in the corner. In the end however, Mascaras was too quick and picked up the three count with a CROSSBODY ATTACK. ***

Junior Heavyweight Title – Ed Strangler Lewis v. George Hackenschmidt
With Sabu stripped of the title, Lewis and Hackenschmidt were selected by the championship committee to battle for the Junior Heavyweight Title. There was a real main event atmosphere at ringside for this one. Lewis picked up the win last time these two clashed but Hackenschmidt was focused machine from the outset of this bout tonight. In the battle of submissions, the big Russian was clearly the better man on this occasion. The submission attempts came early and often. Twice Lewis battled out of RUSSIAN BEARHUG but Hackenschmidt would not let up. He attacked from the top of the buckles and on the mat. Lewis had no answers. A single leg pickup and slam gave Hackenschmidt a near fall and then he clamped on another RUSSIAN BEARHUG to claim the title. ** ½

The Sheik & Missing Link w/Abdullah Farouk v. Hacksaw Jim Duggan (Inj 2) & Bruiser Brody
From a bout featuring mat science to an all out street fight. The fans want Brody v. Sheik but they have to wait as Link battles Brody early on before Duggan tags into the action to a solid ovation. Link gets the advantage and Sheik is quick to get into the match while his side has the upper hand using a sharp object to bust open Duggan. Duggan is able to get the tag to Brody and the Arena explodes as Brody tears into the Sheik. The action goes to the floor and Sheik makes use a chair. The referee quickly calls for the disqualification. All four men brawl after the bell until security arrives to break things up. * ½

World Title Antonio Inoki (ch) v. Masked Superstar w/Jim Cornette
The champion starts out strong and dominates the opening minutes of this one picking on a pair of near falls including one after an ENZUIGIRI. Superstar is game tonight however and battles back. A Superstar Clothesline nearly knocks Inoki out of his boots and leads to a near fall for the challenger. Superstar makes use of both a COBRA HOLD and SPINNING NECKBREAKER but cannot get the win. Cornette is clearly in hysterics on the floor as the action goes back and forth. Things start to break down as both men show some frustration. Superstar runs Inoki into the ring side rails but the sight of his own blood fires up Inoki who catches Superstar on the top of the corner and tosses him to the mat. Inoki’s own deathjump attempt misses the mark and Inoki collides with Superstar’s boot. Outside, Inoki is able to turn things around, reversing a whip and sending Superstar into the ring post. The advantage is short lived however and Superstar makes use of a spinning neckbreaker (ch) to turn the match back in his favour. Superstar connects with a deathjump clothesline that looks sick. He mounts the corner again for a deathjump cross body but Inoki has counters with a perfect powerslam. 1, 2, 3 and Inoki pulls out the stunning victory. ****

There was once again an emergency meeting of NWL management following tonight’s card due to address the actions of the Tag Team Champions Butcher and Mad Dog Vachon. After careful consideration and hearing from the involved parties, the disciplinary sub committee has determined that both Butcher and Mad Dog Vachon would be suspended for one card and as a result, they will not be able to make their title defence against The Last of the International Playboys next week. The matter was further complicated as it is unlikely that Buff Bagwell will be medically cleared to compete by next week so the titles could not awarded to the Playboys by forfeit. Therefore, NWL management has declared the titles vacant, stripping the Vachon’s of the belts! As a result, next will feature a four team one night tournament to determine new Tag Team Champions. Brutus Beefcake will be allowed to enter the tournament with a partner of his choosing. In addition, the competition committee in conjunction with the disciplinary sub committee has decided that the Vachons would not be granted an immediate title match upon their return to action. A big shake up in the NWL Tag Team division.