Thanks as always for the comments Pariah, Bookerbill and Crimson. Greg Valentine has proven to be tough to beat for the LOW International Heavyweight title as even a solid effort by Tommy Rich didn't result in a title change. I think it's the combo of a solid card and the presence of Captain Lou Albano in his corner. At any rate I really enjoyed rolling out that SWA card and I actually finished another one so here is the latest edition of LOW All-Star Wrestling. The next few cards after this will be a three show tour of Japan for Kings Road United...LOW All-Star Wrestling (Episode 55) - WMC-TV5 Studios - Memphis, TN (Card #961)Announcers Lance Russell & Dave Brown welcomed the studio audience and home viewers for what was expected to be another exciting edition of LOW All-Star Wrestling. Russell noted that LOW Commissioner Charlie Cox had some big news to announce but before they could even get to it there was an interruption that has been becoming a regular thing on ASW – an uninvited appearance by manager Truth Martini representing the House of Truth in the IWA.
LR: “Ok, Ok Martini why on earth are you out here again, you and your Book of Truth?”
TM: “Lance Russell, you banana nosed poor excuse for an announcer, you have no right to question me like that. I am Truth Martini and there is only one way to kick off this broadcast and that is with my soon to be record setting LOW Tex-Arkana Television champion Roderick Strong. But before I get to that I want some footage rolled and as you will see the House of Truth has once again made history. Take it away in the production truck…”
Footage then aired of Delirious becoming the new IWA Heavyweight champion as he won the belt from Diamond Dallas Page in Revere, MA (Card #959), by using the controversial Red Poison mist. Rhino and Mat Taven joined Delirious for the post-match celebration and hoisted Delirious up on their shoulders. DDP then recovered and tackled them down before laying out Taven with a Diamond Cutter. Russell said that the way that Delirious won the title was nothing to be proud of as he basically used an illegal mist to blind DDP. That set off Martini who raised the Book of Truth at Russell but then Strong showed up and pulled his manager back. Martini then grabbed the mic away from Russell:
TM: “Russell you are just like all of the rest and jealous of my success and the success of the House of Truth. We now have both the IWA Heavyweight title and the LOW Tex-Arkana Television title, we were the winners of King of Trios earlier this year and at Supercard of Honor we punked out the Bullet Club. What more do I have to do to get some respect around here? In fact to show how great we are this match for the television title is an open challenge meaning that anyone in the back can have a shot. Ok, I’m sick of talking with you Russell so here’s your mic back and now we are going to the ring to make more history!”
LR: “By golly that guy is something else. I think I need some aspirin so Dave take over and let us know what we else we have in store for today.”
DB: “Ok Lance, well as you mentioned LOW Commissioner Charlie Cox has some interesting news to announce today and we will air that videotape a little later on and I am sure you will all enjoy the special attraction match that will accompany that announcement. In addition to that we have GWA star Nick Bockwinkel returning from injury in action today along with the PCW tandem of the Texas Hangmen, accompanied by Sherri Martel, and SWA star Blackjack Mulligan. If all of that weren’t enough we will kick things off with that LOW Tex-Arkana Television title match so let’s throw it over to our ring announcer Gary Michael Cappetta.”
1)
LOW Tex-Arkana Television title: Roderick Strong© defeated AJ Styles by DQ to retain the title:
Defending champion Roderick Strong, looking to set a new title defense record for the championship, and his manager Truth Martini waited in the ring as Mr. X showed up to accept the open challenge. Both men began laughing and Strong handed the title belt to the referee but then Mr. X waved his finger and backed off which led to a hooded figure running through the side door and vaulting over the ropes to attack Strong. He pounded away on the champion as Martini rolled out to the floor and then the hood came down revealing Bullet Club leader AJ Styles! Martini threw a fit at ringside as the referee called for the bell indicating that Styles was indeed getting the title shot. Styles was all over Strong early including delivering the Pele Kick and discus lariat. Strong battled back briefly but then Styles hit the Styles Clash for a big near fall. Strong survived that but then was trapped in the Calf Killer which was broken up in the ropes.
After a commercial break Styles hit the Phenomenal DDT and went for the pin but Martini pulled the referee out of the ring breaking up the pin. Strong took advantage and hit the Gibson Driver for a two count. He then lifted Styles up into an Argentine Backbreaker but lost his balance causing both men to fall over the ropes and out of the ring. The battle continued outside and Styles lost his cool by decking Martini and hitting Strong with the Book of Truth. He then fired Strong back into the ring and went for the pin but the referee had already called for the bell. He disqualified Styles for using a foreign object and Strong escaped with a tainted victory. Strong rolled out to the floor and picked up Martini before stumbling to the back clutching the title belt. Russell noted that Strong was now the official record holder for title defenses with fifteen beating the previous record of fourteen for the LOW Tex-Arkana Television title set by the “War King” Eddie Kingston. Styles was livid over the decision and went to the announce table saying that he cancelled his initial dates for the upcoming Kings Road United tour in Japan in order to show up in Memphis. He added that the Bullet Club will gain ultimate victory over the House of Truth one day but that for now he was taking a flight to Japan to compete on the final night of the tour.
2)
Texas Hangmen defeated Chief Omega & Ricky Landell:
The combination of Chief Omega & Ricky Landell has had some impressive performances on ASW broadcasts and this one was no exception as they took the Texas Hangmen (Killer & Psycho) to the limit. The Hangmen of PCW are now managed by Sherri Martel as part of her new Sherri Sports Agency, Inc. She was at ringside and her presence was needed as she interfered at one point saving Psycho from being pinned after Omega executed the cosmic war dance. Landell was incredible when he was in including hitting the Top Rope Fist Drop on Killer for a big near fall. Just when it looked like the Hangmen might go down they managed to catch Omega with the Hangmen Backbreaker with Killer covering him for the pin.
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Promo – IWA Survival of the Fittest – The Fray Match:
IWA Commissioner David Marquez was featured in this special video promo covering the upcoming Survival of the Fittest – The Fray Match taking place at the Fairgrounds Arena in Nashville, TN (Card #969). He noted that Kyle O’Reilly will defend the IWA J-Crown title against Johnny Gargano and if Gargano wins then both he and Timothy Thatcher will receive IWA contracts. He also noted that O’Reilly will be defending the belt against free agent star Zack Sabre Jr. on the upcoming Kings Road United tour in Osaka, Japan (Card #964) and should the title change hands it will be Sabre defending against Gargano with the same stipulations applied to the match. Before pitching it to a video revealing the rest of the card Marquez said that the winner of The Fray Match will get a shot at newly crowned IWA Heavyweight champion Delirious in Union City, NJ (Card #972).
IWA Survival of the Fittest – The Fray Match – Fairgrounds Arena – Nashville, TN (Card #969)
Qualifying Round Matches – The Six Winners Go To The Fray Match:
Drew Galloway vs. Ultramantis Black
Bryan Danielson vs. Michael Elgin
Eddie Kingston vs. Brian Cage
Rob Van Dam vs. Nigel McGuinness
Kevin Steen vs. Mike Quackenbush
Diamond Dallas Page vs. Jay Lethal
Additional Matches:
The Colony vs. AJ Styles & Young Bucks of Bullet Club
Kyle O’Reilly© vs. Johnny Gargano for the IWA J-Crown title
Mark & Jay Briscoe vs. Tursas & Brodie Lee
3)
Nick Bockwinkel defeated Virgil:
Making his return from a neck injury inflicted on him by the “Million $ Man” Ted Dibiase and Kurrgan in Brussels, Belgium (Card #943), GWA star Nick Bockwinkel took on an ally of Dibiase’s in his former bodyguard now known as “Wrestling Superstar” Virgil. The early action saw Virgil roughing up Bockwinkel with jabs and punches. It looked like Bockwinkel had a little ring rust but once he got on track it was all downhill for Virgil. Bockwinkel caught him with a backdrop off of the ropes and applied the Figure Four Leglock resulting in a submission victory.
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Interview – LOW Commissioner Charlie Cox:
This special pre-recorded press conference from LOW headquarters in New York, NY, saw LOW Commissioner Charlie Cox announce a working agreement with a new wrestling company called 80’s Mania Wrestling, or 8MW for short. Cox said that in the past LOW has been honored to work with such promotions as CHIKARA, Ring of Honor and Evolve, which have since merged into the IWA – Independent Wrestling Association, and now 8MW joins that elite list. 8MW features a cast of colorful characters that define the art of sports entertainment as opposed to the professional wrestling usually featured in LOW. He added that 8MW will not hold stand alone events for the time being but instead will feature on various LOW affiliated cards including the upcoming tour of Kings Road United in Japan, appearing in an eight-man tag team match on the final night in Osaka.
Cox then addressed the unique situation in 8MW in that they have a governing body of four commissioners – Mr. Greenhorn, Mr. Codger, Mr. Gold, and Mr. Fantasy, each with their own unique decision making style. In addition the company has two interviewers, “Honest” Al and Rex Spectrum, who are sure to provide memorable moments of their own. In fact both were on hand and he threw it to interview segments involving two of the premier stars in 8MW – Lazer and Cobalt Commander.
“Honest” Al thanked LOW Commissioner Charlie Cox for the time and brought in Lazer, a 6’5” and 265-pound superstar from Lazer Land. Lazer was accompanied by Mr. Bonsai who will be managing the good guy team in Osaka. Lazer gave an inspired interview talking about his past in the tag team called The Bladeblasters and said that now he is looking for singles success in 8MW. He then issued a one-one-one challenge to Cobalt Commander who was in another part of the building waiting to be interviewed by the robotic Rex Spectrum. After hearing of the challenge from Lazer, Spectrum invited him to appear on the segment as well. Lazer ventured over there and stood face-to-face with Cobalt Commander teasing a heated confrontation. Spectrum enjoyed what he was seeing and said he wanted to see the two face off in a match type of his choosing and they agreed. As such Spectrum announced that Lazer and Cobalt Commander will meet in a Finisher Match on the next edition of LOW All-Star Wrestling in Memphis, TN (Card #971).
Cox then wrapped up the press conference saying that the Finisher Match is sanctioned for the next edition of ASW and that the viewing audience should stay tuned for a treat as a tag team match between for 8MW stars was coming up next…
4)
8MW Offer Match: Johnny Kobra & The Piranha defeated Star Boy & Rad Racer:
The good guy team of Star Boy & Rad Racer was greeted with cheers by the studio audience as they entered the ring for this special offer match from 8MW. Awaiting them was the nefarious bad guy duo of Johnny Kobra & The Piranha who were accompanied by villainous manager Big Boss, Jr. The rotund manager wearing a white suit and matching hat was chomping on a cigar and a hoagie sandwich as he gave his team instructions. Russell joked that he may have run into Big Boss, Jr. on a trip through Hazzard County and left with a lighter wallet. He also added that Boss will manage the bad guy team opposite Mr. Bonsai in Osaka. Star Boy and Rad Racer had the crowd on their side but unfortunately they never really got into this one. Star Boy was isolated for much of the match and took a great beating including Kobra scoring a near fall with a leaping stomp. The finish saw The Piranha lock his rival Star Boy in an octopus hold before using the savage Piranha Bite. As Bog Boss, Jr, distracted Rad Racer preventing him from making a save it was Piranha rolling up a weakened Star Boy to score the pin. The crowd jeered the decision as the bad guy team picked up the win. Russell said that no matter the outcome the stars of 8MW will be providing plenty of entertainment wherever they appear.
5)
Blackjack Mulligan defeated Matt Striker:
Popular SWA star Blackjack Mulligan, the rugged 6’9” and 340-pounder from Eagle Pass, TX, took on former school teacher Matt Striker from Bayside, NY. Mulligan was on his game here assaulting Striker as Russell and Brown talked about his ongoing rivalry with the House of Humperdink in the SWA. Striker made a comeback at one point and nearly put Mulligan out with a rear naked choke. After scoring a near fall with a lariat it was Mulligan using the Trapezius Claw, a devastating variation of his more traditional Claw Hold, on Striker to score a submission victory.
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Interview – Exotic Adrian Street:
This pre-recorded interview with newly crowned LOW Junior Heavyweight champion Exotic Adrian Street, which was conducted by PWI Editor Bill Apter, took place on the lawn of his palatial estate in the Royal Forest of Dean in England. Street was lying back on a lounge chair with his valet Miss Linda feeding him grapes and his associate Paul London waving him with a feathered fan. Apter congratulated Street on his title win over Danny Hodge in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Card #956) but Street shot that down saying it was an “easy victory”. He gave Hodge credit for being a great champion but said that no one can defeat him in the game of human chess on a level playing field. Apter referred to it being his second reign as champion after a near eight year drought and Street corrected him saying that he was the inaugural champion and decided to wait for the right time to win it again. Apter then asked him where the title belt was and Street had Linda hand him a pink briefcase. Street explained that the belt was “old and dirty” so he mailed it back to LOW Commissioner Charlie Cox and will now be wearing a new belt. He then opened the briefcase and pulled out a purple plated belt with a pink strap with his image emblazoned on the side plates. He called it the “most beautiful belt in professional wrestling history” and said that he will defend it with honor. Apter looked bewildered but then said that his first challenge will come on the upcoming tour of Kings Road United where he will face either Jushin Liger or Tiger Mask on the final night of the tour in Osaka. Street laughed it off and said that the two “ugly masked man” will battle it out the day before to see who gets the shot but that it doesn’t matter as he will dispatch of either challenge easily. Apter then thanked Street for his time and the champion ignored him instead telling London to “have that street urchin removed from my property”. Apter was escorted off and Street concluded things by kissing his new title belt.
6)
Danny Doring & Amish Roadkill defeated Dupae Rupa & Johnny Rodz (2-0):
The expiration of time match featured the popular duo of Danny Doring & Amish Roadkill taking on “The Belgian Brawler” Dupae Rupa & “The Unpredictable” Johnny Rodz. Russell and Brown discussed some notable recent events during the match including Randy Savage issuing a Chain Match challenge to Bruiser Brody. Russell said that match has indeed been signed for the next card at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY (Card #967) and it should be a war. Brown also noted that Brody will face Angelo & Lanny Poffo, Savage’s father and brother, in a Handicap Match on the next AWE card in Chicago, IL (Card #965) which could impact his ability to be at one hundred percent against Savage. Russell then talked about former LOW World Heavyweight champion The Sheik who is recovering from injuries suffered in his Barbed Wire Cage Match against Andre the Giant on the last MSG card. He said that The Sheik is still a few weeks away from returning to action. Brown added that they would like to offer best wishes to SHIMMER star Sassy Stephie who is recovering from a Fireball burn courtesy of Nicole Matthews. Russell said that it looks like Matthews may have picked up some tips from The Sheik. As for the match it went two falls to none for Doring and Roadkill. Doring scored a quick pin on Rupa with a counter sunset flip. Then with television time running out it was the Buggy Bang which finished off Rodz with Doring scoring the pin.
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