Booking 102: Tim's NWF

[Cory Olson]

I'm glad to see some NWF posts again! Can't wait to see what other stip matches B.G. and Kip will have!

[TDalton]

Card #443 – July 8, 2011
St. John’s Arena, Steubenville, OH

Steubenville is going to be jumping tonight! Eddie Gilbert has the entire stable of Hot Stuff Intl. in action, we’ve got a Texas Death Match to kick off a series of brutal bouts between the former New Age Outlaws, Champ Steve Williams teams with phenom Magnum T.A. to take on Masked Superstar & Big John Studd and a big main event pitting North American Champ Buddy Rogers against Commissioner Cornette’;s handpicked #1 contender Bobby Eaton! Let’s get to the action…

Terry Gordy b Johnny Rodz
Dominating performance by Gordy, who gave Rodz no offense and mercifully ended the contest quickly with a Powerbomb.

Bob & Brad Armstrong dq Ray Stevens & “Playboy” Buddy Rose
This was originally scheduled as a contest between the Armstrongs and Hennigs until last week’s surprising suspension. Whether you like them or not, give some credit to the Blonde Bombers for stepping up to answer the open challenge by the Armstrongs on short notice. The match didn’t last long, as Rose took the match to the floor early on and was disqualified against Bullet Bob.

Ted DiBiase dcor Bepo Mongol
As second generation stars, Eddie Gilbert and DiBiase seem to get along very well. However, like his predecessor Larry Sharpe, Gilbert seems to have a bit of a strained relationship with the isolationist Russians. Before the bell, Gilbert could be heard telling DiBiase to be more aggressive. Ted was, but Humperdink had mammoth Bepo well prepared. The big man was like a tank, used his power very effectively and had the former 7-time champion on the defensive for most of the bout. When the action spilled out of the ring for the umpteenth time, tempers got the best of the grapplers and both were counted out as they fought around ringside and into the seats.

Nick Bockwinkel b Crusader #1
On paper this looked like a great match of technical wrestling skill, although these days you’re never sure if Bockwinkel will fight clean or take shortcuts. In contrast to the prior match, this one was clean and stayed inside the ring. Very good showing by both men, but Bockwinkel got the win after reversing the Crusader’s Figure Four Leglock into one of his own.

Bob Roop & Bob Orton, Jr. b Ivan Koloff & Boris Zhukov
This was the first match involving Hot Stuff International members where Gilbert chose not to be at ringside. That may not actually be noteworthy, as Gilbert said he would be more of a “hands off” leader than we were used to. Match was fast and furious from the bell. All four were hitting high impact moves and the near falls plentiful. In the middle of all this, referee Bucky Palermo got squashed when he was in the way of a turnbuckle charge by Koloff on Orton. The match barely slowed down and continued while Palermo slid to the arena floor to recover. Roop and Orton took advantage, knocking Zhukov off the apron and into the guardrail, effectively ending his night. They executed a double-team Superplex three times on Koloff before Palermo crawled back into the ring. Orton quickly used a middle rope splash on the Russian Bear to get the win.

Crusader #2 b Geeto Mongol
With the Mongols involved in this feud against the Crusaders, and Terry Gordy unable to wrestle for the title, there have been reports that Sir Oliver Humperdink is contacting wrestlers from outside the area to go after nemesis Steve Williams. In this bout, the Croatian savage looked sharp coming off his loss to Williams. Humperdink was running around and distracting referee Paddy Grimes, allowing Geeto to use all sorts of shortcuts. Finally, Grimes had had enough and ejected Humperdink from ringside! That gave the Crusader the opening he needed. He outwrestled Geeto the rest of the way and won with the Sleeper.

Kip Cornette b Brian Armstrong (Texas Death Match)
The former New Age Outlaws have two words for the Steubenville fans tonight…Texas Death! However, Jim Cornette made sure his “brother” Kip had an advantage. Inept referee Izzy Moidel was assigned to the contest and, after introductions, the Commish announced that the entire Armstrong family was banned from ringside! Any attempt the Armstrongs to interfere would result in fines and suspensions. Kip immediately gained the edge and was using Cornette’s tennis racquet throughout the match. Brian made a few comeback attempts, but the deck had been stacked too much for him to overcome. Kip finally got the win with a Standing Legdrop.

Steve Williams & Magnum T.A. dq Masked Superstar & Big John Studd
Before the bout, rumors were swirling that Sir Oliver Humperdink had signed Superstar & Studd and would be at ringside in this bout. Apparently the rumors were unfounded, as the portly manager was nowhere to be found. Superstar will challenge Doc next week for the NWF Title and was coming off a big win over Magnum, the young phenom’s first defeat. Crowd was really into this one and exploded when Magnum hit an early Belly to Belly on Superstar, but the pin was broken up by Studd. Fast paced action, with Superstar and Studd taking over after some early mishaps. Both put a beating on Williams, but the champ wouldn’t stay down. Eventually, Magnum hit the Belly to Belly again on Superstar. Studd came in but so did Williams and it turned into a brawl. The official decision was referee Mark Curtis disqualifying Studd for interference.

North American Championship: Bobby Eaton dq BUDDY ROGERS
There seems to be a growing animosity between the Heenan and Cornette camps. While no one really knows whether the friendship between the loud-mouthed managers was legit or just a case of “if you don’t bother me, I won’t bother you” this war of words has turned into a full scale blowup. After pseudo-brother Kip failed to best Rogers last month, Cornette anointed Beautiful Bobby the new #1 contender. In addition, Cornette suspended Larry & Curt Hennig until SUMMER SHOWDOWN which, although deserved, was awfully convenient timing. With the talent involved, this had the potential to be a Match of the Year caliber contest but, unfortunately, hostilities got in the way. Eaton tossed Rogers through the ropes and went for a double axehandle from the turnbuckle to the floor. He took too long setting it up, and the “Nature Boy” had time to grab a chair and smack Bobby, resulting in a disqualification. Cornette was parading around after the bout declaring that, with this victory, Eaton is now the uncrowned champion.

Wow. The abuse of power by Commissioner Cornette seems to get greater every week. And insiders are wondering if there is an impending deal between Humperdink and Superstar & Studd. We may learn more next week, when the NWF shuffles off to Buffalo! Here’s the current lineup:

• Two former NWF Champions will square off at The Aud when Terry Gordy steps in the ring to face Bob Roop!

• Eddie Gilbert will send former 7-time NWF Champion Ted DiBiase against another great second generation star - Bob Orton, Jr.!

• Fans in Buffalo will get to witness the escalating hostilities between the Crusaders and the Mongols first-hand when the feuding teams meet next Friday!

• Kip Cornette drew first blood (literally) against Brian Armstrong tonight. Next week, Armstrong will try to even things up when the two men are chained together in a Dog Collar Match!

• Your big main event will see two wrestlers on a hot streak meet for all the marbles when NWF Champion Steve Williams defends his title against the Masked Superstar! The challenger comes in with a perfect 7-0 record in 2011 while Doc has been steamrolling his opposition since winning the title in April! Who will keep their momentum going? You’ll need a ticket to find out the answer!

We’ll see you next week in Buffalo!

[TDalton]

*** NWF BREAKING NEWS ***

Let the SUMMER SHOWDOWN Hype Begin!

The National Wrestling Federation’s 8th annual summer spectacular will be coming your way August 18th from Municipal Stadium in lovely Cleveland, Ohio! The first matches signed for the show have just been announced.

The first will see a continuation of what has become a very intense feud as The Crusaders face Sir Oliver Humperdink’s savage Mongols! Previous meetings between these teams have gone back and forth, and neither side has been able to establish a clear advantage. The masked Crusaders have shown a more aggressive side in recent meetings and that trend will likely continue when these four men enter the ring in Cleveland!

The second match announced will certainly be one of the headline bouts of the evening, as former tag partners Brian Armstrong and Kip Cornette meet in what is being billed as their final singles confrontation! Stipulations for this big match are still being negotiated, but you can finally expect closure between these two once the night is through! Once the final stipulations have been determined, we’ll bring you the news!

[bookerbill]

This is the fed the really inspired me to start posting regularly. Great stuff Tim. I cannot think of a single feud in your fet that was not executed well. Your use of Cornette over the past couple of years (has it really been that long) has been outstanding.

I was always curious as to how you pick what cards you are going to bring into your fed next. There are so many excellent choices out there.

[TDalton]

Jan 31, 2014 10:53:21 GMT -5 bookerbill said:

This is the fed the really inspired me to start posting regularly. Great stuff Tim. I cannot think of a single feud in your fet that was not executed well. Your use of Cornette over the past couple of years (has it really been that long) has been outstanding.

I was always curious as to how you pick what cards you are going to bring into your fed next. There are so many excellent choices out there.

Thanks for the kind words. Wish I could still play & post regularly, but life interferes. I had trouble remembering where I left off. I have long-range plans thru early 2013 that I recall clearly, but have no idea what happened a couple of "weeks" ago.

As far as picking cards to use, there isn't any real formula. I pick guys I find interesting who will fit the general "feel" of the fed, which is more 70s and early 80s. Others, like Jim Londos, were just guys I really wanted to use. Of the recent sets, the card I'm really looking forward to bringing in at some point is Bobby Shane. The more I read about him, the more I like him. Seems like a guy who would be a great faction leader, while not necessarily needing to be the best wrestler in the group.

[TDalton]

*** MORE NWF BREAKING NEWS ***

Hot Stuff Shocker – Russians Axed!

In what can only be called a ballsy move, Hot Stuff International CEO Eddie Gilbert has terminated the contracts of Ivan Koloff and Boris Zhukov less than two weeks after taking over the former Monster Factory. Citing the Russians’ poor recent performance, uncontrollable nature and problems with American authority figures, Gilbert severed ties.

When asked if he had any plans to replace the team in the near term, Gilbert was noncommittal. “My primary goal is to lead Ted DiBiase to his eighth NWF Championship reign” he noted, adding “But certainly Hot Stuff International is always open to signing elite wrestlers looking to further their careers.”

[TDalton]

Card #444 – July 15, 2011
The Aud, Buffalo, NY

We’re back in Buffalo with another great card of NWF wrestling! Terry Gordy meets Bob Roop, the red hot Armstrongs are in action, the Crusaders and Mongols bring their feud to the Queen City, we’ve got a Dog Collar Match between Brian Armstrong and Kip Cornette and the NWF Title on the line as Doctor Death defends against the Masked Superstar! Let’s get to the action…

Bobby Eaton b The Sean Davis Project
Fans at The Aud were on their feet immediately when The Sean Davis Project was introduced! After a spectacular entrance, the most electrifying, testifying, death defying superstar in wrestling today took it to Eaton. Jim Cornette is calling Eaton the “rightful North American Champion” after last week’s DQ win over Buddy Rogers. SDP got two quick near falls on Beautiful Bobby, then flattened Cornette’s protégé with a flying splash. Unfortunately, some timely interfere by Cornette turned the tables and Eaton got the win with the Alabama Jam.

Ray Stevens & Playboy Buddy Rose b S.D. Jones & Johnny Rodz
The Blonde Bombers have struggled since their debut, but looked sharp here. Stevens pinned Rodz with the Bombs Away for the victory.

Nick Bockwinkel b Red Bastien
It was clear these two men were very familiar with one another by the escapes and reversals early on. Bastien had the advantage before taking a nasty spill outside the ring and twisting his knee. Bockwinkel went to work on the leg, but couldn’t get Red to submit to his Figure 4 Leglock. Finally, Nick used a piledriver to get the win, although Bastien nearly kicked out of that as well.

Terry Gordy dq Bob Roop
Two former NWF Champs collided and the action was good while it lasted. Roop took the early edge until a missed second rope splash. Gordy fought back, even hitting the Powerbomb, but couldn’t put Roop away. Finish saw Sir Oliver Humperdink try to smack Roop with his walking stick. Roop blocked and grabbed the cane, whacking Humperdink and then Gordy who was trying to sneak up behind him. Referee Andy “Kid” DePaul disqualified Roop for using the cane even though Humperdink initiated the problem.

Bob & Brad Armstrong b Danny Doring & Amish Roadkill
The Armstrongs have really hit their stride of late and didn’t have much of a problem in this bout. Brad really took the lead and worked most of the contest, but Bullet Bob was the one who finished Dastardly Danny with the Sleeper. While the Armstrongs have some unfinished business with the Hennigs, their long standing feud with Jim Cornette is still a primary focus.

Ted DiBiase b Bob Orton, Jr.
This bout was quite a contrast to DiBiase’s wild brawl with Bepo Mongol last week. The former 7-time NWF Champion methodically worked over Orton. After wearing Orton down, DiBiase had trouble putting him away. He loaded up his black glove and blasted Orton right between the eyes and got the pin. Eddie Gilbert was not at ringside, apparently tending to important Hot Stuff International business.

Crusaders b Mongols
These teams have met several times now and, while every match is different, the intensity of the rivalry continues to grow. This match was over quickly, as Bepo got a near fall on Crusader #1, but the momentum swung to the masked men. A short time later Crusader #2 closed the deal when he locked in a Sleeper on Bepo while #1 and Geeto were fighting on the floor near Sir Oliver Humperdink.

Kip Cornette b Brian Armstrong (Dog Collar Match)
It anything has become apparent in the early stages of the series of series of violent matches between these former tag partners, it is that both will be a physical wreck by the time SUMMER SHOWDOWN is over. Even though bound by Dog Collars, this was just an unrelenting brawl with much of the action taking place outside the confines of the ring. Back and forth carnage from start to finish where some key interference by Jim Cornette (unseen by inept referee Izzy Moidel) allowed Kip to use the Standing Leg Drop to get the pin in this bloody encounter.

NWF Championship: Masked Superstar b STEVE WILLIAMS to win title
What started as a potentially show stealing contest between two powerhouse grapplers ended with one of the most memorable shockers in NWF history! Williams came in having won 7 of his last 8, while Masked Superstar was undefeated since last November, racking up 9 straight singles victories. Superstar was accompanied by tag partner Big John Studd while Doc had young phenom Magnum T.A. with him. Sensing tension before the bell, referee Bucky Palermo sent both Magnum and Studd back to the locker room. The match was excellent, with both men trading power moves and near falls. It looked like Dr. Death was about to take control of the bout when “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert came running to ringside! While distracting Palermo, Gilbert tossed what appeared to be a set of brass knuckles to Superstar. With one crushing blow, Superstar busted Doc wide open and knocked him senseless. Sliding the knucks out of the ring, he locked on the Cobra Hold as Palermo turned around. The referee raised Williams’ arm three times, and when it dropped limp for the third time, a new NWF Champion was crowned!

Chaos reigns! What the hell is going on between Eddie Gilbert and Masked Superstar? Hopefully we’ll have more on this startling development before next week’s show in Youngstown, Ohio.

• The situation between Commissioner Jim Cornette and Bobby Heenan is reaching such a boiling point that both managers will be on opposite sides in a tag-team match next week! Cornette will team with Beautiful Bobby while North American champ “Nature Boy Buddy Rogers sides with Heenan.

• Bob Orton, Jr. will be in action facing Big John Studd! Is the big man now part of Hot Stuff International? Hopefully we’ll have more clarification on this situation before the crew rolls into Youngstown.

• The Blonde Bombers team of Ray Stevens and “Playboy” Buddy Rose will have their hands full when they square off against Harley Race and Special Delivery Jones! With Red Pepper tied up due to title commitments, Race put a call out for a tag partner and Jones answered.

• Jim Cornette is now yapping incessantly about how his “brother” Kip is going to sweep the series of matches against Brian Armstrong. We’ll see if Kip continues his winning streak when the two meet in a Taped Fist Match in Youngstown!

• Your big main event will see the NWF Tag-Team Championship on the line when Red Pepper defends against the House of Humperdink’s savage Mongols! Some think the champs are due for a letdown after such a difficult series against the Kangaroos. Can the brutal style of Geeto & Bepo best the technical skill of Bastien & Gomez? The fans at Stambaugh Auditorium will be the first to find out!

We’ll see you next week in Youngstown!

[bookerbill]

History is made. Great main event. Always good to see some NWF action

[holland227]

Great card. What an upset!

[TDalton]

*** NWF BREAKING NEWS ***

Update on NWF Title Situation!

The wrestling world was turned on its cauliflower ear by the shocking events that led to the Masked Superstar capturing the NWF Title from Steve Williams in Buffalo, New York. In the locker room after the match, Hot Stuff International CEO Eddie Gilbert denied any wrongdoing and made this announcement.

“Welcome to the Hot Stuff era, baby! I have proven once again why I am the most brilliant man in the world. First I dumped those ungrateful Russians then replaced them with the hottest free agents in wrestling, the Masked Superstar and Big John Studd. These two men were on the verge of greatness. All they needed was the proper guidance and a little push to break through the NWF’s glass ceiling! I’ve only been here two weeks and already own the organization’s top prize. Every NWF wrestler and all the moronic fans have now been put on notice! From this day forward, Hot Stuff International will be the dominant force in the professional wrestling world!”

In a related note, it appears that Gilbert may have created some unintended friction with Sir Oliver Humperdink. It was widely known that Humperdink wanted to be the one responsible for the end of Williams’ title reign and career. Humperdink also believed he had the inside track on signing Superstar & Studd to an exclusive contract, and was reportedly livid about these developments.