Booking 102: Tim's NWF

[TDalton]

Card # 435 – 05/13/2011
Erie County Fieldhouse – Erie, PA

It’s amazing how the seven days in between shows can seem like months sometimes. Anyhow, the Erie fans are hoping for another classic confrontation in tonight’s main event between NWF Champion Steve Williams and #1 challenger Terry Gordy! In addition, we’ve got the Midnight Express, Russians, Magnum T.A., Kip Cornette against Brian Armstrong and much more in a star-studded lineup! So, let’s get to the action…

Masked Superstar b Johnny Rodz
Superstar was clearly upset about the loss in last week’s tag title bout, and took his frustration out on Rodz. In his true “unpredictable” fashion, Rodz managed a couple of near falls, but that just set Superstar off. After pounding on Rodz, the big masked man picked up the win after a series of Superstar Clotheslines.

Midnight Express b Heartbreak Express
Jim Cornette’s duo won the only previous meeting between the “Express” teams back in November 2010. They won this meeting easily, never allowing Fabulous Phil to tag in. Eaton finished off Superstar Sean with Divorce Court.

Al Costello b Red Bastien
The first ever tag title bout between the Fabulous Kangaroos and Red Pepper will happen next week in Niagara Falls. In a contest between two of the most successful tag wrestlers in NWF history, Costello came out on top using the Marble Bor Leglock. While there was no blatant cheating during the bout, Costello did cut a few corners to get the advantage.

Ivan Koloff & Boris Zhukov b Bob Roop & Magnum T.A.
After winning a series of singles matches in impressive fashion, Magnum got his first taste of tag-team action. He and Roop had Larry Sharpe’s Russians on the run until late in the contest when Koloff smashed Magnum with his chains to turn things around. A short time later, Zhukov used a Diving Headbutt on Roop and followed with a clothesline to get the pin. Zhukov was mocking Magnum after the bell and challenged the newcomer to a match next week.

Roy Heffernan b Pepper Gomez
In the second singles contest of the evening involving Red Pepper and the Kangaroos, Heffernan pulled off a big. Things were fairly even until Gomez missed a running high knee into the corner. Heffernan went right to work on the leg and won with a Stepover Toehold. Even if Gomez had been able to break the hold eventually, it was probably best to take a loss here and be 100% for the upcoming tag title rematch.

Ray Stevens dq Curt Hennig
It is a story that has become all too familiar with matches involving the Heenan Family. Late in the contest, Stevens was beginning to gain the upper hand. He covered Curt after landing a high running knee which led to Heenan, Larry Hennig & Buddy Rogers all jumping in the ring and attacking him. Luckily, Nick Bockwinkel and “Playboy” Buddy Rose were on the scene quickly before any damage was done.

Mongols b Crusaders
After last week’s encounter between these teams ended in disqualification just moments after the opening bell, the Crusaders were looking for some payback. Although this bout saw all four men get into the ring, it too was over quickly. Sir Oliver Humperdink’s savages jumped the masked duo right away and won when Bepo pinned Crusader #2 with the Mongolian Drop. The Crusaders were again upset with the abrupt ending, vowing to fight fire with fire when the teams meet again.

Kip Cornette dq Brian Armstrong
There have been many feuds over the years in the NWF, but few with the animal ferocity that seems to take hold with these men. This was another wild bout that saw both Jim Cornette and Bob Armstrong very active at ringside. The Cornette “brothers” seem to enjoy taunting the Armstrong family patriarch whenever possible. After seeing Jim Cornette constantly tripping Brian or whacking him with the tennis racquet, Bullet Bob could take no more. Be rolled into the ring and laid Kip out with karate chops. He then chased Jim around the ring before finally catching him and landing a haymaker that delighted the sellout crowd. Because of his father’s interference, Brian was disqualified, but was happy that Kip and Jim got what was coming to them.

NWF Championship: Steve Williams b Terry Gordy
Lately, the three way battle over the NWF Title has spotlighted Williams and Gordy. Although Ted DiBiase hasn’t been winning, he is the ultimate opportunist, and could reassert himself at any time. With tonight’s focus on two of the NWF’s big men, the crowd was ready for anything once the bell rang. This turned into a crazy bout with the power moves and hard hitting flurries that fans have come to expect between these former tag partners. Gordy got some early near falls, but Doc came back and really took control of the action. Gordy got busted open during a brawl on the floor after a whip into the steel ringpost. Referee Bucky Palermo gave both grapplers a lot of leeway, allowing some rule bending while still keeping things under control. A fantastic grueling contest that finally ended when Dr. Death backdropped his way out of a piledriver attempt and used the Oklahoma Stampede to get the win.

A great bout to end the night and another hard fought victory for “Dr. Death” in his latest run with the gold! Next week we’ll be back in the Convention Center in Niagara Falls, NY with more great wrestling action on tap! Here’s the current lineup:

* Challenge issued and accepted! The fans in Niagara Falls will get to see exciting newcomer Magnum T.A. tangle with Boris Zhukov next week! Magnum was fired up after the shenanigans in the tag match earlier, and can’t wait to get his hands on Larry Sharpe’s big Russian!

* Bobby “The Brain” Heenan has enjoyed bad mouthing former Family member Ray Stevens lately. Heenan may have bitten off more than he can chew, challenging Stevens and “Playboy” Buddy Rose to a tag match in Niagara Falls! Although it hasn’t been finalized, you can bet Heenan’s tag partner will be doing most of the work next week!

* Masked Crusader #2 will face Geeto Mongol in a match that carries on the high intensity tag-team feud. Sir Oliver Humperdink is promising that Geeto will pick up where he left off earlier this evening and maul the Crusader!

* A rematch of 2010’s “Match of the Year” will see former Olympian Bob Roop take on 7-time NWF Champion Ted DiBiase! Larry Sharpe is proclaiming that Roop will be just another stepping stone on the way to DiBiase’s eighth title reign!

* There is a long history between Nick Bockwinkel and Curt Hennig, as Bock was influential in first recruiting Curt to join the Heenan Family. Now on opposite sides of the fence, the two will square off next week! Bockwinkel knows he has to be wary of outside interference, and better have Ray Stevens & Buddy Rose ready to go!

* In your big main event, the Fabulous Kangaroos will once again look to retain their tag title when they face the red hot team of Red Pepper! The ‘Roos haven’t lost a contest since July of 2010, so the deck is stacked against the challengers. Can Bastien & Gomez use their tremendous teamwork to finally unseat the longest reigning tag champions in NWF history? We’ll find out next Friday night at the Convention Center!

[Tournament Master]

Welcome back NWF!

[bookerbill]

So glad to see the NWF back open for business

[todd]

Welcome back

[stu]

Nice to see the NWF back Tim.

You've got a very UWF-like vibe going on sir! ;D

[TDalton]

*** NWF BREAKING NEWS ***

Changes Coming for Monster Factory?

“Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe, head of the Monster Factory stable which includes 7-time NWF Champion Ted DiBiase and the Russians, refused to comment on reports that there may be some transitions on the horizon for his group. Although there has been a buzz that some personnel changes are under consideration, no sources have been able to confirm that rumor.

Since early 2009 when Sharpe won a huge jackpot at an Atlantic City casino, he has moved from opening match grappler (career singles record: 3 wins and 30 losses) to the always well dressed “talent representative” for his group of wrestlers. He has been named the NWF’s “Manager of the Year” for the last two years, primarily due to the success of DiBiase.

While more details will undoubtedly be forthcoming, Sharpe has the well deserved reputation of a man who will jump at any opportunity to make money. Whatever he is planning will certainly be driven by some sort of financial motive.

[TDalton]

Card #436 – 05/20/2011
Niagara Falls, NY – Niagara Falls Convention Center

It is a beautiful night in Niagara Falls as the NWF once again invades the Convention Center! You’ll see Bobby “the Brain” Heenan in tag action, Magnum T.A., two matches involving former champs as Ted DiBiase takes on Bob Roop and Nick Bockwinkel squares off against Curt Hennig! Tonight’s main event pits the seemingly unstoppable Fabulous Kangaroos against top contenders Red Pepper with the tag titles on the line! Let’s get to the action…

Bobby Eaton b The Sean Davis Project
The self professed “Doctor of Funkology” would have scored the biggest win of his career if not for interference from manager Jim Cornette. The Sean Davis Project countered a top rope move by Eaton into a Belly to Belly Suplex, but Cornette had referee Andy DePaul distracted. Eaton came back to win later with the Alabama Jam.

Magnum T.A. b Boris Zhukov
Magnum brought his undefeated streak to Niagara Falls and had his toughest match to date. “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe’s Russian gained an early advantage by using a lot of shortcuts and illegal tricks. It was déjà vu from the opener when Magnum fought back and would have won the match after a Belly to Belly Suplex if not for Sharpe’s interference. After chasing Sharpe from ringside, Magnum got down to business and won after a series of dropkicks.

Bobby Heenan & Larry Hennig b Ray Stevens & “Playboy” Buddy Rose
Heenan talked all week about facing off against Stevens, who he described as “an out of shape stooge” and “intellectually challenged.” Of course, Heenan hid from Ray the entire bout. Stevens finally caught his former manager, but after landing a few shots got blindsided by Hennig. Rose made the tag and was doing well until Heenan slipped Hennig an object. Larry stuffed it into his elbow pad and hit Rose with the Axe to get the shocking win.

Geeto Mongol b Crusader #2
The new feud between the Crusaders and Mongols has moved to the front burner and Sir Oliver Humperdink is turning up the heat! During a crazy skirmish on the convention center floor, big Bepo smashed #2 with his chains. That led to a disappointing countout finish that left both Crusaders outraged.

Big John Studd b Brad Armstrong
Studd towered over Armstrong, but Brad is used to fighting bigger opponents. Using his speed advantage, Armstrong slipped away from Studd’s grasp several times and did some damage before finally getting caught and submitting to the Backbreaker.

Bob & Brian Armstrong ddq Kip Cornette & Dennis Condrey
Jim Cornette was already nervous before the bell even rang. Bungling referee Izzy Moidel, who Cornette assigns to officiate all matches involving his men, was out of town. The task instead fell to Bucky Palermo, who is much more active in the ring. That played a big part in the finish which saw Bullet Bob and Kip brawling in a neutral corner. As Palermo tried to break things up both men punched him, sending Bucky tumbling out of the ring. Upon regaining his senses, he immediately disqualified both men

Ted DiBiase b Bob Roop
This was a rematch of 2010’s “Match of the Year” and turned into another great bout between these two. DiBiase controlled the early stages, nearly getting the win after using his Loaded Glove. Roop fought back after getting the best of a brawl on the floor. He twice used the Shoulder Breaker, but both times DiBiase barely got a foot on the bottom rope. After a long exciting bout, Roop missed a running knee into the turnbuckle, and DiBiase quickly locked on the Figure Four. Deviously using the ropes to get additional leverage, the seven-time NWF Champion escaped with a victory.

Nick Bockwinkel dq Curt Hennig
The long history of Bockwinkel and Hennig dates back to when Bobby Heenan was initially trying to recruit Curt in 2007. At the time, Bockwinkel was very influential in getting Hennig to join the Heenan Family, although the two now have little respect for one another. Bockwinkel’s battles against Hennig and the Heenan Family have often gotten out of control. Between the two grapplers, less than 50% of their 2010 bouts have ended with a pinfall or submission. You can add this one to the “inconclusive finish” category, as Hennig was disqualified for refusing to break a blatant choke on the ropes. Ray Stevens and “Playboy” Buddy Rose ran out to save the day.

NWF Tag-Team Championship: Red Pepper dq Fabulous Kangaroos
Red Pepper has been a successful team in the area for some time, so it may seem surprising that this was their very first title shot. Both men were anxious to face the Kangaroos, despite losing singles matches to the Aussies last week. The record-breaking champions were confident and ready to make yet another title defense. Although the deck seemed stacked against the challengers, Red Pepper made the most of their chance. Much of their strategy involved isolating Costello and working him over. In a very fast-paced and intense bout, both Bastien & Gomez took a lot of damage but would not stop pressing the pace. With the crowd on their feet, Pepper wrapped up Costello in the Mexican Cradle, only to see Heffernan jump in the ring and attack him. It was a rare show of poor sportsmanship from the champions, and resulted in a disqualification. Although they didn’t win the titles, Red Pepper hands the Kangaroos their first loss since July 2, 2010 and will certainly receive a rematch.

Although they didn’t come away with the titles, Red Pepper got a huge win in tonight’s main event. The “gang mentality” of the Heenan Family continues on, as does the undying heat between the Armstrongs and Jim Cornette. Next week we’re back in Cleveland for more exciting wrestling action! Here’s the lineup:

* After the crazy ending in tonight’s main event, Pepper Gomez immediately asked for a match against Kangaroo Al Costello! There seems to be some building animosity between these teams, so expect a little more bending of the rules on both sides during this one!

* Cleveland will host a showdown between two of the greatest father-son teams in wrestling history as Bob & Brad Armstrong tackle Larry & Curt Hennig!

* Bob Roop has signed to face Larry Sharpe’s Russians in tag-team action although his partner has yet to be named. Magnum T.A. is already scheduled for a singles match, so Roop is once again looking for someone to help him out against Koloff & Zhukov until Bob Orton, Jr. returns from injury.

* Brian Armstrong and Kip Cornette will go one on one next week in Cleveland! The feud continues to get more intense with every meeting, and the Arena will definitely be rocking when these two hit the ring!

* Your big main event will see Johnny Valentine face North American Champion Buddy Rogers in a Texas Death Match! Valentine holds two straight disqualification wins over the “Nature Boy” and hopes to finally get a decisive victory and take the title away from the Heenan Family! You know Heenan won’t be shy about interfering, and with this type of “no rules” contest, it seems to give Rogers a decided edge. Can Valentine overcome the odds and become North American champ for a second time?

[TDalton]

*** NWF BREAKING NEWS ***

NWF Title Controversy to End in Akron!

The epic and hard hitting three-way battle over the top prize in the National Wrestling Federation between Steve Williams, Terry Gordy and Ted DiBiase will come to a conclusion at the Akron Armory. Commissioner Jim Cornette, in conjunction with the NWF Board of Directors, announced a special “No Holds Barred Three Way Dance” will take place on June 3rd to determine the champion. For this bout only, both Texas Death and Falls Count Anywhere rules will be in play! The two wrestlers who lose the bout will not be able to challenge for the title again for at least 120 days!

According to Cornette and Board Representative Ron Martinez, the decision was made to bring the exciting feud over the title to a conclusion in order to allow other qualified wrestlers a chance at the gold. Williams, Gordy or DiBiase have held the NWF Title for all but three weeks since December 2009. All the competitors were confident about their chances, especially Gordy, who won a non-title Three Way Dance between the trio back at the STEEL BELT CLASH.

There is little doubt that, regardless of the outcome in Akron, non-title meetings between these bitter rivals and their allies will continue on.

[TDalton]

Card #437 – 05/27/2011
Cleveland Arena – Cleveland, OH

Cleveland rocks, especially when the NWF is in town! There’s a great show lined up with Magnum T.A. opening the show, a father-son tag battle between the Armstrongs and Hennigs, Larry Sharpe’s Russians facing Bob Roop & S.D. Jones, Brian Armstrong squaring off against Kip Cornette, and a huge Texas Death Match main event for the North American Title between Buddy Rogers and Johnny Valentine! Let’s get to the action…

Magnum T.A. b Amish Roadkill
The Amish chicken farmer jumped Magnum before the bell to gain the early advantage. Once Magnum cleared his head, he turned things around and put Roadkill away with a sleeperhold. “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe, upset that Magnum is helping Bob Roop against his Russians, showed up at ringside and challenged the popular newcomer to a match next week.

Masked Superstar & Big John Studd b Heartbreak Express
Superstar & Studd jumped on Superstar Sean & Fabulous Phil right at the bell and pounded away. They were undoubtedly trying to make a statement that despite their recent loss to the Kangaroos they are still a force to be reckoned with. It didn’t take long before Superstar pinned Sean with a Spinning Neckbreaker. Both big men put the boots to Sean after the bell before leaving the ring.

Geeto Mongol b Crusader #2
Geeto had been very successful in singles so far in 2010, losing only once in seven matches. The savage Croatian took a beating from Crusader #2, but after a little covert interference from manager Sir Oliver Humperdink, came back to defeat the masked man using the Gobi Nerve Hold. After the win, Humperdink was manic, demanding that Geeto get a shot at the NWF Title next month.

Pepper Gomez b Al Costello
Pepper was not pleased with the way last week’s tag title match ended and was looking for a little personal redemption against Costello before the upcoming title rematch on June 10th in Pittsburgh. The Kangaroos are claiming that what happened in Niagara Falls was just one of those “heat of the moment” things. Gomez, whose knee appeared to be fine after he hurt it last week, did get caught in a couple attempts at the Marble Bor Leglock, but otherwise dominated the bout. Roy Heffernan was at ringside and did trip up Gomez once, which brought Red Bastien out from the locker room. There were no further incidents, and Gomez won with the Mexican Leap.

Ivan Koloff & Boris Zhukov b Bob Roop & S.D. Jones
Since Magnum T.A. had already signed for a bout tonight, Roop was once again searching for a partner to take on the Russians. It didn’t take much for Special Delivery to quickly offer his assistance. After being double-teamed by the Russians, Roop made the big tag and Philadelphia’s Favorite Son started cleaning house! Larry Sharpe’s duo was in complete disarray until nailing Jones in the back when he was whipped into the ropes. Zhukov took over and got the pin after a hard clothesline. After a rocky start to the year, the Russians have lost only once in their last seven matches.

“Playboy” Buddy Rose b Red Bastien
The always resplendent Rose really got into Bastien’s head with his lengthy ring introduction and some early stalling tactics. Although it seemed like Bastien controlled much of the in-ring action, it was Rose who got the victory with a Bombs Away and handful of tights.

Bob & Brad Armstrong ddq Larry & Curt Hennig
This meeting between two fantastic father-son combinations started with the patriarchs in the ring. Hennig got the best of things, and Bobby Heenan’s duo used every dirty trick in the book to work over Bullet Bob and keep him from making the tag. You could see Brad’s temper boiling over each time the Hennigs would get away with something. When Brad finally got into the ring, he immediately took The Axe to the arena floor and a wild brawl erupted. Referee Mark Curtis couldn’t regain control of the bout and disqualified both teams.

Brian Armstrong b Kip Cornette
Commissioner Jim Cornette scheduled this bout right after a tag match with the other Armstrongs, clearly knowing that Brian would not have his family at ringside for at least the early stages of the contest. That didn’t seem to matter, as the youngest Armstrong brother was all over his former tag partner from the opening bell. This was more of a brawl than their previous singles bouts, which was an advantage for Brian. Kip was on the defensive for much of the bout and was beaten and bloodied. Jim Cornette was running around like a madman, showing concern for his adopted brother. Armstrong capped off a strong performance by hitting a nasty forearm off the top rope to get the win.

North American Championship: Buddy Rogers b Johnny Valentine (Texas Death Match)
Valentine had overcome staggering odds and held two straight disqualification victories over the champion. Facing the Heenan Family on his own, Valentine had managed to outthink his adversaries at almost every turn and become a continued thorn in the side. With the rulebook thrown out the window and no allies to help him, Valentine took the fight to Rogers immediately. He gained a couple of quick near falls, but the numbers advantage soon began to work against him. With the Hennigs and Heenan at ringside to provide distractions and some timely interference, the “Nature Boy” was able to take over. After locking on the Figure 4 Grapevine, Heenan kept referee Paddy Grimes’ attention while Curt Hennig would help Rogers gain additional leverage by grabbing the ropes. Valentine refused to submit, but finally had his shoulders on the mat just long enough to take a three count. After the bout, Heenan was quick to remind Valentine of the comments Johnny had made regarding leaving the NWF if Rogers beat him by pinfall or submission. Valentine made it clear that he was a man of his word and would leave. He also promised that some day he would return and make Heenan’s life a living hell.

A tough ending for inaugural NWF champion Johnny Valentine’s latest run. We can all only hope he makes good on his threat to Heenan one day. But the show must go on, and next week the show lands at the Akron Armory! Here’s the current lineup:

* With regular tag partner Bob Orton, Jr. still recovering from injury, former Olympian Bob Roop has struggled against Larry Sharpe’s Russians. Next week Roop will get some help from the man with a PhD in Funkonomics – The Sean Davis Project!

* “Playboy” Buddy Rose will look to continue his winning ways against Heenan Family member Curt Hennig next week! Expect Ray Stevens and Nick Bockwinkel to be ready at a moment’s notice to counter the always present threat of the Heenan Family at ringside.

* The Armstrong brothers will have their hands full when Jim Cornette sends his adopted brother Kip and “Beautiful” Bobby into the ring in Akron! Brad & Brian are looking forward to continuing their storied rivalry with the cunning manager.

* After the inconclusive finish to their tag-team match tonight, Bob Armstrong and Larry Hennig will go one-on-one at the Armory! It’s The Bullet versus The Axe next week!

* The Crusaders and Mongols will lock up once again after splitting their first two meetings. Will the speed and skill of the masked men be enough to overcome the awesome power of Sir Oliver Humperdink’s savage Croatians?

* Your big main event is one of the most highly anticipated in some time, as a special No Holds Barred Three Way Dance will bring an end to the longtime struggle over the NWF Title between Steve Williams, Ted DiBiase and Terry Gordy! Other than a brief three week period, one of these men has held the NWF gold since Christmas night in 2009. There isn’t a harder ticket to get right now, as the Armory sold out within hours of the title bout being announced. Look forward to some hard hitting mayhem when the NWF returns to Akron Friday night!

[Mike M]

Great to see you able to post your results again, Tim. I'm really looking forward to seeing the results of the three-way dance and what's next for the Champ!