Booker Bill presents LWF @ ...

[bookerbill]

New Board, new fed...

Here is the results of my first card.

Card #1: Wednesday, January 2nd, year one LWF @ Hamburg, PA – The Fieldhouse “All Star Wrestling Taping

January 5th

Red Bastien v. King Kong Bundy
Bastien is loved by the fans and draws a monster pop on the way to the ring. Bundy increases his heat by grabbing the mic and telling everyone Bastien is going down for the five count! The competitors go hold for hold, move for move until Bundy uses his power to take over the match with forearm smashes, punches and a huge elbow drop off ropes. Bastien comes back with elbow drops, drop toe hold and swinging neckbreakers. Bundy crushes Bastien with a powerbomb for a ½ count. AVALANCHE for a 1 ½ count only (1st real reaction from the crowd since the introductions). Bundy works over Bastien but Bastien is able to block a stomp to the head and downs Bundy with a flying body press (great pop). Bundy retreats to the floor but Bastien comes off the top of the turnbuckles with a falling body block onto Bundy at ringside (monster pop). Bastien crawls back under the ropes at the 9 count and Bundy is counted out of the ring at 6:13.

King Kong Bundy is interviewed at ringside and is furious demanding a rematch with Bastien.

Ox Baker v. The Sandman
Solid pop for Sandman when he comes to the ring and showers the fans with beer. Both men exchange moves until Baker uses an eye gouge to stun Sandman and follows with a pair of shoulder breakers for a 2 ¾ count. Sandman looks impressive reversing a choke slam into a pair of White Russian Leg Sweeps but Baker comes back ramming Sandman’s face into the ringside table. Baker and Sandman trade moves with Sandman blocking a charge in the corner with an elbow to the face. Sandman attempts to put Baker away with a deathjump smash but Baker tosses Sandman off the buckles to the mat. Later Baker blasts Sandman with a chair shot busting Sandman open. Sandman wins a wild brawl that tears apart ringside but Baker is able to power back blocking an eye gouge on the ropes and downing Sandman for a 2 ¾ count with a shoulder breaker. HEART PUNCH. 1, 2, shoulder up (huge pop). Baker cannot believe Sandman kicked out and tosses Sandman to the floor. Baker climbs to the top of the buckles and falls onto Sandman at ringside (the crowd is going nuts). Baker rolls back into the ring at the count of 8 but Sandman is counted out of the ring at 8:12.

Jimmy Snuka v. Greg Valentine
Monster ovation for the Superfly as he comes to the ring. Snuka spends several moments greeting his fans at ringside. Snuka opens with a dropkick followed by a piledriver that finishes Valentine in just two moves but Playboy Buddy Rose storm the ring (huge heat) and brawls with Snuka. The Superfly sends Rose packing with a headbutt and tosses Valentine to the floor. Valentine rams Snuka’s face into the ringside table and then scores a ½ count with a shoulder breaker. Valentine takes Snuka to the floor and rams Snuka’s head off the steel rails by the fans busting the Superfly wide open. Valentine with a shoulder breaker followed by Valentine chops for the controversial win at 3:19.

A bloody Snuka is screaming for Buddy Rose at ringside!

January 12th

Soviet Assassins w/Nikita Breznikov v. Road Warriors
Huge heat from the fans for the Breznikov’s army tag team. The Warriors are the faces by default but could care less. Assassin #1 mixes it up with Hawk and stuns the Road Warrior with an overhead body slam (oooh!). The action spills to the floor and Hawk Irish whips Assassin #1 into the steel ring post. Animal is in and brawls with Assassin #1 around ringside. Assassin #1 blocks Animal’s falling double hammer and tags out. Animal avoids a leg drop and Hawk tags back into the match with a vertical suplex and gorilla press slam on the 280 pound Assassin #2 (monster reaction). A pair of deathjumps sets up a double clothesline on Assassin #2 for a ½ count. Another double clothesline crushes Assassin #2. DOOMSDAY DEVICE but Assassin #2 gets his shoulder up at the last possible second (the fans bite thinking the match is over). Assassin #1 is back in the match against Animal but the Warriors stop him with a spike piledriver. Assassin #1 manages to avoid Animal’s charge into the corner and rolls him up for a 1/2 count. Both teams make tags as the action goes back and forth. Assassin #2 works over Hawk including a Russian Bear Hug that forces Hawk to the ropes. Animal tags in against Assassin #2. Animal dominates the action including a pair of spike piledrivers with the assistance of Hawk. Hawk is in against Assassin #1 and controls the action including a pair of gorilla press slams that brings the crowd to their feet. Hawk blocks Assassin #2’s backdrop with a piledriver and is joined by Animal for a crushing double clothesline. The Road Warriors double team Assassin #2 with a beat down of stomps and punches and Animal hits a POWERSLAM. Breznikov cannot distract the referee but Assassin #1 makes the save as the time limit expires at 15:00. Both teams brawl after the bell with the Warriors clearing the ring.

Giant Baba v. Dick Hutton
Baba is introduced as the Japanese Champion and comes out to a mixed reaction. Hutton receives a warm reaction during his introduction. Hutton looks impressive including a scoop slam that rocks the ring. Baba slows the match down and begins to work over Hutton with chops, legsweeps and arm bars. Twice Hutton tries to get something going whipping Baba off the ropes but Baba has a counter each time. Baba downs Hutton for a 1 count with a Baba Chop. Baba charges at Hutton in the corner but Hutton counters with an elbow to the face and quickly traps Baba in an ABDOMINAL STRETCH for the submission victory at 4:02.

January 19th

Bobo Brazil v. The Destroyer
Huge reaction for Brazil who is easily one of the most popular competitors in the LWF. Handshake starts the action. There is a great series early on with Brazil powering out of a grinding headlock and coming at Destroyer with a flying dropkick but Destroyer ducks away and then rocks Brazil with a sensational suplex. They continue to trade moves and Brazil’s Bobo Body Slam forces Destroyer to the floor where Brazil rams his opponent’s head off the steel rails by the fans. A big hammer punch sends Destroyer to the floor again and this time Brazil comes off the buckles onto Destroyer outside the ring (monster ovation). Both men return to the ring and Brazil continues to dominate with a deathjump smash and bearhug to set up a COCO BUTT for a 1 ½ count. Destroyer blocks a choke on the ropes but Brazil reverses an Irish whip into the turnbuckles. Destroyer hits hard but manages to avoid Brazil’s charge and Brazil collides with the turnbuckles. Destroyer covers Brazil for a ½ count. Destroyer connects with a deathjump smash to Brazil’s leg and applies a FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK but Brazil escapes. Destroyer’s deathjump shoulder tackles sends Brazil crashing into the referee knocking the official out (16 moves). Destroyer with a deathjump cross body block (no referee). Single leg Boston Crab has Brazil tapping out (no referee). The crowd is frantic. Brazil battles back blocking a poke in the eye and both men exchange moves. Bobo body slam and cover (no referee). Brazil takes Destroyer to the floor but Destroyer whips Brazil into the steel ring post busting Brazil open (huge heat) (no referee). A deathjump clothesline stuns Brazil and Destroyer flips Brazil to the floor but Brazil is able to whip Destroyer into the ring post (monster pop). COCO BUTT (no referee). COCO BUTT (no referee). The Referee finally recovers as Brazil climbs the buckles for a deathjump smash but Destroyer rolls clear. Destroyer lays an arm across Brazil for the cover. 1, 2 kick out! (The crowd is roaring now). Destroyer applies a FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK and the 15:00 time limit expires. Destroyer thinks he has won and is not pleased when the match is announced a draw.

Iron Sheik comes to the ring and runs down America on the mic drawing monster heat.

Iron Sheik w/Nikita Breznikov v. Frank Gotch
The crowd is solidly behind Gotch in the battle of classically trained wrestlers. Sheik is able to over power Gotch punishing him with a Boston Crab, kicks, chokes and chops. Gotch escapes a abdominal stretch and Sheik takes the action to the floor ramming Gotch’s face into the steel rails by the fans while Breznikov distracts the referee. A bloody Gotch storms back into the match but Sheik blocks a back drop with a piledriver and then hits a vertical suplex for a ½ count. Gotch becomes tangled in the ropes and Sheik chokes him out and then tosses Gotch to the floor. Gotch is able to ram Sheik’s face into the ringside table (pop). Gotch works over Sheik on the mat with overhead wristlocks, ankle picks, double leg takedowns, crossface and arm bars and grinding hammerlocks until TV time expires at 7:30.

Dark Match

Harley Race v. Buddy Rogers
Rogers draws monster heat with his pre-match strutting in the ring. Race is all business during the introductions. Both men go for a clothesline at the same time early in the match and collide in the ring. Rogers recovers first and comes off the turnbuckle with a deathjump cross body block for a ½ count. Race rams Rogers’ face into the ringside table and takes over the action in the ring with suplexs, kneedrops and an impressive choke slam that sets up an Indian Deathlock. A vertical suplex gives Race a ½ count. Another choke slam forces Rogers to the floor but the Nature Boy trips up Race from outside the ring and rams Race’s leg off the steel ring post. The referee allows the match to continue and Rogers traps Race in a FIGURE FOUR GRAPEVIINE for the win at 3:54.

News and Views

The Best: Destroyer v. Bobo Brazil (booked to near perfection making Destroyer look like a legitimate threat to capture the Heavyweight Title)

The Worst: Iron Sheik v. Frank Gotch (If you a showcasing two competitors from the upcoming Heavyweight Title Tournament- give them more time!)

Highlights: The feud between Sandman and Ox Baker got off to a bloody start . . . Buddy Rose gets one over on Jimmy Snuka . . .The Soviet Assassins show they will be a force to be reckoned with in the tag team division . . . Dick Hutton, The Destroyer and Buddy Rogers all look strong heading into the World Title Tournament in St. Louis on the 4th.

Booker’s Notes: Ted DiBiase’s involvement in the program had to be changed on the fly due to the outcome of some the bouts tonight (darn those dice!). There is still plenty of time for the Million Dollar Man to make his impact felt.

Up next the LWF is off to New Jersey for a pair of shows followed by a huge show in St. Louis.

[bookerbill]

Card #2: Thursday, January 3rd, year one, LWF @ North Bergen, NJ – Embassy Hall

World Tag Team Title Tournament – Semi-Finals

Bobo Brazil & Jimmy Snuka v. Soviet Assassins w/Nikita Breznikov
The federations two most popular competitors against the most hated tag team. The crowd is on fire before the bell even sounds. Snuka and Assassin #2 trade moves. Snuka turns around a choke slam and takes over the match including a piledriver and running slingshot in the corner. Snuka tosses Assassin to the floor and quickly scales the buckles and flies to ringside crushing Assassin with a falling body block (monster pop). SUPERFLY LEAP (4) and Assassin #1 saves his partner. Brazil works over Assassin #2 with mid level offensive moves. Assassin #2 and Brazil trade moves. A big hammer punch sends Assassin to the floor and Assassin rams Brazil’s shoulder into the steel ring post and is disqualified at 6:48. With Brazil stunned at ringside, the three Russians attack Snuka. Assassin # 2 crushes Snuka with a BACKBREAKER DROP in the middle of the ring. Brazil recovers and breaks up the attack with the assistance of the steel chair.

Jimmy & Johnny Valiant v. Road Warriors
The Valiant Brothers strut around ringside and jar with the fans drawing great heat. Hawk steps into the ring and dominates the action as the Valiant Brothers make multiple defensive tags in an effort to get something going. Hawk no sells Johnny’s scoop bodyslam and rocks Johnny with a vertical suplex for the pin 1:18 at while Animal shoulder tackles Jimmy from the ring apron.

Nick Bockwinkel v. Playboy Buddy Rose
Rose grabs the mic and demands that he be announced at 217 pounds instead of 271 pounds drawing solid heat. Rose quickly gains control of the action and traps Bockwinkel in a half Boston Crab. Bockwinkel struggles free and Rose follows up with a BOMBS AWAY for a 2 count. Rose works over his opponent with a foreign object, neck twist and hip toss. A brainbuster gives Rose a 1 count. Rose ends the impressive performance at 3:02 with a 2nd BOMBS AWAY.

Gorgeous George is lead to the ring by Cherie Dupré to huge heat. George tosses out pins to the fans which only infuriates them. Dupré takes several minutes to assist George out of robes and prepare for his match

Johnny Valentine v. Gorgeous George w/Cherie Dupré
Dupré distracts Valentine from ringside allowing George to quickly roll up his opponent for a ½ count. Valentine recovers quickly catching George on the top of the buckles and tossing him to the mat (pop). The action goes to the floor and Valentine hammers on George. Dupré distracts Valentine again and the match turns in George’s favour. George attacks with back to back airplane spins and a Gorgeous Grip. A SPINNING TOE HOLD forces Valentine to the ropes. George and Valentine go for hold for hold for 20 rolls. George uses a figure four leglock followed by a SPINNING TOE HOLD forcing Valentine to the ropes again. George tosses Valentine to the floor and then uses another SPINNING TOE HOLD but Valentine again grabs the ropes. George comes off the buckles with a deathjump cross body block for a 2 count. George comes off the buckles with a falling double hammer but Valentine punches George in mid air and George crashes into the ring rails (great bump!). Valentine grabs a steel chair and nails George across the back and then tries to end the match with an ATOMIC SKULLCRUSHER for a 1 ½ count. Valentine tracks George in and out the ring including a. whip into the ring steps. George is able to stop Valentine’s attack ramming Valentine’s head into the ringside table and then traps Valentine in a SPINNING TOE HOLD. Again, Valentine struggles to the ropes. Both men exchange holds for another 20 rolls until George reverses a whip into the corner and crushes Valentine with a running slingshot. George winds up another SPINNING TOE HOLD. Valentine finally gives up at 16:24.

World Tag Team Title Tournament – Finals

Bobo Brazil & Jimmy Snuka v. Road Warriors
The fans adore Snuka and Brazil and the competitors spend several minutes greeting the fans at ringside. The Warriors draw solid heat on the way to the ring. Hawk sends Snuka into the ropes and the Superfly comes off with a flying shoulder tackle. Snuka downs Hawk with a backbreaker and flying head butt. SUPERFLY LEAP (5) and Animal has to save Hawk. The action leaves the ring and both teams make tags. Animal and Brazil take the match to the floor again and both men grabs chairs and hammer each other. The referee throws out the match out ruling it a double disqualification at 4:17! All four men brawl back to the dressing room leaving the fans wondering who are the World Tag Team Champions?

News & Views:

The Best: Bobo Brazil & Jimmy Snuka v. Road Warriors (screw job ending aside, great action from bell to bell)

The Worst: Nick Bockwinkel v. Playboy Buddy Rose (Where was Bockwinkel tonight?)

Highlights: Controversy after only two cards. Who are the Tag Team Champions? What will the LWF do about this situation? Strong showing tonight by Playboy Buddy Rose and Gorgeous George.

Booker’s Notes: The LWF roster is going to be split for the next night of action with 12 wrestlers heading to St.Louis and the balance of the competitors staying in Jersey. The main event in Jersey will be an over the top rope battle royal with the winner taking home the United States Title! St. Louis will host the World Title Tournament and the rematch between Road Warriors and the team of Bobo Brazil and Jimmy Snuka.

[markyhitch]

I enjoy your posts. Keep it up!

[bookerbill]

Thanks Marky

Card #3: Friday, January 4th, year one, LWF @ West Orange, NJ – South Mountain Arena

Cherie Dupré leads Gorgeous George out to the ring to a chorus of boos. George spends several minutes in the ring “preparing” of his match with the assistance of Dupré which infuriates the fans

Gorgeous George w/Cherie Dupré v. Greg Valentine
Valentine controls the early action with knees and a hammerlock. George avoids a running clothesline and slows downs Valentine with a Gorgeous Grip. George traps Valentine in a SPINNING TOE HOLD in the middle of the ring for the win at 2:30.

Ted DiBiase w/Virgil v. Johnny Valentine
Both men draw their share of heat from the crowd. Valentine seems to have the respect of the fans and will likely have their support tonight. It is all DiBiase with a pair of hammerlocks followed by a vertical suplex and MILLION DOLLAR SLEEPER. DiBiase keeps the pressure on for multiple moves but Valentine manages to block a knee to the gut and downs DiBiase with a forearm bludgeon before tossing DiBiase to the floor. DiBiase crawls back into the ring and is greeted with an ATOMIC SKULLCRUSHER for a 2 count. DiBiase is able to comeback by blocking a charge to the corner with an elbow to the face and tosses Valentine to the floor. DiBiase comes off the buckles with a falling double hammer but Valentine blocks with a punch to the stomach and tries to end the match with an ATOMIC SKULLCRUSHER. Valentine hits a deathjump leg drop (what the heck!) and tackles DiBiase against the buckles. DiBiase needs to grab the ropes to escape an abdominal stretch. ATOMIC SKULLCRUSHER for a 2 ¾ count. ATOMIC SKULLCRUSHER for the win but Virgil is able to distract Valentine (huge heat). ATOMIC SKULLCRUSHER but Virgil attacks Valentine with combo punches. The referee allows the action to continue and DiBiase traps Valentine in a MILLION DOLLAR SLEEPER forcing Valentine to the ropes (the fans are livid). Valentine escapes a figure four leglock and then rolls to the floor after a backward elbow off ropes. DiBiase comes outside starting a violent brawl. Virgil makes it two on one and the referee disqualifies DiBiase at 10:33. Greg Valentine comes to his father’s aid causing DiBiase and Virgil to retreat drawing huge heat from the fans.

Soviet Assassins w/Nikita Breznikov v. Jimmy & Johnny Valiant
Both teams draw heat from the fans but the Valiant’s are the faces by default in this one. Assassin #1 takes on both Valiants with success. A stomach claw downs Johnny. Assassin #2 hammers on Johnny and drops him to the mat with a big boot to face. BACKBREAKER DROP for a ½ count. Both Assassins cut of Johnny from his corner and work him over with power moves. Jimmy is able to hot tag into the match but Assassin #1 stops him with a pair of full nelson suplexes. Outside the ring, Jimmy blocks Assassin #1’s falling double hammer. A running knee lift stuns Assassin #1 and the Valiant Brothers nail Assassin #1 with a double clothesline that flips the Russian to the floor. Jimmy comes outside the ring and rams Assassin #1’s face into the steel rails by the fans and is disqualified at 6:28. All four men brawl after the match with the Valiant Brothers clearing the ring.

The Sandman v. Ox Baker
This should be a wild one. Sandman showers the fans with beer and the bell sounds. Sandman uses his speed advantage to take control of the match including a running clothesline off the ropes and a series of stomps, elbows and forearm pummels. Baker comes back including three consecutive clotheslines. Sandman blocks a backdrop with a kick to the head followed by a Heinekenrana for a ½ count. HARDCORE DDT for a 2 count. Sandman comes off the buckles with a deathjump smash and ends the match with a HARDCORE DDT at 6:28.

King Kong Bundy v. Red Bastien
Bastien is out to a monster pop from the fans. Bundy draws huge heat telling the ringside fans Bastien is going down for the five count. Bastien manages to down Bundy with a fireman’s carry and both men go for a clothesline and collide in the middle of the ring. Bundy and Bastien brawl at ringside and Bundy drops Bastien with a back ram into the ring post (sick bump)! AVALANCHE for a 1 count. Bastien punches free from a big bear hug. Bastien avoids Bundy’s falling double hammer at ringside and Bundy crashes hard into the steel rails by the fans (solid bump). Bastien with a neck crank and hip toss before whipping Bundy into the ring steps. Bastien controls the action with flying head scissors and swinging neckbreakers. Bundy rolls to the floor and drags Bastien outside the ring and rams Bastien back first into the steel post for the second time. The referees disqualifies Bundy at 6:12. Bundy stomps away on Bastien at ringside until security arrives.

United States Title Battle Royal – Playboy Buddy Rose, Gorgeous George, Greg Valentine, Johnny Valentine, Ted DiBiase, Virgil, Jimmy Valiant, Johnny Valiant, Soviet Assassins, Nikita Breznikov, The Sandman, Ox Baker, King Kong Bundy & Red Bastien
It is chaos at the bell. George and Assassin #2 tangle in the corner and George nearly sends the Russian packing. Baker rocks DiBiase with a shoulder breaker and tosses him over the ropes to the floor when Virgil arrives too late to say DiBiase. Virgil is all over Baker but when Virgil charges Baker in the corner, Baker ducks and sends Virgil over the buckles to the floor with a backdrop! The Valiant Brothers crush Bastien with a TOP ROPE ELBOW and moments later Johnny Valiant sends Bastien to the floor with a toss. Breznikov looked impressive against Sandman using a Russian Leg Sweep to stun Sandman before dumping him to the floor. Rose and Bundy trade blows in the corner. Jimmy Valiant blasts Greg Valentine with a foreign object and tosses him to the floor. Russian Assassin #1 pounds on Johnny Valentine. Valentine ducks a double clothesline from the Asssassins and hammers on Assassin #2. Valentine sends Assassin #2 into the corner but Assassin #2 avoids Valentine’s charge and Valentine flips over the ropes to the floor. Rose slows down Bundy with a Boston Crab and then tosses Bundy over the ropes. George takes the fight to Jimmy Valiant. Nikita Breznikov sneaks up behind Baker and tosses him to the floor. It appears Johnny Valiant has Assassin #1 eliminated when Assassin #2 comes up from behind and dumps Valiant to the floor. Gorgeous George arrives too late to save Rose from being eliminated by Assassin #2. George and Assassin #2 mix it up. Breznikov finishes Jimmy Valiant with a pair of RUSSIAN SLEEPERS. It is George vs the three Russians. George turns tail and runs, eliminating himself from the match! The Russians declare victory at 3:36 as the fans fill garbage. Breznikov leaves the ring with the Title Belt.

News & Views:

The Best: King Kong Bundy v. Red Bastien (This could be a solid feud)

The Worst: Gorgeous George eliminating himself from the Battle Royal

Highlights: The Russians take a huge step towards taking over the LWF . . . Bundy punishes Bastien tonight but loses by DQ . . . Sandman picks up a big win over Baker . . . George looks impressive in the opening bout and proves to be a coward at the end of the night . . . The Million Dollar Man is on track to become the most hated man in the LWF actually making Greg and Johnny Valentine faces tonight

Booker’s Notes: Who is the United States Champion? The Championship Committee will need to decide and quickly. The card from St. Louis is next where we will find out who is the first World Champion and resolve the World Tag Team Title controversy. The Valentine family comes together tonight. Will this be the LWF’s next great tag team?

[bookerbill]

Time to crown a new champion...

Card #4: Friday, January 4th, year one, LWF @ St. Louis, MO – Kiel Auditorium

World Title Tournament – Round One

Dick Hutton v. The Destroyer
The crowd is hot tonight. The action starts with a handshake. Hutton looks impressive powering out of a grinding headlock and wearing down Destroyer with a shoulder tackle off the ropes and a grinding rear chinlock. Destroyer blocks a shoulder throw and downs Hutton with a figure four leg lock. Hutton escapes but Destroyer drags Hutton back to center ring and wraps on another FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK for the win at 0:44. Both men shake hands after the match drawing a solid ovation from the fans despite the short match.

Nick Bockwinkel v. Giant Baba
This match also begins with a handshake. It is all Baba with power moves. A shoulder tackle sets up a Baba Chop for a ½ count. Bockwinkel blocks a deathjump smash with a boot to the face and takes the Japanese giant to the floor ramming Baba’s face into the steel rails by the fans. Baba comes back ramming Bockwinkel’s face into the ringside table. Both men trade moves and Bockwinkel reverses a whip into the corner. Bockwinkel tries a charge into the corner but Baba moves and Bockwinkel crashes into the buckles hard allowing Baba to roll him up for a 1 count. Baba dominates the action including three consecutive Russian legsweeps. Bockwinkel comes back blocking a double hammer at ringside with a punch and planting Baba with a piledriver. Later, both men go for a clothesline and collide in the middle of the ring. Bockwinkel recovers first and applies a FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK. Baba is on the defensive and Bockwinkel uses a pair of BOCKWINKEL SLEEPERS to try and end the match. Bockwinkel rocks Baba with a piledriver and then downs him with back suplex (huge pop) for the three count at 10:12.

Buddy Rogers v. Harley Race
Rogers draws great heat with his strutting in the ring. Race is all business. Rogers opens with a forearm uppercut and follows with a piledriver for a ½ count. Rogers takes Race to the floor and rams Race’s face into the steel ring rails. Moments later, a bloody Race drags Rogers to the floor and whips him into the steel ring post! Race follows up with a PILEDRIVER for the three count at 1:48. The St. Louis crowd is stunned!

Iron Sheik comes to the ring and runs down St. Louis on the mic drawing incredible heat.

Iron Sheik v. Frank Gotch
The fans are solidly behind Gotch. Both men are classically trained but it is Sheik who strikes early with an abdominal stretch and kick to the stomach. Sheik whips Gotch into the buckles and charges into the corner with a tackle but no one is home and Sheik hits the buckles hard (monster pop). Gotch rolls up his opponent for a 1 ½ count. Gotch uses a guillotine choke and a pair of figure four leg locks to nearly end the match. Gotch applies the GOTCH TOE HOLD to advance the next round at 3:16. The fans love it!

World Title Tournament – Semi-Finals

The Destroyer v. Nick Bockwinkel
Both men come out to a mixed reaction but earn a solid pop when they shake hands at the bell. Bockwinkel had the tougher first round match but he appears fresh forcing his opponent to the floor with a back suplex and coming off the buckles onto Destroyer at ringside with a falling body block (monster pop). Destroyer crawls back under the ropes at the count of 8 but Bockwinkel takes him to the floor again. Destroyer is able to turn things around ramming Bockwinkel’s face into the ringside table. Bombs away knee drop sets up a whip into the buckle but Bockwinkel ducks a charge into the corner and backdrops Destroyer over the buckles to the floor (ohhh). Bockwinkel rams Destroyer’s face into the steel rails and tries to end the match with a BOCKWINKEL SLEEPER. Bockwinkel rocks Destroyer with a piledriver for a 1 count and then wraps on a FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK and Destroyer submits at 7:47.

Frank Gotch v. Harley Race
Race’s head is bandaged when he comes to the ring protecting his cut sustained in the first round against the Nature Boy. Race catches Gotch with a running slingshot in the corner and crushes Gotch with a PILEDRIVER for a 1 ½ count. Gotch is able to roll clear of a deathjump and Race lands awkwardly on his leg twisting his knee. Gotch quickly rolls up Race for a 1 ½ count. Gotch applies a rolling kneebar and the match is over at 2:24 when Race gives up.

World Tag Team Title Match – Road Warriors v. Jimmy Snuka & Bobo Brazil
Snuka and Brazil are greeted with a monster pop. Both teams battle move for move until Animal downs Brazil with an overhead bodyslam for a ½ count. Animal POWERSLAMS Brazil for a ½ count. Hawk is in with a gut wrench suplex for a 1 count. The Warriors work over Brazil in and out of the ring including a double team clothesline that flips Brazil to the floor. Hawk joins Animal for a spike piledriver for a ½ count. Animal downs Brazil with a POWERSLAM for a ½ count. The Warriors hit DOOMSDAY DEVICE on Brazil at 6:32 to capture the titles. The Warriors hold up the titles drawing a mixed reaction from the fans.

World Title Tournament - Finals

Frank Gotch v. Nick Bockwinkel
Great ovation for both men and the match starts with a handshake. Gotch controls the match on the mat but Bockwinkel blocks a backdrop with a piledriver. Bockwinkel punishes Gotch with a powerbomb and the action goes to the floor. Gotch whips Bockwinkel into the steel ring post shoulder first. The action returns to the floor and Gotch traps Bockwinkel in a rolling kneebar at 3:47 to win the tournament and the title!

News & Views:

The Best: Buddy Rogers v. Harley Race (short match that had everything – science, blood, brawling and a shocking upset finish)

The Worst: Dick Hutton v. The Destroyer (after going over Baba at TV, more was expected of Hutton and he did not deliver).

Highlights: Dick Hutton, Irons Sheik and Buddy Rogers are outclassed in the World Title Tournament . . . The Road Warriors are dominant in their Title win. . Gotch looks unbeatable making short work over all his opponents.

Booker’s Notes: Great matches on this card with conclusive finishes all around. Up next, the LWF stops at the Armory in Fall River, MA. The few thousand fans who are lucky enough to secure tickets will witness Frank Gotch’s first title defense on the next card when he faces the Iron Sheik. As well, Nikita Breznikov has declared himself the United Stated Champion and will also make his first defense against The Destroyer!

[bookerbill]

Card #5: Saturday, January 5th, year one, LWF @ Fall River MA – Armory

Sandman v. Ox Baker
Great reaction for Sandman when he comes to ringside and gives the ringside fans a beer shower. Sandman keeps the action on the mat with a reverse chinlock but Baker blocks a body slam attempt and uses a shoulder breaker to end the match at 0:26. The action does end at the bell with Baker choking out Sandman with his whip before crushing him with a HEART PUNCH. The referee steps in but Baker tosses him aside and rocks Sandman with a second HEART PUNCH. Security arrives and Baker retreats from the ring with his arms raised in victory drawing monster heat. Sandman needs to be assisted from the ring injured for 6 cards!

Red Bastien v. King Kong Bundy
Sandman is over huge with the fans. Bundy adds to the heat by announcing Bastien will go down for the five count. Bundy comes off the ropes and blocks a backdrop with a boot to face and the roughs up Bastien at ringside. AVALANCHE for a 2 ¾ count. Bundy slows down Bastien with a big bear hug, full nelson suplex and a pair of running powerslams. An elbow drop off ropes gives Bastien for a 1 ½ count. Bundy unleashes an AVALANCHE for the five count at 3:26.

Bobo Brazil & Jimmy Snuka v. Greg Valentine & Playboy Buddy Rose
Great heat for Rose & Valentine. Rose infuriates the fans by demanding he be announced at 217 pounds instead of 271. Monster pop for Snuka and Brazil. Brazil turns an abdominal stretch into a backbreaker on Rose for a 2 count. Brazil takes flight with a pair of deathjumps and then Snuka works over Rose with a backbreaker and power slam for a 2 ½ count. Snuka continues to control including a deathjump clothesline but Rose gets in a defensive tag. Rose and Valentine work over Snuka and Rose sends the Superfly to the floor with a brainbuster. Rose impresses with a pair of deathjump smashes but Brazil is allowed into the action. Brazil overpowers both Rose and Valentine. Brazil bodyslams Valentine onto the ringside floor and then hits a pair of COCO BUTTS for ½ counts. Rose and Valentine tag in and out but Snuka stops Rose with a backbreaker and covers him for the pin but Valentine makes the save. Valentine and Snuka trade moves and Brazil is back in against the Hammer. Brazil turns a body slam attempt into a big hammer punch. Valentine bails and drags Brazil’s leg to the corner and rams Brazil’s leg into the steel ring post. FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK cannot finish Brazil. Brazil finds himself in trouble against Rose and Valentine but Snuka is hot tags into the action and takes it to Valentine as the time limit expires at 15:00.

United States Title Match – Nikita Breznikov (ch)v. The Destroyer
Monster heat for Breznikov as he introduced as the United States Champion. The fans may not love Destroyer, but Fall River is behind him tonight. It is all Destroyer except a eye gouge. Destroyer catches the champion in an intelligent sleeper hold forcing Breznikov to grabs the ropes. A single leg Boston Crab has Breznikov screaming for mercy when the Russian Assassins come to ringside. Destroyer comes out of the ring and brawls with the Assassins. The referee calls for the bell at 2:55 disqualifying Breznikov as the Russians lay the boots to Destroyer at ringside. Bobo Brazil & Jimmy Snuka charge ringside saving Destroyer from being injured.

Nikita Breznikov comes back to the ring with Iron Sheik who proceeds to grab the mic and run down the fans and Frank Gotch drawing great heat.

World Title Match – Iron Sheik w/Nikita Breznikov v. Frank Gotch (ch)
Solid ovation for the World Champion when he is introduced. Both men try and gain an advantage wrestling and it is Gotch who downs Sheik with an overhead wristlock and Iowa backdrop. A guillotine choke sends Sheik to the floor and Gotch takes out both Sheik and Breznikov at ringside with a falling body block off the top of the turnbuckle (monster pop). Gotch does not let up and downs Sheik with a figure four leg lock followed by a crossface and arm bar but Sheik grabs the ropes. Sheik avoids a figure four leg lock and wraps up Gotch in a Boston Crab followed by a sidewinder suplex. Gotch rolls to the floor and Sheik comes off the turnbuckles with a falling loaded boot kick! Sheik suplexes a bloody Gotch but the Champion is able to block a kick to the stomach with a pair of Iowa backdrops. Gotch traps Sheik in a cross face and arm bar that forces Sheik to the floor. Sheik comes back in and is trapped in a rolling knee bar that takes the action to the floor. Sheik wins a wild brawl at ringside and rams Gotch’s back into the steel ring post! Sheik with a CAMEL CLUTCH but Gotch wrestles free. A spinning neckbreaker and loaded boot sends Gotch to the floor. Sheik comes outside and starts another wild brawl at ringside. Breznikov gets involved and Gotch grabs a chair smashing both Sheik and Breznikov. The referee throws the match out ruling it a double disqualification at 9:37.

News and Views

The Best: Frank Gotch v. Iron Sheik

The Worst: Jimmy Snuka & Bobo Brazil v. Greg Valentine & Playboy Buddy Rose (Broadway from bell to bell that never seemed to take off)

Highlights: Baker send Sandman out on a stretcher . . . Bundy makes good on his word and squashes Bastien . . . Snuka continues to look for revenge against Valentine & Rose . . . Breznikov hides behind the Assassins and leaves Fall River with the United States Title intact . . . Sheik and Gotch show they can both wrestle and brawl in classic with a screw job endings

Booker’s Notes: Jimmy Snuka’s feud with Greg Valentine/Playboy Buddy Rose has a nice slow burn going. The plan is to rotate tag partners in and out with the Superfly until the conflict catches fire . . . Finally the injury table comes into play and it is with the perfect feud. I can see a set of stipulation matches on the horizon between Sandman and Baker . . .Sheik and Gotch was fun to play out. These two will definitely face each other again soon . . . I hope the dice are favourable and Breznikov continues to build heat by hiding behind the Assassins to keep the US Strap . . .

[bookerbill]

Card #6: Sunday, January 6th, year one, LWF @ Baltimore, MD – Civic Centre
Injuries: Sandman 6 cards

Gorgeous George is lead to the ring by Cherie Dupré drawing huge heat by tossing out Georgie Pins to the crowd. It takes several minutes for Dupré to assist George in “preparing” for the match drawing even more heat.

Gorgeous George w/Cherie Dupré v. Dick Hutton
Hutton has solid support from the fans in this one. The action is back and forth but George is able to get the better of Hutton with face rakes, airplane spins and Gorgeous Grips. Both men go for a clothesline and collide in the ring. Hutton battles back blocking a backdrop with a piledriver and connecting with a pair of side saltos. The match becomes an exchange of mid level offensive moves for 20 plus rolls. George catches Hutton in an airplane spin forcing Hutton to bail to the floor. George follows starting a wild brawl at ringside. George goes to use a chair on Hutton as Durpré distracts the referee. Hutton wrestles away the chair as decks George just as the referee return his attention to ringside. Hutton is disqualified at 6:16 (huge heat for the referee) as George retreats to the back.

Playboy Buddy Rose & Greg Valentine v. Bobo Brazil & Jimmy Snuka
Rose draws solid heat demanding to be announced at 217 pounds rather than 271 pounds. The reaction for Snuka & Brazil is off the charts. All four men see action in the opening moves. Valentine forces Snuka to the floor with a falling elbow hammer but Snuka blocks a falling double hammer at ringside with a punch to the stomach (pop). Brazil is in with a choke on the ropes, head scissors and backbreaker. Valentine takes a breather at ringside and crawls back into a COCO BUTT for a 1 ½ count. Rose has more success catching Brazil with an elbow drop and back to back brainbusters for a ½ count. Rose connects with a deathjump cross body block that takes out the referee. Rose revives the official but Brazil small packages Rose for a ½ count as the referee recovers. Brazil chokes Rose on the ropes and hits a COCO BUTT for the pin but Valentine breaks up the cover (great heat). Later, Snuka tags in with a flying head butt on Valentine who rolls to the floor. Valentine is able to block Snuka’s falling double hammer with a punch and Snuka crashes to the floor. Valentine rolls Snuka back into the ring and comes off the buckles with a deathjump smash. Snuka rolls clear at the last second (huge pop) and quickly covers Valentine for the win at 8:05. Rose takes out Brazil ramming him into the steel ring post setting up a two on one in the ring. Valentine and Rose work over Snuka with stomps. Valentine applies a FIGURE FOUR LEG LOCK and Rose comes off the buckles with a BOMBS AWAY across Snuka. Brazil recovers and breaks up the attack with the assistance of a steel chair. Snuka is assisted to the back injured for 6 fight cards.

Ted DiBiase w/Virgil v. Johnny Valentine
Solid heat for both men as they are introduced. DiBiase controls the action with knee lifts and hammerlocks but a forearm bludgeon stops DiBiase in his tracks and Valentine covers DiBiase for a 2 count. Valentine works over DiBiase with elbows, arm locks forearms and an abdominal stretch. Valentine finishes the match at 2:21 with an ATOMIC SKULLCRUSHER. Virgil is unable to distract the referee.

The Destroyer & Giant Baba v. Russian Assassins w/Nikita Breznikov
Monster heat for Breznikov and his team as they are introduced. Japanese TV is filming the match for broadcast in Japan. All four men see action in the opening moves. Assassin #2 reverses a whip into the corner and Destroyer hits the turnbuckles hard but is able to block Assassin 2’s shoulder tackle with an elbow to the face. Destroyer goes for the kill with a FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK but Assassin 2 is able to power to the ropes. Assassin #2 comes back blocking a falling double hammer sending Destroyer crashing hard into the ring rails by the fans (solid bump). It is all Assassin #1 with chokes, shoulder breakers, and body scissors. Giant Baba hot tags in and takes the action to both Assassins. Assassin #1 is able to block a falling double hammer at ringside and tags out bringing Assassin #2 back into the action with a BACKBREAKER DROP for a 2 count. Assassin # 2dominates Baba but Baba is able to avoid a standing dropkick and tags in Destroyer who immediately applies an Intelligent sleeper hold that forces Assassin 2 to the ropes. The action spills to the floor and both men take turns ramming each other into the ringside table. The match returns to ring and Destroyer uses a FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK on Assassin #2 while Baba blocks Assassin #1 from making the save. Breznikov is unable to distract the referee so he attacks Destroyer starting a wild brawl. Baba tosses Breznikov to the floor and the action continues. It is now Destroyer v. Assassin #1. Destroyer blocks a charge to the corner with a knee to the chest and follows with a sensational suplex for a 2 count. Baba is in with a deathjump smash and Russian legsweep. Assassin #1 ducks Baba’s charge to the corner and Baba flips over the buckles to the floor (huge bump). Baba crawls back into the ring and right into a RUSSIAN CLAW HOLD. Assassin #1 is all over Baba with neck cranks, kidney punches and arm bars. Baba is finally able to tag out on defense and the Assassins also change up. Destroyer blocks a charge to the buckles backdropping Assassin #2 to the floor. Destroyer comes outside and brawls with Assassin #2 as the bell sounds at 15:00. Baba and Destroyer clean house after the bell and send the Russians packing much to the pleasure of the ringside fans.

Harley Race v. Buddy Rogers
Great heat for Rogers as he struts in the ring. Race is once again all business. The crowd is electric for this one knowing the winner will likely be next in line for a title shot while the loser will need to start from the bottom. After some back and forth action Race stuns Rogers with a choke slam and takes over the action with a diving headbutt, swinging neckbreaker and vertical suplex. Roger’s escapes an Indian Deathlock but Race immediately follows with a PILEDRIVER for the victory at 2:06. The fans are shocked the match ended so quickly.

World Tag Team Title Match – Road Warriors (ch) v. Johnny & Jimmy Valiant
Solid heat for the Valiant Brothers when they are introduced. The Warriors receive their share of cheers but simply do not care. Jimmy tries to take out Hawk with an arm drag and twist but finds himself on the receiving end of a vertical suplex and running clothesline moments later. Jimmy blocks a backdrop with a piledriver. Johnny comes in with a deathjump smash and then mounts the buckles for a second deathjump but Hawk catches Johnny on the top of the turnbuckles and tosses him to the mat (nice pop). Animal tags in and tosses Johnny to the floor. Animal follows Johnny out and a violent brawl starts at ringside. Johnny nails Animal with a chair (Animal no sells it!) and is disqualified at 2:59. The Valiant Brothers quickly retreat to the dressing rooms with the Warriors in hot pursuit.

World Title Match – Frank Gotch (ch) v. Nick Bockwinkel
The Champion shows the scars of this recent battle with the Iron Sheik coming to the ring with his head bandaged. Bockwinkel receives a mixed reaction from the fans but both men get a solid ovation at the bell when they shake hands. Early in the match, Gotch reverses Bockwinkel’s arm bar into a crossface and arm bar. Bockwinkel can barely escapes and Gotch quickly moves to a GOTCH TOE HOLD to retain the title at 1:06.

News and Views

The Best: Giant Baba & The Destroyer v. Russian Assassins

The Worst: Johnny Valentine v. Ted DiBiase (basic squash)

Highlights: Dupré helps George pick up a controversial DQ win . . . Valentine and Rose take out the Superfly . . .Johnny Valentine looks impressive . . . Baba & Destroyer get the best of the Russians in a time limit draw . . .Race makes quick work of Rogers . . .The Valiant Brothers show their yellow streak . . .Gotch looked unbeatable tonight.

Booker’s Notes: We are off to Portland ME for the next card where the Road Warriors step into the ring with the Valiant Brothers in the main event . . . World Champion Frank Gotch has a couple of nights off as everyone battles for a title shot. Johnny Valentine, Harley Race and Iron Sheik are near the top of contenders list.

[bookerbill]

Card #7: Tuesday, January 8th, year one, LWF @ Portland, ME – Civic Centre
Injuries: Sandman 5 cards; Jimmy Snuka 6 cards

Greg Valentine v. Dick Hutton
Hutton receives a warm response from the fans at ringside. Hutton takes an early command but Valentine comes back avoiding a fireman’s carry. Valentine downs Hutton for a near fall with Valentine chops. Hutton rolls clear of Valentine’s deathjump covers Valentine for a ½ count. Hutton traps Valentine in an ABDOMINAL STRETCH. Playboy Buddy Rose hits the ring but Hutton sees him coming and smashes Rose and Valentine’s heads together with a perfect noggin knocker. Hutton covers Valentine for the three count at 2:07.

Nick Bockwinkel v. Playboy Buddy Rose
Rose demands to be announced at 217 pounds instead of 271 drawing great heat. Bockwinkel has a respectful reaction from the fans when he is introduced. It is all Bockwinkel with a forearm smash and back to back back suplexes. Rose retreats to the floor and crawls back into a BOCKWINKEL SLPPER that forces Rose to grab the ropes. Rose comes back ducking under a clothesline and downing Bockwinkel with a shoulder tackle. Rose uses a steel chair to bust open Bockwinkel adding further injury with the assistance of a foreign object. A bloody Bockwinkel breaks free of a neck twist and sends Rose into the ropes but gets caught with a flying cross body press for a 2 ¾ count. (crowd thought it was over). Bockwinkel keeps taking a beating but blocks a charge into the buckle with a knee to the face following up with an abdominal stretch that forces Rose into the ropes. Bockwinkel comes off the top of the buckles with a deathjump smash and then traps Rose in a BOCKWINKEL SLEEPER . Greg Valentine hits the ring and attack Bockwinkel with a flurry of punches. The referee disqualifies Rose at 6:12. The beat down continues after the bell. Valentine traps Bockwinkel in a FIGURE FOUR LEG LOCK and Rose comes off the buckles with a pair of BOMBS AWAY onto Bockwinkel. Security arrives to break things up. Bockwinkel is removed on a stretcher injured for 7 cards.

Ox Baker v. The Sandman (5)
Great reaction for Sandman who comes to the ring favouring his ribs. He still manages to crack and beer on his head at ringside (solid pop). Baker comes right after Sandman. Both men go for a clothesline and collide in the middle of the ring. Sandman is to his feet first and plants Baker with a pair of HARDCORE DDTS for win at 1:29.

King Kong Bundy v. Red Bastien
Bundy draws solid heat promising to put Bastien down for the five count. The fans love Bastien and he draws a huge ovation. Bastien manages to avoid Bundy’s attack and takes over with drop toe holds, front face locks and spinning neckbreaker. Bastien covers Bundy for a 2 ¾ count after a spinning neck breaker. Flying dropkicks gives Bastien another near fall. Bundy overpowers Bastien with a tackle off the ropes but Bastien manages to catch Bundy in a fireman’s carry followed by a hip toss and flying head scissors (monster pop) for a ½ count. ATOMIC DROP ends the match at 4:04.

United States Champion Nikita Breznikov leads Iron Sheik to the ring drawing solid heat. Sheik runs down the fans and Portland whipping the crowd into a frenzy.

Bobo Brazil v. Iron Sheik w/Nikita Breznikov
The reaction for Brazil is off the charts. Bobo tears into Sheik with Bobo body slams and dropkicks followed by a COCO BUTT for a 2 ¾ count after only 5 moves. Two more CCOC BUTTS nearly end the contest. Brazil slows the match down with a bearhug and then downs Sheik with a Bobo body slam for a the pin but Breznikov distracts the referee. Sheik makes a comeback when Brazil take the fight to the floor. Sheik strikes with a loaded boot kick for a 1 count and Brazil is busted open. Sheik tangles Brazil in the ropes and works over the cut until Brazil is a bloody mess. The action rolls in and out of the ring several times with both men tearing up ringside. Sheik uses a sidewinder suplex to force Brazil to the floor where Sheik rams Brazil’s face into the steel rails by the fans. Sheik with a vertical suplex followed by a Boston Crab. Sheik sends Brazil to the mat with another vertical suplex and applies a CAMEL CLUTCH but Brazil is able to hook the ropes with his leg. Sheik drags Brazil to the middle of the ring and applies another CAMEL CLUTCH. Brazil is unresponsive at 8:02.

World Tag Team Title Match – Road Warriors (ch) v. Jimmy & Johnny Valiant
The Valiant Brothers are booed heavily when they are introduced. The Champions come out and chase their challengers from the ring drawing a great reaction from the crowd. Jimmy sets the tone for the match with a face slap on Hawk (ooohh!). Hawk just smiles and tags in Animal who proceeds to toss around both Valiant Brothers. Hawk joins in for a spike piledriver on Johnny. Johnny survives back to back POWERSLAMS and tags in Jimmy. Jimmy gains an advantage by attacking Animal eyes with gouges on the ropes and pokes (huge heat). The Valiants down Animal with a double clothesline. Hawk hot tags in but Jimmy is able to get out of choke slam and send Hawk into the corner. Hawk blocks Jimmy’s charge with a knee to the chest and crushes Jimmy with a running clothesline for a ½ count. Animal joins in for a double clothesline on Jimmy leading to a 2 count. Hawk draws a great reaction with three consecutive gorilla press slams on Jimmy. Hawk hip tosses Jimmy into his own corner allowing him to tag out. Johnny is in and gets rocked with a pair of vertical suplexes and a running clothesline. A gorilla press slam later and Johnny rolls to the floor. Hawk follows and starts a wild brawl at ringside. Johnny grabs a chair but Jimmy distracts the referee. Hawk grabs the chair from Johnny and cracks him with it as the referee returns his attention to the action at ringside. Hawk is disqualified at 7:33. Jimmy collects his brother and flees from ringside as the Warriors chase the official from the ring.

News and Views

The Best: Iron Sheik v. Bobo Brazil

The Worst: None of the matches were disappointing but Hutton v. Valentine was the least exciting to play.

Highlights: Dick Hutton is back on track with a solid win over Greg Valentine . . .The combination of Rose and Valentine strike for the 2nd time in as many cards, this time injuring Nick Bockwinkel . . .Sandman is victorious in his return match . . . Bastien gains some revenge against Bundy . . .Sheik and Brazil tear each other apart. . The Valiant Brothers get one over on the Road Warriors.

Booker’s Notes: Some cards are a blast to play and this one was no exception. The was a great deal of realism to several of the matches where I could feel the crowds reaction. I loved the ending to the main event with the Valiants taking an incredible beating and still escaping with a victory . . . Iron Sheik is beginning to set himself apart from the field as the next contender for Frank Gotch.

[bookerbill]

I have decided to reboot my fed once again.

Big changes at home with the arrival of identical twin boys so I just have not had the time to play.

My new write ups will be shorter and less detailed so I can spend more time rolling and less time typing.

Up first, the LWF Championship will be awarded to the winner of an Iron Man Tournament. Buddy Roger, Frank Gotch, Nick Bockwinkel and Giant Baba will head to the Witschi's Sports Arena in North Attleboro, MA to do battle under the watch of Commissioner Charlie Cox. Bill Apter will be on hand to host the Hotseat as well.

Results to follow soon

Bookerbill

[bookerbill]

Card #1 - LWF @ North Attleboro, MA Witschi's Sports Arena January 5th, year one
“Night of the Iron Man”

Tonight’s show comes from North Attleboro and kicks off with Commissioner Charlie Cox addressing the audience from inside the ring. Cox promises to give the fans what they want starting right now with an Iron Man Tournament to determine the first LWF Champion. The crowd loves it!

We find out from Gary Michael Cappetta that Nick Bockwinkel, Buddy Rogers, Giant Baba and Frank Gotch will participate in the Iron Man Tournament. Each man will wrestle the other once in three rounds. 20 points will be awarded for a pin/submission win, 15 for a count-out win, 10 for a DQ win and 5 for each competitor in the event of a draw. The wrestler with the most points at the end of the third round is the 1st LWF Champion!

Match #1: Giant Baba v. Nick Bockwinkel
Japanese media flood ringside to cover the arrival of Giant Baba to the LWF. Bockwinkel counters Baba’s power attack to perfection and dominates the action. Baba survives a BOCKWINKEL SLEEPER and FIGURE FOUR LEG LOCK and manages to crawl back into the ring after Bockwinkel comes off the buckles to the arena floor with a falling body block sending members of the media scrambling for cover. Bockwinkel rocks Baba with a back suplex for the three count at 1:56. (GB 6; NB 3)

Match #2: Buddy Rogers v. Frank Gotch
Rogers infuriates the fans with his arrogance before the bell. The action goes back and forth with Gotch setting the pace. Rogers rams Gotch’s knee off the steel ringpost drawing huge heat but Gotch shows he can mix it up as well returning the favour ramming Roger’s ankle off the ringpost and later attacking Roger’s leg with a steel chair! Rogers escapes two GOTCH TOE HOLDS but a crossface and arm bar finishes the match at 2:46. (BR 6; FG1)

Playboy Buddy Rose is on Bill Apter’s Hotseat. Rose insists he is the perfection of physical fitness telling everyone he weighs 217 pounds and demonstrates this by doing push ups but blows up after two. Rose runs down Jimmy Snuka and the Superfly arrives to confront Rose but suddenly Gorgeous George attacks Snuka from behind and joins Rose for a two on one beat down. Snuka is left a bloody mess and is injured for two cards. Rose grabs the mic and declares this is what happens when you mess with the Beautiful People!

Match #3: Nick Bockwinkel v. Buddy Rogers (+2)
The fans are warming to Bockwinkel after his impressive first round match. Rogers draws great heat once again but is battered after his battle with Frank Gotch. From the bell it does not look like Rogers will last very long but he manages to side step a dropkick and rocks Bockwinkel with a piledriver following with a deathjump clothesline. A FIGURE FOUR GRAPEVINE ends the match at 0:42. (NB 6, BR3)

Match #4: Frank Gotch v. Giant Baba (+2)
A handshake starts the match while members of the Japanese media capture all the action from ringside. Gotch starts strong managing to keep Baba on the mat with takeovers and submission holds. Baba storms back when the match gets rough at ringside. Baba scores several near falls with piledrivers, boots to the face and Russian legsweeps. Gotch drags Baba to the corner from outside the ring and rams Baba’s leg off the steel ring post. The referee disqualifies Gotch at 3:25. (FG 6; GB6)

Match #5: Greg & Johnny Valentine v. Dick Hutton & Red Bastien
Bastien and Hutton are loved by the fans and take the fight to their opponents cutting off Johnny Valentine from his son. Both Bastien and Hutton ram Valentine’s face into the steel rails and Valentine is quickly a bloody mess. Greg Valentine is able to get into the match and the momentum turns. Johnny Valentine ends the match with a pair of ATOMIC SKULLCRUSHERS on Hutton while Greg Valentine blocks Red Bastien’s save attempt at 2:59.

Match #6: Giant Baba (+3) v. Buddy Rogers (+2)
Rogers is the fresher of the two competitors and dominates the action in and out of the ring including a falling body block from the top of the buckles to ringside. A deathjump smash to Baba’s leg sets up a FIGURE FOUR GRAPEVINE giving Rogers the win at 1:39 and the tournament lead with 40 points.

Match #7: Nick Bockwinkel (+1) v. Frank Gotch (+2)
The crowd is on fire for this one. Gotch needs a clean win to take home the Title, otherwise Buddy Rogers is the new Champion. Bockwinkel takes an incredible beating in and out of the ring racking up four pin tokens. A bloody Bockwinkel blocks a falling double hammer at ringside and then uses a BOCKWINKEL SLEEPER to set up a FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK for the win at 2:08. (FG 4 NB 8)

The final standings are Buddy Rogers 40 points, Nick Bockwinkel 40 points, Frank Gotch 20 points and Giant Baba 15 points. Commissioner Cox presents Rogers with the Heavyweight Title by virtue of his win over Bockwinkel in the 2nd round of the tournament.

As always, feedback is always appreciated.