Bithlo Championship Wrestling

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR FOUR, CARD NO. 9

Eddie Graham Sports Stadium

Commissioner Chad came out to start the card and announced that the next PPV, Tag-o-Rama, will feature 16 tag teams – eight from BCW and eight from other federations. He said he contacted the BWF (Bootleg Wrestling Federation), but the powers that be there had decided not to enter any teams into the event, instead opting to wait to face BCW wrestlers at the Invasion PPV. The commissioner said that independent teams would wrestle at each of the next seven BCW cards in qualifying matches for spots two through eight, adding that the Road Warriors had already accepted the No. 1 independent seed.

Finally, Commissioner Chad congratulated Rick Rude, the winner of the Bithlo Battle Bowl. That brought Bobby Heenan out to complain about the viciousness of the BCW world heavyweight title match, adding that his wrestler, Larry Zbyszko, should get a rematch when he returned to action. The commissioner pointed out that it was Zbyszko and Heenan who pulled the turnbuckle cover off, helping to cause the bloodfest. He said that when Zbyszko recovered, he’d think about giving him another title shot. Then he asked Heenan about who hired the Iron Sheik to request a match against Jimmy Snuka right before the PPV, which caused Heenan to sputter and scurry off.

Buff Bagwell and Steve Corino d. S+S when Bagwell hit the BUFF BLOCKBUSTER on Larry Sharpe.

Jushin Liger d. Diamond Dallas Page using his FISHERMAN’S BUSTER in a great match. The bout between different-size wrestlers went back and forth before Liger finally triumphed. Afterward, Danny Hodge came to ringside and eyed Liger, but did not try to attack him, as the HCB belt was nowhere in sight.

The Killer Bees d. the Armstrongs when B. Brian Blair came off the ropes and caught Bob Armstrong with a sunset flip and a quick pin.

Ivan Koloff d. former teammate Killer Kowalski using his RUSSIAN BEAR HUG after nailing him with a vicious clothesline, which came on the heels of Koloff tossing him into the turnbuckle. The ring rumbled as the two men got it on. Afterward, Koloff hit two knee drops on Kowalski, then brutalized him with a chain, seriously injuring Kowalski. Finally, Koloff yelled to the crowd, “Who’s the real killer now?”

Timber came out and challenged any member of the Heenan family to face him. In response, out came Jimmy Valiant, Johnny Valiant and Bobby Heenan.

Jimmy Valiant (w/ Bobby Heenan, Johnny Valiant) d. Timber when Valiant nailed him with his SUPER ELBOW. The Valiants attacked “The Insane Lumberjack” before the bell rang, but Timber rallied and even connected on his LOG SPLITTER. Heenan’s ref distraction helped turn the tide for Valiant. Afterward, the Valiants put the boots to Timber before security broke it up.

The Hennigs (w/ Capt. Lou Albano) d. the Ebony Express when S.D. Jones couldn’t answer the 10-count. He was pummeled by Larry Hennig in the ring, then, after Curt was tagged in, he was thrown outside, where Larry beat on him some more, then threw him into the guardrail, effectively taking him out of the match.

Roy Heffernan (w/ Al Costello, “Wild” Red Berry) d. the Terrible Turk by DQ when the Terrible Turk had Heffernan in his STRANGLEHOLD and would not let go. Berry and Costello jumped into the ring to help break the hold, then all three members of the Fabulous Kangaroos got back out of the ring while the Terrible Turk argued with the ref.

Don Muraco (w/ Bobby Heenan, the Valiants) d. U.S. champ Don Leo Jonathan by DQ when Jonathan slammed Muraco to the floor outside the ring despite the ref’s warning not to do it. The match featured interference by Heenan amid a basically equal matchup. Jonathan’s disqualification came after continued unseen cheap shots by Heenan and family.

In a Tag-o-Rama qualifying match, the Samoans d. the Flying Redheads when Billy “Red” Lyons was DQ’d for ramming Alofa’s head into a post outside the ring.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR FOUR, CARD NO. 10

Melbourne Auditorium

Bobo Brazil came out, took the mike and said that after his “embarrassing” elimination by S+S at Bithlo Bash, he was on a “redemption tour.” He said he planned to settle the score with George South and Larry Sharpe later, but for now he wanted – he needed – a title shot. Don Leo Jonathan came out and said he would give Brazil a shot at the U.S. title, since he understood redemption, and at least he wouldn’t be jumped by Brazil’s teammates.

And speaking of teammates, Jonathan called out Danny Hodge. When Hodge appeared, Jonathan asked him what had happened to Justice For Us? Hodge said he didn’t have time for that anymore, as he was focused on getting back the Hodge Championship Belt. Hodge then walked away, while Commissioner Chad came out to confirm the title match for later in the card.

Harley Race made his official return to BCW after a 2-1/2-year absence by pinning George South (w/ Larry Sharpe) following a swinging neckbreaker. Race took the mike afterward and said his previous time in BCW was taken up by groups and not enough title shots. This time, he was on his own, and he was coming for a title – namely Jimmy Snuka’s world heavyweight belt.

The Midnight Express d. the Killer Bees when Stan Lane caught Jim Brunzell with a SUPERKICK. The Midnight Express was without the suspended Jim Cornette, but still took care of business despite appearing disjointed at times.

Johnny Valiant (w/ Jimmy Valiant, Bobby Heenan) d. Brad Armstrong (w/ Bob Armstrong) via his SPINNING NECKBREAKER. Armstrong had the advantage early and got a couple of pin attempts, but the match turned when both ended up outside the ring and Jimmy Valiant got in an unseen cheap shot.

The Fabulous Kangaroos (w/ “Wild” Red Berry) d. Steve Corino and Buff Bagwell in a great match when Corino submitted to Roy Heffernan’s STEP OVER TOEHOLD. Heffernan seemed nervous in the early part of the match, perhaps watching for signs of the Terrible Turk, but his adversary did not show. Meanwhile, Bagwell and Corino gave the Kangaroos all they could handle.

The Hot Seat with Bill Apter featured BCW world heavyweight champion Jimmy Snuka and No. 1 challenger Rick Rude. A still-battered Snuka said all the right things about facing Rude, saying he was certainly a worthy opponent. Meanwhile, Rude basically ran Snuka down, calling him a has-been. When Apter suggested that the championship match should be a three-way one that included Larry Zbyszko due to his strong performance in the title match at the last PPV, Rude got mad and said he didn’t want to share the stage with one of “Heenan’s goons.” He then pushed Apter, slapped Snuka and walked off. Snuka said to forget about the PPV – he wanted Rude at the next card!

Commissioner Chad came out and said he had been impressed with Jushin Liger due to his matches against Hodge and the one against Diamond Dallas Page on the last card. The commissioner said Liger just might be the best pound-for-pound wrestler in BCW, but he wanted to see him against another style, so he made a match with a new opponent – Dr. Death Steve Williams!!

Jushin Liger d. Dr. Death Steve Williams by DQ when Danny Hodge came from the crowd to nail Liger while the two wrestlers were outside the ring. The match had only been going a short time when Hodge, obviously still upset with losing the Hodge Championship Belt, launched his attack. He then left the scene when Williams started after him for messing up the match.

BCW world tag-team champs Rikidozan and Giant Baba d. the Ebony Express in a surprisingly competitive nontitle match in which Virgil and S.D. Jones jumped on the champs from the beginning and gave as good as they got. Finally, Rikidozan connected with a forearm hammer on Virgil and got the pin.

The Iron Sheik came to ringside and said he hadn’t beaten on that “pitiful worm” in a while, calling out Savage-T. Out came Savage-T and KJ Hill.

The Iron Sheik destroyed Savage-T in the ring, pummeling him after getting the pin via a vertical suplex. Afterward, he slapped on the CAMEL CLUTCH until officials broke things up, but by then Savage-T was seriously injured. Iron Sheik then spat on Savage-T and pushed a concerned KJ Hill away before leaving the ring.

Don Leo Jonathan retained his U.S. title by d. Bobo Brazil using his MORMON SWING. Brazil put up a decent fight, but Jonathan was a man possessed. Afterward, the Heenan family ran to the ring, but Brazil recovered in time to stand with Jonathan and fend them off.

In a Tag-o-Rama qualifying match, Justin Credible and Chris Candido (w/ Tammy) d. the Heartbreak Express when Justin Credible hit a THAT’S INCREDIBLE on Sean Davis to get the pin.

[Spider Kid]

It's good to see Harley Race back. I hope to see Brad Armstrong win some matches. Great card none the less. I'll keep reading your post.

Larry

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR FOUR, CARD NO. 11

Jacksonville Auditorium

Commissioner Chad came out and announced that Don Leo Jonathan and Bobo Brazil had requested a match against Heenan Family members, so they would face the Valiants in Jacksonville. Also, world heavyweight champion Jimmy Snuka and No. 1 contender Rick Rude were signed to a nontitle lumberjack match, also on the card.

“Bullet” Bob Armstrong d. Larry Sharpe after catching him with a knee lift.

The Fabulous Kangaroos (w/ “Wild” Red Berry) d. the Ebony Express when Al Costello and Roy Heffernan connected on the BOOMERANG against S.D. Jones. The Express had a great match at the last card against the BCW tag-team champs, but were mostly steamrolled against a fired-up Kangaroos squad that had a tough feud with the Express earlier in the year.

Larry Hennig (w/ Curt Hennig, Lou Albano) d. Timber “The Insane Lumberjack” after a cross-body block off the turnbuckle. The two traded blows for quite a while, but the key moment came when Timber was distracted outside the ring by Albano, allowing Hennig to take control. Timber looked frustrated after he loss.

U.S. champion Don Leo Jonathan and Bobo Brazil d. the Valiants (w/ Bobby Heenan, Don Muraco) when Brazil pinned Johnny Valiant after a Bobo body slam. Afterward, the two sides got into a scrum, during which Johnny Valiant took a big hammer punch from Brazil and was injured.

Bill Apter’s “Hot Seat” featured Playboy Buddy Rose. Rose talked about how he was “over” his feud with Commissioner Chad, and how much he enjoyed his new tag-team partnership with Koko B. Ware. Rose also said they hoped to be the surprise team of the upcoming Tag-o-Rama PPV.

Mad Dog Vachon (w/ Butcher Vachon, Capt. Lou Albano) d. Brad Armstrong (w/ Bob Armstrong) using his PILEDRIVER. Armstrong showed a lot of fight in the match, nearly nailing a pin after his RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP, but a mistimed jump off the turnbuckle doomed him to Vachon’s finisher.

BCW world tag-team champions Giant Baba and Rikidozan d. the Killer Bees when Rikidozan nailed B. Brian Blair with his THUNDEROUS CHOPS. The champions tried attacking their opponents before the bell, but the Killer Bees fended it off. Yet the Bees were no match for the focused champions once the match officially began, as Baba and Rikidozan continued their run as the longest-reigning tag champs in BCW history (18 cards).

Commissioner Chad came out and called out Jushin Liger. He said Danny Hodge had been giving him all sorts of grief about his Hodge Championship Belt, even though it’s not an official belt. The commissioner said he was setting up a match for this card between Liger and Hodge – if Liger won, Hodge would get no more shots at the title belt as long as Liger held it. If Hodge won, he would get a shot at the belt at Tag-o-Rama! Liger nodded his head, seemingly agreeing to the provisions.

Jushin Liger d. Danny Hodge after connecting with the FISHERMAN’S BUSTER at the end of a well-fought match. As a frustrated Hodge was getting to his feet after the match, Rikidozan and Giant Baba came to the ring and gave him a pummeling, injuring him. Then all three Japanese stars celebrated as the crowd booed.

Jimmy Snuka’s selection for lumberjacks headed to the ring: The Killer Bees, Bobo Brazil and Dr. Death Steve Williams. They were followed by Rick Rude’s selections: the Midnight Express, the Terrible Turk and the Iron Sheik.

BCW world heavyweight champion Jimmy Snuka d. Rick Rude in a nontitle lumberjack match when he caught a distracted Rude with a backbreaker and got the pin. The first part of the match was dominated by Rude, but Snuka rallied while Rude’s attention was on a skirmish among the lumberjacks at ringside. After the pin, Jimmy Valiant snuck into the ring and slammed Snuka, while Don Muraco gave a nasty Asiatic Spike to Rude, injuring him, as Bobby Heenan’s bunch continued to interfere with the championship match. Finally, order was restored while the Killer Bees protected Snuka from another further assaults.

In a great Tag-o-Rama qualifying match, the Ortons d. the New Age Outlaws when Bob Orton Sr. got B.G. James to succumb to his step-over toehold.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR FOUR, CARD NO. 12

Atlanta – Alexander Memorial Coliseum

Commissioner Chad led off the card by noting that Rick Rude had indeed been injured at the last card in Jacksonville, but said Rude would be back for the PPV match against Snuka. He was then interrupted by Cousin Luke, who complained about what the Iron Sheik did to Savage-T. He said he understood there should be sanctions, but what he really wanted was Iron Sheik in a steel cage match, with the loser leaving BCW! The commish seemed doubtful, but after looking at Cousin Luke’s determined face, he decided it was a go for the end of the card.

Playboy Buddy Rose comes out next to interrupt the commissioner, his old rival. Rose said he and Koko B. Ware were trying to get a tag match so they could qualify for an entry into Tag-o-Rama, but they weren’t having any luck. Commissioner Chad said not to worry – the Midnight Express and the Hennigs were set to meet on this card, and Rose and Ware could have the winner on the next card. Rose looked unsure about the matchup, but nodded his head and left.

Bobo Brazil d. Mad Dog Vachon (w/ Capt. Lou Albano). Brazil looked decidedly determined, and even Albano’s intereference could not derail him.

The Armstrongs d. S+S when Bob Armstrong caught George South with a knee lift and got the pin. S+S put up a good battle, but couldn’t overcome the Armstrongs.

George Hackenschmidt returned from suspension to d. Butcher Vachon (w/ Capt. Lou Albano) using his RUSSIAN BEAR HUG. Vachon put up a good battle, and Albano put in his two cents’ worth of interference, but Hackenschmidt looked determined and picked up the victory. A tough day in the ring for the Vachons.

Harley Race d. Virgil (w/ S.D. Jones) by countout when Virgil could not answer the 10-count after being given a piledriver outside of the ring by Race. Race couldn’t seem to get momentum throughout the match, but when Virgil went out of the ring as part of a stalling tactic, Race followed him out, punched Jones, surprised Virgil and took him out while the ref was busy checking on Jones.

The Fabulous Kangaroos (w/ “Wild” Red Berry) d. Don Muraco and Jimmy Valiant (w/ Bobby Heenan) in a long but fantastic match that featured managerial interference on both sides and more than 10 pin attempts. The Kangaroos finally finished the match with their BOOMERANG maneuver on Valiant.

Ivan Koloff came out and announced that since he was the new “Killer” of BCW, it was time to pay back some people. He called out Diamond Dallas Page, who took him out during Koloff’s first match in BCW. Page ran out to answer the challenge.

Ivan Koloff d. Diamond Dallas Page using his RUSSIAN BEAR HUG. Page put forth a valiant effort, but could never get his Diamond Cutter set up, and Koloff eventually wore him down. Officials had to get Koloff to break the hold afterward.

The Midnight Express (w/ Jim Cornette) d. the Hennigs (w/ Capt. Lou Albano) when the Midnight Express executed a VEG-O-MATIC against Larry Hennig. Curt Hennig had Stan Lane pinned earlier in the match with his HENNIG PLEX, but Bobby Eaton broke it up. Afterward, the Vachons came to ringside and helped put the boots to the Express until officials broke things up.

The Iron Sheik d. Cousin Luke in a cage match, ending Cousin Luke’s time in BCW. However, before he left he gave one of his best showings ever, splashing the Iron Sheik in the corner and giving him the HILLBILLY DROP twice! But the Iron Sheik finally locked on the CAMEL CLUTCH to subdue Cousin Luke, then left the cage only long enough to get the win before going back and pummeling Cousin Luke some more. Officials finally pulled the Iron Sheik off him, and Cousin Luke got a standing ovation as he departed BCW.

In a Tag-o-Rama qualifying match, the Kings of Wrestling d. the Naptown Dragons by countout when Claudio Castagnoli nailed Scotty Vortekz with a kick outside the ring and Vortekz was unable to make the 10-count to return.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR FOUR, CARD NO. 13

Kent State

Larry Zbyszko (w/ Bobby Heenan) returned to action from injury and d. Larry Sharpe using his PILEDRIVER. Afterward, Zbyszko took the house mike and said there was no way a world heavyweight title match should be held if it didn’t include him, since he had “dominated” current champ Jimmy Snuka.

Commissioner Chad came to ringside as the Fabulous Kangaroos got set to face the Armstrongs in a tag match. He said that with two such noted teams, there should be a bigger challenge. Therefore, he was making the match a tag ladder match, with the prize being a substantial one – the winner would get an automatic shot at the tag champs at the card after Tag-o-Rama, no matter who the champs were.

The Fabulous Kangaroos (w/ “Wild” Red Berry) d. the Armstrongs when Roy Heffernan was able to climb the ladder and grab the prize, having knocked Bob Armstrong off the ladder. The match was pretty even, but the Kangaroos and manager Berry did what they needed to in order to win a title shot.

Diamond Dallas Page d. George South when he took South out with a DIAMOND CUTTER. Afterward, Page got on the mike and said he wasn’t through with Ivan Koloff – and he’d see the Russian Bear at Tag-o-Rama!

The Killer Bees d. Steve Corino and Buff Bagwell when they connected on the BEE STING on Corino. Buff Bagwell was unhappy afterward because Corino never tried to tag out.

Bill Apter’s “Hot Seat” featured the Terrible Turk. Apter asked him what was going on and where he was headed in BCW. The Terrible Turk said he was done going after Roy Heffernan over his Bithlo Battle Bowl loss. He said he had lots of offers to join various factions, but after watching the Iron Sheik hurt BCW world heavyweight champion Jimmy Snuka and being paid off by Bobby Heenan for doing it, he had decided he would be the “Hitman for Hire” in BCW: “You got the money, I’ll do the job.” He added that he might ask the Iron Sheik to join him, then he glared at Apter and left.

Curt Hennig (w/ Capt. Lou Albano) d. Jimmy Valiant (w/ Bobby Heenan) using the HENNIG PLEX. Valiant jumped on Hennig at the bell and controlled much of the match until Hennig executed a strong reversal into his signature move for the victory.

The Midnight Express (w/ Jim Cornette) d. Playboy Buddy Rose and Koko B. Ware by DQ when Ware slammed Bobby Eaton on the guardrail outside the ring and also off the metal stairs in retaliation for an unseen cheap shot by Cornette. Rose and Ware had acquitted themselves well during the match, although the Midnight Express remained mostly in control.

Don Leo Jonathan came out and said it seemed like a lot of “tough guys” emerging lately. He then called Ivan Koloff out to “test his mettle.”

U.S. champ Don Leo Jonathan d. Ivan Koloff by DQ in a nontitle match when Koloff attacked Jonathan with a chain. He kept beating on Jonathan until Diamond Dallas Page hit the ring and belted Koloff from behind. Then Koloff and Page battled until the Iron Sheik and the Terrible Turk reached the ring and took both men out. The pair then celebrated their apparent new alliance as “hit men.”

Commissioner Chad came back out to announce that he had a special surprise for the tag champs – a nontitle match challenge. As Rikidozan and Giant Baba made their way to the ring, the commissioner called out Dr. Death Steve Williams, then asked if Williams had a partner. Williams nodded yes, then took the mike and said, “He’s someone who can beat the champs – he’s done it before.” Out from the back comes… former BCW world heavyweight champion Ted DiBiase! The crowd was stunned as DiBiase, lacking his Million Dollar Man togs, made his way to the ring.

In a fantastic match, Dr. Death Steve Williams and Ted DiBiase d. BCW world tag-team champions Rikidozan and Giant Baba in a nontitle match when DiBiase caught Rikidozan with his LOADED GLOVE and got the pin. The long match featured a brawl in the middle of it and pin attempts on both sides. The Tokyo Trio members, suffering their first loss of Year Four, looked confused at being manhandled at times by Dr. Death. The fans were riveted throughout, but also appeared puzzled by the seemingly good-guy DiBiase.

Antonino Rocca and Jim Londos d. Nick Bockwinkel and Ray Stevens by DQ in a Tag-o-Rama qualifying match when Bockwinkel was caught giving a cheap shot to Rocca while Rocca and Stevens were outside the ring. Bockwinkel apparently had been frustrated over an inability to pin Londos despite having the advantage when both were in the ring.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR FOUR, CARD NO. 14

Jefferson Fairgrounds

Commissioner Chad opened the card by saying that the argument about who was the toughest man in BCW had been bandied about a lot lately, so he was announcing an eight-man, no-DQ tough guy tournament. The announcement brought out George Hackenschmidt, who said he had heard he was not one of the eight. The commissioner confirmed such, saying that Hack hadn’t shown much lately since coming off suspension. Hackenschmidt started to say something, but Commissioner Chad told him to hold on while he announced the eight who are in the event: U.S. champ Don Leo Jonathan, Yukon Eric, Dr. Death Steve Williams, Timber, Iron Sheik, Terrible Turk, Ivan Koloff and Don Muraco.

The commissioner then addressed the Rick Rude problem, saying Rude wouldn’t be back until his title match at the upcoming Tag-o-Rama PPV. But, Larry Zbyszko had requested a three-way match for the title at Tag-o-Rama due to his last battle with BCW world heavyweight champion Jimmy Snuka. Therefore, the commissioner said, he had decided that Zbyszko would have to earn the title shot in a match at the next card against … Hackenschmidt! As “the Russian Lion” looked on in surprise, the commissioner said that if Hack won the match, he would get a shot at Jonathan’s U.S. title at the PPV. Finally, he noted that BCW world heavyweight champion Jimmy Snuka would face Ivan Koloff in a nontitle match later on the card.

The Midnight Express (w/ Jim Cornette) d. the Armstrongs when Bob Armstrong succumbed to the ROCKET LAUNCHER. The Midnight Express did a good job of isolating Armstrong in a corner and not allowing him to tag, eventually wearing him down for the pin.

Diamond Dallas Page d. Steve Corino (w/ Buff Bagwell) by DQ when Ivan Koloff ran in to belt Page with a chain. Before that, the match was pretty even between two men who were once hated rivals. Officials got Koloff out of the ring before he could do more damage.

Dr. Death Steve Williams and Ted DiBiase d. the Ebony Express by countout when Williams threw S.D. Jones into the ropes with enough force that Jones flipped outside the ring and was too stunned to continue. Williams and DiBiase again looked sharp together, although DiBiase did not get a chance to face former valet Virgil, who eyed DiBiase warily during the match.

In an incredibly vicious tough-man match, the Iron Sheik d. Timber “the Insane Lumberjack” when he rammed Timber’s head into a pole outside the ring, then gave him a DDT on the concrete floor. Timber gave as good as he got for a while, especially outside the ring, but the Iron Sheik’s experience ultimately paid off.

BCW world tag-team champions Giant Baba and Rikidozan d. S+S in a nontitle match when Rikidozan caught George South with his HIPLOCK. S+S started the match by attacking the champs before the bell, but Rikidozan and Giant Baba, angered over their loss on the last card, overcame the early attack and pummeled S+S before the pin.

Jimmy Valiant (w/ Bobby Heenan) d. Jushin Liger in a long back-and-forth match when Heenan slipped Valiant brass knuckles and Valiant nailed Liger, then finished him with his SUPER ELBOW. Heenan and Valiant then fled the scene as Rikidozan and Giant Baba arrived, angry at the attack on Liger.

Larry Hennig (w/ Capt. Lou Albano) d. U.S. heavyweight champion Don Leo Jonathan by DQ in a nontitle match. The end came with both men outside the ring – Hennig moved out of the way of a charging Jonathan, who then plowed over Albano, which prompted the ref to call for the DQ. The Vachons came out and jumped on Jonathan, but then George Hackenschmidt and the Killer Bees came to the rescue.

Ivan Koloff d. BCW world heavyweight champion Jimmy Snuka in a nontitle match when he belted Snuka with a chain while Bobby Heenan, who had come to ringside, distracted the ref. Diamond Dallas Page raced to the ring when he saw Koloff pick up the chain, but he was not in time to stop Koloff’s attack. He did, however, chase Heenan from ringside. Koloff, meanwhile, made the sign of wanting the title belt after the match as Snuka lay stunned.

In a Tag-o-Rama qualifying match, the Canadian Connection d. the Valentines when Angelo Mosca caught Greg Valentine with his SLEEPER.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR FOUR, CARD NO. 15

Wolstein Center – Cleveland State

Buff Bagwell and Steve Corino d. S+S by countout when Corino nailed Larry Sharpe outside the ring with a steel chair to the head while Bagwell distracted the ref. There were no signs of conflict that had emerged recently between Bagwell and Corino.

Commissioner Chad came out and announced he would have a “surprise” for Bobby Heenan later in the card. He also said there would be a qualifying match for the final BCW spot in Tag-o-Rama and a battle between the Fabulous Kangaroos and the Midnight Express for the other No. 1 BCW seed at the event.

U.S. champion Don Leo Jonathan d. newcomer Johnny Rodz by countout when the Terrible Turk appeared at ringside and derailed Rodz with his STRANGLEHOLD while Rodz was outside the ring. The attack went unseen by the ref. Afterward, the Terrible Turk pointed at Jonathan, his first-round opponent in the tough-man competition, and gave the throat-slashing sign.

Ted DiBiase and Steve Williams d. the Ebony Express by countout for a second straight card when S.D. Jones walked out on the match after being tossed to the outside by DiBiase. A perplexed Virgil followed him to the back, and they were counted out.

Commissioner Chad came out and announced that Jushin Liger had requested a revenge match against Bobby Heenan’s group and had brought along “big brothers” Rikidozan and Giant Baba. So, the commissioner was giving them a six-man tag match. But, since Johnny Valiant was still out with an injury and Larry Zbyszko had a match later on, Heenan would have to be the third member of his team – and it would be an elimination match. A sputtering Heenan came out to protest, but the commissioner told him to get ready, because the match was the next one up!

The Tokyo Trio won the six-man tag elimination match against the Heenan family. Jimmy Valiant pinned Giant Baba after a SUPER ELBOW. Next, Don Muraco was DQ’d for smashing Jushin Liger’s head against a ringpost outside the of the ring. Valiant was later pinned by Rikidozan after his THUNDEROUS CHOPS. Rikidozan then drug Bobby Heenan into the ring to set him up for a Liger kick, but Heenan managed to escape and fled down the aisle, causing a countout of the Heenan family.

Bill Apter’s “Hot Seat” segment featured the Armstrongs. Bob and Brad discussed their tough recent ladder match with the Fabulous Kangaroos, and how they were looking forward to participating at Tag-o-Rama. Then the lights went out in the arena, and when they went back on, the Armstrongs had been laid out and appeared to be injured. A disheveled Apter looked stunned, and there were no culprits in sight. Officials came to ringside to help the Armstrongs to the back.

Playboy Buddy Rose and Koko B. Ware secured the final BCW spot in Tag-o-Rama when they d. the Vachons (w/ Capt. Lou Albano) by DQ. The end of an exciting, close-fought match came with Rose on the outside of the ring being stalked by Mad Dog Vachon, who body-slammed Rose with the help of Butcher Vachon despite a warning from the ref not to do it. Albano and the Vachons, along with the Hennigs (who had come to ringside) put the boots to Rose and Ware until officials could restore order.

Commissioner Chad came out to congratulate the battered Rose and Ware, then announced that since the Armstrongs appeared to be out of Tag-o-Rama, and given the tantrum by the Vachons, he was awarding the final spot to Buff Bagwell and Steve Corino!

Ivan Koloff d. Yukon Eric using his BEAR HUG in a no-DQ tough man match that saw the two combatants both inside and outside the ring. Koloff turned the tide of the match when he used his chain to bludgeon Yukon Eric.

The Fabulous Kangaroos (w/ “Wild” Red Berry) secured a No. 1 seed at Tag-o-Rama by d. the Midnight Express (w/ Jim Cornette) when Roy Heffernan and Al Costello double-teamed Stan Lane in the ring, pummeling him before Costello got the pin. The double-team was effective because the ref was distracted by Berry starting a fight with Cornette, which also drew in Bobby Eaton.

Larry Zbyszko (w/ Bobby Heenan) d. George Hackenschmidt by DQ to earn a spot in the heavyweight title match at Tag-o-Rama. Zbyszko got the DQ after Hackenschmidt went outside the ring. From the crowd, Don Muraco caught Hackenschmidt with a cheap shot, which enraged the Russian warrior and caused him to bash Zbyszko with a chair, causing the DQ.

Sabu and the Sheik (w/ Abdullah Farouk) d. the Mongols (w/ Nikita Breznikov) in a Tag-o-Rama qualifying match when Bepo Mongol was DQ’d for using a chair against Sabu, who was mostly pummeled during the match before the DQ.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR FOUR, CARD 16

Tag-o-Rama PPV – Nationwide Arena – Columbus

Commissioner Chad came out and noted that this was the 100th BCW card, which brought cheers from the fans. He then went over the rules for Tag-o-Rama tournament: Each bracket had two BCW teams and two non-BCW teams, with the teams other than the top seed randomly selected. The top seed in each bracket would get to pick the opponent for the first round. The BCW world tag-team belts would be on the line -- if Giant Baba and Rikidozan lost a match (not by DQ), they would lose the belts. Commissioner Chad also said there would be five other bouts throughout the PPV, including the triple-threat match for the BCW world heavyweight title.

BRACKET ONE:

BCW world tag-team champions Giant Baba and Rikidozan, the top seed in the bracket, d. Buff Bagwell and Steve Corino by countout when an unseen (by the ref) Jushin Liger nailed Bagwell with a kick while Bagwell was trying to catch his breath outside the ring. Before that, either Baba and Rikidozan were not taking the match seriously or Corino and Bagwell were on, because the latter controlled much of the match despite having “snuck in” to the tournament at the expense of the Armstrongs.

The Canadian Connection d. Sabu and the Sheik (w/ Abdullah Farouk) by DQ when Sabu was disqualified for using the ARABIAN FACEBUSTER on the Mountie.

BRACKET TWO:

Antonino Rocca and Jim Londos, the top seed in the bracket, d. the Ortons when Londos caught Bob Orton Jr. with a headlock throw and got the quick pin. The two sides were pretty evenly matched before then, and the pin seemed to surprise all involved.

The Midnight Express (w/ Jim Cornette) d. the Killer Bees when Jim Brunzell was pinned following a ROCKET LAUNCHER. With Brunzell in trouble, the Bees tried to execute their famed “masked confusion,” but an alert Cornette notified the ref of the switch, and the Bees ended up going down to defeat.

Danny Hodge returned to action from injury and d. Timber the Insane Lumberjack using a sleeper hold.

BRACKET THREE:

The Fabulous Kangaroos (w/ “Wild” Red Berry), the top seed in the bracket, d. the Samoan Island Tribe when Samu succumbed to the BOOMERANG. The Kangaroos continued their recent winning ways, operating at top efficiency in dispatching the Samoans.

The Kings of Wrestling (w/ Larry Sweeney) d. Koko B. Ware and Playboy Buddy Rose when Chris Hero connected on the HERO’S WELCOME against Ware, who had been distracted by Sweeney and ended up running into the turnbuckle when attempting to nail Hero, setting himself up for Hero’s finisher.

BRACKET FOUR:

The Road Warriors (w/ Paul Ellering), the top seed in the bracket, d. Justin Credible and Chris Candido by DQ when Credible hit Animal with his Singapore Cane. After that, Animal pretty much pummeled him.

In the best match of the first round, Dr. Death Steve Williams and Ted DiBiase d. the Hennigs when Williams pinned Larry Hennig after an OKLAHOMA STAMPEDE. Curt Hennig had the advantage on DiBiase early and almost pinned him, but DiBiase was eventually able to tag in Williams, who belted Hennig from stem to stern. Curt Hennig barely survived long enough to tag in his father, but Larry Hennig could do little against a determined Williams. Afterward, the frustrated Vachons and Capt. Lou Albano came to ringside and put the boots to the weary Hennigs, apparently severing their loose alliance.

Don Muraco (w/ Bobby Heenan) d. George Hackenschmidt by countout when Muraco gave Hackenschmidt a piledriver outside the ring and Hackenschmidt was unable to make it back before the count of 10. Naturally, Heenan was distracting the referee while all of that occurred.

BRACKET ONE FINAL:

BCW world tag-team champions Giant Baba and Rikidozan (w/ Jushin Liger) d. the Canadian Connection when Baba caught Angelo Mosca with his NECKBREAKER DROP and got the pin. The match was a quick one, in part because Mosca and Baba got into a shoving match before the bell rang. Baba got in a Baba chop and rolled to victory while Mosca’s partner, the Mountie, was distracted by Liger.

BRACKET TWO FINAL:

Antonino Rocca and Jim Londos d. the Midnight Express (w/ Jim Cornette) when Rocca caught Bobby Eaton w/ his ARGENTINIAN BACKBREAKER. The match was a classic, with lots of tags and near falls. However, Cornette ended up being the Midnight Express’ undoing. His attempt at interference using his racket caused Rocca to chase him outside the ring, and Eaton to follow Rocca. But Rocca surprised Eaton, got him back into the ring and slapped on his finisher. As the ref called for the bell, Cornette looked stunned at the turn of events.

Ivan Koloff d. Diamond Dallas Page in a no-DQ match when he caught Page with his chain, then finished him with his RUSSIAN BEAR HUG. Page gave a good fight, but never got a chance to lock on his DIAMOND CUTTER.

BRACKET THREE FINAL:

The Fabulous Kangaroos (w/ “Wild” Red Berry) d. the Kings of Wrestling (w/ Larry Sweeney) when they caught Chris Hero with the BOOMERANG. Before that, the Kings of Wrestling acquitted themselves well in the match.

BRACKET FOUR FINAL:

The Road Warriors (w/ Paul Ellering) d. Dr. Death Steve Williams and Ted DiBiase when Animal pinned DiBiase following a double clothesline. It was the first loss for Williams and DiBiase in BCW action. The match featured a great test of strength between Animal and Williams,, with neither getting too much of an advantage. With the Road Warriors’ win, the four No. 1 seeds advanced to the semifinals.

The Terrible Turk d. U.S. champ Don Leo Jonathan in a nontitle, no-DQ tough-guy match when he used the questionably legal STRANGLEHOLD to subdue Jonathan, who had controlled the first part of the match but saw his fortunes change due to a mistimed turnbuckle leap.

SEMIFINALS:

BCW world tag-team champions Giant Baba and Rikidozan (w/ Jushin Liger) d. Jim Londos and Antonino Rocca in a great match to advance to the finals of Tag-o-Rama. All four men survived pin attempts, and the long match had plenty of twists and turns before Rikidozan finally wore down Londos and pinned him after using his THUNDEROUS CHOPS.

In an incredible match, the Road Warriors (w/ Paul Ellering) reached the finals of Tag-o-Rama by d. the Fabulous Kangaroos (w/ “Wild” Red Berry) when Hawk and Animal executed a DOOMSDAY DEVICE on Roy Heffernan. The match featured 14 pin attempts among the four wrestlers, along with much interference and many pin saves on both sides.

Jimmy Snuka retained the BCW world heavyweight title in a wild triple-threat match when Larry Zbyszko was counted out. Earlier, Rick Rude was effectively taken out of the match when he was thrown outside the ring (after much pummeling from both Snuka and Zbyszko), only to be hit with an Asiatic spike by Don Muraco at ringside. That made it a two-man match, but when Zbyszko later ventured outside the ring and manager Bobby Heenan was arguing with the ref, Rude’s valet, Ida Mae Martinez, gave Zbyszko a nasty chair shot to the face, knocking him out and causing him to be counted out.

As Snuka celebrated retaining the title, Harley Race entered the ring and offered to shake Snuka’s hand. As he did, he belted Snuka, then gave him a PILEDRIVER onto the championship belt.

FINALS:

The Road Warriors (w/ Paul Ellering) became the BCW world tag-team champions for a second time and won Tag-o-Rama for the first time by d. Giant Baba and Rikidozan (w/ Jushin Liger), as Animal pinned Giant Baba following a power slam. Expected to be less than full strength following a very tough semifinal match, the Road Warriors instead came out with an immense amount of intensity, battering Rikidozan for much of the match before getting the pin against Giant Baba. The fans went wild as the longest tag-team reign in BCW history (26 cards) came to an end.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR FOUR, CARD NO. 17

U.S. Bank Arena – Cincinnati

Johnny Valiant made his return from injury, teaming with brother Jimmy Valiant (w/ Bobby Heenan) to d. S+S when Jimmy Valiant pinned Larry Sharpe following his SUPER ELBOW.

U.S. heavyweight champion Don Leo Jonathan came out and called out Commissioner Chad. Jonathan said he wanted a rematch against the Terrible Turk, and he was willing to put up the U.S. title and agree to a no-DQ match. Commissioner Chad said no to the title shot, but yes to the no-DQ match, and said if the Terrible Turk won the bout, then he would get a title shot on the next card. The commissioner also announced that the Invasion qualifying matches would start this card, with the winners entered into the War Games matches and the losers wrestling for their BCW careers at the PPV.

The Fabulous Kangaroos and manager “Wild” Red Berry then came to ringside and reminded the commissioner that they were cashing in their title shot against the new tag-team champs the Road Warriors. That brought former champs Giant Baba and Rikidozan down to ringside to complain about their rematch rights, but the commissioner reminded them that the Kangaroos did, indeed, have the first shot due to their victory against the Armstrongs in Card 13. He said Giant Baba and Rikidozan would get their shot at the winner at Card No. 18 in Gainesville.

Steve Corino d. the Iron Sheik by DQ when the Iron Sheik nailed Corino with his loaded boot outside the ring. The Terrible Turk then came out, and they put the boots to Corino until, of all people, Diamond Dallas Page ran to ringside to make the save. Finally, officials broke up the battle. Corino’s tag-team partner, Buff Bagwell, was nowhere to be seen.

Mad Dog Vachon (w/ Butcher Vachon, Lou Albano) d. former teammate Curt Hennig by DQ when Hennig whacked Vachon with a chair to his head outside the ring. Hennig was then hit from behind by Butcher Vachon before officials broke up the tussle. Hennig had connected on the HENNIG PLEX earlier, but Albano distracted the ref from making the three-count.

Dr. Death Steve Williams (w/ Ted DiBiase) d. Don Muraco (w/ Bobby Heenan) in a no-DQ tough-guy match using a German suplex. The match went for quite a while, with both men getting pin attempts. Heenan distracted the ref enough early on that Williams was not able to finish Muraco off with his OKLAHOMA STAMPEDE.

Bill Apter’s “Hot Seat” featured world heavyweight champion Jimmy Snuka, who immediately called out Harley Race for an explanation of the attack on him at Tag-o-Rama. Race came out and said Snuka had been the champ for too long, adding that BCW needed a strong champion for the Invasion PPV. The two began to battle, and officials had to separate them. Commissioner Chad then came out and said the two would meet in a best-of-three-falls match at Card 20, with the winner becoming heavyweight champion and representing BCW at Invasion.

Playboy Buddy Rose and Koko B. Ware d. the Ebony Express when Rose pinned Virgil following his BOMBS AWAY knee drop. When Rose was going for the pin, an apparently disgruntled S.D. Jones simply walked away instead of trying to aid his tag-team partner.

U.S. champion Don Leo Jonathan d. the Terrible Turk in a nontitle, no-DQ match using his MORMON SWING. The match was a bloody affair that saw as much time outside the ring as in it. Jonathan finally unleashed his finisher to get the win and his revenge.

Diamond Dallas Page d. Larry Hennig by DQ in an Invasion qualifying match when Page was attacked outside the ring by Hennig’s former allies, the Vachons. The attack guaranteed that Hennig will have to fight for his BCW career at Invasion. The match before the DQ was characterized by Hennig wearing down Page, who counterattacked but couldn’t lock on his DIAMOND CUTTER finisher.

The Fabulous Kangaroos (w/ “Wild” Red Berry) stunned the Road Warriors (w/ Paul Ellering) to capture the BCW tag-team titles when Al Costello slipped his MARBLE BOR LEGLOCK on Hawk to get the victory. The match was just as fierce as that at the PPV, but this time, a still-angry Tokyo Trio came to ringside, distracting Animal and Ellering and allowing the Kangaroos to capture the belts. Afterward, Giant Baba and Rikidozan pointed at the Kangaroos, their new source of anger. Meanwhile, the title curse continued to haunt the Road Warriors.