Bithlo Championship Wrestling

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR EIGHT, CARD NO. 5

UCF Arena

Boris Zhukov made his debut in BCW a successful one, d. George South after connecting on his DIVING HEAD BUTT finisher. After the win, Zhukov took the mic and said, “I need to fix some things around here,” then left ringside without further explanation.

Larry Sharpe came out, got into the ring and waited for his opponent to be announced. That’s when he heard, “Give a warm welcome to … ‘the Boogie Woogie Man,’ Jimmy Valiant!” Valiant came to ringside, making his return to BCW after being away for three years.

“Boogie Woogie Man” Jimmy Valiant d. Larry Sharpe when he caught Sharpe with his SLEEPER finisher. Sharpe shoved Valiant to begin the match, then threw him into the ropes, only to be caught in return by a piledriver, followed by Valiant’s finisher. Fans cheered at the return of the former BCW U.S. champion.

John Pesek, in his return from injury, d. Johnny Rodz when he caught Rodz with his TIGER MAN TOEHOLD. Pesek looked sharp in his return match.

Commissioner Chad came to ringside and called out Al Snow. “Time to up your game while D’Lo is out,” the commissioner said, “and I’ve got just the way to do it – a nontitle bout against Lou Thesz!” Snow looked surprised as Thesz headed to ringside.

U.S. heavyweight champion Lou Thesz d. Al Snow using his GRECO-ROMAN BACKDROP. Snow acquitted himself well, but was ultimately no match for the U.S. champion. Afterward, the two men shook hands in a show of good sportsmanship.

Paul Ellering came to ringside and said Yukon Eric and Chris Candido had a nice outing on the last card against the Naptown Dragons, but now it was time to test them against a real tag team, one that routinely wiped the floor with the Dragons – the Road Warriors!

The Road Warriors (w/ Paul Ellering) d. Yukon Eric and Chris Candido by countout when Animal tossed Yukon Eric out of the ring, and Eric was attacked by members of the House of Humperdink. Ellering, seeing what was happening, distracted the ref long enough that by the time he could focus on the action outside the ring, Sam Hanye and Dustin Lee had retreated, and Yukon Eric was injured. As the ref counted to 10, the crowd booed the actions of Ellering, especially since the Road Warriors had been controlling the match up to that point.

Commissioner Chad came out and said that since the House of Humperdink wanted “so badly” to be at ringside, he’d give them their wish! It would be a nontitle match for the Kings of Wrestling against the world tag-team champions, the Million Dollar Team!

The world tag-team champions Million Dollar Team (w/ Ted DiBiase) d. the Kings of Wrestling (w/ Sir Oliver Humperdink) when Andre the Giant pinned Chris Hero after an enormous head butt. Hero, who started as a house afire against Terry Gordy, barely survived a Gordy piledriver attempt when Claudio Castagnoli interfered, but he didn’t survive the match once Gordy tagged in Andre. DiBiase simply watched and chuckled throughout the match at ringside.

Mad Dog Vachon d. Jimmy Snuka by pinning him after a double foot stomp. The match was brutal and mostly controlled by Vachon, as Snuka could not seem to generate any consistent offense.

Johnny Valentine came to ringside, took the mic and complained about how the “lucky” Ivan Koloff was getting a world heavyweight title shot at Bithlo Bash when he (Valentine) was the true contender for the crown and a three-time champion to boot! That comment brought out BCW world heavyweight champion Rob Van Dam, who said, “Let’s go, Valentine! Right here, right now. No belt, just us!” RVD was followed into the ring by referee Bill Alfonso.

Johnny Valentine d. BCW world heavyweight champion Rob Van Dam by DQ in a long, amazing match in which referee Bill Alfonso finally DQ’d Van Dam for using a Van Daminator outside the ring. Van Dam had eight pin attempts against him during the match and looked pretty spent when he was DQ’d. Valentine had three pin attempts against him, but seemed a little more fresh before the match ended. Van Dam appeared to be frustrated with Alfonso about the DQ, since he had used the maneuver earlier in the match with no referee opposition.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR EIGHT, CARD NO. 6

Jacksonville Civic Center

Bruiser Brody, in his return from injury, d. Johnny Rodz using his JUMPING KNEE DROP. Brody had some trouble subduing the scrappy Rodz, but he finally got control of the match ahead of the finish.

D’Lo Brown, in his return from injury, d. Larry Sharpe using his LO DOWN. Early on, it appeared that Brown might have returned to action too soon, as he had a lot of trouble getting in any offense against Sharpe. However, after both men ended up outside the ring, Brown turned it around upon re-entry and got the victory. Tag-team partner Al Snow came out to congratulate Brown afterward.

Commissioner Chad came out and called out Sam Hayne and “Elegant” Eddie Fyne. The commissioner said a lot of people were not happy about Hayne’s attack on Yukon Eric at the last card, and one of them was headed to the ring right now – Diamond Dallas Page!

Diamond Dallas Page d. Sam Hayne (w/ “Elegant” Eddie Fyne) using his DIAMOND CUTTER at the end of a long match that featured six pin attempts between the two men. Page had a hard time finding an opening for his finishing move, and Hayne twice got on his DEVIL LOCK but was unable to get the pin. Fyne’s interference also played a part, but Page got the win, then exited through the crowd as the House of Humperdink hit ringside.

“Boogie Woogie Man” Jimmy Valiant came out, grabbed a mic and said, “You know, I was once a U.S. champ in BCW, and since I’ve returned I’ve heard that BCW has one of the best U.S. champs ever in Lou Thesz. I’d like to test myself against him, baby.” Thesz came to ringside with the U.S. belt, the two nodded and shook hands, and the match was on.

U.S. heavyweight champion Lou Thesz d. the “Boogie Woogie Man” Jimmy Valiant in a nontitle match when he connected on a GRECO-ROMAN BACKDROP and got the pin. Afterward, the two shook hands, and Thesz left ringside. Valiant lingered in the ring for a minute longer, then as he was getting ready to leave, he was suddenly attacked by the Kings of Wrestling, who gave him a nasty piledriver on the floor, seriously injuring him. Thesz came running back to ringside, but by then the Kings of Wrestling had departed. It was the second person to be attacked after he had wrestled Thesz.

One Man Gang d. Mad Dog Vachon when he pinned Vachon after a face-first suplex. Afterward, the “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase and Andre the Giant came to ringside to watch as One Man Gang gave the still-recovering Vachon a 747 SPLASH, seriously injuring him. DiBiase took the mic, laughed and told Andre, “That’s another loose end of the Foreign Legion that’s been taken care of.”

Then DiBiase said, “Speaking of things that need taken care of, I’ve heard that the great Kings of Wrestling want a match against the Million Dollar Team. I’ve seen them running around here, so by all means, Sir Oliver, bring them down so we can take care of business!”

The BCW world tag team champions The Million Dollar Team (w/ Ted DiBiase) d. the Kings of Wrestling (w/ Sir Oliver Humperdink, Bryan Danielson) when Terry Gordy pinned Claudio Castagnoli after a Bamm Bamm Slam. The Kings of Wrestling got two pin attempts on Andre, but they couldn’t sustain any momentum against the tag team champions, and that proved to be their undoing.

As the House of Humperdink was getting ready to leave ringside, Bobo Brazil came out with a mic and said: “Bryan Danielson, don’t leave ringside just yet. I have a question for you: What has the House of Humperdink done for you lately? I know you want to win a title – how close have they got you to that? Not very, in my view. But I’ve got a deal for you: We have a match, right now. If you win, I’ll personally ask the commissioner for a title shot for you. If I win, you leave the House of Humperdink and start your own career. What do you say?” Danielson mulled it over as Sir Oliver Humperdink shook his head “no,” and then he yelled, “Yes!”

Bobo Brazil d. Bryan Danielson (w/ Sir Oliver Humperdink) when he connected on a COCO BUTT at the end of a solid match between the two. Danielson controlled the first half of the match, but then Brazil eventually gained momentum and turned the tide ahead of his finisher. Afterward, the remaining members of the House of Humperdink came back to ringside and began beating down Danielson. Brazil began breaking it up, but they ganged up on him as well until officials got to ringside to separate the wrestlers.

Ivan Koloff came out with Boris Zhukov, who was carrying the Russian flag. Koloff took the mic and said, “I’ve been thinking about a lot of things lately, thanks to my comrade, Boris Zhukov, and I say this, ‘RVD, before I take your title at Bithlo Bash, I figured we could have a little in-ring ‘summit’ right now. I’ve brought my new friend Boris Zhukov. Do you have any friends who will stand by you?” Rob Van Dam came out with the BCW world heavyweight title and slowly started toward the ring. Then out from the back came Chris Candido to stand next to Van Dam!

Ivan Koloff and Boris Zhukov d. BCW world heayvweight champion Rob Van Dam and Chris Candido by DQ when Van Dam hit a Van Daminator outside the ring on Zhukov. The match was a sold back-and-forth affair until Van Dam set up to hit a FIVE-STAR FROG SPLASH on Koloff, only to have Zhukov pull his comrade out of the ring. That brought Van Dam’s response against Zhukov. Afterward, Koloff and Van Dam then went face to face before they were pulled apart by their tag teammates and officials.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR EIGHT, CARD NO. 7

Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium

Danny Hodge, in his return from injury, d. George South using his Indian Deathlock. South gave Hodge all sorts of fits, which made some wonder if Hodge wasn’t quite ready to get back into action, but did so because Bithlo Bash was the next card.

Larry Sharpe d. Sabu, who was returning from injury, by DQ when Sabu used his Arabian Facebuster on Sharpe. Afterward, as Sabu looked upset by the ref’s decision, he was joined in the ring by the Sheik, who held up Sabu’s arm in “victory,” then gave Sharpe a vicious kick for good measure.

The Road Warriors (w/ Paul Ellering) d. Al Snow and D’Lo Brown by countout when Animal gave Brown a POWER SLAM outside the ring, injuring him and preventing him from getting back in the ring. Earlier, the Road Warriors had set up a DOOMSDAY DEVICE on Brown, only to be stopped from executing it by Snow getting into the ring and belting Animal. That led to a melee that took some time for the referee to sort out, which in turn led to Animal’s attack on Brown outside the ring. Afterward, Paul Ellering took the mic and said, “That’s just a taste of what awaits DiBiase’s guys at Bithlo Bash.”

Bobo Brazil came to ringside and called out Bryan Danielson. Brazil said: “Welcome to the land of opportunity. Here we are, one card before Bithlo Bash, and I’ve asked the commissioner to get you a nontitle matchup with U.S. champion Lou Thesz. Compete and learn, young man!”

U.S. heavyweight champion Lou Thesz d. Bryan Danielson in a nontitle match when he caught Danielson with dropkicks and got the pin. Danielson competed well early on, but Thesz proved to be too much for him in the long run. The two shook hands afterward, then Danielson left ringside together with Brazil, given the House of Humperdink’s recent attacks on opponents of Thesz.

One Man Gang came to ringside and called out Magnum TA, saying, “I don’t know him, but I hear he might be a top contender at Battle Bowl, and I’ve decided I’m gonna make sure that pretty boy can’t even enter it this time around!” Down to ringside to answer the challenge came Magnum TA.

Magnum TA d. One Man Gang, after a long battle, when he connected on an amazing BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX and got the pin. It took quite a while before either wrestler got a significant advantage as they battered each other around the ring and outside it, too. Afterward, as a weary Magnum tried to recover, One Man Gang hit him with a big right hand and looked to set him up for a revenge 747 SPLASH. But before he could, with a loud “HEYOOOOO!” “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan ran to ringside wielding his 2-by-4. One Man Gang slipped out of the ring as Duggan checked on Magnum and the crowd cheered the return of Duggan to BCW after four years away.

Ted DiBiase came out with his BCW world-champion Million Dollar tag team and said, “We took care of Mad Dog Vachon, and now we need to punish the last member of the Foreign Legion, and that would be Ivan Koloff. So Koloff, get down here with your little Russian friend and pay the price against my world tag-team champs!”

The BCW world champion Million Dollar Team (w/ Ted DiBiase) ended up in a double DQ versus Ivan Koloff and Boris Zhukov when Andre and Koloff were outside the ring, with Koloff swinging his chain wildly and Andre wielding a chair. It took quite a while for refs and officials to separate the two sides.

Commissioner Chad came to ringside and called out Claudio Castagnoli. He told Castagnoli: “I don’t know how long the House of Humperdink will survive, Claudio, and your Kings of Wrestling tag team hasn’t been very successful lately, plus you haven’t won much as a singles wrestler, but I think you have some potential, so I’m offering you a match against a true veteran – three-time BCW world heavyweight champion Jimmy Snuka! Let’s see how you do – without Sir Oliver.”

Claudio Castagnoli d. Jimmy Snuka by DQ when Snuka slammed Castagnoli into a ringside table. It came after Castagnoli had the upper hand in the match following a missed SUPERFLY LEAP by Snuka. When the match spilled to the outside, Snuka was DQ’d for his actions, and he was then attacked by Castagnoli’s tag-team partner, Chris Hero. Castagnoli recovered enough to help, and the pair slammed Snuka to the floor, apparently injuring him. Afterward, Castagnoli took the mic and said, “Thanks for the opportunity, Commish, but the Kings of Wrestling and the House of Humperdink aren’t going anywhere!”

BCW world heavyweight champion Rob Van Dam d. John Pesek by countout in a great nontitle match when he hit Pesek with a Van Daminator outside the ring, and Pesek was unable to return before the 10-count. The match was fiercely contested, with the two men pretty evenly matched. When the bell rang after the 10-count, Van Dam celebrated on one side of the ring, only to turn around and be confronted by an odd-looking bald man who pointed at him, then left ringside.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR EIGHT, CARD NO. 8

Bithlo Bash PPV – Bithloplex

Commissioner Chad came to ringside to run through the format for Bithlo Bash. There would be three 10-man over-the-top-rope battles. The 30 men would be randomly placed in one of the three Battle Bowls. The top two in each Battle Bowl would move on to the finals. There, the winner would get a shot at the BCW world heavyweight championship, and the runner-up would get a U.S. title shot. Also, there would be a BCW tag-team title match in a cage, and a best two-of-three-falls world heavyweight title bout. With that, Bithlo Bash started.

First Battle Bowl (participants): Bruiser Brody, Bryan Danielson, the Sheik, Bobo Brazil, Claudio Castagnoli, Boris Zhukov, Ted DiBiase, One Man Gang, Magnum TA, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan

(eliminated/eliminator)

Bruiser Brody (by One Man Gang, who went after him right away to apparently eliminate his “biggest threat”)
Bryan Danielson (by the Sheik)
Boris Zhukov (by “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, as Zhukov was trying to eliminate Bobo Brazil)
Magnum TA (by Claudio Castagnoli, who ducks a Magnum attack and watches him fall out of the ring)
Bobo Brazil (by One Man Gang)
Ted DiBiase (by One Man Gang, when “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan ducked and One Man Gang accidentally hit DiBiase. DiBiase went crazy at ringside afterward.)
One Man Gang (by “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, who used a tough guy clothesline to send him over the top, where DiBiase was waiting to yell at him some more)
“Hacksaw” Jim Duggan (by Claudio Castagnoli)

Advancing to final: Claudio Castagnoli and the Sheik

Second Battle Bowl (participants): Brutus Beefcake, Sam Hayne, The Crusher (AWA), Savage-T (FSW), Dick Hutton (independent), Sabu, Larry Sweeney (AWA), Lou Thesz, Chris Hero, Johnny Valentine

(eliminated/eliminator)

Brutus Beefcake (by Chris Hero)
Larry Sweeney (by Johnny Valentine – fellow AWA wrestler The Crusher didn’t even look to save Sweeney)
Dick Hutton (by Savage-T)
The Crusher (by Johnny Valentine)
Savage-T (by Sabu)
Sam Hayne (by Johnny Valentine, who was on a determined roll)
Chris Hero (by Lou Thesz)
Sabu (by Johnny Valentine – Sabu about had Valentine out of the ring on a couple of occasions, but Valentine fought him off, then threw him out)

Advancing to final: Johnny Valentine and Lou Thesz

The cage came down for the world tag team championship

The Million Dollar Team d. the Road Warriors in a long, brutal and fantastic cage match when Andre the Giant nailed Animal with a BIG SPLASH, the second of the match, and got the pin to retain the BCW tag titles. The Road Warriors tried to use the cage to the best effect, and also tied to isolate Gordy when he was the legal man in order to win the match, but it was ultimately to no avail, although they did get two pin attempts on Gordy. Afterward, by Ted DiBiase’s direction at ringside (after he had clocked Paul Ellering on the other side of the cage), Gordy fought with Hawk while Andre unleashed another BIG SPLASH on Animal, injuring him.

Third Battle Bowl (participants): Chris Candido, Mil Mascaras, Bob Roop, Erick Stevens (FSW), Eddie Gilbert (independent), Al Snow, Danny Hodge, Diamond Dallas Page, Maurice Tillet (who, as it turned out, was the odd-looking person who confronted Rob Van Dam at the previous card), John Pesek

(eliminated/eliminator)

Maurice Tillet (by Diamond Dallas Page)
Bob Roop (by Erick Stevens)
Danny Hodge (by Chris Candido)
Mil Mascaras (by Al Snow – Mascaras missed a jump from the top turnbuckle, and Snow was able to toss a dazed Mascaras out of the ring)
Erick Stevens (by Eddie Gilbert)
Eddie Gilbert (by Al Snow)
Diamond Dallas Page (by John Pesek, who moved from the turnbuckle at the last minute to see Page spill to the outside)
Al Snow (by John Pesek)

Advancing to final: John Pesek and Chris Candido

Rob Van Dam retained the BCW world heavyweight title by defeating Ivan Koloff in a best-of-three-falls match. In the first fall, Van Dam had a burst of offense at the start, but Koloff took it, then retaliated and got Van Dam outside the ring. As Koloff looked to hit Van Dam with his chain, Van Dam sidestepped him and kicked him into a table at ringside. After that, Van Dam took control and hit a FIVE-STAR FROG SPLASH back in the ring for the pin.

In the second fall, Van Dam again took control early and hit a Van Daminator – only to see referee Bill Alfonso surprisingly DQ him for that fall! Van Dam looked stunned while Alfonso checked with Koloff if he could continue with the third fall. Koloff nodded yes.

In the third fall, the action was inside and outside the ring. Koloff got the advantage and managed to get a pin attempt on Van Dam, who rolled outside the ring. When Koloff followed, Van Dam attacked Koloff with a leg drop across the guardrail, pushed Koloff back into the ring and grabbed Koloff’s chain – only to have Alfonso take it away from him! Van Dam looked surprised, then hit a split-legged moonsault and got the victory.

Afterward, Alfonso raised Van Dam’s hand, but Van Dam still looked confused. Koloff, meanwhile, fell short in his attempt to win the world heavyweight title and join BCW’s Triple Crown club (held all three BCW titles during his career).

Battle Bowl final:

(eliminated/eliminator)

Chris Candido (by the Sheik, after Candido had nearly eliminated Claudio Castagnoli)
The Sheik (by Lou Thesz – as Claudio Castagnoli was too late to make the save)
Claudio Castagnoli (by Lou Thesz)
Johnny Valentine (by John Pesek)
John Pesek (by Lou Thesz)

Lou Thesz won Battle Bowl and secured a BCW world heavyweight title match, while Pesek earned a shot at Thesz’s U.S. title.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR EIGHT, CARD NO. 9

Leon County Civic Center – Tallahassee

The BCW world tag-team champions the Million Dollar Team (w/ Ted DiBiase) d. S+S when Andre pinned Sharpe after a BIG SPLASH. DiBiase took the mic afterward sand said, “That was just an exhibition for my guys, because now that they’ve destroyed the Road Warriors, there is no one to challenge us. The tag titles will be ours for a long, long time – HAHAHAHAHAA!”

Diamond Dallas Page d. Boriz Zhukov (w/ Ivan Koloff) using a DIAMOND CUTTER at the end of a long, back-and-forth match. Zhukov fought well, but still was caught by DDP’s finisher. Koloff, who had run-ins with Page in the past, watched the match but did not interfere as Zhukov suffered his first singles loss in BCW.

Claudio Castagnoli came out, took the mic and said, “The House of Humperdink needs to finish that angry Candido once and for all, and I’m the person to do it. So come on down, Candido, so they can carry you out.”

Claudio Castagnoli (w/ Sir Oliver Humperdink) d. Chris Candido (w/ Tammy) using a RICOLA BOMB at the end of a long, fierce match when he regained momentum long enough to finish Candido. After the pin, Claudio motioned to the back, and out came tag teammate Chris Hero to help finish off Candido. As Sir Oliver restrained Tammy, they got Candido up for a nasty power bomb, but down to ringside came Johnny Valentine! Castagnoli and Hero got out of the ring, but Valentine motioned to Hero and said, “Let’s go!”

Johnny Valentine (w/ Chris Candido and Tammy) d. Chris Hero (w/ Claudio Castagnoli and Sir Oliver Humperdink) when he connected on an ATOMIC SKULLCRUSHER. Valentine got control of the match early and never relinquished it, even when both wrestlers ended up outside the ring and Humperdink looked to interfere, only to chicken out after a glare from Valentine. Afterward, Candido and Tammy started to celebrate the win, but Valentine just exited to the back.

Commissioner Chad came to ringside and called out “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. The commissioner said he was happy to see Duggan back in BCW, but someone wasn’t: the man he helped eliminate at Bithlo Bash, the “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase, and DiBiase wanted a match – right now!

The “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase d. “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan when he fell victim to the “Million Dollar Sleeper.” Duggan had control of the match until it went outside the ring, where an arriving Terry Gordy “helped” Duggan into the ringpost when DiBiase was distracting the referee. After that, it was easy for DiBiase to finish off Duggan. Afterward, DiBiase took the mic and said, “Every man has his price, Duggan, and yours will be worthless if you interfere with me again!”

John Pesek came to ringside and called out Commissioner Chad, who returned to ringside. Pesek wanted to make sure he understood that he had until the Night of Champions to challenge Lou Thesz for the U.S. title – was that correct? The commissioner nodded yes. Pesek then said he didn’t want to wait until the Night of Champions – he wanted Thesz now! When the commissioner nodded again, Lou Thesz headed to ringside with the U.S. title.

John Pesek d. Lou Thesz to win the U.S. heavyweight title when he caught Thesz with his DOUBLE WRISTLOCK. Thesz controlled the match early, but Pesek rallied to surprise Thesz, who still appeared weary after his victory at Bithlo Bash. As Pesek celebrated, he was joined in the ring by the “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase!

Sir Oliver Humperdink came to ringside with Dustin Lee, one-half of the Naptown Dragons tag team. Humperdink took the mic and said he had a surprise announcement – the return of the injured Scotty Vortekz. Vortekz took the mic and said he was looking to take his revenge on Yukon Eric, only to find Eric wasn’t around due to his own injury. Vortekz was then interrupted by Abdullah Farouk, who said he had the perfect solution for Sir Oliver’s “overrated tag team” – Sabu and the Sheik!

Sabu and the Sheik (w/ Abdullah Farouk) d. the Naptown Dragons (w/ Sir Oliver Humperdink) when Scotty Vortekz succumbed to the CAMEL CLUTCH of Sabu. At the bell, the Sheik engaged Dustin Lee in a brawl outside the ring, while Sabu wasted little time in taking down the still-recovering Vortekz. Sabu and the Sheik celebrated afterward while the Dragons looked on in anger.

BCW world heavyweight champion Rob Van Dam came to ringside, grabbed a mic and started to talk about his upcoming match with Lou Thesz, only to be interrupted by Maurice Tillet, who had confronted him in the last card before the Bithlo Bash PPV. A frustrated Van Dam said, “That’s it – you and I, right now!” Referee Bill Alfonso came to ringside for the match.

BCW world heavyweight champion Rob Van Dam d. the “French Angel” Maurice Tillet when he connected on a Van Daminator (which did not provoke a DQ), followed by a split-legged moonsault for the pin. Tillet got in some offense, plus spent a great deal of time rubbing Van Dam’s face into the mat and humiliating him. After the pin, Tillet crawled to the edge of the ring, grabbed a mic and announced, “My name is Maurice Tillet, but you can call me the French Angel. When my true purpose is realized, I will be the doom of BCW.” Tillet then began laughing as Van Dam grabbed the belt and headed to the back.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR EIGHT, CARD NO. 10

Disney MGM

Commissioner Chad came out and announced that since Lou Thesz was going to focus on his BCW world heavyweight championship title shot at Night of Champions, he was declining a rematch for the U.S. title, and a four-man tournament has been created to name a challenger for the U.S. heavyweight champion John Pesek at Night of Champions. After careful consideration, it had been decided that Bruiser Brody would face Bob Roop, and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan would take on former U.S. heavyweight champion Ivan Koloff. The commissioner said that he knew other wrestlers would be disappointed, but the decision had been made. He also said that due to the numerous injuries currently affecting tag teams, the BCW executive committee would have to decide on a tag challenger for the Million Dollar Team.

U.S. heavyweight champion John Pesek d. George South using his TIGER MAN TOEHOLD. Pesek seemed to toy with South, stretching the match out much longer than it might have gone. Afterward, he took the U.S. belt and sat near ringside to watch the matches to decide the challenger to the title.

Brutus Beefcake d. Bryan Danielson by DQ when Beefcake was attacked by the Kings of Wrestling. Beefcake had controlled the first part of the match over Danielson, who appeared angry and unfocused about his exclusion from the U.S. title tournament. But he rallied, putting Beefcake on the defensive and notching four pin attempts. But as both men ended up outside the ring, Danielson’s former teammates in the House of Humperdink arrived and attacked Beefcake, causing Danielson to lose the match. They then turned and attacked Danielson, only to have Sabu and the Sheik race to ringside after them. Once officials got order restored, the commissioner made a match between the Kings of Wrestling and Sabu and the Sheik.

The Kings of Wrestling (w/ Sir Oliver Humperdink) d. Sabu and the Sheik (w/ Abdullah Farouk) when Chris Hero pinned the Sheik after a HERO’S WELCOME. The fight was a brutal one for both sides, but the Kings of Wrestling were able to isolate the Sheik so that he couldn’t tag in Sabu. Hero and Claudio Castagnoli celebrated with Humperdink afterward, as the Sheik, Sabu, Farouk and Bryan Danielson (who remained at ringside) looked on.

Diamond Dallas Page came to ringside, took a mic and said he was very upset at not being a part of the U.S. tournament, being a former U.S. champion himself. At the very least, he said, he should get another shot at rival Ivan Koloff. That brought out Koloff’s tag-team partner, Boris Zhukov, who said Page wasn’t worthy of getting into the ring with Koloff. In fact, Zhukov was coming to ringside to avenge his “accidental defeat” on the last card at the hands of Page.

Diamond Dallas Page d. Boris Zhukov using his DIAMOND CUTTER. The match was even early, then an angry DDP went to work, battering Zhukov before he used his finisher to end the match.

Bill Apter’s “Hot Seat” interview featured the Oilmen. Yukon Eric said he was feeling better after being out with an injury suffered at the hands of the House of Humperdink. Apter asked if revenge was on Eric’s mind. Eric said it was there, but tag partner Danny Hodge added that there was something bigger on their minds: the tag team championship. Apter asked if they were going to challenge – and beat – Andre the Giant and Terry Gordy, and Hodge said it looked overwhelming, but what did they have to lose? “At the end of the day, feuds are a nuisance – we need to focus on the championship!” Hodge said.

In a wild qualifying match for the U.S. title shot, Ivan Koloff d. “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan by DQ when both men were outside the ring and Koloff was nailed with a DIAMOND CUTTER by Diamond Dallas Page when Koloff was getting ready to use his chain on Duggan. The match was a physical one, but when it spilled outside, it took on a whole new dimension. While the referee was DQ’ing Duggan following the attack by Page, Boris Zhukov grabbed Duggan’s 2X4 and hit him in the back of the right knee, injuring him. Page then chased Zhukov to the back while officials tried to straighten things out. Meanwhile, a barely conscious Koloff advanced to the finals.

Commissioner Chad came out and called out Mil Mascaras, saying: “Mil, you’re a great wrestler, but you’ve been practically invisible here in BCW lately. So I’m going to give you an opportunity tonight against the BCW world tag team champions, the Million Dollar Team. And I’m going to give you a partner – Chris Candido! Let’s see what you can do with this!”

In an absolutely fantastic match, the Million Dollar Team (w/ Ted DiBiase) d. Mil Mascaras and Chris Candido (w/ Tammy) to retain the BCW world tag-team titles when Andre the Giant hit a BIG SPLASH on Chris Candido to get the pin. The two sides had an equal tally on pin attempts (four each), and Candido was amazingly resilient, nearly pinning Gordy twice. But when the tables were reversed and Gordy tried to pin Candido, Mascaras sought to intervene, and Gordy threw him out of the ring, then tagged in Andre for his finisher.

Bob Roop d. Bruiser Brody after using his SHOULDER BREAKER in a U.S. title shot qualifying match. Brody pummeled Roop for most of the match, but misjudged a plunge into the turnbuckle and ended up outside the ring. Roop then slammed him into a post, got him back into the ring and hit his finisher for the quick pin. Roop will face Koloff at the next card.

BCW world heavyweight champion Rob Van Dam d. Al Snow when he connected on a FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH and got the pin. The match started with referee Bill Alfonso getting into a big discussion with Snow about whether Snow could have Head at ringside. While they debated the issue, Alfonso called for the bell, which Snow did not see or apparently hear. Van Dam certainly heard it, and shortly after, a standing moonsault and his finisher was all she wrote. Fans booed at the quick ending.

[Dustin]

It's nice seeing some BCW action!

It's also nice when you have a night full of retaining champions.

[The Creek Rises]

Thanks, Dustin. I've been slow in doing updates, but hope to start catching up soon.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR EIGHT, CARD NO. 11

Eddie Graham Sports Stadium

“The French Angel” Maurice Tillet d. George South using his BEAR HUG finisher. Afterward, Tillet grabbed the mic and said: “I’ve only just begun, BCW. I’ve got another surprise, and it’s coming soon!” He then dropped the mic on a prone South and departed the ring, leaving behind a puzzled audience.

The Naptown Dragons came to ringside, grabbed a mic and started making fun of their rival the Oilmen’s recently stated goal of being world tag-team champions. Dustin Lee said: “We’ve been world champs. We’ve climbed to the top of the mountain. And from there, we couldn’t even see the Oilmen!” That brought out the Oilmen to challenge them to a match.

The Oilmen d. the Naptown Dragons (w/ Sir Oliver Humperdink) when Danny Hodge pinned Scotty Vortekz using his OKLAHOMA SIDE ROLL. The match started with Yukon Eric storming into the ring and laying out Dustin Lee with a tackle. The match proceeded from there, and both sides had an advantage at different points before the Hodge finisher.

BCW world heavyweight champion Rob Van Dam d. Johnny Rodz in a nontitle match when he hit a cross-body block off the top turnbuckle to get the pin. Van Dam had little trouble with disposing of Rodz. Afterward, he took the mic and said, “Lou Thesz, it seems like you haven’t been around much since you lost the U.S. title. Don’t know where you’ve been, but I assume you’ll be showing up at Night of Champions. I’ll be waiting for you. But know this: When you show up, you’ll be showing up to lose.”

Commissioner Chad came out and announced that he couldn’t call the next match a No. 1 contender match for the BCW tag titles, but he wouldn’t rule it out, either: “Let’s see how it goes, folks!”

The Sheik and Sabu (w/ Abdullah Farouk) d. Mil Mascaras and Chris Candido when Sabu connected on a slingshot leg drop and pinned Mascaras. Mascaras and Candido controlled much of the match against the Sheik, but couldn’t wear him down enough to get the pin, and it cost them. The commissioner made no comment after the match.

Bryan Danielson came to ringside and called out Brutus Beefcake. Danielson said they had some “major interference” in their last match, and he wanted a “fair battle” this time around. Beefcake nodded in agreement.

Bryan Danielson d. Brutus Beefcake with his CATTLE MUTILATION finisher. Danielson was on the defensive through much of the match and escaped three pin attempts before connecting on his finisher for the win. BCW officials surrounded ringside to make sure there would be no interference once again from the House of Humperdink.

The BCW world tag-team champions the Million Dollar Team (w/ Ted DiBiase) d. the Kings of Wrestling (w/ Sir Oliver Humperdink) in a nontitle match ahead of Night of Champions when Terry Gordy gave two POWER BOMBS to Claudio Castagnoli, even though Gordy could have pinned him after the first one. The Kings of Wrestling had done a great job of tagging in and out, and the match went on for a long time, but it was also apparent that the Million Dollar Team was holding back some before going for the pin. Afterward, a laughing DiBiase called for Gordy to do yet another power bomb, but before he could carry it out, Bobo Brazil ran to ringside and told Gordy to stop, which he did. Brazil then grabbed a mic and said: “I may not be acting commissioner anymore, but this needs to stop, DiBiase. I may not have much love for the House of Humperdink, but you guys are just trying to hurt them, and that’s wrong. In fact, Million Dollar Man, if you think this is so funny, why don’t you face me – right now!”

“The Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase d. Bobo Brazil using his MILLION DOLLAR SLEEPER. Brazil was at a disadvantage from the beginning, as he was belted from behind by Terry Gordy when Brazil went into the ropes. John Pesek and One Man Gang of the Million Dollar Corp. came to ringside at the end of the match as a laughing DiBiase ended things with his finisher. DiBiase then called his crew into the ring to fully finish off Brazil. That’s when Diamond Dallas Page came to ringside to stand next to a fallen Brazil. As the Million Dollar Corp. looked to attack, Page was joined by Magnum TA, then Bryan Danielson and Johnny Valentine. DiBiase’s crew pointed fingers at the opponents as Brazil regained his feet, then left the ring and ringside.

Ivan Koloff d. Bob Roop by DQ to become the No. 1 contender for the U.S. heavyweight title. Roop had the advantage in the match, but when they went to the outside of the ring, Boris Zhukov looked to interfere, only to be attacked by Diamond Dallas Page. In the melee, the two plowed into Koloff, and a confused ref DQ’d Roop, who then yelled at Page while a dazed Koloff secured a title shot at Night of Champions.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR EIGHT, CARD NO. 12

Orena (Night of Champions)

Commissioner Chad welcomed the fans, then introduced the commissioners of the AWA and FSW. He said there would be nine title matches on the card!

FSW TV title: Matt Cross d. Mike Quackenbush to win the FSW TV title after he connected on a DEATH FROM ABOVE. Cross controlled much of the match in taking the title from Quackenbush, who had held the belt for almost a full year.

AWA Great Lakes title: Nick Bockwinkel d. the Missing Link to retain the Great Lakes title when he made the Missing Link submit to his FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK.

BCW U.S. heavyweight title: Ivan Koloff (w/ Boris Zhukov) regained the U.S. title by d. John Pesek (w/ Ted DiBiase) in a fantastic match when Koloff hit a backbreaker and got the pin. Earlier, DiBiase tried to interfere when Koloff had Pesek in the RUSSIAN BEAR HUG, but the referee sent a furious DiBiase to the back and restarted the match. The break gave Pesek a bit of momentum for a while, until Koloff caught him outside the ring with his chain, unseen by the ref due to distraction by Zhukov, and regained control, leading to the pin. Zhukov celebrated with Koloff afterward.

FSW tag team titles: The Samoan Island Tribe won the FSW tag titles for a second time by d. the Briscoes when Samu pinned Jay Briscoe after a headbutt. The Samoan Island Tribe controlled much of the match with their strength. There were six pin attempts between the two teams ahead of the finish.

AWA tag team titles: The Ortons d. the Heavenly Bodies (w/ Jim Cornette) to retain the AWA tag titles. Cowboy Bob Orton p. Dennis Condrey following a SUPERPLEX. The match featured six pin attempts among the four wrestlers and had lots of interference (especially from Cornette) ahead of the finish.

The “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase came to ringside and said he was ticked off that he still didn’t know who the opponent would be for his BCW world tag champion Million Dollar Team. Commissioner Chad came to ringside and said the opponents would be Jimmy Snuka and Magnum TA! Snuka was returning from an injury.

BCW tag team titles: The Million Dollar Team (w/ Ted DiBiase) d. Jimmy Snuka and Magnum TA to retain the BCW tag titles. The end came rather quickly as Snuka, who already had one pin attempt against Gordy, went up to the top rope, only to be distracted by DiBiase long enough to be caught in mid-leap by Gordy, who slammed him to the canvas and got the pin against a stunned Snuka.

FSW world heavyweight championship: Delirious retained the FSW heavyweight title when he d. Lance Hoyt by connecting on his Chemical Imbalance and getting the pin. The two put on quite the battle despite the disparity in their size.

AWA world heavyweight championship: “Dr. Death” Steve Williams d. George Hackenschmidt to retain the AWA heavyweight title when he caught Hackenschmidt by surprise with a Doctor Bomb and got the pin.

BCW world heavyweight championship: In a best-of-three-falls match, Lou Thesz d. Rob Van Dam by countout, which meant Van Dam retained the BCW heavyweight championship. In the first fall, there was great back-and-forth action. Thesz put Van Dam down on the mat twice, but couldn’t get the pin. Van Dam was using his advantage outside the ring, but Thesz controlled the action back inside the ropes and eventually hit his GRECO-ROMAN BACKDROP to get the pin.

In the second fall, Thesz and Van Dam locked up, and Thesz eventually connected on a THESZ PRESS, but referee Bill Alfonso’s slow count allowed Van Dam to kick out. Then RVD slid out of the ring and was slow to get up. Alfonso began the count immediately and appeared to try to keep Van Dam from getting back into the ring. He quickly counted to 10 and ended the match. Thesz won, but Van Dam kept the belt, and that announcement was drowned in the crowd’s boos.