LOW - Legends of Wrestling II

[cruefan68]

Feb 21, 2023 20:47:43 GMT -5 Pariah said:

Without further ado... My Top 3 Countdown for this installment of World of Sport... Bet you already know what grabbed the number one slot.

3/ WALTER and Jonah Rock surprise everyone (well, me at least) by joining forces against Severn... It's not too often that you can see The Beast brought to his knees, but that was a brutal double team beatdown until ZSJr arrived to make the save... Setting the stage for a highly anticipated tag team encounter.

2/ Actually an announcement instead of a match or segment for this one -- The British Bulldogs are set to challenge the Briscos for the LOW World Tag Team Championship... That will be a title match to remember... Hail, Britannia!

1/ No surprises here, my friend... Martinez leads El Ejercito de la Noche into main event mayhem... The official decision might have been a double DQ, but the end result remains the same... A successful version one title defense! TRUTH!

I'm actually able to do a live response to this one

Thanks for the always great feedback my friend, and no I wasn't surprised at your number one pick. That was a fun match and a tough first team for El Ejercito to defend against.

British Bulldogs vs. Jack & Jerry Brisco is one I'm really excited for. The Bulldogs failed in a past bid to win the belts from the Midnight Express (Card #1384 in Dublin, Ireland) so it will be interesting to see how they fare this time around.

Dan Severn & Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Jonah Rock & WALTER has great potential. I hope it lives up to it.

[Bri]

Morning and Happy Friday Eve brother cruefan68!

Just a quick word before I ramble on...I hope everybody doesn't mind being incredibly well liked as I slowly catch up on things...but all of these posts and responses deserve it.

Now - Go Rikidozan! Go Mildred Burke!

That Card 1407 of yours from Milwaukee was a bonafide masterpiece. Just when I didn't think it could get any better - I read the next bout.

bookerbill's reactions to that card I wholeheartedly second.

And I too dig brother Pariah's Top Three Countdowns.

Looking forward to the new Canadian territory on the horizon. Another branch on the tree of strife. We can never have too many!

Sorry this is so random.

World of Sport rocked too. Gotta try me hand at those types of bouts.

Man The Brisco brothers have had their work really cut out for them so far as the new tag champs. I for one am hoping they go on a real tear. They've sure got the tools to do it.

Speaking of expectations (see...random) If what I think is going to be happening at ASW's 100th show, is happening, then that show will rival Milwaukee 1407.

Circle gets the square bro...take a bow!

[TTX]

Brother Bri checking in is always a good thing.

[Crimson Cross]

Excellent action going on as always, I liked the win by George & Monroe to Hack beating Backlund plus the World of Sports always has that cool vibe...

[cruefan68]

Thanks very much Pariah, Bri, Troy and Crimson for your comments. I always look forward to your takes on the action. Sorry for the delay between show posts but coming up is the next show, the official debut of IWTV formerly known as the IWA. I hope that you enjoy it...

Card #1409 - Legion Arena - Sarasota, FL - IWTV - Announcers: Ian Riccaboni & Excalibur

* Announcers Ian Riccaboni and Excalibur welcomed everyone to the official debut of IWTV, the rebranding of the IWA which will be a cornerstone for independent wrestling under the LOW banner. They explained that the existing IWA championships will continue to be recognized alongside the newly minted IWTV championship for which a tournament would begin today involving seven former champions plus Claudio Castagnoli who earned the final spot. Excalibur said that Castagnoli would have to be considered a heavy favorite to which Riccaboni agreed. It was noted that the first round would take place tonight with the finals taking place at the Wonderland Ballroom in Revere, MA (Card #1419).

Maria Kanellis, representing Women’s Wrestling Army, joined them at the announce table with a surprise announcement. She said that after discussions with IWTV Commissioner David Marquez and IWTV representative Vin Gerard it has been decided that there would be no wait to crown a first-ever IWA Women’s champion. Riccaboni said that women’s wrestling in the IWA, or now IWTV, is long overdue and Kanellis was proud to announce that a Battle Royal would open the show to crown the first champion. Excalibur dubbed it a groundbreaking announcement and called on IWTV ring announcer Larry Legend to kick off the action…

01) 20-Woman Battle Royal for the IWA Women's Title:

Order of Elimination:

* Willow Nightingale (By Lufisto)
* Big Swole (By Penelope Ford)
* Ava Everett (By Ms. Frankie Jay)
* Miranda Alize (By Billie Starkz)
* Davienne (By Tootie Lynn)
* Candice LeRae (By Janai Kai)
* Jody Threat (By Gisele Shaw)
* Savannah Evans (By Maddison Miles)
* Brooke Valentine (By Trish Adora)
* Serena Deeb (By Masha Slamovich)
* Lufisto (By Billie Starkz)
* Janai Kai (By Penelope Ford)
* Maddison Miles (By Ms. Frankie Jay)
* Masha Slamovich (By Tootie Lynn)
* Gisele Shaw (By Billie Starkz)
* Trish Adora (By Penelope Ford)
* Ms. Frankie Jay (By Tootie Lynn)
* Penelope Ford (By Billie Starkz)
* Billie Starkz (By Tootie Lynn)
W) Tootie Lynn

* A variety of top women’s stars competed in this historic Battle Royal to crown the first IWA Women’s champion. That included heavy hitters like Lufisto, Candice LeRae, Serena Deeb, Masha Slamovich, and Trish Adora to name a few. However, none of them made the final four, which consisted of Ms. Frankie Jay, Penelope Ford and two of the youngest in the field, Billie Starkz and Tootie Lynn. Remarkably it came down to Starkz and Lynn to determine who would grab the gold. After a fierce battle, it was Lynn tying Starkz with her fourth elimination of the match. As Starkz crashed to the floor, Lynn dropped to her knees in an emotional moment of victory. Kanellis entered the ring and proudly presented the St. Louis, MO, native with the championship belt. Tootie Lynn defied the odds and overcame nineteen other women to be crowned the first ever IWA Women’s Champion.

02) Mark & Jay Briscoe vs. Injustice was a Draw

* An anticipated tag team showdown saw four-time IWA Tag Team Champions Mark & Jay Briscoe face Injustice, “Hot Fiyah” Myron Reed & Jordan Oliver. This was a war from bell-to-bell, with Dem Boys both being busted open at the hands of Injustice. All four men hit their finishing moves, including the Briscoes hitting the Doomsday Device on Reed, but were unable to achieve victory. It came right down to the wire with Oliver somehow kicking out after taking a Jay Driller. The bell sounded moments later, ending the match in a draw. Excalibur called it an “instant classic” while Riccaboni hoped to see a rematch between the two teams.

03) IWTV Title Tournament - First Round: Jonathan Gresham defeated Erick Stevens

* The first match in the IWTV Title Tournament saw “The Octopus” Jonathan Gresham face Erick Stevens, a native of Sarasota. That split the crowd as many were cheering for Stevens due to him hailing from Sarasota. Stevens got off to a strong start hitting moves like the Tiger Driver and double knee gutbuster. Gresham was in trouble until making a corner counter and taking over on offense. This turned the match almost around completely and, after picking up two near falls, Gresham executed a German Suplex Bridge on Stevens to score the pin.

04) IWTV Title Tournament - First Round: Warhorse defeated AC Mack

* The popular AC Mack out of Atlanta, GA, looked to advance in the tournament as he took on Warhorse, one-half of Warhausen with the very nice, very evil Danhausen. This was a great bout with both men having surges of offense. Mack had gotten off to an explosive start but a deathjump move resulted in failure allowing Warhorse to battle back. Warhorse hit his finisher, the Death by Doublestomp, but Mack kicked out of the pin. Mack showed great fight but in the end it was Warhorse ending it deathjump style with a Flying Cross Body Block for the pin.

05) Violence is Forever defeated Best Friends

* Coming off injuring both Ross & Marshall Von Erich, the combination of Dominic Garrini & Kevin Ku, otherwise known as Violence is Forever, were riding high going into this match with Best Friends, Chuck Taylor & Trent Barreta. This did not sit well with Best Friends who did their best to avenge the Von Erich brothers. This was a heated contest that took a turn late when Garrini nailed Taylor with the Snap Piledriver for a near fall. That led to Ku catching the stunned Taylor with the Ku-Dragon Suplex for the pin.

VIF attempted to deliver a post-match attack when suddenly Marshall Von Erich ran in brandishing a chair. Garrini and Ku barely escaped as an angry Von Erich swung the weapon. Excalibur noted the surprise return and said that Ross Von Erich should be back shortly as well so VIF will have to be ready to face an angry pair of Von Erich’s.

06) Matty Star defeated Eric Young

* Impact Pro Wrestling’s Matty Star had a tough draw facing the debuting Eric Young, a hardened veteran out of Canada who was making his IWTV debut. Young looked strong out of the gate controlling the pace, so much so that Riccaboni said that the veteran star could wrap it up at any moment. Star mustered a comeback before Young cut him off and hit the Spike Piledriver. That should have been it but somehow star kicked out just before the three count. Young was in shock and Star, calling on his reserves, made a counter and hit a shotgun dropkick followed by his trademark Superkick to score the pin. Excalibur called it a big upset win for Star and Young was left angry having his debut spoiled.

07) IWTV Title Tournament - First Round: Lee Moriarty defeated Orange Cassidy

* Lee Moriarty, the innovator of Taigastyle, took on Orange Cassidy of Best Friends in an IWTV Title Tournament match. The lethargic Cassidy fell behind early as Moriarty poured on the offense, including hitting Taigadriver X for a near fall. Cassidy would counter a deathjump (ch) and went on offense executing the Orange Squeeze which nearly put Moriarty away. Cassidy even went so far as to spit orange juice in the eyes of Moriarty looking to take him out. Moriarty weathered the storm and trapped Cassidy in Joint Custody, a reverse armbar, to score a submission victory.

08) IWTV Title Tournament - First Round: Claudio Castagnoli defeated Tracy Williams

* The final first round match of the IWTV Title Tournament pitted “Hot Sauce” Tracy Williams against Claudio Castagnoli, the “Swiss Superman”. This was a classic. Williams brought his technical skill and submission arsenal against the power based offense of Castagnoli. There were a number of great counter exchanges, one of which saw Williams escape the UFO leading into a Facelock for a submission chance. Castagnoli rebounded with a powerful attack that had Williams reeling. It came down to Castagnoli delivering a controversial low blow (ch) before delivering the Ricola Bomb for the pin.

09) Keith Lee defeated Jay Lethal

* A big semi-final bout saw the popular “Limitless” Keith Lee square off with Jay Lethal, a two-time former IWA Heavyweight champion. Lethal got off to a good start twice hitting Diving Dynamite along with a smash into the ring post. Lee was reeling but he fought back into it executing the Meteor (ch) for a near fall. From there, it was a nice back and forth exchange between the two culminating in a high impact finish. Lee rattled Lethal before delivering the Spirit Bomb for the pin.

It was a huge win for Lee, but he barely had time to celebrate as Scorpio Sky joined Lethal for a post-match attack. The remnants of the Pringle Dynasty hammered away on Lee until Calvin Tankman made a surprise save. The two big men united and quickly drove Lethal and Sky out of the ring as IWTV officials surrounded ringside. Excalibur then said word was sent from the back that IWTV Commissioner David Marquez has ordered that Lee and Tankman will face Lethal and Sky in tag team action on the next event in Revere, MA.

10) Adam Cole, Bobby Fish & Kyle O'Reilly defeated Roderick Strong & Young Bucks

* A trios match was the main event as former IWA Heavyweight champion, and former Undisputed Era member, Roderick Strong joined IWA Tag Team Champions the Young Bucks, Matt & Nick Jackson, to oppose the Undisputed Era of IWA Heavyweight champion Adam Cole (Bay-Bay!) and reDRagon, Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly. The heat was literally off the charts for this match with IWA senior referee Todd Sinclair calling the action. All six men had scores to settle and that was evident throughout the match.

Cole did his level best to avoid Strong, a sensible move since he orchestrated his dismissal from Undisputed Era and took his IWA Heavyweight title to boot. The tension was palpable as Riccaboni and Excalibur felt that something was in the air as the match wore on. Their feelings would come to fruition like no one could have expected. A chaotic finish saw all six men involved before Fish caught Nick Jackson with Sleeps With The Fishes for a snake eyes pin. Undisputed Era picked up a major win but the events that soon unfolded provided a nightmare scenario.

The “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson headed down to ringside to confront Cole, looking to challenge him for the title. Strong got in the mix hinting perhaps at a WrestleCade 14 rematch between the three something that Cole wanted no part of. reDRagon, meanwhile, threw down the gauntlet looking for a tag team title rematch with the Young Bucks. The Bucks responded by saying that could be arranged but they felt that something was missing, something Elite.

The Bucks were foretelling something they were well aware of and that was the arrival of none other than “The Cleaner” Kenny Omega! The Elite were reunited in an IWTV ring and stood opposite Undisputed Era renewing a rivalry that raged in Kings Road United in Japan. The crowd was white hot for this standoff but little did they know another major surprise was incoming.

Danielson grabbed the mic and said that he and Strong were feeling outnumbered. He said that they, and presumably now Omega, want a piece of Cole and the IWA Heavyweight title belt so maybe it is Cole that is outnumbered. Cole clutched the title belt and slowly retreated behind Fish and O’Reilly.

Danielson said that things seem to be going around in threes and so now it was time for he and Strong to have an ally. The crowd was at a fever pitch when Danielson announced that they had brought some backup too, turning to the entry way where none other than Tyler Black emerged! The crowd erupted in cheers as Black, coming off a big time match against LOW World Heavyweight Champion Randy Savage at WrestleCade 14, made his way to the ring.

Riccaboni and Excalibur were almost speechless as Black grabbed the mic and said they were all talking about three but it was really four, a number that would haunt Cole in his dreams knowing that himself, Danielson, Strong, and Omega were all gunning for him. Black added that while he respects Danielson and Strong and will have their backs against Undisputed Era or The Elite, it’s going to be every man for himself when it comes to the IWA Heavyweight title. As the other eight men stared each other down, a bewildered Cole slid out of the ring clutching his title belt. Riccaboni signed off but it was Excalibur getting the last word in saying history was made in a major way on the debut of IWTV.

IWTV Top 10 Singles Rankings:

01) Bryan Danielson
02) Roderick Strong
03) Jay Lethal
04) Claudio Castagnoli
05) Keith Lee
06) Jonathan Gresham
07) MJF
08) Jake Something
09) Calvin Tankman
10) Matty Star

IWTV Top 5 Tag Team Rankings:

01) reDRagon
02) Mark & Jay Briscoe
03) Violence is Forever
04) American Wolves
05) Injustice

*Current champions not included in rankings*

[bookerbill]

Epic show my friend. The closing segment was great.

[Pariah]

IWTV kicking off in truly spectacular fashion, my friend... Making it difficult to narrow down my Top 3 Countdown... But, I'm gonna do my best!

3/ Warhorse advances to the semifinals of the IWTV title tournament... Pulling for him all the way!

2/ Tootie Lynn is crowned the inaugural IWA Women's Champion in glorious fashion -- By outlasting 19 other women in a Battle Royal... It's kinda cool that Billie Starkz was the final elimination because I plan on having those two women form a casual tag team in my Impact Pro fed... Good times!

1/ That closing segment was utterly superb and could easily have taken over this entire countdown, BUT... Just to be fair, I'm going to pick my favorite aspect of that particular segment to represent the Number One position... And that is that particularly fitting manner in which you described Adam Cole's behavior during the entire confrontation... Clutching his title belt... Retreating behind Fish & O'Reilly... Sliding out of the ring. You nailed Cole's heel persona perfectly! I felt like I could actually see his cowardice in my mind's eye... Very nicely done!

[cruefan68]

Thanks for the comments (and compliments) Bookerbill and Pariah. It is greatly appreciated. That closing segment for IWTV was something I was hoping would play out right adding Kenny Omega and Tyler Black to the mix. I have wanted to get Black back to the Indy side for a while and it was a perfect time coming off his loss to Randy Savage at WrestleCade 14. As for Adam Cole (Bay-Bay!), I'm really happy that you guys felt I was able to capture his actions in that moment. I can actually see it play out in my head.

Coming up next is a big one - the 100th episode celebration of LOW All-Star Wrestling. It's a lot to read, I know, but I wanted it to be a memorable show. Also, the full roster for Grand Prix Wrestling gets revealed. I hope you enjoy the action...

Card #1410 - LOW All-Star Wrestling - 100th Episode Celebration

PWI Newswire with Bill Apter:

* “Welcome everyone to the special 100th episode celebration of LOW All-Star Wrestling and this edition of PWI Newswire. This segment is being pre-recorded here at the offices of Pro Wrestling Illustrated in Blue Bell, PA, because later today I will be joining my good friend Gorilla Monsoon on commentary in the third hour of the broadcast.

There is an amazing lineup in store today not the least of which is the “Macho Man” Randy Savage defending the LOW World Heavyweight Title against newly crowned LOW Tex-Arkana Television Champion Magnum T.A. Our own Gordon Solie will be on the call for that one in hour two from Tampa. The other feature title match today will see Mildred Burke defend her newly won Empress Ring Title against former champion the Fabulous Moolah in the opening hour

The third hour main event will have Antonino Rocca and a mystery partner facing “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers and his manager Bobby “The Brain” Heenan. There has been so much speculation on who the mystery partner will be and Heenan has been going crazy trying to find out. Heenan’s involvement in that match is why I will be joining Gorilla Monsoon on commentary as “The Brain” will be busy preparing for the tag team match.

There has been some major speculation going on regarding the new territorial promotion coming to LOW and that will be the Canada-based Grand Prix Wrestling. LOW Commissioner Teddy Long broke the news last week that the debut show will be at the Paul Suave Arena in Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Card #1418) and it will be headlined by a rematch from WrestleCade 14 as Andre the Giant battles The Sheik. That will be an incredible night of action and while the card is still being put together, I have been given permission to reveal the inaugural GPW roster:

Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka
Angelo "King Kong" Mosca
Mad Dog & Butcher Vachon
The Quebecers (Jacques Rougeau & Pierre Carl Oullett)
"The French Angel" Maurice Tillet
Abdullah the Butcher
Yukon Eric
Killer Kowalski
George "The Animal" Steele
One Man Gang
Wild Bull Curry
Masked Superstar
Eric the Red
The Sheepherders (Butch Miller & Luke Williams)
The Hamilton Wrecking Crew ("Golden Greek" John Tolos & Chris Tolos)
The Long Riders (Wild Bill Irwin & Scott “Hog” Irwin)
Angelo Poffo & “Leaping” Lanny Poffo
Larry "The Axe" Hennig
Tiger Conway Sr.
Alexis Smirnoff
Billy Red Lyons
Dewey Robertson
Bruiser Costa
Brian Pillman Jr.
"Speedball" Mike Bailey
Kevin Blackwood

That is one incredible roster of talent and one of the most exciting names for many fans has to be the return to LOW of Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka after a long absence. I for one can’t wait to see him back competing in an LOW ring. From “King Kong” Angelo Mosca to the Vachon’s to The Quebecers to Killer Kowalski, to name but a few, this is a roster that has so much intrigue especially regarding potential matchups. We will have more on The Quebecers and their current status with Pacific Coast Wrestling on today’s broadcast.

In closing, I thought it would be fun to take a look back at the results from the very first episode of LOW All-Star Wrestling:

Card #421 - Irish McNeil Boys Club - Shreveport, LA - LOW All-Star Wrestling (Episode 1 - Debut Broadcast)

01) Ultramantis Black defeated Koko B. Ware
02) The Sheik defeated Nick Jackson
03) LOW International Heavyweight Title: Buddy Rogers© defeated Magnum T.A. to retain the title
04) The Destroyer & Bryan Danielson defeated Naptown Dragons
05) Ted Dibiase defeated George South
06) Paul Ellering & Chief Omega defeated Dupae Rupa & Savage-T

So many interesting names on that inaugural episode, including Chief Omega who was an out of this world talent. How about Ultramantis Black featuring in the opening contest, not to mention Nick Jackson of the Young Bucks competing in singles action against The Sheik! Perhaps most intriguing was Magnum T.A. who came up short in challenging Buddy Rogers for the LOW International Heavyweight Championship. Here we are ninety-nine episodes later and Magnum has another title opportunity, a LOW World Heavyweight Title opportunity. Can he achieve a golden victory this time? Well stay tuned, wrestling fans, for an exciting 100th episode of ASW and I will see all of you at the matches…”

WMC-TV5 Studios - Memphis, TN - Hour One - Announcers: Lance Russell & Dave Brown

LR: “Welcome everyone to episode 100 of All-Star Wrestling. Can you believe we made it this far, Dave, and boy have we had a good time bringing this action to all of you each and every week. By golly it has been a pleasure. Something that won’t be a pleasure is this piece of video I have to introduce involving one Jim Cornette, manager of the now former LOW World Tag Team Champions Midnight Express.”

* Shortly following the loss of the LOW World Tag Team Titles to Jack & Jerry Brisco in Lafayette, LA (Card #1404), PWI Editor Bill Apter caught up with the Midnight Express and their manager Jim Cornette. It was a tense situation in the locker room as Cornette ranted and raved over his men being “screwed” out of the championship. He targeted LOW senior referee Morgan Dollar for ejecting both him and his bodyguard Josh Briggs from ringside prior to the match. He claimed that it threw off his men, represented on that night by Dennis Condrey & Stan Lane, as he may not have sent Bobby Eaton to the back if he knew that he wouldn’t be able to manage from ringside.

Apter pressed him on what he meant by that, especially since Lane was indirectly involved in Condrey getting pinned. It was a button pushing question for sure and Cornette nearly lost it. He accused Apter of trying to put a wedge between him and his men and ordered Briggs to escort him out of the locker room. Apter didn’t need any more convincing and left as Cornette ranted into the camera vowing that his men would regain the belts and become nine-time champions.

LR: “Well, Dave, that was classic Cornette right there blaming everyone but himself. I for one want to congratulate Jack & Jerry Brisco on winning the tag team championship. Ok partner, let’s here what’s coming up in the first hour.”

DB: “Thanks, Lance, and our feature match here in hour one will be a rematch from the Tokyo Dome as the Fabulous Moolah will attempt to regain the Empress Ring Title from Mildred Burke. That should be a classic. In addition, we will see Thunderbolt Patterson, Ted Dibiase, Nick Bockwinkel and Playboy Buddy Rose & “Pretty Boy’ Doug Somers in action. First up, though, is a trios match with big ramifications so without further ado let’s head to the ring...”

01) Team Angle defeated Killer Bees & Koko B. Ware

* A recent upset win by the Killer Bees, B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell, & “The Birdman” Koko B. Ware over Team Angle in the CWA led to this rematch. This time it was for high stakes as the winners of the match would receive a shot at the LOW Trios Titles, currently held by Vampiro, Kevin Thorn & Darby Allin, on episode 101 of ASW. Team Angle, consisting of Kurt Angle, Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas, came in with a big chip on their shoulders. Referee James Beard was on the call for what turned into an outstanding bout.

Both sides had chances to win, especially the Bees and Ware after a Killer Dropkick by Brunzell and a tandem double back drop by the Bees. Ware also scored a near fall on Angle with the Brainbuster. It was Angle that turned it around late trapping Brunzell in the Ankle Lock for a submission chance. That was broken up but then Team Angle took it moments later as Benjamin pinned Brunzell after combining with Haas on a Superkick into a German Suplex. The win earned Team Angle that huge opportunity for a shot at the LOW Trios Titles.

* “Hello again, wrestling fans, Lance Russell here at ringside!” said the popular hour host as he threw it to a music video of the “King of Wrestling” Bobby Shane. After a long absence from LOW, Shane has signed with Golden Age Wrestling and will debut on their next event in Dallas, TX (Card #1414) at the world famous Sportatorium.

02) Playboy Buddy Rose & Doug Somers (with Jimmy Hart) defeated Super Troopers

* The Super Troopers of Officer Warren Barksdale & “Supercop” Dick Justice faced the First Family team of Playboy Buddy Rose & “Pretty Boy” Doug Somers out of PCW. Manager Jimmy Hart did his best to annoy Russell and Brown on commentary while Rose and Somers dominated in the ring. This was a good match but the Super Troopers were on the defensive most of the way. Rose ended it with a vertical suplex on Barksdale followed by the Inside Backbreaker for the pin. Hart boasted that his men have run The Quebecers “kicking and screaming” out of PCW, a boast that Russell seriously disputed and told the First Family members to stay tuned for a message from The Quebecers in hour two.

03) Thunderbolt Patterson defeated Nacho Barrera

* The popular Thunderbolt Patterson of ACW took on Nacho Barrera. This was pretty one sided until Barrera began battling back. He did some roughhousing but that was a mistake as Patterson answered back himself before delivering the Head Butt for the pin.

* “Sounds like this needs to be settled in the ring!” reacted Russell after things got tense between Thunderbolt Patterson and Mike Graham. Patterson was talking about how he joined ACW to assist Graham and Don Curtis against Diamond Dallas Page and FTB Enterprises but felt like he had been left behind with Graham and Curtis teaming up regularly. It was an interesting accusation and Graham, who happened to be at the studio, confronted him about it. Things couldn’t be settled and ended up with Patterson challenging Graham to a match on the next ACW card which was accepted.

04) Nick Bockwinkel defeated Ron Hutchison

* Veteran journeyman Ron Hutchison faced Nick Bockwinkel of GAW, the first two-time winner of the PWI Invitational Cup Tournament. Russell and Brown were joined by a surprise call in from Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, the manager of Bockwinkel, who was busy preparing for his tag team match in hour three. Heenan referred to Hutchison as a “ham and egger” but Russell pointed out that he is a solid technician and that he was giving Bockwinkel a heck of a battle.

Heenan was relieved when Bockwinkel got the Bockwinkel Sleeper on Hutchison. The hold was broken in the ropes but then Bockwinkel quickly caught Hutchison in the Figure Four Leglock for a submission victory. Heenan said Bockwinkel is cashing in his PWI Cup win and getting a shot at the LOW World Heavyweight title on the next CWA card at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY (Card #1415). He said it didn’t matter who walks into MSG as champion but Bockwinkel will be walking out of it with the world title. Russell then asked Heenan who the mystery partner might be teaming with Rocca against him and Rogers in hour three prompting a frustrated Heenan to hang up without answering.

05) Ted Dibiase defeated Jim Powers

* Jim Powers took on the former “Million $ Man” Ted Dibiase, a grand slam winner in LOW who recently left the CWA to join ACW. Dibiase promises to be a major player for Atlantic Coast Wrestling and showed why here by dominating the action. He hit Powers with his controversial Loaded Glove, pulling him up at the count of two, before applying the Figure Four Leglock for a submission victory.

06) Empress Ring Title: Mildred Burke© vs. Fabulous Moolah was a Draw

* The 14th Empress Ring Champion Mildred Burke put the gold on the line against former champion Fabulous Moolah with James Beard as the referee. Beard allowed some leniency in this one as there were a few battles on the floor that could have resulted in a disqualification. Both women were in top form and this was a hard fought bout. A great spot saw Burke, after falling to pin Moolah with an Alligator Clutch, lock on a full nelson. Moolah, however, countered out and executed a Small Package for a two count. After some more heated exchanges, Moolah sent Burke into the ring post and followed with a Body Press for a big near fall just as the bell sounded. The match ended in a time limit draw with the conclusion of hour one allowing Burke to have a successful version two title defense.

The Sportatorium - Tampa, FL - Hour Two - Announcer: Gordon Solie

GS: “Thanks Lance and Dave, and what a fantastic opening hour today on this special 100th episode of ASW. Here in hour two, we will feature a LOW World Heavyweight title match as Randy Savage faces Magnum T.A., the reigning LOW Tex-Arkana Television champion. Also, in action will be, well hold on now wait a minute what are you doing out here Larry Sweeney?”

LS: “Gordon, you know I respect you and admire you. You are the dean of wrestling announcers, but even the dean could use some help. I’m fresh off a gig with the IWA, or IWTV as they are calling it now, where I was the best color commentator in the business. I want to be the Bobby to your Gorilla, or the Dave to your Lance. What do you say pal, how about giving me a job alongside you calling the action?”

GS: “Well, Larry, I certainly admire your enthusiasm but I’m perfectly fine calling the action here on ASW. Perhaps you should put some more focus on regaining the LOW Tex-Arkana Television Title.”

LS: “What did you just say! Don’t you ever bring up my baby like that. Magnum T.A. stole it from me last week and stole what should have been my shot at Savage today. I’m a nineteen-time Tex-Arkana champ and the best damn announcer in this business. You would be lucky to have me at this announce desk!”

GS: “You are no doubt a very talented individual but unfortunately you are not contracted to appear here today so I would kindly ask you to leave.”

LS: “I don’t think you know who you are talking to, Gordon, I will…”

ECW owner “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert made a surprise appearance and corralled Sweeney who was losing it. He whispered something to him and the two walked off leaving Solie somewhat perplexed. Solie said that will be a situation to watch but for now it was time to go to the ring for the opening match…

01) The Quebecers defeated Larry Sharpe & Lenny Lane

* Now confirmed to be leaving PCW for GPW, The Quebecers, Jacques Rougeau & Pierre Carl Oullett, faced “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe & Lenny Lane in tag team action. This was a tough bout as Sharpe and Lane worked well together and showed great resilience at times. They even scored several two counts on Jacques, including the Piledriver from Sharpe, who was busted open. The Quebecers finally won it when they hit a Double Hot Shot on Sharpe with a bloody Jacques scoring the pin.

After their win, The Quebecers joined Solie saying they are looking forward to starting up back home in Canada for Grand Prix Wrestling but first they have some unfinished business. After requesting that First Family manager Jimmy Hart be put on speaker phone, they announced that thanks to LOW Commissioner Teddy Long they are getting one more shot at Buddy Rose & Doug Somers. Their final PCW match will be against Rose & Somers in a Steel Cage in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Card #1412), a match just added to the card. Hart went ballistic on the phone as The Quebecers laughed it up. Jacques pointed to the blood on his head and said this was just a small taste of what Rose, Somers and maybe even Hart will feel as The Quebecers leave a final message for the First Family.

02) Angelo Mosca defeated Mr. X

* “Fair enough,” exclaimed Solie as Angelo “King Kong” Mosca headed to the ring to face Mr. X. Mosca said that he is primed and ready to get started in GPW and was going to show just how ready he is. Mosca dominated this quick bout, scoring the pin after executing a Tackle in Corner.

03) Handicap Match: Andre the Giant defeated Keith Steinborn & Frogman LeBlanc

* Solie said that it was a treat getting to see Andre the Giant in action, as he faced Keith Steinborn & Frogman LeBlanc in a Handicap Match. This was not much of a match as Andre dominated, keeping his opponents on the defensive. It was a mercy kill at the finish when Andre hit the Big Splash on LeBlanc for the pin.

04) Piper's Pit with Tracy Smothers:

* “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, without his bodyguard Cowboy Bob Orton, welcomed ECW star Tracy Smothers to Piper’s Pit. “It’s certainly a pleasure for you to be here”, said Piper before chastising Smothers on the recent loss of the LOW Trios Titles at WrestleCade 14. Smothers took exception to that but was cut off by manager James Mitchell and his mysterious charge Prince Kharis as they arrived on set. Piper backed off saying he wanted nothing to do with “The Mummy” but he was not who Mitchell was after. Mitchell said that Kharis is looking for “fresh blood” and challenged Smothers to face his mummy in ECW. Smothers accepted the challenge prompting Piper to say, “You’re crazy, man, I wouldn’t get anywhere near that thing. I’m outta here folks, see you next week!”

05) Bob Backlund (with Arnold Skaaland) defeated Mike Jackson

* Accompanied by his new manager Arnold Skaaland, GAW star Bob Backlund took on Mike Jackson, the perennial holder of the Alabama Junior Heavyweight title. A hand shake started things off and what followed was a great technical bout between the two. Backlund, coming off recent tough losses to Nick Bockwinkel in the PWI Cup final and “Russian Lion” George Hackenschmidt, looked to get back on the winning track. He was relentless late and used the Boston Crab hold on Jackson several times before locking it in for a submission victory.

They stopped to speak with Solie afterward and Skaaland said that Backlund is now refocused and looking to the future potentially earning a championship opportunity. Backlund credited Skaaland with helping him to get back to his roots of amateur wrestling, honing his skills and putting them to use in the pro ring. He said that he wanted Hackenschmidt one more time and has him upcoming in Dallas, TX, for a rubber match. Solie said, “as great as these matches are on TV, they’re that much better live at your local arena, so get out and watch them.”

06) LOW World Heavyweight Title: Randy Savage© defeated Magnum T.A. to retain the title

* The main event of hour two saw newly crowned LOW Tex-Arkana Television Champion Magnum T.A. challenge “Macho Man” Randy Savage, the 48th LOW World Heavyweight champion, for the gold. Solie noted that this was a very rare world championship match on ASW and that LOW senior referee Morgan Dollar was assigned to maintain order. Savage was a whirlwind early keeping a frustrated Magnum on the defensive. Once Magnum countered, Savage turned it up a notch and delivered the flying axe-handle to the floor. It was game on from that point as the intensity built up between the two. In the closing stretch, Savage caught Magnum with the Piledriver two straight times and covered him for the pin. It was a successful version six title defense for Savage.

As Solie closed the show, he noted that Savage has a huge week ahead with scheduled title defenses against Adrian Adonis, Harley Race and Nick Bockwinkel. Larry Sweeney returned and apologized to the “Dean of wrestling announcers” for his earlier conduct, saying he lost his mind for a minute. He did celebrate the loss by Magnum T.A., saying that time was running out for him with the television title. Eddie Gilbert came back out and personally invited Sweeney to his next ECW show where he will receive a big surprise. Solie said, “That’s all the time we have, so long from the Sunshine State…”

Mid-Hudson Civic Center - Poughkeepsie, NY - Hour Three - Announcers: Gorilla Monsoon & Bill Apter

GM: “Thank you, Gordon, and we now bring you this third hour of 100th Episode action and what promises to be a big main event with Buddy Rogers and my usual broadcast partner, that “weasel” Bobby Heenan, taking on Antonino Rocca and a mystery partner. With that I want to welcome my special broadcast partner for this week, one Bill Apter from PWI.”

BA: “Thanks very much, Gorilla, and we go back a long way so it is an honor to share the broadcast position with you this week. This is going to be one heck of a third hour of action.”

GM: “You’ve got that right, Bill. Any speculation on who Rocca will have as a mystery partner?”

BA: “I’ve heard so many names thrown around, Gorilla, including one Andre the Giant but Andre was in Tampa for hour two so it will definitely not be him. I’m sure Rocca will have an ace up his sleeve for this one.”

GM: “I have no doubt, Bill, and I for one look forward to that revelation. With that, let’s go to the ring for some action…”

01) Stan Hansen & Bruiser Brody defeated The Mysterians

* The Mysterians, now consisting of Lord Zoltan & Sinn Bodhi, faced Stan “The Lariat” Hansen & Bruiser Brody of Kings Road United making a rare stateside appearance. Zoltan and Bodhi looked to have been in training for this one as they held their own against their larger foes. Brody was even busted open and caught for a two count when Bodhi hit Tallulah Belle, a double arm DDT into a pinning combination. Hansen and Brody turned it on late and that was bad news for The Mysterians. The finish saw a bloody Brody pin Bodhi after hitting a devastating Piledriver.

* “Make sure to join us when we come to a town near you,” said Monsoon. Apter took over and read off some of the upcoming dates for LOW including a huge CWA coming to Madison Square Garden in New York.

02) Rocky Kernodle defeated Eric the Red (with Eddie Fyne) by DQ

* Rocky Kernodle was tasked with facing a tough newcomer to LOW in Eric the Red, managed by “Elegant” Eddie Fyne. The Las Vegas-based Fyne returns to LOW after a long absence and he will be managing Eric the Red in Canada for the new Grand Prix Wrestling. Kernodle looked great on offense and scored a big near fall with the Cross Body Block. Eric the Red rebounded with a strong attack but then delivered the Hit with Bone rocking Kernodle. Referee Dick Woehrle was having none of that and gave Kernodle a disqualification win causing an angry protest from Fyne.

03) Tony Garea & Larry Zbyszko defeated Danny Doring & Amish Roadkill

* The new CWA tag team of Tony Garea & Larry Zbyszko took on Danny Doring & Amish Roadkill of ASW. As referee Dick Woehrle did the pre-match checks, Monsoon said Zbyszko had a recent “change of heart” and left GAW to join his longtime friend Garea. Apter said that this team, Garea and Zbyszko, could make waves in LOW. Monsoon agreed and pointed out that Zbyszko was supposed to partner with Bobby Heenan’s men on a recent GAW card but opted out. He joked that “The Brain” wasn’t operating on a full deck that day, or when he also because he recently lost the services of Ray “The Crippler” Stevens whose contract ran out allowing him to go to the west coast for PCW.

This was a good bout, with both teams having chances to win. Late in the match, Zbyszko trapped Doring in an Abdominal Stretch going for a submission but Roadkill broke it up. After taking Roadkill out, Garea tagged in and caught Doring with a pair of Elbow Drop’s for the pin. Monsoon called it a big win for the “two youngsters” in their LOW tag team debut.

04) The Sheepherders defeated Bill & Randy Mulkey

* It was time for “Mulkey Mania” but unfortunately for Bill & Randy Mulkey were facing The Sheepherders, Butch Miller & Luke Williams. Having left World of Sport for GPW, The Sheepherders were looking to make statement. They were in control for most of this short affair which ended when Luke pinned Bill Mulkey after the tandem Running Knee Smash.

* “Standing by is a superstar with plenty on his mind,” said Monsoon. Antonino Rocca was shown stretching backstage and he commented on the main event saying that he and his mystery partner were ready for Buddy Rogers & Bobby Heenan. Rocca seemed very confident and said he couldn’t wait to get to the ring. Back at the commentary table, Monsoon asked Apter to call the next bout as he had to check on something in the back…

05) S.D. Jones defeated Johnny Rodz

* Two ASW rivals faced off as S.D. Jones took on the “Unpredictable” Johnny Rodz. Apter did a nice job on commentary for what was a good back-and-forth bout. Jones, sporting a colorful new look, took the lead late and after a cross body attack for two he blasted Rodz with a Head Butt to score the pin.

06) Buddy Rogers & Bobby Heenan defeated Antonino Rocca & Gorilla Monsoon

* The match everyone had been waiting for came with a surprise that no one expected, Gorilla Monsoon leaving the commentary table to be revealed as the mystery partner for Antonino Rocca. The crowd exploded when Monsoon came to the ring and his broadcast partner, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, lost it as he tried to hide behind his client “Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers. Apter said this was an amazing moment and made note of how Monsoon had been growing out his beard for weeks which should have been a giveaway. He said it was a callback to his wrestling roots as the “Manchurian Giant” billed from Asia and that Rocca made a clever pick for a mystery partner.

After referee Dick Woehrle issued his pre-match instructions, Rocca started out against his rival Rogers but made a quick tag to Monsoon after taking a piledriver. Monsoon entered with force and within moments executed the Manchurian Landslide on Rogers for a two count. Heenan was livid on the ring apron but kept his distance from Monsoon. Eventually Heenan would tag in getting his shots in on both Monsoon and Rocca thanks to the work of Rogers. Apter said that they don’t call him “The Brain” for nothing.

Heenan never did face the wrath of the opposition thanks to his clever tagging in and out, and it was a strategy that worked. Late in the match, Rogers trapped Monsoon in the Figure Four Grapevine but Rocca made the save. During the ensuing melee, Heenan tagged in while Rogers battled Rocca out to the floor. Woehrle became distracted and Heenan caught Monsoon with a Foreign Object, which looked to be a chain, and scored the pin over his broadcast partner. The crowd jeered the result as a jubilant, laughing Heenan bailed out of the ring escaping to the back with Rogers. Apter closed out the broadcast and said to expect fireworks when Monsoon and Heenan are back at the commentary table.

[Pariah]

It's not gonna be easy because that 100th Episode Celebration was jam packed, my friend... But, let's go with my Top 3 Countdown!

Honorable Mention/ The inaugural Grand Prix Wrestling roster is revealed... There are some big names heading to the Great White North... Very nice!

3/ A successful version six title defense for the Macho Man... OHHH, YEAH! Usually Savage retaining the LOW World Heavyweight Championship would easily capture the number one slot, but like I said... This installment has a whole helluva lot happening!

2/ My Quebecers bookend a fun victory with a very interesting phone conversation... Which concludes with the announcement of one final showdown against First Family members, Buddy Rose & Doug Somers... In a steel cage, no less! VIVE LE QUEBEC!

1/ Heenan shows everyone exactly why he is known as both 'The Brain' and 'The Weasel' by scoring a controversial pinfall on Gorilla Monsoon in a memorable main event... Of course, he needed to take a shortcut... But, what do you expect? It's Bobby Heenan, for crying out loud!

[bookerbill]

Solid show and excellent read my friend. Flashback to show one was a nice touch. The roster for the action in Quebec looks great.