LOW - Legends of Wrestling II

[cruefan68]

Card #1424 - Arena Mexico - Mexico City, Mexico - Lucha MAX

* Lucha MAX owner Karlee Perez addressed the crowd before the first match. Flanked by her right hand man Ultramantis Black, She informed him that he would be in the ring tonight for an Atomicos match teaming with Doctor X, Sam Adonis, and Lucha MAX newcomer Arez to face another newcomer in Aramis, Luchasaurus, and Los Monos del Espacio, Space Monkey & Cymbal Monkey. The “Megalomaniacal Insectoid” seemed pleased as Perez answered his recent request to have more ring time. He promised that he would bring victory for the Lucha MAX office.

Perez then addressed the major success of the first King of Trios event last year in Lucha MAX that brought together thirty-two teams from across LOW. The winners were crowned the first LOW Trios Champions after a history making night of action. That led to the major announcement that King of Trios would return for it’s tenth year under the banner of LOW having previously been held in CHIKARA, the IWA and now Lucha MAX. She said that the streamlined event of sixteen teams would be held for the second straight year at El Toreo de Cuatro Caminos in Naucalpan (Card #1439) and that the participants will be announced on the next edition of LOW All-Star Wrestling.

The crowd cheered that major announcement but Perez had one more stating that for the first time in over two years the popular Rey de Voladores would return at King of Trios. That event brings together eight of the best high-flyers from across LOW to determine the Rey de Voladores, or King of Flyers. She promised that this edition of King of Trios would be “unforgettable” and said that the success of last year’s event helped set the stage for tonight’s main event as Team Angle will defend the LOW Trios Titles against former champions El Ejercito de la Noche.

01) Los Rancheros (with Howdy Price) defeated The Mysterians

* The Mysterians, Lord Zoltan & Sinn Bodhi, of ASW faced the Howdy Price-led Los Rancheros, Raul & Rogelio, in a great opening bout. In accordance with new tag team match rules handed down by Karlee Perez, regulation tag team matches are now contested under single fall rules in Lucha MAX unless otherwise stipulated. This put the heat on both teams who could not afford to make mistakes. The Mysterians brought their brand of fun and mystical antics frustrating Price and his men. Bodhi proved especially durable surviving a series of near falls late in the bout. Los Rancheros finally took it home when the blasted Bodhi with Price Check allowing Raul to score the pin.

02) Demus defeated Swoggle

* As with the tag team rules, singles matches are also now single fall only in Lucha MAX unless otherwise stipulated. It didn’t matter to either Swoggle or Demus as the rivals squared off in the fledgling Minis Division of Lucha MAX. A critical moment early saw Swoggle going for the Tadpole Splash but he missed. That allowed Demus to reverse the momentum and punish Swoggle both in and out of the ring. Swoggle mounted brief comebacks and even survived both La Valagueza and the dreaded Martinete but his fate was sealed. Demus took sadistic pleasure in finishing his rival off, hitting a big Pop-Up Powerslam on Swoggle to score the pin.

03) Vivian Vachon, Cora Combs & Debbie Combs defeated Jacqueline, Debbie Malenko & Priscilla Kelly (2-0)

Primera Caída (1st Fall): Cora Combs pinned Jacqueline – Knee Lifts
Segunda Caída (2nd Fall): Debbie Combs pinned Priscilla Kelly – Airplane Spin

* Trios action in the Empress Ring division featured five newcomers to LOW as Vivian Vachon, Cora Combs & Debbie Combs faced Jacqueline, Debbie Malenko & Priscilla Kelly. The only one with LOW experience was Kelly, and she only recently joined Empress Ring after being awarded a contract for a count out win over the controversial Andy Kaufman in a very rare inter-gender match. This match was full of action with both sides having good stretches of offense. Cora Combs opened the scoring finishing off a lengthy first fall when she pinned Jacqueline. That led to a desperation stretch for Jacqueline’s team but Malenko nearly evened it up with a piledriver (ch) on Cora. Perhaps fittingly it was Cora’s daughter that took it home with a two falls to none win when she pinned Kelly after an Airplane Spin.

04) Aramis, Luchasaurus, & Los Monos del Espacio defeated Ultramantis Black, Doctor X, Sam Adonis & Arez (2-1)

Primera Caída (1st Fall): Sam Adonis pinned Aramis – 450 Splash
Segunda Caída (2nd Fall): Aramis pinned Arez – Top Rope Huracanrana (ch)
Tercera Caída (3rd Fall): Space Monkey pinned Ultramantis Black – Tail Whip

* Atomicos action saw the Lucha MAX debuts of rivals Aramis and Arez, both looking to impress and help lead their team to victory. Aramis joined Luchasaurus and Los Monos del Espacio, Space Monkey & Cymbal Monkey, to face Arez, Ultramantis Black, Doctor X & Sam Adonis. It was Adonis winning the first fall when he caught Aramis with a 450 Splash for the pin. Aramis would redeem himself in the second fall when he pinned his rival Arez with a Top Rope Huracanrana after a blistering battle between the two. That set up the deciding fall and, unfortunately for UMB, he got trapped in there with the Space Monkeys and was hit with the Wind Up Tail Bell Ringer by Cymbal Monkey. Space Monkey followed that up with the Tail Whip and pinned UMB for a spectacular two falls to one victory.

05) LOW Tex-Arkana Television Title: Manny Fernandez© defeated Rey Bucanero to retain the title

* The 44th LOW Tex-Arkana Television Champion “Raging Bull” Manny Fernandez, representing Pacific Coast Wrestling, traveled to Mexico City to face the dangerous rudo Rey Bucanero. With the gold on the line, Fernandez was going to have to do everything in his power to keep it. Bucanero provided a formidable challenge in his hometown, and maybe not so surprisingly had many cheering on his effort. This was a match of quick offensive bursts from both men before Fernandez hit his trademark Flying Burrito and scored the pin. It was a successful version three title defense for the “Raging Bull”.

06) Pirata Morgan, Hallowicked & Frightmare defeated Willie Mack, Rey Horus & Laredo Kid (2-0)

Primera Caída (1st Fall): Pirata Morgan over Laredo Kid by Submission – Pirata Lock
Segunda Caída (2nd Fall): Hallowicked pinned Laredo Kid – Yakuza Kick

* The popular team of Willie Mack, Rey Horus & Laredo Kid collided with Pirata Morgan and his new allies, the Nightmare Warriors of Hallowicked & Frightmare. The crowd were shocked by the defection of the Nightmare Warriors from the tecnicos to the rudos side but Morgan, head of Los Piratas, was pleased to have them on his side. They proved to be an effective unite as after a highly competitive opening fall it was Morgan getting a submission on Laredo Kid with the Pirata Lock. The success of this new version of Los Piratas continued into the second fall. All three members worked over Laredo Kid who desperately needed a tag or ring escape to change his fortunes. That opportunity never came and Los Piratas took it two falls to none when Hallowicked hit the Yakuza Kick on Laredo Kid to score the pin.

07) Hernandez (with Salina de la Renta) defeated El Generico

* The first of two big singles matches for Promociones Dorado saw Hernandez, accompanied by Salina de la Renta, take on the popular El Generico. The “Tijuana-based” Generico was explosive early taking the fight to the big man, including picking up near falls with a corkscrew moonsault and Yakuza Kick. Hernandez battled back into it and nearly won with an Avalanche Border Toss but somehow Generico kicked out before the three count. Salina was livid at ringside arguing with the referee claiming a slow count. The hard-fought battle raged on but in the end it was Hernandez scoring the pin after delivering a devasting Border Toss over the top rope and out of the ring.

08) Ricochet & Super Crazy defeated Konnan & Sammy Guevara

* A grudge tag team bout pitted Konnan & Sammy Guevara against Ricochet & Super Crazy. Since coming under the influence of Super Crazy, Ricochet’s conversion to the rudos side has been a big success. He has taken the lead in a bitter rivalry with his former mentor Konnan and looks to become the top star in Lucha MAX. This was a tremendous bout with all four men looking brilliant on offense. Guevara nearly took it early when he hit the 630 Senton on Ricochet but he kicked out. Ricochet later got revenge with Chocolate Rain on Guevara for a big near fall. Konnan proved to be very effective, even surviving the Triple Moonsault of Crazy. This went right down to the wire before Crazy took it him following up a near fall on Guevera with the Moonsault for the pin.

09) Mil Muertes (with Salina de la Renta) defeated Bandido

* The popular Bandido out of Torreon, Mexico, looked to win one against his rival Mil Muertes, who was accompanied to the ring by Salina de la Renta representing Promociones Dorado. Muertes jumped Bandido before the bell but that quickly backfired. Bandido looked great early keeping Muertes on the defensive and leaving Salina frustrated at ringside. Muertes got back into it after winning a brawl on the floor and began using his size and power to dominate. It came down to a battle of will and, after Bandido kicked out of the first one, Muertes crushed him with a second consecutive Flatliner to score a snake eyes pin.

Muertes wasn’t done there and, as Salina called out the Texas Hangmen to block the entrance ramp, he tossed a slew of chairs into the ring. El Generico and Willie Mack ran down battling Killer and Psycho but the Hangmen held them off just long enough. Muertes proceeded to deliver a Top Rope Flatliner on Bandido crashing onto the chars. Bandido writhed in pain as Salina smiled with glee over the destruction caused by Muertes. Promociones Dorado bailed out as Generico, Mack, and paramedics rushed the ring tending to Bandido who had to be carried out on a stretcher.

10) LOW Trios Titles: Vampiro, Kevin Thorn & Darby Allin (with Shelly Martinez) defeated Kurt Angle, Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas to win the titles

* The main event was for the LOW Trios Titles as the newly minted 5th champions of Team Angle consisting of Kurt Angle, Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas faced former champions El Ejercito de la Noche, or The Night Army, of Vampiro, Kevin Thorn & Darby Allin. With Shelly Martinez in their corner, The Night Army were looking to regain the belts they had lost to AJ Styles and the Rock n’ Roll Express who in turn dropped them to Team Angle. Martinez negotiated for this rematch on their home base in Lucha MAX and that proved to be a smart move. Both teams went all out in a great bout, resulting in a series of near falls and submission chances. The turning point came when Vampiro countered Benjamin off the ropes and laid him out with a Power Bomb to score a snake eyes pin. It was a huge win for The Night Army who, much to the delight of Martinez, became the first two-time holders of the LOW Trios Titles.

Injury Report:

* Bandido suffered neck and upper back injuries as a result of the Top Rope Flatliner on the chairs by Mil Muertes. He is expected to be out of action for several weeks as a result. El Generico and Willie Mack, speaking on behalf of Bandido, said that if he is medically cleared they want to partner with him in King of Trios. Mack went so far as to demand that Promociones Dorado put together a team and face them in the opening round. Salina de la Renta responded to that on social media and said she had no problem with that challenge and in fact looked forward to it.

Lucha MAX Top 10 Singles Rankings:

01) Mil Muertes
02) Mil Mascaras
03) Ricochet
04) Konnan
05) Rey Bucanero
06) Sammy Guevara
07) Super Crazy
08) Hernandez
09) Pirata Morgan
10) El Generico

Lucha MAX Top 5 Tag Team Rankings:

01) Nightmare Warriors
02) Texas Hangmen
03) Los Rancheros
04) Ricochet & Super Crazy
05) Los Monos del Espacio

*Current champions not included in rankings*

[TTX]

Cool win by Vampiro and crew.

[cruefan68]

Card #1425 - Boston Gardens - Boston, MA - Capitol Wrestling Alliance

01) Charlie Morgan defeated Princess Victoria
Referee: James Beard

* A solid opening contest from the Empress Ring division saw Princess Victoria out of Vancouver, B.C., Canada, take on Charlie Morgan hailing from Cambridge, England. It was a fast-paced bout that saw both women with close near falls. It built to an exciting finish that saw Victoria survive Aces Over, a jumping implant DDT, before Morgan nailed her with a Superkick to score the snake eyes pin.

02) Danny Doring & Amish Roadkill defeated War Machine
Referee: Dick Woehrle

* War Machine, Hanson & Raymond Rowe, faced Danny Doring & Amish Roadkill of ASW in the second bout. The duo of Hanson and Rowe went in as heavy favorites due to their size and strength advantage. That was all negated when they were hit with the tag team skills of their often underrated opposition. After surviving some heavy attacks, Doring and Roadkill hit the Buggy Bang on Rowe for a big near fall. That led to Doring hitting the Danaconda, a top rope legdrop, on Rowe for the pin as Roadkill fended off Hanson. It was a disappointing loss for War Machine, so much so that they gave their notice to the CWA following the card and have left the territory.

03) Red Bastien defeated Big Bully Busick (with Captain Lou Albano) by Count Out
Referee: Joey Marella

* The popular “Flying Redhead” Red Bastien faced Big Bully Busick, accompanied by his manager Captain Lou Albano. It was a bitter battle between these two, both of whom survived the finisher of their opponent. Busick’s survival, however, came thanks to distractions by Albano. They wound up going out to the floor where Bastien delivered the Atomic Drop prompting Busick and Albano to retreat. Bastien won it by count out but wanted Busick to return to the ring.

04) Tully Blanchard (with J.J. Dillon) defeated Koko B. Ware
Referee: Dick Woehrle

* The “Birdman” Koko B. Ware took on Tully Blanchard of the New Age Horsemen. Manager J.J. Dillon was in the corner for Blanchard and played a key role in the outcome. Ware was on fire most of the way, constantly frustrating Blanchard and keeping him on the defensive. After Ware hit the Brainbuster for a big near fall, a second attempt was disrupted by Dillon who caused a distraction. Ware kept control but missed with a corner charge and a fatigued Blanchard executed a Counter Roll-Up grabbing the ropes for leverage on a snake eyes pin.

05) Powers of Pain (with Captain Lou Albano) defeated Killer Bees
Referee: James Beard

* The Killer Bees, B. Brian Blair & “Jumping” Jim Brunzell, squared off with the Powers of Pain, The Warlord & The Barbarian, managed by Captain Lou Albano. The Bees got off to a dominant start including Brunzell hitting the Killer Dropkick on The Warlord. Albano distracted the referee preventing a pin much to the anger of the crowd. This built into a great back-and-forth bout until The Warlord turned things around. Using his massive power advantage, he punished Brunzell twice delivering the running power slam. Blair pleaded for a tag but that never came as The Barbarian finished it off hitting a Shoulder Breaker on Brunzell for the pin.

06) Curt Hennig (with J.J. Dillon) defeated Mike Rotunda
Referee: Dick Woehrle

* Two evenly matched rivals collided as Mike Rotunda took on Curt Hennig of the New Age Horsemen. Hennig was joined by his manager J.J. Dillon, who once again would play a pivotal role in the outcome of a match. The technical brilliance of both men was evident in their exchanges throughout the match but the gang mentality of the Horsemen caused Hennig to take shortcuts. The finish saw Dillon distract the referee as Hennig ran Rotunda head first into the ring post. A dazed Rotunda managed to get back into the ring but was quickly caught by Hennig with the Hennig Plex for the pin.

07) Tony Garea & Larry Zbyszko defeated Valiant Brothers (with The Grand Wizard)
Referee: Joey Marella

* A burgeoning tag team rivalry saw Tony Garea & Larry Zbyszko face the Valiant Brothers, “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant & “Luscious” Johnny Valiant, who were accompanied by their manager The Grand Wizard. Their first meeting, recently taking place at New York’s Madison Square Garden, ended in a time limit draw so both teams were out for a victory. It was another classic tag team battle with each team having chances to win. The Valiant Brothers nearly took it when Johnny caught Zbyszko with the Swinging Neckbreaker. Zbyszko would combine with Garea on the Facelock Sunset Flip on Jimmy for another big near fall. The finish came when Zbyszko came off the top rope deathjump style with a Flying Cross Body Block on “Handsome” Jimmy for the pin.

08) Roddy Piper & Cowboy Bob Orton Jr. defeated Big Van Vader & Hacksaw Jim Duggan by DQ
Referee: James Beard

* Grudge tag team action saw Big Van Vader & Hacksaw Jim Duggan take on “Rowdy” Roddy Piper & “The Ace” Cowboy Bob Orton. This match was put together after Piper and Orton tried to ambush Vader on a recent Piper’s Put but Duggan made sure that didn’t happen. Piper was noticeably hesitant to face Vader but ultimately dud so early in the match. That proved to be a mistake and Orton was forced to carry the load. Vader planted Orton with the Vader Bomb for a two count forcing Piper to regroup with his bodyguard.

Whatever strategy they discussed did not pan out as Vader and Duggan were a dominant duo. In the end, though, Piper baited Duggan to the outside and wound up winning it by disqualification when Duggan slammed him into the timekeepers table. Duggan was furious and went on to blast Piper with the 2X4 and shouting “Hooooooo!” while Vader crushed Orton with a moonsault. Vader and Duggan might have lost the match but it was Piper and Orton looking the worst for wear.

09) Barry Windham defeated Greg Valentine (with J.J. Dillon)
Referee: Dick Woehrle

* Another grudge match saw Barry Windham take on New Age Horsemen member Greg Valentine, who was accompanied by manager J.J. Dillon. Windham has been injured twice by the Horsemen in the past, including in this very building, and so he was looking for some revenge. Valentine nearly won it early when he blitzed Windham and trapped him in the Figure Four Leglock. Windham somehow got to the ropes for a break drawing frustrated looks from Valentine and Dillon. The match continued, building into a really heated one, before Windham caught Valentine in a sleeper hold draining his energy as Dillon worriedly watched from ringside. Moments later, Windham caught the fatigued Valentine with a Suplex and rolled over on top of him to score the pin.

10) LOW World Tag Team Titles: Road Warriors (with Paul Ellering) defeated British Bulldogs to win the titles
Referee: Morgan Dollar

* Newly crowned 41st LOW World Tag Team Champions the British Bulldogs, Dynamite Kid & Davey Boy Smith, could not have had a tougher first challenge. Their opponents, the Road Warriors, Animal & Hawk, managed by “Precious” Paul Ellering, were bound and determined to win the belts. The record nine-time tag team champions had gone over three years without holding the titles and Ellering had to wait for the right opportunity to secure a title match. With the Bulldogs having recently won the belts from Jack & Jerry Brisco in their home territory of World of Sport, Ellering saw that opportunity to perhaps blindside the new champions.

The Bulldogs weren’t intimidated by the powerful opposition and, in fact, had quite a few dominant stretches on offense scoring several near falls. They also busted Hawk open after a double head butt and survived two deliveries of the feared Doomsday Device. It was timely pin saves that saved the Bulldogs on each occasion. Dynamite would hit the Diving Head Butt on the bloody Hawk fort a huge near fall in the home stretch. The Road Warriors turned the tables late when Animal crushed Davey Boy with a Powerslam for a two count. That led straight into a third delivery of the Doomsday Device as Hawk covered Davey Boy to score the pin.

The Road Warriors made history in Boston by becoming the first-ever ten-time LOW World Tag Team Champions. It was a long climb back to the top of the mountain and Ellering looked on pleased as LOW senior referee Morgan Dollar handed the title belts to Animal and Hawk.

CWA Top 10 Singles Rankings:

01) Barry Windham
02) Big Van Vader
03) Roddy Piper
04) Greg Valentine
05) Curt Hennig
06) Blackjack Mulligan
07) Kurt Angle
08) Hacksaw Jim Duggan
09) Mike Rotunda
10) Chris Masters

CWA Top 5 Tag Team Rankings:

01) Powers of Pain
02) Killer Bees
03) Tony Garea & Larry Zbyszko
04) Valiant Brothers
05) Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas

*Current champions not included in rankings*

[Husky77]

Great tag team action!

[cruefan68]

Card #1426 - Bayfront Center Arena - St. Petersburg, FL - Atlantic Coast Wrestling

01) QT Marshall & Jonnie Stewart (with R.D. Evans) defeated Bill & Randy Mulkey
Referee: Dick Woehrle

* The loudmouth R.D. Evans presented his tag team of “God’s Gift” QT Marshall & “Illustrious” Jonnie Stewart who faced Bill & Randy Mulkey appearing courtesy of LOW All-Star Wrestling. Evans boasted that his men would “create a new championship dynasty never before seen in professional wrestling!” Insanity aside, Marshall and Stewart worked well together and took it home when Marshall planted Bill Mulkey with God’s Gift for the pin.

02) Kerry Morton vs. Steve Regal was a Draw
Referee: Joey Marella

* Making his LOW debut, highly touted prospect Kerry Morton faced “Mr. Electricity” Steve Regal. Morton, the son of Rock n’ Roll Express member Ricky Morton, was well received by the crowd. His dad accompanied him down to the ring only to offer some advice before the match got underway. Regal pounced on Morton early, including trapping him in the Ft. Lauderdale Leglock for a submission chance. Morton survived several close calls during the match, and in the end hung on for a time limit draw against his veteran opponent.

03) Trish Stratus defeated Nora Greenwald
Referee: Dick Woehrle

* Two women in the hunt for Empress Ring gold squared off as Trish Stratus took on Nora Greenwald. The two popular stars engaged in a gripping back-and-forth battle with Greenwald coming close to victory several times. She even survived Stratus’ trademark Stratusfaction to a big pop from the crowd. After a battle outside late, Stratus regained control and delivered a second dose of Stratusfaction for the pin.

04) Thunderbolt Patterson defeated Ranger Ross
Referee: James Beard

* Ranger Ross recently returned to ACW and took issue with Thunderbolt Patterson who had turned his back on Mike Graham. Ross was hoping to teach Patterson a lesson and did a great job controlling a good portion of the match. It was all Thunderbolt could do to avoid the Combat Kick of Ross, often bailing out or taking the action to the floor. Referee James Beard allowed plenty of leeway as the two brawled on the outside late in the match. Patterson would come out on top when, back inside, he nailed Ross with a Head Butt to score the pin.

05) LOW Tex-Arkana Television Title: Bobby Eaton (with Jim Cornette) defeated Manny Fernandez to win the title
Referee: Joey Marella

* The “Raging Bull” Manny Fernandez, the 44th LOW Tex-Arkana Television Champion, put the gold on the line against one-third of the Midnight Express in “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton. With manager Jim Cornette at ringside, Eaton was hoping to win singles gold once again having been a former two-time LOW Junior Heavyweight Champion. This was a great bout filled with action and really could have gone either way. Cornette proved a nuisance to both Fernandez and referee Joey Marella but didn’t factor in the outcome. Instead, Eaton, after one didn’t get the job done, hit a second consecutive Alabama Jam on Fernandez to score the pin. Cornette jumped around at ringside as Eaton was crowned the 45th holder of the LOW Tex-Arkana Television Championship.

“Loverboy” Dennis Condrey, “Sweet” Stan Lane, and Cornette’s bodyguard Josh Briggs joined in the celebration leading to a verbal proclamation from the manager: “You have just witnessed history here tonight! My man, “Beautiful” Bobby, is the new television champion and I along with Mama Cornette couldn’t be prouder. But let me tell you this, anyone that thinks that this championship will prevent the Midnight Express from continuing our quest for a ninth LOW World Tag Team Championship is sorely mistaken. “Beautiful” Bobby can handle two things at once and we will be at full strength at all times and let me tell those face-painted freaks the Road Warriors that your time is ticking away. We will get those belts back and that is a fact!”

06) LOW Junior Heavyweight Title: Juventud Guerrera© defeated Mike Graham to retain the title
Referee: Dick Woehrle

* The 57th LOW Junior Heavyweight Champion Juventud Guerrera out of Mexico City, Mexico, put the gold on the line against big area favorite Mike Graham from Tampa, FL. Although it was a clash in styles pitting the aerial expertise of Guerrera against the fluid technical skills of Graham, this was one heck of a match. Graham did a great job of neutralizing Guerrera by keeping things on the mat, including locking on the Figure Four Leglock for a submission chance. Guerrera held his own, though, and had some great counter exchanges with Graham. The pace sped up near the end and that was in the favor of Guerrera who, after a springboard dropkick, caught Graham with the 450 Splash off the top rope for the pin. It was a successful version one title defense for Guerrera and although the home fans were disappointed they cheered as the two men shook hands after the match.

07) Ted Dibiase & Ivan Koloff defeated Jack & Jerry Brisco
Referee: Joey Marella

* Former LOW World Tag Team Champions Jack & Jerry Brisco looked to get back on track but faced a stiff challenge in the form of Ted Dibiase & “Russian Bear” Ivan Koloff. This was tag team action at it’s finest as the first time pairing of Dibiase and Koloff, two highly decorated wrestlers in LOW, were able to keep pace with the Brisco Brothers. That was a bad omen for the popular brother team who seemed to be battling from underneath most of the way. They did it with grit, though, and made sure that the opposition knew who they were in the ring with. The great bout ended when Dibiase hit a back breaker on Jerry Brisco and tagged Koloff who delivered a Top Rope Knee Drop for the pin.

08) 12-Man Battle Royal for $12,000:

* Twelve top ACW stars competed in a Battle Royal for a $12,000 cash prize. Right off the bat was a shocker as Steve Williams and Terry Gordy went out back-to-back, with Williams being ousted as he attempted to save Gordy from elimination by Don Muraco. The “Phenomenal” AJ Styles, who made it to the final four, scored a wild elimination of both Bob & Brad Armstrong in succession, surviving a tough assault by “Bullet” Bob after his son had been eliminated. Les Thatcher scored a huge elimination by dumping “Ravishing” Rick Rude, with a little help from Rude’s rival Austin Idol.

The finish saw some controversy as the final four were Styles, Don Curtis, Muraco, and Mr. Hughes. Both Muraco and Hughes, who are a part of Feel The Bang Enterprises headed up by Diamond Dallas Page, bailed out through the ropes forcing Curtis and Styles to fight it out. Curtis managed to score a huge elimination of Styles but then was left alone against DDP’s men. Hughes did most of the work and, after a Spike Slam, he tossed Curtis over the top rope. Muraco and Hughes teased going at it but then DDP hit the ring and offered a solution, a coin toss. They flipped it and Hughes won so Muraco eliminated himself. Hughes got the win but FTB Enterprises all became $12,000 richer.

Order of Elimination:

* Steve Williams (By Don Muraco)
* Terry Gordy (By Austin Idol)
* Rick Rude (By Les Thatcher)
* Brad Armstrong (By AJ Styles)
* Bob Armstrong (By AJ Styles)
* Les Thatcher (By Mr. Hughes)
* Magnum T.A. (By Don Curtis)
* Austin Idol (By Don Muraco)
* AJ Styles (By Don Curtis)
* Don Curtis (By Mr. Hughes)
* Don Muraco (Self Elimination)
W) Mr. Hughes

09) Sgt. Slaughter & Don Kernodle defeated Rock n' Roll Express
Referee: Dick Woehrle

* Two-time LOW World Tag Team Champions the Rock n’ Roll Express, Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson, took on the thus far undefeated team of Sgt. Slaughter & Don Kernodle. Another great tag team battle saw both teams going all out to obtain a victory. Slaughter and Kernodle had a tough time handling the speed and teamwork of the Express throughout the early going. It would be a key tag late by Slaughter to Kernodle that reversed the momentum. It came down to a big double-team attack that ended it when Slaughter and Kernodle dropped Gibson with a tandem top rope throat drop. It led to Slaughter locking the Cobra Clutch on Gibson for the submission as Kernodle fended off a save attempt by Morton.

Slaughter rubbed salt in the wound post-match by calling the Rock n’ Roll Express a “stepping stone” and said to Morton “let that be a lesson for your punk kid too!” Morton was incensed and had to be held back by Gibson as Slaughter and Kernodle laughed and exited the ring.

10) LOW World Heavyweight Title: Harley Race defeated Randy Savage to win the title
Referee: Morgan Dollar

* The main event for the LOW World Heavyweight title saw the 48th champion Randy “Macho Man” Savage put the gold on the line against Harley Race. This was a rematch from a controversial two-out-of-three falls match in Atlanta, GA (Card #1413) that saw Savage escape with the win. The tension was high during the ring introductions by Gary Michael Cappetta and the two couldn’t wait as they began trading blows. Savage won out and mere moments into the match he hit the Flying Elbow Smash on Race for a near fall. That set the tone for an epic battle to come as both men would be busted open by the time of the historic finish.

Savage was unstoppable early and looked to be on his way to a successful version ten title defense. Race had to dig down deep to fight back and he did, at one point scoring three straight near falls off the Piledriver and Vertical Suplex. Savage went daredevil-style with a flying axe-handle to the floor but a mistimed deathjump resulted in Race picking up another big near fall. Back-and-forth it went, both men bleeding and exhausted, as the match approached a potential time limit draw. The finishing sequence saw Race get the better of Savage and he delivered another Vertical Suplex rolling on top of the “Macho Man” to score the pin.

History was made in St. Petersburg as Race was crowned a three-time LOW World Heavyweight Champion, ending an over ten-year drought without the top gold. The bloody Race had trouble getting back to his feet but when he did he got to hold the LOW World Heavyweight Title once again. Savage was assisted out of the ring by the referee and several ring attendants wearing the fatigue of an intense in-ring schedule, perhaps contributing to his title loss.

ACW Top 10 Singles Rankings:

01) Magnum T.A.
02) AJ Styles
03) Diamond Dallas Page
04) Ted Dibiase
05) Ivan Koloff
06) Terry Gordy
07) Don Muraco
08) Mike Graham
09) Thunderbolt Patterson
10) Rick Rude

ACW Top 5 Tag Team Rankings:

01) Midnight Express
02) Jack & Jerry Brisco
03) Sgt. Slaughter & Don Kernodle
04) Rock n’ Roll Express
05) Bob & Brad Armstrong

*Current champions not included in rankings*

[Pariah]

So awesome to see the good times in LOW continue to roll, my friend... With all kinds of gold changing hands!

☠️ ALL RISE for EL EJERCITO de la NOCHE! ☠️

[TTX]

Pariah it is always awesome to see you.

Go Slaughter and Kernodle.

[cruefan68]

Great to see you back around Pariah! I knew you would love The Night Army climbing back on top. Thanks also TTX and Husky77 for your comments as well, along with support from Cruising00 and Crimson and anybody who has liked my fed posts. Let's keep this train rolling with more action...

Card #1427 - International Amphitheater - Chicago, IL - Golden Age Wrestling

01) Bob Roop defeated S.D. Jones
Referee: James Beard

* A sell-out 9,000 fans (info courtesy of the Bootleg Arena Cards published by Carlzilla) watched as S.D. “Special Delivery” Jones of ASW took on Bob Roop in the opening contest. Jones was all over Roop in those one, often frustrating the former Olympian. Jones scored a two count with a gut wrench suplex (ch) before Roop struck with his Sholder Breaker for a big near fall. A follow-up attack led to Roop executing a Suplex on Jones and rolling over on top of him for the pin.

02) Ilio DiPaolo vs. Bobby Shane was a Draw
Referee: Dick Woehrle

* The popular Ilio DiPaolo from Buffalo, NY, by way of Abruzzi, Italy, faced the self-proclaimed “King of Wrestling” Bobby Shane. This was a terrific bout that saw both men survive some close calls, including DiPaolo using the Airplane Spin and Shane the Japanese Sleeper. Shane was busted open and on the run late as DiPaolo poured on the offense. A counter by Shane led to a whip into the ropes but DiPaolo caught him with a sunset flip for a big near fall. Moments later, the bell sounded and referee Dick Woehrle declared the match a time limit draw.

03) The Crusher & Baron Von Raschke defeated Fritz Von Goering & Rod Fenton
Referee: Joey Marella

* Grudge tag team action saw The Crusher & Baron Von Raschke lock horns with Fritz Von Goering & “Lightning” Rod Fenton. The past and brief association between Von Raschke and Von Goering exploded after a loss on LOW All-Star Wrestling and the two have been at each other’s throats since. Von Goering recruited the fiery Fenton for this tag team showdown and it almost paid off for the big German. Fenton held his own against both opponents and nearly won it using illegal tactics on Von Raschke. A flurry of action ended it as Von Raschke capped it off nailing Von Goering with a Running Knee Smash for the pin.

04) Gorgeous George (with Cherie Dupre) defeated Bob Backlund (with Arnold Skaaland)
Referee: Dick Woehrle

* Coming off a tough series of matches with George Hackenschmidt, Bob Backlund met quite a different foe in Gorgeous George who was accompanied by his valet Cherie Dupre. Backlund was seconded by his manager Arnold Skaaland who earlier told PWI Editor Bill Apter that they went over match films of George but couldn’t find any weaknesses. He also said that Backlund was stepping in for his good friend Danny Hodge who is working his way back from injury suffered at the hands of George. Backlund had chances to win it, including hitting both the Atomic Drop and Rolling Backbridge, but George somehow escaped. Backlund also survived a slew of Spinning Toeholds and Rolling Hiplocks but in the end it was a third Rolling Hiplocks attack by George that resulted in an impressive pinfall win for the flamboyant star.

05) Dutch Mantell defeated John Pesek
Referee: James Beard

* “Dirty” Dutch Mantell found himself across the ring from the “Nebraska Tiger Man” John Pesek, one of the more feared competitors in GAW. Pesek appears to be associated with Mantell’s rival, Bob Roop, and so this match took on added importance. Pesek looked unstoppable early, tying Mantell up in knots and keeping him on the defensive. Mantell was able to get a rope break on the Tiger Man Toehold and began mounting a comeback. Mantell scored a two count on the Double Dutch Clutch and took the action outside where he flourished. This was a sound strategy for “Dirty” Dutch who would catch Pesek with a Short-Arm Clothesline for the pin.

Roop rushed the ring afterward attempting to double-team Mantell along with Pesek but the “Dirty Dutchman” escaped from the ring. Clutching his trusted whip “Shoo Baby”, Mantell dared either man to come after him but Roop talked Pesek into making a safe exit to the back.

06) Empress Ring Title: Toni Rose© defeated Tina Moretti to retain the title
Referee: Dick Woehrle

* Former Empress Ring Champion Tina Moretti made a bid to regain the gold going against defending 15th Empress Ring Champion Toni Rose. After a huge upset title win over Mildred Burke, Rose has been busy training for this title defense and it showed as she seemed very prepared for Moretti. Rose made some slick counters and kept Moretti on the defensive for a good stretch. After a pair of near falls, the finish saw Rose catch Moretti with her trademark Neckbreaker for the pin. It was a successful version one title defense for Rose who next heads to Grand Prix Wrestling where she will face Burke in a title rematch in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (Card #1429).

07) Fabulous Kangaroos (with Wild Red Berry) defeated Strangler's Inc. by DQ
Referee: Joey Marella

* Top tag team action was featured next as the Fabulous Kangaroos, Al Costello & Roy Heffernan, accompanied by their manager Wild Red Berry, faced the double-tough Strangler’s Inc, Ed “Strangler” Lewis & Evan “Strangler” Lewis. This was all Kangaroos who used their trademark teamwork to frustrate the Strangler’s. Ed Lewis kicked out after an Australian Backdrop by Costello but was not as fortunate when Heffernan trapped him in the Stepover Toehold. Evan Lewis made the save by trapping Heffernan in the Stranglehold which he refused to release. Costello tried to break it up but Ed took him out. Unable to get Evan to release it, the referee called for the bell ruling the Fabulous Kangaroos the winners via disqualification.

08) Jim Londos vs. The Sheik (with Abdullah Farouk) was a Draw
Referee: James Beard

* A big clash in styles, and a battle of former LOW World Heavyweight Champions, saw the “Golden Greek’ Jim Londos lock horns with The Sheik. Manager Abdullah Farouk was in the corner for The Sheik and he played a big role providing a distraction when Londos had a pin with his Airplane Spin. The Sheik’s aggressive early attack, repeatedly stabbing Londos with sharp objects, led to him being busted open. Londos returned the favor and had The Sheik busted open soon after. This match ended in wild fashion as Londos scored a near fall with a crotch lift & slam only to have the bell ring moments later resulting in a time limit draw.

09) Lou Thesz defeated Great Gama
Referee: Dick Woehrle

* A highly anticipated singles match saw Lou Thesz take on the Great Gama. The two accomplished technicians put on a clinic that also saw an assortment of suplex throws. Thesz scored big with a defense counter Greco-Roman Backdrop off an attempted gut wrench throw by Gama. That led to a strong offense from Thesz before Gama countered and would hit the Gama Throw for a big near fall. Gama kept pace with Thesz to no surprise, his accomplishments both as a wrestler and in his own physical training are known worldwide. A victory over Thesz would have been a huge feather in the cap of Gama but his fortunes wouldn’t play out that way. A strong finishing sequence saw Thesz with a near fall from an airplane spin before he hit the Greco-Roman Backdrop for the pin. The crowd cheered the finish and a post-match hand shake of respect by the two men.

10) Randy Savage, Bobo Brazil, Antonino Rocca & Johnny Valentine defeated Nick Bockwinkel, Buddy Rogers, King Kong Bundy & Big John Studd (with Bobby Heenan)
Referee: James Beard

* A titanic eight-man tag team main event saw now former LOW World Heavyweight Champion Randy “Macho Man” Savage team with Bobo Brazil, Antonino Rocca & Johnny Valentine to face Heenan Family members Nick Bockwinkel, “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers & Big John Studd. Manager Bobby “The Brain” Heenan was at ringside and he grabbed the mic taking great pleasure in Savage’s world title loss to Harley Race in St. Petersburg, FL. He called Race an ally of the Heenan Family but said that his men would stop at nothing to take him down just like they took down Savage. Heenan claimed that his men were largely responsible for breaking Savage down and that Race just happened to be the first to get to him. Savage was livid and vaulted over the ropes but Heenan bolted up the aisle, returning only when it was safe to do so.

The match was a real barn burner with both teams going all-out to attain victory. The Heenan Family team worked like a well oiled machine for good stretches making things tough for Savage and his teammates. Valentine, who most thought would join the Heenan Family when he arrived in the CWA, was loyal to his partners and did a great job on offense. This one could have gone either way but in the end Rocca snatched victory from a potential defeat when he caught Studd with a Handstand Head Scissor Throw and rolled him up for a snake eyes pin. Things broke down post-match and it was Rocca and Brazil going toe-to-toe with Bundy and Studd drawing cheers from the crowd. Later it was announced that Rocca and Brazil will face Bundy and Studd on the next GAW card in Indianapolis, IN (Card #1436).

As for Savage, his hard-fought world championship reign over, he is returning to the CWA where he is still under contract. It remains to be seen if he will cross paths with Heenan and his men again but he would no doubt jump at an opportunity to do so while also seeking a return world championship title match with Harley Race.

GAW Top 10 Singles Rankings:

01) Lou Thesz
02) Nick Bockwinkel
03) Bobo Brazil
04) Antonino Rocca
05) Buddy Rogers
06) The Sheik
07) Gorgeous George
08) Johnny Valentine
09) Great Gama
10) Bob Backlund

GAW Top 5 Tag Team Rankings:

01) Fabulous Kangaroos
02) Strangler’s Inc.
03) The Crusher & Baron Von Raschke
04) King Kong Bundy & Big John Studd
05) Ilio DiPaolo & Joe Blanchard

*Current champions not included in rankings*

[Crimson Cross]

Backtracking to #1426, loved that Mr.Hughes won the Battle Royal and Eaton winning the TA belt is good to see. I love the Feel the Bang group, really fun one and Dutch over Pesek on the current offering is good to see...

[bookerbill]

George is always prime to pull an upset.