NWA Pro Wrestling USA

["Emperor Norton" (Mark T)]

Saturday Night At The Omni
Atlanta, GA

Keith Larson defeated George South with a CROSS BODY BLOCK.
Solid opener. South put up a fight, but Larson hit the cross body for the pin in about four minutes.

American Males beat Eric The Red and Kharis (w/James Mitchell).
Eric wore those guys out between multiple BACKBREAKERs and hitting them both with the big bone he brings to the ring with him, but the House Of Horrors couldn't keep the Males down. Riggs pinned Eric for the victory in around six minutes.

Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle was introduced and took a seat at ringside for the next match.

Jack Brisco defeated Raging Bull Manny Fernandez with the FIGURE FOUR.
A main event anywhere else in the country. Manny came on strong at the outset, but Jack rallied. Back and forth until Jack used a THESZ PRESS for a near fall and followed up directly with the FIGURE FOUR for the win.

After the match Kurt got in the ring and had a staredown with Brisco. After a few tense moments he offered his hand to Jack and the two shook. Jack went to walk away and Angle pulled him back in and said "I don't care what Hodge says, I still think I can beat you". Jack told him all he has to do is sign the contract.

Sgt Slaughter and Don Kernodle beat Studd and Bundy to defend the tag team championship.
Bundy had Kernodle in trouble in this championship worthy contest, but Don made the tag and Sarge finished things for his team as Kernodle tripped up Studd to keep him from making the save.

After the match Studd and Bundy began to argue as Mr Wonderful Rock Riddle tried to make peace. Both shoved Rock out of the way and continued to argue. Rock threw his arms in the air and declared that he was done with both of them. 

Ivan Koloff defeated Sam Houston with a TOP ROPE KNEE DROP.
Sam made him work for it in the cooldown match before the main event, but Ivan came out strong in about five minutes.

Ravishing Rick Rude (w/Percy Pringle III) beat Tommy Rich to become the new United States champion.
Epic encounter. In the end Rich had the WILDFIRE SLEEPER on Rude when Percy pulled the referee out of the ring. With the ref distracted Rude used a low blow to take control and went on to pin Rich to become the new US champ.

Did I hotshot that Rude/Rich thing? Yes I did. But "it's my fed, promoter" and I can show bias when I want to. And thanks to that sweet CWF Hollywood Percy card for the assist! (thanks, Grant) 

["Emperor Norton" (Mark T)]

AWA Supershow

Mad Dog and Butcher Vachon beat Ric McCord and Nacho Barrera.
McCord had things going his way after some back and forth and tagged out to Nacho. Nacho did his best to hang in but got overwhelmed by the Vachons. Mad Dog got the pin after the piledriver. 

Abdullah The Butcher (w/Sheik Adnan) defeated Jim Brunzell.
Brunzell had things going his way and floored The Butcher with a DROPKICK when Adnan got on the apron to provide the distraction. That allowed Abby to get back into the match with a karate thrust to the throat and go on to win with a nerve pinch.

Larry Nelson did an in-ring interview with returning stars, Steve and Stan, The Fabulous Ones. Stan said the tag team division is primed and ready for the taking here in the AWA. Steve added that there's a tag team title match getting ready to take place and no matter who wins the Fabs are going to claim their spot at the top. Champions The Long Riders came out and were not happy and a pull apart brawl ensued. Challengers the Hangmen took advantage and jumped the champs to start the match.

Texas Hangmen beat The Long Riders to regain the AWA tag team championship.
Long and intense fight here. It could have gone either way but in the end Killer pinned Bill after the HANGMEN BACKBREAKER to regain the titles.

Sherri Martel defeated Malia Hosaka by countout.
Malia started strong, but then Sherri took over and mauled her. She threw Malia out of the ring and suplexed her on the floor. Hosaka could not answer the ten count.

Larry The Axe Hennig beat Doctor X to become the American champion.
A championship worthy match. Neither man gave an inch. X seemed to have things going his way when Hennig made his comeback. He used THE AXE for a near fall and came right back with  a second one for the pin.

After the bout the new champ spoke with Larry Nelson. He said he is the one constant and nobody should have been foolish enough to count him out. No matter if it's Adrian Adonis, The Trooper, Doctor X, or anyone else who wants to come to the AWA, they will have to contend with the Axe.

The Trooper defeated Larry Zbyszko in a steel cage match.
Larry Z had Trooper in trouble early, but Trooper would not stay down. Finally  Trooper scored with a top rope cross body (deathjump) for the pin.

Nick Bockwinkel (w/Bobby Heenan) beat Bruiser Brody to defend the NWA world title.
Tense moments for the champ in the opening seconds as Brody blocked a forearm smash and hit a twisting vertical suplex for a near fall. Nick would not stay down and the bout evolved into a spectacular title match. Finally Brody missed a top rope knee drop (ch G deathjump) which set up the FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK for the successful title defense for Bockwinkel.

[TTX]

Bock vs Brody is always fun. Hangmen continue their tag reign.

["Emperor Norton" (Mark T)]

CWA WRESTLING
with your host, Ol Banana Nose

Lance Russell did the show open and introduced the esteemed Gordon Solie for a big announcement. Gordon said the next big Pro Wrestling USA/Pro Wrestling Japan Supershow is set and it will be the TAG TEAM SUMMIT. All three of the Pro Wrestling USA sister promotions and Pro Wrestling Japan will send their tag team champions and one other team to a tournament. The winner will be awarded the Grand Prix Trophy and be recognized as the greatest tag team in the world. Lance welcomed Southern tag team champions The Rock n Roll Express. Ricky said it's their time to shine and make the fans proud because nobody does it like the Ricky and Robert. Robert added that there are some great teag teams in the world, but there's nobody better than the Rock N Roll Express.

Koko B Ware and Brickhouse Brown beat Masked Rebel and Frogman LeBlanc.
Frogman never got tagged in, as Koko and Brown decimated Rebel en route to a lopsided win.

After the match Lance spoke with Brickhouse and Koko. He wanted answers for what happened last week when they attacked Dutch Mantell but Koko cut him off and said they were doing the talking and not answering questions. He said they used to call him The Birdman but they will now be known as The Blackbirds. Koko DEMANDED the second spot representing CWA in the Tag Team Summit and if they don't get it it will prove everything he suspected about matchmaker Eddie Marlin and the south in general. 

King Kong Angelo Mosca (w/Jimmy Hart) beat Brett Wayne Sawyer.
Heated action after what took place last week when Mosca ambushed the star visiting from Portland. Sawyer held his own but was no match for Mosca, who got the pin after a huge running elbow. 

Jimmy Hart talked after the match. He said Mosca is here and he's here to take over. Whoever wins tonight between Dundee and Idol had better watch out because the First Family just keeps getting better. 

When Jimmy was done Lance called out Brian Christopher. Brian said last week Wolfie D attacked Scott Taylor after a match and the result was Scott got injured and Wolfie ended up suspended. So tonight it's just him and JC Ice. He said they've known each other since they were kids and JC has been a punk the entire time, so it's time to put him back in his place yet again.

Brian Christopher won by disqualification over JC Ice.
Brian was in fact beating JC all over the place for the most part when the action went to the floor. JC fought his way over to the corner where he grabbed the trademark hubcap and clocked Brian over the head for the disqualification. 

Eddie Gilbert came out to address what transpired between the Gilberts and the Armstrongs last week. He said those uncouth hillbillies wanted a rematch this week but instead they get his new team he will lead to tag team gold, The Moondogs. 

The Moondogs beat Road Dogg Brian Armstrong and Brad Armstrong.
Very fun match. In the end Spot caught Brian off guard and scored the pin after  an axe handle off the top rope (snake eyes).

Jimmy Hart was out once again after the match. He caught up to Eddie Gilbert and said The Moondogs are good, but everyone needs to step aside and let the Dirty White Boys take their place at the top. Eddie and Jimmy began arguing and Lance suggested there's only one way to settle this: a match between the Dirty White Boys and The Moondogs right here next week. 

Superstar Bill Dundee won by disqualification over Austin Idol in a Southern title match.
Good match, lackluster finish. Once again the bout went to the floor where Angelo Mosca came out and attacked Dundee. Idol in turn attacked Mosca and fought him off, but the damage was done and the match was declared in favor of the champion.

An enraged Austin Idol spoke after the match. He said Jimmy Hart thinks he can manipulate everything in his favor and he knows Hart orchestrated what just happened. But it doesn't matter because he's calling out Mosca to face him here next week in a no disqualification match so he can end this stuff with Mosca before it goes any further. 

[Crimson Cross]

A win by King Kong Angelo Mosca is very cool and I love the heat between Mosca and Idol, really cool...

["Emperor Norton" (Mark T)]

Thanks, CC


And now.....

World Championship Wrestling
w/Tony and David

The show begins with Tony announcing there's a new United States champion in Ravishing Rick Rude. The former champ Tommy Rich came out to talk. He said there's a new US TAG team champion in Rick Rude and Percy Pringle. He said if Rude wants a team match, he's got a partner in Jimmy Valiant but he doesn't see anyone stepping up to help Rick Rude except Percy and he doesn't look so tough. Percy Pringle III came out to call Rich a "filthy liar" for insinuating he had anything to do with Rick Rude beating Tommy. He said Rick Rude will be here tonight and if he can't find a partner he'll gladly beat Rich and Valiant again by himself.

American Males beat the Mulkey Brothers.
Special challenge match as the Mulkeys were determined to at least get a move in on offense this time. Not really, but it is a rematch and they didn't get in any offense as they went for a double clothesline on Bagwell with the first move, got countered,  and it was all downhill from there.

Gordon Solie joined Tony and David to talk about the next Pro Wrestling USA/Pro Wrestling Japan super show, the Tag Team Summit. He said Sgt Slaughter and Don Kernodle will of course be the first representatives for World Championship Wrestling and The American Males would be a fine second team to send to the tournament. Reverend James Mitchell entered and said next week his House Of Horrors return better than ever and will humble the American Males to show they belong in the Tag Team Summit.

Thunderbolt Patterson won by disqualification over Red Dogg Rodney Mack (w/Ivan Koloff).
This one did not last more than a minute. The action spilled to the floor where Rodney grabbed the Russian chain and began choking T-bolt with it to earn the disqualification. Ivan Koloff began kicking Patterson while he was being choked until Bob Backlund came out with security to put a stop to it.

Bob went over to Tony and David and said he's got an International Invitational challenge going  and he's looking over at a Russian who seems to want a fight, so Ivan Koloff should consider himsled officially invited to the challenge. Koloff accepted and climbed in the ring.

Bob Backlund won by disqualification over Ivan Koloff in the International Invitational.
Ivan began hammering away at Bob as soon as he stepped through the ropes. Ivan controlled the match early but Bob came back strong. Backlund went for the pin after and underhook suplex and Rodney Mack jumped in the ring to stomp Bob and break the pin. Tommy Rich and Jimmy Valaint rushed out to chase the duo away and make sure no more damage was done.

Tony and David were joined by JJ Dillon and Percy Pringle. JJ said Percy Pringle and he have the same problems it seems, and it's those two men who just put their nose in someone else's business yet again. He said they are spreading themselves thin and it will be there undoing. If they want a tag team match tonight JJ officially offers the services of Manny Fernandez to be Rick Rude's partner. Percy gratefully accepted and said together they would demolish Valiant and Rich once and for all. 

Kurt Angle defeated Ranger Ross with the OLYMPIC SLAM.
Ross tried his best to keep up with the Olympian but was no match. Angle battered him with suplexes before putting him away with the slam.

Kurt Angle spoke to Tony and David and asked where the competition was here. He said he knew he'd dominate anywhere he decided to grace the people with his presence, but he at least needs a challenge. Jack Brisco came out yet again to confront him and said there's nothing here between them but air and opportunity and if he wants it Jack will be standing in that very ring next week. Angle smirked and walked away without saying anything else.

Tommy Rich and Jimmy Valiant beat Rick Rude and Manny Fernandez.
Rude and Fernandez worked extremely well together and had the match firmly under control until Rich fired up. After about seven minutes of action Rich had Rude locked in the WILDFIRE SLEEPER. JJ Dillon had the referee distracted on one side of the ring and Percy came in on the other to try to his Rich with his cane. Rich moved and Rude took the blow instead, falling to the mat half conscious. Valiant ran in, tossed Percy out of the ring and blocked Fernandez from interferring as Rich covered Rude for the win. 

After the match JJ Dillon and Percy argued over what happened at the end of the match but seemed to smooth things over as they left. 

["Emperor Norton" (Mark T)]

AWA All Star Wrestling

Excited Larry Nelson opened the show talking about the last big event and the upcoming Pro Wrestling USA/Pro Wrestling Japan tag team summit event where the Texas Hangmen and one other team will represent the AWA. The Long Riders came out and said it has to be them since they'd still be tag team champions is it weren't for them getting distracted by the Fabulous Ones before their title match with the Hangmen. Steve and Stan showed up and Steve said they distracted themselves by starting a fight but if they want to find out who deserves to rep the AWA at the Summit they can meet later today in the ring to decide it. The Long Riders agreed and the match was made.

Tom "Rocky" Stone won by countout over Sodbuster Kenny Jay.
Good opening match between two guys who aren't usually featured. In the end Stone slammed Jay on the arena floor and the Sodbuster couldn't meet the ten count.

Studio interview with The Trooper after his success in a steel cage against Larry Zbysako. Trooper said that's one lawbreaker down and one more to go in Mr Saito. He hears rumors that Larry Z may have taken off and run from the AWA and if so that would be in character for a cowardly rulebreaker like him. But no matter what, Trooper plans to go through Saito and then on to the American championship and Larry Hennig.

Red Bastien defeated Doug Somers.
The rivalry continues. Red survived two SOMERS SUPLEXES and came back with his ATOMIC DROP to score the pinfall win.

A rebuttal interview with American champion Larry Hennig. Hennig said he hears the Trooper has designs on this American title, but he won't give it up easy. He's a fighting champion and today he renews the rivalry with The Crusher and then he'll face and defeat anyone the AWA decides is worthy of  a title shot. 

The Fabulous One beat The Long Riders when Stan pinned Scott Irwin.
Hard luck once again for the Long Riders in a classic tag team match. Very evenly contested with Scott nearly pinning Steve after a SUPERPLEX at one point. Steve came back and made the hot tag out to Stan who eventually wore down Scott and got the pin after a top rope bodypress and pin (deathjump).

Prematch interview with Sheik Adnan and Abdullah The Butcher. Sheik said all of these wrestlers in the AWA fight with each other over who deserves what and who is the best, but right under their noses he assembles an army that will take over the AWA sooner than anyone realizes and his lynchpin of destruction is right here in Abdullah. Buthcer began chewing on Ken Resnick's tie and scared him away, then Sheik took his man to the ring for the next mathc.

Abdullah The Butcher won by disqualification over Tony Atlas.
Wild brawl, as you'd expect. Atlas seemed to be on the verge of the win when Sheik broke up a pin. The action went to the floor where Abby grabbed a steel chair. Atlas kicked Abby, too the chair, and hit the Butcher with it to get disqualified. The two continued to brawl to the back after the bell.

Pre-recorded interview with the world champion Nick Bockwinkel and Bobby Heenan. Bockwinkel asked if anyone really thought the outcome would be any different when he faced Brody for the world title. He said magnificence and true brilliance are rare qualities in one man, but Nick Bockwinkel is the rarest of men and will be world champion for as long as he chooses. Heenan closed by putting over the virtues of the champ and wondering who could possibly even be a serious challenger at this point.

Larry The Axe Hennig beat The Crusher to defend the American championship.
This one was a long and bloody battle. Both men wore the crimson mask by the time it was over. Crusher surived THE AXE twice and Hennig kicked out after the CRUSHER BOLO two times as well. In the end a third AXE attack kept Crusher down for the pin. 

["Emperor Norton" (Mark T)]

CWA Wrestling

Quicker results.....


Lance opened the show with champ Bill Dundee. He's disgusted by Jimmy Hart and how Jimmy made sure he couldn't have a clean title match with Austin Idol last show. Jimmy out with the returning Chick Donovan. Donovan challenges the champ and Superstar accepts on the spot.

Superstar Bill Dundee beat Chick Donovan in a non-title match.
The Chickster gave Dundee all he could handle, but the Superstar got the win in about six minutes.

Ever angry Koko B Ware and Brickhouse Brown join Lance. They again petition to represent the territory in the upcoming Tag Team Summit. Brown says they're going to the ring to teach Dundee and that redneck Tracy Smothers a lesson then they'll do the same to the Rock N Roll Express or any other no good southern white trash that gets in their way.

Dutch Mantell and Tracy Smothers won by disqualification over The Blackbirds.
A fight from bell to bell. They did not slow down at all until Brown and Koko started double teaming Tracy on the floor and the refere called for the bell. Mantell ran over with his bullwhip to make the save.

Doug Gilbert won by disqualification over Road Dogg Brian Armstrong.
Another hard brawl. Eddie Gilbert was over on commentary with Lance and running down the Armstrong family once again. Road Dogg heard enough and went over to attack. Doug Gilbert came over to continue the match but Armstrong hit Doug with Lance's microphone to get disqualified.

Eddie composed himself as the referee got Road Dogg to the back. Eddie said the Armstrong way is cheap shots and getting disqualified when they're about to lose and that's twice in a row they did that to the Gilberts, the true first family of wrestling. Which brings him to the next thing as he gets ready to take the Moondogs to the ring to do battle with the Dirty White Boys to see who represents CWA in the number two spot at the Tag Team Summit.

The Moondogs beat The Dirty White Boys when Spot pinned Tony Anthony.
Good, but somewhat short match. Spot got the pin on his first try before Denton even had time to react and try to make the save.

Jimmy Hart went to talk to Eddie Gilbert after the match. He said maybe Eddie is right, maybe the Moondogs are the next big thing in Memphis. He offered his services as co-manager of the Moondogs and to help the Gilberts against the Armstrong family. The DWB came over and asked what that means for them. Jimmy says they have proven three times now they can't get the job done and it means they can hit the bricks: they're fired. DWB cornered Jimmy but were attacked and beaten down by the Moondogs and Eddie. Angelo Mosca came out to join in, but was cut off by Austin Idol. They fought their way to the ring to begin the main event. 

Austin Idol won by disqualification over Angelo Mosca because nobody can get clean wins on this show.
Tempers apparently run too high in the television studio, because it was a record third dq in five matches. Idol fought back and the two fought on the studio floor as the show went off the air. 

["Emperor Norton" (Mark T)]

World Championship Wrestling
w/ Tony and David

Schiavone and Crockett open the show and are joined by Wildfire Tommy Rich. Rich says everyone saw him pin the so-called US champ out here last week and make him and his manager look foolish in the process. US Champ Rick Rude and Percy Pringle came out to argue. Rude said nobody makes Rick Rude look foolish and Percy challenged him to put his money where his mouth is: he can have a rematch tonight, but he has to put up $10,000 to get it. Rich said he doesn't carry that kind of money and there's not a bank close enough to get to before the show ends. Pringle laughed in his face and said he's out of luck. JIMMY VALIANT, THUNDERBOLT PATTERSON, and BOB BACKLUND entered the scene to stand with Rich. Jimmy said the three of them got together and they came up with the cash for him. He said they believe in Tommy and they know he can win that United States title back. Rude and Pringle were irate but Crockett counted the money and declared that a deal's a deal. 

 Hugh Morrus and Eric The Red (w/James Mitchell and Kharis) beat Sam Houston and Mike Jackson
Again more competitive than this monster squad would have liked, but they finally isolated Jackson and Morrus got the pin. 

Jerry Brisco entered the studio for the first time in a long time. Tony asked why he was there and where his brother is since he's supposed to be here to face Kurt Angle this week. Jerry said someone sabatoged Jack's car by pulling the spark plugs and cutting the tires. Kurt Angle came out chuckling and said that's convenient. Jerry noted that the way Kurt reacted last week to Jack saying he'd be here makes him wonder if Angle had something to do with it. Angle feigned anger at the situation but said there seems to be a Brisco standing in front of him and that's good enough for him. Jerry said he knows what Angle's getting at and it's good enough for him too. The two headed to the ring.

Kurt Angle barely held on to beat Jerry Brisco.
Jerry gave Angle some very tense moments, breaking the ANKLE LOCK early and almost getting the pin on an Oklahoma Roll. However Kurt got the Ankle Lock again after about ten minutes and Brisco had no choice but to give up. 

After the bell Angle held onto the ankle lock for a few extra seconds. The referee had to help Jerry limp to the back. 

Ivan Koloff and Redd Dogg Rodney Mack beat Thunderbolt Patterson and Bob Backlund.
Timely interference by Ivan to turn around a pin attempt by T-bolt on Dogg led to the victory in about six minutes.

Tag Team champions Sgt Slaughter and Don Kernodle came out to talk about the upcoming Pro Wrestling USA/Pro Wrestling Japan tag team summit. Sarge said they're proud to represent world championship wrestling but what he just saw with those Commie scum makes him sick. He said as far as he's concerned they can step in the ring with Sarge and Kernodle next week and get put back in their Ruskie red place. Kernodle said he thought they got rid of the Russians once but Ivan's back with that turncoat sympathizer Redd Dogg which means he must want another beating handed to him by the champs. 

Ravishing Rick Rude (w/Percy Pringle III) beat Tommy Rich to defend the US title.
Fantastic match. Rude controlled early but Rich came roaring back. In the end Rude threw Rich into the ropes and Percy tried to trip Rich but missed (imag-i-nation: he got bat clean). However, it was enough to throw Tommy off a step and he walked into a suplex and Rude Awakening for the win. 

After the match a distraught Tommy Rich talked with Tony and David. He said not only did he get suckered by Pringle and Rude again, he cost his friends a lot of money. he said they can be sure he'll pay them back as soon as he can, but he can't pay back the fans who have supported him because he let them down. Tommy said maybe it's time to go away for awhile and think about what's next for Wildfire. 

["Emperor Norton" (Mark T)]

Still here. Been busy. I am going to cut back on the alternating Pro Wrestling USA shows and just focus on my main roster with the other promotions running "in the background".  With that written, we inch closer to that big Pro Wrestling USA/Pro Wrestling Japan Tag Team Summit super show.

Tony and David start the show with Rick Rude, Manny Fernandez, Percy Pringle, and JJ Dillon. JJ said the alliance is up and running and nobody can stop them. Percy bragged about how they ran off Tommy Rich and how Jimmy Valiant would be next. Manny Fernandez told everyone not to forget about the Raging Bull because he's about to show them why he's the baddest man on the block. Rude said to Manny that after the pushover tag team chumps get back  from Japan maybe Raging and Ravishing should team up and go after some more gold. 

Raging Bull Manny Fernandez defeated Keith Larson.
Manny stopped Larson with a drop toehold as he rushed in at the bell, paint brushed him on the mat a little, then picked him up and hit the FLYING BURRITO for the easy win.

Jimmy Valiant came over to talk to Tony and David as Manny and Rude were still in the ring with the respective managers. Jimmy told them Raging and Ravishing think they have the run of the place now, but the Boogie Man is still in town and he won't rest until he makes them all pay the price, daddy. Percy challenged Jimmy to get in the ring with the US champ and find out what he's made of.

US Champ Ravishing Rick Rude defeated Jimmy Valiant in a non-title match.
Rude dominated the early minutes, but Jimmy fired back. Valiant had the champ in trouble when he locked in the sleeper, but got distracted by Manny and Dillon at ringside. Rude came back and got the win after a piledriver.

After the match Rude and Manny took out Valiant with a spike DDT, with Rude delivering the move while Manny elevated and dropped Valiant's legs. 

Sgt Slaughter and Don Kernodle beat Ivan Koloff and The Black Russian Redd Dogg Rodney Mack to defend the tag team titles.
Sarge and Don showed why they're champs with a dominating win over the red menace. Don got the pin on Redd Dogg after the ATOMIC BOMB.

After the bout the champs talked to Tony and David. Sarge said they're getting ready to go face the toughest competition in the world at the tag team summit, but don't think they didn't hear what Rick Rude and Manny Fernandez had to say earlier. He said they're not afraid of the Road Warriors and they sure aren't afraid of Raging and Ravishing. When it's all said and done the Pride Of The Carolinas and the Pride of the USA will show everyone they're the greatest tag team in all of wrestling.

Kurt Angle came to talk. He congratulated the champs, but said if anyone represents the USA it's the Olympic gold medalist who won the gold with a broken freakin neck. He asked where Jack Brisco has been for the past few weeks. Sarge told him that's a question Angle may regret asking when Brisco finally catches up to him. Angle boasted that all he's heard is idle threats and talk since he entered the world of pro wrestling, but what he really wants is a challenge. Bob Backlund came out and said he's been challenging wrestlers from all over the world as part of his International Invitational, and he hasn't faced anyone from the United States yet. Angle volunteered to be the first, and they headed to the ring.

Kurt Angle BARELY beat Bob Backlund after an OLYMPIC SLAM.
It does not get much closer than this. Bob took Angle to the limit and nearly got the win after the ATOMIC DROP. Angle got his leg on the bottom rope to break the count and made a comeback. He slapped on the ANKLE LOCK but Bob broke the hold. Undeterred, Angle went right to the OLYMPIC SLAM for the pin.

Angle was gloating over his win after the match when commissioner Bill Watts made a rare appearance. He was holding papers and said if Angle wants to show how big and bad he is, he can do it in the non tournament main event at the Tag Team Summit. In that match, IF he has the guts to sign it, he'll face Jack Brisco one on one with the winner becoming the number one contender to Nick Bockwinkel's NWA world title. Kurt hesitated for a moment, then agreed and said his rise to the top would be the most meteoric in the history of the sport.