NWA Pro Wrestling USA

["Emperor Norton" (Mark T)]

Saturday Night
The Mothership
the main show
etc. 

Tony and David opened the show announcing that this was a special tag team edition of Saturday night featuring a series of grudge matches and a main event rematch for the world tag team championship. Tully Blanchard came onto the scene to brag about his win and David called him out on needing the help from Disco Inferno and Steve Regal.  Tully said he didn't "need, nor did he ask for, their help". Melina came to the commentary area to talk to Tully. She said with her on his side she will make sure he can't lose and last week was an example. Brian Christopher (sporing a white tanktop style undershirt that has nothing to do with beating anyone and a pair of baggy jeans) added to the crowded scene to say he isn't a fan of the way Melina's men ensure victory by making sure it's always at least two on one. In fact, he went and called his old friend "Scotty Too Hotty, Scott Taylor" to come even the sides and he wants a tag match with Disco and Regal "right here, right now". Tully said this had nothing to do with him and got ready to leave, but Melina held him back and said she would send her boys to the ring and keep the conversation going with him in the locker room. 

Too Cool (Brian Christopher and Scott Taylor) defeated Electric Boogie (Disco and Regal) when Taylor pinned Regal after The Worm.
Really solid opening bout. Taylor and Christopher had nice team work and outsmarted DI and Regal in the end, with Scotty pinning Regal as BC took care of Disco. After the match DI and Regal were not happy that Melina was not in their corner.

Stars And Stripes beat Ivan Koloff and Alexis Smirnoff when Patriot pinned Koloff.
The Russians attacked from behind as Patriot and Bagwell were heading to the ring. They slammed Patriot's head into the steel ring post and pounded on Bagwell in the early minutes of the match. Patriot recovered and got the hot tag to come in and clean house on Koloff and Smirnoff, eventually getting the pin on Ivan.

Harley Race was interviewed by Tony and David. Harley said he heard Jack Brisco loud and clear last week and he could not agree more. He said there's is a gentlemen's rivalry, simply a battle to see who is in fact the best in the sport. Next week they will have the third and deciding match in the series and the winner will go on to face the world heavyweight champion later this spring. 

Manny Fernandez and Jimmy Valiant wrestled to a twenty minute time limit draw with the Midnight Express.
I say twenty, but I literally rolled this match for exactly 30 real minutes with nobody even close to getting the win. The Midnight Express just cannot get a win over these guys and Manny and Jimmy are working as a team way better than they have any right to. 

Barry Windham and Blackjack Mulligan won by disqualification over US champion Masked Superstar and The Spoiler (w/JJ Dillon)
This one made up for the last match, going about two minutes before Superstar got disqulified for attacking Blackjack from behind with the ring bell to break a claw hold on Spoiler. Windham and Mulligan won the battle, but Spoiler and Superstar left them laid out after the match after a brutal beatdown.

The Road Warriors defeated The Rock n Roll Express to defend the NWA world tag team championship.

With the titles on the line and no way out but to win, the Warriors came through yet again. Ricky and Robert just fell short in a decent match, with Animal setting up the Doomsday Device on Robert and Hawk knocking him down for the pin. 

["Emperor Norton" (Mark T)]

NWA Worldwide

Note: I don't know if I've made this clear or not, but this show is based on the criminally under appreciated mid 1980s "Pro Wrestling This Week" show with Gordon Solie and Joe Pedicino where the hosts would be in the studio showing matches from various promotions and updating on what's been happening in the territories outside of the WWF. And sometimes trying not to groan at the stuff Verne would send, which was just Cathy Gagne lying about stuff like Greg Gagne being a candidate for the Wheaties box or something. Except we don't do that kind of thing here. But maybe I should. 

Gordon and Bob Caudle introduce the show and kick it to action from Minnesota.

Red Bastien pinned Larry Hennig after a flying leg scissors.
Tremendous match to open the show. Larry's power was on display against the agility of Red. Back and forth they went until Red scored a series of big moves and got the win.

Gordon prefaced the next bout from the often underlooked Texas promotion by saying we'd be taking yet another look at "two-bit lounge act turned wrestling manager" Tony Clifton and another of what he describes as his stable of "tough guy, old fashioned wrestlers". Bob said you can say what you want about Clifton, but Terrible Turk is legit and so is the man we'll be seeing now, Lightning Rod Fenton.

Chaz Taylor won by disqualification over Lightning Rod Fenton (w/Tony Clifton).
Rod Fenton is not exactly the cleanest wrestler, using every dirty trick in the book behind the referee's back. That's okay, because Chaz did not understand the rules of the "strict rules match" because he used the top rope liberally, getting under the skin of Clifton in the process. Clifton pulled the ref out of the ring to argue about the lack of enforcement of the rules, and Chaz gave chase. Rod jumped Chaz from behind and would not stop pummeling him with fists, prompting the disqualification.

Following the bell Rod continued his beatdown, which brought out Chaz's massive father Tug Taylor to chase Fenton and CLifton away. As they left the arena Clifton promised he'd be back "with a wrestler who will fix Rowboat Taylor's wagon but good".

After a quick update from Bob and Gordon, where we learned the sometimes tag team partners Jim Londos and Lou Thesz are positioned to do battle for the Pacific heavyweight title, and then go to action from California where Ox Baker meets Bull Curry in a taped fists match.

Bull Curry defeated Ox Baker in a taped fists match.
Wild action from the opening bell. The boxing background of Curry made the difference, as he survived the onslaught of big Ox and came back with a series of punches to score the win.


In action from Mexico, Konnan and Mil Mascaras defeated Matt Striker and Vampiro when Mil pinned Striker.
More fantastic action on this very good episode of Worldwide. Much back and forth action with Mil using the flying body attack to pin Striker as Konnan fought with Vamp on the arena floor.

From Japan, The Destroyer won by countout over Abdullah The Butcher.
Destroyer worked relentlessly on the massive legs of Abby, but Butcher came back with the chops and rakes, as he does. Eventually Destroyer rocked Abby with a series of forearms and then knocked him out of the ring. Abdullah was out on the floor and could not recover.

["Emperor Norton" (Mark T)]

Saturday Night
the flagship show
Tony Schiavone
David Crockett
You know the routine.

Tony and David introduced the show and were joined by NWA world tag team champions the Road Warriors and manager Paul Ellering. Paul started by saying they were yet again successful in defending the tag team championship and wondered if there was a team in the world who even stands a chance. Animal roared that there isn't a team in all of the galaxy that can beat his brother Hawk and him. Hawk finished by expanding upon that and positing that "there isn't a team in all of time and space, past, present, or future who can hold a snowballs chance in a real hot climate of defeating the Road Warriors." the Warriors and their manager left and David said from any other team that may seem like bravado, but from them it may just be a statement of fact.

The Texas Hangmen defeated Ron Hutchison and Johnny Mantell when Psycho pinned Hutchison.
Hutchison started the match for the oddball pairing. Mantell remained on the apron and seemed disengaged. In fact, he never tagged in. Hutchison gave a good showing, but could not overcome the superior teamwork of the Hangmen.

Following the contest Johnny Mantell went over to talk to Tony and David. He said Ronnie Etchison gave it his all but they just got thrown together on the fly. David corrected him that it was Canadian wrestler, Ron Hutchison but Mantell ignored him and kept talking. Johnny mentioned how his good friends the Cowboys have tangled with the Hangmen a few times now and he challenged Killer and Psycho to find a partner and show up next week to face a trio of cowboys to see how tough they really are.

"Mr Wonderful" Rock Riddle defeated Tiger Conway Jr via Boston Crab.
A really good, close contested bout ended when Conway missed a charge into the corner and Riddle used a piledriver to set up the Boston Crab and the win (*in a match I was hoping to use to feature Conway, but what can you do?).

Magnum TA defeated Golden Terror after the belly to belly suplex.
A very aggressive Magnum gave Terror absolutely no offense and won convincingly. 

Tony spoke with Magnum after the match. TA said he is sure Masked Superstar and JJ Dillon hoped he would wither up and blow away after they got one over on him and took the United States title, but he doesn't go away that easy. Magnum said his record speaks for it's self and he will be back in the hunt very soon, which means Masked Superstar's US title reign will be a short one.

As TA left Melina led Disco Inferno and Steve Regal into the interview area. David was speechless as Melina did a spin before taking the mic from Tony's hand. She said Too Cool had a lucky debut here last week because she was talking business in the back and her men were distracted. But she's got them back on the same page and tonight Scott Taylor is about learn a lesson he will not forget.

Disco Inferno (w/Melina and Regal) defeated Scott Taylor (w/Brian Christopher) after the usual interference set up the Last Dance for the pin.
Taylor seemed to have the match won when he was setting up the most absurd move in pro wrestling, The Worm, but Regal tripped him from the outside. Christopher fought with Regal as the match continued. Melina provided a distraction and Disco scored his finisher (after a failed first attempt earlier in the match) to get the pin.

Christopher continued to fight with Regal after the bell when Tully Blanchard came out and attacked BC from behind. Taylor tried to help his partner, but was no match for the three assailants. Tully hit the slingshot suplex on both men as Melina directed the action. They left and referees helped Too Cool to their feet and away from the ring. 

Back from commercial, representative for the world heavyweight champion Jim Cornette joined Tony and David. He said we're about to see two of the finest wrestlers ever to lace up boots get in the ring and fight for the ridiculous position of being the next in line to get beat to a pulp by a walking, living, breathing Mastadon on two legs. Cornette recapped the recent series of title defenses from all over the country and said it's going to continue in Japan before Vader comes back here and completes the circle of dominance. 

Jack Brisco pinned Harley Race with a rolling reverse cradle.
An amazing match full of back and forth action ended when Brisco made a comeback and scored the pin with the rolling reverse.

After a few moments of celebration, a winded and exhausted Jack Brisco joined the commentators. He said he heard Cornette before the  match, and Vader had better hope Jim hasn't gotten his head so blown up he forgets what he's doing because if he wanted the best competition in the world he's got it in Jack Brisco. 

["Emperor Norton" (Mark T)]

NWA Worldwide
Vader versus the world, chapter four

The show began with introductions by Gordon Solie and Bob Caudle and then talk of the big title match from Japan set for the main event. Caudle said Stan Hansen is one of the fiercest and hard hitting competitors in the world and Vader may have met his physical match. Gordon stated that Vader has been on a roll the entire year and is the most dominant wrestler going today, and perhaps of all time.

Talk then shifted to the Alabama promotion where the Armstrong family has been at war with the Gilberts in a family feud that sees no end in sight. Gordon then kicked it to the match, where Brad Armstrong faced Doug Gilbert.

Brad Armstrong pinned Doug Gilbert after a two-handed bulldog.
Gilbert jump started the match, but Brad quickly reversed and mounted a comeback. Doug bailed out of the ring and got the advantage when Brad gave chase. The action went back and forth for several minutes before Brad moved out of the way of a charging Gilbert in the corner and hit the bulldog for the pin.

Gordon and Bob turned the conversation to the Minnesota promotion and Baron Von Raschke's unlikely run at contention for Nick Bockwinkel's Minnesota championship. But firt he needs to get past Larry Zbyszko.

Baron Von Raschke defeated Larry Zbyszko with the claw.
Baron started strong and would have none of Larry's stalling tactics. Zbyszko finally got his opening and hit the piledriver, but Baron managed to get his foot on the bottom rope to break the pin. Larry lost his cool and made a mistake, giving Baron a chance to get back in the match. After about eight minutes of action Baron managed to slap on the claw hold for the victory.

A quick update on the happenings in California was next, where it was confirmed that next week we will see the Pacific title match between Lou Thesz and Jim Londos. 

Gordon then, with some amount of disdain, brought up the "irritant that is the failed lounge act turned pro wrestling manager, Tony Clifton". He said Clifton promised to bring someone to fight Tug Taylor last week, and he has in fact done so as we go to the ring to see Tug Taylor battle The Terrible Turk.

Terrible Turk defeated Tug Taylor after a side salto.
Taylor had Turk in big trouble when the men spilled out of the ropes and to the floor. Taylor turned and landed on Turk and it looked as if he may be counted out. However, Clifton jumped into the ring and distracted the ref to break up the count. Taylor confronted Clifton, which gave Turk time to recover and attack from behind. Turk went on to hit a powerful side salto and get the tainted win.

It was on to Philadelphia next and the Extreme promotion, where TV champion Rob Van Dam faced the tough challenge of 2 Cold Scorpio.

Rob Van Dam defeated 2 Cold Scorpio to defend the Extreme television title.
This was a great match between two heavy handed, hard hitting high flyers. At one point it looked like a title change was inevitable, as Scorpio had garnered three near falls before heading to the top rope for the Diss That Don't Miss. However, RVD managed to kick out just before the referee counted to three. RVD mounted a tremendous comeback to get the pin following the Rolling Thunder.

Main event time, as Gordon and Bob amp up the excitement for the NWA world title match.

Big Van Vader pinned Stan Hansen to defend the NWA world title.
Hansen took it to the champion early, rocking him with a big slam that sent Vader rolling out of the ring for a breather. But there would be none, as Hansen followed and hit a running lariat. Vader barely beat the referee's count to get back in the ring, only to get his with another Lariat. Miraculously Vader kicked out. The big men exchnaged punishing offense for over ten minutes until Vader finally knocked down Hansen long enough to head to the top rope and hit the mammoth moonsault for the win.

["Emperor Norton" (Mark T)]

The flagship
The Mother Ship
The number one show 
never pre-empted by Atlanta Braves baseball because f.....orget those guys
SATURDAY NIGHT WITH TONY AND DAVID

* Emperor's note: This was a really fun, great show to roll even though it looks kind of average typed out. Outside of the opening bout, these were all great matches.

Tony and David introduced the show and brought out JACK BRISCO ahead of his title match next week against Vader. Jack said Vader has basically steam rolled everyone everywhere he's gone to defend the world title so far, but he has yet to face anyone like Jack Brisco. Tony asked why Brisco agreed to meet the challenge of newcomer to the territory but veteran of the ring, BOB ROOP. Brisco said a wrestler's job is to wrestle and that means facing anyone, anywhere, anytime. 

Wild Bill White pinned Sam Houston after a power slam.
Sam came in way off his game here and White took advantage. Houston mounted no offense and gave White a mild upset win.

Masked Superstar (w/JJ Dillon) pinned Pampero Firpo to defend the US title.
Firpo had El Garfio locked in early, but Superstar reached the ropes. Fantastic back and forth action ensued, both in and out of the ring. In the end Superstar got the advantage and used a spinning neckbreaker to get the pin and defend the title.

Following the match Tony and David interviewed Superstar and JJ. They were interrupted by BARRY WINDHA. Windham said he's had it with JJ and his men and their tactics. He wants one chance and one chance only next week to win the US title and if he fails he'll never ask for another title shot again. JJ conferred with Superstar off mic, and then Superstar accepted the challenge.

Tully Blanchard, Disco Inferno, and Steve Regal (with Melina) defeated Too Cool and Ric McCord when Tully pinned Brian Christopher.
Great six man tag team action. Regal was in big trouble after The Worm by Scotty, but Tully made the save. After several more minutes of action Tully got the advantage on a brawl on the floor then got back in the ring and hit the slingshot suplex for the pin as his teammates ran interference.

Magnum TA defeated Rock Riddle after a belly to belly suplex.
Riddle held his own and then some, but the intense Magnum is laser focused on getting his US title back and overcame everything to hit the belly to belly for the pin.
Following the bout Rock Riddle recovered and once again declared himself the real winner of the match.

A pretaped segment aired with MANNY FERNANDEZ and JIMMY VALIANT outside talking to the camera. The camera pulled back to reveal they were standing on a scaffold. Manny said they've been going back and forth with the Midnight Express for a while now, and Jim Cornette keeps saving his team with his antics. They want a match where Cornette can't get involved, on a fifteen foot high scaffold above the ring.

Back in the studio, Tony introduced the Cowboys, JAMES STORM and SCOTT CASEY. Storm called out their "so-called friend" JOHNNY MANTEL. Storm asked Mantel what he thinks he's doing trying to set up matches for them. Casey said Johnny's attitude has changed a lot lately, and maybe they need to put some distance between them becausse he's out of line. Mantel was furious. He said he's done more in pro wrestling than both of them combined, he was the original cowboy, and they are pretenders. Johnny said if they can't see that he's trying to help them get some much needed attention and get them into title contention, then he'll go find someone who will appreciate what he brings to the business.

Jack Brisco defeated Bob Roop in a mat classic.
Roop had the early advantage, but Jack fired back. Much back and forth action for about ten minuted before Jack came back with a knee in the corner at the charging Roop, then a big dropkick for the pin.

After the bell Roop recovere and attacked Jack from behind. He was putting the boots to Brisco when HARLEY RACE ran out and pulled Roop off of Jack. The two argued as Brisco tried to get back to his feet. Race told Roop to leave and started to help Jack to his feet. Then he turned and booted Brisco in the midsection and gave him the piledriver. Referees rushed out as Race and Roop celebrated their successful piece of subterfuge to close the show.

["Emperor Norton" (Mark T)]

NWA Worldwide
Quick results

Eddie and Doug Gilbert defeated Bob and Brad Armstrong when Eddie pinned Brad.
Easily a four star match on the dirtsheet scale. Bob has Doug beat after the Jaw Jacker, but Eddie made the save. In the end Eddie caught Brad with the Hot Shot for the pin.

Chaz Taylor beat Lighting Rod Fenton via disqualification.
Fenton dominated the match, but would not heed the referee's instructions. He knocked Taylor out of the ring, and then shoved the ref out of the way for good measure.

The Crusher defeated Butcher Vachon with a stomach claw.
As one would expect, hard hitting match between two brawlers. Butcher survived the Crusher Nelson, but could not come back all the way as Crusher used the stomach claw for the win.

Konnan won by disqualification over Vampiro.
Konnan survived two power bombs and the Nail In The Coffin. Vamp lost his temper and tossed Konnan out of the ring, then followed up by going off on his back and head with a steel chair. The referee of course did not tolerate that and called for the bell.

Following the match Konnan recovered and said if Vampiro wants to fight dirty then he wants a rematch with no disqualification.

Jim Londos defeated Lou Thesz to win the Pacific championship.
A mat classic. Back and forth action with Thesz being the first to get a little rough with a few shots to the ribs on a break in the ropes. Londos fired up and went on a roll before scoring the pin with a crotch lift and slam.

Next time: a more in depth writeup and a special interview with Bill Apter and the winner of the upcoming NWA world title match between Jack Brisco and Vader.

["Emperor Norton" (Mark T)]

THIS IS IT!
The big show with Tony Schiavone and David Crockett
Vader versus the world comes to the home territory

Tony and David kicked off the show and welcomed US title challenger Barry Windham. Tony asked him about his upcoming US title match with Masked Superstar, but before Barry could say much Magnum TA made an appearance. Magnum said last time he checked Barry lost (under dubious circumstances) to the Spoiler and Magnum himself never got his rematch for the title. Barry was defensive and said Magnum could wait in line and get his shot after Barry beats Superstar tonight. Things were getting tense when JJ Dillon came out with the Cheshire grin. He said there was no reason for the two men to fight...at least not at the broadcast position. BUT, it would be a great idea for them to have a match later in the evening with the winner getting a shot at the Masked Superstar next week. Magnum was ready to roll and Barry reluctantly agreed.

Cowboys James Storm and Scott Casey defeated Bob Cook and George South after a Casey bulldog on South.
A nice showcase win for the Cowboys. After some initial offense by Cook and South Casey and Storm kicked it into gear and got the win.

After the bell the Cowboys were confronted by Johnny Mantel on their way out of the ring. Mantel argued with the Cowboys while the Texas Hangmen sneaked up from behind and attacked Casey and Storm. While Mantel cheered them on the Hangmen secured those....looped ropes....around the necks of Casey and Mantel. They went to toss the Cowboys over the top rope by those....things.....AAaaaaand, we cut to commercial.

After the break David was expressing his disgust at what they had just seen. He said the decision was made to cut away and not subject the audience to the atrocity the Hangmen had committed. Crockett said fortunately security and NWA officials were able to pry the Hangmen and Mantel off of Casey and Storm before any serious damage could be done, but fines and suspensions are in order as far as he's concerned.

That business out of the way, Tony welcomed Jerry Brisco to the interview area. Jerry said he was appalled by the unsportsmanlike conduct of Bob Roop and Harley Race last week, attacking his brother Jack after the bell. But he is there to make sure that doesn't happen again because Jack has a shot at winning the NWA world title from Vader, and all he needs is one clean chance. Jerry vowed to make sure that happened. 

Magnum TA defeated Barry Windham in a fantastic match to earn a shot at the US title.
Amazing match. Barry kicked out of the belly to belly on two occasions, but a third time was the charm for TA as he gets his chance to win his title back.

Jim Cornette entered the scene for an interview with Tony and David. Cornette said he's got business at hand left, right, and center but one thing at a time. First, Vader will complete the cycle and defend his title agaisnt Brisco tonight. Second off Manny Fernandez and Jimmy Valiant's insane challenge. He asked what's in it for the Midnight Express and said IF his team was going to accept the other guys need to put something on the line to make it worthwhile. But for now they have  match with Stars and Stripes and they are about to show why they are still the uncrowned tag team champions.

The Midnight Express defeated Stars And Stripes in a quick bout.
Cornette distracted Patriot and Bagwell at the bell and the Express back jumped them. Patriot took a hard fall out of the ring and Bagwell was on the receiving end of the Rocket Launcher in short order.

Cut to a video package of two massive men in the weight room throwing around ridiculous poundages like it's nothing. Ominous voiceover: "They're coming. And nobody is safe. The power of the Warlord and The Barbarian will be felt as THE POWERS OF PAIN will show the world who the true force of nature in tag team wrestling is."

Jack Brisco defeated Big Van Vader in a miracle win to become the new NWA world champion.
A phenomenal bout had an unlikely ending. Jack had the figure four on Vader at about twelve minutes after Vader missed a moonsault. Cornette jumped on the apron and Jack chased him away. That gave Vader time to recover and it looked like Jack was finished after a power bomb, but he somehow kicked out. Brisco mounted an amazing comeback and Cornette tried to distract again but JERRY BRISCO prevented it as Jack used a rolling reverse cradle to get the pin.

BIG victory celebration with Jack and Jerry as the show goes off the air with Vader yelling at Cornette all the way to the locker room.

["Emperor Norton" (Mark T)]

NWA WORLDWIDE

Gordon Solie began the show congratulating new NWA world heavyweight champion, Jack Brisco. Bob then said we'd be taking a look at a few potential future contenders on the show, then they went to tape from Florida, where Mike Graham  battles The Grappler.

The Grappler defeated Mike Graham after using the loaded boot.
Graham had the advantage at the bell, and locked in a sleeper early. But Grappler fought back and it was all out attack from there, as Graham couldn't get back on track and fell to the dreaded loaded boot. 

Back in the studio, Gordon recapped recent happenings in the Philadelphia territory, where the injury to Pitbull 2 has forced Pitbull 1 into singles action. Pitbull 1 has gotten a few impressive wins and now challenges Shane Douglas. 

Shane Douglas defeated Pitbull 1 after a belly to belly suplex.
Pitbull met Douglas in the aisle leading to the ring and they brawled into the ring with Pitbull taking the early offense, but never putting Shane in real jeopardy of defeat. After a few minutes it was Douglas taking the win clean with the belly to belly.

Minnesota took the spotlight next, as Bob Caudle conducted an interview with The Crusher, whose tag team partner Baron Von Raschke gets ready to face Minnesota champion Nick Bockwinkle. Crusher said he hopes his friend the Baron wins because he knows they'll knock the stuffing out of each other when Crusher gets his shot at the belt, but then they'll go to the pub after and dance with the dollies all night long.

Nick Bockwinkle survived the challenge of Baron Von Raschke to defend the Minnesota championship.
Baron came on strong in this match and after six minutes of action locked in the Claw. It looked like there would be a new champion but Nick was able to hang on and escape the ring. Out of the ring Bockwinkle took control, then worked the leg of Baron to set up the figure four. Baron made it to the ropes to break the hold, but Nick was tenacious and got it again in the middle of the ring, forcing Baron to finally submit and successfully defending the title.

Gordon spoke about the happenings in California, as the suddenly popular Johnny Valentine continues to work his way up the ladder in hopes of challenging new champion in the territory, Jim Londos. Rogers wants that spot for himself to reclaim his place at the top and the two face off in a number one contender match.

Johnny Valentine defeated Nature Boy Buddy Rogers after an Atomic Skullcrusher.
Johnny Valentine continues to rack up impressives wins, this time beating perennial top star Rogers. Hard hitting action saw Rogers make the mistake of trying to go toe-to-toe with Valentine and the move backfired as Johnny used three consecutive Skullcrushers to set up the pin. 

Main event time, as the war between Blackjack Mulligan and The Spoiler rages on. This time the action is from Greensboro, North Carolina as they face off in a steel cage match. But first, Bill Apter interviews new champion Jack Brisco. Jack said Vader was everything he was advertised to be and it took every bit of power in his body to overcome him. He also thanked his brother Jerry for having his back as always and keeping Cornette off the apron so Jack could get the pin. Apter asked Jack who the next challengers is he wants to face. Jack answered that he'll go against anyone the championship committee decides is worthy, but he has some unfinished business with Harley Race and Bob Roop. So either way he wants the match with Race, be it for the title or a tag team match with his brother against Race and Roop. 

Blackjack Mulligan defeated The Spoiler in a steel cage match.
Spoiler is not a fan of cage matches, and was reluctant to step into the steel confines to begin the match. After the referee warned him of impending fines and suspension, he jumped in and attacked Mulligan. Mulligan had control through most of the match, ending with running the Spoiler face first into the cage on all four sides before getting the pin. 

["Emperor Norton" (Mark T)]

Tony and David opened the show congratulating the new champ, Jack Brisco. They then turned attention to the action last week of John Mantel and the Texas Hangmen. They said the Hangmen have been suspended for 30 days, but Mantel has assumed duties as their manager and is trying to appeal the decision. The show intro was cut off by the music of Steve Regal, as he made his way to the ring led by his manager Melina.

Ric McCord won by countout over Steve Regal in a light heavyweight title match.
McCord had Regal in trouble after a cross body off the top rope, but Melina had the referee distracted so he couldn't make the count. Undaunted, McCord went to the figure four leglock but Regal fought his way to the ropes. Regal rolled out of the ring and Melina grabbed the title belt, took Regal by the arm, and led him back to the locker room. McCord protested as the referee made the ten count, giving McCord the win but not the title.

After the bell Regal came flying back  through the curtain, followed by Too Cool. Scotty tossed Regal back into the ring, where McCord leveled him with a dropkick. Scotty then used the Worm and Christopher finished him off with the Hip Hop Drop. As Melina shrieked and screamed at ringside BC took the light heavyweight belt and draped it over the body of the unconscious champ as Too Cool and McCord danced into the break.

Video package: Warlord and Barbarian in an old ring in a grimy gym, tossing four unfortunate sparring partners around like they were rag dolls. Voiceover: "The most devastating force in tag team wrestling is coming. Nobody is safe from the wrath of Warlord and Barbarian, The Powers Of Pain".

Harley Race (w/Bob Roop) defeated Tiger Conway Jr via pinfall.
Conway started quick and had Race off his feet, but Harley regrouped and dominated en route to a win after a pair of vertical suplexes.

Race and Roop spoke to Tony and David after the match. Race said Jack Brisco should bask in the glory while he can, because hell comes next and it's name is Harley Race. Race said he will steam roll everyone in his path to the world title and then he will settle things with Brisco once and for all. Roop spoke next and put over the talent of Tiger Conway Jr, but said he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Roop declared himself the official cornerman and "problem solver" for Race to make sure he gets that world title that is rightfully his. 

Race and Roop left and Tony called out the world tag team champions the Road Warriors and their manager Paul Ellering. Paul said they've seen the video package for the Powers Of Pain two weeks in a row now and they're making some big claims. But big claims require big proof so until they put up they perhaps should shut up. Hawk piped up and told the fans not to fall for cheap imitations because Hawk and Animal are the real thing. He said if the Powers Of Pain want to come kick up dust in the LOD's stomping grounds the only things that will end up getting stomped is their faces. This time Animal got to finish things off, saying you can pump up your muscles and cut your hair, but that doesn't make you the Road Warriors, a fact Warlord and Barbarian are going to find out because the Road Warriors will be waiting for them to arrive.

Wild Bill White defeated Raging Bull Manny Fernandez (w/Jimmy Valiant).
Manny dominated the match thoroughly until White got some late offense. Manny was powering out of a grinding facelock when VADER rushed out and attacked Jimmy at ringside. He power bombed Jimmy on the floor, distracting Manny so White could sneak up and use a running power slam for the pin. *

After the bell Vader got in the ring and power bombed White, then gave Manny two power bombs for good measure. JIM CORNETTE went over the Tony and David and grabbed David's mic. He said first of all that's what he thinks of Valiant and Fernandez challenging his men to a scaffold match, and second that's what will happen every week until Vader gets his title back. He said Race can grand stand all he wants, Bockwinkel up in Minnesota probably wants another shot, and he knows Bobo Brazil thinks he can win the big one, but they all take a back seat to the Mastadon. 

Ivan Koloff and Alexis Smirnoff defeated Too Cool.
This match was all about the contrast of styles, power versus speed. Power won out in the end as Ivan used the Russian Sickle on Scotty as Alexis made sure Brian didn't break up the pin.

After the match  Ivan and Alexis spoke with Tony. Ivan said that is the fate of all decadent Americans, laying flat on their back to Russian superiority. He noted how Stars And Stripes fell last time they were here by not being prepared for everything, which is something Ivan and Alexis always do: prepare. Tony noted that Marcus Bagwell was injured as a result of that match and Alexis had a laugh. Ivan started to speak again but was cut off by THE PATRIOT. Patriot said he's tired of hearing people come here and put this country down, even people who are from here and should know better. He said in communist China or Russia people aren't free to speak their minds and do their own thing, but here we get that chance and our own citizens and those who have come here seeking something better still decide to put the country down. He asked Ivan why, if Russia is so great, doesn't he go back there and wrestle? Maybe because there is no pro wrestling there because there is no free enterprise. Or how about, why do people cross our borders to get away from the place they come from to come here if it's so bad and oppressive? Patriot conceded that if we have one problem as a country it's that we are tolerant to a fault and need to stand up and speak out when we see evil trying to flourish. Alexis tried to interrupt, but Patriot shut him down and said he had one more question: why don't Ivan and Alexis come here next week and meet him in a loser waves the flag match? The rules are simple: the loser of the match has to wave the flag of the other team's country or else they leave permanently. 

Masked Superstar (w/JJ Dillon) defeated Magnum TA to defend the US title.
These guys had another fantastic match. Magnum hit a belly to belly after about ten minutes, but was fatigued and made a late cover by draping one arm over Superstar. Superstar kicked out just in time. Magnum went back on offense, but Superstar cut him off and applied a sleeper hold. Magnum fought his way out of it by running towards the corner and dropping, ending up with Superstar colliding head first into the top turnbuckle. As both men were down Superstar seemed to be adjusting his mask. They returned to their feet and Superstar used a head butt to KO Magnum and get the pin. **

* This....was actually a clean win for White. The extra curricular stuff had no effect on gameplay and was an angle I was going to run regardless of results. Yeah, my dice like this dude even though the only match I've seen him in was a, well, surprisingly interesting match against Dusty Rhodes. Look that one up on youtube if you feel the need. 
** Another colorful write up for a straight up finish. Superstar put on the sleeper, Magnum rolled "down-3", Superstar hit "head butt-3 (ch H)" and got the choice roll for the pin. 

["Emperor Norton" (Mark T)]

NWA Championship Wrestling
with your hosts, Tony Schivone and David Crockett
....who had just been on pause waiting for those new cards. 

Tony and David opened the show and David was pleased to introduce Bob Backlund. David listed Bob's many accomplishments in the amateur and pro ranks and said the NWA is better for having him. Bob humbly accepted the compliment and told Tony and David that he's here to prove himself against the absolute best wrestlers in the world and take on all comers. He doesn't want anything handed to him based on his past accolades and will earn his way to the top. 

Tully Blanchard (w/Melina) defeated Scott Taylor after a slingshot suplex.
This was a very competitive match, with Taylor coming back from the brink of defeat on several occasions. Finally Tully managed to put him away to the delight of Melina at ringside.

Tony welcomed another newcomer Thunderbolt Patterson to the broadcast area. Thunderbolt said the fans should mark this day on their calanders, because they're about to see something they'll tell their grandchildren about: the debut of Thunderbolt Patterson. Tony asked what his goals are and Patterson said "GOLD! Whether it be singles or tag team, gold and green (as in title belts and money) are the only colors Thunderbolt Patterson is concerned with in the NWA."

Thunderbolt Patterson defeated George South via pinfall after a head butt.
South came into this match highly motivated. He gave Patterson a serious run for his money early, but T-bolt finally got it together and beat down South on the way to the win.

Next out to talk with Tony and David, Jerry Brisco. Brisco was highly amused at Vader's "temper tantrum" from last week, but said that doesn't change the results of the match where Jack became the new world heavyweight champion. Brisco was interrupted by Disco Inferno who told Jerry to get out of there because this was his scheduled television time. David Crockett told him that was false, but Disco said "Shut up, you act like your family runs the company or something." Brisco said they still have unfinished business as far as he's concerned, so he can get his TV time in the ring if he's got the guts. Disco tried to back out but his manager Melina told him to get in the ring and win "or else".

Disco Inferno upset Jerry Brisco yet again.
Not even funny at this point. Jerry dominated the match, but got caught coming off the top rope. Disco hit the LAST DANCE for a two count, then immediately followed up with a piledriver for the win after exactly two moves on offense the entire match. *

After the break, a quick update by Tony on the condition of Jimmy Valiant and Manny Fernandez, who were attacked by Vader last week. They're both banged up but will be okay and they will be back next week to get the final answer on their challenge to the Midnight Express. 

Cowboy Scott Casey defeated Johnny Mantel after a reverse neckbreaker and pin.
Casey came back fighting mad after Mantel orchestrated the attack at the hands of the Texas Hangmen two weeks ago. They traded punches at the bell, with Casey coming out on top. The Cowboy never relinquished the advantage and got some small measure of revenge with the decisive win. 

The Patriot came out for his challenge match with Ivan Koloff and Alexis Smirnoff. Commissioner Bill Watts said Bagwell was still hurt and can't go. Patriot wanted to fight two-on-one but Watts said he couldn't allow it. Koloff and Smirnoff wanted to be declared the winners by forfeit when Bob Backlund raced out and told Watts and Patriot it would be his honor to take Bagwell's place and make the Russians wave the red, white, and blue.

The Patriot and Bob Backlund defeated Ivan Koloff and Alexis Smirnoff in a loser waves the flag match.
The match kicked off with all four men fighting in the ring. Backlund dropkicked Alexis to the floor and Patriot and Koloff got things going at the bell. After several minutes the Patriot managed to tag out to Backlund, who came in strong. The end came when Backlund used his ATOMIC DROP on Alexis and made the cover while Patrior kept Koloff from interferring. 

Patriot had the flag in the ring after the match and insisted the losers wave it as per the stipulations. Koloff and Smirnoff absolutely refused, in a very vocal and demonstrative way as you'd imagine. Bill Watts said they have two options "wave that flag or get stepping. As in, you're fired!" Smirnoff went to grab the flag pole, but Koloff pulled him away and said they'd rather quit. The fans erupted in applause and Patriot and Backlund celebrated the win. 

* Okay.....the angle here was clearly supposed to be Disco losing to Jerry and getting fired by Melina because "she only manages winners'. And wouldn't you know it, he won. So here we go again with the dice not doing what I need. It's okay, I have an idea.