American Wrestling Federation

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AWF - Year 1
January 5, 1980
Spartan Sports Center - Tampa, Florida
Card #1
IN-RING: AWF President M.W. Jergs, AWF Commissioner Teddy Long, and Lead Commentator Gordon Solie welcome the Florida fans to the American Wrestling Federation. Tonight's Main Event will involve two of the biggest box office attractions in the history of the sport as "Nature Boy" Ric Flair squares off with "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes.

1) Magnum TA defeated Bob Roop with a Figure Four Leglock in 6:11 **
-A back and forth contest to start off the evening's action. Magnum used his superior agility and speed to hit a flurry of dropkicks and lock in a submission that forced Roop to concede.

2) Sam Houston defeated "Dirty" Dutch Mantell with a Bulldog in 3:13 *
-Houston pulled off a mild upset as he overwhelmed the vet Mantell with flying dropkicks and then his signature Texas Bulldog for the three count.

3) The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane) defeated The Longriders (Bill & Scott Irwin) when Keirn pinned Scott after a Double DDT in 8:46. **
-The Fabs were quick and used a variety of double team moves to keep the brothers off balance. "Wild" Bill missed a leaping kick towards the buckle and that gave their opponents the opening they needed for the win.

THE HOT SEAT w/ BILL APTER: Apter welcomes James J. Dillon and Terry Funk to the show. Apter says that every wrestling fan knows who he is, but he wants to know why he's here. Funk growls that he's interested in two things, making money and hurting people and he plans to do both, and he'll start with Jimmy Valiant tonight. Dillon adds that Funk really doesn't like anyone including himself, but he knows that he can get any job that needs to get done. You might want to call him "My Fixer" or a more barbaric term might be bounty hunter. Apter questions the legality of such things as Jimmy Valiant walks out to interrupt. Valiant says that he's ready for a fight any time, brother so we can get it one right now. And with that The Barbarian rushes behind him with a quick clothesline. A two on one ensues as Funk drops the Boogie Woogie Man on his head with a Piledriver. Officials clear the scene as medical staff attend to Valiant.
*Neck injury to Valiant out 2 cards.

4) Tully Blanchard (w/J.J. Dillon) beat "Wildfire" Tommy Rich with a Top Rope Sledge in 7:21. ***
-Rich hit his patented Thesz Press off the ropes and had Blanchard in trouble. This causes Dillon to provide the distraction to the referee who stopped the count. Rich turned his attention to Dillon and Tully hit him with a low blow from behind. He then came off the top rope and grabbed the trunks for the victory.

5) The Road Warriors (Animal & Hawk) (w/ Paul Ellering) beat Ivan Koloff & Krusher Kruschev by Disqualification in 5:15 when Koloff used his chain outside the ring. *
-This one was a brawl from start to finish and the ref was forced to call it early when the Russian Bear hit Animal with his chain.

-Texas Death Match-
6) "Raging Bull" Manny Fernandez beat The Barbarian in 12:16 with the Flying Burrito. *****
-A fantastic match with both men bleeding by the end. The finish saw Fernandez wrestle away a metal pipe from the hulking Barbarian and put it to good use. This was quite a violent brawl and I have a feeling this won't be the last time they meet.

7) "Nature Boy" Ric Flair beat "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes with the Figure Four Leglock in 18:44. ****
-A classic match-up between these two superstars. Flair worked the left leg most of the match and the leg gave way as Dusty went for a scoop slam. Flair too advantage and locked in his signature move and Rhodes had no choice but to give up. After the match, Terry Funk and Tully Blanchard hit the ring led by James J. Dillon. A three one ensued as Flair left the ring and Dillon put the shoes to the Dream. Funk went for a Piledriver but was stopped by Magnum TA and Manny Fernandez hitting the scene with a steel chair! Rhodes escaped injury as Teddy Long joined in ring.

Long was upset to say the least and said that Funk has been suspended for the next card set in Atlanta. He will however face off against Dusty Rhodes on card #3 in Raleigh, North Carolina. And when Jimmy Valiant recovers he'll get his shot at Funk too.

[Crimson Cross]

Very cool seeing a AWF rolling out here, funny thing is a good friend of mine and I back in late Elementary School early Middle School came up with a fictional AWF, but this was pre-card game. Anyway, I'm looking forward to more action...

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AWF - Year 1
January 19, 1980
The Omni - Atlanta, Georgia
Card #2

IN RING: AWF Commissioner Teddy Long and Gordon Solie welcome the fans and are ready to deliver a few announcements. First, Terry Funk is not in the building this evening as he is suspended. He will face Dusty Rhodes on Card #3 in Raleigh, North Carolina and hopefully get what's coming to him. We cannot allow bounty hunters to become a regular part of athletic competition. Jimmy Valiant will get his chance at retribution in Miami Beach on February 16 and it will be in a Dog Collar Match! Second, we plan to crown new AWF World Tag Team champions right here tonight. We have eight teams ready to compete and at the end of the night we will see who stands tall with the gold. Holla Holla!

-First Round AWF World Tag Team Tournament-
1) The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane) defeated "Dirty" Dutch Mantell & Bob Roop when Keirn pinned Mantell after a Double DDT in 9:35. ****
-An excellent opening match to start the evening of right. Plenty of back-and-forth action and double team maneuvers. All four men were in the ring and as the ref held Roop back to his corner the Fabs dropped the Dutchman on his head for the three count.

2) Tully Blanchard & The Barbarian (w/ J.J. Dillon) beat The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) (w/ Paul Ellering) when Barbarian pinned Animal with an Elevated Clothesline in 10:45 ****
-The crowd was stunned to see the Roadies unable to get out of the second round. The ref lost control of this as Dillon distracted the ref after a Power Slam by Animal. Ellering came over to confront Dillon and Blanchard was able to use a Foreign Object from his tights to hit Animal between the eyes. Hawk went after Blanchard and that gave the massive Barbarian a chance to fly off the topr rope to level a groggy Animal for the victory.

3) "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes & "Raging Bull" Manny Fernandez defeated The Longriders ("Wild" Bill & Scott Irwin) when Fernandez pinned Scott with the Flying Burrito in 10:55. ** 1/2
-Rhodes and Fernandez looked good here and were able to control most of the action over the brothers from Minnesota. They isolated Scott and after a Bionic Elbow from Rhodes had him wobbly Fernandez finished him off with the Burrito off the ropes.

4) Magnum TA & Sam Houston beat Ivan Koloff & Krusher Kruschev when Houston pinned Kruschev with the Flying Bulldog in 7:03. **
-The Russians were in control early and attempted to isolate Houston, but the youngster showed tons of fight. He made the hot tag to Magnum to hit Kruschev with dropkicks and a flying forearm that staggered him. A quick tag to his partner who flew off the ropes and hit a Bulldog for the win.

THE HOT SEAT w/ BILL APTER- Apter is with his guest "Wildfire" Tommy Rich. Apter says that he's a bit surprised that Rich wasn't entered in the tournament and says that singles gold must be on his mind instead. Rich says that he exactly right and tonight he challenges one of the world's best in Ric Flair. And when he has a chance like that, he can only be one thing - fired up!

-Semi-Finals AWF World Tag Team Tournament-
5) The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane) defeated Tully Blanchard & The Barbarian (w/ J.J. Dillon) when Barbarian submitted to Keirn's Sleeper in 14:44. **** 1/2
-Another action-packed contest from the Fabs as they battled back and pulled out an emotional win over Dillon's crew. All four men fought in the middle of the ring, but Blanchard was hit with a big kick accidentally by his partner and that set up consecutive double team moves and then the submission hold. The huge man had no choice but to fall asleep.

6) "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes & "Raging Bull" Manny Fernandez beat Magnum TA & Sam Houston when Rhodes pinned Houston after an Elbow Drop in 1:36. Dud
-All four men shook hands before the start but this one was not much of a contest. The Bull toyed with Houston and hit some stiff chops and suplex that dumped the Texan on his head. A quick tag and the Dream got the pinfall.

PRE-MATCH INTERVIEW: Gordon Solie is backstage with Ric Flair. Solie talks about what great respect he has for Flair's skills in the ring and no doubt he'll be one of the top contenders to the AWF World championship that will be decided in the coming weeks. Flair stops him there and corrects Solie. "Gordon I am the best professional wrestler in the world today and Tommy Rich couldn't shine my boots even on his best day. So, I want everyone to watch what the man can do. Woooooo!!!"

7) "Nature Boy" Ric Flair beat "Wildfire" Tommy Rich with a Pin Using the Ropes in 12:41. *** 1/2
-Rich was no pushover in this one and gave Flair some anxious moments. A Thesz press almost caught a near fall, but Flair took the match to the outside and reversed the momentum. Back in Flair used some illegal tactics and then put his feet on the ropes for leverage without the ref able to catch the infraction.

-Finals AWF World Tag Team Championship-
8) "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes & "Raging Bull" Manny Fernandez defeated The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane) when Rhodes pinned Keirn after the Flip, Flop, and Fly in 13:35. ***
- Rhodes and the Bull completed an impressive run and a title victory against the Fabulous Ones. The strength and size of the two were a bit too much for the smaller Fabs. All four shook hands after the match and the Dream and Fernandez held the red, white, and blue belts high for the fans to see.

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AWF - Year 1
February 2, 1980
Dorton Arena - Raleigh, North Carolina
Card #3

1) Wahoo McDaniel defeated Bob Roop with an Abdominal Stretch in 6:21. ***
-A very tough matchup between these two grizzled vets of the mat game. Wahoo got an opening after Ropp missed a charge into the turnbuckle shoulder first. McDaniel laid in some heavy chops and then locked in the stretch and Roop had no choice but to give up.

2) Sam Houston beat Krusher Kruschev (w/Ivan Koloff) with the Bulldog in 9:15 ** 1/2
-Krusher used his superior power to toss the young Texan around the ring in the early stages. Houston fed off the crowd and landed a lariat and a series of dropkicks. Koloff then jumped on the apron to distract and screamed at the official. Houston landed a right hand that sent him to the floor. Krusher then whipped Houston off the ropes and went for a Russian Sickle. Houston ducked and as he came back hit his patented Bulldog for the three!

3) Magnum TA defeated "Dirty" Dutch Mantell with the Belly-to-Belly Suplex in 2:21. Dud
-Magnum was a typical "house of fire" and never gave the Dutchman a chance. Two consecutive finishers and the pinfall was academic.

PRE-MATCH INTERVIEW- Gordon Solie is with Paul Ellering. Solie mentioned that some people were shocked that his Road Warriors were not the new AWF World Tag Team champions. Ellering said that no one was more shocked than he, Animal, and Hawk. But adversity makes men of us all. Ellering says that the ultimate destiny of the Legion of Doom is to have gold around their waists and money in their pockets. To that end I've schedule a challenge to begin our road to glory and it starts right here in North Carolina. Solie responds "Fair Enough."

4) Kerry & Kevin Von Erich beat The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) (w/ Paul Ellering) when Kerry pinned Hawk with a Sunset Flip at 11:46.
-The Warriors take a clean loss this time much to the surprise of the crowd. The L.O.D were dominant for much of this match and halted two comebacks by the brothers. All four men were in the ring and Hawk whipped Kerry off the ropes and went for a backdrop and was caught in a Sunset Flip that he couldn't escape. Hawk and Animal were furious.

THE HOT SEAT w/ BILL APTER: Apter is with his guest Magnum TA. Apter says that Magnum is one of the top contenders to the AWF World Heavyweight championship and he's sure to be one of the favorites when management decide who gets a chance at the gold. TA thanks his for his kind words and says that he's always ready to prove himself against the best. Ric Flair interrupts and sneers at TA. "You aren't even half the man I am, and everyone knows it." Magnum takes exception and says he's ready for the challenge any time. Flair then slaps Magnum and the two engage in a pull apart as Apter calls for help.

5) "Wildfire" Tommy Rich defeated Ivan Koloff with the Wildfire Sleeper in 4:13. **
-Rich was able to use his agility and speed to stay away from the Russian Bear. He ducked a Russian Sickle attempt and slapped on the Sleeper and put his opponent out.

6) "Nature Boy" Ric Flair beat "Raging Bull" Manny Fernandez with a Flying Crossbody off the top in 5:16 **
-Gordon Solie found out later that Fernandez was attacked in the locker room before the match by J.J. Dillon's stable - Tully Blanchard, Terry Funk, and The Barbarian. This explained why Fernandez was worse for wear as he made it to the ring. Flair took full advantage even though Fernandez was bloodied and in a weakened state. Still the Bull wanted to wrestle, and he did his best. His tag partner Dusty Rhodes made it out to ringside as well as Magnum TA and Sam Houston to help ensure that there was no follow up after the bout.

-#1 Contenders Match-
7) The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane) defeated Tully Blanchard & The Barbarian (w/J.J. Dillon) when Kerin pinned Barbarian with a Fabulous Forearm in 8:45. *
-The Fabs used superior quickness and double teams to keep their opponents off balance. Dillon tried to distract the ref and tossed in a foreign object. Keirn intercepted it and leveled The Barbarian who went down like a shot.

8) Terry Funk (w/J.J. Dillon) beat "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes by Disqualification in 12:41. ****
-Both men started brawling before the bell even rang. The match was in and out of the ring early. Later in the bout, Rhodes had the Figure Four locked in and this caused Dillon to jump on the apron. The ref tried to get him down but Rhodes released the hold and a Bionic Elbow on the wily manager sending him flying. This gave Funk and chance to hit a desperate low blow from behind. Funk then went into his famous Spinning Toe Hold and had the Dream in trouble. Only his courage and then a rope break kept the match going. Funk then threw Rhodes to the outside. He picked up a chair and the ref tried to stop him. This gave Rhodes a chance to use his own steel to brain the Funker. The ref pleaded with Rhodes to stop but he pushed him aside and continued to inflict punishment. The ref called for the bell and gave the match to Funk. The melee continued as Tully Blanchard and The Barbarian joined in and Manny Fernandez, Sam Houston, and Magnum TA hit the scene as well.

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AWF - Year 1
February 16, 1980
Miami Convention Center - Miami Beach, Florida
Card #4

1) Wahoo McDaniel defeated "Dirty" Dutch Mantell with the Abdominal Stretch in 7:41. ***
- A competitive opener as the two vets slugged it out. Wahoo gained the advantage after some heavy chops and then stretched out the Dutchman who was forced to concede.

2) Tully Blanchard (w/J.J. Dillon) defeated Sam Houston with the Slingshot Suplex in 3:11. *
-Blanchard made relatively quick work of Houston and then Dillon motioned in for the big monster, The Barbarian to hit the ring. A brutal clothesline followed and that brought out Magnum TA to even the odds.

3) Ivan Koloff & Krusher Kruschev beat Kevin & Kerry Von Erich when Ivan pinned Kevin after a Double Russian Sickle in 6:35. ** 1/2
- The Russians used double teams to isolate Kevin in their corner. After a Bearhug by Krush had Kevin in deep trouble Kerry hit the ring. All four men fought as the ref tried to restore order. The official was able to push Kerry to the corner and that gave the Russians a chance to blast Kevin with a double Sickle for the three count.

4) Tommy Rich beat The Barbarian (w/J.J. Dillon) with the Thesz Press in 9:14 ***
- Wildfire continued his winning ways and upended the monstrous Barbarian. The big man was in trouble and Dillon attempted to step into the ring. The ref cut him and ejected him from ringside. Dillon protested but security escorted him to the locker room. Barbarian took control for a bit and whipped Rich off the ropes. He was caught with the Thesz Press as Wildfire rebounded towards him and was caught for the pinfall.

THE HOT SEAT w/ BILL APTER: Apter welcomes the newly crowned AWF World Tag Team champions - Manny Fernandez & Dusty Rhodes. Gentlemen let me congratulate you on a hard-fought inaugural tournament and the proof is right there on your shoulders. World Tag Team Champions. Fernandez says that it won't get an easier to keep these titles. There are a lot of top teams here and we won't back down from any of them and that includes the Fabulous Ones. Rhodes took the mic next - Billy Aptah, The Bull and me are two of the toughest men ever to walk the planet and yes it was a difficult task to take this gold in one night and we do not plan on giving it up so easily. So Fabulous Ones you're first on the list, dressed in your Sunday best. I may have respect for you as wrestlers but if you think you're taking this from us, then you must be crazy!

5) The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) (w/Paul Ellering) defeated The Longriders ("Wild Bill" & Scott Irwin) when Hawk pinned Scott after the Doomsday Device in 4:16. *
-The Warriors hit the ring to the guitar of "Iron Man" and never looked back as they totally dominated the competition.

6) "Nature Boy" Ric Flair beat Magnum T.A. with the Figure Four Leglock in 10:21. **
-Flair proved to be too smart for the headstrong Allen. He used his aggressive nature against him and worked his left leg. After a few attempts at a comeback Flair secured the victory with his patented submission hold.

-Dog Collar Match-
7) "Boogie Woogie Man" Jimmy Valiant defeated Terry Funk with a Running elbow with the chain in 9:51. ***
- JJ Dillon was barred from ringside for this one. The two tore into each other and each opened up wounds on the other's heads. The chain was used liberally and Valiant was able to whip Funk across his back with the steel chain. Finally, the Boogie Man wrapped a part of the chain around his elbow and hit his foe full force across the face to almost knock him unconscious.

-AWF World Tag Team Title Match-
8) The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane) beat "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes & "Raging Bull" Manny Fernandez (c) by Disqualification in 13:36. ** 1/2
-A brawl with all four men broke out in the center of the ring and as the ref attempted to restore order, he got caught with a blow from Fernandez that wasn't meant for him. The bell was called for and the match given to the challengers. A return match will be held.

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AWF - Year 1
March 1, 1980
Richmond Coliseum, - Richmond, Virginia
Card #5

IN RING: AWF Commissioner Teddy Long is with Gordon Solie. Long say that starting tonight we will have several qualifying matches that will culminate in the crowning of the first AWF World Heavyweight champion. It will be an 8-man single elimination tournament to be held in Baltimore - Card #8. Good luck to all the competitors.

-AWF World Heavyweight Title Tournament- Qualifier-
1) "Wildfire" Tommy Rich defeated "Dirty" Dutch Mantell with the Thesz Press in 6:14 **
-Rich gained control after some early back and forth. Mantell went for his whip, but Rich caught him with a dropkick to the chin. A fist drop off the second rope and then his patented Thesz Press for the three count.

2) Wahoo McDaniel defeated Krusher Kruschev (w/ Ivan Koloff) with a Tomahawk Chop in 8:26. **
-McDainel showed toughness and resilience fending off the challenge off the huge Kruschev. A few heavy chops led to one more off the ropes that was enough to put him away.

3) Kerry Von Erich defeated Bob Roop with an Abdominal Stretch in 5:15 * 1/2
-Von Erich was too strong and quick for the former Olympian.

-#1 Contenders Match-
4) The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane) beat The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) (w/ Paul Ellering) when Keirn pinned Hawk with the Fabulous Forearm in 10:32 **
-A rare miscommunication cost the Warriors a shot to turn their recent run of bad fortune around. All four men were in the ring as Lane broke up a pin attempt from an Animal Power Slam. After Lane was tossed to the floor, Animal held Keirn in place as Hawk rebounded off the ropes. Keirn was able to duck and Animal got leveled instead. A stunned Hawk turned and was hit with a Fabulous Forearm that was enough for a shocking three count.

THE HOT SEAT w/ BILL APTER: Apter welcomes Wahoo McDainel to the podium. Chief Wahoo you're off to a great start here in the AWF. I'm sure you have to feel that you are one of the top contenders for the World championship and I'm sure you're ready to for a chance to qualify for the tournament. Before Wahoo can answer Tully Blanchard is out to interrupt. He brags about that only reason Wahoo is undefeated to this point is because he hasn't faced him. McDainel says he'd be happy to face off right now but Blanchard says he fights when he wants to. Apter tries to step in between the two and asks for security. Blanchard quickly hits McDainel with a jab to the face and then promptly runs away. McDainel pauses and then chases after him as Apter closes the segment.

-AWF World Heavyweight Title Tournament- Qualifier-
5) Magnum T.A. pinned Ivan Koloff with Belly-to-Belly Suplex in 9:15 ** 1/2
-A hard fought brawl that was eventually won out by the fan favorite T.A. Koloff attempted a Russian Sickle but Magnum ducked and hit a strong forearm off the ropes that stagged the Russian. Then from a standing position Magnum tossed Kollof to the mat for the victory.

-Texas Death Match-
6) "Boogie Woogie Man" Jimmy Valiant beat Terry Funk (w/ J.J. Dillon) with the Boogie Woogie Elbow in 13:41. ***
-Funk attacked his rival before the bell and used a steel chair to open a wound on Valiant's head. The Boogie Woogie Man rallied behind the cheers of the crowd and started a huge comeback. A Sleeper had Funk in trouble but he was able to step back and slam Valiant into the turnbuckle. Both men fell to the mat and tried to beat the ten count. Valiant was first and hit two elbows off the ropes and then his elbow drop for the win.

-AWF World Heavyweight Title Tournament- Qualifier-
7) "Nature Boy" Ric Flair defeated Kevin Von Erich with the Figure Four Leglock in 7:23. **
-Flair continued his winning ways and once again used his finisher to punch his ticket to the tournament.

-Falls Count Anywhere- Non-Title Match-
8) Tully Blanchard & The Barbarian (w/J.J. Dillon) beat "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes & "Raging Bull" Manny Fernandez (c) when Blanchard pinned Fernandez after being whipped into a wall at 15:02. *****
-Match of the year candidate. Back and forth violence as all four men were bleeding in this one. Fernandez lunged towards Blanchard and missed causing him to slam into a concrete wall knocking him back. Blanchard fell on top for the three count. After the match, Terry Funk came out and started brawling with Dusty Rhodes and this brought out Wahoo McDainel who went straight for a weary Blanchard. He hit several chops and that sent him right into the path of Rhodes. The Dream hit a Bionic Elbow and then locked in a Figure Four Leglock. He grabbed the ropes for leverage and wrenched back. Blanchard was screaming in pain until The Barbarian was able to chase him off. The damage had been done on Tully though.
*Tully Blanchard is out for 2 fight cards with a leg injury.

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AWF - Year 1
March 15, 1980
Charlotte Coliseum - Charlotte, North Carolina
Card #6

IN-RING: James J Dillon demands that Bill Apter join him in the middle of the ring. Apter is confused and wonders why he plans on interrupting a fantastic night of professional wrestling. Dillon is irate. First of all, there was an assault perpetrated two weeks ago by one Dusty Rhodes. As a result, my client, Tully Blanchard will be out of action with a leg injury for at least a month. Now I had planned on suing Rhodes on behalf of Mr. Blanchard for lost income and mental distress. Currently the legal channels are working too slowly for my liking, so I have other avenues to pursue justice. Let's not forget that The Barbarian and Tully Blanchard defeated the current AWF World tag team champions - Dusty Rhodes and Manny Fernandez in that match in Richmond and should therefore be automatic number one contenders. Teddy Long, I expect a World title match once Mr. Blanchard is fit to compete. In the meantime, I'm going to deal with you Dusty Rhodes and I've been able to hire one of the most dangerous men in wrestling to challenge you tonight and that's the Masked Superstar! Good luck you fat slob you're gonna need it.

-AWF World Heavyweight Title Tournament- Qualifier-
1) "Boogie Woogie Man" Jimmy Valiant defeated Bob Roop with a Body press off the ropes in 10:15. **
-Roop tried to slow the match down and grind Valiant on the mat. The tactic worked for a while, but the crowd energized the "Boy from New York City" and he started a furious comeback. Roop tried to turn the momentum with a reverse whip but Valiant caught him by surprise with a body press for the three.

2) "Dirty" Dutch Mantell beat Kevin Von Erich with a Backbreaker over the knee at 3:31 dud
- Mantell finally got into the win column over the popular Von Erich. This was surprisingly short as Mantell attacked Von Erich before the bell and used that advantage to gain a victory.

3) The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane) defeated The Longriders (Bill & Scott Irwin) when Keirn submitted Bill with the Sleeper at 12:16. **
-The Fabs used quick double teams to keep their opponents guessing. A pier six brawl ensued after a pin save by Scott Irwin and all four men battled. Scott went for a lariat on Lane who ducked and sent him tossed to the floor. This gave Keirn a chance to apply the Sleeper behind the legal man Bill. Irwin had no choice but to pass out.

-AWF World Heavyweight Title Tournament- Qualifier-
4) Wahoo McDainel beat The Barbarian (w/J.J. Dillon) with a Tomahawk Chop in 13:52. *****
-A fantastic match. Five stars! Plenty of near falls and hard-hitting action as both wrestlers had chances to get the win and advance to the World Title tournament. Barbarian hit a bone jarring Power slam for a 2 1/2 count. He then went to the top rope for a Faling Headbutt but missed. McDainel then hit three consecutive Tomahawk chops to put away the big man just under the time limit.

5) The Road Warriors (Animal & Hawk) (w/ Paul Ellering) defeated Ivan Koloff & Krusher Kruschev by Disqualification when Ivan used the Russian Chain on Animal in 6:16. *
-The Warriors started fast and had the momentum. The match spilled to the floor and Ivan Koloff grabbed his infamous Russian Chain. The ref had already called for the bell, but the Russian hardly seemed to care. Hawk was out of commission after he missed a leap so the Russians double teamed Animal. They wrapped the chain around his neck and pulled back. Officials came out from the back and Ellering even tried to intervene. Security finally restored order but the damage was done.
*Animal is out for 1 card - Neck injury

-AWF World Heavyweight Title Tournament- Qualifier-
6) Kerry Von Erich beat Terry Funk (w/J.J. Dillon) by Count-out in 11:21 ***
-The match started with Dillon distracting the Modern Day Warrior. He chased Dillon around the ring and into it where Funk was waiting with some stomps to the head. The bout was even for the most part. Funk went for a Piledriver but only got a two count. He threw Von Erich to the floor in frustration and followed after him. They battled close to the ten count. Funk went for a Piledriver on the concrete, but Kerry backdropped him over. Recognizing the ref was almost at ten he slid back in the ring to beat the count and advance in the tournament.

-AWF World Heavyweight Title Tournament- Qualifier-
7) Sam Houston pinned Manny Fernandez with the Bulldog in 5:12 **
-Ferandez and Houston shook hands, but the Bull seemed to have some fun at the expense of young Houston. He controlled most the match and had a chance to put him away but didn't. He then went for a whip off the ropes, but Houston leapfrogged over him and as he rebounded off hit a Flying Bulldog for the upset three count. Fernandez was angry but reluctantly shook hands at the end of the contest.

-AWF World Heavyweight Title Tournament- Qualifier-
8) Masked Superstar (w/J.J. Dillon) beat "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes with the Cobra Hold in 6:22 **
-A lot of brawling in this one and unfortunately the ref got too close to the action and hit with an inadvertent elbow from Rhodes in the corner. Dillon jumped on the ring apron and tossed Superstar an object that he tucked into his mask. He Head butted Rhodes who crumpled to the mat. He then locked in his submission hold as Dillon attempted to revive the official. This brought out Manny Fernandez who chased Dillon off. A groggy ref awoke and checked Rhodes's hands three time and called for the bell.

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AWF - Year 1
March 25, 1980
Sportatorium - Dallas, Texas
Card #7

1) "Wildfire" Tommy Rich defeated Mister X with the Thesz Press in 2:16. squash
-Rich dominated the action and finished off the masked man with a flying press off the ropes. Gordon Solie joined Rich in the ring for a quick interview. Wildfire talked about how he was "fired up!" about the chance at the AWF World Heavyweight Championship in Baltimore on April 12th. He doesn't care who he has to go through he's ready to show that he's the best. Fair enough.

2) Magnum TA defeated Scott "Hog" Irwin with a Belly-to-Belly Suplex in 3:25. *
-Magnum controlled the action in this one. He landed a solid dropkick under the chin and finished things off with his patented move.

3) Tony Atlas defeated "Wild" Bill Irwin with Consecutive Dropkicks in 4:22. *
-A successful debut for "Mr. USA". The strength and speed of Atlas was too much for Irwin to keep up with. He hit successive dropkicks and then a Big Splash to get the three count.

4) Kevin Von Erich beat Bob Roop with a Sleeperhold in 11:33. ****
-The agile Von Erich just edged out a very determined Roop who has been winless so far in the AWF. Roop went for a Shoulder breaker, but Von Erich slipped out over his shoulder and jumped on his back and clamped down with the Sleeper. Roop had no chance to break free and feel unconscious.

THE HOT SEAT w/ BILL APTER: Apter welcomes Steve Keirn and Stan Lane to the segment. Apter mentions how the Fabulous Ones have been on quite a roll and that they are gunning for the top spot in the AWF and that means Dusty Rhodes and Manny Fernandez. Keirn says that they will get their shot in Baltimore. No Disqualification - No Count-out - There must be a winner. And while they may respect those two, they will do whatever we can to get those World Tag Team Titles. Lane agrees and at the end of the match they hope that the best team will come out on top.

5) "Dirty" Dutch Mantell beat Tracy Smothers by Disqualification in 5:41 dud
-Smothers also made his AWF debut tonight and he didn't end up on the right side of the ledger. The match spilled to the floor and Smothers had been upset over Mantell's illegal tactics. He tossed a chair in his direction, but it was in full view of the referee who called for the bell. Smothers hardly seemed to care as he still went after the Dutchman and chased him towards the locker room.

-First Blood Match-
6) Ivan Koloff & Krusher Kruschev beat Road Warrior Hawk & Paul Ellering when Ellering bleed at 9:15. **
-Road Warrior Animal was out with an injury and Ellering was forced to step in his place. The match was basically a huge brawl but the Russians were able to take advantage and tied up Hawk in the ropes after a missed Clothesline. The two then viscously double-teamed Ellering and opened a cut on his forehead. The ref called for the bell and a halt to the match. The Russians continued until they were chased off by Hawk who broke free of the ropes.

7) "Nature Boy" Ric Flair defeated Kerry Von Erich with the Figure Four Leglock in 13:42 ***
-Flair should be the odds-on favorite heading into the tournament as he continued his winning ways. He was able to soften up the leg of the powerful Von Erich and keep him grounded. There were a few anxious moments, but Flair emerged victorious with his submission hold.

-Elimination Match-
8) Wahoo McDainel, "Boogie Woogie Man" Jimmy Valiant & Manny Fernandez fought The Barbarian, Terry Funk, & Masked Superstar (w/ J.J. Dillon) to a No Contest in 18:35 ***

Elimination #1 - McDainel pinned The Barbarian with a Tomahawk Chop in 6:17
Elimination #2 - Valiant was disqualified for using a foreign object on Funk in 9:03
Elimination #3 - Funk was disqualified for using a chair n McDainel in 18:35

This led to the eliminated wrestlers returning to the ring and a huge brawl erupted. The ref had no choice but to call the match.

[mwjergs]

AWF - Year 1
April 12, 1980
Baltimore Civic Center - Baltimore, Maryland
Card #8

"King of Kings" - AWF World Heavyweight Title Tournament

IN RING: AWF Commissioner Teddy Long and Lead Commentator Gordon Solie are in the center of the ring. Solie welcomes the fans for what is sure to be a historic night as the American Wrestling Federation crowns its first World champion. Long speaks next and says may the best man win and that these 8 competitors have earned their way into this opportunity and is excited to see the results. Solie adds that there are two other huge matches as well. The AWF World Tag Team Championship will be defended as Dusty Rhodes and Manny Fernandez take on the challenge of Steve Keirn and Stan Lane - The Fabulous Ones. This bout will be a No Disqualification - No Count-out situation, so there must be a winner. Also you will see The Road Warriors Hawk and Animal take on the Russians - Ivan Koloff and Krusher Kruschev in a Russian Chain Match. Solie wonders aloud if Animal has come back a bit too prematurely as his neck was injured as a result of an attack by the Russians several weeks ago. Ready for a great night of action so let's get to it!

-First Round-
1) "Nature Boy" Ric Flair defeated "Boogie Woogie Man" Jimmy Valiant with the Figure Four Leglock in 8:52. ** 1/2
-The popular Valiant gave Flair some anxious moments but the superior technical ability of Flair gave him the upper hand. Also a low blow behind the ref's back helped as well. Flair then locked in his finishing move and advanced to the next round.

2) Wahoo McDainel defeated Sam Houston with a Wahoo Suplex in 13:43 *** 1/2
-Both men shook hands as a sign of respect and gave the fans a good matchup. Houston showed his fortitude and took some heavy chops from the vet McDainel. Wahoo almost put the Texan away several times but he kicked out a total of five times from near falls. McDaniel hit a nasty looking back suplex to finish things off and move on to a semi-final encounter with Flair.

3) Kerry Von Erich beat Magnum TA with a Roll thru after a Cross Body Block in 12:12. **
-Fans were really looking forward to this match between the two fan favorites and it was quite a contest. Back and forth action for the bulk of the match but it was Von Erich who used Allen's momentum against him to pick up the win. TA went to the top turnbuckle and flew off with a Cross Body Block. Von Erich shifted his weight and landed on top for the surprise pin. Both men shook hands to the fan's applause afterwards.

4) "Wildfire" Tommy Rich beat Masked Superstar (w/J.J. Dillon) after a Sleeper in 10:41. ***
-Superstar attacked Rich before the bell and used stomps, kicks and a Neck breaker but only for a two count. Rich rallied and hit a Thesz Press for a near fall and then pounded away with fiery fists. Superstar was groggy in the corner and Dillon sensing trouble rushed into ring. Rich caught him with a kick and then whipped him into the masked man. Dillon flew out of the ring and Rich locked in a Sleeper hold. Superstar's arm dropped third time and Rich was into the next round.

-Russian Chain Match- Double Chain Match-
5) Ivan Koloff & Krusher Kruschev beat The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) in 15:08. ***
-Both teams were bleeding early on in the match. Koloff was able to take his chain and choke Animal adding to the damage of his already injured neck. Hawk was tied up in the ropes and couldn't help his partner. A double team ensued, and Koloff hit a Russian Sickle with the chain wrapped around his arm. Animal was in serious pain and could not kick out.

-Semi-Finals-
6) Ric Flair beat Wahoo McDainel with a Figure Four Leglock 6:16 *
-Flair dominated the action and made McDainel look old and slow, After working on the left leg, the Nature Boy punched his ticket to the finals with the Figure Four.

7) Tommy Rich beat Kerry Von Erich with a Fist Drop in 7:11. **
- Rich showed a side that he was willing to do whatever it takes to win in this one. Both definitely had fans choosing sides but Rich took the occasional short cut like going to Von Erich's eyes and using the ref's count to his advantage. Rich hit a Fist drop off the ropes and got the three count to move on to the Finals.

-AWF World Tag Team Championship- -Falls Count Anywhere-
8) Dusty Rhodes & Manny Fernandez (c) beat The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane) in 18:52 ****
-Teddy Long was out before the match began and said that he was declaring this a Falls Count Anywhere match and proclaimed that anyone attempting the interfere would be suspended. The power and grit of the champions proved to be the deciding factor. Rhodes hit an Elbow Drop on Keirn off the apron while he was prone on the floor. No getting up from that one.

-AWF World Heavyweight Championship - Finals-
9) "Nature Boy" Ric Flair defeated "Wildfire" Tommy Rich in 13:15 with the Figure Four Leglock to win the title. ***
-Rich attempted to match Flair's dirty tactics and it worked in the early stages. It was clear that he was going to do all he could to win. Rich caught a near fall with a Thesz press attempt. However he couldn't build off that momentum as Flair worked the right leg and rendered it useless by the end of the bout. He clamped down on the Figure Four and he had no choice but to concede. After the match Flair told the crowd to get used to this. He said wondered aloud if this was the best the AWF has to offer. He wants a challenge. Meanwhile he said that he be partying at the Hilton in the penthouse suite.

[mwjergs]

AWF - Year 1
April 26, 1980
The Spectrum - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Card #9

1) Barry Windham defeated Red Dogg with a Superplex in 3:11 dud
-A strong debut from the Sweetwater native as he overwhelmed another newcomer to the AWF in Red Dogg.

2) Adrian Adonis defeated Sam Houston with Goodnight Irene in 4:35. *
-Adonis was able to turn the tables on the popular Houston who started quickly with fists and a flying crossbody for a two count. Adonis reversed a turnbuckle whip and kicked Houston a bit low. A DDT and then his patented sleeperhold gave Adonis his first win in the fed.

3) Tully Blanchard (w/ J.J. Dillon) defeated Wahoo McDaniel with a Slingshot suplex in 8:26 **
-Wahoo and Tully exchanged fists and chops as McDainel met Blanchard coming to the ring. The two battled for much of the bout in and out of the ring. Dillon proved to be a difference maker as he distracted the big Chief just as he was about to try and end the match. Blanchard used a foreign object from his tights without the ref seeing and then showed surprising power in lifting him up for his finisher to gain the three count.

-#1 Contenders Match-
4) The Road Warriors (Animal & Hawk) (w/Paul Ellering) defeated The Fabulous Ones (Steve Keirn & Stan Lane) when Hawk pinned Keirn with the Doomsday Device in 12:53 *** 1/2
-The Warriors rushed the Fabs to start the match and were even more aggressive than usual. Continued double teams and ignoring the ref's instructions was common early on. The speed of Lane and Keirn helped gain them an advantage and they looked as if they might gain another win over the Roadies. But Animal hit a double clothesline after an attempted double team and then tossed Lane over the top rope. A tag to Hawk and the Doomsday Device made the three-count academic as they earned a shot at the tag belts. After the match, the Warriors weren't finished though. They hit a spike piledriver on Keirn and then then brought Lane back in and did the same to him. Several officials came out of the back and attempted to restore order but the damage had been done.

THE HOT SEAT W/ BILL APTER: Apter welcomes new AWF World Heavyweight champion Ric Flair to the podium. Flair is smiling and asks out loud if anyone was really surprised that he was the one who would have the gold belt when a was said and done. "I'm the best and this right here proves it!". Apter congratulated him and started to run down the list of contenders to which Flair just laughed. "Who's left Bill Apter? Tommy Rich, Magnum TA, Wahoo McDainel, Kerry Von Erich and even Dusty Rhodes have all found out who the best is and that's yours truly. I'm holding this belt for as long as I want to and this gold means money, prestige, and as many women as I can handle - Whoooooooo!"

5) "Macho Man" Randy Savage beat "Dirty" Dutch Mantell by Disqualification when Mantell pushed the ref and used his whip at 9:53. **
-Later in the match the two brawled on the floor and Mantell attempted to use a steel chair. The ref grabbed it from him and the Dutchman pushed the official to the ground as he grabbed Old Shoo Baby instead. He started choking Savage with it as the ref called for the bell. Mantell continued his assault util Savage raked at his eyes. He then got a hold of the whip and chased Mantell away with it as he started swinging.

6) Magnum TA beat Terry Funk (w/ J.J. Dillon) by Disqualification in 11:45 when Dillon broke up the pin after a Belly-to-Belly Suplex ** 1/2
-A good back and forth match here until Allen hit his patented finisher out of nowhere. Luckily Funk was close enough to the ropes and Dillon put his left foot on the rope to break the count. TA went to set him up again but Dillon rushed in and clipped him from behind. This started a double team with Funk and Dillon stomping away until Wahoo McDaniel came to make the save.

-Falls Count Anywhere-
7) "Boogie Woogie Man" Jimmy Valiant beat The Barbarian(w/J.J. Dillon) in 11:12 after he whipped him into the concrete wall twice. ***
-An absolute brawl that went all around the arena. Both men were bloodied by the end of this one. Valiant looked down and out in this one until Dillon made a huge mistake. He attempted to throw powder in Valiant's eyes but instead blinded his charge instead. Valiant used the distraction to irish whip the big man into a wall two consecutive times. He fell like an oak tree and Valiant got the win.

-AWF World Tag Team Title Match-
8) Ivan Koloff & Krusher Kruschev defeated "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes & "Raging Bull" Manny Fernandez (c) when Ivan pinned Rhodes after Tully Blanchard interfered with a foreign object to knock him out in 16:21. ***
-Our first tag team title change and it happens under suspicious circumstances. The finish saw all for men in the ring. Fernandez hit a Flying Burrito on Kruschev that sent both men flying to the outside of the ring. On the inside Rhodes charged at Koloff in the buckle and the ref was caught in the collision and knocked out. Rhodes then had the Weaverlock on Ivan and it looked good for the champions until Tully Blanchard hit the ring and hit Dusty from behind with a steel chair. He then put a groggy Koloff on top and went revive the official. The Russians are the new champions!