One Week in Ontario

[bookerbill]

Championship Committee News Release: As a result of "Macho Man" Randy Savage's NWA World Title commitments, Savage will not be able to honour his bookings in the territory. As a result, he has been stripped as the Canadian Heavyweight Title and a tournament will be held to determine a new champion during the next loop.

The Loop

May 12, 2023 Brantford Civic Centre Television Taping: Greg Valentine & Austin Idol v. “Superstar” Bill Dundee & Brian Christopher; Canadian Open Tag Team Champions Road Warriors; Dick Hutton v. Mike Rounda, “British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith v. Angelo Poffo; Tony Garea v. Baron Von Raschkie
May 13, 2023 Kitchener Memorial Arena: First Round Match of the Canadian Heavyweight Title Tournament
May 14, 2023 London Gardens: First Round Match of the Canadian Heavyweight Title Tournament, Canadian Open Tag Team Champions Road Warriors v. Moondogs
May 15, 2023 Oshawa Civic Centre: First Round Match of the Canadian Heavyweight Title Tournament
May 16, 2023 Niagara Falls Memorial Auditorium: First Round Match of the Canadian Heavyweight Title Tournament; Canadian Open Tag Team Title Match
May 17, 2023 Stouffville Arena Spot Show
June 15, 2023 Maple Leaf Gardens: Finals of the Canadian Heavyweight Title Tournament, Canadian Open Tag Team Title Match

[Pariah]

Not even the NWA World Champion can be in two places at once (although this is probably a matter of choice in the case of the Macho Man... OHHH, YEAH!) -- Really looking forward to the upcoming tournament that will decide our new Canadian Heavyweight Champion. Fun stuff!

[bookerbill]

Card 52 Brantford Civic Centre, Brantford, ON - Maple Leaf Wrestling Taping – May 12, 2023

Larry Hennig v. Nacho Barrera
Referee: Joey Marella;
Barrera gets the jump on Hennig at the bell but within a few minutes Hennig is in control of the action with slams and forearms. A pair of bear hugs wear out Barrera and Hennig connects with THE AXE after 6 minutes to claim the win. Winner: Hennig *

Prince Kharis w/James Mitchell v. “Sodbuster” Kenny Jay
Referee: Morgan Dollar;
Jay has the fans roaring early on when he nails Kharis with a Sodbuster Spike but the advantage is short lived and Kharis powers back into control and ends it after just three minutes with a MAGICAL MUMMY FOREARM. Winner: Kharis *

Canadian Open Tag Team Champions Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) w/Paul Ellering v. Brickhouse Brown & Tiger Conway Jr.
Referee: Morgan Dollar;
Conway Jr. was making his return to the territory and joined forces with Brown to give the Tag Team Champions all they can handle. Conway Jr. rocked the fans after he kicked out after a DOOMSDAY DEVICE. Brown and Conway Jr. used defensive tags to keep out of trouble and Brown nearly took the upset victory after a FLYING BODY PRESS to Animal. In the end, the Warriors had too many weapons and it was a over the shoulder backbreaker to Conway Jr. that ended the match after 19 minutes. Winners: Warriors **** ½

Gordon Solie interviews Road Warriors and Paul Ellering after the match and they are interrupted by the Moondogs who are suddenly accompanied by James Mitchell who issues a challenge to the champions for a Title Match. Animal accepts on behalf of the champions.

Baron Von Raschke is the guest on Piper’s Pit with Rowdy Roddy Piper. The Baron quickly grows tired of Piper’s questions and challenges him to face him in the ring and Piper tells Von Raschke anytime.

Rick Rude v. Jake “The Milkman” Milliman
Referee: Morgan Dollar;
Milliman had the fans out of their seat early on as the managed to control the action with arm bars and a power slam. Rude quickly righted things and took over using a backbreak to get a near fall before a RUDE AWAKENING after six minutes ended it. Winner: Rude *

The Crusher v. Mike Jackson
Referee: Dick Woehrle;
Jackson stunned ringside when he took control of the action reversing a whip and sending Crusher hard into the post shoulder first. Jackson then executed back to back to back FLOAT-OVER CRADLES but could not keep Crusher’s shoulder to the mat for the three count. Crusher ended up back on the floor and bounced Jackson’s face off the ringside table which earned him a disqualification after seven minutes. Winner: Jackson by disqualification * ½

Dick Hutton stops in with Gordon Solie to discuss the upcoming Canadian Heavyweight Title Tournament telling the fans he plans to claim the gold.

Dick Hutton v. Mike Rotunda
Referee: Morgan Dollar;
Rotunda came to compete and scored multiple near falls in the early minutes of this match getting the fans out of their seat which each two count. Dollar had given competitors strict instructions and both men were willing to follow the rules. Hutton kicked out after a BUTTERFLY SUPLEX. It was a long road back for Hutton but he travelled it starting a comeback with a quick inside cradle for a two count of his own. Hutton uses his power to frustrate Rotunda. Rotunda came back but Hutton managed to counter a deathjump with a roll through for a two three quarters count from the referee. It was back and forth but Rotunda went on a run late and scored with a deathjump smash before hitting a second BUTTERFLY SUPLEX for the win after 12 minutes. Winner: Rotunda *** ½

“Rowdy” Roddy Piper v. Keith Steinborn
Referee: Dick Woehrle;
This was a complete squash. Piper takes it in two minutes with a SLEEPER. Winner: Piper. DUD

Killer Bees, B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell stop in for a word with Gordon Solie but their opponents, Johnny Rodz & Larry Sharpe, have other ideas, jumping the Bees and starting a wild brawl.

Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) v. Larry Sharpe & Johnny Rodz
Referee: Joey Marella;
The brawl reaches the ring and the Bees are in trouble as the bell sounds. Brunzell is able to counter against Rodz and Blair gets a needed hot tag. The momentum changes from that point as the Bees control including a impress double team back body drop. Brunzell picks up the pin after seven minutes with a deathjump cross body to Sharpe. Winners: Bees. *

Angelo Poffo v. “The British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith
Referee: Joey Marella;
Poffo tried to reach into his bag of tricks against the English powerhouse but came up empty as Smith tossed around Poffo from bell to bell in and out of the ring. Poffo had to take several powders which only encouraged Smith to punish him some more. RUNNING POWER SLAM ended it after 5 minutes. Winner: Smith DUD

Gordon Solie catches up with Davey Boy Smith after the match and Smith says he is here for the Canadian Heavyweight Title Tournament and plans to have the title around his waist soon.

Disco Inferno v. Ron Hutchison
Referee: Morgan Dollar;
Inferno was all over the hometown Hutchison much to the displeasure of the fans at ringside. Hutchinson was able to kick out after couple of covers but Inferno was in complete control. Inferno came off the top with an impressive body block but Hutchison rolled through for a huge near falls. The fans were roaring as a SHEDIAC LOBSTER TRAP followed. Inferno escapes once but Hutchison put his finisher on a second time for the shocking victory after 7 minutes. Winner: Hutchison **

Moondogs (Moondog Rex & Moondog Spot) w/James Mitchell v. Mukleys (Bill Mulkey & Randy Mulkey)
Referee: Joey Marella;
This one was over quick as Randy Mulkey never tagged out and the Moondogs brutalized him with Rex hitting a SHOULDER BREAKER for the three count after just two minutes. Winners: Moondogs DUD

Moondogs and James Mitchell are questioned at ringside by Gordon Solie. The Moondogs appear ready to attack the announcer and this brings out the Canadian Open Tag Team Champions Road Warriors with Paul Ellering starting a wild melee.

Tony Garea v. Baron Von Raschke
Referee: Morgan Dollar;
The fans were solidly behind Garea who responded with an early flurry of offense including a Thesz Press for a two count. However, Von Raschke brawled his was into the control of the match and the fans were not pleased. It looked like this one was over when Garea hit a Thesz Press out of nowhere for the three count. Winner: Garea * ½

Dark Match: Austin Idol & Greg Valentine v. Brian Christopher & “Superstar” Bill Dundee
Referee: Dick Woehrle;
This was another intense encounter between these two teams. It was back and forth and then Dundee and Christopher took the fight to their opponents. Dundee smashed Idol with a chair and the earned a warning from the official. Back in the ring, Valentine regained the momentum for his team but could not submit Christopher with a FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK. Later, Dundee crushed Valentine with a SUPERSTAR BOMB for a near fall. Christopher rocked the fans with a sunset flip powerbomb to the floor on Valentine. The action continued to go back and forth until Idol muscled Christopher to the mat with a sleeperhold and took the win 18 minutes. Winners: Idol & Valentine. ** ½

The Loop

May 13, 2023 Kitchener Memorial Arena: Canadian Heavyweight Title Tournament – “Rowdy” Roddy Piper v. Larry Hennig; Texas Death Match – Greg Valentine & Austin Idol v. “Superstar” Bill Dundee & Brian Christopher; Dick Hutton v. Angelo Poffo; Killer Bees v. Moondogs

May 14, 2023 London Gardens: Canadian Heavyweight Title Tournament The Crusher v. Mike Rotunda, Canadian Open Tag Team Champions Road Warriors v. Moondogs; “Rowdy” Roddy Piper v. Baron Von Raschke

May 15, 2023 Oshawa Civic Centre: Canadian Heavyweight Title Tournament Rick Rude v. “The British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith

May 16, 2023 Niagara Falls Memorial Auditorium: Canadian Heavyweight Title Tournament Dick Hutton v. Baron Von Raschke; Canadian Open Tag Team Title Match

May 17, 2023 Stouffville Arena - Spot Show

June 15, 2023 Maple Leaf Gardens: Semi-Finals and Finals of the Canadian Heavyweight Title Tournament, Canadian Open Tag Team Title Match

[Pariah]

An exceptional effort by Brickhouse & Tiger Jr as they pushed the Roadies to the limit... And it's always fun to see Hot Rod generating some heat with his guest on Piper's Pit - should be a good match between him and the Baron... Another fine event, my friend... Nice work!

[TTX]

Idol and Valentine make a fun team.

Cool win by Garea.

[bookerbill]

Card 53 Memorial Auditorium, Kitchener- May 13, 2023

“The British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith v. Disco Inferno
Referee: Joey Marella;
What an opener. The early story was Smith showcasing his power and Inferno taking an epic beating from suplexes, slams and clotheslines. Inferno caught a break and bounced Smith’s face off the ringside table. He followed up with LAST DANCE but Smith kicks out at the last second. Smith was able to regain control but Inferno just refused to go down kicking out after a RUNNING POWER SLAM, superplex, twisting power slam and gorilla press slam before a second RUNNING POWER SLAM finally ended it after 12 minutes. Winner: Smith ***

Baron Von Raschke v. Tiger Conway Jr.
Referee: Dick Woehrle;
Von Raschke controlled for the bell with forearms and punches before hitting a back suplex for the three count in just over a minute. Winner: Von Raschke DUD

Tony Garea v. Rick Rude
Referee: James Beard;
The fans were rocking as Garea looked very impressive early scoring a near fall after a Thesz Press and then controlling the action working over Rude’s arm. Rude nearly fell to an inside cradle before making a comeback earning heat from ringside. Rude could not get Garea in a position for the win however and after countering a deathjump with a superplex, Garea stunned Rude with another Thesz Press to get the three count after 11 minutes. Winner: Garea **

The Crusher v. Price Kharis w/James Mitchell
Referee: James Beard
This was short but wild match that saw more action on the floor than in the ring. Crusher was busted open in the opening minute when he went into the ring post. It was a brawl from that point and Crusher was able to catch Kharis with a CRUSHER BOLO to get the win after just three minutes. Winner: Crusher * ½

Dick Hutton v. Angelo Poffo
Referee: Morgan Dollar;
The action was back and forth from the bell with both men using near flawless counters in an effort to gain the upper hand. Poffo picked up some momentum but a whip to the corner and charge was blocked with double knees. Hutton then whipped Poffo into the corner and charged in resulting in a vicious collision. Hutton was up first and was able to quickly apply an ABDOMINAL STRETCH to dazed Poffo for the victory after 5 minutes. Winner: Hutton * ½

Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) v. Moondogs (Moondog Rex & Moondog Spot) w/James Mitchell
Referee: Joey Marella;
The Bees used double teaming early on to control the action and keep a fresh man in the ring against Spot but Spot was able to counter a suplex attempt from Blair and get the tag. Rex took over with bites and punches and then caught Blair with a running knee in the corner for the three count that really came out of nowhere after eight minutes. Winners: Moondogs *

Canadian Heavyweight Title Tournament Match – “Rowdy” Roddy Piper v. Larry Hennig
Referee: Dick Woehrle; Dr. Mike Lano at ringside
What a match to kick off the title tournament. Hennig used size advantage early on to punish Piper especially against the buckles with tackle, forearms and chops. Piper made a comeback and trapped Hennig in a SLEEPER but Hennig was able to make the ropes to keep the match going. Hennig battled back and connected with to back to back THE AXE but could not keep Piper’s shoulders down for three. The action was back and forth. Hennig nearly submitted Piper with a bear hug and later PIPER downed Hennig with a back suplex for a two and three quarters count. Late, Piper was able to get the match outside and Hennig went hard into the post. A bloodied Hennig was then quickly trapped in a SLEEPER and Piper advanced after 14 minutes. Winner: Piper **** ½

Texas Death Match – Brian Christopher & “Superstar” Bill Dundee v. Austin Idol & Greg Valentine
Referee: Morgan Dollar;
This may have been one of the most violent matches yet. All four men were a bloody mess before the match was over. Everyone made use of chairs and a turnbuckle wrench in and out of the ring. Both sides exhausted their pin save attempts. Dundee used his SUPERSTAR BOMB and Christopher hit his HIP HOP DROP but could not come away with the win. Idol took a particular beating and lost a tone of blood. In the end, Valentine trapped Dundee in a FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK to get the submission while Idol was just able to trip up Christopher after 27 minutes. Winners: Valentine & Idol *****

The Loop
May 14, 2023 London Gardens: Canadian Heavyweight Title Tournament The Crusher v. Mike Rotunda, Canadian Open Tag Team Champions Road Warriors v. Moondogs; Texas Death Match – Greg Valentine & Austin Idol v. “Superstar” Bill Dundee & Brian Christopher; “Rowdy” Roddy Piper v. Baron Von Raschke; Rick Rude v. Larry Hennig; Killer Bees v. Tiger Conway Jr. & Brickhouse Brown

May 15, 2023 Oshawa Civic Centre: Canadian Heavyweight Title Tournament Rick Rude v. “The British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith

May 16, 2023 Niagara Falls Memorial Auditorium: Canadian Heavyweight Title Tournament Dick Hutton v. Baron Von Raschke; Canadian Open Tag Team Title Match; Rockin Robin v. Malia Hosaka

May 17, 2023 Stouffville Arena - Spot Show

June 15, 2023 Maple Leaf Gardens: Semi-Finals and Finals of the Canadian Heavyweight Title Tournament, Canadian Open Tag Team Title Match

[TTX]

Ontario continues to rock and Piper winning is always great and Valentine and Idol continue to be a fun team.

[cruefan68]

Interesting turn of events with Randy Savage winning the NWA World title and having to leave the territory thus vacating the Canadian Heavyweight Title. This creates an opening for someone else to grab the gold and thus far the tournament is off to a good start. Cool to see Roddy Piper advancing to the next round.

[bookerbill]

Card 54 London Gardens, London, ON- May 14, 2023

Disco Inferno v. Dick Hutton
Referee: Morgan Dollar;
The story in this one was Hutton dominating the action but Inferno just finding ways to kick out of all the pin attempts and make the ropes to escape submissions which not only frustrated Hutton but also made the fans irate. The finish came with an ABDOMINAL STRETCH after six minutes. **

Prince Kharis w/James Mitchell v. “The British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith
Referee: James Beard;
This was an awesome display of power as the fans were brought to their feet by superplexes, powerslams and gorilla press slams from the Bulldog who dominated a large part of the match. A twisting power slam ended it after 12 minutes. Winner: Smith * ½

Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) v. Brickhouse Brown & Tiger Conway Jr.
Referee: Morgan Dollar;
Handshakes started this one off and the action was no stop after that. Both sides were able to make frequent tags to keep fresh in the ring. Conway Jr. looked very impressive and picked up a two count on Blair with a FLYING HEAD BUTT. Brown ended up getting cut off from his corner but back to back SLEEPERS from Blair did not get the win. Conway Jr. survived a KILLER DROPKICK and later Brown was able to kick out after BEE STING. The fans were roaring but the Bees had control and a second rope clothesline from Blair to Brown ended it after 15 minutes. Winners: Bees ***

Rick Rude v. Larry Hennig
Referee James Beard;
Hennig took over from the opening the bell and Rude just managed to hang on after THE AXE and make the ropes to escape a bear hug. Rude was almost counted out after a backdrop onto the floor. Rude finally broke through and dominated the second half of the match. Twice, Rude rammed a chair into the midsection of Hennig during brawls on the floor. The fans hated it but it was enough to solidify Rude’s dominance and a top rope sledgehammer ended it after 12 minutes. Winner: Rude ***

“Rowdy” Roddy Piper v. Baron Von Raschke
Referee: Dick Woehrle;
Von Raschke attacks Piper before the bell and unleashes a vicious assault that earns him heat from the fans and several warning from the official. Von Raschke makes a critical error when he telegraphs a backdrop allowing Piper to counter with a piledriver. Piper takes over the match including a bulldog, back suplex and neckbreaker. The action spills to the floor where both men tear it up. Weohrle has lost control and calls for the double disqualification as both men continue to brawl until security arrives to break thing up after seven minutes action. Winner: Double disqualification. **

Canadian Heavyweight Title Tournament – The Crusher v. Mike Rotunda
Referee: Morgan Dollar;
Crusher was all over Dollar before the bell and the referee appeared shaken up. Crusher carried on that aggression against Rotunda and aside from a fireman’s carry from Rotunda, dominated the match and advanced after a CRUSHER BOLO after two minutes. Winner: The Crusher. DUD

Texas Death Match - Brian Christopher & “Superstar” Bill Dundee v. Austin Idol & Greg Valentine
Referee: Dick Woehrle;
Dundee and Idol were a bloody mess within the opening two minutes of action after smashing each other with a turnbuckle wrench introduced by Idol from under the ring. It was back and forth as both teams used a chair and the ringside rails to punish each other. Idol, despite being battered, managed to trap Dundee in a LAS VEGAS LEGLOCK. Valentine blocked the save but Dundee managed to pull himself under the ropes to keep the action going. Christopher had control against Valentine but Valentine ducked out of the corner sending Christopher crashing into the buckles. Valentine rolled him up, using the ropes for leverage, and score the pin after 14 minutes, thanks to a really quick three count from the official. Winners: Idol & Valentine. ***

Canadian Open Tag Team Champions Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) w/Paul Ellering v. Moondogs (Moondog Rex & Moondog Spot) w/James Mitchell
Referee: Morgan Dollar; Dr. Mike Lano at ringside
The Moondogs and Mitchell cornered Dollar before the bell and the official was not pleased. This was a wild encounter from start to finish. The Moondogs were able to frustrate the champions with defensive tags which prevented the Warriors from getting anything going. The Moondogs managed to cut off Animal for a stretch and worked him over scoring a near fall. Hawk and Animal managed to battle back. There was a prolonged brawl on the floor and it looked as if the referee was going to throw out the match but Dollar decided to let the action continue. Spot ate three double clotheslines from the Warriors throughout the contest which ended up back on the floor with all four men trading blows. The Moondogs decided to make use of the bones and Dollar has seen enough calling for the disqualification after 17 minutes. Prince Kharis suddenly appears and is able to take out Hawk, Animal and Ellering allowing the Moondogs to leave the ring with the title belts! Winners: Warriors by disqualification *** ½

The Loop
May 15, 2023 Oshawa Civic Centre: Canadian Heavyweight Title Tournament Rick Rude v. “The British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith; Canadian Open Tag Team Champions Road Warriors & Paul Ellering v. Moondogs & Prince Kharis; Dog Collar Match Greg Valentine v. Brian Christopher; Texas Death Match Austin Idol v. “Superstar” Bill Dundee; “Rowdy” Roddy Piper v. Baron Von Raschke

May 16, 2023 Niagara Falls Memorial Auditorium: Canadian Heavyweight Title Tournament Dick Hutton v. Baron Von Raschke; Canadian Open Tag Team Champions Road Warriors v. Moondogs; Rockin Robin v. Malia Hosaka

May 17, 2023 Stouffville Arena - Spot Show

June 15, 2023 Maple Leaf Gardens: Canadian Heavyweight Title Tournament Semi-Finals – “Rowdy” Roddy Piper v. The Crusher; Finals of the Canadian Heavyweight Title Tournament, Canadian Open Tag Team Title Match

[TTX]

Looking forward to Piper Raschke rematch.