One Week in Ontario

[bookerbill]

Nov 20, 2022 12:03:21 GMT -5 cruefan68 said:

Some wild action in Niagara Falls. I love seeing The Moondogs in the territory and they picked up a nice win even after Lou Albano was ejected. Juventud Guerrera finally ran into a roadblock by the name of Doctor X. Hopefully, Juvi can rebuild the momentum in his next outing.

Rob Van Dam vs. Frank Gotch is the match I never knew I needed to see. What an epic bout and Gotch takes the ECW World Television title to boot! On top of that, The Crusher & Ilio Dipaolo win tag gold from the Fabulous Kangaroos in almost squash fashion.

Two things I would not have expected to see are Gotch with an ECW title and the Kangaroos being soundly defeated. That is just another beautiful thing about the game as you can book matches like Gotch versus RVD, having it turn into a classic, and have results like Crusher & DiPaolo barreling through one of the greatest teams of all-time. You just never know what the dice will do.

Thanks for the comments! I am hoping that the Moondogs are going to cause some trouble in the tag team division but they will have to find more success then their outing at MLG.

Guerrera found success in tag team action at MLG but that was his final appearance in the territory.

Gotch with the an ECW title was an fun turn of events. I figured with James Beard officiating the advantage was with RVD so why wouldn't Fonzie accept the challenge to put the belt on the line? Gotch retained the belt again at MLG but RVD will get another crack at reclaiming the gold at the upcoming television taping. Perhaps I will make it under Vintage Charts to really test RVD!

The Kangaroos are again my champions so all has been set right in the territory... lol.

Doctor X has departed the territory for a run in the mid-west.

[bookerbill]

Nov 20, 2022 18:27:34 GMT -5 TTX said:

Titles jumping like hot potatos.

Indeed... One upset set right and another from a classic battle. Dr. X does the job on the way out of the territory.

Trying to decide who will challenge Rogers for the gold... Crusher, Vampiro, DiBiase, Stevens???

I have decided that the Moondogs will be the next challengers for the Canadian Open Tag Team Titles.

Lyons and Monroe are heading for a steel cage blow off in the coming cards!

[cruefan68]

Sorry to see Juventud Guerrera go but he had a good run. The MLG show really turned things upside down with Buddy Rogers beating Doctor X and the Kangaroos regaining the tag titles.

[gnw2022]

Finally caught up.....love this fed!!!....

[bookerbill]

Card 20 Memorial Gardens, Guelph, Ontario - Maple Leaf Wrestling Taping – December 12, 2022

Sputnik Monroe v. Keith Steinborn
Referee: Morgan Dollar
Steinborn turned heads to get the evening off to a chaotic start controlling a majority of the early action and scoring a near all after a DDT. Monroe managed to gain control countering a back body drop. Monroe punished Steinborn with stomps, chokes and slams before putting him away after eight minutes with a NECKBREAKER. Winner: Monroe **

Sinn Bohdi v. Hacksaw Jim Duggan
Referee: Morgan Dollar
Bodhi shocked many by dominating a majority of the match against the fan favourite Duggan who could get nothing going despite the fans pleas. Bodhi scored near falls after a clothesline and Baby Leg. Duggan survived a TALLULAH BELLE and then began a comeback that lead to a FLYING CLOTHESLINE. Bodhi got the shoulder up and the fans were unglued. Both men brawled and it was Duggan who finally was able to get the win with a Tough Guy Clothesline after 11 minutes. Winner: Duggan ***

Gordon Solie is joined by the Canadian Open Tag Team Champions Fabulous Kangaroos & manager “Wild” Red Berry. The Champions draw great heat with their self promotion and are fired up for their match tonight.

Canadian Open Tag Team Champions The Fabulous Kangaroos (Al Costello & Roy Heffernan) w/ “Wild Red Berry defeated Koko B. Ware & Ric McCord
Referee: James Beard
The Champions controlled against the Birdman early but McCord was able to get things going against Heffernan but a body slam attempt was blocked and Heffernan caught McCord with a Kangaroo Kick for the sudden win out of nowhere after just five minutes. Winners: Kangaroos *

Prince Kharis w/James Mitchell v. Virgil
Referee: Morgan Dollar
Dollar caused a commotion when she sent Mitchell packing before the bell and the fans loved it. Kharis appeared lost early on but soon enough his size gave him the upper hand. Shininomaki nearly ended before Virgil was able to draw on his boxing skills and battle back with jabs and punches. Kharis weathered the storm but made a critical error climbing to the corner. Virgil slammed him to the mat and then executed a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP for the win in his return to the territory after 12 minutes. Winner: Virgil. * ½

Nacho Barrera v. Billy Red Lyons
Referee: Morgan Dollar
There must be something in the water tonight as Barrera took control after strict instructions from the official. Barrera was able to regain control several times with counters including a double knee in the corner. Lyons was desperate for a opening and he found it when he rebounded off the ropes and caught Barrera with a perfect sunset flip for the comeback win after five minutes. Winner: Lyons *

NWA Canadian Heavyweight Champion Buddy Rogers v. Ilio DiPaolo
Referee: Joey Marella
The fans were all over Nature Boy as the match got underway. Rogers spent several minutes begging off and looking for an escape on the floor. DiPaolo would have none of it and had the fans roaring with an AIRPLANE SPIN but could not get the three count. Rogers finally went after the lower body and scored a two count after a jumping knee smash. The action was back and forth from that point with both men have points in control of the action. At one point, Rogers connected with back to back to back to back dropkicks that impressed many at ringside. Rogers continued to go over the leg of his opponent but it was an atomic drop that ended it after 16 minutes. Winner: Rogers *** ½

NWA Canadian Heavyweight Champion Buddy Rogers is the guest on the territories first ever “Press Conference” with Bill Apter and answers Apter’s questions with Nature Boy arrogance that has the fans up in arms.

Tully Blanchard w/J.J. Dillon v. Ron Hutchison
Referee: Joey Marella
Blanchard is clearly not liked by the fans at ringside but he pays no attention and exchanged counters with a game Hutchison. Blanchard goes after the eyes with rope burns and then catches Hutchison in the corner with a clothesline. SLINGSHOT SUPLEX followed for the three count after three minutes. Winner: Blanchard DUD

Tully Blanchard & J.J. Dillon join Gordon Solie for a post match interview but the comments of Dillon and Blanchard get the attention of Crusher who prefers to go his talking with his fists. A brawl starts and Crusher is quickly outnumbered allow Blanchard to use a chair to smash Crusher. Blanchard then chokes Crusher with the chair while Dillon stomps away until officials storm in and break things up. Crusher needs assistance leaving the area (3 card injury).

The Trooper v. Johnny Rodz
Referee: James Beard
Trooper was able to use his size to gain the advantage but it was standing dropkick that nearly took off Rodz’s head and really put the Trooper in control. The BIG PINCH was enough for the submission after just three minutes. Winner: Trooper. DUD

ECW World Television Champion Frank Gotch v. Rob Van Dam w/Bill Alfonso
Referee: Dick Woehrle; Vintage Charts
Alfonso is on the mic and tells Gotch to give Van Dam the same opportunity they gave him and put the title on the line. Gotch agrees but he tells Van Dam and Alfonso it will be a classic wrestling match, not the garbage that is presented in the American Northeast. Van Dam is game and showcases his own skills early. Van Dam picks up the pace and lands a series of moonsaults that has the fans rocking and the champion reeling. Body scissors cradle nearly ended it but Gotch managed to kick out at the last second. Gotch was in serious trouble but a head butt stunned Van Dam and allowed Gotch to go to the leg with a GOTCH TOE HOLD. Van Dam just made the ropes to escape. Gotch went work on the mat with guillotine chokes, backdrops and crossfaces. Van Dam was able to get back to a vertical base but the advantage was short lived as Gotch went back to the leg with a GOTCH TOE HOLD. Alfonso was not able to cause a distraction before Woehrle made a rather quick call for the submission. Winner: Gotch. ****

Mike Jackson v. David Taylor
Referee: James Beard
This was a showcase of the skills of the English competitors as Jackson could not find any offense whatsoever before Taylor used a BRITISH SUPLEX for the win in four minutes. Winner: Taylor DUD

The Mulkeys (Bill Mulkey & Randy Mulkey) v. Moondogs (Moondog Spot & Moondog Rex)
Referee: Morgan Dollar
Dollar once again caused a commotion sending Albano to the back before the bell which allowed the Mulkey’s to get in some offense against they much larger opponent. It did not last long as a running knee smash from Spot crushed Randy Mulkey and allowed the Moondogs to team up for a double clothesline for the three count after just five minutes. Winners: Moondogs *

The Moondogs are joined again by their manager Captain Lou Albano for some post match thoughts in which Albano declares the Moondogs the top team in the territory. Things bring out “Wild” Red Berry and Canadian Open Tag Team Champions Fabulous Kangaroos for an exchange of words and as the telecast cuts a break it appears the Moondogs had secured a title shot.

Ted DiBiase v. Ray Stevens
Referee: James Beard
The fans were psyched for this battle especially with Beard in charge of the match. Stevens pressed the attack early and looked to have a match in hand after a CRIPPLING PILEDRIVER. DiBiase kicked out of the cover and then kicked out after a second CRIPPLING PILEDRIVER. A vertical suplex put DiBiase back to the mat again. The action rolled outside and Stevens grabbed a chair and cracked DiBiase with the weapon. DiBiase retreated back inside and Stevens followed with the chair in hand. Beard tried to grab the weapon and Stevens decked the official before using the chair on DiBiase again. Beard called the disqualification after eight minutes. Winner: DiBiase by DQ ** ½

Dark Match – Texas Death Match Billy Red Lyons v. Sputnik Monroe
Referee: Dick Woehrle
Lyons has the immediate upper hand and much to the delight of the fans never allows Monroe any offense at all. The match never leaves the ring and no rules are broken before Lyons gets the three count with an atomic drop. Winner: Lyons DUD.

The Loop:
December 13, 2022 Memorial Auditorium, Kitchener: Cage Match Sputnik Monroe v. Billy Red Lyons, Canadian Open Tag Team Champions Fabulous Kangaroos v. Moondogs, Texas Death Match Ray Stevens v. Ted DiBiase, The Crusher v. Tully Blanchard, ECW World Television Title Frank Gotch v. Ilio DiPaolo

December 14, 2022, London Gardens, London
December 15, 2022, Kingston Centre, Kingston
December 17, 2022, Niagara Falls Memorial Arena, Niagara Falls

[TTX]

Shame when matches just don't go the right way. Go Gotch.

[cruefan68]

A really fun night of action in Guelph. Frank Gotch retains the ECW TV title over RVD and I like what looks to be the start of a rivalry between The Crusher and Tully Blanchard. Keep the great action coming my friend.

[bookerbill]

Card 21 Memorial Auditorium, Kitchener – December 13, 2022

Ric McCord v. “Mr. Electricity” Steve Regal
Referee: Joey Marella
McCord had the fans roaring with his early offensive attack. Regal struggled as a fireman’s carry slam and dropkicks put him to the mat. Regal managed to counter a turnbuckle charge and then execute a Russian leg sweep but that was about it as McCord roared back scoring a two count after a side saddle suplex and then getting the popular victory with a FLYING BODY PRESS after five minutes. Winner: McCord * ½

The Trooper v. Vampiro w/James Mitchell
Referee: Morgan Dollar
The fans were shocked to see Mitchell accompany Vampiro to ringside and Mitchell quickly got into it with the official who appeared intimidated by the exchange. Vampiro dominated early but the fans encouraged Trooper to get something going and he did including a suplex in the middle of the ring. Trooper went to the top but his attention was drawn to the floor by Mitchell which allowed Vampiro to slam his opponent to the mat. That was the turning point of the match and Vampiro took the victory after eight minutes of action with a NAIL IN THE COFFIN. Winner: Vampiro * ½

Hacksaw Jim Duggan v. David Taylor
Referee: Joey Marella
USA vs the UK in Canada… why not! Duggan had the fans rocking with his brawling and Taylor could not find any counter early on. Taylor showed some incredible toughness kicking out after a FLYING SPEAR but Duggan just kept coming with slams, punches and clothesline. Taylor kicked out of several covers before Duggan connected with a Tough Guy Clothesline that downed the Brit for the three count after seven minutes. Winner: Hacksaw Duggan * ½

Tully Blanchard w/ J.J. Dillon v. The Crusher (Inj)
Referee: Morgan Dollar
This was over in shocking fashion as Blanchard connected with a body slam and then a top rope sledge for win in under a minute. The fans are livid as Blanchard had his foot on the ropes to ensure the three count. Winner: Blanchard DUD

ECW World Television Champion Frank Gotch v. Ilio DiPaolo
Referee: Morgan Dollar
Gotch has words with Dollar before the bell and the second time tonight the official appears shaken up. Gotch has the control early including series of punches that stunned DiPaolo for a near fall. With the fans behind him, DiPaolo fired up and landed big right hands for a near fall. DiPaolo the struck with an AIRPLANE SPIN for two and three quarter count. Body scissors nearly ended it before another AIRPLANE SPIN gave the Italian competitor the championship in about six minutes. Winner and new ECW World Television Champion Ilio DiPaolo. **

Canadian Open Tag Team Champions The Fabulous Kangaroos (Al Costello & Roy Heffernan) w/”Wild” Red Berry v. Moondogs (Moondog Spot & Moondog Rex) w/Captain Lou Albano
Referee: Morgan Dollar; Dr. Mike Lano at ringside
Although the fans did not care for either team, this was an interesting clash of styles. It was back and forth until the double teaming of the champions gave them the upper hand. Moondog Spot was cut off and a Kangaroo Leap led to all four men brawling. The Moodogs were able to get the upper hand and Rex nearly ended it with a shoulder breaker on Heffernan. The Moondogs were in control of the match as the battle spilled to ringside where Moodog Spot clobbered Costello with his bone. Dollar called for the disqualification after 18 minutes. It was mayhem after the bell as the two teams were joined by the respective managers for a six way brawl until officials stormed the ring to break things up. Winners: Kangaroos by disqualification *** ½

Texas Death Match – Ray Stevens v. Ted DiBiase
Referee: Joey Marella
Another intense and bloody battle between these two. The action was back and forth before things got crazy. DiBiase attempted to smash Stevens with a turnbuckle wrench but Stevens turned the tables and bloodied his opponent with the weapon. The action went in and out of the ring. DiBiase scored a near fall after a FULL POWER SLAM and later used a LOADED GLOVE to get a two and three quarters count. Stevens was a bloody mess and DiBiase squeezed the crimson from his opponent with several sleeper holds. Stevens came back smashing DiBiase with a chair. BOMBS AWAY landed twice and CRIPPLING PILEDRIVER should have ended the match but DiBiase managed to put a foot on the ropes. DiBiase somehow came back and trapped Stevens in a FIGURE OUR LEGLOCK. Stevens rolled to the ropes and the fans were out of their minds. Stevens used the wrench again to knock DiBiase loopy and then landed two more CRIPPLING PILEDRIVERS after 20 minutes to take the fall. Winner: Stevens *****

Steel Cage Match – Billy Red Lyons v. Sputnik Monroe
Referee: James Beard
Lyons and Monroe tore into each other with punches just as Gary Michael Cappetta finished the introductions. Lyons gained the upper hand and punished Monroe battering him into a bloody mess within minutes. Lyons trapped on a SLEEPERHOLD but Monroe managed to ram Lyons backwards into the buckles to escape. It would be the first of many times Monroe would use this tactic to keep the action going. Lyons used his SLEEPERHOLD several times but could not put Monroe down. Monroe battled back and soon Lyons was bloodied as well after an atomic drop into the cage wall. Monroe used several piledrivers to slow Lyons and stain the mat with crimson. Lyons landed dropkicks and attempted to pick up the pace but could not get the win even after yet another SLEEPERHOLD. Both men were battered when Monroe choked Lyons on the ropes and then covered his opponent for the three count after 19 minutes of action for the win. Winner: Monroe ****

Booker Notes: Frank Gotch is departing the territory. Gotch was a finalist in the NWA Canadian Heavyweight Title Tournament and then quickly captured the title. He had two runs with the territory’s top prize and then captured the ECW World Television Title in a somewhat shocking turn of events. During his run, he had memorable battles with Jackie Fargo, Ken Shamrock, Great Gama, Randy Savage, Terry Gordy, Doctor X, Adrian Adonis and Rob Van Dam.

[TTX]

Quite the main event there. I'll miss Gotch.

[bookerbill]

Thanks TTX . Gotch was a main event fixture from the outset and his departure will leave a gap in the roster. But as you will below, business is about to pick up in the tag team division...

Card 22 London Gardens, London, ON- December 14, 2022

ECW World Television Champion Ilio DiPaolo v. Rob Van Dam w/Bill Alfonso
Referee: Dick Woehrle
The fans were stoked to see a title match right out of the gate and this battle of brawling and power against speed and extreme had a quick back and forth pace early on. DiPaolo managed to land big right hands to put Van Dam to the mat for a near fall. Van Dam battled back with kicks and a series of moonsaults before landing a FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH but could not get the three count. A leg drop across the guardrails does not sit well with the referee but Woehrle lets the match continue. DiPaolo digs deep and slows things with a cross arm sleeper and lands big right hands for another near fall. Van Dam comes back with a deathjump smash. He decides against a Van Daminator and instead uses a rolling fireman carry to set up a body scissors cradle. A FIVE STAR FROG SPLASH lands and Woerhle makes a rather quick count after 22 minutes of action. Winner and new ECW World Television Champion Rob Van Dam ****

Hacksaw Jim Duggan v. Prince Kharis w/James Mitchell
Referee: Morgan Dollar
Duggan has the fans cheering and he immediately vertical suplexes Kharis shaking the ring and then follows with a FLYING SPEAR for the win in under a minute! Winner: Duggan DUD

Sin Hodhi v. Koko B. Ware
Referee: Dick Worhrle
The fans dancing with the Birdman before the bell but there was no much for them to cheer about after the bell sounded as Bodhi had an impressive start. A Baby Leg gave him a near fall. Ware soon picked up the pace but had trouble sustaining any momentum. Ware kicked out after TALLULAH BELLE but he was never really in the match as Bodhi picked up a near fall after a standing leg drop and then picked up the win with his finisher after 12 minutes. Winner: Bodhi * ½

“Wild” Red Berry & Canadian Open Tag Team Champions The Fabulous Kangaroos (Al Costello & Roy Heffernan) v. Captain Lou Albano & Moondogs (Moondog Rex & Moondog Spot)
Referee: Morgan Dollar
Costello starts off against Spot and they go back and forth. Heffernan is in and gains the upper hand. Back to back Kangaroo Kicks are on target and are enough to get the three count after four minutes. The fans are not pleased with how quick this one ended but explode when “Iron Man” plays and Road Warriors Hawk & Animal storm the ring along with Precious Paul Ellering. The Road Warriors take out both teams in the ring and stand on the corners holding up the tag team titles. Winners: Berry & Kangaroos. DUD

Ric McCord v. Vampiro w/James Mitchell
Referee: Morgan Dollar
Mitchell and Vampiro are all over Dollar before the bell and the official is not pleased. McCord and Vampiro trade moves but Vampiro lands a superkick that stops McCord cold. Uranage lands and sets up NAIL IN THE COFFIN for the win after three minutes. Winner: Vampiro DUD

Ted DiBiase v. Billy Red Lyons
Referee: Dick Woehrle
The match started with an exchange of holds and counters that had the fans on the edge of their seats. Lyons picked up the pace with dropkicks and then mounted the corner for a deathjump but DiBiase pulled Woehrle into the path of his opponent taking out the official. Lyons looked to have the match won twice while the referee was down including a FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK. Woehrle recovered just as DiBiase took over control of the match. Lyons survived a pair of FULL POWER SLAMS. The action continued to go back and forth until DiBiase landed a middle rope elbow onto a prone Lyons for the three count after 15 minutes. Winner: DiBiase *** ½

The Crusher (inj) v. Tully Blanchard w/J.J. Dillon
Referee: Morgan Dollar
Dollar causes a huge reaction when he bounces Dillon from ringside before the bell which sets up the fans and upsets Blanchard. Crusher is able to take advantage of Blanchard’s condition and drops a big elbow before setting Blanchard up for a CRUSHER BOLO for the win in about three minutes. The fans love it. Winner: Crusher DUD

NWA Canadian Heavyweight Champion Buddy Rogers v. Ray Stevens
Referee: Morgan Dollar; Dr. Mike Lano at ringside
Rogers was begging off almost immediately after tripping over Lano at ringside. Stevens landed a BOMBS AWAY for a huge near fall and the fans could smell a second title change coming. Rogers came back countering a backdrop with a piledriver. Dropkicks landed before the action spilled outside. Rogers smashes Stevens with a chair but Dollar let the action continue. Stevens was able to counter a backdrop with a piledriver of his own. The action went back to the floor again where Stevens had the upper hand until Ted DiBiase jumped Stevens from behind! Dollar called for the bell and gave the match to Stevens via disqualification. Stevens and DiBiase brawled to the back as Rogers crawled back to the safety of the ring. Winner: Stevens by disqualification. ***

The Loop:
December 15th Kingston Centre, Kingston: Canadian Open Tag Team Champions Fabulous Kangaroos v. Moondogs; NWA Canadian Heavyweight Champion Buddy Rogers & Ted DiBiase v. Billy Red Lyons & Ray Stevens; Tully Blanchard v. The Crusher; Vampiro v. Hacksaw Jim Duggan

December 17th Niagara Falls Memorial Arena, Niagara Falls: Steel Cage Match Canadian Heavyweight Champion Buddy Rogers v. Ray Stevens; Texas Death Match Tully Blanchard v. The Crusher; Road Warriors & Paul Ellering v. Canadian Open Tag Team Champions Fabulous Kangaroos & “Wild” Red Berry

January 15th Toronto Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto: Canadian Open Tag Team Champions Fabulous Kangaroos v. Road Warriors; NWA Women’s Tag Team Champions Fabulous Moolah & Toni Rose v. Joyce Grable & Susan Green