LOW - Legends of Wrestling

[EpicDave]

A new ROH Heavyweight Champion! Great match for Adam Cole- he has a really nice card. I predict a successful defense for Cole over Lethal.

[bookerbill]

agreed. Nice main event. Lots of potential matches that could come out of the title match

[Crimson Cross]

A fun ROH episode with what is cool in my book in The Grappler winning his PWiT match, plus I really like Delirious & Rhino as a tag team...

[cruefan68]

Thanks for the comments Daytondave, Bookerbill, and Crimson. That was a fun ROH show to roll out. Next up get ready for some "Saturday morning wrasslin' action" with the latest edition of LOW All-Star Wrestling!

LOW All-Star Wrestling (Episode 37) - WMC-TV5 Studios - Memphis, TN (Card #781)

The broadcast opened with announcers Lance Russell and Dave Brown discussing the big show on tap including a videotape segment with LOW Commissioner Charlie Cox who will reveal the participants in the 12-Man Gold Star Battle Royal. The big event takes place at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY (Card #785), and it will determine who goes on to WrestleCade VIII (Card #800 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA) to challenge for the LOW World Heavyweight title currently held by The Sheik. They also noted that The Sheik has an upcoming title defense against former champion Magnum T.A. in Baton Rouge, LA (Card #783) that could go a long way in determining who will be defending that title at WrestleCade VIII.

LR: “Who-kay folks this is going to be a great show and right now I would like to bring out a new champion here in LOW, the new LOW Tex-Arkana Television champion in one Curt Hennig out of Robbinsdale, MN. Welcome Curt.”

CH: “Thanks Lance it is great to be here today. I worked long and hard to attain a singles championship in LOW and beating an all-time great like Ed “Strangler” Lewis for this championship is a true highlight for me. My dad and I, Larry “The Axe” Hennig, have been having a terrible time dealing with the Sharpe Sports Agency, Inc. both in the AWE and now in PCW and it feels good to get a break from that. I am going on the road to defend this championship and I know back home in PCW my dad will be taking care of business.”

LR: “Larry “The Axe” Hennig is one double tough customer and I have no doubt that he can handle things for now. As for you, my friend, you are scheduled to defend that championship right here today against a man who scored a big victory last week on television and that man is Jim Powers.”

CH: “I saw the show last week and Powers beating Brutus Beefcake was a true highlight and a huge feather in his cap. I know that Powers has a great combination of power and speed and I take this challenge very seriously.”

LR: “You can bet that Jim Powers is ready and as a matter of fact he is in the ring right now so let’s get this championship action underway. Over to you partner.”

DB: “Thanks, Lance, and besides the television title match between Hennig and Powers we have some great action today featuring Mad Dog & Butcher Vachon, Sabu, and “Rowdy” Roddy Piper. We also have a qualifying match in the PWI Invitational Cup Tournament with Tracy Smothers taking on Diamond Dallas Page along with a big interview scheduled with Jim Cornette and the Midnight Express which should be interesting. Now let’s throw it over to ring announcer Gary Michael Cappetta for the championship match.”

1) LOW Tex-Arkana Television title: Curt Hennig© defeated Jim Powers to retain the title:
Whatever success that Jim Powers had in defeating Brutus Beefcake on the last broadcast was not present here as he took on Curt Hennig for the LOW Tex-Arkana Television title. Hennig was explosive on offense throughout this one including nailing Powers with the running knee lift and The Axe. Powers took a powder on the outside but it didn’t help as Hennig quickly caught him in the Sleeper Hold getting the victory via submission to retain the title.

2) Mad Dog & Butcher Vachon defeated Chief Omega & George South:
Tag team action was up next as the popular ASW combination of Chief Omega & George South took on the AWE team of Mad Dog & Butcher Vachon who had their manager Jimmy Hart at ringside. Omega almost pulled off a big upset when he caught Butcher with the Tomahawk Thrust for a near fall. Hart fired up his men and they came back strong focusing much of their attack on South. Mad Dog took over late in the bout and laid out South with the Piledriver to score the pin.

Interview – Jim Cornette and the Midnight Express:
Lance Russell introduced three-time LOW World tag team champions the Midnight Express (“Loverboy” Dennis Condrey & “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton) and manager Jim Cornette to a chorus of boos from the studio audience. Cornette came out wearing a neck brace and had his left arm in a sling. Russell immediately addressed the recent infighting between Condrey and Cornette and was looking for a comment from Condrey but Cornette interrupted. He said that it is all “water under the bridge” and that all of the blame falls on Lou Thesz and Tommy Rich. He claimed that Thesz intentionally injured him in their recent match and that along with Rich they were secretly trying to break up the Midnight Express by getting in the ear of Condrey. He then said that “Mama Cornette” and her team of attorneys will be taking legal action against Thesz, Rich, and the SWA. Russell called the accusations by Cornette “preposterous” and again asked Condrey for his thoughts but Cornette interrupted saying that he is the manager and spokesman for the team. Cornette said that he has been negotiating for a shot at the LOW World tag team titles on the next SWA card in Baton Rouge, LA (Card #783) and that he has an open contract waiting to be signed if the Fabulous Kangaroos “have the guts” to show up. Russell then said that he had some bad news for Cornette as the open contract had already been signed by another team who had sent in a videotape to be shown on the broadcast. An irate Cornette demanded to know who the Midnight Express would be facing in Baton Rouge so Russell threw it to an intense training video featuring freelance stars Randy “Macho Man” Savage and “King Kong” Bruiser Brody! Cornette blew a gasket and fainted into the arms of Eaton who dragged him backstage while Condrey remained behind. That allowed Russell to ask him for his reaction to the news and Condrey said that it was time for the Midnight Express to “put up or shut up” and that he would be ready for the match. He then shook hands with Russell and walked off. Russell concluded by saying that Eaton and Cornette could learn a lot from the positive outlook that Condrey has but that beating Savage and Brody would be a monumental task.

3) Sabu defeated Johnny Rodz:
The “Homicidal, Genocidal, and Suicidal” Sabu of the NWC, accompanied by his manager Bill Alfonso, went up against the “Unpredictable” Johnny Rodz. It was Rodz making a mistake as he tried to jump Sabu at ringside only to be slammed into a table. As Sabu took Rodz apart in the ring it was Alfonso stopping to talk with Lance Russell & Dave Brown. He informed them that Sabu has been unhappy of late but that he has rectified that by signing him to face Gorgeous George for the LOW Junior Heavyweight title on the MSG card. Sabu was all over Rodz, including hitting the controversial Arabian Facebuster, before coming off of the top rope with a Flying Bodypress to score the pin. Alfonso afterward said that Sabu will beat George and win the championship for a third time.

4) Roddy Piper defeated Virgil:
The popular “Rowdy” Roddy Piper of PCW took on “Wrestling Superstar” Virgil who was riding high from his win over Doug Gilbert, also of PCW, on the last ASW broadcast. Piper was in for a surprise before the match as Virgil presented him with an autographed photo inscribed “To Rowdy Roddy Piper, my biggest fan from “Wrestling Superstar” Virgil”! He smirked at the photo offer and then Virgil demanded twenty dollars for it so Piper slapped him instead and tore up the photo to a big pop from the studio audience. Virgil took exception to that and dominated this one for a good stretch including delivering the combo punches. Piper was resilient as always and hit a counter knee lift off of the ropes before trapping Virgil in the Sleeper Hold and getting the victory via submission.

Interview – LOW Commissioner Charlie Cox:
This pre-taped interview came from the main offices of LOW located in New York, NY, where LOW Commissioner Charlie Cox discussed the upcoming 12-Man Gold Star Battle Royal taking place at Madison Square Garden (Card #785). Cox said that the past history of the event has made it into one of the most important dates on the LOW calendar as the winner of the match would go on to challenge The Sheik for the LOW World Heavyweight title in the main event at WrestleCade VIII which this year takes place at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA (Card #800). He noted that the Battle Royal uses standard over the top rope elimination rules until the last two men are left and they then meet in a regulation match to determine the winner. That led to him announcing the names of the twelve participants in the match who were selected by an expert panel along with the LOW Board of Directors:

● Harley Race (KRU, two-time LOW World Heavyweight champion and reigning LOW International Heavyweight champion)
● Frank Gotch (NWC, two-time LOW World Heavyweight champion)
● Ed “Strangler” Lewis (SWA, two-time LOW Tex-Arkana Television champion)
● “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers (SWA, Triple Crown winner in LOW – World Heavyweight, World tag team, and International Heavyweight champion)
● “King of Men” Fred Blassie (NWC, two-time LOW World Heavyweight champion)
● “Million $ Man” Ted Dibiase (GWA, two-time LOW World Heavyweight champion)
● Nick Bockwinkel (Free Agent, two-time LOW World Heavyweight champion)
● Mil Mascaras (Freelance, seven-time LOW World Heavyweight champion)
● “The Solid Man” William Muldoon (AWE, former LOW World Heavyweight champion)
● Jim Londos (GWA, former LOW World Heavyweight champion)
● Lou Thesz (SWA, mentor of “Wildfire” Tommy Rich and pound-for-pound one of the best technical wrestlers in LOW)
● “Wildfire” Tommy Rich (SWA, protégé of Lou Thesz who has won eighty-four percent of his matches in LOW)

5) Jim Brunzell defeated Mr. X:
The popular Jim Brunzell out of the AWE took on the winless Mr. X. The hapless masked man went for an airplane spin early but Brunzell countered out and went on a nice offensive. He softened up Mr. X with a suplex before blasting him with the Killer Dropkick to score the pin. The loss dropped Mr. X to 0-48-0 in his LOW career.

6) PWI Invitational Cup Tournament Qualifying Match: Tracy Smothers defeated Diamond Dallas Page to advance:
Tracy Smothers (SWA) took on Diamond Dallas Page (NWC) in a great television main event with the winner advancing to the tournament. The two popular stars shook hands at the bell before Smothers exploded on offense scoring two counts with a slingshot dropkick and flying bodypress. DDP battled back and caught Smothers with a jaw breaker followed by the Diamond Cutter for a big near fall. DDP was beside himself as Smothers kicked out of his finisher. Smothers bounced back strong and hit his finisher, the Jawjacker, but DDP kicked out of the pin. The studio audience was at a fever pitch by this point and there would be an eruption of cheers when Smothers caught DDP by surprise with a Running Crossbody to score the pin. The victory means that Smothers will face GWA star The Mountie in the opening round of the tournament taking place during WrestleCade VIII weekend.

[Crimson Cross]

I have to say when I see "Double Tough" spoken by Lance Russell, it really gives me that classic pro wrestling vibe, a really nice aura if you will with your write-up's. Tracy Smothers winning over DDP in your PWiT is good stuff, plus I'm liking Curt Hennig as your Tex-Arkana TV Champ...

[cruefan68]

Thanks for the comments Crimson. I try to capture the feel of Saturday morning wrestling from Memphis and try to write for Lance Russell in his inimitable style. Thanks for noting that. Next up we travel to Puerto Rico for some GWA action and more history being made...

LOW Global Wrestling Association - Hiram Bithorn Stadium - San Juan, Puerto Rico (Card #782)

1) Johnny Saint defeated Henry Irslinger:
A great scientific battle opened things up as former LOW Junior Heavyweight champion Johnny Saint took on Henry Irslinger of ASW. Irslinger looked good early as he caught Saint with a counter cradle hold off the ropes and an airplane spin for near falls. Saint used his great technical and defensive skills to take over and executed The Russ Abbot and an elevated surfboard. An exchange of holds led to the finish with Saint trapping Irslinger in the Three In One for a submission victory.

2) Paul London & Super Crazy defeated Finlay & David Taylor:
The popular combination of Paul London & Super Crazy took on the “Belfast Bruiser” Finlay & David Taylor in an exciting, fast paced tag team match. London and Crazy were on fire early scoring big near falls on Finlay with the Assisted Shooting Star Press and a 450 Splash. Taylor helped rally his team back into it and scored a big near fall on London after hitting the British Suplex. The double tough Finlay was busted open late in the bout but showed his resiliency by kicking out after London caught him with a counter roll-up out of the corner. A short time later it was Crazy countering a back bodydrop by Finlay and hitting the Crazy Bomb to score the pin.

3) 2 Cold Scorpio defeated Dan Spivey:
The undefeated 2 Cold Scorpio took on “Dangerous” Dan Spivey in a spirited match. The powerful and intimidating Spivey has been in a sour mood of late and he was looking to take it out on Scorpio. The high flying Scorpio had different ideas, however, and used his speed to keep Spivey off balance. He scored with the Tumbleweed and then hit The Diss That Don’t Miss but Spivey kicked out just before the three count. Spivey fought back hitting a backbreaker and then nailed Scorpio with a big boot to the face for a near fall. A battle on the outside saw Scorpio nearly being disqualified after he hit Spivey with a chair shot to the back. Back on the inside it was Scorpio catching a stunned Spivey with a Handspring Kick to score the pin.

4) Ivan Koloff defeated Danny Hodge:
Popular three-time LOW Junior Heavyweight champion Danny Hodge had a tall order here facing off against the “Russian Bear” Ivan Koloff. The powerful star from Moscow, Russia, recently qualified to compete in the PWI Invitational Cup Tournament being held during WrestleCade VIII weekend and he was looking to build on that momentum here. Hodge was on the defensive most of the way as Koloff kept one step ahead of him. After a brief offensive flurry by Hodge it was Koloff catching him with a belly to belly suplex (ch) before locking on the Russian Bearhug to score a submission victory.

5) Apter’s Corner with Exotic Adrian Street:
PWI Editor Bill Apter welcomed his guests Exotic Adrian Street and his valet Miss Linda who were serenaded with a chorus of jeers from a hostile crowd. Street pranced around the ring while Miss Linda sprayed perfume around Apter. Street then grabbed the mic away from Apter and said that he knows what questions are going to be asked so he decided to give his answers. He said that the Hell’s Angels are no more thanks to “those two creampuffs” Steve Williams & Terry Gordy but there was nothing to worry about. He then referred to his ex-tag team partner Nigel McGuinness as “excess baggage” and that now he can concentrate on his solo career and bring “beauty back to LOW”. Apter interjected trying to ask a question but Miss Linda grabbed his arms and Street puckered up as if he was going to kiss him. It was a tense situation before none other than The French Angel hit the ring and grabbed Street by the hair tossing him out of the ring. He then grabbed Miss Linda and planted a kiss on her to a big pop from the crowd. She collapsed to the mat clutching her face as Street grabbed her legs and pulled her out of the ring. Street shot an angry glare back at the Angel before taking Miss Linda to the back. A smiling French Angel then shook hands with Apter as the crowd cheered him for his actions.

6) Andre the Giant & Jim Londos defeated Ted Dibiase & Kurrgan:
An epic tag team battle saw the undefeated “Eighth Wonder of the World” Andre the Giant & “Golden Greek” Jim Londos take on the “Million $ Man” Ted Dibiase & Kurrgan, the seven-foot bodyguard of the former two-time LOW World Heavyweight champion. Londos and Dibiase both received word from LOW Commissioner Charlie Cox that they will be part of the upcoming 12-Man Gold Star Battle Royal at MSG (Card #785) but that was on the back of their minds here. Londos has found himself outnumbered in his rivalry with Dibiase and that led to him recruiting Andre particularly to fend off Kurrgan. It worked here as Londos and Andre did a great job of isolating Dibiase and keeping Kurrgan out of the ring. Dibiase received a ton of punishment in this one particularly from Andre who used his full strength and body weight to dominate the “Million $ Man”. Andre floored him with a sitdown splash and a big headbutt among other moves. The finish saw Andre squeeze the life out of Dibiase with a bearhug which set up Londos executing the Airplane Spin to score the pin. The crowd cheered the victory by Andre and Londos as Kurrgan pulled Dibiase out of the ring and carried him to the back.

7) PWI Invitational Cup Tournament Qualifying Match: The Terrible Turk defeated Big John Studd to advance:
PWI Editor Bill Apter was an interested observer at ringside for this qualifying match as Big John Studd (Freelance) took on The Terrible Turk (AWE), a former holder of the LOW Tex-Arkana Television title. Studd used his intimidating size and power to dominate early including landing a throat drop on the ropes. The Turk battled back and locked on the controversial Stranglehold but Studd was able to break out of it by flipping him over. Studd followed with a big double arm suplex causing The Turk to bail out of the ring. After a wild battle on the floor it was The Turk coming back and locking on the Stranglehold for a second time. The controversial hold has sometimes led to a disqualification but this time it didn’t as The Turk cinched the hold on forcing Studd to concede the match. The Turk got a big submission victory and will go on to the tournament being held during WrestleCade VIII weekend where he faces ROH star “A Double” Austin Aries in the opening round.

8) LOW International Heavyweight title: George Hackenschmidt defeated Harley Race to win the title:
With Harley Race being named one of the twelve participants in the upcoming Gold Star Battle Royal at MSG (Card #785) he was hoping to get some momentum but he was faced with a difficult challenge in the “Russian Lion” George Hackenschmidt. A former LOW World Heavyweight champion, the feared Hackenschmidt just missed the cut to get into the big event. It was perhaps that slight that he used as motivation here as he challenged Race for the LOW International Heavyweight title. It was a great back and forth battle that saw both men have good stretches of dominance. Race won out in a battle on the floor and hit the Piledriver on Hackenschmidt but he kicked out just before the three count. Hackenschmidt struck back and twice locked on the Russian Bearhug but Race was able to battle out of the punishing hold. It became a war of attrition going into the home stretch as Race battered Hackenschmidt with a shoulder breaker and falling kneedrop. Hackenschmidt bounced back and scored a near fall with a knee smash before again trapping Race in a Russian Bearhug. Race tried to battle out of it but was worn down and the powerful Hackenschmidt cinched the hold on. The referee checked the arm of Race and it fell to the mat three times ending this one via submission with Hackenschmidt being named the new LOW International Heavyweight champion.

[Crimson Cross]

Wow! A great title victory for Hackenschmidt over Race, plus I really liked the PWiT victory by the Terrible Turk. What was a cool spotlight for me is the French Angel tossing Street to the floor and then kissing Linda, a really fun segment...

[cruefan68]

Thanks for the comments Crimson, The French Angel-Exotic Adrian Street-Miss Linda angle turned out pretty good and I am hoping the feud will as well. Next up is action from the SWA featuring a big double main event...

LOW Southern Wrestling Alliance - LSU Tiger Stadium - Baton Rouge, LA (Card #783)

1) Bob & Brad Armstrong defeated Danny Doring & Amish Roadkill:
The popular father-and-son duo of “Bullet” Bob & Brad Armstrong opened things up taking on Danny Doring & Amish Roadkill of ASW. Doring and Roadkill got a big disqualification win over Randy Savage & Bruiser Brody recently and were hoping to build on that win but it was not to be. Bob and Brad were clicking on all cylinders and controlled this one most of the way. Brad and Doring did have a nice exchange of counters at the midway point. After surviving the Lancaster Lariat of Lust it was “Bullet” Bob storming back and trapping Doring in the Sleeper Hold for a submission victory.

2) Bob Roop defeated Genghis Khan:
Former Olympian Bob Roop has qualified to compete in the PWI Invitational Cup Tournament but first he had to deal with the formidable Genghis Khan. Manager Sir Oliver Humperdink was not at ringside with Khan perhaps indicating tension between the two after Khan had an unsuccessful tour of the orient for Kings Road United. The dangerous Khan nearly won this one early when he connected with the Twin Thrust for a big near fall. Khan also used a variety of kicks and chops along with the Khan Nerve Pinch to control the action. Roop showed what he is made of by battling back including winning a battle on the floor. He laid out Khan with a piledriver and then got the win in this one via pinfall after executing the Gutwrench Backbreaker.

3) D-Lo Brown & Kenny King defeated Blonde Bombers:
For the second consecutive time it was D-Lo Brown & Kenny King getting one over on the Blonde Bombers (Chris Candido & Bobby Shane) and manager “Elegant” Eddie Fyne. Brown and King were on fire early scoring consecutive near falls on Candido as Fyne paced nervously at ringside. Shane got his team back into it taking the fight to King which allowed the Bombers to cut the ring in half for a good stretch. King would bounce back, though, hitting the Coronation on Shane but Candido made the save. “Bullet” Bob & Brad Armstrong showed up at ringside late in the match to observe the Blonde Bombers having thus far been denied a chance to take them on. Their appearance proved to be a shot of luck for Brown and King who won this one when Brown nailed Candido with the Running Power Bomb to score the pin. That was made possible due to King cutting off Shane from making the save while the Armstrong’s chased Fyne to the back.

4) Tracy Smothers defeated One Man Gang:
PWI Invitational Cup Tournament bound “Wild Eyed Southern Boy” Tracy Smothers took on House of Humperdink member the One Man Gang coming off getting the fall over OMG to win an eight-man tag team match. Smothers used his speed to overwhelm the 495-pound OMG early and twice hit the Jawjacker but manager Sir Oliver Humperdink was able to distract the referee. OMG bounced back and delivered the devastating 747 Splash but somehow Smothers kicked out before the three count. Humperdink argued with the referee over the count as OMG went back on the offensive. The big man from Halsted Street in Chicago, IL, dominated for a stretch delivering the scoop bodyslam among other moves. Smothers mounted a comeback and could have had OMG pinned after a slingshot dropkick but Genghis Khan ran down to provide a distraction. Smothers then took out Khan and hit a third Jawjacker on OMG to score the pin. The crowd cheered the huge victory by Smothers but there was tension post-match as both OMG and Humperdink admonished Khan for his failed attempt to prevent the defeat.

5) LOW Tex-Arkana Television title: Curt Hennig© defeated J.D. Michaels to retain the title:
The version two defense of the LOW Tex-Arkana Television title for Curt Hennig came against a former LOW Junior Heavyweight champion in J.D. Michaels. The cocky Michaels has had some great success in the SWA and was hoping to add to it here. Hennig was at his best in this one, though, and after surviving a superplex he would lay Michaels out with The Axe. A short time later it was Hennig executing his trademark Hennig Plex on Michaels to score the pin and retain the title.

6) PWI Invitational Cup Tournament Qualifying Match: Giant Bernard defeated Sugar Dunkerton to advance:
The popular Sugar Dunkerton (CHIKARA), one-third of The Throwbacks along with Dasher Hatfield and Mr. Touchdown, took on Giant Bernard (GWA) to see who would qualify for the tournament. With Hatfield having already been eliminated in the qualifying round it put the pressure on Dunkerton to advance. He looked good early including catching the 330-pound Bernard with a back bodydrop. Bernard battled back and leveled Dunkerton with a running avalanche in the corner. That move seemed to take the air out of Dunkerton allowing Bernard to follow up with a bottom rope guillotine. That was enough to put this one away as Bernard then hoisted up Dunkerton for the devastating Bernard Bomb to score the pin. The win means that Bernard will face Hacksaw Jim Duggan in the opening round of the tournament.

7) Midnight Express defeated Randy Savage & Bruiser Brody:
A huge semi-final match saw the freelance team of Randy “Macho Man” Savage & “King Kong” Bruiser Brody take on three-time LOW World tag team champions the Midnight Express (“Loverboy” Dennis Condrey & “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton) with manager Jim Cornette. The recent infighting between Condrey and Cornette has threatened to destroy the Midnight Express from the inside but the result on this night may have changed all of that. The Express were clicking on all cylinders in this one and took advantage of the inexperience that Savage and Brody have as a tag team. They did a great job of isolating Savage preventing Brody from doing much damage as he paced back and forth on the ring apron. At one point Eaton taunted Savage by deflecting a slap to the face and dropping him with the Divorce Court. He then delivered a top rope elbow which is the trademark finisher of the “Macho Man”. Cornette interfered late in the bout hitting Savage in the ribs with his tennis racquet prompting Brody to chase after the terrified manager. That allowed the Express to nail Savage with the Veg-O-Matic with Condrey covering him for the pin. It was a shocking finish and the crowd jeered the decision. Those jeers turned to cheers, however, when Brody grabbed his chain and chased Eaton and Condrey out of the ring as they attempted a post-match attack on Savage.

●Jim Cornette was out of breath but ecstatic backstage as he spoke to local reporters following the big win by the Midnight Express over Randy Savage & Bruiser Brody. He called the three-time LOW World tag team champions the “greatest tag team in the history of LOW” and said that the fences had been mended between him and Dennis Condrey. He was then joined by Condrey and Bobby Eaton with all three men holding up four fingers indicating that they are after a fourth world tag team title. Over in another locker room it was Brody trying to contain an irate Savage who tossed debris around and made a dent in a locker with his fist. Brody ushered the reporters out but made a statement saying that while he and “Macho” might be 0-2 as a tag team there will be “hell to pay” for their next opponents and said that the Midnight Express and Cornette had better expect them to seek a rematch down the line.

8) LOW World Heavyweight title: Magnum T.A. defeated The Sheik© by DQ:
The main event saw former LOW World Heavyweight champion Magnum T.A. getting his long awaited rematch for the gold as he took on defending champion The Sheik who was accompanied by his manager Abdullah Farouk. After losing the LOW World Heavyweight title to Frank Gotch in Baltimore, MD (Card #742), Magnum waited patiently to invoke his rematch clause but didn’t get a chance to do it against Gotch. Instead it was his longtime rival The Sheik who would go on to beat Gotch for the title in New York, NY (Card #767) and was now making his version two defense of the championship. Magnum previously challenged The Sheik several times for the LOW International Heavyweight title, including a match at WrestleCade VI in Los Angeles, CA (Card #600), but he went 0-4 against him in that series of bouts.

He came out like a house on fire in this one and quickly caught The Sheik with the Belly to Belly Suplex but a distraction by Farouk broke up the pin. Magnum followed up trapping The Sheik in an abdominal stretch for a submission chance. Things were looking bleak for The Sheik until he gained control after a battle on the floor and locked on the Camel Clutch. Magnum absorbed the punishing hold and managed to grab the ropes for a break. The wild battle continued with The Sheik being busted open after Magnum got a hold of his taped pencil and hit him with it. The battle went back to the outside and it was The Sheik drawing a snake eyes disqualification as he choked out Magnum with a camera cable. The crowd jeered the decision as it allowed the bloody Sheik to retain the title. Farouk quickly led his man to the back clutching the world title belt as Magnum unsuccessfully argued with the referee over the call.

[cruefan68]

LOW American Wrestling Enterprise - Century II Auditorium - Wichita, KS (Card #784)

1) Jim Brunzell vs. Matt Striker was a Draw:
The popular Jim Brunzell out of White Bear Lake, MN, took on Matt Striker of ASW in a fast paced opening match. It was all Brunzell early as he used the figure four leglock going for a submission and then nailed Striker with the Killer Dropkick for a big near fall. Striker got his foot over the bottom rope there and bounced back with a Lung Blower for a near fall. Late in the bout it was Striker executing the Golden Rule but Brunzell kicked out of the pin. With time running out it was Brunzell taking over and catching Striker with a flying headscissors into a cradle hold for another near fall. Moments later the bell sounded ending this one in a time limit draw.

2) Mad Dog & Butcher Vachon defeated PG-13 by DQ:
PG-13 (J.C. Ice & Wolfie D) have had their share of problems with Mad Dog & Butcher Vachon, along with their manager Jimmy Hart, and they were looking to dish out some revenge here. Ice nearly won it early won he surprised Mad Dog with a counter sunset flip off of the ropes for a near fall. Butcher turned things around for his team as he took over on Wolfie D capping things off with a backbreaker. The tense battle wound up on the floor where PG-13 drew a snake eyes disqualification as an out of control Wolfie D nailed Mad Dog with a series of chair shots. The battle continued post-match with a host of LOW officials having to break it up. As Hart tried to lead his men to the back it was Ice demanding them to return before throwing down a challenge for a Falls Count Anywhere Match to take place on the next edition of LOW All-Star Wrestling (Card #791 in Memphis, TN). Hart was reluctant to accept but Mad Dog interjected and said that it was on and that PG-13 will be finished.

3) John Pesek defeated Marty Jannetty:
Marty Jannetty, one-half of the Midnight Rockers along with Stan Lane, took on the “Tiger Man” John Pesek in singles action. It was the first singles match for the popular Jannetty in the AWE but he had Lane in his corner to counter Larry Zbyszko who was in the corner of Pesek. Zbyszko played a pivotal role early as he nearly caused Jannetty to be counted out by holding his leg from the floor but Lane made the save. A subsequent battle between Lane and Zbyszko saw the referee eject both men from ringside. Jannetty mounted a nice offensive that saw him hit the Rocker Dropper for a big near fall. Pesek got his foot on the bottom rope to break up that pin. It was a see-saw battle building to the finish which saw Pesek muscle up Jannetty for a waistlock slam before trapping him in a Body Triangle and Crossface resulting in a submission victory.

4) Angelo Poffo defeated Blue Meanie:
The returning Blue Meanie squared off against the man that injured him in “The Miser” Angelo Poffo who was accompanied by manager Bobby “The Brain” Heenan. A thirst for revenge fueled the Meanie but may have ultimately cost him in the end. The turning point in the match came when the Meanie went for a dive off of the ropes (ch) but Poffo rolled out of the way. Poffo followed with an aggressive attack and then delivered a Running Stomp to the head to score the pin.

5) No DQ Match: Dan Severn defeated Bill Dundee:
The heated rivalry between Dan “The Beast” Severn and “Superstar” Bill Dundee led to this wild No DQ Match being signed. Severn attacked Dundee before the bell to get this one started. Dundee managed to turn things around and after using a sleeper hold he caught Severn with the Superstar Bomb for a big near fall. He also used a chair on Severn before “The Beast” struck back with a German Suplex for a near fall. Dundee rallied and locked on a Boston Crab before hammering Severn with kicks and kneedrops. Severn would revert to his MMA background to win this one as he survived a stiff assault from Dundee and managed to trap him in a Choke Sleeper to get the victory via submission.

6) John & Chris Tolos defeated King Kong Bundy & Brutus Beefcake:
A big grudge match saw former LOW World tag team champions the Hamilton Wrecking Crew (John & Chris Tolos) take on the First Family team of King Kong Bundy & Brutus Beefcake who had manager Jimmy Hart in their corner. The Tolos Brothers have blamed Hart and his men for costing them the world tag team titles as John was twice put out of action with bruised and broken ribs courtesy of Bundy. This was the return to the ring for the “Golden Greek” and he made the most of it dishing out punishment to both Bundy and Beefcake. They managed to turn it around, though, and nearly pinned John after a running powerslam by Bundy and a Flying Knee Smash by Beefcake. The finish of a wild battle saw Chris get the upper hand on Beefcake and he nailed him with the Flying Knee Drop allowing John to tag in and score the pin. Bundy and Hart were none too pleased with the outcome as the recent slum pf Beefcake continued in this important match.

7) PWI Invitational Cup Tournament Qualifying Match: Roddy Piper defeated Roderick Strong to advance:
The battle for the final spot in the tournament between “Rowdy” Roddy Piper (PCW) and Roderick Strong (ROH) may have been the best match in the qualifying round. Strong, who was accompanied by his manager Truth Martini, survived an early onslaught by Piper and nailed him with the Gibson Driver and the Sick Kick for near falls. Piper battled back trapping Strong in the Sleeper Hold but Martini distracted the referee. Martini would get involved again later as Piper caught Strong in the figure four leglock going for the submission. He pulled the referee out of the ring and Piper released the hold allowing Strong to bounce back hitting the Sick Kick again for a near fall. Both men were busted open as they battled in and out of the ring narrowly avoiding a disqualification decision. It came down to a battle of fatigue and Piper caught Strong with a Back Suplex and rolled over on top of him to score the pin. The victory by Piper allowed him to advance to the tournament being held during WrestleCade VIII weekend where he will face Johnny Valentine in the opening round.

Here is the complete lineup for the first round of the tournament which takes place in Rome, GA (Card #797):

Antonino Rocca (NWC) vs. Blackjack Mulligan (SWA)
Bob Roop (SWA) vs. Ivan Koloff (GWA)
Antonio Inoki (KRU) vs. Mike Quackenbush (CHIKARA)
Bryan Danielson (PCW) vs. The Grappler (PCW)
The Mountie (GWA) vs. Tracy Smothers (SWA)
Austin Aries (ROH) vs. The Terrible Turk (AWE)
Hacksaw Jim Duggan (AWE) vs. Giant Bernard (GWA)
Johnny Valentine (NWC) vs. Roddy Piper (PCW)

8) LOW World tag team titles: Valiant Brothers defeated Fabulous Kangaroos© by DQ:
This rematch for the LOW World tag team titles saw the defending champions the Fabulous Kangaroos (Al Costello & Roy Heffernan, with manager Wild Red Berry) taking on the Valiant Brothers (Jimmy “Boogie Woogie Man” Valiant & “Luscious” Johnny Valiant, with manager Bobby “The Brain” Heenan). The previous meeting between the two teams in Dayton, OH (Card #766) saw the Valiant Brothers get a disqualification win due to interference by Berry. They were hoping to strike gold this time in what turned out to be an epic title bout. Both Jimmy Valiant and Roy Heffernan were busted open during the match which saw both teams score some big near falls. The Valiant Brothers scored with both the Top Rope Elbow and Spinning Neckbreaker to nearly dethrone the champions. A body block catapult by the Kangaroos turned the tables and Costello would later catch Jimmy in the Marble Bor Leglock going for the submission. Heenan interfered raking the eyes of Costello to break the hold and then Jimmy reversed it with a spinning toehold going for the submission. Things broke down after that and it would be the Kangaroos getting disqualified when Costello hit Jimmy with a boomerang on the outside. Heenan went crazy arguing with the referee as the disqualification call allowed the Kangaroos to retain the titles. The champions and Berry left ringside as Heenan and Johnny helped a bloody Jimmy up to his feet to mixed cheers from the crowd. The Valiant Brothers have every right to be upset as they now hold two straight wins over the tag team champions but left without the gold.

[Crimson Cross]

A draw to open the card was unique between Brunzell & Striker, plus the Main Event was solid stuff, but too bad the Valiants didn't win the gold. It's good to see Piper advance in the PWiT and I'm looking forward to more of the PWiT. The highlight for me was the Severn versus Dundee match, it's a great feud and it would've been cool if Dundee won, but none the less a cool bout...