LOW - Legends of Wrestling

[Crimson Cross]

That's really cool seeing Afa Jr win against Gorgeous George, but that MSG rematch would be great if George wins it. I like that Blackjack Mulligan won, but if Orton won that be cool too. Another cool victory was The Warlord and Greg Valentine, I really like that pairing...

[cruefan68]

Thanks for the comments Pariah and Crimson, hope you enjoy this upcoming action from the SWA...

LOW Southern Wrestling Alliance - Fort Homer Hesterly Armory - Tampa, FL (Card #884)

1) Ed Lewis defeated Dupae Rupa:
Veteran star Ed “Strangler” Lewis, who serves in an advisory role to Lou Thesz, took on “The Belgian Brawler” Dupae Rupa of ASW in the opening bout. Lewis has been working a limited schedule of late but the crowd was happy to see him here. Rupa fared will in the bout, including getting to the ropes to break the Strangler’s Headlock, but he fell in the end. Lewis caught him with the Bearhug and Leg Trip pinning his shoulders to the mat for the pin.

2) Tracy Smothers defeated Lord Humongous:
It has been a rough stretch recently for the “Wild Eyed Southern Boy” Tracy Smothers but he came away with a huge victory beating Lord Humongous of the House of Humperdink. Manager Sir Oliver Humperdink was at ringside hoping to see Humongous lay waste to Smothers. Almost from the start you could see the determination of Smothers as he used his speed to dominate his larger opponent. Humongous made a comeback using the overhead choke and blasted Smothers with the Humongous Clothesline knocking him out of the ring. Things appeared to be over when Humongous delivered the Wasteland Power Bomb but somehow Smothers kicked out just before the three count. Smothers also survived a headbutt with the hockey mask and would hit the Jawjacker to score the pin. The crowd erupted in cheers as Smothers picked up a huge win. It was a loss that would have great affect on the House of Humperdink as afterward Humperdink angrily told local reporters that Humongous has been a “disappointment” of late and that he was firing him just as he did Genghis Khan. Humongous is now a free agent in LOW as his SWA contract was terminated.

3) Bob & Brad Armstrong defeated Mike Graham & Brian Blair by DQ:
It is hard to believe but an outstanding scientific tag team match ended in a technical decision when things got heated. Hometown favorites Mike Graham & Brian Blair took on the equally popular father-and-son team of “Bullet” Bob & Brad Armstrong in what was a highly anticipated bout. Both teams looked great during the course of the bout including Graham and Blair using the Bee Sting, the move that Blair used with Jim Brunzell in the Killer Bees, on “Bullet” Bob for a near fall. Brad scored a big near fall on Graham when he delivered the Russian Legsweep. A great exchange between Graham and “Bullet” Bob saw the “Bullet” win out with karate chops and lock on the Sleeper Hold. Brad prevented Blair from making the save but Graham was able to escape by getting to the ropes for a break. Things broke down in the end when Blair and Bob were exchanging blows on the floor and Blair accidentally decked the referee who was trying to break it up. That action by Blair resulted in Bob & Brad Armstrong getting the disqualification win. Things cooled off afterward with all four men shaking hands and Blair apologizing to the referee for hitting him.

4) Tommy Rich, Hillbilly Jim, & Cousin Luke defeated Kevin Sullivan, Ox Baker, & Eddie Gilbert:
The popular team of “Wildfire” Tommy Rich, Hillbilly Jim, & Cousin Luke went into battle with House of Humperdink members Kevin Sullivan, Ox Baker, & “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert. Sir Oliver Humperdink was at ringside and was clearly focused on leading his men to victory especially after firing Lord Humongous earlier for losing to Tracy Smothers. That action clearly showed that Humperdink was not going to settle for anything less than the best results. His team was doing great during the early going isolating Rich and that included Gilbert scoring a near fall on him after hitting the Hot Shot. Big Jim helped turn things around for his team and nearly put Baker away via submission with the Bearhug. Baker got some revenge against Luke blasting him with the Heart Punch for a big near fall. Rich and Jim made the save there and then Gilbert tagged in quickly hitting Luke with a DDT for another near fall. Luke impressed by avoiding defeat and would later hit the Hillbilly Drop on Baker with Sullivan breaking up the pin. The finish of a wild bout saw Rich avoid a jumping knee smash by Sullivan and blast him with a Right Uppercut to score the pin. It was a bitter defeat for the House of Humperdink who were involved in a closed door meeting after the match.

5) D-Lo Brown & Kenny King defeated Blonde Bombers by DQ:
The brewing rivalry between D-Lo Brown & Kenny King and the Blonde Bombers (Chris Candido & Bobby Shane) continued in heated tag team action. J.J. Dillon was at ringside for the Bombers looking to get them in the win column. This one was all action from start to finish with both sides looking good. Brown hit the Lo Down on Shane early scoring a two count. Shane came back using the figure four leglock on King for a submission chance. King and Candido had some nice exchanges one of which saw King hit the Coronation for a big near fall. In the end it was Brown hitting the Lo Down for a second time on Shane but this time Dillon got involved. The manager pulled off his shoe and reached in hitting Brown in the head with it to save Shane from being pinned. The referee saw the interference and called for the bell giving Brown and King the victory via disqualification.

6) PWI Invitational Cup Tournament Qualifying Match: Antonino Rocca defeated Bob Roop to advance:
This meeting of past PWI Cup winners saw NWC star Antonino Rocca take on SWA star Bob Roop. Rocca, having traveled from New Jersey where he worked on an NWC card the night before, won the PWI Cup at WrestleCade V beating George Hackenschmidt in the finals. Roop was looking to be the first repeat winner as he won the event at WrestleCade VIII beating Hacksaw Jim Duggan in the finals. There has also never been a two-time winner in what is now the seventh annual event so both Rocca and Roop were looking to qualify in order to have a shot at making history. Rocca got the Argentinian Backbreaker on early but Roop escaped by raking his eyes. Roop mounted a strong offensive from there hitting both a piledriver and the Shoulder Breaker for near falls. He also trapped Rocca in a reverse stepover toehold going for the submission. The turning point came when Roop went for a deathjump (ch) but Rocca avoided it and cradled him for a two count. A short time later it was Rocca lifting Roop back up into the Argentinian Backbreaker and this time there was no escape. Rocca got the victory via submission and advances to the first round of the tournament where he will take on PCW star Dutch Savage.

7) PWI Invitational Cup Tournament Qualifying Match: Exotic Adrian Street defeated Angelo Poffo to advance:
With all of the controversy surrounding AWE star Angelo Poffo regarding his status in the Heenan Family and his relationship with his son Randy Savage one had to wonder if he was mentally prepared for this match with GWA star Exotic Adrian Street. Bobby Hennan was notably absent from ringside for this match. The flamboyant Street, accompanied by his valet Miss Linda, has scored some huge wins this year and he was hoping to qualify for the PWI Invitational Cup Tournament taking place during WrestleCade IX weekend. Poffo was all business as he dominated the early going but Street took advantage of a missed corner charge and executed a counter roll-up for a near fall. Poffo hit the Neckbreaker at one point but was unable to score a pin as Miss Linda distracted the referee. The two had a nice exchange going into the home stretch and this one ended when Street rebounded out of the corner with a Counter European Uppercut (sub for Running Lariat) and covered Poffo for the pin. Street moves on to the opening round of the tournament where he will face the very tough challenge of AWE star The Terrible Turk.

8) LOW World Heavyweight title: Lou Thesz© defeated Buddy Rogers to retain the title:
The main event was for all the marbles as Lou Thesz defended the LOW World Heavyweight title against longtime rival “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers who was joined by his manager J.J. Dillon. Since taking over the managerial reigns of Rogers, the very astute Dillon has been positioning him for this opportunity which was taken in exchange for relinquishing a spot in the 12-Man Gold Star Battle Royal upcoming at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY (Card #885). Both Rogers and Dillon felt confident that he would defeat Thesz here and earn the spot defending the world title in the main event at WrestleCade IX. Rogers looked great early and hit a barrage of dropkicks covering Thesz for a two count. He also locked on the Figure Four Grapevine but Thesz was able to reverse out of the hold. Thesz stormed back hitting his own barrage of dropkicks and a released power bomb scoring a two count. Rogers took it out to the floor and was nearly disqualified two times for getting out of line. Back inside it was Thesz reversing the momentum and trapping Rogers in the stepover toehold facelock, or STF. Dillon pleaded with Rogers not to tap out but Thesz cinched the hold on and ultimately the “Nature Boy” was forced to concede snake eyes style. It was a successful version two defense of the title for Thesz who will now go on to headline WrestleCade IX defending the LOW World Heavyweight title against the winner of the 12-Man Gold Star Battle Royal.

Rogers and Dillon were visibly upset following the loss, even briefly having words with each other, before the “Nature Boy” decked Thesz from behind. Dillon joined in on the attack and the two put the boots to Thesz unmercifully. Rogers then attempted to trap him in the Figure Four Grapevine but suddenly Ed “Strangler” Lewis hit the ring to make the save. Dillon quickly escaped as Lewis got in a good shot on Rogers knocking him out of the ring. Lewis afterward grabbed the mic and said that while Thesz is “a little busy” he has a clear schedule and he challenged Rogers and Dillon to show up on the next broadcast of LOW All-Star Wrestling (Card #891) to answer a special challenge if they “have the guts”. Dillon had to hold Rogers back and gestured to Lewis that they would see him in Memphis, TN.

[Pariah]

Enjoyed the victory by Tommy Rich, Hillbilly Jim, & Cousin Luke in the six-man match... And seeing the father-son duo of Bob & Brad Armstrong pick up the win was pretty cool (being that tomorrow is Father's Day and all)...

It was unfortunate that Adrian Street was able to capitalize on the emotional turmoil being experienced by Angelo Poffo... But, unlike Antonio Rocca, I don't expect that Street will make it past the first round of the PWI Invitational Cup Tournament...

And the show concludes with a superb title defense by Thesz... The challenge by Ed Lewis was perfectly timed and should make for another awesome confrontation... Excellent show, my friend... Thoroughly entertained!

[cruefan68]

For those interested I have opened up a poll at the following link to decide the final five roster spots in the IWA:

filsingergames.proboards.com/thread/15360/final-roster-spots

The inaugural roster will have fifty men on it. I have decided to hold two IWA cards during each ten card cycle so I should be able to have everyone involved regularly. Thanks in advance for your votes. Poll closes at midnight on 6/26.

[cruefan68]

Thanks for the comments Pariah, that card was really fun to roll out. Next up is an historic night of action at MSG which will decide who faces Lou Thesz for the LOW World Heavyweight title at WrestleCade IX...

LOW Northern Wrestling Corporation - Madison Square Garden - New York, NY (Card #885)

1) Naptown Dragons defeated Samoan Island Tribe:
The Samoan Island Tribe (Alofa & Samu) took a break from their war with The Sheepherders to go against the Naptown Dragons (“Die Hard” Dustin Lee & Scotty Vortekz) of ASW. It was hardly a break, though, as the Dragons are a very capable team and they showed why here. It was a pretty evenly fought battle most of the way with both teams hitting some nice double-team offense. It was a double-team move that finished it as the Dragons hit Kiss of the Dragon on Samu with Lee covering him for the pin. Things got worse for the SIT afterward as The Sheepherders and Ken Doane, their flag bearer, showed up at ringside waving the New Zealand flag. Security got in between them and The Sheepherders and Doane returned to the back leaving a very frustrated Alofa and Samu behind.

2) Iron Sheik defeated Ilio DiPaolo:
A hard fought match saw popular Italian star Ilio DiPaolo square off with the Iron Sheik. DiPaolo made a great accounting of himself against the highly rated Sheik and nearly won the bout. He executed his trademark Airplane Spin and went for the cover but Nikolai Volkoff had run down and provided a distraction. That allowed Sheik a chance to recover and he trapped DiPaolo in the Camel Clutch. He refused to tap out, however, and the Sheik released it and delivered a kick with the loaded boot shaking up DiPaolo. He continued on offense with a suplex attack until DiPaolo staged a late rally. He scored a near fall with a rope climb headlock takeover but then missed with a corner charge. Sheik took advantage of that and executed a Counter Roll-Up on DiPaolo while grabbing the ropes for extra leverage to score the pin.

3) Dick Hutton defeated Killer Kowalski by DQ:
A battle of hardened veterans saw Dick Hutton take on Killer Kowalski who was accompanied by his manager Captain Lou Albano. It was the first appearance by Albano since the last MSG card where he was injured courtesy of a top rope splash by Andre the Giant. The overbearing manager had his ribs taped but did not miss a beat as he grabbed the mic and uttered some gibberish to a jeering crowd. That aside this was a tremendous bout as Hutton and Kowalski traded control throughout. The only near fall came when Hutton scored a two count with the Oklahoma sideroll. It ended up on the outside where Kowalski took control and wound up hitting Hutton with a chair shot resulting in the disqualification decision.

4) Afa, Jr. defeated Gorgeous George:
There are times in sports where one team has the number of another team and in this case it is Afa, Jr., “The Samoan Storm”, having the number of Gorgeous George. After an upset victory over George on a recent NWC card in Trenton, NJ (Card #883) this rematch was quickly signed. George, accompanied by his valet Cherie Dupre, looked good early including using the Gorgeous Grip to subdue Afa, Jr. The tide turned when Afa, Jr. hit a counter running lariat out of the corner and nearly pinned George with the Samoan Drop. It looked to be over for sure when Afa, Jr. hit Lights Out but Dupre was able to distract the referee. Dupre later interfered on another pin attempt by spraying Afa, Jr. in the eyes with the perfume atomizer. George took over and scored a near fall with a rolling hiplock but Afa, Jr. struck back with a quick attack. George was busted open late in this one and in a bad way when Afa, Jr. connected with a second Lights Out and scored the pin. The crowd erupted in cheers as Afa, Jr. scored a huge win. A bloody George, who had to be assisted out of the ring by Dupre, is reeling going into his upcoming qualifying match against SWA star Magnum T.A. in the PWI Invitational Cup Tournament.

5) Sabu defeated Drake Younger by DQ:
The “Homicidal, Genocidal, and Suicidal” Sabu, accompanied by his manager Bill Alfonso, was in for some hardcore action as he took on the “Psycho Shooter” Drake Younger. Coming off of a great second reign as the LOW World tag team champions with partner Rob Van Dam, Sabu was looking for a big singles win as both he and RVD have decided to amicably break up their tag team. Sabu struck early with a spinning leg lariat and locked on the Camel Clutch but Younger fought out of it. He then went for the Triple Jump Moonsault but missed and Younger followed with an attack with the light tube. Alfonso repeatedly blew his whistle at the referee trying to get his attention as he felt Younger should have been disqualified. It didn’t take long after that for a DQ to be called as Younger assaulted Sabu on the floor using anything he could get his hands on. Sabu was declared the winner snake eyes style via technical decision but it didn’t end there. Another man jumped the guard rail and attacked Sabu with a Singapore Cane and it turned out to be Justin Credible! Credible and Younger assaulted Sabu as Alfonso frantically blew his whistle and suddenly it was Jerry Lynn running down to help out. Lynn was on standby in case someone was unable to appear and his arrival saw him and Sabu turn the tables on Younger and Credible driving them out of the ring. It was later learned that Credible has signed a contract to return to the NWC and that he and Younger will face Sabu and Lynn in a grudge tag team match on the next card in Providence, RI (Card #896).

6) George Steele defeated Tony Atlas:
A highly anticipated bout saw the popular “Mr. USA” Tony Atlas do battle with George “The Animal” Steele. The crowd was solidly behind Atlas who traded blows back and forth with his maniacal opponent. Steele twice got Atlas up in the Flying Hammerlock but the well muscled star was able to escape. Atlas rattled Steele with the big dropkick and jumping headbutt driving “The Animal” out of the ring. Steele recovered and wound up busting Atlas open with a foreign object shot leading to a big near fall. A very intense battle ended when Steele bit open the turnbuckle pad using the stuffing to blind Atlas. He then lifted him up into the Flying Hammerlock for a third time and that ended it. The referee called for the bell giving Steele the victory via submission and a bloody Atlas needed medical assistance post-match.

7) Stars & Stripes defeated The Sheepherders:
Two teams involved in the upcoming tag team tournament in Japan for Kings Road United, where the winners get an LOW World tag team title shot at the Tokyo Dome (Card #901), met as Stars & Stripes (The Patriot & Marcus Alexander Bagwell) took on The Sheepherders (Butch Miller & Luke Williams). Accompanied by their flag bearer Ken Doane, The Sheepherders looked to get the better of their patriotic opponents in the first ever meeting between the two teams. It was not to be as in the end Stars & Stripes came away with a big win. The finishing sequence saw the Samoan Island Tribe (Alofa & Samu) venture out to ringside and grab the U.S. flag out of the corner of Stars & Stripes and they taunted The Sheepherders and Doane with it. Doane frantically waved the New Zealand flag while on the inside Bagwell caught a distracted Miller with a Powerslam to score the pin. The Sheepherders and Doane were livid as Stars & Stripes joined the SIT in a victory celebration.

8) Diamond Dallas Page defeated Nikolai Volkoff by DQ:
The crowd was at a fever pitch as Jersey Shore native Diamond Dallas Page hit the ring to take on Nikolai Volkoff. This was the final appearance for DDP in the NWC as he has signed a contract with the IWA (Independent Wrestling Association). The powerful Volkoff out of Moscow, Russia, was looking to send DDP away with a defeat and he dominated this one for a good stretch. He used the Russian Bearhug and throat drop on the ropes to punish DDP during the bout. DDP struck back late and dropped Volkoff with a discus clothesline before they fought out of the ring. Volkoff was joined by the Iron Sheik in attacking DDP resulting in a disqualification being called by the referee. The two attempted a post-match attack but Ilio DiPaolo hit the ring to make the save drawing big cheers from the crowd. DiPaolo sent the Sheik out of the ring while DDP got the better of Volkoff and dropped him with the Diamond Cutter!

9) LOW International Heavyweight title: Greg Valentine defeated Jimmy Snuka to win the title:
An epic confrontation saw Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka put the LOW International Heavyweight title on the line against Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. Accompanied by his manager Captain Lou Albano, Valentine looked bound and determined to walk out of MSG as the new champion. Snuka had the crowd on his side as entered the ring and stared down both Valentine and Albano, his former manager. The two proceeded to engage in a brutal bout that saw them exchange stiff chops, forearms and headbutts. Snuka gained control and delivered the Superfly but Albano got up on the apron distracting the referee. Valentine then went for the Figure Four Leglock but was unable to get the submission as none other than Andre the Giant showed up at ringside. He reached in and grabbed the arms of Snuka pulling him to the ropes for a break. The referee took exception to that and ordered Andre to leave ringside drawing jeers from the crowd. Andre told the referee that he would go but that he was not going alone and he proceeded to chase Albano to the back drawing cheers from the crowd. It was now one on one and the two continued battling at a hectic pace. The popular Snuka took control and wound up busting Valentine open before hitting the Superfly again. He was late in making the cover, though, and Valentine managed to get his shoulder up just before the three count. Snuka was incensed feeling it was a slow count and the bloody Valentine caught a second wind. He had Snuka in serious trouble and wound up trapping him in the Figure Four Leglock again. Snuka tried to battle out of the hold but Valentine grabbed the ropes and reversed it back out of view of the referee. The punishing hold was too much for Snuka and he conceded giving Valentine the submission victory. Valentine captured his first championship in LOW as he became the new International Heavyweight champion.

10) 12-Man Gold Star Battle Royal:
With history having already been made it was time for the main event, the annual 12-Man Gold Star Battle Royal where the winner would go on to compete for the LOW World Heavyweight title facing Lou Thesz at WrestleCade IX in Las Vegas, NV (Card #900). Thesz, wearing a fine custom made suit and clutching the title belt, was among a number of luminaries sitting at ringside. He was joined by such notable names as LOW Commissioner Charlie Cox, former LOW Commissioner Massif, IWA Commissioner David Marquez, ROH promoter Cary Silkin, and Evolve promoter Gabe Sapolsky. Ring announcer Gary Michael Cappetta acknowledged all of the special guests before introducing the twelve men competing for the title opportunity. One by one they made their way to the ring although two of them, Fred Blassie and The Sheik, took the opportunity to jaw with Thesz before being escorted into the ring by LOW officials. Once the ring was filled with the participants it was Cappetta going over the rules which stated that eliminations were over-the-top rope and that the final two men left would compete in a one-on-one match with the winner getting the LOW World Heavyweight title shot at WrestleCade IX.

The Participants:

● George Hackenschmidt (GWA, two-time LOW World Heavyweight champion, one-time LOW International Heavyweight champion)
● Antonio Inoki (KRU, two-time LOW International Heavyweight champion)
● The Sheik (NWC, one-time LOW World Heavyweight champion, four-time LOW International Heavyweight champion)
● Bobo Brazil (NWC, two-time LOW World Heavyweight champion, one-time LOW International Heavyweight champion)
● Harley Race (KRU, two-time LOW World Heavyweight champion, three-time LOW International Heavyweight champion)
● Johnny Valentine (SWA, one-time LOW World Heavyweight, International and LOW World tag team champion)
● Nick Bockwinkel (GWA, two-time LOW World Heavyweight champion, three-time LOW World tag team champion)
● Frank Gotch (NWC, two-time LOW World Heavyweight champion, one-time LOW World tag team champion)
● Fred Blassie (NWC, two-time LOW World Heavyweight champion)
● Dan Severn (AWE, one-time LOW World Heavyweight and LOW International Heavyweight champion)
● William Muldoon (AWE, one-time LOW World Heavyweight champion)
● Rick Rude (AWE, two-time LOW International Heavyweight champion)

Order of Elimination:

● Antonio Inoki (by Rick Rude)
● Rick Rude (by Frank Gotch)
● Fred Blassie (by Frank Gotch)
● The Sheik (by Bobo Brazil)
● Harley Race (by Dan Severn)
● Dan Severn (by Johnny Valentine)
● George Hackenschmidt (by Nick Bockwinkel)
● William Muldoon (by Frank Gotch)
● Frank Gotch (by Johnny Valentine)
● Johnny Valentine (by Bobo Brazil)

11) Elimination Match: Bobo Brazil defeated Nick Bockwinkel:
After a furious Battle Royal it came down to two men – Bobo Brazil (6’4”, 280-pounds, Benton Harbor, MI) and Nick Bockwinkel (6’1”, 245-pounds, Beverly Hills, CA). Both men scored key eliminations during the Battle Royal portion of the match. Brazil ousted his arch rival The Sheik and SWA star Johnny Valentine, the latter coming after a torrid exchange. Bockwinkel, meanwhile, survived tough battles with both Valentine and Harley Race while ousting the feared “Russian Lion” George Hackenschmidt. He got the upper hand on Brazil early and nearly put him away with the Bockwinkel Sleeper. Brazil managed to twice fight out of that hold and took the battle to Bockwinkel scoring a big near fall with the Coco Butt. He followed that up with a big hammer punch for another near fall. Bockwinkel recovered and was able to apply the Figure Four Leglock but Brazil fought it and got to the ropes for a break. The crowd was at a fever pitch as the two men traded blows and both men wound up being busted open during the course of the match. More near falls followed in almost epic fashion building to a dramatic conclusion. Bockwinkel attempted to deliver a backdrop off of the ropes when Brazil countered with a big headbutt, or Coco Butt, to the shoulder and neck area. Brazil then quickly hooked Bockwinkel and trapped him in the Grinding Hammerlock riding it to a submission victory. The crowd exploded as the bell rang and Brazil won the golden opportunity of facing Lou Thesz for the LOW World Heavyweight title at WrestleCade IX.

Thesz entered the ring post-match and shook hands with both Brazil and Bockwinkel who were covered in blood from their grueling battle. Bockwinkel was obviously disappointed with losing but he showed great class by also shaking hands with Brazil. The three then posed together for a group photo taken by PWI Editor Bill Apter bringing a great night of action to a close.

[Crimson Cross]

Loved the Brazil victory, plus the win by the Naptown Dragons was top notch. Huge title victory by Greg Valentine and I want to see him have a long reign. I really enjoy your Gold Star Battle Royals, keep'em coming...

[bookerbill]

Brazil in the main event of WrestleCade IX is all good. Should be an interesting ride to the big event.

[Pariah]

Even though it ended in a DQ decision... HOLY SNAP! Sabu vs. Younger was a AMAZING! Had to take a few minutes to catch my breath after that one... Looking forward to Lynn & Sabu vs. Younger & Credible...

Was hoping for Snuka to retain... But, as a challenger, Valentine gave it everything he had and it was pretty cool to set him claim the prize...

And of course, the Gold Star Battle Royal exceeded all expectations... Huge props to Hack and Brazil for going the distance...

Epic show, my friend... Epic!

[EpicDave]

Love me some Bobo Brazil! Valentine over Snuka was definitely a shocker.

[cruefan68]

Thanks for the comments Crimson, Bookerbill, Pariah and Daytondave. The Gold Star Battle Royal is always one of my favorite events and seeing Bobo Brazil win sets up a great battle with Lou Thesz for the LOW World Heavyweight title at WrestleCade IX. I like the idea of two popular stars (or faces) meeting in the main event. I was not expecting Greg Valentine to win the gold and that result actually changed a plan I already had in place for WrestleCade IX so you just never know what the dice are going to do and that is what is so great about this game. Next up is a shocking night of action from the AWE, hope you enjoy it...

LOW American Wrestling Enterprise - Met Center - Bloomington, MN (Card #886)

1) The Executioner, Timber, & Johnny Rodz defeated Les Thatcher, Henry Irslinger, & Koko B. Ware by Count Out:
The stars of ASW were featured in a six-man tag team opener as Les Thatcher, Henry Irslinger, & “Birdman” Koko B. Ware took on The Executioner, Timber, & “The Unpredictable” Johnny Rodz. There was some great action in this one including Executioner nearly pinning Thatcher with the Headsman Guillotine but Ware made the save with a sliding dropkick. Timber also scored a near fall with Thatcher on the Log Splitter. This one ended up out on the floor with all six men battling it out when Rodz, who was the legal man, alertly rolled back into the ring getting the count out win for his team.

2) Erick Stevens defeated The Terrible Turk by DQ:
A second straight technical decision came in this match as Erick Stevens took on The Terrible Turk (Youssuf Ishmaelo). The Turk has qualified for the PWI Invitational Cup Tournament during WrestleCade IX weekend and he was looking to make an example of Stevens here. Stevens had other plans and he looked great early taking the battle to The Turk. It wasn’t long before The Turk turned the tables and scored a near fall with the Neck Wrencher. He then locked on the feared Stranglehold going for the submission but instead turned it into a choke. The referee called for a break but The Turk cinched it on and that resulted in the disqualification decision.

3) King Kong Bundy & Bill Dundee defeated The Crusher & Hacksaw Jim Duggan:
Grudge tag team action saw The Crusher & Hacksaw Jim Duggan take on First Family members King Kong Bundy & “Superstar” Bill Dundee who were accompanied by their manager Jimmy Hart. This was the return to the ring for Duggan after having been injured by Bundy for a second time in the AWE. Duggan was foaming at the mouth attempting to get revenge on Bundy and he nearly pinned the big man with the Flying Spear in the early going. Bundy would come back using his massive frame to hit the Avalanche on The Crusher. It looked to be over but Bundy insisted on a five count and The Crusher kicked out at the count of four! The crowd erupted as The Crusher mounted a strong offensive and trapped Bundy in the stomach claw going for the submission but Dundee made the save. A chaotic battle ended when Dundee got the upper hand on The Crusher and came off of the top rope with the Superstar Bomb to score a snake eyes pin. An all out brawl broke out post-match between the two teams and LOW officials had to flood the ring to break it up. Duggan went wild swinging his 2x4 and took out several of those officials. It was later learned that the two teams will meet in a Steel Cage Match as part of WrestleCade IX weekend in Las Vegas, NV (Card #898 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena).

4) LOW Tex-Arkana Television title: Roderick Strong© defeated John Tolos by DQ to retain the title:
The LOW Tex-Arkana Television title was on the line as Roderick Strong, accompanied by his manager Truth Martini, faced the “Golden Greek” John Tolos who was accompanied to ringside by his brother Chris Tolos. IWA scouts were in attendance watching Strong who has to be on the list of sure signings for the new promotion. It was all Tolos early including him hitting the Flying Knee Drop for a big near fall. Strong battled back and scored a submission chance with the Argentine Backbreaker. That was followed up with a two count courtesy of a Gibson Driver. Tolos may have been rethinking his strategy as he took it out to the floor roughing up Strong. He dropped him throat first on the guard rail and then threw him towards Chris who delivered a running boot to the face. The referee immediately called for the bell and gave Strong the victory by disqualification. The Tolos Brothers then tossed Strong into the ring going for another attack but Martini managed to grab his legs and pull the champion out to safety. It was a successful version one title defense for Strong but one that could have ended in disaster if not for Martini.

5) Falls Count Anywhere Match: Mad Dog & Butcher Vachon defeated Midnight Rockers:
An already chaotic card continued with a Falls Count Anywhere Match as the Midnight Rockers (Stan Lane & Marty Jannetty) took on Mad Dog & Butcher Vachon who had First Family manager Jimmy Hart in their corner. Hart was of no help to his men as he spent most of the match trying to avoid the physicality. This one went all over the building with all four men trading blows, including using assorted weapons. Mad Dog even took an umbrella from an old lady and jabbed it into the throat of Jannetty. A couple of near falls took place on the outside including one in the rest room area when Lane nailed Mad Dog with the Superkick. Butcher had some great moments in the bout particularly when he roughed up Jannetty in the ringside area. A wild and dangerous match would come to an end when Mad Dog blasted Jannetty with a Chair Shot to the head and covered him for the pin. A jubilant Hart jumped into the arms of Butcher post-match as Mad Dog bit down on the chair that he had just used for the victory. Hart could be heard shouting through the megaphone that “Mad Dog & Butcher are the next LOW World tag team champions, baby!”

6) PWI Invitational Cup Tournament Qualifying Match: Curt Hennig defeated Ray Stevens to advance:
Two stars of Pacific Coast Wrestling squared off in the qualifying round as Curt Hennig took on Ray “The Crippler” Stevens. The veteran Stevens was confident going in that he would be the one to advance. He got a pretty rude awakening as Hennig dominated the action from the opening bell including scoring near falls with The Axe and a standing dropkick. Stevens managed to turn it around briefly and scored a two count with the Crippling Piledriver. Though that move rattled Hennig he was able to recover picking Stevens off of the top rope with a bodyslam. A sleeper hold sapped the energy out of Stevens but “The Crippler” refused to give in. He hit the brutal Crippling Piledriver again as he mounted a big comeback. Unfortunately for Stevens he missed with a knee lift and Hennig quickly countered with a Rolling Neck Snap into a cradle hold to score the pin. As a result of his win it will be Hennig meeting NWC star Killer Kowalski in the first round of the PWI Invitational Cup Tournament taking place during WrestleCade IX weekend.

7) PWI Invitational Cup Tournament Qualifying Match: Ted Dibiase defeated Larry Zbyszko by Forfeit to advance:
One of the most controversial moments in LOW history took place as the “Million $ Man” Ted Dibiase of the GWA bought his way into the PWI Invitational Cup Tournament via a forfeit win over Heenan Family member Larry Zbyszko. Flanked by his bodyguard Kurrgan, Dibiase called both Zbyszko and his manager Bobby “The Brain” Heenan to center ring to make his offer. He talked about the past history of both him and Zbyszko as members of the Axis of Violence and how at the time it was Heenan attempting to play a role in bringing them down. He said that “time heals all wounds” and that now Zbyszko and Heenan are part of the greatest new stable in LOW in the Heenan Family.

After praising the two men he turned to Kurrgan who handed him a wad of cash and an envelope. He handed the envelope over to Heenan and told him not to open it yet. He then spoke directly to Zbyszko and said that they didn’t need to wrestle and that he was going to offer him cash in order to forfeit the match. Zbyszko looked uninterested and instead wanted to wrestle but Heenan pulled him aside and whispered in his ear. Zbyszko returned to Dibiase and shook hands with him accepting the money offer as the crowd jeered. Dibiase counted out a cool $50,000 in cash and handed it to Zbyszko as Heenan jumped around in joy. Zbyszko waved the cash around as Dibiase thanked them for his victory and then told Heenan he could open his envelope. The greedy manager opened it up and pulled out a check which caused him to drop to his knees in gratitude to the “Million $ Man”. Dibiase let out his trademark laugh as Kurrgan raised his arm in victory and so it will be the “Million $ Man” squaring off with SWA star Angelo “King Kong” Mosca in the opening round of the tournament. Heenan remained in the ring holding his check as he waited for the next match to begin…

8) Valiant Brothers defeated Randy Savage & Bruiser Brody by DQ:
The main event saw freelance stars Randy “Macho Man’ Savage & “King Kong” Bruiser Brody take on Heenan Family members the Valiant Brothers (Jimmy “Boogie Woogie Man” Valiant & “Luscious” Johnny Valiant) in a grudge match. With all of the recent controversy surrounding Savage and his father Angelo Poffo, who is a member of the Heenan Family, it was expected to be a heated affair. Before things got underway it was Heenan calling to the back and asking Poffo to come down to ringside which clearly rattled Savage. The referee gave strict orders to both Poffo and Heenan not to get involved or they would be ejected from ringside. Heenan could care less as he was smiling from ear to ear as he placed the check given to him by the “Million $ Man” Ted Dibiase in his pocket.

An angry Savage attempted to go after Heenan and Poffo but Brody pushed him back into the corner insisting that they focus on the match at hand. Savage reluctantly agreed but as the bell sounded he quickly shot towards center ring to lock up with Jimmy Valiant. It was pure chaos from that point as the “Macho Man” unleashed a furious attack on both Jimmy and Johnny. He paid for it, however, as he didn’t tag out and soon fell pray to the double-team assault of the Valiant Brothers. Heenan had a look of satisfaction on his face while Poffo looked on a bit concerned. Brody, meanwhile, stalked the ring apron barking and waiting for a chance to tag in. Savage was able to battle back but when he went for the tag it was Brody dropping off of the ring apron and refusing to help out. He then moved towards Heenan who had a big smile on his face and handed Brody the check that Dibiase had given him earlier! As Brody walked off an angry Poffo confronted Heenan demanding to know what was going on. Meanwhile on the inside it was the Valiant Brothers taking Savage apart while the referee tried to restore order. Poffo then ran in and began attacking Jimmy and Johnny to big cheers from the crowd. The referee called for the bell and gave the Valiant Brothers the win via disqualification but things were far from over.

The Valiant Brothers gained the upper hand on Poffo and tossed Savage out of the ring. They then held Poffo down as Heenan entered the ring and slapped the patriarch of the Poffo family. It was an insulting moment for Poffo but it wouldn’t last long as none other than ASW star “Leaping “Lanny Poffo ran in from the crowd and took Heenan out with a dropkick! The Valiant Brothers then jumped Lanny but Savage recovered and grabbed a chair which he used to clear the ring. The crowd was going wild by that point and what they got was an emotional Poffo family reunion in mid-ring. Whatever hostility there was before was wiped out in one night and the elder Poffo stood proudly with Randy and Lanny at his side and there is no doubt that all three will be looking for vengeance against Heenan and his men.