Welcome to a weekend edition of LOW All-Star Wrestling. Sorry if this one reads long but I had a lot of fun putting it together and it pays tribute to a classic Memphis television angle (The Bill & Buddy Show) as well. Hope you enjoy the action and the lineup reveal for King of Trios...LOW All-Star Wrestling (Episode 49) - WMC-TV5 Studios - Memphis, TN (Card #902)Announcers Lance Russell & Dave Brown opened the broadcast by narrating footage of WrestleCade IX (Card #900 in Las Vegas, NV) and Kings Road United at the Tokyo Dome (Card #901). The memorable moments of both shows were discussed including the Road Warriors (Animal & Hawk) becoming record eight-time LOW World tag team champions by defeating the Midnight Express in Tokyo. It was announced that their first title defense will come against D-Lo Brown & Kenny King on an upcoming SWA card in Mobile, AL (Card #904). They discussed how Lou Thesz retained the LOW World Heavyweight title beating Bobo Brazil in the main event at WrestleCade IX and how his next title defense will be against former champion “The Solid Man” William Muldoon on an AWE card in Chicago, IL (Card #905). It was noted that Muldoon, coming off a huge victory over another former world champion in George Hackenschmidt at the big event, could be the one to dethrone Thesz.
After some more discussion of Thesz vs. Muldoon they noted how the women of SHIMMER may have stolen the show at WrestleCade IX with two title changes as the Canadian Ninjas (Portia Perez & Nicole Matthews) beat Cheerleader Melissa & Sara Del Ray for the tag titles and Lufisto won the singles title from Sherri Martel in a brutal Dog Collar Match. The studio audience applauded that and Russell said that another great moment at WrestleCade IX came when Bruiser Brody won the PWI Invitational Cup Tournament beating Curt Hennig in the finals. They then tossed it to a pre-recorded video from Brody:
●Bruiser Brody, appearing in a wilderness area somewhere in the southwest, carried the PWI Invitational Cup trophy over his shoulder while clutching his chain in the other hand. The volatile freelance star barked several times before making a statement. He said that the past year had been filled with disappointment including losing to Antonio Inoki in a Steel Cage Match in KRU. He also noted the end of his partnership with another freelance star, Randy “Macho Man” Savage, and said that was the start of a change as when he accepted the check from Bobby Heenan to turn against Savage it showed his true colors. He said that he is all about money and that when someone wants his services they will have to pay up and pay up big. He said that Savage learned that lesson the hard way and that if the “Macho Man” wants a piece of him he will have to track him down. As for the PWI Cup he said that winning the tournament proved that he is the best and that he will decide when and where he will challenge for the LOW World Heavyweight title in the coming year.
DB: “That was an intense message delivered by one Bruiser Brody and with that Lance here is what we have coming up on the broadcast today. Up first we have some exciting action courtesy of the IWA as Shaun Ricker goes against Chuck Taylor, the “Kentucky Gentleman”. Also in action we have “The Magnificent” Don Muraco who made some of his own headlines during WrestleCade IX weekend, The Mongols (Bepo & Geeto) appearing courtesy of KRU, the popular duo of The Crusher & Hacksaw Jim Duggan and a big championship match as Roderick Strong defends the LOW Tex-Arkana Television title against Timber, “The Insane Lumberjack”.”
1)
IWA Offer Match: Shaun Ricker vs. Chuck Taylor was a Draw:
IWA Commissioner David Marquez joined Lance Russell & Dave Brown on commentary for this match pitting Shaun Ricker against the “Kentucky Gentleman” Chuck Taylor. Marquez made a big announcement that the King of Trios lineup will be revealed following the match and that as part of the three day event it will be Jon Davis attempting to win an IWA contract when he faces Kevin Steen in a Fight Without Honor. The three discussed the intense history between Davis and Steen as the match between Ricker and Taylor played out. This was a great bout with both men coming close to victory several times. Ricker used the D.T.B. and Gravy Train, his version of the Celtic Cross, for big near falls. Taylor countered with sensational moves like the somersault suicide dive and springboard moonsault. With time running out it was Taylor hitting the Awful Waffle but Ricker kicked out just before the three count. Moments later the bell sounded ending the bout in a time limit draw.
●A special video vignette aired detailing the upcoming King of Trios tournament, the first one presented by the IWA after being run by CHIKARA in previous years. It was announced that the three-day tournament will open up at The Palmer Center in Easton, PA (Card #908) with night two being held at the National Guard Armory in Philadelphia, PA (Card #909) and the finals taking place at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA (Card #910). The following first round matches were then revealed:
House of Truth (Delirious, Rhino, & Matt Taven) vs. Dem Boys of War (Mark Briscoe, Jay Briscoe, & Eddie Kingston)
OLDE Wrestling Nation (Matthew Cross, Big Sue Jackson, & Marion Fontaine) vs. O'Shea Can You Sea reDRagon (Mikey O'Shea, Bobby Fish, & Kyle O'Reilly)
The Colony (Fire Ant, Soldier Ant, & Green Ant) vs. Ultra-Calli-Mack (Ultramantis Black, Sami Callihan, & Willie Mack)
Feel The Bang! (Diamond Dallas Page, Mister ZERO, & Tommy End) vs. 3.Ole (El Generico & 3.0)
UK Elite (Nigel McGuinness, Finlay, & Drew Galloway) vs. Sleazy Best Friends (Joey Ryan, Chuck Taylor, & Trent Barreta)
House of Humperdink (Ox Baker, Kevin Sullivan, & Eddie Gilbert) vs. Sky High (Rob Van Dam, Ricochet, & PJ Black)
Project VAL (Tursas, Brodie Lee, & Jay Lethal) vs. American Dragon Wolves (Bryan Danielson, Davey Richards, & Eddie Edwards)
Pringle Dynasty (Mike Quackenbush, Brian Cage, & Lance Hoyt) vs. Bullet Club (AJ Styles, Matt Jackson, & Nick Jackson)In addition, it was noted that the Rey De Voladores tournament will return for nights two and three featuring some big names coming in from outside of the IWA including Chris Sabin, ACH, Steve O’Reno and last year’s winner Tyler Black. The second night will also feature a special in-ring appearance by the unique Dalton Castle who is currently in negotiations for an IWA contract. The third night will also feature a special rematch between former tag team partners as Brian Kendrick of PCW will take on Paul London of the GWA in an IWA ring. The first time the two met on LOW All-Star Wrestling it was Kendrick getting his hand raised in victory so the volatile London will be looking to gain revenge in this special inter-promotional battle.
2)
The Mongols defeated Naptown Dragons:
KRU stars The Mongols (Bepo & Geeto) made a special appearance on ASW taking on the Naptown Dragons (“Die Hard” Dustin Lee & Scotty Vortekz). Russell took some time out during the match to discuss the big eight-man tag team elimination match at WrestleCade IX or more specifically Sabu walking out on his team instead of going against his uncle The Sheik. He said that they reached out to Sabu and his manager Bill Alfonso along with The Sheik and his manager Abdullah Farouk but were unable to get any comments on the situation. Russell said that it bears watching as Sabu and The Sheik potentially united again could cause a lot of trouble for everyone in the NWC. The two teams engaged in a furious match featuring a number of near falls. Most notable was Geeto hitting the Top Rope Knee Drop on Lee and going for the pin but Vortekz made the save. He wound up elbowdropping Geeto on the head and put Lee on top as the referee was distracted with Bepo. He then turned to count and Geeto barely kicked out of the pin. Vortekz looked great during his time in including teaming with Lee for Kiss of the Dragon on Bepo for another near fall. The Dragons almost pulled this one off but in the end it was The Mongols hitting a Double Clothesline on Lee with Bepo covering him to score the pin.
3)
Don Muraco defeated Henry Irslinger:
The capable Henry Irslinger took on SWA star “The Magnificent” Don Muraco who made a big statement during WrestleCade IX weekend. Muraco viciously attacked Magnum T.A. after losing to him in a PWI Invitational Cup Tournament match. It was said that the two have signed to meet in Mobile, AL (Card #904) and that it will most likely be a war. Russell said that Muraco is one of the more impressive physical specimens in all of LOW and that reverting to his old attitude may be what brings him even more success. Brown countered that Magnum is a former LOW World Heavyweight champion and that his thirst for revenge will be something that Muraco had better be prepared for. Muraco showed just how formidable he is in this match as he dominated Irslinger almost from the start. Muraco would use the over the shoulder backbreaker for a submission chance before planting Irslinger with the Hawaiian Hammer to score the pin.
●As the show returned from commercial break a shocking turn of events took place. While Lance Russell and Dave Brown were going over the upcoming title match they were rudely interrupted by “Superstar” Bill Dundee of the AWE. Dundee got in the face of Russell and said that people like him are the reason that he has to do the things he does. Russell countered that Dundee should be upset after he and King Kong Bundy lost to The Crusher & Hacksaw Jim Duggan in the big Steel Cage Match during WrestleCade IX weekend. That set off Dundee who shoved the announce table and called out Bundy. The 446-pound behemoth out of Atlantic City, NJ, came out carrying a smaller table which he set up to the side in the interview area. Dundee then grabbed the mic away from Russell and told him and Brown to get out of there as he and Bundy were taking over the broadcast. They refused to leave but Dundee grabbed Brown’s microphone as well and handed it to Bundy. That left Russell and Brown to sit in silence as Dundee and Bundy got behind their own table. Dundee then dropped a banner down over the table reading:
“The Bill and Bundy Show!”
The studio audience jeered the sudden turn of events and Dundee jeered back at them. He then said that he and Bundy were ready for some championship action and they talked up the greatness of Roderick Strong, the defending LOW Tex-Arkana Television champion, as he and manager Truth Martini made their way to the ring for his title defense against Timber, “The Insane Lumberjack”…
4)
LOW Tex-Arkana Television title: Roderick Strong© defeated Timber to retain the title:
As Roderick Strong prepared for the match with Timber, who is a former LOW Tex-Arkana Television champion, Truth Martini wandered over to the “Bill and Bundy” announce table and said that this was a great day. He said that not only would Strong retain the title but Dundee and Bundy finally shut up “those blowhards, banana nose Russell and weather boy Brown” drawing laughs from the three. Dundee commended Martini on his managerial success and likened him to his own manager, Jimmy Hart, while adding that he expects the House of Truth to win the IWA King of Trios event. Strong looked very determined and he scored a quick near fall with a half nelson backbreaker. Timber mustered up a counterattack before Strong caught him with the Sick Kick to score the pin. It was a successful version three defense of the title for Strong and a smiling Martini handed him the title belt afterward. Martini then stated that Strong is the greatest television champion of all time and he will prove it at night two of King of Trios by defending the belt against “Unbreakable” Michael Elgin, a former two-time ROH Heavyweight champion. Dundee and Bundy then gave Strong a standing ovation and Dundee said that the “Superstar” agrees and that Elgin needs to find a different profession because he is out of his league.
●
Interview – PWI Editor Bill Apter:
This pre-recorded feature with PWI Editor Bill Apter almost didn’t air as Dundee and Bundy demanded to have more time to talk. The producer of ASW informed them that they had to run it so Dundee told him to go ahead but to make himself useful and go get them a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken. He said Bundy was hungry so make it two buckets and that would help them to not fall asleep while Apter was talking. The two were laughing it up as the video came on and Dundee said “I hope that idiot doesn’t actually go to Kentucky because there is a KFC down the street” drawing a bellowing laugh from Bundy. Apter said that he was filing his report from the PWI offices in Blue Bell, PA, and that up first he wanted to congratulate Bruiser Brody on his big win in the PWI Invitational Cup Tournament at WrestleCade IX. He then said that LOW Commissioner Charlie Cox had sent him a fax with some interesting transactions, including a talent trade, which he was asked to reveal. He noted that a total of seventeen stars had moved on under the LOW banner and the list was revealed as follows:
● Stevie Richards (AWE to NWC)
● The Blue Meanie (AWE to NWC)
● Fritz Von Goering (PCW to NWC)
● Reginald Love (PCW to SWA)
● Hartford Love (PCW to SWA)
● The French Angel (GWA to AWE)
● Finlay (GWA to AWE)
● Brad Armstrong (SWA to PCW)
● Cousin Luke (SWA to PCW)
● Alofa (NWC to GWA)
● Samu (NWC to GWA)
● Afa, Jr. (NWC to GWA)
● John Tolos (AWE to PCW)
● Chris Tolos (AWE to Free Agent)
● Ed “Strangler” Lewis (SWA to Free Agent)
● Talent Trade: The GWA traded the contract of Val Venis to the SWA for the contract of Bob RoopApter said that there were some intriguing moves being made and in particular he liked the Blue World Order (Stevie Richards & The Blue Meanie) going to the NWC and the Samoan Island Tribe (Alofa, Samu, & Afa, Jr.) heading to the GWA. He also thought that Brad Armstrong leaving for PCW was a bold move as his father, “Bullet” Bob Armstrong, opted to remain with the SWA. He felt that the younger Armstrong could really benefit from a change of scenery. He also liked seeing Finlay move to the AWE and he feels that the tough Irishman could make a big impact there. He said the most shocking moves were Ed “Strangler” Lewis leaving the SWA to become a free agent and former LOW World tag team champions John & Chris Tolos, the Hamilton Wrecking Crew, splitting up with John going to PCW and Chris electing to become a free agent. He got word that Lewis has already signed to appear on the next tour of KRU in Japan. He finished by saying that John Tolos going to Pacific Coast Wrestling is very intriguing as the “Golden Greek” has always been a huge name on the west coast.
As the video ended and went back to the studio Dundee had his head down on the table pretending to be asleep while Bundy was eating a chicken leg from a bucket with a picture of his face on it. Bundy shook Dundee awake and the “Superstar” threw it to commercial but said to stay tuned as two “liars and cheats” named The Crusher & Hacksaw Jim Duggan would be featured up next in tag team action…
5)
The Crusher & Hacksaw Jim Duggan defeated The Executioner & Johnny Rodz:
Bill Dundee and King Kong Bundy remained behind their makeshift “The Bill and Bundy Show!” announce table as The Crusher & Hacksaw Jim Duggan entered the ring to take on the ASW team of The Executioner & “The Unpredictable” Johnny Rodz. The two immediately talked about how they were screwed out of a win during WrestleCade IX weekend and began openly rooting for The Executioner and Rodz. They even interfered at one point with Dundee handing The Executioner a wrench which he hit The Crusher with resulting in a big near fall. As The Crusher and Duggan began mounting a comeback an irate Dundee began shouting “look at that, that ain’t right” repeatedly trying to say that they were cheating. Eventually it was The Crusher nailing Rodz with the Crusher Bolo to score a snake eyes pin.
Following the match it was The Crusher wielding a chair and Duggan wielding his 2x4 while heading over to the makeshift announce table forcing Dundee and Bundy to vacate it. The Crusher swung for the fences smashing the front of “The Bill and Bundy Show!” announce table while Duggan swung away with his 2x4. It didn’t take long before they destroyed the table and then handed the microphones back to Lance Russell and Dave Brown. Dundee and Bundy then returned and the four brawled around the studio until LOW officials were able to get them back to the locker room area. Russell then threw it to commercial break ending a very chaotic scene.
6)
Virgil defeated George South:
This expiration of time match saw George South go against “Wrestling Superstar” Virgil as Lance Russell and Dave Brown returned to their announcing duties. During the match it was Russell revealing that next week on historic episode number fifty of LOW All-Star Wrestling it will be Ricky Landell getting a chance to challenge for the LOW Junior Heavyweight title which is currently held by Johnny Saint. He then revealed that based on the situation on this broadcast LOW Commissioner Charlie Cox has ordered The Crusher & Hacksaw Jim Duggan to face Bill Dundee& King Kong Bundy on that show with a major stipulation as the entire losing team will have to leave their home territory of the AWE. Brown said that is going to be a big main event and what a way to celebrate episode fifty of ASW. Virgil dominated early and locked South in the Cobra Clutch to score a submission victory. With time left it was South battling back and coming off of the top rope with a Flying Bodypress for the pin to even up the score. That left a deciding fall to the expiration of time and it wound up with Virgil getting the victory by a count of 2-1 when he pinned South with a Knee Drop. Russell and Brown then ended the broadcast which they said will forever be remembered good or bad for an edition of “The Bill and Bundy Show”.
