RocketCrypt

CWF would like Stan and Abby on 10/22 if possible.

Thanks for the feedback, gents. Always nice to hear other's thoughts and know people are reading.

I agree with this. If someone wants it, go ahead. Otherwise, a dispersal draft is fair.

Don't worry I'll get around to you when I have the chance. Oh, my fault I should have been more clear that was really just a general statement and not directed at you. Yeah, I know. I just wanted you to know that people are reading and I do plan to comment/review fairly soon.

Don't worry I'll get around to you when I have the chance.

Just been catching up on your shows. Man, Flair/Martel seems to be one of the flagship feuds of the NWA right off the bat. This is the third territory I've read in a row where the two have had a confrontation. Loving Jim Holliday's antics on these TV shows, particularly the interaction with Turner. Being the main showcase for the NWA by featuring talent from all over the place really gives the shows a big time feel and will ensure the product never gets stale. Also, emphasising the competitive nature of every match has not gone unnoticed. Bockwinkel vs. Reed on TV sounds like a great treat and loved the ending with Jake who's already been established as the top heel in the promotion. Good to see the Gentleman's Club get a little heat at the end of the last TV after Holliday was ripped by Turner earlier in the taping, and there's nothing better than a wild brawl to close out any show. Look forward to reading more.

Enjoyed your first TV. I think the most important thing for a first show is to establish the major characters and you've done that here without giving away too much. Loved the Dr. D vignette, can't wait to see how you plan to utilise him. The introduction of the Iron Shiek was interesting, perfectly logical and I'm always a sucker for patriotism storylines. I liked how you established his motivations right off the bat. You really have an ethnically diverse roster. Some HUGE teams in the tag tournament and there's no better way to put the tournament over than by having a crazy tag brawl to close the show. Overall, a very good job. Look forward to reading more.

Just caught up with your shows. A few thoughts: Enjoyed the Canada Cup. It was fairly obvious from your championing of Martel that he was going to win the tournament and title, but usually the obvious choice is also the best choice, so I'm glad you went with him. Slaughter was a perfect choice to put him over in the finals and the hot angle with Flair to close the show really capped things off in a big way. Good follow up on TV to the seeds planted at the Canada Cup. Loved Ventura stirring the pot at every opportunity. It'll be interesting to see who Flair's mates are come the next Maple Leaf Gardens show. Look forward to reading more.

In an ideal scenario the motivation for most wrestlers should be some variation of either being the best at what they do, or to make as much money as they can, or both, and the title holds the key to all of these motivations. That's not to say they can't get sidetracked by personal issues with another wrestler. Obviously you need variation and not everyone can be challenging for the title at the same time. For me, there's nothing worse than a wrestler openly stating they want to "steal the show" or "have the best match". In a kayfabe environment, that's complete nonsense.

Hoping to read and give feedback to as many promotions as possible over the next 24 hours.

Championship Wrestling from Florida Taped: July 6, 1983, Air Date: July 9, 1983 [0:00 – 0:01] Gordon Solie welcomes us to an exciting edition of Championship Wrestling from Florida, a show which will feature without doubt one of the hottest wrestlers in the world, Roddy Piper, taking on Mark Youngblood, newcomer and youngster Curt Hennig squaring off against Ron Sexton, along with Terry Gibbs stepping in to the ring with the sadistic Mark Lewin, and a host of others. We can also expect to hear from “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, “The Prince of Darkness” Kevin Sullivan, and the future of the Florida Heavyweight title and US Tag Team titles will be addressed by legendary Floridian wrestler and promoter, Eddie Graham. Gordon Solie then introduces his special broadcast partner for the evening, “Cowboy” Ron Bass, who says he’s delighted to be here and looks forward to getting a front row seat to scout the competition in Florida. He also says he is very interested in hearing what Graham has to say regarding the Florida Heavyweight title and implies the belt will be around his waist sooner rather than later. Bass continues by stating Florida is home to the world’s premier wrestlers, none more so than the “Cowboy”. [0:01 – 0:08] Match 1: Curt Hennig vs. Ron Sexton Hennig is seen slapping hands with some of the fans at ringside as the introductions take place. He slides in the ring and is jumped by Sexton to kick things off. Hennig seamlessly asserts his superiority in the match with a flurry of arm drags and dropkicks. The crowd pop and seem very receptive to the pace and finesse on display. Solie discusses how Hennig was perhaps the most sought after top prospect in all of wrestling, and was fielding offers from numerous organisations from around the world, before choosing Florida above all the others. A dazed Sexton swings aimlessly towards Hennig but the youngster is able to duck and transition into a belly to back suplex. He then nails a downed Sexton with a knee drop. Clutching his face, but back on his feet, Hennig finishes Sexton off with a bridging cradle suplex, which is enough for the three count. The crowd pop big for the newcomer as he is announced the winner. WINNER: Curt Hennig [4:23] As Hennig celebrates with the fans, Solie talks about how we might have just seen the birth of a future star. Ron Bass refutes these claims by saying anyone can pick up a win on a given night, and there was nothing in Hennig’s performance to suggest he’ll be a legitimate threat going forward. Solie says he doesn’t know if he agrees with that assessment, before welcoming Hennig over for an interview. Hennig’s response to Solie’s line of questioning about his status as the top prospect in the world of wrestling is a humble one, as he talks about the competitive nature of wrestling being like no other sport. If he is a top prospect then it stands to reason that he should want to compete against the very best the world has to offer, and that is right here in Florida, namedropping Dusty Rhodes, Roddy Piper and Manny Fernandez as examples of that. Ron Bass, much like his criticisms of Hennig’s performance during the match, takes exception to these comments, saying he’s forgotten about Florida’s biggest star, before shouting “ME!”. Bass continues by telling Hennig he needs to hit a lot harder if he wants to be successful in the big time, while also accusing his bridging cradle suplex of being loose, saying a stronger opponent could have easily broken out. He finishes by stating: “If that was me out there, I would have done things differently, a lot differently.” Hennig responds: “Yeah, you probably would have lost the match”, before taking Bass’s cowboy hat and throwing it to one side, which the crowd love. Hennig leaves with a smile on his face as an irate Bass contemplates going after him, before eventually deciding to retrieve his cowboy hat. When he returns, he screams at Gordon Solie, telling him he’ll be in action next week. He hopes Curt Hennig will be watching, as he’ll get to see what a real wrestler looks like. [0:09 – 0:13] Commercials and local house show advertisements [0:13 – 0:20] As we return from commercial, the “Prince of Darkness” Kevin Sullivan can be seen lurking the ringside area while his follower, “The Purple Haze” Mark Lewin, stands inside the ring. The announcer introduces the combatants for the next match as Solie refers to Sullivan as “sadistic, devious and very, very dangerous.” Match 2: “The Purple Haze” Mark Lewin vs. Terry Gibbs This lacked the initial back and forth action of the opening contest but wasn’t a complete squash. Gibbs was allowed flurries of offence but ultimately they amounted to nothing as the larger Lewin neutralised his opponent with a series of stiff forearm strikes and knees to the neck of Gibbs. Lewin then whipped Gibbs to the ropes and, upon his return, locked in the sleeper hold. Lewin lets out an elongated scream while vehemently shaking Gibbs back and forth from one side to another, all without relinquishing his grip of the sleeper hold. Eventually, he slides to the canvas as it becomes clear Gibbs has passed out. The bell rings to signal the end of the match but Lewin doesn’t budge. Solie doesn’t know if Lewin is aware of the bell ringing or if he simply wants to inflict more punishment on Gibbs, noting that it’s probably the latter. Kevin Sullivan climbs into the ring. For a brief moment, he admires the work of Lewin. Solie is angered at the sight of blood haemorrhaging from Gibbs’ mouth as Sullivan grips the head of Lewin with both hands, who releases the sleeper hold upon command. Solie expresses his concern for Gibbs and states that officials may be needed to treat him as Sullivan and Lewin exit the ring. WINNER: Mark Lewin [3:01] The pair make their way over to the announcers desk, much to Solie’s discomfort. Sullivan talks while Lewin stand over Solie. He points to the ring and says that’s “just a small taste of destruction”. He references the “Army of Darkness” before asking Solie if he’s ever seen a two man army, because he hasn’t either. The pair leave Solie to speculate who or what could be joining this frightening duo, calling them possibly “the most dangerous threat to ever step foot in Florida wrestling.” [0:21 – 0:24] Commercials and local house show advertisements [0:24 – 0:28] We return from commercial and Gordon Solie expresses his delight at welcoming legendary Florida performer Eddie Graham to the show. Graham looks Solie dead in the eyes and says that both of them have had long and fruitful careers in the wrestling business and have travelled the world over. He says there is no territory in the entire world that can boast the same level of competition presented here in Florida. Solie agrees. Following the restructuring of the National Wrestling Alliance, he has reached a resolution which has seen both the Florida Heavyweight title and the US Tag Team titles vacated. Wearing those titles around your waist signifies you are the best at what you do in your respective division, says Graham. He acknowledges the importance and prestige of the titles, and says because of their reverence, CWF will not rush the crowning of a new champion. A lot of changes have been made in the wrestling world in recent times, and Graham says that in Florida they do things the right way. There will be no half ass battle royal to declare new champions, nor will there be any automatic contenders. He says reputation can go a long way in this sport, but every single wrestler will have to prove themselves over again if they want to wear gold around here. Eventually, new champions will be determined in the form of a tournament, where every spot is up for grabs. He concludes by saying he is paying special attention to each and every match taking place from tonight onwards, as a win will boost a wrestler’s chance of qualifying for the tournament, and a loss could send them straight to the bottom of the pack. [28:00 – 35:00] Match 3: Johnny Weaver vs. John Bonello An exciting back and forth match designed to showcase the abilities of Johnny Weaver, who, at 48 years old, proves he can still go. Solie says that he was speaking to Weaver before the show and he told him he believes he still has one final run left in him. With Eddie Graham’s announcement still fresh in the mind, Solie speculates whether Weaver is capable of shocking everyone and becoming the next Florida Heavyweight champion. The story of the match is built around Weaver trying to lock in the Weaver Lock, with Bonello continually thwarting his opponents attempts at the submission. The fans are firmly behind Weaver as he counters Bonello’s attempts at a body slam and wriggles behind him, again going for the Weaver Lock. The crowd pop big but Bonello charges forward into the ropes to break the hold. However, Weaver uses the momentum to execute a roll up, which gets the three count. WINNER: Johnny Weaver [5:59] [35:00 – 39:00] Commercials and local house show advertisements [39:00 – 42:00] “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes is in the house to talk about the announcement from Eddie Graham surrounding the Florida Heavyweight title. He says he’s held the gold a grand total of 12 times, more than anyone else in the history of Florida wrestling. But, he adds, the gold has been absent from his waist for the last three years. He talks about being NWA World Heavyweight Champion during that time and says it was a great honor to represent the sport of professional wrestling, but now he is returning to his roots, and there is no title that means more to him than the Florida Heavyweight title. Not only is Florida the number one place for wrestling, but it’s also his home. He’s not making any assumptions and doesn’t want his reputation to trump equality, but right now he wants to become the first man to express his desire of becoming Florida Heavyweight champion once again, and will defeat anyone and everyone that tries to stop him. Short, simple, but effective from The Dream. [42:00 – End of show] Solie briefly recaps what we have seen so far on the show before welcoming a man who “treads the fine line between controversy and brilliance”, Roddy Piper. Dressed ready for in-ring action, Solie welcomes Piper back to Florida and asks him about his upcoming opponent Mark Youngblood, and whether a win would stake his claim as a contender for the Florida Heavyweight title. Piper is animated when he calls Youngblood a hungry young lion, but says he hasn’t eaten today and can guarantee his hunger is far greater than Youngblood’s. As far as the Florida Heavyweight title is concerned, Piper says he doesn’t care about being the “quote, top dog”, complete with air quotes, but being the champion does have its perks. You see, the man who wears the gold collects the biggest pay checks, and that’s something that does interest him. Solie calls Piper “complex” and notes the fans are unsure how to take to him. Piper says he doesn’t do this for fan approval, and “it doesn’t matter whether they boo or cheer, because there’s only one Roddy Piper, and no one can change who I am.” MAIN EVENT: Roddy Piper vs. Mark Youngblood Piper looks lax as the pair lock up. Youngblood immediately sends Piper to the mat with an arm drag, which raises a smile from Piper, perhaps a moment of realisation. They continue the early exchanges with back and forth action at a brisk pace, with lots of whips and counters. Youngblood traps Piper in an arm lock but Piper scurries to the ropes and slides to the outside. He exchanges a few words with some fans in the front row, pointing towards Youngblood while talking. He stands on the apron and again turns to the fans, but Youngblood capitalises by pulling the ropes forward, launching Piper into the ring. Youngblood delivers a multitude of shots to the face, each of which send Piper to the mat. Youngblood’s lack of variation allows Piper to telegraph a punch and duck, nailing Youngblood with a clothesline as he turns around. Piper momentarily applies a chin lock before delivering a series of forearm strikes to the side of the head and neck. He whips Youngblood to the turnbuckle before doing a ten punch spot, which many of the fans start to get behind. Piper comes down off the second rope and hits a bulldog. This draws a near fall. Piper lifts Youngblood to his feet. He surprises the Scotsman with a school boy pin attempt, but it’s not enough for three. He then attempts three more pin variations in quick succession. This draws the ire of Piper who nails Youngblood with another clothesline, this one doubly devastating than the first. Piper then hits an impressive suplex before covering Youngblood. 1 . . . 2 . . . 3 . . . WINNER: Roddy Piper [8:12] Piper raises both arms in the air as he is announced the winner. He looks down at a beaten Youngblood before leaving the ring and heading backstage. Solie thanks fans for tuning in and is about to conclude his wrap up when the “Prince of Darkness” Kevin Sullivan and “The Purple Haze” Mark Lewin return to the ringside area. They climb into the ring and stand over Youngblood who is yet to fully recover from his match. He gets to his feet and stares down the two men. Cornered, Youngblood turns away before charging towards Sullivan, managing to get a few shots in before Lewin grabs him and the pair begin a two on one assault. They continue the beat down. Sullivan retrieves a spike from his tights and prepares to lacerate Youngblood. Meanwhile, the noise from the crowd flips from boos to screams as Roddy Piper charges back into the ring with purpose. He ducks a strike from Lewin and clotheslines him out of the ring, while Sullivan flees of his own accord. The Army of Darkness quickly retreat as a fired up Piper dares them to return. He kneels over Youngblood as the crowd scream with joy. Solie condemns the actions of Sullivan and puts over Roddy Piper’s save as CWF fades to black.

I don't think I'll always be able to necessarily post the TV shows on the actual date they are meant to air, which is unfortunate, but I will make sure I post one each and every week. I'm hoping to have the first one up later today.

This should be the tag line.

Just a quick note, this will officially begin with the July 6, 1983 TV taping. The aforementioned touring cycle will then resume. The taping will feature Roddy Piper in action, appearances from Dusty Rhodes and Kevin Sullivan, and a host of others. Plus, the future of the Florida Heavyweight title and US tag titles are expected to be addressed.

Great interview, really enjoyed that. Pumped for the launch now.

How long have the commentators used phrases like "match of the year candidate"? Don't recall hearing that sort of talk before.

CWF: Abby: 24/9

CWF: Abby: 8/3, 8/6, 8/27 Brody: 8/6, 8/13, 8/27 Hansen: 8/10, 8/13,

This is why I've yet to vote.

We know what Jim Crockett thinks about the future of the NWA title, what about the other two?

I'm leaning towards random, but only if they're not overdone. I do like the idea of certain elements being out of our hands. Also, it doesn't mean you can't have kayfabe injuries as well. My least desirable option would be the one that stays true to real life. I don't see the logic behind that one at all. To me, it's completely different to the retirement argument.

I'm a little lost on how we're handling the influx of new talent. They're coming in monthly now rather than every six months, right? How do we determine where they start off?

Sure, I'll let the champ pop over to Memphis before fulfilling his obligations in Florida.

The only situation was someone requesting imaginary dates then altering them after the fact to dates that have already been requested. Then failing to mention the talent in question was only needed for a quick morning TV angle.

Nah, you got the dates completely wrong. I could just as easily edit an earlier post and say I want so-and-so on X date, but that would be ridiculous.