spaldoni

Great opening segment. One thing I know, if Dundee and Bruno are talking Rip out of suspending DJ, they have a plan. Renesto is one of my favorites here. He gets some good attention today. His brother wants to team up but the Zebra Kid stands in the way. Intriguing. Yep, what a plan! I could see the studio crowd exploding at the finish. Man, I can't wait to see DJ as Dundee and Bruno's valet. Priceless.

Christopher is building serious momentum heading into his LHW title match. A squash match is always a great way to get a talent back on track. Lee's going to be alright. Look at that, Leo Burke is back home! Citadel and the Army sound like they're going to give the heels problems. I agree with Burke, Pacific is the place where stars are born. The Vampires are back and even more ruthless. HMMMM, Backlund is snapping a bit and Anvil noticed. Lethal Larry returns and joins up with the Diamond Exchange. I loved writing for him and Atlas, so I can't wait to see what you have planned for Cameron this time around. Portland, Perez is getting over with submission finishes. Singh is on a monster roll. He's found his place in Pacific. Burke's comeback kicks off with a win. Hall and Hennig could be a solid team here. They already proved it by defeating the Wrecking Crew. LOL, Rose gets a win any way he can. Severn regains his focus. Big moment for the Lethal Weapons as they take the champs to the limit. Eugene, Lynn tried but Malenko's experience was the deciding factor. Regal fires with fire and it worked. Anvil powers his way to another win. Another guy who's been on a roll is Furnas. The Wild Things are in full sync. It's going to be hard getting the straps off these guys. Cheetah Kid proves he belongs in the main event spot and is keeping the LHW title hot.

Cooley's always been a game favorite. Looking forward to watching him tear it up in the NWA. Watch out NWA, because the Sheepherders are back! I knew one thing was for sure after the Crockett Cup, and that is the Horsemen were going to party. What a scene. Tully is going to rock as champ. What I loved most was that during all the celebrating, Arn is all business. Get ready RnR. I can't wait for this feud. Lightfoot stays tuned up for Wahoo. Prichard wins a battle in the Beauty and the Beast feud. Damn! Tough Guy Inc really did a number on Boone. Ross vows revenge and the Buffalo Soldiers are reunited. I love this team and the name. Now we get to watch them reach their full potential. SSM and Abby get wild and crazy! This has been a gem of a feud and we're going to get plenty more. Worldwide, The NWA has a built up quite the tag team division. Add in the Patriots. Debeers gets the win but he's still got to deal with Brody. Battlebowl! Bring it on! Taylor better get ready because he's got a very pissed off Flair coming after him. Once again, I liked how you changed up the dynamics by having Flair feud with the Horsemen. You took a risk and it's paid off nicely. Props to you. Enjoyed the Crockett Cup follow up. Good things are coming.

AWA TV @ The Hammond Center 5-5-88 Larry Nelson: Hello everybody and welcome to another edition of AWA Major League Wrestling. Tonight, you'll see a rematch from Champagne Slam as Scott Putski takes on Cannonball Griz with a TV title shot at Title Night on the line. The Glamour Boys take on Badd Co. All that and a lot more including comments from the AWA world champ Bad News Brown. Let's go to the ring. 'Crippler' Rip Oliver vs. Jorge Gonzales Oliver is aggressive tonight and finishes things off with the piledriver! Nelson: Ok, next weekend at the Sullivan Arena in Anchorage Alaska, the AWA will present its next Title Night event. Rip Oliver, you get your big shot at the world title. Are you prepared for Bad News Brown? Oliver: They call me Crippler for a reason. I proved that to Ray Stevens and now it's time to prove it to Bad News Brown. I'm focused, prepared and more than ready to take the gold. Commercial Break AWA National Tag Team Champs Venomous vs. Clyde Putnam and Ray Glader Venomous excites the fans and turn things way up when Cobra executes a suplerplex on Putnam and Kat follows with a frog splash for the win! Venomous cut a promo as Kat says they're not only going to retain at Title Night but they're going to get some sweet payback on the Midnight Express. Commercial Break Nelson: Well, with me right now is Baby Doll and I believe she has something to say. Baby Doll: That's right, I do, so just keep quiet for a minute Larry. My client Chris Adams has left the AWA. WCCW is back in business and Fritz made him an offer he couldn't refuse. It's business and I can accept that. Now, moving on. As you know, I managed Tommy Rich, who became AWA world champion. I've decided to try my luck again, only this time with a team. I've got my eye on a couple tag teams and when I decide who I will manage, trust me, I'm going to take them all the way. Commercial Break The Glamour Boys vs. Badd Co. These teams go at it at a fever pitch. The match is a seesaw, high octane, back and forth encounter. Both teams show off their chemistry as they execute several stereo moves. After a few minutes, Badd Co. is in control as Doll plays the face in peril. Doll finally makes the hot tag and Simpson cleans house. Simpson keeps up the pace for a minute before Diamond nails him with a knee to the back from the apron. Badd Co regains control and Simpson takes a beating. Badd Co goes for a double back drop, but Simpson flips over and tags in Doll. Doll is on fire, until Badd Co start double teaming him. Simpson runs in and it's a pier six brawl. The Glamour Boys double dropkick Tanaka through the ropes. Diamond staggers around and is met with a double hot shot! Doll covers 1..2..3! Big POP! Commercial Break Dream Machine vs. Arnie Goldstein Dream swings off the ropes and hits a jumping elbow drop for the win. Nelson: Dream Machine, it looks like you and Johnny Rich still haven't settled things and next week right here on TV, you guys will go at it once again. Dream: Ya know, I heard old Johnny Boy out here last week talking a big game. Big talk from a wannabe Rich. Listen up babay! Next week I'm going to beat you up so bad, they're going to have to peel you off the mat! Commercial Break Crusher Blackwell and The Fortunate Ones w/Greg Gagne vs. Carl Kellerman, Vic Dutro and Willie Lopez Stubbs and Young execute a double suplex on Lopez as Blackwell follows with a big splash for the easy win. Nelson: Well, it looks like we've got the whole Gagne Gang with us. Oh, wait a minute, thanks to Billy Jack Strong, I guess there's one person missing. Gagne: Oh, that's cute Nelson, real cute. Mike George deserved better but don't think for a minute I'm going to forget about you Billy Jerk. Gagne's Gang has some serious muscle coming and you all will be sorry. Now, in a couple weeks, Crusher Blackwell is going to get the golden ticket to WrestleRock, because he's going to steamroll everybody in the Memorial Day Tournament. I can only hope he gets to mow over that moron El Canek during the tournament. Next up, my Fortunate Ones. These two were the survivors in the elimination match at Champagne Slam. So, I have to ask, why are the Guerreros wrestling for the world tag titles at Title Night? Shouldn't it be the Fortunate Ones? AWA C.O.O Gerry Morrow walks out with Brenda Britton. Britton snatches the mic from Nelson. Britton: You know the drill Larry, get lost. Hi everybody! Ok Gerry, talk to them. Morrow: AHHHHH thank you Brenda. I for one am looking forward to Title Night in Alaska. De AWA is venturing out and I'm loving every minute. After all, it is my vision. Greg Gagne, I have heard you loud and clear and you bring up a valid point. I'll tell you what, after de Title Night, I will guarantee your Fortunate Ones a world tag team title shot. Fair Enough? Morrow extends his hand. Gagne: As always Mr. Morrow Gagne shakes his hand. Gagne's Gang walks away with smiles. Britton: Gerry, you are the man. Until next time toooodles. Commercial Break AWA Mid-American Champ Larry Zbyszko vs. Neil Jordan Larry hits the swinging neckbreaker for the win. Nelson: Larry Zbyszko, at Title Night, it's you and Austin Idol for the Mid- American title. Larry: Is it really? Wow, thanks for clearing that up for me Nelson, you're so informative. Geez, I can't believe we have the same first name. Can you please change yours? Anyways, I've already taken this title from Idol. Our rematch at Title Night is just a formality. I'm walking out with this title and that's that. Commercial Break Nelson: Coming out now are the AWA World Tag Team Champs. DJ Peterson and Kevin Kelly along with the Vin Man. Vin Man comes out, but the champs are nowhere in sight. Nelson: What's going on here? Where are the champs? Vin: Hold on a sec Larbo. I'm out here to assure you and everybody else that there is absolutely no problems or issues whatsoever between the champs. They are in sync more than ever and they're going to prove that to those chump Guerrero brothers at Title Night. Oh Larbo, before I forget, do me a favor, when you announce the champs, announce Kevin Kelly's name first. It's ok, DJ's cool with it. Thanks Larbo! Nelson: (rolls his eyes) Yea, no issues at all. Commercial Break Winner gets an AWA TV Title shot at Title Night Scott 'Powerhouse' Putski vs. Cannonball Griz w/Norvell Austin The bell rings and these guys go toe to toe, exchanging hard punches. Griz rakes Putski's eyes and scoop slams him down. Griz swings off the ropes and goes for an elbow drop but Putski moves. Putski gets up. Griz staggers up as Putski swings off the ropes and clotheslines Griz down. Norvell hops on the apron but jumps down when Putski charges towards him. Putski hops on the middle ropes. Griz staggers up as Putski nails him with a diving forearm blast 1..2..Kick Out. Putski swings Griz into the corner and charges in, but Griz moves as Putski crashes into the turnbuckles. Griz regroups, pulls Putski out, lifts him up and throat drops him on the top rope. Griz picks up Putski and chokes him on the top rope, then rakes his head across the top rope. Griz picks up Putski and delivers a shoulder breaker 1..2..Kick Out. Griz picks up Putski and hits a backbreaker 1..2..Kick Out. Norvell yells at the Ref. Griz swings Putski to the ropes and goes for a back drop but Putski kicks him. Putski hammers away on Griz, swings him to the ropes and puts him down with a flying back elbow smash. Putski swings off the ropes and hits a jumping knee drop 1..Putski sees Norvell on the apron and runs over. Putski grabs Norvell by his shirt, winds up and punches Norvell. Norvell goes flying off the apron as the fans go wild. Griz pulls a foreign object from his tights and puts it in his elbow pad, then sneaks up from behind and forearm blasts Putski through the ropes. Griz stands back and counts along with the Ref until he hits 10. BOOOOOOO! Cannonball Griz gets a TV title shot at Title Night. Commercial Break Nelson: What a show this has been. Next week you're going to see Carlos Colon go one on one with a returning Buzz Sawyer. Johnny Rich takes on Dream Machine. The Gunslingers have signed to face a debuting mystery team. More announcements regarding the Memorial Day Tournament. Should be an exciting show. Ok, joining me now is the AWA World Champion Bad News Brown. Brown looks rested as he walks out in his buttoned down suit, gold chains showing and the title on his shoulder. Nelson: Next week in Alaska, you will be defending that world title against Rip Oliver. Your thoughts? Brown: My thoughts? Let me give you some names. Ricky Steamboat, Jerry Lawler, Al Perez, Carlos Colon. What do they have in common? They all went down to Bad News Brown. What makes Rip Oliver any different? He's got some fight, that's for sure and I like that, but he's not a serious threat. He's not a serious challenger. He's going down and he's falling hard and that's bad news for the so called Crippler! The show ends with Bad News Brown holding up the title with his other fist held high.

Wrestling is back in the Mid South Coliseum! Even though Dutch wasn't in the tournament, he makes his presence known right away by costing Douglas his match. Dundee advances in his return. Rogers upsets Keirn. Scorpio loses to Slater but shows he has a bright future here. Dutch strikes again. He may have costed Dundee the match but him and Gaylord paid the price. LOL, just like that, Slater takes care of Rogers. Bullet Bob is on fire and scores the fall in a wild cage match. Finals! WOW! What a shocker! TOMMY RICH is back in the game! Landel is the new champ! Talk about heat! Slater and Rich are going to tear it up. I can't wait for Landel's promo next week. We're off and running now.

The newspaper article is such a great touch. Dundee and Bruno take advantage of DJ's absence, but DJ manages to sneak in on the Michaels/Knighton match. I wonder what Tyler will say about that. Tojo keeps his heat with the kendo stick. I assume Rose wasn't happy with the DQ win. However, he has a good case for a rematch.

I loved the contrast between the first and second match. Can anybody beat the Outlaws in a brawl? JYD shows Moretti why he's Mid South's big dog. Oh man, Woman screws up badly and costs Vader his match with Manny. Looks like Hot Stuff Inc is rebuilding as both Steiners take a beating. Scott's previous beating takes a toll as we now have new champs! I enjoyed Herc and Scott's run, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to a wild and crazy Barbarians run. Snowman causes quite the scene that it costs Reed the title yet again. I can't wait to hear Ladd's solution to this problem. I wonder if Williams is next in line for Luger? Oh man, Dibiase and Jake had their working boots on tonight as they gave the fans their money's worth. Dibiase's money pays off as Alofa saves the day. What a thrilling ending. This was great because it sets up another blow off. Superb storytelling.

You said it, a barnburner match kicks things off as Reno and Wolf win this battle with a crowd pleasing win. I hope Dark Journey was listening. When Tyler says he means business, he means business. Two top names battling for a title shot. Doesn't get any better than this. Rose earns his rematch and Ash better be on his A game. I have to say, Zebra Kid is now a made man.

Steamboat and Savage go toe to toe in WCW's biggest TV match ever! Savage is seriously hurt. I'm looking forward to seeing how this plays out because Savage is so unpredictable in his thinking. Not going to lie, I'm going to enjoy Hayes's TV title reign. I do wonder what Slick is up to??? HOOOOOOOOOO! Big ending to the show as Hacksaw Duggan arrives to help Dusty. Dusty and Duggan going up against the Russians is big money.

Lance and Dutch are such a great balance. Keirn gets things off to a fabulous start. What a way to return to the Mid South Coliseum! Look at those names in the tournament! And now we're going to get Dutch vs. the returning Memphis icon Dundee in a qualifying match. Lawler might not be back, but having Dundee is pretty damn good. Rogers made the very best career decision coming here. He's a highlight. Adding Terry Power gives him even more heat. Great stuff. Another guy thriving here is Shane Douglas. Working with Dutch is going to elevate Shane to another level. Tonight's angle was great TV. YES! Bullet Bob is back in the game! I agree with Lowblow, he still has so much to offer and Memphis is the place to prove that. This territory is so entertaining!

I'm really liking the Christopher story. Cornette's guidance has paid off tremendously. Oh man, if the Playboy Club and Diamond Exchange are in cahoots, PCW is in serious trouble. Perez is getting some nice shine and that quick win over Spicoli will gain more buzz. Cornette has built up a damn good faction, especially with muscle like Big Cat. Sad to see them go but Coast to Coast had one heck of a PCW run. WOW! Lee returns and Makhan puts Haynes out on a stretcher! This was big! Owen and Pierre deserves a shot. With a bit more experience, the Hollys will get their day. Vancouver, Steamboat is making a name for himself. I'm sure Ricky is proud. There are so many awesome teams in PCW, but the FOJ might just be my favorites. I love these guys. No matter what, Flowers knows how to pull out the wins. He's a sneaky one. It's rare when we see heels get attacked by other heels, but it's so cool to see a shake up. Hart and Sawyer was one of my favorite feuds here and it had to end in the cage. Hitman prevails over the Mad Dog! Kelowna, I hope the PCW champs are keeping an eye on the Destruction Crew. St. Clair rebounds from his Anvil loss in a big way. Speaking of Anvil, I would call his loss to Furnas a minor upset. I would like to see these powerhouses go at it again. Poor Wellington. Makhan is on a terror right now! Cheetah Kid keeps the LHW division rocking as he closes out the night with an exciting win. You do an amazing job with talent. I always love picking up guys after their runs here because they've been built up so well. Keep up the great work!

AWA sends Bruce Prichard to WWF.

AWA picks up Joel Deaton

AWA releases Mike George, Richard Charland and Mike Miller

AWA TV @ The Hammond Center 4-28-88 Larry Nelson: Hello everybody and welcome to another edition of AWA Major League Wrestling. Tonight, you'll see Nikita Koloff.in action. Mike George takes on Billy Jack Strong in a loser leaves town match. Huge main event as Nick Busick teams with El Canek to take on Kokina and Crusher Blackwell. And yes, the Ultimate Warrior will make his televised wrestling debut. That and so much more, let's get to the ring. 'The Russian Nightmare' Nikita Koloff vs. Winston Long The fans chant "Ni-ki-ta" throughout the match. Nikita finishes things off with the Russian Sickle! Nelson: Great win tonight, Nikita. Memorial Day Weekend at the St. Paul Civic Center, the annual eight man tournament takes place, with the winner getting a world title shot at WrestleRock. The eight men participating will be Carlos Colon, Chris Adams, Crusher Blackwell, El Canek, Chicky Starr, Tatsumi Fujinami, Mid American Champ Larry Zbyszko and Nikita Koloff. I'm sure you're looking forward to that. Nikita: From the moment I came to the AWA, my sights have been set on the world title. Thanks to Chris Adams, I got off track. Now that that's over, I'm focused and ready to tear through the competition and earn that title shot! Nikita does his trap pose as the fans cheer. Commercial Break United Kingdom vs. Trent Watkins and Leon Johnson Taylor hits a double underhook suplex as Haystacks follows with a gigantic elbow drop for the win. United Kingdom talk about Haystacks going on an upcoming European tour while Taylor will stay here and continue to wipe out the pathetic American competition. He even mentions the Ultimate Warrior and how he would love to teach that joke a wrestling lesson. Commercial Break "The Universal Heartthrob' Austin Idol vs. Seth Maxwell Idol ends things quick with the Las Vegas Leglock. Nelson: Fans, on May 12th at the Sullivan Arena in Alaska, that's right Alaska, the AWA will hold its next Title Night. Austin Idol, you have been granted a rematch for the Mid American Title against Larry Zbyszko. I have to ask, with all this non sense going on with Lanny Poffo, will you be able to focus on Zbyszko and the Mid American Title? Idol: Lanny Poffo! You call yourself a man, well baby, you're the sorriest excuse for a man if I've ever seen one. You fit the bill of a coward and nothing more! You costed me the title and trust me darling, you're going to pay dearly. But, before I end you, I'm going to win back the Mid American Title! That's a fact Jack! Commercial Break Loser Leaves Town Match! Billy Jack Strong vs. 'Marvelous' Mike George w/Greg Gagne The bell rings as Gagne distracts Strong, which allows George to nail Strong with a high knee to the back. George hurls Strong to the outside. George distracts the Ref as Gagne picks up Strong and slams his head on the apron, then hurls him back in the ring. George picks up Strong and gives him a Jawbreaker 1..2..Kick Out. Both George and Gagne berate the Ref. George swings Strong to the ropes and hits a sidewalk slam 1..2..Kick Out. Gagne and George are livid. George picks up Strong and swings him hard into the turnbuckles and charges in, but Strong nails him with both boots! George staggers up as Strong clotheslines him down. George staggers up as Strong scoop slams him down and follows with a jumping knee drop 1..2..Strong gets up because he sees Gagne going to the top rope. Strong runs over and grabs Gagne. As George staggers up, Strong throws Gagne like a dart into George! Strong picks up Gagne and hurls him over the top rope. Strong picks up George and hits an inverted piledriver 1..2..3!!!! Huge Pop! Mike George is out of the AWA. Commercial Break The Original Midnight Express w/Norvell Austin vs. Vic Dutro and Willie Lopez Midnight's hit the double flapjack and it's all over. Cannonball Griz joins Norvell and the Midnights at ringside. Nelson: Norvell, your Midnights have a big opportunity coming up at Title Night. They get a National Tag Team title shot with Venomous. The last time those two teams met was in Puerto Rico. Also, next week, your man Cannonball Griz will wrestle Scott Putski for a TV title shot at Title Night. Norvell: This just gets better and better, doesn't it? My Midnights whooped it up at the Crockett Cup, then went on a vacation to the Bahamas. Just to remind all these idiots, they earned that vacation by winning the Toast to the Tag Teams Tournament. Now, they're back, rested, recharged, rejuvenated and ready to take the titles from those masked freaks. In Puerto Rico, we left them laid out and knocked out! This time, we're going to do worse. Oh and my main man Griz is going to run right over Putski next week and then take the TV title from that fluke winning Brian Adias. What a night it will be! Commercial Break 'The Wild One' Johnny Rich vs. Bruce Looper Rich hits the flying elbow drop from the top rope for the pin. Nelson: Johnny, last week Dream Machine was wrestling Brian Adias for the TV title. I believe you saved the day when you stopped Dream from loading a foreign object in his mask. I imagine that felt pretty good, since you probably haven't forgotten that chair shot he gave you at Champagne Slam. Rich: Not gonna lie Larry, it felt damn good! Congratulations to Brian Adias on his TV title win. As for you Dream Machine, if you want to do something about what I did, come on and try boy! Commercial Break Hector and Chavo Guerrero w/Mando Guerrero vs. Hal White and Jersey Joe Hector back drops Joe. As Joe staggers up, Chavo hits a sunset flip from the top rope for the win! Nelson: Big news for the Guerreros, at Title Night, you get a world tag team title match with DJ Peterson and Kevin Kelly, watch out for the Vin Man. Hector: This is our first crack at the AWA world straps and we're more than ready brother! Chavo: We've held titles all over the world and it's time to add the AWA titles to our resume. Mando: Hey, don't worry about the Vin Man, that's what I'm here for! Commercial Break Nelson: Joining me right now is the new AWA TV Champ, Brian Adias. Brian, congratulations on winning the TV title. I'm sure you'll have a successful run. Brian: Thank you very much Larry. This title means more than you can imagine. I'm looking forward to defending it against all the top competition right here on TV. Right now, I would like to bring out my partner Ricky Rice. Rice comes out and hugs Brian. Brian: Ricky, you were there when I needed you and we made Synergy work. There was no way I was going to leave you high and dry. You and I figured this out and now it's time to tell everyone what's going on. Synergy will continue and we found a partner and man he's the perfect fit. We're talking about Scott Armstrong! Armstrong comes out and hugs Adias and Rice. Adias smiles and motions to the ring. Synergy (Ricky Rice and Scott Armstrong) vs. Sam Smith and Todd Rooney Rice and Armstrong are wearing matching black pants with a yellow stripe swirled around them and down to their yellow boots. They defiantly have chemistry as they execute several stereo moves before finishing things off with a double dropkick. Adias runs in and holds their arms up, then raises his TV title as the fans cheer. Commercial Break Crusher Blackwell and Kokina w/Abbuda Iaukea vs. El Canek and Nick Busick w/Mando Guerrero Gagne must still be reeling because he's not out here. A lot of bad blood here and I'm sure you know how this is going to go. The bell rings, Canek and Blackwell hammer away on each other as Kokina and Busick go toe to toe. On the outside, Iaukea starts something with Mando and sparks fly! Here we go, Gagne and the Fortunate Ones run out. Gagne helps Iaukea beat up on Mando as the Fortunate Ones hit the ring and attack Canek. The Ref signals for the DQ. Iaukea hits the ring and helps Kokina double team Busick. Wait a minute! The Guerreros and Billy Jack Strong storm out! The Guerreros pound away on the Fortunate Ones! Strong clotheslines Gagne down! Canek gets the upper hand on Blackwell. Iaukea and Kokina swing Busick to the ropes but miss a double clothesline, Busick swings back and clotheslines both of them! All hell is breaking loose as the commercial hits. Commercial Break Nelson: Wow! Things got pretty crazy! (Deep Breath) Next week in action will be Carlos Colon, Chris Adams and Rip Oliver. The Glamour Boys take on Badd Co. Cannonball Griz will wrestle Scott Putski for a TV title shot at Title Night. And the AWA world champion, Bad News Brown will be joining us as well. When we come back, the Ultimate Warrior will be in action. Commercial Break The Ultimate Warrior vs. Neil Jordan The cannon blasts, then goes right into 'Shoot to Thrill' by AC/DC The fans go wild as Warrior sprints down the aisle and into the ring. Warrior clotheslines Jordan down, picks him up, presses him high in the air and drops him down. Warrior swings off the ropes and hits the body splash for the 1..2..3! Nelson: My goodness! What a television debut for this man, the Ultimate Warrior. Warrior: Speak to me Warriors! (Huge cheers) Because of you, I was victorious at Champagne Slam and that was only the beginning! I fear no man and accept any challenge! (Shakes his head and arms) AAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH! Warrior sprints around the ring and back up the aisle as the show ends.

Michaels is such a good sport. Dark Journey has her Terrors focused. The 6 man tag was a real crowd pleaser. This was a perfect 80s match between top babyfaces and dastardly heels. As if the 6 man tag wasn't enough, the fans get one heck of a mixed tag match with all hell breaking out in the end. The Zebra Kid is gaining quite the buzz and now inserts himself into a main event program. Great card!

I'm with the others, the summaries work well. They do a great job of keeping things moving. The Dibiase/Jake story has been one of the best in the game. I love all the side bits with Ladd, Rotunda and JYD. This story is red hot. Now, it all comes down to the cage. This match guarantees a sell out crowd. Another great build has been Hot Stuff Inc and Steiner. That's another hot match we'll see at the Lakefront Coliseum. If Steiner wins, the fans will blow the roof off the place. Herc and Scotty vs. The Barbarians is going to be brutal and hard hitting. Luger vs. Reed is a huge match, add in the Snowman angle and this is going to be must see. I knew Manny would get into something big and he did just that by antagonizing Vader. We'll find out who the real Bull is. The card is stacked! With everything going down in the big matches, we're also going to see big names like the Texas Outlaws and JYD in action. Can't wait!

Oh snap! Steamboat vs. Savage for the world title on free TV! AWWWWWWWESOME! If there's one guy that can walk alone, it's Bam Bam. Kamala and Snuka as friends? Never thought I would see that in this game. Crush gets a monstrous debut. Rockers and Twin Towers are heading for a collision. Konan brings in some buddies. The Conquistadors are in trouble. Speaking of bringing in buddies, Dusty is calling in the calvary. I see some good brawls ahead. Muta relinquishes the TV title and 6 men get a chance to take it. Hayes backs up his talk and wins the battle royal. This title run is going to be a lot of fun. I love the variety of talent WCW has.

Dark Journey is a highlight every week. That fine/slap segment was awesome TV. I know it would be pretty tame in today's wrestling world, but in the 80s this would've been a big deal. WOW! Who is the Zebra Kid? He's come on the scene blazing and is one match away from a title shot. I thought Renesto was going to win it. ZK has my attention. Rose and Knighton tear it up! I loved the intensity. Rose advances, but Knighton is a player. The scene is now set for the Armory and DJ probably isn't happy.

The AWA was revived in April, 1986 AWA World Title Ricky Steamboat defeated Terry Funk 4-17-86, St. Paul Civic Center Tommy Rich defeated Ricky Steamboat 1-8-87. Louisville Gardens Tommy Rich stripped of the title 7-8-87 Bad News Brown wins battle royal to become AWA World Champion 7-15-87, Hammond Center Nikita Koloff defeated Bad News Brown 7-15-88, Minneapolis MN Jumbo Tsuruta defeated Nikita Koloff 12-30-88, Denver CO AWA World Tag Team Titles Curt Hennig and Brian Adias defeated Porkchop Cash and Snowman 5-7-86, Hammond Center Cabin Fever (Manny Fernandez and Grizzly Boone) defeated Curt Hennig and Brian Adias 9-6-86 Priceless (Gerry Morrow and George Wells) defeated Cabin Fever Jumbo Tsuruta and Tatsumi Fujinami defeated Priceless 11-26-86, St. Paul The Bruise Brothers (Snowman and Larry Cameron) defeated Jumbo Tsuruta and Tatsumi Fujinami 7-4-87, Mid South Coliseum The Bruise Brothers would use the Freebird Rule as Tony Atlas was a part of the group. Snowman left the AWA in December and it would be Atlas and Cameron defending the titles. DJ Peterson and Kevin Kelly defeated The Bruise Brothers 3-11-88, San Juan Puerto Rico Hector and Chavo Guerrero defeated DJ Peterson and Kevin Kelly 5-13-88, Anchorage Alaska AWA Mid-American Title Austin Idol defeated Mike George in a match to determine the first champ 2-4-88, Mecca Arena Larry Zbyszko defeated Austin Idol 4-15-88, Market Square Arena Paul Orndorff defeated Larry Zbyszko, 12-30-88, Denver CO AWA TV Title Scott Casey defeated Jose Estrada to determine the first TV champ, 4-2-86, Hammond Center Greg Gagne defeated Scott Casey 7-23-86, Hammond Center Nick Busick defeated Greg Gagne 1-7-87, Hammond Center Larry Zbyszko defeated Nick Busick 2-4-88, Mecca Arena Larry Zbyszko vacated the title after winning the Mid American title. Gerry Morrow drew two names to wrestle for the title. Brian Adias defeated Dream Machine, 4-21-88, Hammond Center AWA National Tag Titles Larry Zbyszko and Al Perez defeated Porkchop Cash and Snowman in tournament finals 11-26-86 Jumbo Tsuruta and Tatsumi Fujinami defeated Larry Zbyszko and Al Perez in a titles vs. titles match. 5-28-87, Liberty Bowl. National titles had to be vacated. The Quebecers (Richard Charland and Phil Lafon) defeated The British Bombers (Dave Tayor and Johnny Smith) in tournament finals 7-3-87, Mecca Arena The Technicians (Brad Rheingans and Mark Fleming) defeated The Quebecers 9-3-87, Richmond KY Venomous (Cobra and Kat) defeated The Technicians 12-31-87, St. Paul Badd Co. defeated Venomous 7-15-88. Minneapolis MN The Gunslingers defeated Badd CO., 11-18-88, Milwaukee WI The AWA International title was retired. El Canek had the longest reign which lasted 8 months.

The bantering between Ladd and Dibiase gets better every week. It's hard to argue Dibiase's points LOL. I will say, as a fan, Ladd is the man. Dibiase vs. Jake on free TV. YES! Well, Hot Stuff Inc. gives their side of the story and I don't think many are buying it. Mid South is exactly where Manny needs to be. he'll be involved in something big, I'm sure. Reed has some serious words for Snowman. I have a feeling this might distract Reed in his quest for the title. I'm sure Luger and Woman don't mind. Steiners are reunited and it feels so good. I like the dynamics of Scott holding the tag titles with Herc while Rick is holding the TV title. They're reunited but not yet a team. You've got a good story going on. HAHAHA, Woman loves flirting with Gordon. I will say, she's loyal to her champ Luger. Dr. Death is in a good place. If Snowman gets Reed out of the title picture, Dr. Death steps up. Rick and Vader give the fans 10 hard hitting minutes. Woman isn't too keen on Vader these days. Not sure if Hot Stuff Inc wants both Steiner and Vader as enemies. It still amazes me that you can write up two totally different territories. If I just popped on here, I would think Mid South and Memphis were written by two different people. Amazing job!

Damn! Koloff, Pitbulls, Orton and Race. Dusty has one big target on his back. However, Dusty gives one fired up promo and wants to settle things with Race once and for all. I can't wait to find out who really is the top tag team. Rockers or Twin Towers? Conquistadors take advantage of Benoit being gone and give Konnan a beating. Savage has me intrigued. I wonder what he wants to ask Steamboat. Wait a minute! Kamala and Snuka, side by side? Wow! What's going on here?!?! Hayes might be the last Bird standing but he's serving notice and ready to rock. The next supercard World at War is already shaping up nicely.

The woman continue to bring the fight. Great way to start the night. Bruno and Jaime find out they can't win them all. However, they prove they have a lot of fight in them. I agree, Dark Journey is working wonders for Knighton. This kid's going places. Fantastic main event! Very well written and exciting. The Cuban Assassin is a great heel hand and the American is really getting over. Great feel good ending.

AWA TV @ The Hammond Center in 4-21-88 A video montage is shown with all the highlights from Champagne Slam. It ends with Bad News Brown rolling out of the ring after another successful world title defense, this time over a game Carlos Colon. Larry Nelson: Hello fans and welcome to another edition of AWA Major League Wrestling. Champagne Slam is in the books and what a historic event it was. You'll be hearing more about throughout tonight's show. Speaking of tonight, you'll see the Gunslingers take on Badd Co. Also, Billy Jack Strong goes up against Mike George. We also have the debut of the Luscious One, Lanny Poffo, who made a shocking appearance at Champagne Slam. Right now, I would like to bring out the AWA C.O.O. Gerry Morrow, who has some exciting announcements to make. Morrow comes out, wearing his white suit, fedora hat and sunglasses. Morrow: Champagne Slam was a tremendous event for de AWA. Simply put, it was outstanding. And now, de AWA moves on to more exciting things. In de month of May, I'm very excited to announce dat de AWA will be coming to Alaska at de Sullivan Arena on May 12th for de next Title Night. Also, on May 27th, de annual Memorial Day tournament comes to de St. Paul Civic Center, where de winner will receive de coveted world title shot at WrestleRock. With all dat being said, I would now like to bring out our new AWA Mid-American Champion and current TV champion, Larry Zbyszko. Boooooos as Larry struts out with more arrogance than ever. Morrow: Larry, congratulations on winning de Mid American title. Nelson: Hold on Larry, in all fairness to Austin idol, you did receive help from Lanny Poffo. What was that all about? Zbyszko: (looks at Nelson with distain) You know Nelson, only you could ruin a special moment like this. Do us all a favor and just walk away, will you. I mean, shouldn't Brenda Britton be out here anyways. Nelson shakes his head and rolls his eyes. Morrow: HAHAHA, Brenda is away on important business otherwise she would be out here with me. Now, as I was saying, congratulations Larry. I am a firm believer in standing by a Referee's decision and so dat is dat. Mr. Idol will get his rematch in due time, but right now I want to talk about de TV title. Larry, as you know de rules state we can't have a dual champion. Your accomplishment is in de history books and you should be proud. Zbyszko: Thank you very much Gerry. I'm glad you recognize greatness when you see it. I will be the greatest Mid American champion of all time. So, on that note, I will gladly hand over the TV title. Morrow takes the title and shakes hands with Zbyszko. Zbyszko holds his Mid American title up high, gives Nelson a dirty look and walks away. Morrow: Ok, as for de TV title. I define de word luck as skill meeting opportunity. In de back I put several deserving names in a hat and drew out two. The lucky names drawn were Brian Adias and Dream Machine. Those two will meet in tonight's main event and de winner will be crowned our new TV Champion! Ok, enough talk, let us get to de action. Chicky Starr vs. Trent Watkins Chicky executes a vertical suplex, gets up, swings off the ropes and hits a corkscrew elbow drop for the win. Chicky cuts a promo and brags about his Champagne Slam win over Al Perez. He mentions his former manager DDP and says he realized something he knew all along, he doesn't need anybody's help or guidance. Commercial Break 'Crippler' Rip Oliver vs. William Hillman Oliver gets the win with the piledriver! Nelson: Rip, at Champagne Slam you defeated the legendary Ray Stevens in the battle of the cripplers. And I've just been told that a world title shot is coming your way on May 12th, in Alaska at Title Night. Oliver: No doubt about it, Ray Stevens is a legend but he made a big mistake coming after me. However, he did light a fire under me and now I'm getting a world title shot. I understand Bad News Brown is on vacation. Well, Bad News Brown better not get to relaxed and better get ready because the Crippler is coming after him and the world title! Commercial Break Nelson is standing with Greg Gagne, Mike George, the Fortunate Ones and Crusher Blackwell. Nelson: (deep breath) With me now is the so called Gagne's Gang. Gagne: Watch your tone Larry! You know, Zbyszko's right, you really are a wet blanket. But not even a damper like you can spoil my celebration. At Champagne Slam, Gagne's Gang was triumphant! Victory was ours! We ruled! I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my Fortunate Ones. They survived the match and got us the big W. (Gagne hugs Stubbs and Young as Blackwell and George pat them on the back) Big things are coming our way. Blackwell is going to exterminate that masked moron El Canek once and for all. My Fortunate Ones will be wearing gold in no time and coming up next, the Marvelous One will easily dispatch that pest Billy Jerk Strong. We're outta here! Commercial Break 'Marvelous' Mike George w/Greg Gagne vs. Billy Jack Strong The bell rings and Strong is all over George, swings him to the ropes and backdrops him. George staggers up as Strong scoop slams him down and follows with a standing leg drop 1..2..Kick Out. Strong hops on the turnbuckles but Gagne reaches in and grabs his leg. Strong shakes him off and hops down. While Gagne distracts him, George comes from behind and clotheslines Strong through the ropes. George distracts the Ref as Gagne runs over and stomps away on Strong, then rolls him back in the ring. George picks up Strong and gives him a delayed vertical suplex, then follows with a delayed knee drop 1..2..Kick Out. George picks up Strong and slams him down, then hops up on the middle ropes and comes down with a forearm drop 1..2..Kick Out. George swings Strong into the corner and charges in but Strong moves. Strong regroups, swings George into the opposite corner and follows with a running clothesline. Strong grabs George and executes an overhead German suplex. Strong picks up George, but Gagne hops on the apron. Strong drops George, runs over, grabs Gagne by his shirt and lifts him in the air. George staggers up and charges over with a high knee, but Strong moves as George knees Gagne off the apron. Strong grabs George and hits a bridging back suplex 1..2..3! Big POP! Commercial Break Highlights are shown from the Toast to the Tag Team's Tournament as Mean Streak double choke slam a Referee after their loss to the Glamour Boys. We then see Mike Miller riding a Chopper. He pulls into a Biker Bar and goes in. He looks around at all the tough guys, then walks to the back. Two big and bad looking twin brothers (The Harris Brothers) are sitting at a table. Miller walks up to them. Miller: You know the AWA suspended me and my partner. And you also know we have unfinished business with those two punks, the Glamour Boys. This is all because of them! I need you to handle the problem. Miller throws a bag on the table. The Harris Brothers look in and nod to each other. Ron Harris: Don't worry. Don Harris: Problem solved. Commercial Break The arena lights turn off, then a spotlight shines up the aisle. Confetti falls from the ceiling as Karma Chameleon by Boy George plays over the speakers. Out comes Lanny Poffo wearing glitter make up. He skips down the aisle and springs over the top rope and into the ring. He holds his arms out as he continues to prance around the ring. He grabs the mic. "Lucious Lanny has arrived" 'Lucious' Lanny Poffo vs. Todd Roney Poffo backs up all his crazy antics in the ring. Say what you want, but the man has skill. He body slams his opponent, climbs to the top rope and hits a moonsault for the win. Nelson: Ok Poffo, I have to ask, why are you here and why did you attack Austin Idol at Champagne Slam? Poffo: You will refer to me as the Lucious One. Do I make myself perfectly clear? Nelson: This has been a long night. Fine, whatever you say. Poffo: Now, I will address one Austin Idol. For months I've been watching him showboat and make a mockery of the great sport of wrestling. He is a weak and feeble man. I am a real man, I am a real wrestler. This sport has no room for an interloper like Idol. I have made it a personal mission to rid this sport of scum like Idol. When all is said and done, Idol will be a forgotten soul and the name Lucious Lanny will be etched in stone forever! Commercial Break The Gunslingers vs. Badd Co. These two teams had an epic overtime match at the Toast to the Tag Teams Tournament. Tonight's dynamics are a bit different. Unlike Chicky Starr, Badd Co. seem a little lost without their former manager DDP. The Gunslingers control the early segment with quick in and out tags combined with some sweet stereo moves. Badd Co comes back and gets it together for awhile until a miscue allows Mantell to make the hot tag to Casey. Casey is fired up and cleaning house. Casey powerslams Tanaka but Diamond breaks the pin, which sends in Mantell. A pier six brawl breaks out. The Gunslingers double dropkick Diamond out of the ring. They swing Tanaka to the ropes and double back drop him. Tanaka staggers up as Casey hits the running bulldog 1..2..3! Gunslingers pump their fists to the cheering fans as Badd Co try to regroup. Commercial Break Nelson: Before we get to our main event, joining me now are the AWA world tag team champs, DJ Peterson and Kevin Kelly, along with the Vin Man. Queen's We are the Champions plays as Vinnie leads his champs to ringside. Nelson: Vinnie, your boys retained the titles at Champagne Slam but under very shady circumstances. Vinnie: Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Come on Larbo! We walked out as champs and that's all that matters. Right guys? Kevin: That's right Vin Man! We said we were going to do it and just look at these titles, we did do it. Tell them DJ. DJ: (long pause) Look Vinnie, I already told you. I didn't like what you did and I won't tolerate that kind of nonsense. We're champions and we're supposed to defend these titles with honor and respect. Vinnie and Kevin chuckle. DJ gives them a stern look and they stop. Kelly: Come on DJ, lighten up, will you? We're a team and we need to be in sync. Got it! DJ: Watch yourself Kevin. Vin: Ok, ok, ok, let's all just relax. Kev's right, we're a team and if we get out of sync, we won't be champs for very much longer. DJ, I hear you loud and clear. Let's move on and put this all behind us. It won't happen again. Vinnie's honor. DJ and Kevin glare at each other, then settle down. Vin: You see, all good. We're the champs and it's going to stay that way, yea! Nelson: Not so sure about that. Fans, next week, Nikita Koloff will be in action, and get this, Greg Gagne has requested a loser leaves town match between Billy Jack Strong and Mike George. Well, Strong has accepted and that happens next week. And get this, the Ultimate Warrior will be in action! It all happens next week. Commercial Break For the AWA TV Title Brian Adias vs. The Dream Machine The bell rings and Dream offers a handshake. Before Adias has time to react, Dream kicks him in the mid section and executes a gut wrench suplex 1..2..Kick Out. Dream chokes away on Adias and breaks at the Ref's count. Dream chokes Adias again and again, breaks at the count. Dream picks up Adias and rakes his face across the top rope, chokes him on the top rope and flings him back. Dream picks up Adias, swings him to the ropes and goes for a back drop, but Adias kicks him hard. Adias regroups. Dream staggers up as Adias dropkicks Dream down. Dream gets up and charges but Adias hip tosses him over. Dream gets up and charges again, but Adias back drops him. Dream staggers up as Adias hits a jawbreaker 1..2..Kick Out. Dream quickly rolls out of the ring and is in no hurry to get back in. Adias goes to the ropes but Dream grabs his boots, yanks him down and pulls him to the outside. Dream slams Adias's head on the apron and hurls him back in the ring. Dream goes to the middle ropes. Adias staggers up as Dream nails him with a double axehandle 1..2..Kick Out. Dream works Adias over with rabbit punches, stomps, choking, kicks and punches. Dream hoists Adias up for a suplex but Adias fights it and suplexes Dream over. Both men are reeling. Dream staggers up as Adias clotheslines him over the top rope. The Ref is keeping Adias in the ring. Dream rolls over, reaches in his tights and pulls out a foreign object. Dream is getting ready to put it in his mask. Wait! Johhny Rich comes from the crowd, hops the guard rail and yanks the object out of Dream's hand. Dream is livid as Rich runs back into the crowd. Dream gets ready to chase Rich, but Adias jumps off the apron and nails Dream with a double axehandle. Adias hurls Dream back in the ring. Adias goes to the top rope. Dream staggers up, spins around as Adias connects with a missile dropkick 1..2..3!!!! We have a new AWA TV Champ! The fans are up and cheering. Adias's tag team partner Ricky Rice runs in the ring and celebrates with Adias. Gerry Morrow walks in the ring, shakes Adias's hand and presents him with the TV title. Adias holds it high as the fans cheer. Winner of the match and NEW AWA TV Champ- Brian Adias

Crockett Cup baby! Jones antics backfire as the Bees advance. Andersons set the tone with a convincing win. Jumbo and Fujinami get the win, but I'm sure Tojo didn't mind to much seeing his fellow countrymen advance. Barbarians make their mark. AWA congratulates the Midnights on their first round win. Nasties snap enabling the other Midnights to advance. Mid South has a good showing tonight as their champs win a tough one over Pacific's newly crowned champs. Great way to end the night with both sets of NWA champs going at it. RnR sends the fans home happy. Night 2! Andersons are looking like a well oiled machine. Could Jumbo and Tatsumi become two time winners? They're one step closer. YES! The long awaited Midnight's vs. Midnight's match up. This just had to happen. Well, I tip my hat to Sweet Stan and Beautiful Bobby. They are the superior Express. I loved Cornette helping his guys out. Nice touch. RnR win the battle of champs. Nice sportsmanship. Nothing solved with Brody and Debeers, which means more to come. Bring it on! In an epic rematch from last year, the Andersons rebound and advance. Props to my guys Jumbo and Tatsumi for another solid showing. In another awesome match up, the Midnights advance over their long time rivals RnR. The finals are set! WOW! Tully dethrones Flair for the world title! Big news! I'm sure Flair will be going after Taylor. But man, I'm looking forward to another Tully title run. The Andersons and Midnights deserved to be here. Both teams went through a lot. With some help, the Andersons win the Cup and million. Huge night for the Horsemen! The Crockett Cup was a massive success! Loved the match ups. We've created a great world for tag team wrestling.