World Championship Wrestling 11/5/88

This is the first episode of World Championship Wrestling under the new ownership of Turner Broadcasting System.

Ron Simmons vs. Rip Morgan (11/2/88)

There was some clubbering early in the match as both men just pounded each other before Ron took it to the mat for a bit but that didn't last long as they were clubbering each other again. Morgan would use clotheslines and elbows to take control as this is turning into a nice little hard hitting match. Simmons would then hit his Sidewalk Slam out of nowhere to win the match before the Sheeps ran in to jump Simmons. Eddie Gilbert then ran out and along with Simmons sent the Sheeps running out of the ring.

Then we get clips of the Roadies beating the MX for the NWA World Tag Titles in New Orleans on 10/29. The Roadies then cut a live promo at Techwood talking about how once they got rid of the guys they were carrying they became champs and this is a definite extra.

The Russian Assassins (Angel of Death & Jack Victory) vs. Brett Holiday & Terry Jones (11/2/88)

Total squash.

Bam Bam Bigelow vs. Trent Knight (11/2/88)

Bammer is back from Japan and he squashes Knight and then joins Humperdink for a promo with David Crockett afterwards talking about wanting shots at Ric Flair & Barry Windham. Humperdink then said that Bigelow has a tag partner in Dusty Rhodes and they are coming for any team down the pike.

Ric Flair & JJ Dillon are out next talking about the fans who are there in their suits and how excited he is to be on TBS with the NWA. Flair then rips on Bigelow & Humperdink some more as well.

The Fantastics (Bobby Fulton & Tommy Rogers) vs. Gary Royal & George South (11/2/88)

Fulton is carrying the US flag as they walk to the ring and they plant the flag on the post to prove that you don't need a flag bearer. Fants get a little test early on from the unmasked Cruel Connection but they overcome this and get a solid win. Fants cut a promo afterwards about America with Fulton even singing a little God Bless America.

"Total Package" Lex Luger vs. Agent Steel (11/2/88)

This is debut of the definitive Lex Luger theme music which is one of my all-time favorites. Luger wins this handily and then talks to Crockett after the match about the Roadies being the new champs and that he & Sting are going to take those belts.

Jim Cornette comes out next with the MX talking about losing the NWA World Tag Titles talking about how the Roadies got the best of them using illegal means and they want a rematch. Cornette said that they mastered dirty tactics and they will teach the Roadies.

"Sweet" Stan Lane vs. Menace #2 (11/2/88)

Eaton can't work because of his injuries from the Roadies match so Lane goes solo. During the match, Tony tells Cornette that he has an important phone call to take and it's for Cornette who takes it and he tells him to bring his two geeks in any time and any place. Cornette then hangs up on him and goes to the ring telling Bobby before Dennis Condrey, Randy Rose, & Paul E. Dangerously run out and they destroy the MX. Ross is going nuts talking about how they don't wrestle here with Cornette juicing like crazy. This is a red hot angle and a slam dunk extra.

"Hot Stuff" Eddie Gilbert vs. Mike Jackson (11/2/88)

Gilbert somehow hurts his left arm early on and Jackson works on the arm smartly. Eddie bounces back and wins a fun little match with the Hot Shot.

Next we get a taped promo from Dusty talking about Starrcade 88 coming up soon and the Roadies being the tag champs. Dusty then shouts out Animal saying there ain't no steroids in him but he has liquor and other things and it's time to pay some dues. Extra material.

Abdullah the Butcher vs. David Isley (11/2/88)

Abby is back after being gone for 3 years and he destroys poor Isley. Gary Hart talks to Crockett afterwards about Abby being there and that everyone better be afraid of what's going to happen.

NWA World TV Title: Mike Rotundo © vs. Bob Emory (11/2/88)

Steiner is at ringside and the fans are chanting hard for him. Rotundo throws Emory to the floor a few times but Steiner throws him back in the ring instead of letting Sullivan attack him. Rotundo wins with the Butterfly Suplex as Sullivan lectures Steiner then they all join Crockett after the match for some comedy. Sullivan talks about how Dr. Death has joined their ranks and Rotundo said that he will always be the top guy.

The Sheepherders (Butch Miller & Luke Williams) vs. Rick Allen & Jerry Price (11/2/88)

Easy win for the Sheeps and we get a promo from them afterwards about the Fants and Gilbert/Simmons.