NWA Sep. – Oct. 1987

 

Disc 1

Worldwide

Midnight Express vs. John Savage & Larry Stephens

Midnight Express Interview

Recap of MX-Windhams

Nikita Koloff vs. Vernon Deaton

Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard Interview

Ivan Koloff & Barbarian vs. Brodie Chase & ???

Dusty & Nikita Interview

Ron Garvin Training Video

(I may throw on the Bash 87 commercial)

Rock N Roll Express vs. Gladiator #1 & #2

Rock N Roll Express Interview

Barry Windham vs. Cougar Jay

Jimmy Garvin Interview

Sean Royal Interview

Mod Squad vs. ???

The Four Horsemen vs. Kendall Windham, Denny Brown, Italian Stallion & Rocky King

- I was hoping for maybe a semi-competitive match but it wasn't really that.

 

Four Horsemen Interview (Possible Extra)

 

Pro

Arn Anderson & JJ Dillon Interview

Barry Windham & Nikita Koloff vs. Midnight Express (5:56) (5:48) (11:44)

- The first half is all shine for the babyfaces. After the commercial break, the MX take control and when Windham looks like he has the pin, Arn Anderson comes from nowhere and pops him with a chair allowing the MX to get the pin. This wasn't really a complete match. It seemed like a RAW main event from 1999 or something where you think you are getting a big showdown only for some screwy ending that abruptly ends 6 minutes in. No vote.

 

Warlord vs. George South

Nikita Koloff Interview

Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard Interview

Lex Luger vs. Larry Stephens

Lex Luger & JJ Dillon Interview

Jimmy Garvin vs. Teijo Khan

Ricky Morton Interview

Manny Fernandez vs. Colt Steele

 

Jim Cornette Interview

Sean Royal vs. Rick Nelson

Sean Royal-Jim Cornette Confrontation

- Wow, really sad to know we missed out on that MX-New Breed feud.

 

 

Disc 2

Worldwide

Ricky Morton vs. Tully Blanchard (No DQ One Fall Death Match) (5:55) (5:52) (6:48) (18:35)

- OK, to make things easier, this would be a Last Man Standing match in today's wrestling world. Early on, Morton shows a meaner streak here than he did in the No DQ tag match. Tully turns the tide by hitting Morton with a foreign object and the stips of the match kick in. I love how Tully blatantly chokes Morton with a rope AND pushes Teddy Long away when he tries to break it up. Thanks for playing up the stips! I love Tully's headbutt that only serves to send him out to the concrete as he bears the brunt of it. A double knockout spot allows Morton to stand up first despite JJ's best efforts to pick up Blanchard and we have a clean ending on NWA TV in 1987. Only after the decision does Arn come in and lay waste to Morton. Good stuff and a nomination. I feel tempted to put the No DQ tag on as an extra to show how different the matches can be when you respect the stipulations.

 

Sting vs. ???

Lex Luger & JJ Dillon Interview

Barry Windham vs. Larry Stephens

Barry Windham Interview

Midnight Express vs. ???

Midnight Express Interview (Royal-Cornette recap)

Jimmy Valiant vs. John Savage

Nikita Koloff & Paul Ellering Interview

Road Warriors & Dusty Rhodes vs. Luger, Anderson & Blanchard (Bullrope match (Inc.)

- Shit, I think every bullrope match they showed on TV was incomplete. That sucks.

 

WCW

Rock N Roll Express vs. Tommy Angel & Mike Force

Rock N Roll Express Interview

Bugsy McGraw vs. Gladiator #1

Bugsy McGraw Interview

Sheepherders vs. Rocky King & Cougar Jay

Sheepherders Interview

Warlord vs. Alan Martin

MX vs. Windham/Koloff Recap

Dusty Rhodes Intrview

Warlord & Paul Jones Interview

Kevin Sullivan vs. Larry Stephens

Kevin Sullivan Interview

Arn Anderson vs. Art Pritts

Arn Anderson Interview

Tully Blanchard vs. The Menace

Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard Interview

Mike Rotunda vs. Dave Spearman

Flair-Garvin Cage Recap

- Nothing special here. The recap is shown before the cage match on TV I think.

 

Pro

Mike Rotunda vs. Robbie Idol

Mike Graham & Steve Keirn vs. The Masked Yankees

- This is Pro but it is featuring Florida wrestlers.

 

 

Disc 3

Pro (cont.)

Lex Luger vs. ???

LEx Luger & JJ Dillon Interview

Nikita Koloff vs. Black Assassin

Nikita Koloff Interview

Barry Windham vs. ???

Bugsy McGraw vs. Rick Ryder

Kevin Sullivan vs. Rex King

Sean Royal interview (w/ Royal-Cornette footage)

Sheepherders vs. Bill Mulkey & Rick McCord

Sheepherders Interview

- Pro from Florida continued.

 

Worldwide

Ron Garvin vs. Ric Flair (Cage match) (Detroit) (30:25) (4:33) (1:50) (36:48)

- This match SMOKES the Starrcade match. It has all of your Garvin-Flair goodness. Hard chops, stiff punches, and it really helps that the crowd is hot. When Flair gains contorl, he goes to work on Garvin's arm instead of his leg. although he does slap on the Figure 4 later on in the match . I guess it makes sense if Flair's goal is to neutralize Garvin's hands of stone. Later on, Garvin counters a knee drop, slaps Flair down and applies his own Figure-4. I think that is a spot that never gets old in Flair matches... the opponent putting Flair in his own hold. Unless it is Russo or something. Awesome spot as Flair tries for a pin in the corner with his leg on the ropes only to have Garvin breaking the pin by grabbing Flair's nose. the one negative is that they didn't really utilize the cage for most of the amtch., However, when Garvin is scraping Flair against the cage late in the game, the crowd goes batshit. The end stetch is super hot as Garvin hits all the big moves in a desparate attempt to pin Flair. We have seen it all before so you reall ythink Flair wins in the end. He escaped the Garvin stomp, a body press, the Garvin punch. When Garvin hits the flying sunset flip at the end, it was a great fucking moment. Too bad they fucked up his World Title run. Slam dunk nomination.

 

WCW

Garvin-Flair Recap

Road Warriors vs. Clement Fields & Ed Franks

Road Warriors Interview

Terry Taylor vs. Terry Jones

Ron Garvin Interview

Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard vs. Mike Force & Tommy Angel

Lex Luger & JJ Dillon Interview

Jim Crockette Interview

Lex Luger vs. Mac McGiver

Dusty Rhodes Interview

Ivan Koloff & Warlord vs. Bob Riddle & Keith Steinborn

Ric Flair Interview

Terry Taylor Interview

Nikita Koloff vs. El Negro

Nikita Koloff Interview

 

- I'll probably include the Garvin and Flair studio interviews on top of the match but there wasn't anything special on the last show.

Disc 1

 

Midnight Express vs Windham/Koloff

 

Way too short.

 

Disc 2

 

Tully vs Morton NO DQ

 

This is a solid nomination. It starts with both guys just punching each other in a real hateful manner. Tully is great at being the opportunistic prick. I loved Morton's counter of the Sling shot. I really liked the finish and as icing we get a tremendous post match beat down.

 

Disc 3

 

 

Flair vs Garvin

People don't talk about what an amazing match this is nearly enough. I remember posting about what a great match this was, and said it was at the level of Savage/Steamboat at Wrestlemania that same year. People just shit all over my opinion like I said the sky was pink.

World Wide Wrestling 9/19/87

The Midnight Express ("Beautiful" Bobby Eaton & "Sweet" Stan Lane) vs. John Savage & Larry Stephens (9/6/87)

JJ Dillon is with Tony on commentary for the show which is interesting. MX look really good here as Cornette also gets on the commentary as well. Eaton winning with a hammerlock was interesting. Cornette then talks about how Nikita Koloff needs to mind his own business or one of the MX will take his title and we get clips of Nikita helping Barry fight the MX on the 9/12 WCW.

NWA World TV Title: "Russian Nightmare" Nikita Koloff © vs. Vernon Deaton (9/6/87)

Nikita just manhandles this guy.

Arn & Tully join Bob Caudle next talking about how they are ready to win the NWA Tag Titles and that the RnR are on notice because their reign is soon to end.

The Barbarian & "Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff vs. Brodie Chase & Ricky Nelson (9/6/87)

Total mauling by Paul Jones' men.

The Super Powers & Johnny Weaver join Bob Caudle next for a promo talking about coming for all the tag teams as well as Luger. Weaver then talks about the Weaver Lock and said that Dusty is perfecting it.

Next we get the Ronnie Garvin training video.

The Rock n Roll Express (Robert Gibson & Ricky Morton) vs. The Gladiators (9/6/87)

RnR win in less than a minute with the Double Dropkick who joined Tony at ringside after the match talking about Arn & Tully coming for their titles telling them to bring it on.

Barry Windham vs. Cougar Jay (9/6/87)

Windham hits the Lariat fairly quickly to get the win.

Jimmy Garvin & Precious are out next for a promo talking about it won't be long before Ronnie beats Flair for the NWA Title and Dusty beats Luger for the US Title.

Sean Royal joins Caudle for a promo saying that Chris Champion will be back in a couple of weeks.

The Mod Squad (Basher & Spike) vs. David Isley & Keith Patterson (9/6/87)

Total squash.

The Four Horsemen ("The Enforcer" Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, "Nature Boy" Ric Flair, & "Total Package" Lex Luger) vs. Denny Brown, Italian Stallion, Rocky King, & Kendall Windham (9/6/87)

Now this is a fucking treat to see all of the Horsemen together in one match and something that should've happened more often. The faces put up a good fight and weren't totally squashed which was nice but the Horsemen were just too much for them. Funny moment was Flair throwing Rocky over the top rope and Tommy Young seeing it but trying not to. Flair then made Rocky submit to the Figure-Four. The Horsemen then joined Tony after the match talking about taking out all of their enemies.

NWA Pro Wrestling 9/26/87

This starts with Arn & Dillon talking to Bob Caudle at ringside with Arn talking about wanting the Western States Title because he is better at everything than Windham is. Arn then tried to jump Windham but he was sent packing.

US Tag Titles: The Midnight Express ("Beautiful" Bobby Eaton & "Sweet" Stan Lane) © vs. "Russian Nightmare" Nikita Koloff & Barry Windham (9/19/87)

The faces have the MX reeling early on and the way the pacing was going it seemed like we were going to have a long match. Nikita would get doubled up by the MX and sent to the floor and they started working him over mainly in the back using quick tags to keep him from getting to Windham. Nikita would cause the MX to hit each other and then he got the hot tag to Windham who came in cleaning house with both MX pinballing for him. Windham hit the Lariat on Eaton but Lane broke it up and the 4-way brawl was on. Arn then ran back out and clocked Windham in the head with a steel chair as Windham had Lane in an O'Connor Roll and Lane covered to win. This was a fun little match but not enough for a nomination.

The Warlord vs. George South (9/19/87)

Warlord returns from Central States and kills South.

Nikita joins Tony next talking about defending his TV Title against anyone around the world and what just happened earlier with his match against the MX. Nikita said the Horsemen would get theirs.

Arn, Tully, & Dillon are out next talking about Arn clocking Windham as he wants his title and they talk about soon winning the NWA Tag Titles from the RnR.

"Total Package" Lex Luger vs. Larry Stephens (9/19/87)

Lex has no issues here and wins with the Torture Rack then he and Dillon cut a promo about their issues with Dusty next and his Weaver Lock.

"Gorgeous" Jimmy Garvin vs. Teijho Khan (9/19/87)

Teijho is pretty much a glorified jobber here and falls to the Brainbuster.

Next we get a promo from Ricky Morton with Tony talking about their upcoming battles with the Horsemen and how the RnR will remain champs in the end.

"Ragin Bull" Manny Fernandez vs. Colt Steele (9/19/87)

This is Bull's last JCP TV match and he goes out quickly with the Flying Burrito. He also looks pretty pissed off as well.

Cornette is with Caudle next saying that there aren't any teams that could beat the MX and the match earlier proved it.

Sean Royal vs. Ricky Nelson (9/19/87)

Royal wearing shorter tights wins extremely quickly then gets in Cornette's face after the match saying that he wants to talk but Cornette insults him & Champion which leads to Royal throwing Cornette in the ring where he is about to get him but the MX jump him from behind. Eaton comes off the top rope with the racquet on Royal's back a couple of times before dipping out.

World Wide Wrestling 9/26/87

Death Match: Ricky Morton vs. Tully Blanchard (9/19/87)

Morton starts off teeing off on Tully who is always great at taking the abuse but Tully gives as good as he takes and you get the feeling that these two hate each other. Lots of dirty tactics were used by both men as in a death match it didn't matter. Morton was way more aggressive than normal and Tully was paying the price. Morton though of course would take a beating as well so we got to see his great selling. The finish was awesome as both men knocked heads and Tully fell into the ropes where his feet were hung up in the ropes so Morton was able to get up and answer the 10 count first giving him the victory. Arn ran out and jumped him after the match giving him the Gourdbuster. Morton would get whipped with Dillon's belt afterwards until Barry Windham made the save.

Next we get clips of Sting from Power Pro.

Luger & Dillon is out next for a promo talking again about Dusty and the Weaver Lock and how much of a choke it is. Luger is also getting more comfortable as a heel and comes off as such a prick here.

Barry Windham vs. Larry Stephens (9/19/87)

Easy win for Barry who then talks to Crockett at ringside talking about his issues with Arn as well as wanting some world title gold.

The Midnight Express ("Beautiful" Bobby Eaton & "Sweet" Stan Lane) vs. Ricky Nelson & George South (9/19/87)

MX look very strong here and Eaton again uses the hammerlock as a submission finisher this time on Nelson. Cornette talks to Crockett after the match about the Sean Royal deal from NWA Pro whining about Royal trying to attack him and rips on him & Champion some more.

"Boogie Woogie Man" Jimmy Valiant vs. John Savage (9/19/87)

Standard easy Valiant squash.

Nikita & Ellering are out next for a promo talking about their issues with the Horsemen.

Texas Bullrope Match: "American Dream" Dusty Rhodes & Road Warrior Animal vs. "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson & "Total Package" Lex Luger (9/19/87)

Of course the credits start right when the bell rings which always sucked.

World Championship Wrestling 9/26/87

The Rock & Roll Express (Robert Gibson & Ricky Morton) vs. Tommy Angel & Mike Force (9/23/87)

Squash and a promo afterwards featuring clips of the Morton/Tully match from WWW.

Bugsy McGraw vs. The Gladiator (9/23/87)

Squash and a promo afterwards.

The Sheepherders (Butch Miller & Luke Willliams) vs. Cougar Jay & Rocky King (9/23/87)

Squash and a promo afterwards.

The Warlord vs. Alan Martin (9/23/87)

Squash.

Next we get clips of the MX vs. Nikita/Windham match from NWA Pro.

Dusty comes out for a promo about the war against the Horsemen. Great promo.

Paul Jones comes out next with the Warlord all happy about signing Mighty Wilbur thanks to Red Bastien....the saga begins.

Kevin Sullivan vs. Larry Stephens (9/23/87)

Squash with a wacky promo afterwards.

"The Enforcer" Arn Anderson vs. Art Pritts (9/23/87)

Squash and a standard great Arn promo afterwards.

Tully Blanchard vs. The Menace (9/23/87)

Squash and a promo aftewards with Arn with an appearance by Jim Crockett which Tully asks him if he has any more checks to cancel. Jim announces that the next Omni show will have a lumberjacks with straps match with the Horsemen/R&R.

Mike Rotundo vs. Dave Spearman (9/23/87)

Easy win for Mike.

Next they show clips of Garvin winning the title from Flair the night before in Detroit to close out the show.

NWA Pro Wrestling 10/3/87

Mike Rotundo vs. Robbie Idol (9/22/87)

This show was taped in Tampa so there are a lot of Florida guys on the show which was cool. Rotundo gets a good win here.

Mike Graham & Steve Keirn vs. The Mighty Yankees (Bob Cook & Jerry Grey) (9/22/87)

These two teams were going at it around the state so they had some chemistry working against each other. This was a competitive match and fine for what it was.

"Total Package" Lex Luger vs. Jimmy Backlund (9/22/87)

Florida fans still cheer for Luger but he does have quite a few that boo him though. Luger totally dominates Backlund before putting him away with the Torture Rack. Luger & Dillon then join Caudle after the match for a promo about the Weaver Lock again and how it's becoming a legal issue. Luger said that he would be the US Champ as long as he wanted to be.

NWA World TV Title: "Russian Nightmare" Nikita Koloff © vs. Black Assassin (9/22/87)

Big Bill Tabb getting a shot at Nikita is fun but it doesn't last too long before Nikita wins with the Russian Sickle. Nikita talks to Caudle after the match after coming after the Horsemen and Terry Taylor.

Barry Windham vs. The Masked Terror (9/22/87)

The Masked Terror is some old dude in a black mask wearing lavendar tights and he looks hilarious. Windham wins fairly easily.

Bugsy McGraw vs. Rick Ryder (9/22/87)

Total squash.

Kevin Sullivan vs. Rex King (9/22/87)

Sullivan mauls the young Rex here.

Sean Royal is out next with Caudle talking about his problems with Cornette and the MX and that Chris Champion will be back next week where they can start going for the US Tag Titles.

The Sheepherders (Butch Miller & Luke Williams) vs. Rick McCor & Bill Mulkey (9/22/87)

Sheeps are ruthless here and then they join Caudle talking about coming for all the tag teams.

World Wide Wrestling 10/3/87

Steel Cage Match for the NWA World Heavyweight Title: "Nature Boy" Ric Flair © vs. "Hands of Stone" Ronnie Garvin (9/25/87)

This is from Detroit and takes up the whole hour of World Wide. What a fantastic match this is and yes it is better than the Starrcade match and probably should've happened at Starrcade. Both men brought everything they had here and it was one of the best matches both men ever had. The fans went totally nuts for the finish as the pop in Joe Louis Arena was amazing then you had everyone celebrating in the cage afterwards which was awesome. This is a surefire slam dunk nomination.

World Championship Wrestling 10/3/87

The Road Warriors (Animal & Hawk) vs. Clement Fields & Art Franks (9/30/87)

Total squash and a great Hawk crazy promo afterwards. Hawk calling Luger "Ex-Lax" because he constipates everyone is great.

UWF TV Title: Terry Taylor © vs. Terry Jones (9/30/87)

Easy win for Terry.

Ronnie Garvin is out next for a promo wearing the NWA title and gets a standing ovation from the fans. Definite extra.

"The Enforcer" Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard vs. Tommy Angel & Mike Force (9/30/87)

Squash and a promo afterwards with Luger.

Jim Crockett comes out next talking about Starrcade 87.

"Total Package" Lex Luger vs. Max McGyver (9/30/87)

Squash.

Dusty is out for a promo next subtly challenging Garvin while talking about the Horsemen.

"Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff & The Warlord vs. Bob Riddle & Keith Steinborn (9/30/87)

Squash.

Flair comes out for his first promo since losing to Garvin and this is awesome as he wants revenge. Extra material.

Taylor is out for a promo next demanding a match with Nikita.

NWA World TV Title: "Russian Nightmare" Nikita Koloff © vs. El Negro (9/30/87)

Nikita wins in seconds and brawls with Taylor after the match. Gilbert then attacks Nikita and steals Nikita's belt before leaving. Nikita was pissed at this. Extra material.