Freebirds cut a promo about Fritz’s “heart attack” at Reunion Arena on 12/25/87.

 

“Gentleman” Chris Adams vs. Iceman King Parsons (1/2/88)

 

The crowds are back up at the Sportatorium as the old names are back and they are going nuts for this angle. There is no match.

 

Then we get clips of Embry/Shaun Simpson from Reunion on 12/25/87.

 

“Flamboyant” Eric Embry vs. Jeff Raitz (1/2/88)

 

Shaun Simpson comes out before the match and asks to take Raitz’s place and he obliged. Shaun showed promise but was still green at this time and Embry was a good opponent for him to learn from. This was a okay match that had Shaun get an inside cradle out of an Embry bodyslam attempt for the win.

 

Then we get clips of Perez/Adams from Fort Worth on 12/28/87.

 

Marc Lowrance then tells everyone what the Thunderdome cage match is all about standing in the ring inside the structure.

 

Al Perez vs. Solomon Grundy (1/2/88)

 

Gordy comes out before the match and challenges Perez for a shot at his title before Adams comes out and does likewise so they would brawl with Grundy taking out Buddy Roberts. Perez would jump Adams from behind to set up Gordy locking on the Oriental Spike until Kevin Von Erich clears the ring. This angle is a definite extra but the match not so much.

 

Then we get clips of a Simpsons vs. Apollo, Cowboy Tony, & Thing match.

 

Then we get clips of Adias/Irwin from Reunion on 12/25/87.

 

Next is the heart attack angle which in full is a slam dunk extra along with other clips from this feud.

 

Kerry then cuts a promo about Fritz’s health situation.

 

Steel Cage Match for the World Class World Heavyweight Title: Al Perez © vs. Kerry Von Erich (12/25/87)

 

This is the match after the Fritz angle so Kerry is a little distracted. There was some fine back and forth action to start until Perez would get the advantage and used a sleeper hold to keep Kerry at bay. Kerry would fight out of it though and hooked in one of his own until Perez ran him into the cage. There would be a clip coming back with Kerry having the iron claw on Perez while both men were on the top rope holding onto the cage. Perez is on the verge of falling over the cage but he brings himself back in and would end up jumping down with Kerry getting caught in the ropes. Kerry would come back though locking in the figure-four but Perez would get out of it and at this time Kerry was really feeling the pain from his foot injury as he was moving slower than normal. Kerry would hit a couple of discus punches on Perez before going after Hart and then we get a ref bump allowing Hart to use the chain on his handcuff on Kerry. Perez would then cover Kerry for the win. This had some good stuff but fell apart at the end because of Kerry’s problems so not a nomination.

 

Ron Starr & Pat Tanaka vs. Steve Casey & Jason Sterling (1/15/88)

 

Interesting teams here especially on the heel side. Man does Tanaka take a fucking high bump off a backdrop and odd seeing two guys work against each other bare feet. Starr comes in and beats the hell out of Sterling with Tanaka getting his shots in as well and they do their best trying to keep him in the ring and away from his corner. Starr & Tanaka work pretty well together as a team and Starr has some pretty cool offense like using the Shiro Koshinaka ass strike. Starr would miss a diving legdrop off the top rope and Sterling finally got the hot tag to Casey who got some shots in but would get stopped quickly and ate a DDT by Tanaka for the pin. Okay this was fucking great as Sterling was in the ring for close to 10 minutes taking punishment, his partner gets the hot tag and gets pinned in less than a minute. This has to go on the set somehow as an extra.

 

Tatum & Victory then cuts a promo with Marc Lowrance about winning the tag titles before Vince Apollo shows up offering them a spot in his organization but Tatum turns him down. Apollo gives Jack Victory a check showing him what they are offering and he shows that to Tatum who changes his tune.

 

World Class Lt. Heavyweight Title: “Flamboyant” Eric Embry © vs. Shaun Simpson (1/15/88)

 

Shaun tries to win this early with many quick nearfalls before Embry goes to the floor to regroup. Embry would slow down the pace and took the advantage while using a slingshot gourdbuster which was an awesome spot. Embry would miss a diving headbutt though allowing Shaun to get some offense in and we would have a ref bump as Embry would run into Rick Hazzard who took a fantastic bump from the ring to the floor hitting the table in the process. Shaun would cover Embry until Jason Sterling comes in to act as the referee and Shaun would eventually get an inside cradle on Embry for a pinfall. Sterling isn’t the referee though so Bronko Lubich comes into the ring and awards the belt back to Embry who would walk off. Shaun was really green and the match was ruled a no contest.

 

Texas Heavyweight Title: Maniac Matt Borne © vs. Terry Taylor (2/26/88)

 

Taylor is a shining example of the World Class open door policy which wrestlers from around the world can come in. This had some really solid back and forth action with both men looking good and working well with each other before we get a clip. I don’t know how much we missed but it didn’t look like much thankfully. Taylor would chunk Borne to the floor and started attacking him to get the advantage but Borne would drop Taylor neck first on the top rope to start his comeback. Borne would try to finish off Taylor and got a couple of long nearfalls before Rick Hazzard would lose his balance trying to avoid the two men coming at him leading to the finish with Borne getting an O’Connor Roll on Taylor but Taylor reversing it using the tights to get the win. The fans hated Taylor winning. I liked this and I’m throwing it on the block.

 

Michael Hayes makes his return to the Sportatorium to a big ovation as he is a total babyface here unlike his brothers. Hayes said that he owes Dallas everything because they helped make him what he is today and that was having a concert for them. Hayes said that it is time for the Birds & Von Erichs to co-exist since that feud has been run into the ground. Roberts comes out with Parsons & Angel of Death which pisses off Hayes since he hates his guts after turning on him in UWF. Hayes says that he isn’t wrestling but is only singing and has no problem with Iceman but definitely has problems with Angel and that he won’t work with them professionally. Gordy comes out and gives Hayes his full support in whatever he does. This was that start of a fucking awesome angle and a slam dunk extra. (2/12/88)

 

Badstreet Match: The Fabulous Freebirds (Terry “Bamm Bamm” Gordy & Buddy Roberts) vs. Kerry & Kevin Von Erich (2/12/88)

 

This was what you would expect from this type of match and these four men as it was just a fucking brawl with all four men just pounding on each other. This had some great action with some great spots both in and out of the ring and Marc Lowrance going nuts on the PBP as Kerry gives out piledrivers to both Birds. Parsons shows up so Adams comes out to counter him with a steel chair so they bring their brawl to the ring as Rick Hazzard calls for the bell with this match ending in a no contest. Fucking great stuff and a slam dunk nomination.

 

Hayes then cuts a promo saying that he wasn’t going to retire from wrestling just putting it on pause and wants a shot at Al Perez’s title. This was followed up with a brawl between Hayes & Perez from Fort Worth. This was a fantastic promo and extra material.

 

“Gentleman” Chris Adams vs. Iceman King Parsons (1/2/88)

 

This is a continuation of the first match on the first disc as they cleared out the ring but it wouldn’t stop Kevin & Gordy from getting involved. This whole thing needs to be put together for the extras.

 

Michael “PS” Hayes vs. “Latin Heartthrob” Al Perez (2/26/88)

 

Perez would attack Hayes before the bell rings and the fight is on as Hayes makes a comeback and sends Perez to the floor. Hayes then dominated the early part of the match and just oozes so much charisma that he has enough for both him and Perez combined. Hayes though gets preoccupied with Hart allowing Perez to take control and after a missed kneedrop by Hayes, Perez would immediately go to work on his left leg to set up his spinning toehold. Perez works Hayes over really well and Hayes sells it greatly before locking on the figure-four leglock. Hayes would get to the ropes and would eventually make a comeback throwing some great punches before a ref bump which would bring in Gary Hart so Hayes could attack him but Perez would save Hart. Hayes then hits a modified DDT for a cover but Hart breaks it up for the DQ. They would double up Hayes before he ducked under a double clothesline and rolled to the floor. This was a fun match and I’m throwing it on the block because Hayes looked really good here and Perez held his own.

 

Then we get clips of Taylor breaking Adams’ fingers with him cutting a promo about the issue and this is extra material.

 

Hayes then cuts a fantastic promo about what happened during his concert as the Birds attacked the Von Erichs who were on stage with Hayes. Hayes talks about why he left the NWA and the current situation with the Birds. Tremendous stuff and a slam dunk extra.

 

Then we get clips of the Simpsons winning the Wild West Tag Titles from Tatum & Victory in Fort Worth followed up by a promo from the former champs.

 

World Class World Heavyweight Title: “Latin Heartthrob” Al Perez © vs. “Modern Day Warrior” Kerry Von Erich (3/6/88)

 

Kerry is replacing Hayes who was injured two days earlier at his concert. This had some really good back and forth action with neither one getting a real advantage with both men fighting in and out of the ring. Kerry would gain control though working on the mat using mostly a headlock until Perez gave him a backdrop suplex. This would give Perez the advantage and he would go to his own headlock keeping it on all costs even after a suplex by Kerry. Kerry would break free though and started firing punches at Perez who would trade shots with him until we get another ref bump yet again. The slugfest continued until Kerry would miss a cross body block off the top rope before Perez would throw Kerry over the top rope to the floor as Rick Hazzard was down. Perez wants to win this by countout as Kerry sells this very well before getting back to the ring where Perez would try to bring him back in via bodyslam but Kerry tucked and rolled into a cradle to win the title. The babyfaces would come out for a celebration to end a pretty damn good match. This was paced like a world title match which it was and both men were very solid. Solid nomination.

 

Then we get clips from a Thunderdome match in Fort Worth that looked fucking wild.

 

Next is a promo by Tatum & Victory talking about keeping their titles.

 

Kevin Von Erich vs. Buddy Roberts (3/25/88)

 

Buddy attacks Kevin at the bell as expected and the brawl is on. Kevin starts kicking Buddy’s ass until Angel of Death shows up which would bring out Hayes who would come in for a wild brawl making the match a DDQ. Iceman would run in as Hayes threatens to hit Roberts but they clear the ring. Very fun stuff and extra material.

 

Then we get clips of Kerry saving Hayes from a beating by Perez followed up by clips of Hayes vs. Iceman in Fort Worth on 3/20 featuring the first time Hayes beat on Buddy. Gordy would then show up wanting to know what is going on and is caught in the middle. Gordy then cuts a promo about the situation and I love this fucking angle. Definite extra.

 

Michael “PS” Hayes vs. Buddy Roberts (3/25/88)

 

This was a wild brawl at the start with Hayes throwing some bombs and Buddy standing tall to Hayes throwing his own until Hayes hits his patented bulldog headlock. The brawl goes to the floor and comes back when Gordy shows up trying to keep the peace so Hayes wins by DQ. Gordy calls for the mic and demands that Iceman & Vince Apollo show up because he has sold the Angel of Death to him and asks Hayes to come back now that this has happened. Hayes walks off as he doesn’t know what to do. Tremendous stuff and another definite extra.

 

Then we get clips of Adams vs. Taylor in Fort Worth on 3/20/88 followed up by an Adams promo.

 

World Class World Heavyweight Title: “Modern Day Warrior” Kerry Von Erich vs. Iceman King Parsons (3/25/88)

 

Good back and forth action to start with some good heat for Kerry until Iceman would hit him with a flying clothesline that would start his offensive barrage. Parsons locks on a figure-four as Hayes & Black Bart show up with Gordy flashing a sign to hit the lights. The place goes dark as stuff is going on in the ring and they come back with Kerry flat on his face and Hayes bleeding on the floor. Parsons covers Kerry for the win taking the title and this was so fucking awesome. I remember watching this as a kid and loving it back then as this was executed perfectly. Michael Hayes was booking World Class at this time and should be given a lot of credit for turning an almost dead territory around. Slam dunk extra.

 

The Missing Link vs. “Playboy” Vince Apollo (3/25/88)

 

Apollo is basically a Gino Hernandez ripoff but not as good of a worker. This was not good at all.

 

Then we get a video for Iceman supposedly produced by Iceman to Bad by Michael Jackson. Definite extra.

 

Then we get highlights of a Texas Roundup match on 2/26/88 which was like a Royal Rumble type match.

 

Kerry then cuts a really good promo for him about losing the title to Iceman and this is extra material.

 

“Gentleman” Chris Adams & Wild Bill Irwin vs. The Real Thing (Rip Morgan) & Terry Taylor (3/25/88)

 

Apollo & Thing doing the New Zealand War Challenge before the match was fucking great. Taylor wants no part of Adams until the Real Thing has him weakened so he comes in fast to get his shots in but Adams would soon recover forcing Taylor to tag out. Irwin would play FIP and takes a pounding by both heels but would get the hot tag to Adams who comes in blazing before the match turns into a 4-way brawl ending up with Thing eating the big boot by Irwin and a Superkick from Adams. The heels would get their revenge after the match with Taylor going for Adams’ broken fingers. This was decent and the Adams/Taylor stuff was fun.

 

Wild Bill Irwin vs. Jim Richardson (4/8/88)

 

Bart comes out before the match appealing to Irwin to work together so they could dominate Texas. Irwin looked at him and squashed Richardson.

 

Then it’s video time as we get Badstreet USA for Hayes and Here We Go Again for Kerry.

 

Marc Lowrance then interviews Iceman in the ring before the next match.

 

Michael “PS” Hayes vs. Angel of Death (4/8/88)

 

The match wasn’t long before Iceman runs in for the DQ leaving Hayes open to being attacked by the heels with Iceman wanting to cut some hair but Hayes would make his own comeback with a diving clothesline on both men before grabbing a chair running them off. Extra material.

 

Texas Tag Titles: Shaun & Steve Simpson © vs. “Hollywood” John Tatum & Jack Victory (4/8/88)

 

Simpsons were in control early and the heels made them look good by bumping around and selling for them but the tide would turn as they just pounded on Shaun. Tatum broke a face first piledriver that wasn’t executed good but it was the thought that counted. Steve got the hot tag and the 4-way brawl was on until Shaun got an O’Conner Roll on Victory before Tatum threw him over the top rope but he slid back in the ring to try it again but this time Tatum dropped him neck first on the top rope with Victory getting the cover to win the titles. Decent match with a good finish.

 

Then we get clips of the Birds breaking out the Freebird Haircream on Hayes in Fort Worth on 4/10/88. but Angel of Death gets it instead on his chest.

 

Texas Heavyweight Title: Terry Taylor © vs. “Gentleman” Chris Adams (4/10/88)

 

Adams comes to the ring wearing an umpire’s mask to cover up his facial injuries and would eventually get DQed for using the mask on Taylor after Taylor took it off to work over the injuries. Extra material.

 

Then we get the first brawl with Gordy & Hayes and it’s a fucking wild one before the wrestlers break it up. Definite extra. (4/22/88)

 

Shaun Simpson vs. Bob Bradley (4/22/88)

 

Okay match that would end up in a DQ when Tatum & Victory would run out to attack the Simpsons for the DQ. Simpons would then hit stereo cross body blocks off the top rope with Bronko counting 3.

 

Then we get a commercial for the Michael Hayes survival kit and this is a slam dunk extra.

 

Wild Bill Irwin vs. Killer Brooks (4/22/88)

 

There is a taped promo with the returning Skandor Akbar & Black Bart before the match calling out Irwin. Irwin would win this fairly quickly.

 

Frank Dusek announces that the main event on the Texas Stadium show on 5/8/88 would be Iceman defending his title against Kerry.

 

Then we get a Triple Dome of Terror commercial that is awesome. Extra material.

 

Tatum & Victory then cut a promo about their match against the Simpsons at Texas Stadium.

 

DJ Peterson vs. The Hood (4/22/88)

 

Hood is Jeff Gaylord under a mask. This match is not that good but both men have great physiques.

 

Masahiro Chono & Mike George vs. Jeff Raitz & Mike Reed (4/22/88)

 

FUCKING CHONO!!!!!! The match wasn’t good but fun to see early Chono.

 

Simpsons then cut a promo in retort to Tatum & Victory.

 

Steve Simpson & “Modern Day Warrior” Kerry Von Erich vs. Iceman King Parsons & Buddy Roberts (4/22/88)

 

Iceman is awesome to start the match as he kisses his belt in front of the fans and pisses off fans who try to come at him. Iceman refusing to tag in against Kerry then attacking him when he was thrown to the floor by giving him two Butt Butts against the ringpost was fucking awesome. Kerry would get his revenge back in the ring with some discus punches before tagging in Simpson who shows some fire attacking Buddy. Buddy would break out a backdrop suplex though that changed the dynamic and Simpson played FIP with the heels especially Iceman just pounding him. Iceman would go for an airplane spin with Simpson’s foot hitting Rick Hazzard taking yet another ref bump and Simpson would get tossed over the top rope. Kerry would then brawl with the heels until Buddy hit a bulldog headlock before Iceman slaps him around. Iceman would go for a Butt Butt on Kerry as Buddy held him but Kerry ducked forcing Iceman to hit Buddy and Kerry countered with a schoolboy to get the win. This was fine action but not enough for a nomination.

 

Then we get a Hayes/Freebirds feud montage. Definite extra.

 

Then we get a Adams/Taylor feud montage and another definite extra.

 

Then we get a Kerry/Iceman feud montage yet another extra.

Disc 1

 

int: Buddy Roberts, Parsons, & Gordy

int: Kevin Von Erich

 

You know, if I was a black guy with the Star of David tattooed on my chest, I think beating up a Nazi would be the greatest Christmas present I could ever have, too.

 

“Gentleman” Chris Adams vs. Iceman King Parsons (1/2/88)

 

No match. Everyone just runs in and starts brawling before they go to commercial.

 

“Flamboyant” Eric Embry vs. Jeff Raitz (1/2/88)

 

Which quickly becomes....

 

“Flamboyant” Eric Embry vs. Shaun Simpson (1/2/88)

 

The brothers Simpson don't really do a whole lot for me, but Shaun gave a hell of a performance here. Threw some nice punches early on, and all of his pinning combinations looked great. Embry always delivers, and this was no different. Love the spot where he puts his foot on the top turnbuckle and then rams Simpson's head into the toe of his boot. The finish echoes that of their previous bout, where Embry grabbed a roll-up and the tights for the win. Here, Simpson does the same but doesn't grab the tights, setting up a rematch for the Light Heavyweight Title. This may have been a little too short to get a nomination, but it was action-packed, and it might be a worthy extra.

 

Marc Lowrance explains the Thunderdome

 

You know, as sleazy as the angle setting it up was, this is a really cool concept for a match.

 

Al Perez vs. Solomon Grundy (1/2/88)

 

Agreed with Kris: the angle is an extra, the match stinks.

 

Fritz Von Erich has a heart attack heart attack heart att not a heart attack

 

Obviously a heart attack extra.

 

int: Kerry Von Erich

 

This would have been touching if the angle behind it weren't so slimy. It's an extra either way.

 

Ron Starr & Pat Tanaka vs. Steve Casey & Jason Sterling (1/15/88)

 

World Class hearkens forward to ROH's Do or Die matches, as outsiders Starr and Tanaka need to win this match to get into the fed. They kick some serious ass, but the home team isn't too exciting. The finish isn't that special. I grew up watching early 90's WWF. That is a pretty standard finish for superstar vs. jobber tag matches on Superstars and Wrestling Challenge.

 

int: Tatum, Apollo, & Victory

 

Victory's reaction to seeing the check is priceless. Possible extra.

 

int: Kevin Von Erich

 

Does what it needs to do.

 

World Class Lt. Heavyweight Title: “Flamboyant” Eric Embry © vs. Shaun Simpson (1/15/88)

 

Fun, smartly worked match that falls short of a nomination.

 

Texas Heavyweight Title: Maniac Matt Borne © vs. Terry Taylor (2/26/88)

 

The finish looked a little awkward to me, but I can let that slide. Borne was a dynamo, and heel Taylor smokes face Taylor like a cheap cigar. This is a nomination.

 

Michael Hayes returns to World Class

 

No question. Slam dunk extra.

 

Disc 2

 

int: Michael Hayes

Hayes brawls with Perez & Gary Hart

 

Extra.

 

“Gentleman” Chris Adams vs. Iceman King Parsons (1/2/88)

 

Fines mean nothing! Agreed with Kris, the whole segment needs to be assembled as an extra.

 

Michael “PS” Hayes vs. “Latin Heartthrob” Al Perez (2/26/88)

 

Perez is really starting to win me over. I couldn't quite tell if he was putting Hayes in a Nagata Lock or if he was just fucking up a regular figure-4 like Shawn Michaels does, but otherwise he was rock solid here with his aggressive brawling and taking apart Hayes' knee. Speaking of which, anyone who seriously thought KENTA's selling in the Nakajima match was acceptable needs to watch Hayes in this match to see how a high energy worker can actually sell the leg credibly without fucking up the match. I co-sign the nomination.

 

int: Chris Adams

 

Includes clips of Taylor breaking Adams' hand. The Gentleman isn't feeling so gentle, and this should make it as an extra.

 

int: Michael Hayes

 

Hot damn, that was one of your all-time great wrestling promos right here. Slam dunk extra.

 

int: Victory & Tatum

 

Oh man, Tatum's face.

 

World Class World Heavyweight Title: “Latin Heartthrob” Al Perez © vs. “Modern Day Warrior” Kerry Von Erich (3/6/88)

 

OK, I am totally sold on Perez now. This felt like a really big match, which was getting harder and harder to pull off in World Class. Only black mark I could find on the match was when Perez tried to punch Kerry over the top rope the first time and Kerry couldn't quite make it over, and they repeated the spot. But I think we can let that one slide. It's amazing what Kerry could still do as an amputee. That finish was a thing of beauty, and I totally marked out when Kerry got the win. This is a slam dunk nomination.

 

int: Tatum & Victory

 

Seriously, Tatum's face.

 

Kevin Von Erich vs. Buddy Roberts (3/25/88)

 

This breaks down pretty fast. Extra.

 

Freebird Explosion Round-Up

 

Extras.

 

Michael “PS” Hayes vs. Buddy Roberts (3/25/88)

 

Another great chapter in a great angle. Extra.

 

int: Chris Adams

 

Good stuff.

 

World Class World Heavyweight Title: “Modern Day Warrior” Kerry Von Erich vs. Iceman King Parsons (3/25/88)

 

The greatness of '88 World Class main event booking rolls on with another extra-worthy event.

 

The Missing Link vs. “Playboy” Vince Apollo (3/25/88)

 

Apollo looks like Gino Hernandez, works like Masao Inoue, and is about a fraction as good as either man. Nothing match.

 

Iceman King Parsons "Bad" music video

 

"Bad" in that it is good, yes. Extra.

 

int: Kerry Von Erich

 

Extra.

 

int: Jon Keaton (?)

 

The referee from the Kerry/Parsons match gives his perspective.

 

“Gentleman” Chris Adams & Wild Bill Irwin vs. The Real Thing (Rip Morgan) & Terry Taylor (3/25/88)

 

Loved this. Taylor's heel shtick was great, avoiding Adams when he was in and then repeatedly needling him when Irwin was working FIP. Irwin is kinda inconsistent, but mostly looked good here, and I thought The Real Thing worked well as Taylor's muscle. The finish with both of the faces busting out their awesome finisher kicks and the post-match angle were both great, too. I am putting this on the block.

 

Disc 3

 

int: Iceman King Parsons

Michael “PS” Hayes vs. Angel of Death (4/8/88)

 

Post-match stuff is extra material, but damn, was the match that preceded it ever bad. Hayes was game as usual, but AoD really sucked. The test of strength spot was cute, but aside from that, I don't know why you'd book a guy that size to bump around that much for Hayes, especially when they're as bad at it as AoD was. I know Hayes had the book here, but he hasn't struck me as someone who's glorified himself through booking any more than he really deserves. Oh, well.

 

Texas Tag Titles: Shaun & Steve Simpson © vs. “Hollywood” John Tatum & Jack Victory (4/8/88)

 

The Simpsons were pretty unremarkable in their first few years in World Class, but by '88, they had really turned into a team worth watching. They were not afraid to cut loose on Tatum and Victory in the early part of this match. Tatum and Victory were always an awesome team. Great at clowning around for their opponents (especially Tatum), but still came off as a real threat when in control (especially Victory). I guess that's what makes them a great team - they were two guys who's skills complemented each other perfectly. I have no idea how much of that face-first piledriver thing was intentional, but it spiked Shaun right good and looked really nasty. The finish was awesome, too. I think there is a case for this match, and I'm going to give it a nomination.

 

Angel of Death gets creamed

 

Well, that'll show him for trying to sully another man's chest hair.

 

Ad for the upcoming Texas Stadium show

 

'88 World Class was definitely more exciting than it had been in a while, what with the return of the various talents who had jumped to the UWF coming back and Hayes rocking the book like nobody's business. Still, to think that they were going to keep running shows at Texas Stadium at this point was just crazy.

 

Texas Heavyweight Title: Terry Taylor © vs. “Gentleman” Chris Adams (4/10/88)

 

Awesome stuff from an awesome feud. Extra.

 

Hayes & Gordy brawl

 

Extra.

 

Shaun Simpson vs. Bob Bradley (4/22/88)

 

Innocuous match that doesn't last too long before Tatum and Victory run out to attack Shaun. Steve hits the ring and turns the tables on the heels, enraging Tatum to the point that he takes off his own boot and hits himself in the head with it. Possible extra.

 

Ad for the Michael Hayes Survival Kit

 

Does anyone know where you could find a copy of the Survival Guide? I can't help but be curious about it. Slam dunk extra.

 

int: Frank Dusek

 

Does what it needs to do.

 

Ad for the TRIPLE DOME OF TERROR!

 

For the first time in wrestling history, but sadly, not the last. Extra.

 

int: Tatum & Victory

 

Not so much Tatum's face this time, although I look at it at the very end of the promo, and I see a bit of Joel Hodgson there.

 

DJ Peterson vs. The Hood (4/22/88)

 

I thought this was actually a good little match. The Hood is pretty fun, with some nice looking offense and some goofy posing shtick mixed in for good measure. Peterson isn't so hot, but this was enjoyable.

 

int: Frank Dusek

 

Announces that Hayes will face Gordy in the TRIPLE DOME OF TERROR!

 

Masahiro Chono & Mike George vs. Jeff Raitz & Mike Reed (4/22/88)

 

I echo Kris' sentiment of FUCKING CHONO!!!!!! I don't echo his sentiment that the match wasn't good. It was a squash for the Chono/George team, but it was a very good squash. George put on quite a few pounds since squaring off with Bob Roop at the beginning of the decade, and he is a fine fat man bruiser. Chono is the guy to watch, though. Even at this early stage of his career, you can see he has what it takes, and while he could still use some polish in-ring, he is crazy charismatic and carries the match with his antics.

 

int: The Simpsons

 

The South African accent may be the strangest of all accents.

 

Steve Simpson & “Modern Day Warrior” Kerry Von Erich vs. Iceman King Parsons & Buddy Roberts (4/22/88)

 

Interesting to see Parsons and Budro as partners after all these years. They do work really well together. Great, action-packed match. Normally I'd like to see another babyface comeback at the end instead of going straight to the finish, but we got two FIP sections and a lot of great stuff during the body of the match, so I am putting this on the block regardless.

 

Hayes/Freebirds montage

Adams/Taylor montage

Kerry/Iceman montage

 

I don't know that we really need to include any of these as extras, since most of the individual angles covered are likely to be extras themselves.