This starts with clips of the Sweetan/Tonga John match from 1/10/83 and Sweetan cutting a promo.

 

Then we get a promo by Bobby Jaggers regarding Scott Casey and their bullrope match.

 

Steve Regal vs. “Hangman” Bobby Jaggers (1/24/83)

 

Regal keeps Jaggers grounded on the mat early in the match but Jaggers would take the advantage from Regal and returned the favor by keeping Regal on the mat. Regal would fight back though getting some nearfalls on Jaggers until he missed a running smash into the corner. Jaggers then loaded up his armbrace which would bring Casey out to distract Jaggers as Regal would get him in an O’Connor Roll to get the victory. Fine match but not a nomination.

 

Adrian Adonis vs. Eric Embry (1/24/83)

 

Adonis just destroys Embry here and uses the Ivan Koloff top-rope knee to the back finisher which I loved.

 

The Grappler (Len Denton) vs. El Santo Negro (1/24/83)

 

Grappler wins this fairly easily.

 

Ricky Morton vs. Grappler #2 (Tony Anthony) (1/24/83)

 

Morton comes out blazing with punches and a dropkick sending the Grappler to the floor. Morton keeps up the fight after the Grappler comes back into the ring but a missed dropkick led to the Grappler working over Morton’s left shoulder. Morton fight back though using his right hand throwing punches to the Grappler keeping him at bay. Grappler would use a cheapshot though to regain the advantage going back to work on the left shoulder. The fans are hot for Morton as he made his comeback where he would break out his huracarana before hitting a cross body block for the win. The other Grappler comes out as the pin was counted for a double-team until Sweetan made the save. This was a good TV match and I’m throwing this on the block as a low-end nomination.

 

Adrian Adonis cuts a promo sermon style about his wrestling prowess. Adonis is an awesome promo here.

 

Tully Blanchard starts the next show cutting a promo about how great he is. Sweetan then comes out and says that Tully hasn’t defended his title in 30 days and must vacate his title.

 

“Bruiser” Bob Sweetan vs. Juan Reynosa (1/31/83)

 

Sweetan wins easily.

 

Then we get clips of a Grapplers vs. Lucas/Morton match where Morton suffered a knee injury.

 

Ken Lucas vs. “Hangman” Bobby Jaggers (1/31/83)

 

This had some good back-and-forth action with both men not doing anything fancy but just pounding each other. Lucas would get a sleeper hold on Jaggers until The Grappler ran out thus bringing out Swetean for a brawl until they cleared the ring. Fun stuff.

 

Tully comes out and says that he would defend his title on TV so he won’t have to vacate it.

 

Southwest Heavyweight Title: Tully Blanchard © vs. Eric Embry (1/31/83)

 

Tully tells the Grappler that he wants to face Embry so he can defend his title. Sweetan shows up at ringside to watch as well. Embry surprises Tully early getting some offense in with Tully begging off and gets a couple of nearfalls. Embry would miss a reverse splash off the middle rope though allowing Tully to take the advantage. Tully works over Embry with Eric popping a gusher with Tully just pounding that cut forcing the blood out. Embry’s face is a crimson mask as Tully is relentless in his attack with Sweetan being pissed on commentary. Embry keeps hope alive by putting his foot on the bottom rope on a pinfall attempt but Tully would piledrive him after that. Tully picked Embry up though before finally pinning up after a suplex as Sweetan runs him out of the ring. Sweetan holds Embry up so the cameras can get the blood good after the match in a solid promo. This is a definite extra.

 

Grappler #2 (Tony Anthony) vs. El Santo Negro (1/31/83)

 

Grappler wins easily.

 

“Hangman” Bobby Jaggers vs. Steve Regal (2/7/83)

 

This is a rematch from two weeks ago and like that match Regal keeps Jaggers on the mat early on. Jaggers would fight back using his power advantage to get Regal on the mat. Regal would turn the tide and started firing shots but would eat Jaggers’ loaded armbrace and lost the match. Another fine match between these two.

 

Jaggers then cuts an angry promo on Casey afterwards.

 

Adonis then cuts a promo in an empty ring and this is fucking great. Adonis promos are definite extras.

 

Grapplers then cut a promo about how great they are.

 

The Grapplers (Tony Anthony & Len Denton) vs. Rick McGraw & El Santo Negro (2/7/83)

 

McGraw is making his debut here and he gets some offense here to showcase himself as he is basically a one man team against the Grapplers here. Negro gets the tag in and he is motivated by McGraw as he brings some fire but the Grapplers would finish him off though until McGraw clears them out of the ring. Nice debut for McGraw.

 

Tully Blanchard comes out saying that Terry Funk was supposed to be at TV but was delayed by a snowstorm although Tully thinks he is scared. Tully then buries Lawler & Slater for ducking him as well.

 

Adonis starts the next show cutting a promo on Ivan Putski.

 

Adrian Adonis vs. El Santo Negro (2/14/83)

 

Adonis puts on a great one-man show here. Putski would show up after the match and brawls with Adonis before Adonis KOed him with a foreign object.

 

The Grapplers (Tony Anthony & Len Denton) vs. Scott Casey & Eric Embry (2/14/83)

 

The faces start out hot here especially Casey but the Grapplers would start working over Casey’s left shoulder in their patented style. Casey playing FIP here is odd considering Embry is on the team but he does a fine job here until he makes his own comeback before making a tag to Embry that wasn’t really hot. Embry comes in though a house of fire until he gets caught with a big double clothesline for the pin. Fun match but not quite a nomination.

 

Bobby Jaggers then cuts a promo about Mike Graham leading up to their match.

 

Mike Graham vs. “Hangman” Bobby Jaggers (2/14/83)

 

Jaggers jumps Graham at the bell but Graham comes fighting back and puts a figure-four on Jaggers as he tried to hit him with the loaded armbrace. Tonga John & Juan Reynosa have to pull Jaggers out of the ring and the match is over.

 

Then we get clips of a Texas Death Match between Tully & Sweetan at Hemisfair Arena on 2/13/83.

 

Sweetan starts the next show challenging Tully to another shot at the SW title as he is putting up money that he has gotten from the fans. Sweetan was really good here as a babyface.

 

“Bruiser” Bob Sweetan vs. Roger Smith (aka Assassin I, A-Team I, Dirty Rhodes, & Fire from Memphis) (2/21/83)

 

The legendary Sam Menacker makes his debut as an announcer here with Steve Stack. This had some good hard hitting action here as Smith took as well as he gave here. Sweetan threw some great punches here but couldn’t get Smith up for the piledriver so Smith backdropped him over the top rope to the floor for the DQ. Good debut for Smith here as Sweetan was the top babyface and he didn’t job. Fun but not a nomination.

 

Tully comes out for a promo talking about Sweetan getting money so of course Sweetan shows up with a contract with both men having a verbal battle. Tully walks away without signing the contract.

 

Scott Casey vs. Tully Blanchard (2/21/83)

 

Sweetan continues his verbal tirade as Tully gets in the ring so Casey decides to schoolboy Tully with Sweetan counting the 3 count. Tully then goes nuts signing the contract as Sweetan gloats on the stage telling everyone that the match would be a steel cage match. The match would start with Casey taking advantage of Tully being pissed and goes on the offensive. Tully gets so frustrated that he walks out of the ringside area. This whole thing is a definite extra.

 

Ken Lucas & Rick McGraw vs. The Grapplers (2/13/83)

 

This is from Hemisfair Arena and the original match is Lucas & Mike Graham but the Grapplers take him out with a loaded boot so McGraw takes his place. Then we skip the first 10 minutes of the match to show Graham coming back to help McGraw get the pin over a Grappler.

 

Tully comes back out very angry about Sweetan tricking him.

 

Rick McGraw vs. Grappler #2 (Tony Anthony) (2/21/83)

 

Grappler spends most of the match on the offensive working over McGraw with a front chancery both standing and laying on the mat. McGraw would finally counter that though by picking up Grappler and dropping him neck first on the top rope. McGraw starts throwing dropkicks before hitting the Samoan Drop to setup him going for the mask not the pinfall. Don Carson tries to intervene but McGraw holds him in the air so the Grappler can hit him by mistake with McGraw falling on Grappler for the pin as the fans go nuts. McGraw has really gotten over here and this was a fine match but not sold on it as a nomination.

 

The Grapplers then cut an angry promo afterwards about McGraw going for the mask.

 

Bob Sweetan starts the next show holding his newly won Southwest Heavyweight Title that he won the night before at Hemisfair Arena.

 

Scott Casey vs. The Grappler (Len Denton) (2/28/83)

 

This had some good back-and-forth action before Grappler started working over Casey’s neck trying to get the win. Grappler got some nearfalls before going to a grounded headlock keeping Casey on the mat. Casey would make a comeback though with the fans cheering him on and he would go for the mask like McGraw did Grappler #2 last week. Casey is relentless going for the mask but TV time runs out making this a draw. Grappler would get up and loaded his boot before kicking Casey in the back as he tried for Carson. Good match but again not a nomination.

 

Gino Hernandez makes his return to Southwest and cuts one of his great promos.

 

“Gorgeous” Gino Hernandez vs. El Santo Negro (2/28/83)

 

Negro gives Gino a good fight but he would eat a Russian legsweep as Gino gets the win.

 

Sweetan comes back out to thank the fans for their support and they want to show tape of the Sweetan victory but by chance there are problems with the tape. They find out the tape has disappeared what a shocker.

 

Terry Funk makes his return to Southwest and calls out Tully Blanchard.

 

“Hangman” Bobby Jaggers vs. “Bruiser” Bob Sweetan (2/28/83)

 

This is an interesting matchup and it was fine but they were working towards a TV draw and that is what happened.

 

“Gorgeous” Gino Hernandez vs. “Bruiser” Bob Sweetan (3/7/83)

 

Now this is a good matchup. Sweetan starts out slow paced but Gino would fight back using roughhouse tactics prompting Sweetan to do the same. Gino would miss a running smash into the corner and took a big bump leading to Sweetan just pounding on him setting up the piledriver that Gino would block with help from Tully. The Dynamic Duo then work over Sweetan until Wahoo McDaniel makes his return to even the odds.

 

Grapplers then come out for a promo about Casey & McGraw going for their masks and Don Carson then talk about Gino making a challenge for the Southwest Tag Titles and they accept it.

 

The Grapplers (Tony Anthony & Len Denton) vs. Scott Casey & “Chief” Wahoo McDaniel (3/7/83)

 

Good to see Wahoo back in the fold and the crowd is hot for him. The faces start out hot especially Wahoo but Casey would get caught in the Grapplers’ corner allowing the Grapplers to work on him but Casey would get the tag to Wahoo who comes in throwing the Grappler around. Wahoo gets caught in the Grapplers’ corner this time with both men working a keylock on Wahoo’s left arm. Wahoo would get the tag to Casey though before a 4-way brawl would start with Casey hitting a backbreaker on Grappler #2 as Grappler #1 loads up his boot allowing Grappler #2 to get the win. Another good TV match but not a nomination.

 

Dynamic Duo comes out for a promo talking about everyone who is hating on them at the moment.

 

Tully Blanchard vs. El Santo Negro (3/7/83)

 

Negro gets some offense early but as he would try a cross body block, Tully moved and Negro went through the ropes to the floor. Wahoo then comes out to check on Negro before coming into the ring wanting to take his place and Jack Howell obliges.

 

Wahoo McDaniel vs. Tully Blanchard (3/7/83)

 

This is nothing but a slugfest with Wahoo chopping the hell out of Tully until Gino runs out for the DQ. They work over Wahoo until Sweetan comes back to make the save.

 

Bobby Jaggers comes out and demands a shot at the Southwest title.

 

“Hangman” Bobby Jaggers vs. Rick McGraw (3/14/83)

 

This starts 3 minutes into the match and Terry Funk is on color commentary. The action here was good and it went to a TV draw.

 

Dynamic Duo then send out a formal challenge to Grapplers for a shot at the belts next week.

 

“Gorgeous” Gino Hernandez vs. Eric Embry (3/14/83)

 

Tully is at ringside and Embry got rid of the sheepdog hair he was wearing. Gino is getting a mixed reaction from the crowd here which is interesting considering what is about to come the next week. Embry starts his fiery comeback and the fans are indifferent which shows their love for Gino. Gino would then soon finish off Embry with his reverse elbow smash off the middle rope. Tully then wants to work over Embry after the match but Gino says forget him let’s go.

 

Grapplers then come out and accept the formal challenge for next week.

 

Then we get clips of a battle royal from San Antonio on 3/13/83 that would be won by Wahoo McDaniel.

 

Next is clips of Wahoo vs. Sweetan on 3/13/83 as since he won the battle royal he got the title shot.

“Gorgeous” Gino Hernandez vs. “Bruiser” Bob Sweetan (3/7/83)

 

Now this is a good matchup. Sweetan starts out slow paced but Gino would fight back using roughhouse tactics prompting Sweetan to do the same. Gino would miss a running smash into the corner and took a big bump leading to Sweetan just pounding on him setting up the piledriver that Gino would block with help from Tully. The Dynamic Duo then work over Sweetan until Wahoo McDaniel makes his return to even the odds.

Don't know if this is it but I remember these two having a studio match that I absolutely loved with really neat knuckle locks that I would like to see on a set.

SWCW Jan 20-Mar 30, 1983 #1

 

Replay of Tully and Adonis kill Sweetan

 

Sweetan cuts a believeable promo.

 

Jaggers bitches about Scott Casey

 

Jaggers cuts a revenge promo. I guess intenstinal fortitude must be a popular word in San Antonio.

 

Jaggers v Regal

 

This was a fun little bout which adds fuel to the Casey feud.

 

Adonis v Embry

 

Adonis looks tremendous here. I dug the finish too. Total squash.

 

Grappler 1 v Santo Negro

 

 

Grappler 2 v Morton

 

This has a hot start. I dug the Grapplers arm and shoulder work on Morton. Morton's fire was great here. This was a blast, but falls short because of the DQ finish, and it was a tad short 5 minutes. Though I can't fault the work.

Adonis promo

 

Tully promo and Sweetan interferes

 

 

Reynosa v Sweetan

 

Squash

 

Lucas v Jaggers

 

I dug Lucas escape from the headscissors. It seemed Saintesque. Solid work that lead to a DQ.

 

Tully v Eric Embry

 

-turns Embry into an UNREAL bloody mess (Muto Scale 10)-Sweetan goes nuts-post match Sweetan holds up bloody Embry for longggggggggg closeup while Embry just keeps bleeding

This is a potential extra that heats up Sweetan/Blanchard feud.

 

Jaggers v Regal

 

This was another solid bout between the 2.

 

Adonis interview.

 

He's a fun promo, and has been entertaining as hell on this set.

 

Grapplers v Rick McGraw/Santo Negro

 

McGraw's Tiger Mask spin in the ropes to avoid the dbl team move was neat. McGraw has the fans on his side. I wonder if Santo Negro ever got a push. He seems ready to bust out of prelims.

 

Tully calls Terry Funk a coward

 

Adonis promo

 

Adonis v Santo Negro-ends up killing Putski

 

The mat wrestling here is a blast.

 

Grapplers v Casey/Embry

 

This is good with the Grapplers being their solid selves. The heat on Casey was good. All the near tags added to the drama. The hot tag blew. All the teases and that was the hot tag that we got. A good bout, but not a nom.

 

Graham v Jaggers

 

Tully v Sweetan

 

Highlights

Sweetan is still moaning about Tully, v some jobber

 

What a babyface promo. He's pushing the people's champ angle.

 

Sweetan vs. Roger Smith

.

Smith got DQed. That was odd. Was Smith in line for a push.

 

 

Tully promo-gets tricked by Sweetan

 

This is a good confrontation.This is a nice piece of business that could go on as an extra.

 

Blanchard vs. Casey

 

Blanchard walks out. This is more of a backdrop to the hot angle.

 

Grapplers v Lucas/Graham

 

This is in highlight form.

 

Blanchard loses it.

 

 

Grappler 2 v McGraw

 

The stuffs and blocks on the amateur stuff early was neat. Grappler 2 was great at focusing his offense on McGraw's neck area. Overall, the Grapplers have been great at this. The finish was a ton of fun. Still this was a good studio bout, but not enough for a nomination.

 

Grapplers interview.

 

 

 

Sweetan has the belt

 

 

 

Casey v Grappler 1

 

This is another fun studio bout. As per the norm Grappler 1 has a real focused game plan. Here he is working his opponents neck. I know the heat is in the Grappler's masks, but it does get redundent if all the faces go after them. Good, but not a nomination.

 

Gino Hernandez is back! Squashes Santo Negro; fun bout though.

 

A fun promo.

 

Sweetan promo.

 

A tale of the missing tape. Sweetan comes across so humble.

 

Terry Funk promo-"has never lied"

 

Just a fun promo.

 

Sweetan v Jaggers

 

This goes to the t.v time draw. This was a good give and take bout.

 

Sweetan v Gino, Tully and Wahoo McDaniels interfere

 

Gino is a great opponent for Sweetan. Sweetan is everything that Gino is not, and vice versa.

 

Grapplers promo

 

Grapplers v Casey/McDaniels(some digitizing)

 

Another good t.v bout that doesn't stick as a nom.

 

Tully v Wahoo

 

Blanchard was great at selling Wahoo's offense. This was great for the minute it went.

 

Jaggers v McGraw

 

Fun little bout.

 

Funk commentates

 

 

Gino v Embry

 

This was solid work

 

JIP end of San Antonio Battle Royal

Disc 1:

 

Ricky Morton vs. Grappler #2 (Tony Anthony) (1/24/83)

 

This was a five-minute match, and honestly, it wasn't even great by that standard. This is Southwest. It is a promotion filled with good long competitive squashes. I don't see how a match like this would go on ahead of Relampago Leon vs. Nick Ramirez, Wahoo McDaniel vs. Juan Reynosa, Dick Slater vs. Grenade Bowyer, Patton & Robley vs. Kiniski & Leon, or Gino Hernandez vs. Tom Prichard. And outside of Leon/Ramirez, it's not like I'm pushing for any of those to be on the set (well, pushing for Wahoo/Reynosa as an extra, but that's it).

 

Adonis interview

 

Adonis quoting the song "Key Largo" was kinda surreal. Actually, most of this interview was kinda surreal. Extra.

 

Disc 2:

 

Bob Sweetan interview

 

Great stuff, as the hard-working people of Texas help Bob raise money to create an incentive for Tully to put the belt up against him. Extra material.

 

Gino Hernandez interview

 

He's back! Possible extra.