The Spectacular Legacy of The AWA

Opening Match

AWA World Light Heavyweight Championship

  VS.  

Mike Graham (C) VS. Steve Regal

Once the bell rings the men circle around the ring, feeling each other out, before locking up together in the centre of the ring. Regal pushes Graham, seemingly winning the test of strength and he takes a swing at the AWA Light Heavyweight Champion! But Graham ducks under it and swings around behind Regal! A moment of hesitation follows, as what Regal just attempted would technically have been an illegal move with taking a direct, close hand swing at Graham's face. The referee steps in and warns him as Graham preps himself, realising what lengths Regal will go to in order to win the belt.

The two circle each other once more and lock up, Regal once again managing to come out on top and move around into a rear grapple hold on Graham...and he slams Graham down onto his stomach! And now there's a scramble on the mat! Regal trying to capitalize on his momentum and Graham trying to make sure Regal doesn't stay on top of him! Graham manages to get a hold of Regal's arm!  He's got a hold of Regal's arm and slowly the two men return to their feet! Regal trying to get The champion to realease that grasp on Regal's left arm! He pushes his free hand out as he moves forward, Pushing Graham up against the ropes, Regal's free hand reaching out and open handed pushing Grham back against the ropes! The referee begins a count...and Regal takes another close handed swing! And again Mike Graham, with the wit, and the awareness, to duck under it and swing behind Steve Regal! For the second time now, Steve Regal trying to take a cheap shot against the Light Heavyweight Champion! 

And this time Graham takes a swing of his own! He's giving Regal a taste of his own medicine! He clocks Regal across the cheek and send him reeling and the ref has no choice but to step in and warn the champion, but in all fairness to the champ. This was the second attempt by Regal to take a cheap shot! Maybe after a taste of his own medicine that will teach him a lesson! But the ref just doing his job, warning Graham that he can't repeat a tactic like this if he doesn't want the match to end in disqualification.

For the third time the men circle around each other. The rising tension between the two men quite clear. The fight for the title is real and both men has shown now they are willing to get down and dirty and devolve into a fight if necessary...the two men lock up...and this time it's Mike Graham who comes out successful in the challenge, grasping once again at Regal's left arm and moving it around his back! After a few moments of wrenching the arm, Regal manages to swing himself back around, ducking under the champions arm in order to do it. In response though Graham bends down and he's able to grab a hold of Regal's foot with his free hand and he pulls on it, tripping Regal up and sending him to the ground! But Regal pushes at Graham's back with his other foot! Sending Mike Graham into the ropes...Mike Graham rebounding back and Regal kicks both of his feet up...

BUT MIKE GRAHAM IS ABLE TO FLIP AND LAND ON HIS FEET! THE ATHLETICISM ON DISPLAY!

AND HE FOLLOWS IT UP WITH A PERFECTI PRECISION DROPKICK, STRAIGHT TO THE CHIN OF REGAL, SENDING HIM SHOOTING DOWN TO THE MAT!

Graham gets back up and Regal retreats to the corner, on one knee, one hand grabbing onto the ropes and the other reaching out in desperation, trying to hold Graham off, as if asking for a time out. Clearly rattled by the display the Light Heavyweight Champion had put on.

The referee steps in and allows Regal to regain himself, directing Mike Graham to the opposite corner. Regal clearly looking frustrated now as he kicks the ropes after raising to his feet. He signals to Graham he wants another lock up and as Graham gives him what he want, Regal tricked him! He scoops his arm under, lifts Graham up and throws him straight back down to the mat with a scoop slam!

And instead of following up Regal wasting time taunting to the crowd and strutting around acting as if he owns the place! You haven't won yet Regal! You need to pin the man first! And Mike Graham manages to get to his feet in the time Regal wasted taunting. There's hesitation now. Both men have shown they can get the better of one another. The momentum constantly shifting back and forth...now Graham signalling he wants to lock up...Regal cockily going for it...

And now Graham...once again returning the favor! He scoops Regal up! AND HE SLAMS HIM! Regal clutching at his back as that one driven with a little extra oomph! And Regal retreating to the corner as he groans in pain, arching and clutching at his back in agony! Using the ropes to pull himself up to his feet He keeps his back as close to the corner as he can so he can keep his eyes on the Light Heavyweight Champion!

The two men slowly head back to the centre of the ring. This is becoming a matter of pride. A game of oneupsmanship! They lock up! And it's a test of strength! Both men pushing against one another. Graham managing to get a few steps in...but Regal pushing back, using the height advantage he has to his leverage, and once again he pushes Graham against the ropes. And he begins delivering a series of clubbing forearms down onto the Light Heavyweight Champion's chest! And the referee has no choice but to begin the five count!

ONE...TWO...THREE...FOU-

And Regal breaks the count! He whips Mike Graham across the ring and as he comes back Regal grabs him by one arm and tosses him right on over down to the mat! And Now Regal has the momentum he has been looking for. Keeping a hold of that arm and pulling at it! He's got Mike Graham in a submission hold! A tight arm lock with Graham in a seated position and Regal in a standing one. Regal wrenching and yanking at the arm every few seconds to keep applying the pressure and adding the pain, trying to champion tell the referee he gives up! But Graham not giving up! He's fighting back! Shuffling at first along the mat to loosen Regal's grip before twisting Regal's arm and getting to is feet! 

BUT STEVE REGAL GRABS A HOLD OF GRAHAM'S HAIR AND YANKS HIM BACK DOWN TO THE MAT! WHAT A DIRTY MOVE ON REGAL'S PART!

But the ref didn't see it! He wasn't at the right angle to get a view on it and Regal's able to have that arm locked in and back wrenching at it! And now look at the willpower! Look at the defiance! Look at the resiliency in the eyes of the champion! He knows what is at stake here as he tries shuffling and dragging himself along the mat once more to loosen that grip, shaking his head as the referee asks if he quits. Unbelievably Mike Graham has the will, the fight, the resiliency to bring himself back to his feet! And Regal can't believe it! Knowing he might not be lucky to pull off the same trick twice he pushes forward, using the momentum of the ropes to whip Mike Graham across the ring, but this time as Graham comes running back, Mike Graham is ready for him and knocks Steve Regal to the ground with a shoulder tackle! He now runs the other side as Regal scrambles to his feet and as Graham runs back, he is met with Regal's knee delivered straight to his gut, sending the champion tumbling over back down to the ground! Clutching at his stomach as he's left winded!

Regal once again with Mike Graham on the ground, delivering a couple boots that weakened, winded stomach, increasing the pain the champion is experiencing and now Regal back to focusing on that arm! He's found his target and he's keeping his attention to it, re applying that arm lock. Looking to weaken it and win via submission. He's looking to embarrass the champion here tonight with the ultimate defeat! He wants Mike Graham to give up! 

Graham panting as he struggles, but manages to get back to his feet and the look of disbelief in Regal's face says it all. A look which quickly turns to frustration, as he pushes Mike Graham against the ropes...and starts delivering a series of blows with his knee straight to the stomach of Mike Graham! Relentless, repeated knees, and the referee having to start his five count!

ONE...TWO...THREE...FOUR...FI-

Regal finishes with a quick elbow over the back of Mike Graham's head and the referee steps in and forces him to the opposite corner! The ref isn't afraid to lay down the law folks! He's right in Steve Regal's face! The only reason Regal isn't disqualified right now is because the referee knows this is a big time event. He knows the people have paid for a show and he wants to give what leniency he can so he's implementing a warning system and he's officially giving Regal his FINAL warning right here, right now! And Regal acting like he's done nothing wrong, holding his hands up in protest! Meanwhile Mike Graham has managed to get onto his knees, holding his arm across his stomach as he regains his breath. Regal takes a few steps forward and Mike Graham not giving up! Mike Graham, maybe out of instinct and defiance alone, delivering a shot straight to Steve Regal's gut and pulls at Regal to bring himself back to his feet! And Regal shoots right back with a shot of his own! Sending Graham reeling back against the ropes...And as Graham pulls back he trades a blow back...the two men now...trading blows...which ones going to fall first! Regal fires back...Graham takes a couple steps back...has a spit take...then fires back and that one sends Regal back into the corner! And Regal sensing a comeback cuts it out while he can, driving the knees back into the gut! And that douses the fire! It send Mike Graham back to his knee! The look of pure anger and hatred in Regal's face as the Light Heavyweight Champion traverses across the ring on his knees! But Regal grabs a hold of Mike Grahams head and delivers a final knee which sends Graham flat on the mat and Steve Regal goes for the pin!

ONE...TWO...

OH MY GOD HE KICKED OUT! THE CHAMPION KICKED OUT! AND STEVE REGAL LOOKS BESIDE HIMSELF!

But he doesn't argue with it he just wraps his arms around Mike Graham's head and neck and he tries to apply a sleeper! The referee now having to get in close as Regal tries to tighten his grasp. Making sure the champion doesn't either give up or lose consciousness! Graham shaking his head, as he manages to shuffle and drag himself along, clearly Regal hadn't gotten a proper grasp on that sleeper and had done it in his moment of frustration because Graham's got the life in him to pull himself along and Regal struggling to keep that hold in. Shaking his head desperately! Trying to pull Mike Graham back but Graham managing to use his feet to pull himself along closer and closer towards the ropes! And he does it! He puts his foot on the ropes and the referee makes Regal break the hold! Regal's eyes wide with shock and awe. He can't believe it! You have to admire the display that both men have put on but especially the fight from the champion!

As both men get to their feet, Regal tries to deliver a shot but Graham blocks it! Graham blocks it and he reaches out and grabs Regal by the back of the head! And he drives him straight towards the nearest ring post, slamming Regal's head into the turnbuckle! And that causes Regal to reel back and he scrambles to try and get away, retreating to the opposite ring post! And Graham goes after him! He pushes Regal against the ring post and delivers a series of overhand blows to Regal's chest! And then he tosses the challenger over and into the middle of the ring. Is this the come back that The Light Heavyweight Champion has been looking for?!

As Regal gets up he's met with a dropkick which sends him flat on his back. Mike Graham sensing his opportunity runs towards the corner, jumps over Steve Regal...jumps to the top rope and splashes back down onto Steve Regal! The Champion goes for the pin!

ONE...TWO...THREE!

THE CHAMPION WINS! THE CHAMPION RETAINS HIS TITLE IN A HARD FOUGHT VICTORY! IN A MATCH THAT COULD HAVE GONE EITHER WAY!

Mike Graham successfully defends his Light Heavyweight Championship here tonight in the Madison Dane Colosseum!

Rated: 40

After The Match

Mike Graham is winded, beaten, bruises and welts starting to form on his body from the absolute beating that we had just witnessed in the ring. It was a close call but the champion had managed to win. And now, this is his moment to celebrate, as the referee had left to get the belt and officially declare him the winner. The referee steps back in with the light Heavyweight belt in hand and hands it to the reigning, defending champion, raising both the championship belt, and Mike Graham's hand simultaneously, before handing the belt to the champion. Mike stumbles slightly, clutching at his stomach. The fight had clearly taken its toll in what was easily the toughest fight the Champion had faced in quite some time. As Mike Graham slowly rolls out of the ring. Steve Regal looking on in disappointment and frustration, the referee turning his attention to Regal to see if he needed any attention. Mike Graham begins going around the ring barricade, Sharing this moment with the fans...shaking hands, giving high fives, getting pats on the shoulder and the championship, when as he nears the ramp..things suddenly turn ugly...and...

DID A FAN JUST DELIVER A CHEAP SHOT TO THE CHAMPION?!

Folks as Mike Graham was nearing the ramp for the exit someone has just taken a shot straight to the champion's face and that sent him reeling, who in the world is responsible for this?! The camera pans over to try and get a view of the altercation and...

THAT'S NO FAN! WHO IN THE WORLD IS THAT?! SOMEBODY GET THE OFFICIALS! GET SECURITY! GET THE POLICE! IS HE EVEN A PART OF THE ROSTER?! 

Mike Graham recovers from the shot and some words are being exchanged between the two and...Oh god folks we might have a brawl on our hands here as this obviously athletic looking man reaches over and he's got a hold on Graham over the barricade! This man's got a hold on the Light Heavyweight Champion and he's delivering blows over the back of the champion! Causing him to drop the belt! And now security are stepping in! Trying to pull him away but it isn't easy! They manage to separate the two. taking three members of security just to pull this man away from his attack on the Light Heavyweight Champion!

WHO IN THE WORLD WAS THAT?! We hope to provide answers on the next AWA All Star Wrestling...

Rated: 50

Grudge Match

  VS.  

Baron Von Raschke VS. Tito Santana

As the bell rings the two men immediately go for the standard lock up opening but Baron waists no time making things dirty, grasping at Tito's hair and pushing forward he throws Tito to the ground! Tito gets back up in a fury as the ref steps in to stop this thing getting ugly from the get go. Hearing Tito's complaint that Baron yanked his hair, the ref turns and points his finger, giving the Baron a stern "slap on the wrist", rather than an official warning as things had only just gotten underway. The Baron just nods, with a disgusting smirk on his face, licking his lips and turning to Tito, giving him a snarl in response.

The men return to their lock up stance and Tito pulls the Baron into a headlock and the Baron struggles to get out of it, trying to re establish his footing, trying to move Tito into a position where his grip is loosened but Tito's arms able to keep that tight hold and wrench a little more. What that wrench does though is provide the baron an opportunity, to reach up, and once again grab Tito by his long hair, an easy weakness to exploit for a man like Baron Von Raschke...and with a violent tug, he brings Tito back onto the mat and is able to step away!

It looks for a moment like Tito is going to take matters into his own hands as the Baron backs away in to the corner but the referee is able to step in just in time between the two men and once again he turns and admonishes the Baron, this time delivering an official warning, holding up the "number one" sign with his hand. Tito still being frustrated though tries to make a jab at The Baron, who leans back. The referee clearly struggling to keep the tensions under control here and have a proper match take place. Tito is too strong for the referee though and he manages to get past and delivers a strong jab straight to the temple of Baron Von Raschke and that one caught him! That one cleaned his clock and knocked him for six as he falls into a seated position, clutching at his orbital area!

The Baron rolls around the ring as the referee, still trying to gain some order here, there's no doubt about it folks this is devolving into a straight up fight between these two men. Clearly the last month of the Baron's antics have boiled Tito's frustrations as much as they can and Tito showing the Baron hey, if you wanna roll in the mud I'll get down and roll in it too! The Baron retreats into the corner now, still in a seated position and the referee finally managing to keep space between these two men as he allows Raschke to pull himself up using the ropes. 

Tito wastes no time, going to initiate a lock up but Raschke ducks under Santana's arms! And as Tito swings back around he's met with a forearm from Raschke, followed by a second and then tossing Tito, through the second ropes, folks because Tito wasn't tossed OVER the top rope, don't worry that will not result in a disqualification, this match will still continue as Tito, lucky enough to land on his feet! 

The Baron doesn't realise that Tito landed on his feet though as he turned his back! The Baron getting cocky thinking he's just sent Santana cascading to the ringside area but he landed on his feet and Tito gets right back in, The Baron's back is turned! Tito swings him around, goes for a forearm shot...but the Baton with the wit, and the experience to block the blow! Tito tries to follow it up with a swinging left, but Baron blocks that one as well! Tito swings once more with the right and this time he clocks him! Baron unable to block the third blow! And this time It's Raschke who ends up going outside the ring, only this time seemingly in retreat as he blows a gasket! Looking absolutely frustrated!, Turning and snarling and growling at fans, telling them all to shut up as they chant for Santana!

Raschke taking a moment to recover now outside the ring and gather and compose himself as the referee starting his ten count...

ONE...TWO...THREE...

Tito tries to go out of the ring but the referee stopsa him and orders him to go back to the ring. This would only get more chaotic if the fighting continued out in the ring area and the ref is clearly struggling to keep things under control here in this one as they are! As the ref is dealing with Tito, Raschke rolls back in and the ten count is broken at three. The referee steps away, and there's a moment of hesitation as both men stare each other down with furious intent. Baron reaches out and yanks Santana into a headlock! Guiding him towards the centre of the ring, snarling loudly as he wrenches his grasp around the oesophagus of Santana! Santana's right hand pressed right against the snarling maw of Rachke, trying to push Baron away from him while he's stuck in this hold! And Santana...able to push Raschke against the ropes...and with that momentum, force him to release the hold! And now Santana whips Raschke across the ring but as Raschke comes back he knocks Santana down with a shoulder tackle! Raschke runs to the opposite rope but Tito gets up and moves himself around Raschke, using Raschke's body as leverage, is he going for the sunset roll up? NO! Raschke with the experience to know to hold on to the ropes! 

BUT SANTANA IS PREPARED! HE RUNS AGAINST THE ROPES AND AS THE BARON TURNS AROUND HE'S MET WITH A HIGH CROSSBODY FOREARM SHOT, RIGHT TO THE FACE! COULD BE ALL OVER RIGT HERE, QUICK COVER BY SANTANA! 

ONE...TWO...

KICK OUT BY BARON VON RASCHKE!

Santana clearly frustrated now, he gets on one knee, grabbing Raschke by the back of his head, lifting him up...and driving him face first right back into that hard ring canvas! And Santana going for another quick cover...

ONE...TWO...

AND ANOTHER KICK OUT BY RASCHKE

Raschke now trying to crawl his way to the corner to pull himself back up, but Santana stopping that in a hurry and bringing Raschke back to the centre of the ring, applying a tight hold on that right arm of the Baron now! He's got that arm locked around Raschke's back! And Santana scrambles over Raschke, transitioning now into a side headlock! He's got Raschke in a side headlock right in the middle of the ring folks there's no ropes for him to reach out to and the fans cheering, looking for this one to go in Santana's favor, happy to see the Baron getting some justice for his actions this past month! Remember ladies and gentlemen, Tito Santana has been a victim of Raschke for the past month. He's faced multiple assaults at the hands of this man and that month of frustration is definitely coming out here tonight! 

But Raschke still has some life left in him it seems as he's able to push himself up onto all fours, forcing Tito to transition onto a single knee. Santana wrenching away at that side headlock, trying to bring Raschke back down but perhaps that grip is loosening or the Baron has more fight in him than anybody here would like to admit. And yes folks it's only a matter of time and The Baron has successfully returned to his feet and now we can see from this angle, yes Tito's grasp has definitely loosened, he's struggling as he tries to re apply the pressure! Rachke able to move his arms around Santana's waist and in a moment of desperation...Raschke able to lift Santana up off of his feet and bring him back down with a back body drop! 

BUT SANTANA' STILL HOLDING ON TO THAT SIDE HEADLOCK! UNBELIEVABLE!

What a testament to both men's in ring abilities right there, as Santana transitions Baron into a seated position, still applying pressure to the same area but now in a reverse chin lock and  not looking to let go any time soon it seems! The Baron is desperate, he's stuck in the middle of the ring, he tries reaching up and grabbing at Santana's hair but the ref can see it! He forces Raschke to let go! If he's going to want to get out of this hold he has to do it clean! Baron reaches his arms up slowly once more, you can see the energy draining from him...this could be his last attempt, instead of grasping at Tito's hair, the Baron able to wrap both hands around the back of Tito's head, Raschke pulls himself up into a standing positon...and brings Santana down with a Jawbreaker! The desperation move pays off! As Santana loosens his grip immediately and tumbles to the mat, clutching at his jaw!

Both men flat out on the mat now, clearly reeling from the toll taken on both of them. Raschke from the hold that Santana had applied on him and Santana from Raschke's desperation Jawbreaker. The Referee starting his ten count now both men are down on the mat...

ONE...TWO...THREE...

Both me crawling towards the ropes...which one is going to get to their feet first!

FOUR...FIVE...

Raschke hooks his arm around the top rope...and pulls himself up! Raschke up to his feet first as Santana up onto one knee! As Santan raises to his feet, the Baron still clearly dazes but with enough awareness to stick his knee between Santana's legs, pop him up and hit him with an INVERTED ATOMIC DROP! but you can see that Raschke is most definitely still dazed from the hold as he collapses back down to the mat, trying to shake those cobwebs off. Slapping himself to try and bring himself back to complete awareness. 

Raschke able to get himself back to his feet, still occasionally slapping himself as Santana trying to use the ropes to leverage himself back to his feet after crawling his way there while Raschke was down collecting himself. The Baron now, just blatantly reaching out, grabbing at Santana's hair and yanking at it, clearly pulling some strands of it away he pulled so hard! Right in front of the referee's eyes! The Baron hasno concern for fairness here and he doesn't seem to care if the ref sees it either! Ignoring the referee admonishing him he goes to whip Santana into the corner...but Santana reverses it! And Santana charging to the corner!

BUT BARON LIFTS THE LEFT KNEE RIGHT INTO TITO'S FACE, WHICH CAME AT HIM IN FULL SPEED!

And Tito hits the mat like a sack of concrete after that one! Raschke turns and looks around at the audience, smiling as his left arm reaches out towards the sky. He let's out a long, gargling, snarling growl as his hand forms into that deadly claw! He grasps at his left arm with his right as his arm seems almost uncontrollable once the claw is formed. He's looking to apply it to Tito right here and bring an end to this match! He's stalking Santana...following him as he crawls along the mat, waiting for the perfect moment...and as Santana gets to his knees...

RASCHKE LOCKS IT IN! RASCHKE LOCKS IN THE CLAW! THAT DEADLY IRON CLAW RIGHT ON THE TEMPLE OF TITO SANTANA! AND THE SCREAMS OF PAIN CAN BE HEARD ACROSS THE ARENA!

Tito's arms swinging desperately, reaching up and grasping at the claw, trying to push The Baron's arm away but we have seen this all too many times, once that claw is locked in, it is incredibly difficult to get out of it! It causes tremendous pain it manages to strike at the nerves and drain the opponent of energy rapidly. If you don't get out of it quick there is no getting out of it and that's what Tito is trying to do here as he is on his knees! 

Realising he won't be able to push Raschke's hand away he instead tries reaching out to Raschke's head instead. He swings his right arm, trying to club Raschke over the head with his forearm and Raschke able to dodge it! He swings his let and Raschke able to dodge once more...but as Raschke dodges Santana had swung his right arm around, possibly in desperation and doing so...he clocks Raschke right across the cheek with the forearm! It knocks Raschke but the claw isn't separated just yet! Tito swings a second time...he clocks Raschke again! Knocking him to his knees this time as He loses his footing. Growling as he desperately tries to keep that claw locked in!

BUT WITH A THIRD CLUBBING BLOW, RIGHT ACROSS THE SIDE OF RASCHKE'S HEAD, TITO ABLE TO BREAK THE CLAW!

Tito reeling...Tito clearly dazed as he struggles to get to his feet and stumbles around slightly...as Raschke returns to his feet, he looks to put that claw right back on to Santana! But Santana ducks and delivers a jab right to Raschke's gut! Followed by a second! And a third! And then an uppercut! He sends Raschke stumbling but doesn't send him off his feet! Tito perhaps making a come back here! As Raschke now, retreating to the ropes...and Santana whips him across the ring...and as Raschke comes back he is met with a HIGH CROSSBODY!...But Santana not done...he wants to make sure he finishes the job. He makes his way to the corner...slowly climbing the ropes. Heading to the top now what does Santana have in mind?

HE GOES FLYING...OFF THE TOP ROPE...AND HITS RASCHKE WITH A DIVING BODY SPLASH! COVER!

ONE...TWO...THREE!

SANTANA WITH THE VICTORY OVER BARON VON RASCHKE!

Rated 50

After The Match

After the match, Santana is celebrating a well earned victory. That easily could have gone Von Raschke's way if that deadly claw hold had not been broken. That really was the turning point in the match that managed to swing things in Santana's favor and you can see the toll it has had on him as he stumblesslightly as he raises to his feet. Trying to regain his compsure. The referee tries to help him but Santana refuses the ref's help! He wants to do this on his own as he heads to the ropes...taking a moment to rest and compose himself...and is at this moment that things turn...

Von Raschke returns to his feet and like the sore loser he is! He clocks Santana from behind with a double axe handle right to the back of Santana's head, sending him reeling over the ropes! As Raschke tries to hop outside to continue his assault, the ref steps in and tries to hold Raschke back! Doing his best to keep him in the ring. Raschke just smiles a knowing smile though as he turns and nods his head as he looks down the entrance ramp...as he sees before any of us do...the arrival of Masa Saito?!

What in the world is he doing here?! What business does HE have here...Folks if you don't remember that had been an encounter where after a match that
Santana had against Saito, that Von Raschke came to attack Santana, but on that occasion Saito did not do anything. Yet here and now...are these two working together?! Baron just laughs as Saito stalks Santana out of the ring and we see other officials now running down to try and get a hold of things as the referee can only keep his eye on one man! How long have these two been in cahoots?! What kind of alliance is this anyway?!

Saito takes a few steps back as Santana gets on to all fours and before the officials can get their hands on Saito...he delivers a DEVASTATING RUNNING KNEE, straight across the head of Santana!

The officials manage to get their hands on Saito but the damage has been done! And the Baron is laughing! The Baron is laughing as although he's lost the match, he has clearly made the final impact! This feud isn't over folks! Not with this latest development!

Rated: 47

Tag Team Match

AWA World Tag Team Championships

  VS.  

The High Flyers (C) VS. The Sheiks

Jim Brunzell and Jerry Blackwell are the legal men for their respective teams and once the bell rings it's clear the struggle the defending champions are in for from the get go as Blackwell wastes no time using the size advantage to his strengths, wrapping his arms around Brunzell and immediately pulling him into a bearhug! Brunzell struggles, kicking his legs as Blackwell hoists him slightly off the ground and as he does so...he moves forward! Driving Brunzell straight into the corner! Back meeting turnbuckle causing the rattle to echo out into the arena! 

Patera, sensing opportunity, makes the quick tag and steps in. Blackwell steps away, delivering a cheap shot to Brunzell as he does so! Patera pulls Brunzell over to the ropes, delivering a couple forearms across the jaw, before whipping him across the ring, as he rebounds back, Patera goes for the clothesline but Brunzell ducks under! He rebounds once more and as Patera turns around he's met with a knee straight to the face from Jim Brunzell! Sending Patera to the mat! Brunzell rolls over...reaches out...and tags in Greg Gagne!

As Gagne enters the ring, Patera returns to his feet, met by a barrage of clubbing blows and knife edge chops from Gagne who knows if they are going to succeed they are going to have to wear both of these big men down! He places his hand on the back of Patera's head and guides him to the nearest corner, driving Patera's face straight into the top turnbuckle and Patera rebounds off and falls face first down onto the canvas! Gagne not wanting to waste momentum and knowing he has more work to do though, uses Patera's singlet to pull him back up, hoisting Patera up into the air and hitting an ATOMIC DROP on the challenger! 

With momentum now in the champions' favors, Gagne grabs a hold of Patera's left leg, dragging him towards the High Flyers' corner. He drives his knee down onto Patera's leg, and as he gets back up, he reaches over and tags Brunzell in. Brunzell grabs the opposite leg and both men turn their backs and pull at Patera's legs, both men diving over Patera's body as they do so! Great team work by The High Flyers showing us why they are the current champions!

Gagne immediately leaves the ring after the double team move, so not to incur the referee's count, Patera crawling desperately toward the bottom rope, trying to make an escape! But Brunzell grabbing Patera by his leg, stops him in his tracks! He drags Patera back to the centre of the ring and is keeping his attention to the legs of Patera which The High Flyers seem to be targeting as a means to wear Patera down! Brunzell drives his knee down onto Patera's left leg, keeping a hold of it he turns back to Gagne and tags his partner back in! This right here ladies and gentlemen, is tag team strategy on display. These two men know the challenge they have ahead of them. They stated their mission. To stop The Sheiks before they do any real damage to the AWA! And here, we are seeing their strategy unfold as Gagne takes to the top rope. As Brunzell holds on to Patera's leg, stretching it out to the side. And Gagne dives his knee down onto Pater's leg! And Blackwell steps in! Seeing his partner is struggling! Blackwell steps in illegally! And Gagne tries fighting him off with a series of chops! The referee having no choice but to start his count with the illegal man now in the ring. Gagne's chops clearly having no effect as he reaches across and grips Gagne by the shoulder, digging his hands into them! Causing Gagne to reach out and scream in pain as he's brought to his knees!

ONE...TWO...THREE..FO-

Blackwell drives an elbow across Gagne's cheek, sending him to the floor and leaves the ring, breaking the count. Both legal men now down in the ring. The legal men to remind you everybody, being Greg Gagne and Ken Patera. And after that interference from Blackwell, the playing field is slightly more even for the challengers now as that completely cut down the plan The High Flyers were implementing...that brief hiccup however is not going to be enough to keep the tag champions down as Gagne first to his feet, returns to his corner and tags in Jim Brunzell. As Brunzell enters the ring, Patera returns to his feet. Brunzell grabbing Patera by the wrist, whips him across the ring, jumps up for a dropkick...BUT BRUNZELL HITS NOTHING BUT AIR! Why you ask? Because Patera hooked his arms around the ropes before he could rebound back into the feet of the tag team champion and now the momentum has swung!

Patera needing time to recover immediately takes this opportunity to roll around, reach out ang tag in Jerry Blackwell! And now it's Blackwell and Brunzell! As Brunzell returns to his feet he's met with a kick to the gut, followed immediately by an axe handle. Blackwell clearly a harder target to implement the strategy for as he's a much larger, wider target than Patera is. Blackwell with a single hand also showing just how strong he is as he tosses Brunzell across the ring into the corner and now...BLACKWELL TAKES A RUNNING CHARGE...AND HITS BRUNZELL WITH A SPLASH RIGHT INTO THE RING CORNER! YOU CAN SEE THE ROPES QUAKE AND FOLKS YOU CAN FEEL THE VIBRATIONS IN THE FIRST ROW! 

And Jim Brunzell sinks down into a seated position in the corner, looking absolutely lifeless after that devastating running splash from Blackwell! Blackwell now, resorting to dirty tactics, taking whatever advantage he can, pushing his boot right down into the throat of Jim Brunzell, holding on to the ropes for leverage! The referee beginning his five count!

ONE...TWO...THREE...FOUR...FI-

Of course Blackwell holding that count out as long as he can before lifting the boot off of Brunzell's throat! Blackwell pulls Brunzell towards the centre of the ring now, Bringing him up onto his knees and you have to admire the spirit of Jim Brunzell, maybe if only out of instinct, he tries fighting back, delivering a drained shot to the gut of Blackwell but it only causes Blackwell to step back...and in return he delivers a HEADBUTT straight to the top of Brunzell's temple and sends him back down, flat out on the mat! Blackwell now...taking a few steps back to the nearest corner, what is he thinking of doing here...he takes a few bounding steps back towards Brunzell he takes a big leap...HE LOOKS TO DELIVER A BIG ELBOW RIGHT ACROSS THE NECK OF BRUNZELL BUT JIM BRUNZELL ROLLS AWAY AT THE LAST MOMENT AND BLACKWELL'S ELBOW MEETS CANVAS! 

BLACKWELL WRITHING IN PAIN CLUTCHING AT HIS ELBOW AND THIS GIVE BRUNZELL THE TIME HE NEEDS! HE CRAWLS HIS WAY OVER TOWARDS HIS CORNER...BLACKWELL GETTING UP TO HIS FEET...BRUNZELL TO HIS KNEES...BLACKWELL TRIES TO GRAB AT BRUNZELL'S FOOT BUT BRUNZELL TAKES A FORWARD LEAP AND MAKES THE TAG TO GREG GAGNE!

And Gagne coming in like a house of fire! ONE RUNNING CFOREARM TO BLACKWELL...TWO...THREE...SENDING THE BIG MAN STUMBLING...REELING...LOOKING TO REGAIN HIS BALANCE...GAGNE RUNS TO THE ROPES FOR A THIRD TIME...AND KNOCKS BLACKWELL OVER WITH A DROPKICK! GAGNE BRINGING HIS TEAM BACK FROM THE BRINK!

He heads to the top rope...and follows it up with a beautiful diving splash over the big man...he goes for the cover! BUT SHEIK ADNAN AL-KAISSIE STEPS UP ONTO THE RING APRON, DISTRACTING THE REF WHO HAS TO STEP IN AND ORDER HIM DOWN!

The Sheik yelling and screaming, absolutely livid, clearly intentional to try and stop The High Flyers momentum and thanks to this distraction, ken Patera able to step in, Brunzell still recovering at ringside, regaining his breath on the floor! He doesn't know what's happened! Gagne runs at Patera and tries to knock him down but Patera hoists him up and brings him down with a powerbomb!

Patera rolls out the ring as Sheik Adnan conveniently hops down off the ring apron and moves around ringside, as the ref turns back to the in ring action. As he does so, Sheik Adnan turns his attention to Brunzell outside! Blackwell's on his feet, he's backing into the corner! Ref look at Adnan, he's laying in the boots to Brunzell outside! Blackwell takes a few leaping steps, jumps in the air...HITS THE BIG BODY SPLASH! THE PIN! SHEIK ADNAN BEATING BRUNZELL OUTSIDE! DON'T COUNT IT REF! THIS IS A DQ! THIS IS A DQ!

ONE...TWO...THREE!

GOD DAMN IT! WE HAVE NEW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS! THE SHEIKS ARE OUR NEW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS ALL THANKS TO THE UNDERHANDED TACTICS OF SHEIK ADNAN!

Rated: 59

Curt Hennig's Open Challenge

Curt is waiting in the ring for his opponent to be announced, and hopefully, to get a revelation as to exactly who has been bad mouthing him and saying that he is only here because of the relationship with his father and the standing that Larry Hennig has in the company as a respected legend of the AWA. What Hennig gets are two men that neither he, nor any member of the audience expected...

It was The Ruthless Russian, Boris Breznikoff. Accompanied by his manager, Jim Cornette, arriving on the ramp with a microphone in his hand ready to speak for his client and address the situation at hand...

Jim Cornette

Hello Curt! I know you must be wonderin' why it is we are makin' our presence known here tonight and well it's quite simple. See, as a man who understands the love, admiration and respect you have for you father...I must admit, it is...commendable...for you to come out here and defend not only your own honor, but your father's honor in the process. The issue for you is Curt...is that voice? Criticising your relationship with your father? WELL THEY'RE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! THE ONLY REASON...THE ONLY REASON CURT...THAT YOU ARE HERE IS BECAUSE OF YOUR FATHER! He got you this position, he got you this opportunity and he got you a moment in the spotlight that men nowhere near as fortunate as you, are praying for an opportunity to just get on TV! You know what that's called Curt?! THAT'S NEPOTISM! And my client?! He's gonna prove that here tonight! Now I know you were expectin' to see the man who started all this but he's a busy man Curt! Unfortunately he couldn't BE here tonight! Oh yeah, that's right I know who it is! And guess what Curt?! You're never gonna find out. Why? Because after tonight? You're getting sent back home where you belong!

The bell rings and the Hennig tentatively circles around the ring, using his speed to his advantage as Boris initially tries to go in and wrap his arms around the young up and comer. However Curt is able to evade him. He's smart. He's cautious, he knows he doesn't have the strength advantage. he's seen the dominating run that Boris Breznikoff has had just as we have, and so he doesn't want to play into his game and there's a pause as the two men size each other up. Curt uses that moment to try and go for the surprise, heading in to try and get Boris in a grapple when he isn't expecting it but Boris Breznikoff showing he has some wrestling acumen, able to work his way around Hennig, he spins Hennig around and delivers an insulting slap, right across Hennig's face. Breznikoff slapping the taste right out of Hennig's mouth and he shoots a sly smirk at Hennig after doing it! Cornette applauding his client outside. Laughing to the fans and bragging how smart Boris is.

And Hennig didn't like that! The frustration rising as Breznikoff retreats slowly to the corner, as Curt goes for an Axe Handle, but Breznikoff ducks under, meeting only the turnbuckle but Hennig able to avoid clashing with it. He turns around and Breznikoff now, taking control, firing away with a series of right hands, before pushing Hennig right back into the corner! His back clashing with all three turnbuckles causing the ringing of metal to echo out! As Curt rebounds from the corner, Boris goes to grab him but Curt, somehow with the awareness to work his way around the big Russian and now Curt with a rear grapple on Boris. But Boris just shoots a rear elbow to the side of Hennig's temple and sends him tumbling down! Henning rolls and is able to recover to one knee though. He gets back and up, showing his resiliency, he's unafraid to bring the fight to The Ruthless Russian! They go for a lock up and Boris pulls Curt into a side headlock, yelling out to the crowd in Russian!

"Это твой герой?!"

(Translation: This is your hero?!")

He whips Curt across the ring and is prepared to attack him, but as Hennig returns HE MANAGES TO CARTWHEEL ACROSS TO THE SIDE, WHAT A SHOWING OF ATHLETICISM ON DISPLAY FROM HENNIG! BUT BORIS REWARDS HIM WITH A VICIOUS CLOTHESLINE! 

Breznikoff clearly taking control now with that power and strength to his advantage he hoists Hennig up to his feet and tosses him to the corner, letting out a mighty growl he steps towards Hennig and then tosses him right across into the opposite corner, this time tossing him so hard that Hennig actually front flips from the impact and lands flat on his back, clutching in agony, his face wincing in pain! 

And Breznikoff now taking this moment to taunt. He's toying with Hennig! He thinks this is just going to be a repeat of all of his other victories so far, so he's going to take what time he has to truly revel in it. That here he is, in the ring with one of the so called "rising stars" off the AWA and so far...he was dismantling him. He smiles as he slowly makes his way to Hennig as Curt, showing the fight, the resiliency that he has, pulling himself to his knees. Refusing to go down easy. But Breznikoff sees this as an opportunity to play with his food even more! He grabs Hennig by the hair...and he starts dragging him right around the ring, pulling him around like a ragdoll. The referee starting his five count as we see this brutal display!

ONE...TWO...THREE..FOUR-

BORIS SLAMS HENNIG BACK INTO THE CANVAS RIGHT BY THE BACK OF THE HEAD! DQ HIM REF DON'T GIVE HIM ANY LENIENCY HERE! THAT WAS DISGUSTING!

Unfortunately the referee does give him the leniency. Only because this is a big show! There's no way anything like that would have flown on AWA TV. But this was a big show. People gave good money for this show. And so the warning system was in place and that's exactly what was happening here. The referee stepping in to give Curt proper time to actually recover and continue the match on even footing, and to deliver his first official warning to Breznikoff for that flagrant dirty behaviour.

The ref allows Curt to get back to his feet and checks in with him, making sure first of all that he is happy to continue. Curt nods his head. The ref heads to the centre of the ring and singals for the match to continue. Immediately Boris goes for a lock up, looking to continue his domination but this time Curt able to duck under and he tosses Boris Breznikoff over with an arm drag! Breznikoff scrambles back to his feet but he's met with a second arm drag from Hennig! Followed by a third! And Hennig leaps up as Breznikoff scrambles back off and hits him square in the chest with an ABSOLUTELY PERFECT dropkick! Sending The Ruthless Russian reeling back against the ropes and Hennig, sensing the shift in the momentum wastes no time he delivers a few knife edge chops, right across the chest of Breznikoff! Before pulling him back towards the centre of the ring. Henning delivers a knee to Boris's gut followed by a second, hooking his arm around Boris' neck, he manages to hoist the big man up into the air and brings him back down with a suplex!

Hennig is the first to his feet. Clutching at his back as the brutal attack from Boris earlier on had clearly taken its toll on him. But now this is his chance and he has to capitalize. Intending to keep Breznikoff on the mat he moves around to his right leg, he puts Breznikoff's boot between his legs and jumps up, before coming down and delivering a solid knee breaker to the Ruthless Russian, wearing down to big Russian Bear now that he was in control of the momentum of the match. Hennig takes a moment, catching his breath as Breznikoff clutches at his leg. Moving now around Breznikoff to his head, he brings him into a seated position and takes a step back before running at him and rolling over Breznikoff, snapping his neck in the process! And Hennig jumps back up to his feet. He's feeling the rising tide of support now as the fans chant for him. Her looks to the corner. Looking for something big to really seal the deal in his favor...and he begins climbing the ropes towards the top turnbuckle. He stands on the top rope only for a moment before diving off and hitting Breznikoff with a DIVING ELBOW DROP! HE GOES FOR THE COVER!

ONE...TWO...KICKOUT

THAT IS THE CLOSEST BREZNIKOFF HAS COME TO A LOSS YET!

Hennig knows it and yes even Cornette knows it outside the ring as he slaps the mat, clutching at his hair in disbelief! He starts pounding the ring canvas, trying to pump Boris up, trying to drive some energy into him to get back up. Hennig looking to finish things though. He slowly begins hoisting Boris up, hooking his leg. It looks like He's setting things up for the Hennig Plex...but Boris stomps his foot down onto Hennig's, causing him to lose his grip. He keeps fighting back, driving one fist after another, straight into the gut of Hennig! As Breznikoff props back up he wraps his arms around Hennig's waist and hoists him right into the air! He starts wrenching! IT'S THE RUSSIAN BEAR HUG! THE RUSSIAN BEAR HUG! THIS IS THE MOVE THAT WRESTLERS HAVE HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO GIVE UP ONCE IT'S BEEN APPLIED!

Curt trying to fight back though as you can hear the screams of pain, his throat gargling as his abdomen getting wrenched and crushed his arms reaching out desperately, trying to push away, but He's refusing to quit, the ref coming in and asking, heck, even pleading with him to quit, but he refuses. Boris hoists Hennig up and wrenches again, tightening his grip. Both Hennig's arms dig into Boris' shoulders, but still. He doesn't give up! Cornette leaning against the ring apron with a gleeful smirk on his face. Yelling at Curt to GIVE UP! GIVE UP CURT! YOU'RE FINISHED!

But Curt refusing, clawing, digging, pushing, trying his best to break the hold but it's just too tight, too strong...and after minutes of what seemed like an eternity...Curt's body falls limp in Boris' arms...and Curt is declared unconscious by the referee, Boris wins but not because Curt gave in.

Rated: 59

Joining Us At Ringside...

Gene Okerlund

Ladies and Gentlemen, Gene Okerlund here taking you away from the action from just a moment to bring your attention to the ringside area to notice the arrival of AWA World Heavyweight Champion, Nick Bockwinkel! Seemingly on his own tonight. Nick what brings you here tonight and where, pray tell, is your manager, Bobby Heenan?

Nick Bockwinkel

Well Gene in regards to Bobby, he is a busy manager, he has to arrange travel, hotels, interview opportunities, things that...you as a...lowly interviewer would not understand. But also, Bobby, having a clear, vested interest with the World Champion as his client, might get...too emotional for his own good and I would not want to initiate a conflict of interest and cause a potential controversy.

Gene Okerlund

So you're admitting that there's potential for you or your manager to interfere in the Main Event to follow?

Nick Bockwinkel

Are you intentionally this dense, Gene or were you unfortunately born this way? Allow me to make it clear. I, as a respectful, fighting champion, have asked, in fact, ensured, that Bobby is being kept busy doing his managerial duties outside of the ring, so that his emotional and financial investments do not cause him to do something that both he and I would regret. I on the other hand? Am a being of complete mental clarity. Emotions are something you learn to tamper in the process of becoming a World Champion, Gene. You wouldn't understand. There shall be no interference on my part. That is a guarantee and say what you will about me as I know you shall...but I am a man of my word. No. I am merely here, to do as I said I would. To observe...to witness the Main Event...from the best seat in the house. A front row, V.I.P area...especially organized for myself thanks to the studious work of my manager, Bobby Heenan...and I for one, look forward to finding who my Number One Contender will be. Now if you do not mind, Gene...there is a Main Event that needs to take place. Good evening...

Rated: 73

Main Event

Number One Contendership

  VS.  

There's hesitation from both men once the bell rings. This is it. This is the match both men wanted to avoid but now have to engage in and they survey the crowd, who seem as torn as they do...in order to show that there is no bad blood. Hogan takes the initiative and reaches out a hand in respect. To which, Wahoo McDaniel responded in kind, and the two men shake hands and both begin to move around the ring. Sizing each other up somewhat...a couple steps get taken in, they go for a lock up...and break...and both retreat to opposite corners from one another.

Deep breaths are taken and the two take a few slow steps back to the centre and lock up. This time the lock up is held and the two push against one another in a test of strength. Hogan seems to be the one coming out and top as he pushes forward and gets Wahoo into the corner. He slowly lets go of the lock up and delivers a chop across Wahoo's chest. He hesitates and goes to deliver a second, but Wahoo blocks it, turning Hogan around and putting him in the corner. Delivering a harder chop. Showing him, the match is now underway. Emotions and hesitations get left to the side. They have to. The number one contender is decided here. Tonight. He delivers a second chop, this one even harder, the sound ringing out like a gunshot across the arena.  He whips Hogan across the ring to the opposite corner but Hogan is able to reverse and turn it around so it is Wahoo running into the corner instead and as Wahoo bounces off the Turnbuckle he is met with a clothesline from the Hulkster!

And here we go folks, the crowd is now invested as there is no doubt left as the action has officially started. This match is really happening. Wahoo however slowly rolls out under the bottom rope and heads out to the ringside area. Clearly he's shaken now as he takes a moment to recover. The pats on the back from fans and hearing them cheer for him as well as Hogan, reassuring him. There are those who want to see this and want to see him succeed, just as much as there are those who want to see the same from Hogan...he steps back up on to the ring apron and then slowly steps in to the ring, cautious. As he steps in the two go again for a cautious lock up and this time, Hogan is the one whipping Wahoo across the ring and as Wahoo rebounds, Hogan goes for another clothesline, but Wahoo ducks under it and as Hogan turns around, he is met with a knife edge chop from Wahoo! Knocking the Hulkster down! 

Wanting to capitalize now, Wahoo hoists Hogan back up and goes for an Inverted Atomic drop, sticking his knee between Hogan's legs, but Hogan claps his hands together either side of Wahoo's head and Wahoo is forced to let him go, dazed and stumbling. Hogan scoops his arm under, hoists Wahoo up and drives him down with a scoop slam! Hogan goes for the quick cover.

ONE...T- KICK OUT FROM WAHOO

Hogan takes a few steps back in to the corner and waits, that hesitation rearing its head once more, as he stands and stares as Wahoo returns to his feet. Wahoo turns...and a look of frustration can clearly be seen on his face. He can tell that Hogan is still being cautious. Treating him differently. Not giving him his best. So Wahoo quickly makes him learn. He goes for a lock up, transitioning into a rear grapple. He lifts and slams Hogan on to the ground and then begins to showcase his mat wrestling skills, keeping Hogan face down against the mat, moving over his back, Wahoo wraps both arms around Hogan's face! But Hogan pulls away. Understanding that Wahoo is trying to get a hold on him! Making him fight! Hogan slips out, grasping a hold of Wahoo's arm, twisting it and slamming Wahoo down face first into the mat! 

Both men quickly scramble back to their feet and start circling the ring. The tension rising. The fans torn...the atmosphere changing. Wahoo practically begging for Hogan to come at him. "WRESTLE!" you can hear him yell!

Hogan goes for the lock up, but Wahoo whips around him and drops him face first with a drop toe hold! He works around Hogan and gets the hold in this time! The forearm grinding across Hogan's face! But with Hogan scrambling and trying to get out. Wahoo transitions and moves into a Front Headlock, slowly raising to his feet...pulling Hogan up with him. The reaction from the crowd becoming more mixed. Some boos can be heard as some of the Hulkamaniacs in the audience don't like what they are seeing but there's also a good chunk rooting for Wahoo...

Wahoo lets go of the lock and chops Hogan across the chest. Clearly trying to instigate him still, this time it seems to work as Hogan fires back with a shot that sends Wahoo reeling back slightly. Wahoo chops back, and another shot from Hogan! Chop from Wahoo! Shot from Hogan! And a Second Shot from Hogan! Hogan grasps Wahoo's wrist and whips him across the ring, goes for the clothesline on the rebound but Wahoo ducks under! As Wahoo rebounds again Hogan going for a Big Boot...BUT WAHOO GRABS HOGAN'S LEG! HE SPINS HOGAN AROUND AND BRINGS HIM DOWN WITH A CLOTHESLINE! AND HE FOLLOWS IT UP WITH A SPLASH ON TO HOGAN! GOING FOR THE COVER!

ONE...TWO..T- HOGAN KICKS OUT!

Wahoo nodding now, approving of how the flow has changed, feeling that things are actually getting more competitive now as he grabs the back of Hogan's head, picking him up he guides him to the corner, throwing him back first against the turnbuckle, he climbs up and starts delivering the fan favorite ten count punch in the corner to the Hulkster! The fans who are rooting for Wahoo counting along!

ONE, TWO,THREE,FOUR,FIVE,SIX,SEV-

HOGAN CATCHES THE SEVENTH BLOW! HIS HAND GRASPING TIGHTLY AROUND WAHOO'S FIST! THE TWO MEN'S EYES MEETING INTENSELY AND WITH A GREAT BIG SHOVE, WAHOO GOES FLYING TO THE MIDDLE OF THE MAT!

And Hogan takes a few running steps before delivering a jumping Elbow Drop right on to the heart of Wahoo! Hogan going for another cover!

ONE..TWO..TH- HE GETS THE SHOULDER UP! WAHOO GETS THE SHOULDER UP AND HOGAN LOOKING MORE FRUSTRATED. LIKE HE KNOWS WHAT HE NEEDS TO DO TO FINISH THIS IS SOMETHING HE DOESN'T WANT TO DO...AND THAT'S THE ATOMIC LEG DROP!

Hogab brings Wahoo to his knees, but Wahoo fighting back, with a shot to Hogan's gut, followed by a second, and a third and as Wahoo climbs higher so too do the shots to Hogan's body until they meet his face! One, two, three shots until the fourth is caught by Hogan and he wags his finger in Wahoo's face! Hogan delivers a shot...and then a second...and then a third...and he goes to whip Wahoo across the ring, rebounding off the ropes...HOGAN HITS THE BIG BOOT!

Hogan hits the big boot and the fans erupting because they know what's coming next...Hogan goes to hit the ropes...but he slows...and comes to a stop...just before hitting...what was supposed to be the Leg Drop. Looking down at the fallen Wahoo. That hesitation which has come and gone throughout has reared itself once more, at a key, pivotal point in the match. Hogan has been the most resistant out of the two of these men since the beginning folks. You'll remember Hogan wanted to present Wahoo with the number one contender spot from the start. He wanted him to have his opportunity. He didn't want to be the one to further any of Wahoo's doubts and those fears clearly showing themselves right now! And instead All Hogan can do is reach down and bring Wahoo slowly up to his feet, you can see the cogs whirring as The Hulkster hasn't got a strategy in mind with holding off on the Leg Drop...and as he delivers a punch, Wahoo blocks it! And fires back with a shot of his own. Sending Hogan reeling back. Wahoo fires off a second shot, this time stomping his feet while he does it! Wahoo is firing up! He has no idea how close he was to getting that leg drop. Or maybe he does and he's making Hogan regret it! As He brings Hogan down with one lariat...two lariat. Wahoo stomping his feet across the ring as he does it until Wahoo runs at Hogan, reaches his arm overhead and...

TOMAHAWK CHOP!

WAHOO WILLING TO DO WHAT HOGAN WASN'T AND USE THE FINISHING MOVE! HOGAN'S DOWN! THAT MOMENT OF HESITATION MIGHT HAVE JUST COST HIM! WAHOO WITH THE COVER!

ONE...TWO...THREE!

WAHOO MCDANIEL IS THE NUMBER ONE CONTENDER! WAHOO FACING BOCKWINKEL IN FEBRUARY! AND HOGAN FACING THE CHAMPION, WHOEVER THEY MAY BE, IN MARCH!

Rated: 64