The Spectacular Legacy of The AWA

Introduction

Gene Okerlund

Ladies and gentlemen across the Mid-West, It is that time again! It's time for ALL-STAR WRESTLING, BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE AMERICAN WRESTLING ASSOCIATION! I'm Gene Okerlund joined this evening as always by my broadcast partner. Jim Ross.

Jim Ross

Pleasure as always to be here Gene. I for one am looking forward to the Main Event tonight! We are gonna' see two incredible athletes facing off against one another in the latest addition, Primetime Butch Reed, who ladies and gentlemen I am proud to say I will be interviewing later on this evening in regards to the Light Heavyweight Championship.

Gene Okerlund

Don't sound too eager Jim! His behaviour last week was horrendous and that...psycho girlfriend of his? You ought to be careful with her!

Jim Ross

He's got an ego Gene there's no denying that but he's got the skills and the raw talent to back it up! 

Gene Okerlund

Regardless...Folks...Butch Reed will be facing off in that Main Event against one half of the former world tag team champions, who are going to hear the response from The Sheiks here this evening in regards to their challenge. 

Jim Ross

We also expect to hear from Tito Santana, who will be making an announcement, regarding the rise of the newest force to hit the AWA Tag Team Division, the Axis Powers! But first, ladies and gentlemen the World Light Heavyweight Champion in non title action. Mike Graham entering the ring and we will be ready to ring the bell, shortly...

Opening Match

Non Title

  VS.  

Mike Graham VS. Rene Goulet

The World Light Heavyweight Champion puts a good showing to open the match, going toe to toe with the grizzled veteran in Rene Goulet and showing us despite the mental challenges being provided by the recent targeting he has had by Butch Reed against him. The Light Heavyweight Champion, is champion for a reason and is willing to put up a fight against anybody. Goulet used his size advantage to get early momentum. But Graham would be able to pull back and work his way around the old timer to get himself into a position where he could out wrestle the experienced worker. Graham would win via pinfall.

Rated: 45

Twiggy Armed Freak!

We go to the interview area where Jim Ross, who so far the crowd had been supporting since his arrival here and were taking to him quickly as if he had always been here. Was taking a different approach it seemed, as he stood, beaming with pride. More pride than he usually had. Like he had some sort of professional duty, that he had to fulfil, and he was going to do it right now

Jim Ross

Ladies and gentlemen, Jim Ross here, right now, joined by a man who was a collegiate superstar during his time at the University of Central Missouri, playing as a linebacker for the Central Missouri Mules. He then went on, to not only scouted, but drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs, where suddenly, he took a decision, made a career change, and left football entirely, for the sport of professional wrestling. Ladies and gentlemen, I am currently speaking to Primetime Butch Reed, joined by his personal acquaintance, Sensational Sheri.

Primetime Butch Reed

Well Jim Ross...color me both shocked and impressed sir, you did your homework! A vast improvement to the...apparent red carpet that was supposed to have been rolled out by Mean Gene last week. He's a lot better at this, isn't he sugar?

Sensational Sherri

If you're happy with having him interview you baby...I'm happy...

Primetime Butch Reed

Of course you are darlin'. Well I for one think we should personally request you for all further interviews Jim. It is refreshing. To hear someone actually be respectful to a man of my stature. 

Jim Ross

You can't deny talent, Butch! My father always instilled with me to treat a man who has dedicated his life to a craft, with the respect he deserves.

Primetime Butch Reed

Your father was a smart man, Jim Ross. One of the good ones I'm sure. I like you. You can ask Primetime whatever question you want...

Jim Ross

You have already made an impact here in the American Wrestling from the moment we first saw you, and on that day you had a clear target in the Light Heavyweight Champion...but last week were never given a definitive challenge. Will you, right here and now, be willing to announce your intention to challenge Mike Graham?

Primetime Butch Reed

Oh my god, Baby we got a guy who actually knows the game! The reason, Jim Ross...that you did not hear my challenge last week? Is because Mean Gene did not have the respect, or the common sense, to have asked me that question you asked me just now. Once again, I am given another reason why I will never allow Mean Gene to interview me ever again...

Sensational Sherri

YOU HEAR THAT MEAN GENE?! YOU COME WITHIN TEN FEET OF BUTCH AND I'LL CLAW EVERY LAST STRAND OF HAIR RIGHT OUT OF YOUR HEAD!

Primetime Butch Reed

Sherri...baby...you're gettin' me all riled up. I love how protective you get of me. They told me I'd never be able to get a woman, like her, you know Jim? In regards to your question...ABSOLUTELY...I'm making it official, right here, right now! MIKE GRAHAM...ARE YOU WILL-

Butch is cut off by the cheers of the crowd, as stepping in after his victory from his match, still catching his breath. As he has the World Light Heavyweight belt strapped around his waist. Both Sherri and Butch's eyes instantly lock on to that prize. Championship Gold. 

Jim Ross

Ladies and gentlemen stepping into the frame right now is the Light Heavyweight Champion himself, Mike Graham. First of all champ congr-

Mike Graham

I'll take things from here Jim...

Mike Graham grabbed the microphone from Jim's hand. A sense of severity draped over the audience like a shroud, the heat index has definitely been turned up here ladies and gentlemen

Mike Graham

You don't need to finish that sentence. You're getting your match. You come out here last week. Calling yourself an inspiration. Acting like you're going to be the hero of your community? You know the sad part Butch? I agree with you. Those kids do need someone to believe in...I just see no good reason why it should be you.

Sensational Sherri

LISTEN HERE YOU TWIGGY ARMED FREAK! HE'LL BREAK YOU IN HALF! HELL YOU'RE SUCH A STICK...I THINK EVEN I COULD DO IT!

Sherri takes a leaping jump towards Mike Grahm, with eyes wide and rabid, looking like a mad animal striking their prey. Butch sees this happening just in time it seems,or he wasjust so in syncwith her and her...mood swings...that he knew what to be ready for. Butch stuck his arm out and reeled Sherri in, She kicked her legs and clawed her arms for a moment, still trying to get at Mike Graham, but as soon as Butch swung her around...and looked into her eyes...she melted.

Primetime Butch Reed

Sherri...Sherri baby he ain't worth breakin' a nail over. Not yet anyway...let me take care of it.

Sensational Sherri

Yes baby...

Primetime Butch Reed

Kudos to you Mike. With all sincerity. The fact you just said what you did? Shows me you do actually have a pair hangin' somewhere between your legs! That fills me with relief Mike, because I sure would have hated the idea of steppin' into the ring against a woman!

Mike's fists tighten. Some of the audience gasps, others make an audible "Oooooohhh!" that can be heard through the camera mic. But Mike is able to control himself, and keep restrained...

Primetime Butch Reed

You come out here and you act tough, now? Now?! That someone is finally comin' knockin at your door? Where's this guy been all this time Mikey? This guy wasn't the sad sack I attacked at the Colosseum! No what we have had as our Light Heavyweight Champion has been a terrible excuse of an athlete...and I'm gonna' give this company the champion it deserves...whether they like it or not!

Mike Graham

They already have him right here!

Primetime Butch Reed

Oh really? Well I guess we'll have to see that at the Omaha show, won't we?!

Mike Graham

I guess we will...

Mike initiates the fight! He suddenly swings a right and he connects right to the chin of Reed! And folks we got a brawl ensuing here, both men trading shots back and forth, pulling in close each one trying to get a hold on the other! We need to get security in here! But now here comes Sherri, screeching like a banshee, yelling at Mike to "GET OFFA HIM! GET OFFA HIM!". She snarls as she manages to hop onto Mike Graham's back and wrap her arms around Mike's neck, piggy backing him, as he pulls away from Bitch, standing, he easily carries her. He reaches up, unafraid as he grabs a hold of her hair. Sherri yells in agony as Graham flips her forward, sending her tumbling over his back but Butch charges at him! And hits him with the clothesline, knocking him to the ground and now Butch, laying the boots to Graham 

"Don't lay your hands on my woman!"

Security are finally hear, two men having to step in to hook Butch's arms, Sherri tries yelling at the security to let him go, but a third comes in, hooks his arms under Sherri's arms and pull her away, as Mike Graham gets to his feet on his own, running his hand across his busted lip before we go to commercial...

Rated 50

I'm Not Finished With You Cornette!

We go to the ring, where standing in the centre of the ring, accompanied by his client, although it seems more appropriately to think of Boris Breznikoff as a hired goon at this point under the loud mouth southern mama's boy, Jim Cornette. Who is standing in one of his many suits. This time, it was purple, with a white T shirt and a matching purple tie. Cornette has a smile plastered on his face from ear to ear. Looking so smug and sure of himself.

Jim Cornette

Ladies and gentlemen, if there is one thing my good mama taught me, and she taught me alot, but if I were just to name one...it is to treat your elders with respect and I admit. There is no man I respect more in the history of this company, than Larry The Ax Hennig! This man is a veteran of this industry, a legendary performer! And last week I took the liberty, the time and the effort to write what was...if I say so myself...a masterfully worded letter, expressing my concerns to Larry Hennig over his son...and invited him to come and speak to me, here tonight. Man to man. Now of course with a man of Larry's stature I had to ensure Boris stayed for my own personal protection...because I understand as a father, he wants to defend his son's honor but Larry...if you just come out here, and listen to what I have to say...you'll understand...this is how you defend his honor...

The respect from the audience is clear, as once upon a time, this man was easily the most hated man in the company. Larry Hennig was a man of nightmares, who you would never want to meet in a dark alley. Now a days, he was an agent in the back, but only the smart fans would know that. For the AWA audience this was a special appearance from a legend who has otherwise, been enjoying his retirement at home.

Larry Hennig

Mr. Cornette, I am going to say this nicely just once. If you force me to repeat myself...I promise you. I will be repeating myself in a manner that will make you regret inviting me here tonight. So I suggest that whatever vendetta you are developing against my son comes to an end, here and now...

Jim Cornette

 Larry...I'm sorry but...I just can't do that but LISTEN for just a moment because you'll understand why?! I mean LOOK AT YOU! YOU'RE LARRY THE AXE HENNIG! You were a BRUTE! You were POWERFUL! You were MEAN! You were the MOST DOMINATING FORCE in the ring at that time...and the apple has fallen so far from the tree...hasn't it Larry? 

Larry's hand clenches into a fist but before he is able to throw it Cornette takes a big step back, throwing his arms out in caution and protest, Boris steps forward, standing right beside Cornette to show he is there, and ready to make a move if Hennig does anything, but god the fans wanted him to do something...

Jim Cornette

Larry if you swing at me I regret to inform you I WILL BE PRESSING CHARGES! You are not an active competitor and you have NO RIGHT to lay your hand on me for stating my OPINION. This is America Larry! I'm entitled to my free speech and my free speech says that the gossip goin' around the locker room is true!

Larry Hennig

You know something Jim? I wouldn't be shocked if you were the one who's been spreading these rumors...

Jim Cornette

Now that's a HEAVY accusation to be throwin' around Larry! Do you have any evidence to back that up?

Larry Hennig

No...just a hunch...you been here for minute and the first thing you do after getting your hired thug...is go after my son. 

Jim Cornette

That's because I love the sport of professional wrestling Larry. I love this business, like you do...and I know you know deep down that Curt is nowhere near the force in the ring you were!

Larry Hennig

No. He's better. In fact I would say he's ABSOLUTELY PERFECT

Jim Cornette

PERFECT?! See this is what I was worried to hear Larry...you're too invested. Too bought in. It seems clear as day just speakin' to you now. You've convinced yourself of your own lies, Larry! You don't realize what you've thrown him into...well I'm sorry Larry but...I can't sit back and let this continue. I mean this with the greatest respect to you...but your son...needs to be purged from this industry...

That one did it. Larry didn't care about the consequences. Cornette had crossed the line. Larry reaches out and wraps his arm around Cornette's neck Pulling Cornette into a headlock! Cornette yelping out in a high pitched squeal "BORIS HELP! HELP ME!" Boris charges and clocks Larry Hennig with a double Axe handle across the face! Forcing Hennig to let go of his grip and fall to the mat. Cornette, composes himself, looking in absolute disbelief that he did that. With a face of pure disgust he delivers a kick to the fallen legend before turning to Breznikoff and instructing him "GIVE HIM THE BEARHUG!"

Boris brings Hennig to his feet and then initiates THE RUSSIAN BEARHUG! Hoisting the veteran up off of his feet and wrenching him around like a ragoll! Larry screaming out in pain, reeling back, trying to escape the hold! Someone do something! 

It's Curt! Curt Hennig running to the ring at full speed to defend his father! Cornette rushes away to the corner! Cowering like the scolded dog that he is! Hennig's attention is squarely at Breznikoff though! Who lets go of his grip on The Axe and as soon as he does so Hennig takes a leap, jumping over his father and connecting with Breznikoff with a leaping forearm straight to the face and that sends the Ruhless Russian, reeling into the ropes and Hennig is unleashing on Breznikoff! Cornette and Breznikoff have made this one more than personal now folks and we are seeing the fire of Curt come unleashed! He's absolutely rocking Breznikoff with a seires of blows against the ropes, sending him first to his knees and than the floor, he seemingly can't stop himself though as he lays the boots into Breznikoff, holding onto the ropes as he does it. A look of pure, unmitigated furt washed over Hennif's face! It gets to the point where the Ax, who is holding his midsection, but back on his feet, steps in and places his hand on his son's shoulder. Curt turns around, that rabid look in his eyes fading, as he sees his father and immediately, his attention is back on making sure his dad gets out okay. His turns and shoots a glare at Cornette, who is still as retracted into the corner as a human being possibly could be. Hennig points at him on his way out and yells to him

"I'M NOT FINISHED WITH YOU CORNETTE!"

Rated: 53

Tag Team Match

The Axis Powers VS. Brad Rheingans & Steve Regal

 VS. 

The Axis Powers show us that they are a new force that should not be reckoned with here in the AWA, keeping Brad Rheingans trapped in their corner and for what involvement Steve Regal DID have, it seemed he didn't want to spend all that much time in the ring against either Raschke or Saito. So perhaps the victory the Axis powers had was down to bad tag team collaboration, but even then the offence they got in showed us what we needed to see...even if Santana got a partner. He was in for a fight. Saito would get the win for the team over Rheingans

Rated: 52

You Need A STRIKE FORCE

We go to the interview area with Mean Gene, joined right now by the man who's rivalry against the Baron has been extended thanks to the addition of the mystery man from the land of the rising sun, Masa Saito. 

Gene Okerlund

Ladies and gentlemen, Gene Okerlund here, joined right now by Tito Santana and Tito, with having just witnessed the capabilities the Axis Powers have together as unit. It seems obvious to me, that despite your talents, you're up against two to one odds and those don't look like good odds.

Tito Santana

No they don't Mean Gene and you know what? There comes a time when a man has to swallow his pride. Where a man has to put his ego to bed, and do what's smart. Well Mean Gene that's exactly what I did after the show at The Colosseum. I did something smart...not only something smart, but I would say I did something right!

Gene Okerlund

You did something right? I'm sorry Tito you'll have to expand on things a little bit there. What do you mean by that?

Tito Santana

Mean Gene, I am not the only one who has had The Baron, or Masa Saito for that matter, be a thorn in my side. Well the Axis Powers clearly didn't hear the old saying, that the enemy of my enemy, is my friend. And what I did last week Mean Gene? I reached out to a man I can now call a friend, and we came to an agreement, to band together and take it to The Axis Powers!

Gene Okerlund

Are you telling me you've got a tag team partner to face The Axis Powers?!

Tito Santana

That's right Mean Gene and here he comes right now...

It's Rick Martel! Oh my god girls, he's sooooo dreamy...some of the ladies in attendance swoon for the young, handsome looks of Rick Martel. Their high pitched squeals signalled his arrival into the frame. Wearing that white meat baby face smile of his. Both he and Tito Santana looking confident.

Gene Okerlund

Folks Rick Martel stepping in right now! You mean to tell me you're the tag team partner?!

Rick Martel

Not just a tag team partner Mean Gene, but like Tito said...a friend. Baron Von Raschke and Masa Saito seem determined to stick their noses into both of our business. They're trying to run rough shot over the AWA, and The Baron is using what days he has left to try and capture the AWA once more the grips of fear by teaming up with masa Saito! Well folks don't worry! Because Tito and I are the antidote!

Tito Santana

That's right Mean Gene, you know what you need to take down The Axis Powers? The same thing we needed the last time! YOU NEED A STRIKE FORCE! And that's exactly what Rick Martel and I are creating right here and now and we want to challenge you, baron, masa...to a tag match at Omaha!

Rick Martel

Let's settle this once and for all!

Rated: 46

  VS.  

Jerry Blackwell VS. Jake Milliman

It was a total squash, popcorn match, bathroom match, whatever you want to call it. AWA might be in transition but sometimes matches like these were still, sadly, a necessity, if anything, it helped continue the menacing and dominating perception of Jerry Blackwell as The Milkman was absolutely devastated Unfortunately, as seems to be the case with Jake "The Milkman" Milliman. Nobody wants to see him wrestle.

Rated: 34

On One Condition

We go to the interview area where Jim Ross is standing by the side of Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissie whose absence in the match just passed might be explained by him being here for the interview with Jim.  He is beaming with pride, rubbing his hands together with glee.

Jim Ross

Folks Jim Ross here joined by Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissie and Sheik? Your boys victorious here tonight, victorious also at the Colosseum but thanks to your interference. What do you say about those circumstances?!

Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissie

LIES JIM ROSS! BARE FACED LIES BY THE MOUTHS OF THE FORMER CHAMPIONS! They are bitter, sore losers Jim Ross! They cannot stand the fact that they were DESTROYED BY THE SHEIKS! 

Jim Ross

I'm sorry Sheik but there were thousands in attendance that night and they can all attest to what they saw hap-

Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissie

OF COURSE THEY WOULD BACK THE LIES OFTHE HIGH FLYERS JIM! They are sour Jim Ross! ALL OF THEM SOUR...Sour that I was able to put together an UNSTOPPABLE BEHEMOTH in the tag team division!

The tag champions come into the frame, wearing their belts over their shoulders, with huge, ear to ear grins upon their faces. Blackwell looking as if the match that had just been and gone had not even caused him to break a sweat.

Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissie

LOOK AT THEM JIM ROSS! HERE THEY COME NOW! YOUR NEW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS AND JIM ROSS? They shall remain the tag team champions until the day they decide to hang their boots...there is not a team in the locker room who will be able to defeat them!

Jim Ross

Well The High Flyers made it clear last week they want a rematch, and they want one where you are unable to interfere.

Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissie

The nerve of them Jim Ross. THEY CANNOT ACCEPT DEFEAT WHEN IT IS HANDED TO THEM...they want a rematch? Fine they will get a rematch! But they want one where I am not at the side of my clients? They only get that match on one condition Jim Ross!

Jim Ross

Oh?! You're willing to entertain the idea. Ok. Tell us. On what condition will you willingly step away from ringside in this match

Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissie

Jim Ross it's quite simple. If both High Flyers, can beat both Sheiks in singles competition next week? Than they will get the rematch they desire. I will personally go to the AWA President Verne Gagne, MYSELF...and I will have all the necessary paperwork ready for the event that The High Flyers win...WHICH THEY WONT!

Jim Ross

Well folks, you heard it here first. Next week. Jim Brunzell and Greg Gagne, facing off in single's competition against The Tag Team Champions! If they win, they get the stipulation they want of removing Sheik Adnan from ringside, if they fail. The match is fought on The Sheiks terms

Sheik Adnan Al-Kaisse

And the AWA will bow to The Sheiks once again!

Rated:43

A TOWER OF POWER, DUDE!

*PREVIOUSLY RECORDED*

What we get here is a little video package which is, essentially a training montage, showing us a trip to the gym with number one contender, Wahoo McDaniel, and his training partner, Hulk Hogan! We go to the first scene of Wahoo running on the treadmill, by his side is Hulk Hogan, with a water bottle in one hand and a towel in the other

"COME ON WAHOO, YOU GOT THIS BROTHER, JUST ONE MORE MILE TO GO! JUST IMAGINE AT THE END OF THAT MILE? THERE'S THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP BELT, DUDE!!"

We fade away as Hogan hands the bottle over to Wahoo so he can take a gulp while running, and from the fade, we go to a different work out, with Wahoo doing arm curls with huge, monstrous looking weights he curls one arm, followed by another, Hogan wiping Wahoo's brow with the towel. Hogan looks, for lack of a better term, absolutely coked up from the pure vibrations of hyped up energy he was exhibiting her as he cheered on Wahoo

"YEAH THAT'S RIGHT JACK, THIS IS HOW THE HULKSTER GOT THOSE TWENTY FOUR INCH PYTHONS AND WHEN WE'RE DONE, YOU WILL TOO BROTHER! EVERY DAY UNTIL OMAHA WAHOO! YOU GOT THIS DUDE!"

We fade once more to the leg press, With Wahoo letting out grunts as he pushes his legs slowly back and forth against the platform which is tied to the tremendous weights attached!

"WITH LEG PRESSES LIKE THIS, YOU'LL BE A TOWER OF POWER DUDE! YOU'LL BE UNSTOPPABLE! NICK BOCKWINKEL AIN'T GONNA KNOW WHAT HIT HIM BROTHER!"

We go to the final scene of the montage with the weights bench as Wahoo is doing a set of ten, with Hogan counting each rep, his eyes lighting up with excitement as he watches Wahoo raise the bar on the final rep and raise the bar to its resting place. As Wahoo finishes the set, he gets up and he and Hogan high five. Wahoo takes a deep breath as Hogan hands him the water bottle, patting him on the back, as he points to the camera.

"WHATCHA GONNA' DO BOCKWINKEL? WHEN THE JACKED UP WAHOO RUNS WILD ON YOOOOOU!"

Rated: 77

Main Event

  VS.  

Primetime Butch Reed (W/ Sensational Sherri) VS. Jim Brunzell

The Main Event was definitely a shot in the arm that brought a hot end to the show when it came to in ring action. The styles of Reed and Brunzell coming together nicely. Reed, with a hard hitting style and arsenal of power moves, slams and suplexes to put to good use. Brunzell, with the quickness, the agility and snappy moves to give him the space he needs to work against the strength advantage against him and in the mean time, the wild card, Sensational Sherri, on the outside, cheering her man on. The match started with quite a dominating performance from Butch and it seemed like Brunzell was in the trouble from the word go, but Primetime is too cocky for his own good, and his showboating costs him, giving Brunzell the time he needs to fire back and build momentum of his own and this back and forth would continue, some highlights being when Butch hoisted Brunzell up and charged with him straight into the corner, or when Brunzell hit butch with a diving dropkick straight to the heart! Things would ultimately come to an end in controversial fashion, as Sensational Sherri would distract the referee, leaving Butch the opportunity to low blow Brunell and roll him up for the pin to get the victory

Rated: 62