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Post by anthonymm13 on Jun 15, 2020 16:00:06 GMT 1
Want to bring a side project I've been running and posting on another forum over here, only with a little bit of a twist. It goes back a long time ago I did a fantasy booking for WCW starting in 1993. By the time I got around to originally posting it, I decide what if I extended it back and put like a prequel on it. So I did that all the way back to 1990. Now, before I start posting it here, I decided to do that again and try to link it all together. So I'm starting WCW from Ted Turner's buyout of Jim Crockett promotions, which in my world came about 2 months before it happened in real life. I'm starting this as WCW's debut coming with the Septmeber 1988 Class of the Champions. Only downfall to this, because I plan on connecting it all to other bookings I started later, I can't stray too far from the real world, but I think I'm able to put my own spin on things and take things in a direction where it all works with some different aspects to it.
The write-ups won't be too indepth on each show, which is why I'm posting here and not in the dynasty/diary section. Also the format I'm using is a little different, but my intro post will explain why it makes sense to do it that way. All this basically is to help prevent me from getting burnt out too quickly and get deeper into the world quicker, without skipping too much key stuff.
So in summary, coming soon, WCW from the beginning.
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Post by anthonymm13 on Jun 15, 2020 17:40:14 GMT 1
It's September 7th, 2013. WCW, the No. 1 wrestling and sports entertainment promotion in the world, is making a groundbreaking announcement. WCW announces a new online streaming service, the WCW Network. Programming such as past events and a variety of specials will be available 24 hours a day. Also, you can go to the On Demand feature to view WCW's extensive library of classic shows.
Included in the initial launch is Every single WCW pay per view, dating back to when Ted Turner bought out Jim Crockett Promotions, and the company broke away from the NWA forming its own entity. Also available is every Clash of the Champions broadcast under the WCW banner, and WCW Monday Nitros beginning with the very first broadcast in the fall of 1995.
It's no coincidence that the launch takes place on Sept. 7, 25 years to the day from when WCW officially withdrew from the NWA and held its very first big event exclusively under the WCW Banner, Clash of the Champions III.
So take a trip down memory lane and relive all the classic WCW action, from the very beginning!
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Post by anthonymm13 on Jun 15, 2020 17:40:56 GMT 1
CLASH OF THE CHAMPIONS III (Sept. 7, 1988) Ted Turner has made a big jump into the wrestling game, buying out Jim Crockett Promotions and forming World Championship Wrestling. The kickoff of this new venture is a live broadcast of Clash of the Champions on TBS. The show will consist of five matches to decide the first WCW champions. Every champion under the old NWA banner, will face one of their top contenders. Match for the vacant WCW TELEVISION TITLE: Mike Rotunda pinned Eddie Gilbert after a sit down in 8:48. Rating: ** 3/4 (Mike Rotunda won the WCW TELEVISION TITLE.) Mike Rotunda came in as the NWA TV Champion and a key member of the Varsity Club. Kevin Sullivan brought together Rotunda and Rick Steiner, great amateur wrestlers from the Universities of Syracuse and Michigan respectively, to form what they called the most technically superior group in professional wrestling. Rotunda faced “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert for the TV title, picking up a win when Gilbert went for a sunset flip from outside the ring, only to have Rotunda sit down and hold on to the ropes where the ref couldn’t see. Match for the vacant WCW UNITED STATES TAG TEAM TITLES: The Rock'n'Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) defeated The Midnight Express (Stan Lane and Bobby Eaton) when R. Gibson pinned B. Eaton after a dropkick in 13:45. Rating: *** 1/4 (The Rock'n'Roll Express won the WCW UNITED STATES TAG TEAM TITLES.) An old rivalry rekindled to decide the first WCW United States tag champions. The Rock N Roll Express also had to deal with Jim Cornette at ringside. Tired of his attempted interference, late in the match as things devolved and all four men were going at it, Cornette was on the apron trying to get the referee to keep the Rock N Rollers from doing any doubleteaming. Gibson and Morton ran over and double dropkicked Cornette. He flew to the floor and landed on Stan Lane who recently got knocked out there. Gibson and Morton then hit Eaton with a similar double dropkick and got the win. Match for the vacant WCW WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES: The Road Warriors (Hawk and Animal) defeated Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard when Hawk pinned T. Blanchard with the Flying Clothesline in 9:34. Rating: *** (The Road Warriors won the WCW WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES.) The Four Horsemen were represented in each of the night’s final three title matches. Their night did not start off good as Blanchard and Anderson were dominated in their World Tag Team match by the Road Warriors. Match for the vacant WCW UNITED STATES TITLE: Barry Windham pinned Sting after the Superplex in 11:42. Rating: *** 3/4 (Barry Windham won the WCW UNITED STATES TITLE.) Barry Windham brought gold to the Horsemen winning a tough US title match against Sting. Late, it looked like Sting was on his way to a victory, powering through Windham. He went up top to go for a Splash, only to have Horsemen manager JJ Dillon grab his ankle. As Sting kicked away at Dillon, Windham recovered, met Sting up top and hit a Superplex. Match for the vacant WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE: Ric Flair pinned Lex Luger after a roll up in 34:02. Rating: *** (Ric Flair won the WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE.) This was a rematch of their NWA title match from this past Summer, where the match was stopped due to Luger’s bleeding. After withstanding an early power surge from Luger, Flair concentrated on working on Luger’s knee, a set up for his Figure 4 Leg Lock which he eventually slapped on, only to have Luger get to the ropes. Luger came back with a flurry, and even tried to put Flair in the torture rack. But the damage was done to his knee as it buckled out from under him. Flair collapsed on top of the fallen Luger, grabbed a handful of tights and picked up the pin. |
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Post by anthonymm13 on Jun 18, 2020 20:58:13 GMT 1
CLASH OF THE CHAMPIONS IV (Dec. 7, 1988) Live from Chattanooga, Tennessee, tonight’s Clash of Champions is titled Seasons Beatings. Lex Luger promised to bring in a mystery partner to face the remaining two members of the Four Horsemen, Ric Flair and Barry Windham in tonight’s main event.
The Rock N Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) defeated The Fantastics (Bobby Fulton and Tommy Rogers) when Morton pinned Fulton after a dropkick in 12:52 Rating: ** ¾ (The Rock’N’Roll Express retained the WCW UNITED STATES TAG TITLES)
The show opened with Morton and Gibson having a successful US Tag Title defense. The Fantastics got some unwanted attempted help from the Midnight Express that backfired.
After the match, the Fantastics faced off with the Midnight Express asking what they were doing. The two teams argued all the way to the back.
Eddie Gilbert pinned Ron Simmons after the Hotshot in 6:14 Rating: * ½
Former football star Ron Simmons is a blue chip prospect, but tonight he fell victim to the 10-year veteran Gilbert despite Simmons’ size and strength advantage.
After the match, Simmons seemed momentarily dejected about the loss, but eventually ended up shaking Gilbert’s hand before leaving the ring.
Interview with Sting
Sting conducted an interview where he was asked what the future held for him. Sting made comments that the sky was the limit for him and he was looking forward to seeing how high he can climb.
During the interview, Sting was confronted by Bam Bam Bigelow who questioned why everyone was referring to Sting as the future of the company. Instead, he offered that he was the future of the business.
This eventually broke down into Bigelow and Sting brawling through the interview area.
The Road Warriors (Hawk and Animal) defeated The Varsity Club (Rick Steiner and Mike Rotunda) when Hawk pinned R. Steiner after a Flying Clothesline in 9:11. Rating: ** 1/4 (The Road Warriors retained the WCW WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES)
For any team to beat the Road Warriors, they have to be on the top of their game, and partners need to be on the same page. That was not the case with the Varsity Club.
Rotunda, along with Kevin Sullivan who was at ringside with his team, kept shouting directions at Steiner who could do little with them.
The Road Warriors made relatively easy work of Steiner who took the blame for the loss from his stablemates.
Dr. Death Steve Williams and the Junkyard Dog fought to a double countout in 9:21 Rating: **
JYD made his WCW debut and drew a tough opening opponent in Dr. Death. However, nothing was settled between these two as they kept fighting on the floor resulting in a double countout.
Lex Luger and Ricky Steamboat beat Ric Flair and Barry Windham when Steamboat pinned Flair after a flying cross body in 18:21 Rating *** ¾
Lex Luger unveiled Ricky Steamboat as his mystery partner and Luger perhaps couldn’t have picked a better one as the two worked extremely well together.
The Horsemen are seemingly in shambles. Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard left the company after their world title loss to the Road Warriors at the last Clash.
Further issues with manager JJ Dillon came to be after he inadvertently hit Windham with a foreign object while Windham held Luger up.
Meanwhile, Steamboat did what not many have been able to do. He pinned the World Champion, Ric Flair.
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Post by anthonymm13 on Jun 22, 2020 16:57:48 GMT 1
STARRCADE ‘88 (December 26, 1988) WCW presents the premier event of the year, Starrcade. Ric Flair has styled and profiled his way to several world championships. Meanwhile, Ricky Steamboat has always been a family man, spending his time far away from the high-profile nightlife Flair indulges in.
But tonight their paths cross. Steamboat is coming off a pinfall over Flair in a tag match at the last Clash of the Champions. Can he do it again, and this time take home the world heavyweight title?
The Four Horsemen have fallen from grace. Lex Luger tries to put another nail in the coffin of the once proud group when he challenges old rival Barry Windham for the US Title.
With the Horsemen struggling, the door is open for a new group to claim superiority in WCW. The Varsity Club wants to be that group. Tonight they’ll go after the World Tag Team titles, while Mike Rotunda defends his Television title against “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert.
Also tonight, Sting faces one of his toughest challenges to date in Bam Bam Bigelow, The Rock N Roll Express defend their US Tag Titles against Paul E. Dangerously’s Mystery team, The Junkyard Dog and Dr. Death Steve Williams settle their grudge, as will the Midnight Express and the Fantastics.
It’s Starrcade ‘88!!
The Samoan Swat Team (Samu and Fatu) defeated The Rock’n’Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) when Samu pinned R. Morton after a flying headbutt in 7:12. Rating: * ¼ (The Samoan Swat Team won the WCW UNITED STATES TAG TEAM TITLES) (Paul E. Dangerously interfered against Ricky Morton)
Paul E. Dangerously unveiled The Samona Swat Team as his mystery team to challenge the Express. Their wild, unorthodox style kept the Express off guard, and the added distraction of Paul E. in the corner led to new champs being crowned.
The Junkyard Dog pinned Dr. Death Steve Williams after a powerslam in 9:05. Rating: * ½
Unlike their meeting earlier this month at the Clash, JYD and Dr. Death were able to keep their fight in the ring and produce a winner. JYD came out with the best of things, but Dr. Death didn’t take kindly to it, attacking JYD after the match.
The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Stane Lane) defeated The Fantastics (Bobby Fulton and Tommy Rogers) when Eaton pinned Fulton after a flying leg drop in 15:12. Rating: *** ¾
Jim Cornette once had both of these tag teams under his management, but he made it clear he is firmly in the corner of the Midnight Express. With Cornette’s guidance, Eaton and Lane were able to overcome Fulton and Rogers.
The Road Warriors (Hawk and Animal) defeated The Varsity Club (Kevin Sullivan and Rick Steiner) after Hawk pinned Steiner after a flying clothesline in 12:22. Rating: ** (The Road Warriors retained the WCW WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES)
A few weeks after falling short against the Road Warriors, the Varsity Club gave it another try, only this time with Kevin Sullivan teaming with Rick Steiner.
But the new look team had the same results as the Road Warriors posted another win.
After the match, Sullivan berated Steiner, blaming him for the loss. Steiner had enough and began to yell back at Sullivan. Mike Rotunda came out to try to calm things down, but that didn’t work and instead joined Sullivan in a 2-on-1 beatdown of Steiner.
Sting made Bam Bam Bigelow submit the Scorpion Death Lock in 9:14
Sting had trouble early working around Bam Bam’s combination of size and speed but soon enough found a way to take down the big man.
Bam Bam eventually turned things back in his favor, but missed an attempted moonsault. Sting took the fallen Bam Bam and locked him in the Scorpion Death Lock.
Eddie Gilbert pinned Mike Rotunda after the Hotshot in 9:28. Rating: ** ½ (Eddie Gilbert won the WCW TELEVISION TITLE)
Kevin Sullivan was at ringside assisting his fellow Varsity Club member, but he didn’t count on Rick Steiner coming down to fight him off.
Rotunda was distracted by Steiner and Sullivan’s brawling and walked right into a Hot Shot, leading to Gilbert becoming the new TV champion.
Lex Luger beat Barry Windham by Disqualification in 11:13. Rating: ** ¼ (Barry Windham retained the WCW UNITED STATES TITLE)
Lex Luger was moments away from beating Barry Windham and becoming the new United States champion. His barrage of offense had Windham reeling. While Luger signaled he was about to put Windham in the Torture Rack, Windham escaped to the floor. Luger followed him only to get with a steel chair which got Windham disqualified.
Ricky Steamboat pinned Ric Flair after a small package in 26:12. Rating: **** ¼ (Ricky Steamboat won the WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE)
Steamboat and Flair put on a technical clinic, one that wrestling fans will surely be talking about for years to come.
Flair took control midway through the match by working on Steamboat’s knee. This helped set up for the Figure Four Leg Lock, but it also hampered Steamboat’s high flying attack.
Steamboat at several points regained an edge, but it never lasted more than a few minutes before Flair countered, usually by kicking out Steamboat’s knee.
But late in the match with Steamboat putting together a flurry, he went up top and tried to come off with a flying cross body. Flair however ducked and Steamboat hit the mat.
Flair tried to put on the Figure Four, only to have Steamboat roll him up in a small package and get the pin to win the world title.
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Post by anthonymm13 on Jun 27, 2020 4:26:57 GMT 1
CLASH OF THE CHAMPIONS V (Feb. 15, 1989) Just five days before the big Chi-town Rumble pay-per-view broadcast, Clash of the Champions comes to you live on TBS. Manager Hiro Matsuda is trying to unite former Horsemen Ric Flair and Barry Windham to form WCW’s next supergroup. To try and get in their good graces, Matsuda will send Butch Reed to face WCW champion Ricky Steamboat in a non title match, five days before he defends against Flair.
As for Flair and Windham, they’ll be part of a big 8-man tag main event joining the Midnight Express against the Road Warriors, Sting and the Total Package Lex Luger.
Also, Kevin Sullivan kicked Rick Steiner out of the Varsity Club, now Steiner is looking for revenge, a mystery wrestler only billed as a former world professional and amateur champion challenges Eddie Gilbert for the World Television Title.
All that and more live on the Clash of the Champions.
The Rock N Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) defeated The Russian Assassins (Russian Assassin I and Russian Assassin II) when Morton pinned I after a dropkick in 9:53 Rating: **
The opening match featured the former US Tag Champions picking up a decisive win. They let it be known they’re coming to get their titles back from the Samoan Swat Team.
The Iron Sheik made Eddie Gilbert submit to the Camel Clutch in 4:13 Rating: ** (The Iron Sheik won the WCW TELEVISION TITLE)
TV Champ Eddie Gilbert came out first, but on his way to the ring, he was blindsided by Kevin Sullivan and Mike Rotunda. They attacked Gilbert, throwing him into the guardrail and the steel steps.
But neither of them, nor any other new Varsity Club member was Gilbert’s opponent tonight. None other than the Iron Sheik marched out next, waiving the Iranian Flag to a chorus of boos.
Gilbert was easy pickings for the Sheik who became the new TV Champion.
Ron Simmons pinned Bam Bam Bigelow after a powerslam in 6:11 Rating: * ¾
Ron Simmons picked up a big win over Bam Bam Bigelow, but it wasn’t without controversy. Simmons hit a powerslam on Bigelow, but it looked like referee Teddy Long’s count may have been a bit fast. He got to three very quickly and Bigelow’s kickout came a split second too late. Simmons was awarded with the win while Bigelow was furious.
Rick Steiner defeated Kevin Sullivan by Disqualification in 7:42 Rating: * (Dr. Death Steve Williams interfered against Rick Steiner)
Steiner was out for revenge for both the way he was treated while in the Varsity Club and the way he was kicked out. When it looked like he was going to get the best of Sullivan tonight, the newest Varsity Club member, former Oklahoma Sooner Dr. Death Steve Williams came in and attacked Steiner from behind.
Sullivan and Rotunda rushed the ring to make it a 3-on-1 attack, but Eddie Gilbert came to Steiner’s aid, and eventually the Junkyard Dog came down to even the sides.
Non-Title Match Ricky Steamboat pinned Butch Reed after a flying cross body in 12:21 Rating * ¾
The Champ got a tough test from Hiro Matsuda’s client, Hacksaw Butch Reed. Although at times it appeared as if Reed was more interested in inflicting damage on Steamboat rather than winning the match.
Steamboat survived the match and picked up the win, but the question remains how much damage was done to the champ before his showdown with Flair?
8-man Tag Team Match Lex Luger, Sting and the Road Warriors (Animal and Hawk) beat Ric Flair, Barry Windham and the Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane) when Luger made B. Eaton submit to the Torture Rack in 19:38 Rating: *** ¾
The main event was a wild one, as could be expected when you match up eight of the sport’s top superstars. Flair and Windham had Hiro Matsuda in their corner, but he spent a good portion of the match clashing with Midnight Express manager Jim Cornette over strategy.
Meanwhile, the other group was on the same page throughout the match, stopping pin attempts and helping one another out when they were in trouble.
This led to Luger making Eaton submit to the torture rack while Matsuda took Windham and Flair to the back.
The four faces celebrate in the ring as the show comes to a close.
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Post by anthonymm13 on Jul 1, 2020 15:20:19 GMT 1
CHI-TOWN RUMBLE (Feb. 20, 1989) Tonight, the stars of WCW invade the Windy City, Chicago, Illinois, for the Chi-town Rumble.
All five WCW championships will be defended, headlined by Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat facing the man he won the belt from, “Nature Boy” Ric Flair. Chicago’s own Lex Luger once again tries to take the US title away from Barry Windham.
In tag team action, world champions the Road Warriors defend against The Midnight Express, the Rock N Roll Express aim to regain the United States tag titles from the Samoan Swat Team.
After winning the Television title just five days ago, the Iron Sheik has issued an open challenge for tonight.
Plus, in a six-man explosion, Rick Steiner, Eddie Gilbert and The Junkyard Dog will team to take on the Varsity Club. And Sting faces off with Hacksaw Butch Reed. It’s all tonight at the Chi-town Rumble.
The Rock’N’Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) defeated The Samoan Swat Team (Samu and Fatu) when Gibson pinned Samu after a dropkick in 12:26.
Rating: ** 3/4
(The Rock’N’Roll Express won the WCW UNITED STATES TAG TEAM TITLES)
In the night’s opening match, the Rock N Roll Express got the revenge they were looking for, winning back the United States titles.
Sting pinned Butch Reed after a Stinger Splash in 11:23. Rating: ***
As Hiro Matsuda aims to form a new conglomerate to take control of WCW, one of his prized blue-chip recruits is Butch Reed. Reed has been thrust into high-profile affairs lately, taking world champ Ricky Steamboat to the limit last week at Clash of the Champions, and now stepped into the ring with Sting.
Reed thought he’d be able to overpower Sting, but he severely underestimated Sting’s own strength. That, coupled with his athleticism enabled Sting to score the win.
Michael Hayes pinned The Iron Sheik after the DDT in 3:22 Rating: ½* (Michael Hayes won the WCW TELEVISION TITLE)
The Iron Sheik came to the ring waving the Iranian Flag with his newly won TV title belt draped over his shoulder. He entered the ring, grabbed a mic and began speaking Persian.
No one understood what he was saying but the crowd heavily booed nonetheless.
The ring announcer informed the crowd that the Sheik says if any American infidel thinks they can take his title away, come to the ring and try.
Then, the rocking tones of “Badstreet USA” began to play as Michael PS Hayes came through the crowd and into the ring.
The Sheik tried to get the jump on Hayes, but the Freebird weathered the early storm and hit a quick DDT to win the title.
The Varsity Club (Mike Rotunda, Kevin Sullivan and Dr. Death Steve Williams) defeated Eddie Gilbert, Rick Steiner and the Junkyard Dog when Dr. Death pinned Gilbert after the Oklahoma Stampede in 15:46.
Rating: *** 1/4
The Varsity Club has made it a mission to become the top group in WCW and rule it like the Four Horsemen once did. They’ve made a lot of enemies as they’ve strived to reach that pedestal, and tonight they faced off against three of them united.
Steiner had the most heated reason for vengeance, getting expelled from the group, but JYD and Gilbert both were fueled in their desire to pay back the Varsity Club for various blindsides.
The Varsity Club got the win, but didn’t let that stop them from continuing to attack after the bell. But the JYD/Gilbert/Steiner team kept fighting back and looked like they were picking up an edge in the fight despite having lost the match.
But the Varsity Club had one more trick up its sleeve, Dan Spivey, former University of Georgia standout, came to join the Varsity Club to give them the numbers advantage and leave the other three laying.
Lex Luger made Barry Windham submit to the Torture Rack in 17:38. Rating: **** (Lex Luger won the WCW UNITED STATES TITLE)
Lex Luger might already be US champion if Windham didn’t take a shortcut and get disqualified at Starrcade. But instead, Luger got to win the belt tonight in his hometown.
Once Luger gained total control of the match, Windham again tried to take the easy way out, this time by attempting to walk out of the match. But Luger chased Windham going back up the entrance way, and brought him back to the ring.
A couple clotheslines set up the Torture Rack. Windham had no choice but to submit, making Luger the new United States champion.
The Road Warriors (Animal and Hawk) defeated The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane) when Hawk pinned S. Lane after a Flying Clothesline in 14:54 Rating *** ¾ (The Road Warriors retained the WCW WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES)
The Road Warriors have been virtually unstoppable since winning the World Tag Titles. Their latest conquest was Jim Cornette’s Midnight Express.
Cornette’s presence at ringside was an added obstacle for sure, but one the Road Warriors were easily able to overcome.
Ric Flair pinned Ricky Steamboat after a roll up in 29:50.
Rating: **** 1/2
(Ric Flair won the WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE.)
It was near impossible for Flair and Steamboat to duplicate their classic match from Starrcade, but if you ask just about anyone who’s seen both, they’d tell you this one may have even surpassed the first.
It went back-and-forth with each taking time with the edge in the match, only to see if flip the other way after a counter. Still through all that, no one was able to get a pin.
Hiro Matsuda tried to offer Flair a hand in the match, but Flair refused. The camera’s caught Flair saying he wanted to beat him on his own.
Late, it looked like that might not be the case as Steamboat put together quite a flurry. He went up top for a flying cross body, but perhaps had too much momentum as Flair rolled through after being hit and came out on top. The ref counted to three and Flair was once again world champion.
After the match, Steamboat was a bit dejected, but Flair offered his hand out to Steamboat who shook it and raised the new champ’s hand.
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Post by anthonymm13 on Jul 5, 2020 17:48:29 GMT 1
CLASH OF THE CHAMPIONS VI (April 2, 1989)
Ricky Steamboat defeated Ron Simmons after a Flying Cross Body in 11:18. Rating: **
Since losing the world title to Ric Flair, Steamboat has made it known that the series between him and Flair is 1-1 and he wants a rubber match. He took a big step toward that possible rematch with a win over Ron Simmons.
Simmons showcased more aggression than perhaps he ever has since getting into pro wrestling, but it wasn’t enough to slow down Steamboat.
The Varsity Club (Mike Rotunda and Dr. Death Steve Williams) defeated Eddie Gilbert and The Junkyard Dog when Rotunda pinned Morton in 14:13 Rating: *** ½
In the first of two tag matches tonight between a pair of feuding factions, the Varsity Club members Rotunda and Williams brought a win home for the group, thanks in large part to Rotunda pinning Gilbert while hooking his feet on the ropes for added leverage.
The Great Muta defeated Flyin’ Brian after a moonsault in 6:53. Rating: ** ½
One of Japan’s top performers came overseas to show an American audience what he was capable of.
His opponent tonight was a young American who’s been wrestling in Japan. Brian showed some potential, but it was clear he was not in Muta’s league.
The Steiner Brothers (Rick Steiner and Scott Steiner) defeated The Varsity Club (Dan Spivey and Kevin Sullivan) when S. Steiner pinned K. Sullivan after a FrankenSteiner in 11:33. Rating: ** ¾
With already one victory under their belt, the Varsity Club thought they’d make it 2 for 2 with Rick Steiner announcing he was picking his younger brother, who would be making his professional debut, as his tag team partner.
But young Scott Steiner showcased a lot of pure talent and turned out to be the one to get his team the win with an incredible move he calls the Frankensteiner.
Sting made Michael Hayes submit to the Scorpion Death Lock in 8:21. Rating: ** ½ (Sting won the WCW TELEVISION TITLE)
Anyone who’s witnessed Sting’s explosion on to the scene in the past year knew it would only be a matter of time before he wore gold.
Sting picked up his first professional singles title, the first of what could many in a promising career.
The Road Warriors (Hawk and Animal) defeated The Rock’N’Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) when Hawk pinned Gibson after a Powerslam. Rating: ** ¾ (The Road Warriors retained the WCW WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES)
It was champions vs. champions as the United States champions challenged for the world titles.
Morton and Gibson tried to rely on their speed and athleticism knowing they couldn’t match power with the Road Warriors. It helped them out for a while, but eventually, they fell victim just like every team has since the Road Warriors won the gold.
Lex Luger made Butch Reed submit to the Torture Rack in 11:21. Rating: ** 3/4 (Lex Luger retained the WCW UNITED STATES TITLE)
Hiro Matsuda sent Butch Reed after Luger in an attempt to bring back the United States title to his control.
Reed gave Luger a good challenge, but the Total Package has too much, running through Reed before finally making him submit to the Torture Rack.
The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane) defeated Ric Flair and Barry Windham when Eaton pinned Windham after a flying leg drop in 17:21. Rating: ****
With Jim Cornette at ringside supporting the Midnight Express and Hiro Matsuda in Flair and Windham’s corner, the match was wild for sure. But Cornette’s presence was more valuable to his team.
With the referee having trouble containing everybody at ringside, Cornette’s loaded tennis racket was used to knock down Windham, who was then victim of a Bobby Eaton leg drop that led to a pin.
The Express celebrated their way to the back, telling the camera they want another shot at The Road Warriors. Meanwhile, in the ring Flair, Windham and Matsuda were being interviewed. Flair was trying to console Windham, but Matsuda told Flair that Windham was the weak link and needed to go.
Flair tried to defend Windham, but he became incensed at the suggestion he was a weak link. Flair tried to settle Windham down, but Windham started running down Flair saying he’d be world champion if he had the opportunities Flair does.
This all eventually led to Windham attacking Flair, including hitting him with a superplex. Windham eventually brought a chair into the ring to use on Flair. The show ended with Windham standing over a bloody Flair.
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Post by anthonymm13 on Jul 9, 2020 19:50:17 GMT 1
WRESTLE WAR ‘89 (May 7, 1989)
After a tag team loss at last month’s Clash of Champions, manager Hiro Matsuda accused Barry Windham of being the weak link in a partnership with Ric Flair. Not feeling Flair was standing up for him, Windham brutally attacked the WCW World Champion. Now, Flair is out for blood, but will his desire for revenge take him off his game when he puts his title on the line against Windham?
The battle between former Four Horsemen members highlights an explosive night at Wrestle War 89! The Midnight Express take another shot at trying to dethrone the Road Warriors at the top of the tag team division. Lex Luger puts the US title on the line against Dr. Death Steve Williams, veteran Tommy Rich challenges Sting for the World Television title and more at Wrestle War 89!!
Ricky Steamboat pinned Butch Reed after a Flying Cross Body in 8:14. Rating: **
Former world champion Ricky Steamboat has been campaigning for a rubber match against Ric Flair. Beating Butch Reed, a man who had been under the same management as Flair under Hiro Matsuda, could go a long way in getting him that rematch. Although, Matsuda was not present for the match in Reed’s corner.
The Great Muta pinned Eddie Gilbert after a Moonsault in 6:46. Rating: ** ½
While Matsuda was not present at all for Reed’s match, he didn’t show up in anyone’s corner this time, but was present keeping a watchful eye on this one. Muta was very impressive in defeating a former TV champion.
The Fabulous Freebirds (Jimmy Garvin and Michael Hayes) defeated The Steiner Brothers (Rick Steiner and Scott Steiner) when Hayes pinned S. Steiner after a DDT in 9:11. Rating: ** ½
Michael Hayes has been around WCW for a few months, even picked up a TV title reign. Tonight he reunited with Jimmy Jam Garvin to form the Fabulous Freebirds, an offshoot of the Freebird stable that Hayes was a famed member of for years traveling around the country.
Together they earned a win tonight, but got a good challenge from Rick Steiner and his rookie brother Scott.
The Junkyard Dog defeated Dan Spivey by disqualification in 7:34. Rating: * ¼ (Kevin Sullivan and Mike Rotunda interfered against The Junkyard Dog.)
The Junkyard Dog was getting ready to put Spivey away, when the rest of the Varsity Club rushed the ring to attack the Dog. Fortunately, The Steiner Brothers and Eddie Gilbert were around come to JYD’s aid. It’s clear the long standing feud between these groups is not over by a long shot.
Sting made Tommy Rich submit to the Scorpion Death Lock in 11:23 Rating: ** (Sting retained the WCW TELEVISION TITLE)
Sting was challenged by veteran Tommy Rich, a former NWA world champion, upon his arrival in WCW. Rich provided a tough challenge, but still wasn’t able to slow down the hot streak Sting has been on as of late.
Lex Luger pinned Dr. Death Steve Williams after a powerslam in 9:34. Rating: ** Lex Luger retained the WCW UNITED STATE TITLE)
Dr. Death took a step out of the embroiled feud he’s been included with as a Varsity Club member to challenge Luger for the United States title.
It didn’t lead him to gold as Luger withstood the challenge, and the rest of the Varsity Club was held back from getting involved.
The Varsity Club (Mike Rotunda and Kevin Sullivan) defeated The Rock N Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) when Sullivan beat Gibson after a stomp in 13:44.
Rating: *** (The Varsity Club won the WCW UNITED STATES TAG TEAM TITLES)
But the night did have a bright spot for the Varsity Club, as Rotunda and Sullivan brought the United States tag titles to the group, defeating the Rock N Roll Express in an exciting match.
The Road Warriors (Animal and Hawk) defeated The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane) when Hawk pinned Lane after a flying clothesline in 15:11. Rating: *** (The Road Warriors retained the WCW WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES)
For the second straight pay per view, the Road Warriors defeated the Midnight Express, begging the question can anyone take the titles away from the Road Warriors. But their seeming invincibility isn’t stopping new challengers from emerging.
The Freebirds, Hayes and Garvin, came down to the ring after the match to challenge the Road Warriors. Animal and Hawk were more than accepting, willing to fight whoever wanted a shot.
Ric Flair made Barry Windham submit to the Figure Four Leg Lock in 33:04.
Rating: *** 3/4
(Ric Flair retained WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE.)
Windham has been on big stages before, but never quite in a situation such as this, wrestling Ric Flair for the world title.
Windham was able to overcome Flair’s vast experience edge and even control a good portion of the middle of the match. But Flair was able to do some damage on Windham’s knee, weakening the big Texan.
Even when Windham had the match in his favor, setting Flair up for a superplex, Windham had trouble climbing the ropes cause of the work Flair did.
It all led to Flair locking in the Figure Four with little Windham could do except give up the match.
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Post by anthonymm13 on Jul 15, 2020 19:00:54 GMT 1
CLASH OF THE CHAMPIONS VII (June 14, 1989) Sting made The Iron Sheik submit to the Scorpion Death Lock in 5:12. Rating: * (Sting retained the WCW TELEVISION TITLE)
Sting scored yet another impressive win on his rise to superstardom, scoring a quick win over former champion and wrestling legend the Iron Sheik.
The Dynamic Dudes (Johnny Ace and Shane Douglas) defeated The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane) when Douglas pinned Lane after a small package in 8:01.
Rating: **
In what has to be considered a huge upset, the rookie team of the Dynamic Dudes beat the veteran Midnight Express when Shane Douglas shocked Stan Lane rolling him up in a small package.
After the match, Jim Cornette and the Express went ballistic and attacked the Dudes.
The Steiner Brothers (Rick Steiner and Scott Steiner) defeated The Varsity Club (Mike Rotunda and Kevin Sullivan) when S. Steiner pinned Rotunda after a Frankensteiner in 14:45 Rating: *** (The Steiner Brothers won the WCW UNITED STATES TAG TITLES)
Ever since Rick Steiner brought his younger brother Scott to WCW, there has been a big change in Rick, going from a bumbling lackey to the Varsity Club to a strong, force to be reckoned with. Tonight, the Steiners scored a big win over Rick’s former stablemates winning the US titles.
Their friends Junkyard Dog and Eddie Gilbert kept the other Varsity Club members from interfering, ensuring a fair fight.
Ron Simmons pinned Flyin’ Brian after a powerslam in 6:12.
In a contrast of styles, the powerhouse Simmons defeated the high-flying Brian Pillman. However, it was not without controversy. Simmons caught Brian coming off the top with a slam and was the beneficiary of what may have been a fast count from referee Teddy Long.
Brian thought he kicked out quick enough, and even the announcers weren’t sure about the count’s speed, but noted that particular referee has been known to be a little quicker on the count than others.
Lex Luger beat Barry Windham by Disqualification in 9:14. Rating: * ½ (Lex Luger retained the WCW UNITED STATES TITLE)
Luger retained his title over the man he won it from back in February, but he didn’t leave with the gold.
In the middle of the match, the Freebirds, Hayes and Garvin, ran into the ring to attack Luger. As the Total Package tried to fight them off, another old Freebird, Terry Gordy, came in through the crowd to steal Luger’s title belt while he was occupied. When Gordy left, the other two Freebirds stopped fighting Luger and headed to the back.
Windham, meanwhile, apparently had nothing to do with this, throwing his hands up at the mess and walking away.
Interview with Ricky Steamboat
Steamboat was on the stage talking with WCW interviewer Terry Funk. WCW officials have granted Steamboat his return world title against Ric Flair for the upcoming Great American Bash.
But in the middle of the interview, Funk’s line of questioning changed. He asked Steamboat why he should get another shot over any other former world champion from the NWA days.
Steamboat was caught off guard, but soon saw what Funk was talking about when he attacked Steamboat. Funk pounded away on Steamboat before hitting him with a piledriver on the stage.
None other than Ric Flair rushed out to Steamboat’s aid as Funk walked off.
The Road Warriors (Animal and Hawk) wrestled The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes and Jimmy Garvin) to a double countout in 12:11. Rating: *** 1/4 (The Road Warriors retained the WCW WORLD TAG TEAM TITLES)
In a bit of Deja Vu, the Freebirds once again left the arena with title belts they didn’t win.
Hayes and Garvin brought their fight with the Road Warriors outside the ring, both getting counted out. But during the mele, without the Road Warriors knowing what was going on, Terry Gordy once again came back through the crowd, this time taking the Road Warriors title belts and leaving out through the crowd.
By the time Hawk and Animal saw what was going on, Gordy was long gone and Hayes and Garvin also snuck out to the back.
Ric Flair defeated The Great Muta by disqualification in 16:32. Rating: *** (Terry Funk interfered against Ric Flair) (Ric Flair retained the WCW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT TITLE)
Flair’s manager Hiro Matsuda convinced his client Flair to give a title shot to Matsuda’s countryman, the Great Muta. Matsuda during the match though gave Flair little management, instead staying rather neutral.
The match was a really good bout going back and forth. One a few occasions, it looked as if Muta might become the new world’s champ. But Flair rallied back and even locked Muta in the Figure Four leg lock. But to get out, Muta sprayed green mist into Flair’s eyes.
This was followed up by Terry Funk rushing into the ring and attacking Flair. Once Flair began fighting back, Funk got a helping hand from Barry Windham who rushed in to join Funk in an attack on Flair.
All the while, Matsuda helped Muta to the back while the two Texans double teamed the world champ.
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