WWE All Star Search #28 - Championship Wrestling (May 1986 part 2)

WWE All Star Search #28 - Championship Wrestling (May 1986 part 2)

Hello Turnbucklers! Its edition #28 of our All Star Search and we're moving into the middle of March with two episodes of Championship Wrestling. You know the score, we probably won't have much to say about the matches but let's hope we get some good angle development. In the two episodes we have two relatively important matches. Kirchner vs Sheik is a continuation of the feud going on between the patriot and the evil foreigners and boy do I hope we're coming to the end of it. The Bulldogs vs the big lads is an interesting one because the Bulldogs have their title winning momentum while the big lads are on a downward spiral since Wrestlemania 2. Let's get on with it shall we?

The Card:

George Steele/Junkyard Dog vs Tiger Chung Lee/Mike Angelo

Jimmy Jack Funk/Dory Funk vs Andre Malo/Dan King

The Killer Bees vs Iron Mike Sharpe/Joe Mirto

Randy Savage (IC Champ) vs Serge Jedoin

Corporal Kirchner vs The Iron Sheik

Ted Arcidi/King Tonga vs Dave Barbie/The Gladiator

The Hart Foundation vs Lanny Poffo/Don Driggers

Pedro Morales/Hillbilly Jim vs Moondog Spot/Cyclone Capone

Hercules vs Mike Sexton

Tito Santana/Dan Spivey vs Steve Lombardi/Paul Christy

The British Bulldogs (Tag Team Champs) vs King Kong Bundy/Big John Studd

The Show:

So let's kick off with the 10th May edition of Championship Wrestling. Our commentary team is Vince Mcmahon and Bruno Sammartino who run down the card.

Mike Angelo/Tiger Chung Lee vs Junkyard Dog/George Steele

The Haiti Kid is still with the faces and he's enjoying swinging his chain. Typical hijinks from Steele in this one until he gets caught in heel corner. Mike Angelo is freaking huge but a bite to the chest by Steele still manages to send him reeling. JYD comes in and hits a huge powerslam to Angelo in short order for the win. JYD is obviously stronger than he looks if he can slam Angelo like he did. After the match, there's an awkward stand off between Chung Lee and the faces while Angelo plays dead on the mat. It all comes to nothing and the faces celebrate! Not much to say about that one. Squash Rating: *

Its update time with Lord Al and this week he's looking at Jake Roberts! He asks whether Damien could be a tool used by evil worshippers? I think it's just a gimmick Al. We get a clip of a jobber getting snaked and that's all. No mention of the Steamboat angle once again.

Jimmy Jack Funk/Dory Funk vs Andre Malo/Dan King

Still no sign or mention of Terry Funk so I assume he's definitely left the WWF at this point. Bad timing though as the Funks could've been a good little faction. JJ shows plenty of aggression again but Dory just ups the game in terms of stiffness. Nice underhook suplex by Dory and the win comes with an awesome looking fallaway-powerslam move that I can't think I've seen before. Another case of not much to say except Jimmy Jack continues to impress me. Squash Rating: **

Into the back with Mean Gene who sends us to a Hulk Hogan promo. He rants on Macho Man and puts his hype down to Elizabeth. He puts Macho over quite well before claiming that he'll still win because this is America. Sigh.

The Killer Bees vs Iron Mike Sharpe/Joe Mirto

Always good to see Iron Mike! He always seems to have a sign with him claiming him to be Canada's Greatest Athlete. I can't help but imagine him making it by hand at home before the show! The Bee's are still coming out in their masks but inexplicably take them off for the match. Match is a typical Bee's affair with the head scissors making many an appearance. Bobby Heenan turns up on commentary who says he met with Jack Tunney. He's looking into what action the WWE is going to take over Andre the Giant and his no show from a few weeks previous. Heenan calls Andre a coward and says when he's done with it all, Andre will no longer be a part of WWE. By the way, the Bee's win with a poor looking powerslam on Mirto. Once again the Bee's are solid yet unspectacular and could really do with a featured storyline...that isn't with the Hart Foundation! Squash Rating: **

Into the back with Mean Gene and he's joined with Corporal Kirchner. They mention the Chernobyl explosion and somehow link it to the upcoming match between Kirchner and Nikolai Volkoff. Probably best not to mention a huge disaster that killed many a civilian...but hey, it happened to the enemy so why not.

Serge Jedoin vs Randy Savage (IC Champ)

Lots of stalling to start by Macho because...it's Macho in 1986. He really doesn't need to do his stalling schtick in these squash matches. Quite an audible Macho chant from a couple of lads in the crowd. Match finishes within a minute via an elbow drop from Macho and he's even nice enough to give another after the bell. Macho is another who needs a featured storyline after feuding with George Steele since forever. He still looks like a star after this one though. Squash Rating: *

Its time for the Flower Shop with Adrian Adonis and Jimmy Hart! He's joined by the Dream Team with Johnny V. They talk about their defeat at Wrestlemania 2 and blame it all on Ozzy Osbourne and two referees. They promise payback for the Bulldogs and that's all we have this week. If only Ozzy had actually done something of note at Wrestlemania and they'd have had a point.

Into the back with Lord Al who shows us clips of Saturday Night's Main Event whereby Jake Roberts absolutely destroyed Ricky Steamboat with his DDT on the concrete. Finally, it's nice to see it mentioned!

The Iron Sheik vs Corporal Kirchner

Well Christ, the pop for Kirchner is inexplicably loud. He even gets some patriotic signage from the crowd! I still can't him but he gets a massive USA chant up and running. He starts with a jumping headbutt and follows with a back body drop. Volkoff distracts from the outside and Sheik takes advantage. He hits a back body drop of his own before he locks on an abdominal stretch. Kirchner counters into a hip toss but misses the follow up elbow drop. Blassie gets involved and the ref does nothing but count before Sheik sends Kirchner flying outside. He scrambles back in the ring and manages a roll up on Sheik for 2. Sheik takes control again with a kick to the face as Vince admits Kirchner's wrestling ain't pretty to watch. Suplex attempt by Sheik is blocked and Kirchner hits a big one of his own. Kirchner picks up Sheik and levels him with a Samoan Drop! He makes the cover but Volkoff runs in for the DQ win for Kirchner. The heels give him boots until the Killer Bee's make the save. This will surely go down as a key moment in the Cold War but for now, it shall all continue. Crap match but the crowd enjoyed it. Match Rating: 1/4*

Into the back with Mean Gene and he's joined by the heels we've just seen give it legs. Freddie Blassie rants on about Kirchner before Volkoff gives it more of the same. I love Volkoff, he's like an old, drunk, Russian grandpa. They leave and are replaced by Macho Man! He has a copy of the WWE Magazine with Hogan on the cover. He says he's going to win the WWE Championship at the upcoming house show. Boston is his town, ohhh yeah!

Onto the 17th May edition of Championship Wrestling and our commentators are once again Vince McMahon and Bruno Sammartino!

Ted Arcidi/King Tonga vs Dave Barbie/The Gladiator

It's matches like these that make me sad. There is literally no one in this match I'm interested in currently. The Gladiator has been appearing on this blog since the very beginning...so how come no one has yet found out anything about him...including his height and weight? That's just poor admin from the agents in the back. Really nice back suplex by Tonga seems to be the only highpoint in this one before Arcidi gets the win with a bearhug. Complete snorefest. Squash Rating: *

It's update time with Lord Al and this week he's looking at Steamboat and Jake Roberts. Essentially its a full recap of the brutal SNME attack from a few weeks ago. Apparently Steamer is 100% fit and raring for some revenge!

The Hart Foundation vs Lanny Poffo/Don Driggers

It's the blue and black attack, the Hart Foundation! Lanny has brought some frisbees with him and of course, has a poem. It's awful as expected and the heels have to oversell it. The Harts attack quickly and we get some decent back and forth between Bret and Lanny. It doesn't last long but the Harts look awesome in this with plenty of double team moves. A Hart Attack on Barbie gets the win and it's all elementary from there! I say this every time but the tag division needs some solid programs to match the solid athletes within it. Squash Rating: ***

Into the back with...some guy...who runs down an upcoming house show card. Hulk Hogan comes in wearing his bandana like an eyepatch. He moans about Savage and Liz and even says he doesn't trust Elizabeth. He has a suprise for Savage though...it's called Hulkamania. Crap suprise if you ask me though.

Pedro Morales/Hillbilly Jim vs Moondog Spot/Cyclone Capone

What? No Moondog Rex? Where's our refunds?! The faces come out to Jim's awful country music and I wonder how former WWF champion Pedro Morales feels about that. Hillbilly Jim does a lovely yet crap cartwheel before the match. That is in fact our highlight of the entire match. The win comes for the faces via a Jim Big Boot. Test, eat your heart out. Squash Rating: *

Vince wants to know if there are any non-profit organisations that want to fund raise via WWE. Interesting concept for sure!

Into the back with SOME GUY and he's joined by Corporal Kirchner. In a weird political moment, he compares his feud with Nikolai Volkoff and the recent (at the time) Chernobyl disaster (the second time in recent months WWE have mentioned it on air) but has to add in a claim about it being a huge Russian conspiracy. Promo is unfortunately poor but hey, it's Kirchner. Merica!

Hercules vs Mike Sexton

Mike Sexton is one of my favourite jobbers...but only because he always dresses like a disco ball. Ernie Ladd makes a quick appearance on commentary and says everybody wants to be a wrestler...I, however, disagree. While all this is going on, Herc is throwing punches like no ones business and even Blassie gets some cheeky shots in. Hercules is not at all smooth in the ring although he's still very aggressive. The win comes for Herc after the torture rack and it was all boring as sin. Squash Rating: *

It's time for the Flower Shop with Adonis and Jimmy Hart. Adonis comes in looking like a sunblushed tomato and its not long before the faggot chants start up...and then repeat. Their guest today is the MACHO MAN and Liz. Adonis appreciates Liz's make up before Randy cuts a promo telling people not to be jealous of him. Adonis goes to give Liz flowers, changes his mind, and gives them Savage instead. Cheeky! Bit of a nothing segment though.

Tito Santana/Dan Spivey vs Steve Lombardi/Paul Christy

Tito is dropping down the card quite quickly now. He's Spivey's latest tag team partner and surely someone has to gel with him, right? RIGHT? Wrong, match is unspectacular and crowd barely even wake up for Tito. Finish comes with a Spivey bulldog. Vince says we may see more of this team...and that sounds like a threat to me. Squash Rating: *

The British Bulldogs (Tag Team Champs) vs King Kong Bundy/Big John Studd

Straight into the main event now and to be fair, this is a biggie for Championship Wrestling. The Bulldogs get a big reception but no entrance. Big heat as per for the heels and one crowd sign alludes to Bundy's 'thigh burn'. Weirdly enough, this is a glorified squash by the heels after some initial Bulldog offense. Cool early spot see's a double dropkick take Studd down from the Bulldogs but from there, its all the heels...and its all slow and boring. Crowd are still really into it but a Studd shove to the referee gets the Bulldogs the DQ win. After the match, there's more dissention between the giant heels and I PRAY we never see a match between them! Match Rating: 1/2*

So as a summary, both shows were pretty sub par. The major focus seems to be on the upcoming house show match between Savage and Hogan which is all good on my part, if not maybe a little too soon for Savage when he has such good momentum. Steamboat and Roberts finally got some emphasis after their huge SNME angle and Roberts is really starting to look twisted, so twisted they're linking him to Satanism it seems. Shame about the very last match between the Bulldogs and the Heenan Family. It's looking like the big lads may be on course for a break up so why squash the tag teams? Perfect opportunity to have cemented the Bulldogs as THE team but low and behold, nada! Will try and finish off the rest of May in the next A.S.S but until then, have a good'n!

Wrestler Scores:

• Mike Angelo +1 (1)
• Tiger Chung Lee +1 (9)
• George Steele +2 (31)
• Junkyard Dog +2 (84)
• Jake Roberts +2 (33)
• Dory Funk Jr +2 (38)
• Jimmy Jack Funk +2 (6)
• Andre Malo +1 (4)
• Dan King +1 (1)
• Hulk Hogan +2 (116)
• B Brian Blair +2 (44)
• Jim Brunzell +2 (36)
• Iron Mike Sharpe +1 (17)
• Joe Mirto +1 (7)
• Corporal Kirchner +4 (43)
• Serge Jedoin +1 (1)
• Randy Savage +4 (91)
• Adrian Adonis +2 (67)
• Brutus Beefcake +1 (50)
• Greg Valentine +1 (77)
• Iron Sheik +3 (61)
• Nikolai Volkoff +1 (56)
• Ted Arcidi +2 (12)
• King Tonga +2 (23)
• The Gladiator +1 (5)
• Dave Barbie +1 (5)
• Ricky Steamboat +1 (91)
• Bret Hart +2 (61)
• Jim Neidhart +2 (52)
• Lanny Poffo +2 (21)
• Don Driggers +1 (5)
• Pedro Morales +2 (13)
• Hillbilly Jim +2 (23)
• Moondog Spot +1 (19)
• Cyclone Capone +1 (2)
• Hercules +2 (20)
• Mike Sexton +1 (3)
• Tito Santana +2 (99)
• Dan Spivey +2 (21)
• Steve Lombardi +1 (6)
• Paul Christie +1 (4)
• Davey Boy Smith +2 (66)
• Dynamite Kid +2 (66)
• Big John Studd +2 (31)
• King Kong Bundy +2 (57)

Top 10:

1. Hulk Hogan             - 116 Points
2. Tito Santana             - 99 Points
3. Randy Savage          - 91 Points
4. Ricky Steamboar      - 91 Points
5. Junkyard Dog           - 85 Points
6. Greg Valentine         - 78 Points
7. Roddy Piper              - 76 Points
8. Paul Orndorff            - 73 Points
9. Adrian Adonis          - 67 Points
10. Davey Boy Smith      - 66 Points

WWE All Star Search #17 - Championship Wrestling (Feb 1986)

WWE All Star Search #17 - Championship Wrestling (Feb 1986)

Hello Turnbucklers! It's February 1986 and although we don't have any big featured shows...we do have lots of television to get through. We're getting ever closer to Wrestlemania 2 and I'm hoping some feuds will starts to mold into place. We have one or two debuts in this one and a massive title match. Not so much Hogan but plenty of Piper, Savage, Steamboat and more big names! So...will we get more opportunities to vote for The Wrestling Album? Will Dan Spivey still look like a spare Barry Windham? Will Moondog Spot get an unexpected title run? Let's find out!

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The Card:

Moondog Spot/Rusty Brooks vs Ricky Steamboat/King Tonga

Jeff Cripley vs Adrian Adonis

The Iron Sheik/Nikolai Volkoff vs Jim Powers/SD Jones

Hercules vs Paul Dose

The Killer Bees vs AJ Petruzzi/Dave Barbie

The British Bulldogs vs The Dream Team (Tag Team Champs)

Tito Santana (IC Champ) vs Randy Savage [IC Title Match]

Bob Bradley/Terry Gibbs vs Hillbilly Jim/Uncle Elmer

Big John Studd/King Kong Bundy vs Darryl Bowland/Ivan McDonald

Mr X vs Tito Santana

AJ Petruzzi/The Gladiator vs The British Bulldogs

Paul Dose vs Randy Savage (IC Champ)

The Iron Sheik/Nikolai Volkoff vs Corporal Kirchner/George Steele

The Gladiator vs Superfly Afi

Rusty Brooks/Steve Lombardi vs King Tonga/Ricky Steamboat

The Hart Foundation vs Tony Stetson/Lanny Poffo

Joe Mirto/Iron Mike Sharpe vs The Killer Bees

Boxing Bob Orton vs Jose Luis Rivera

Terry Funk vs Junkyard Dog

Dave Barbie/Les Thornton/Rusty Brooks vs Corporal Kirchner/Pedro Morales/Dan Spivey

Don Muraco vs Jim Londos

Paul Orndorff vs The Mohawk Kid

Paul Roma vs Adrian Adonis

Jim Powers/Scott McGhee vs The Dream Team (Tag Team Champs)

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The Show:

So let's start with the 1st of February. Bruno Sammartino and Vince McMahon are on commentary and they run down the card until Adrian Adonis interrupts and says something camp...I didn't quite catch what it was though.

Moondog Spot/Rusty Brooks vs Ricky Steamboat/King Tonga

Big pop for the faces when they come out while Sammartino tries to talk but the audio is well off. Highlights in this one are Steamboats early flurry of arm drags, Moondog Spot actually getting some offense in, King Tonga's sunset flip, the faces double team maneuvers and King Tonga's thrust kick. Tonga hits a headbutt on Rusty Brooks for the 3. Elementary my dear and fair play for giving Tonga the pin. Squash Rating: ***

Update with Lord Al and this week it focusses on Mr T. Apparently he's in peak physical condition and would always be ready to get back into the ring. Maybe that's a hint that he may appear sometime in future? Who knows...

We get another look at the nominees for best personilty in Land of 1000 Dances video. Uncle Elmer's pig gets my vote.

Jeff Cripley vs Adrian Adonis

Big heat for Adonis...and I mean...big heat! Wow! You can't hear the commentators over the 'faggot' chants. 1980's USA...you should be ashamed! Adonis takes his time to dis-robe and this only riles the crowd more so. Very, very quick squash as Adonis hits the DDT after 1 minute for the 3. Fair play to McMahon and Adonis for their bravery in this gimmick change...will be interesting to see how far it goes. Squash Rating: *

Into the back with Mean Gene who runs down an upcoming house show. He's joined by 'Cowboy' Bob Orton. He talks about Orndorff's cast and says he has an idea to even the score. He says Orndorff has no idea what to do with himself. He runs out of time and the music plays him out. A bit subdued but it was harmless.

The Iron Sheik/Nikolai Volkoff vs Jim Powers/SD Jones

It seems like ages since we've seen the evil foreigners and SD Jones, not that that's too much of a bad thing. I truly missed the Soviet national anthem but the crowd definitely haven't as the heat is a strong as ever. Sheik of course riles up the crowd before the lock up and he's so easy to hate. Speaking of hate, Corporal Kirchner comes out to wave the USA flag to big cheers. Have I ever mentioned Sheik uses a lovely back suplex because he uses it again here. In fact, more suplexes from Sheik before he locks on the Camel Clutch for the easy win. Kirchner runs in afterwards to take them both on and he actually comes out on top and sends them reeling to a big pop. Please tell me Kirchner isn't getting over. Squash Rating: **

Wrestlemania 2...it's coming!

Into the back with Mean Gene and he's joined by Paul Orndorff who is still wearing the cast. Apparently some town is giving him the key to the city. Music plays over Orndorff's promo but keeps going on and off so I can't concentrate on what he says. I do catch that Orndorff is going to show Mean Gene how to hunt and he'll show Orton how to take care of business.

The official WWE magazine is advertised next and it looked like a crap issue that month.

Hercules vs Paul Dose

Herc is without Freddie Blassie for this one....oh wait, spoke to soon, he appears on commentary to yell about Kirchner. Herc meanwhile rallies through his strength based moveset including the normal scoop slams and strikes. Blassie challenges Kirchner to a future tag match with Sheik and Volkoff. Hercules locks on the torture rack not long after and that gets the win. Another poor squash match for Hercules. Squash Rating: *

It's Piper's Pit time and first comes out Lou Albano while Piper calls him fat. Albano ain't impressed and he's brought George Steele with him. They talk about Savage's abuse of Liz and how he may have her hypnotised. Steele reacts to the mention of Liz and then chases Orton off the set when he makes fun of Liz. Piper rips into Steele until Steele innocently calls Piper a girl and that ends the segment. 

We get an advert for WWE's action figures and Old Spice.

The Killer Bees vs AJ Petruzzi/Dave Barbie

We join the match as it's already underway and the Bee's firmly in control. They use some cool looking double team maneuvers, working over the leg of Barbie. Brunzell almost gets the win with a small package but it only gets a 2. More double team maneuvers on the legs by the Bees before Brunzell hits a nice shinbreaker. Blair comes in, hits a nice powerslam and gets the 3. A bit sloppier than normal from the Bee's but to be fair, Dave Barbie really wasn't the right jobber for them. Squash Rating: **

Wrestlemania 2....is coming!

Another chance to vote for our favourite performance on The Wrestling Album.

The British Bulldogs vs The Dream Team (Tag Team Champs)

This is a non-title match that was set up on the last episode of Championship Wrestling on Piper's Pit. Decent heat for the champs and the Bulldogs get a good reaction. Valentine and Dymanite start with Dynamite coming out on top with an atomic drop and a strong shoulderblock that sends Hammer flailing into the ropes. Valentine takes control with elbows and a scoop slam before tagging in Beefcake who gets a 2 count. Davey Boy tags in and works over Beefer's arm using impressive strength. Valentine back in who continues working over Davey's legs before going for the figure 4. Dynamite breaks it up, tags back in and hits a nice backbreaker on Beefcake for 1 and a headbutt for 2. Kid hits a nice snap suplex before tagging out to Davey who hits a crisp powerslam. Valentine runs in, ends up in a firemans carry while Dynamite jumps off his back, onto Beefcake with a diving headbutt for a 3 count and the crowd pops huge. I kinda think they assume they won the titles which they didn't. Big win for the Bulldogs non the less and this puts them firmly in the chase for the belts. Match Rating: *1/2

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Into the back with Mean Gene who's with Jimmy Hart. Mean Gene says he looks weird and Jimmy says he's one to talk. Hart brings in Adrian Adonis and Terry Funk. Adonis says he woke up one morning and was Mrs Adonis? Funk says it smells bad and starts smelling Mean Gene. He says the smell is JYD and he's been here. Adonis calls JYD 'black lassie' before Funk rants on about some poker players that goes way over my head. Funk mentions Vince McMahon being the owner which is a weird one before the music plays them out. That's all for this weeks episode...so onto the next...


Tito Santana (IC Champ) vs Randy Savage [IC Title Match]

Just thought I'd add this match into the mix as it's important moving forward. This is from the Boston house show that I couldn't find but luckily I managed to find 1 out of 2 matches I wanted to see from that card. Noticable mixed reaction for Tito when he comes out. Of course we get a lot of stalling by Savage to start us off until he tries to use his heel tactics like a thumb to the eye to gain control. It doesn't really work for him as everytime he thinks he's gained control, Tito fights back. They brawl on the outside briefly before Santana hits a nice scoop slam back in the rng. He goes for the Flyign Jalapeno but misses however he does manage a back suplex not long later. Savage takes control with double ax handles and clotheslines. He goes up top and hits another ax handle before throwing Santana out to the floor to hit another one. Back in the ring and Santana counters Savage allowing himself the chance to use his forearms and elbows but only gets a 2 count. There's a double KO spot followed by a weak ref bump that doesn't really have any relevance as he still manages a 2 count. Small package by Santana also gets a 2. Savage goes for a knee drop but misses and injures his knee. This allows Santana to attack and work over the knee. All great psychology as Santana goes for the figure 4 but Savage escapes quickly. They move over to the apron where Savage reaches into his tights but Santana suplexes him back in the ring for 2. He goes for the figure 4 again and Savage escaps to the apron again. This time he does manage to get something out of his tights and when Santana tries to suplex him back in the ring again, he gets nailed with whatever the object was. Savage pins him and we have a NEW Intercontinental Champion to a suprisingly big pop. Great match with a fast pace and good psychology. It's definitely time to end Tito's singles run with a belt as evidenced by the crowd reactions in this one. Looking forward to Savage's reign as IC champ though. Match Rating: ***

Onto the 8th February episode of Championship Wrestling! Once again, the commentators are Vince McMahon and Bruno Sammartino. They run down the card while George Steele wanders about with flowers nearby.

Bob Bradley/Terry Gibbs vs Hillbilly Jim/Uncle Elmer

Oh lord, what a way to start this episode. No Cousin Luke this week which must be the smallest of mercies. Hillbilly Jim starts us off with Gibbs and he hits the safest scoop slams I've ever seen. Hillbilly Jim locks in a DOUBLE bearhug briefly before the heels take control. Its not for long as Bradley eats an atomic drop before Elmer tags in. He hits a poor shoulderblock and a rope assisted leg drop for 3. Poor and Hillbillies still do nothing for this British lad. Squash Rating: *

Update time with Lord Al and this week he's looking at Wrestlemania 2 ... the hype has begun and we get a nice montage of Wrestlemania 1.

We get another chance to vote for best personality in the Land of 1000 Dances Video.

Big John Studd/King Kong Bundy vs Darryl Bowland/Ivan McDonald

Big heat as per for the heels, especially for Heenan who proclaims himself the Manager of the Year...but he gets no arguments from me! Just pointing out, how Scottish is the name Ivan McDonald? McDonald oversells for Studd and it looks unnatural to say the least. He does bump like a bandit for the big men, but if only it looked a little more smooth all would be fine. Finish comes with the inevitable avalanche in the corner and splash on the mat. Bundy wants the 5 count and he gets it! Bundy still looks like a monster which is all good, Studd seems to be losing his fear factor and I think would at this point benefit from being around Bundy less. Squash Rating: **

Into the back with Mean Gene who's with Roddy Piper. He comes in smiling, wielding the Boston Herald. He reads out some article that seems very anti-Bruno Sammartino in regards to their upcoming cage match (happening later on that night). Didn't really dig this promo to be honest.

Mr X vs Tito Santana

Tito doesn't look his normal happy self it seems and I wonder why that may be. Slow start but with nice chain wrestling descends into headlocks and arm drags all made by Tito. Mr X does get some offense in but not for long as Tito regains control. He hits a big back body drop and its not long after the figure 4 is applied and Tito gets the win. Meh. Squash Rating: **

Wrestlemania 2...ITS COMING!

Into the back with Mean Gene who's with Bruno Sammartino. He rips into Piper and talks about Bob Orton not being around to get involved in their upcoming match. They rip some guy called Charlie Manning and Bruno says he's ready for his match with Piper! We get some Italian which I don't actually speak and that's it.

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AJ Petruzzi/The Gladiator vs The British Bulldogs

Last week we saw the Bulldogs get a big win against the champs so their momentum is growing and the crowd response to them is growing alongside it. Dynamite hits a nice missile dropkick and a nice snap suplex. Davey Boy hits a nice standing suplex for 2 before Gladiator comes in. Amazing finish as Dynamite half-suplexes Petruzzi onto Davey who sits atop the turnbuckle, into the powerslam position which he hits from the top rope for 3! That looked so awesome and the match was nothing special until that finish. Squash Rating: ****

Piper's Pit time and he starts by moaning about the fans making Bob Orton take his cast off. He introduces Orton who comes in and he's now Boxing Bob Orton. He's putting up an open contract for anyone to fight him. Just when we think we have all the answers, Piper changes the motherfucking questions! Damn him...heel.

Paul Dose vs Randy Savage (IC Champ)

Good lord, Liz looks amazing! Her and Macho are sporting lovely matching sequin blue attire. His reactions are getting bigger too if possible. Before we start, out comes George Steele who hands Liz some flowers. Macho spots this and goes batshit crazy at Liz before destroying the flowers! Somewhere, a florists heart just broke. The match itself is short work for Savage who starts by pearl harbouring Dose...and quickly follows up with his Flying Elbow for 3. Just angle advancement with an added elbow drop for poor Paul Dose. I'm still not too excited for Macho vs Steele as it seems to be building towards, time has just not been kind to this very 80's angle. Squash Rating: *

Wrestlemania 2...IT'S COMING!!!

We get another look at the various songs on The Wrestling Album...and it's still not sounding any better than previous.

The Iron Sheik/Nikolai Volkoff vs Corporal Kirchner/George Steele

Of course we get the Soviet National Anthem to big heat...however I think it's lovely! Kirchner's music interrupts halfway through but he's partner-less. Oh wait! No he is not, George Steele is his partner! It seems Kirchner and the foreign heels are building a feud of their own recently. Kirchner starts off with Sheiky baby and we get some brief chain wrestling...and I mean brief. Big USA chant lifts the mood as Kirchner rallies through his poor basic maneuvers including the worst clothesline I've ever seen. Sheik takes control and another big USA chant breaks out. Kirchner with a suplex and Steele is tagged in. The heels double team him but Steele no sells, grabs a plastic chair and levels the heels. That of course gets the DQ win for Sheik and Volkoff. Pointless yet painful. Squash Rating: *

Into the back with Mean Gene and he's interrupted by Don Muraco and Mr Fuji. They talk about Liz in a pretty creepy manner. In fact, the word 'binoculars' is used so make your own mind up. They rip on Bruno Sammartino before Muraco has to stop and think what he's actually talking about. Finally he talks about Ricky Steamboat and how he thinks he's Bruce Lee. Muraco says he doesn't mind being tied up and rallies through some stereotypical martial arts noises before he yells the show to a finish!


It's the 15th of February's Championship Wrestling now and again, Vince and Bruno are on commentary.

The Gladiator vs Superfly Afi

Superfly Afi is supposedly the cousin of Jimmy Snuka and he certainly looks like him...if not a little slimmer. He comes out to what seems like porn music. The crowd shits all over both men here so it seems the crowd don't really want Snuka's cousin. Chain wrestling to start as the crowd chant boring. Seriously, they are really letting these two have it. Afi works over the legs of the Gladiator before he reaches the ropes. There seems to be one bloke in the crowd who's hating this match more so than everyone else. Now Gladiator works over Afi's legs but it's not long before the roles are reversed once again. I think I'm about to start chanting boring myself to be honest. Afi nails a chop, a headbutt, a scoop slam and he finishes with the Superfly Splash. Not a good debut for Mr Afi and I don't understand why they need to shill him as a Snuka.2. Oh well. Squash Rating: *

This week's update with Lord Al is about The British Bulldogs. We see clips of them beating the champs a couple of weeks previous.

We get an advertisement for the Wrestling Album...it's still dreadful. Straight after...we see clips of the Land of 1000 Dances video and we can still vote for the best personality within it.

Norton AntiVirus Rusty Brooks/Steve Lombardi vs King Tonga/Ricky Steamboat

Strangely enough, Tonga and Steamboat come out to Ric Flair's music. The same music Flair was using as early as 1986. Dragon and Lombardi start off with a quick pace and Steamer nails a cross body. Tonga tags in and uses his array of strikes so send Lombardi to the mat. Dragon back in and the faces do some nice double teaming. Tonga comes in, nails a nice thrust kick to the face followed by a headbutt for the 3 count. Rusty Brooks did try and break the pin...but fell on his fat face while attempting to get in the ring. I feel like I like Tonga more just because he's appearing with Steamboat so much and that can't be good. I love his thrust kick though. Squash Rating: **

Into the back with Mean Gene and he's with the now former Intercontinental Champion, Tito Santana. He talks about how Savage screwed him out of the title and next week he will show the people what happened. He brings out some object which Savage apparently used to win the title and Mean Gene claims it to be 32 ounces. In drugs terms alone, that's a lot. ARIBA!

The Hart Foundation vs Tony Stetson/Lanny Poffo

Bret is still Brett I should point out. Leaping Lanny regales us all with a lovely poem about the Foundation which Jimmy Hart sells like he's just been cursed. Poffo controls the very early goings suprisingly and in comes Stetson who first gets booed for some reason, and then gets his arse handed to him by the Foundation. Bret comes in and hits that awesome backbreaker that he does. It's not long after that Stetson suffers a Hart Attack and the Foundation get the 3. The Foundation, The Bulldogs and The Bee's are keeping this tag division one of the best parts of this 1986 product and to think who the recent past champions have been. Squash Rating: ***

Wrestlemania 2 ... ITS COMING!!!

Into the back with Mean Gene and he's joined by the Junkyard Dog! I have no idea what he says but it is about the Funk Brothers and he mentions his wife. He forgets Dory Funk's name and says something about 'World Wide Dog' ... and that is our 'I Beg Your Pardon of the Week'

Joe Mirto/Iron Mike Sharpe vs The Killer Bees

More solid tag team action for us now with the Killer Bees! Quick start with Blair and Sharpe with Blair using a nice stalling headscissors and many an arm drag! Sharpe recollects his thoughts on the outside before heading back in the ring. Sharpe growls like a Mario villain I should point out but I actually kind of rate him. Another stalling headscissors for the Bee's before the heels take control briefly. I meant briefly...as not long after the Bee's go back to double team maneauvers and a dropkick gets the win for the Bee's. The issue with the Bee's is simply they seem to be too vanilla! Then again, every promotion needs solid workers for the big names to work with. Squash Rating: ***

Piper's Pit time and he's with Boxing Bob Orton. He brings out Jose Luis Rivera and of course, Piper rips the ever loving shit out of him for being a jobber. Rivera cuts a shocking, emotionless promo and Piper does everything he can to drag something out of him. It turns out Rivera is Orton's upcoming boxing opponent and I don't like his chances. I hope I never have to hear Rivera talk again! If the Bee's are Vanilla...this guy is just frozen water.

Boxing Bob Orton vs Jose Luis Rivera

So there's punches, shuffles, dodges and eventually a knock out punch for Orton. It made Orton look strong enough but surely it's Piper they should be focussing on? Hopefully it'll make sense in due course. Squash Rating: *

Wrestlemania 2...IT'S COMING!!!

Another chance for us to vote for the best vocal performance on The Wrestling Album. Jimmy Hart definitely enjoyed doing his, he looks so happy, bless him!

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Terry Funk vs Junkyard Dog

Well, this is quite the big match for TV in 1986! These two have been feuding for a good few months and the match starts off quick and heated on the outside with some brawling. Back in the ring, JYD hits a big back body drop followed by his canine headbutts as the crowd eat it all up with big JYD chants. They trade some stiff right hands before JYD levels Funk's head in the corner repeatedly and then again in the opposite corner and again in another corner until Jimmy Hart tries to get involved. JYD chases him around the ring and manages to get a 2 count on Funk. Funk ends up tied in the ropes as Hart tries to brand JYD from behind. It's an epic failure though as JYD gets the branding iron. However, Dory Funk Jr appears out of no where, levels JYD and helps his brother level JYD. The heels continue the assault until jobbers come out to clear the ring. JYD gets the win via DQ but this was an introduction to Dory and very much storyline advancement for this JYD/Funk feud. Match Rating: *

Into the back with Mean Gene who's joined by Jimmy Hart. He's well excited over what just happened to JYD as the Funk's appear. Terry introduces his brother Dory Funk JR who's dressed as a cowboy. Terry tells a story of how his brother killed a dog which is lovely. He name drops the NWA and says that Hogan has wiped their name off the map - wow! It's going to be the Funks versus JYD and Hogan soon enough apparently and that's all for this episode.


Into the final episode of Championship Wrestling for February 1986 and its the 22nd. Our commentators are Vince McMahon and Jesse Ventura. Vince tells us Bruno is on vacation while Jesse says he needs a permanent vacation.

Dave Barbie/Les Thornton/Rusty Brooks vs Corporal Kirchner/Pedro Morales/Dan Spivey

Christ, what a collection of talent in this one. To think Morales is a former WWE champion as well. He starts us off with Les Thornton and works in some headlocks which he refuses to let go of. In comes Kirchner to take the standards higher. He botches a suplex and an irish whip (!) but actually hits a solid backbreaker. In comes Spivey who looks huge in comparison to everyone else in the ring. Morales tagged back in who cleans house of the heels with vintage looking strikes. Spivey tags back in, hits a bulldog and that gets the 3. Crap. Squash Rating: *

Update time with Lord Al and this week it's all about Roddy Piper! Weirdly enough, the clip is of Boxing Bob's previous match last week but apparently Piper is coaching Orton. Who can possibly stop him? That's the question!

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One last chance to vote for the best personality in the Land of 1000 Dances video. Who will win?!

Don Muraco vs Jim Londos

Muraco says he would like to dedicate his piledriver to Jesse Ventura which to me is slightly random despite them both being heels. We have a new jobber as well in Jim Londos! Of course, Muraco spends the whole of the match using his strength and using the bottom rope to jab the throat of Londos. One Ventura dedicated piledriver later, Muraco is our winner. That was the definition of an average squash match...fuck all happened but Muraco still looked strong. Squash Rating: **

Into the back with Mean Gene and he's joined by Tito Santana. He's still pissed with losing the IC title and even more pissed with the producers for not showing the footage. As to why they can't show that footage but will replay any other footage is beyond me. Ariba!

Paul Orndorff vs The Mohawk Kid

Another new jobber! I'm being spoilt recently. The match starts off very quick and I barely blink before Orndorff is coming off the top rope with a ax handle. The crowd is on fire for Orndorff and he hits a nice suplex. What's strange is he's wrestling like a big bad heel with a lot of aggression but the crowd love it. Orndorff hits a clothesline and follows up with a piledriver and that gets the 3. It's frustrating the Orndorff seems to be in limbo at the moment, it seems like he's being wasted. The crowd is so hot for him, but his character is interesting with his subtle attitude issues. He brings a kid in the ring afterwards...strips the kid (!)...and they pose together. Squash Rating: **

Wrestlemania 2...IT'S COMING!!!

Into the back with Mean Gene and he's joined by JYD who looks somewhat anxious. It's because Hogan isn't around to watch his back. Once again, I can't understand a fucking word of JYD's promo...I heard 'scratch' 'snake' 'Dory' 'Betsy' 'Sue' and 'dust'. Make your own promo up with those.

Paul Roma vs Adrian Adonis

The 'f*ggot' chants are already coming thick and fast before the bell even rings. Adonis is wearing a lovely soft pink attire but he looks like a bottle of Yazoo. McMahon seems infuriated that Adonis has bows in his hair. Roma actually starts off in control using a series of hip tosses but Adonis takes control with a cheeky kick to the stomach. He hits a scoop slam and follows that by dropping Roma throat first on the top rope. They no sell each other's punches but Adonis avoids a charge, hits his DDT and that gets the 3 count. Another average squash match but I'd like to see Adonis in a featured feud. Squash Rating: **

Piper's Pit time and they have an open contract for anyone who has wrestled for WWE to face Boxing Bob. Shockingly, Hulk Hogan appears and nicks the mic from Piper. Hogan says he'd love to box with Orton but he has a friend who would love to fight Boxing Bob. That friend...it's only Mr T! Piper goes nuts and storms off! A fun quick little segment.

Bafflingly, we actually do get footage from Savage vs Santana at the Boston house show but for my review of that...well, I presume you already read it earlier in this edition.

And the best vocal performance on the Wrestling Album is.......announced next week!

Jim Powers/Scott McGhee vs The Dream Team (Tag Team Champs)

The faces start off in control until Valentine takes control with a hip toss followed by a scoop slam. In comes Beefcake who chokes Powers in the ropes. He makes his way to McGhee who manages to fight back against Hammer, including a weird scissor dropkick thing. In comes Powers who gets a 2 count on the Hammer but he manages to tag in Beefcake who hits a nice powerslam. Valentine back in who manages to lock on the Figure Four and that gets the elimentary win for the champs! The jobbers got more offense in than normal but another standard squash match in an episode full of them. Squash Rating: ****

That's all we have for February 1986 so onto the scores...


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Wrestler Scores:

• Moondog Spot +1 (10)
• Rusty Brooks +2 (2)
• Ricky Steamboat +7 (59)
• King Tonga +6 (12)
• Mr T +1 (8)
• Adrian Adonis +8 (36)
• Jeff Cripley +1 (4)
• Bob Orton +8 (34)
• Iron Sheik +6 (35)
• Nikolai Volkoff +5 (32)
• Jim Powers +2 (3)
• SD Jones +1 (11)
• Paul Orndorff +6 (50)
• Hercules +3 (10)
• Paul Dose +2 (5)
• Roddy Piper +4 (62)
• George Steele +4 (20)
• B Brian Blair +7 (20)
• Jim Brunzell +7 (11)
• AJ Petruzzi +2 (3)
• Dave Barbie +2 (2)
• Davey Boy Smith +8 (31)
• Dynamite Kid +8 (33)
• Greg Valentine +7 (52)
• Brutus Beefcake +7 (29)
• Terry Funk +6 (31)
• Junkyard Dog +6 (47)
• Tito Santana +10 (66)
• Randy Savage +12 (51)
• Bob Bradley +1 (1)
• Terry Gibbs +1 (6)
• Hillbilly Jim +3 (12)
• Uncle Elmer +2 (9)
• Big John Studd +4 (20)
• King Kong Bundy +4 (29)
• Darryl Bowland +1 (1)
• Ivan McDonald +1 (1)
• Mr X +1 (2)
• Bruno Sammartino +2 (7)
• The Gladiator +1 (1)
• Corporal Kirchner +5 (19)
• Don Muraco +4 (29)
• Sivi Afi +3 (3)
• Steve Lombardi +1 (3)
• Bret Hart +4 (26)
• Jim Neidhart +4 (24)
• Tony Stetson +1 (2)
• Lanny Poffo +2 (8)
• Joe Mirto +1 (3)
• Iron Mike Sharpe +1 (9)
• Jose Luis Rivera +2 (6)
• Les Thornton +1 (5)
• Pedro Morales +3 (8)
• Dan Spivey +3 (7)
• Jim Londos +1 (1)
• The Mohawk Kid
• Paul Roma +1 (5)
• Hulk Hogan +2 (72)
• Scott McGhee +1 (5)

So as you've just seen, a lot of wrestler's gaining points in February. Randy Savage brought in the biggest haul mainly due to his title win, quality of match and angle advancement with George Steele. The tag teams did well this month too, with quality matches the main reason for a good points haul for them, especially the Bulldogs. Bob Orton had a lot of focus on him which has been quite rare since starting the blog, so it was nice to give some decent points to him. Sivi Afi did pretty poorly and Dory Funk Jr I expect to gain his first points in the next edition. Hogan is still out in the lead, gaining two points this week for his appearance on Pipers Pit and being name dropped constantly by others. Savage, Piper, Orndorff and Valentine are all slowly but surely closing the points gap. Anyway, into March we go and towards Wrestlemania 2...IT'S COMING!!!

WWE All Star Search #9 - 20th May 1985

WWE All Star Search #9 - 20th May 1985

Hello Turnbucklers! It's edition #9 of our All Star Search and the scores are starting to show who's been impressing...and who hasn't. I'll probably post an article looking at the Wrestler Scores before I get to Wrestlemania 2 and we'll delve into them. Until then, we move forwards in 1985 onto this MSG show in May! Last edition we had what was probably the best show I've watched in the series so far. The card for this one looks like sh*t on paper to me unfortunately with a lot of 1984 jobbers getting some time in the ring. We do get a WWE Title match with Don Muraco who is making his blog reappearance. The main event is exactly the match that should've been on the Wrestlemania 1 card but wasn't, in favour of a DUD. Finally we also get another match between the US Express and the tag champs but let's hope that this is the last one.

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The Card:

Rocky Johnson vs Rene Goulet

Jim Neidhart vs Ivan Putski

Pedro Morales vs Terry Gibbs

Hulk Hogan (WWE Champ) vs Don Muraco [WWE Title Match]

Bret Hart vs Rick McGraw

Ken Patera vs Tony Atlas

The US Express vs Iron Sheik/Nikolai Volkoff (Tag Team Champs) [Tag Team Title Match]

The Missing Link vs SD Jones

Jesse Ventura vs Tony Garea

David Sammartino/Bruno Sammartino vs Brutus Beefcake/Johnny Valiant

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The Show:

Our commentary team for tonight is Gorilla Monsoon and Mean Gene Okerlund.

Rocky Johnson vs Rene Goulet

Another opening contest featuring Rene Goulet? He must really be thought of highly backstage as he's still going strong being given 10+ minute matches. This is Rocky Johnson's final MSG appearance and his last appearance on this blog for now. Once again this is a 10 minute opener and the term 'nothing special' comes to mind. The main focus seems to be Goulet's missing glove? O...K. Johnson actually looks quite good in this one, showing off both strength and speed which I wasn't expecting so much. It's still weird to hear him being referred to as 'The Rock'. Goulet does get some offense in but its mixed in between his heely stalling tactics. I actually like Goulet, he's easy to hate which makes him a good heel. Johnson gets the 3 count in the end with a roll up and we move on. Match Rating: *

Jim Neidhart vs Ivan Putski

Straight into the next match now and on paper this one is self-explanatory as to what to expect. Neidhart is still fairly new to the WWE scene and Putski is coming to the end of his career. Both are pushed as powerhouses. That is exactly what we get in this one and the early goings are spent by both trying to out power the other. Of course it breaks down into restholds and the pace slows down by a hefty amount. The crowd are alive towards the end and really get behind Putski in his final flurry of offence but its no use and Neidhart counters a suplex attempt into a roll up for 3. Impressive way to end considering the size of both men and how smooth the sequence actually was. Neidhart still looks strong going forward but the match was too slow for the majority. Match Rating: 3/4*

Pedro Morales vs Terry Gibbs

This is another match that doesn't exactly make me jump out my seat. This is Morales' first appearance on our blog. His biggest career peaks came before this show but I'm interested to see how he comes off on his return and whether he's another former great who's still stuck in a former decade style-wise. Terry Gibbs is a perennial jobber here. The commentary team say Morales looks great....but he doesn't. This match itself was sinfully boring. So many restholds at such a slow pace, it was just hard for me to care. Unfortunately the timekeeper plays a harsh trick on me and rings the bell halfway through the match...but it wasn't over! Damn him! Eventually Morales gets the win with a Boston Crab to decent crowd noise, so I assume the crowd only watched the last 10 seconds of the match. Match Rating: 1/4*

Hulk Hogan (WWE Champ) vs Don Muraco [WWE Title Match]

The crowd has really lit up for this one and Don Muraco comes out to major heat with Mr Fuji! Eye of the Tiger plays and the crowd goes mental as usual! The ringbell is doing my head in at this point as it won't stop pissing ringing. Action kicks off straight away as Muraco blindsides Hogan before he de-belts. He lays in the boots before choking Hogan with his T-shirt. Muraco's offense doesn't last long as Hogan hulks up quickly and sends Muraco to the outside. He nails an atomic drop on the floor before they both make their way back in the ring. Hogan starts choking Muraco with his T-shirt now and even finds time to gob in his face...lovely. The crowd don't care though as they are unglued. They head back outside where they trade chairshots right in front of the ref but no DQ. It makes even less sense when Hogan rolls in and out of the ring to break the countout. Muraco actually gets busted open via these chairshots. Back in the ring and Hogan hits a back suplex and soon after, a standing suplex. Its not long before he hits the leg drop for the 3 count. However Mr Fuji had put Muraco's foot on the ropes so the 3 count doesn't count. This gives Muraco the chance to blast Hogan in the eyes with a load of salt for the DQ. Stupid, pointless finish to a glorified squash match. The crowd noise made this match much better but Muraco got no offense in after the initial phase and its safe to say his career ain't going higher than this. This match is very similar to Hogan vs Orndorff from the month before. Match Rating: *1/2

Lord Al Hayes replaces Mean Gene on commentary and immediately acts like a lecherous old git.

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Bret Hart vs Rick McGraw

Is this our first blog Bret singles match? It could possibly be! Last month he looked extra good in the tag match with the Bulldog's. This time out he's against Rick McGraw who is the definition of...OK. At this point he's still sporting an extra 'T' in his name. He seems less enthusiastic this time around and it shows in his in ring work. The match is slower than I expected with very little to talk about. Bret did show glimpses of good entertainment but that's all they were, glimpses. McGraw was...OK...considering the last time we saw him he was being jobbed out to Ken Patera quite quickly. Strange commentary as Lord Al rants on about Stu Hart but starts getting a bit creepy. Bret eventually got the win via a second rope elbow drop. I'm quite disappointed with this one and Bret honestly came off as well as any other lower card heel in this one. Match Rating: *

Ken Patera vs Tony Atlas

This card is not getting better is it. Out comes out favourite 1970's throwback in Ken Patera and the immensely roided Tony Atlas. Bobby Heenan is out with Patera so maybe he can add something. Before the match even gets under way, both men engage in a posedown with Patera looking old and Atlas looking camper than a picnic basket. Pretty basic start as both men try to out power the other. Patera gains early control using restholds early on. They end up outside where Patera rams Atlas into the apron before getting back in the ring to pose. Patera locks on a bearhug which Atlas wiggles out of into one of his own. That also looked really gay on Atlas' part. Nice cross body followed by a suplex by Atlas into a sleeper that is quickly broken up. Patera tries to stall but Atlas isn't having any of it and nails an atomic drop. They go back and forth until Patera is sent out to the floor. Patera and Heenan suffer a dreaded double noggin knocker before Atlas gets distracted trying to beat up Heenan/ Patera uses that to nail Atlas off the top rope for the 3 count. Better than I was expecting and better than most the crap on the card. Both men still seem very outdated though. Match Rating: *3/4

Into the back with Mean Gene and Bobby Heenan who is representing the Missing Link. Heenan tells us that everyone better have paid their insurance premiums because the Missing Link is going to be piling up the bodies. The Missing Link says nothing and wanders around the background. Its a middle-aged bloke with Einstein hair and a green face. He looks like someone sneezed on him. Thank God that Heenan gave him at least some legitimacy.

Still in the back and Jesse Ventura is now with Mean Gene. Mean Gene is just as shocked as me that Ventura looks somewhat human. Ventura says he's the best on commentary and the best in the ring so watch out Garea!

STILL in the back and this time Mean Gene is with Johnny Valiant and Brutus Beefcake. They talk about San Fransisco and then the Sammartino's. Beefcake doesn't freeze which is an improvement and actually shows off some good confidence. They're ready!

STILL...in the back with Mean Gene and this time he's with the Sammartino's. Bruno's promo's always seem the most real, no yelling and always confident in what he's saying. David on the other hand is a stuttery mofo. Bottom line...they're ready!

The US Express vs Iron Sheik/Nikolai Volkoff (Tag Team Champs) [Tag Team Title Match]

The heels are out first to big heat as per! 1980's xenephobia really was an amazing heat catalyst, I mean, it's hard to take the champs as seriously as I'd like too but the crowd disagree. Of course Volkoff sings before the match to big heat and I love hit! 'Born in the USA' hits and out come the US Express with Captain Lou Albano. The crowd don't seem as into them as they were 2 months ago which is strange. Big USA chant breaks out right on cue. Quick action to start with the faces taking control over Sheik to major crowd noise. Nice double leg drop by the faces and an atomic drop by Rotundo. Sheik misses a Senton splash attempt which was a nice suprise. Sheik eventually tags out to Volkoff just as Windham comes in and the pace slows down slightly. Windham does gets some shots in but misses a dropkick and the tide doth turn. The heels take turns working over Windham. Sheik hits a lovely gutwrench suplex and maintains control until Rotundo gets the hot tag. It doesn't last long as Volkoff pearl harbours him. Windham takes the time to bust Sheik open on the ringpost in the melee. It all breaks down outside the ring and the champs get counted out but keep their belts. Was a decent little match for what it was but I'm hoping thats the last we see between the two. Match Rating: **

The Missing Link vs SD Jones

Before the match starts, Bobby Heenan lists off a load of face wrestlers and tells them to pay attention. He tells them to pay attention to his newest Heenan family member...The Missing Link. For all that build up, this guy better be good! I should mention that in the time between this show and the last, Orndorff cemented his face turn and fired Heenan. Heenan is now offering $25,000 to anyone to take Orndorff out. None the less, Heenan feels the Missing Link is the dude who will get that dollar. Match is a total squash but christ, The Missing Link looks awful. He's slow, weak and very disjointed. He gets the quick 3 with a falling headbutt/punch (?) from the top rope. I would mention SD Jones...but there is literally nothing to mention other than he just got battered. The officials run away from the Missing Link after the match while Heenan tries and fails to control him. Match Rating: DUD

Jesse Ventura vs Tony Garea

Straight into the next match now as we get the in-ring blog return of Jesse Ventura after his blood clot incident last year. His opponent is Tony Garea who is once again solid, but not spectacular. It takes an age for Jesse to take off all his shit and actually start the match. Of course, even then there's a fair amount of stalling. In fact, the first half of this match is a hefty mix of stalling by Jesse and rest holds by Garea. When Garea is on offense, he works over Jesse's arm throwing in some decent psychology but unfortunately its all for nothing as Jesse forgets to sell. The crowd really hate Jesse here so that adds a lot to this one. Garea gets in a sunset flip and tries to abdominal stretch but unfortunately it all goes sloppily wrong. Finish comes when Garea tries to ram Jesse into the turnbuckle but its countered so Garea levels his own head, staggers down to the mat allowing Jesse to hit a weak looking elbow drop for the win. I really, really wish I liked Jesse Ventura's in ring work more than I do but alas, I don't and this match was crap until the final third. Match Rating: 1/2*

David Sammartino/Bruno Sammartino vs Brutus Beefcake/Johnny Valiant

Time for our main event now and it's not quite a Wrestlemania rematch although this is the match that should've been on the card. Out first is Beefcake and Valiant to big boo's. Valiant is another 70's flashback by the look of him. Beefcake looks like a golden ticket allowing you into Wonka's factory. The Sammartino's come out with a Hogan style entrance (without music) and they get a huge pop, granted though, it was mainly for Bruno. Bruno starts and cleans house early while the crowd go mental. It's apparent though he's aged a little too much to be a regular in ring performer. He seems sluggish and clunky although the crowd distracts you from it. Bruno continues to keep control working over both heels. He works over Beefcakes arm and tags in David who keeps working on the arm. Eventually the heels take control and work over David with lots of chokes and strikes. The finish comes out of nowhere as Valiant misses a charge in the corner and David rolls him up for the win. The heels do some damage to Bruno after the match but in my opinion, they should've left this for a Sammartino feelgood moment. Match itself was better than the Wrestlemania match and I maintain this should've been on that card instead. Still a poor, dull match though. Neither David or Beefcake looked great in this which is wrong considering they're the future. Match Rating: *

So there we have it, edition #9 is done and wow, what a hard show to sit and watch. The things I do for my Turnbucklers. Nevertheless, onto the next show! First...let's see the updated Wrestler Scores.


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Wrestler Scores:

• Rocky Johnson +4 (10)
• Rene Goulet +2 (9)
• Jim Niedhart +4 (14)
• Ivan Putski +2 (6)
• Pedro Morales +2 (2)
• Terry Gibbs +1 (4)
• Hulk Hogan +5 (41)
• Don Muraco +3 (9)
• Bret Hart +4 (11)
• Rick McGraw +3 (8)
• Ken Patera +4 (14)
• Tony Atlas +3 (7)
• Mike Rotundo +6 (16)
• Barry Windham +5 (15)
• Iron Sheik +4 (23)
• Nikolai Volkoff +4 (15)
• The Missing Link +2 (2)
• SD Jones +1 (7)
• Jesse Ventura +3 (10)
• Tony Garea +3 (7)
• David Sammartino +3 (9)
• Bruno Sammartino +3 (3)
• Johnny Valiant +3 (3)
• Brutus Beefcake +4 (13)

So there we have our updated list after this show. After edition #10, I'll be going through the scores so far and the patterns and reasons behind them. Hopefully you'll see us in edition #10! Please leave a comment, follow us on Twitter @TheWrestlinDork, click on any affiliates that take your fancy and please check out Across The Pond where you can find these articles plus so much more!

WWE All Star Search #6: 17th March 1985 (ft. The War to Settle the Score)

WWE All Star Search #6: 17th March 1985 (ft. The War to Settle the Score)

Welcome Turnbucklers! Its edition #6 and we are back in MSG for another house show on our road to the very first Wrestlemania. Not going to lie, finding shows between October 1984 and March 1985 was hard, very hard. So to make up for it, I'm adding two HUGE events into this edition. First I'm going to look at an IC Title match, followed by a key match in the Rock 'n' Wrestling era which is the WWE Title match from the War to Settle the Score. Then it's onto the last big show before Wrestlemania 1 and we have a massive list of new faces in this one so let's see how they make their first impressions on the All Star Search. Finally, the main event is a Lumberjack Match so let's hope that turns out to be fun. Would like to add a big thank you and hello to any new readers out there, last edition broke my viewing records by x5 which is overwhelming and very humbling! Shall we begin...?

The Card:

Tito Santana (IC Champ) vs Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine [IC Title Match]

Hulk Hogan (WWE Champ) vs Rowdy Roddy Piper [WWE Title Match]

Rocky Johnson vs Charlie Fulton

Barry O vs Rene Goulet

Jim Neidhart vs SD Jones

King Kong Bundy vs Jose Luis Rivera

David Sammartino vs Matt Borne

Andre The Giant/Jimmy Snuka/Junkyard Dog vs Ken Patera/Jesse Ventura/Big John Studd

Ricky Steamboat vs Terry Gibbs

Greg Valentine (IC Champ) vs Tito Santana [IC Title Match - Lumberjack Match]

The Show:

Let's begin with an IC Title match from September 1984 between the champ, Tito Santana and Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine. They've had a run of good matches each in this series so far with Hammer made to look strong in his contendership. They had a decent match a few months earlier but it was overshadowed by the whole Jimmy Snuka stretcher job going on at the time.

Tito Santana (IC Champ) vs Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine [IC Title Match]

Its September 1984 here and Tito is your defending IC champion. They've had previous interactions and this feud has been simmering nicely. Albano is with Hammer in this one and both are getting solid heat. Tito is nursing a poor leg in this one and Valentine uses it to his advantage in his normal methodical way. Crowd is solidly behind Santana in this one with many a chant. Valentine works over the injured leg but Santana escapes and manages to hit his Flying Burrito for a close two count. He continues on the offense and gets another close two. He thinks he's won though and while his back is turned, Hammer nails him with a knee to the back...and that gets the 3 and we have a new IC Champion! Crowd chant bullshit and everyone seemed slightly confused about the finish. Santana did a great sympathy job and Valentine looked crisp as always. Match Rating: **1/4

Hulk Hogan (WWE Champ) vs Rowdy Roddy Piper [WWE Title Match]

Talk about a money match! This was hyped up beyond another level at this point in time. Hogan being Hogan was riding high as champion but oh boy, Piper was generating unparalleled heat! This was shown live on MTV much like the Brawl to End it All and again, drew HUGE numbers. Piper comes out to major heat accompanyed by his bagpipe players and Cowboy Bob Orton (with a cast on his arm). Piper to generate some extra heat...destroys a nice looking guitar! In the words of a friend...SOME GUY! is our special ring announcer...but being from anywhere that isn't America...no clue who he is. Eye of the Tiger hits to a monstrous pop...as per! You can't even dream of comparing Cena to Hogan watching this. Cyndi Lauper, her fella and Captain Lou Albano are accompanying Hogan. By the way, Albano is a face now after realising the errors of his ways. Crowd is hot as they start off like a house of fire trading shots. We hear Mr T is in the crowd as Hogan takes control in the early going with slams. The crowd is unglued. Piper does take control eventually with boots and gets solid heat. Sleeper by Piper and Hulk...Hulks up...but doesn't get too far with it. Piper with more offense than I was expecting at this point. Orton tries to get involved and fails so Hogan regains control. Mr Wonderful Paul Orndorff comes out to support Piper from the outside and the ref gets bumped. Orndorff gets involved and he and Piper double team Hogan. Lauper gets on the apron to do some mouthing off and the heels get sucked in but hold on...crowd pops HUGE...and Mr T of all people gets involved to even the odds. Mr T however ends up getting double teamed until Hogan is up and bails him out. The match itself is thrown out as a no contest. Well, well, well, that was certainly a fun little match. If Piper got the belt here in time for Wrestlemania...the reaction would have been catatonic. The heat for everyone involved was smoldering. Of course, this puts us firmly on the road to Wrestlemania 1! Exciting! Match Rating: **1/2

Onto the MSG House Show now and our commentary team are Gorilla Monsoon and Mean Gene Okerlund once again. At this point its worth me mentioning that their commentary dynamic is a little off. Both play very similar roles and are obviously both face. More balance is definitely needed soon.

Rocky Johnson vs Charlie Fulton

What a way to start us off! Boring, slow paced match with literally nothing to mention. Punches and stalling head scissors is the peak of this one in fact. The crowd were somewhat dead during this one. At one point, Rocky is referred to as 'Rock' which is a fun little precursor. Johnson gets the win with a sunset flip. Match Rating: DUD

Barry O vs Rene Goulet

Into the next match now and we have a first debut of this edition. Barry O is Cowboy Bob's brother and Randy Orton's uncle. Rene Goulet is my 1984 foreign heel of the year...a trophy is on his way to him. 'Who knows what that O could mean' - Gorilla Monsoon. The match itself is as dull as dull can be. The commentary team spend the majority of the match discussing Wrestlemania and its tag team main event. Nice powerslam by Barry for 2. It picks up slightly towards the end of the match and a small package gets the win for Barry O. Dull, simple as. Barry O looked as vanilla as a discount Vienetta. Match Rating: 1/4*

Jim Neidhart vs SD Jones

Its blog debut number 2 and it's Jim 'soon to be Anvil' Neidhart! His appearance instantly makes him stand out from most of the roster in a positive way. His opponent is SD Jones who is slowly becoming more and more of a jobber as months drift by. Neidhart is with Jimmy Hart who I think is also making his blog debut. Fun early goings with both men trading offense. Neidhart shows off the personality we'll become accustomed too over time with his overexaggerations. He does show off his size and power though which is a good thing. They do the scoop slam/reversed into an armbar spot which I've seen numerous times since starting these reviews but I haven't seen it before. SD Jones uses the hard-head gimmick but its all in vain as Neidhart eventually gets the easy win with a crisp Powerslam. Good debut from Neidhart, I found it hard not to be entertained by him. Match Rating: 3/4*

King Kong Bundy vs Jose Luis Rivera

Blog debut number 3 - King Kong Bundy! We're going to be seeing a lot of him over the next year. Jimmy Hart is back out with Bundy. Rivera, much like SD Jones is slipping further into jobber territory. In comparison to everyone but Andre and Big John Studd, Bundy is just ridiculously big. He puts his size to good use, easily overpowering Rivera on a number of occasions. The crowd are quiet but seemingly because their in awe of Bundy. Rivera gets 2 dropkicks in but Bundy is barely phased. Bundy gets the win not long after with a massive elbow drop. Utter squash match but Bundy looked impressive as a beast, if not just for his look. Match Rating: 1/2*

Into the back with Hulk Hogan and Mr T. Hogan says Mr T is the best partner he could've found for Wrestlemania. Mr T says he specialises in work, torture and pain...his words, not mine. Bottom line 'they dead meat!' says T and Hogan says he apologizes for whats the come.

Well, well, well, we're getting a live Piper's Pit! Out comes Piper with 'Cowboy' Bob Orton alongside him to major heat. The microphone is annoying dodgy. Piper says that he's out there talking because no one wanted to fight him. He rips on New York as a heel would...but slightly funnier. He trolls the crowd something fierce by hyping up his next guest making it sound like Mr T...but it's Mr Wonderful Paul Orndorff. Big boo's for that one. Orndorff tries talking but just makes sound...I think I heard him say 'outhouse'. Piper tells Mr T to stop snorting Cocaine and come join him in the ring. Which he promptly does to big cheers and he's brought Hogan and Jimmy Snuka with him. Snuka hasn't been mentioned since he was stretchered out months ago which is nice. Piper tells T to sit down and of course, rips into him while still trying to play it friendly and cool. It doesn't last long and tensions soon rise but the crowd eat it up. Piper runs down T's life acheivements and tells him he's giving T the chance to back out the fight to save face and there will be no shame! T fires back and says he ain't quitting. Piper brings out a painting of Mr T with his arm in a sling but T ain't scared! Things start getting physical but no brawl. Heels bail out the ring leaving the faces to soak up mild cheers. Mr T says Piper gonna pay! He promises! Good promo and I am actually hyped for Mania 1! Piper was gold here and Mr T was great in his role too.

David Sammartino vs Matt Borne

Blog debuts number 4 and 5! David Sammartino is the vanilla looking son of Bruno and Matt Borne is the son of 'Tough' Tony Borne...but you'll know him better as Doink the Clown. Borne looks like Charlie Fulton and here's me thinking I'd never get Charlie Fulton in a reference. Slaps and shoves to start before we get into some back and forth. Sammartino shows of some decent greco roman skills and Borne nails a lovely belly to belly suplex. Borne showing good aggression that we'll see later down the road. Of course it breaks down into restholds and strikes before Borne eats a big back body drop. More restholds before Sammartino gets a suplex and takes control. Sammartino goes up top but Borne slams him down for a slow 2 count. He goes for a powerslam but Sammartino rolls through for the 3 count! Sammartino looked...vanilla and Borne looked decent but too many restholds. Match Rating: 1/2*

Andre The Giant/Jimmy Snuka/Junkyard Dog vs Ken Patera/Jesse Ventura/Big John Studd

We have blog debut number 6 in this one and you better grab dem cakes as it's the Junkyard Dog! Lots of big names in this one. Andre and Studd are developing a feud that will lead towards Wrestlemania. Jimmy Snuka makes his first blog appearance since turning one of my previous editions into an episode of Casualty. Jesse Ventura is back from his bloodclot late last year and Patera is enjoying a decent push since his return. Bobby Heenan is with the heels in this one and Cpt Lou Albano is with the faces. Andre wastes no time getting to Studd but Studd bails to the floor. Faces control the early stages with JYD hitting his unique strikes and headbutts and Andre nailing a double noggin knocker on the heels. Everyone brawls with both sides getting a brief advantage. Eventually Snuka comes in and finds himself as face in peril as each of the heels take turns working him over. Eventually Snuka gets the tag to Andre who comes in and nails Studd with strikes. Ventura gets tagged in but realises he's out of his depth. A big boot and a superfly splash get the win for Snuka and his team! I really enjoyed that one, good flow, good balance and everyone played their role well. JYD is already proving popular in the WWE and his brief in ring appearances in this were harmless. Andre and Studd continued their feud towards Wrestlemania and showed good heat between the two. Snuka played a good face in peril, which makes sense as he has the least reason to be protected. Jesse found himself with little to do but that's a good thing considering his recent health issues. Match Rating: **3/4

Ricky Steamboat vs Terry Gibbs

Another debut here as we have Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat making his first blog appearance. He's another performer who was on the 1983 Starrcade card and I think, also the 1984 card too. Terry Gibbs...is also here. Lots of back and forth with Gibbs getting a decent amount of offense in. Steamboat looked as crisp as ever hitting his usual arsenal of moves. He makes Gibbs look great when Gibbs is on the offense. Steamboat shows off his array of chops and strikes. With a couple of poses thrown in for good measure. Steamboat gets the win with a flying cross body! Nothing special, just a way to get Steamboat some ring time. Match Rating: *

Greg Valentine (IC Champ) vs Tito Santana [IC Title Match - Lumberjack Match]

It's the main event! As mentioned earlier, Valentine is now the IC Champ and is now with Jimmy Hart at his side and Tito wants his belt back! This is Lumberjack rules so we have an array of superstars around the ring. Big pop for Tito which is always a good sign. Hammer pearl harbours him to start put to no avail as Hammer quickly ends up outside. The heels seem to protect him but ultimate babyface Ricky Steamboat, calm as you like, walks over and throws him back in. Santana keeps control for a few minutes while Hammer sells like gold but the tide shifts with an atomic drop for Hammer. Santana regains control, Hammer tries to escape but the faces throw him back into the ring. Hammer selling so much like Flair its silly....that includes flops and all. Someone randomly rings the ringbell but its ignored so I have no idea what that was about. Hammer in control now and works over the legs of Tito...good psycology working his way to the figure four and what's even better, Tito sells it! Tito thrown outside and then thrown back in like he's just a corpse. He's thrown back outside to the faces who...protect him...no! That's not your job lads. Hammer goes for the figure four but its countered into a cradle for 2. Tito fights back and Hammer Flair flops again. Suplex by Santana and he goes for his own Figure Four. Hart distracts the ref while the heels help out Hammer. Tito distracts himself with the outside heels but gets pearl harboured by Hammer. They hit a shoulderblock on each other, Hammer falls on top of Santana and that gets the 3! Hammer is completely KO'd too though. Really enjoyed that one and the Lumberjack was a nice tweak to the usual formula between these two. Santana is by far the best at gaining sympathy from the crowd and Valentine is WWE's very own Flair (just not as good). Match Rating: ***

Wrestler Scores:

(I'm taking into consideration the two extra matches reviewed and the live Piper's Pit. Mr T gets a rating therefore as he played a crucial role in a main segment in the show.)

• Tito Santana +12 (29)
• Greg Valentine +13 (26)
• Hulk Hogan +7 (25)
• Roddy Piper +14 (21)
• Rocky Johnson +2 (6)
• Charlie Fulton +1 (4)
• Barry O +2 (2)
• Rene Goulet +2 (7)
• Jim Neidhart +4 (4)
• SD Jones +2 (4)
• King Kong Bundy +4 (4)
• Jose Luis Rivera +1 (4)
• Mr T +4 (4)
• David Sammartino +3 (3)
• Matt Borne +3 (3)
• Jesse Ventura +5 (7)
• Ken Patera +5 (10)
• Big John Studd +5 (8)
• Andre The Giant +5 (10)
• Jimmy Snuka +4 (14)
• Junkyard Dog +4 (4)
• Ricky Steamboat +3 (3)
• Terry Gibbs +3 (3) 

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @TheWreslinDork and I shall see you next time...for Wrestlemania 1!!

WWE All Star Search #3: Brawl to End it All

WWE All Star Search #3: Brawl to End it All

Welcome Turnbucklers! Its edition #3 and it's The Brawl to End it All! This one is a biggie history wise as this was WWE's big break so to speak. The Rock 'n' Wrestling connection was under way with Cyndi Lauper and her fella/manager creating bridges between WWE and mainstream pop culture. This show had a portion featured on MTV at the time and that was a big deal regarding viewing figures. Strangely it was the women's match that was showcased as the main story going into this was Lauper vs Albano represented by a women's wrestler each. For added intrigue the women's title was on the line. Not only that but every men's title is being defended and we have a Battle Royal to boot so let's rumble on! Link to the show is below!

The Card:


Sika vs Ron Shaw

The Iron Sheik vs Tony Garea

Tito Santana (IC Champ) vs 'Cowboy' Bob Orton [IC Title Match]

Bob Backlund vs Butcher Vachon

Hulk Hogan (WWE Champ) vs Greg Valentine [WWE Title Match]

Antonio Inoki vs Charlie Fulton

Adrian Adonis/Dick Murdoch (Tag Team Champs) vs Sgt Slaughter/Terry Daniels [Tag Team Title Match]

The Fabulous Moolah (Womens Champ) vs Wendi Richter [Womens Title Match]

Paul Orndorff vs Cheif Jay Strongbow

Afa vs Rene Goulet

20 Man Battle Royal


The Show:

We kick things off with Mean Gene but he ain't alone, he's with the WWE Champ, Hulk Hogan. We are 6 months into his title reign so far and the belt itself is a different design than the last time we saw it. I definitely prefer this smaller style. The word Hulkamania is used for the first time in the blog and Hogan puts himself over and Hulkamania over while claiming that the potential list of challengers to his title 'turns him on'. Frisky. We leave Hulk posing for the camera and I gotta say, that was one of his more easily understandable promo's. It was OK and Hogan looked to be having fun.

Our commentators tonight are Gorilla Monsoon and Mean Gene Okerland.

Sika vs Ron Shaw

It seems since last time, Sika (and I assume Afa too) has had a bit of a popularity boost as he gets most the positive reaction in the intro's while Shaw is booed. Sika can't be too much of a Wild Samoan judging by how maticulous he is with folding his t-shirt. We start with a gentle shove by Shaw but he bails out the ring before anything happens. They try a couple of lock ups but nothing comes of it until Shaw gets caught in the ropes and sent outside with a forearm to take a breather. Back in and both lads trade punches until Shaw is levelled by a running elbow. We have eye racks and hair pulling from Shaw now but Sika nails a headbutt and then locks on a chinlock. Shaw's punches are no-sold by Sika and then he eats a headbutt for his troubles. A snapmare by Sika and back to a chinlock. Shaw escapes but quickly eats a headbutt for a 3 count. Another stinker of an opening match. Match Rating: DUD

The Iron Sheik vs Tony Garea

Straight into the next match now and we have Tony Garea, who I'm sure is still looking for a new tag partner 6 months later, as well as The Iron Sheik with Freddie Blassie. Must mention the lovely all gold number Blassie is wearing. Tony Garea looks more like Alvin Stardust every edition which isn't a good trend. Still big heat for Sheik which is good as he hasn't really been doing much since his title loss 6 months previous. Sheik mouths off to the fans to stall and gets a USA chant in return. (Wrong chant number 1 - Tony Garea is from New Zealand). Headlock to start by Garea followed by a scoop slam and a headlock takedown. Lovely sunset flip by Garea gets 2 and back into the headlock. Sheik escapes, goes for a boot to the chest but its countered into an atomic drop which Sheik sells like a botched circumcision...and back into a headlock. Shoulderblock by Garea but he then eats a right hand by Sheik. That allows some crucial posing time for Sheik to some decent heat. He goes for a big back body drop but eats a boot to the face by Garea. Hip toss, dropkick and cross body gets a 1 count for Garea. Sheik whipped into the corner but he reverses it, Garea goes chest first into the turnbuckle and backs into a lovely back suplex for the 3 count! Enough entertainment in this one to keep it away from DUD territory and decent heat for Sheik. Garea is just a means to an end now. Sheiky mouths off after the match and camera cuts to a fan who is clearly a little too angry...so much so, he has a police escort. Match Rating: 1/2*

 Tito Santana (IC Champ) vs 'Cowboy' Bob Orton [IC Title Match]

This one should help the pace pick up now. Tito had won the IC Title from Muraco earlier in the year and was now well into his run. Orton is a new recruit to the WWE and was one of a few people to appear on this card who also featured on the first Starrcade at the end of 1983. Big cheers for Santana which he didn't have 6 months ago. They lock up, shoulderblock by Orton but Santana comes back with repeated armdargs. He locks in an armbar, its countered into a head scissors by Orton...but countered again back into an arm bar by Santana. More chain wrestling until Orton escapes to the ropes for a breather. They tease a lock up but it doesn't happen. Wristlock by Orton is countered into Hammerlock by Santana and countered again by Orton into a Hammerlock of his own into a pinning predicament. Santana whipped into the corner and Orton misses a charge, hurting his elbow. Santana responds...by working over the elbow! Nice! Santana upto the second rope and levels Orton with a right hand. Santana back to working over the arm, elbow and shoulder of Orton and locks on an armbar although not for long. They lock up again and Orton takes control with some aggressive quick punches. Orton hits what I can only describe as a galloping stomp...seriously, it was very horselike and Tito sells it like death. Orton taunts the crowd and it seems VERY familiar to see. A lovely running powerslam only gets 2 for Orton so he responds by working on the lower back! Nice! Psychology 101 in this one - Tito aiming for the arm, Orton aiming for the lower back. Orton lifts up Santana and nails him with a backbreaker for a close 2 count. Santana tries fighting back with right hands to the mush and the crowd love it. Orton, the heely bastard that he is, takes back control with an eye rake and we go into a headlock. Santana fights out with an arm drag but Orton levels him again with a boot to the tummy for 2. Scoop slam on Santana and Orton goes up top, tries for the VaderBomb but eats nothing but knees! Santana is pumped now and goes to work with right hands, Orton flops down and eats a knee drop. Ortons head now repeatedly driven into the mat but Orton takes back control AGAIN with a thrust to the throat. Not for long as Santana gets him in an abdominal stretch. Orton reverses and locks on one of his own! Nice! A hip lock by Santana breaks it up and onwards with the right hands until both men collapse to the mat in exhaustion. Suplex by Orton and he tries for a second but its reversed into a small package for 2. Santana goes for a cross body but eats nothing but air and regret. Orton whipped into the turnbuckle, eats a low punch by Santana and clotheslines himself off the top rope. Orton goes for a piledriver but eats a back body drop. Into the corner for 10 punches but Orton counters into an atomic drop half way through. Wait a minute...the bells goes and we've reached a time limit! No! Both men continue slugging it out afterwards until Santana is left in the ring. Crowd shit all over the draw. Either way, was still a really good match with top psychology and plenty of opportunities to get behind Santana. Orton was methodical and aggressive and the similarities between himself and his son are glaringly obvious here. It annoys me to think Orton will never get WWE gold when putting on matches like this. Tito was the typical babyface but the crowd seem to love him although I find him dull. Everytime it seemed the fightback was on, Orton cut it short and I loved it! That's not to take away from his performance here as I think it's the best Tito Santana match I've seen so far. I can't blame those who give this match a higher rating than myself as it would've been a classic in 1984...but it's 2014 so... Match Rating: ***1/2

Bob Backlund vs Butcher Vachon

Straight into the next match and after the last one, I somehow expect this not to match up in quality. Bob Backlund is still around 7 months after his title loss and Butcher Vachon is scary looking, but if he wins this, I'll eat my own face. Backlund dodges Vachon to start and the crowd go...uninterested. We almost get a wristlock but don't and Backlund does some more avoiding. Vachon takes control with punches and a shoulder thrust in the corner. Backlund reverses a whip attempt into a scoop slam, holding Vachon up for a while which is really impressive to see. Cross-face Chickenwing applied and Backlund gets the quick win. I really want to give this a DUD for wasting my time and yours but that slam was impressive. Match Rating: 1/4*

Into the back with Mean Gene and Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine. Greg promises Hogan he will feel the figure four leglock and...that's it!

Still in the back, this time with Mean Gene and Hulk Hogan. When Hogan puts the Hammer down, he's calling New York City electric company to shut off all the power because 'everyone will be glowing' and we're not going to see anything. That doesn't make sense Hulk, but at least you seemed pumped up.

Hulk Hogan (WWE Champ) vs Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine [WWE Title Match]

Out comes Valentine to big boo's, although many of them will be shared with Captain Lou who is out with Hammer. Hogan comes out to an explosion of noise and his entrance really makes him look like a superstar. He's still in his white ring gear here. Seriously, the reception for Hogan is amazing. Hammer tries to pearl harbour Hulk but to no avail as Hogan levels him with right hands sending Hammer staggering across the ring. Whip into the corner and Hammer face flops to the mat. If a Hammer falls in the woods and no ones around to hear him, does he make a noise? Hammer begs for mercy, tries for a cheap shot, gets countered and eats an atomic drop to send him flopping to the mat again. Hammer tries to escape but gets slammed back inside for his trouble. Chinlock applied by Hogan to bring the pace and crowd to a simmer. Headlock reversed into a nice back suplex by Hammer and then into a camel clutch. Hogan powers out but Valentine regains control and hits a flying forearm for 2...and another 2. Hammer works over Hogan with punches, elbows and knees. Hogan reverses a suplex attempt into one of his own. Lovely shoulderbreaker by Hogan followed by a big boot out of the ring. Hogan follows outside for a brawl and nails an atomic drop. Back into the ring we go and Valentine nails a knee as Mean Gene calls him a 'capitalist'. Elbow gets 2 for Hammer and into another headlock we go. Valentine heads outside and nails Hogan with two (very weak) looking chairshots to the knees. The chairs were bright red and very much padded I may add. The ref was watching but no DQ, just a slow 10 count that makes it to 6. Hammer works on the knees and the...balls...of Hogan. Hammer up top, attempts a flying forearm smash but eats a weak clothesline floor him. One leg drop later and Hogan gets the win! Classic Hogan formula as we'll come to expect. Crowd was electric for Hogan at the beginning but the pace of the match assisted in its diminishment. Hammer was fun to watch and Hogan was at least mobile and competant. Match Rating: *1/2

Charlie Fulton vs Antonio Inoki

We've seen Charlie Fulton before and there's nothing to mention. Inoki is the Martial Arts Champion, which means nothing to me. Nice chain wrestling to start and Inoki eventually locks on an armbar. Fulton escapes and we get some stalling. Fulton with a series of shoulder thrusts and forearms which send Inoki down. Snapmare gets a 1 count for Fulton. Inoki has been getting tips off Sgt Slaughter on how to grow an oversized chin. Fulton locks on a headlock but Inoki escapes, nails some martial arts kicks to the legs and a jumping kick to Fulton's temple for the 3 count! That was crap. Match Rating: DUD

Sgt Slaughter/Terry Daniels vs Adrian Adonis/Dick Murdoch (Tag Team Champs) [Tag Team Title Match]

The Marine music hits and out comes Sgt Slaughter and the unknown Terry Daniels to big cheers and lots of flag waving. Terry Daniels is the first recruit to Slaughter's COBRA CORE which in the long and short term means...fuck all. Out next are the tag champs, Adonis and Murdoch. They had won the belts earlier in the year and were proving to be aggressive and well adjusted champs. Adonis at this point is wearing leather and looks like a Roman biker. Murdoch looks like a slightly slimmer Dusty Rhodes...emphasis on the slightly. Slaughter throws his shirt into the crowd and it's caught by the one bloke who doesn't have a shirt, talk about convenience! We start off with Daniels and Murdoch and of course, some stalling. They lock up, Daniels gets the upper hand but suprisingly just lets go. He gets some words of wisdom from Slaughter before another lock up, a wristlock and into an armbar. Murdoch tries to escape but Daniels holds on, hits an elbow then locks the armbar on again. Daniels gets kitchen sinked in the gut and both men tag out to their respective partners, big pop for Slaughter. Short chain wrestling sequence, a lock up and Slaughter nails Adonis with a right hand that sends him rolling backwards. Slaughter and Adonis start countering wristlocks between each other and in comes Daniels to lock on his favourite move...the armbar! Massive chop by Daniels followed by a run the ropes sequence. Daniels gets monkey flipped, lands on his feet...kind of...as he loses his balance, bounces off the ropes and lock on...the armbar! Crowd liked it all though! Adonis tags out to Murdoch who finds himself quickly in...an armbar! Bodyslam by Murdoch which is no sold and the armbar goes straight back on. Adonis in...and into an armbar...followed by a dropkick...and an armbar. Finally Slaughter comes in, takes control with a nice armbreaker and the crowd loves it. Daniels is and...no armbar! Its a kneedrop...followed by an armbar! Adonis comes in and finally beats on Daniels something fierce and nails a lovely running powerslam. A big USA chant goes up (Wrong chant #2 - EVERYONE IS AMERICAN!). Heely antics ensue which Slaughter doesn't help the situation until he finally gets the hot tag and locks on the Cobra Clutch to Murdoch. The crowd is buzzing but Adonis breaks it up, Daniels in with a series of dropkicks and a double team backbreaker move gets the win for Slaughter and Daniels. This match was essentially one long arm bar. Some decent action at the end saved it somewhat but Daniels was frustrating to watch. Match Rating: *

Out comes Captain Lou Albano who tells the crowd to stand in a few minutes time for the Fabulous Moolah. Bit rich, as Moolah can barely stand herself at her age...then again...she's champ again in 1999, sad.

The copy of the show I have gives me a cheeky Avengers advert. Dame Diana Rigg, you, were, stunning!

Into the back with Mean Gene who's with Fabulous Moolah and Captain Lou. Lou says Moolah and him discussed strategy and Moolah is beyond being beaten. Moolah sounds cocky...but as cocky as a sweet old lady can sound. Mean Gene bigs up Cyndi Lauper's training skills. That annoys Lou so much he gets Moolah's title reign length wrong and then corrected by the lady herself. Awkward.

The Fabulous Moolah (Womens Champ) vs Wendi Richter [Womens Title Match]

So before we start its worth knowing that out of all the matches on this card, this one is the most important. It was aired live on MTV and drew HUGE numbers, mainly thanks to the appearance of Cyndi Lauper with Richter. The huge ratings this drew was a big encouragement for Vince to gamble with Wrestlemania. So was Richter more influential than Hogan on the grand scheme of things...dwell on that...or don't, not arsed. Anyway, out comes Lauper, fella and Richter to big cheers and the only Lauper song I know, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Lauper's fella joins us for commentary and he sounds way out of his depth and very confused. I apologize for the lack of details but the match itself is very basic. The crowd is hot as hell as Moolah stalls and then hits some snapmares. Richter ends up on the commentary table before getting back in the ring for some basic back and forth with Moolah that gets a 2 count for Richter. Lauper is a little cutie a must point out. Moolah acts heely until Richter headbutts her in the cervix. Moolah gets trapped and Richter takes advantage. Moolah gets free but ends up in a full nelson. Lauper punches Moolah right in the mush in front of the ref...who does fuck all. Suplex gets a 2 count for Richter but Moolah comes back with a monkey flip. Back body drop into a pin but Moolah pulls her up because she can. Lou misses a cheapshot and Moolah goes for a roll up for 3. It looks awkward though and we see that Moolah's shoulders were down while Richter kicked out at 2. That means a new womens champion to HUGE cheers from the crowd. Lou and Moolah take it out on the ref and have a whinge but nevertheless. The match itself was crap, no two ways about it. Just awful. Match Rating: DUD

Into the back with Lauper and Richter. Lauper calls Lou fat and expects an apology. Richter is also happy and gives the soon to be standard 'I believed in myself' speech. Some randomer comes in and calls it an incredible match...christ. Did I mention Lauper is a cutie? Slaughter comes in and has banter! Hogan follows and everyone is celebrating.

Paul Orndorff vs Chief Jay Strongbow

Back to the ring and Orndorff is definitely over now, big boo's for Mr Wonderful. Crowd are indifferent to Strongbow but that isn't suprising. Stalling to start until Strongbow gets some shots on Orndorff in the corner. Orndorff misses a clothesline and both men collide. Strongbow is knocked to the outside and rings the bell on the way down. More back and forth until Strongbow takes no more and psychs up. Finally its an awkward clothesline that gets the win for Orndorff. Another poor match that did little for Orndorff taking so much from old man Strongbow. Match Rating: DUD

Afa vs Rene Goulet

Straight into the next match and it baffles me that THIS is the semi-main event. Think about that. I'm a new found Rene Goulet fan and I'm expecting his normal cheeky foreign heel escapades. Back-drop by Afa almost straight away followed by a bearhug. Way to kill ANY heat straight away. Goulet gets it back using his normal heely antics...including biting of the noodle. Afa with a headbutt but Goulet comes back with a snapmare. Goulet with the face claw but Afa escapes quickly with another headbutt. Afa nails a big samoan drop for the 3 count. Poor match but quick. Goulet was fun as always. Match Rating: 1/4*

20 Man Battle Royal

I'll just tell you who's in it and the finish: Sika, Jose Luis Rivera, Butcher Vachon, Antonio Inoki, Tony Garea, Chief Jay Strongbow, Afa, Steve Lombardi, Dick Murdoch, Bob Orton, Adrian Adonis, Rene Goulet, Ron Shaw, Charlie Fulton, Terry Daniels, Iron Sheik, Tito Santana, Paul Orndorff, Sgt Slaughter and Samu.

The last 5 is Orton, Inoki, Shaw, Garea and Goulet. I really want Orton or Goulet to win but its not to be as Inoki eliminates Shaw and Goulet last to win it. It was your standard battle royal so take that for what you will. Strange choice in the final men and strange that Inoki looked so strong tonight. Match Rating: *



Wrestler Scores:

• Sika +2 (5)
• Ron Shaw +2 (2)
• Iron Sheik +3 (9)
• Tony Garea +2 (4)
• Tito Santana +6 (12)
• Bob Orton +7 (7)
• Bob Backlund +2 (3)
• Butcher Vachon +1 (2)
• Hulk Hogan +6 (12)
• Greg Valentine +3 (3)
• Charlie Fulton +1 (3)
• Antonio Inoki +4 (4)
• Sgt Slaughter +4 (8)
• Terry Daniels +2 (2)
• Adrian Adonis +3 (3)
• Dick Murdoch +3 (3)
• Fabulous Moolah +1 (1)
• Wendi Richter +2 (2)
• Paul Orndorff +3 (8)
• Chief Jay Strongbow +2 (3)
• Afa +2 (5)
• Rene Goulet +2 (5)