Wrestling History Today - Aug 7th
On this day in history in ....
1965 - Larry Hennig & Harley Race defeat Crusher & Verne Gagne for the AWA World Tag Team Title in Minneapolis, Minnesota, starting their second tag title reign.
1993 - Eddie Gilbert & The Dark Patriot defeat The Super Destroyers in a tournament final for the ECW Tag Team Title in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The title had been vacated when Chris Candido, who held the championship with the Suicide Blondes (Johnny Hot Body & Chris Michaels), jumped to Smoky Mountain Wrestling.
1995 - Billy Jack Haynes defeats Brad Armstrong for the USWA Southern Heavyweight Title in Memphis, Tennessee, starting his second title reign. That same night, the Heavenly Bodies defeat PG-13 for the USWA Tag Team Title, ending their eighth title reign.
2001 - At a taping of Smackdown, Chris Kanyon & Diamond Dallas Page defeat The APA for the WWF World Tag Team Title in Los Angeles, California, ending the third, and final title reign for the APA. On the same show, Kane & The Undertaker defeat Sean O'Haire & Chuck Palumbo for the WCW World Tag Team Title.
2002 - Ron "The Truth" Killings defeats Ken Shamrock for the NWA World Heavyweight Title at the NWA:TNA PPV in Nashville, Tennessee. On the same show, Low-Ki defeats AJ Styles for the NWA:TNA X Division Title. Buck Woodward filed the following PPV report:
NWA: Total Nonstop Action for August 67th began with Goldy, The Dupps and Apolo standing outside the office of Ricky Steamboat, while Mike Tenay talked about what a busy day Steamboat had been having.
They went to the ring, with the Spanish Announce Team (Jose & Joel Maximo & Amazing Red) vs. The Flying Elvises (Yang, Estrada & Siaki). All six men went at it as the Elvises got in the ring. The ring emptied, and it was just Red and Siaki in the ring. Red hit some nice kicks, but Siaki decked him with a clothesline and a press into a Samoan Drop. The Elvises triple teamed Joel, with Siaki hitting a flapjack, Estrada following with a springboard moonsault. Jose was given a three man powerbomb, and the Elvises were in full control. Red hit a dropkick on Siaki out of a slam attempt, but Siaki then backdropped him to the floor. Yang and Estrada went into the Elvis pose, and Siaki sent them to the apron. Siaki went after Joel, and took down his Elvis jumpsuit top. Siaki brushed off a request for a tag, and hit a neckbreaker on Joel. Siaki again refused to tag out, and covered Joel for a two count. Estrada and Yang got off the apron, and went to the broadcast table, while the SAT went to work on Siaki, hitting a series of double/triple team moves. Yang joined the announcers on commentary, talking about Siaki's ego. Red hit the Red Star Press on Siaki for a two count. Joel hit a lariat while Estrada was singing at ringside about Siaki being beat up. The Maximos hit the SAT stretch (Dragon Sleeper/Surfboard) and Red hit a double stomp off the top. Mike Tenay mentioned that the SAT were trained by Mikey Whipwreck of "ECW and WCW fame". Yang finally got on the apron, but Siaki would not tag out. Red kicked Siaki in the back of the head, and Jose followed with a forearm. Joel hit a belly to belly for two as Yang went back to the announce table. Red grazed Siaki with a kick that almost missed, then Siaki punched away a backdrop attempt. Siaki went to the top rope, and Red hit him with a spin kick, crotching him. The Maximos ran up the ropes and hit the Spanish Fly (double backflip into a uranage) off the top, and Red followed with the InfraRed (corkscrew moonsault). Yang and Estrada broke up the pin. Yang dove off Estrada to the floor onto the Maximos. Red got a near fall on Estrada with a sunset flip style powerbomb. Yang got a near fall on Red with a dropdown from an attempted sunset flip. Joel took out Yang with a piledriver after a double team move failed. Estrada fought off a Spanish Fly and hit a double DDT on both Maximos off the top. Yang and Estrada hit a top rope legdrop/splash from opposite corners. They did the Elvis pose, while Siaki crawled over and covered Red for the pin. The Flying Elvises win. Siaki walked off while Yang & Estrada danced in the ring.
They showed an interview with Apolo from earlier today with Mike Tenay. They talked about him being over looked for a World Title shot this week in favor of Ron Killings. Apolo said he lost respect for Ricky Steamboat by taking away his title shot. Apolo said Steamboat would tell him tonight why he didn't tell him face to face last week that he was taking away his shot.
Backstage, AJ Styles came out of Steamboat's office, and Apolo tried to get a word with him, but Steamboat said he was busy, and he would not be told what to do. Steamboat walked off, the Dupps and Goldy following him. Jerry Lynn ran in and attacked AJ Styles, and the two brawled backstage until security broke them up.
Steamboat headed to the ring, and the Dupps were following him. Steamboat said he was busy, and that the Dupps could do whatever they wanted to do. The Dupps seemed happy. Steamboat was at ringside for the NWA World Title match.
They did the "tale of the tape" gimmick to set up Ken Shamrock vs. Ron "The Truth" Killings for the NWA World Heavyweight Title.
Shamrock and Truth exchanged holds early, with Shamrock going for a leglace, but Truth made the ropes. Shamrock almost slipped ducking a clothesline but still hit a kick. Shamrock applied a headscissors, but Truth made the ropes. Shamrock worked over Truth with punches in the corner, and Truth leapfrogged him, split to duck a clothesline, and hit a side kick for a two count. Truth applied a rear chinlock, and Shamrock elbowed out, but Truth hit a flying forearm for a two count. Shamrock went for a sunset flip into a leglace, but Truth got the ropes. Truth came back with a clothesline, then snapmared him and stomped him. Truth hit a legdrop and got a two count. Truth worked over Shamrock in the corner with punches, but Shamrock pulled him out with a powerbomb. Both men were slow to their feet, but Shamrock hit a series of punches and a powerslam for a two count. Shamrock hit a back elbow and a dropkick. Shamrock hit a slow motion hurricanrana and applied the ankle lock, but Truth made the ropes. Shamrock clotheslined Truth to the floor, and we saw that Malice, Slash and James Mitchell were watching from the stage. Shamrock tossed Truth into the ringsteps. Don Harris stood at the bottom of the ramp with a chair to make sure no one came down to interfere. Monty Brown was on the other side of the stage watching. On the floor, Truth reversed a vertical suplex attempt for one of his own. Back in the ring, Shamrock hit a series of rights, and applied a jujigatame armbreaker. Shamrock kicked down on Truth's head with his leg, but unable to get a submission, he released it. Shamrock backdropped Truth to the floor. Shamrock and Truth slugged it out on the floor, when Apolo, Malice, Slash, Brown, and Harris ran down and a huge brawl erupted. Apolo missed a superkick on Truth and hit Shamrock (actually, he missed him as well, but Shamrock sold it). Truth got in the ring, and Steamboat shoved Shamrock in, while ordering and chasing everyone else away. Truth hit a stunner (called "Truth or Consequences") on Shamrock and got a pin.
Ron "The Truth" Killings in the new NWA World Heavyweight Champion.
Ricky Steamboat came back down to the ring, and called out Apolo. Steamboat said he might have made a mistake last week, but that Apolo could not run around rampant like a maniac. Steamboat said he would give him his title shot, and that he had earned it and deserved it. Jeff Jarrett came out on the stage and interrupted Steamboat. Jarrett said he had been waiting for seven weeks for his title shot. Jarrett said that he was a victim of "reverse discrimination" and that because he was not a minority, he was being passed over. Steamboat said "The bulls*** stops here tonight", and that Apolo vs. Jarrett would take place tonight, with the winner getting the World Title shot at The Truth. Steamboat said he would be the referee tonight, and Jarrett said that makes him fair game.
Disco Inferno came out, and was less than impressed with is new "Jive Talkin'" set, which looked pretty cheap. The Dupps then came out, dressed in what I guess was their Sunday best. They announced the first ever "Dupp Invitational". They had a spittoon, which they claimed their forefathers drank moonshine from, and that their youngest cousin took a "dookie" in it. They said the Dupp Cup would be the hardcore division in NWA:TNA, since Steamboat told them they could do what they want as long as they left him alone. The rules for the Dupp Cup stated that they had to get 10pts. to win the match. Points were awarded for putting someone through a table, a flaming table, putting an opponent's head in the toilet (more points if there is "s***" in it). There were points for goosing a woman (or man), or nailing ring announcer Jeremy Borash. Using a farm animal also gets you two and a half points. Most of the items involved half points. "Crying like a p****" costs you points. Sticking an opponents head in the Cotton Candy machine for one full rotation is ten points and an automatic win. Stan then claimed Goldy was his girlfriend, and opened his shirt and had a picture of her taped to his chest. Disco asked who their opponent would be for tonight, and Bo suggested it would be him. Paulina came out and stood between the Dupps and Disco. Disco said no one would want to wrestle them unless they had something else to offer. The Dupps emptied their pockets and had a total of sixty four cents. They then added one night with Fluff Dupp (but they get to watch) to whoever beats them. Ed Ferrara got in the ring, and took them up on the offer. He nailed Jeremy Borash for two and a half points. He then goosed Don West for more points. Borash jumped on Ferrara, but he dumped him into the crowd. West and Disco called the match on the house mics. Ferrara fought the Dupps, but was overwhelmed. The Dupps hit two chairshots, making the score 6-2. The Dupps used objects handed to them by the fans to make it 6-5. Bo pulled out a blowup doll and hit Ed with it. Stan was trying to knock out the ticket lady (also points), who beat him up with a broom. Bo and Disco got into an argument after Bo broke a lamp on the set. Paulina hit Bo low and repeatedly hit him with a chalkboard that the rules were on. Ferrara hit Stan with a spear at ringside, then a series of chairshots. It was 8-7 and a half in favor of Ed. Ferrara hit Stan with a low blow, then hit Stan with "horsie-poo" (a toy hobby horse), but Stan liked it, so Ed lost points and was down to 5 and a half. Ed set up a table, but Stan chokeslammed him through it. The Dupps had ten and a half points, and retained the Dupp Cup.
An interview conducted earlier today with Monty Brown by Mike Tenay was shown. Brown talked about his athletic achievements, and the politics in football being a free agent. He said you have to make your own opportunities. Brown mocked The Truth's rap, saying his mind isn't right. Elix Skipper showed up, hitting Brown with a can of yellow paint and beating him down. Skipper said Brown didn't know where he and Ron Killings came from. Skipper said Brown was a chicken, and brushed the yellow paint on him.
Malice, with James Mitchell, vs. Don Harris, First Blood match, was next. They started brawling on the floor, with Malice tossing Harris into the rails. Malice grabbed a chair, but Harris booted it into his face. Harris whipped Malice into the rails. They fought into the crowd, and Malice hit Harris with a chair, but Harris returned fire. They brawled all over the building, and Harris hit a running chairshot to the head. Malice took Harris into the bleachers and rammed him into them. Malice hit a chairshot and pounded Harris in the head. They fought onto the stage, where Harris backdropped out of a powerbomb attempt. Harris tossed Malice off the stage into the ramp. Slash ran out and attacked Harris. Slash took out a spike, but Harris grabbed it and hit Slash with it. Slash was busted open. Harris stayed on Slash, which allowed Malice to grab him and toss him down the ramp. Harris fought off Mitchell and Slash, while Malice put a steel chair in the ring. Mitchell spilled the blood he was carrying in the arc all over himself as he went down. In the ring, Harris hit a sidewalk slam on Mitchell, but Harris was bleeding from the side of the head. Apparently they butted heads on the slam, and Harris was busted open. Malice grabbed him in a chinlock, the referee saw the blood, and the match was over. The New Church beat down Harris before leaving. (Note: I have confirmed that Harris and Malice butted heads at the end of the match, and Harris was actually busted open hardway on the side of the head).
Goldy was in the back, hoping to talk to Taylor, when Sonny Siaki came by looking for Ricky Steamboat. Bruce grabbed the mic and ran into the locker room. Taylor was there, and the two had a brief confrontation, resulting in Bruce telling Taylor she could have an evening gown match tonight. As Bruce left, AJ Styles and Low Ki busted in, brawling with each other, until security broke it up.
Apolo vs. Jeff Jarrett, with Ricky Steamboat as ref, for an NWA World Title shot, was next. The two locked up, and went to the ropes. They broke clean on Steamboat's order. They went to the ropes again, and Jarrett tried a shot on the ropes, but Steamboat stopped him. They locked up again, and Apolo hit a knee. He tried to hit him on the ropes, but Steamboat stopped him, allowing Jarrett to hit him. They brawled outside the ring, then got in, where Apolo hit a sitdown powerbomb for a two count. They went back to the floor, where Jarrett dominated the brawl, busting Apolo open. He went for a chair, but Steamboat stopped him, and forced the match back to the ring. Apolo mounted a comeback, but missed a charge in the corner. Jarrett hit an enzugiri for a two count. Jarrett put Apolo in the tree of woe, but Steamboat forced a break. Jarrett put Apolo in the figure four. Steamboat checked the arm, as Apolo seemed out, but he kept the arm up. Apolo reversed the hold, but Jarrett made the ropes. Apolo hit a DDT, and both men were laid out. Both men got to their feet, and Apolo ducked a clothesline, hit a series of rights, and a pair of running clotheslines in the corner. Apolo pounded Jarrett in the corner. They went into a slow series of reversals, until Apolo hit the superkick. Jarrett got his foot on the ropes on the cover. Apolo hit a German suplex, but Apolo had his shoulders down, and Jarrett lifted his on the two count. Apolo was down for three, so Jarrett is the winner. Apolo argued with Steamboat after the match, and he put his hands on him. Apolo said Steamboat stole his spot and his match. Steamboat has security escort Apolo to the back. Steamboat then told Jarrett that earlier he said he would give Jarrett "the Truth" if he won, not that he would give him a title shot. He then informed Jarrett that he was giving him the Truth as a tag team partner next week against AJ Styles and Jerry Lynn for the NWA World Tag Team Titles. Jarrett, and the crowd, were less than happy with this play on semantics.
The Evening Gown match for the Miss TNA title was next. Taylor had a black evening gown, Bruce had a red evening gown, complete with blonde wig. Bruce took off the wig before the match began. Bruce missed a charge, and Taylor hit a reverse atomic drop. Taylor hit an atomic drop, and mocked Bruce, then got her back raked. They traded slaps, with Bruce going down. Bruce hit a pair of knees to the gut, then a delayed vertical suplex. Bruce rammed Taylor into the corner, then whipped her across the ring and hit a tilt-a-whirl into a face first powerbomb. Bruce slowly pulled off her evening gown, and won the match. Bruce was noticeably disgusted at the sight of Taylor in her bra, panties, stockings and garter belt. Bruce took the mic and said the crowd was probably disappointed that he didn't lose, but that he would make everyone happy. He called for his music, and stripped down. He was wearing a thong, stockings and a garter belt.
Don West did his hard sell for next week, as well as the merchandise available on NWATNA.com.
The Three Way match for the X-Division Title was the final match of the evening, Jerry Lynn vs. Low Ki vs. AJ Styles. All three men were in the ring at once. Low Ki and Lynn locked up, then realized Styles was watching them, so they attacked him and hit a flapjack. Ki and Lynn then went at it, with Lynn hitting a tilt-a-whirl into an airplane spin into a backbreaker for a two count. Low Ki dropkicked Lynn's leg out, then hit some kicks to the chest. Lynn caught a kick, and held him while AJ nailed Low Ki with a kick to the head. Lynn hit a clothesline on Styles and pounded him on the mat. Styles came back with a powerslam and a series of rights. Lynn and Styles were trying for a German, and ended up backdropping Low Ki. Lynn put Styles in the spinning Gory Special, but Low Ki dropkicked Lynn, and both went down. Low Ki slammed Styles and hit a powerdrive elbow for a two count. Low Ki hit some chops, and Styles missed a dropkick, but hit the rana from the mat. Styles flipped Low Ki from a torture rack into a facebuster on the knee. Styles hit a spinkick on Low Ki. Lynn went for a German on Styles, but AJ hit a low kick and a neckbreaker. Styles kicked both opponents. Lynn turned a rana attempt into a reverse powerbomb, but Ki dropkicked Lynn to break up the cover. Lynn and Low Ki traded shots, until Ki decked him with a kick. They did a nice exchange off the apron that ended with Low Ki cradling Lynn while Lynn suplexed Styles. Low Ki did a Dragon Sleeper on Styles, then caught a Lynn kick and put him in one, but Lynn reversed into a DDT. Styles broke up the cover. Styles went to the top, but Lynn caught him with a DDT, but Low Ki broke up the cover. Low Ki hit a snap suplex on Lynn for a two count. Styles and Low Ki exchanged chops, then Ki kicked Styles in the head. Ki chopped Styles and hit a double underhook suplex for a two count, but Lynn broke it up with an elbowdrop. Styles hit Lynn with a series of kicks. Lynn caught one and flipped Styles away, and he landed in position to give Low Ki a reverse DDT. Lynn broke up the cover with a legdrop. Lynn went for a superplex on Low Ki, but Ki tossed him up. Styles then went for the superplex, and after a brawl on the ropes, Lynn gave Styles a sunset flip off the ropes as Styles superplexed Low Ki. Lynn took turns covering both men, for two counts. An array of two counts, with reversals into another two count, took place. Lynn kicked out of a Low Ki cradle, and Ki almost ended up in a Styles Clash. Low Ki and Lynn blocked a Styles moonsault, and Ki put Styles in the Hanging Dragon, but Lynn dropkicked them as they hung in the corner. Low Ki ran into a Lynn boot and Lynn went for the Tornado DDT, but Ki put Lynn in the Dragon Sleeper on the ropes. Styles broke it up with a moonsault on Low Ki, but Lynn then slingshot splashed Low Ki when Styles moved. Styles hit a suplex on Lynn for a two count. Low Ki went for a Ki Krusher, but Styles tried to reverse into a rana, but Low Ki reversed into a Styles Clash on Styles for two. Lynn put Low Ki in a Ki Krusher for two. Lynn went for a cradle piledriver, but Styles reversed and gave Lynn a cradle piledriver for a two count. Low Ki missed a handspring kick and hit the referee. Lynn and Styles backdropped Low Ki to the floor. Lynn and Styles collided on bodypress attempts. Styles got a chair and blasted Lynn with it. Styles went to the top for the Spiral Tap, as Low Ki crawled in and covered Lynn. Styles hit the Spiral Tap on the pile as the three count came down, but Low Ki was still on top of Lynn, so the three count went down.
Low Ki is the new X Division Champion.
In the back, Jeff Jarrett and The Truth were in the back arguing, with security holding them apart.
In the ring, Styles attacked Lynn, and Lynn hit a bulldog. Jarrett and The Truth, with security, were arguing and going to the ring, saying they wanted to have a title match (with each other) now, as the show ended.
Next week:
- NWA World Tag Team Champions AJ Styles & Jerry Lynn vs. Jeff Jarrett & Ron "The Truth" Killings.
2002 - World Wrestling Entertainment announced they had eliminated 15 jobs from the company, as part of the $20 million in budget cuts they announced several weeks back for the fiscal year 2002. The complete release reads as follows:
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. Announces Expense Reductions to Improve Operating Efficiencies
STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 7, 2002--World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:WWE) today announced that it has instituted a series of actions to reduce and realign its operating budgets by approximately $20 million for the current fiscal year, which is in line with the guidance issued in its July 22, 2002 press release.
As such, it has reorganized several departments and reduced its workforce by 15 employees, or approximately 3% of its total workforce. The attendant expense savings associated with the realignment will be realized throughout the year.
Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the conditions of the markets for live events, broadcast television, cable television, pay-per-view, Internet, food and beverage, entertainment, professional sports, and licensed merchandise; acceptance of the Company's brands, media and merchandise within those markets; uncertainties relating to litigation; risks associated with producing live events both domestically and internationally; uncertainties associated with international markets; and other risks and factors set forth from time to time in Company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those currently expected or anticipated.
2003 - XPW owner Rob "Black" Zicari and his wife Janet "Lizzie Borden" Romano were indicted by a grand jury in Pittsburgh, PA. The two had been accused "of sending obscene movies to a Post Office box in the Pittsburgh area. The suspects also allegedly sent obscene tapes and DVDs to a local wholesaler and transmitted obscene footage on the Extreme Associates Web site." The offices of Extreme Associates, the parent company of XPW, were raided in April 2003 by federal agents.
2003 - Ring of Honor sent out a press release announcing that the announced 9/6 Raven vs. CM Punk Steel Cage Hair vs. Hair match would no longer feature a the Hair stipulation. The complete release reads as follows:
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the hair vs. hair stipulation will not be able to take place in Boston on September 6th when Raven and CM Punk battle in a steel cage. Punk and Raven would like to express their deepest regrets that they are unable to participate in this stipulation due to previous contractual obligations with TNA.
Raven would like it known that it is his fault and his fault alone because he placed himself and Punk in that situation. Raven apologizes and promises to increase the violence in Boston by making this a Clockwork Orange House Of Fun in a Steel Cage match. Raven is truly sorry for this turn of events and thanks you for understanding. When asked what he plans to do for the Boston fans Raven said; "Punk must die and you will see new levels of violence from me in Boston on September 6th," Raven said.
Punk said in response that "Raven must die and I will end this in Boston under any rules and conditions he wants."
Also just signed is a huge three-way jeopardy match. It will pit ROH world champion Samoa Joe vs. NWA world heavyweight and half the ROH tag team champions AJ Styles vs. "The Notorious 187" Homicide!!! Each man will have something at stake in this one. We'll have what will be at stake soon.
2006 - During an edition of Raw from the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee, Umaga pinned Triple H after hitting him with the Samoan Spike after Triple H was distracted fighting off Vince & Shane McMahon. Vince then gave Triple H a pedigree after the match. During the show, it was also announced with a vignette that Jeff Hardy would be returning to the company.
2010 - The day before TNA Hardcore Justice, word came out that Jerry Lynn, who had been scheduled for the main event against Rob Van Dam, had injured himself in training and would not be able to wrestle. Sabu filled the slot. It would be almost a year before Lynn wrestled again.
2010 - WWE broadcast a music video-themed Wrestlemania highlights special on NBC, WrestleMania XXVI: The World Television Premiere.
2010 - The NWA Legends Fanfest held a live event as part of their gathering in Charlotte, NC. Mike Johnson filed the following live report:
We are live in Charlotte, NC at the University Hilton for the NWA Legends Fanfest's first live card of wrestling action. The show will be headlined by NWA champion Adam Pearce vs. Bryan Danielson and appearances by several legends, including Kamala and more.
PWInsider.com Elite subscribers are able to enjoy the coverage on an ad-free version of the site. You can subscribe by clicking this link and if you've never checked us out before, you can sign up for our three days free offer.
Welcome to PWInsider.com's live coverage of the NWA Fanfest live event!
NWA Future Legends Tournament Semi-Final: Caprice Coleman vs. Davey Richards
Ryan O'Reilly was Coleman's originally scheduled opponent but isn't here due to signing a WWE developmental deal, so Richards was "voted into" the match by the NWA Board of Directors. They locked up and Richards forced Coleman against the ropes but broke clean. They locked up again, this time with Coleman forcing Richards against the ropes. When Coleman broke clean, Richards slapped him in the face. They ended up in the ropes again, but this time Coleman ducked the slap and hit one of his own. Richards rolled out to the floor to break the momentum.
Back in the ring, Richards took Coleman down and cinched in a side chinlock. Coleman fought his way to his feet and reversed it into an armbar. Richards tried to maneuver his way out but was caught in a Fireman's Carry with Coleman holding onto the armbar. Richards escaped and shoulderblocked Coleman down. Coleman came back with a series of armdrags that sent Richards walking all the way back to the locker room while recovering.
Richards returned to the ring and began beating Coleman with several stiff kicks but was caught with a reverse elbow while rebounding off the ropes. Coleman and Richards had a great back and forth exchange on the mat. Richards locked him in a leg submission but was caught with a forward cradle for a two count. Coleman shot in for a single leg takdown but Richards began mounting him with punches. They battled back and forth with stiff shots and chops. Richards ended up on the apron and was run into the buckles. He ducked a charge and pulled the ropes down, sending Coleman over the top to the floor. From the apron, he drilled Coleman with a monstrously stiff kick.
Back in the ring, Richards killed Coleman with several more stiff kicks, then scissored his neck and shoulders with Richards' legs, trying to force a submission. Coleman finally made his way to the ropes to force the break. Richards maintained the control and nailed a diving head butt off the top rope for a two count. The fans chanted, "That was three." Richards drilled Coleman with a kick to the back. Coleman began mounting a comeback but was caught with a roundhouse kick to the mid-section. Richards slammed him down and went to the middle turnnbuckle. Coleman caught him with a shoulderblock.
They battled in the corner with Richards on the ropes. Coleman chopped away at Richards before hitting a leaping rana out of the corner. The referee nearly counted both men out but they made it to their feet. They chopped and struck away at each other. Richards drilled a hard kick to the chest but Coleman came back with a dropkick that sent Richards to the floor. Coleman then hit a running tope con hilo over the top to the floor.
Back in the ring, Coleman hit a springboard splash for a two count. They battled back and forth in the center of the ring. It broke down into a series of strikes with Richards beating Coleman down. Richards went to leapfrog over Coleman but was caught in a package piledriver type slam for a two count. That was great. The referee began counting both men down on the mat but Coleman got to his feet at six. Coleman placed Richards on the top rope but was fought off. Richards drilled him with a missile dropkick.
Richards stalked over Coleman and pulled him up for a German suplex. Coleman used a series of elbows to fight him off but was kicked in the face. Richards finally hit the suplex with a bridge for a two count. Richards went for the Indian Death Lock and caught Coleman in the center. Coleman made it to the ropes. Coleman whipped Richards into the corner but Richards movedand caught Richards with a kick to the guts. He grabbed him into a tombstone type maneuver and spiked him for the pin in 17 minutes. Great opener!
NWA Future Legends Cup Semi-Final: Chase Stevens vs. Phill Shatter.
Stevens of TNA Naturals and Showtime All-Star Wrestling fame played heel, getting in the face of several fans around ringside. He brought a chair with him to the ring. Shatter is Gunner the security guard from TNA. He's playing babyface here and is well known on the local scene. Stevens did some stalling to get heat early. He shoulderblocked Shatter down and played to the crowd. They locked up again but when Shatter got the better of Stevens, he played Larry Zbyszko and began stalking the outside, nearly getting counted out in the process.
Back in the ring, Shatter caught Stevens with a sideheadlock. He was shoved off into the ropes and shoulderblocked Stevens down, then drilled him with a right hand. Stevens was again on the floor. They went back and forth in the ring before both ending up on the floor. They were nearly counted out. Back in the ring, Stevens kicked off a Shatter charge. Stevens worked over Shatter as the fans chanted for Shatter to make a comeback. Shatter mounted a comeback with a series of elbows. They went back and forth with punches.
Stevens locked on a sleeper but Shatter fought his way back to his feet. Stevens kicked him low to maintain the control. Shatter mounted a comeback and nailed Stevens with a series of punches in the corner but was soon taken back down to the mat with a side chinlock. Stevens mounted yet another comeback but was cut off with a series of right hands. He kept working over Shatter, who made his way to his feet by "sheer will." He began mounting a series of right hands, then clotheslined and slammed Stevens. Stevens kicked off a Shatter charge in the corner but Shatter nailed him with a powerslam as Stevens charged him, getting a two count.
Shatter whipped Stevens into the ropes and caught him with a spinebuster for a two count. Shatter argued the count with the referee. Stevens nailed Shatter with the lungblower for a two count. He nailed a frog splash off the top rope for another two count. He kept working over Shatter and shoved the referee into the corner when the ref tried to stop him. Stevens backdropped Shatter over the top but the referee didn't see it. Stevens and Shatter were both counted out.
Legendary referee Tommy Young came out and ordered the match restarted. The place popped for Tommy.
Stevens caught Shatter with another lungblower but Shatter kicked out. Stevens grabbed a chair and hit the referee. Young hit the ring again to check on the ref. Stevens went to drill Shatter with it but missed. Shatter nailed his finisher and Young counted the pin.
Your winner, Phill Shatter!
It's Shatter vs. Richards later tonight.
Kamala with General Skandar Akbar vs. Manscout Jake Manning
Manning has been seen on ROH on HDNet and plays, well, a heel boyscout. He's actually an Eagle Scout in real life, which is where the idea for the gimmick came from. Akbar took the mic and said he doesn't care about the United States and he doesn't care about boy scouts. He told Manning he was going to be taught the difference between Men and Boys tonight when he takes an asskicking. Manning went after Kamala but the second Kamala reared away for a chop, Manning ran off.
Kamala picked up Manning's Boy Scout Handbook, then read it. He threw it down and slapped his belly. Manning kicked him and cinched in a sideheadlock. Kamala pushed him off and chopped him down. He whipped Manning into the corner but Manning evaded a splash. He didn't evade a second, was splashed and pinned in 2:38.
Your winner, Kamala!
"The Queen City Killer" Zack Salvation vs. Mike Jackson
Jackson is the longtime Alabama Junior Heavyweight champion who made himself something of a cult star at the convention with his awesome performances in the past. Salvation is a heel from the NC independent scene. The fans were chanting, "Let's go Mike" before the bell even rang. Salvation got in his face jawjacking immediately. He shoved Jackson, who refused to back down. They locked up but neither man gained an advantage.
Salvation backed Jackson into the corner but backed off. They locked up again and Salvation began working over Jackson's arm. Jackson reversed it but was kicked in the gut as he rebounded off the ropes. Jackson backdropped Salvation to the floor, then hit a tope through the ropes, his annual spot, only this time, Salvation caught him and slammed him down, then slammed Jackson into the apron. Salvation went for a springboard move but Jackson pulled him to the floor, went to the top rope and dove down to the floor on Salvation. Fans began chanting. "You still got it."
Jackson tossed Salvation back in the ring but was kicked as he re-entered. Salvation worked him over. Jackson ducked a clothesline and nailed twisting head scissors before armdragging Salvation and cinching in an armbar. Salvation caught Jackson trying to kick him, then spun him around in the corner and drilled him with several kicks. Jackson used to the ropes to his advantage to kick Salvation in the mush, then locked in another hiptoss and armdrag combination.
Salvation came back with a running boot to the face in the corner. He whipped Jackson into the corner but Jackson reversed and nailed an uppercut. He nailed a series of armdrags. Jackson controlled Salvation with an armbar. Salvation tried to escape but kept ending up trapped in the end. He finally slammed Jackson down. Jackson came back with a one-armed DDT. Jackson locked up Salvation's arm and did his other annual spot, walking the ropes a la the Undertaker's Old School while doing the Fargo Strut, but again Salvation foiled his plans and slammed him into the ring for a two count. Salvation cinched in a side chinlock. Jackson mounted a comeback but was nailed with an over the knee backbreaker.
Salvation locked Jackson in a front facelock and began drilling him with knees to the head. He scissored Jackson with his legs. Jackson fought his way to his feet but was maneuvered into the corner, where Salvation slapped him several times. He continued to bully Jackson around. He went up and over in the corner to avoid a Jackson charge then caught the veteran with a double leg takedown. Salvation mounted him with a series of rights. The crowd began chanting "Let's go Mike."
Salvation placed Jackson on the top rope for a superplex but Jackson fought him off. Jackson got the better of Salvation, then did the rope walk spot, coming off with a big shot to Salvation's shoulder. He went for a Hangman's neckbreaker but Salvation reversed it into a Fireman's Carry. Jackson rolled forward for a two count. Salvation shocked Jackson with a move I didn't catch, possibly a brainbuster and scored the pin.
Your winner, Zach Salvation.
Really strong old school match. Jackson usually goes over at these shows, so using him to get someone else over was an interesting twist. Salvation raised Jackson's arm after the match. Fans chanted "You still got it" at Jackson and gave him a nice ovation on the way out.
Future Legends Cup Final: Davey Richards vs. Phill Shatter
Fans did the dueling chants to open the match. I thought I was going to Orlando tomorrow?
They tried to test each other with shoulderblocks at the onset. Richards used a series of kicks but was pressed and dropped by Shatter. Shatter shoulderblocked him into the corner a number of times, then whipped Richards into the opposite corner for a splash and a near fall. Richards ended up on the apron and faked a shoulderblock to grab Shatter's leg and nail a Dragon Screw legwhip. Richards controlled him on the mat and cinched in a reverse Indian Death Lock. Shatter struggled for the ropes and finally made them to force a break.
Richards continued to control the match as Shatter struggled to battle back. He made it to his feet but Richards soon took out his legs again. Richards went for a Figure Four Leglock but when everyone Woo'd, he blew off the move and the fans. Shatter came back with a series of chops, so the fans all woo'd for him instead. Richards cut him off with a kick and worked him over in the corner with a series of strikes. He began kicking and dropkicking Shatter's hamstring.
Richards locked on a single leg Boston Crab but Shatter grabbed the ropes. Shatter began nailing Richards, who came back with kicks to Shatters legs. As they went back and forth, the dueling chants returned. Each man retreated to a corner to get their wits about them. Richards charged Shatter but was kicked off. Shatter nailed him with a spinebuster for a two count. Shatter whipped Richards into the corner. Richards tried to go up and over but was caught and slammed for another two count.
Shatter went for a powerbomb but Davey escaped. Davey then suplexed himself and Shatter over the top rope to the floor. Both men were nearly counted out but returned to the ring at the last second. They exchanged punches on their knees then on their feet. They began slugging it back and forth for a long time, which the crowd loved. Richards finally began drilling him over and over ujntil Shatter was down on the mat. Richards hit the ropes but was caught with a spear for a two count.
Richards came back with a missle dropkick, then a charging, clubbing blow in the corner. He nailed a German suplex with a bridge for a two count. He placed Shatter on the top rope but Shatter fought him off. Richards battled back and scored with a suplerplex off the top rope. Richards locked in the ankle lock but Shatter pulled himself to the ropes. Shatter came back with a huge clothesline, which Richards took a sick bump off. He covered Richards for a two count.
Shatter finally drilled Richards with a powerbomb and scored the pin in 24 minutes.
Tully Blanchard awarded Shatter the Cup. Richards showed respect to Shatter by bowing before him and shaking his hand. I really loved the hell out of this, just a good back and forth match with lots of crazy spots and hard hitting shots and some nice submission as well. This was the best I've seen out of Shatter to date as well.
NWA champion Adam Pearce vs. Bryan Danielson
Danielson came out to Final Countdown. The ring announcer, a fan who won a silent auction, announced Bryan Danielson as "The Ultimate Dragon Bryan Pearce." REALLY. Pearce took the mic and told the fan he was a nitwit and to get the hell out of the ring. The fan tried to stand up to Pearce but the referee made him leave the ring. That was funny. Fans began chanting "Ultimate Dragon" so Danielson shook the ropes and ran around the ring like Warrior. NOW THAT WAS HILARIOUS!
Danielson offered a handshake at the bell. Pearce took it. Pearce forced Danielson into the ropes but broke clean. Fans were chanting "Repo Man" and singing "Ole Ole." Danielson forced Pearce to the ropes and we have another clean break. They went into a knucklelock test of strength with Pearce forcing Danielson down onto the mat for several two counts. Danielson maneuvered him into a monkeyflip.
Pearce took Danielson down to the mat and began working his wrist and arm. Danielson kicked him off and Pearce powdered out to the floor. Back in the ring, Pearce took control with several shoulderblocks and a side headlock. Danielson rolled him over for several near falls, then scissored Pearce with his legs. Pearce made it to the ropes. They continued to go back and forth. Pearce drilled Danielson with a right hand off a clean break and took control with several punches and kicks. Danielson nailed a sunset flip for a two count and they went into a series of near falls. Danielson kept rolling Danielson around on the mat, confusing him and finally Pearce jumped out to the floor.
When Pearce returned, the crowd began chanting that he sucks. Danielson took control with several kicks to the back. He began tying up Pearce in submission holds and tried to roll him into a pinfall, getting several two counts. Danielson began peppering him with uppercuts but was caught with a big sideslam. Pearce began stomping Danielson and when the ref yelled at him, yelled, "I have until five" as a play on Bryan but it was lost on the crowd. Pearce continued mauling Danielson, who came back with several punches and a swinging neckbreaker.
Pearce elbowed Danielson in the face and Danielson crumbled to the mat. The fans began chanting for Dragon. Danielson began mounting a comeback with punches to the mid-section and a knee to the gut. Danielson began drilling him with forearms in the corner but ran into Pearce's knees when he charged. Pearce began choking Danielson's throat across the top rope. Pearce locked in his sitting abdominal stretch. Fans rallied for Danielson to recover. Danielson finally made it to his feet and hiptossed Pearce out of it. He went after Pearce but was nailed with the Hot Shot.
Pearce cinched in a Camel Clutch. The referee checked Danielson's arm but he fought out of it. Pearce got caught trying to leap on Danielson's back, as Danielson turned over so Pearce crotched himself on Dragon's legs. Dragon began working over Pearce and set him for a big back superplex off the ropes. Danielson began beating the hell out of Pearce with strikes and hit a leaping forearm smash in the corner for a two count.
Danielson continued working over Pearce with headbutts but was caught in a sleeper. Danielson fought his way out and reversed it. Pearce bumped the referee escaping. Danielson small packaged Pearce but the referee was hurt and Danielson only got a two count. Danielson nailed a leaping leg lariat for a two count. Danielson began raining down with elbows to the face. He locked in a Cattle Mutiliation submission but Pearce finally made it to the center of the ring.
Pearce went to the outside so Danielson nailed him with a big knee off the apron. He tossed Pearce back in and hit a missile dropkick. Pearce tried to beg off but was hit with a leg lariat in the corner for a two count. Danielson mounted several kicks to the chest but Pearce shocked him with a big lariat for a two count. Pearce went to the top for a splash there was no water in the pool. Danielson nailed a back suplex for a two count and then another cattle mutiliation. Danielson couldn't get the submission and went for another move but was kicked low and hit with a piledriver.
Your winner and still NWA champion, Adam Pearce!
Another damn good match. I think fans really thought Danielson was taking the belt, which is the mark of a good match.
That's all from Charlotte, 1985!
NWA Legends Fanfest Live Notes: They announced they will be selling the DVDs of all of the weekend events for $50 and were taking pre-orders during the show, promising they would be released in two weeks...Our own Les Thatcher and Roddy James provided commentary. Terry Funk joined them for the NWA title match. Tully Blanchard joined them for the Legends Cup...They were letting fans take pictures with the NWA Future Legends Cup for $10 before the show....Don and Rocky Kernodle were backstage visiting....Harley Race, Billy Robinson and Mr. Wrestling II watched the matches from the crowd together...Also watching were Tully Blanchard, Fifi the Maid of WCW Flair for the Gold fame (who looks exactly the same - aka stunning). Jimmy Snuka, Terry Funk, Paul London and Rocky Johnson....Dave Marquez was helping out backstage....For more on the NWA Legends Fanfest, which will be heading to Atlanta, Georgia for the first time, visit www.NWALegends.com
