May 25th
On this day in history ....

1853 - William Muldoon, regarded as the first major American star in professional wrestling, is born in Belfast, New York.

1957 - Verne Gagne and Edouard Carpentier defeat Nikolai and Boris Volkoff for the Chicago version of the NWA World Tag Team Title in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, ending the Volkoffs' second reign.

1959 - Kurt Von Poppenheim and Dan Manoukian defeat Nick Kozak and Al Kashey to win the NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title.

1963 - WWWF ran Newark, NJ, headlined by WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeating Magnificent Maurice.1964 - The Fabulous Kangaroos (Al Costello & Roy Heffernan) defeat Bearcat Wright & Enrique Torres for the NWA Canadian Tag Team Title.

1964 - WWWF ran Washington DC at the National Arena, featuring:
-Don McClarity defeated Klondike Bill.
-Pedro Morales defeated Arnold Skaaland.
-Jerry Miller defeated Smasher Sloan.
-Bill Watts defeated Killer Kowalski.
-The Scufflin Hillbillies defeated Hans & Max Mortier.
-WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino, Bobo Brazil, & Ernie Ladd defeated Gorilla Monsoon, Jerry & Luke Graham.

1964 - WWWF ran New Haven, CT at The Coliseum with the following results:
-Tony Marino defeated Jerry Miller.
-Bobo Brazil & Ernie Ladd defeated Jerry Graham & Max Mortier via disqualification.
-Freddie Blassie defeated Hans Mortier.

1966 - WWWF ran a TV Taping in Philadelphia, PA, featuring:
-Arnold Skaaland defeated Angelo Savoldi.
-Curtis Iaukea defeated Ted Lewin.
-Waldo Von Erich defeated Ted Lewin & Angelo Savoldi in a handicap match.
-Curtis Iaukea, Smasher Sloan, & Baron Mikel Scicluna defeated Johnny Valentine, Antonio Pugliese, & Arnold Skaaland.
-WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeated Frank Hickey.

1968 - WWWF held a TV Taping in Philadelphia, PA, featuring the following results:
-Bull Ramos defeated Louis Cerdan.
-Prof. Toru Tanaka defeated Mike Paidousis.
-Gorilla Monsoon defeated Carlos Colon & Angelo Savoldi.
-WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna.

1968 - WWWF ran Elizabeth, NJ at the Armory, headlined by WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino & Victor Rivera fighting Virgil the Kentucky Butcher & Gorilla Monsoon to a draw in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match. In Fall One, Sammartino defeated Monsoon at the 9-minute mark. In Fall Two: Monsoon defeated Sammartino. All four men were disqualified during the third and final fall.

1970 - WWWF ran White Plains, NY at the Westchester County Center featuring the following results:
-Johnny Rodz defeated Miguel Feliciano.
-Victor Rivera defeated Angelo Savoldi.
-Lou Albano defeated Mike Conrad.
-Joey Russell & Sonny Boy Hayes defeated Sky Low Low & Little Brutus.
-Mario Milano defeated Karl Kovacs.
-The Mongols defeated Gorilla Monsoon & John L. Sullivan.

1970 - WWWF ran The Civic Center in Pittsburgh, PA, drawing 9,000 fans for the following results:
-Ron Romano fought Frank Holtz to a draw.
-Jim Dillon defeated Frank Durso.
-Johnny DeFazio & Bobby Hunt defeated Crusher Verdu & Jim Grabmire.
-Dominic DeNucci defeated Prof. Toru Tanaka.
-George Steele defeated the Battman, Tony Marino.
-WWWF World Champion Bruno Sammartino pinned Waldo Von Erich at 16:12.

1972 - WWWF ran Lincoln Park in North Dartmouth, MA, with the following results:
-Manuel Soto defeated Chuck Richards via submission.
-Arnold Skaaland pinned Baron Scicluna.
-Prof. Toru Tanaka pinned Tony Contilles.
-WWWF Tag Team Champion Sonny King pinned Jimmy Valiant.
-WWWF Tag Team Champion Chief Jay Strongbow pinned King Curtis.

1973 - WWWF ran Harrisburg, PA at the Zembo Mosque, featuring:
-Joe Turco pinned Arnold Skaaland at 19:02.
-Mike McCord pinned El Olympico at 15:04.
-Tony Garea pinned Joe Turco at 12:02.
-The Fabulous Moolah & Dottie Downs defeated Ava Swedorff & Lily Thomas in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match, 2-0.
-Chief Jay Strongbow defeated Freddie Blassie via count-out at 15:04.

1973 - Georgia Championship Wrestling ran the Omni in Atlanta, GA featuring:
-Billy Spears defeated Tiger Conway Jr.
-Bobby Duncum defeated Bill Dromo.
-Ramon Torres fought Stan Vachon to a draw.
-Southern Heavyweight Champion Buddy Colt defeated Norvel Austin (substituting for Jack Brisco)
-NWA Jr. Heavyweight Champion Danny Hodge defated Bob Orton Jr. After the match, Orton was presented a trophy by Leroy McGuirk for being named the NWA 1973 Rookie of the Year.
-Bobo Brazil defeated U.S. Champion the Sheik (with Abdullah Farouk) in a No DQ match.
-WWWF World Champion Pedro Morales defeated Paul Jones.
-Mr. Wrestling #1 & #2 defeated Jack Brisco & Georgia Heavyweight Champion Bill Watts.
-Eddie & Mike Graham defeated Georgia Tag Team Champions the Super Infernos (with JC Dykes) via disqualification.
-Bob Armstrong defeated Bobby Shane; due to pre-match stipulations, Armstrong won Shane's Cadillac; Had Shane won, he would have received $8,500.

1976 - Bob Orton, Jr. defeats Jack Brisco to win the Florida Heavyweight Title, ending Brisco's fourth reign.

1976 - WWWF held an All Star Wrestling TV Taping at the Hamburg Fieldhouse in PA, featuring:
-Peter Maivia defeated Nikolai Volkoff via countout.
-Ivan Putski defeated Peter McKay & Sylvano Sousa in a handicap match.
-George Steele defeated Don Serrano.
-Tony Garea, Larry Zbyzsko, & Jose Gonzalez defeated Doug Gilbert, Johnny Rodz, & Rocky Tomayo.
-Don Serrano fought Johnny Rodz to a draw.
-Jose Gonzalez & Johnny Rivera defeated Frank Williams & Frank Rodriguez.
-SD Jones defeated Sylvano Sousa.

1979 - WWF ran Albany, NY at the Washington Avenue Armory featuring:
-SD Jones fouht Baron Mikel Scicluna to a 20-minute time-limit draw.
-Bulldog Brower pinned Johnny Rivera after the 11-minute mark.
-Jimmy Valiant defeated Dominic DeNucci after the 12-minute mark.
-Greg Valentine defeated Steve Travis after the 16-minute mark.
-WWWF World Champion Bob Backlund defeated Hussein Arab (the future Iron Sheik) via count-out after the 35-minute mark.

1979 - WWF ran North Attleboro, MA at Witschi's Sports Arena with the following results:
-Dave Darrow defeated Sylvano Sousa.
-Johnny Rodz defeated Pete Doherty.
-Tito Santana defeated Mr. X.
-WWF North American Champion Ted Dibiase defeated Johnny Valiant via countout.
-Jerry Valiant defeated Fred Marzino.

1980 - Skull Murphy and Gypsy Joe defeat Rocky Johnson and Jimmy Valiant for the AWA Southern Tag Team Title in Memphis, Tennessee.

1980 - Mark Lewin defeats Gino Hernandez for the WCCW Texas Heavyweight Title in Dallas, Texas, ending and beginning both mens' third reigns.

1980 - Perro Aguayo defeats Gran Hamada in Naucalpan, Mexico to win the UWA World Light Heavyweight Title.

1980 - The Great Hussan Arab (later known as the Iron Sheik) defeats Dewey Robertson (later known as the Missing Link) to win the NWA Canadian Heavyweight Title in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

1980 - WWF ran Manchester, NH at the JFK Coliseum, featuring:
-Tor Kamata defeated Pete Doherty.
-Jose Estrada defeated Fred Marzino.
-Larry Zbyzkso defeated Pat Patterson via countout.
-Afa & Tor Kamata defeated Rene Goulet & Steve King.
-Rick McGraw defeated Johnny Rodz.

1980

- New Japan Pro Wrestling ran Odate, Japan with the following results:

-George Takano pinned Hiroyuki Saito.



-Kuniaki Kobayashi pinned Shoji Kai.
-Haruka Eigen defeated Makoto Arakawa via submission with a camel clutch.
-Hulk Hogan & Bad News Allen defeated Williem Ruska & Osamu Kido when Hogan defeated Kido via submission with a backbreaker.
-WWF World Champion Bob Backlund pinned Kengo Kimura in a non-title match
-Dusty Rhodes pinned Riki Choshu.
-Seiji Sakaguchi defated Stan Hansen via disqualification.
-Antonio Inoki defeated Ryuma Go via forfeit.
-Antonio Inoki, Tatsumi Fujinami, & Strong Kobayashi defeated Andre the Giant, Chavo Guerrero, & Tito Santana in a Best 2 out of 3 falls match; fall #1 - Andre pinned Kobayashi; fall #2 - Kobayashi defeated Santana via submission with a backbreaker; fall #3 - Fujinami pinned Guerrero.

1981 - Kevin Sullivan and Wayne Farris (later The Honky Tonk Man) begin their second reign as AWA Southern Tag Team Champions, ending the second reign of Bill Dundee and Dream Machine in Memphis, Tennessee.

1981 - WWF ran Rochester, NY, featuring:
-Frank Savage fought Mike Hall to a draw.
-Johnny Rodz defeated the Great Yatsu via countout.
-The Chocolate Kid & the Carolina Kid defeated Sky Low Low & Farmer Jerome.
-Killer Khan defeated Rick McGraw.
-Tony Garea, Rick Martel, & SD Jones defeated Lou Albano & the Moondogs.
-WWF Interontinental champion Pedro Morales defeated Angelo Mosca via disqualification.

1982 - Tiger Mask (Satoru Sayama) defeats Les Thornton to win the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Title in Shizuoka, Japan, ending Thornton's fourth reign.

1982 - Steve Grey defeats Jim Breaks for the British Welterweight Title in Croydon, England, ending Breaks' sixth reign.

1984 - In his first NWA World championship defense after regaining the belt from Kerry Von Erich, Ric Flair fought Harley Race to a draw in Funabashi, Japan in a Best of Three Falls match as they went to a double countout in the third and deciding fall.

1984 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Charleston, SC at the County Hall, featuring:
-Brett Hart defeated Gary Royal.
-The Outlaw defeated Angelo Mosca Jr.
-NWA TV Champion Tully Blanchard defeated Mark Youngblood.
-Rufus R. Jones & Brian Adidas defeated Ernie Ladd & Sandy Barr.
-Adrian Street defeated Pez Whatley.

1984 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Richmond, VA at the Coliseum, featuring:
-Keith Larson defeated Kurt Von Hess.
-Ron Bass defeated Jeff Sword.
-Vinnie Valentino defeated Doug Vines.
-Johnny Weaver defeated Paul Kelly.
-The Assassin defeated Angelo Mosca Sr.
-NWA U.S. Champion Ricky Steamboat fought Dick Slater to a double countout.
-Dusty Rhodes & Wahoo McDaniel defeated Ivan Koloff & Don Kernodle.

1984 - WWF ran Pittsburgh, PA at the Civic Arena, featuring:
-Rene Goulet defeated Jose Luis Rivera.
-Terry Daniels defeated Johnny Valiant.
-Bobo Brazil defeated Tiger Chung Lee.
-Rocky Johnson defeated Sika.
-Bob Backlund defeated Afa.
-David Schultz defeated Ivan Putski.
-WWF Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana defeated Samula.
-Sgt. Slaughter fought the Iron Sheik to a double disqualification.

1984 - WWF ran St. Louis, MO at the Kiel Auditorium for a "Wrestling at the Chase" TV Taping, featuring the following results:
*Alexis Smirnoff defeated Larry Keen
*Bob Orton Jr. defeated Billy Travis
*Greg Valentine defeated Tony Garea via submission with the figure-four leglock.
*Don Muraco defeated Salvatore Bellomo.
*Jesse Ventura defeated Brian Madden via submission with the backbreaker.
*B. Brian Blair & Spike Huber defeated Pat & Mike Kelly when Huber scored the pin with a roll up.
*Big John Studd pinned SD Jones at 5:03 with an elbow drop.
*Jimmy Snuka defeated Roddy Piper via count-out at 6:54 when Piper left ringside after Snuka began whipping him with guest referee Lou Thesz’ belt; moments earlier, Piper took Thesz’ belt after the referee was knocked down and began choking Snuka with it until Thesz came to his senses and pulled Piper off.
*WWF champion Hulk Hogan defeated Paul Orndorff via disqualification after Orndorff attempted to use a foreign object.

1985 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran Wilson, NC with the following results:
-Ben Alexander defeated Doug Vines.
-Denny Brown fought Pat Tanaka to a draw.
-Rocky Kernodle & Mark Fleming defeated the Rock 'n' Roll RPMs.
-Pez Whatley defeated the Barbarian.
-Jimmy Valiant defeated Superstar Billy Graham.

1985 - The WWF ran a show at the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The results were:
- The Spoiler defeated Salvatore Bellomo.
- Paul Roma defeated Johnny Rodz.
- Bob Orton, Jr. defeated Paul Orndorff by disqualification.
- Charlie Fulton defeated Jim Powers.
- WWF Champion Hulk Hogan defeated Ken Patera.
- Big John Studd defeated Steve Lombardi.
- George Steele defeated Barry O.
- WWF Tag Team Champions The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff defeated The U.S. Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo) by disqualification.

1986 - Jim Crockett Promotions ran a matinee at the Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio, drawing 4,000 fans with the following results:
-NWA Jr. Heavyweight Champion Denny Brown fought Steve Regal to a draw.
-Manny Fernandez defeated Black Bart.
-Ricky Morton defeated Thunderfoot.
-NWA U.S. Champion Magnum TA defeated Baron Von Raschke.
-Dusty Rhodes defeated NWA TV Champion Arn Anderson.
-NWA Tag Team Champions Bobby Eaton & Dennis Condrey fought the Road Warriors to a double countout.
-NWA World Champion Ric Flair defeated Robert Gibson.

1987 - Jin Crockett Promotions ran Greenville, SC, headlined by NWA U.S. Tag Team Champions The Midnight Express, Bobby Eaton & Stan Lane defeating Barry Windham & Brad Armstrong.

1987 - Soldat Ustinov & Boris Zukhov defeat Marty Jannetty & Shawn Michaels for the AWA World Tag Team Title in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Five months later, Zukhov would leave for the WWF, and Doug Somers would take his place in the championship team.

1987 -WWF ran Louisville, KY at the Louisville Gardens, drawing 2,000 fans, featuring:
-Outback Jack pinned Steve Lombardi
-Ron Bass pinned SD Jones
-The Islanders defeated Don Muraco & Bob Orton Jr.
-The Can-Am Connection, Rick Martel & Tom Zenk defeated Kamala & Sika
-Brutus Beefcake defeated Johnny V; after the bout, the referee refused to let Beefcake cut Johnny V's hair so Beefcake cut the referee's hair instead
-WWF Tag Team Champions The Hart Foundation, Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart defeated The British Bulldogs, Davey Boy Smith & the Dynamite Kid in a steel cage match

1989 - Russian amateur wrestling great Salman Hashimikov defeats Big Van Vader for the IWGP Heavyweight Title in Osaka, Japan, ending Vader's reign at just one month. On the same show, Jushin Liger defeats Shiro Koshinaka to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title.

1989 - NWA ran Charleston, SC at the Johnson Haygood Football Stadium, featuring:
-Ron Simmons fought Scott Steiner to a draw.
-Butch Reed defeated Ranger Ross.
-Shane Douglas & Johnny Ace defeated the Raider & Jack Victory.
-Dick Murdoch defeated Trent Knight.
-NWA World TV Champion Sting defeated the Great Muta via disqualification.
-The Road Warriors fought the Samoan Swat Team to a no contest.
-NWA U.S. Champion Lex Luger defeated Michael Hayes in a lights out match.

1990 - Matt Borne defeats Kerry Von Erich to win the WCWA Texas Heavyweight Title in Dallas, Texas, ending and beginning both mens' second reigns.

1990 - Mariko Tsurugi defeats Eagle Sawai in Tokyo, Japan for the UWA Women's International Title.

1990 -WWF drew 5,435 fans (4,700 paid) to an event in Albuquerque, NM, with the following results:
-Paul Roma pinned Buddy Rose.
-Dino Bravo pinned the Red Rooster.
-The Barbarian pinned Jimmy Snuka.
-The Bushwhackers defeated Greg Valentine & the Honkytonk Man via disqualification.
-The Big Bossman pinned Ted DiBiase.
-WWF champion the Ultimate Warrior pinned WWF IC Champion Mr. Perfect.

1990 - WWF ran Scranton, PA at the CYC, featuring:
-Paul Diamond pinned Jim Powers.
-Koko B. Ware pinned Black Bart.
-Akeem pinned Hillbilly Jim.
-The Warlord pinned Tito Santana.
-The Rockers, Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty defeated the Orient Express via countout.
-Earthquake pinned Jim Duggan.

1991 - WWF ran Dallas, TX at the Reunion Arena with the following results:
-Jim Duggan pinned Col. Mustafa (Iron Sheik)
-WWF IC Champion Mr. Perfect pinned Davey Boy Smith.
-Jake Roberts defeated Earthquake via disqualification.
-The Rockers, Shawn Michaels & Marty Jannetty defeated the Orient Express when Jannetty pinned Tanaka.
-The Berzerker pinned Tugboat.
-Ricky Steamboat pinned the Brooklyn Brawler.
-The Ultimate Warrior defeated the Undertaker via disqualification.

1991 - WWF and SWS ran a combined card (well, WWF sent over talent) in Yokosuka, Japan, headlined by Yoshiaki Yatsu & King Haku defeatingRandy Savage & Naoki Sano when Yatsu pinned Sano at 16:02.

1991 - WCW ran Kansas City before 900 fans, featuring a card devoid of advertised talents The Junkyard Dog, Brian Pillman, Dan Spivey, and WCW Tag Team Champion Scott Steiner. Pillman was out with strep throat.
-TC Carter defeated an unknown.
-Rick McCord defeated Mike George.
-Ranger Ross & Steve Ray defeated Rip Morgan & Jack Victory.
-WCW World TV Champion Bobby Eaton (sub. for WCW Tag Team Champion Scott Steiner) & WCW World Tag Team Champion Rick Steiner defeated Arn Anderson & the Angel of Death.
-WCW World TV Champion Bobby Eaton defeated Terrence Taylor.
-Sting defeated Barry Windham via disqualification.

1992 - Kenta Kobashi and Tsuyoshi Kikuchi defeat The Can-Am Express (Dan Kroffat and Doug Furnas) to win the AJPW All-Asia Tag Team Title in Miyaga, Japan, ending the Express' fourth reign.

1992 - WWF ran Edmonton, Alberta at the Coliseum, featuring:
-Virgil defeated the Brooklyn Brawler.
-Nailz defeated Jim Brunzell.
-Earthquake defeated WWF Tag Team Champion Ted Dibiase.
-Kerry Von Erich defeated Skinner.
-WWF champion Randy Savage defeated Ric Flair via disqualification.

1992 - SMW ran Spartanburg, SC at the Memorial Auditorium featuring the following results:
Rip Rogers defeated Johnny Del Rio
SMW Heavyweight Champion Brian Lee pinned Barry Horowitz at 4:04
The Dirty White Boy pinned Tommy Angel at 3:13
Brad & Bart Batten defeated Joe Cazana & Scott Sandlin at 2:38 when Sandlin was pinned
Jimmy Golden pinned Ben Jordan at 2:34
Paul Orndorff pinned Dixie Dynamite at 5:40
Robert Gibson pinned Paul Lee at 2:02 with the bulldog; after the match, Bob Caudle interviewed Jimmy Golden who challenged Gibson to face him once more, with Gibson accepting and stating he would defeat Golden again
Killer Kyle pinned Tommy Angel at 2:40 with the Rub Out
Johnny & Davey Rich defeated Joe Cazana & Scott Sandlin at 4:33 when Davey pinned Cazana with a crossbody off the top
SMW Tag Team Champions Stan Lane & Tom Prichard (w/ Jim Cornette) defeated Joey Maggs & Ben Jordan at 3:49 when Lane pinned Jordan after the champions delivered their double-team backdrop; prior to the bout, the ring announcer warned the female fans not to touch the champions or they would be prosecuted; after the bout, Bob Caudle interviewed Cornette, Lane, & Prichard who claimed they would defeat any team at any arena
The Dirty White Boy (w/ Ron Wright) (sub. for Rip Rogers) defeated SMW Heavyweight Champion Brian Lee via disqualification at 8:55 when the referee saw Lee knock DWB out with the foreign object DWB bloodied the champion with moments earlier; prior to the bout, Wright bribed Rogers to let DWB replace him, with Lee double-teamed by Rogers & DWB early in the bout; after the match, as Hector Guerrero attempted to explain to the referee that DWB used the object first, Paul Orndorff hit the ring and attacked Lee with a briefcase, with DWB then hanging Guerrero from the top rope to the floor; moments later, Orndorff hit the piledriver on Scott Sandlin and DWB delivered the Bucksnort Blaster to Ben Jordan as they tried to help; the program ended with DWB & Orndorff double-teaming the champion
Danny Davis pinned Rip Rogers at 4:33 with a neckbreaker
Buddy Landel defeated Joey Maggs via submission at 3:56 with the figure-4 and using the ropes for leverage; after the match, Bob Caudle interviewed Landell, who claimed Tim Horner would soon be leaving SMW after he defeateds him in the ring
Dixie Dynomite pinned Paul Lee at 3:36 with the Confederate Kick
SMW Tag Team Champions Stan Lane & Tom Prichard (w/ Jim Cornette) defeated Tim Horner & Robert Gibson at 9:53 when Prichard pinned Horner with a clothesline after Buddy Landell came ringside and threw Horner head-first into the ringpost; after the commercial, Caudle interviewed the champions, who gloated about their title defense, with Commissioner Bob Armstrong interrupting, stating Landell would be suspended if he interfered in another match, and that Bobby & Jackie Fulton would be granted leeway in their upcoming titles bouts with the champions

1992 - Eastern Championship Wrestling ran the Original Sports Bar in Philadelphia, PA with the following results:

Salvatore Bellomo pinned Stevie Richards
The Super Destroyers defeated Chris Michaels & John Rock
Larry Winters pinned King Kaluha
ECW Champion Johnny Hot Body pinned Jimmy Jannetty
Tony Stetson defeated the Metal Maniac via disqualification
Max Thrasher & Glenn Osbourne defeated Mr. Anthony & Mr. Perez
JT Smith fought Mr. Sandman to a double countout
Tatsumi Fujinami defeated the Bouncer (Chris Duffy) via submission with a sleeper

1994 - WCW ran Atlanta, GA at Center Stage for a WCW Saturday Night Taping with the following results:
-Johnny B. Badd defeated Hyeeto (a masked Paul Diamond)
-The Guardian Angel (Ray Traylor) defeated Tony Vincent.
-Paul Orndorff & Paul Roma defeated Barry Houston & Todd Morton when Roma pinned Houston after Orndorff hit the piledriver.
-Ricky Steamboat defeated Buddy Wayne.
-Harlem Heat defeated Brian Armstrong & Barry Houston when Kole pinned Houston.
-The Gambler defeated Mike Winner.
-Bryant Anderson defeated Buddy Wayne via submission with an armbar.
-Dustin Rhodes & Arn Anderson defeated Harlem Heat when Anderson pinned Kole with the DDT at 3:45 after Rhodes grabbed Kane from the floor.
-The Guardian Angel defeated Butch Long.
-Frank Anderson pinned Ron Oates with a German suplex.
-Brian Pillman defeated Hyeeto.
-Johnny B. Badd defeated Chic Donovan.
-Jean Paul Levesque defeated Todd Morton.
-WCW World Tag Team Champions Cactus Jack & Kevin Sullivan (with Dave Sullivan) defeated the Nasty Boys via disqualification when Paul Orndorff & Paul Roma attacked Dave outside the ring, then attacked the champions and challengers.

1994 - WWF taped TV in Erie, PA, featuring the debut of Brian Lee as Ted DiBiase's fake Undertaker in the start of an angle to set up the legitimate Undertaker's return at Summerslam that year. After a live interview segment on Shawn Michaels' Heartbreak Hotel, the fake Taker defeated PJ Walker (the future Aldo Montoya and Justin Credible). On the same taping, an underage Jeff Hardy made his first appearance in a WWF ring, losing to the 1-2-3 Kid. The complete results of the marathon taping saw:
-Raymond Rougeau & Virgil defeated two unknowns
-Razor Ramon defeated Jeff Jarrett
-Jeff Jarrett & IRS defeated Doink the Clown & Tatanka
-In a match taped for the WWF Slamfest '95 home video, Yokozuna (with Mr. Fuji) pinned the 1-2-3 Kid with a belly to belly suplex as the Kid leapt off the top. After the bout, Typhoon made the save.
-Lex Luger defeated Crush
-WWF World Champion Bret Hart defeated Owen Hart
-Yokozuna & Crush (with Mr. Fuji & Jim Cornette) defeated the Smoking Gunns when Yoko pinned Billy with a legdrop after Crush hit a gorilla press slam
-Doink the Clown defeated Derrick Stone
-IRS defeated Kenny Hendrix
-Duke Drose defeated Reno Riggins
-Jeff Jarrett defeated Mike Davis
-WWF Tag Team Champions the Headshrinkers wit Afa & Capt. Lou Albano) defeated the Quebecers (with Johnny Polo) at 7:18 when Fatu pinned Pierre with the splash off the top
-Tatanka pinned Dave Criner at 3:22 with a tomahawk chop off the top.
-Owen Hart defeated Koko B. Ware via submission with the Sharpshooter at 3:19.
-WWF Tag Team champions The Headshrinkers defeated Curtis Harrison & Lou Marconi at 1:46 when Fatu pinned Harrison with the splash off the top.
-Bam Bam Bigelow pinned an unknown at 1:49 with a moonsault.
-Razor Ramon pinned Tracy.
-Mabel (with Oscar) defeated Nikolai Volkoff (wth Ted Dibiase) via disqualification at 1:44 when IRS interfered and attacked Mabel; moments after the bout, Tatanka, Owen Hart, Razor Ramon, and Bam Bam Bigelow also involved themselves in the brawl as a way to set the stage for that year's King of the Ring PPV.
-Typhoon pinned Quebecer Pierre (with Johnny Polo) at 5:49 with the splash.
-Well Dunn (with Harvey Wippleman) defeated John Paul & Gary Sabaugh at 2:57 when Timothy Well pinned Sabaugh following a forearm smash from Steven Dunn.
-Sparky Plugg pinned George South at 2:47 by reversing a crucifix into a roll up.
-The Undertaker (Brian Lee) (w/ Ted Dibiase) pinned PJ Walker with the tombstone at 2:10.
-The 1-2-3 Kid defeated Jeff Hardy via submission.
-Kwang (with Harvey Wippleman) pinned Chris Hamrick at 2:27 with the spin kick.
-Lex Luger defeated Barry Horowitz via submission with the Torture Rack at 1:37.

1995 - WWF ran Edmonton, Alberta with the following results:
-Techno Team 2000 defeated Tom Prichard & Mantaur.
-Skip pinned Barry Horowitz.
-Hakushi pinned Doink the Clown.
-Man Mountain Rock pinned Tatanka.
-Jean Pierre Lafitte pinned Virgil with the Cannonball.
-WWF Intercontinental champion Jeff Jarrett defeated Razor Ramon in a ladder match; Razor originally captured the title but the Roadie interfered, attacked Razor, and handed the belt to Jarrett.
-Jacob & Eli Blu defeated the New Headshrinkers after making an illegal switch.
-Bret Hart pinned Psycho Sid (with Ted Dibiase & Tatanka).

1997 - Shawn Michaels & Steve Austin defeat Owen Hart & Davey Boy Smith for the WWF World Tag Team Title in Evansville, Indiana. The partners, who did not get along, would vacate the belts soon after.

1997- Extreme Championship Wrestling ran Evansville, Indiana featuring the following results:

-The Pitbulls defeated The FBI, Little Guido & Tracy Smothers.
-Chris Candido defeated Chris Chetti.
-Axl Rotten defeated Super Nova.
-Spike Dudley defeated Wolfie D.
-Stevie Richards defeated Raven.
-The Sandman defeated Balls Mahoney.
-Tommy Dreamer & Beulah McGillicutty defeated ECW World TV Champion Shane Douglas & Francine.
-ECW World Tag Team Champions The Eliminators defeated Big Dick & D-Von Dudley.

1998 - WCW ran Evansville, IN at the Roberts Municipal Stadium for a WCW Monday Nitro taping, featuring:
-WCW TV Champion Fit Finlay defeated Mike Enos.
-Perry Saturn defeated Glacier.
-Chris Jericho defeated El Dandy.
-Konnan defeated La Parka.
-Juventud Guerrera defeated Billy Kidman.
-Dean Malenko defeated Lenny Lane.
-WCW U.S. Champion Bill Goldberg defeated Johnny Attitude.
-Best of 7 Series: Chris Benoit defeated Booker T; Benoit - 1, Booker - 0.

1999 - WCW taped WCW Saturday Night in Augusta, GA at The Civic Center, featuring:
-Chris Walker defeated an unknown.
-Jerry Flynn defeated Dave Taylor.
-Hugh Morris (w/ Jimmy Hart) defeated Bobby Blaze.
-David Flair (w/ Arn Anderson) defeated Johnny Swinger.
-Van Hammer defeated Barry Darsow.
-Juventud Guerrera defeated El Dandy.
-El Vampiro defeated an unknown.
-Bobby Eaton defeated Scott Armstrong.
-Scotty Riggs defeated Mike Enos.
-Vincent (w/ Stevie Ray & Horace) defeated the Gambler.
-Evan Karagias defeated Barry Horowitz.
-Jim Duggan defeated an unknown.
-An unknown defeated Erik Watts.
-Perry Saturn defeated Sgt. Buddy Lee Parker.
-The Disciple (Ed Leslie) defeated Disorderly Conduct #1 (w/ Disorderly Conduct #2).
-Buff Bagwell defeated Steve Armstrong.
-Stevie Ray & Horace (w/ Vincent) defeated Silver King & Villano V.
-Rick Steiner defeated La Parka.
-Billy Kidman defeated Psychosis.
-Brian Knobbs fought Fit Finley to a double disqualification.
-Rey Mysterio Jr. defeated Lash LaRoux.
-Konnan defeated Curt Henning via countout.

1999 - The WWF taped the May 31 edition of RAW is WAR in Moline, Illinois, which featured Jeff Jarrett defeating The Godfather for the WWF Intercontinental Title, beginning Jarrett's fourth reign. Jarrett's late tag team partner Owen Hart, who died two nights earlier in an accident at Over the Edge in Kansas City, Missouri, had been scheduled to win the title from The Godfather prior to the tragedy that occurred that night. Also, on the same episode of RAW, The Acolytes (Bradshaw and Faarooq) won their first WWF Tag Team Title, defeating X-Pac and Kane.

Complete taping results saw:

Dark:
Kurt Angle defeated Rob Conway.

Shotgun Saturday Night:
-D-Lo Brown & Mark Henry defeated Droz & Prince Albert after Droz accidentally hit his own briefcase.
-Edge & Gangrel (w/ Christian) defeated Brian Christopher & Scott Taylor following Edge's Downward Spiral.
-Matt & Jeff Hardy (w/ Michael Hayes) defeated the Blue Meanie & Goldust.

Sunday Night Heat:
-Test & Tori defeated Meat & Jackie (w/ Terri & Ryan Shamrock) at 2:58 when Tori pinned Jackie with a DDT.
-King of the Ring Qualifying Match: Ken Shamrock defeated Jeff Jarrett (with WWF Women's Champion Debra) via submission with the ankle lock at 2:55.
-King of the Ring Qualifying Match: Hardcore Holly pinned WWF Hardcore Champion Al Snow with a Michinoku Driver in a non-title match at 1:24.
-King of the Ring Qualifying Match: WWF Tag Team Champion X-Pac pinned the Big Bossman with a crucifix at 2:37 as Bossman laid across him making a cover.
-King of the Ring. Qualifying Match: Billy Gunn pinned Viscera with the Fameasser at 2:05 after Viscera hit the corner.

Raw is War:
-The Big Show defeated Billy Gunn via count-out when Gunn left the ring to avoid the chokeslam; the Road Dogg threw Gunn back in where Show leveled him with the move.
-Beaver Cleavage (w/ Mrs. Cleavage) pinned Christian after the Hardy Boyz and Michael Hayes interfered and hit Christian with a cane; Edge & Gangrel made the save after the match.
-Jeff Jarrett (w/ Debra) pinned WWF IC Champion the Godfather to win the title at 3:41 after hitting him with Debra's WWF Women's title belt as the champion became distracted by both Debra and one of his hoes stripping on the ring apron.
-WWF champion the Undertaker (w/ Paul Bearer) defeated Vince McMahon via disqualification when Pat Patterson & Gerald Brisco interfered; the champion easily beat them down.
-The Road Dogg defeated the Big Bossman via disqualification when Bossman used the nightstick on his opponent and the referee; Bossman was brawling with Mankind as the match with Road Dogg was scheduled to begin.
-The Acolytes defeated WWF Tag Team Champions X-Pac & Kane to win the titles at 4:44 when Bradshaw pinned X-Pac with the Clothesline from Hell after Shane McMahon interfered and blocked X-Pac's Bronko Buster attempt on Bradshaw with a steel chair.
-Val Venis (w/ Nicole Bass) pinned Ken Shamrock with a small package; Jeff Jarrett & Debra came ringside during the match to distract Val.
-Triple H (w/ Chyna) pinned Mankind in a No DQ falls count anywhere match after hitting him in the knee with a sledgehammer; the Rock made the save after the match.
-Steve Austin defeated WWF champion the Undertaker (w/ Paul Bearer) via disqualification when the Corporate Ministry interfered; the Higher Power, covered in a cloak, came to the ring after the match and allowed Austin to see his face but didn't reveal himself to the crowd.

Super Astros:
-Papi Chulo defeated Tiger Mask.
-Apollo Dantes defeated Sho Funaki.
-Taka Michinoku defeated Super Loco.

1999 - Fantasia last eliminates The New Jersey Devil in a battle royal to win the vacant House of Pain Wrestling Federation Cruiserweight Title in Hagerstown, Maryland.

2000 - The 3rd Annual Brian Pillman Memorial Show was held, featuring talent from WWF, WCW and ECW, in addition to independent talent. Here is Mike Johnson's original live report from that event.

Pillman 2000's Independent wrestling showcase began with Jeremy Lopez and Jet Jaguar, from Florida, taking on "Rapid Delivery" Rory Fox and "The Future" Logan Caine. Caine is Al Snow's brother. Fox is the Les Thatcher student seen in the MTV "My Life" Documentary on pro wrestling. Fox and Lopez started off with some nice counter wrestling. Fox and Lopez began exchanging knife edge chops. Fox hit a nice head and arms Tazplex. The babyfaces combined to hit a double dropkick on Lopez. Jaguar tagged in and hit several suplexes on Caine. Jaguar hit several uppercut forearms in the corner. Caine hit a handspring elbow in the corner. Fox leaped over the ropes, snapping Jaguar's throat over the ropes, and followed up with a dropkick. Jaguar hit a running clothesline on Fox, then tossed him to the floor. Jaguar hit a springboard plancha to the floor which got a nice reaction from the crowd. Lopez hit a brainbuster on Fox. Fox got a twocount with a sunset flip, but was cut off with a clothesline by Lopez. The heels continued to get heat on Fox. Lopez hit a tiger driver on Fox, The heels continued to work over Fox, and the referee missed a tag. Jaguar gets a 2 count with a splash off the top rope. Fox makes the hot tag to Caine, who cleans house and hits a spinebuster on Jaguar, followed by a frog splash. All four brawled in the ring. Lopex had Fox on his shoulders, and Jaguar dove off. Fox hit a victory roll on Lopez, which caused Jaguar to hit nothing but mat. Both babyfaces made simultaneous pins. Good finish to a good traditional style tag team match.

Ring announcer Dave Penzer from WCW pointed out Ricky Steamboat signing in the building with proceeds going to the Brian Pillman Memorial Fund.

The next match was a battle of World Wrestling Federation developmental talent, as B.J. Payne, managed by Heartland Wrestling Association manager G.Q. Masters III faced Rico Constantino from Ohio Valley Wrestling. Masters demanded a standing ovation from the crowd, saying he was the greatest wrestling manager in attendance. He ripped on Constantino, calling him a third rate American Gladiator knockoff. Masters guarantees that Payne will not get screwed out of a victory tonight. Constantino made his way to the ring. Constantino landed on his feet after being hiptossed and hit a spinkick and a somersault legdrop. He began working on Payne's arm. Payne went to the top rope, but Constantino bounced off the ropes, crotching him, then hit a hurancanrana off the top into the ring. Payne powerslammed Constantino for a two count. He began choking Constantino in the corner, and followed up with a legdrop off the ropes, which missed. Payne got a two count wiht a face first suplex. Constantino was hit with a spinning gut buster, but came back with a DDT. He began unloading with rights, and hit a backdrop, then a flapjack. Constantino did a standing backflip into a splash for a two count. Masters got on the apron and was grabbed by Constantino. Payne hit him with Master's clipboard and then a chokeslam into a tiger bomb for the three count. Your winner, B.J. Payne. Another solid match with both guys and Masters all working hard. Constantino is going to be a star one day.

In a World Championship Wrestling Powerplant match, the New Blood's "Main Event" Chuck Palumbo came out to Lex Luger's old theme music and got a big heel reaction. He did the Lex Luger posing bit. His opponent, Sean O'Hare got a modest reaction. He's got a great physique. After some stalling, they locked up, and O'Hare caught Palumbo in a side headlock. Palumbo powered out and put a hammerlock on him. O'Hare reversed and went back to the headlock. Palumbo drilled O'Hare with a clothesline. Palumbo began beating him with kicks, and hit a suplex. Palumbo hit a dropkick. Palumbo hits a flying clothesline off the top for a two count. Much slower paced match than the previous two bouts. They battled. O'Hare did a standing flip off the ropes, landed on his feet and hit a karate kick on Palumbo. It got a nice rise out of the crowd. Palumbo kicks him low and locked him in the Torture Rack for the submission. O'Hare showed some promise. Palumbo, well, he came off like Lex Luger, which I guess is the idea. Whether it's a good idea you can decide for yourself.

The next match featured another WWF Developmental talent bout, as Reckless Youth from Memphis Championship Wrestling came out to a nice pop. Youth has started to grow his hair out. His opponent is Scotty Sabre, who looks somewhat like the WWF's Edge. They started off quick with Youth shoulderblocking Sabre, and Sabre coming back with a series of armdrags. Good exchange of wrestling moves. Youth hit a headscissors which got a nice pop. Sabre backdropped Youth to the floor. Sabre ran to do a dive, but Youth shoulderblocked him. Sabre got awesome hangtime on a running dive over the ropes to the floor, getting a huge pop. Sabre went to the top, but Youth dropkicked him off, and he went to the floor. Youth hit an awesome running senton over the ropes to the floor. Youth began choking Sabre, and ran him into the turnbuckles. He hit a nice side kick on Sabre after whipping him into the ropes. Youth worked him over with a side chinlock. Sabre fought to his feet and hit a DDT. Both men struggled to their feet as the referee began to count them out. Youth hit a shortarm clothesline on Sabre, then missed a springboard moonsault. Sabre hit a standing dropkick on Youth. The women in the crowd are popping for Sabre big time. Sabre hit a springboard missile dropkick for a two count. They battled atop the ropes and Youth hit an inverted atomic drop on Sabre. Youth hit a swinging DDT and a splash off the top. The crowd is popping for everything. Sabre saved a miscue on a piledriver, hit it, then it an awesome moonsault. he went to the top again, but Youth caught him and tried to superplex him off, but Sabre caught him with a sunset flip off the top into a powerbomb for the pinfall. Another great match! Youth is as great as those of us who had the pleasure of seeing him in the Northeast already knew and Sabre is a star waiting to be found. Both men got a nice ovation after the bell.

The next bout saw Flash Flanagan and Matt Styker, managed by the HOT Helena Heavenly challenge the HWA Tag Team champions, "Surfer" Cody Hawk and "Mad Anthony" McMurphy, the taxi driver. (I'm not kidding, his gimmick is he's a taxi driver!). Stryker and Hawk did some nice counter wrestling. Flanagan and McMurphy tag in. McMurphy armdrags Flanagan, who begs off. The crowd began chanting "Taxi."The heels regrouped at ringside, but Taxi was right back at it, working over Flanagan's arm. Hawk tagged in and the Surfer gave Flanagan more of the same. The heels again backed out of the ring to regrp, but Cody hit a sliding kick out of the ring on Flanagan. He's taking a ton of abuse! Taxi clotheslines Flanagan over the ropes to the floor. I told ya! McMurphy cleans house on the heels, then does a plancha over the ropes on Flanagan. Flanagan comes back with a bulldog from behind on McMurphy. Stryker hit a great suplex on McMurphy, followed by an uppercut forearm that would make Dory Funk, Jr. proud. Flanagan hit a great running senton off the ropes. Cody Hawk did a flip off the ropes on both. Stryker then dove off the top on all three. Flanagan hit a sunset flip over the top to the floor, powerbombing Hawk to the concrete which got a big pop. They brawled on the floor. Flanagan brought a chair in the ring, and sprinted across the ring, off the chair, and springboarded off the ropes to the floor on McMurphy. The crowd is really into the match now after a slow start. Flanagan locks a chin lock on Cody. The crowd gets behind Cody, who makes a comeback and tags McMurphy. Stryker hit a high knee on McMurphy. McMurphy hit a flip into a sunset flip for a two count. Flanagan tagged in and did a corkscrew legdrop after bouncing off the ropes. Heavenly choked McMurphy, and got a ton of crowd heat. McMurphy came back to hit a powerbomb on Flanagan, who has taken a ton of great bumps. Cody Hawk got the hot tag and cleaned house on the challengers. Heavenly got on the apron and Hawk pulled her into the ring The faces whipped the heels into her, and then McMurphy pressed and tossed her over the top onto Flanagan. Hawk got the pin after jumping off McMurphy's shoulders on Stryker to retain the HWA Tag Team championships. Another strong match that got better as it progressed. Everyone was really good, especially the hot as hell Helena Heavenly.

A ceremony honoring Pillman was held, with Les Thatcher, The Pillman family, Ricky Steamboat, Dallas Page, Kevin Nash, and others.

In the next match, HWA Cruiserweight champion Shark Boy took on Jamie-San of WCW's Jung Dragons, managed by Tony Marinara of the early WCW Mamalukes storyline. When Shark Boy's music started, the lights went out and a spotlight began racing around the arena. He got a nice pop when he came out. They started with some counter wrestling and Shark Boy got a near pin with a rollup. They continued to counter each other's moves and got an ovation when jumping to their feet. Shark Boy tossed Marinara over the ropes when he tried to interfere, then dove on Jamie and Marinara. Jamie whipped Shark Boy into the guard rails and began chopping him. He tossed Shark Boy back in the ring, and and hit a running chop. Jamie tossed Shark Boy into the corner, but jumped up and over into a twisting sunset flip for a two count. Jamie worked over Shark Boy with a side chinlock and the crowd began chanting his name. Shark Boy is over! Shark Boy hit an inverted atomic drop and a DDT. Shark hits a flying hurrancanrana off the top on Jamie. Shark Boy goes for Diamondust, his finisher, but Jamie catches it and reverses it into a reverse DDT in a nice exchange. Jamie misses a swan dive headbutt of the top. Shark Boy goes for Diamondust again, hits it, and scores the pinfall to retain the HWA Cruiserweight championship. Solid match. After the bout, Marinara shoved Jamie-San, who returns the favor by kicking him and shooting him into the air, landing face first. Marinara retreated as Jamie-San's music played.

In the finals of the HWA Heavyweight championship Tournament, Chip Fairway took on Race Steele. D-Lo Brown, who once held the championship, was introduced as presenting the championship belt to the winner of the bout. Brown took the mic, and says that he came to the show to pass the torch for the championship he never lost. He says he is going to watch the match and make sure the best man wins. Fairway showed some good mat skills early on in the match. He wears argyle boots and has a preppy golfer gimmick and moves well for a guy his size. Steele is a big muscular guy. Fairway hits some of the hardest chops I've ever seen. Steele presses and slams him, then connects with a pair of clotheslines. Steele hits a killer Frankensteiner. Steele nearly killed himself with a dive over the ropes to the aisle on Fairway. They brawled on the floor, where Steele took an awesome backdrop on the concrete. Back in the ring, Fairway got a two count with an Alabama Jam. Steele began battling back with punches but Fairway hit a spinebuster, followed by a quebrada. Fairway missed a nasty elbow off the top. The local DJ who was in Fairway's corner got on the apron, and D-Lo took Fairway's golf club from him. Seele whipped Fairway into the DJ, who took a bump, then hit a diamond cutter for the pin and the championship. Several of the HWA workers who performed earlier in the evening came out with champagne to celebrate the victory, which was a nice touch as it made the title change seem important. OK match with Fairway and Steele both taking good risks and bumps

Cody Michaels, who broke into the business in the same class with Mick Foley, Brian Hildebrand and Shane Douglas, took on the Taxi Driver, Mad Anthony McMurphy, who's doing double duty. Michaels started out fast dropping him throat first over the railing and beating him around the ring, then tossing him back in the ring. Michaels dives off the top on McMurphy on the floor. McMurphy charged Michaels, who caught him with a boot and got a two count by putting his feet on the ropes. McMurphy got a small package for a near fall and a powerslam for another. McMurphy goes to the top rope, but gets crotched by Michaels. McMurphy knocks Cody off the ropes and hits a sunset flip off the top for the pinfall. Your winner by pinfall, Mad Anthony McMurphy. McMurphy looked tired from his earlier match, while Michaels looked really crisp. The heat for this match wasn't up to the level of the others, possibly because a camera crew was following Shark Boy around and he was getting SWARMED by fans. The guy was over!

A brief note on the last match: Terry Taylor was scheduled to face Michaels, but I was just told he suffered a neck injury and could not work.

Dr. Tom Pritchard made his way to the ring, preparing to face "White Lightning" Tim Horner, managed by Missy Hyatt. It's a Smoky Mountain Wrestling reunion! Well, except for Missy. Hyatt says that last year she managed Pritchard against Terry Taylor, and he lost, so she tells Horner to "kick his butt." They start off with a lot of good mat wrestling and exchanges of holds. Lots of old school wrestling tonight. Steve Corino would be proud. The crowd applauds a clean break by Horner. Lots of back and forth work on the mat. Horner keeps working on Pritchard's arm. They fight a bit on the floor. Pritchard suplexes Horner in for a two count. Pritchard works over the reverse chinlock, and then tosses Horner to the floor when he fights his way up. Horner gets the pin with a sunset flip. Pritchard tried to grab the ropes but Missy flashed up her Pillman 2000 Tshirt, shocking him, and allowing Horner to get the pin. Solid match. The crowd was very respectful of the match, considering it was mostly basic wrestling and matwork.

The next match featured Ron and Don Harris taking on Billy Kidman and Disco Inferno, who is a substitute for David Flair. No idea where Flair is, although Les Thatcher did say they had some people with travel problems during the opening of the show. I am pretty sure this is true, as I had a hell of a time flying down here this morning. By the way, Vampiro is here and dressed to work. Torrie Wilson is at ringside....WOW. They introduced special referee Shawn Casey, the first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds. Kidman starts out with one of the Harris Boys and gets tossed around. Kidman hits headscissors on the Harris Boys and he retreats out of the ring. The Harris shoves referee Casey, who shoves back. This Red ain't taking no crap! Disco tags in and takes over the Harris with an armdrag. The Harris hits a sidewalk slam. Kidman hits an Acid Drop like bulldog after running the ropes. The Harris Boys work over Kidman in the corner. Kidman tags in Disco, who hits a neckbreaker on one Harris, but the other breaks the count. Out of nowhere, Kidman turned on Disco and the Harris Boys hit the H Bomb. Sean Casey refused to count the pin so WCW referee Charles Robinson hit the ring and counted three. Casey and Robinson argued and Casey cleaned house on all the heels, getting a big pop. Your winners, the Harris Boys.

Captain Rection, the artist formerly known as Hugh Morrus, made his way to the ring. Vampiro's music began and the place just erupted. He is OVER. I could see Vampiro psyching himself up before he came out to the crowd, and he is just intense. Cap takes down Vampiro with a massive shoulderblock. He missed a running clothelsine, but Vamp rebounds off the ropes and hits a spin kick. Vampiro dove out of the ring on Cap. Cap gets whipped into Kevin Nash who was sitting inside the rails. Nash isn't happy about it, and gets into a brief brawl with Vamp. Cap and Vampiro brawl into the crowd and at one point are right below me. They brawl towards the entranceway with the crowd swarming. Morrus drops an elbow from the first level of the building onto Vampiro on the floor. They set up a table against the wall of the building and take turns throwing each other into it. The crowd chanted "ECW." Vampiro one upped Cap by diving off the level. They brawl back to the ring. Cap hits a powerslam but missed a beautiful moonsault. Vamp hits the Nail of the Coffin for the pinfall. Great brawl!

Steven Regal, wearing purple tights comes out to a huge pop. Regal is in awesome shape. The crowd starts chanting "Regal." His opponent is the WWF Intercontinental champion, Chris Benoit. The crowd chants, "Benoit." They tie up and Benoit muscles Regal into the corner. They vie for the advantage, and Benoit finally gets it working over the shoulder and arm. Benoit muscles him over into a hammerlock. Regal reverses, sweeps Benoit's legs and holds him down pin a wristlock and hits him with a fireman's carry. Fluid wrestling! Benoit holds Regal down, but he kips up and monkey flips Benoit over. Regal floats over and Benoit headbutts him, opening him hardway. Benoit dropkicks Regal out of the ring, then yanks him facefirst on the canvas outside. Benoit gets a two count, then follows up with a belly to back suplex. Regal sweeps Benoit's legs and locks on an STF. The crowd applauds, they are starting to get into the match. Regal hits a standing dropkick to Benoit's face. Regal locks up Benoit's legs, and then pulls him back into a bow and arrow, then pulls reverse chinlock on the stretched Benoit. The crowd is popping for the moves like an All Japan match. Benoit hits a German suplex. They start trading chops, headbutts and kicks. It's stiff as hell. Regal gets the better of it and the crowd chants "Regal." Benoit hits the trinity of German suplexes. The crowd stands up for the spot. Benoit goes to the top rope but Regal cuts him off. Regal hits a butterfly superplex. The Arena is going nuts! The two butt heads in the middle of the ring. Benoit goes for the cover but can't get a three count. Regal floats over a suplex attempt and rolls up Benoit for a two count. Benoit gets a two count with a backslide. Regal scored with European uppercuts, and goes for a tombstone. Benoit reverses and hits it. He goes to the top rope and the place goes nuts. He dives off but misses the swan dive headbutt. Both men are down and the referee is counting, and the crowd is counting with him. They get up and after a series of reversals, Benoit hits a Dragon Suplex and locks on the Crippler Crossface for the submission. The Arena gives both men a standing ovation. Les Thatcher says, "I don't know what you see on television, but you just saw a wrestling match here tonight." Benoit gives Regal a hand getting up and the crowd chants Regal's name. Benoit tells Regal he's been away for awhile, but all the boys and the fans missed him and it is great to have Regal back. The crowd chants Regal's name. Benoit and Regal leave together. This was the best wrestling match of the year BY FAR. Nothing anyone has done anywhere this year can touch this match. It was Regal's return to form, and it was a very special moment with a crowd reacting in a way rarely seen today anywhere. An amazing match on an amazing night, yet there is still more to come.

Shane Douglas' music began to play and the "Franchise" made his way to the ring in street clothes. Douglas said he would have been at Pillman '99 but Les Thatcher told him that there was someone who was booked on the show last year that didn't want Shane there. Shane rips on the person he says has held him back in the sport, and came to WCW on a mission of a shoot, a clear mission to take that "jackass Dick Flair" and run him out of WCW. Douglas says he is more efficient than he thought, because he beat Flair once and Flair was gone. He says he beat the man, and that makes the "Franchise" the man. Douglas says that there are some "old jackasses" who won't give the younger wrestlers what is rightfully theirs. He says Hulk Hogan always talks about how Andre the Giant passed the torch to him, but he won't do the same. The crowd chants "Hogan sucks." He says that if they won't pass the torch, then it will be taken by force. He rips on the Millionaire's Club. Douglas says that everyone says Diamond Dallas Page is the hardest working man in wrestling and Shane disagrees. He says that the one thing he will agree on is that DDP had the hottest looking b*tch in wrestling. Page's music hits and he comes out drinking a beer. Shane and Page begin brawling in the ring, and Shane is beating him down. DDP hits the Diamond Cutter out of nowhere, counts his own pinfall, and leaves the "Franchise" laying. When Shane finally gets up, he says, "God bless you Brian. That was for you buddy."

Next up is the ECW World Heavyweight championship match! Raven made his way to the ring first, followed by the ECW World Heavyweight champion, Justin Credible. There was no ring music and sadly, no Francine. The crowd chanted "ECW" as the guys came out. The crowd was on Credible immediately, chanting "Just an @ssh*le." Credible says he comes all the way here out of the kindness of his heart for a good cause for a real wrestler and a great family, but obviously the fans don't have respect for a true World Heavyweight champion. He tells the fans that they suck, then tells Raven that everyone knows Credible has beaten Raven and taken his girl. Raven says, "That's alright, because I had your Mom." Credible goes to cane him, but Raven ducks under and whips him into the corner. Credible bumps up and over to the floor. Raven drills him with a chair. Justin is busted open above the eye. Raven chokes Justin with the cane, then tosses him to the floor. They brawl to the floor and across the Arena. Raven tosses Credible into a row of chairs. They fight back to the ring, where Raven tosses a chair in the ring. He whips Credible into the ropes, but the champion reverses and hits a drop toe hold into the chair. Raven is now busted as well. Justin is busted open bad, possibly the most blood I've ever seen him lose. They brawl around the ringside area. Justin chokes Raven down with a side chinlock. Justin sets up a table at ringside. Justin locks on a sleeper. Raven hits the "Mr. Wrestling 2" kneelift and uses the snotrag. Justin hits a superkick for a two count. Both guys have been looking good. Raven hits the evenflow DDT for a REALLY close two count. Justin hits a lowblow and rolls up Raven for a near fall. Justin hits the That's Incredible spinning tombstone, but Raven gets his shoulder up. Raven hits the drop toe hold on the chair on Justin for an near fall. Justin goes for That's Incredible again, hits it, and scores the pinfall, retaining the ECW World Heavyweight championship. Solid match. When Raven got up, he got a huge ovation from the crowd.

Before the main event, Les Thatcher talks about how all the performers on the show tonight gave up a free night at home to wrestle and support the Pillman family. The crowd gives them a huge ovation. They introduce Diamond Dallas Page, who comes out with Brian and Brittany Pillman. Page draws the winner for auctions giving away a piece of artwork of Pillman signed by everyone on the show and a specially made Brian Pillman championship belt signed by everyone on the show. Page did a great job entertaining the crowd which was obviously tired after over five hours at the show. They announce that the Brian Pillman Memorial Fund had raised $36,936.00. They presented a supersized check to the Pillman family.

This leads into the main event, as Eddy Guerrero comes out and takes the mic, saying that Mamacita couldn't be here tonight, so he and she decided to have Young watch out for Eddy. Young says that he was told to watch Eddy's back and he can do that because he's bad. Guerrero says he's mad about someone in the WWF using his frog splash, and tells D-Lo Brown to come out. D-Lo's music hits and he comes out with Reds player Danny Graves. Brown tells Guerrero to back up so he can talk about it to the Strikeout King, Dimitri Young. Graves says that he and Brown are going to take out Guerrero and Dimitri. Brown rips on Eddy's frog splash and the fight is on. They go back and forth with Brown mostly in control. They chop each other back and forth. Brown hits a suplex. He follows up with a belly to back suplex. D-Lo hits his trademark legdrop. Eddy superplexes Brown off the top rope. Dean Malenko hits the ring and attacks both men. As he brawls with Eddy, Perry Saturn hits the ring. It ends up with Eddy & D-Lo against Dean & Perry. Eddy takes the mic and says that if they like jumping people from behind, he and Brown have two things in common, the frog splash and heat..as D-Lo has "Brother Heat." D-Lo challenges them to make it a tag team match and we are on!

Perry Saturn asks the crowd if they want to see a tag match and they cheer in anticipation. Saturn says to forget it and he and Malenko walk out. Brown and Guerrero rip on Malenko and Saturn, and they hit the ring. Our new main event is underway! Eddy and Dean start off. Dean shoots Eddy into the air, and then into his corner, where Saturn chokes him with the tag rope. Saturn presses Eddy and drops him into a jackhammer, but Guerrero reverses it into a Mexican armdrag. Saturn locks a chinlock on Eddy, but Guerrero suplexes him and tags in Brown. Brown cleans house on Perry, but is distracted by Malenko, and taken out. The Radicals double team Brown. Malenko pumps Brown's arm and works on an armbar. Eddy pokes him in the eye, which allows the Radicals to switch places while the referee admonishes him. Saturn locks a short arm scissor on Brown, Brown works his way to his feet and throws Saturn off. Perry cuts off Brown and tags Malenko, who hits him with a high running kick to the face. Perry works over Brown's arm and Eddy comes in and dropkicks him. The referee forces him back allowing more double teaming. Brown and Malenko hit a neckbreaker on each other and after recovering, struggle to tag their partners. The hot tag is made and Eddy cleans house on Saturn, hitting a dropkick. He hits a high kick on Malenko. All four brawl and Malenko and Brown are whipped into each other. Brown hits a frog splash on Saturn for the pin. Good finale. Your winners, Eddy Guerrero and D-Lo Brown...Brother Heat?

2001 - The Memphis Championship Wrestling Tag Team Title switches twice in Marmaduke, Arkansas as The Island Boys (Ekmo and Kimo) defeat Russ and Charlie Haas, then the Haas' win the titles back.

2001 - Samir defeats Dash Riproc for the NWA Texas Junior Heavyweight Title in North Richland Hills, Texas, beginning his second reign.

2002 - Steve Corino defeats Danny Doring in a tournament final for the vacant NWA Florida Heavyweight Title in St. Petersburg, Florida.

2002 - WWE Raw ran Winnipeg, Manitoba at the Arena. Colin Morris filed the following live report:

WWE returned to Winnipeg for the third time in just under a year. Once again, we provided another hot crowd, and were rewarded for that show of support with a card that went just under 3 hours.

The shows begins with Whooooooooo, an appearance by Ric Flair. He gets a loud face pop to start the evening. He announces that due to events of this past Monday, there would be a cage match between RVD and Undertaker for the undisputed WWE title. He goes on to say that his objective is to win over the trust of Stone Cold Steve Austin, and after Monday where he was attacked by Eddie Guerrero he has booked the two in the main event tonight in the hopes of "making things right".

The evening festivities begin with......

Crash defeated Jacqueline - Crash tries to taunt Jackie at the beginning, who does not appear the least bit intimidated by one half of a former tag team that used to weigh 800 pounds in total. I could be wrong, but I always thought that was a bit of an exaggeration. Anyway, after a few pie faces and shoves, they exchange chops, with Crash taking the brunt of the beatings. In the end, Crash pinned Jackie with his feet on the ropes while the ref wasn't looking. Decent opener, but I was disappointed that Flair didn't come down and order the match to continue due to the illegality of the pin. I'm sure if it were for any kind of title he would have. Yeah, sure. Nothing like starting off the recap with a bit of sarcasm! Oh well, next match!!

Hardcore Title - Steven Richards defeated Raven who defeated Tommy Dreamer who defeated Steven Richards. My brain hurts. A few good spots in the first match, Richards versus Dreamer. At one point, Richards dropped Dreamer onto a chair. Normally we see this as a face plant into the seat of the chair set up in the ring, but this time, the face plant was right into the top edge of the back of the chair, as it was facing in the opposite direction. Make sense? Good. Funny moment when both were outside the ring and Dreamer grabbed a fan's beer at ringside and chugged it back. He then did the Tajiri mist spit right in Richards' face, and then the rest of it up in air a la HHH. Crowd got a kick out of that. Ending came with the Steviekick and pin to Raven, who DDT'd Dreamer, who pinned Richards. Got it? Did I mention my brain hurts? Oh, and to top that off, on a side note, before the event started, a group of fans were hanging out outside the arena to see the stars as they came in. Richards and Dreamer, along with Crash Holly, arrived in the same car. Oh, my brain hur....never mind.

Next, we have William Regal defeating Spike Dudley. Short match, with Spike doing most of the bumps like usual. I was paying attention to Regal's work during this one, and he told a story right from the beginning, working on Spike's head right from the bell. The ending made perfect sense then, Power of the Punch to the head. Did I mention that the brass knuckles somehow made their way onto Regal's fist? There you go, 1, 2, 3 Regal's your winner.

Brock Lesnar defeated Bubba Ray Dudley. Bubba got in some offense and managed to take the big guy down a few times. It wasn't a squash like Lesnar has on TV all the time, but a pretty good contest. Bubba did the Dusty dance routine. Not sure if the ending is any indication of future storylines, but William Regal came down and interfered, allowing for the Brockbuster and pin for Lesnar.

Big Slow (that's not a typo) defeated Bradshaw. I guess the push is over huh? X-Pac accompanies BS (those initials were never more appropriate) to ringside wearing Kane mask. He sticks his nose into the action after about 10 minutes of my life I'll never get back, and business picks up a bit as he suffers a bit of a beatdown at the hands of Bradshaw. Boot to the face, clothesline from hell, all in plain sight of the ref. Bradshaw then turns right into a chokeslam and pin.

INTERMISSION to set up the cage!!!

Undertaker defeated RVD in a steel cage match. RVD did pretty much all his signature moves and was mounting a lot of offense in this one. The end came when Undertaker caught RVD trying to escape over the cage at the corner, managed to get him turned around, and gave him the last ride from the top rope down to the canvas. On another note, it's been reported that Undertaker is working through a sore hip. If I can editorialize for a moment, this guy deserves a lot of credit for being the leader that he's been and working through these types of injuries. He did a spot tonight were he was climbing over the cage, only to be caught, dragged down to the top rope, and beaten a bit more so that he was hanging upside down from the top rope against the cage. When the match was over, RVD left first, and Undertaker was in no hurry to leave. He sat on the ring steps for a few moments to the applause of the crowd. Winnipeg fans have always been appreciative of efforts such as this, and I think Undertaker knew it. Sure, sometimes he's in stinkers, but it takes two to tango and he sure didn't need to do the things he did tonight at a non-televised event. Give the guy a break.

The preceding comments were mine alone and are not necessarily the opinions of anyone important.

INTERMISSION to take down the cage!!!!!

Planet Stasiak and D'Lo Brown defeated Goldust and Justin Credible. The highlight of this one was at the beginning when Stasiak was looking skyward (in an arena with a roof, what an idiot!!), and Goldust did the same then smacked his face. D'Lo looks in pretty good shape, hopefully he gets a chance again sometime soon. Hmmmm, maybe they'll bring back the Nation of Domination?? Sorry, I'm rambling again. Another 10 minutes of my life down the drain.

Trish defeated Molly Holly. These ladies both worked very hard. I was distracted by how good they both look but that's another subject. Trish won when Molly was attempting a backdrop. Trish used the ropes to sling herself back and turned it around right into the bulldog for the pin.

Booker T defeated Matt Hardy. Good back and forth match with the typical spots from both participants. Big pop for the Spinarooni. Booker won clean without any sign of fellow NWO members. By the way, his entrance now incorporates his old "can you dig it sucka" mixed with the NWO entrance music. I really hope this stint is a swerve, Booker is proving he can be the next big thing. He's very entertaining and has what it takes. Putting him with X Pac and Big Slow won't help him.

Main event time!! Stone Cold Steve Austin defeated Eddie Guerrero. This was the best match of the night, both guys busted their asses and put on a show for the crowd. SCSA has a new way of fingering the ref. It's not as direct, but rather it involves the fingers doing a bit of a dance routine before settling on the middle digit firming point up in the ref's face, pretty funny to see. This one had a pretty exciting finish beginning with the ref bump. God, Hebner is the senior official and gets laid out more than anyone in the history of Sports Entertainment, what is up with that? Marty Milner never had that problem!! But, I digress. While Hebner's lying on the mat taking a nap, Flair comes down to the ring and pretends that he is going to stop the match since the ref is down. He then slugs Austin and puts him in the figure four. The ref begins to stir, so Flair releases it, exits the ring, and then shakes the ref more just as Eddie is going for the frog splash. Austin rolls out of the way, then puts Guerrero in the figure four!! Flair is not real pleased so he comes in the ring and kicks at Austin. Austin gets up and they start to slug it out. Flair pulls out a move from his back of tricks, the Greco Roman eye gouge, to gain a bit of an upper hand. SCSA comes back and Flair ends up taking the face bump. He then stunners Flair just as the ref has finished his miraculous recovery, and he and Guerrero exchange a few more chops before finally Austin hits the stunner again for the pin.

After the pin, Flair comes back and wants to fight more, ripping off his shirt. He gets stunnered again and stumbles his way back to the dressing room. Austin consumes several beverages, four corner salute then leaves to a very loud ovation. He comes back for a curtain call if you will, giving the crowd, the heart to raised fist salute. Everyone goes home happy.

As mentioned, this show went almost right on 3 hours. No return date was announced, however we do know that we will not see another show this year. The local promoters are hoping that with the continued and vocal support that Winnipeg provides to WWE, a TV or PPV event will be brought here at some future point.

As for pops and heat, well there was a mixed bag. I got the sense a lot of the heels were getting face pops and vice versa. Here's how I heard it:

Pops:

Austin - as I mentioned last time WWE(F) was here in October, he's the man, best in the business today.
Booker T - I believe this is his first time here. Spinarooni did it for the crowd.
Flair - first promo of the night, he tried to get heel heat, but when it wasn't coming, he didn't pursue it.
Trish - just for being Trish.
RVD - first time here also, fans appreciate his work. Undertaker - yes, he did get a face pop, despite working RVD. I won't editorialize again!!

Heat:

William Regal - he can milk the crowd also.
Flair - interference in main event drew his heat back. He is an icon. Whoooooooooooo!!!!
Matt Hardy - got boos in the match with Booker T. Also got the squeals from the pre-pubescent girls, but when Booker got some face pops, Matt got some heat.
Xpac - because he sucks perhaps??

2002 - WWE Smackdown ran Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, with the following matches taking place:
-Sho Funaki pinned Christian with a reversal of a roll up.
-Test pinned Maven with the boot to the face.
-Billy Kidman, Hugh Morrus, & Mark Henry defeated Rev. D-Von, Deacon Batista, & Albert after Kidman hit the Shooting Star Press.
-WWE Cruiserweight Champion the Hurricane defeated Tajiri and Chavo Guerrero Jr. after the champion hit the chokeslam.
-Lance Storm pinned Hardcore Holly with the superkick in a Canada vs. USA match.
-Billy Gunn & Chuck Palumbo defeated Val Venis & Randy Orton.
-Torrie Wilson defeated Ivory and Stacy Keibler in a swimsuit contest.
-Chris Jericho defeated Edge.
-Triple H pinned Kurt Angle with the Pedigree.

2003 - The final World Wrestling All-Stars event, a pay-per-view in Auckland, New Zealand, is held. The show was headlined by a "Title Unification" match which saw NWA champion Jeff Jarrett defeat WWA champion Sting after Rick Steiner interfered, hitting Sting with a guitar as he had Jarrett trapped in the Scorpion Deathlock.

The best match on the show was said to be a Four Corners match which saw NWA TNA X-Division champion Chris Sabin defeat Johnny Swinger, WWA Cruiserweight champion Jerry Lynn, and Frankie Kazarian to win the Cruiserweight belt and retain the X-Division championship. One report called this the best WWA match to date.

Bret Hart gave a speech before the live crowd, noting the anniversary of his brother Owen Hart's death had just passed, and noted other recent deaths in the industry. The complete transcript of the speech:

"It took me a long time to get here, thank you very much. Where do I start? I promised myself that I would not come out here and sing any sad songs. I just want to say a few words and try not to take too long here, get too long-winded. It's taken me such a long time to get down here to New Zealand. It's a beautiful country. You have to forgive me a little bit, it's been a little while since I've been in front of a camera. It's not easy to come out here for me. It's something that I've wanted to do. And, I appreciate the fact that the WWA gave me the chance to come out here, and in a lot of ways, address fans all around the world. You know, last year, when I had suffered my stroke, the last thing in my mind was coming down here to see anybody. When Andrew McManus called me a few months ago, I was happy to know that I'd recovered enough that I thought I could come down here and do this. This is the first time I've really ever come out in public to talk to anyone. It reminds me of a conversation I had about a year ago; about a month before I had a stroke. I was talking to a guy that was the head of WWE in Canada. He was talking to me about having seen me on a WWA show, that my stock was at an all-time low (fans clearly yell out bull sh*t). And I got news for him, cause I don't have stock anymore in wrestling. I'm happily, or was anyway, happily retired. You know, yesterday was the four-year anniversary of the death of my brother Owen. And I know my brother Owen would be very proud to see me sitting here right now talking to you people. It's been a tough year in wrestling, lost some good friends. Lost the British Bulldog this past year. Also lost 'Mr. Perfect' Curt Hennig. And, we recently lost Miss Elizabeth. I just want to say that they're all really decent people, and we're going to miss them. I like to think of myself, sitting here today, that I'm a survivor. I've survived a hell of a lot. Life is short and death is long. When I was in the hospital and when I had my stroke, I got emails from all over the world. I got them from fans here in New Zealand. I got them from people in places like Iraq and Russia and Philippines. I like to think that for me I was a world champion, not just a champion. The Hitman was not just some wrestling character created in a board room by marketers or writers. I'm happy to tell you that I'm a real person. When I thought about coming out here I was worried about what I was going to wear or how I was going to look. And, I don't give a shit about any of that. I'm just glad to be here. Anyway, I'm going to make room for the main event, and I just want to let you all know that I appreciate all your prayers. And, I don't want you to ever stop worrying about me or thinking about me. Thank you very much, New Zealand!"

Other results from the PPV:
*Rick Steiner pinned Mark Mercedes
*Teo defeated Puppet and Meatball in a Three-Way Hardcore match.
*Devon Storm pinned Konnan in a Hardcore Match.
*Sabu pinned Joe E. Legend and then brawled with Shane Douglas. Douglas did a promo earlier in the show.

2003 - Rory Fox wins his fourth HWA Cruiserweight Title, defeating J.T. Stahr and T.J. Dalton in Cincinnati, Ohio.

2003 - WWE Raw ran New Orleans, LA at the Lakefront Arena, featuring the following results:
-Val Venis, Goldust, & Lance Cade defeated Lance Storm, Steven Richards, & Mark Jindtrak when Val pinned Richards.
-WWE Women's Champion Jazz defeated Trish Stratus, Molly Holly, and Victoria in an elimination match; Molly was eliminated; Trish eliminated Victoria; Jazz defeated Trish via submission with the STF after Victoria distracted the referee as Trish grabbed hold of the ring ropes - Jazz pulled her into the middle of the ring and got the win.
-Rodney Mack & Christopher Nowinski defeated Maven & Spike Dudley when Mack defeated Spike via submission with the Black Out.
-The Dudley Boyz defeated Rosey & Jamal in a tables match.
-WWE Intercontinental champion Christian pinned the Hurricane by holding onto the ropes for leverage.
-Scott Steiner defeated Rico.
-WWE Raw Tag Team Champions Rob Van Dam & Kane defeated Sylvian Grenier & Rene Dupree following the chokeslam / Five Star Frog Splash combo.
-World Heavyweight Champion Triple H defeated Kevin Nash via reverse decision; the challenger had originally won the title - despite interference from Ric Flair - but referee Earl Hebner, who had been knocked out by Nash earlier in the bout and did not count the pinfall, overruled the decision.