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Prime Time Wrestling – 01/10/85 @ Toronto, Ontario - Maple Leaf Gardens Commentators – Vince McMahon and Pat Patterson A graphic comes up on the screen hyping tonight’s Main Event between challenger Rowdy Roddy Piper and Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana. The Commentary team welcome us to proceedings as The Hillbillies make their way to the ring. The Hillbillies (Hillbilly Jim, Uncle Elmer and Cousin Junior) pinned The Moondogs (Spot and Rex) and Steve Lombardi after Junior pinned Lombardi after Elmer delivered the leg drop to him. (4.43) Interview with The Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana as tonight he defends his good friend’s honour The Junkyard Dog. Adrian Adonis submission over SD Jones with the Sleeper Hold. (4.32) The days of a leather jacket clad Adonis are truly behind us as Adonis becomes more and more feminine in his actions and moves in the ring. A quick video promo advertising the “Bunkhouse Brawl” on Prime Time that will take place between Blackjack Mulligan and Terry Funk. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat pinned Mr Fuji after a high cross body from the top rope. The issues between Steamboat and Don “King” Muraco are still raging on as Steamboat finishes off his manager and former multiple tag team champion. After the match Muraco runs down the ring with a chair and begins attacking Steamboat with it, as we go to commercial. No sign of Snuka at all again. (3.32) A promo for Saturday Night Main Event 2 is played. It will take place on the 21/12/85. The Junkyard Dog pinned Rusty Brookes after a head BUTT. (3.45) Dog is still very much one of the most over faces on the roster currently. Interview with The Hart Foundation. They will apparently have a rematch with The Killer Bees on Tuesday night. They say the last time they lost was a fluke and it won’t happen again. “The Prince Of Tonga” Haku pinned Rene Goulet after a crescent kick to the face. (5.32) In the main event Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana and Rowdy Roddy Piper went to a double countout. (14.21) A non-finish was always on the cards in this match as the WWF would not want either of it’s superstars to lose here. After the match The Junkyard Dog ran out to get a piece of Rowdy Roddy Piper.

Wrestling Challenge – 28/09/85 @ Elizabeth, NJ - Dunn Sports Arena Commentators Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura. We kick off proceedings with the big ring return of one Andre The Giant. Andre The Giant pinned Nikolai Volkoff (with “Classie” Freddie Blassie) after a body slam and simply placing one foot on his opponant (4.32) The fans are loving the fact that Andre is back in action. The commentators run through the stacked card tonight as they speculate as to whether “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka will be tagging with Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat . Also in action will be King Kong Bundy and “Macho Man” Randy Savage and in the Main Event The Hillbillies (Jim and Uncle Elmer) will meet The Heenan Family (The Missing Link and Big John Studd) Blackjack Mulligan pinned Dave Barbie after a stiff lariat. No nonsense from the big texan. (2.43) Pre-tapped promo from The Dream Team with their manager Johnny Valliant. Beefcake speaks up and demands there is an internal investigation in the WWF as to why he keeps getting screwed out of Championship belts, just like the World Title he was screwed out of the tag team titles. Valentine adds that how come a championship match only gets fifteen minutes when a meaningless match between two inferior teams The Hart Foundation and The Killer Bees get to go over? Valliant says it a huge conspiracy, but at the end of the day it doesn’t matter as they will sooner or later be the next tag team champions. “Macho Man” Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) pinned Mr Wrestling II after a flying elbow drop from the top rope. (7.32) Savage continues to climb to the top of the food chain by moving onto to low midcarders instead of your standard jobbers. “Triple Crown” Pedro Morales submission over Les Thornton with the boston crab (4.24) Very surprised that the bookers have not put Morales in the ring with any true competion since his return from injury. Morales is very much in the mid card these days and has not been given an angle since his return. The commentators big up Prime Time’s Main Event that will see Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana against Rowdy Roddy Piper. Speaking of Piper….. Pipers Pit was up next. Before Piper welcomed his guest he talked down the threat Tito Santana will cause him on Tuesday night and that he will be the new Intercontinental Champion. Piper’s Guest was Terry Funk – who accepted the challenge for a Bunkhouse Brawl with BlackJack Mulligan. King Kong Bundy (with Jimmy Hart) pinned Jose Luis Rivera after the Avalanche. (2.43) Another impressive squash by Bundy. I think now that his Japanese commitments are out of the way the WWF will be more committed in pushing Bundy up the card with victories over more established talent. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat and “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka pinned Gino Carabello & Mr. X. (3.56). Steamboat started the match on his own until the closing stages of the match when Snuka came from the back tagged himself in without Steamboat realising and finishing of X with the Superfly splash for the three count. Snuka then gets back out of the ring without even making eye contact with Steamboat as Ricky looks on confused at what just took place. “The Prince Of Tonga” Haku pinned Moondog Spot after a crescent kick to the face. (4.45) This Haku looks like one tough SOB. Main Event time as Bobby Heenan leads The Heenan Family to the ring. The Heenan Family (Big John Studd and The Missing Link)(with Bobby Heenan) submission over The Hillbillies (Hillbilly Jim and Uncle Elmer)(with Cousin Junior). Jim submitted to Studd’s bearhug. The Hillbillies had another member of the family in their corner for this match – Cousin Junior.The stable of The Hillbillies appears to have grown. (5.32)

Where's Umaga been?

Prime Time Wrestling – 24/09/85 @ Chicago, IL - Rosemont Horizon Commentators Vince McMahon and Pat Patterson. The commentators hype up tonight’s show saying that Andre The Giant will be a guest on Piper’s Pit and that Big John Studd will take on “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. The show kicks off though with a wrestling clinic in tag team wrestling as The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair and “Jumping” Jim Brunzell) pinned The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart) (with Jimmy Hart). The Killer Bees hand The Foundation their first lose as a team, as The Bees and The Dream Team are now the only teams to not yet taste defeat. Neidhart was pinned cleanly by Blair after being hit with the double dropkick. (18.22) Piper’s Pit was up next with Andre The Giant who got a monstrous pop when he came out for his interview. Andre states that the 8th wonder of the world is back to restore order to the World Wrestling Federation and he makes his return to the ring on Saturday night. Terry Funk submission over Paul Roma with the spinning toe hold. (3.43). Funk began to put the boots to Roma after the match but yet again Blackjack Mulligan ran in for the save – and again Terry Funk got out of the ring and out of harms way before the big Texan could get his hands on him. A vignette for World Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan plays. David Sammartino pinned Les Thornton after a backbreaker. (4.32). Two wins on the trot for David now – however he is still not getting any kind of crowd recognition at the moment – maybe the proposed heel turn could help him? Still no sign of his father Bruno either, which is not helping his crowd reaction either. Interview in the back by Mene Gene Okerlund with Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat. Steamboat says he has a tag match signed for this weekend. He says he will fight it either on his own or he has an open invitation for Jimmy Snuka to join him as his partner. We then head back to the commentators who speculate if Snuka will indeed be in his corner, as the former partners have not been speaking since King Of The Ring. Big John Studd (with Bobby Heenan) pinned “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka after a big splash. (8.32) Rather surprised the bookers choose to have Snuka loose cleanly here. However Big John Studd is currently the number one contender to the WWF Title so it does help him look strong. Studd gets on the mic after the match and says that the days of Hulkamania are coming to a close. Corporal Kirchner pinned AJ Petruzzi after a samoan drop.(4.21). Kirchner is proof that the WWF are willing to give preliminary guys a push if they show good professionalism and talent. The main event this week saw another member of The Heenan Family in action. Before the match got under way - we see clips of “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff pinning fellow Heenan Family member – Big John Studd from a couple of weeks ago. As we return to the ring the commentators put it over as Orndorff’s biggest victory of his career. “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff pinned The Missing Link (with Bobby Heenan) after hitting the pile driver on him. Another impressive and important victory for Orndorff. He once again defeats a member of The Heenan Family. The WWF are really pushing Orndorff at the moment with the two feuds he is involved in with The Heenan Family and the more long term Bob Orton. He would appear to be the third most popular face at the moment just behind Hogan and Andre The Giant. (6.56)

Indeed I mean niggling And basically as Redclaw said it does mean persistent and annoying. Just to touch on the Rock N Roll Wrestling issue. There is no arguing that it was this that catapulted the WWF into the stratosphere media wise, however in this "alternate" universe I'm happy to concentrate on a more wrestling, dare I say sports orientate programme. Mr T and Lauper were both present at my Wrestlemania, but not any where near involved angle wise as they were in the real 1985. Mr T will certainly be back for Wrestlemania 2 and really the only reason Lauper was not involved more from the start is that I choose to pull the plug on the woman's division altogether as I simply don't know enough about this era when it comes to women’s wrestling. I appreciate the comments and I’m sure some will like some of my booking ideas – others will be pulling their hair out in frustration. Thanks guys.

WWF News The WWF has announced it’s second ever Saturday Night’s Main Event Special that will air for free on TV for the 21/12/85. One match has already been confirmed which will see The Junkyard Dog meet Rowdy Roddy Piper in a Dog Collar Match. The match should see the culmination of the feud between these two superstars. Also rumoured matches and feuds to maybe end will be “Cowboy” Bob Orton against “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat against Don “King” Muraco. These last two matches have not been confirmed. Another PPV event is expected to be run around November time, the current name of the event to be is The Wrestling Classic. The format of the show is expected to be a tournament – very much like the King Of The Ring Special that aired some months ago. No more information is available at this time. It would appear that the WWF are going to push ahead with the rumoured “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka heel turn. The obvious feud will be against Steamboat who is turning into be one of the most popular superstars on the roster with management and fans alike. Snuka’s heel turn is a way of rejuvenating his career as he has very much been in limbo, since the WWF chose to push Steamboat as a singles star and break up the tag team they had together. Also a heel Snuka would pad out the top heel section as the top face section is currently blocked by the likes of Hogan, Santana, Junkyard Dog, Orndorff and the returning Andre The Giant. Speaking of Andre The Giant he is now back on the road full time doing house shows after the WWF decided to give him a few months off to rest up some niggily injuries. The talk at the moment is for Andre to eventually begin a feud with King Kong Bundy, also who has just returned full time to the federation. The WWF see a lot of money to be made in the two giants squaring off against one another. One heel turn that appears to have been aborted is David Sammartino’s. The WWF teased a heel turn last month after Sammartino lost a match to current Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana, and then refused to shake the champions hand. Due to lack of crowd reaction to David over the course of the year, management thought a repackaged “cocky” heel going against the will of his father (Bruno) who was and still is a well loved and respected member of the federation could have helped David ignite his career. However due to a falling out between Bruno and the WWF management over the lack of a push for his son this has caused tension between both parties so much so that Bruno and the WWF have decided to have a short break from each other. The WWF have tried to ease the situation by putting David back on TV and don’t be surprised to see him get a few wins under his belt. Jesse “The Body” Ventura is expected to officially stop competing in the ring by the end of the year. Ventura hopes that by the beginning of next year he will be able to come off the active roster (he still occasionally fights at House Shows) to put all his time and energy as a broadcaster for WWF.

Wrestling Challenge – 21/09/85 @ San Diego, CA - Sports Arena Commentators Gorilla Monsson and Jesse “The Body” Ventura. “Cowboy” Bob Orton and “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff fought to a no contest. After the bell rung the referee tried to pull apart the warring superstars only to be caught by a flailing arm – an arm that belong to Orton, the same arm in fact that has knocked The Killer Bees, Ricky Steamboat and Paul Orndorff out cold. The poor referee was no different. Orndorff went to check on him however Orton pulled him back into a brawl as both men brawled to the back. This feud looks like it still has legs in it. (9.51). Promo from The Dream Team with Johnny Valliant. Valliant says that you are looking at the next tag team champions. The commentators hype tonight’s main event which will see The Dream Team get their shot at the tag team gold as they meet the champions The US Express. Next up saw the debut of a new wrestler as Haku “The Prince Of Tonga” pinned Gino Carabello after a crescent kick to the face. (2.54) A commanding debut from the native from Tonga. Monsoon puts him over as “possibly, pound for pound the toughest man currently in the WWF”. An impressive future could well lie ahead for him. Promo for Saturday’s Night Main Event 2 – taking place on 21/12/85. Tag Team action was next as Tony Atlas and George Welles pinned The Moondogs (Rex and Spot) after Welles pinned Rex after a running should tackle. (7.32) Mid card tag match, in order to give both teams a competitive match that either team could really win. Both teams are very much at the lower end of the tag ranks with the Federation more interested in pushing new teams such as The Dream Team, The Hart Foundation, The Killer Bees and The British Bulldogs. Piper’s Pit segment was next as Rowdy Roddy Piper’s guest was the Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana. Santata talks of his disgust he has for Piper, for the way he has been treating his good friend The Junkyard Dog and hopes that at the second Saturday’s Night Main Event that Junkyard destroys him in their dog collar match. The segment ends up with the two superstars brawling. “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka pinned “Iron” Mike Sharpe with a superfly splash. (3.12) Snuka was in a serious mood during the match, he even didn’t acknowledge the fans before or after the match. David Sammartino pinned Alexis Smirnoff after a backbreaker. David’s father Bruno Sammartino was not in his son’s corner as he usually is. (The commentators made no mention of Bruno at all during the match). Whilst calling the match Patterson adds that this is the first time we have seen David since he lost to Tito Santana a month ago and refused to shake his hand. Sammartino was successful in his return match – (4.54) Before the main event ring announcer Howard Finkel announces that due to time constraints the main event will have a 15 minute time limit. This immediately brings out Johnny Valliant who is furious with the decision. The Commentators say that the decision must have come from the top and the president of the WWF Jack Tunney. Tag Team Champions The US Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo) Time Limit Draw with The Dream Team (Greg “The Hammer” Valentine and Brutus Beefcake) (with Johnny Valliant) [/i](15.00). This was always going to happen as soon as the announcement before the match was made. Looks as if this rivalry is also far from over……The heels are furious.

Prime Time Wrestling – 17/09/85 @ Montreal, Quebec – Forum Commentators Vince McMahon and Pat Patterson. “Triple Crown” Pedro Morales submission over Dave Barbie with the boston crab. (3.32). Nothing to see here, same old Morales squash. We then head to Piper’s Pit, whose guest is Jimmy Hart and King Kong Bundy. They play up the devastation that Bundy caused whilst touring Japan and also that he is the new Giant of the WWF. Adrian Adonis pinned Ivan Putski after a roll up and a handful of tights. (8.43) It would appear that Adonis is in a midst of a push of some sorts, after floundering around the mid card when his partner Dick Murdoch left the company. It should be noted that Adonis does appear to be putting some pounds on recently. The Commentators have a huge announcement regarding Saturday’s Night Main Event 2. The second of this type of special attraction will take place on the 21/12/85, and one match has already been signed and it is quite a special one as in a “Dog Collar Match” we will see Rowdy Roddy Piper meet The Junkyard Dog. The commentators put over how much these two superstars hate each other, and the rules of a Dog Collar Match – that both competitors will be chained together at the neck with a 8 foot chain separating them. “Macho Man” Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) pinned Rick “Quickdraw” McGraw after a flying elbow drop from the top rope. (9.16) A good competitive match between these two, however there was only ever going to be one winner and that was the undefeated Savage. Again Patterson waxed lyrical about what the future holds for Macho Man and that it will not surprise him if he won gold by the end of the year. Patterson and McMahon discuss two huge matches that will take place on Wrestling Challenge on Saturday, as “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and “Cowboy” Bob Orton will go one on one (both will also be in action tonight) The fact that Orton bloodied Orndorff with his cast a few weeks ago is brought up, also the tag team championship will be on the line as The Dream Team challenge the champions The US Express. The Iron Sheik (with “Classie” Freddie Blassie) submission over Mr Wrestling II with the camel clutch. (4.31) Rare singles action for the former WWF World Champion. “Cowboy” Bob Orton pinned “Leaping” Lanny Poffo (3.42) Quebec continues to get fed the squashes as another heel goes over tonight. Orton pins after the superplex. Corporal Kirchner pinned Steve Lombardi after a samoan drop. (4.32). Ouch….Quebec don’t even get a special attraction match in the main event as the last match is also a squash – Paul “Mr Wonderful” Orndorff pinned AJ Petruzzi after a piledriver. (2.36). Orndorff with an emphatic victory, as he is celebrating, “Cowboy” Bob Orton, The Missing Link and The Moondogs all run down the aisle and start putting the boots to Orndorff. Bobby Heenan is out there too as he has a bag of money with him. The commentators put over that the money must be the bounty money that Heenan put on Orndorff head’s. All of a sudden the crowd start to go berserk as none other than ANDRE THE GIANT comes out from the back. Heenan looks petrified and is slapped down to the floor by Andre. Patterson was saying before Andre hit Heenan that he had come back to collect on the bounty – however this was not the case. Andre got in the ring and threw Orton out over the top rope. He clothes lined Link out and over the top rope and then delivered a double choke slam to The Moondogs. Andre just cleaned house. The show ends with Andre helping Orndorff to his feet, as the crowd are glad to see their hero Andre The Giant back in the promotion after his break.

Wrestling Challenge – 14/09/85 @ New Haven, CT - Coliseum Commentary Team of Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura welcome us to your weekend fix of Wrestling Challenge. And we start off the evening with the self proclaimed “best tag team in the world today” The Dream Team. The Dream Team (Greg “The Hammer” Valentine and Brutus Beefcake) (with Johnny Valliant) submission over Tony Atlas and George Welles after Atlas submitted to Beefcakes sleeper hold. (7.34). After the match the music of Tag Team Champions The US Express played over the PA system. The crowed went wild for the current champions. Barry Windham gets on the microphone and makes it definite that the two teams will be facing each other real soon. Mike Rotundo says the ink is still wet on the contract they have just signed to face The Dream Team NEXT WEEK on Wrestling Challenge for the tag team titles. The King Kong Bundy promo airs again – he returns TONIGHT!!! Terry Funk submission over Jose Luis Rivera with the spinning toe hold. As with the ending of most Funk matches he again proceeds to motion over to ring announcer Mel Phillips in a bid to intimidate him. This brings out Blackjack Mulligan. Mulligan has a microphone in his hands and tells Funk that he has warned him time and time again to pick on people his own size. As Funk has ignored his threats and as Mulligan is a man of his word he challenges him in a few weeks time to a “Bunkhouse Brawl” (a no holds barred match). Funk accepts, he follows up the acceptance by slapping Mel Phillips round the back of the head. Mulligan gives chase to Funk as the two disappear into the crowd. (3.34) Interview conducted by Mene Gene Okerlund. Like on last weeks edition of Wrestling Challenge – Okerlund tries to get answers from Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat with regards to the status of him and his partner “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. Steamboat says that Okerlund knows as much as himself. Steamboat has apparently been calling Snuka all week, however his calls have not been returned. As the interview comes to a close Blackjack Mulligan and Terry Funk brawl into the interview area, as Okerlund calls for security and calls for commercial. Uncle Elmer (with Hillbilly Jim) pinned Rene Goulet after a leg drop. (4.32) Next up was the return of King Kong Bundy. King Kong Bundy [/b](with Jimmy Hart) pinned Paul Roma after an avalanche. (3.21) The commentators talk about the rampage that Bundy has been on over in Japan and the amount of victories he has to his name across the Pacific. Reminder that Big John Studd and Bobby Heenan will be guests on Piper’s Pit tonight. The Moondogs (Spot and Rex) pinned “Iron” Mike Sharpe and “Leaping” Lanny Poffo after Spot then Rex each delivered a splash to Poffo for the pinfall. (4.43) The Moondogs get a rare victory these days. Piper’s Pit was up next as Rowdy Roddy Piper introduces “the next Heavyweight Champion of the World” Big John Studd with his manager Bobby Heenan. Heenan does the majority of the talking and begins to say that the only reason he signed up with the WWF was to rid it of the disease that is Hulkamania. He also says that Hogan’s buddies need to keep their nose out of The Heenan Family’s business. Piper questions Heenan as to who he could possibly mean. Heenan responds with the answer “Mr Wonderful“ Paul Orndorff, not only has he continually stuck his nose in his affairs but he also embarrassed Big John Studd by pinning him in what was nothing but a fluke. In order to make sure that Orndorff never sticks his nose into business that does not concern him again – Heenan issues a bounty on Mr Wonderful’s head. Heenan promises to pay whomever takes out Orndorff a whopping $25,000. The segment finishes with Piper joking that poor Mr Wonderful better have eyes in the back of his head. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat D/Q over “Cowboy” Bob Orton, after Orton came off the second rope with a cast to the head of Steamboat. (15.32) Orton has laid out another superstar unconscious with his bloody cast. (The blood that belongs to Paul “Mr Wonderful” Orndorff).

Prime Time Wrestling – 10/09/85 @ Los Angeles, CA - Sports Arena The commentary team of Vince McMahon and Pat Patterson welcome us to another week of Prime Time as a match graphic comes onto the screen. The match graphic screen in question is there to promote the tag match between The British Bulldogs and The Hart Foundation which will take place tonight. The commentators say that it is near enough impossible to pick a winner between these two teams, as they go over their past meetings which have achieved no winners and also the fact that the teams have not actually been defeated at all in the federation to this date. We also learn that the proposed US Express / Hart Foundation meeting has been postponed as The Harts wanted to prove their superiority over The Bulldogs first and foremost. We head to the ring as jobber Terry Gibbs stands in the ring as some military music begins to play over the PA. Out comes the debuting Corporal Kirchner, who has an USA flag that he is proudly waving to and fro. Corporal Kirchner pinned Terry Gibbs after a samoan drop. (3.21) Interesting side note here is that Kirchner (the repackaged R.T Reynolds) was also used as enhancement talent on the house show circuit up until a few months ago – funny to see him completely dominate Gibbs here. McMahon is impressed with the debutant, who after the match begins to swing his American flag in the air. Interview in the back by Mene Gene Okerlund. He is with Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat. Okerlund talks up the match tonight between himself and “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and Don “The King” Muraco and his manager Mr Fuji. Steamboat says that he can’t wait to get his hands on Fuji and Muraco. Okerlund questions whether or not Snuka will actually show for the match as there has been rumours going around that the two are not on speaking terms since the King Of The Ring. Steamboat says that is all they are rumours and him and his good friend Jimmy Snuka will be standing victorious tonight. “Triple Crown” Pedro Morales submission over “Iron” Mike Sharpe with the boston crab. (4.32) Morales really seems to be lost in the shuffle at the moment as the Federation is more intent on pushing fresher, younger talent – such as Steamboat, Orndorff and Savage. Although Morales has been undefeated since his return to the ring he has not been really tested – only going up against talent that you would hardly consider tough, a point brought up by Patterson. A vignette is then played for King Kong Bundy. The vignette is portrayed as an old advert for a monster movie in the 1950’s. It is in black and white as a huge Bundy walks through what appears to be Tokyo (Bundy obviously being ten times bigger than the city he walks through) Hundreds of screaming Japanese scream and run for their lives. . A text appears on the screen - "Returning on Saturday, from his Japanese Rampage…..King Kong Bundy” The vignette comes across as a cross between Godzilla / King Kong and the Ghostbusters scene with the Stay Puff Marshmellow man. The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart) (with Jimmy Hart) pinned The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and The Dynamite Kid) after Bret Hart hit Dynamite with Jimmy Hart’s megaphone as the referee’s back was turned. This allowed Bret to get the pinfall and victory for his team over The Bulldogs. (14.08) Patterson takes pleasure in pointing out that this is The Bulldogs first defeat in the federation. Back from the commercial break and we already have the next two competitors in the ring for their match. The Missing Link (with Bobby Heenan) D/Q over George “The Animal” Steele (with Captain Lou Albano). Steele was disqualified after ripping off one of the turnbuckles and repeatedly ramming Link’s head into the exposed steel. (5.21). The commentators plug Wrestling Challenge for this weekend, which will see the return of King Kong Bundy and also Bobby Heenan and Big John Studd will be guests on Piper’s Pit. Main Event time as the crowd boos as Don “King” Muraco and Mr Fuji make their way to the ring. Next out is Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat……but no Jimmy Snuka. The match starts with Steamboat being blindsided by Muraco. The match continues for a good seven minutes until after some time….”Superfly” Jimmy Snuka decides to make an appearance. He takes position on the apron in Steamboat’s corner. After yet more punishment from the heels, Steamboat manages to make the hot tag to Snuka. Snuka is in their like a house of fire. As he clotheslines Muraco over the top rope. Snuka tags Steamboat back in and then decides he has done his bit and leaves again to the back. Although Steamboat looks confused he still has enough time to hit a cross body from the top rope onto Mr Fuji for the three count. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat and “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka pinned Don “King” Muraco and Mr Fuji. (10.15) The show finishes with Steamboat still looking bemused as the commentators speculate as to what Snuka’s motive was to help Steamboat but yet again abandon him?

Wrestling Challenge – 07/09/85 @ Orlando, FL - Orange County Civic Center Commentary team of Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura welcome us to proceedings and hype tonight’s HUGE main event as Big John Studd (with Bobby Heenan and “Cowboy” Bob Orton in his corner) will go one on one with “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff (with WWF Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan in his). This weeks show kicks off with tag team action as The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair and “Jumping” Jim Brunzell) pinned Alexis Smirnoff and Rene Goulet. The Bees push up the tag ranks continues to show no sign of stopping as they continue to plough through the lower mid carders. Ventura is surprised how on fire the team is tonight considering the attack they suffered at the hands of “Cowboy” Bob Orton on Tuesday night. (A clip of this is shown whilst the match was in progress). The Bees again wore masks so the referee could not tell who was who. Blair pinned Goulet after a dropkick from the second rope. (5.55) Rick “Quickdraw” McGraw pinned Les Thornton after a flying body press. Good match here between two “under achievers” as Monsoon points out on the commentary. McGraw gets the win here. (4.43) Interview in the back with Bobby Heenan and Big John Studd. They warn Hulk Hogan not to get involved tonight. “Macho Man” Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) pinned Salvatore Bellomo after a flying elbow from the top rope. (4.56) Another match. Another victory for the Macho Man. A clip is shown from Tuesday night of the altercation between tag team champions The US Express and The Dream Team. Speaking of tag teams, tag action was up next as in a quick squash, Tony Atlas and George Welles pinned Gino Carabello & Barry O after Welles pinned O following a running shoulder block. (3.07) The team of Welles and Atlas has really been pushed to one side what with the emergence of The Hart Foundation, The British Bulldogs and The Dream Team to name a few – however they looked in good form here as they pick up the quick victory. Preview for Prime Time on Tuesday as The Hart Foundation and The British Bulldogs will face again in a match also Corporal Kirchner will make his debut. The main event will see Don “King” Muraco and Mr Fuji take on Ricky Steamboat and “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. “Triple Crown” Pedro Morales submission over Keith Diamond following the Boston Crab. (4.21) The commentators spent most of the match discussing Prime Time’s main event of Don “King” Muraco and Mr Fuji take on Ricky Steamboat and Jimmy Snuka and whether or not Snuka will actually be Steamboat’s partner, after the supposed falling out between the two. Back from the commercial break and it is Main Event time. In what the commentators put over as a massive upset. “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff (with WWF Champ Hulk Hogan) pinned Big John Studd (with Bobby Heenan and “Cowboy” Bob Orton). Surprise surprise this match ended up with interference as Orton tried to clout Orndorff with his cast, however Hogan pulled Orton off the apron and began laying into him with fists and boots. Back in the ring Studd want to splash Orndorff who was in one of the corners of the ring, however Orndorff moved as Studd collided into the corner winding him. Orndorff was able to roll up Studd, due to the momentum of the impact for the shock victory. (14.34) The crowd went wild as Hulk Hogan got in the ring with Orndorff to congratulate him. However a pissed off Studd rose to his feet and delivered a double clothesline to both Hogan and Orndorff. Studd then delivered an elbow drop to each and also a side slam each as he has layed Orndorff and the WWF Champ Hogan out. The show ends with Studd holding the WWF Heavyweight Title above his head, as the crowd boo. Is this going to be a sign of things to come? Will Big John Studd be the next WWF Champion?

Prime Time Wrestling – 03/09/85 @ Lake Placid, NY - Olympic Center Commentators – Vince McMahon and Pat Patterson The Foriegn Leigon (The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff) (with “Classie” Freddie Blassie) kick off the show as they defeat via submission Keith and Al Diamond. Sheik and Volkoff have somewhat been falling down the tag ranks recently what with the emergence of talent such as The Hart Foundation, The British Bulldogs and The Killer Bees. This match was used to get them a victory. Al Diamond submitted to Volkoff’s bearhug. (3.15) Volkoff sings the Russian National Anthem…however we cut that short for the following - Vignette for Corporal Kirchner. He will make his debut next week. Pipers Pit was up next as Rowdy Roddy Piper introduces us to a man who he will be cheering for later this very evening Don “King” Muraco and Mr Fuji. They first proceed to promote tonight’s Main Event between Muraco and Junkyard Dog, and engage in diminishing the fan favourite. The interview then strays onto Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat who Muraco says is attempting to play where the big boys play. “What is it they say – you play with fire, you get burned.” Back from commercial and The Killer Bees are already in the ring, however only one of them will be in action this evening. The crowd begins to boo as “Cowboy” Bob Orton starts to make his way down the aisle. He starts mouthing off to the camera and pointing to his cast as we can still see what appears to be dry blood on the cast. The commentators bring up that the blood must be that of Paul Orndorff’s. B. Brian Blair (with "Jumping" Jim Brunzell) D/Q over “Cowboy” Bob Orton. The infamous cast strikes again as Orton blatantly knocks Blair out stone cold with the covering on his arm as the commentators again speculate that the cast must be loaded with something. Brunzell runs in to check on his partner – however he is knocked out too with the cast. Orton leaves the ring with both Killer Bees comatose, he seems pretty happy with himself as he points to his cast – and then to his head, pointing out how clever he is. McMahon is disgusted with his actions and calls for him to be suspended. (6.34) Backstage Mene Gene Okerlund tries to get an interview with “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. Okerlund asks him why he hasn’t been out to support his partner Ricky Steamboat since King Of The Ring. Snuka ignores the question and storms past him. The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart) (with Jimmy Hart) pinned Rick “Quickdraw” McGraw and Swede Hanson. Hart pins McGraw after the Hart Attack. (5.43) Surprisingly completive match between these two teams as The Harts are obviously the team in the midst of a push as Swede and McGraw are very much in the “enhancement” talent category. A victory for the Harts who head onto Prime Time with their eyes on the tag team gold. We then head to the commentary table as the main event for Wrestling Challenge is announced as Heenan Family member Big John Studd will meet “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff. However the big news is that in Studd’s corner will be “Cowboy” Bob Orton and in Orndorff’s will be none other than World Wrestling Federation Champion Hulk Hogan. The Missing Link (with Bobby Heenan) pinned Tony Garea. You can always count on Garea to do the job. Heenan actually joined commentary during the match saying his client had this match in the bag. The commentators really didn’t pay much attention towards the match instead choosing to focus on the big main event this Saturday. Heenan says that Orndorff should never have stuck his nose in The Heenan Families business, and because of that he will pay the price. Link finished off Garea with the diving headbutt from the second rope. (3.24) Non Title match up next as Tag Team Champions The US Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo) pinned Dave Barbie and “Iron” Mike Sharpe . Windham pinned Barbie after a bulldog. After the match Johnny Valliant came out with his team The Dream Team. Valliant calls The US Express a bunch of cowards for not yet facing “the best tag team in the world today.” The US Express take offence to that comment and a brawl breaks out between the two teams and to the back. (3.32) Before the main event we get comments from The Junkyard Dog, who is being interviewed by Lord Alfred Hayes. Junkyard says that he has never been more humiliated in his life as to when Piper smothered him in dog food. He says that he will make Piper pay for his actions. The Junkyard Dog D/Q over Don “King” Muraco (with Mr Fuji) when Rowdy Roddy Piper ran down to get a piece of Junkyard. Piper and Muraco double teamed Dog until Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat ran out for the save. Piper, Muraco and Fuji all jaw with the faces as they retreat to the back as the fans show there support for both Dog and Steamboat. (10.51)

Wrestling Challenge – 31/08/1985 @ Miami, FL - Knight Centre We are shown clips at the beginning of the show that shows the beat down that The Junkyard Dog and “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff suffered at the end of Tuesday’s night show. Commentators Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura welcome us to this weeks show as “Macho Man” Randy Savage makes his way down the aisle with Miss Elizabeth leading the way for her man. “Macho Man” Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) pinned Mr Wrestling II after the flying elbow smash from the top rope. Another match another victory for Savage. Mr Wrestling was defeated in convincing fashion here and it would appear he is being slowly jobbed out of the federation at this point of his career. (5.11) Savage made Miss Elizabeth open the ring ropes for him as he both entered and left the ring. We then head to the back where we hear from Mean Gene Okerlund. He proceeds to promote the tag team division and say that it is at it’s strongest as it ever has been. He then sends us to a pre-recorded event that took place a few days ago and a match between The Hart Foundation and The British Bulldogs. The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart) (Jimmy Hart) DRAW with The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and The Dynamite Kid) (Full mate went 20 minutes, the highlights of this match was trimmed to 10). Another great match between these two teams, as again there was nothing to choose between the two. Eventually one of these teams will hold a victory over one another, however at this time it is difficult to see who would come out on top. We head back to the commentary team as Monsoon says that for him the Bulldogs edge it for him as Dynamite Kid holds a victory over Bret Hart. Terry Funk submission over George Welles with the spinning toe hold. Funk with another impressive victory as he continues his climb up the WWF ladder. (4.45) Funk continues stomping on Welles, he then goes to the outside and pushed Mel Phillips (the ring announcer) to one side, he then gets on the microphone and starts to berate Blackjack Mulligan for the amount of times he has stuck his nose in his business. He warns him not to do it again any time soon. The Killer Bees (Jim Brunzell and B. Brian Blair) pinned The Moondogs (Rex and Spot) . The Bees biggest victory to date as they move from squashing jobbers to beating low mid carders. Blair pinned Rex after a drop kick from the second rope. The Bees wore matching masks (black with three round lines going round the mask starting at the top the middle and bottom) during the match, so the referee could not tell who was who during the match. Many times the Bees would not tag out and swap places with their partner, whilst the ref would try to control the opponent on the apron. The crowd seemed to get into it even though it was rather heelish tactics. (5.21) Interview with Adrian Adonis. He says tonight he will become the greatest looking Intercontinental Champion the world has ever seen as he will beat Tito Santana in tonight’s Main Event. Before the next match we see still of the attack that occurred at King Of The Ring. As Don “King” Muraco and Mr Fuji hung and choked out Ricky Steamboat. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat D/Q over Mr Fuji when Don “King” Muraco ran in to cause the bell to ring. Steamboat again was delivered a beating as Fuji and Muraco again targeted the eyes and throat area that was left venerable after Sunday’s attack. Muraco is receiving good heat at the moment. The commentators again question why there has been no sign of Steamboat’s partner or friend Jimmy Snuka. (4.22) A promo airs for next weeks addition of Prime Time as Don “King” Murao will go one on one with The Junkyard Dog, also in action will be The Hart Foundation and Tag Team Champion The US Express. Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana Double Count out with Adrian Adonis. Neither man was able to get the pinfall or submission over each other, as Monsoon points out that maybe if this match occurred a few months ago Adonis would surely have lost it. Ventura adds to that by saying that since Adonis has changed his look by dying his hair ect, it appears to have given him a new lease of life. Santana proving once again that he will take on all comers to the title and is the true meaning of a “fighting” champion as he has defended the title five times in the last month – against top competion such as Don Muraco, Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart and Brutus Beefcake. (8.03)

Prime Time Wrestling – 27/08/85 @ Detroit, MI - Joe Louis Arena Commentators Vince McMahon and Pat Patterson welcome us to the show and say that tonight in the main event will be four men that truly hate each other as The Junkyard Dog and “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff will meet Rowdy Roddy Piper and “Cowboy” Bob Orton. Speaking of tag team matches…….. The Dream Team (Greg “The Hammer” Valentine and Brutus Beefcake) (with Johnny Valliant) submission over The Hillbillies (Hillbilly Jim and Uncle Elmer). Before the match began we see clips over the previous weeks of The Hillbillies scouting The Dream Team, however it did not bear any fruit tonight as Jim had no choice but to submit to the figure four leg lock applied by Valentine. (9.43) The Team motion around their waists after the match that they are coming for the Tag Team Titles. Next up clips are shown of the final of The King of The Ring where Don “King” Muraco was crowned. We see the heinous attack that followed Muraco’s win as he and his manager the devious Mr Fuji strangled and dragged Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat across the ring. The commentators say amazingly no major injury was caused and Ricky Steamboat has challenged Mr Fuji to a match on Wrestling Challenge – this Saturday. “Triple Crown” Pedro Morales submission over Rene Goulet after the boston crab. (3.43). Another straight forward victory for Morales as he continues to battle the under card since his return from injury. Interview in the back by Lord Alfred Hayes with Rowdy Roddy Piper and “Cowboy” Bob Orton. They say that tonight’s the night that something special happens as they drive Junkyard Dog and Paul Orndorff out of the WWF. Competitive match up next as Tag Team Champions The US Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo) and George “The Animal” Steele (with Captain Lou Albano) pinned The Foriegn Leigon (The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff) (with “Classie” Freddie Blassie) and The Spoiler after Steele pinned Volkoff after delivering the flying hammerlock. (11.21). Commentators bring up the history between Steele and Sheik / Volkoff and how the heel team turned on him a couple of months ago. Before the main event we are taken to a pre-recorded message from The Junkyard Dog and “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff. They say that things have got personal over the last few months between themselves and their opponents and that tonight it will end once and for all. Rowdy Roddy Piper and “Cowboy” Bob Orton pinned The Junkyard Dog and Paul “Mr Wonderful” Orndorff after Orndorff is knocked unconscious with Orton’s arm cast. Orton covers his former partner for the three count. (10.36) The beat down however continues after the match as Orton continues to batter Orndorff over the head with his cast. Orndorff begins to bleed all over the ring and all over Orton’s cast as McMahon speculates that there most be something loaded in Orton’s cast to cause so much damage. As the mugging of Orndorff continues in the ring Piper leads Junkyard after him after the two had been brawling on the floor at the conclusion of the match. Orton knocks Junkyard out stone cold as well. Piper gets back out of the ring, goes underneath it and comes back with a tin and a bowl. He procedes to open the can and empty some of the contents into the bowel. Patterson tells us that it is dog food. Piper takes Junkyard’s face and shoves it in the bowel. Piper and Orton have come out on top here as both faces are unconscious, one covered in his own blood, the other in dog food. What humiliation.

WWF News The office appears to be very happy with the overall direction of The King Of The Ring special. Vince McMahon (the owner and head booker of the WWE) is said to be sold on the idea of reviving this tournament every year. Right up until a few days before the tournament Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat was scheduled to win the tournament, however many an official thought that it could be too much too soon for Steamboat and fans may start to resent the big push that Steamboat had been receiving since his debut in the federation. (Steamboat up until King Of The Ring had not been pinned in a WWF ring). In the end the idea was to go with Don Muraco as the victor, in order to keep him as a high level heel, but at the same time get Steamboat over as the sympathetic babyface that refuses to give in. This is a clear indication of the WWF being serious of pushing Ricky Steamboat as a true contender in the federation and his programme with Don Muraco is expected to continue well into the fall. Also of note would be the apparent seeds being planted of a possible “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka heel turn, as he was know where in sight to save his partner from the post match beating. With Steamboat getting the singles push the Snuka/Steamboat tag team will look to be fazed out over time, which will leave Snuka pretty directionless. In order to revive a flagging 1985 (Snuka has not had a significant run since his series of matches with Muraco at the beginning of the year, climaxing at Wrestle Mania with their epic) many think a heel turn will work wonders. We will see. Hulk Hogan was said to have been annoyed his World Title defence was not the “main event” at KOTR and feels the World Title match should always headline the show. Vince McMahon felt that on this particular occasion this was not the case and wanted to establish the tournament as the main spectacle of the evening with the three title matches on the under card. Hogan’s match was a “piece of the jigsaw puzzle” that is the main angle that will involve Big John Studd and Bobby Heenan’s vision of destroying Hulkamania. These two have been wrestling up and down the country recently and their feud is expected to come to a head also in the fall. One thing McMahon was very apologetic about was the insistence that the match between Hogan and Link was “cut short” on the show due to time constraints. Originally meant to go near the ten minute mark the match came off looking like an extended squash for the Champion which many are now thinking could be detrimental to The Missing Link’s career in the Federation. Still Hogan came away from the match looking like an unstoppable champion. McMahon is still over the moon with Randy Savage’s work rate since debuting in the WWF. Many thought his mega push from the start would push many a persons nose in the wrong direction, this does not seem to be the case in Savage’s case as his work in the ring and on the microphone are (excuse the pun) doing all the talking. Savage’s push has continued in recent weeks being paired with a beautiful valet Miss Elizabeth (his real life wife) and has also donned the moniker “Macho Man”. Many are still of the opinion that he could very well be the next Intercontinental Champion by the end of the year. Vignettes for a soon to be debuting wrestler have been shown recently…that of Corporal Kirchner. Kirchner (real name Michael Kirchner) is the former enhancement talent of R.T Reynolds. The WWF have been keen to portray an all American military gimmick for some time, since the huge success enjoyed by Sgt Slaughter run last year. Reynolds has said to have impressed officials recently at House Shows and so opted to place him with the gimmick. An expected feud with The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff are expected to be in his future. The talent recruitment drive is not expected to stop and more and more wrestlers will have debuted by the years end, with current members of the roster being let go as Vince tries his utmost to breathe new life into the Wrestling industry. King Kong Bundy’s Japan commitments should be over by September, at which time he will begin a full schedule with the WWF. Expect a massive push on his return. Also soon to be returning from injury is the “eighth wonder of the world” Andre The Giant, who has been given time off in order to heel his aching knees.

Loving the new Dirt Sheet - where they mock a kid for having Batista as their favourite Wrestler....they then procede to tell him Mr Fuji is their favorite - and then throw salt in his eyes - hilarious :-)

25/08/85 @ Boston, MA - Boston Garden A three man commentary team welcome us to this special two hour event. The team consist of Vince McMahon, Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura. McMahon puts the night over as not only will we see a huge eight man tournament including the best wrestling athletes in the world today to crown the first King Of The Ring but also we will see all three major championships on the line. Monsoon adds that the eight superstars competing tonight only found out this morning who they would be facing, so have not had time to prepare for their opponents. He adds the winner will show a great feat of stamina as he will have to wrestle three matches. Ventura finishes that all the matches will be 15 minute time limits and if after those 15 minutes there is no winner BOTH men will be out of the tournament, meaning the person they were meant to face in the next round would get a bye. Monsoon then finishes that not only can enemies face each other in this tournament but also good friends also may be forced to face each other in order to be crowned the first King Of The Ring. We then cut to a crown that will be presented to the winner of the tournament. “Another One Bites The Dust” starts to play over the PA system. The crowd go wild as The Junkyard Dog makes his way to the ring. King Of The Ring Round One: In the first match of the evening and the tournament Don Muraco (with Mr Fuji) pinned The Junkyard Dog with a reverse pile driver after Rowdy Roddy Piper appeared from under the ring to hit Dog square between the eyes with what appeared to be a dog chain. Muraco is through to the next round. (7.43) Next match will see the winner face Muraco in the next round. This was an all out war between two enemies. “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and “Cowboy” Bob Orton tussled to a stale mate as the time limit exceeded. They didn’t seem to mind though as they continued their brawl to the back ignoring the final decision from the ring announcer. This will mean that Don Muraco will get a bye right to the final. Ventura swiftly names him as his new favourite for the tournament as he will be so much more fresher than his opponents. (15.00) We are then shown clips of last nights beat down that Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat sustained at the hands of Don Muraco and Mr Fuji. McMahon puts over that Steamboat was blinded by Mr Fuji as he threw salt into his eyes. We then see backstage footage also from last night which showed medics rinsing his eyes to try and rid of all the salt. Before the next match Monsoon adds that Steamboat is at a disadvantage in this tournament as although he has regained his sight from last night, his eyes are extremely sore. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat pinned Adrian Adonis after a high cross body. Adonis actually controlled most of this match, grounding the highflying “Dragon” with rakes to the eyes and rest holds. However Steamboat manage to make the comeback and finished Adonis off for the three count after a high cross body.(8.32) Big John Studd (with Bobby Heenan) pinned Hillbilly Jim after delivering a back breaker. The most one sided match in the tournament so far. Studd looked very dominant in this one as Ventura says it will definitely be a Studd / Muraco final as there is no way that Steamboat will beat him in the next round. (4.32) Interview conducted by Mene Gene Okerlund with the two time tag team champions The US Express. Okerlund say that they are probably the most marked team in the history of the World Wrestling Federation. Rotundo says that The US Express wouldn’t have it any other way, they love the competition and they will enjoy beating The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff tonight. Windham finishes by saying after they are done with those scumbags they will await with anticipation the challenges of all the other teams in the federation…..including The Dream Team. Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana pinned Brutus Beefcake (with Greg “The Hammer” Valentine and Johnny Valliant). Valentine was sent to the back after hooking Santana’s leg only a couple of minutes into the match. After Valentine was ejected from ringside the champion regained control of the match. Santana finished the match with his flying forearm. (7.57) King Of The Ring Semi Final. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat D/Q Over Big John Studd (with Bobby Heenan). Studd manhandled a weak Steamboat throughout the match as again the heel grounded Steamboat with rest holds. However after Steamboat somehow kicked out of an elbow drop, Studd completely lost his temper and began choking out a pretty winded Steamboat. After the referee counted to five and still the illegal choke was not released he had no choice but to call of the disqualification. Studd is not a happy man and continues the assault until “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka runs out for the save. (5.53). Snuka helps his partner to the back as he can hardly walk. Ventura says you may as well name Don Muraco your first King of The Ring as there is no way Steamboat will be out here later on. Tag Team Action next as Tag Team Champions The US Express (Mike Rotundo and Barry Windham) pinned The Foriegn Leigon (The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff) (with Classie Freddie Blassie) after Rotundo pinned Volkoff after an airplane spin. (10.32) This was billed as a Wrestlemania rematch. Next up was the match for the World Heavyweight Championship as World Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan pinned The Missing Link (with Bobby Heenan) after a big boot to the face and running leg drop. The surprise of this match was just how much Hogan dominated over the recently impressive Link. (5.56) After the match Big John Studd was again in the ring to cause some carnage as Studd and Hogan started to whack ten barrels of you know what out of each other. The crowd was far more into this altercation than the previous match. King Of The Ring Final. Don Muraco and his manager Mr Fuji came out and got on the microphone. Muraco declared himself the new “King” of the WWF and for someone to come out and hand him his crown and pronounce him king. We then cut to the back as we see “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka begging Rick Steamboat to not go out and wrestle, however Steamboat refuses to give in and physically pushes Snuka out of the way and makes his way down the aisle as Fuji and Muraco laugh hysterically at him. Muraco finishes on the mic by saying that Steamboat must have a death wish. The match begins and Monsoon and McMahon praise Steamboat’s courage. Ventura adds that it is stubbornness on the part of Steamboat and he is going to end up getting hurt out there. Ventura also adds that that is why his friend and partner Jimmy Snuka was trying to stop him partake in the match as he knows more than anyone what a wrestling machine Muraco is. The crowd was very sympathetic to Steamboat's cause to win the tournament getting fully behind him every time he made a minor comeback, however it was not to be. Don Muraco pinned Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat after delivering the overhead pile driver. Muraco is the first ever King Of The Ring. (17.23) Steamboat was in there for over fifteen with Muraco and was dished out some serious punishment. However the pounding did not end there as Mr Fuji went under the ring and handed Muraco a rope. Muraco tied the rope around Steamboat’s throat and dragged him across the ring like a dead weight as the crowd voiced their displeasure. After about 30 seconds of this Muraco stopped to receive his crown. The show ends with Muraco and Mr Fuji standing victorious as Ventura starts to stir by saying where was Steamboats partner in this (Jimmy Snuka) when he was getting the hell beaten out of him?? Tito Santana and The Junkyard Dog rundown after the beating and help Steamboat to the back as he gets a standing ovation from the crowd for his effort. Show Ends

Was thinking if anyone could recommend some good WWE DVDs like the documentaries they do - Really loved The Four Horseman, Jake The Sanke, ECW, WCCW and Monday Night Wars. Thanks

Prime Time Wrestling – 20/08/85 @ Pittsburgh, PA - Civic Arena Commentators Vince McMahon and Pat Patterson. The team welcome us to the show and hype tomorrow night’s special The King Of The Ring, and that in tonight’s main attraction two competitors of that tournament will be going head to head as Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat will meet Don Muraco. Patterson adds that these two have created quite a rivalry in the past few months with neither man taken a strong lead over the other. We kick things off though with a massive six man tag match. Tag Team Champions The US Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo) and The Junkyard Dog pinned Rowdy Roddy Piper, “Cowboy” Bob Orton and Adrian Adonis. At about the 12 minute mark “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff ran down to the ring to brawl with his former partner and nemesis Orton, both men brawl to the back which leaves the match a 3 on 2 affair. The faces use this to their advantage as Windham pins Adonis after a bulldog. (14.33) Interview conducted by Mene Gene Okerlund. Don Muraco along with his manager Mr Fuji say that the next 48 hours are going to be all about Muraco. Not only will he decimate Ricky Steamboat tonight, eliminating him from tomorrow’s tournament he will also win The King Of The Ring tournament. “Macho Man” Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) pinned Swede Hanson after the flying elbow smash from the top rope. Savage is now adopted the moniker of Macho Man and has started to wear a robe covered in glitter with the name Macho Man on the back. Savage made Miss Elizabeth disrobe him before the match and scolded at her to make sure the robe would not touch the floor as it would get dirty. McMahon says he is disgusted with the way Savage treats this beautiful lady. Patterson adds you have to act mean to keep the lady keen. McMahon asks Patterson what does he actually know about women? (3.10) Promo for King of The Ring. This focused more on the actual tournament. The show airs 25/08/85. Ivan Putski pinned Steve Lombardi after the Polish Hammer. (3.54) A new vignette is aired for the soon to debut superstar Corporal Kirchner. Kirchner says he is coming to the WWF to fight the fight for the good of America people and “his people” the US Army. Uncle Elmer (with Hillbilly Jim) pinned The Spoiler after a splash (4.33) Hillbilly Jim was guest commentating during the match – hyping his involvement in tomorrow night’s King Of The Ring tournament and also his and his Uncle’s match with The Dream Team in the next week or so. Interview with The Dream Team and Johnny Valliant. Lord Alfred Hayes tries to talk to them about The Hillbillies who they face on Prime Time Wrestling, however Beefcake laughs this off and says he wants to talk about his title match tomorrow with Tito Santana and how he is going to be the next Intercontinental Champion. Valentine then takes that microphone and informs everyone that once they are done with The Hillbillies they will be gunning for the tag team champions. Valliant adds that these two are the best tag team in professional wrestling today and that they demand a match with The US Express. Terry Funk submission over “Leaping” Lanny Poffo with the spinning toe hold. Poffo threw Frisbees to the crowd before the start of the match. After Funk was victorious he went over to a young fan and snatched a Frisbee from him that had been given as a gift from Poffo, he then climbed back in the ring and started to choke Poffo with it – until Blackjack Mulligan ran down for the save. Funk scampered as McMahon again berates Funk’s cowardness. (5.10) A vignette is played regarding the issues between Hulk Hogan and The Heenan Family. Tomorrow at the King Of The Ring Hogan will be facing member The Missing Link. In what turned out to be a quick main event Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat D/Q over Don Muraco (with Mr Fuji). This match didn’t even get that much passed the three minute mark as the devious Mr Fuji entered the ring and threw salt right in the eyes of Steamboat. The referee called for the bell. Steamboat is holding his eyes crawling around the floor unable to see as Muraco and Fuji start to lay the boots to the fallen star. “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka, who has not been as active on the roster recently runs down to save his friend as the heels leave to a chorus of boos from the crowd. (3.08). The show ends as McMahon speculates as how will Steamboat be able to compete tomorrow night in the tournament if he is not able to see? We are told there will be no Wrestling Challenge this week. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Please leave your feedback and predictions for KOTR 85

Wrestling Challenge – 17/08/85 @ Long Island, NY - Nassau Coliseum Commentators Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura welcome us to the show and say tonight is a stacked card that will see Randy Savage giving his decision to Bobby Heenan as to whether he requires his management skills. Ventura fully expects Savage to be the newest member of The Heenan Family by the end of the night. Also The Hillbillies will be guests on Piper’s Pit and the main event will see Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana take on David Sammartino, as Bruno’s son try’s to win his first title in the WWF. First match though was probably a contender for match of the year so far as The Dynamite Kid (of The British Bulldogs) pinned Bret Hart (of The Hart Foundation) (with Jimmy Hart) after delivering the diving head BUTT from the top rope. The commentators marvel at the match, as this is further proof that these two men are currently two of the best pure athletes in the federation right now. (14.38) Match was given plenty of time. Davey Boy Smith comes out after the match to congratulate his partner, as the fans show their appreciation. The British Bulldogs are fast becoming one of the most popular superstars on the roster. Piper’s Pit segment next as Rowdy Roddy Piper introduces us to The Hillbillies – the team of Hillbilly Jim and Uncle Elmer. The segment is basically Piper down talking to the two men as if they wouldn’t understand him otherwise and the tag team promoting their upcoming match with The Dream Team next week and also Hillbilly Jim’s involvement in the King Of The Ring tournament. Throw away tag action next as Blackjack Mulligan and Mr Wrestling II pinned Les Thornton and Mr X when X submitted to the Dreaded Claw belonging to Mulligan. (3.56) Interview with the Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana. Santana say’s he signed the match with David Sammartino out of respect for his father. He says he will take on all comers for the title. Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart (with Jimmy Hart) submission over Salvatore Bellomo with the camel clutch. (4.53) It is pointed out that not only are The Hart Foundation a great tag team but individually they are a match for anyone. It is now the moment that Bobby Heenan has waited for as Randy Savage comes to the ring to give his answer as to whether or not he will become the newest member of The Heenan Family. Savage states that after much deliberation on the proposal he is going to have to turn Heenan down. Heenan is up in arms and gets in Savage’s face. Savage tells him not to do anything that he may regret. Heenan immediately backs down and leaves the ring as the crowd start to cheer for Savage. Savage said that before his next match he would like to introduce everyone to his new manager, “the delicate, tantalizing and alluring……Miss Elizabeth.” The commentators fumble over their words as they are struck a back by Miss Elizabeth’s beauty. Randy Savage (with Miss Elizabeth) pinned Jose Luis Riveria after the flying elbow smash from the top rope. (3.32) Savage get Elizabeth in the ring after the match and makes her part the ring ropes for his departure from the ring. Promo for King of The Ring. This focused more on the actual tournament. The show airs 25/08/85. Monsson asks Ventura who his pick is to win The King Of The Ring tournament. Ventura has to go with the size factor – Big John Studd. Monsoon pick Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat. The Killer Bees (“Jumping” Jim Brunzell and B. Brian Blair) pinned Barry O and Terry Gibbs. Gibbs was pinned after a cross body from Brunzell. (3.43). Another squash for the Bees as they establish themselves in the tag team ranks. Main Event time as Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana submission over David Sammartino (with Bruno Sammartino) with the figure four leg lock. ( 12.32) Bruno got in the ring afterwards and shook his son’s opponent’s hand and said that the best man won the contest. Bruno then turned to his son and asked him to follow suit “show respect to the champion.” Bruno says. David ignored his father’s wishes and left the ring much to the disgust of his dad. Bruno apologizes to Tito. Show ends.

Prime Time Wrestling – 13/08/85 @ Poughkeepsie, NY - Mid-Hudson Civic Center Show kicks off as tag team champions The US Express make their way down the aisle. The commentary team of Vince McMahon and Pat Patterson run down two matches that we will see tonight as “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff will meet Rowdy Roddy Piper in the main event and also George “The Animal” Steele will meet Nikolai Volkoff. Tag Team Champions The US Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo) pinned The Moondogs (Rex and Spot) in a non-title match after Rex was hit with Windham’s bulldog. The commentators remind us that the champs will put those straps on the line against The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff at King Of The Ring, in what is being billed as a Wrestle Mania rematch. (6.23) The Junkyard Dog music promo plays. Interview with “Classie” Freddie Blassie and his team The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff. Blassie say’s they will not loose again to The US Express and will give George “The Dummy” Steele a beating later tonight. Blassie tells Captain Lou Albano to stay out of his business or else he will stick Volkoff’s Russian flag where the sun don’t shine. The Missing Link (with Bobby Heenan) pinned Jack Armstrong after a big boot to the face. (1.34) A total squash to serve as a purpose of putting Link over as a true threat to Hulk Hogan’s title. McMahon tries his best to convince the wrestling world that the man currently standing in the ring victorious could be the next WWF champion. Back from a commercial break and it is another squash as The Dream Team (Greg “The Hammer” Valentine and Brutus Beefcake) (with Johnny Valliant) submission over SD Jones and Jose Luis Rivera after Rivera submitted to Beefcake’s sleeper hold. (3.32) The Hillbillies – Hillbilly Jim and Uncle Elmer were again in the aisle scouting The Dream Team for their upcoming match. McMahon points out that The Hillbillies are not as dumb as some people think they are. Promo for King of The Ring. This focused more on the actual tournament. The show airs 25/08/85. Big John Studd (with Bobby Heenan) pinned George Welles after Studd swatted Wells attempted dropkick and planted a elbow drop into the fallen’s chest area. (5.02) Patterson picks Studd to go on and win The King of Ring next Sunday. A vignette is aired of a new wrestler going by the name of Corporal Kirchner. He is portraying a member of the American Military. Debuting soon. George “The Animal” Steele (with Captain Lou Albano) double count out with Nikolai Volkoff (with Classie Freddie Blassie). This match resulted in neither man getting the victory as Steele left the match to come to the aid of his manager who was blindsided by The Iron Sheik. Volkoff also joined proceedings as they got the better of Steele and Albano – that is until the tag team champions run out for the save. The US Express help Steele and their former mentor Albano to their feet and help them to the back. (3.42) Main Event time up next and it is a big one. Rowdy Roddy Piper and “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff also went to a double count out as each superstar kicked and punched each other on the outside of the ring. The commentators say that the reason neither man has been able to get the victory is because they know each other so well from the time that Piper managed Orndorff when they first entered the WWF. Show ends as both wrestlers continue to brawl with officials from the back coming in to try and break it up. (10.04)

Wrestling Challenge – 10/08/85 @ Sacramento, CA - Arco Arena Show kicks off with Randy Savage making his way down the aisle as Commentators Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura say that tonight’s main event will see a rematch from a few months ago that will see The Hart Foundation take on The British Bulldogs. Randy Savage gets on the mic as his opponent for the evening George Welles waits patiently in the ring. Savage calls Bobby Heenan down to the ring. Heenan comes out on his own and gets in the ring with Savage. Randy proceeds to turn down Jimmy Hart, Johnny Valliant and “Classie” Freddie Blassies’ offers of management and says that he is still considering Heenan’s offer. Heenan says there is a place available for Savage in The Heenan Family as Ken Patera has had his contract ripped up and is no longer part of WWF. Heenan promises Savage title matches and so much money he won’t know what to do with it. Savage likes the sound of that and will give him an answer next week. Heenan joins commentary as the first match of the night gets under way. Randy Savage pinned George Welles after a flying elbow smash from the top rope. Another impressive showing from Savage as Heenan boosts on commentary that he sees his future client Savage as the new Jesse Ventura. Ventura retorts to his former manager that there is only one Jesse “The Body” Ventura and always will be. Heenan also gloats that Savage has chosen him above all the other managers in the federation as he gets all the big matches for his clients. At this point Heenan makes the revalation that at the King Of The Ring, The Missing Link will go one on one with Hulk Hogan for the WWF Title. (5.43) Interview by Lord Alfred Hayes with The British Bulldogs. This interview put over the importance of tonight’s main event and the fact that the winner of the match will be closer to a future match with the tag team champions The US Express. Blackjack Mulligan submission over Barry O with the Dreaded Clawhold. Filler squash match. (2.33) The Hart Foundation with Jimmy Hart reply angrily to The British Bulldogs interview earlier. They say that this time there will be no “draw” between the two teams and there will be only one team standing victorious. “Triple Crown” Pedro Morales submission over The Spoiler with the Boston Crab. Spoiler got in quite a bit of offence in this match however it was the veteran that managed to get the win. (6.32). Morales continues to not taste defeat since his return from injury. Promo for The King Of The Ring, which will air a week on Sunday. It is announced that ALL championships will be on the line at this show. Tag Team Champions The US Express will meet The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff, Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana will meet one half of The Dream Team, Brutus Beefcake and also as mentioned by his manager earlier in the broadcast Heenan Family member The Missing Link will challenge Hulk Hogan for the World Heavyweight Title. The eight men who will compete in the actual King of The Ring tournament will be named later in the show. Terry Funk submission over Rick “Quickdraw” McGraw with the spinning toe hold. (5.34). McGraw is very much back to jobbing to the stars after an almost slight push with a few victories back in June. Funk like Savage and like Steamboat have yet to taste a pinfall loss yet. Now the eight men in the King Of The Ring Tournament were revealed as – *"Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff. *“Cowboy” Bob Orton. *The Junkyard Dog. *Don Muraco. *Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat. *Adrian Adonis. *Big John Studd. *Hillbilly Jim. Who would face who would be kept secret until the actual night of the event. As we return to the commentary boot as Adrian Adonis make his entrance, they discuss that all eight men in the tournament are at a disadvantage going into the King Of The Ring tournament, as they have no idea who they are going to face. Ventura says that “a draw” will take place to decide who faces who in the first round of the tournament. Adrian Adonis, sporting his newly died blonde hair and pastel pink wrestling trunks pinned Ivan Putski after a DDT. (7.55) Adonis made hard work of this one as he could have finished Putski early on after a side slam, only to taunt the fans instead, by the time he went for the pinfall, Putski had recovered in time to kick out. Monsoon adds that a victory like this will see Adonis once again climb the WWF rankings as he has been a bit of a lost sheep since he lost the tag team titles. Promo from Rowdy Roddy Piper who promotes his match with “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff that will take place next Tuesday night on Prime Time. Great tag match to finish the show as The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and The Dynamite Kid)Double Countout with The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart) (with Jimmy Hart) as the two teams battled out on the floor. Still neither team has the upper hand between these four men. (13.21) The commentators remind us to tune into Prime Time Wrestling as “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff will meet one on one his former manager Rowdy Roddy Piper. Also in action will be Big John Studd and Tag Team Champions The US Express.

Prime Time Wrestling - 06/08/85 @ Seattle, WA - Kingdome Commentators Vince McMahon and Pat Patterson. Tonight is going to be huge as in that very ring tonight we are going to see “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan (The WWF Champion) and “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff against The Heenan Family (Big John Studd and The Missing Link). But first…. Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat and Don Muraco (with Mr Fuji) went to a double countout. (14.00). This was a hard fought contest against two men that will be part of The King Of The Ring tournament on the 25/08/85. A clip of the match between the two that took place on the 20/07/85 addition of Prime Time is shown as Steamboat was victorious with the D/Q victory. Steamboat is still undefeated in the federation at this point – not being pinned or submitted for his five month tenure in the federation. There was no separating these two after the final decision as they continued to brawl to the back. Promo for The King Of Ring Event. 8- men, 1 ring, 1 winner, 1 king. “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff, Don Muraco, The Junkyard Dog, “Cowboy” Bob Orton and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat are included in the promo. The Dream Team (Greg “The Hammer” Valentine and Brutus Beefcake) (with Johnny Valliant) submission over Mr Wrestling II and Blackjack Mulligan. Mr Wrestling gave up to Valentine’s Figure Four Leg Lock. (4.57) The commentators say that we haven’t seen Mr Wrestling II for a while on TV. The Dream Team’s mega push continues. Expect them to come across The US Express sooner or later, During the match Hilllbilly Jim and Uncle Elmer come out to watch the match from the aisle, as they have a match signed with The Dream Team in a few weeks. Patterson says that Jim and Elmer will be hard pressed to scout any weaknesses in these two men. After the match Hillbilly Jim and Uncle Elmer are interviewed by Mene Gene Okerlund. Jim says they have the utmost respect for The Dream Team and that in three weeks time they will shock the tag team world when they defeat them. Interview with WWF Champion Hulk Hogan and Paul “Mr Wonderful” Orndorff. Hogan says The Heenan Family are a bunch of thugs and come later tonight they will be crying like babies as they feel the force of Hulkamania. Orndorff adds that Bob Orton better keep his nose out of his business tonight otherwise he is going to make Mr Wonderful angry and he wouldn’t like to see when Mr Wonderful is angry. George “The Animal” Steele (with Captain Lou Albano) defeated The Iron Sheik (with Classie Freddie Blassie) with the flying hammerlock. (4.34) Clips are shown from a match that took place back in June that lead to The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff turning on him before the match starts. Main Event saw WWF Champion Hulk Hogan and “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff beat The Heenan Family (Big John Studd and The Missing Link) (with Bobby Heenan). At the culmination of the match Hogan and Studd began brawling on the outside, which left Link and Orndorff in the ring. Link went to whip Orndorff off the ropes, however he countered the move and kicked Link in the midsection and delivered the piledriver for the emphatic three count. (9.21). Orndorff delivers The Missing Link his first pinfall defeat in a WWF ring. Show ends.

The Tag Team wrestling scene in the WWF from I'd say 1986 through to 1993/94 was always healthy. Actually I would go further and say it was thriving. Over the years the WWF put a hell of a lot of time and energy into their tag team division. Demolition, LOD, Hart Foundation, The Bulldogs, Brian Busters, The Rockers.....the list goes on. Being in a tag team, in my eyes wasn't seen as an afterthought. Greg Valentine, a former Intercontinental Champion , was placed in the division with up and comer Brutus Beefcake. Earthquake, who six months earlier was one of the most over heels on the roster was paired up with Tugboat Thomas. Million Dollar Man, main stay on the WWF roster for 6-7 years was placed with IRS. What I am trying to say is that instead of leaving talents floundering in the mid card they put them to good use in the tag team division. The scene then died from 94-98. The title scene became an afterthought. Those teams that were about simply didn't cut the mustard, and generally the fans didn't give a shit about the division. Over in WCW Hall and Nash pretty much laid waste to any duo and Eric Bishoff did not feel the tag division was worth investing in. Then at the back end of 97 a new team rose from the lower mid card. They came from no where, they of course were the New Age Outlaws. The Outlaws were insanely over but the division was still contested with makeshift teams and main eventers just thrown together. The division peaked again in 99-2000 when The Hardies, Edge and Christian, Acolytes, The Dudlies and an undercard of teams like Too Cool, T and A, Bull and Bossman gave the division a renaissance. However, here we are in 2008 and the tag team scene is pretty stagnant again in the WWF. So I have a few questions to start up a discussion 1. Do you think that the WWF will ever seriously push the division again? 2. Do you think we will see another renaissance of the division? 3. Why did the mid 90's suck so much? What teams would you have liked to have seen around this time? 4. Do you think the draft has had a lot to do with killing the tag team scene? 5. Do you think the average fan wants to watch tag team wrestling? Can it still draw? Does it have a place in the modern WWE? 6. Who are your favorite tag teams? Discuss

Totally agree with you on the tag team scene in 1994. It was not until 95 until the shit teams started to prosper. With regards to The Quebecers - I was a huge mark for them back in the day, along with Johnny Polo. Howevre their 98 run did leave a bad taste in the mouth. They were bought in as jobbers and I think it tarnished their "legacy" that they had during the mid nineties. I remember a random Godwins / Quebecers match at one of the 98 cards......think it was No Way Out Of Texas. Very strange pairing as I'm sure both were heels at the time. They killed the crowd. Never saw their WCW run. Were they pushed at all there or were they simply Saturday Night fodder. I really hope the tag scene hots up again. I am really digging Miz and Morrison at the moment.