Old School Wrestling

[JHawk 0]

Welcome to a JHawk original: Old School Wrestling. What you are about to see is a fantasy. The only limitations are the limits of your imagination. In this fantasy promotion, wrestlers from many different eras converge to arenas from many different eras for the ultimate in professional wrestling competition. Want to see Ric Flair vs. Lou Thesz from the Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis? Ricky Steamboat vs. Paul London from the Charlotte Coliseum? Hulk Hogan vs. Bruno Sammartino from Madison Square Garden? What about The Great Muta vs. Rikidozan from the Tokyo Dome? Unlike the claims of some real life wrestling promotions, in Old School Wrestling, anything truly can happen.

 

Here are the basics: For simplicity's sake, I'll be using February 28, 2004 as the formation date of the promotion (just to have something to tie it together...it has no real bearing on anything) and will go from there. The one hour weekly syndicated TV show, Superstar Challenge, will air live on Saturdays in most markets. The roster will have 20 wrestlers to start, and I will limit signings to four wrestlers per week (although it will be less than that more often than not).

 

The two top titles will obviously be the OSW World Heavyweight Title and the OSW World Tag Team Title, with several minor championships to also be decided (names of those to be determined). Large events will eventually be monthly, but not until the promotion has become established.

 

With that in mind, welcome to Old School Wrestling. I'll be posting these one show at a time, and how often they appear depends on real-life time constraints.

 

 

Initial Signings

 

Heels: The Sheik (w/Eddie "The Brain" Creatchman)

Black Gordman

Nikolai Volkoff

Gorgeous George

Afa (w/Capt. Lou Albano)

Sika (w/Capt. Lou Albano)

Bill Irwin

Kurt Von Hess (w/Al Costello)

Buddy Rogers

Killer Kowalski

Matt Hardy

Nunzio

 

Faces: Bobo Brazil

Johnny Valentine

Luis Martinez

Buddy Landell

Ted DiBiase

Mark Lewin

Andre the Giant

Spanky

 

OSW Superstar Challenge (February 28, 2004)

from the Chicago Coliseum in Chicago, IL

 

:00-:01 Gordon Solie introduces us to Old School Wrestling

 

:01-:04 Interview: Johnny Valentine discusses his plans for Old School Wrestling and puts over his opponet for tonight, Killer Kowalski.

 

:04-:18 One fall with a 15 minute time limit: Kurt Von Hess (w/Al Costello) vs. Spanky

 

Spanky keeps Von Hess at bay early on with aerial tactics, getting a couple of early near falls off of a moonsault bodyblock and a flying forearm. A distraction by Al Costello gives Von Hess a chance to attack Spanky from behind, and he brawls with Spanky for several minutes to keep him grounded. Von Hess wears Spanky down with a clawhold, then whips Spanky into the ropes. Spanky counters a side slam attempt with a flying headscissors, then sunset flips an off-balance Von Hess for the win at 10:40. ***1/2

 

:18-:20 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:20-:23 Interview: Mark Lewin and Bobo Brazil discuss the formation of their teams and their intention to be the first OSW Tag Team Champions.

 

:23-:26 One fall with a 15 minute time limit: Killer Kowalski vs. Johnny Valentine

 

Kowalski attacks Valentine before the bell and attempts to beat Valentine down, but Valentine quickly comes back and sends Kowalski flying out of the ring with an incredible uppercut. Kowalski tries to enter the ring...but security grabs him and takes him to the locker room as the bell rings repeatedly. The official word: the Illinois State Athletic Commissioner in attendance has disqualified Kowalski and has sent a replacement opponent to the ring.

 

:26-:29 Johnny Valentine vs. "Wild" Bill Irwin (sub. for Killer Kowalski)

 

Valentine wastes no time disposing of his unprepared opponent, blocking a forearm smash and taking Irwin down with an elbow to the head for the pin in just 40 seconds. 3/4* for the entire segment. Almost immediately, Kowalski is once again making his way to the ring, and again security tries to keep him from reaching the ring as Gordon Solie heads over with a microphone.

 

:29-:32 Interview: Killer Kowalski complains about the decision, claiming that you can't be disqualified when the bell hasn't rung. He then issues a challenge to Valentine for a rematch "anytime, anywhere", then makes one more charge to the ring. Valentine knocks him off the apron with a forearm smash as security rushes into the ring to keep them separated.

 

:32-:34 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:34-:37 Interview: Nikolai Volkoff discusses his match tonight with Luis Martinez and mentions the possibility of a new tag team partner.

 

:37-:51 Two out of Three Falls with TV time remaining: The Wild Samoans (w/Capt. Lou Albano) vs. "The Master of the Coco BUTT" Bobo Brazil and "Maniac" Mark Lewin

 

FIRST FALL: The Samoans keep Brazil isolated for most of the fall, using some solid double teaming and preventing Brazil from making the tag. However, Afa wastes time to taunt the crowd, then runs into Brazil's knife-edge chop. One Coco BUTT later, and Brazil pins Afa for the first fall in 5:13.

 

Between falls, footage is shown of a cameraman running into an unknown location backstage, and we eventually see Nikolai Volkoff and Kurt Von Hess beating down Luis Martinez. Gordon Solie thinks we know who Volkoff's new partner is.

 

SECOND FALL: Afa appears to even up the match with a powerslam in the first 30 seconds, but referee James Callas rules it a two-count. Afa argues, then turns around and walks into a Brazil small package for an even closer near fall. Brazil finally tags Lewin in after avoiding Sika's charge in the corner, and he maintains control until he walks into a chop from Sika. Sika whips Lewin into the corner, but Lewin side steps, then locks a stunned Sika into an abdominal stretch. Sika doesn't tap, but he does pass out while in the hold, giving the Brazil/Lewin team the win in two straight falls at 10:25 total. DUD

 

:51-:53 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:53-1:00 One fall with TV time remaining: Nikolai Volkoff vs. Spanky (sub. for the previously attacked Luis Martinez)

 

Spanky has told the athletic commission that he wants to wrestle in Martinez's place, and they've agreed. And Spanky uses aerial tactics to keep Volkoff off-balance, getting a flying bodypress for 2. Volkoff clotheslines Spanky to gain an advantage and uses his power to his advantage until he misses a kneedrop. A flying forearm by Spanky, and he goes for Sliced Bread #2, but in comes Kurt Von Hess to attack Spanky and give Spanky a DQ victory at 5:27. DUD Volkoff and Von Hess double team Spanky until Luis Martinez, his head wrapped up in a heavy ace bandage, runs in for the save as we run out of TV time.

[Guest ToddRoyal]

I'm surprised no one's responded to this yet. Sounds like a really interesting and unique idea, and I'm interested to see how this plays out. Keep it up.

[Guest JMA]

The concept of a wrestling promotion that takes place in a timeless vaccum is an interesting one. I'll be reading this.

[DCMaximo 0]

Just wondering, how are you getting the match ratings? Do you use something like TNM7 or are you making them up yourself? Just wondering, because you seem to be quite hard on your matches. Enjoying it though, looking forward to the next one.

[JHawk 0]

Just wondering, how are you getting the match ratings? Do you use something like TNM7 or are you making them up yourself? Just wondering, because you seem to be quite hard on your matches. Enjoying it though, looking forward to the next one.

 

I'm using TNM7 to run the matches and determine the rankings, although I am tweaking the logfile to suit my needs and working around matches that run shorter (or longer) than what I'm hoping for.

 

New installment up in a few.

[JHawk 0]

This card is experimental, so don't expect too many shows like this one, but I'm trying to establish the old school concept here, so bear with me for this show.

 

 

March 1, 2004

 

New Signings

 

Heels: Doug Basham (w/Shaniqua)

Danny Basham (w/Shaniqua)

 

Faces: Ultimo Dragon

 

 

OSW Superstar Challenge (March 6, 2004)

from the Chicago Coliseum in Chicago, IL

 

:00-:01 Gordon Solie informs us that our scheduled main event, Killer Kowalski vs. Johnny Valentine, will not take place as Kowalski has been suspended by the Illinois State Athletic Commission for 30 days based on his actions last week. The suspension does not cover any other state, so Kowalski returns to action next week. Gorgeous George will take Kowalski's place tonight.

 

:01-:35 Two out of Three Falls with TV Time Remaining: Gorgeous George (sub. for Killer Kowalski) vs. Johnny Valentine

 

There are three standby matches scheduled if needed.

 

FIRST FALL: In typical Gorgeous George fashion, he stalls for the opening few moments, taking time to primp his hair and taunt the crowd. A fairly even match to start. Valentine gains an early advantage until he goes for George's finisher, the rolling headlock, and George counters it into a backbreaker to take control. Controversy around the 14 minute mark, as George appears to hold a chokehold for the full five count, but referee Bill Benford allows the match to continue. The chokehold becomes George's hold of choice, as he continues to rely on it every time Valentine appears to be making a comeback. Valentine recovers with a clothesline and tries to wear down George's neck, using headscissors and headlocks to maintain control. Valentine makes a mistake and charges in with a football tackle, only to be met by a huge kneelift from Gorgeous George. George covers and uses the ropes for leverage, and Benford catches him at 2, leading George to arguing with Benford for the remainder of the fall. George misses a kneedrop, and Valentine begins to work over George's knees to set up his figure-four. He finally locks it in, but George reaches the ropes. Valentine, thinking he's won the first fall, celebrates, but walks into George's Rolling Headlock for the pin at 31:06.

 

:35-:37 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:37-:45 SECOND FALL: George changes his strategy and actually wrestles Valentine scientifically, hitting a couple of suplexes for a couple of near falls in the opening two minutes of the fall. George tries another Rolling Headlock, but Valentine counters with a backdrop suplex that lands George square on the back of his head. Valentine focuses the rest of his attack on the neck, evening the bout following a piledriver at 39:28.

 

:45-:47 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:47-1:00 THIRD FALL: Valentine immediately goes for another piledriver, but George counters with a backdrop. George spends the remainder of the fall on his bicycle, ducking through the ropes in an attempt to prevent lockups before getting in a single-leg takedown to bring Valentine down. George then focuses his attack on Valentine's neck again, attempting the Rolling Headlock but having it blocked. Valentine gets in a neckbreaker to counter a suplex, then makes one last attempt at a piledriver, but George sits down to prevent Valentine from getting the leverage to connect with it, and the TV time limit runs out after 51:59. ***3/4

 

Gordon Solie briefly mentions that the World Heavyweight Title tournament will begin next week as we go off the air.

 

(Next episode will be later tonight.)

[Guest JMA]

I'd revert Danny Basham back to his Damaja name and persona. I was never a fan of fake relative tag-teams (besides the Dudleys and Andersons).

[JHawk 0]

I'd revert Danny Basham back to his Damaja name and persona. I was never a fan of fake relative tag-teams (besides the Dudleys and Andersons).

 

For the time being at least, I picked them up for the eventual tag team tournament, but I wouldn't rule anything out.

 

Next show in a few.

[JHawk 0]

March 8, 2004

 

Signings

 

Faces: AJ Styles

Mil Mascaras

 

 

March 13, 2004

live from Cobo Arena in Detroit, Michigan

 

:00-:02 Gordon Solie welcomes us to the show and goes through the brackets for the World Heavyweight Title Tournament:

 

Spanky vs. Buddy Rogers

Mark Lewin vs. Bobo Brazil

Killer Kowalski vs. Ultimo Dragon

Bill Irwin vs. AJ Styles

Gorgeous George vs. Mil Mascaras

Nikolai Volkoff vs. Sika

Kurt Von Hess vs. Afa

Johnny Valentine vs. Ted DiBiase

 

:02-:14 World Title Tournament First Round Match scheduled for one fall with a 15 minute time limit: "The Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers vs. Spanky

 

Rogers takes control in the early going, hitting a gutwrench suplex for an early near fall. Spanky soon takes to the air to keep Rogers off his game, hitting a flying bodypress for 2. Rogers eventually targets Spanky's knee and wears it down for the Figure-Four Leglock, but Spanky counters the first attempt with a small package for 2. Rogers continues the leg work and eventually locks in the Figure-Four, but Spanky is too close to the ropes and forces the break. A frustrated Rogers charges and runs right into a forearm smash, and Spanky falls on top for the upset pin at 8:33. **

 

:14-:16 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:16-:25 World Title Tournament First Round Match scheduled for one fall with a 15 minute time limit: "Maniac" Mark Lewin vs. Bobo Brazil

 

These two are tag team partners, and they shake hands before the bell. But partners or not, they're not exactly technical masters, so the match is a brawl. In the opening couple of minutes, The Wild Samoans and Capt. Lou Albano watch the match from the aisleway. Brazil hits his famed Coco BUTT, but Lewin drapes his leg over the bottom rope. Lewin's dazed though, and Brazil gets a flying headscissors in for the pin at 6:03. 1/2* The Samoans immediately attack the wrestlers after the bell and continue the beating until security pull them apart.

 

:25-:27 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:27-:38 World Title Tournament First Round Match scheduled for one fall with a 15 minute time limit: Killer Kowalski vs. Ultimo Dragon

 

Dragon takes the early advantage with a brilliant mix of mat wrestling and aerial tactics, but misses an Asai moonsault and apparently injures his knee. Kowalski is relentless in working over the knee for the remainder of the contest. Dragon makes brief offensive flurries but never completely recovers, and Kowalski hits a kneedrop to the injured knee, then locks in his patented stomach claw (while putting his own knee onto Ultimo's for added leverage) for a submission victory at 7:39. **3/4 Postmatch, Kowalski drapes Ultimo's leg over the bottom rope, then jumps onto it from the top rope, causing Dragon to scream out in pain. As EMTs immediately rush the ring, Kowalski screams for Johnny Valentine.

 

:38-:40 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:40-:42 Interview: As Ultimo Dragon is being helped to the back, Killer Kowalski tells Gordon Solie that what happened to Ultimo is just a taste of what Johnny Valentine can expect when they finally meet in the ring one-on-one.

 

:42-:46 World Title Tournament First Round Match scheduled for one fall with a 15 minute time limit: "Wild" Bill Irwin vs. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles

 

Irwin runs at Styles at the bell and kicks him square in the head for 2. A backbreaker gets another quick two count. Irwin whips Styles in the ropes, ducks his head...and Styles immediately takes him down with a Styles Clash for the pin in just 50 seconds. * That makes the remaining brackets look as follows:

 

Remaining First Round Matches:

Gorgeous George vs. Mil Mascaras

Nikolai Volkoff vs. Sika

Kurt Von Hess vs. Afa

Johnny Valentine vs. Ted DiBiase

 

Quarterfinal Matches:

Spanky vs. Bobo Brazil

Killer Kowalski vs. AJ Styles

 

:46-:48 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:48-1:00 One fall with TV Time Remaining: The Basham Brothers (w/Shaniqua) vs. Johnny Valentine and Ted DiBiase

 

Almost immediately, Killer Kowalski is watching at ringside as DiBiase keeps Danny Basham at bay with some excellent technical wrestling, getting an inside cradle and a sunset flip for a couple of early near falls. The Bashams eventually catch up with DiBiase and begin to work him over, making him the face-in-peril. DiBiase is finally able to break free and make the hot tag to Valentine, and he goes to work on both men. Soon all four men are brawling in the ring until Doug Basham and DiBiase tumble to the outside. Valentine sets Danny up and hits him with his "brain buster" elbow and covers, but Doug runs in and stops referee James Callas' hand from hitting the mat for 3. As Callas argues with Doug, Kowalski climbs to the top rope and drops a knee onto Valentine's neck...just as Callas turns around to see the infraction and call for the DQ at 8:53. *1/2 The heels triple team Valentine until DiBiase runs into the ring with a chair to run them off as we go off the air.

 

I hope to put another show up tomorrow, but it could be as late as Tuesday with my work schedule being what it is.

[JHawk 0]

My goal right now is to get through the World Title tournament no later than Friday night.

 

 

March 15, 2004

 

Signings:

 

Faces: Ron Simmons

Sting

 

OSW Superstar Challenge (March 20, 2004)

live from the Sports Arena in Toledo, Ohio

 

:00:-01 Gordon Solie briefly recaps last week's tournament matches

 

:01-:06 World Title Tournament First Round Match scheduled for one fall with a 15 minute time limit: Gorgeous George vs. Mil Mascaras

 

Mascaras has control in the opening moments with his aerial tactics, but he misses a dropkick, which gives George the opportunity to use brawling tactics to maintain control. George quickly misses a charge into the corner, and Mascaras flies off the top rope with a Flying Bodypress for the pin in just 1:49. 1/2*

 

:06-:08 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:08-:26 World Title Tournament First Round Match scheduled for one fall with a 15 minute time limit: Nikolai Volkoff (w/Al Costello) vs. Sika (w/Capt. Lou Albano)

 

Simply put, this one is a brawl from the very beginning. Sika goes to work on Volkoff's neck early, using short lariats and nerve holds to wear his opponent down. Volkoff comes back and attempts to cut Sika's air out from him with bearhugs and assorted moves geared toward the ribcage. The brawl quickly moves to the arena floor with managers Costello and Albano getting involved. The brawl quickly returns to the ring, and the match turns into an exchange of kicks, punches, and forearms. Volkoff locks in a bearhug, then takes Sika down with a backbreaker and covers. Albano puts Sika's foot on the ropes to save him. The bell rings for the time limit draw just seconds later, but the brawl continues until both men hit the locker room. -*1/2

 

:26-:28 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:28-:42 World Title Tournament First Round Match scheduled for one fall with a 15 minute time limit: Kurt Von Hess (w/Al Costello) vs. Afa (w/Capt. Lou Albano)

 

Just moments after their respective partners have battled to a draw, these two get their chance to do battle. And while largely another brawl, Von Hess does try to use some technical holds to his advantage, as he tries to wear Afa down with several different versions of the headlock. Costello and Albano again try to get involved, distracting referee James Callas as Afa appears to have the match won following a headbutt. Afa maintains control with nerve holds and chops before rocking Von Hess with a huge clothesline for 2. Von Hess finally gains some sort of advantage, but Spanky and Luis Martinez make their way to the ring. Von Hess sees them and begins yelling at them, then turns around and walks into Afa's Samoan drop, which is enough for the pin at 11:00. * Spanky and Martinez laugh at Von Hess as he glares at them angrily.

 

:42-:44 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:44-:47 Interview: Al Costello speaks on behalf of Nikolai Volkoff and Kurt Von Hess. They tried to put Luis Martinez out of wrestling three weeks ago and vow to finish the job, beginning next week, as Volkoff has challenged Martinez to a singles match.

 

:47-:54 World Title Tournament First Round Match scheduled for one fall with a 15 minute time limit: Johnny Valentine vs. Ted DiBiase

 

Having formed a successful tag team last week, they're expected to have a mostly scientific matchup, and the certainly don't disappoint. In fact, both men marvel the crowd with a technical wrestling exhibition that hasn't been in seen in OSW thus far. Before the match can really get going, Killer Kowalski walks down to ringside, and both wrestlers stop wrestling and keep their eyes on him. They begin to go again, and the technical masterpiece continues. Valentine gains control with a swinging neckbreaker. As DiBiase gets to his feet, Valentine runs into the ropes, but Kowalski trips him behind the referee's back, and Valentine stumbles into a small package that gives DiBiase the win at 4:16. **1/2 Kowalski immediately runs into the ring and throws DiBiase to the outside, then begins brawling with Valentine until officials run out to separate them.

 

:54-:56 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:56-:58 Interview: An angry Johnny Valentine vows that Killer Kowalski will win the OSW World Heavyweight Title over his dead body.

 

:58-1:00 Gordon Solie briefly goes over the quarterfinal brackets:

 

Spanky vs. Bobo Brazil

Killer Kowalski vs. AJ Styles

Mil Mascaras receives a bye to the semifinals

Kurt Von Hess vs. Ted DiBiase

 

The first two quarterfinal matches take place next week, and Nikolai Volkoff takes on Luis Martinez. End of show.

[JHawk 0]

March 22, 2004

 

The leg injury suffered by Ultimo Dragon against Killer Kowalski on 3/13 will keep him out of action for a minimum of two months, so he's been taken off the active roster.

 

No signings this week.

 

OSW Superstar Challenge (March 27, 2004)

live from the Richfield Coliseum (Richfield, OH)

 

:00-:01 Gordon Solie gives us a quick recap of the World Title tournament thus far.

 

:01-:09 One fall with a 10 minute time limit: Sting vs. "Wild" Bill Irwin

 

Sting walks into a spinebuster for a near fall at the bell, then gets a lariat for another near fall. That's the extent of Irwin's offense, as Sting quickly gains control and dominates the rest of the way, getting a submission victory with the Scorpion Deathlock at 4:53. *3/4

 

:09-:11 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:11-:20 One fall with a 10-minute time limit: The Sheik (w/Eddie "The Brain" Creatchman) vs. "Nature Boy" Buddy Landell

 

A tale of two contrasting styles, as Landell keeps Sheik off-balance early with some solid wrestling, but is soon cornered by Sheik's kicking and biting. Landell gets a spinebuster for 2, but is soon met with a short lariat that simply knocks him out cold. Sheik distracts referee James Callas every so often to allow Creatchman some cheap shots. Landell makes a game comeback, but he turns his back to go after Creatchman, allowing Sheik to get a knee to the back. A Camel Clutch later, and Sheik has a submission victory at 5:56. -*3/4

 

:20-:22 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:22-:32 One fall with a 10-minute time limit: Nikolai Volkoff (w/Al Costello and Kurt Von Hess) vs. "Arriba" Luis Martinez

 

Martinez waves to the locker room before the bell, and Spanky joins him at ringside. Von Hess makes his presence known literally 30 seconds into the match, pulling the top rope down to send Martinez tumbling to the floor. Back inside, and Volkoff runs into the ropes, only to be tripped by Spanky. Martinez spends the next several moments working over Volkoff's back while using a variety of suplexes. Martinez puts Volkoff into an airplane spin, and Von Hess runs in and attacks him from behind for the DQ at 7:07. 3/4* Spanky runs in and tries to save Martinez, but Volkoff takes him down with a knee to the back, then drops him with a backbreaker. Spanky clutches his back as the heels leave the ring.

 

:32-:34 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:34-:55 World Title Tournament Quarterfinal scheduled for one fall with a 20-minute time limit: Spanky vs. Bobo Brazil

 

The Ohio State Athletic Commission has agreed to lift the curfew to give the tournament matches ample time. Brazil asks the state athletic commissioner for a postponement since Spanky's still favoring his back, but the commissioner says Spanky will have to forfeit if he can't compete. Brazil focuses his attention on Spanky's back, but he's clearly being hesitant between moves. Spanky counters a backbreaker attempt with a small package for a near fall, then drop toeholds Brazil into the turnbuckle to buy himself some time. Spanky tries to use the aerial moves, but he's slow to follow up due to his back. Brazil catches Spanky coming in with a dropkick and clamps on the bearhug. A couple of backbreakers for 2, then Brazil whips Spanky into the ropes. Spanky ducks a clothesline and knocks Brazil down with a flying forearm. Spanky hits Sliced Bread #2, but he's slow to cover, and Brazil gets a foot on the bottom rope at 2.99999. Spanky hits a springboard swinging DDT, and again he's slow to cover and can only get 2. A high cross body, but Brazil catches him and gets yet another backbreaker. Brazil whips Spanky hard into the turnbuckle, then hits the Coco BUTT as Spanky stumbles out of the corner for the pin at 17:39. **1/2 Brazil and Spanky shake hands after the match.

 

:55-:57 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:57-1:08 World Title Tournament Quarterfinal scheduled for one fall with a 20-minute time limit: Killer Kowalski vs. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles

 

Kowalski attacks Styles before the bell and begins to use his knee to keep Styles down. An early flying kneedrop gets a near fall. Kowalski uses chokeholds and basic brawling to try to take away AJ's aerial game. Styles ducks a clothesline and hits one of his own, then hits a standing moonsault for a near fall. A Northern Lights suplex gets 2, then a vertical suplex into a reverse neckbreaker gets yet another near fall. Kowalski counters a lariat into a Fujiwara armbar to regain control. Kowalski tries to throw Styles over the top rope, but Styles hangs on, takes Kowalski over the top with a headscissors, then pulls himself back in. Kowalski tries to claim Styles should be disqualified for throwing him over the top rope, but Styles takes him down with a moonsault plancha before it can get anywhere. Back into the ring, and Styles charges, but gets caught and dropped with a Hotshot onto the top rope. Out comes Johnny Valentine to ringside, and Kowalski sees him and begins screaming at him. Valentine tells him to turn around, and he does...into a kick to the midsection and a Styles Clash for the win at 8:06. *** Kowalski wakes up and stares at Valentine as we go off the air.

[ISportsFan 0]

I don't know about other people, but I am really loving this. It's a whole lot of fun and a unique concept.

 

Now, the Raw-style overrun on the last episode...

 

Not that I care, I always liked longer matches if they're going to be good.

 

Jason

[JHawk 0]

I've done through the end of the World Title tournament and will be putting them up over the next couple of days. I hope the final show of the tournament will be satisfying for everybody.

 

 

March 29, 2004

 

Signings:

 

Heels: Gran Goliath

Butch Reed

 

Faces: Air Paris

 

OSW Superstar Challenge (April 3, 2004)

live from the Mellon Arena (Pittsburgh, PA)

 

:00-:01 Gordon Solie briefly discusses the current World Title tournament brackets.

 

Quarterfinals:

Mil Mascaras receives a bye

Afa vs. Ted DiBiase (taking place tonight)

 

Semifinals:

Bobo Brazil vs. AJ Styles

Mil Mascaras vs. tonight's winner

 

:01-:10 OSW affiliates who don't air the show live took last week's match between The Sheik and Buddy Landell off the show for time constraints, so it airs in its entirety for those who missed it. Those markets that saw it see Gordon Solie review the World Title tournament, complete with clips and promos from the remaining wrestlers.

 

:10-:12 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:12-:25 One fall with a 10-minute time limit: Black Gordman and Gran Goliath vs. Air Raid (Air Paris/AJ Styles)

 

Gordman and Styles start things off, and immediately Goliath comes in for a double team to give the heels the advantage. Styles springs to his feet after a double team and clears the ring, then tags in Paris. Paris and Styles keep Gordman in the ring and use frequent tags to keep the fresh man in the ring. Gordman rakes Styles' eyes and tags in Goliath. Now it's Gordman and Goliath using frequent tags to keep Styles in the ring. Styles comes back and power bombs Goliath for a one count, and Styles begins an argument with referee Bill Benford that ends with Styles tossing Benford into the ringpost and over the top rope. All four men brawl in the ring for the next several minutes before Paris and Gordman end up being the only two in the ring. Paris hits a beautiful flying dropkick and covers just as Benford recovers, and it gets a slow count of two. A flying forearm gets 2. Paris goes for a rana, but Gordman counters into a power bomb and quickly tags in Goliath. The heels go for a double team, Styles runs in to prevent it, and the bell rings for the time limit draw. **1/4

 

:25-:27 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:27-:32 One fall with a 10-minute time limit: "Hacksaw" Butch Reed vs. "Nature Boy" Buddy Landell

 

Landell outwrestles Reed and gets several near falls, but charges one time too many and gets taken down with a Gorilla press. Reed gets the pin just seconds later with the Flying Shoulderblock at 1:32. ** Postmatch, The Sheik runs in and bloodies Landell with his pencil until Bobo Brazil makes the save.

 

:32-:34 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:34-:38 One fall with a 10-minute time limit: Ron Simmons vs. "Wild" Bill Irwin

 

Simmons dominates the opening moments until Irwin takes him down with a short lariat for a near fall. That's Irwin's lone highlight though, as he runs into a Simmons elbowsmash for a near fall, then gets taken down with the Dominator for the pin at 2:04. *1/4

 

:38-:40 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:40-:59 World Title Tournament Quarterfinal Match scheduled for one fall with a 20-minute time limit: Afa (w/Capt. Lou Albano) vs. Ted DiBiase

 

DiBiase uses technical wrestling to take control, but goes to the top rope way too early and gets crotched along the top turnbuckle. It's all Afa for several minutes at this point, as he uses some basic brawling and some nerveholds to keep DiBiase from picking up the pace. DiBiase regains the advantage by avoiding a kneelift. DiBiase gets a series of lariats in, but a neckbreaker attempt is countered by a suplex to give Afa control again. A diving headbutt gets a near fall. Afa hits the Samoan Drop and covers, but DiBiase gets a foot on the ropes to break the pin. DiBiase is whipped into the ropes, and he comes off with a beautiful flying clothesline, but referee James Callas goes down. DiBiase covers, but there's no referee, and Albano comes in and stomps DiBiase. That doesn't actually hurt DiBiase, but it gets him off the cover. DiBiase knocks Albano down, but turns into a chop to the throat. Callas finally wakes up as Afa whips DiBiase into the turnbuckle. Afa charges but misses, then DiBiase bulldogs Afa out of the corner before locking in the Million Dollar Dream for the victory at 15:38. **1/4

 

:59-1:00 A quick look at the remaining brackets:

 

Semifinals:

Bobo Brazil vs. AJ Styles (next week)

Mil Mascaras vs. Ted DiBiase (in two weeks)

 

Finals (in three weeks):

Bobo Brazil or AJ Styles vs. Mil Mascaras or Ted DiBiase

[JHawk 0]

April 5, 2004

 

No signings this week.

 

OSW Superstar Challenge (April 10, 2004)

live from the Spectrum in Philadelphia, PA

 

:00-:01 Gordon Solie hypes the main event between Bobo Brazil and AJ Styles

 

:01-:05 One fall with a 10-minute time limit: Danny Basham (w/Shaniqua) vs. "Nature Boy" Buddy Landell

 

Landell is in control early, but he runs into Basham's flying forearm. Basham immediately hits Landell with Brain Damage for an easy pin in 1:26. *1/2

 

:05-:07 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:07-:23 One fall with a 15-minute time limit: Kurt Von Hess (w/Al Costello) vs. "Arriba" Luis Martinez

 

Just before the bell, Gordon Solie informs us that a Von Hess/Nikolai Volkoff vs. Martinez/Spanky match has been signed for 4/24. Both men employ a similar strategy in the early going: Work over the opponent's back. The match goes to the floor, which gives Al Costello the opportunity to get in a cheap shot from behind and give Von Hess the advantage. Martinez is able to get in brief flurries and use a variety of cradles and roll ups to get near falls, but Von Hess manages to keep the pressure on. Von Hess locks in a sleeperhold, but Martinez counters with a back suplex, then gets a flying bodypress for the nearest fall of the contest. Martinez charges, but gets met with a knee to the gut and stumbles out to the floor. Von Hess follows. Von Hess backdrops Martinez, who goes over the guardrail and hits his head coming down, and Von Hess crawls back into the ring for the countout victory at 12:56. **

 

:23-:25 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:25-:33 One fall with a 15-minute time limit: Nunzio and Matt Hardy vs. Johnny Valentine and Ted DiBiase

 

DiBiase and Hardy start it off, and it's all DiBiase and Valentine early, as they keep Hardy in their half of the ring and frequently switch off. Nunzio attacks Valentine from behind, then pulls Hardy to his corner to make the tag. Nunzio and Hardy keep a brief advantage on Valentine before he begins to make a comeback. Valentine goes for a suplex, but Killer Kowalski emerges from the back and grabs Valentine's ankle. The distraction is enough for Hardy to hit the Twist of Fate for the pin at 4:45. **1/2

 

:33-:36 Interview: Killer Kowalski tells Valentine that he got what he deserved after costing him his spot in the World Title Tournament two weeks ago, and he challenges Valentine to a no disqualifcation match for 4/24. Valentine immediately accepts but says "Why wait?" They begin to brawl until security pulls them apart.

 

:36-:38 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:38-:56 World Title Tournament Semifinal Match scheduled for one fall with a 30-minute time limit: Bobo Brazil vs. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles

 

A back-and-forth match from the opening bell, as Brazil uses his power and Styles uses his unorthodox offense. Brazil goes for the Coco BUTT less than three minutes in, but Styles is able to get a foot on the ropes to break the count. That's enough to give Brazil a bit of advantage, but not enough of one to keep Styles down. Brazil then relies on backbreakers and bearhugs to slow Styles down. Another Coco BUTT, the force of which sends Styles rolling to the outside. Styles barely returns to the ring before the count of 10, but he is hurt for the first time in the bout. A headscissors by Brazil, and Styles appears to be fading, but he just barely reaches the ropes to force a break. Brazil runs into the ropes, and Styles catches him coming in with a jumping front kick to finally buy himself some time. Styles hits a couple of dropkicks and a flying elbow, but when he tries a Northern Lights suplex, Brazil counters with a DDT. Brazil whips Styles into the corner and charges, but Styles knocks him down with a kneelift coming in, and climbs to the top rope and hits the Spiral Tap for the pin at 14:34. **3/4

 

:56-:58 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:58-1:00 Interview: Ted DiBiase briefly discusses his tournament semifinal next week with Mil Mascaras. End of show.

[JHawk 0]

April 12, 2004

 

No signings this week.

 

OSW Superstar Challenge (April 17, 2004)

live from the Mid-Hudson Civic Center (Poughkeepsie, NY)

 

:00-:01 Gordon Solie hypes the Mil Mascaras-Ted DiBiase main event.

 

:01-:11 One fall with a 15-minute time limit: "The Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers vs. Ron Simmons

 

The match starts off as a brawl. Rogers eventually gets in a thumb to the eye and starts using dropkicks and clotheslines on Simmons, but they have little effect. Simmons shakes off a piledriver and begins to fight his way back into the match. Rogers stops him with an elbow, then goes into a series of chokeholds. A couple of suplexes lead to a couple of near falls, but Rogers walks into a sidewalk slam that gives Simmons the victory at 7:21. *3/4

 

:11-:13 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:13-:16 Interview: Gordon Solie interviews Al Costello, on behalf of his team of Kurt Von Hess and Nikolai Volkoff. He vows that his team will end the war with Spanky and Luis Martinez next week.

 

:16-:30 One fall with a 15-minute time limit: The Wild Samoans (w/Capt. Lou Albano) vs. Air Raid

 

Styles and Sika start, and Styles uses his quickness to take control early. Sika locks in a headlock and drags Styles to the corner to tag Afa, but Styles armdrags away from it and manages to keep Afa off-balance. Air Paris tags in and continues to keep Afa at bay, using leg lariats and a slingshot legdrop to score a near fall. A tag to Styles, and a double superkick sets Afa up for a slingshot 450 Splash that leads to a near fall. A superkick gets a near fall, then a power bomb gives Styles another near fall. Quick tags by Air Raid until Afa levels Styles with a lariat and tags out to Sika. Sika bites, chokes, and kicks Styles to keep him grounded. Styles breaks a sleeper with a jawbreaker and tags out to Paris, who gets a brief flurry in before being knocked down with a right hand. Tag to Afa, who gets a powerslam in for the closest pin attempt of the match. Paris avoids a kneelift and falls into the corner to tag Styles, who immediately hits a stunned Afa with the Spiral Tap to score the pin at 10:31. *

 

:30-:32 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:32-:56 World Title Tournament Semifinal Match scheduled for one fall with a 30-minute time limit: "The Man of a Thousand Masks" Mil Mascaras vs. Ted DiBiase

 

Mascaras locks an abdominal stretch less than 30 seconds into the match. And it ends up being Mascaras' move of choice, as he uses it three or four times in the first five minutes alone to weaken DiBiase's back. A backbreaker, and Mascaras tries to put DiBiase away with a Flying Bodypress, but DiBiase ducks out of the way. DiBiase uses a variety of suplexes and tries for an abdominal stretch of his own, but Mascaras counters it and locks in another one. Mascaras again goes for the Flying Bodypress, but DiBiase hits him with a dropkick on his way down. A desperate DiBiase begins turning the match into a brawl, which actually prevents Mascaras from getting any substantial offense in. Mascaras counters the cobra clutch with a jawbreaker, then hits a flying headbutt for 2. He misses a kneedrop, and DiBiase takes advantage, using a figure-four leglock and a spinning toehold to work the knees over. DiBiase misses an elbowdrop, and Mascaras puts the focus onto DiBiase's back, locking in yet another abdominal stretch. DiBiase tries to break with a hiptoss, but it's blocked and reverses, and DiBiase further counters it into a backslide for 2. DiBiase locks the Million Dollar Dream, but Mascaras breaks it with a jawbreaker. Both men struggle to their feet. DiBiase charges Mascaras, who backdrops DiBiase over the top rope. Referee Bill Benford rules it an unintentional throw over the top rope, so the match continues. Mascaras slowly climbs to the top rope and tries the Flying Bodypress, but DiBiase ducks and Mascaras hits his head on the guardrail. DiBiase rolls an unconscious Mascaras into the ring and hits an unnecessary powerslam to get the pin and reach the finals at 21:24. **3/4

 

:56-:58 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:58-1:00 Interview: Ted DiBiase tells Gordon Solie that he expects a classic with AJ Styles next week, but in the end he'll walk away with the World Heavyweight Championship. Next week's lineup:

 

Kurt Von Hess/Nikolai Volkoff vs. Luis Martinez/Spanky

No Disqualification Match: Killer Kowalski vs. Johnny Valentine

World Heavyweight Title Match: AJ Styles vs. Ted DiBiase

[JHawk 0]

April 19, 2004

 

Signings:

 

Faces: Chris Harris

James Storm

 

OSW Superstar Challenge (April 24, 2004)

live from Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY

 

:00-:01 Gordon Solie welcomes us to the biggest show in OSW's brief history and informs those watching live that the New York State Athletic Commission has lifted curfew.

 

:01-:14 One fall with a 20-minute time limit: Kurt Von Hess and Nikolai Volkoff (w/Al Costello) vs. Spanky and "Arriba" Luis Martinez

 

Von Hess and Martinez start, and they take the fight to the concrete floor in the early going. All four men brawl on the outside, and even once the action returns to the ring, all four men are in the ring more often than not. Spanky gets the first near fall of the contest, hitting Von Hess with a moonsault bodyblock that forces Volkoff to make the save at 2.75. Volkoff and Von Hess finally corner Spanky and keep double teaming him seemingly at will. Spanky kicks Volkoff in the face and tags out, but Martinez gets no offense in before he's cornered by the opposition. Martinez and Volkoff fight over a backslide, but when Von Hess comes in, he deverts the attention of referee James Callas. Spanky comes into the ring and dropkicks Volkoff, allowing Martinez to complete the backslide for the pin at 9:59. **3/4

 

:14-:16 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:16-:19 Interview: AJ Styles discusses how he's prepared for Ted DiBiase -- but he doesn't reveal his strategy when asked.

 

:19-:21 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:21-:39 No Disqualification Match scheduled for one fall to a finish: Killer Kowalski vs. Johnny Valentine

 

These two men begin to tear at each other with an intensity we've yet to see in OSW. Valentine with a quick hiptoss for a near fall, but Kowalski locks in a chokehold and refuses to let go. Valentine fights back and tries to level Kowalski with a running forearm in the corner, but Kowalski moves, and Valentine screams upon contact with the turnbuckle. Kowalski immediately targets the arm and uses the mat to assist in an overhand wristlock. Kowalski then tosses Valentine outside the ring, and there's nothing the referee can do except watch the brawl. Kowalski rams the arm into the ringpost several times, then piledrives Valentine on the floor. He rolls him and covers, but only gets 2. Valentine counters a clothesline with a cruicifix for a near fall and tries to fight back, but his elbows have little effect after the arm work. Valentine then decides to use his legs, but he misses a kneelift and hits the mat hard. They go back out to the floor, and this time it's Valentine ramming Kowalski into the ringpost. Back inside, Valentine goes for a bulldog, but Kowalski prevents it with a low blow and rolls him up (with a handful of tights) for 2. Kowalski leaves the ring and brings in a chair, but Valentine punches him, and the chair hits the mat. Valentine picks up the chair and levels Kowalski with it, then hits a dazed Kowalski with the brain buster elbow for the pin at 15:17. **1/4

 

:39-:41 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:41-:44 Gordon Solie interviews Ted DiBiase, who puts AJ Styles over...and doesn't reveal his strategy when asked.

 

:44-:46 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:46-:59 One fall to a finish for the OSW World Heavyweight Championship: "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles vs. Ted DiBiase

 

It's all Styles early on. An Asai moonsault into an inverted DDT gets 2. A rana gets 2. A vertical suplex into a reverse neckbreaker gets 2. DiBiase gains control by countering a Northern Lights suplex with a swinging neckbreaker. Irish whip, and Styles comes off with a high cross body for 2. DiBiase blocks a forearm smash and lays Styles out with a lariat for 2. Irish whip, and DiBiase telegraphs a backdrop, allowing Styles to go over with a sunset flip for 2. Off the ropes, and DiBiase hits a second lariat for 2. The match turns into DiBiase's favor, as he uses a variety of suplexes and locks in a Fujiwara armbar. The match is completely in DiBiase's control, and he whips Styles into the ropes. DiBiase again telegraphs a backdrop, and this time he gets taken down with the Styles Clash. Referee Bill Benford counts: One, two, three! AJ Styles wins the OSW World Heavyweight Title to a standing ovation! ***1/2

 

:59-1:00 Interview: AJ Styles gives a quick thank you to the fans and to DiBiase. They shake hands, and Styles raises the belt into the air as we end the show.

[JHawk 0]

As Dave Chappelle would say, "I'm back, bitch!"

 

I hadn't forgotten about this project, but my work schedule prevented me from doing too much with it. I'll continue updating as much as possible.

 

 

April 26, 2004

 

Signings:

 

Heels: Johnny Swinger

 

OSW Superstar Challenge (May 1, 2004)

live from the Mid-Hudson Civic Center (Poughkeepsie, NY)

 

:00-:01 Gordon Solie congratulates AJ Styles on his title victory.

 

:01-:44 Tag Team Battle Royal to determine the teams and seeds for the World Tag Team Title Tournament

 

Participants:

 

America's Most Wanted (Chris Harris/James Storm)

Black Gordman/Gran Goliath

Bobo Brazil/Mark Lewin

Johnny Valentine/Ted DiBiase

Luis Martinez/Spanky

Nikolai Volkoff/Kurt Von Hess

The Basham Brothers (Doug Basham/Danny Basham)

The Wild Samoans (Afa/Sika)

 

The rules: It's a standard tag team battle royal. Elimination occurs when you're tossed over the top rope and both feet hit the floor, and when one man is eliminated, his partner is also eliminated. The winning team will be the number one seed in the tournament, the first team eliminated will be the number eight seed, and the order of elimination will determine the rest of the seeding.

 

As is the norm in a battle royal, the action is hard to follow. Bobo Brazil nearly eliminates Nikolai Volkoff, but Volkoff pulls himself in...only to be eliminated by a Luis Martinez clothesine (4:27). Action continues. Bobo Brazil sets Black Gordman up for a Coco BUTT, but Gordman stops it with a kick below the belt. Afa comes over and helps Gordman toss a stunned Brazil over the top rope (7:36). Gordman and Afa then brawl with each other until other competitors intervene. Afa eventually tosses James Storm over, but he stops on the apron...just long enough for Afa to knee him in the back for the elimination (10:37). A few close calls, as both Sika and Martinez keep themselves from elimination. Sika nearly eliminates Johnny Valentine following a Samoan drop, but Valentine slips in under the bottom rope. Spanky lands on the apron when Danny Basham tries to eliminate, and Spanky comes back in by hitting Danny with a springboard swinging DDT. Gordon Solie puts over how much the titles and tourney seedings mean as we hit the 20-minute mark. Sika tries to eliminate Gordman, but Gran Goliath makes the save. After a lull, Goliath charges Martinez, who belly-to-bellys Goliath over the top rope (31:22). Martinez charges Afa, but meets a backdrop for the fifth elimination (33:56). Doug Basham immediately tries to eliminate an off-balance Afa, but Sika makes the save. Danny Basham soon charges both Samoans for a double clothesline, but they backdrop Danny over for the elimination (37:43). We're down to two teams, and we get several minutes of back-and-forth brawling between them. Sika tackles DiBiase, and they both fall through the ropes to the outside. Valentine then clotheslines Afa, who falls over the top rope but hangs on and slides back in. Valentine turns and charges, but is backdropped over the top rope (39:54). The winners and #1 seeds: The Wild Samoans. ***3/4

 

:44-:46 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:46-:47 Gordon Solie shows us the brackets for the tourney:

 

#1 The Wild Samoans vs. #8 Nikolai Volkoff/Kurt Von Hess

#4 Luis Martinez/Spanky vs. #5 Black Gordman/Gran Goliath

#3 The Basham Brothers vs. #6 America's Most Wanted

#2 Johnny Valentine/Ted DiBiase vs. #7 Bobo Brazil/Mark Lewin

 

:47-:49 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:49-:55 Standby match (one fall to curfew): Johnny Swinger vs. Buddy Landell

 

Landell hits a flying forearm for an early near fall. An Irish whip, but he telegraphs a backdrop, and Swinger gets a fisherman suplex for 2. Swinger gets a spinebuster for 2. Landell reverses a corner whip and connects with a shoulderblock, and Landell is in complete control. Landell misses with a flying legdrop though, and Swinger hits the Swinger Stinger for the pin at 3:19. **1/2

 

:55-:57 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:57-1:00 Gordon Solie interviews Johnny Valentine and Ted DiBiase, who hope the Samoans make the tournament final so they can avenge the battle royal elimination. End of show.

[JHawk 0]

May 3, 2004

 

Signings:

 

Faces: Jack Brisco

Pedro Morales

Bruno Sammartino

 

OSW Superstar Challenge (May 8, 2004)

Live from the Teaneck Armory in Newark, NJ

 

:00-:01 Gordon Solie welcomes us and reminds us the OSW Tag Team Title tournament begins tonight.

 

:01-:08 One fall with a 10-minute time limit: "Wild" Bill Irwin vs. Jack Brisco

 

Knowing he isn't going to outwrestle the former college standout, Irwin attempts to take control with a series of punches, kicks, and eyerakes early. And he dominates with the style until he makes a costly mistake, ducking his head for a backdrop, which allows Brisco to turn Irwin into an Oklahoma roll for the pin at 4:14. *

 

:08-:10 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:10-:30 Tag Team Title Tournament Quarterfinal scheduled for one fall with a 20-minute time limit: #1 The Wild Samoans (w/Capt. Lou Albano) vs. #8 Nikolai Volkoff/Kurt Von Hess (w/Al Costello)

 

And you can throw any and all wrestling out the window right away, as all hell breaks loose. Referee Bill Benford tries his best to keep order, and to some extent he does, but each team double teams as often as they can, with all four men brawling at the same at various points of the contest. The finish comes with all four men brawling in the ring. Sika and Volkoff are legal, and Benford tries to separate Afa and Von Hess. As he does, Costello enters the ring and hits Sika over the head with his boomerang...just as Benford turns around. The referee has no choice but to award the Samoans the victory by DQ after 17:11. -1/4*

 

:30-:32 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:32-:55 Tag Team Title Tournament Quarterfinal scheduled for one fall with a 20-minute time limit: #4 Spanky and "Arriba" Luis Martinez vs. #5 Black Gordman/Gran Goliath

 

Goliath and Gordman use simplistic tag team strategy, as they take control of Spanky in the early going and keep him isolated in their half of the ring. Spanky eventually takes Gordman down with an enzuigiri and makes the tag, and they use quick tags and teamwork to keep Gordman off-balance. Gordman stops the onslaught with a low blow to Spanky, and Spanky officially becomes face-in-peril. Some beautiful gutwrench suplexes by Goliath earn a couple of near falls, then they toss Spanky out of the ring. This leads to a turning point, as Gordman gets run into the ringpost in the ensuing four way brawl and is busted open. Spanky makes the hot tag as soon as the action returns to the ring, and Martinez gets a quick series of near falls on his bloodied opponent. That brings Goliath in, which also brings in Spanky, and we get a four way brawl until the bell rings to signal the time limit draw. Both teams are eliminated, meaning the Samoans are automatically in the championship match. **1/2

 

:55-:57 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:57-1:00 Gordon Solie interviews World Champion AJ Styles about possible challengers when he's interrupted by his tag team partner, Air Paris. Paris expresses disappointment that he missed the tag team tournament, but Styles promises that despite his title defense schedule, he'll be sure to help Paris win tag team gold as soon as champions have declared. They shake hands, but Paris doesn't seem pleased. End of show.

[JHawk 0]

A double update since I actually remembered to work on this after four months.

 

 

OSW Superstar Challenge (May 15, 2004)

Live from the Arena in Baltimore, MD

 

:00-:01 Gordon Solie discusses the previous tag team tournament happenings.

 

:01-:19 Tag Team Title Tournament Quarterfinal scheduled for one fall with a 20-minute time limit: #3 The Basham Brothers (w/Shaniqua) vs. #6 America's Most Wanted

 

Doug Basham and James Storm start, and Doug wastes no time clotheslining Storm to the floor, then ramming Storm's head into the ringpost and busting him open. Back in the ring, and the Bashams take turns double teaming Storm, paying particular attention to the open wound on the Tennessee Cowboy's forehead. A running forearm smash earns Storm a near fall, and he makes the tag to Chris Harris, who cleans house on both Bashams and gets a series of near falls. Harris tags back out to Storm, which proves to be a stupid move, as Storm is weak from the blood loss and once again is double teamed by both Bashams. Storm makes several attempts at the tag, falling just a bit short each time. Another running forearm smash knocks Doug out of the ring, but the Bashams make an illegal switch, and Danny knocks Harris off the apron to prevent the tag at just the right moment. He turns around and walks into a Storm lariat, and that gives Storm enough time to make the much needed hot tag. He works over both Bashams, then isolates Doug. Storm comes in, and they hit the Death Sentence, but as referee Bill Benford gets Storm out of the ring, Danny comes in and takes Harris down with the Brain Damage before getting the pin himself in 14:34. **3/4

 

:19-21 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:21-:24 Gordon Solie introduces Bruno Sammartino to the OSW audience. Sammartino acknowledges that his ultimate goal is to become the OSW World Champion, but first he wants to make sure that the evil in OSW is contained. He makes comments about Buddy Rogers in particular.

 

:24-:26 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:26-:37 Tag Team Title Tournament Quarterfinal scheduled for one fall with a 20-minute time limit: #2 Ted DiBiase/Johnny Valentine vs. #7 Bobo Brazil/Mark Lewin

 

A battle of two fan favorite tag teams, and while each team has contrasting styles, they wrestle a match completely within the rulebook. The entire match consists of Valentine and DiBiase using their wrestling knowledge to keep their opponents grounded, but eventually the power advantage their opponents have keeps them in the match and allows them to regain control. However, the turning point comes when Lewin misses a kneedrop around the five minute mark, and the DiBiase/Valentine team keeps their focus there until Valentine forces Lewin to submit to the figure-four leglock at 7:49. *3/4 Both teams shake hands after the match.

 

:37-:39 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:39-:42 Gordon Solie interviews Buddy Rogers, who takes offense to Bruno Sammartino lumping him in with the evil in OSW. Rogers issues a challenge for a "scientific" match for next week's show, and Solie is certain an upstanding man like Bruno will readily accept.

 

:42-:44 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:44-:53 One fall to curfew: Johnny Swinger vs. Pedro Morales

 

The in-ring debut for Morales, who has a large Puerto Rican following. Morales uses some very basic moves early on: bodyslams, hiptosses, clotheslines. Morales attempts a back suplex, but Swinger flips over, lands behind Morales, then clotheslines his opponent in the back of the head to take control. Swinger uses some suplexes and DDTs to keep Morales on the defensive, but he wastes a lot of time before going for the cover and can't score pinfalls as a result. Then he goes for a high cross body, but Morales catches him in midair, takes him down with a backbreaker, then locks in a Boston crab. Swinger tries to reach the ropes, but eventually submits at 5:38. **3/4

 

:53-:55 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:55-:58 Gordon Solie interviews AJ Styles. Styles will be defending the OSW World Title in two weeks against Gorgeous George, but before he can get into discussing that match, Air Paris interrupts excitedly. Paris informs Styles that they have a match against Black Gordman and Gran Goliath next week. Paris leaves before Styles can respond, and he stares at him with a dumbfounded look on his face before walking off.

 

:58-1:00 Gordon Solie goes over the lineup for next week:

 

OSW Tag Team Title Tournament Semifinal: The Basham Brothers vs. Ted DiBiase/Johnny Valentine

Buddy Rogers vs. Bruno Sammartino

Black Gordman/Gran Goliath vs. Air Raid

 

End of show

[JHawk 0]

OSW Superstar Challenge (May 22, 2004)

live from the Richmond Coliseum in Richmond, VA

 

:00-:01 Gordon Solie informs us that Johnny Valentine's flight has not arrived, so Ted DiBiase is without a partner for the tournament match tonight.

 

:01-:12 OSW World Tag Team Title Tournament Semifinal Match scheduled for one fall with a 30-minute time limit: The Basham Brothers vs. Ted DiBiase/???

 

DiBiase appears ready to wrestle by himself when Jack Brisco appears from the back and offers to be DiBiase's partner. Brisco and DiBiase show remarkable teamwork in the early going as they keep Doug Basham in the ring, but Danny hits Brisco with a knee to the back, allowing Doug to get a clothesline on Brisco. The Bashams do some double teaming of their own and use every illegal tactic they can think of to keep control. They have things well in hand until Doug dropkicks Brisco into the wrong corner, allowing DiBiase to tag himself in as Doug celebrates. Unaware of the tag, Doug is met by a flying axhandle by DiBiase that stuns him enough for the pin at 7:58. *3/4

 

:12-:15 As Gordon Solie speculates what this means for the tournament finals next week, Johnny Valentine storms into the interview area with his gear in hand. He immediately questions what's going on, and as he gets informed, Valentine asks DiBiase why the match wasn't postponed. Brisco immediately tries to smooth things over by telling Valentine he was merely trying to help DiBiase and not take his spot. They argue as we go to break.

 

:15:-17 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:17-:18 Gordon Solie informs us that the Championship Committee has indeed announced that Valentine and DiBiase will meet the Samoans next week to crown tag team champions.

 

:18-:30 One fall with a 15-minute time limit: "The Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers vs. Bruno Sammartino

 

Rogers surprises Sammartino early, getting in a waistlock suplex and a dropkick for a couple of quick near falls. Rogers charges, but he runs into a powerslam for 2. It's all Sammartino for several minutes until he charges Rogers in the corner, but misses and hits his shoulder on the middle turnbuckle. That makes the arm the target for the "Nature Boy", and he uses a few different forms of the armbar to weaken Bruno. Sammartino makes the comeback and knocks Rogers to the floor, but when he follows him out, Rogers uses leverage to ram Sammartino's shoulder into the ringpost. Sammartino is able to return to the ring and make a brief comeback, but he can't hold onto the bearhug due to the pain, which allows Rogers to turn it into a belly-to-belly suplex. The cover (and the feet on the ropes for leverage) give Rogers the pin at 9:27. ***

 

:30-:33 Interview: Gordon Solie interviews Nikolai Volkoff, Kurt Von Hess, and manager Al Costello about the tag team division, and an angry Costello yells at Volkoff for losing the tournament match two weeks ago. When Volkoff rightly blames Costello's interference for causing the DQ, Costello fires Volkoff on the spot. Volkoff grabs Costello by the collar, and that enables Von Hess to attack from behind. Von Hess continues the attack, finishing things off with a piledriver on the floor.

 

:33-:35 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:35-:47 One fall with a 15-minute time limit: Black Gordman/Gran Goliath vs. Air Raid (Air Paris/OSW World Champion AJ Styles)

 

Air Raid keep their opponents off-balance with terrific double teaming and high flying moves in the early going as Luis Martinez and Spanky make their way to ringside to watch the action. Styles takes Gordman down with an Asai moonsault for a count of two, then hits the power bomb for another near fall. A tag to Goliath, and it's more of the same for him, including a double superkick that nearly allows Paris to finish him off right there. Gordman comes back in, and Paris gets a near fall with a series of dropkicks and a picture-perfect rana. Goliath in from behind, and that brings Styles in for a four-way brawl. Goliath is knocked out of the ring by a Paris dropkick as Styles brawls with Gordman. Paris heads up to the top rope and Gordman goes to suplex Styles. Styles flips over and lands behind Gordman. He tries a German suplex as Paris comes off with a dropkick...but Gordman moves, and the dropkick hits Styles square in the face. Paris looks at Styles, and Gordman rolls up him up from behind and grabs a handful of tights for the pin at 8:30. **1/4 Postmatch, Martinez and Spanky enter the ring to console Air Raid, but Paris shoves Spanky aside and tells him to back off. He leaves the ring in disgust as the other three look on in confusion.

 

:47-:49 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:49-:59 One fall to curfew: "The Human Orchid" Gorgeous George vs. Spanky

 

George sees this as a tune-up match for the his title match with AJ Styles next week, but he apparently forgot to tell Spanky that, as Spanky uses sunset flips and roll ups for near falls early. He takes a high risk too early though, missing on a flying bodypress. That gives Gorgeous the chance to slow the pace down, and he works over Spanky with a front facelock. George also chokes and uses the ropes for leverage liberally throughout the contest. A hard bodyslam, and George begins posing for the audience. That turns out to be a mistake, and he turns around and meets a Spanky flying forearm for 2. A leg lariat and a dropkick keep George off-balance, but George ducks a spinning heel kick. As a dazed Spanky gets to his feet, George takes him to the mat with the Rolling Headlock and gets the pin at 6:37. *3/4

 

:59-1:00 Gordon Solie informs us that we'll have two title matches next week:

 

OSW World Tag Team Title: The Wild Samoans vs. Ted DiBiase/Johnny Valentine

OSW World Title: Gorgeous George vs. AJ Styles

 

End of show

[JHawk 0]

May 24, 2004

 

The injuries Nikolai Volkoff suffered at the hands of Kurt Von Hess this past Saturday will keep Volkoff out of action for an undisclosed period of time.

 

The Basham Brothers' contracts are up for renewal. Doug Basham will not re-sign but will work the next show. Danny Basham has agreed to a five month extension.

 

OSW Superstar Challenge (May 29, 2004)

live from the Omni in Atlanta, GA

 

:00-:01 Gordon Solie informs us that the Georgia State Athletic Commission has waived the curfew to allow the two title matches to come to a conclusion.

 

:01-:10 One fall with a 10-minute time limit: The Basham Brothers (w/Shaniqua) vs. America's Most Wanted

 

Chris Harris levels Doug Basham with a running forearm smash just seconds after the bell for a near fall. After a chain wrestling sequence, both men tag out. James Storm hits Danny Basham with a power bomb, and powerslam, and a flying legdrop, each for two counts. An inverted swinging DDT gets another near fall, but Storm ducks his head too soon after a whip and gets taken down with a swinging neckbreaker. The Bashams each take turns working over Storm and double teaming whenever they get the opening. Storm comes back with an elbow after a whip and tags in Harris, and it's all Harris as he works over both Bashams before pinning Doug with the Catatonic in 6:14. **1/4

 

:10-:12 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:12-:26 One fall with a 15-minute time limit: Air Paris vs. Spanky

 

Set up after Paris shoved Spanky for no apparent reason last week. Words cannot describe the high-flying action involved in this one. Simply a terrific mix of high flying and scientific wrestling throughout the entire contest. No formula to this one. One man gets some offense in, makes a mistake, and the other man takes over with neither man getting more than a few moves in at a time. Spanky gets the pin with Sliced Bread #2 to finish a highly entertaining match at 11:03. ***1/2 Postmatch, Spanky offers a handshake, but Paris spits in his face and walks away.

 

:26-:27 Gordon Solie attempts to interview Air Paris, who keeps walking. AJ Styles tries to talk to him, but Paris storms into the back as Styles looks at him dumbfounded.

 

:27-:29 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:29-:39 One fall with a one hour time limit for the OSW Tag Team Championship: The Wild Samoans (w/Capt. Lou Albano) vs. Ted DiBiase/Johnny Valentine

 

Afa and Valentine start, with Valentine taking control early. Quick tags by Valentine and DiBiase as they work over Afa in the corner. Afa finally begins to work over DiBiase by brawling with him and gets a powerslam in for 2, but he doesn't go for the tag right away, leaving Gordon Solie to speculate that Sika may have suffered an injury. Afa finally tags out to Sika, but they can't do a successful double team, and DiBiase tags Valentine in. They go right back to doing quick tags to keep Sika off-balance. DiBiase locks Sika in a side headlock, but Sika shoves DiBiase into Valentine, then takes him down with the Samoan Drop for the pin and the titles at 7:07. The crowd is in shock, as the losers had essentially dominated the match up until that point. **1/4

 

:39-:41 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:41-1:16 One fall with a one hour time limit for the OSW World Heavyweight Championship: "The Human Orchid" Gorgeous George vs. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles

 

Gorgeous George wastes no time in trying to slow the pace down for this contest, as he goes into headlock after headlock to try to keep Styles off his usual gameplan. Styles eventually begins to counter the headlocks into various suplexes in order to gain near falls, so George changes up his gameplan and begins to take shortcuts to gain the advantage. Gorgeous takes Styles down with a spinebuster and covers, but referee James Callas sees him using the ropes for leverage and forces him to break the pin attempt. He argues, and Styles catches him with an inside cradle for 2. Styles picks up the pace and gets near fall after near fall with various moves: Ranas. The Asai moonsault into the inverted DDT. An enzuigiri. A thumb to the eye gives George the advantage again, and he again slows the pace down by reverting back to the headlocks and chokeholds. Styles goes back to suplex counters, but eventually he misses a high cross body and tumbles to the arena floor. At this point, Air Paris comes out to ringside to check on his partner. Styles reenters the ring, but he gets met with a knee to the head by Gorgeous George before getting put into a front facelock. Styles struggles to his feet, then counters it into a swinging neckbreaker. Both men slow to get up as Air Paris cheers AJ Styles on. The challenger is to his feet first and goes for a spinebuster, but Styles counters into a DDT. Styles slowly to his feet, and he takes George down with the Styles Clash...

 

 

 

ONE!

 

 

TWO!

 

 

THR...

 

 

...but just before the three count, Air Paris drapes Gorgeous George's foot over the bottom rope. Callas only sees the foot on the rope, and Styles hasn't seen Paris' involvement, but the crowd is highly upset with Paris, who plays dumb and tells Styles to finish him off. Styles goes up top, presumably for the spiral tap, but George recovers just enough to fall into the ropes and knocks Styles onto the top turnbuckle. Styles falls to the floor. George tries to go to the floor, but James Callas tries to stop him...and the distraction enables Air Paris to ram Styles face-first into the ringpost. Paris spits at an unconscious Styles and walks down the aisle. Callas turns around and counts Styles out at 31:57, but Styles retains the title. ****1/4 Paris stops just outside the entrance to the locker room and yells at Styles, telling him "Never turn your back on me" as we end the show.

[JHawk 0]

May 31, 2004

 

Signings:

 

Heels: Shane Douglas

 

OSW Superstar Challenge (June 5, 2004)

live from the Irish McNeill Boys Club in Shreveport, LA

 

:00-:01 Opening by Gordon Solie, discussing the Tag Team Title main event.

 

:01-04 Interview: Gordon Solie talks to the debuting Shane Douglas, who immediately places a $50,000 bounty on the head of Ted DiBiase.

 

:04-:11 One fall with a 10-minute time limit: Shane Douglas vs. Spanky

 

Spanky has the advantage in the early going, as he keeps Douglas off-balance with a combination of high-flying and counter wrestling. Douglas finally gains the advantage by ducking a clothesline by a charging Spanky and catching him with a Hotshot on the rebound. Douglas focuses the rest of his attack on Spanky's neck before finishing Spanky off with the Pittsburgh Plunge in 3:33. **1/4

 

:11-:13 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:13-:16 Interview: Gordon Solie attempts to interview The Sheik through his manager, Eddie "The Brain" Creatchman. Creatchman claims that no man can beat The Sheik, and names Mark Lewin specifically.

 

:16-:22 One fall with a 10-minute time limit: The Sheik (w/Eddie "The Brain" Creatchman) vs. "Nature Boy" Buddy Landell

 

Before the match can even get started, Danny Basham makes his way to ringside. The Sheik attacks from behind and whips Landell into the ropes, and Basham pulls the top rope down, sending Landell crashing to the arena floor. This makes Landell easy pickings for The Sheik, who dominates before pinning Landell with a gutwrench suplex at 3:21. -1/2*

 

:22-:24 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:24-:35 One fall to curfew for the OSW World Tag Team Championship: Ted DiBiase/Johnny Valentine vs. The Wild Samoans (champions--w/Capt. Lou Albano)

 

Before the match, Solie points out there are several standby matches if they're needed. It starts off the complete opposite of their previous meeting last week, as it's the Samoans with the extended advantage in the early going, double teaming Valentine and getting a series of near falls. Sika misses a clothesline and gets taken down with a forearm by Valentine, and there's the hot tag to DiBiase. In comes DiBiase to clear out both Samoans, getting a near fall on Afa with a powerslam. A tag to Valentine, and all four men brawl in the ring. Capt. Lou Albano hops up on the apron, and DiBiase pulls Albano into the ring just as Valentine hits Afa with the brain buster elbow. Referee Jack Hal makes the three count at 7:49...but looks up as he hits three and sees DiBiase pounding away at Albano. DiBiase and Valentine celebrate, thinking they've won the titles, but Hal awards the decision to the challengers by DQ due to Albano being in the ring. * Valentine gets upset at the decision and yells...not at the referee, but at DiBiase.

 

:35-:37 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:37-:49 One fall to curfew: Matt Hardy vs. "The Man of a Thousand Masks" Mil Mascaras

 

Hardy gets a quick near fall in with a sitout power bomb. The match winds up being pretty even throughout, with Hardy getting a slight majority of near falls by mat wrestling Mascaras and avoiding Mascaras' lucha libre style. Hardy takes the advantage with an inverted DDT, then hits a Side Effect for 2. He goes for the Twist of Fate, but Mascaras shoves him off, staggers him with a chop, and then takes Hardy down with a flying headbutt for the pin at 10:15. ***1/2

 

:49-:51 COMMERCIAL BREAK

 

:51-:55 One fall to curfew: Air Paris vs. Ron Simmons

 

Simmons uses his football background to keep Paris completely at bay with a series of football tackles, but he goes for one too many and hits his head on the middle turnbuckle. A staggering Simmons then walks right into a Paris superkick that earns Paris the pin at 2:31. *1/4

 

:55-:57 Interview: Gordon Solie attempts to interview Ted DiBiase about what happened with him and Valentine earlier, and as he tries to explain that Valentine is upset because DiBiase brought Albano into the ring, Air Paris interrupts from in the ring saying he took out AJ Styles...and he'll take DiBiase out right now and collect the bounty. DiBiase hits the ring...

 

:57-1:00 Air Paris vs. Ted DiBiase

 

Paris jumps DiBiase as he enters the ring and tries to keep him down with a long series of kicks and punches. He staggers DiBiase with a leg lariat and charges off the ropes...right into a powerslam by DiBiase that gets the pin in 1:59. ** DiBiase celebrates, but Shane Douglas comes toward the ring and begins to badmouth DiBiase as the show ends.