Rebooking The WWE

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Wrestling Challenge – 22/06/1985

@ Poughkeepsie, NY - Mid-Hudson Civic Center

 

Commentators for the show –Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura.

 

The Missing Link (with Bobbby Heenan) pinned Rick “Quickdraw” McGraw after a flying head BUTT from the second rope. Link continues to impress within the federation, although McMahon does add that he has not yet truly been tested as of yet. (4.26) Quickdraw didn’t fair too badly, and gave Link his toughest test in the ring, however there was only ever going to be one winner. McGraw’s good single run is over.

 

The commentators then run through the matches we expect to see tonight as in the main event Tito Santana will go one on one with Ken Patera. Also another member of Heenan’s Family Big John Studd will meet Rocky Johnson in a rematch from last week.

 

Make sure to tune into Prime Time Wrestling as Don Muraco will get his chance to become the new WWF champion as he will meet Hulk Hogan.

 

Big six man match next. “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka, Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat and Hillbilly Jim pinned The Foreign Leigon (The Iron Shiek and Nikolai Volkoff) (with “Classie” Freddie Blassie) and George “The Animal” Steele. The match ended with Steele in the ring taking a beating from all three men – Sheik and Volkoff would not tag in whenever Snuka or Steamboat were in the match – and so kept refusing a tag to Steele. The match ended with Snuka finishing off Steele with the Superfly Splash. The faces celebrate. (14.04)

 

When we get back from commercial we see George “The Animal” Steele arguing with The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff due to them not tagging into the match. The tag team turn on Steele and start laying the boots to an already weak prey.

All of a sudden Snuka and Steamboat get back in the ring and run off the heels. They help Steele to his feet and raise his arms in the air – it looks as though Steele has turned face.

 

A promo for Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Confirmed Matches –

*Intercontinental Championship Cage Match. Champion Greg “The Hammer” Valentine verses challenger Tito Santana.

*Tag Team Champions “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and “Cowboy” Bob Orton verses The US Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo)

*“Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat will meet The Foreign Leigon (The Iron Shiek and Nikolai Volkoff)

WWF Champion Hulk Hogan will be in action.

 

The rematch from last week was next as Big John Studd (with Bobby Heenan) pinned Rocky Johnson after a powerslam followed by an elbow drop. (6.33)

This match went a little longer than last weeks match, this time with Studd pinning Johnson. The Heenan Family are 2 for 2 tonight. The Main Event will be up next.

 

Interview in the back with Mene Gene Okerlund and Intercontinental Champion Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. Valentine says he will be watching the next match very closely and swears to make Tito bleed and pass out in their cage match at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Tito Santana submission over Ken Patera (with Bobby Heenan) after applying the figure-four leg lock. A great match between two former Intercontinental Champions. Greg “The Hammer” Valentine comes out after the match and stares a hole from Tito as the crowd eats it up. (9.43) Show fades.

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News.

 

In some shock news the WWF has decided to terminate the contract of Rocky Johnson. Apparently WWF officials was unhappy with his conditioning during his matches these past few weeks with Big John Studd on TV and also his performances on the House Show circuit. This does mean that the plans to re-team him Tony Atlas has obviously been shelved. The WWF wish Rocky the best and would like to work again with him in the future.

 

Following on from the above news - the WWF expect to shake up their roster pretty soon with some more releases sure to occur and new talent to arrive. Also current stars on the roster are expected to get some new direction in the near future – George “The Animal” Steele already being a prime example. Watch this space.

 

WWF are over the moon with the work shown by The Hart Foundation, The British Bulldogs and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat. Steamboat especially has made a big impact since his debut in March and is expected to be placed in a lengthily feud very soon with suspects being Don Muraco, Big John Studd or even his partner “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka.

 

King Kong Bundy has been booked to appear on and off in Japan over the summer months (he is contractually obligated to do this) – due to this it is doubtful that he will be back in the WWF full time until the fall – September at the earliest. After his return it is expected that he will be pushed heavily up the card.

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Prime Time Wrestling – 25/06/85

@ Omaha, NE - City Auditorium

 

A video is played voiced by Vince McMahon hyping tonight’s main event between WWF Champion Hulk Hogan and Don Muraco. Clips are shown to all the build up to this particular match, including Muraco’s count-out victory over the champion and his and Mr Fuji’s tag team win last week.

 

Commentators Vince McMahon and Pat Patterson.

 

The crowd goes wild as “Another One Bites The Dust” plays in the arena. Out comes The Junkyard Dog.

 

The Junkyard Dog pinned Bret Hart (with Jimmy Hart) after a headbutt. Patterson puts Hart over as one of the new breed of technical sound wrestlers and bets McMahon that Hart will one day wear gold in the WWF. McMahon doesn’t take the bet as he actually agrees with Patterson for once. (10.11) The Dog celebrates with the fans after.

 

Interview with Don Muraco and Mr Fuji – the WWF title will be theirs tonight.

 

“Triple Crown” Pedro Morales Submission over Terry Gibbs with the boston crab. (2.32) Another quick squash match to re-establish the former Tag, Intercontinental and World Champion.

 

A promo for Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Confirmed Matches –

*Intercontinental Championship Cage Match. Champion Greg “The Hammer” Valentine verses challenger Tito Santana.

*Tag Team Champions “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and “Cowboy” Bob Orton verses The US Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo)

*“Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat will meet The Foreign Leigon (The Iron Shiek and Nikolai Volkoff)

The WWF Champion whether it be Hogan or Muraco will be in attendance as well as The Hart Foundation, The British Bulldogs, The Junkyard Dog, The Heenan Family and Rowdy Roddy Piper. Shaping up to be a huge night.

 

Intercontinental Champion Greg “The Hammer” Valentine submission over George Welles with the figure four leg lock. (4.12) Valentine proclaims to the camera after the match that anything Santana can do he can do better. This was in reference to Tito’s win against Ken Patera with the same move last week.

 

After the break it is the big one.

 

WWF Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan pinned Don Muraco (with Mr Fuji) after a boot to the face and a leg drop. The match was shown in it’s entirety and was an all out brawl. (24.12) Show ends with Hogan celebrating with the fans. Hogan goes into SNME with the title still around his waist.

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Wrestling Challenge – 29/06/85

@ Boston, MA - Boston Garden

 

We are reminded straight away that next week there will be no Wrestling Challenge. Instead Saturday Night’s Main Event will air in it’s place.

 

Commentators for the show –Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura.

 

Tag action to kick things off.

 

The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart) (with Jimmy Hart) pinned Ron Hutchinson and Paul Roma. After Neidhart pinned Hutchinson following a Hart Attack. (3.21)

 

We go to a clip of last weeks show where George “The Animal” Steele was set upon by The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff and being saved from further harm by Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat and “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka.

 

George “The Animal” Steele (with Captain Lou Albano) submission over Mike Powers following the flying hammerlock. As a surprise “Manager of Champions” Captain Lou Albano was in Steele’s corner. (2.29) Steele was pretty over with the fans following his recent face turn.

 

A promo for Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Confirmed Matches –

*Intercontinental Championship Cage Match. Champion Greg “The Hammer” Valentine verses challenger Tito Santana.

*Tag Team Champions “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and “Cowboy” Bob Orton verses The US Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo)

*“Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat will meet The Foreign Leigon (The Iron Shiek and Nikolai Volkoff)

The WWF Champion Hulk Hogan will be in action as well as The Hart Foundation, The British Bulldogs, Junkyard Dog, The Heenan Family and Rowdy Roddy Piper. Shaping up to be a huge night.

 

B. Brian Blair pinned Les Thorton after a dropkick from the top rope. Blair has not tasted defeat since his return to the WWF. There is talk that there is plans to integrate Blair into the growing tag team division, however a choice of partner has not yet been decided. (4.52)

 

Interview with Tony Atlas conducted by Lord Alfred Hayes. Atlas says that he has not been wrestling to his full potential recently and promises to come good tonight against his opponent Ken Patera.

 

Throw away tag team action as George Welles and SD Jones pinned Ted Grizzley and Barry O when Welles pinned Grizzley after a shoulder tackle. (3.21) Interesting to see Welles and Jones teamed instead of Welles normal partner of Atlas. There is talk that Atlas could get a small push in singles action.

 

Interview with Intercontinental Champion Greg “The Hammer” Valentine conducted by Mene Gene Okerlund. Valentine talks up his rivalry with Tito Santana that has been off and on for near a year. He says at Saturday Night’s Main Event it will finally come to an end and he will finish Tito once and for all. Valentine puts it over as the biggest match of his career.

 

Tony Atlas pinned Ken Patera (with Bobby Heenan) following a press slam. A huge victory for Atlas against former Intercontinental Champion Patera. Rumours of a push for Atlas could well be true. (8.12) Good Contest here.

 

A music video promo is aired for The Junkyard Dog along to the tune of Queen – Another One Bites The Dust.

 

This weeks Main Event sees Brutus Beefcake (with Johnny Valliant) count out over Tito Santana. Great match between these two upper mid-carders. The WWF are still very high on Beefcake and rumours are rife that Beefcake could be wearing gold by the end of the year. Beefcake gets the shallow victory over Tito when Intercontinental Champion Greg “The Hammer” Valentine runs down and starts attacking his rival. The referee does not see the attack as he is jawing with Beefcake from exiting the ring. The ref gets to the ten count as the match comes to a close. (16.21). Valentine rolls Santana in the ring as both he and Beefcake lay the beating on Santana to the boos of the crowd. The heels seem to be in some king of cahoots. Show ends with Valentine shaking Beefcake’s and then Valliant’s hands.

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Prime Time Wrestling – 02/07/85

@ Pensacola, FL - Civic Center

 

 

Commentators Vince McMaohn and Pat Patterson.

 

Show starts with both commentators hyping Saturday Night’s Main Event. Tonight we will see a preview of two of the matches signed for the 06/07/85 extravaganza, as a huge 8 man tag team affair will be tonight’s main event.

Tag Team Champions “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and “Cowboy” Bob Orton and The Iron Shiek and Nikolai Volkoff will meet The US Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo) and “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat. But First…..

 

Blackjack Mulligan pinned Gino Carabello after a lariat. (3.46). Since Mulligan’s initial mini feud with Greg Valentine (which really was just a transitional one to break up the ongoing angle between Valentine and Santana) he has pretty much been directionless. However he still is one of the most over mid carders on the roster.

 

Promo from the heel team of the eight man tag tonight. Classie Freddie Blassie wants assurances that tonight the tag champs have his teams back and also that once they defeat The US Express at Saturday Night’s Main Event, that they will be next in line for a shot at the titles. The champs agree and both shake Blassie hands as The Foreign Leigon stare a hole in their partners.

The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart) (with Jimmy Hart) pinned George Welles and Tony Atlas. Hart pinned Atlas after he was cracked over the head with Jimmy Hart’s megaphone. (11.12) Welles and Atlas were back tagging together (so it doesn’t look like this team is to be disbanded quite yet?) Another impressive victory for The Hart Foundation as they climb the tag team ranks.

 

Incoherent promo in the back by newly face George “The Animal” Steele and his new manager Captain Lou Albano. (Albano has been paired up with Steele and it appears that he is no longer manager of The US Express, who he has not been seen with a ringside for their last few matches). These two make quite the unusual pairing.

 

B. Brian Blair pinned Rene Goulet after a victory roll pin. (5.21).

 

A promo for Saturday Night’s Main Event.

Confirmed Matches –

*Intercontinental Championship Cage Match. Champion Greg “The Hammer” Valentine verses challenger Tito Santana.

*Tag Team Champions “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and “Cowboy” Bob Orton verses The US Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo)

*“Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat will meet The Foreign Leigon (The Iron Shiek and Nikolai Volkoff)

The WWF Champion Hulk Hogan will be in action as well as The Hart Foundation, The British Bulldogs, Junkyard Dog, The Heenan Family and Rowdy Roddy Piper. Shaping up to be a huge night.

 

We return as the commentators say that we should not miss Saturday Night’s Main Event.

 

Adrian Adonis submssion over Swede Hanson with the sleeper hold (4.27) Adonis is another midcarder who has been pretty directionless since loosing the tag team titles earlier in the year and then his tag team parter Dick Murdoch leaving for the NWA. WWF officials seem to be unhappy with his recent weight gain and are encouraging him to loss it. Age has caught up with The Big Swede and his future is in doubt as the WWF are thinking of freeing up some roster space so that new and younger athletes are signed to contracts.

 

Back from commercial and we go straight to the ring for a quick squash before the main event as George “The Animal” Steele (with Captain Lou Albano) was disqualified against Barry O as he ripped one of the ring pads off of on of the turnbuckles and began ramming O’s head into it. the referee had no choice but to ring the bell for the D/Q. (3.25) Wow jobber Barry O gets the victory. Steele’s actions although rather “heel” does not put the fans off from cheering him. Patterson on commentary is furious with Steele’s actions and believes he should be kept in a zoo.

 

Pre-recorded comments from Tito Santana. He is fine after the “cowardly” attack by Greg “The Hammer” Valentine and Brutus Beefcake and the best revenge he can think of is to pin Valentine one, two, three and become a two time Intercontinental Champion.

 

Main Event Time as Tag Team Champions “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and “Cowboy” Bob Orton and The Foreign Leigon (The Iron Shiek and Nikolai Volkoff) (with Classie Freddie Blassie) pinned The US Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo) and “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat. Orndorff gets the clean pinfall over Barry Windham when he hits him with his vicious looking piledriver. The heels head into Saturday Night’s Main Event with a huge victory. (11.25)

 

The commentators tell us as the show goes off air to remember that no Wrestling Challenge will air this week and instead a special 2 Hour broadcast of Saturday Night’s Main Event will air instead.

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06/07/85

@ New York City, NY - Madison Square Garden

 

 

Before the show begins properly we go to a pre recorded message from Vince McMahon that states that a title change occurred at a local house show last night.

 

We then go to the closing moments of a match between Tag Team Champions “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and “Cowboy” Bob Orton and The US Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo) from last night where Orndorff is pinned via a bulldog delivered to him from Barry Windham. NEW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!! The US Express are now two time tag team champions.

 

We then go to the commentators booth as a three man team welcome us to a special night. Vince McMahon is in the middle of Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura. They put over the fact that you never know what is going to happen in the World Wrestling Federation. We then head to the ring for the opening contest and a rematch from last nights encounter.

 

The New Tag Team Champions The US Express get a great pop from the crowd as they come down the aisle with their newly regained titles each waving an American flag.

 

Tag Team Champions The US Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo) pinned “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and “Cowboy” Bob Orton after a miscommunication between the heels. The referee was knocked down after Rotundo was irish whipped into him. This allowed Orndorff to hold Rotundo as Orton went to hit him with his cast. Rotundo moved and Mr Wonderful was floored. Windham chucks Orton out of the ring as the ref comes to. Rotundo pins Orndorff for the three count and The US Express retain their titles (6.34) . However the big story from the match happened after the pinfall as a visibly seething Orton climbs back in the ring and starts berating Orndorff for him loosing TWICE in two days to The US Express. A fight breaks out between the two as it looks like the former champions have broken up. Orton gets the upper hand and heads back outside the ring and pick up the timekeepers bell – however just as he is about to crack it over his fallen victim, who else but WWF Champion HULK HOGAN runs down for the save. A big boot and a leg drop to Orton as Hogan helps Orndorff up and the pair shake hands to the delight of the crowd.

 

Interview in the back with The Heenan Family. The promo is lead by manager Bobby Heenan. Later tonight Family member Ken Patera will meet WWF Champion Hulk Hogan in a non-title match. Heenan says he has all the confidence in the world that Patera will shock the world and pin Hogan to get a title shot in the future. Big John Studd and The Missing Link were also in the promo but did not say anything.

 

Next up was a debut…..that of Terry Funk. Funk came down the aisle as the commentators say that Funk is one tough son of a gun who just loves beating people up. Funk has with him a branding iron.

 

Terry Funk submission over Aldo Marino via the spinning toe hold. (2.07) . After the match Funk went over to ring announcer Mel Phillips and proceeded to gather his cowboy hat and branding iron. Funk begins shouting at Phillips as his hat appears to have been dented slightly.

Funk shouts at Phillips for not taking care of his property and spits in Phillips direction. After the spit he hits Phillips in the throat with his branding iron as officials swarm from the back to try and get Funk to stop beating on Phillips. Striking debut by The Funkster. Poor Mel Phillips is stretchered out of the arena. What a heinous act by Terry Funk.

 

Interview conducted by Mene Gene Okerlund with Rowdy Roddy Piper. Okerlund says what are his thought on his friends beating two barrels out of each other earlier. Piper says those two boys can sort themselves out as he has more pressing matters on his mind. Piper says that he can’t wait to get his hands on The Junkyard Dog, but unfortunately it won’t be tonight as he is already spoken for. (He has a match signed with Don Muraco).

 

Six man tag action as The British Bulldogs (The Dynamite Kid and Davey Boy Smith) and George “The Animal” Steele (with Captain Lou Albano) pinned The Moondogs (Spot and Rex) and Adrian Adonis after Spot submitted to Steele’s claw to the face. (4.32) Total filler match, just an opportunity to get The Bulldogs and newley turned face Steele on the card.

 

Interview conducted by Lord Alfred Hayes. His guest none other than Hillbilly Jim. The old hillbilly introduces Alfred and everyone watching at home to his uncle. This is the on screen debut of Uncle Elmer. Uncle Elmer says he has come to the WWF to watch his nephew’s back. (The WWF weren’t kidding when they said they were looking to inject new talent to the roster – that is the second debut tonight.)

 

Don Muraco (with Mr Fuji) pinned The Junkyard Dog with the reverse piledriver after Rowdy Roddy Piper cracked a chair over the head of The Dog.

(11.03). An intense brawl between two upper mid carders. The Piper and Dog feud continues apace.

 

Interview with WWF Champion Hulk Hogan. He tells Mene Gene Okerlund that he will need eyes in the back of his head when he is wrestling Ken Patera tonight as he doesn’t trust Bobby Heenan and his cronies The Missing Link and Big John Studd.

 

“Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat pinned The Foreign Leigon (The Iron Shiek and Nikolai Volkoff) (with Classie Freddie Blassie) when Snuka pinned Volkoff with the Superfly Splash for the 123. (7.21). This appears to be culmination of this mini feud which has helped greatly in establishing Ricky Steamboat as a superstar to keep your eye on.

 

A promo for Andre The Giant is aired. A package is shown of him and his greatest achievements in the WWF. The package ends with the Slogan “The Eigth Wonder Of The World” The Unbeatable Andre The Giant)

 

Non Title Match: WWF Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan Pinned Ken Patera (with Bobby Heenan) after a big boot and a leg drop. (11.41) As Hogan celebrates Heenan calls for back up as Big John Studd and The Missing Link start to double team the champion, Patera also gets involved. All of a sudden “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff runs from the back with a chair in hand as the heels exit the ring out of harms way. Orndorff helps Hogan to his feet as the two embrace. Orndorff’s face turn appears to have been completed.

 

Before the main event we have a tag match. In a rematch from Prime Time we see The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart and Jim Neidhart) (with Jimmy Hart) Pin George Welles and Tony Atlas. Welles is pinned by Hart after being delivered The Hart Attack. Welles and Atlas again fail to defeat The Hart Foundation. (10.45)

 

Now to the big one of the night – what the commentators say is the culmination of an intense rivalry between two of the best wrestlers in the world today. The showdown will be confined to a cage!!

 

Tito Santana defeated Intercontinental Champion Greg “The Hammer” Valentine after escaping the cage first. The conclusion of the match sees Valentine crawl to the door of the cage as Tito is climbing over the cage to the floor. The crowd is rabid as it appears either one of the superstars could leave the cage first – however out from the back comes Brutus Beefcake (who helped Valentine in a post match beat down of Santana on Wrestling Challenge last week). Beefcake try’s his hardest to stop Santana in his tracks as Valentine edges closer and closer to the exit. However it is all in vain as Santana hits the floor and delivers a clothesline to Beefcake who’s momentum takes him crashing into the steel guard rails. The Winner of the match and NEW INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION TITO SANTANA. Santana has ended Greg “The Hammer” Valentine’s 10 month reign. (He won it from Santana back in September 1984 (24th to be exact). Santana becomes the third man to hold the Intercontinental Title on two occasions, joining “Triple Crown” Pedro Morales and Don Muraco. (18.34)

 

The show ends with Tito Santana celebrating his title win, in the crowd. As the show fades to black.

[Bruiser_Brody_ 0]

Too much making Hogan and Piper lose, other than that pretty good job

 

 

[ryankeast 0]

Too much making Hogan and Piper lose, other than that pretty good job

 

As always thanks for the feedback, means a lot.

 

With regards to jobbing out Hogan and Piper.

 

1.Hulk Hogan – I haven’t had Hogan pinned yet in this alternate WWE universe. I think the count out loss to Don Muraco wouldn’t hurt him and also the defeat at the hands of Mr Fuji and Muraco would also not hurt as it was in fact, Hillbilly Jim that was pinned. When it comes to the big one on one matches Hogan still prevails. I envisage that Hogan will still have a lengthy first World Title change (I could change my mind) , however I don’t want to book him as too much like Superman. The odd count out and double d/q won’t hurt him one bit.

 

2.Rowdy Roddy Piper – I never got why Piper was so protected in the WWF, or whether it was him simply refusing to job? In my current WWF, only two superstars are heavily protected when it comes to pinfall and submission losses – Hulk Hogan and Andre The Giant. There is no reason that I can think of that Piper should never taste defeat. The guy would still be super over, due to him being great on the stick and the losses to JYD will not affect him as The Dog is also one of the most over faces on the roster.

 

All the above is of course just my opinion and I welcome yours and any others feedback.

 

Thanks again and keep reading

 

[Bruiser_Brody_ 0]

Hulk's gimmick was showing ass during a match, but ultimately finding a way to prevail. Its that booking that made millions of kids like me, believe in him.

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News.

 

The owner of The WWF, Vince McMahon is said to be over the moon with the debut of the special event – Saturday Night’s Main Event and hopes to continue in the future with these special shows. McMahon wants to promote them almost as a super card that progress’ storylines and bring to an end others with big “blow off” matches.

 

The big news following on from the event is that a day before, we had the crowning of new tag team champions – that of The US Express. This is the second time this talented, young team has held the belts. The real story though was the face turn of “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff. It looks as though he hasn’t wasted any time of making new enemies with The Heenan Family and former partner “Cowboy” Bob Orton all wanting a piece of him. It does appear though that Orndorff has back up in the guise of World Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan.

 

Orndorrff and Orton reign wasn’t the longest of all time – only lasting 73 days. This reign however does out do The US Express’ first reign, by a mere three days. Windham and Rotundo will be hoping to have a longer reign this time. They have a long way to go to overtake the following teams.

 

ALL TIME LONGEST REIGNING TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS.

 

Jimmy Valiant & Johnny Valiant – 370 Days (08/05/1974 - 13/05/1975)

Toru Tanaka & Mr. Fuji – 327 Days (27/06/1972 - 20/05/1973)

Adrian Adonis & Dick Murdoch – 301 Days (17/04/1984 - 12/02/1985)

 

Tito Santana was crowned the new WWF Intercontinental Champion, making it the second time he has won the title. This brings an end to Greg “The Hammer” Valentine’s successful reign. Valentine will go down as the third longest serving champion behind “Triple Crown” Pedro Morales’ second reign and Don Muraco’s second reign also. There is serious consideration been given to teaming up Valentine and Brutus Beefcake as a tag team as management has liked the way they have gelled in tag matches at House Shows against Santana and Junkyard Dog. They would be an excellent addition to the tag division.

 

ALL TIME LONGEST REIGNING INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONS.

 

Pedro Morales – 425 Days – (23/11/1981 - 22/01/1983)

Don Muraco – 385 Days – (22/01/1983 - 11/02/1984)

Greg “The Hammer” Valentine – 285 Days (24/09/1984 - 06/07/1985)

 

Speaking of the tag division McMahon was very keep to show case as many teams as he could at SNME. The Hart Foundation and The British Bulldogs particularly showing immense promise and talent. Both teams are considered to be future Tag Team Champions.

 

Two new superstars debuted at SNME. One is former NWA Heavyweight Champion Terry Funk. Funk although 41 is considered a real coup and will be considered a real threat to both the Intercontinental and World Championships. Funk has initially signed for six months with the federation. Also signing for one year is Stan Frazier, or who has now been repackaged as Uncle Elmer. Elmer who is 47, will be put together with fellow hillbilly, Hillbilly Jim. Both signings will continue the current expansion of the WWF roster.

 

Also signing a longer three year contract in Jim Brunzell. Brunzell is a former AWA talent who has worked with talents such as Adrian Adonis and Ken Patera. Known as a “high flyer” and tag team specialist, Brunzell is expected to debut as a partner for B. Brian Blair. Blair although exciting since his resigning with the federation has failed to get over with the fans and the WWF is looking to kill two birds with one stone – by increasing the tag team division and by doing something with an under utilised wrestler.

 

With Blair, Greg Valentine and Brutus Beefcake being talked about to pad out and most importantly improve the tag division, the WWF are continuing to “scout” talent from other territories. Current wrestlers to catch the eye are Randy Savage who has been competing in Memphis, engaging in a bloody feud with Jerry Lawler. Former WWF World Tag Team Champion Dino Bravo is also being considered.

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Prime Time Wrestling – 09/07/85

@ Toronto, Ontario - Maple Leaf Gardens

 

 

Commentators Vince McMahon and Pat Patterson.

 

The commentators put over that SNME was a huge success and a lot of significant happenings occurred on Saturday night. McMahon says that since last week we have two new champions The US Express and Tito Santana have once again won titles that they have held in the past. All three men becoming two time holders of the Tag Team and Intercontinental Championship belts. Pat adds that on tonight’s show we will see Johnny Valliant and Brutus Beefcake as guests on Pipers Pit. Also in the main event the former tag team champions collide as “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and “Cowboy” Bob Orton go one on one.

 

First match of the nights sees The Missing Link (with Bobby Heenan) pin Salvatore Bellomo after a big boot to the face. (3.32). Heenan joined the commentary team during the match and says that Paul Orndorff will regreat sticking his nose in The Heenan Family’s business.

 

A promo is aired that next week on Prime Time a wrestler by the name of Randy Savage will be debuting.

 

Tony Atlas pinned Matt Borne after a press slam. (5.21) This is a rematch between two men that faced each aother a few weeks back. Yet another to a fro affair, with Atlas getting the victory again.

 

Promo with Lord Alfred Hayes talking to “Cowboy” Bob Orton. Orton says that Paul Orndorff will be beaten to a pulp tonight as The Cowboy proves he was the talent in their team together. As we head back to the commentatorsPat Patterson says he would rather be anyone else in the world apart from Orndorff as so many people want a piece of him.

 

George “The Animal” Steele (with Captain Lou Albano) submission over Rene Goulet with the flying hammerlock. (4.32)

 

Next it was time for Pipers Pit. Rowdy Roddy Piper inducing a great deal of heel heat from the crowd. His guests are Johnny Valliant and his client Brutus Beefcake. Valliant says that Beefcake is the future of Professional Wrestling – a wrestling prodigy, the man who should have been standing here today the WWF Champion if it was not for the corrupt WWF officials. Last Saturday saw the demise of the greatest Intercontinental Champion ever and so we have two incredible athletes who are no longer wearing gold. This brings out Greg “The Hammer” Valentine and Valliant says that Valentine has now signed a contract with him in order to guide him back to the top of the mountain. He says together these men will change the way of tag team wrestling, together they will be known as “The Dream Team”.

 

Big John Studd (with Bobby Heenan) pinned David Sammartino,

after a vicious looking powerslam. Bruno, David’s father and WWF legend was not at ringside for this contest. (5.21)

 

Pre-recorded message from the new Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana. Santata puts over what a great achievement it is to win the Championship twice. He hopes he has made both his family and fans proud.

 

Don Muraco (with Mr Fuji) pinned Rick “Quickdraw” McGraw after a reverse piledriver. (4.42)

 

Back from commercial and we head to our night’s Main Event.

“Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff D/Q over “Cowboy” Bob Orton. The referee had no choice but to throw the match out as Orton pulled him back on three occasion’s as he continued to lay closed fist and cast onto Orndorff’s head. As Orton continued, out from the back came Hulk Hogan for the save, much to the delight of the crowd. Orton scarpers as Hogan helps a bloody Orndorff to his feet. (10.43)

 

Show goes off the air.

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Wrestling Challenge – 13/07/85

@ Quebec City, Quebec - Colisee de Quebec

 

Commentators are Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura

 

We head straight to the ring as we see a debut of a tag team known as The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair and “Jumping” Jim Brunzell) pinned Steve Lombardi and Dave Barbie. Barbie is pinned by Brunzell after a dropkick. (3.43) The WWf decide to debut the new pairing of Blair and Brunzell without any build up. The original plan was to have Blair as a singles star. However after his lacklustre rections from the crowd, it has been decided to place him in the tag team division. The Bees wear matching tights, with black and yellow stripes. They also wear bee masks to the ring, but then take them off before the match.

 

Monsoon says that Brunzell will not be the only debut tonight as Uncle Elmer, the uncle of Hillbilly Jim will also make his in ring debut.

 

Interview with “Triple Crown” Pedro Morales, who will be in action later tonight. Morales would like to thank all his fans for their support since his return to the WWF from injury.

 

Terry Funk pinned Paul Roma after a delayed atomic drop. (4.26) After the match Funk goes and begins threatening the referee with his branding Iron. The crowd go wild as Blackjack Mulligan comes down and stands in between Funk and the ref. Funk backs down and leaves the ring.

 

Interview conducted by Mene Gene. Adrian Adonis says tonight he has a great chance of making Tito Santana’s title reign the shortest in WWF history. Adonis debuts his died blonde hair.

 

In a non-title match Tag Team Champions The US Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo) pinned Rick Hunter and Frank Marconi. Windham finished off Hunter with the bulldog. (3.43)

 

Uncle Elmer (with Hillbilly Jim) pinned AJ Petruzzi after a legdrop. (2.14)

 

Interview with The US Express. They are asked by Lord Alfred Hayes if they are nervous about all the current tag teams seemingly looking to be the next champions of the world. Windham says that competition is what it is all about. Rotundo says that they will take on all comers for the title.

 

The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and The Dynamite Kid) D/Q over The Foreign Leigon (The Iron Shiek and Nikolai Volkoff) (with Classie Freddie Blassie) (7.24) Match is thrown out when Blassie hands Volkoff the Russia flag which he drives into Smith’s back.

 

Paul “Mr Wonderful” Orndorff pinned Alexis Smirnoff after a pile driver. (3.54) Orndorff was MEGA over with the crowed since his recent face turn. Mene Gene Okerlund interviews him after the match. He says that he is not scared of either his former partner “Cowboy” Bob Orton or any member of The Heenan Family and if anyone of them wants a fight – they got one.

 

“Triple Crown” Pedro Morales submission over The Spoiler with the boston crab. Morales stays undefeated since his return. This was his closest match yet since his homecoming. (5.23).

 

Back from the last commercial break and Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana pinned Adrian Adonis with The Flying Forearm Smash. (8.10) Tito is successful in his first title defence.

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Prime Time Wrestling – 16/07/85

@ Detroit, MI - State Fairgrounds

 

 

Commentators Vince McMahon and Pat Patterson.

 

The team welcomes us to the show and begins to hype up the debut of Randy Savage later this evening. Patterson puts him over as the most talked about and sort after wrestling personality. McMahon adds that ALL of the current WWF managers are negotiating with Savage in order to sign him to a contract.

 

First things first though as King Kong Bundy (with Jimmy Hart) pinned SD Jones and Salvatore Bellomo in a handicapped match. (3.54). Apparently Bundy has been in Japan and will be returning there again shortly to continue his run of devastation across the Pacific Ocean. Patterson points out that SD Jones must be mad getting into a ring with Bundy after he destroyed him at Wrestlemania.

 

Interview in the back with Bobby Heenan. Standing to either of his side is Big John Studd and The Missing Link. Heenan says he is making it his personal goal to kill Hulkamania. Heenan also says that he hasn’t forgotten about Paul Orndorff either and that he will also pay for his recent actions.

 

Big John Studd (with Bobby Heenan) pinned George “The Animal” Steele (with Captain Lou Albano) after a heart punch. Patterson makes the bold prediction that Studd will be the next WWF champion, after Hennan his manager declared war on Hulkamania (5.43)

 

Interview in the back with Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat conducted by Lord Alfred Hayes. Steamboat hypes his match with Don Muraco in tonight’s main event.

 

Ivan Putski D/Q over “Cowboy” Bob Orton. Orton is disqualified for using his cast as a weapon in front of the referee. Orton continues to attack Putski – until “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff runs out for the save – much to the delight of the crowd. (8.32)

 

The commentators hype the debut of Randy Savage as we take another commercial break.

 

Randy Savage pinned Aldo Marino after two flying elbow smashes. (2.34) Before Savage’s entrance. Bobby Heenan, Mr Fuji and Johnny Valliant are all lining the aisle each holding something different. Valliant a box of the finest Cuban cigars, Fuji a case of the most expensive champagne, and Heenan a platter of the most premium food. All three managers are telling Savage that this is what he can expect if he signs up with them as his manager. Savage shakes each man’s hand and says he will think about their propositions.

 

Tony Atlas (with George Welles) D/Q over Bret Hart (with Jimmy Hart and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart) The match was thrown out when Neidhart hooked Atlas’ leg when he was running the ropes to shoulder tackle Hart. (4.32) After the weak finish all four men began to brawl as we head to commercial.

 

The commentators hype up Wrestling Challenge which will see Tito Santana defend his Intercontinental Championship against former champion Don Muraco and also the in ring debut of The Dream Team will meet “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat.

 

The Missing Link (with Bobby Heenan) pinned Jose Luis Rivera after a big boot to the face. (3.36)

 

Back from the last commercial break we head to our last match of the evening.

 

Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat count out victory over Don Muraco (with Mr Fuji). Steamboat won the match after delivering an atomic drop to Muraco, the force sending him up and over the top rope to the floor below onto his manager. Steamboat has his hand raised as Muraco is seething that he has been counted out. (6.32)

 

The commentators tell us to make sure we don’t miss next weeks show.

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Wrestling Challenge – 20/07/85

@ Baltimore, MD - Civic Center

 

Commentary Team of Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse “The Body” Venutra.

 

The commentary team welcome us to another night of top wrestling action. Gorilla says tonight we will see the newest member of the WWF Randy Savage appear on Pipers Pit. Ventura speculates that we may find out tonight who Savage will sign up to be his manager. Also in action tonight will be King Kong Bundy and in the main event we will see the newly formed team of The Dream Team take on “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat.

 

Tag Team affair is the first match of the evening as The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair and Jim Brunzell) pinned The Moondogs (Rex and Spot) after a double drop kick to Spot for the pinfall. (5.43). In The Bees second match they came to the ring with masks on – which they then removed before the match. (Think fencing style masks).

 

We go to the commentary table where Gorilla and Jesse tell us a huge match has been signed for Prime Time Wrestling – which will see WWF Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan and “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff against Rowdy Roddy Piper and “Cowboy” Bob Orton.

King Kong Bundy (with Jimmy Hart) pinned Tony Garea after an avalanche into the corner. The referee is forced to count to five as Bundy places a foot on Garea’s chest. (4.17) Garea got the longest match yet out of Bundy – but it still wasn’t enough as Bundy make relatively short work of 5 time former tag team champion.

 

Interview with Johnny Valliant and The Dream Team (Greg “The Hammer” Valentine and Brutus Beefcake). No team is even close to being in their league is the crux of the interview here.

Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana D/Q over Don Muraco (with Mr Fuji) as Fuji hits Santana with his cane when he was on the outside. (13.21). The commentators bring up that it was Santana that ended Muraco’s second reign as Intercontinental Champion.

 

Piper’s Pit is next as Rowdy Roddy Piper welcomes the “hottest superstar” in the world today – Randy Savage. Piper says that it must be quite the ego stroke to know that all the current WWF managers are vying for his signature. Savage says you get used to it when you are as good as he is. Savage proclaims himself the best pure talent on the earth right now and will make a decision about who to sign a contract with soon.

 

The Heenan Family (The Missing Link and Big John Studd) (with Bobby Heenan) pinned SD Jones and George Welles. Link pins Welles after a diving headbut from the second rope. (3.12) Squash City.

 

Another reminder about the big tag match on Tuesday night between WWF Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan and “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff against Rowdy Roddy Piper and “Cowboy” Bob Orton.

 

Main Event time sees The Dream Team (Greg “The Hammer” Valentine and Brutus Beefcake) (with Johnny Valliant) defeat “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat after Snuka submits to Valentine’s figure four leg lock. The Dream Team go over clean against another team that was undefeated up until this point in time. Monsoon points out that The US Express better watch their backs with these two superstars climbing the ranks. (10.03)

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Prime Time Wrestling – 23/07/85

@ Ft. Wayne, IN - Memorial Coliseum

 

 

Commentators Vince McMahon and Pat Patterson.

 

The commentators big up the huge tag team main event for tonight that will see WWF Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan and “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff against Rowdy Roddy Piper and “Cowboy” Bob Orton.

 

We then head to the ring as Randy Savage makes his way down the aisle. Patterson puts him over as the hottest free agent in the wrestling business today.

 

Randy Savage pinned Rick “Quickdraw” McGraw after a flying elbow smash from the top rope. This was actually a well contested match and not a complete squash as McGraw managed to take Savage to over the ten minute mark.(10.21) After the match Savage threw McGraw to the outside of the ring as McMahon is disgusted in Savage’s sportsmanship. Savage gets on the mic and again reiterates that he is the most talked about superstar in the federation today and is still thinking about the contracts he has been handed by ALL the current managers in the WWF.

 

Interview conducted by Lord Alfred Hayes with Blackjack Mulligan. The former tag team champion says that Terry Funk has been nothing but a bully since he came to the WWF picking on referees and ring announcers – well tonight he will come face to face with a man who is his size. Mulligan promises to teach Funk a lesson he won’t ever forget.

 

Tag Team Champions The US Express (Barry Windham and Mike Rotundo) pinned The Foreign Leigon (The Iron Shiek and Nikolai Volkoff) (with Classie Freddie Blassie) after The Shiek was pinned after an airplane spin by Rotundo. McMahon puts over the integrity of the tag champs as this was meant to be a non title match but The Express demanded it be changed to a title affair – Patterson adds that that just shows stupidity NOT integrity. (5.43) Patterson says that he doesn’t expect The Express to be champions very long not with The Dream Team now on the tag scene. McMahon hates to say it but his commentary partner may have a point.

 

A Junkyard Dog music promo is played.

Terry Funk and Blackjack Mulligan ended up in a double count out after they battle to the outside. (5.32). All out brawl between these two Texans. Funk is being put over strong by the commentators as a man who just loves to fight. Doubt this issue between these two men is over?

 

We come back from a commercial break and we are set for our Main Event already – with about twenty minutes still to go of the broadcast.

WWF Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan and “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff pinned Rowdy Roddy Piper and “Cowboy” Bob Orton. Hogan finished off Orton with the big boot and the leg drop for the clean pin fall at (16.43) Orndorff has been mega over since his face turn and it has really helped him establish himself as an upper card performer. Piper is still a heat machine playing up to the crowd at every opportunity and the heels cheated throughout the match – choking Orndorff when the ref’s back was turned, gouging of the eyes and hair pulling all happening during the match.

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Wrestling Challenge – 27/07/85

@ Poughkeepsie, NY - Mid-Hudson Civic Center

 

 

Commentary Team of Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura.

 

We kick off the show with Jimmy Hart in the ring with Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart.

The commentators say we will be kicking off the show with an Intercontinental title defence.

 

Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana pinned Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart (with Jimmy Hart) with The Flying Forearm Smash. Commentators bring up that these two met at Wrestlemania and how Tito is a fighting champion personified.

Ventura says that Jim Neidhart and his partner Bret Hart are probably the most underrated tag team in the industry. Monsoon agrees and brings up the fact that The Hart Foundation are still undefeated and that The US Express currently have so many top teams gunning for their titles. (5.56)

 

Interview conducted by Mene Gene with Randy Savage. As Savage is in the middle of his promo putting himself over as the best athlete in the WWF, Mr Fuji enters into the screen with Don Muraco at his side. Fuji asks Savage for an answer as to if he wants his managerial expertise – Savage is furious at Fuji for interrupting his interview time – and because of that turns Fuji down. Fuji is furious , Muraco says that he doesn’t need Savage as he will make him lots of money. Muraco takes over the interview time and tells Mene Gene to see what he means as his match is up next.

 

Don Muraco (with Mr Fuji) pinned Tony Garea after delivering the overhead piledriver. (3.32)

 

Commercial Break---

 

A Promo runs for The King Of The Ring event which will take place on Sunday the 25/08/85. Watch It.

 

“Triple Crown” Pedro Morales submission over Jack Armstrong with the Boston Crab. (3.45)

 

Interview conducted by Lord Alfred Hayes. He is with WWF legend Bruno Sammartino and his son David. In tonight’s main event they will be facing The Foreign Leigon (The Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff) They guarantee a victory in the name of America.

 

Randy Savage pinned SD Jones after a flying elbow smash from the top rope. (3.45) Savage back to squashing the under card. Savage actually came out to a mixed response a mix of boos and cheers, which is noted by Ventura who tries to put it over that the crowd hate his cockiness so much that they love him for it.

 

Commercial Break---

 

We come back from the commercial to see a new wrestler in the ring who is throwing Frisbees into the crowd. The name that comes up on the screen reads “Leaping” Lanny Poffo. Poffo is interrupted by some hillbilly style music as Hillbilly Jim and Uncle Elmer come out to the joy of the crowd.

 

Uncle Elmer (with Hillbilly Jim) pinned “Leaping” Lanny Poffo after leg drop. Not the greatest debut in the history of professional wrestling as Poffo is pinned by the large Elmer. (4.33)

 

A run down of matches is then announced for this coming Prime Time Wrestling as The Dream Team will face The Junkyard Dog and Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana. Also “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff will meet member of The Heenan Family Ken Patera.

 

Terry Funk pinned Tony Atlas after a pile driver. (7.57) Funk’s biggest victory to date in a WWF ring. Commentators bring up that Funk is a bully and currently has unresolved issues between the big Texan Blackjack Mulligan.

 

Final Commercial Break –

 

Main Event time as The Foreign Leigon (Nikolai Volkoff & the Iron Sheik) (with Classie Freddie Blassie) submission over The Sammartino’s (Bruno and David). Former WWF World Champion The Sheik makes David submit to The Camel Clutch. Show ends with the heels victorious and waving the Russian flag as Volkoff gets on the mic and starts to sing the Russian national anthem. (5.02)

 

Show Ends

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Prime Time Wrestling – 30/07/85

@ Columbus, OH - Ohio Center

 

Your commentary team is Vince McMahon and Pat Patterson

 

First match of the night sees popular Paul “Mr Wonderful” Orndorff going one on one with member of The Heenan Family Ken Patera.

 

“Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff pinned Ken Patera (with Bobby Heenan) after delivering a Knee Drop to the chest of Patera. A three count later and Orndorff is your victor. (13.44)

 

A promo for The King Of The Ring Special is aired. A 8 man tournament will take place to determine who is the “King” of the World Wrestling Federation. Entrants to the tournament so far include “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff, “Cowboy” Bob Orton and Don Muraco.

 

Hillbilly Jim (with Uncle Elmer) pinned Gary Starr after a big boot and a leg drop. The live crowd seems to be really into Jim and Elmer. (1.43)

 

Interview with Johnny Valliant and his “divine” pairing, The Dream Team. Greg “The Hammer” Valentine says he knows all of Tito Santana’s weakness’ and he will exploit them in the main event tonight. Beefcake adds they are going out to the ring to bust some heads.

 

The Missing Link (with Bobby Heenan) pinned Tony Garea after a diving headbut from the second rope. (5.21). Although Garea hasn’t started to win matches the commentators put over that he is at least not getting beaten in under 4 minutes like he was at the start of the year. The Missing Link still undefeated in the WWF.

 

Interview conducted by Mene Gene Okerlund with The Junkyard Dog and Intercontinental Championship Tito Santana. Okerlund brings up the interview with The Dream Team earlier in the broadcast, and how Valentine knows all of the champion’s weaknesses as they have faced each other on numerous occasions.

Santana retorts that this may be correct and that The Dream Team are probably the best pairing of two superstars that WWF currently has. However what is currently round his waist is proof that he is in a greater position than either Beefcake or Valentine.

 

Adrian Adonis pinned Rick “Quickdraw” McGraw after a DDT. (5.57). Adonis has now not only died his hair blonde but has also stopped wearing the leather jacket to the ring. Adonis debuts his pastel pink wrestling trunks.

 

Commercial Break—

 

A Hulk Hogan video promo airs.

 

Main Event time as The Dream Team (Greg “The Hammer” Valentine and Brutus Beefcake) (with Johnny Valliant) defeated Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana and The Junkyard Dog. A fantastic back and forth match which climaxed when The Dog was put out of action with Beefcake’s Sleeper hold.

(13.21). The Dog was left one on one with Beefcake as Valentine and Santana brawled on the floor.

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WWF News.

 

The WWF has announced a further two wrestling superstars who have been released from their contracts with immediate affect.

 

The first is Johnny Rodz. Rodz and the WWF have split on good terms and as the WWF could not guarantee a push of any sorts for Rodz, the two have decided to part ways as Rodz will now concentrate on training future wrestling superstars. The WWF would like to wish him luck.

 

The second “parting of ways” comes in the form of former WWF Intercontinental Champion and present member of The Heenan Family, Ken Patera. Patera leaves in more untidy circumstances. Due to an incident that occurred last year that included a big rock, a McDonald’s window and a ruckus with police officers. Patera has been sentenced to two years of prison. The WWF would like to wish Patera all the best and would consider re-employing him in the future.

 

Rowdy Roddy Piper is said to be upset with his current role in the company and believes he should be back in a main event programme. Piper is also currently unhappy that he has been pinned on more than one occasion this year. Piper feels he should be in the same league as Hogan and Andre The Giant when it comes to being defeated cleanly. The WWF has disagreed with Piper’s comments and say he will be used as best as the company see fit. Piper is expected to continue with his Piper’s Pit segment and his ongoing feud with The Junkyard Dog. The WWF did propose an idea to him though that could involve a big name celebrity. Watch this space…….

 

Randy Savage’s huge push has apparently not gone down too well with other superstars. Most noticeably Piper and Don Muraco. Savage appears to be a pet project of Vince McMahon and is currently set to get a “god” push. Don’t be surprised if he is wearing gold by the end of the year. Vince McMahon went all out to sign Savage to a contract and as per request of Savage the WWF has also signed to a contract Savage’s brother, who debuted this past week – “Leaping” Lanny Poffo and wife Elizabeth Hulette. There has not been any confirmation backstage as to what Hulette’s role will be with the company, Savage is currently pushing the idea that she becomes his on screen valet.

 

A special King Of The Ring event is taking place that will air for free on Sunday 25/08/85. The event will see an eight man tournament as it’s show piece. The WWF is hoping the King title will be looked upon by the wrestling world as another form of a championship. Names confirmed for the King Of The Ring are Don Muraco, “Cowboy” Bob Orton, “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat. Also all three WWF titles will also be on the line. Talk is that either Orndorff or Steamboat will be expected to win the tournament.

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Wrestling Challenge – 03/08/85

@ Los Angeles, CA - Sports Arena

 

Your commentators for the evening will be Gorilla Monsoon and Jesse “The Body” Ventura.

 

Both commentators welcome us to tonight’s show and say that tonight the Main Event for the evening will see WWF World Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan take on Heenan Family member - Big John Studd.

 

First match of the night sees HUGE six man tag team action.

 

Intercontinental Champion Tito Santana, Ricky”The Dragon” Steamboat and “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka pinned Don Muraco (with Mr Fuji), Adrian Adonis and “Cowboy” Bob Orton. What a way to kick off the show as all six men went out there and raised the roof off of the building. The finish came when Muraco was whipped into Adonis on the ring apron. After the two heels collided the Intercontinental Champion rolled up Muraco for the three count. (10.33)

 

Interview conducted by Lord Alfred Hayes. He is standing by interviewing Bobby Heenan – either side of the manager stands two huge figures. On his left The Missing Link, growling into the camera with green face and red tongue, and to his right the challenger to Hulk Hogan’ WWF Heavyweight Title Big John Studd.

Heenan says that the mission statement of The Heenan Family is to destroy Hulkamania for ever.

 

The Dream Team (Greg “The Hammer” Valentine and Brutus Beefcake) (with Johnny Valliant) submission over Ivan Putski and Chief Jay Strongbow after Putski submitted to Valentine’s figure four leg lock. (4.54) Monsoon says The Dream Team are arguably the best tag team in the world right now and can and will only get better, whilst their opponents are probably in the twilight of their career as they have maybe surpassed their peak. Ventura is bemused – “Did they ever have peak?”

 

We cut to the back as we see WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan doing press ups. The commentators promote again that it will be the champion going one on one with Big John Studd in tonight’s main event.

 

Terry Funk pinned Jim Powers following a pile driver. Extended squash match that sees Funk again dominate his opponent. Funk berates the referee during the match, telling him he isn’t counting the pin fall quick enough. Funk gets so wound up at one point that he goes to punch the ref, this however brings Blackjack Mulligan out who stands in the aisle and locks eye contact with Funk. Mulligan wiggles his finger at the Funkster as if to say don’t you even think about touching the official. Funk takes his anger out on his opponent and finished the match soon after. (4.21) Funk and Mulligan continue to stare at each other as we go to commercial.

 

Tag team action next as The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith and The Dynamite Kid) pinned Les Thornton and Steve Lombardi. Smith pins Lombardi after the a running powerslam. Ventura says that it is all good and well that the Bulldogs keep getting victories over lesser opponents, however it is time for them to step up and face teams like Sheik/Volkoff and The Hart Foundation. Monsoon cuts him off and tells him the Bulldogs already have done, they have a d/q victory over Sheik and Volkoff and a 20 minute time limit draw with The Hart Foundation. (3.29)

 

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.

 

Main event time saw WWF Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan get the victory over Big John Studd (with Booby Heenan) via d/q when fellow Heenan Family member The Missing Link ran in for the double team. As the two heels were laying the boots to the champion – “Mr Wonderful” Paul Orndorff went to run out for the save – however as he did this he was caught up by former partner “Cowboy” Bob Orton, who clotheslined him to the back of the head with his cast arm. Both faces are layed out as Bobby Heenan gets on the mic and challenges both Hogan and Orndorff to a match on Prime Time, this Tuesday against both members of The Heenan Family. (11.32)

 

The commentators go wild as they start to hype the big tag match this coming Tuesday on Prime Time. The show also includes Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat going one on one with Don Muraco.

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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.

[ryankeast 0]

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.

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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)

[ryankeast 0]

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.

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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

[BruteSquad_BRODY 0]

Not sure i understand of jobbing Link to Paul O, and then announcing Link as No 1 Contender on the next show, unless this is going to lead to Paul O/Hogan tension if Hogan happens to not beat Link 123.......

 

I'll keep checking back.......

[ryankeast 0]

 

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

[ryankeast 0]

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.

[ryankeast 0]

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.

[ryankeast 0]

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)

[ryankeast 0]

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)