WWE All Star Search #6: 17th March 1985 (ft. The War to Settle the Score) - Adam Ross

Welcome Turnbucklers! Its edition #6 and we are back in MSG for another house show on our road to the very first Wrestlemania. Not going to lie, finding shows between October 1984 and March 1985 was hard, very hard. So to make up for it, I'm adding two HUGE events into this edition. First I'm going to look at an IC Title match, followed by a key match in the Rock 'n' Wrestling era which is the WWE Title match from the War to Settle the Score. Then it's onto the last big show before Wrestlemania 1 and we have a massive list of new faces in this one so let's see how they make their first impressions on the All Star Search. Finally, the main event is a Lumberjack Match so let's hope that turns out to be fun. Would like to add a big thank you and hello to any new readers out there, last edition broke my viewing records by x5 which is overwhelming and very humbling! Shall we begin...?

The Card:

Tito Santana (IC Champ) vs Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine [IC Title Match]

Hulk Hogan (WWE Champ) vs Rowdy Roddy Piper [WWE Title Match]

Rocky Johnson vs Charlie Fulton

Barry O vs Rene Goulet

Jim Neidhart vs SD Jones

King Kong Bundy vs Jose Luis Rivera

David Sammartino vs Matt Borne

Andre The Giant/Jimmy Snuka/Junkyard Dog vs Ken Patera/Jesse Ventura/Big John Studd

Ricky Steamboat vs Terry Gibbs

Greg Valentine (IC Champ) vs Tito Santana [IC Title Match - Lumberjack Match]

The Show:

Let's begin with an IC Title match from September 1984 between the champ, Tito Santana and Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine. They've had a run of good matches each in this series so far with Hammer made to look strong in his contendership. They had a decent match a few months earlier but it was overshadowed by the whole Jimmy Snuka stretcher job going on at the time.

Tito Santana (IC Champ) vs Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine [IC Title Match]

Its September 1984 here and Tito is your defending IC champion. They've had previous interactions and this feud has been simmering nicely. Albano is with Hammer in this one and both are getting solid heat. Tito is nursing a poor leg in this one and Valentine uses it to his advantage in his normal methodical way. Crowd is solidly behind Santana in this one with many a chant. Valentine works over the injured leg but Santana escapes and manages to hit his Flying Burrito for a close two count. He continues on the offense and gets another close two. He thinks he's won though and while his back is turned, Hammer nails him with a knee to the back...and that gets the 3 and we have a new IC Champion! Crowd chant bullshit and everyone seemed slightly confused about the finish. Santana did a great sympathy job and Valentine looked crisp as always. Match Rating: **1/4

Hulk Hogan (WWE Champ) vs Rowdy Roddy Piper [WWE Title Match]

Talk about a money match! This was hyped up beyond another level at this point in time. Hogan being Hogan was riding high as champion but oh boy, Piper was generating unparalleled heat! This was shown live on MTV much like the Brawl to End it All and again, drew HUGE numbers. Piper comes out to major heat accompanyed by his bagpipe players and Cowboy Bob Orton (with a cast on his arm). Piper to generate some extra heat...destroys a nice looking guitar! In the words of a friend...SOME GUY! is our special ring announcer...but being from anywhere that isn't America...no clue who he is. Eye of the Tiger hits to a monstrous pop...as per! You can't even dream of comparing Cena to Hogan watching this. Cyndi Lauper, her fella and Captain Lou Albano are accompanying Hogan. By the way, Albano is a face now after realising the errors of his ways. Crowd is hot as they start off like a house of fire trading shots. We hear Mr T is in the crowd as Hogan takes control in the early going with slams. The crowd is unglued. Piper does take control eventually with boots and gets solid heat. Sleeper by Piper and Hulk...Hulks up...but doesn't get too far with it. Piper with more offense than I was expecting at this point. Orton tries to get involved and fails so Hogan regains control. Mr Wonderful Paul Orndorff comes out to support Piper from the outside and the ref gets bumped. Orndorff gets involved and he and Piper double team Hogan. Lauper gets on the apron to do some mouthing off and the heels get sucked in but hold on...crowd pops HUGE...and Mr T of all people gets involved to even the odds. Mr T however ends up getting double teamed until Hogan is up and bails him out. The match itself is thrown out as a no contest. Well, well, well, that was certainly a fun little match. If Piper got the belt here in time for Wrestlemania...the reaction would have been catatonic. The heat for everyone involved was smoldering. Of course, this puts us firmly on the road to Wrestlemania 1! Exciting! Match Rating: **1/2

Onto the MSG House Show now and our commentary team are Gorilla Monsoon and Mean Gene Okerlund once again. At this point its worth me mentioning that their commentary dynamic is a little off. Both play very similar roles and are obviously both face. More balance is definitely needed soon.

Rocky Johnson vs Charlie Fulton

What a way to start us off! Boring, slow paced match with literally nothing to mention. Punches and stalling head scissors is the peak of this one in fact. The crowd were somewhat dead during this one. At one point, Rocky is referred to as 'Rock' which is a fun little precursor. Johnson gets the win with a sunset flip. Match Rating: DUD

Barry O vs Rene Goulet

Into the next match now and we have a first debut of this edition. Barry O is Cowboy Bob's brother and Randy Orton's uncle. Rene Goulet is my 1984 foreign heel of the year...a trophy is on his way to him. 'Who knows what that O could mean' - Gorilla Monsoon. The match itself is as dull as dull can be. The commentary team spend the majority of the match discussing Wrestlemania and its tag team main event. Nice powerslam by Barry for 2. It picks up slightly towards the end of the match and a small package gets the win for Barry O. Dull, simple as. Barry O looked as vanilla as a discount Vienetta. Match Rating: 1/4*

Jim Neidhart vs SD Jones

Its blog debut number 2 and it's Jim 'soon to be Anvil' Neidhart! His appearance instantly makes him stand out from most of the roster in a positive way. His opponent is SD Jones who is slowly becoming more and more of a jobber as months drift by. Neidhart is with Jimmy Hart who I think is also making his blog debut. Fun early goings with both men trading offense. Neidhart shows off the personality we'll become accustomed too over time with his overexaggerations. He does show off his size and power though which is a good thing. They do the scoop slam/reversed into an armbar spot which I've seen numerous times since starting these reviews but I haven't seen it before. SD Jones uses the hard-head gimmick but its all in vain as Neidhart eventually gets the easy win with a crisp Powerslam. Good debut from Neidhart, I found it hard not to be entertained by him. Match Rating: 3/4*

King Kong Bundy vs Jose Luis Rivera

Blog debut number 3 - King Kong Bundy! We're going to be seeing a lot of him over the next year. Jimmy Hart is back out with Bundy. Rivera, much like SD Jones is slipping further into jobber territory. In comparison to everyone but Andre and Big John Studd, Bundy is just ridiculously big. He puts his size to good use, easily overpowering Rivera on a number of occasions. The crowd are quiet but seemingly because their in awe of Bundy. Rivera gets 2 dropkicks in but Bundy is barely phased. Bundy gets the win not long after with a massive elbow drop. Utter squash match but Bundy looked impressive as a beast, if not just for his look. Match Rating: 1/2*

Into the back with Hulk Hogan and Mr T. Hogan says Mr T is the best partner he could've found for Wrestlemania. Mr T says he specialises in work, torture and pain...his words, not mine. Bottom line 'they dead meat!' says T and Hogan says he apologizes for whats the come.

Well, well, well, we're getting a live Piper's Pit! Out comes Piper with 'Cowboy' Bob Orton alongside him to major heat. The microphone is annoying dodgy. Piper says that he's out there talking because no one wanted to fight him. He rips on New York as a heel would...but slightly funnier. He trolls the crowd something fierce by hyping up his next guest making it sound like Mr T...but it's Mr Wonderful Paul Orndorff. Big boo's for that one. Orndorff tries talking but just makes sound...I think I heard him say 'outhouse'. Piper tells Mr T to stop snorting Cocaine and come join him in the ring. Which he promptly does to big cheers and he's brought Hogan and Jimmy Snuka with him. Snuka hasn't been mentioned since he was stretchered out months ago which is nice. Piper tells T to sit down and of course, rips into him while still trying to play it friendly and cool. It doesn't last long and tensions soon rise but the crowd eat it up. Piper runs down T's life acheivements and tells him he's giving T the chance to back out the fight to save face and there will be no shame! T fires back and says he ain't quitting. Piper brings out a painting of Mr T with his arm in a sling but T ain't scared! Things start getting physical but no brawl. Heels bail out the ring leaving the faces to soak up mild cheers. Mr T says Piper gonna pay! He promises! Good promo and I am actually hyped for Mania 1! Piper was gold here and Mr T was great in his role too.

David Sammartino vs Matt Borne

Blog debuts number 4 and 5! David Sammartino is the vanilla looking son of Bruno and Matt Borne is the son of 'Tough' Tony Borne...but you'll know him better as Doink the Clown. Borne looks like Charlie Fulton and here's me thinking I'd never get Charlie Fulton in a reference. Slaps and shoves to start before we get into some back and forth. Sammartino shows of some decent greco roman skills and Borne nails a lovely belly to belly suplex. Borne showing good aggression that we'll see later down the road. Of course it breaks down into restholds and strikes before Borne eats a big back body drop. More restholds before Sammartino gets a suplex and takes control. Sammartino goes up top but Borne slams him down for a slow 2 count. He goes for a powerslam but Sammartino rolls through for the 3 count! Sammartino looked...vanilla and Borne looked decent but too many restholds. Match Rating: 1/2*

Andre The Giant/Jimmy Snuka/Junkyard Dog vs Ken Patera/Jesse Ventura/Big John Studd

We have blog debut number 6 in this one and you better grab dem cakes as it's the Junkyard Dog! Lots of big names in this one. Andre and Studd are developing a feud that will lead towards Wrestlemania. Jimmy Snuka makes his first blog appearance since turning one of my previous editions into an episode of Casualty. Jesse Ventura is back from his bloodclot late last year and Patera is enjoying a decent push since his return. Bobby Heenan is with the heels in this one and Cpt Lou Albano is with the faces. Andre wastes no time getting to Studd but Studd bails to the floor. Faces control the early stages with JYD hitting his unique strikes and headbutts and Andre nailing a double noggin knocker on the heels. Everyone brawls with both sides getting a brief advantage. Eventually Snuka comes in and finds himself as face in peril as each of the heels take turns working him over. Eventually Snuka gets the tag to Andre who comes in and nails Studd with strikes. Ventura gets tagged in but realises he's out of his depth. A big boot and a superfly splash get the win for Snuka and his team! I really enjoyed that one, good flow, good balance and everyone played their role well. JYD is already proving popular in the WWE and his brief in ring appearances in this were harmless. Andre and Studd continued their feud towards Wrestlemania and showed good heat between the two. Snuka played a good face in peril, which makes sense as he has the least reason to be protected. Jesse found himself with little to do but that's a good thing considering his recent health issues. Match Rating: **3/4

Ricky Steamboat vs Terry Gibbs

Another debut here as we have Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat making his first blog appearance. He's another performer who was on the 1983 Starrcade card and I think, also the 1984 card too. Terry Gibbs...is also here. Lots of back and forth with Gibbs getting a decent amount of offense in. Steamboat looked as crisp as ever hitting his usual arsenal of moves. He makes Gibbs look great when Gibbs is on the offense. Steamboat shows off his array of chops and strikes. With a couple of poses thrown in for good measure. Steamboat gets the win with a flying cross body! Nothing special, just a way to get Steamboat some ring time. Match Rating: *

Greg Valentine (IC Champ) vs Tito Santana [IC Title Match - Lumberjack Match]

It's the main event! As mentioned earlier, Valentine is now the IC Champ and is now with Jimmy Hart at his side and Tito wants his belt back! This is Lumberjack rules so we have an array of superstars around the ring. Big pop for Tito which is always a good sign. Hammer pearl harbours him to start put to no avail as Hammer quickly ends up outside. The heels seem to protect him but ultimate babyface Ricky Steamboat, calm as you like, walks over and throws him back in. Santana keeps control for a few minutes while Hammer sells like gold but the tide shifts with an atomic drop for Hammer. Santana regains control, Hammer tries to escape but the faces throw him back into the ring. Hammer selling so much like Flair its silly....that includes flops and all. Someone randomly rings the ringbell but its ignored so I have no idea what that was about. Hammer in control now and works over the legs of Tito...good psycology working his way to the figure four and what's even better, Tito sells it! Tito thrown outside and then thrown back in like he's just a corpse. He's thrown back outside to the faces who...protect him...no! That's not your job lads. Hammer goes for the figure four but its countered into a cradle for 2. Tito fights back and Hammer Flair flops again. Suplex by Santana and he goes for his own Figure Four. Hart distracts the ref while the heels help out Hammer. Tito distracts himself with the outside heels but gets pearl harboured by Hammer. They hit a shoulderblock on each other, Hammer falls on top of Santana and that gets the 3! Hammer is completely KO'd too though. Really enjoyed that one and the Lumberjack was a nice tweak to the usual formula between these two. Santana is by far the best at gaining sympathy from the crowd and Valentine is WWE's very own Flair (just not as good). Match Rating: ***

Wrestler Scores:

(I'm taking into consideration the two extra matches reviewed and the live Piper's Pit. Mr T gets a rating therefore as he played a crucial role in a main segment in the show.)

• Tito Santana +12 (29)
• Greg Valentine +13 (26)
• Hulk Hogan +7 (25)
• Roddy Piper +14 (21)
• Rocky Johnson +2 (6)
• Charlie Fulton +1 (4)
• Barry O +2 (2)
• Rene Goulet +2 (7)
• Jim Neidhart +4 (4)
• SD Jones +2 (4)
• King Kong Bundy +4 (4)
• Jose Luis Rivera +1 (4)
• Mr T +4 (4)
• David Sammartino +3 (3)
• Matt Borne +3 (3)
• Jesse Ventura +5 (7)
• Ken Patera +5 (10)
• Big John Studd +5 (8)
• Andre The Giant +5 (10)
• Jimmy Snuka +4 (14)
• Junkyard Dog +4 (4)
• Ricky Steamboat +3 (3)
• Terry Gibbs +3 (3) 

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter @TheWreslinDork and I shall see you next time...for Wrestlemania 1!!

WWE All Star Search #4: 25th August 1984 - Adam Ross

Welcome Turnbucklers! It's edition #4 and we are in Madison Square Garden for another house show! We're a month removed from WWE's groundbreaking show, The Brawl to End it All, so let's see if they are riding a wave of momentum. A couple of new blog appearances in this one including Roddy Piper, Ken Patera and Jesse Ventura. Terry Daniels is also back so here's hoping to see some armbars! Shall we get on with it...?

The Card:

Kamala vs Chief Jay Strongbow

B. Brian Blair vs 'Iron' Mike Sharpe

Rick McGraw vs Salvatore Bellomo

Dick Murdoch/Adrian Adonis (Tag Team Champions) vs The Wild Samoans [Tag Team Title Match]

Ken Patera vs Pat Patterson

Jesse Ventura vs Ivan Putski

Fabulous Freebirds vs Butcher Vachon/Ron Shaw/Pete Doherty

Roddy Piper vs Jimmy Snuka

Terry Daniels vs Fred Marzino

Tito Santana (IC Champ) vs Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine [IC Title Match]

The Show:

Our commentary team for tonight is Gorilla Monsoon and Lord Alfred Hayes.

Kamala vs Chief Jay Strongbow

Chief Jay Strongbow is already in the ring when Kamala heads out to his awful music with Freddie Blassie and Friday. Kamala is slapping that belly so I guess he means business. He won't let go off his spear so lots of stalling is a foot (no pun intended). Gorilla tells us to note the serious expression on Strongbow's face but to be honest, he just looks bored...slightly melancholic. Strongbow uses his quickness in the beginning and nails some chops and punches but Kamala no sells and goes to work on Strongbow. Kamala misses a splash and Strongbow gets a sleeper on briefly. Kamala takes back control with nothing more than weak looking chops and punches. This goes on for about a minute until Strongbow has enough and fires himself up. He nails a couple of chops and kicks and charges at a cornered Kamala. Unfortunately he eats nothing but boot and then eats nothing but a splash and that gets the 3 count. Squash match with two wrestlers with huge limitations. Match Rating: DUD

B. Brian Blair vs 'Iron' Mike Sharpe

Straight to the ring for our next match and we get more first time blog appearances. Future Killer Bee, B. Brian Blair who gets a decent reaction and 'Iron' Mike Sharpe who gets decent heat. Sharpe makes sure we and the crowd know his biceps are 20 inches. Apparently they call Sharpe 'the wimp' which for a wrestler must be crap. Stalling by Sharpe to start to big heat as he mouths off to the crowd and avoids Blair. They lock up and swap wristlocks and Sharpe escapes to the apron. Funny criss-cross spot whereby Sharpe outsmarts Blair. They repeat the spot but this time Blair nails some dropkicks and armdrags to put Sharpe in his place. Sharpe brings a chair in the ring but immediately drops it back outside. Sharpe takes control and starts working on the eyes of Blair. He then moves to working on the neck, dropping Blairs neck across the top rope repeatedly. Blair reverses a whip into a nice monkey flip out the corner followed by a really nice flying head scissors which sends Sharpe reeling to the outside. Nice! Sharpe back in and partakes in some more mouthing off before being refused a handshake. So much stalling by Sharpe here and it seems slightly misplaced within the match. Blair with a cheap shot and starts working over Sharpe's leg. Sharpe regains control with knees and armdrags followed by a lovely double backbreaker which is held into the submission attempt but Blair escapes. More back and forth action until Blair is just plain thrown outside to boo's. Sharpe with more taunting of the crowd and he heads outside to Blair and rams his head into some chairs. At this point Blair surely should've been counted out once Sharpe got back in the ring about 30 seconds ago. Sharpe still won't let Blair back in the ring so Blair sneaks under the ring across the other side, back in the ring and levels Sharpe with right hands and an elbow from the second rope. Out goes Sharpe and Blair follows with an elbow to the outside. They slug it out and the bell rings for the double countout and crowd seem slightly peeved. Good match, Sharpe was really fun to watch, had good aggression and I liked those backbreakers. Blair had a good one in this showing off a good array of moves and a good quick pace. Match Rating: **1/4

Salvatore Bellomo vs 'Quick Draw' Rick McGraw

I think this is face vs face and I don't know why this match is featured apart from it being filler. Back and forth to start with the swapping of headlocks. McGraw hits a nice array of armdrags and locks in an armbar. Nice sequence where Bellomo manages to hit a scoop slam while in the armbar, but the armbar is kept on by Bellomo throughout and keeps control. A drop toe hold leads to a hammerlock for McGraw. Hip lock by Bellomo but McGraw gets him back in the armbar. McGraw ought to have a chat with Terry Daniels and swap armbar notes. It last forever until McGraw works it into a nice cradle for 2. Not seen that before! Test of strength between the two which McGraw wins and manages to bridge Bellomo and a lovely counter sequence ensues followed by some mat wrestling, all very crisp! McGraw ends up locking the armbar back on and uses his knees to add further damage. Bellomo gets him up on his back, goes to drive him in the corner but actually places him on the ropes and they both let go and shake hands to big boo's from the crowd. What was so sweet I now have diabetes...weird. Headlock by Bellomo but McGraw gets an armdrag, goes for a monkey flip but Bellomo lands on his feet and nails a cross body for 2. McGraw takes back control and goes back to an armbar. Christ, we've got a Terry Daniels match later too. Cut to random grizzled old man watching on and back to the ring and Bellomo sends McGraw to the outside. McGraw nails a sunset flip for 1 but Bellomo replies with an uppercut and a stomp. Both men start to get aggressive and have a cat fight. Bellomo works on McGraw's legs until both men knock each other out with parallel shoulderblocks and then again with parallel dropkicks. And again! ...And again into a 2 count for Bellomo. Scoop slam by Bellomo for another 2 and McGraw gets a 2 of his own via a small package. The bell rings during a sunset flip pin attempt by McGraw but its the time limit expiring. It's a draw and this one needed a winner. Good action from both men with some unique offense. Bellomo blesses America and everyone shakes hands. Aww. Match Rating: **

Into the back with the tag champs, Murdoch and Adonis. They say the wrecking crew is gonna wreck everything and we see a brief glimpse of Captain Lou Albano talking to the champs before the match even though he's the Wild Samoans manager. Hmm, fishy.

Adrian Adonis/Dick Murdoch (Tag Team Champs) vs The Wild Samoans [Tag Team Title Match]

Big cheers for the Samoans and big boo's for the champs. Albano is our special ref in this one which makes the earlier backstage clip even fishier. Sika and Adonis start us off with a lockup and Sika hits a back drop on both heels before taking control on Sika. The champs regroup on the outside, get back in the ring but neither heel can take control on Sika. A double elbow by the champs is sold and they both get sent back outside for a slow count by Albano. The heels regroup again and Murdoch finally takes control with punches and elbows. Sika with a slam on both heels. Afa in as well and both champs eat more scoop slams and Murdoch eats a double clothesline. Murdoch forgets the Samoan hard head rule tries a charge into the corner and eats knees. He stumbles to the wrong corner for a tag which gets him a punch in the face but he finally finds Adonis for the tag. Adonis comes in a quickly locks on a sleeper hold while Murdoch nurses himself on the outside. Afa escapes and Adonis tags back out to Murdoch who methodically works over Afa until he misses an elbow and suffers an atomic drop. In comes Sika but the champs double team him in the corner. Adonis nails a scoop slam and heads to the top rope but gets crotched and headbutted outside. Murdoch in for a double headbutt but Albano doesn't count the 3 and instead rings the bell. He raises the champs hands because they won by DQ as Sika didn't have hold of the tag rope, huh. The Samoans want revenge and chase the heels off but keep hold of the belts. Match was OK but the Samoans are too basic even for 1984. Murdoch was all punches and elbows in this one too. Match Rating: *1/4

Ken Patera vs Pat Patterson

Both men are out of date at this point so I'm not expecting a classic. This is Patera's return to MSG after 4 years. Patera by the way looks like a poor man's Ric Flair. Patera shows off his strength and Patterson responds with a headlock. Armbar by Patterson, forearm by Patera but he eats a flying cross body by Patterson! A flying stooge! Patera with some hard right hands and Patterson responds with some of his own. Patera manages to end up stuck in the ropes but Patterson doesn't take much advantage. Patera goes for a boot but Patterson catches it, floors Patera, drags him to the ringpost and rams his knee into it a couple of times. Patera sells it slightly and takes control with a backbreaker for 2. He puts on a sleeper hold which Patterson tries to reverse into a wristlock...but ends up in a chinlock. Patera taunts the crowd but they don't care, thats not good after 4 years gone. Patterson escapes another chinlock attempt and levels Patera with a slingshot to the corner for 1. Scoop slam by Patterson and he goes up top but Patera rolls out of the way. A botched powerslam attempt by Patera ends up straddling Patterson across the top rope. Patera locks on the full nelson and Patterson can't escape so Patera gets the win! Wasn't as bad as I was expecting but wasn't much better. Match Rating: 3/4*

We head to the back with Jesse Ventura who tells Ivan 'Paduski' to expect a beating tonight and that he will become the number 1 contender. He looks like a travesty both in the back and in the ring. He's wearing some weird purple potective goggles and a sparkly green buret, bearing in mind his awful hair style poking through. He looks like a gay alien wizard. 

Jesse 'The Body' Venture vs Ivan Putski

In the ring and Ventura doesn't look much better. His hair is multicoloured which doesn't distract from his bald bounce surrounded by streaks of long hair. Ventura tries to take advantave straight away but it backfires and Putski takes control. Ventura awkwardly sells a punch to the stomach and falls outside. Back in the ring and then straight back out for Ventura to get his breath back. Putski, the little roid ball, is pumped up. No countout for Ventura despite him being outside for well over a minute. Billy Connelly! That's who Ventura looks like! Headlock by Putski and a slap on the bald spot for Ventura. Ventura driven head first into the mat and eats some vicious kicks. The crowd is RED HOT! Jesse does some sneaky heel antics with his wrist tape which the tries yet fails to see. Ivan knicks the wrist tape now and uses it himself to strangle Ventura and the ref does...nothing. They bail outside and onto the apron, Jesse pulls something out his tights and nails Putski outcold. Ventura wins via countout. Crap match although the crowd were hot. Jesse just knows how to be hated. Match Rating: 1/4*

The Fabulous Freebirds vs Ron Shaw/Butcher Vachon/Pete Doherty

This is a 2 out of 3 falls match will they failed to mention until mid-way through the match. So here we have the Fabulous Freebirds who gained success all over the countries territories. They had a massive feud with the Von Erichs which is still mentioned to this day. Their opponents are Jobber UTD and I can only see one winner here. The match was an elongated squash match. Basic moves mixed in with a series of awkward dances and gyrations from the Freebirtds. Michael Hayes is especially irratating and I think he thought he was way better than he actually was, he was definitely sloppy in this. Terry Gordy is a big lad and he showed it off here. He looks like a swollen Bob Orton in my eyes. Buddy Roberts was as vanilla as they go. The jobbers did there bit. I always have a soft spot for Butcher Vachon because he just physically stands out. Freebirds win by two straights falls, neither anything beyond average. Match Rating: *

Jimmy 'Superfly' Snuka vs 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper

Straight into the next match and the crowd are hot for this one. Snuka is looking for revenge after attacks and jibes from Piper throughout the year. Even before we start the intensity is staggering. Snuka doesn't even blink during his long stare with Piper. Piper gets solid heat and even gets nailed with flying debris from the crowd and this is his first in-ring appearance of the series so he finally starts getting scored! Action is hot from the beginning with the intensity through the roof. Snuka gets the early control using his martial arts. I don't really like martial arts in wrestling as most the time it seems far too staged and lothargic. Snuka is a good example of that here, stalling after every chop. He gets heat but how heated is a blood match if you pose in the early stages...at all in fact? Piper gets control using heel tactics like a sneaky thumb to the eye but his domination is stop and start. Snuka uses a sleeper which baffles the commentary team. Surely he's picked it up by watching endless of others in other matches at least. I bet he's mastered the arm bar too. Piper goes into the ringpost and tries to use a chair by fails. He busted open though from the post shot and the crowd are louder than chavs on the tram. Piper stops Snuka in his tracks when he goes up top and he takes a nasty tumble outside giving Piper the countput win. Theirs afters as Piper lets loose with a chair on Snuka's neck. Snuka does a stretcher job as the commentators play it serious. The crowd want Piper's blood...which is luckily for them, pouring out his noodle. Match Rating: ***

Terry Daniels vs Fred Marzino

Time to count the armbars, if there's any less than 4, I'll riot...or at least be slightly disgruntled. We don't even show the match's early goings as instead we watch a zombie-fied Jimmy Snuka backstage. We cut back to the match for literally a glimpse of Armbar #1 before going back to Snuka having his pulse checked...he's still not dead. Back to the match for Daniels IN an armbar...doesn't count. Back to Snuka 5 SECONDS later and now he's being bandaged. Is this Holby City? Seriously, we're on Snuka for minutes while the match is going on. Back to the ring to a backslide for 3! Why bother keeping this on the card for home viewers?? Altogether...less than 20 seconds of match and worst of all, only one armbar from Daniels. Match Rating: One a scale of * - Jimmy Snuka,  I'm giving this one...a Snuka!

Tito Santana (IC Champ) vs Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine [IC Title Match]

This one should be alright given that we actually get to see it. Santana starts in control and Valentine does his Valentine begging off. Has that ever worked Greg? For you or Flair. Valentine does get control not long after using his normally aggressive punches and nails a lovely shoulderbreaker for 2! Valentine bitch slaps him and Santana responds by punching like a bitch. Into the back to see Snuka being stretchered out and I don't think today's audience would appreciate missing the main event. Back to the ring for a glimpse of a chinlock and straight back to Snuka while Monsoon tells us to say a prayer for Snuka. How many kids did pray that night and how embarassed would the now athiests be that they did? Valentine still in control while Santana tries to fight back. Ref bump and Valentine tries to take advantage but eats a flying jalepeno forearm for the 3 count for Tito! Valentine locks on the figure four afterwards and poses with the IC belt afterwards. He looks pissed and shocked when Santana was announced the winner...which makes NO SENSE as Valentine lost clearly. No point in the ref bump in this one. Match Rating: *1/2 of that what I saw.

That's all we have folks for tonight as the commentators worry about Jimmy Snuka and Tito gets interviewed by Lord Al. Santana makes some noises I never want to hear from him again.



Wrestler Scores:

• Kamala +2 (2)
• Chief Jay Strongbow +2 (5)
• B. Brian Blair +4 (4)
• Iron Mike Sharpe +3 (3)
• Rick McGraw +3 (3)
• Salvatore Bellomo +3 (9)
• Dick Murdoch +3 (6)
• Adrian Adonis +4 (7)
• Afa +2 (7)
• Sika +2 (7)
• Ken Patera +3 (3)
• Pat Patterson +2 (2)
• Jesse Ventura +4 (4)
• Ivan Putski +2 (4)
• Michael Hayes +2 (2)
• Buddy Roberts +2 (2)
• Terry Gordy +3 (3)
• Ron Shaw +1 (3)
• Butcher Vachon +1 (3)
• Pete Doherty +1 (1)
• Roddy Piper +7 (7)
• Jimmy Snuka +6 (10)
• Terry Daniels +1 (3)
• Fred Marzino +1 (1)
• Tito Santana +5 (17)
• Greg Valentine +6 (9)

WWE All Star Search #3: Brawl to End It All - Adam Ross

Welcome Turnbucklers! Its edition #3 and it's The Brawl to End it All! This one is a biggie history wise as this was WWE's big break so to speak. The Rock 'n' Wrestling connection was under way with Cyndi Lauper and her fella/manager creating bridges between WWE and mainstream pop culture. This show had a portion featured on MTV at the time and that was a big deal regarding viewing figures. Strangely it was the women's match that was showcased as the main story going into this was Lauper vs Albano represented by a women's wrestler each. For added intrigue the women's title was on the line. Not only that but every men's title is being defended and we have a Battle Royal to boot so let's rumble on!

The Card:


Sika vs Ron Shaw

The Iron Sheik vs Tony Garea

Tito Santana (IC Champ) vs 'Cowboy' Bob Orton [IC Title Match]

Bob Backlund vs Butcher Vachon

Hulk Hogan (WWE Champ) vs Greg Valentine [WWE Title Match]

Antonio Inoki vs Charlie Fulton

Adrian Adonis/Dick Murdoch (Tag Team Champs) vs Sgt Slaughter/Terry Daniels [Tag Team Title Match]

The Fabulous Moolah (Womens Champ) vs Wendi Richter [Womens Title Match]

Paul Orndorff vs Cheif Jay Strongbow

Afa vs Rene Goulet

20 Man Battle Royal


The Show:

We kick things off with Mean Gene but he ain't alone, he's with the WWE Champ, Hulk Hogan. We are 6 months into his title reign so far and the belt itself is a different design than the last time we saw it. I definitely prefer this smaller style. The word Hulkamania is used for the first time in the blog and Hogan puts himself over and Hulkamania over while claiming that the potential list of challengers to his title 'turns him on'. Frisky. We leave Hulk posing for the camera and I gotta say, that was one of his more easily understandable promo's. It was OK and Hogan looked to be having fun.

Our commentators tonight are Gorilla Monsoon and Mean Gene Okerland.

Sika vs Ron Shaw

It seems since last time, Sika (and I assume Afa too) has had a bit of a popularity boost as he gets most the positive reaction in the intro's while Shaw is booed. Sika can't be too much of a Wild Samoan judging by how maticulous he is with folding his t-shirt. We start with a gentle shove by Shaw but he bails out the ring before anything happens. They try a couple of lock ups but nothing comes of it until Shaw gets caught in the ropes and sent outside with a forearm to take a breather. Back in and both lads trade punches until Shaw is levelled by a running elbow. We have eye racks and hair pulling from Shaw now but Sika nails a headbutt and then locks on a chinlock. Shaw's punches are no-sold by Sika and then he eats a headbutt for his troubles. A snapmare by Sika and back to a chinlock. Shaw escapes but quickly eats a headbutt for a 3 count. Another stinker of an opening match. Match Rating: DUD

The Iron Sheik vs Tony Garea

Straight into the next match now and we have Tony Garea, who I'm sure is still looking for a new tag partner 6 months later, as well as The Iron Sheik with Freddie Blassie. Must mention the lovely all gold number Blassie is wearing. Tony Garea looks more like Alvin Stardust every edition which isn't a good trend. Still big heat for Sheik which is good as he hasn't really been doing much since his title loss 6 months previous. Sheik mouths off to the fans to stall and gets a USA chant in return. (Wrong chant number 1 - Tony Garea is from New Zealand). Headlock to start by Garea followed by a scoop slam and a headlock takedown. Lovely sunset flip by Garea gets 2 and back into the headlock. Sheik escapes, goes for a boot to the chest but its countered into an atomic drop which Sheik sells like a botched circumcision...and back into a headlock. Shoulderblock by Garea but he then eats a right hand by Sheik. That allows some crucial posing time for Sheik to some decent heat. He goes for a big back body drop but eats a boot to the face by Garea. Hip toss, dropkick and cross body gets a 1 count for Garea. Sheik whipped into the corner but he reverses it, Garea goes chest first into the turnbuckle and backs into a lovely back suplex for the 3 count! Enough entertainment in this one to keep it away from DUD territory and decent heat for Sheik. Garea is just a means to an end now. Sheiky mouths off after the match and camera cuts to a fan who is clearly a little too angry...so much so, he has a police escort. Match Rating: 1/2*

 Tito Santana (IC Champ) vs 'Cowboy' Bob Orton [IC Title Match]

This one should help the pace pick up now. Tito had won the IC Title from Muraco earlier in the year and was now well into his run. Orton is a new recruit to the WWE and was one of a few people to appear on this card who also featured on the first Starrcade at the end of 1983. Big cheers for Santana which he didn't have 6 months ago. They lock up, shoulderblock by Orton but Santana comes back with repeated armdargs. He locks in an armbar, its countered into a head scissors by Orton...but countered again back into an arm bar by Santana. More chain wrestling until Orton escapes to the ropes for a breather. They tease a lock up but it doesn't happen. Wristlock by Orton is countered into Hammerlock by Santana and countered again by Orton into a Hammerlock of his own into a pinning predicament. Santana whipped into the corner and Orton misses a charge, hurting his elbow. Santana responds...by working over the elbow! Nice! Santana upto the second rope and levels Orton with a right hand. Santana back to working over the arm, elbow and shoulder of Orton and locks on an armbar although not for long. They lock up again and Orton takes control with some aggressive quick punches. Orton hits what I can only describe as a galloping stomp...seriously, it was very horselike and Tito sells it like death. Orton taunts the crowd and it seems VERY familiar to see. A lovely running powerslam only gets 2 for Orton so he responds by working on the lower back! Nice! Psychology 101 in this one - Tito aiming for the arm, Orton aiming for the lower back. Orton lifts up Santana and nails him with a backbreaker for a close 2 count. Santana tries fighting back with right hands to the mush and the crowd love it. Orton, the heely bastard that he is, takes back control with an eye rake and we go into a headlock. Santana fights out with an arm drag but Orton levels him again with a boot to the tummy for 2. Scoop slam on Santana and Orton goes up top, tries for the VaderBomb but eats nothing but knees! Santana is pumped now and goes to work with right hands, Orton flops down and eats a knee drop. Ortons head now repeatedly driven into the mat but Orton takes back control AGAIN with a thrust to the throat. Not for long as Santana gets him in an abdominal stretch. Orton reverses and locks on one of his own! Nice! A hip lock by Santana breaks it up and onwards with the right hands until both men collapse to the mat in exhaustion. Suplex by Orton and he tries for a second but its reversed into a small package for 2. Santana goes for a cross body but eats nothing but air and regret. Orton whipped into the turnbuckle, eats a low punch by Santana and clotheslines himself off the top rope. Orton goes for a piledriver but eats a back body drop. Into the corner for 10 punches but Orton counters into an atomic drop half way through. Wait a minute...the bells goes and we've reached a time limit! No! Both men continue slugging it out afterwards until Santana is left in the ring. Crowd shit all over the draw. Either way, was still a really good match with top psychology and plenty of opportunities to get behind Santana. Orton was methodical and aggressive and the similarities between himself and his son are glaringly obvious here. It annoys me to think Orton will never get WWE gold when putting on matches like this. Tito was the typical babyface but the crowd seem to love him although I find him dull. Everytime it seemed the fightback was on, Orton cut it short and I loved it! That's not to take away from his performance here as I think it's the best Tito Santana match I've seen so far. I can't blame those who give this match a higher rating than myself as it would've been a classic in 1984...but it's 2014 so... Match Rating: ***1/2

Bob Backlund vs Butcher Vachon

Straight into the next match and after the last one, I somehow expect this not to match up in quality. Bob Backlund is still around 7 months after his title loss and Butcher Vachon is scary looking, but if he wins this, I'll eat my own face. Backlund dodges Vachon to start and the crowd go...uninterested. We almost get a wristlock but don't and Backlund does some more avoiding. Vachon takes control with punches and a shoulder thrust in the corner. Backlund reverses a whip attempt into a scoop slam, holding Vachon up for a while which is really impressive to see. Cross-face Chickenwing applied and Backlund gets the quick win. I really want to give this a DUD for wasting my time and yours but that slam was impressive. Match Rating: 1/4*

Into the back with Mean Gene and Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine. Greg promises Hogan he will feel the figure four leglock and...that's it!

Still in the back, this time with Mean Gene and Hulk Hogan. When Hogan puts the Hammer down, he's calling New York City electric company to shut off all the power because 'everyone will be glowing' and we're not going to see anything. That doesn't make sense Hulk, but at least you seemed pumped up.

Hulk Hogan (WWE Champ) vs Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine [WWE Title Match]

Out comes Valentine to big boo's, although many of them will be shared with Captain Lou who is out with Hammer. Hogan comes out to an explosion of noise and his entrance really makes him look like a superstar. He's still in his white ring gear here. Seriously, the reception for Hogan is amazing. Hammer tries to pearl harbour Hulk but to no avail as Hogan levels him with right hands sending Hammer staggering across the ring. Whip into the corner and Hammer face flops to the mat. If a Hammer falls in the woods and no ones around to hear him, does he make a noise? Hammer begs for mercy, tries for a cheap shot, gets countered and eats an atomic drop to send him flopping to the mat again. Hammer tries to escape but gets slammed back inside for his trouble. Chinlock applied by Hogan to bring the pace and crowd to a simmer. Headlock reversed into a nice back suplex by Hammer and then into a camel clutch. Hogan powers out but Valentine regains control and hits a flying forearm for 2...and another 2. Hammer works over Hogan with punches, elbows and knees. Hogan reverses a suplex attempt into one of his own. Lovely shoulderbreaker by Hogan followed by a big boot out of the ring. Hogan follows outside for a brawl and nails an atomic drop. Back into the ring we go and Valentine nails a knee as Mean Gene calls him a 'capitalist'. Elbow gets 2 for Hammer and into another headlock we go. Valentine heads outside and nails Hogan with two (very weak) looking chairshots to the knees. The chairs were bright red and very much padded I may add. The ref was watching but no DQ, just a slow 10 count that makes it to 6. Hammer works on the knees and the...balls...of Hogan. Hammer up top, attempts a flying forearm smash but eats a weak clothesline floor him. One leg drop later and Hogan gets the win! Classic Hogan formula as we'll come to expect. Crowd was electric for Hogan at the beginning but the pace of the match assisted in its diminishment. Hammer was fun to watch and Hogan was at least mobile and competant.Match Rating: *1/2

Charlie Fulton vs Antonio Inoki

We've seen Charlie Fulton before and there's nothing to mention. Inoki is the Martial Arts Champion, which means nothing to me. Nice chain wrestling to start and Inoki eventually locks on an armbar. Fulton escapes and we get some stalling. Fulton with a series of shoulder thrusts and forearms which send Inoki down. Snapmare gets a 1 count for Fulton. Inoki has been getting tips off Sgt Slaughter on how to grow an oversized chin. Fulton locks on a headlock but Inoki escapes, nails some martial arts kicks to the legs and a jumping kick to Fulton's temple for the 3 count! That was crap. Match Rating: DUD

Sgt Slaughter/Terry Daniels vs Adrian Adonis/Dick Murdoch (Tag Team Champs) [Tag Team Title Match]

The Marine music hits and out comes Sgt Slaughter and the unknown Terry Daniels to big cheers and lots of flag waving. Terry Daniels is the first recruit to Slaughter's COBRA CORE which in the long and short term means...fuck all. Out next are the tag champs, Adonis and Murdoch. They had won the belts earlier in the year and were proving to be aggressive and well adjusted champs. Adonis at this point is wearing leather and looks like a Roman biker. Murdoch looks like a slightly slimmer Dusty Rhodes...emphasis on the slightly. Slaughter throws his shirt into the crowd and it's caught by the one bloke who doesn't have a shirt, talk about convenience! We start off with Daniels and Murdoch and of course, some stalling. They lock up, Daniels gets the upper hand but suprisingly just lets go. He gets some words of wisdom from Slaughter before another lock up, a wristlock and into an armbar. Murdoch tries to escape but Daniels holds on, hits an elbow then locks the armbar on again. Daniels gets kitchen sinked in the gut and both men tag out to their respective partners, big pop for Slaughter. Short chain wrestling sequence, a lock up and Slaughter nails Adonis with a right hand that sends him rolling backwards. Slaughter and Adonis start countering wristlocks between each other and in comes Daniels to lock on his favourite move...the armbar! Massive chop by Daniels followed by a run the ropes sequence. Daniels gets monkey flipped, lands on his feet...kind of...as he loses his balance, bounces off the ropes and lock on...the armbar! Crowd liked it all though! Adonis tags out to Murdoch who finds himself quickly in...an armbar! Bodyslam by Murdoch which is no sold and the armbar goes straight back on. Adonis in...and into an armbar...followed by a dropkick...and an armbar. Finally Slaughter comes in, takes control with a nice armbreaker and the crowd loves it. Daniels is and...no armbar! Its a kneedrop...followed by an armbar! Adonis comes in and finally beats on Daniels something fierce and nails a lovely running powerslam. A big USA chant goes up (Wrong chant #2 - EVERYONE IS AMERICAN!). Heely antics ensue which Slaughter doesn't help the situation until he finally gets the hot tag and locks on the Cobra Clutch to Murdoch. The crowd is buzzing but Adonis breaks it up, Daniels in with a series of dropkicks and a double team backbreaker move gets the win for Slaughter and Daniels. This match was essentially one long arm bar. Some decent action at the end saved it somewhat but Daniels was frustrating to watch. Match Rating: *

Out comes Captain Lou Albano who tells the crowd to stand in a few minutes time for the Fabulous Moolah. Bit rich, as Moolah can barely stand herself at her age...then again...she's champ again in 1999, sad.

The copy of the show I have gives me a cheeky Avengers advert. Dame Diana Rigg, you, were, stunning!

Into the back with Mean Gene who's with Fabulous Moolah and Captain Lou. Lou says Moolah and him discussed strategy and Moolah is beyond being beaten. Moolah sounds cocky...but as cocky as a sweet old lady can sound. Mean Gene bigs up Cyndi Lauper's training skills. That annoys Lou so much he gets Moolah's title reign length wrong and then corrected by the lady herself. Awkward.

The Fabulous Moolah (Womens Champ) vs Wendi Richter [Womens Title Match]

So before we start its worth knowing that out of all the matches on this card, this one is the most important. It was aired live on MTV and drew HUGE numbers, mainly thanks to the appearance of Cyndi Lauper with Richter. The huge ratings this drew was a big encouragement for Vince to gamble with Wrestlemania. So was Richter more influential than Hogan on the grand scheme of things...dwell on that...or don't, not arsed. Anyway, out comes Lauper, fella and Richter to big cheers and the only Lauper song I know, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Lauper's fella joins us for commentary and he sounds way out of his depth and very confused. I apologize for the lack of details but the match itself is very basic. The crowd is hot as hell as Moolah stalls and then hits some snapmares. Richter ends up on the commentary table before getting back in the ring for some basic back and forth with Moolah that gets a 2 count for Richter. Lauper is a little cutie a must point out. Moolah acts heely until Richter headbutts her in the cervix. Moolah gets trapped and Richter takes advantage. Moolah gets free but ends up in a full nelson. Lauper punches Moolah right in the mush in front of the ref...who does fuck all. Suplex gets a 2 count for Richter but Moolah comes back with a monkey flip. Back body drop into a pin but Moolah pulls her up because she can. Lou misses a cheapshot and Moolah goes for a roll up for 3. It looks awkward though and we see that Moolah's shoulders were down while Richter kicked out at 2. That means a new womens champion to HUGE cheers from the crowd. Lou and Moolah take it out on the ref and have a whinge but nevertheless. The match itself was crap, no two ways about it. Just awful. Match Rating: DUD

Into the back with Lauper and Richter. Lauper calls Lou fat and expects an apology. Richter is also happy and gives the soon to be standard 'I believed in myself' speech. Some randomer comes in and calls it an incredible match...christ. Did I mention Lauper is a cutie? Slaughter comes in and has banter! Hogan follows and everyone is celebrating.

Paul Orndorff vs Chief Jay Strongbow

Back to the ring and Orndorff is definitely over now, big boo's for Mr Wonderful. Crowd are indifferent to Strongbow but that isn't suprising. Stalling to start until Strongbow gets some shots on Orndorff in the corner. Orndorff misses a clothesline and both men collide. Strongbow is knocked to the outside and rings the bell on the way down. More back and forth until Strongbow takes no more and psychs up. Finally its an awkward clothesline that gets the win for Orndorff. Another poor match that did little for Orndorff taking so much from old man Strongbow. Match Rating: DUD

Afa vs Rene Goulet

Straight into the next match and it baffles me that THIS is the semi-main event. Think about that. I'm a new found Rene Goulet fan and I'm expecting his normal cheeky foreign heel escapades. Back-drop by Afa almost straight away followed by a bearhug. Way to kill ANY heat straight away. Goulet gets it back using his normal heely antics...including biting of the noodle. Afa with a headbutt but Goulet comes back with a snapmare. Goulet with the face claw but Afa escapes quickly with another headbutt. Afa nails a big samoan drop for the 3 count. Poor match but quick. Goulet was fun as always. Match Rating: 1/4*

20 Man Battle Royal

I'll just tell you who's in it and the finish: Sika, Jose Luis Rivera, Butcher Vachon, Antonio Inoki, Tony Garea, Chief Jay Strongbow, Afa, Steve Lombardi, Dick Murdoch, Bob Orton, Adrian Adonis, Rene Goulet, Ron Shaw, Charlie Fulton, Terry Daniels, Iron Sheik, Tito Santana, Paul Orndorff, Sgt Slaughter and Samu.

The last 5 is Orton, Inoki, Shaw, Garea and Goulet. I really want Orton or Goulet to win but its not to be as Inoki eliminates Shaw and Goulet last to win it. It was your standard battle royal so take that for what you will. Strange choice in the final men and strange that Inoki looked so strong tonight. Match Rating: *



Wrestler Scores:

• Sika +2 (5)
• Ron Shaw +2 (2)
• Iron Sheik +3 (9)
• Tony Garea +2 (4)
• Tito Santana +6 (12)
• Bob Orton +7 (7)
• Bob Backlund +2 (3)
• Butcher Vachon +1 (2)
• Hulk Hogan +6 (12)
• Greg Valentine +3 (3)
• Charlie Fulton +1 (3)
• Antonio Inoki +4 (4)
• Sgt Slaughter +4 (8)
• Terry Daniels +2 (2)
• Adrian Adonis +3 (3)
• Dick Murdoch +3 (3)
• Fabulous Moolah +1 (1)
• Wendi Richter +2 (2)
• Paul Orndorff +3 (8)
• Chief Jay Strongbow +2 (3)
• Afa +2 (5)
• Rene Goulet +2 (5)

WWE All Star Search #2 - 23rd January 1984 - Adam Ross

Welcome Turnbucklers! It's edition #2 and we are live at Madison Square Garden. This show you may have heard of before...and we'll get to why later. We have a very similar main event to the last edition as well as two title matches. Lots of jobber matches on the lowcard but hey, might be a few surprises, who knows! We also have a handful of blog debuts. Onwards we go...!

The Card:

Tony Garea vs Jose Luis Rivera

The Invaders vs Mr Fuji/Tiger Chung Lee

The Masked Superstar vs Cheif Jay Strongbow

Sgt. Slaughter vs Ivan Putski

Paul Orndorff vs Salvatore Bellomo

Don Muraco (IC Champ) vs Tito Santana [IC Title Match]

Haiti Kid/Tiger Jackson vs Pancho Boy/Dan Carpenter (2 out of 3 Falls)

Hulk Hogan vs Iron Sheik (WWE Champ) [WWE Title Match]

Jimmy Snuka vs Rene Goulet

Andre the Giant/Rocky Johnson/Tony Atlas vs The Wild Samoans


The Show:

We are live from Madison Square Garden and our commentary team is Gorilla Monsoon and Pat Patterson. Not expecting much from Patterson and his awful, awful English.

Tony Garea vs Jose Luis Rivera
Straight into the first match of the show and Howard Finkel proves how old school we actually are by introducing every official there is to introduce. Its the battle of the soon to be jobbers and someone in the crowd REALLY likes Rivera when he's introduced but Garea gets the bigger reaction by far. Garea is supposedly on the look out for a new tag partner so good luck to him! Chain wrestling and a stand off to start us off. Rivera takes control with a headlock followed by a quick cross body. Garea takes control with an arm drag and then puts on an arm bar. 2 Shoulderblocks followed by another arm drag for Garea who is firmly in control. Nice scoop slam by Rivera but Garea holds onto the armbar in a cool little spot. Rivera gets a close two count with a roll up but to no avail. Rivera goes for a monkey flip but Garea avoids it with a cartwheel. More back and forth until Rivera almost slips on a leapfrog and connects with a crap dropkick to big boos. Rivera goes up top for a cross body but Garea rolls through it for the pin and the win. Fast paced, even but dull. Simple as. Match Rating: 1/2*

The Invaders vs Mr Fuji/Tiger Chung Lee
Decent reaction for The Invaders who impressed me last edition so lets see if it's more of the same. I like Fuji and I can't remember much of Tiger Chung Lee but he's a big guy. Last time out we had three of these four in a similar but here Charlie Fulton is replaced with Lee. Should be a decent swap so let us see! Big reaction for The Invaders and for Fuji/Lee which is good for a throwaway tag match. Fuji throws salt into the front rows while Monsoon analyses which Invader has gone fat. Lock up to start with Lee and Invader 1 with Lee taking very brief control until he's suprised with a nice sunset flip for a 2 count. We get that cool Invader spot where they both jump in and out of the ring with extra quick tags while working on Tiger Chung Lee's arm. This goes on for a while until Lee has enough, picks up an Invader with one arm and casually walks over to the heel corner. He looks like he's about to tag in Fuji...but doesn't. He eventually does tag out to Mr Fuji who comes in with his big, evil smile. He's just so cute! He sells a punch to the midsection embarassingly, but none the less, the crowd eat it up. More strange tag tactics by Invaders who now work over Fuji's arm. In comes Lee who regains control for all of...a second...before the Invader hits some nice scoop slam and some decent chain wrestling. I'm enjoying this one so far! Awkward leapfdrop and snapmare attempts by an Invader that the crowd seems not to appreciate. I don't think it was a botch though but I can see how the crowd did. I love hearing Fuji's evil laugh on the apron. The heels isolate an Invader in their corner and use some mean heely bastard tactics behind a distracted ref's back. Fuji in now who delivers some evil headbutts and Lee comes in to work over the arm some more. Lee with a thrust kick to the face then nails a back drop for a 1 count. Fuji back in who sticks on a nerve hold and then nails a suplex. Patterson calls him a tool for not going for a cover and Invader nails a suplex of his own. Invader apparently gets the worst of it though as he didn't let his man go at the right time according to Monsoon. Clever! Fuji heads up top but classic wrestling 101 says...the Invader stops him halfway and throws him off to the mat. Invader makes a tag to...Invader and the crowd love it as they clean house on the heels. Really BRUTAL back suplex by Lee gets control back for the bad guys. Fuji back in with a side suplex of his own but it only gets a two count. Back to a nerve hold by Fuji but Invader escapes...for a second...before being re-grounded with a chop to the throat. Lee back in who works over the back and then locks in a bearhug. The crowd rally behind him and he escapes...for a second. Another bearhug, but the Invader on the outside gets frustrated and just breaks it up. Heels fake a tag and the crowd don't like that! Another nerve hold by Fuji, but Invader escapes for the hot tag to the other Invader who cleans house. Lee back in and Invader 1 goes for a cross body, gets caught and eats an atomic drop and the heels pose instead of covering. Headlock by Lee and the ref gets distracted by the apron Invader while the heels sneakily double team. Invader escapes the headlock, nails a dropkick, charges at Lee in the corner but misses the splash and eats turnbuckle instead for a 1 count. This match should've ended by now I think. Nice dropkick and bridging pin on Lee but it only gets another 1 count. Match speeds up significantly as the Invaders double team Lee's leg over and over and over and over...again. Crowd loves it and Lee finds himself in a leg lock. Tag out to Fuji who finds himself also being double teamed by the Invaders and their amazing quick tags. Fuji finds himself in a weakly applied abdominal stretch, he escapes and tags in Lee...who ends up in a weak abdominal stretch. Ref is distracted by an apparently stupid Invader so Fuji breaks up the Abdominal Stretch...although its not long before its reapplied. All 4 men end up in the ring and the Invaders whip both heels into each other and then apply one of my favourite forgotten moves...the rowboat! Sadly the bell rings for the Time Limit Draw. The Invaders celebrate afterwards as if they've won and then act peeved when they find out they haven't. Someone should tell them the rules. Anyway, I certainly wasn't expecting to enjoy this one so much but it was a solid 20 old school tag team match. The Invaders are awesome and seem to be 2 years ahead of scheduale for the WWF. Teams wouldn't attempt what the Invaders were upto until the Harts and the Bee's appeared and I can't work out why the Invaders weren't more long term in WWF. The heels were also great in this one. Fuji is just so great at wanting to see him get battered and Tiger Chung Lee is a beast of a man and he has the intensity a more comedic Fuji brings to the table. The match could've done with 5 less minutes and a clean finish but hey, this is 1984 WWF, one can dream. Match Rating: ***1/4

The Masked Superstar vs Chief Jay Strongbow
A main event in any arena according to Gorilla but I think I have to disagree. Chief looks really old and we have a slow start here. More talk than action here but we do get a headlock albeit not for long. Chief takes control with more headlocks. More headlocks until Strongbow intimidates Masked Superstar out of the ring. Even I wouldn't be scared of ol' man Strongbow. Back to more headlocks...until he tries to de-mask the Masked Superstar. He almost gets away with it but he eventually fails and leaves the Masked Superstar growling. Kneelifts by Strongbow and back to the mask. Superstar takes over until Strongbow psychs himself up and locks on a sleeper. Superstar escapes out of it and nails Strongbow with a sloppy clothesline for the three count! So many headlocks! These are the matches I don't enjoy, constant restholds, not submissions but restholds! Yawn. Match Rating: DUD

Sgt Slaughter vs Ivan Putski
Out comes Putski first and oh lord does he look so roid-swollen even I ache. Slaughter comes out to some patriotic tune, I'm not American so fuck knows what it is. To be fair his entrance is pretty cool as the camera follows him from backstage. I wish someone would take the ringbell away from who ever has it as they won't stop ringing it! Lots of stalling to start with Putski shadow boxing and Slaughter making fun of Putski. Putski poses and he is certainly a big roid-ball. According to the commentators, he also stinks of garlic. They finally lock up and Putski overpowers Sarge into the corner and levels him with a scoop slam to big cheers. A Polish Power headlock with added scream followed by a big shoulderblock. Another headlock until Slaughter nails a big atomic drop. Backbreaker by Sarge barely gets a 1 count but is followed by another backbreaker for 2. Putski regains control in the corner and Sarge is busted open via the ringpost. Putski works over Slaughter, whips him into the corners and nails some quick punches on the bloody noodle. Putski goes to the turnbuckles again but Sarge reverses it into a nice clothesline. Gorilla tells us its called the 'Cannon'? Sarge goes for a slam but can't get him up so Putski falls on him for the 2 count. Putski nails the Polish Hammer, which looks crap but gets a big pop. Another shot sends Slaughter out over the top rope but he gets his massive chin stuck under the bottom rope on the way down. Way to use what you've got, son! Both lads trade punches on the apron and the bell rings. Putski power whips Sarge into the turnbuckle and he goes flying out to the floor. The fight continues back in the ring and eventually we find out Putski was counted out and Sarge wins. Crowd was into this one but I wasn't too thrilled. Another bundle of headlocks but both men showed enough character to add some edge. Crowd noise and those few backbreakers keep this one from a dud. Match Rating: 3/4*

We're in the back with Mean Gene and he's joined by 'Mr Wonderful' Paul Orndorff. He's facing Salvatore Bellomo tonight but apparently he's nothing more than a spaghetti eater. Orndorff wants more competition and he's better than everyone else. Mean Gene cuts him off but Orndorff finishes on promising to deliver the Piledriver. God bless you, Mr Wonderful!

'Mr Wonderful' Paul Orndorff vs Salvatore Bellomo
Out comes...Rowdy Roddy Piper! He's accompanying Paul Orndorff and not only is this his MSG debut but it's also Piper's MSG return. The crowd give them steady heat but it's nothing compared with whats to come later in the year. Salvatore Bellomo had a noticable match last time so lets see how this one turns out. Piper wants a handshake, doesn't get one and responds by screaming at Bellomo. The heels complain about Bellomo's knee brace and try walking out. Since the bell has already rung, they should be counted out but they aren't. They get back in the ring but stall for an age, I guess because that's what all 1984 heels do. Orndorff eventually pearl habours Bellomo and works him over with vicious punches and elbow drops. A scoop slam and some vicious stomps to the head follow. Orndorff with knees to the back and then a blatant choke in the ropes while Piper screams on the outside. Orndorff with a Big Back Body Drop for 2, tries for a scoop slam but Bellomo falls on him for 2. Orndorff misses a charge in the corner and Bellomo gets some kicks in, finishing with some dropkick. Orndorff misses an elbow drop and Bellomo works on his arm. They trade punches and armdrags and Bellomo comes out on top still while Piper complains about pulled hair. Nice try, Roddy! Amateur suplex throw by Orndorff but Bellomo catches him in a head scissors. A nasty looking side back suplex by Orndorff and Bellomo takes a nasty bump outside. He tries to get back in but Piper screams in his face and Orndorff nails a cheap shot. Crowd heat for Orndorff but we've heard worse already tonight. Scoop slam by Orndorff outside on the concrete! Back in the ring and Orndorff hits a nice suplex and Bellomo attempts to fight back but to no avail. Another scoop slam by Orndorff but misses a knee drop from the top rope! Bellomo goes to work on Orndorff to big cheers but his momentum is cut short by a nice Powerslam by Orndorff. A Piledriver comes next and Orndorff gets the win! Good introduction and return for Orndorff and Piper. Piper I would of assumed would've done more on the card but oh well. If anyone knows why he was just managing, let me know below! Bellomo was a good sympathetic babyface again but nothing spectacular. Match Rating: *

Don Muraco (IC Champ) vs Tito Santana [IC Title Match]
Out they come to decent reactions each. Muraco is with Captain Lou Albano and Tito is....Tito. They lock up to start but neither man can gain an advantage. Another lock up followed by another stand off as the commentators put both lads over. Tito finally manages to take control with a headlock and nails Muraco with some swift punches. A headlock takedown floors Muraco and Santana drives Muraco face first into the mat. Another headlock follows and I am getting frustrated with how many headlocks I've sat through in this show. Muraco finally hits a nice backbreaker to end the headlock but Santana floors him again, drops him on his back and goes back to the headlock. After a LONG time, Muraco finally ends the headlock with a Side Russian Leg Sweep. Muraco starts to work on the back of the head and neck of Santana then nails a stalling Powerslam for a 2 count. Muraco chokes Santana in the ropes and the crowd starts to liven up with Tito chants. Both men trade punches in the middle of the ring, Santana wins the battle and Captain Lou involves himself but only gets a beating for his trouble. Santana goes for a flying cross body but misses Muraco and nails the bottom turnbuckle! They start fighting outside and the bell starts ringing. Its a double DQ and I don't know really why. Both lads continue beating each other after the match until Muraco makes a hasty escape. Far too many headlocks again in that match and it meant both I and the crowd were drained before the match was even halfway through. The last quarter of the match picked up slightly but not enough to save the match. The end result is a stinker as well. Match Rating: 3/4*

Backstage once more with Mean Gene who's standing by with a somewhat aggrieved Tito Santana. He's annoyed at the double DQ and much like myself, can't understand why the bell was ring. Muraco, Tito is coming for you! Ariba!

Haiti Kid/Tiger Jackson vs Pancho Boy/Dan Carpenter (2 out of 3 Falls)
It's this edition's Midget Match now and this is always uncomfortable viewing for me. Its a rematch from Edtion #1 only this time it is 2/3 falls! Once the introductions are done, the commentators let loose on their jokes and quips. I can't tell if Dan Carpenter is a big midget or a small non-midget. We start off with Tiger Jackson de-pantsing Pancho Boy. Patterson quips 'Ain't he cute' which is creepy. Side headlock by Jackson and Pancho has no hair to pull on to escape, d'oh! A monkey flip by Pancho and we have ourselves a stand off. At least the midgets are patronising themselves and not leaving just for the commentary team to do. Hammerlock for Jackson but he's not in it for long as he nails a dropkick and a flying head scissors. Jackson ends up vertically on his hand and Pancho Boy spins him round on his noodle. In comes the Haiti Kid now who cleans house on the heels and then shenanigans ensues. Carpenter manages a leapfrog, thinks he's outsmarted Haiti Kid but gets dropkicked out to the floor for his troubles. Fun spot with Jackson standing on the ropes but the momentum of the bounce caused by Pancho Boy on the other side of the ring propels him over the top rope into the ring. Once Jackson is the legal man, he nails a sunset flip for a 3 count and the first fall. Straight into the second fall here with Haiti Kid and Pancho Boy in the ring. Haiti's head gets slammed into the turnbuckle...but he no sells it and taunts Pancho. In comes Carpenter but he eats an awkward looking suplex. 4 midget criss-cross now, Carpenter falls for the same trick as last edition and eats an airplane spin for 2. Carpenter hits a slam, goes for a pin but its reversed into the longest pin attempt in history...and it still gets the three! That looked bizarre. Either way, somewhat entertaining but overall still uncomfortable. Match Rating: 1/2*

We're backstage with Mean Gene who's with 'Classy' Freddie Blassie (sporting a lovely arabic head garment) and the Iron Sheik. Blassie complains about Backlund being replaced by Hulk Hogan in the following title match but no matter, Sheiky will have it dealt with nonetheless. Sheiky gets a few words in Iranian but tells us in English that he's the best, Backlund is weak and Hogan has no chance.

Hulk Hogan vs Iron Sheik (WWE Champ) [WWE Title Match]
So here we go, title match time. Sheik is already in the ring and we cut to Hogan backstage. He starts walking as the familiar Real American plays. Out he comes to a big pop and plays with the crowd during the introductions. Crowd is on fire now with big boo's for Sheik too. The bell rings and Hogan pearl harbours Sheik in the corner while he is de-robing. Clothesline on Sheik with his head garment and the crowd is exploding. Another clothesline and a knee to the face by Hogan, followed by an eye rake and a standing double handed choke. Sheik thrown into the ropes and gets a big boot to the mush but it only gets a one count. Elbow drop gets two for Hogan but he misses a charge and Sheik takes control. Crowd is deafening at this point as Sheik nails a backbreaker for 2. Sheik picks him up...and takes him down to apply a Boston Crab. Hogan powers out of it but eats a gutwrench suplex. Sheik locks on the Camel Clutch and the crowd is on fire. Hulk powers up, lifts Sheik on his back and slams him into the corner. Sheik goes down, Hogan runs the ropes, Leg Drop, cover, 1,2,3 and the crowd EXPLODES. Wow! Big celebrations are now underway. The match itself was quick but I actually liked it. Sheik got in some offense which was unexpected and Hogan's obvious flaws were well hidden within the pace and basic maneuvers of the match. Either way, Hulkamania has officially started and wrestling will never be the same again.Match Rating: *1/2

Into the back with Mean Gene and NEW WWF Champion Hulk Hogan. Hogan promised us he'd do it and he did it for us and the USA. Cheers Hulk! Andre the Giant appears and showers the champ with champagne as does Ivan Putski!

Jimmy Snuka vs Rene Goulet
I feel I should mention the crowd are still going insane a good few minutes after Hogan's title win so I don't like the chances of the following matches regarding crowd noise. Rene Goulet is already in the ring and I am ready for some old school heel antics! Big pop for Jimmy Snuka but Goulet pearl harbours him from the off and Snuka eats an elbow and a scoop slam. I just noticed there's only 15 minutes left of the show and 2 matches...hmmm. Heel antics by Goulet but Snuka still starts to dominate although not for long as Goulet locks on the dreaded face claw! Snuka finally regains some offense with some chops and leapfrogs. Up top and a Superfly Splash gets the win! That was crap! Match Rating: DUD

Into the back with Mean Gene who's with the Hogan family...mum, dad and baby Hulk. Mr and Mrs Hogan are very proud of their son. Hogan finishes by cutting a promo on his parents!

Andre the Giant/Rocky Johnson/Tony Atlas vs The Wild Samoans
Main event time and out come the Samoans wearing a lovely pink top. They look like savages, but ones in touch with their sensitive time. Out come the tag champs, Johnson and Atlas, followed by Andre. Crowd are more subdued than expected but I don't blame them after the earlier title match. Samula and Atlas start, albeit slowly although Atlas nails a crossbody. They trade wastelocks until they end up in face corner. Andre looks like he's gonna slap the shit out of Samula's chest, but Johnson comes in instead...then Andre gets to do his chop from the apron. A criss-cross leads to some slight embarassment on Samula's part. They lock up again and Johnson nails the Samoans with a double noggin-knocker. Atlas in now who finds himself in a full nelson but not for long as he powers out of it. In comes Andre but he gets nailed with a headbutt. He starts no selling the headbutts, nails one of his own, another double noggin-knocker, a big boot and Andre gets the 3 count. Last editions was better, this one just had nothing really going for it. Andre and the two main Samoans did very little. Match Rating: 1/2*


Wrestler Scores:

• Tony Garea +2 (2)
• Jose Luis Rivera +2 (2)
• Invader 1 +5 (8)
• Invader 2 +5 (8)
• Mr Fuji +5 (7)
• Tiger Chung Lee +4 (4)
• The Masked Superstar +2 (3)
• Cheif Jay Strongbow +1 (1)
• Sgt Slaughter +2 (4)
• Ivan Putski +2 (2)
• Paul Orndorff +5 (5)
• Salvatore Bellomo +3 (6)
• Tito Santana +3 (6)
• Don Muraco +3 (6)
• Haiti Kid +1 (2)
• Tiger Jackson +1 (2)
• Dana Carpenter +1 (2)
• Pancho Boy +1 (2)
• Hulk Hogan +6 (6)
• Iron Sheik +3 (6)
• Jimmy Snuka +1 (4)
• Rene Goulet +1 (3)
• Andre the Giant +2 (6)
• Rocky Johnson +2 (4)
• Tony Atlas +2 (4)
• Afa +1 (3)
• Sika +1 (3)
• Samula +2 (4)