I see that you are not currently registered on our forum. It only takes a second, and you can even login with your Facebook! If you would like to register now, pease click here: Register
Once registered please introduce yourself in our introduction thread which can be found here: Introduction Board
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre Allies with NJPW, AJPW, and AWA
The "International Alliance of Wrestling" has gained another member today as Mexico's biggest promotion, Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre, or CMLL, has entered a working agreement with the American Wrestling Association, New Japan Pro Wrestling, and All Japan Pro Wrestling. Supposedly this newly formed alliance will allow top stars from each company to appear wherever and whenever they're needed. The rumors are that this is the AWA's attempt to leverage their newly found deep pockets and become able to compete with America's two biggest wrestling companies: World Wrestling Federation and World Championship Wrestling.
Bob Backlund - “Reelin’ In The Years” by Steely Dan
Jerry Lawler - “The Great Gates of Kiev” by Mussorgsky
Larry Zbyszko - “Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns & Roses
Nikita Koloff - “A View To A Kill” by Duran Duran
Paul Orndorff - “Round and Round” by Ratt
Rick Rude - “You Shook Me All Night Long” by AC / DC
Ricky Steamboat - “Opening Ceremony” - Andreas Koch
Terry Gordy - “Another Brick in the Wall Pt. 2” by Pink Floyd
Tully Blanchard - “Rebel Yell” by Billy Idol
Bam Bam Bigelow - “Dawn Patrol” by Megadeth
Dan Severn - “Shoot to Thrill” by AC / DC
Razor Ramon - “Push it to the Limit” by Giorgio Moroder
Tiger Sayama - “Subdivisions” by RUSH
Cactus Jack - “Metal Health (Bang Your Head)” by Quiet Riot
Owen Hart - “Owner of a Lonely Heart” by Yes
Scotty The Body - “Dream On” by Aerosmith
Steve Regal - “Blinded by the Light” by Mafred Mann’s Earth Band
William Regal - “Rule Britannia”
Buck Zumhofe - “All Right Now” by Free
Jeff Jarrett - “Up Around the Bend” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Savio Vega - “La Grange” by ZZ Top
Steve Austin - “Wanted Man” by Ratt
Chris Benoit - “Where the Streets Have No Name” by U2
Chris Candido - “Sonic Reducer” by Dead Boys
Gary Albright - “Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin
Jerry Lynn - “Don’t Fear (The Reaper)” by Blue Oyster Cult
The Lightning Kid - “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen
2 Cold Sporpio - “Party For Your Right to Fight” by Public Enemy
Rey Mysterio - “Heat of the Moment” by Asia
Bull Nakano & Akira Hokuto - “Poison” by Alice Cooper
Candi Devine - “Mississippi Queen” by Mountain
Debbie Malenko - “Black Magic Woman” by Santana
Leilani Kai - “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac
Lisa Moretti - “Girls Got Rhythm” by AC / DC
Luna Vachon - “Search and Destroy” by The Stooges
Madusa Miceli- “Every Breath You Take” by The Police
Rockin’ Robin - “American Woman” by The Guess Who
Wendi Richter - “White Wedding Pt. 1” by Billy Idol
The Midnight Express - “Chase” by Giorgio Moroder
The Gilberts - “Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits
The Destruction Crew - “T.N.T” by AC / DC
The Samoan SWAT Team - “Police Truck” by The Dead Kennedys
The Heavenly Bodies - “Start Me Up” by The Rolling Stones
The Olympians - “Chariot of Fire” by Vegel
The Studs - “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Furnas & LaFon - “Hold The Line” by TOTO
DJ Peterson & Trooper - “We Built This City” by Starship
The Guerreros - “Let’s Dance” by David Bowie
Fire & Ice - “Roundabout” by Fire and Ice
Harlem Heat - “Bring The Noise” by Public Enemy
The Malenkos - “John the Fisherman” by Primus
AWA Championship Wrestling
Monday, Week 2, January 1991
Sheboygan Municipal Auditorium, Sheboygan, Wisconsin Attendance: 3,500 (Sold Out!)
Theme of AWA Championship Wrestling:
"The Trooper" by Iron Maiden
Tony Schiavone, Eric Bischoff, and Jesse "The Body" Ventura welcome us to the second edition of AWA Championship Wrestling on KSLM-TV, and they hype up an interesting show tonight, seeing Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat battling the English gentleman Sir William Regal in the main event, as well as a tag team match between AWA Tag Team Champions DJ Peterson and The Trooper vs. Harlem Heat, but in the ring right now they have the man facing Jerry "The King" Lawler in two weeks' time on AWA Championship Wrestling: Paul Orndorff.
w/
vs.
Paul Orndorff w/ Col. Rob Parker vs. Scotty The Body
In a quick match, Orndorff defeated Scotty The Body with a Spike Piledriver in 5:39. During the match, Jesse Ventura hyped up Orndorff as possibly the next AWA World Heavyweight Champion, citing that Orndorff and Lawler have a long history together dating back to 1976 when Orndorff first started.
Rating: 48
Following the match, Col. Robert Parker and Paul Orndorff wander over to the interview area where an awaiting Nick Bockwinkel is ready to speak to them. Parker tells Bockwinkel that Orndorff is the crown jewel of his corps, the Southern Studs. Orndorff tells Bockwinkel that what happened tonight is a little taste of what's gonna happen to Jerry Lawler.
Rating: 62
We get another promo video on Razor Ramon, talking about living the high life, chicos. He's eating at a restaurant in Florida and calls over a waiter, whispering in his ear and intimidating him into getting him a bottle of good wine. Razor says once he arrives in the American Wrestling Association, he's going to carve up all the competition, and he's going for whatever championship he sets his eyes on.
Rating: 51
vs.
D.J. Peterson & The Trooper vs. Harlem Heat (Booker T & Stevie Ray)
In a quick match Peterson & Patriot defeated Harlem Heat when DJ Peterson made Booker T submit. During the match, Tony Schiavone and Jesse Ventura debated the merits of The Midnight Express challenging for the titles. Schiavone says it's ultimately up to the Championship Committee.
Rating: 38
Larry Nelson interviews DJ Peterson and The Trooper following the match, and they discuss Jim Cornette and the Midnight Express. The Trooper tells Nelson that if the Midnight Express want a championship match, they've got one, because DJ Peterson and The Trooper don't back down from anybody, especially some geeks from WCW.
Rating: 38
Following the commercial break, Nick Bockwinkel interviews Tully Blanchard who is assisted by the lovely Woman. Blanchard tells everybody that Blanchard's always been a man who takes care of himself, whether it was down South with the Horsemen, up North with Arn and Mr. Heenan, or right here in the AWA, accompanied by the lovely Woman; Blanchard is a man who knows what he wants and knows how to get it. He says while Jerry Lawler, Paul Orndorff, and Larry Zbyszko are having their little Pow-Wow, Tully Blanchard is the one who will come in and steal the AWA World Heavyweight Championship out from their stupid little noses. He says that in two weeks' time, he's going to be facing an old foe of his, but he'll reveal who it is next week.
Rating: 64
vs.
Cactus Jack vs. Jeff Jarrett
In a match that didn't have much heat, Cactus Jack defeated Jeff Jarrett in 8:13 with the Double-Arm DDT. During the match, Jesse Ventura talks about how insane Jack must be with how he's wrestling with his body. Tony Schiavone speaks about last week's promo, citing that Jack did say he felt at home with the crazies.
Rating: 39
Ken Resnick interviews "Stunning" Steve Austin and his lovely assistant Jeannie Clark. Austin tells Resnick that Steve Austin heard all about the big names that came to the AWA recently, and he wants a piece of that pie, because "Stunning" Steve Austin is a damn good wrestler and a big name, whether you like it or not, and he's going to show it in the coming weeks. He shows off his valet, Jeannie Clark and tells Resnick that only stars get ladies, and as far as he's concerned, he's the only star here.
Rating: 48
Nick Bockwinkel interviews Jerry Lawler, and the two reminisce a little about all the classic battles they've had in the past, before Bockwinkel asks Lawler about the big match against Paul Orndorff in two weeks on AWA Championship Wrestling. Lawler tells Orndorff that he may have a manager with a big mouth by the name of Col. Robert Parker, and that Orndorff equally has a mouth the size of Mt. Olympus, but when Lawler gets done shoving his fist down the throat of Orndorff, he'll hopefully shut up both of them so he can focus on what he came back to the AWA for, the World Heavyweight Championship. He compliments Nick Bockwinkel on the nice suit before leaving.
Rating: 70
vs.
Ricky Steamboat vs. William Regal
In a good match, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat defeated "Sir" William Regal in 8:37 with a Diving Crossbody. William Regal made a real showing of himself as Jesse Ventura and Tony Schiavone stated he nearly upset Ricky Steamboat on several occasions throughout the match. In the end, Steamboat pulled away just barely with the victory.
Rating: 65
Show Rating: 63
TV Rating: 0.42 (316,520 Viewers)
Last Week's TV Rating: 0.33 (253,770 Viewers)
AWA Championship Wrestling Monday, Week 3, January 1991
Brown County Memorial Arena, Green Bay, Wisconsin Attendance: 3,000 (Sold Out!)
Theme of AWA Championship Wrestling
"The Trooper" by Iron Maiden
Tony Schiavone, Eric Bischoff, and Jesse Ventura welcome us to another exciting edition of AWA Championship Wrestling. Bischoff says that tonight we have an exciting set of matches as the debuting Terry "Bam Bam" Gordy goes one on one with Scotty the Body, Bob Backlund makes his debut as well, and in the Main Event, Jerry Lawler goes against Dick Slater. Also on the agenda is the reveal of who Tully Blanchard will be facing next week here on AWA Championship Wrestling.
vs.
Terry Gordy vs. Scotty The Body
In an okay match, Terry Gordy defeated Scotty The Body with a Powerbomb in 5:37. Jesse Ventura wonders what exactly is so great about the hyped up Gordy, which Schiavone explains him being a former member of the Fabulous Freebirds and also one half of the most dangerous tag team in the wrestling business with "Dr. Death" Steve Williams.
Rating: 53
Larry Nelson gets prepared to interview Terry Gordy following his match, and Gordy says that he's happy to be here and he's ready to face anybody that steps up to him. He's kicked ass from coast to coast, nation to nation, continent to continent, and he says the American Wrestling Association has the best competition for "Bam Bam" to test his mett-
Before Terry Gordy can even finish that statement, out comes Bam Bam Bigelow, followed by Jim Cornette!? Cornette steals Nelson's microphone and proceeds to tell Terry Gordy that he has no right to call himself Bam Bam while the real Bam Bam Bigelow is in the AWA, it's disrespectful to a true bad ass. Cornette says that he respects the hell out of Gordy, saying he's proven his worth ten times over, but that Bam Bam Bigelow is simply a bigger, better, and brother, a badder man. Before Gordy can even respond, Bam Bam TACKLES HIM TO THE GROUND! Bigelow pummels Gordy and throws him to the ring, stomping a mudhole in Gordy's face. Cornette cackles madly as several refs and agents try to maintain order and get Bam Bam away from Gordy.
Rating: 57
We get another promo package of Razor Ramon, back in his red convertible. Ramon says that he's scoped out the talent on the AWA and nobody impresses him. Not Lawler, not Steamboat, not Backlund, not even the AWA World Heavyweight Champion Larry Zbyszko. The competition is ripe for the picking as far as Razor Ramon is concerned. They'll all be carved up real soon and once Razor's done taking the AWA World Heavyweight Championship from whatever poor sap has it, he's gonna take it home with him to Florida.
Rating: 49
vs.
Los Guerreros (Hector & Mando) vs. Eddie & Doug Gilbert
In a match that didn't have much heat to it, The Gilberts defeated Los Guerreros in 6:40 when Eddie hit the Hot Shot on Hector. During the match, Jesse Ventura mentioned his fondness for the Gilberts, saying they remind him a bit of himself back in the day. Schiavone retorts that they're cheaters just like Ventura; Ventura says "There's nothing wrong with cheating, Tony. As long as you don't get caught."
Rating: 52
Nick Bockwinkel stands in the cleaned up interview area (after the attack on Terry Gordy), as out comes "The Gold Standard" Tully Blanchard and Woman. Bockwinkel asks him about his mystery opponent, and Tully responds that he'll say it in good time, but he wants to point out that this man and him have had a heated rivalry for years and that Tully is intent on beating this man within an inch of his life, because that's just how much history these two have. The man he's going to face is-
Out comes Nikita Koloff, which Tully Blanchard wasn't quite expecting. He braces for a fight, but "The Russian Nightmare" just stares him down, giving fans a taste of what's about to happen next week on AWA Championship Wrestling! Tony Schiavone on commentary is going nuts, saying these two have had a blood feud for years, dating back to Tully's days in the Four Horsemen.
Rating: 64
Following the commercial break, Ken Resnick interviews Jim Cornette, who has Bam Bam Bigelow and The Midnight Express at hand. Resnick asks why he's with Bam Bam Bigelow, to which Jim Cornette explains that while Cornette is perfectly happy managing the Midnight Express, he feels it's time to expand his portfolio and get himself a man who can win some World Champinoship gold.
Resnick does tell him that Gordy had been sent to a local medical facility, which Bigelow grins sadistically at upon hearing. Cornette then declares he hasn't forgotten about the AWA Tag Team Champions, DJ Peterson and The Trooper. He issues a challenge for next week, with the snide comment of "if Terry Gordy's feeling up to it too", of The Midnight Express and Bam Bam Bigelow vs. DJ Peterson, The Trooper and Terry Gordy.
Rating: 50
vs.
Bob Backlund vs. Chris Candido
In a quick match, Bob Backlund defeats Chris Candido in 6:45 with the Crossface Chickenwing. Jesse Ventura gives his respects to Bob Backlund saying he's absolutely legitimate, even if he doesn't like Backlund as a person. Schiavone laughs at the remark, saying he doesn't think Bob Backlund has much love loss for Ventura either.
Rating: 50
Larry Nelson interviews AWA World Heavyweight Champion Larry Zbyszko; Nelson asks Zbyzsko about the match next week and who he's betting on. Zbyszko chuckles and tells Nelson that he doesn't make his bids known, but replies to Nelson to "Just know that I'm always a winner." Zbyszko says it doesn't matter if it's Orndorff, and it doesn't matter if it's Lawler, because he'll knock them both down, and anybody else that idiot in charge Bill Watts sends his way.
Rating: 66
Nick Bockwinkel Interviews Ricky Steamboat and asks him about the Main Event of next week's AWA Championship Wrestling, Jerry Lawler vs. Paul Orndorff. Steamboat says he's rooting for his close friend Jerry Lawler to pull one through and then go beat Larry Zbyszko. Steamboat mentions that he's going to keep working hard and climbing his way up the rankings, and when he gets his shot, he'll be the next AWA World Heavyweight Champion.
Rating: 72
vs.
w/
Jerry Lawler vs. Dick Slater w/ Col. Rob Parker
In a decent match, Jerry Lawler defeated Dick Slater by DQ in 8:23. Jesse Ventura and Tony Schiavone discussed the huge match next week on AWA Championship Wrestling, the #1 Contender's match between Jerry Lawler and Col. Rob Parker's main man Paul Orndorff. The ending of the match Lawler hit the Piledriver on Dick Slater when suddenly...
Paul Orndorff came out of nowhere and attacked Lawler, causing the disqualification.
Rating: 63
Orndorff continues to beat down Lawler as Dick Slater slowly recovers and also joins in the beat down, with Col. Rob Parker shouting instructions. Orndorff sets up the Piledriver onto a chair.
When out comes Bob Backlund to make the save! Orndorff and Slater flee the ring when they see Backlund wielding a chair and ready to swing wildly. Ventura is irate, saying that Backlund had no business to be involved whatsoever. Backlund checks up on Lawler as the show ends with several HUGE questions regarding next week's AWA Championship Wrestling.
Rating: 51
Show Rating: 64
TV Rating: 0.47 (356,060 Viewers)
Last Week's TV Rating: 0.42 (316,520 Viewers)
AWA Championship Wrestling Monday, Week 4, January 1991
Decatur Civic Center, Decatur, Illinois Attendance: 3,200 (Sold Out!)
Theme of AWA Championship Wrestling:
"The Trooper" by Iron Maiden
Tony Schiavone, Eric Bischoff, and Jesse Ventura welcome us to a jam-packed edition of AWA Championship Wrestling. Bischoff gives us the hard sell on some MASSIVE matches tonight, which will see Camp Cornette go against Terry Gordy and the AWA Tag Team Champions, DJ Peterson & The Trooper. Also tonight is Tully Blanchard going against hated enemy Nikita Koloff, and in the main event, Jerry "The King" Lawler and Paul Orndorff battle to see who will challenge AWA World Heavyweight Champion Larry Zbyszko at Rebirth. Ventura says Orndorff will win, while Schiavone says Lawler will win.
w/
vs.
Camp Cornette w/ Jim Cornette vs. Terry Gordy, DJ Peterson, and The Trooper
In a decent match, Camp Cornette defeated Terry Gordy, DJ Peterson, and The Trooper in 6:55 when Bam Bam Bigelow pinned Peterson. During the match Schiavone and Ventura hype up the respective matches between Bam Bam Bigelow and Terry Gordy, as well as the AWA Tag Team Championship contest between The Midnight Express and Peterson & The Trooper. Gordy and Bam Bam when they were in the ring together went rough at each other, giving the fans a taste of the future hoss match.
Rating: 58
We get yet another promo package for Razor Ramon, this time of him at a plaza in lovely Orlando, Florida. He talks about the fine life he lives because Machismo is what everyone strives for. He gets all the ladies, and all the guys who come to fight him sleep with the fish. He's ready to come to carve up the AWA. Someone accidentally walks into view, pissing off Razor Ramon, who throws him into the fountain behind Razor. Ramon tells the camera that people who cross "The Bad Guy", don't get to talk about afterwards.
Rating: 61
Nick Bockwinkel interviews Jerry Lawler, who hypes up the match against Paul Orndorff tonight. Lawler says that tonight the world will see who's truly deserving of challenging the AWA World Heavyweight Champion: Larry Zbyszko. Lawler tells Orndorff that he may have Col. Rob Parker, but if Parker interferes in this match he'll make sure he shoves that cigar and ten-gallon hat up his ass and down his throat, respectively. Then Larry Zbyszko will have to concede to Lawler's challenge.
Rating: 64
w/
vs.
Tully Blanchard w/ Woman vs. Nikita Koloff
In a match that had good heat and decent wrestling, Nikita Koloff defeated Tully Blanchard in 7:58. During the match, Ventura was hyping up the abilities of both men, noting that Tully's just a bit better than Koloff. Schiavone says he's seen some wars between the two of them. The end of the match has Tully having the match won, but Nikita rolls up Tully and gets the shock three fall, winning the match!
Rating: 57
Following the match, Tully Blanchard, embarrassed by his shocking defeat to Nikita Koloff, attacks him from behind and stomps the living crap out of him, pulling out a pair of brass knuckles and busting open Nikita. Woman helps calm Tully down as the two look over his work and look pleased, while Schiavone screams that he couldn't believe the carnage he's seeing.
Rating: 56
After the commercial break, we see Larry Nelson interviewing the deranged Cactus Jack. Jack says that the pain he inflicts on others brings him great joy and great pleasure; he also states that he doesn't care about getting hurt himself, that he does what he has to to hurt others.
Rating: 42
vs.
w/
Bob Backlund vs. Dick Slater w/ Col. Rob Parker
In a decent match, Bob Backlund defeats Dick Slater in 7:09 with the Crossface Chickenwing. During the match Schiavone talks about this match being set up after last week's gang-up on Jerry "The King" Lawler and Backlund making the save. Ventura continually argues that Backlund had zero reason to be involved in the match.
Rating: 61
Nick Bockwinkel interviews Ricky Steamboat, who says that he's been looking for a challenge here on AWA Championship Wrestling, but that unfortunately everyone's been busy dealing with their own little feuds that Ricky Steamboat hasn't had a chance to shine much. Bockwinkel asks Steamboat who he would like to challenge most, and Steamboat grins and says he'd love to challenge-
RAVISHING RICK RUDE IS HERE! Tony Schiavone and Jesse Ventura both go nuts on commentary, unable to believe that the hottest free agent in wrestling has signed with AWA. Rick Rude stares down Ricky Steamboat. Rude says that before he speaks, he wants all these ugly, out of shape, pig-bellied Decatur jackoffs to keep quiet while "real men talk". He snickers, eyeing Steamboat up and down, before telling Bockwinkel that it's true, Rick Rude has signed with the American Wrestling Association. Rude then motions to Bockwinkel, "So, Nick, are you gonna ask who *I* want to challenge most?". Bockwinkel for the first time in a long time is at a loss for words, but manages to repeat the question to Rude. Rude says, "Excellent question, the man I want to challenge most... is Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat." The crowd goes wild as Steamboat accepts the challenge for Rebirth.
Rating: 72
vs.
w/
Jerry Lawler vs. Paul Orndorff w/ Col. Rob Parker
In a good match, Jerry Lawler defeats Paul Orndorff in 11:14 following botched interference from Col. Rob Parker. During the match we saw Larry Zbyszko sitting on the outside watching the match going on, Ventura hyping up Zbyszko as a true champion scoping out the competition. Jerry Lawler is officially the #1 Contender for the AWA World Heavyweight Championship.
Rating: 60
Following the match, Larry Zbyszko climbs up to the apron to stare down Jerry Lawler, the new #1 Contender for Larry Z's title. Tony Schiavone and Jesse Ventura do their best to hype up the main event of Rebirth: Jerry Lawler vs. Larry Zbyszko for the AWA World Heavyweight Championship. Bischoff says they're almost out of time but that next week Larry Zbyszko will be in action, and to tune in to see what happens next week.
Rating: 60
Show Rating: 63
TV Rating: 0.49 (369,950 Viewers)
Last Week's TV Rating: 0.47 (356,060 Viewers)
RICK MOTHER FUCKIN' RUDE You're booking this fuckin' perfectly Grim, the ratings seem to be gradually going upwards as well so that trend should only keep up with this FIRE
AWA Championship Wrestling Monday, Week 1, February 1991
Sioux City Auditorium, Sioux City, Iowa Attendance: 3,434
Theme of AWA Championship Wrestling:
"The Trooper" by Iron Maiden
The announcing team of Tony Schiavone, Eric Bischoff, and Jesse Ventura welcome us to another exciting edition of AWA Championship Wrestling. Eric Bischoff sells us on the cornucopia of big time matches, such as Paul Orndorff going one-on-one with the demented Cactus Jack, Rick Rude stepping into the ring for the first time in the AWA, as well as the ever popular Wendi Richter facing up against Debbie Malenko. Ventura says that Rick Rude is the gold standard of the AWA and that it's only a matter of time before he's the AWA World Heavyweight Champion.
Nick Bockwinkel interviews the AWA World Heavyweight Champion Larry Zbyszko, who has a lot to say about the *new* #1 Contender, Jerry "The King" Lawler. He tells Bockwinkel that Jerry Lawler being a traitor and leaving the AWA a few years ago was why Larry Zbyszko became the champion, not because Lawler was better than him, but because he refused to ever give him a shot at the title. At Rebirth, Larry Z is going to show the world that he is better than Jerry Lawler once and for all.
Out comes Jerry Lawler, the #1 Contendor to the AWA World Heavyweight Championship. He tells Larry that the reason he never got a shot when he was champion was because Larry was so scared of Lawler, he went to the NWA for as long as he was champion. Lawler counter-argues that Zbyszko is champion because he got lucky. At Rebirth, the real World's Champion takes the title home.
Rating: 67
vs.
w/
Wendi Richter vs. Debbie Malenko w/ Boris Malenko
In a match that had below average wrestling and little heat, Wendi Richter defeated Debbie Malenko with a Sit-Out DDT in 7:16. During the match, Jesse Ventura and Tony Schiavone discuss Wendi Richter's two year-long hunt for the AWA Women's Championship from Candi Devine.
Rating: 47
Following the match, Wendi Richter is interviews by Larry Nelson, who asks her about AWA Women's Champion Candi Devine. Richter says she respects the hell out of Devine for her accomplishment of holding onto the AWA Women's Championship for two years, but that now it's time for Richter to take back what is rightfully hers. She mentions that she hears that Devine is hanging around with Col. Robert Parker, a slimy, ugly, scumbag. She then reminds everyone that just because she respects Devine, doesn't mean she likes her.
Rating: 63
Dale Gagne interviews Camp Cornette, consisting of manager Jim Cornette, The Midnight Express, and Bam Bam Bigelow. Cornette tells the audience that last week was a taste of what's to come for the AWA Tag Team Champions, DJ Peterson and The Trooper, as well as Terry Gordy. He says that Camp Cornette is a well oiled machine and runs at top efficiency, because to be the efficient, you have to be the best, and "brother, we are the best."
Rating: 52
vs.
D.J. Peterson & The Trooper vs. Harlem Heat
In a bad match, DJ Peterson & The Trooper defeat Harlem Heat in 7:24. During the match, Schiavone and Ventura discuss the fact the Tag Team Champions will be going up against The Midnight Express in nearly three weeks at AWA Rebirth. Ventura says their title reign is coming to an end sooner than they think, while Schiavone disagrees and says the Midnight Express might be underestimating Peterson & The Trooper
Rating: 33
We get a vignette of Razor Ramon out on the Miami strip, he's walking tall and cockily, like a bad ass, and talks directly into the camera. He says that he owns Miami, nobody can stop him in this town, everyone's afraid of "The Bad Guy". He mentions that once he enters the AWA, it's going to be much of the same. Razor Ramon is coming at AWA Rebirth, and it doesn't matter who he faces.
Rating: 51
w/
vs.
Paul Orndorff w/ Col. Rob Parker vs. Cactus Jack
In a decent match that didn't have much heat, Paul Orndorff defeated Cactus Jack in 7:41 with a Spike Piledriver after Col. Robert Parker made some interference. Tony Schiavone posits that Orndorff is dejected following his loss to Jerry Lawler and may be trying to find his groove, while Ventura calls Schiavone mad, saying Orndorff knows he could have won the match but it just didn't go his way.
Rating: 52
Nick Bockwinkel interviews Paul Orndorff and Col. Rob Parker following the match. Orndorff admits that Lawler got the better of him, but that he's still a top dog and one of the very best this business has to offer. It doesn't matter if it's Jerry Lawler or Larry Zbyszko, the next time he gets an opportunity at the AWA World Heavyweight Championship, he will not let the opportunity slip.
Rating: 63
After the commercial break we see Larry Nelson interviewing a bandaged up Nikita Koloff, who looks outrageously pissed off and ready to beat someone up. Nikita says that everyone saw what happened when he and Tully Blanchard faced off last week. He came out the victor and Tully jumped him. He knows that Tully is jealous of Nikita, he knows that Tully knows he can never beat a Russian the likes of Nikita, and that at Rebirth, Tully is going to get what's coming to him again.
Rating: 60
vs.
In a match that had decent wrestling but not much heat, Rick Rude defeated 2 Cold Scorpio in 6:06 with the Rude Awakening. During the match, Schiavone and Ventura hype up the MASSIVE match between Rude and Ricky Steamboat at Rebirth, dubbing it "The Biggest Match in AWA History". Ventura believes that Steamboat and Rude might be the most evenly matched professional wrestlers in the AWA today, which Schiavone agrees with.
Rating: 62
Nick Bockwinkel stands at ringside to interview Rick Rude following his quick victory against 2 Cold Scorpio. Bockwinkel asks Rude why he specifically picked Steamboat as his first Pay-Per-View challenger. Rude says that Steamboat is the greatest challenge there is in the American Wrestling Association. Yes, Larry Zbyszko is the AWA World Champion, and Jerry Lawler may be the #1 Contender, but Rick Rude is here to prove he's the greatest wrestler alive, and to do so, he needs to beat the top wrestler: The Dragon himself. Rude mentions that Bockwinkel knows all about trying to prove he was the greatest wrestler of his time. He doesn't care what anyone has to say though, because Rude will be proven right in time.
Rating: 75
Show Rating: 64
T.V. Rating: 0.47 (354,140 Viewers)
Last Week's T.V. Rating: 0.49 (369,950 Viewers)
AWA Championship Wrestling Monday, Week 2, February 1991
Sheboygan Auditorium, Sheboygan, Wisconsin Attendance: 3,500 (SOLD OUT!)
The show opens up with Tony Schiavone welcoming the TV audience to another exciting edition of AWA Championship Wrestling! Schiavone, Eric Bischoff, and Jesse Ventura hype up the events happening tonight while plugging AWA Rebirth. Tonight we'll be seeing a duel threat matchup with Stan Lane vs. The Trooper and Bobby Eaton vs. D.J. Peterson, as well as a big-time main event where Ricky Steamboat will face off against Eddie Gilbert.
Here we see Ricky Steamboat being interviewed by Nick Bockwinkel, who has to ask Ricky Steamboat that since Rick Rude has laid down the challenge, will he accept it? Steamboat pauses and says that he knows Rude's history. The two have met in the ring before, in differing circumstances, but they've never truly clashed like this. It will truly be a massive match between two incredibly talented wrestlers. Steamboat declares that he never backs down from a challenge. At AWA Rebirth, Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat and "Ravishing" Rick Rude will clash in a match of two titans.
Rating: 75
w/
vs.
Stan Lane w/ Jim Cornette vs. The Trooper
In a pretty good match, Stan Lane defeats The Trooper in 7:55 after Jim Cornette gets distracts the ref. During the match, Tony Schiavone and Jesse Ventura talk about the AWA Tag Team Championships, with Ventura declaring that the Midnight Express are the best tag team in the company; Tony Schiavone finds himself reluctantly agreeing to that.
Rating: 51
Following the commercial break, Ken Resnick interviews Camp Cornette, where Jim Cornette flamboyantly tells the audience that the Midnight Express just proved that in a one-on-one matchup, The Trooper and D.J. Peterson can't cut the mustard, brother. Stan Lane got the win against the Trooper, and by the night's over, The Midnight Express is gonna be 2-0 against the AWA Tag Team Champions. He then throws a dig at Terry Gordy, with Bam Bam smirking in the background.
Rating: 50
w/
vs.
Bobby Eaton w/ Jim Cornette vs. D.J. Peterson
In an okay match, D.J. Peterson surprised the crowd by beating Bobby Eaton with a roll-up. After the match, Jim Cornette attempted to interfere and swing the racket at Peterson, but he escaped before he could get attacked. Jesse Ventura notes that there *may* have been some tight pulling on that roll-up, but Schiavone denies that Peterson did any wrong-doing.
Rating: 46
We get another video of Razor Ramon, in the streets of Miami, Florida. He walks down the street talking about how he owns the streets. Thugs, dealers, gangs, the mob itself, they all fear Razor Ramon. Chico, nobody does a damn thing without his say-so. When he gets into the AWA, everyone is gonna learn to fear Razor Ramon, too.
Rating: 58
After the commercial, we cut backstage to pandemonium as Nikita Koloff and Tully Blanchard start brawling backstage, Woman standing aside and cheering on Tully when he gets punches in and screaming when Nikita gets some in. Several backstage personnel finally tear the two apart, with several referees, pushing Nikita Koloff out of the hallway. Jesse Ventura demands that the fight continues so that Tully could beat up Koloff more.
Rating: 61
w/
vs.
Candi Devine w/ Col. Rob Parker vs. Rockin' Robin
In a not so good match, Candi Devine beats Rockin Robin in 5:28 via submission. It's noted that the two did not mesh very well and blew several spots. Jesse Ventura talks about the domination of Candi Devine, whom has held the AWA Women's Championship for over a year.
Rating: 33
Larry Nelson interviews AWA Women's Champion Candi Devine and her manager Col. Rob Parker, asking about Wendi Richter. Candi says she isn't worried, she's beaten Richter before, and she will beat her again. Col. Rob Parker tells Nelson that Devine rules the roost of the Women's Division and that no women can do what she has done.
Rating: 47
Nick Bockwinkel is talking to AWA World Heavyweight Champion Larry Zbyszko regarding Jerry "The King" Lawler. Larry, annoyed to have to talk about Lawler again, asks Bockwinkel to change the subject to something more interesting, like how Larry Zbyszko is the greatest AWA World Champion since... well, Bockwinkel. He says that everyone always talks about Zbyszko being a coward, a sham, a charlatan, but declares that he's no coward, he's no sham, and he certainly is no charlatan, because he's the AWA World Heavyweight Champion; the mark of the best professional wrestler in the world today. And at AWA Rebirth, it'll just be another championship defense for Larry Zbyszko.
Rating: 73
vs.
Ricky Steamboat vs. Eddie Gilbert
In a pretty good match, Ricky Steamboat defeats Eddie Gilbert with the Flying Crossbody in 12:09. During the match, Schiavone and Ventura are hyping up what they call the "Match of the Decade": Steamboat/Rude. Eddie Gilbert almost got a surprise victory, but the wiles of the veteran Steamboat was too much for the young Gilbert.
Rating: 62
Show Rating: 63 T.V. Rating: 0.47 (356,430 Viewers) Last Week's T.V. Rating: 0.47 (354,140 Viewers)
AWA Championship Wrestling Monday, Week 3, February 1991
Joplin Memorial Hall, Joplin, Missouri Attendance: 3,018 (SOLD OUT!)
We open up AWA Championship Wrestling with Tony Schiavone, Eric Bischoff, and Jesse Ventura hyping up AWA Rebirth *this* Sunday. The quickly run through the matches tonight, as the Midnight Express go up against Los Guerreros, Rick Rude faces off against Brad Rheingans, and Terry Gordy facing off against Scotty The Body. Ventura mentions that Rick Rude and Ricky Steamboat will have a chance to speak to one another tonight. Schiavone says that Jerry Lawler will talk about the AWA World Heavyweight Champion Larry Zbyszko.
Out comes Tully Blanchard, accompanied by the lovely Woman. Ken Resnick asks for answers as to what happened last week to start the brawl with Nikita Koloff. Tully tells Resnick not to ask such stupid questions, and that there's no need to respond to a question when the answer is so simple. He tells Resnick that all everyone needs to know is that he got the better of Koloff last week, and at AWA Rebirth, he and Woman will be celebrating with fine dining after they're done with Nikita Koloff.
Rating: 58
We get another video promo from Razor Ramon, who's hanging around a plaza in Miami, Florida. He lets everyone know that it's only a few days before Razor Ramon arrives. At AWA Rebirth, it doesn't matter who he faces, because they're going to end up like all the others that go up against Razor Ramon. He eyes some beautiful ladies that pass by and flirts a little with them, turning to the camera and saying that there's not a single lady that can resist Razor Ramon.
Rating: 48
w/
vs.
The Midnight Express w/ Jim Cornette vs. Los Guerreros
In a decent match, the Midnight Express defeated Los Guerreros by pinfall in 5:51. During the match, Jesse Ventura and Tony Schiavone argue whether or not after the surprise victory by The Trooper over Bobby Eaton last week was a sign of things to come; Ventura tells Schiavone, "Even a broken clock is right twice a day, and every once in a while two idiots get a victory over the real champions, but The Midnight Express aren't going to lose at AWA Rebirth."
Rating: 59
After the commercial, Dale Gagne interviews Wendi Richter and Candi Devine, the challenger and Champion for the AWA Women's Championship this Sunday at AWA Rebirth. Richter mentions that she and Devine have had some great encounters in years past; Richter always coming out on top. Devine stops her and tells Richter that not all of them were her coming out on top. Devine says that she knows Richter's style of wrestling better than anyone. Richter retorts that then she'd know that Devine has never had a counter for it. Devine laughs, and turns to Col. Rob Parker, who also laughs as the two walk away.
Rating: 56
Nick Bockwinkel Interviews Terry Gordy, whom says he's had enough of Jim Cornette's constant whining. This Sunday, Bam Bam Bigelow and Terry Gordy are going to tear each other limb from limb, but Terry Gordy's gonna want it just a little bit more. Where Bam Bam needs Jim Cornette to get by, Gordy doesn't need anybody, not Michael Hayes, not Steve Williams, nobody.
Rating: 57
vs.
w/
Tiger Sayama vs. Dean Malenko w/ Boris Malenko
In a match that had good wrestling but no heat, Tiger Sayama handled Dean Malenko easily in 6:09. During the match, Schiavone stated being impressed with Tiger Sayama's abilities as a professional wrestler. Ventura even admits that Sayama might have a good chance at becoming the AWA Light Heavyweight Champion.
Rating: 46
Ken Resnick talks to Bob Backlund, asking about the rematch with Dick Slater. Backlund tells Resnick that Col. Rob Parker has been a thorn in Backlund's side the last few weeks and when the AWA gave Dick Slater the rematch, he felt it was just pandering to the ever-annoying Parker. He says that this Sunday he'll beat Slater again and hopefully Bob Backlund can get back to focusing on the AWA World Heavyweight Championship.
Rating: 67
The next segment sees Dale Gagne interview AWA World Tag Team Champions DJ Peterson and The Trooper; the both of them iterate that Jim Cornette and the Midnight Express have been running their mouths for months regarding the Tag Team Championships. Last Week, the Trooper proved that the Midnight Express are not unbeatable; and this Sunday at AWA Rebirth, Peterson and Trooper are going to beat The Midnight Express and retain the AWA World Tag Team Championships.
Rating: 35
vs.
Terry Gordy vs. Scotty The Body
In an okay match, Terry Gordy beat Scotty The Body again in 7:39 with a Backdrop Driver. During the match, Schiavone and Ventura hype up Gordy vs. Bigelow, the "Battle of the Bam Bams". Ventura says Bam Bam will win, while both Bischoff and Schiavone think Gordy has a very good chance of winning if Cornette doesn't get involved.
Rating: 55
Larry Nelson chats with Jerry "The King" Lawler, whom hypes up the AWA World Heavyweight Championship match this Sunday. He says that the waiting is almost over; and that at AWA Rebirth, the King will come away with what is rightfully his. He says that Zbyszko can claim he's not a coward and what have you, but history has shown that to be the truth. Lawler jokes that Zbyszko is so full of crap that he's got to be constipated-
Out of nowhere comes Larry Zbyszko, WHO'S ATTACKING JERRY LAWLER WITH THE AWA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP! Lawler is unable to fight back from the surprise assault, as Zbyszko lays into Lawler with stiff rights and lefts. Larry Z finishes off Lawler by smacking the Championship Title over Lawler's face, busting him right open. Zbyszko laughs and tells Lawler, "Good luck making it to the match this Sunday, 'Prince'."
Rating: 60
vs.
Rick Rude vs. Brad Rheingans
In a decent match, Rick Rude defeated Brad Rheingans via Rude Awakening in 7:31. During the match, Jesse Ventura hypes the hell out of Rick Rude and says that he's the favorite to beat Ricky Steamboat this Sunday at AWA Rebirth. Schiavone tells Ventura not to underestimate Steamboat.
Rating: 57
After the Match, Nick Bockwinkel talks to both Ricky Steamboat and Rick Rude. The two hype up the big match at AWA Rebirth, with Rude saying he respects the hell out of Steamboat, but there is no man that is better than Rick Rude; not a single man in the wrestling business. Steamboat challenges Rude, asking who had won the last time they went face to face. Rude smirks and tells Steamboat that that was years ago, when Rude's mind was on the ladies, and not the wrestling. He's a different person now. Steamboat isn't sure if he believes Rude. Rude tells Steamboat that he'll just have to prove it by beating him in the ring at Rebirth.
Rating: 72
Show Rating: 62 T.V. Show Rating: .50 (379,720 Viewers) Last Week's T.V. Show Rating: 0.47 (356,430 Viewers)
