American Wrestling Association: Under New Ownership

[Bobby Barrows]

AWA Rebirth
Sunday, Week 3, February 1991
Taylor Arena, Rochester, MN
Attendance: 6,507


​

The dulcet tones of Tony Schiavone screams that the AWA has finally arrived to its resurrection, RIGHT HERE at AWA Rebirth! Schiavone, Eric Bischoff, and Jesse Ventura run down the card for this incredibly exciting event. Jesse Ventura declares that the American Wrestling Association is back in action, and better than ever! They run down the massive card, from the opening contest, Tiger Sayama vs. Steve Regal for the AWA Light Heavyweight Championship and the debut of Razor Ramon vs. Scott Norton (Savio Vega suffered a facial fracture and thus missed the show), as well as some big time contests such as Bob Backlund vs. Dick Slater and "The Battle of the Bam Bams". They finish up by hyping up what Eric Bischoff declares as "possibly the greatest matches in AWA history": Rick Rude vs. Ricky Steamboat and Jerry Lawler vs. Larry Zbyszko for the AWA World Heavyweight Championship. AWA World Light Heavyweight Championship vs. Tiger Sayama vs. Steve Regal (c) The show opens up with Tiger Sayama vs. Steve Regal for the AWA World Light Heavyweight Championship. Tiger Sayama dominates the match and keeps Regal on his toes on route to a big victory in 7:10. Tiger Sayama is now crowned the AWA World Light Heavyweight Champion. Rating: 50​

Following the match, we get Larry Nelson interviewing Bob Backlund. Nelson says that tonight's the night that Backlund and Slater will face off against one another in a big rematch. Backlund tells Nelson that he's been having to deal with Slater and Col. Rob Parker for over a month now and it's time to end things once and for all. When Backlund gets into that ring with Slater, he's gonna stretch him like taffy and break him like a glass vase; obviously saying that Slater is a weak man. Rating: 62​

vs. w/ Bob Backlund vs. Dick Slater w/ Col. Rob Parker The next bout of the evening sees a rivalry come to life when Bob Backlund and Dick Slater battle in the ring. Backlund uses his incredible amateur background and prowess to overtake Slater, but Slater always seems to find a way to comeback... maybe because of some "help" from outside. The ending of the match sees Backlund finally ready to put this one away before Col. Rob Parker hops up onto the apron, distracting the ref. Backlund goes over to push Parker off, but Slater HITS BACKLUND WITH PARKER'S CANE! Backlund goes down and is busted open slightly. Slater slaps on the Figure-Four, but Backlund is unable to respond to the ref, who finally has noticed that Backlund is out cold. He calls for the bell and Slater and Rob Parker steal the victory from Backlund in 12:11! Rating: 58​

He's finally here, it's Razor Ramon. Nick Bockwinkel welcomes Ramon to the AWA, but Razor lords over Bockwinkel, saying that he doesn't need any welcoming party; Razor's finally here in the AWA and the first thing he gets to do is talk to an old man- how disrespectful. Bockwinkel shakes his head and asks Razor his thoughts on his opponent tonight: Scott Norton. Razor is unfazed and says that he's gonna be the first in a long line of victims of the reign of Razor Ramon. Everyone is gonna learn to fear "The Bad Guy". Rating: 67​

vs. w/ Razor Ramon vs. Scott Norton w/ Superstar Billy Graham With Razor Ramon's debut, he goes up against Scott Norton. Ramon impresses with some big moves against a big hoss. Ventura says that Razor Ramon has future champion written all over him. Ramon manages to lift up the big Norton for his finishing move: The Razor's Edge, and with that, Razor beats Norton in 7:23. A strong debut for The Bad Guy. Rating: 42​

After Ramon vs. Norton, we get a music video hyping up the AWA Women's Championship match between long-time rivals Wendi Richter and Candi Devine. It highlights some matches in the past between the two and some of their more recent matches and confrontations. Rating: 44​

AWA Women's Championship vs. w/ Wendi Richter vs. Candi Devine (c) w/ Col. Rob Parker We get our second Championship match of the evening, when Wendi Richter challenges Candi Devine for the AWA Women's Championship. It's a solid back and forth bout between the two, Candi Devine actually controlling the match and Richter playing the face in peril. However, disaster strikes for Candi Devine when a small ref bump gives Rob Parker the opportunity to interfere... and he BOTCHED IT! He accidentally hit Devine instead! Oh my goodness! Richter picks up Devine and slams her with the Sit-Out DDT! The ref counts the pin! WENDI RICHTER IS THE AWA WOMEN'S CHAMPION FOR A SECOND TIME! CANDI DEVINE'S REIGN IS OVER! Rating: 48​

vs. w/ Doug Furnas & Phil LaFon vs. The Malenko Bros. w/ Boris Malenko Our next contest is a tag-team affair where Doug Furnas & Phil LaFon go up against hated enemies The Malenko Bros. The match sees some great wrestling despite a somewhat apathetic crowd reaction throughout. The ending of the match sees the Malenko Bros. nearly win when the time-limit was reached for the bout, officially making the match a draw. Rating: 48​

Backstage we see Larry Nelson alongside Jim Cornette and Bam Bam Bigelow. Nelson talks about Bam Bam Bigelow's opponent, Terry Gordy. Cornette tells Gordy that the time has come for Bam Bam Bigelow to prove himself as the *real* Bam Bam. Gordy's time in the AWA is up, because once Bam Bam wins, Camp Cornette is gonna drive Gordy out of wrestling once and for all so there's only one real Bam Bam. Nelson asks about The Midnight Express vs. Peterson & Trooper, but Cornette cuts him off saying that the Midnight Express are as ready as ever and they'll do all their talking later. Rating: 51​

"Battle of The Bam Bams" w/ vs. Bam Bam Bigelow w/ Jim Cornette vs. Terry "Bam Bam" Gordy The "Battle of the Bam Bams" finally arrives and almost immediately the two begin a massively wild brawl. There are punches, and kicks, and god damn clotheslines galore. Jim Cornette, manager of Bam Bam Bigelow, actually stands back and looks terrified to get involved in this bar fight. The finish of the match sees the two, beaten and battered, begin a trade-off, back and forth fight. Eventually the two go outside the ring, and having just about enough of each other, grab chairs and stare down. GORDY SWINGS! BIGELOW SWINGS! BOTH MEN JUST SMACKED EACH OTHER OVER THE HEAD WITH CHAIRS! The ref immediately calls for the bell, with Jim Cornette jumping into the ring to check up on his man. The match ends just as violently as it began, with no true resolution. Rating: 63​

We cut backstage to the NEW AWA Women's Champion Wendi Richter being interviewed by Nick Bockwinkel. Wendi Richter holds up the Women's title with pride and declares that this is one of the biggest victories she's ever had. She says she knew Candi and Rob Parker couldn't do a single thing to her as the best women's wrestler in the company today. She tells Candi that she has nothing to be ashamed of, she held the title for over a year, but it's time for the Richter era to arrive here in the AWA, "and I plan on holding this title until the end of time or until I retire, whichever happens first, I don't care." Rating: 73​

vs. The Olympians vs. The Samoan SWAT Team Following that massive brawl, we get an okay match between The Olympians and The Samoan Swat Team. The Samoan SWAT Team defeated The Olympians in 7:33 after a Double Diving Headbutt. Jesse Ventura noted that the Samoan SWAT Team could be a championship team in the future. Rating: 53​

We get an interview of Tully Blanchard and Woman by Larry Nelson. Tully Blanchard says, "Tonight is the night, Nikita Koloff. You got one over on me before, but tonight we end this. Tonight I'm gonna end you once and for all. Woman and I are gonna drive you out of wrestling and back to the streets of Russia, where you belong. When all is said and done, Woman and I are gonna go fine-dining with the best and brightest; we are the elite, after all." Rating: 62​

w/ vs. Tully Blanchard w/ Woman vs. Nikita Koloff We get a good match that got a good reaction from the crowd. Tully Blanchard and Woman pull all sorts of tricks to try and get ahead of "The Russian Nightmare" Nikita Koloff, but Koloff continues to come back and steamroll Blanchard with his strength. The finish of the match sees Woman climb up on the apron to distract the ref while Blanchard and Koloff brawl on the outside... suddenly, LOOK! BLANCHARD IS PULLING OUT SOME BRASS KNUCKLES! Koloff just got his lights knocked out! Blanchard escapes into the ring as a knocked out Koloff, bleeding from his head, starts to stir and tries to climb back into the ring... BUT NOT IN TIME! BLANCHARD JUST WON BY COUNT-OUT! This crowd is not happy with that result. Rating: 62​

w/ vs. Steve Austin w/ Jeannie Clark vs. Owen Hart In a short match, Steve Austin and Owen Hart went all-out. Both wrestlers showed flashes of potential, but it was Steve Austin that pulled out the victory with a Sleeper Hold in 4:34. Rating: 47​

Backstage we see Ken Resnick with Jim Cornette and The Midnight Express. Cornette mentions that Bam Bam Bigelow is currently being taken care of by medical professionals after that brutal match with Terry Gordy; Cornette is confident that Bam Bam will live to fight another day, but switches and talks about how his Midnight Express have arrived to the dance, and are ready to waltz out of Rochester, Minnesota as your brand new AWA World Tag Team Champions. Rating: 51​

AWA World Tag Team Championships w/ vs. The Midnight Express w/ Jim Cornette vs. DJ Peterson & The Trooper (c) We come to another of the marquee matchups, The Midnight Express challenging DJ Peterson & The Trooper for the AWA World Tag Team Championships. The match starts off like many Midnight Express matches, the Express dominate the first half of the match. DJ Peterson plays the partner in peril for most of the match until finally, FINALLY, he manages to fend off Eaton and Lane long enough to tag in The Trooper, who goes loose on the Express. The finish of the bout sees Trooper and Peterson successfully mounting a comeback and ready to put this one away, until that damned Jim Cornette interferes in the match and distracts the ref while giving Bobby Eaton the tennis racket. Down goes Peterson, down goes The Trooper! Eaton still has the racket... ROCKET LAUNCHER WITH THE RACKET ONTO PETERSON'S RIBS! OH MY GOD! Eaton disposes of the racket and pins Peterson quickly while Trooper lies on the outside. The Midnight Express just STOLE the AWA World Tag Team Championships! Peterson convulses in the ring and struggles to breath as the ref checks up on him and brings in a doctor to check on Peterson. Rating: 55​

Ken Resnick chats with Cactus Jack, who says he's just crazy about the AWA, all the biggest, nastiest, maddest dudes are hanging about here and Jack feels just at home. He's got a match tonight and he'll just take the opportunity to destroy his opponent in all sorts of gruesome manners. Rating: 41​

vs. Cactus Jack vs. Scotty The Body A simple occurs between Cactus Jack and Scotty The Body. The two get a decent back and forth, but it's Cactus Jack that gets the Double-Armed DDT on Scotty for the win. Tony Schiavone mentions how interested it will be to see how Cactus Jack's career plays out. Rating: 39​

Backstage Nick Bockwinkel stops a very angry Nikita Koloff, who still has splotches of blood all over his face from the cut over his forehead. He screams that Tully Blanchard may have gotten one over on him today, but Nikita Koloff is going to break him in half if the two ever happen to be in the same place again - He mentions that since Blanchard and Woman wanna fight dirty, Koloff is happy to oblige. He shouts in his Russian accent, "BLANCHARD! YOU AND ME AT WRESTLEROCK, MINNEAPOLIS STREET FIGHT!". Rating: 62​

We get a music video of Ricky Steamboat vs. Rick Rude, with some footage of their matches in the last few weeks intercut with their promos with one another. Rating: 72​

Rick Rude stands alone, a smirk on his face. "So the time has finally arrived. The moment we've all been waiting for; Rick Steamboat, you and I will step into that ring and wrestle our asses off to prove who the best professional wrestler in the world is. It's a shame, you know; that this could be the only time we'll ever step into the ring. But that's what legendary encounters are made of." He mentions that it's been his mission in life to be the best, but as a wise man once said, to be the best, you have to beat the best. Ricky Steamboat, to be the best, you have to beat Rick Rude, the best wrestler in the world today. Rating: 77​

"Match of the Decade" vs. "Ravishing" Rick Rude vs. Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat We've arrived at the most hyped match-up of the night. Jesse Ventura and Tony Schiavone go into overdrive talking about how both wrestlers are the best this business has to offer and that tonight one will prove themselves worthy. Steamboat and Rude have a massive back and forth battle that takes just over 25 whole minutes of incredible action; the crowd was into every single second of it. Rude used his power and underrated technical abilities to beat down Steamboat, while Ricky bounced back with his agility and speed. By the end of the match, both men had dished out the best they could, but neither backed down or gave up. The finish of the match mercifully saw this end in one of the most shocking ways; Rick Rude going for his coup-de-grace, The Rude Awakening... BUT STEAMBOAT ROLLS UP RUDE! WAIT! WAIT! RUDE DIDN'T KICK OUT IN TIME! OH MY GOODNESS!!! STEAMBOAT WINS! STEAMBOAT JUST BEAT RICK RUDE!!! Rating: 76​

vs. The Gilberts vs. Los Guerreros Following one of the best matches seen in some time, we're treated to a small palette cleanser, designed to cool off the crowd from that incredible high and prepare them for the next match. The Gilberts defeat Los Guerreros in 7:13 after a Hot Shot to Hector. Rating: 46​

Nick Bockwinkel announces that we've arrived at the main event of the evening as he stands with Jerry "The King" Lawler. Lawler mentions that the wait is over and he is ready to get his hands on Larry Zbyszko for all the pain and suffering he's caused the King over the last few weeks. The AWA World Heavyweight Championship is coming home to the King's Court. Larry Zbyszko is going to learn what happens when you fail to take out a King properly. Rating: 72​

Larry Zbyszko asks Larry Nelson what makes Lawler think he has the right to challenge for the AWA World Heavyweight Championship. Zbyszko points out that just because the so called "President" of the AWA Bill Watts declared as such, doesn't mean that Lawler was ever deserving of this title opportunity. What's Lawler going to do if he steals, not win, steals the title off of Larry Z, huh? Bail on the AWA again, just like last time? He declares that by any means necessary, Larry Zbyszko will remain the AWA World Heavyweight Champion, and that's a fact. Rating: 67​

AWA World Heavyweight Championship vs. Jerry "The King" Lawler vs. Larry Zbyszko (c) The main event of AWA Rebirth is here. The match sees Larry Zbyszko trying and failing to stop Jerry Lawler, who has been pissed off since Zbyszko's blatant attack on him on the last Championship Wrestling show. The finish of the match had Lawler so very close to winning, but Zbyszko got his feet on the ropes, leading to an argument between Lawler and the ref... Zbyszko just recovered... he's grabbing the AWA World Heavyweight Championship title... HE JUST ATTACKED LAWLER AGAIN WITH THE TITLE RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE REF! OH MY GOD! The ref is calling for the bell, but it's too late! Lawler is busted open for the second time this week while Larry Zbyszko celebrates as if he actually won the match! This crowd is angry and wants to see Zbyszko get what's coming to him... Rating: 69​

Show Rating: 70
PPV Buy Rate: 0.07 (38,615 Buys)​

 

[Chris]

Fucking awesome show Might be a little turned off by some of the non-finishes theoretically if I was watching this live but I actually think I enjoyed all of them so probably not a problem

Battle of the Bam Bams especially

 

[Bobby Barrows]

Monday, Week 4, February, 1991 American Wrestling Association Expanding Roster The American Wrestling Association is apparently looking into expanding its rather extensive roster to include some brand name wrestlers; in addition to this, it appears that the AWA may also be setting up a Women's Tag Team Division in the future by including some female tag-teams. Of the names reported by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, here are some of whom the AWA are attempting to sign: ​ Baron Von Raschke Greg "The Hammer" Valentine The Fantastics (Tommy Rogers & Bobby Fulton) Brian Lawler​

 

[Chris]

King got a kid?

 

[Bobby Barrows]

King got a kid?

I don't know what you're talking about. That's Brian Lawler, who just so happens to look exactly like Jerry Lawler (no relation).

 

[King Kota]

Brian Lawler vs. Jerry lawler the prince comes for the crown

 

[King Kota]

OMB Review:

First off let me say that I really like this announce team alot of great talent there so kudos on that. Scott Norton w/ Billy Graham I like it and honestly I wouldnt be against giving him a little bit of a push on the midcard. Bam Bam Bigelow & Jim Cornette is interesting I mean I know Jim got a history of being with monster men looking at Yokozana & Vader so maybe this will end up being that here in AWA.

I give you alot of credit here for your lower card & midcard guys like Austin, Razor, Owen, and hell Raven, Nikta, Tully, Jack are guys you can see being built up as the future in AWA and be interesting to see how close you keep there careers compared to irl.

I will be honest when it said Steve Regal I was excepting William so idk those guys in that match. Midnight Express & Cornette are out and are then in a stable with Cornette & Bam Bam too? I kind of go against manager with multiple different clients but, I know back then it was done that way.

Bob B. is another guy here that I think will be great in and out of the ring for you as a mentor road agent and a wrestler. Dick Slater and him out on a solid match.

I do like the Colonel btw I hope we get to see him a little more as well. Ricky vs. Rick that honestly sounds like a main event right there and boy does it deliver a very good match between the two and I hope this is a series of matches that will be to come.

I am a big Foley fan so I am hoping to see more of him in the future as well.

The Main Event King vs. Living Legend. I got to say this is a big match even for WWF standards at the time and King & Larry look to be setting up another match I am not sure how I feel bout ending the show like that I wish we had a solid finish but, this does set up the groundwork for Larry to be the top heel.


Overall Good Show some things not my taste but, there is alot of good things here and with the signing of guys like The Hammer, Lawler Jr. Fulton (who I imagine you will push) there is a lot of good things as a reader to keep me coming back.

 

[Bobby Barrows]

AWA Championship Wrestling
Monday, Week 4, February, 1991
Memorial Hall, Kansas City, Missouri
Attendance: 3,117


​

WELCOME EVERYONE! IT'S ANOTHER EXCITING EDITION OF AWA CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING! Tony Schiavone, Eric Bischoff, and Jesse Ventura welcomes everyone to the post-AWA Rebirth edition of AWA Championship Wrestling. Bischoff hypes up some interesting matchups such as Paul Orndorff vs. Owen Hart, Razor Ramon vs. Jerry Lynn, and The Destruction Crew vs. Los Guerreros. Jesse Ventura says that AWA Rebirth was one of the most exciting nights he's been a part of in some time; Tony Schiavone asks the audience to consider seeing the re-airing of AWA Rebirth coming this Saturday. Out comes Ricky Steamboat to the roar of the crowd, following his big win over Rick Rude at AWA Rebirth. Nick Bockwinkel asks what's next for Ricky Steamboat; Steamboat says that he's ready to focus on the AWA World Heavyweight Championship. Before he can finish talking about that though... Out comes Rick Rude, who has a very serious look on his face following the loss at AWA Rebirth. He stares down Ricky Steamboat, and finally admits that he lost. Not only did he lose, but he lost fairly. He commends Ricky Steamboat as a man of incredible talent. But he asks just one thing of Ricky Steamboat: A rematch. Rude tells Steamboat and Bockwinkel that Rude must train harder to become the best, and he's focused on doing whatever it takes to get him to the top. President of the AWA comes out and shakes hands with both Rick Rude and Ricky Steamboat, as well as Bockwinkel, and looks at Ricky and Rude. He tells the both of them that last night was one of the best matches he's seen in quite some time. He mentions that while it's true that Ricky Steamboat is now technically the #1 contender, Jerry "The King" Lawler is deserving of a title rematch against Larry Zbyszko... so what to do then? Bill Watts tells the two men that as President of the AWA and head of the championship committee, the power is vested in him to not only grant Rick Rude's rematch... but to announce that Rick Rude and Ricky Steamboat will be challenging each other in a Best-of-7 series to become the #1 Contender for the AWA World Heavyweight Championship... And since Ricky Steamboat won at AWA Rebirth, he currently has a 1-0 lead over Rick Rude. Rude frowns slightly and demands to know when the next match of this series will be. Watts announces in front of everyone that the next match will be NEXT WEEK ON AWA CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING! Rating: 69​

w/ vs. Tully Blanchard w/ Woman vs. 2 Cold Scorpio In a very short match, Tully Blanchard defeats 2 Cold Scorpio in 4:50 with a Slingshot Suplex. During the match, Tony Schiavone and Jesse Ventura discuss the actions of Tully Blanchard last night at AWA Rebirth against Nikita Koloff. Rating: 60​

After the commercial break, we get Larry Nelson talking to Tully Blanchard and Woman. Tully talks about his great victory over Nikita Koloff at AWA Rebirth. Tully declares that everyone saw that Blanchard was the better man at Rebirth and now there's nothing stopping him from becoming the #1 Contende- IN COMES NIKITA KOLOFF! HE JUST ATTACKED BLANCHARD FROM BEHIND AND IS NOW TAKING HIM TO THE WOODSHED! Woman screams and Larry Nelson gets the hell out of dodge. Nikita Koloff is just whipping Tully with vicious rights and lefts; Koloff screams that he's got something for Tully, as he pulls out some brass knuckles and decks him square in the forehead before shouting "WRESTLEROCK, I'M GOING TO END YOU TULLY!" and walking away, leaving Tully Blanchard busted open and Woman tending to her fallen man. Rating: 57​

vs. Razor Ramon vs. Jerry Lynn In a short match, Razor Ramon dominated Jerry Lynn and pinned him with a Razor's Edge in 5:51. Tony Schiavone and Jesse Ventura talk about his impressive debut at AWA Rebirth against Scott Norton, and say that he's had another impressive victory here tonight as well. Rating: 42​

Nick Bockwinkel interviews Razor Ramon, who talks about how he's 2-0 and ready to face anyone that comes his way. He doesn't care who it is he faces, as long as he's got someone to beat up. The AWA has been easy pickings thus far for Razor Ramon, and soon it'll be only a matter of time before The Bad Guy has some gold around his waist. Rating: 61​

Dale Gagne talks to NEW AWA Women's Champion Wendi Richter, who tells everyone that she had told Candi Devine over and over that Richter was going to win, and the proof is in the pudding. Not only is Wendi Richter the new AWA Women's Champion, she intends to defend this title for as long as she lives. Rating: 56​

Following the commercial break we have Ken Resnick with Camp Cornette, led as ever by the incomparable Jim Cornette. The Midnight Express flash their new AWA World Tag Team Championships around their waists, and Bam Bam Bigelow with a bandage on his head from that wicked Terry Gordy chair shot last night. Jim Cornette laughs and said that for weeks he told DJ Peterson and The Trooper that they couldn't beat The Midnight Express, and look at that! The Midnight Express were men of their word and now hold the best Tag Team Championships in the world today. Ken Resnick mentions that the Midnight Express's use of that tennis racket has caused DJ Peterson some broken ribs; which Cornette laughs even harder and tells Resnick, "Brother, this is wrestling, people get hurt all the time, and in the case of the Express's opponents, sometimes more often than not." Cornette then casually mentions that Terry Gordy will get his rematch against Bam Bam Bigelow when the President of the AWA Bill Watts gets the job done. Rating: 50​

vs. The Destruction Crew vs. Los Guerreros In a less-than-stellar match, Los Guerreros defeated The Destruction Crew in 7:06 by pinfall. Jesse Ventura and Tony Schiavone talk about the rumors of some big news for the Tag Team Division that could be announced as soon as next week... something about new Tag Team Championships... Rating: 44​

Nick Bockwinkel stands with Terry Gordy, who shouts that his problems with Bam Bam Bigelow are far from over. He knows that President Bill Watts will do the right thing and allow this rematch, but that it should be in a match that fits for both Bam Bam and Terry Gordy... A No DQ match. Rating: 62​

vs. Larry Zbyszko vs. Tom Stone In a quick match, Larry Zbyszko defeats Tom Stone with a Larry Land Dreamer in 4:12. Jesse Ventura and Tony Schiavone discuss Larry Zbyszko attacking Jerry Lawler with the title during his match last night at AWA Rebirth. Jesse Ventura mentions the Champion's Prerogative and that Zbyszko isn't in the wrong to try and hold onto the title for as long as possible. Rating: 40​

w/ vs. Paul Orndorff w/ Col. Rob Parker vs. Owen Hart In a decent match, Paul Orndorff defeated Owen Hart in 5:48 with a Spike Piledriver. Owen Hart nearly won the match but a missed top-rope spot spelt disaster for the young Hart. Paul Orndorff looked good off the win as well, and Jesse Ventura noted, he's been doing pretty well for himself. Rating: 61​

Nick Bockwinkel interviews Larry Zbyszko, and asks him about his actions last night at AWA Rebirth. Zbyszko shrugs them off and talks about how he's ready to face other challengers after disposing of that fake king Jerry Lawler. He says he doesn't care if it's Ricky Steamboat or Rick Rude, or even Paul Orndorff. Bockwinkel stops Zbyszko and tells him that according to Bill Watts, Jerry Lawler will be getting a rematch. Zbyszko stares at Bockwinkel, and storms off in a huff. Rating: 67​

Show Rating: 63
Show T.V. Rating: 0.49 (371,190 Viewers)
Last Week's T.V. Rating: .50 (379,720 Viewers)​

 

[Chris]

You didn't get a post PPV ratings bump

Ah well you'll get em next time

 

[Bobby Barrows]

You didn't get a post PPV ratings bump

Ah well you'll get em next time

That's alright, folks oughta be hyped for Rude/Steamboat Best of 7 Series on FREE TV.

 

[Bobby Barrows]

# Contender		W/L Record 1991​
#1	Jerry Lawler​	4-0​
#2	Ricky Steamboat / Rick Rude​	3-0 / 2-1​
#3	Rick Rude / Ricky Steamboat​	2-1 / 3-0​
#4	Bob Backlund​	2-1​
#5	Paul Orndorff​	3-1​

 

[Bobby Barrows]

AWA Championship Wrestling
Monday, Week 1, March 1991
St. Joseph Civic Center, St. Joseph, Missouri
Attendance: 3,451


​

We're here with yet another amazing edition of AWA Championship Wrestling! Your announcers for the evening, Tony Schiavone, Eric Bischoff, and Jesse Ventura hype up tonight's card, especially Match 2 of the Best-of-7 Series between Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat and "Ravishing" Rick Rude. Other matches include Nikita Koloff vs. Paul Orndorff and Los Guerreros vs. Harlem Heat. Eric Bischoff also tells the crowd that very soon AWA President Bill Watts has a major announcement for the American Wrestling Association and its many fans... speaking of... Out comes AWA President "Cowboy" Bill Watts, interviewed by Nick Bockwinkel. Watts tells the crowd, and the audience at home, that he has some major news; after weeks of negotiation and discussion, the American Wrestling Association's internal staff has green-lighted the expansion of the company's championship count. Without further ado, Bill Watts grants the crowd a look at the two new championships: the "AWA International Television Championship", and the "AWA United States Tag Team Championship". He also announces that both titles will be up for contention at AWA WrestleRock 1991. AWA International Television Championship AWA United States Tag Team Championship Rating: 64​

vs. w/ Nikita Koloff vs. Paul Orndorff w/ Col. Rob Parker In a decent match, Paul Orndorff defeated Nikita Koloff with a Spike Piledriver in 8:28. During the match, Tony Schiavone and Jesse Ventura discuss the events from Rebirth, and how Tully Blanchard didn't really beat Koloff. As usual, Ventura is on the side of Tully. The finish of the match sees Nikita Koloff definitely in control, until that damned Tully Blanchard and Woman come out and distract Koloff! This gives Orndorff just enough time to recover and surprise Koloff with a Spike Piledriver for the win. Rating: 64​

Nick Bockwinkel Interviews Paul Orndorff and Col. Rob Parker after a big win for Orndorff. Orndorff tells Bockwinkel and the audience straight facts: He's 4-1, has only lost to Jerry Lawler, and has beaten some of the biggest stars in AWA, including Nikita Koloff. He yells that more than anyone, he deserves a title shot for the AWA World Heavyweight Championship; and if he doesn't get one soon, he's going to have to do something about it... legally. Rating: 58​

We get a short interview between Larry Nelson and Razor Ramon. Ramon says that he heard the news of the new championship, the AWA International Television Championship... Razor says it's a fine time to be Razor Ramon, because nobody is going to beat Razor for that title. That's right, Razor Ramon announces that he's going to win the International Television Championship. Rating: 54​

Dale Gagne talks to The Trooper, whom updates everyone on the status of his partner DJ Peterson. The Trooper says that unfortunately DJ Peterson has suffered from some broken ribs and won't be back for a few weeks... but he does say that he's absolutely certain that Peterson will be back in time for AWA WrestleRock 1991 to get some revenge on The Midnight Express for injuring him in the first place. Trooper then says that he doesn't care if he has to fight one-on-two, he's going to hurt The Midnight Express, and especially Jim Cornette for this. Rating: 43​

vs. Harlem Heat vs. Los Guerreros In a not-so-great match, Los Guerreros defeat Harlem Heat in 7:33 with a Double Underhook Suplex. During the match, Tony Schiavone and Jesse Ventura talk about Los Guerreros being possible favorites to win the AWA United States Tag Team Championships. Ventura actually admits that they're a very good tag team. Rating: 39​

Ken Resnick interviews former AWA World Women's Champion Candi Devine. Devine and Col. Rob Parker argue that they are due a title rematch from Wendi Richter, and that no doubt she will give it to Candi. Candi says she was once again caught off-guard by Wendi Richter, but this time is 100% ready to defeat Richter once and for all. Rating: 44​

Larry Nelson interviews Bam Bam Bigelow and Jim Cornette. Cornette goes off on Terry Gordy, saying that the man had to cheat, cheap-shot, and claw at Bam Bam's eyes to even have a shot of beating the real "Bam Bam". "Well two can play at that game, brother. You want to really go against the biggest monster in all of the AWA? Well so be it, because we're gonna do it the right way, Terry Gordy. You and Bam Bam Bigelow in a Minneapolis Alley Fight! Two men enter the ring, one man leaves on his own two feet, the other is taken out in an ambulance to the Mayo Clinic. Brother, you're gonna know what real pain is and who the real Bam Bam is." Rating: 64​

Jerry Lawler arrives to be interviewed by Nick Bockwinkel. Notably, Lawler has a massive bandage over his forehead, where Zbyszko attacked him with the AWA World Heavyweight Championship at Rebirth two weeks ago. Lawler tells everyone that he should have seen it coming. He had to have seen it coming a mile away, that Zbyszko would not just lose quietly to the King of Wrestling. He figured that Zbyszko would have to pull something, but he was in the heat of the moment. He mentions that since Zbyszko likes to pull these sorts of stunts, he talked to AWA President Bill Watts... Next week, he invites Zbyszko to meet Lawler face to face so he can reveal his surprise. Rating: 76​

Best-of-7 Series Match 2 vs. Rick Rude (0-1) vs. Ricky Steamboat (1-0) In an incredible match, Rick Rude and Ricky Steamboat challenged in Match 2 of the Best-of-7 Series to be the #1 Contender of the AWA World Heavyweight Championship. Both men fly around the ring, and in this rematch, it appears such an even match-up like their first match at Rebirth. The ending sees Rick Rude attempt to hit the Rude Awakening, but RICKY STEAMBOAT ESCAPES AND IS ABOUT TO HIT THE FLYING CROSSBODY BUT RUDE DUCKS! Ricky Steamboat flies right into the ropes which whip him back violently to the ground, and Rude, seeing the opportunity, quickly pins Steamboat... RUDE HAS HIS FEET ON THE ROPES! THE REF DOESN'T NOTICE! RUDE JUST STOLE VICTORY FROM STEAMBOAT! Jesse Ventura is going mad at the awesome display of ring awareness by Rude, while Tony Schiavone lambasts the unfairness of the blatant cheat by Rude. Rude celebrates in the ring, having evened the odds against Steamboat in this series as the show goes off the air. Rating: 82​

Show Rating: 73
T.V. Show Rating: 0.48 (362,990 Viewers)
Last Week's T.V. Show Rating: 0.49 (371,190 Viewers) ​

 

[Bobby Barrows]

Friday, Week 1, March 1991
​

Roddy Piper Signs With WCW In other shocking news in the world of wrestling, "Rowdy" Roddy Piper has officially signed with World Championship Wrestling over the World Wrestling Federation; in what appears to be a spurning of McMahon's usage of the superstar, rumors stated that Roddy Piper wanted to be utilized as a wrestling talent and not a commentator, something Vince McMahon was apparently not willing to grant to the 36-year old. More details to follow....​

 

[Chris]

The Rude/Steamboat series man

 

[Sky]

Piper at WCW early

He'll be working under Jim Herd though