- Joined
- Sep 19, 2022
- Messages
- 483
- Reaction score
- 152
- Points
- 43
- Favorite Sports Team
-
(NOTE: These ****** mean a highlight from a previous show.)
AWA ON ESPN TAPINGS - SHOWBOAT SPORTS PAVILION - LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 1989
(4th Taping Re-Cap)
Match Commentator: Lee Marshall
Color Commentator: Lord James Blears
In-Ring Interviewer: Larry Nelson
Show Intro:
In-Studio - Larry Nelson welcomed viewers and ran down the program:
TV MAIN EVENT: Sam Houston vs. Larry Zbysko
Jerry Lawler sees action
AWA World Champion Sgt. Slaughter makes an appearance. Will he accept Lawler's offer for a match to decide who the real AWA World Champion is?
World Tag Team Champions The Destruction Crew wrestle
A look back at last week's confrontation between Baron Von Raschke/Wahoo McDaniel and Jonnie Stewart/Manny Fernandez
Don Muraco wrestles
AND MORE!
Nelson said Lee Marshall would return to his announcing duties next week and that he (Nelson) would be calling the action from ringside this program. Nelson then sent it to the Showboat Sports Pavilion.
Badd Company won a squash over Randy and Bill Mulkey via pinfall when Pat Tanaka pinned Bill after a savate kick
Post-Match Interview Highlight:
Larry Nelson talked with DDP and Badd Co. about the recent series of events where a mystery woman came out and gave DDP a note and then the woman left.
Nelson: Dallas, last week on All-Star Wrestling, you received another note from a beautiful mystery woman and the note said: We're watching you.
Have you found out who sent that note and the other one you received a few weeks earlier?
DDP: No, Nelson, we haven't found out who sent the notes. But, we're undeterred. Nothing and no one is going to stop us from reaching the top here in the AWA!
Nelson: Do the notes bother you at all?
DDP: Me and my boys, Tanaka and Diamond, have not lost any sleep over them.
Tanaka and Diamond shook their heads in agreement with their boss.
DDP: I believe this is a little head game being played by the Pop Guns. The problem for them is it's not working! They're not getting into our heads with this stuff!
Another hot blonde came out and made her way down the face aisle. She was in a white dress that showed off her curves and white heels. She was carrying an envelope.
DDP: Another one?!
DDP just shook his head in disbelief.
The woman climbed into the ring and walked right up to DDP.
She rubbed his chest with her free hand.
DDP: Babe. A little lower and we would be banned from TV. Haha!
Woman: This is for you, hon.
The blonde woman pressed the envelope into DDP's hand and then turned and walked out of the ring and stepped out on the apron.
As DDP and Badd Co. looked on, the woman gave DDP and Badd Co. a thumbs up.
DDP: Look at that, Nelson! She's on our side! Right on, baby!
The woman flashed a big, bright smile and then turned her thumb down as the crowd cheered.
The woman then left the scene.
Nelson: I don't think she's a fan.
DDP: Shut up, Nelson!
Nelson was unfazed.
Nelson: What's in the envelope?
DDP opened the envelope and pulled out the piece of paper and read it. Tanaka and Diamond looked over his shoulder and read it, too.
Nelson: What does it say?
DDP: It says: The clock is about to strike 12!
Nelson: What does that mean?
DDP: Who the hell knows?!
This stuff is all nonsense!
Whoever's doing it needs to just come out and show who they are right now!
Nelson: Are you nervous now?
DDP: No, Nelson! I am not and neither is Badd Company!
Nelson: They look nervous.
Tanaka and Diamond were looking around at the crowd. Both had wide-eyed, nervous looks on their faces.
DDP looked at his men.
DDP: What the hell is it with those looks on your faces?!
Tanaka: It's like we're dealing with ghosts or something, man!
DDP: Oh, please! You two need to man up! This is all some silly game no matter who's behind it!
Diamond: Dallas, you do play a lot of blackjack when we're here. Have you racked up some major debts and some mafia types are looking for you?
Tanaka (bug eyed with fear): On no! If the mob's involved...
DDP: You two need to zip your lips!
Look, there's nothing to worry about, man! I ain't got no mafioso's after me! Got it?!
Tanaka and Diamond nodded nervously in agreement.
DDP: Good! Now let's get out of here!
Nelson: Badd Company, everybody!
The trio left the ring for the floor.
Tanaka and Diamond were still nervously looking around as DDP started to head back up the heel aisle.
DDP turned back and saw his men still at ringside nervously scanning the crowd.
DDP: Let's go! Now!
Tanaka and Diamond looked around a little more before finally meeting up with DDP in the heel aisle and made their way to the back with Tanaka and Diamond still scanning the crowd.
Pic aired of Don Muraco with the caption: NEXT... HAWAIIAN PUNCH!
Commercials
Don Muraco defeated Paul Frehley in a squash match via pinfall with his inverted piledriver finisher
Muraco gestured for Larry Nelson to hand him the mic. Nelson did so.
Muraco: I want you people to know that changes are coming. You'll be seeing a new man, a new Don Muraco, very soon.
Muraco handed the mic back to Nelson and then left the ring and headed back up the face aisle.
Announcers were puzzled by Muraco's remark.
In-Studio: Larry Nelson intro'd a look back at last week's confrontation between Wahoo and Baron Von Raschke and Manny Fernandez and Jonnie Stewart.
***********************************************************
VIDEO:
Post-Match:
Stewart had his hand raised in victory as Wahoo was still down. Suddenly, Manny Fernandez, in his ring attire, charged down the heel entrance aisle and hit the ring and started stomping away on the prone Wahoo. Stewart joined in the boot party on The Chief. Fernandez then ordered Stewart to pick Wahoo up and hold Wahoo from behind. Stewart obliged. As Stewart held Wahoo, Fernandez moved in and pounded Wahoo with head and body shots and, to add insult to injury, a few hard chest chops.
Crowd cheered as Baron Von Raschke, in his ring gear, charged down the face entrance aisle and hit the ring with a folded steel chair. Stewart let go of Wahoo and Wahoo went back down and Stewart and Fernandez bailed to the safety of the floor before feeling the sting of the chair.
Fernandez and Stewart looked on as Von Raschke gestured for Larry Nelson to come to the ring. Nelson left the broadcast position and climbed up on the apron. Wahoo painfully to his feet holding his gut.
Von Raschke: Manny Fernandez! It seems you have made a new friend! And you both have one thing in common!
You're both scum!
Crowd cheered.
Fernandez yelling from the floor.
Wahoo: Larry! I don't know what Stewart has in that knee pad of his...but it's more than just a knee! It felt like I was hit with a lead pipe in the gut!
Stewart virulently shaking his head 'no' from the floor.
Nelson: What do you think is in that knee pad, Chief?
Wahoo: I think it's steel! Pull down the pad, Jonnie!
Stewart reluctant to pull down the pad.
Crowd started chanting: Pull it down! Pull it down!
Jonnie shook his head 'no', yelled at the fans and consorted with new pal Fernandez.
Von Raschke: Tell you what! Let's have a match!
Crowd chered.
Von Raschke: Me and the Chief vs. you two SOB's!
More cheering.
The two sides were staring each other down and exchanging words.
Nelson: Here comes AWA promoter Verne Gagne!
AWA boss Verne Gagne made his way down the face aisle to the ring and climbed in.
Verne reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out what appeared to be a document.
Nelson: What is that you have in your hand?
Verne: Larry, I am holding a standard AWA match contract.
Verne reached into the breast pocket of his jacket and pulled out a pen.
Verne: Let's make this match happen.
Crowd cheered.
Verne: Wahoo and Baron, I need your signatures here.
Baron and Wahoo each signed the contract.
Verne: Now for Manny and Jonnie's signatures.
The heel duo remained on the floor.
Fernandez picked up on a mic.
Fernandez: Bring the contract to us down here!
Verne: You won't come in the ring?
Fernandez: Bring it here, Verne!
Verne chuckled and shook his head and left the ring and dropped to the floor. Von Raschke and Wahoo looked on from the ring.
Fernandez snapped the contract and pen out of Verne's hands and looked up at the pair still in the ring.
Fernandez then signed the contract and handed it off to Jonnie Stewart.
Stewart signed the contract and handed it back to Verne Gagne.
Nelson left the ring and went over to Verne.
Verne: It is official. It will be Wahoo and the Baron vs. Fernandez and Stewart in a tag match!
Crowd cheered.
Verne: And one more thing.
Let's see Mr. Stewart's knee pad.
Verne started to approach Stewart. Stewart was jittery and Fernandez got between Stewart and Verne. Verne went to go around Fernandez but Fernandez blocked Verne's path and Stewart started backing up into the heel entrance aisle. Baron and Wahoo dropped to the floor and started walking in Stewart's direction. Stewart turned and hauled ass to the back as Wahoo and Baron looked on from the heel aisle.END VIDEONelson announced that the main even on next week's AWA Championship Wrestling on ESPN will be: Baron Von Raschke & Wahoo McDaniel vs. Manny Fernandez & Jonnie Stewart.
Nelson wondered if Wahoo and the Baron would succeed in seeing if Stewart has a weapon in his kneepad.
END VIDEO
******************************************************
Pic aired of the AWA Tag Team Titles with the caption: NEXT... THE TAG TEAM CHAMPS!
Commercials
IT'S THE AWA ON TOUR! We'll be at the high school/community center/county fair/used car dealership parking lot/church fellowship hall in (insert town here). THE AWA IS THE MAJOR LEAGUE OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING!
NON-TITLE: The Destruction Crew (WTTC) def. Tony Banks & TJ Rubley in a squash match via pinfall when Enos pinned Rubley with a powerslam
Post-Match Interview Highlights:
Nelson asked the champs what they thought of their run so far as the champions.
Bloom: It's like this, Larry! We've had a great run since we won these titles and the future only looks brighter for us!
I don't see one team currently in the AWA who can beat us!
Nelson: You don't?
Bloom: No! You tell me who can beat us?! It sure as hell won't be the Guerrero Brothers!
Enos: Haha! Tell 'em, brother!
Bloom: It's not gonna be Brad Rheingans and Greg Gagne! The Top Guns have vanished from the scene like a fart in the wind!
There's not one single team that can topple us right now!
Nelson: You guys seem awfully confident.
Enos: Why shouldn't we be, Nelson?!
We've taken out every team thrown in our path! We're an unstoppable force! There's no end to our reign on the horizon!
Nelson: That was the Destruction Cr... Whoa!
DDP made his way down the heel aisle to the ring and climbed in. DDP approached Nelson and the Destruction Crew.
DDP: Wayne. Mike.
Bloom: Dallas.
DDP: You say you guys don't have anyone who can beat you in the AWA, huh?
Bloom: That's right.
DDP: Well, Badd Company can beat you!
Enos: Whoa! Wait a minute! You're challenging us to a match?!
DDP: Bingo!
Enos: We're not giving you a shot, man!
DDP: Why not?!
Enos: Because you guys don't deserve it!
DDP: Are you serious?! Of course we deserve it!
Bloom: You're not getting a title shot because their are other teams in line in front of you.
DDP: Who? The Top Guns? They're G-O-N-E...gone...courtesy of Badd Company! The Guerrero Brothers?! You've already put those guys down for the count! How many re-matches will they get?!
Bloom: Those teams are the top contenders right now along with Greg Gagne and Brad Rheingans.
DDP: Just remember this, boys. It's because of me that you're the champions today! Understand?!
Bloom and Enos looked at one another for a moment.
Bloom: We earned these belts because of our hard work! We appreciated your moral support that evening...
DDP: Moral support?! Ha?! You guys got a lot more than moral support from me!
Bloom: Badd Company will just have to get in line! Understand?!
DDP: What would it take to move to the front of the line?
Bloom and Enos seemed stunned by DDP's remark.
DDP: Listen, we're in Vegas, man.
I know you two like to gamble, so I'll make you an offer you can't refuse.
Bloom: What is it?
DDP: I'll put $25,000 dollars up for a title match for Badd Company against the reigning champs the Destruction Crew.
You beat us then the money is all yours.
Bloom: $25 grand. What do we have to do?
DDP: You don't have to put up a dime, gents. Just give us one title shot.
Bloom: That's all, huh? There are no other stipulations to this deal?
DDP: None. Give us the match. Beat us and you can throw one great party here in Sin City with the money you win...if you win it!
Bloom: Excuse us.
Bloom and Enos talked briefly amongst themselves.
Bloom: Get the contract drawn up. Let's do this.
U]DDP:[/u] That's what DDP likes to hear! Money talks!
Bloom: It sure does!
Nelson: Looks we have a developing situation on our hands, everybody! Stay tuned!
In-Studio: Larry Nelson talked briefly about the situation between the champs the Destruction Crew and Badd Company.
Nelson then hyped the main event: Zbysko vs. Houston and intro'd pre-recorded comments from Larry Zbysko.
VIDEO:
Zbysko was standing in front of the AWA logo in his ring attire with mic in hand.
Zbysko: Sam Houston, I am going to dedicate my win tonight to decency.
You see, Sam's a stupid hick from Texas.
He comes out with his nice guy act and thinks that's how you earn respect.
Well, nothing could be further from the truth.
I'm an established legend in this sport. I've been the World Heavyweight Champion and will be again one day very soon. My record speaks for itself. I ended Bruno Sammartino and ripped his nickname 'The Living Legend' away from him! I now wear that title!
Houston, have you ever won anything of importance?! You ever won a major belt?! You ever so dominated a wrestler that you took his nickname from him?! I don't think so!
In our match, I intend to put on a wrestling clinic and show the world that I'm superior to some little, insignificant paean like you!
You agreed to this match and now you will pay the price for that decision!
You may be the dork of the ball! But I'm THE LIVING LEGEND! And legends trump dorks every time!
Sam Houston! Not even the ghost of Ken Patera can save you! Prepare for the humiliation of a lifetime!
END VIDEO
Pic aired of Jerry Lawler with the caption: NEXT... THE KING OF THE RING!
Jerry Lawler won a squash over Vincent Damon Furnier via pinfall with a piledriver
POST-MATCH INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHT:
Nelson: You still haven't gotten an answer from Sgt. Slaughter on the World Title unification matter.
Lawler: I haven't, Larry, and I'm getting impatient.
If Sgt. Slaughter wants to be the AWA World Champion he claims to be, then he needs to accept my challenge and let's settle this thing once and for all.
Nelson: What if he refuses to wrestle you to determine who the undisputed AWA World Champion is?
Lawler: Then he'll go down as an illegitimate World Champion and become a national disgrace and a disgrace to this great sport of ours.
Step up, Sarge. Or go down as the most undeserving World Champion in wrestling history.
In-Studio: Nelson talked briefly about the Lawler-Sarge situation and wondered how things would play out in the long run.
Nelson then intro'd pre-recorded comments from Sam Houston.
VIDEO:
Houston was in his ring attire and holding a mic. He was standing in front of the AWA logo.
Houston: I'm wrestling Larry Zbysko in the main event. He's one of the best in the sport today.
He's a former AWA World Champion.
He's got top-notch ring skills and is a master at playing mind games with his opponents and getting into their heads.
I have a chance to score the biggest win of my career. I'm excited!
But I also know Zbysko does not respect me. He seems to think I'll be easy pickin's for him.
So, I'm going out there to prove that I belong in the ring with a wrestler of Zbysko's caliber!
Zbysko! You'd better be careful! Don't get too cocky! Because you're about to fight a southern boy who can strike like a Texas rattler!
END VIDEO
Pic aired of the AWA logo with the caption: NEXT... THE MAIN EVENT!
Commercials
TV MAIN EVENT: Sam Houston vs. Larry Zbysko
Both men were in the ring.
Houston turned his back on Zbysko and was removing his hat and vest when Zbysko charged up behind Houston and started pounding away on Houston.
Ref called for the bell.
Zbysko kept hammering away on Houston and then whipped Houston into the turnbuckles. Zbysko moved in and caught Houston with a series of rapid-fire shoulder blocks to the gut. Zbysko then nailed Houston with a head shot. Houston staggered out of the corner next to the ropes and Zbysko clubbed Houston from behind and pounded on Houston some more. Houston went down to a knee. Houston got up bent over and Zbysko booted Houston in the side of the head. Houston fell through the top and middle rope out onto the apron. Ref ordered Zbysko back and started the 10 count. Houston up at the count of 6. Zbysko moved in and grabbed Houston and strangled Houston on the top rope. Ref counting the 5 count. Zbysko broke the illegal move at the count of 4. Zbysko repeated the choke and once again broke at 4. Houston draped over the top rope, arms hanging in the ring. Zbysko grabbed Houston and suplexed Houston back into the ring. Houston sat up and Zbysko kicked Houston in the back. More pain for Sam. Zbysko then grabbed Houston by the hair and slammed Houston's head into the mat multiple times. Zbysko then snapped Houston up, hoisted Houston up on his shoulder and nailed Houston with a shoulder breaker. Zbysko for the cover. 1... Houston kicked out. Both men to their feet and Zbysko stunned Houston with a spin kick to the chest. Houston down by the ropes on his side. Zbysko moved in, grabbed the top rope, swung up and came down, driving a knee into Houston's back three times. Zbysko broke the illegal move at the count of 4. Zbysko then stomped Houston in the head.
Blears: Things aren't looking good for young Houston, Lee. This could be over soon.
Nelson: Very soon, unless Houston can find a way to get back in this match.
Zbysko yelled for Houston to get up. Houston did so...slowly. Houston up and Zbsyko caught Houston with a head shot, whipped Houston into the ropes, caught Houston coming off with a kick to the gut that doubled Houston over. Zbysko then blasted Houston with a swinging neckbreaker. Sam in a bad way. Zbysko covered Houston and hooked the leg. 1...2... Houston kicked out. Crowd cheered. Zbysko put the boots to Houston, snapped Houston up and went to whip Houston into the ropes but Houston reversed and caught Zbysko coming off with a dropkick. Zbysko down. Zbysko up and Houston caught Zbysko with a second dropkick and again Zbysko went down. Zbysko up once more and hit with a third dropkick. Zbysko crashed to the mat and quickly rolled out of the ring to the floor. As Houston recovered in the ring, a pained Zbysko started walking around on the floor as the ref started the 10 count. Zbysko had some words with hecklers at ringside as the count grew. Zbysko then climbed back up on the apron. Zbysko started to slowly climb back in the ring when Houston moved in on him. Zbysko went back out on the apron. Ref ordered Houston to stand back. Ref started the count once again. Zbysko cautiously started to climb back into the ring when Houston moved in on him. Zbysko once again bailed to the apron as the fans booed. Ref ordered Houston back and the two had a brief exchange of words. Zbysko yelled at the ref to do his job. Zbsyko then turned towards the crowd and started yapping at some hecklers. Houston ignored the ref and went over and grabbed Zbysko and pounded away on Zbysko and then ran Zbysko down the apron and slammed Zbysko's head into the top buckle. Zbysko staggered and holding the top rope. Houston pulled Zbysko head over heels back into the ring as the fans cheered. Houston was ready to fight. Zbysko scooted on his ass next to the ropes and signaled for a timeout to, shockingly, no avail. Houston reached down to grab Zbysko but Zbysko was able to pull Houston's legs out from under him. Zbysko went for the pin. 1... Zbysko placed his feet on the middle rope for leverage. ...2... Houston got a shoulder up. Zbysko took his feet off the rope just before the ref looked over. Zbysko went for the pin again.
1... Zbysko placed his feet on the middle rope again. ...2... Ref saw Zbysko's feet on the rope and ordered a break. Houston stunned Zbysko by catching him in a small package for the pin. 1...2... Zbysko kicked out. Crowd groaned. Both men up.
Houston had his fists raised. He was rarin' for a fight. Houston moved in and caught Zbysko with a trio of head shots that drove Zbysko into the corner. Houston then nailed Zbysko with a series of shoulderblocks to the gut of his own. Houston then grabbed ZBysko in a side headlock and gestured it was time for his bulldog finisher. Houston went for the move but Zbysko shoved Houston off and Houston crashed to the mat. Both men slowly got to their feet. Zbysko moved in and raked Houston's eyes. Ref reprimanded Zbysko. Zbysko told the ref to shut his pie hole. Houston turned away and was rubbing his eyes when Zbysko came up behind him and dropped Houston with a chop block to the back of the knee. Houston down and hurting. Zbysko stomped on Houston's left knee and grabbed Houston's left leg and locked Houston in the figure four. Crowd urging Houston to fight on. Houston fought through the pain and would not surrender. Houston was able to scoot close enough to the ropes while in the hold and drape his arm out over the bottom rope to force a break.
Suddenly, the crowd popped.
Nelson: What's this?!
A familiar face with his left arm in a sling and wearing street clothes came down the face aisle and stood at ringside.
Nelson: It's Ken Patera! He's back!
Blears: I don't believe it, Larry!
Crowd cheering loudly. Zbysko looked over and saw Patera and couldn't believe his eyes. Patera stood on the floor. Houston recovering in the ring. Zbysko came over by the ropes where Patera was standing. AFter a brief staredown, Patera removed the sling form his left arm and then flexed his left bicep showing his left arm was okay. Zbysko in disbelief. Patera just kept looking at Zbysko. Houston to his feet behind Zbysko and wanting Zbysko to turn around.
After Zbysko said a few more words to Patera, Zbysko turned and walked right into a dropkick from Houston. Zbysko crashed to the mat. Fans eating it up. Zbysko up and Houston moved in and battered Zbysko with a series of head and body shots. Zbysko stunned. Houston grabbed Zbysko in a side headlock, backed into the corner and charged out and blasted Zbysko with his bulldog finisher. Houston covered Zbysko and hooked the leg. 1...2...3!
Ref called for the bell as the small but boisterous crowd roared their approval. Shot of Patera stoically looking on from the floor. Houston was celebrating in the ring. Ref came over and raised his hand in victory. Houston left the ring and slapped hands with fans at ringside before leaving the scene. A hurting, defeated Zbysko got to his feet and looked over at Patera. Patera calmly raised his left arm, spun it around and then pointed at Zbysko. Zbysko was shocked by the sudden turn of events. Patera then coolly turned and headed back up the face aisle to more cheers. One final shot of Zbysko in the ring.
WINNER: Houston - Pinfall - 11:22
Pic aired of AWA Champ Sgt. Slaughter with the caption: NEXT... WILL HE ACCEPT?!?!?!
Commercials
Nelson intro'd video from last week's interview with AWA Champ Sgt. Slaughter.
******************************************
VIDEO:
Nelson: Are you going to wrestle Lawler in a World Title unification match?
Sarge was silent for a moment...
Sarge: I defeated Zbysko and won this belt! That's all I have to say!
Nelson: That doesn't answer the question.
Sarge (exasperated): You know what, Larry...
Sarge bowed his head.
Nelson: Do you have an answer for Lawler...
Sarge put his hand up to silence Nelson. He looked around at the fans in the 'Boat Sports Pavilion.
Sarge then shook his head slightly like he was gesturing 'no'.
Nelson: Was that a...
Sarge then walked off, left the ring, dropped to the floor and headed back up the face aisle.
Announcer Blears: Sgt. Slaughter gave us no clear answer.
Fans were buzzing.
Nelson was confused.
Nelson: I'm not sure what's going on. We'll try and get to the bottom of it.
END VIDEO
***********************************************
Nelson then sent it back to the Showboat in Las Vegas.
In-ring: Nelson was standing with Sgt. Slaughter. Sarge was in his ring attire and had the belt around his waist.
Nelson: I'm here with AWA World Champion Sgt. Slaughter.
Mixed crowd reaction.
Nelson: Sarge, you gave no clear answer last week as to whether or not you'd wrestle Jerry Lawler to determine the undisputed AWA World Champion.
Do you have an answer for us now?
Sarge: Larry, as far as I'm concerned, I am the real AWA World Champion.
I don't know what else I have to do to prove it.
I won a Battle Royal to earn the title shot and then I beat Zbysko to win the belt.
That makes me the World Champion.
And, no, I am not an illegitimate World Champion as Jerry Lawler likes to say. My reign is very legit because I won this title right here in this ring in Las Vegas!
Crowd cheered.
Nelson: What do you say to those who think you need to wrestle Lawler to solidify your status as the World Champion?
Sarge: I think the critics are wrong. I don't need a match with Jerry Lawler on my resume' to validate being the champion!
Nelson: Well, the people would like to see the match between you and Lawler.
Crowd cheered.
Sarge: I'm sure they would. But I've got other contenders to deal with and that's who my focus is on right now.
Jerry Lawler snuck down the face aisle to ringside with belt in hand and climbed into the ring behind Sarge and Nelson.
Sarge: This is where we stand at the...
WHAM!
Lawler clocked Sarge in the back of the head with his version of the title. Sarge crashed to the mat and rolled over on his side holding the back of his head.
Nelson: Jerry Lawler! What the hell...
Lawler snatched the mic from Nelson and leaned over the downed Sarge.
Lawler: Semper Fi, Sarge!
It's time to be a man and accept my challenge!
Lawler tossed the mic down next to Sarge and stood over the downed Sarge for a moment as most of the crowd booed but Lawler had his supporters.
Lawler then turned and left the ring for the floor. As Lawler prepared to leave the ringside area, a hurting Sarge grabbed the mic next to him, sat up and was holding the back of his head with his right hand.
Sarge (painfully): Lawler!
Sarge winced. Lawler turned around and looked at Sarge.
Sarge: Lawler! Challenge...accepted!
Crowd cheered as Sarge tossed the mic and looked out at Lawler as Lawler continued to look on from the floor as the program ended.
CLOSING CREDITS:
DARK MATCHES
Don Muraco def. Jonnie Stewart via pinfall with his inverted piledriver finisher - TIME: 15:18
Col. DeBeers def. Greg Gagne via pinfall with his face-first piledriver finisher - TIME: 10:10
Non-Title: Sgt. Slaughter (WC) & Jerry Blackwell def. Badd Company via pinfall when Blackwell pinned Diamond with his big splash finisher - TIME: 12:48
PAID ATTENDANCE: 2004
COMPS GIVEN OUT: 444
COMPS USED: 113
TOTAL ATTENDANCE: 2117
CAPACITY: 5500
AWA ON ESPN TAPINGS - SHOWBOAT SPORTS PAVILION - LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 1989
(4th Taping Re-Cap)
Match Commentator: Lee Marshall
Color Commentator: Lord James Blears
In-Ring Interviewer: Larry Nelson
Show Intro:
In-Studio - Larry Nelson welcomed viewers and ran down the program:
TV MAIN EVENT: Sam Houston vs. Larry Zbysko
Jerry Lawler sees action
AWA World Champion Sgt. Slaughter makes an appearance. Will he accept Lawler's offer for a match to decide who the real AWA World Champion is?
World Tag Team Champions The Destruction Crew wrestle
A look back at last week's confrontation between Baron Von Raschke/Wahoo McDaniel and Jonnie Stewart/Manny Fernandez
Don Muraco wrestles
AND MORE!
Nelson said Lee Marshall would return to his announcing duties next week and that he (Nelson) would be calling the action from ringside this program. Nelson then sent it to the Showboat Sports Pavilion.
Badd Company won a squash over Randy and Bill Mulkey via pinfall when Pat Tanaka pinned Bill after a savate kick
Post-Match Interview Highlight:
Larry Nelson talked with DDP and Badd Co. about the recent series of events where a mystery woman came out and gave DDP a note and then the woman left.
Nelson: Dallas, last week on All-Star Wrestling, you received another note from a beautiful mystery woman and the note said: We're watching you.
Have you found out who sent that note and the other one you received a few weeks earlier?
DDP: No, Nelson, we haven't found out who sent the notes. But, we're undeterred. Nothing and no one is going to stop us from reaching the top here in the AWA!
Nelson: Do the notes bother you at all?
DDP: Me and my boys, Tanaka and Diamond, have not lost any sleep over them.
Tanaka and Diamond shook their heads in agreement with their boss.
DDP: I believe this is a little head game being played by the Pop Guns. The problem for them is it's not working! They're not getting into our heads with this stuff!
Another hot blonde came out and made her way down the face aisle. She was in a white dress that showed off her curves and white heels. She was carrying an envelope.
DDP: Another one?!
DDP just shook his head in disbelief.
The woman climbed into the ring and walked right up to DDP.
She rubbed his chest with her free hand.
DDP: Babe. A little lower and we would be banned from TV. Haha!
Woman: This is for you, hon.
The blonde woman pressed the envelope into DDP's hand and then turned and walked out of the ring and stepped out on the apron.
As DDP and Badd Co. looked on, the woman gave DDP and Badd Co. a thumbs up.
DDP: Look at that, Nelson! She's on our side! Right on, baby!
The woman flashed a big, bright smile and then turned her thumb down as the crowd cheered.
The woman then left the scene.
Nelson: I don't think she's a fan.
DDP: Shut up, Nelson!
Nelson was unfazed.
Nelson: What's in the envelope?
DDP opened the envelope and pulled out the piece of paper and read it. Tanaka and Diamond looked over his shoulder and read it, too.
Nelson: What does it say?
DDP: It says: The clock is about to strike 12!
Nelson: What does that mean?
DDP: Who the hell knows?!
This stuff is all nonsense!
Whoever's doing it needs to just come out and show who they are right now!
Nelson: Are you nervous now?
DDP: No, Nelson! I am not and neither is Badd Company!
Nelson: They look nervous.
Tanaka and Diamond were looking around at the crowd. Both had wide-eyed, nervous looks on their faces.
DDP looked at his men.
DDP: What the hell is it with those looks on your faces?!
Tanaka: It's like we're dealing with ghosts or something, man!
DDP: Oh, please! You two need to man up! This is all some silly game no matter who's behind it!
Diamond: Dallas, you do play a lot of blackjack when we're here. Have you racked up some major debts and some mafia types are looking for you?
Tanaka (bug eyed with fear): On no! If the mob's involved...
DDP: You two need to zip your lips!
Look, there's nothing to worry about, man! I ain't got no mafioso's after me! Got it?!
Tanaka and Diamond nodded nervously in agreement.
DDP: Good! Now let's get out of here!
Nelson: Badd Company, everybody!
The trio left the ring for the floor.
Tanaka and Diamond were still nervously looking around as DDP started to head back up the heel aisle.
DDP turned back and saw his men still at ringside nervously scanning the crowd.
DDP: Let's go! Now!
Tanaka and Diamond looked around a little more before finally meeting up with DDP in the heel aisle and made their way to the back with Tanaka and Diamond still scanning the crowd.
Pic aired of Don Muraco with the caption: NEXT... HAWAIIAN PUNCH!
Commercials
Don Muraco defeated Paul Frehley in a squash match via pinfall with his inverted piledriver finisher
Muraco gestured for Larry Nelson to hand him the mic. Nelson did so.
Muraco: I want you people to know that changes are coming. You'll be seeing a new man, a new Don Muraco, very soon.
Muraco handed the mic back to Nelson and then left the ring and headed back up the face aisle.
Announcers were puzzled by Muraco's remark.
In-Studio: Larry Nelson intro'd a look back at last week's confrontation between Wahoo and Baron Von Raschke and Manny Fernandez and Jonnie Stewart.
***********************************************************
VIDEO:
Post-Match:
Stewart had his hand raised in victory as Wahoo was still down. Suddenly, Manny Fernandez, in his ring attire, charged down the heel entrance aisle and hit the ring and started stomping away on the prone Wahoo. Stewart joined in the boot party on The Chief. Fernandez then ordered Stewart to pick Wahoo up and hold Wahoo from behind. Stewart obliged. As Stewart held Wahoo, Fernandez moved in and pounded Wahoo with head and body shots and, to add insult to injury, a few hard chest chops.
Crowd cheered as Baron Von Raschke, in his ring gear, charged down the face entrance aisle and hit the ring with a folded steel chair. Stewart let go of Wahoo and Wahoo went back down and Stewart and Fernandez bailed to the safety of the floor before feeling the sting of the chair.
Fernandez and Stewart looked on as Von Raschke gestured for Larry Nelson to come to the ring. Nelson left the broadcast position and climbed up on the apron. Wahoo painfully to his feet holding his gut.
Von Raschke: Manny Fernandez! It seems you have made a new friend! And you both have one thing in common!
You're both scum!
Crowd cheered.
Fernandez yelling from the floor.
Wahoo: Larry! I don't know what Stewart has in that knee pad of his...but it's more than just a knee! It felt like I was hit with a lead pipe in the gut!
Stewart virulently shaking his head 'no' from the floor.
Nelson: What do you think is in that knee pad, Chief?
Wahoo: I think it's steel! Pull down the pad, Jonnie!
Stewart reluctant to pull down the pad.
Crowd started chanting: Pull it down! Pull it down!
Jonnie shook his head 'no', yelled at the fans and consorted with new pal Fernandez.
Von Raschke: Tell you what! Let's have a match!
Crowd chered.
Von Raschke: Me and the Chief vs. you two SOB's!
More cheering.
The two sides were staring each other down and exchanging words.
Nelson: Here comes AWA promoter Verne Gagne!
AWA boss Verne Gagne made his way down the face aisle to the ring and climbed in.
Verne reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out what appeared to be a document.
Nelson: What is that you have in your hand?
Verne: Larry, I am holding a standard AWA match contract.
Verne reached into the breast pocket of his jacket and pulled out a pen.
Verne: Let's make this match happen.
Crowd cheered.
Verne: Wahoo and Baron, I need your signatures here.
Baron and Wahoo each signed the contract.
Verne: Now for Manny and Jonnie's signatures.
The heel duo remained on the floor.
Fernandez picked up on a mic.
Fernandez: Bring the contract to us down here!
Verne: You won't come in the ring?
Fernandez: Bring it here, Verne!
Verne chuckled and shook his head and left the ring and dropped to the floor. Von Raschke and Wahoo looked on from the ring.
Fernandez snapped the contract and pen out of Verne's hands and looked up at the pair still in the ring.
Fernandez then signed the contract and handed it off to Jonnie Stewart.
Stewart signed the contract and handed it back to Verne Gagne.
Nelson left the ring and went over to Verne.
Verne: It is official. It will be Wahoo and the Baron vs. Fernandez and Stewart in a tag match!
Crowd cheered.
Verne: And one more thing.
Let's see Mr. Stewart's knee pad.
Verne started to approach Stewart. Stewart was jittery and Fernandez got between Stewart and Verne. Verne went to go around Fernandez but Fernandez blocked Verne's path and Stewart started backing up into the heel entrance aisle. Baron and Wahoo dropped to the floor and started walking in Stewart's direction. Stewart turned and hauled ass to the back as Wahoo and Baron looked on from the heel aisle.END VIDEONelson announced that the main even on next week's AWA Championship Wrestling on ESPN will be: Baron Von Raschke & Wahoo McDaniel vs. Manny Fernandez & Jonnie Stewart.
Nelson wondered if Wahoo and the Baron would succeed in seeing if Stewart has a weapon in his kneepad.
END VIDEO
******************************************************
Pic aired of the AWA Tag Team Titles with the caption: NEXT... THE TAG TEAM CHAMPS!
Commercials
IT'S THE AWA ON TOUR! We'll be at the high school/community center/county fair/used car dealership parking lot/church fellowship hall in (insert town here). THE AWA IS THE MAJOR LEAGUE OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING!
NON-TITLE: The Destruction Crew (WTTC) def. Tony Banks & TJ Rubley in a squash match via pinfall when Enos pinned Rubley with a powerslam
Post-Match Interview Highlights:
Nelson asked the champs what they thought of their run so far as the champions.
Bloom: It's like this, Larry! We've had a great run since we won these titles and the future only looks brighter for us!
I don't see one team currently in the AWA who can beat us!
Nelson: You don't?
Bloom: No! You tell me who can beat us?! It sure as hell won't be the Guerrero Brothers!
Enos: Haha! Tell 'em, brother!
Bloom: It's not gonna be Brad Rheingans and Greg Gagne! The Top Guns have vanished from the scene like a fart in the wind!
There's not one single team that can topple us right now!
Nelson: You guys seem awfully confident.
Enos: Why shouldn't we be, Nelson?!
We've taken out every team thrown in our path! We're an unstoppable force! There's no end to our reign on the horizon!
Nelson: That was the Destruction Cr... Whoa!
DDP made his way down the heel aisle to the ring and climbed in. DDP approached Nelson and the Destruction Crew.
DDP: Wayne. Mike.
Bloom: Dallas.
DDP: You say you guys don't have anyone who can beat you in the AWA, huh?
Bloom: That's right.
DDP: Well, Badd Company can beat you!
Enos: Whoa! Wait a minute! You're challenging us to a match?!
DDP: Bingo!
Enos: We're not giving you a shot, man!
DDP: Why not?!
Enos: Because you guys don't deserve it!
DDP: Are you serious?! Of course we deserve it!
Bloom: You're not getting a title shot because their are other teams in line in front of you.
DDP: Who? The Top Guns? They're G-O-N-E...gone...courtesy of Badd Company! The Guerrero Brothers?! You've already put those guys down for the count! How many re-matches will they get?!
Bloom: Those teams are the top contenders right now along with Greg Gagne and Brad Rheingans.
DDP: Just remember this, boys. It's because of me that you're the champions today! Understand?!
Bloom and Enos looked at one another for a moment.
Bloom: We earned these belts because of our hard work! We appreciated your moral support that evening...
DDP: Moral support?! Ha?! You guys got a lot more than moral support from me!
Bloom: Badd Company will just have to get in line! Understand?!
DDP: What would it take to move to the front of the line?
Bloom and Enos seemed stunned by DDP's remark.
DDP: Listen, we're in Vegas, man.
I know you two like to gamble, so I'll make you an offer you can't refuse.
Bloom: What is it?
DDP: I'll put $25,000 dollars up for a title match for Badd Company against the reigning champs the Destruction Crew.
You beat us then the money is all yours.
Bloom: $25 grand. What do we have to do?
DDP: You don't have to put up a dime, gents. Just give us one title shot.
Bloom: That's all, huh? There are no other stipulations to this deal?
DDP: None. Give us the match. Beat us and you can throw one great party here in Sin City with the money you win...if you win it!
Bloom: Excuse us.
Bloom and Enos talked briefly amongst themselves.
Bloom: Get the contract drawn up. Let's do this.
U]DDP:[/u] That's what DDP likes to hear! Money talks!
Bloom: It sure does!
Nelson: Looks we have a developing situation on our hands, everybody! Stay tuned!
In-Studio: Larry Nelson talked briefly about the situation between the champs the Destruction Crew and Badd Company.
Nelson then hyped the main event: Zbysko vs. Houston and intro'd pre-recorded comments from Larry Zbysko.
VIDEO:
Zbysko was standing in front of the AWA logo in his ring attire with mic in hand.
Zbysko: Sam Houston, I am going to dedicate my win tonight to decency.
You see, Sam's a stupid hick from Texas.
He comes out with his nice guy act and thinks that's how you earn respect.
Well, nothing could be further from the truth.
I'm an established legend in this sport. I've been the World Heavyweight Champion and will be again one day very soon. My record speaks for itself. I ended Bruno Sammartino and ripped his nickname 'The Living Legend' away from him! I now wear that title!
Houston, have you ever won anything of importance?! You ever won a major belt?! You ever so dominated a wrestler that you took his nickname from him?! I don't think so!
In our match, I intend to put on a wrestling clinic and show the world that I'm superior to some little, insignificant paean like you!
You agreed to this match and now you will pay the price for that decision!
You may be the dork of the ball! But I'm THE LIVING LEGEND! And legends trump dorks every time!
Sam Houston! Not even the ghost of Ken Patera can save you! Prepare for the humiliation of a lifetime!
END VIDEO
Pic aired of Jerry Lawler with the caption: NEXT... THE KING OF THE RING!
Jerry Lawler won a squash over Vincent Damon Furnier via pinfall with a piledriver
POST-MATCH INTERVIEW HIGHLIGHT:
Nelson: You still haven't gotten an answer from Sgt. Slaughter on the World Title unification matter.
Lawler: I haven't, Larry, and I'm getting impatient.
If Sgt. Slaughter wants to be the AWA World Champion he claims to be, then he needs to accept my challenge and let's settle this thing once and for all.
Nelson: What if he refuses to wrestle you to determine who the undisputed AWA World Champion is?
Lawler: Then he'll go down as an illegitimate World Champion and become a national disgrace and a disgrace to this great sport of ours.
Step up, Sarge. Or go down as the most undeserving World Champion in wrestling history.
In-Studio: Nelson talked briefly about the Lawler-Sarge situation and wondered how things would play out in the long run.
Nelson then intro'd pre-recorded comments from Sam Houston.
VIDEO:
Houston was in his ring attire and holding a mic. He was standing in front of the AWA logo.
Houston: I'm wrestling Larry Zbysko in the main event. He's one of the best in the sport today.
He's a former AWA World Champion.
He's got top-notch ring skills and is a master at playing mind games with his opponents and getting into their heads.
I have a chance to score the biggest win of my career. I'm excited!
But I also know Zbysko does not respect me. He seems to think I'll be easy pickin's for him.
So, I'm going out there to prove that I belong in the ring with a wrestler of Zbysko's caliber!
Zbysko! You'd better be careful! Don't get too cocky! Because you're about to fight a southern boy who can strike like a Texas rattler!
END VIDEO
Pic aired of the AWA logo with the caption: NEXT... THE MAIN EVENT!
Commercials
TV MAIN EVENT: Sam Houston vs. Larry Zbysko
Both men were in the ring.
Houston turned his back on Zbysko and was removing his hat and vest when Zbysko charged up behind Houston and started pounding away on Houston.
Ref called for the bell.
Zbysko kept hammering away on Houston and then whipped Houston into the turnbuckles. Zbysko moved in and caught Houston with a series of rapid-fire shoulder blocks to the gut. Zbysko then nailed Houston with a head shot. Houston staggered out of the corner next to the ropes and Zbysko clubbed Houston from behind and pounded on Houston some more. Houston went down to a knee. Houston got up bent over and Zbysko booted Houston in the side of the head. Houston fell through the top and middle rope out onto the apron. Ref ordered Zbysko back and started the 10 count. Houston up at the count of 6. Zbysko moved in and grabbed Houston and strangled Houston on the top rope. Ref counting the 5 count. Zbysko broke the illegal move at the count of 4. Zbysko repeated the choke and once again broke at 4. Houston draped over the top rope, arms hanging in the ring. Zbysko grabbed Houston and suplexed Houston back into the ring. Houston sat up and Zbysko kicked Houston in the back. More pain for Sam. Zbysko then grabbed Houston by the hair and slammed Houston's head into the mat multiple times. Zbysko then snapped Houston up, hoisted Houston up on his shoulder and nailed Houston with a shoulder breaker. Zbysko for the cover. 1... Houston kicked out. Both men to their feet and Zbysko stunned Houston with a spin kick to the chest. Houston down by the ropes on his side. Zbysko moved in, grabbed the top rope, swung up and came down, driving a knee into Houston's back three times. Zbysko broke the illegal move at the count of 4. Zbysko then stomped Houston in the head.
Blears: Things aren't looking good for young Houston, Lee. This could be over soon.
Nelson: Very soon, unless Houston can find a way to get back in this match.
Zbysko yelled for Houston to get up. Houston did so...slowly. Houston up and Zbsyko caught Houston with a head shot, whipped Houston into the ropes, caught Houston coming off with a kick to the gut that doubled Houston over. Zbysko then blasted Houston with a swinging neckbreaker. Sam in a bad way. Zbysko covered Houston and hooked the leg. 1...2... Houston kicked out. Crowd cheered. Zbysko put the boots to Houston, snapped Houston up and went to whip Houston into the ropes but Houston reversed and caught Zbysko coming off with a dropkick. Zbysko down. Zbysko up and Houston caught Zbysko with a second dropkick and again Zbysko went down. Zbysko up once more and hit with a third dropkick. Zbysko crashed to the mat and quickly rolled out of the ring to the floor. As Houston recovered in the ring, a pained Zbysko started walking around on the floor as the ref started the 10 count. Zbysko had some words with hecklers at ringside as the count grew. Zbysko then climbed back up on the apron. Zbysko started to slowly climb back in the ring when Houston moved in on him. Zbysko went back out on the apron. Ref ordered Houston to stand back. Ref started the count once again. Zbysko cautiously started to climb back into the ring when Houston moved in on him. Zbysko once again bailed to the apron as the fans booed. Ref ordered Houston back and the two had a brief exchange of words. Zbysko yelled at the ref to do his job. Zbsyko then turned towards the crowd and started yapping at some hecklers. Houston ignored the ref and went over and grabbed Zbysko and pounded away on Zbysko and then ran Zbysko down the apron and slammed Zbysko's head into the top buckle. Zbysko staggered and holding the top rope. Houston pulled Zbysko head over heels back into the ring as the fans cheered. Houston was ready to fight. Zbysko scooted on his ass next to the ropes and signaled for a timeout to, shockingly, no avail. Houston reached down to grab Zbysko but Zbysko was able to pull Houston's legs out from under him. Zbysko went for the pin. 1... Zbysko placed his feet on the middle rope for leverage. ...2... Houston got a shoulder up. Zbysko took his feet off the rope just before the ref looked over. Zbysko went for the pin again.
1... Zbysko placed his feet on the middle rope again. ...2... Ref saw Zbysko's feet on the rope and ordered a break. Houston stunned Zbysko by catching him in a small package for the pin. 1...2... Zbysko kicked out. Crowd groaned. Both men up.
Houston had his fists raised. He was rarin' for a fight. Houston moved in and caught Zbysko with a trio of head shots that drove Zbysko into the corner. Houston then nailed Zbysko with a series of shoulderblocks to the gut of his own. Houston then grabbed ZBysko in a side headlock and gestured it was time for his bulldog finisher. Houston went for the move but Zbysko shoved Houston off and Houston crashed to the mat. Both men slowly got to their feet. Zbysko moved in and raked Houston's eyes. Ref reprimanded Zbysko. Zbysko told the ref to shut his pie hole. Houston turned away and was rubbing his eyes when Zbysko came up behind him and dropped Houston with a chop block to the back of the knee. Houston down and hurting. Zbysko stomped on Houston's left knee and grabbed Houston's left leg and locked Houston in the figure four. Crowd urging Houston to fight on. Houston fought through the pain and would not surrender. Houston was able to scoot close enough to the ropes while in the hold and drape his arm out over the bottom rope to force a break.
Suddenly, the crowd popped.
Nelson: What's this?!
A familiar face with his left arm in a sling and wearing street clothes came down the face aisle and stood at ringside.
Nelson: It's Ken Patera! He's back!
Blears: I don't believe it, Larry!
Crowd cheering loudly. Zbysko looked over and saw Patera and couldn't believe his eyes. Patera stood on the floor. Houston recovering in the ring. Zbysko came over by the ropes where Patera was standing. AFter a brief staredown, Patera removed the sling form his left arm and then flexed his left bicep showing his left arm was okay. Zbysko in disbelief. Patera just kept looking at Zbysko. Houston to his feet behind Zbysko and wanting Zbysko to turn around.
After Zbysko said a few more words to Patera, Zbysko turned and walked right into a dropkick from Houston. Zbysko crashed to the mat. Fans eating it up. Zbysko up and Houston moved in and battered Zbysko with a series of head and body shots. Zbysko stunned. Houston grabbed Zbysko in a side headlock, backed into the corner and charged out and blasted Zbysko with his bulldog finisher. Houston covered Zbysko and hooked the leg. 1...2...3!
Ref called for the bell as the small but boisterous crowd roared their approval. Shot of Patera stoically looking on from the floor. Houston was celebrating in the ring. Ref came over and raised his hand in victory. Houston left the ring and slapped hands with fans at ringside before leaving the scene. A hurting, defeated Zbysko got to his feet and looked over at Patera. Patera calmly raised his left arm, spun it around and then pointed at Zbysko. Zbysko was shocked by the sudden turn of events. Patera then coolly turned and headed back up the face aisle to more cheers. One final shot of Zbysko in the ring.
WINNER: Houston - Pinfall - 11:22
Pic aired of AWA Champ Sgt. Slaughter with the caption: NEXT... WILL HE ACCEPT?!?!?!
Commercials
Nelson intro'd video from last week's interview with AWA Champ Sgt. Slaughter.
******************************************
VIDEO:
Nelson: Are you going to wrestle Lawler in a World Title unification match?
Sarge was silent for a moment...
Sarge: I defeated Zbysko and won this belt! That's all I have to say!
Nelson: That doesn't answer the question.
Sarge (exasperated): You know what, Larry...
Sarge bowed his head.
Nelson: Do you have an answer for Lawler...
Sarge put his hand up to silence Nelson. He looked around at the fans in the 'Boat Sports Pavilion.
Sarge then shook his head slightly like he was gesturing 'no'.
Nelson: Was that a...
Sarge then walked off, left the ring, dropped to the floor and headed back up the face aisle.
Announcer Blears: Sgt. Slaughter gave us no clear answer.
Fans were buzzing.
Nelson was confused.
Nelson: I'm not sure what's going on. We'll try and get to the bottom of it.
END VIDEO
***********************************************
Nelson then sent it back to the Showboat in Las Vegas.
In-ring: Nelson was standing with Sgt. Slaughter. Sarge was in his ring attire and had the belt around his waist.
Nelson: I'm here with AWA World Champion Sgt. Slaughter.
Mixed crowd reaction.
Nelson: Sarge, you gave no clear answer last week as to whether or not you'd wrestle Jerry Lawler to determine the undisputed AWA World Champion.
Do you have an answer for us now?
Sarge: Larry, as far as I'm concerned, I am the real AWA World Champion.
I don't know what else I have to do to prove it.
I won a Battle Royal to earn the title shot and then I beat Zbysko to win the belt.
That makes me the World Champion.
And, no, I am not an illegitimate World Champion as Jerry Lawler likes to say. My reign is very legit because I won this title right here in this ring in Las Vegas!
Crowd cheered.
Nelson: What do you say to those who think you need to wrestle Lawler to solidify your status as the World Champion?
Sarge: I think the critics are wrong. I don't need a match with Jerry Lawler on my resume' to validate being the champion!
Nelson: Well, the people would like to see the match between you and Lawler.
Crowd cheered.
Sarge: I'm sure they would. But I've got other contenders to deal with and that's who my focus is on right now.
Jerry Lawler snuck down the face aisle to ringside with belt in hand and climbed into the ring behind Sarge and Nelson.
Sarge: This is where we stand at the...
WHAM!
Lawler clocked Sarge in the back of the head with his version of the title. Sarge crashed to the mat and rolled over on his side holding the back of his head.
Nelson: Jerry Lawler! What the hell...
Lawler snatched the mic from Nelson and leaned over the downed Sarge.
Lawler: Semper Fi, Sarge!
It's time to be a man and accept my challenge!
Lawler tossed the mic down next to Sarge and stood over the downed Sarge for a moment as most of the crowd booed but Lawler had his supporters.
Lawler then turned and left the ring for the floor. As Lawler prepared to leave the ringside area, a hurting Sarge grabbed the mic next to him, sat up and was holding the back of his head with his right hand.
Sarge (painfully): Lawler!
Sarge winced. Lawler turned around and looked at Sarge.
Sarge: Lawler! Challenge...accepted!
Crowd cheered as Sarge tossed the mic and looked out at Lawler as Lawler continued to look on from the floor as the program ended.
CLOSING CREDITS:
DARK MATCHES
Don Muraco def. Jonnie Stewart via pinfall with his inverted piledriver finisher - TIME: 15:18
Col. DeBeers def. Greg Gagne via pinfall with his face-first piledriver finisher - TIME: 10:10
Non-Title: Sgt. Slaughter (WC) & Jerry Blackwell def. Badd Company via pinfall when Blackwell pinned Diamond with his big splash finisher - TIME: 12:48
PAID ATTENDANCE: 2004
COMPS GIVEN OUT: 444
COMPS USED: 113
TOTAL ATTENDANCE: 2117
CAPACITY: 5500
