Donnie watches WWWWF 1978

[BigVanDonnie]

WWWWF WORLD CHAMPION: BOB BACKLUND Since 20/2/78
WWWWF WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: DOMINIC DENUCCI & DINO BRAVO. Since 14/3/77

WWWWF All-Star Wrestling
June 3rd, 1978

TONIGHT: BOB BACKLUND DEFENDS HIS WORLD TITLE AGAINST STRONG KOBAYASHI

Missing TV REALLY fucking sucks rn.

Match#1 Luke Graham w/The Grand Wizard vs Jimmy Raye
The uncle of Jimmy Rave gets murdered for money. What a guy. Luke is again a big old boy and he does a better job than his last match. More impact on his stuff, and a willing jobber that wants to die. Also, Luke is wearing these amazing tartan tights and looks like a true Scotsman. He blasts the jobber in the throat with a knee, then hits a punch to win
**

Match#2 Stan Stasiak w/The Grand Wizard vs Jim Oliver
Stan has an amazing pornstache now, so he looks sleazy on top of deranged. He beats the crap out of the kid for a while, then hits the Heart Punch for the win
**

At ringside, Vince is with Mr Backlund. They talk about his insane schedule over the last few weeks, and Bob says he's staying in the best shape possible and he'll wrestle as hard as he can. They keep talking about how his training is very unique as he trains for each challenger, instead one set exercise. He puts over Skaaland as someone he can trust and help him get it done. OH NO. He puts over the challenge that SK presents, but he says he's going to get it done.

Match#3 Larry Zybszko & Haystacks Calhoun vs MOOSE and Susao
Fuck, i was hoping this team was gone. This is fine, but the horrid state of the division really bothers me. Like, did Vince always hate tag teams and only stumble on the great periods by accident? I need to know. Crucifix pin does it
*1/2

Match#4 Bob Backlund (C) w/Arnold Skaaland vs Strong Kobayashi w/Classy Freddie Blassie (WWWWF World Championship)
I'm not an expert on the territory era, but i can tell you it was super rare for the champ to defend on TV, so this is HUGE. They get into a struggle right away for control and it's great as you would expect. Bob has manic energy, and SK, while stoic, can match him hold for hold. They do the test of strength spot and it's something i always love for some reason. Not sure why, but it cool seeing them fight as hard as they can to be the man. They keep trading holds and neither can really gain control that way, so SK finally chops him in the neck and beats him up. Good mean stuff from him and another great FIP moment for Bob. Backlund makes his comeback with all the fire and anger. He goes for the arm in a nice change of pace from the leg work. Sk sells a little before we hit the finishing run. SK goes for a Lariat, but Bob ducks under and snatches him for the Atomic Drop for the win
***

Match#5 Dominic DeNucci & Dino Bravo vs TANK PATTON & Paul Vachon
OFC these assholes close the show and not the world champ. For all the shit that Hogan will get from me, he at least knew not to let anyone steal his spotlight. Paul tries his best, but he's fighting for 3 people and it's not a battle he'll win. Dino wins with a dropkick
DOESN'T WORK FOR ME, BROTHER

 

[BigVanDonnie]

WWWWF WORLD CHAMPION: BOB BACKLUND Since 20/2/78
WWWWF WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: DOMINIC DENUCCI & DINO BRAVO. Since 14/3/77

WWWWF All-Star Wrestling
June 17th, 1978

Match#1 Ivan Putski vs Sousa
Ivan is the classic prototype of the guy that makes Vince, well hard. He's not very good at all, as he doesn't hit hard at all and is really all for show. Think of that piece of shit Brian Cage, and you get Ivan. He wins with a crummy wind-up punch
3/4*

He grabs the mic and challenges Spiros. NO. FUCK YOU.

Match#2 Spiros Arion w/Classy Freddie Blassie vs Frank Williams
Spiros shows us exactly who we should root for as he gives another super fun squash. Also, i love that his match was right after Ivan's, so now he's angrier than he was before. Backbreaker does it
**

At ringside, Vince is with Garea. He's back from a tour of NZ and he's ready to take America by storm.

Match#3 Stan Stasiak w/The Grand Wizard vs Tony Garea
Hell Yeah. Tony smartly takes it to the mat because he's better off not fighting the big man, and one would figure Stan isn't good on the mat. Stan throws a punch to the chest to take over and beats the snot out of Tony. Awesome punches and a great bearhug. Stan also has some great cutoffs, before Tony makes a comeback and it turns into a fight. Lots of killer punches and momentum shifts. They fight on the outside and Stan goes for the Heart Punch, BUT TONY DUCKS AND STAN BREAKS HIS HAND ON THE POST AND HE GETS COUNTED OUT. Awesome finish.
**3/4

Match#4 Luke Graham w/The Grand Wizard vs Dave Darrow
Another fun squash from the big man. Fist-drop does it
*3/4

Match#5 Peter Maivia vs MOOSE
Moose's last name is Monroe, but MOOSE is cooler. This isn't good, in a real shocker. Peter wins via a move.

 

[BigVanDonnie]

WWWWF WORLD CHAMPION: BOB BACKLUND Since 20/2/78
WWWWF WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: DOMINIC DENUCCI & DINO BRAVO. Since 14/3/77

LIVE EVENT JUNE 26TH. MSG

Dominic DeNucci & Dino Bravo (C) vs The Yukon Lumberjacks w/Capt Lou Albano (WWWWF World Tag Team Championships)
Clipped to hell, but that doesn't matter because our Lumberjacks finally end this nightmare and wins the titles. THANK YOU, GOD. They beat the shit out of Bravo and it's the greatest thing these eyes have ever seen. DeNucci's hot tag is fine enough for an old man who shouldn't be there. Shit breaks down as it tends to, and we get some fun stuff. THE JACKS HIT DINO IN HIS STUPID FUCKING FACE WITH THE LARIAT AND THEY WIN THE TITLES
**

Vince is with Freddie and Spiros. Freddie says they have backed Backlund into a corner and the lessons that have been taught will result in a new worlds champion. FREDDIE WANTS THE TITLE MORE THAN LIFE ITSELF. WHEN THEY PUT HIM 6 FEET UNDERGROUND, HE WANTS THE TITLE DRAPED ON HIS WAIST. GOOD LORD. Spiros says he has been waiting for many years for this chance, and he will not lose.

Bob comes on for his promo. He cuts his standard promo about hard work and trying his best to win, and then he might murder some fans for kicks.

Bob Backlund (C) vs Spiros Arion (WWWF World Championship)
JIP, sadly. We find them in the midst of battle beating the hell of each other. Backlund goes for the leg like last time and it's the same work that i love, but I'm sure the two people reading this are sick of. The new highlight is Bob booting Arion in the head when he tries to fight out. Big brutal kick with no fucks given for Spiros' brain. He keeps working the leg until Spiros finally manages to throw him out of the ring to get some space. He beats up the hurt Backlund in awesome form, and the crowd fucking hates it! Bob snatches the Atomic Drop out of nowhere for the win
**1/4

 

[BigVanDonnie]

WWWWF WORLD CHAMPION: BOB BACKLUND Since 20/2/78
WWWWF WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: THE YUKON LUMBERJACKS. Since-26/6/78

WWWWF All-Star Wrestling
July 15th, 1978

Match#2 Ivan Koloff w/Capt Lou Albano vs SD Jones
THE RUSSIAN BEAR. Awesome squash from the old man. He's washed at this point, but he can still hit hard and SD is a good warm body for him to kill. Lots of choking and stomping for a while before the Sickle does it
*1/2

SD is a shit loser and tries to attack, but they leave him laying after smacking his skull off the steps.

At ringside, Vince with Lou and the Lumberjacks!. They say the fans are horrible low class people for upsetting Lou! The other Jack says Lou is the GOAT and he has given them everything they ever wanted. Lou says he's had SEVEN tag champions and these are his best. He lays out challenges to all the teams, but one of the Jacks says he wants to fight other men and an argument breaks out, before Lou settles it down and says they'll give 10 grand to any team that can last more than two minutes with them.

Match#2 George "The Animal" Steele w/Capt Lou Albano vs Dave Darrow
Another great wildman squash from the Animal. Hammerlock does the deal
*3/4

Match#3 Luke Graham w/The Grand Wizard vs Frank Williams
Same squash as always for the big man. Need some more variety for my liking, but good enough. Punch does it
*1/2

Match#2 The Yukon Lumberjacks w/Capt Lou Albano vs Tony Garea & Jay Strongbow
The Jacks are my saving grace, so that means there's not much footage of them. Going to enjoy what i have, though. Awesome mauling from them, and Tony takes a great beating. Strongbow is again HORRIBLE, and i can't wait for him to retire. Thankfully, the Jacks beat his ass and keep him away. They all fight on the outside and we get out 500000000000 countout for the year. Vince, please do something new. Like, i get it's the 70's and people don't lose, but come on
**

Lou runs out to help, SO STRONGBOW PICKS UP A BAR STOOL AND BRAINS THE FUCK OUT OF THE HEELS. HE CRACKS ERIC IN THE TOP OF HIS HEAD, AND HIS ENTIRE HEAD JERKS IN A GROSS WAY. HOLY SHIT. They keep beating them up and Gorilla makes his on screen debut to drag them off. AWESOME Angle and the best thing on TV yet.

 

[BigVanDonnie]

WWWWF WORLD CHAMPION: BOB BACKLUND Since 20/2/78
WWWWF WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: THE YUKON LUMBERJACKS. Since-26/6/78

WWWWF All-Star Wrestling
August 5th, 1978

Match#1 Spiros Arion w/Classy Freddie Blassie vs Frank Williams
Hey, another super fun Spiros squash. Thanks, Vince. Backbreaker does it
**

Match#2 The Yukon Lumberjacks w/Capt Lou Albano vs Jimmy Raye & Carlos Cruz
Hey, another super fun Jacks squash, Thanks, Vince. Lariat does the deal
**

At ringside, Vince talks to Di...NOT A CHANCE

Match#3 Luke Graham w/The Grand Wizard vs Mike Milton
Same squash he always has, and probably the one he'll have until he leaves. Fist drop does it
3/4*

Match#4 Dino Bravo vs Baron Mikel Scicluna
FUCK OFF

Match#5 Victor Rivera vs Louis Lugo
So, Wiki tells me Rivera worked here in 75 and was a face, but he's now a CHANGED MAN. He's not bad at all. Lots of good clubbing and throwing the jobber around. Just a solid squash. He hiptosses the jobber to win
*1/2

Victor throws the jobber to the floor and walks off

We go to Vince who is standing by with Gorilla. Gino doesn't know why Victor has turned his back on the fans, bur he heard he became ill a few months ago and feared his career was over, so he's changed his ways. He used to stay with him, but now he won't even talk to him. Vince says Blassie might have a hand in this, and Gino says he's destroyed lives and he hopes that Victor hasn't fallen under his influence. He just doesn't know how he has reached this point and he's sad. AWESOME Shit. I went from not knowing who this kid is, to wanting to see him fight Gino.

 

[BigVanDonnie]

WWWWF WORLD CHAMPION: BOB BACKLUND Since 20/2/78
WWWWF WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: THE YUKON LUMBERJACKS. Since-26/6/78

MISSING TV FROM THE NETWORK-AUGUST

Spiros Arion w/Classy Freddie Blassie vs Dominic DeNucci (19/8/78)
Spiros gets stuck with this old bastard. Lot of boring clubbing and choking for a while, and it's a real shame to see Spiros work with this old man. It goes to a 9 minute draw, just to make it worse
1/2*

Crusher Jerry Backwell w/The Grand Wizard vs Luis Logo (19/8/78)
Fuck yeah, crusher. Huge fat boy that throws people around and squashes them. The best kind of squash for those who like fun. HE THROWS A DROPKICK. THE BEST, He murders the poor kid with a splash
**

Stan Stasiak vs Tony Garea
REMATCH! Wonderful struggle for control to start, and once again Tony does a hell of a job keeping up with Stan. It turns into a dog fight and Stan really beats the hell out of him. In a different timeline, this is an IC title feud. Tony's comeback rules and he gets just as mean in return as he clubs the shit out of Stan. He ties him in the ropes and goes nuts until the ref pulls him off! They keeo fighting and Stan misses the punch and hits the mat, AND TONY STOMPS ON THE HAND AND SMACKS IT OFF THE BUCKLE. HANDWERK IS ALIVE AND WELL. STRAN TRIES THE PUNCH BUT HIS HAND IS BROKEN AND HE'S MORE HURT FROM THAN TONY. They keep blasting each other until the ref stops it
***

THEY FIGHT AGAIN AND TONY RUNS HIM OFF. THIS FEUD FUCKS SO MUCH.

 

[BigVanDonnie]

WWWWF WORLD CHAMPION: BOB BACKLUND Since 20/2/78
WWWWF WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: THE YUKON LUMBERJACKS. Since-26/6/78

WWWWF All-Star Wrestling
August 26th, 1978

Match#1 Crusher Jerry Blackwell w/The Grand Wizard vs Charlie Browne
YES. Another wonderful fat man squash. Jerry should have been a huge mainstay heel in WWWF or NWA, not rotting away in the fucking AWA. He does amazing fat man offence, including a wonderful falling headbutt. Just the best. Big Powerslam does it
**1/4

There's an 8 minute Dino squash hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.

At ringside, Vince is with Crusher and Wizard. Wizard says has discovered an atomic bomb that can destroy ANY wrestler. He is flabbergasted each day with the way he moves and the power he possesses. Crusher says he's the best in the world and he's only shows us a tiny bit of what he can do, and he's saving something very special for Backlund. YESSSSSSSSSSSSS.

Match#2 The Yukon Lumberjacks w/Capt Lou Albano vs Cruz & King
The standard amazing Yukon squash. Really sucks that we've got limited footage of them. Also, i learnt that Eric died of cancer a decade later, which is just heartbreaking. Double Lariat does the deal
**

Match#3 Super Destroyer w/The Grand Wizard vs Mike Milton
Not sure who is under the mask, but it might be Bill Irwin. Either way, he's a big old dude that does basic clubbering and whatnot. Decent enough, but nothing you'll remember in an hour. He wins with a backbreaker
3/4*

Match#4 Larry Zybszko, Haystacks Calhoun & Tony Garea vs Butcher Vachon, Baron Scicluna & MOOSE
LARRY HAS A PORNSATCHE

I take back every bad thing i said about the 70's and babyface Larry. This is the best 6 man yet because Tony fucking rules, and the heels are trying harder than normal. It also helps that the dead weight has been dropped, and the good ones can actually work without hindrance. MOOSE is beaten by an Abdominal Stretch.
**1/2

 

[BigVanDonnie]

WWWWF WORLD CHAMPION: BOB BACKLUND Since 20/2/78
WWWWF WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: THE YUKON LUMBERJACKS. Since-26/6/78

LIVE EVENT-AUGUST 28TH. MSG

Once again, a MSG show is missing from the Network. Hopefully this Dalton Castle thing fixes it.

At ringside, Vince is with Mr Backlund. He will be facing Ivan Koloff. He says he's not scared of anyone, but he respects everyone and Ivan WILL respect him. Vince says Bob might have to get dirty if Ivan tries to be malicious. Bob says he'll do whatever it takes it win.

Ivan and Albano walk over. Ivan rants about being cheated out of the title many years ago, and the title will be coming back to him where it belongs.

Match#1 Bob Backlund (C) w/Arnold Skaaland vs Ivan Koloff w/Capt Lou Albano (WWWWF World Championship)
This feels HUGE, and rightly so. Ivan is the man who beat fucking Bruno and silenced an entire building, he's the biggest threat Bob has faced. Backlund smartly grinds him down right away with an awesome head-scissors lock, so Ivan has to keep using his energy to try and fight out of it. After a few minutes Ivan manages to get out bridge over the top of Backlund, which forces him to keep bridging on his neck to get out. Ivan now grinds him down for a while and it's pretty good, but not the most exciting thing in the world. Sums him perfectly, tbh. Bob fights out and grinds him back. Damn it! Bob has been awesome up until this point, but it feels like Ivan is forcing him to work this one style and he's respectfully doing it. Like, when he asked Nash to sunsetflip him in 95. Just the way of the world. Match keeps going like this for nearly 30 goddamn minutes, and it's not a lot of fun to watch. Ivan keeps trying to win by countout for some reason, and even Vince sounds perplexed. Backlund gets busted open from a kick and they finally do something, but it's sadly too late. The ref calls the match on account of the blood, which should mean Ivan wins, but LOLNO
*3/4

Match#2 Peter Maivia vs Luke Graham
OH GOD. Maybe i was wrong in saying WWE suck for not putting this one on the Network. This is 16 minutes long and soooooooooooooo bad. Peter wins via countout
FUCK

Match#3 Dusty Rhodes vs Superstar Billy Graham (Texas Bullrope Match-Jay Stongbow as the ref)
Dusty saves the day, thank you. Dusty cracks him right away and it's just a wonderful sight to see a human get hit by a fucking cowbell. It turns into a dirty bloody fight and it's the type of match everyone should watch. Dusty get his ass kicked for a while, and as always he's a wonderful FIP. Awesome selling and facial reactions as Billy beats his head in. Dusty's comeback is killer, and Billy again shocks with all the insane bumps he takes. Jay grabs Billy's arms so Dusty can hit him in the head and get the pin. That's some bullshit
**3/4

Match#4 Andre The Giant, Tony Garea & Dino Bravo vs The Yukon Lumberjacks & Spiros Arion
Andre is here! Wasn't sure if i would get to see him murder anyone in 78, but here we go. This is a ton of fun as the show finally picks up. Tony is again amazing, and him vs The Jacks is awesome as shit. Andre joins in on the fun and that's great as well. HE HITS A FLYING SPLASH TO WIN. Holy shit
**3/4

 

[BigVanDonnie]

WWWWF WORLD CHAMPION: BOB BACKLUND Since 20/2/78
WWWWF WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: THE YUKON LUMBERJACKS. Since-26/6/78

WWWWF-All-Star Wrestling
September 2nd, 1978

Match#1 Fabulous Moolah vs Vickie Williams
Fuck! I really thought i wouldn't be forced to be here before 83, but my luck is bad. Besides being a horrible cunt of a human, she's a bad wrestler on top of it. Reverse Benoit. Vickie is pretty good, but Moolah ain't selling shit. DOUBLE FUCKING COUNTOUT
Edge and Orton paid tribute to Benoit.

Match#2 Luke Graham w/The Grand Wizard vs Jimmy Raye
WWF being so lazy they're doing the same squashes as a few months ago. Actually, this might be the same squash as last time. WCW might have stolen this idea from WWWWF. Holy shit. Punch does it
1/2*

At ringside, they cut the same promo about wanting revenge on Backlund.

Match#3 Dominic DeNucci vs Baron Mikel Scicluna
This is at least fun. Dom is still bad, but Baron works hard and makes the most of his TV time by constantly moving forward and doing slams and arm work and nerve holds. Just when it starts getting good, they fight in the corner and the ref DQ's them
*1/4

Match#4 Ivan Koloff w/Capt Lou Albano vs Marzino
Ivan is MUCH better in a squash as he can just kill a person, instead of boring as to death. Knee drop does it
*1/2

Match#5 Bob Backlund & Peter Maivia w/Arnold Skaaland vs Stan Stasiak and Matt Russo
Backlund/Stan is my new dream match, so yes please. It rules when they get the chance, so WWF smarly doesn't give much away and waits till they can money off it. Sadly, that means lots of Peter, which is not going to make you money. Bob has a great hot tag and beats the jobber with the Atomic Drop
*3/4

Horrible episode.

 

[BigVanDonnie]

WWWWF WORLD CHAMPION: BOB BACKLUND Since 20/2/78
WWWWF WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: THE YUKON LUMBERJACKS. Since-26/6/78

WWWF All-Star Wrestling
September 9th, 1978

Match#1 Spiros Arion w/Classy Freddie Blassie vs Frankie Williams
Standard fun squash from Spiros. Backbreaker does it
*3/4

Bravo has another 8 minute squash and an interview. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

Match#2 Andre The Giant vs Russo & Estrada
Super fun Andre murder. YOU CAN'T HURT A GIANT, YOU DOPES. Big splash does it. Imagine being told Andre is going to fuck your shit up? I'd run away
**

Match#3 Crusher Jerry Backwell w/The Grand Wizard vs Steve King
Another wonderful one for the big man. Big Splash does it
**

Match#4 The Yukon Lumberjacks w/Capt Lou Albano vs Larry Zybszko & Jimmy Raye
SO close to the dream match. Soon though, i promise. Larry/Jacks is wonderful to the shock of no one. Fantastic struggle and escalation of everything. The jobber stupidly tags in and gets murdered with a Lariat for the loss
**

 

[BigVanDonnie]

WWWWF WORLD CHAMPION: BOB BACKLUND Since 20/2/78
WWWWF WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: THE YUKON LUMBERJACKS. Since-26/6/78

WWWWF All-Star Wrestling
September 23rd, 1978

Match#1 Larry Zybszko vs Stan Stasiak
OH MY GOD, YES. Larry goes for the arm right away to take the Punch away, and Stan goes right for punishment to stop it from happening. Makes perfect sense for both, and the work itself is very good. Stan controls for a while and at one point punches the arm as he bends it back, and it shows how dirty and smart he is. He really beats the hell out of Larry and it's wonderful stuff. Larry's comeback is pure fire as he goes nuts in revenge. Gross punches and knees to the kidney's, just a big fuck you. It goes to the time limit, sadly.
***

Vince does a really good job of putting Larry over as nearly getting it done. Best work of his career thus far.

Match#2 Crusher Jerry Blackwell w/The Grand Wizard vs Frankie Williams
Yes! Another killer squash for Jerry. Just so much fun to watch him hurl people around and kill them with the fat. Big Powerslam does it
**

Post match, the jobber is dead and has to be taken away on a gurney! What a way to put Jerry over. Vince rants about how Blackwell took it too far and he's disgusted.

Coming from that. Vince interviews them. JERRY IS THE GREATEST WRESTLER THAT HAS EVER BEEN. EVERYONE IS SCARED TO FIGHT HIM AND THEY'RE ALL HIDING UNDER A ROCK. Dusty would be flattened if they ever fought and he's be nothing but a dirty flat road. AMAZING. He promises to hurt the little boys until the big ones step up and fight him, and then he'll hurt them worse. He offers to show Vince what he can do, and Vince backs away for a moment! Jerry keeps talking about all the people he's going to hurt, and it's the best. He says Backlund can't move him, so he has no chance against him. I need that match. Awesome, awesome stuff. My favourite thing thus far.

Match#3 Little Tokyo vs Coconut Willie
FABULOUS MIDGET MATCH. Vince does his famous laugh to start, so you know how happy he is about all of this. Tokyo beats the hell out of Coconut for a while and it's pretty fun. Can't wait for Bundy to murder a little person at Mania. Closeline does it
*1/2

Match#4 Ivan Koloff w/Capt Lou Albano vs Steve Kagal
Decent squash from the old man. Knee-drop does it
*

Match#5 Spiros Arion & Baron Scicluna vs SD Jones & Jimmy Raye
Pretty fun squash to close the show. Backbreaker on Raye does
*3/4

 

[BigVanDonnie]

WWWWF WORLD CHAMPION: BOB BACKLUND Since 20/2/78
WWWWF WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: THE YUKON LUMBERJACKS. Since-26/6/78

WWWWF All-Star Wrestling
September 30th, 1978

Match#1 Bob Backlund & Peter Maivia vs Jose Estrada & MOOSE
Bob again gets stuck with this dork for no real reason. Ah well, least he's on the show. Fun squash from the champs end as always. Atomic Drop does it
*3/4

Match#2 Billy the Kid vs Cowboy Lang
Another fun little person match. Billy wins with an Airplane spin
*1/2

At ringside, Vince is with Victor Rivera and Blassie. He says he is the king of WWWWF and they're going to the top. Blassie says he's only passing through life once and he wants to show kindness by getting rid of pencil neck geeks from their eyes. AMAZING. He keeps calling them all CRUMBUMS and says everyone sucks but who he manages. Vince says if Victor loses at some stage, Freddie will drop him like a bad habit. Freddie says he's starting trouble and should be quiet. YES. FUCK YOU, VINCE.

Match#3 Victor Rivera w/Classy Freddie Blassie vs Steve Kaygo
Another solid one for Victor. He wins with that double underhook suplex
*3/4

Match#4 Larry Zybszko, Tony Garea & Dominic DeNucci vs Baron Scicluna, Butcher Vachon & Stan Stasiak
WWWWF just refuses to give me the matches i want, and i get stuck with at least piece of shit. Match suffers as Dom spends a lot of time in the ring, instead of the other two who actually rule. Thankfully, Tony gets in and picks things up. Larry does the same, so Dom is really the problem. In the most 1970's finish ever, Butcher is beaten by a fucking backdrop
3/4*

 

[BigVanDonnie]

WWWWF WORLD CHAMPION: BOB BACKLUND Since 20/2/78
WWWWF WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: THE YUKON LUMBERJACKS. Since-26/6/78

WWWWF All-Star Wrestling
October 7th, 1978

Match#1 Ivan Koloff w/Capt Lou Albano vs SD Jones
Ivan in a real match is very hit and miss at the best of time, but with SD it's not going to work. Ivan wins with the flying Knee-drop
Vomiting in your mouth and accidently swallowing it

Match#2 Luke Graham w/The Grand Wizard vs Dave Darrow
Same squash as always. Big whatever after the 5th one. Punch does it. Highlight is the screen going all fuzzy for a few minutes.
1/2*

At ringside, they cut the same promo they've been cutting since he debuted.

Match#3 Victor Rivera w/Classy Freddie Blassie vs Dominic DeNucci
This actually a lot of fun, and it's not all on Victor. Dom actually has some fire for once and seems to be more motivated than usual with hsi bumping and selling. It's mostly a super back and forth of punches and general assault, and it's much better for it. Victor has some nasty shots and really throws bombs, including a knee right to the face. Victor keeps beating his head in and dropkicks him to the outside and wins via countout
**3/4

Match#4 Crusher Jerry Blackwell w/The Grand Wizard vs Kang & Ralph
Double the murder from our fat god. He beats the piss out of them, and beats one of them with that amazing falling headbutt
**

Match#5 The Yukon Lumberjacks & Spiros Arion vs Tony Garea, Dino Bravo & Jay Strongbow
Tony got REALLY fucked with partners, holy shit. Like, give him Larry, Backlund, SD, not these goobers. The heels work hard to get something out of the others, and Tony holds up his end, so this isn't the worst thing in the world. Tony/Jacks is awesome, so we're very close to the dream match coming to life. A big brawl breaks out and the ref somehow only DQ's the heels. WWWF refs really are the fucking worst
**

 

[BigVanDonnie]

WWWWF WORLD CHAMPION: BOB BACKLUND Since 20/2/78
WWWWF WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: THE YUKON LUMBERJACKS. Since-26/6/78

WWWWF All-Star Wrestling
October 14th, 1978

Match#1 Dino Bravo vs MOOSE Monroe
Horrible squash from this absolute moron. Airplane Spin does it, and i will give him credit for hoisting the big man up and being able to do it.
3/4*

Match#2 Spiros Arion & Victor Rivera w/Classy Freddie Blassie vs Larry Zybszko & SD Jones
The tape is messy again and we get clipped at points. This is very fun, but not quite great. Larry rules and the heels are great as well, so SD is the weak link as he always is. I'm reminded of when he inducted Tony Atlas and legit said he wasn't good enough to be his partner, so they put him with Rocky. Seems like a good dude. He gets isolated and that's good times, as is Larry's brief hot tag. Victor cuts him off and beats the shit out of him, and it's lovely stuff. REALLY need a singles match between them. SD gets back in and the tape weirdly skips forward to Larry back in the ring, so we missed something. Larry gets his ass kicked again for a while, then SD gets the tag and is quickly beaten by a knee-drop.
**1/2

At ringside, Vince interviews the winners. Blassie does his thing and calls the faces dirty cheaters and how he's only there to make sure it stays fair. Love him so much, He says they're coming for the titles, and the boys each cut a promo saying they will win them. Shame WWWWF will never run heel vs heel. because that match would RULE.

Match#3 Ivan Koloff w/Capt Lou Albano vs Johnny Ringo
Another lame Ivan squash. I liked him a lot in the NWA as Uncle Ivan, but this run is really not fun. Knee drop ends it after nearly 5 minutes
1/2*

Match#4 Tony Garea vs The Great Sabu
Awesome Tony squash. He wreaks the fake Sabu on the mat and beats him up in awesome fashion. Tony lifts him up and dumps him down for a bodyslam and that gets 3
**1/2

Match#4 Crusher Jerry Blackwell w/The Grand Wizard vs Sousa
YES! Wonderful squash from Jerry. He's wearing red and black and looks like a giant pissed off ladybug. Just the best human ever. Powerslam does it.
**

The jobber is dead and has to be taken away by a gurney, BUT BEFORE THEY CAN TAKE HIM, JERRY HITS AN ELBOW DROP TO HIS DEAD BODY.

 

[BigVanDonnie]

WWWWF WORLD CHAMPION: BOB BACKLUND Since 20/2/78
WWWWF WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: THE YUKON LUMBERJACKS. Since-26/6/78

LIVE EVENT- OCTOBER 23RD, 1978. MSG

This one is on the network, so give it a watch.

Match#1 Johnny Rodz vs Del Adams
This is a really fun fight between two low card guy trying to make it to the top. They move really well and everything builds the way it should. Rodz is stronger and can take over easier, he beats the snot out of poor Del, and it's good stuff. You can see how he became a trainer with the way he does everything very well, but nothing outright remarkable. Del finally cuts him off with an awesome jumping headbutt, and tries to fight back into it, but he doesn't have the firepower to get it done. Rodz keeps shutting him down and eventually hits him with the Double Underhook Suplex to win
**3/4

Gorilla introduces a bunch of kids fighting childhood diabetes, and tells us to fight.

Match#2 Baron Mikel Scicluna vs SD Jones
Not sure why this made MSG, but like the opener it's nice to see them get a chance on THE stage for WWWWF. This isn't very good though, as both are boring dudes with not much to offer anyone. Lots of stomping and chinlocks for a while, which i fucking hate. It keeps going and going forever. Just a horrible boring match. It goes to the full time limit
British Wrestlers as a concept

Match#3 The Yukon Lumberjacks vs Peter Maivia & Jay Strongbow
Oh, come on! Stop pushing these fat hgh old fucks, and put Tony and Larry in there so we can get some fucking bangers. We get JIP and we find the faces arguing back and forth for REASONS, and Vince doesn't know why this is happening. That makes two of us, dude. PETER ATTACKS JAY FROM BEHIND AND WALKS OFF. UH, WHAT THE FUCK. DO YOU THINK MAYBE YOU SHOULD HAVE DONE SOMETHING TO BUILD THIS, VINCE. The Jacks beat the shit out of the other old fucker for maybe a minute and beat him with a big boot
CTE

Match#4 Crusher Jerry Blackwell vs Tony Russo
Jerry saves the day by murdering Vince's dad. God bless the fat man. Big Splash does it
**

Match#4 Bob Backlund (C) w/Arnold Skaaland vs "Big Cat" Ernie Ladd w/The Grand Wizard (WWWWF World Championship)
Big Cat is here! I haven't seen much of him tbh, and i want to watch some comps off XWT, so i can see more of his work. So, if anyone has any recs for him, I'd love you a ton. I can tell you he's a fucking mountain of a human and dwarfs Backlund by a massive amount. Bob smartly realises he's fucked if he doesn't do something quick, so he goes for the leg, and i swear MSG loses their entire shit. Don't ever believe anyone who tells you Bob wasn't loved, man's a God to these people. He works on the ankle and wrecks it like the gleeful killer he is. Ladd's selling is really good, and i wasn't sure what to expect, so fuck yeah. Bob does lots of cool brutal stuff to the legs, including jumping down on Ladd's hamstrings! Ladd kicks him in the face in an attempt to get out, so Backlund BLASTS him in the face with one of his own to let him know who runs this place. He keeps at it and really wears it down in awesome fashion, and Ladd keeps selling it. Ernie finally punches him in the throat to get out, and he kicks the hell out of Bob in revenge all while selling the ankle. Bob's attempted comeback is the best as he headbutts at Ladd's knees, but he gets punched in the throat by Ladd's taped thumb. Ladd keeps controlling with some awesome boots and a legdrop. Bob finally starts to mount a comeback and MSG come alive for him. It's fantastic to watch him go insane with offence with that sick smile. Ladd goes back to the taped thumb to take back over, and he keeps going for the kill, but Bob can't be killed. Ladd goes for the big boot again, BUT BOB DUCKS UNDER AND SNATCHES HIM UP AND HITS THE ATOMIC DROP ON THE ALREADY SHITTY ANKLE TO WIN.
***1/2

That was bloody wonderful. Not quite as amazing as i thought it might be, but still a fucking banger well worth your time.

Match#5 Bruno Sammartino vs Superstar Billy Graham
Bob is the CM Punk to Bruno's Cena. Can't even main event MSG as champ if this fucker is around. I like Bruno fine enough, but this is bullshit. Also, yes i did love the matches they had at the start of the year, but it's been 8 months, so it doesn't deserve to main event over the champ like it's some hot feud. The high octane energy of the other matches is gone as they now work at a more slower pace, and that's not helping to win me over. Just a dull affair that shouldn't be here, tbqh. Bruno works the knee for a while and SBG sells it well enough. Some stuff happens and Billy shoves the ref for the DQ. Fuck this
3/4*