Post by managermike99 on Jul 15, 2013 15:02:10 GMT -5
February 2, 1985
River City Wrestling #177
Regina, Saskatchewen
Opening Bout:
Robbie Royce defeated Man Mountain Mike by pinfall after a dropkick from the top rope at 7:42
-a big win for the youngster Royce against a rookie MMM who is a very big guy at around 6’4 and 350 lbs.
Promo;
Miss Hartel and King Tonga cut a promo where she says that its time for some tough love. She tells Tong's partner and the other half of the tag team champions Abdullah the Butcher that next week he and Tonga will meet one on one to decide things. Perhaps after getting that behind them they can continue on as tag team champions. Tonga just stands stoic, does some Karate style thrusts, and then speaks a few words in Tongan(?) before he is cut off.
Bout #2
Richard Charland defeated Ed Wilson by pinfall after a piledriver at 3:33
-squash match
Interview:
Former Canadian Women’s Champion Natasha is interviewed. She is very angry that Corrie England got away with cheating last week and she wants a rematch. Marty Goldstein comes out to announce that the rematch has been granted for later tonight. Natasha “demands” one more thing, she wants Tawney England banned from ringside. Marty says she has no business there anyway as she is not a manager. But he also points out that Tawney actually tried to help Natasha out last week. Natasha just scoffs at this saying she’s still Corrie’s sister, and once a boot, always a boot. The fans give this characterization a mixture of cheers and jeers. Natasha says to ask Jeannie Rahib what happened the last time the England Sisters ran this scam. Marty just shakes his head but says that he will make it official, Tawney will be banned from ringside tonight. He also says that he will make sure that RCW’s most senior referee George Gadasky is officiating that match to make sure that Corrie does not benefit once again this week from cheating.
Promo; On tonight's Evening News
-President Reagan's proposed budget, sent to Congress today. programs targeted for cuts, increases or elimination listed on screen, discussed. On radio, voice of REAGAN - blames special ints. growth for budget problems; defs. proposed increase in military spending. Senator John HEINZ - doesn't believe budget will pass unless defense is include among cuts.
-Hughes helicopters thought illegally sold to North Korea by West German businessman
-(Tarrytown, New York) Youth court here, staffed by adolescent judges and attys. trained by real-life counterparts,
Bout #3
Keith & Bret Hart defeated Kerry Brown & Rick Patterson by submission when Keith submitted Brown to the figure-four leglock at 8:45
-pretty good match as both Brown and Patterson are capable hands
Post-Match:
As the Hart Brothers were being interviewed by Ron Strong about their strange match last week against Abdullah the Butcher & King Tonga, and the prospects for a rematch, they were interrupted by Chris Lyon and Bobby Duncum. Lyon & Duncum demanded some of the Hart Brothers interview time with Lyon saying he has been short changed by management ever since his title was stolen by Brunzell. This of course ended in a heated dust-up with Lyon and Duncum getting the better of the Harts. So far 1985 has not been kind to the former tag champs here in RCW.
Bout #4
Dr.D. David Schultz defeated Steve Olsonoski by pinfall after a corkscrew neckbreaker at 7:19
-Steve O had his moments of high flying offense of course, but Schultz managed to get across the point that he is not only a very good wrestler but brawler as well.
Post-Match:
David Schultz is interviewed and says he is still coming after Brad Rheinghans, regardless of how he fares tonight against Brunzell, and he will make Rheinghans admit who the better wrestler is in front of all the RCW fans. Those same fans jeer Schultz which only makes his smile spread further across his mug.
Promo; MGM Studios is proud to release to theatres this weekend "Heavenly Bodies" starring Cynthia Dale.
A small "Dance-ercize" studio fights for its existence against the unscrupulous owner of a rival club. The conflict boils over to a "Dance Marathon" to settle the score.
[end of first hour]
Bout #5
Re-Match
Canadian Women’s Championship
**Tawney England has been banned from ringside**
Special referee: George Gadasky
Corrie England (champion) v Natasha
Natasha started like a house on fire, going right after Corrie, smashing her head into the turnbuckles, the mat, and her knee. She worked the lower back but didn’t have the patience to lock on any submission moves for long. Going to the top though she lost her advantage when Corrie ducked away from a cross body block attempt. Corrie used a side headlock to mask her abusing her opponent with thumbs to the throat, and a chokehold. She then went to a sitdown position sleeperhold, again slipping it down to a choke when she was able. Finally she was caught by Gadasky and forced to break the hold. Natasha tried to fire back but she was weakened, so Corrie out punched her. After a dropkick Corrie went for the pin, added the legs over the rope, but was caught by a suspicious Gadasky who threatened her with a dq. Next up was the hairplane spin and she nailed Natasha nicely with the move, but unfortunately the swinging motion also took out Gadasky. Corrie made the pin but there was no one there to count. Seizing the opportunity she left the ring and retrieved her title belt. She laid it on the mat and was about to piledrive Natasha head first onto the belt when she was clotheslined from behind by a charging Tawney England (who was supposed to be banned). Tawney then picked up the belt and nailed her sister on the head, knocking her out. She straddled her sister, yelling at her and holding the belt. Of course Gadasky woke up about then and saw this and called for the bell.
Corrie England defeated Natasha by disqualification for outside interference at 9:00
Post-Match:
Natasha woke and heard the announcement of the dq. She quizzed Gadasky about it in heated terms and when Tawney tried to explain, Natasha just yelled at her to butt out and leave her alone, saying she was no better then her cheating sister. This got a reaction from Tawney as the two went face to face with Gadasky having to get between them to prevent fireworks. When he had them separated they turned around ~ and found themselves face to chest with Big Bad Bobby Duncum. Corrie was behind him telling him to get them. He grabbed Natasha by the throat and was about to scoop her into the air when Tawney hit him in the knee with a dropkick sending him tumbling to the ground. Tawney nailed her sister with a running clothesline for good measure on her way out of the ring. Natasha also managed to scramble out of the ring and out of the grasp of Bobby Duncum.
Bout #6
Bad News Allen & Butch Reed and Billy Robinson & Dynamite Kid battled to a time limit draw at 20:00
[approximately 14 minutes shown on television]
-all 4 men were given the chance to be featured in this match. Tempers began to really flare by about the 10 minute mark and it became obvious that neither team was going to allow a clean pinfall to chance. Soon four man brawls plagued this match until time ran out.
Promo; tonight on Good rockin' Tonight featured videos include; Careless Whisper by Wham, All I Need by Jack Wagner, At The Feet of The Moon by Parachute Club, Smalltown Boy by Bronski Beat, and Not in Love by Platinum Blonde.
Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Jim Brunzell (champion) v Brad Rheinghans
As could be expected this match began with a handshake. Rheinghans controlled early using his amateur background to ground the champ, working a sideheadlock and a bodyscissors. Brunzell wanted to pick the pace of the match up and go higher tempo but Rheinghans kept trying to ground him. The champ became frustrated twice when Rheinghans took a powder rather then to engage in a criss cross. This caused the champ to become more aggressive with some forearm chops, and when the action spilled outside both men got into chops and kicks. Rheinghans controlled inside and almost had Brunzell in trouble with the Boston crab but the champ was close enough to grab the bottom rope. Rheinghans though instead of breaking the hold pulled the champ to the middle of the ring. Referee Kenny Jay made him break. When Brunzell got up he was hot, and pushed Rheinghans down. Brad got up, and left the ring to clear his head while Jay tried to calm the champ down. Rheinghans got back into the ring, looking calmer, and offered a handshake to Jim. Brunzell refused and motioned to lock-up. But Kenny Jay prompted Jimmy to accept, and after a few seconds of hesitation the two men did shake hands.
They locked up and Rheinghans took him down with a side headlock. Jim worked it to their feet and shoved Rheinghans to the ropes, but the champ got knocked down with a shoulderblock. The challenger came off the ropes again but this time was taken down with a drop toe hold, which Brunzell turned into a toehold submission. Rheinghans was able to reach the ropes for a break, and after a slight hesitation Brunzell broke the hold. Back on their feet Rheinghans caught Brunzell with a knee to the gut, followed by a hiptoss and then a knee into the back. He then worked the champ with a surfboard until Brunzell escaped in the ropes. Brunzell caught the challenger with a single leg takedown and then went to work on the leg. Once Rheinghans was on his feet Brunzell took him down with a dropkick to the thigh. He put on the Indian deathlock but Rheinghans managed to roll out of the hold before it was totally locked on. Rheinghans attacked with a clothesline which Brunzell blocked, and then almost got the challenger with a bridging pin. Rheinghans caught the champ with a kick to the thigh, a forearm uppercut and then tried for the Olympic suplex. But the champ blocked it, reversed the arms and took Rheinghans over with a German suplex. When the challenger got to his feet Jimmy nailed him with a flying dropkick perfectly executed to the chin.
Jim Brunzell defeated Brad Rheinghans by pinfall after a flying dropkick at 15:41
[Jim Brunzell retains the RCW Heavyweight Championship]
Post-Match: The champion offers the challenger a handshake which is accepted and the two fan favorites embrace with the championship belt displayed over the shoulder of Jimmy Brunzell.
That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling.
See ya next week!!
February 9, 1985
River City Wrestling #178
Edmonton, Alberta
Opening Bout:
Armand Rougeau defeated Spike Sado by pinfall after a flyind double axhandle at 5:09
-premiere of the high flying French Canadian
Interview:
Armand Rougeau says he is here in part to show Western Canadians that not all French people are jerks like Richard Charland and Miss Hartel. He says he has his sights set first on Charland.
Bout #2:
Robbie Royce & Steve Olsonoski defeated Richard Charland & Ole Olson by pinfall when Steve O pinned Olson after a flying dropkick at 6:11
-Olson was the weak link in this encounter.
Interview:
Matchmaker Marty Goldstein comes out to announce a few matches. First off due to the fallout from last week with Chris Lyon and Bobby Duncum brawling with the Hart Brothers during their interview time two matches have been made. Lyon will face off one on one with Keith Hart. Duncum and Bret will also face off but it will be in a RCW first ever mixed tag match. Duncum’s partner will be his valet/manager Corrie England while Keith Hart will be joined by Corrie’s sister Tawney. If one team makes a tag then the other team must follow suit and change partners as women and men are not allowed to wrestle each other.
Goldstein also says he has a big announcement regarding the main event tonight between RCW tag team champions Abdullah the Butcher and King Tonga. He says that unfortunately this match was made by their manager Miss Hartel without the office’s approval. Goldstein says he doesn’t want to cancel the match as it is the advertised main event and something many fans are looking forward to because of the level of mayhem that they expect. However, RCW in the interests of all involved will not provide a referee as its not a safe work environment for the officials.
This brings out Miss Hartel who begins to call Goldstein an uncouth, money grubbing, lowlife pig. He ignores the insults and says that since Hartel made the match, and the fans demand the match, the only way it will go down is if she officiates. Hartel is mortified, and rightly so, at the thought of stepping into the ring with these two beasts. However her only choice is to be suspended and have the tag team champions stripped of their belts. She decides to accept the referee position for the match. Then Goldstein says to make it easier for her, since she can’t be expected to know all the rules as she is new to officiating, and new to RCW, and probably doesn’t have very good English skills, we’ll just get rid of all the rules. That main event tonight will be anything goes, no disqualification, no holds barred.
Bout #3:
“Dr.D” David Schultz and Brad Rheinghans battled to a 15 minute time limit draw.
[approximately 9 minutes shown on television]
-Schultz probably could have won this match sometime in the last 3 minutes. But he seemed determined to make Rheinghans yell “Uncle”, something the young Olympian just refused to do. By the end of the match Rheinghans was unable to even stand up. Schultz continued to punk out Rheinghans after the match until he was saved by Steve Olsonoski and RCW champion Jim Brunzell a few seconds later.
Bout #4:
Chris Lyon defeated Keith Hart by pinfall after a slingshot suplex at 5:51
-Lyon controlled most of this match and looked strong against the former tag team champion.
[end of first hour]
Bout #5
Mixed Tag Team
~Women and Men can not be in the ring at the same time~
Corrie England & Bobby Duncum v Tawney England & Bret Hart
A first for RCW, but matchmaker Goldstein figured if it was okay in Sam Muchnick’s books it was acceptable in his as well. Despite this it was a very awkward match, but what it lacked in pace and continuity it made up for in suspense. Duncum while not overt about it, seemed to be biding his time to get a shot in on Tawney. The best action was when the England sisters stepped into the ring together as it was a face slapping, hair pulling, nail raking, tumbling encounter with no regard for referee Wyatt Hall’s instructions. On the other hand Duncum and Hart seemed tamer and slower pace. Bret had his moments but could not match the sheer power of Duncum. Corrie managed to sucker Tawney into the ring and when her older sister had to be escorted out by Hall, Corrie entered the ring and held Bret down while Duncum came off the top rope with a knee drop.
Corrie England & Bobby Duncum defeated Tawney England & Bret Hart by pinfall when Duncum pinned Hart after a top rope knee drop at 8:23
Bout #6:
RCW Television Title Match
Ben Bassarab (champion) (/w Billy Robinson) v Bad News Allen
Three weeks ago Bassarab managed to hold onto his title with a victory over Butch Reed thanks in part to Robinson’s illegal interference. Last week the tag team of Allen and Reed battled to a 20-minute draw against Robinson and Bassarab.
Butch Reed came out with Allen but was sent to the back by Kenny Jay as he is not a licensed manager.
Allen controlled the first couple minutes working over the arm of Bassarab with armbars and armbreakers. Robinson then jumped up on the apron for a distraction, as he did 3 weeks ago. Kenny Jay was prepared though and ordered Robinson off the apron and gave him a stern warning. However, the distraction was enough to do its job as Bassarab nailed Allen with a kick to the groin. The champ worked over Allen with an inverted face lock, neck twist and then a crooked head scissor lock.
Allen though works through the punishment and comes back with some judo chops and then tosses Bassarab to the floor. When Robinson tries to get in the way he gets some chops too. Allen then bangs Robinson’s head off the announce table. The Judo champion rolls Bassarab back into the ring and then blocks a quick kick attempt by the champ. Allen takes him over with a German suplex and gets a 2 count.
Robinson is back on the ring apron, complaining to referee Kenny Jay, and his head is bleeding from the table shot. Jay won’t have any more of this tactic however and he orders Robinson to the back!
Allen punishes the champ with a full nelson slam for another 2 count. But when he tries to finish it off with his deadly enzuigiri, the champ has it scouted and moves out of the way.
It’s all Bassarab again for a couple minutes but he can’t put the gutsy Allen away. Just when the challenger is mounting a comeback, down the aisle comes Billy Robinson and Dynamite Kid. They stand outside the ring but its clear that DK is mad at Jay for allowing his manager Robinson to be busted open, and then sending him to the back. In the meantime Allen was distracted by this ploy and Bassarab left the ring to fetch a chair. He returned to the ring and tried to nail Allen, but the challenger turned around and blocked it. The two men wrestled for control of the chair, and suddenly Allen ripped it from the champ’s hands sending it clear across the ring. The chair narrowly missed the back of referee Kenny Jay, bounced off the bottom strands and off of Jay’s leg.
Jay turned around to see both men standing there, and they soon began to point at each other. He had seen enough and called for the bell.
No Contest at 8:38
[Ben Bassarab retains the RCW Television Title]
Main Event
Champion Tag Team Partners Clash
No Holds Barred
Special Guest Referee: Miss Hartel
Abdullah the Butcher vs King Tonga
Abby punched Tonga. Tonga chopped Abby. Abby bit Tonga. Tonga bit back. Once they had established the ground rules it went downhill from there. Hartel just stood back and watched, and fretted away over how Tonga was doing. However, she wasn’t stupid enough to draw any attention to herself. When the match went out of the ring, and both men were smashing each other’s skulls on the announce table and the guardrail she simply stayed inside the ring.
Tonga used a chair to bust Abby wide open. After some kicks didn’t finish off the 450 pound Sudanese madman he made the mistake of trying to come off the ring apron and got caught. Abby placed the big wooden ringsteps on top of Tonga, sat on them, and then bounced up and down. He then used a fork to bust Tonga’s forehead wide open.
Back inside Abby actually used a wrestling move, a belly to belly suplex and would have had the pin if there had been a referee interested in such things. Abby then went after Hartel, chasing, well not exactly “chasing” as in running, but slowly pursued Hartel up the aisle. Yes, soon enough King Tonga caught up to Abby from behind after retrieving a pair of metal tongs from under the ring. Tonga wrapped the tongs around the forehead of the Butcher and squeezed, squirting some blood at the crowd for good measure. He then led his tag team partner back to the ring where he tried for a pin. Not only did Abby kick out though, but one meaty hand reached out and grabbed Hartel by the wrist. Abby then literally rolled his sweaty, obese, bloodied body over Hartel, and then back again. She stood up screaming, covered in sweat and blood and ran for the backstage. This distracted Tonga and Abby caught him from behind with a knee driving him out of the ring. Abby tossed Tonga across the announce table, watching as he skidded hard into the guardrail. The Butcher then grabbed the hammer used to ring the bell and used it to batter the head of King Tonga. Butcher then left for the backstage area.
Who the hell knows, at about the 8 minute mark.
That’s it for another edition of River City Wrestling.
See ya next week!!!
February 16, 1985
River City Wrestling #179
Calgary, Alberta
Opening Bout:
King Tonga (/w Miss Hartel) defeated Steve Olsonoski by pinfall when his shoulders were counted down while in the Tongan death grip at 5:32
-even a qualified wrestler like Steve O had very little offense in against the monster from Tonga.
Promo;
Marty Goldstein comes to the ring and confronts Miss Hartel. King Tonga has both tag team title belts over his shoulders. Goldstein says he has some news for her but he won’t disclose it until Tonga goes to the backstage area, as he is uncontrollable. Hartel refuses to send him and tells Goldstein to get on with it. Marty refuses and it looks like we might have a stand-off. But then Butch Reed & Bad News Allen come out. Tonga wants to take them on, and they get into a pushing match. Goldstein tells Hartel to send the Tongan to the back or he will be suspended immediately. Finally she relents and walks him out of the ring, and he leaves up the aisle.
Back in the ring Goldstein says he has trouble believing that Abdullah the Butcher and King Tonga are still a functioning tag team, and certainly are bringing disgrace to the tag team belts, and even the concept of tag team wrestling. However, that being said he wanted to give them one last chance to prove themselves as a tag team. So, during the week he flew out to meet Abby in Atlanta where he was wrestling, and presented him with a bond to appear. Basically it stated that Abby would appear, defend the tag titles by the rules of wrestling, and operate in a co-operative manner with his tag partner and manager. Abby proceeded to pour Louisiana hot sauce on the contract and eat it. Then he stuck a fork in my arm. Marty rolls up his sleeve to show a bandage on his forearm. The fans cheer.
Marty says this charade comes to an end right now. Abdullah the Butcher is suspended from RCW indefinitely (the fans actually boo this announcement). Therefore, the 30 day defense time can not be honored and the titles are declared vacant as of today.
Hartel begins to protest but she is cut off by Goldstein. Marty says a major tag title tournament will be held with two brackets. The first bracket will have 8 teams competing right here in RCW over the next few weeks. The other bracket will be held all across North America with 16 teams taking part. It is a single loss knockout format, and ultimately will come down to two teams; the winning team from the RCW bracket taking on the winning team from the North American bracket.
Three out of the 4 first round matches in the RCW bracket will happen right here tonight and they are set up to settle some old scores which have been brewing lately.
• Keith and Bruce Hart v Chris Lyon & Bobby Duncum
• Brad Rheinghans & a partner to be named v David Schultz & a partner to be named
• Dynamite Kid & Billy Robinson v Bad News Allen & Butch Reed
Goldstein says that Rheinghans and Schultz will both name their partners in advance of that match later tonight.
The 4th match in the bracket will take place next week and will give King Tonga a fair chance to reclaim his tag belt. He is free to find a new partner and they will take on a tag team to be announced next week.
Music Video; A two minute package of King Tonga and Abdullah the Butcher is presented to the music "Helter Skelter" by the Beatles. Action is shown from RCW as a tag team, from their match against each other last week, as well as against each other in Puerto Rico.
Bout #2
Natasha defeated Kari Mashore by pinfall after flying headscissors at 5:58
-a very up tempo, high flying, scientific match between these two ladies. Natasha though secures the victory and keeps herself in the Women’s title picture.
Interview:
Natasha has nothing new to say about the England sisters situation. She says she is still gunning for Corrie’s title, and even if Tawney and Corrie really are at odds, that just makes Tawney her competition, not her friend. She warns Tawney to stay out of her business.
Bout #3
Armand Rougeau and Richard Charland battled to a double countout at 7:35
-back and forth match, both men had their sequences. The match spilled outside the ring and Rougeau was in position to re-enter the ring and beat the count but Charland reached out and held onto his ankle to prevent that from happening.
Interview:
Brad Rheinghans comes to the ring. He says he had no idea who his tag team partner for the tournament was going to be until minutes ago. Brad says he never imagined this man for his partner, as he would have assumed he was too busy. Out comes the RCW Heavyweight Champion himself, Jumpin’ Jimmy Brunzell who shakes hands with Rheinghans. Jimmy says he and Brad go back a long ways and tonight they are going to take their first step towards winning some gold together. Brunzell says he doesn’t care who Schultz uses as a partner, because they have his number.
Promo; Universal Pictures is proud to release to theatres this weekend "The Breakfast Club" starring Emilio Estevez, Michael Anthony Hall, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, and Ally Sheedy.
It's the weekend, and five students have weekend detention. There's a jock, a princess, a misfit, a nerd, and a lout. Not much in common, except for having to give up their day, sit in the school library, and write an essay for the principal. Being from such widely different backgrounds and having such completely different personalities, it's inevitable that some frictions and shenanigans develop. Especially when the principal leaves the room...
A John Hughes film...featuring music by Simple Minds.
"They only met once, but it changed their lives forever"
Bout #4
Canadian Women’s Championship
Corrie England defeated Tawney England by disqualification for outside interference at 6:01
[Corrie England retains the Canadian Women’s Championship]
- a fairly even match with lots of spirited action. The first 3 minutes were a knock out, drag down brawl, with lots of hair pulling and nail raking. However it then transitioned nicely into a wrestling match with some submission moves. However, a ref bump took out Buddy Lane, and then Bobby Duncum came down and into the ring. He nailed Tawney from behind with a clothesline. She was knocked out cold. Duncum left and Corrie revived Lane. The champ delivered the hairplane spin to her sister as Natasha came running down from the backstage area. She entered the ring just as Corrie was applying the pin, and she stomped on the back of the champ. She then threw Corrie out of the ring. Lane called for the DQ despite Natasha trying to explain to him what happened.
Post-Match: As Natasha talked to Lane the result announcement was made. Tawney then went over to complain to referee Lane as well. Corrie had already retrieved her title belt and left the area. Tawney and Natasha despite having the same arguments with Lane, began to jockey for position, and it ended up in a pushing match between the two ladies. It seemingly would have come to blows but Natasha just threw up her arms and left the ring.
Interview:
Dr. D David Schultz is interviewed in the ring by Ron Strong. Schultz says he is not surprised or worried that Rheinghans partner is that sissy champion Brunzell. When prompted for the identity of his partner Schultz laughs at Strong. Dr. D says there is only one man who can be trusted and is capable enough to be the tag team partner of the greatest true wrestler in the world today. However, Schultz will not actually name his partner and says the world will have to wait for the match to find out.
[end of first hour]
Promo; Featured tonight on Good Rockin' Tonight will be the videos; We Run by Strange Advance, Somebody by Bryan Adams, Born in the USA by Bruce Springsteen, California Girls by David Lee Roth, and the #1 smash I Want to Know What Love Is by Foreigner.
Bout #5
1st Round RCW Tag Team Title Tournament Match (RCW Bracket)
Keith & Bret Hart v Chris Lyon & Bobby Duncum (/w Corrie England)
The Hart Brothers start off strong and get Lyon in some trouble, isolating him and working over his legs. Keith finally gets the figure-four on Lyon but incredibly the former RCW champ manages to turn over and reverse the pressure on the hold. Lyon gets the tag out and Duncum comes in and annihilates Keith with a running clothesline. He punishes Keith, and after a few seconds of letdown he punishes Bret when he is tagged in. Duncum has Bret over his knee after a backbreaker trying to make him submit but the youngster won’t do it. Lyon is tagged in and works over Bret but can’t get the 3 count even after a slingshot suplex. Duncum comes back in and tries to finish Bret off with his bulldog finisher but Bret pushes him off, sending him to the buckle, colliding with Lyon.
Bret makes the tag out to Keith who goes to work on Duncum. He has the advantage and is setting him up for the figure-four when Corrie jumps on the apron for a distraction. Lyon enters the ring and nails Keith with a kick, and is then attacked by Bret. Referee Wyatt Hall turns around and begins to escort Bret out of the ring. Lyon and Duncum double team Keith with a double shoulderblock.
From the back comes Tawney England who makes a bee line to her sister Corrie, yanking her down by the hair. Outside the ring it’s an old fashioned cat fight which distracts Lyon and Duncum inside the ring. Their backs are turned when Bret takes out Lyon from behind with a dropkick to the back of the legs. He then catches Duncum as he turns with an atomic drop.
RCW officials are out to break up the catfight. In the meantime inside the ring Hall once again escorts Bret out of the ring. Keith comes up swinging but Duncum catches him with a vicious looking clothesline. He drops a knee to the head, and then finishes off Keith with a bulldog.
Bobby Duncum & Chris Lyon defeated The Hart Brothers by pinfall when Duncum pinned Keith after a bulldog at 12:00
Bout #6:
1st Round RCW Tag Team Title Tournament Match (RCW Bracket)
Bad News Allen & Butch Reed and Billy Robinson & Dynamite Kid battled to a 15 minute time limit draw.
Promo; On Tonight's Evening News
-Possibility that Muhammad Ali played role in Jeremy Levin's escape or release from captivity in Lebanon examined; number other Americans still held there mentioned. Ali's venture said arranged by Algeria; Algeria mentioned playing key role in negotiations to free William Buckley, Peter Kilburn, Lawrence Jenco and Benjamin Weir
-Completion of 1st phase of Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon featured
-Possible discovery of remains of American MIAs, downed over Laos in 1972, reported.
-United States Customs' search along border with Mexico for kidnapped Drug Enforcement Agency ofr. Enrique Camarena (Salazar) and his terrorist abductors examined
-Espionage allegations lodged by Spanish officials against United States dipls. recently expelled outlined
-Scotch whiskey cargo from wrecked ship reported washing up on beaches of Britain's Alderney island
Main Event
1st Round RCW Tag Team Title Tournament Match (RCW Bracket)
Jim Brunzell & Brad Rheinghans v David Schultz & mystery partner
Schultz reiterates his claim that only one man is capable enough and trust worthy enough to be his partner. All eyes turn to the aisle until Schultz says “me”. He then attacks Brunzell and Rheinghans with the microphone. Apparently we have ourselves a handicap match.
After that initial attack Schultz keeps up the pressure working over Rheinghans. He nails him with a powerbomb, clotheslines, neckbreaker, and backbody drop but can’t get the pin. A full nelson and an abdominal stretch likewise can’t get the win. When he tries for his corkscrew neckbreaker finisher, Rheinghans manages to twist out of it, roll over and make the tag to Brunzell. Even the RCW champ though has trouble with Dr. D at first with Schultz controlling the champ for a couple minutes. Brunzell though makes a comeback and then tags out to Rheinghans. The fan favorites make quick tags for the next couple of minutes and now have Schultz worn out and almost beaten. However, in desperation Schultz throws Rheinghans through the ropes to the floor below. After the count of 5 when Rheinghans tries to get back in and Schultz prevents that with a kick, the villain follows him to the floor. He tosses Rheinghans against the announce table. He then scoops up Brunzell’s Heavyweight title and ~waffles~ Rheinghans with it, busting his head wide open. Brunzell comes over and attacks Schultz and referee Kenny Jay calls for the bell.
Rheinghans & Brunzell defeated Schultz by disqualification at 9:49
Post-Match:
Schultz manages to catch Brunzell with a chop to the throat. He then climbs on the announce table and jumps off with the belt, nailing Brunzell in the back of the head. Both Brunzell and Rheinghans are down and out. Schultz tosses the belt beside Brunzell and walks away to the jeers of the crowd.
That’s it for another edition of River City Wrestling.
See ya next week!!!
February 23, 1985
River City Wrestling #180
Lethbridge, Alberta
RCW invades the city of Lethbridge for the first time ever.
Opening Bout:
Robbie Royce defeats The Tulip after a dropkick from the top rope at 4:18
-squash match
Promo;
Former NWA World Champion, Canadian wrestling legend, Gene Kiniski comes to the ring to a huge ovation.
Kiniski says he is there to represent the Hall of Fame committee, and he calls out RCW matchmaker and fellow HoF committee member Marty Goldstein. Kiniski says that last year Goldstein withdrew his name from contention so that he could remain a voting member of the board. Ultimately it was The Destroyer getting elected to the HoF in an easy decision. However, this year’s decision is much tougher. The committee would like Goldstein to step down from the committee this year and put his name in the balloting. At first Goldstein stands firm and says he won’t be considered for the HoF. But Kiniski says that right now there is only one other name that the committee can seriously consider for HoF placement, and that is Chris Lyon. The fans jeer that announcement and it seems to perk up Goldstein’s interest. Marty says he will have an answer for Kiniski next week.
Bout #2:
Tod Hestrerey defeated Steve O by pinfall after a Salto suplex at 8:27
-wow, a huge upset victory for a rookie Hestrerey. The guy looks to be in his mid 30’s but is a rookie. He wears a t-shirt in the ring, perhaps to cover up his love handles, but his repertoire of scientific moves seems solid. He also cheats at just the right moments to aid his cause without the ref calling for the dq. The crowd is shocked, and Steve O is very upset at himself as the rookie comes out of nowhere to win this match.
Interview;
RCW Heavyweight champion Jim Brunzell is interviewed. He wants revenge against Dr D David Schultz for the belt shot he suffered at the end of last week’s match. He says he offered Schultz a match for tonight but that RCW officials decided to have Rheinghans take on Schultz tonight one more time, in a top contenders match. When asked by Ron Strong who Brunzell would prefer to win that match he kind of waffles. He says he of course wants his friend Brad to win, but at the same time he’s not sure how long he is willing to wait to get his hands on Schultz.
Bout #3:
Re-match
Armand Rougeau defeated Richard Charland by pinfall after a flying elbowsmash at 6:44
-A good win for the member of the famous French Canadian clan, and one that will help establish him in the pecking order of RCW.
Tag Team Tournament Update; North American Bracket – Round of 16, matches held at arenas this past week;
Marquette, WI: Larry Hennig & Wahoo McDaniel defeated Kevin Kelly & Kelly Kiniski
Memphis, TN: The Fabulous Ones defeated The Kiwi Sheepherders (Johnathan Boyd & Rip Morgan)
Anchorage AS: The Longriders (Bill & Scott Irwin) defeated Drew Tossel & Curt Hennig
Raleigh NC: Black Bart & Joel Deaton and Brady Boone & Italian Stallion battled to a double countout
Allentown PA: Gary Star & Mike Saxton defeated Jeff Craney & Sal Gee
Honolulu HI: Don Muraco & S.D. Jones defeated Sal Belemo & Peter Maivia
San Antonio Tx: Super Destroyer & Masked Superstar defeated the Masked Grapplers
Montreal QB: Raymond Rougeau & Jos LeDuc defeated Leo Burke & Sailor White
Bout #4:
#1 Contenders Match
Natasha and Tawney England battled to a double countout at 5:06
-despite both being fan favorites (the fans cheered a bit more for Natasha) each girl held nothing back. This turned from a high pace match quickly to a brawl which went out of the ring. Neither girl gave any credence to referee instructions and both were counted out. They continued to brawl after the match until RCW officials tried to break it up. Then Women’s champion Corrie England arrived on the scene and went right after her sister. This turned into a 3 way brawl until officials finally broke it up.
[end of first hour]
Interview:
Miss Hartel and King Tonga are interviewed by Ron Strong. He wants to know who the mystery partner is for tonight. Hartel says they had a partner in mind, but have now decided to ask someone else instead, but they are still trying to find him in the arena. Strong asked her to identify the wrestler, but she retorted that she doesn’t even know who their opponents will be, so why should she? Tonga then got in a few seconds to talk Tongan gibberish and do some air Karate before the interview was abruptly cut-off.
Bout #5:
#1 Contenders Match
David Schultz defeated Brad Rheinghans by pinfall after a corkscrew neckbreaker at 11:04
[joined in progress, approximately 8 minutes shown on TV]
-finally things were settled between these two combatants with Schultz only interested in the victory and not in trying to embarrass Rheinghans. The match went in and out of the ring, and with emotions flying high Rheinghans could not keep the match scientific. When it went into brawling mode the tough Schultz really took over the match. He managed to weaken Rheinghans up by dropping him with a vertical suplex onto the announce table.
Interview:
Post-match David Schultz gives the run of the mill, he’s the #1 contender and will beat Brunzell next week for the belt promo.
Promo: Paramount pictures has a hit on their hands with the nation’s #1 movie “Beverly Hills Cop” starring Eddie Murphy, now in its 12th week of theatrical release, and still at the #1 spot.
Bout #6:
No time limit Re-match
1st Round RCW Tag Team Title Tournament Match (RCW Bracket)
Dynamite Kid & Billy Robinson defeated Bad News Allen & Butch Reed by pinfall when Robinson pinned Reed after a double underhook suplex at 25:09
[approximately 12 minutes shown on TV]
- a good match but probably went unjustifiably long just to get over the fact that they are equally matched and last week ran out of time. All 4 men had their moments, with no weak link. Reed had some misfortune when he missed charging in at Robinson and banged his head off the ring post. Robinson finished him off in short order.
Main Event
1st Round RCW Tag Team Title Tournament Match (RCW Bracket)
The Roughnecks (Stan Rodgers & Russel Riggs)
V
King Tonga & Tod Hestrerey (/w Miss Hartel)
As much of a shock as it must have been that Hartel would pick the inexperienced Hestrerey considering her experiences last year managing green rookies, it was even a bigger surprise when the original tag team legends of RCW, 2 time tag team champs, the Roughnecks came out as the opponents for this match.
The Roughnecks controlled much of the early match, and it was actually Tonga that they had success against not the youngster. But around the 7 minute mark Tonga perked up and began to chop at throats and kick at kneecaps with good results. Hestrerey added some impressive suplexes against men 50-75 lbs heavier then himself. Ultimately though it fell on Tonga to use his Tongan death grip to pick up the win.
Tonga & Hestrerey defeated the Roughnecks by submission when Tonga made Rodgers submit to the Tongan death grip at 10:20
That’s it for another edition of River City Wrestling.
See ya next week!!!
River City Wrestling #177
Regina, Saskatchewen
Opening Bout:
Robbie Royce defeated Man Mountain Mike by pinfall after a dropkick from the top rope at 7:42
-a big win for the youngster Royce against a rookie MMM who is a very big guy at around 6’4 and 350 lbs.
Promo;
Miss Hartel and King Tonga cut a promo where she says that its time for some tough love. She tells Tong's partner and the other half of the tag team champions Abdullah the Butcher that next week he and Tonga will meet one on one to decide things. Perhaps after getting that behind them they can continue on as tag team champions. Tonga just stands stoic, does some Karate style thrusts, and then speaks a few words in Tongan(?) before he is cut off.
Bout #2
Richard Charland defeated Ed Wilson by pinfall after a piledriver at 3:33
-squash match
Interview:
Former Canadian Women’s Champion Natasha is interviewed. She is very angry that Corrie England got away with cheating last week and she wants a rematch. Marty Goldstein comes out to announce that the rematch has been granted for later tonight. Natasha “demands” one more thing, she wants Tawney England banned from ringside. Marty says she has no business there anyway as she is not a manager. But he also points out that Tawney actually tried to help Natasha out last week. Natasha just scoffs at this saying she’s still Corrie’s sister, and once a boot, always a boot. The fans give this characterization a mixture of cheers and jeers. Natasha says to ask Jeannie Rahib what happened the last time the England Sisters ran this scam. Marty just shakes his head but says that he will make it official, Tawney will be banned from ringside tonight. He also says that he will make sure that RCW’s most senior referee George Gadasky is officiating that match to make sure that Corrie does not benefit once again this week from cheating.
Promo; On tonight's Evening News
-President Reagan's proposed budget, sent to Congress today. programs targeted for cuts, increases or elimination listed on screen, discussed. On radio, voice of REAGAN - blames special ints. growth for budget problems; defs. proposed increase in military spending. Senator John HEINZ - doesn't believe budget will pass unless defense is include among cuts.
-Hughes helicopters thought illegally sold to North Korea by West German businessman
-(Tarrytown, New York) Youth court here, staffed by adolescent judges and attys. trained by real-life counterparts,
Bout #3
Keith & Bret Hart defeated Kerry Brown & Rick Patterson by submission when Keith submitted Brown to the figure-four leglock at 8:45
-pretty good match as both Brown and Patterson are capable hands
Post-Match:
As the Hart Brothers were being interviewed by Ron Strong about their strange match last week against Abdullah the Butcher & King Tonga, and the prospects for a rematch, they were interrupted by Chris Lyon and Bobby Duncum. Lyon & Duncum demanded some of the Hart Brothers interview time with Lyon saying he has been short changed by management ever since his title was stolen by Brunzell. This of course ended in a heated dust-up with Lyon and Duncum getting the better of the Harts. So far 1985 has not been kind to the former tag champs here in RCW.
Bout #4
Dr.D. David Schultz defeated Steve Olsonoski by pinfall after a corkscrew neckbreaker at 7:19
-Steve O had his moments of high flying offense of course, but Schultz managed to get across the point that he is not only a very good wrestler but brawler as well.
Post-Match:
David Schultz is interviewed and says he is still coming after Brad Rheinghans, regardless of how he fares tonight against Brunzell, and he will make Rheinghans admit who the better wrestler is in front of all the RCW fans. Those same fans jeer Schultz which only makes his smile spread further across his mug.
Promo; MGM Studios is proud to release to theatres this weekend "Heavenly Bodies" starring Cynthia Dale.
A small "Dance-ercize" studio fights for its existence against the unscrupulous owner of a rival club. The conflict boils over to a "Dance Marathon" to settle the score.
[end of first hour]
Bout #5
Re-Match
Canadian Women’s Championship
**Tawney England has been banned from ringside**
Special referee: George Gadasky
Corrie England (champion) v Natasha
Natasha started like a house on fire, going right after Corrie, smashing her head into the turnbuckles, the mat, and her knee. She worked the lower back but didn’t have the patience to lock on any submission moves for long. Going to the top though she lost her advantage when Corrie ducked away from a cross body block attempt. Corrie used a side headlock to mask her abusing her opponent with thumbs to the throat, and a chokehold. She then went to a sitdown position sleeperhold, again slipping it down to a choke when she was able. Finally she was caught by Gadasky and forced to break the hold. Natasha tried to fire back but she was weakened, so Corrie out punched her. After a dropkick Corrie went for the pin, added the legs over the rope, but was caught by a suspicious Gadasky who threatened her with a dq. Next up was the hairplane spin and she nailed Natasha nicely with the move, but unfortunately the swinging motion also took out Gadasky. Corrie made the pin but there was no one there to count. Seizing the opportunity she left the ring and retrieved her title belt. She laid it on the mat and was about to piledrive Natasha head first onto the belt when she was clotheslined from behind by a charging Tawney England (who was supposed to be banned). Tawney then picked up the belt and nailed her sister on the head, knocking her out. She straddled her sister, yelling at her and holding the belt. Of course Gadasky woke up about then and saw this and called for the bell.
Corrie England defeated Natasha by disqualification for outside interference at 9:00
Post-Match:
Natasha woke and heard the announcement of the dq. She quizzed Gadasky about it in heated terms and when Tawney tried to explain, Natasha just yelled at her to butt out and leave her alone, saying she was no better then her cheating sister. This got a reaction from Tawney as the two went face to face with Gadasky having to get between them to prevent fireworks. When he had them separated they turned around ~ and found themselves face to chest with Big Bad Bobby Duncum. Corrie was behind him telling him to get them. He grabbed Natasha by the throat and was about to scoop her into the air when Tawney hit him in the knee with a dropkick sending him tumbling to the ground. Tawney nailed her sister with a running clothesline for good measure on her way out of the ring. Natasha also managed to scramble out of the ring and out of the grasp of Bobby Duncum.
Bout #6
Bad News Allen & Butch Reed and Billy Robinson & Dynamite Kid battled to a time limit draw at 20:00
[approximately 14 minutes shown on television]
-all 4 men were given the chance to be featured in this match. Tempers began to really flare by about the 10 minute mark and it became obvious that neither team was going to allow a clean pinfall to chance. Soon four man brawls plagued this match until time ran out.
Promo; tonight on Good rockin' Tonight featured videos include; Careless Whisper by Wham, All I Need by Jack Wagner, At The Feet of The Moon by Parachute Club, Smalltown Boy by Bronski Beat, and Not in Love by Platinum Blonde.
Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
Jim Brunzell (champion) v Brad Rheinghans
As could be expected this match began with a handshake. Rheinghans controlled early using his amateur background to ground the champ, working a sideheadlock and a bodyscissors. Brunzell wanted to pick the pace of the match up and go higher tempo but Rheinghans kept trying to ground him. The champ became frustrated twice when Rheinghans took a powder rather then to engage in a criss cross. This caused the champ to become more aggressive with some forearm chops, and when the action spilled outside both men got into chops and kicks. Rheinghans controlled inside and almost had Brunzell in trouble with the Boston crab but the champ was close enough to grab the bottom rope. Rheinghans though instead of breaking the hold pulled the champ to the middle of the ring. Referee Kenny Jay made him break. When Brunzell got up he was hot, and pushed Rheinghans down. Brad got up, and left the ring to clear his head while Jay tried to calm the champ down. Rheinghans got back into the ring, looking calmer, and offered a handshake to Jim. Brunzell refused and motioned to lock-up. But Kenny Jay prompted Jimmy to accept, and after a few seconds of hesitation the two men did shake hands.
They locked up and Rheinghans took him down with a side headlock. Jim worked it to their feet and shoved Rheinghans to the ropes, but the champ got knocked down with a shoulderblock. The challenger came off the ropes again but this time was taken down with a drop toe hold, which Brunzell turned into a toehold submission. Rheinghans was able to reach the ropes for a break, and after a slight hesitation Brunzell broke the hold. Back on their feet Rheinghans caught Brunzell with a knee to the gut, followed by a hiptoss and then a knee into the back. He then worked the champ with a surfboard until Brunzell escaped in the ropes. Brunzell caught the challenger with a single leg takedown and then went to work on the leg. Once Rheinghans was on his feet Brunzell took him down with a dropkick to the thigh. He put on the Indian deathlock but Rheinghans managed to roll out of the hold before it was totally locked on. Rheinghans attacked with a clothesline which Brunzell blocked, and then almost got the challenger with a bridging pin. Rheinghans caught the champ with a kick to the thigh, a forearm uppercut and then tried for the Olympic suplex. But the champ blocked it, reversed the arms and took Rheinghans over with a German suplex. When the challenger got to his feet Jimmy nailed him with a flying dropkick perfectly executed to the chin.
Jim Brunzell defeated Brad Rheinghans by pinfall after a flying dropkick at 15:41
[Jim Brunzell retains the RCW Heavyweight Championship]
Post-Match: The champion offers the challenger a handshake which is accepted and the two fan favorites embrace with the championship belt displayed over the shoulder of Jimmy Brunzell.
That's it for another edition of River City Wrestling.
See ya next week!!
February 9, 1985
River City Wrestling #178
Edmonton, Alberta
Opening Bout:
Armand Rougeau defeated Spike Sado by pinfall after a flyind double axhandle at 5:09
-premiere of the high flying French Canadian
Interview:
Armand Rougeau says he is here in part to show Western Canadians that not all French people are jerks like Richard Charland and Miss Hartel. He says he has his sights set first on Charland.
Bout #2:
Robbie Royce & Steve Olsonoski defeated Richard Charland & Ole Olson by pinfall when Steve O pinned Olson after a flying dropkick at 6:11
-Olson was the weak link in this encounter.
Interview:
Matchmaker Marty Goldstein comes out to announce a few matches. First off due to the fallout from last week with Chris Lyon and Bobby Duncum brawling with the Hart Brothers during their interview time two matches have been made. Lyon will face off one on one with Keith Hart. Duncum and Bret will also face off but it will be in a RCW first ever mixed tag match. Duncum’s partner will be his valet/manager Corrie England while Keith Hart will be joined by Corrie’s sister Tawney. If one team makes a tag then the other team must follow suit and change partners as women and men are not allowed to wrestle each other.
Goldstein also says he has a big announcement regarding the main event tonight between RCW tag team champions Abdullah the Butcher and King Tonga. He says that unfortunately this match was made by their manager Miss Hartel without the office’s approval. Goldstein says he doesn’t want to cancel the match as it is the advertised main event and something many fans are looking forward to because of the level of mayhem that they expect. However, RCW in the interests of all involved will not provide a referee as its not a safe work environment for the officials.
This brings out Miss Hartel who begins to call Goldstein an uncouth, money grubbing, lowlife pig. He ignores the insults and says that since Hartel made the match, and the fans demand the match, the only way it will go down is if she officiates. Hartel is mortified, and rightly so, at the thought of stepping into the ring with these two beasts. However her only choice is to be suspended and have the tag team champions stripped of their belts. She decides to accept the referee position for the match. Then Goldstein says to make it easier for her, since she can’t be expected to know all the rules as she is new to officiating, and new to RCW, and probably doesn’t have very good English skills, we’ll just get rid of all the rules. That main event tonight will be anything goes, no disqualification, no holds barred.
Bout #3:
“Dr.D” David Schultz and Brad Rheinghans battled to a 15 minute time limit draw.
[approximately 9 minutes shown on television]
-Schultz probably could have won this match sometime in the last 3 minutes. But he seemed determined to make Rheinghans yell “Uncle”, something the young Olympian just refused to do. By the end of the match Rheinghans was unable to even stand up. Schultz continued to punk out Rheinghans after the match until he was saved by Steve Olsonoski and RCW champion Jim Brunzell a few seconds later.
Bout #4:
Chris Lyon defeated Keith Hart by pinfall after a slingshot suplex at 5:51
-Lyon controlled most of this match and looked strong against the former tag team champion.
[end of first hour]
Bout #5
Mixed Tag Team
~Women and Men can not be in the ring at the same time~
Corrie England & Bobby Duncum v Tawney England & Bret Hart
A first for RCW, but matchmaker Goldstein figured if it was okay in Sam Muchnick’s books it was acceptable in his as well. Despite this it was a very awkward match, but what it lacked in pace and continuity it made up for in suspense. Duncum while not overt about it, seemed to be biding his time to get a shot in on Tawney. The best action was when the England sisters stepped into the ring together as it was a face slapping, hair pulling, nail raking, tumbling encounter with no regard for referee Wyatt Hall’s instructions. On the other hand Duncum and Hart seemed tamer and slower pace. Bret had his moments but could not match the sheer power of Duncum. Corrie managed to sucker Tawney into the ring and when her older sister had to be escorted out by Hall, Corrie entered the ring and held Bret down while Duncum came off the top rope with a knee drop.
Corrie England & Bobby Duncum defeated Tawney England & Bret Hart by pinfall when Duncum pinned Hart after a top rope knee drop at 8:23
Bout #6:
RCW Television Title Match
Ben Bassarab (champion) (/w Billy Robinson) v Bad News Allen
Three weeks ago Bassarab managed to hold onto his title with a victory over Butch Reed thanks in part to Robinson’s illegal interference. Last week the tag team of Allen and Reed battled to a 20-minute draw against Robinson and Bassarab.
Butch Reed came out with Allen but was sent to the back by Kenny Jay as he is not a licensed manager.
Allen controlled the first couple minutes working over the arm of Bassarab with armbars and armbreakers. Robinson then jumped up on the apron for a distraction, as he did 3 weeks ago. Kenny Jay was prepared though and ordered Robinson off the apron and gave him a stern warning. However, the distraction was enough to do its job as Bassarab nailed Allen with a kick to the groin. The champ worked over Allen with an inverted face lock, neck twist and then a crooked head scissor lock.
Allen though works through the punishment and comes back with some judo chops and then tosses Bassarab to the floor. When Robinson tries to get in the way he gets some chops too. Allen then bangs Robinson’s head off the announce table. The Judo champion rolls Bassarab back into the ring and then blocks a quick kick attempt by the champ. Allen takes him over with a German suplex and gets a 2 count.
Robinson is back on the ring apron, complaining to referee Kenny Jay, and his head is bleeding from the table shot. Jay won’t have any more of this tactic however and he orders Robinson to the back!
Allen punishes the champ with a full nelson slam for another 2 count. But when he tries to finish it off with his deadly enzuigiri, the champ has it scouted and moves out of the way.
It’s all Bassarab again for a couple minutes but he can’t put the gutsy Allen away. Just when the challenger is mounting a comeback, down the aisle comes Billy Robinson and Dynamite Kid. They stand outside the ring but its clear that DK is mad at Jay for allowing his manager Robinson to be busted open, and then sending him to the back. In the meantime Allen was distracted by this ploy and Bassarab left the ring to fetch a chair. He returned to the ring and tried to nail Allen, but the challenger turned around and blocked it. The two men wrestled for control of the chair, and suddenly Allen ripped it from the champ’s hands sending it clear across the ring. The chair narrowly missed the back of referee Kenny Jay, bounced off the bottom strands and off of Jay’s leg.
Jay turned around to see both men standing there, and they soon began to point at each other. He had seen enough and called for the bell.
No Contest at 8:38
[Ben Bassarab retains the RCW Television Title]
Main Event
Champion Tag Team Partners Clash
No Holds Barred
Special Guest Referee: Miss Hartel
Abdullah the Butcher vs King Tonga
Abby punched Tonga. Tonga chopped Abby. Abby bit Tonga. Tonga bit back. Once they had established the ground rules it went downhill from there. Hartel just stood back and watched, and fretted away over how Tonga was doing. However, she wasn’t stupid enough to draw any attention to herself. When the match went out of the ring, and both men were smashing each other’s skulls on the announce table and the guardrail she simply stayed inside the ring.
Tonga used a chair to bust Abby wide open. After some kicks didn’t finish off the 450 pound Sudanese madman he made the mistake of trying to come off the ring apron and got caught. Abby placed the big wooden ringsteps on top of Tonga, sat on them, and then bounced up and down. He then used a fork to bust Tonga’s forehead wide open.
Back inside Abby actually used a wrestling move, a belly to belly suplex and would have had the pin if there had been a referee interested in such things. Abby then went after Hartel, chasing, well not exactly “chasing” as in running, but slowly pursued Hartel up the aisle. Yes, soon enough King Tonga caught up to Abby from behind after retrieving a pair of metal tongs from under the ring. Tonga wrapped the tongs around the forehead of the Butcher and squeezed, squirting some blood at the crowd for good measure. He then led his tag team partner back to the ring where he tried for a pin. Not only did Abby kick out though, but one meaty hand reached out and grabbed Hartel by the wrist. Abby then literally rolled his sweaty, obese, bloodied body over Hartel, and then back again. She stood up screaming, covered in sweat and blood and ran for the backstage. This distracted Tonga and Abby caught him from behind with a knee driving him out of the ring. Abby tossed Tonga across the announce table, watching as he skidded hard into the guardrail. The Butcher then grabbed the hammer used to ring the bell and used it to batter the head of King Tonga. Butcher then left for the backstage area.
Who the hell knows, at about the 8 minute mark.
That’s it for another edition of River City Wrestling.
See ya next week!!!
February 16, 1985
River City Wrestling #179
Calgary, Alberta
Opening Bout:
King Tonga (/w Miss Hartel) defeated Steve Olsonoski by pinfall when his shoulders were counted down while in the Tongan death grip at 5:32
-even a qualified wrestler like Steve O had very little offense in against the monster from Tonga.
Promo;
Marty Goldstein comes to the ring and confronts Miss Hartel. King Tonga has both tag team title belts over his shoulders. Goldstein says he has some news for her but he won’t disclose it until Tonga goes to the backstage area, as he is uncontrollable. Hartel refuses to send him and tells Goldstein to get on with it. Marty refuses and it looks like we might have a stand-off. But then Butch Reed & Bad News Allen come out. Tonga wants to take them on, and they get into a pushing match. Goldstein tells Hartel to send the Tongan to the back or he will be suspended immediately. Finally she relents and walks him out of the ring, and he leaves up the aisle.
Back in the ring Goldstein says he has trouble believing that Abdullah the Butcher and King Tonga are still a functioning tag team, and certainly are bringing disgrace to the tag team belts, and even the concept of tag team wrestling. However, that being said he wanted to give them one last chance to prove themselves as a tag team. So, during the week he flew out to meet Abby in Atlanta where he was wrestling, and presented him with a bond to appear. Basically it stated that Abby would appear, defend the tag titles by the rules of wrestling, and operate in a co-operative manner with his tag partner and manager. Abby proceeded to pour Louisiana hot sauce on the contract and eat it. Then he stuck a fork in my arm. Marty rolls up his sleeve to show a bandage on his forearm. The fans cheer.
Marty says this charade comes to an end right now. Abdullah the Butcher is suspended from RCW indefinitely (the fans actually boo this announcement). Therefore, the 30 day defense time can not be honored and the titles are declared vacant as of today.
Hartel begins to protest but she is cut off by Goldstein. Marty says a major tag title tournament will be held with two brackets. The first bracket will have 8 teams competing right here in RCW over the next few weeks. The other bracket will be held all across North America with 16 teams taking part. It is a single loss knockout format, and ultimately will come down to two teams; the winning team from the RCW bracket taking on the winning team from the North American bracket.
Three out of the 4 first round matches in the RCW bracket will happen right here tonight and they are set up to settle some old scores which have been brewing lately.
• Keith and Bruce Hart v Chris Lyon & Bobby Duncum
• Brad Rheinghans & a partner to be named v David Schultz & a partner to be named
• Dynamite Kid & Billy Robinson v Bad News Allen & Butch Reed
Goldstein says that Rheinghans and Schultz will both name their partners in advance of that match later tonight.
The 4th match in the bracket will take place next week and will give King Tonga a fair chance to reclaim his tag belt. He is free to find a new partner and they will take on a tag team to be announced next week.
Music Video; A two minute package of King Tonga and Abdullah the Butcher is presented to the music "Helter Skelter" by the Beatles. Action is shown from RCW as a tag team, from their match against each other last week, as well as against each other in Puerto Rico.
Bout #2
Natasha defeated Kari Mashore by pinfall after flying headscissors at 5:58
-a very up tempo, high flying, scientific match between these two ladies. Natasha though secures the victory and keeps herself in the Women’s title picture.
Interview:
Natasha has nothing new to say about the England sisters situation. She says she is still gunning for Corrie’s title, and even if Tawney and Corrie really are at odds, that just makes Tawney her competition, not her friend. She warns Tawney to stay out of her business.
Bout #3
Armand Rougeau and Richard Charland battled to a double countout at 7:35
-back and forth match, both men had their sequences. The match spilled outside the ring and Rougeau was in position to re-enter the ring and beat the count but Charland reached out and held onto his ankle to prevent that from happening.
Interview:
Brad Rheinghans comes to the ring. He says he had no idea who his tag team partner for the tournament was going to be until minutes ago. Brad says he never imagined this man for his partner, as he would have assumed he was too busy. Out comes the RCW Heavyweight Champion himself, Jumpin’ Jimmy Brunzell who shakes hands with Rheinghans. Jimmy says he and Brad go back a long ways and tonight they are going to take their first step towards winning some gold together. Brunzell says he doesn’t care who Schultz uses as a partner, because they have his number.
Promo; Universal Pictures is proud to release to theatres this weekend "The Breakfast Club" starring Emilio Estevez, Michael Anthony Hall, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, and Ally Sheedy.
It's the weekend, and five students have weekend detention. There's a jock, a princess, a misfit, a nerd, and a lout. Not much in common, except for having to give up their day, sit in the school library, and write an essay for the principal. Being from such widely different backgrounds and having such completely different personalities, it's inevitable that some frictions and shenanigans develop. Especially when the principal leaves the room...
A John Hughes film...featuring music by Simple Minds.
"They only met once, but it changed their lives forever"
Bout #4
Canadian Women’s Championship
Corrie England defeated Tawney England by disqualification for outside interference at 6:01
[Corrie England retains the Canadian Women’s Championship]
- a fairly even match with lots of spirited action. The first 3 minutes were a knock out, drag down brawl, with lots of hair pulling and nail raking. However it then transitioned nicely into a wrestling match with some submission moves. However, a ref bump took out Buddy Lane, and then Bobby Duncum came down and into the ring. He nailed Tawney from behind with a clothesline. She was knocked out cold. Duncum left and Corrie revived Lane. The champ delivered the hairplane spin to her sister as Natasha came running down from the backstage area. She entered the ring just as Corrie was applying the pin, and she stomped on the back of the champ. She then threw Corrie out of the ring. Lane called for the DQ despite Natasha trying to explain to him what happened.
Post-Match: As Natasha talked to Lane the result announcement was made. Tawney then went over to complain to referee Lane as well. Corrie had already retrieved her title belt and left the area. Tawney and Natasha despite having the same arguments with Lane, began to jockey for position, and it ended up in a pushing match between the two ladies. It seemingly would have come to blows but Natasha just threw up her arms and left the ring.
Interview:
Dr. D David Schultz is interviewed in the ring by Ron Strong. Schultz says he is not surprised or worried that Rheinghans partner is that sissy champion Brunzell. When prompted for the identity of his partner Schultz laughs at Strong. Dr. D says there is only one man who can be trusted and is capable enough to be the tag team partner of the greatest true wrestler in the world today. However, Schultz will not actually name his partner and says the world will have to wait for the match to find out.
[end of first hour]
Promo; Featured tonight on Good Rockin' Tonight will be the videos; We Run by Strange Advance, Somebody by Bryan Adams, Born in the USA by Bruce Springsteen, California Girls by David Lee Roth, and the #1 smash I Want to Know What Love Is by Foreigner.
Bout #5
1st Round RCW Tag Team Title Tournament Match (RCW Bracket)
Keith & Bret Hart v Chris Lyon & Bobby Duncum (/w Corrie England)
The Hart Brothers start off strong and get Lyon in some trouble, isolating him and working over his legs. Keith finally gets the figure-four on Lyon but incredibly the former RCW champ manages to turn over and reverse the pressure on the hold. Lyon gets the tag out and Duncum comes in and annihilates Keith with a running clothesline. He punishes Keith, and after a few seconds of letdown he punishes Bret when he is tagged in. Duncum has Bret over his knee after a backbreaker trying to make him submit but the youngster won’t do it. Lyon is tagged in and works over Bret but can’t get the 3 count even after a slingshot suplex. Duncum comes back in and tries to finish Bret off with his bulldog finisher but Bret pushes him off, sending him to the buckle, colliding with Lyon.
Bret makes the tag out to Keith who goes to work on Duncum. He has the advantage and is setting him up for the figure-four when Corrie jumps on the apron for a distraction. Lyon enters the ring and nails Keith with a kick, and is then attacked by Bret. Referee Wyatt Hall turns around and begins to escort Bret out of the ring. Lyon and Duncum double team Keith with a double shoulderblock.
From the back comes Tawney England who makes a bee line to her sister Corrie, yanking her down by the hair. Outside the ring it’s an old fashioned cat fight which distracts Lyon and Duncum inside the ring. Their backs are turned when Bret takes out Lyon from behind with a dropkick to the back of the legs. He then catches Duncum as he turns with an atomic drop.
RCW officials are out to break up the catfight. In the meantime inside the ring Hall once again escorts Bret out of the ring. Keith comes up swinging but Duncum catches him with a vicious looking clothesline. He drops a knee to the head, and then finishes off Keith with a bulldog.
Bobby Duncum & Chris Lyon defeated The Hart Brothers by pinfall when Duncum pinned Keith after a bulldog at 12:00
Bout #6:
1st Round RCW Tag Team Title Tournament Match (RCW Bracket)
Bad News Allen & Butch Reed and Billy Robinson & Dynamite Kid battled to a 15 minute time limit draw.
Promo; On Tonight's Evening News
-Possibility that Muhammad Ali played role in Jeremy Levin's escape or release from captivity in Lebanon examined; number other Americans still held there mentioned. Ali's venture said arranged by Algeria; Algeria mentioned playing key role in negotiations to free William Buckley, Peter Kilburn, Lawrence Jenco and Benjamin Weir
-Completion of 1st phase of Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon featured
-Possible discovery of remains of American MIAs, downed over Laos in 1972, reported.
-United States Customs' search along border with Mexico for kidnapped Drug Enforcement Agency ofr. Enrique Camarena (Salazar) and his terrorist abductors examined
-Espionage allegations lodged by Spanish officials against United States dipls. recently expelled outlined
-Scotch whiskey cargo from wrecked ship reported washing up on beaches of Britain's Alderney island
Main Event
1st Round RCW Tag Team Title Tournament Match (RCW Bracket)
Jim Brunzell & Brad Rheinghans v David Schultz & mystery partner
Schultz reiterates his claim that only one man is capable enough and trust worthy enough to be his partner. All eyes turn to the aisle until Schultz says “me”. He then attacks Brunzell and Rheinghans with the microphone. Apparently we have ourselves a handicap match.
After that initial attack Schultz keeps up the pressure working over Rheinghans. He nails him with a powerbomb, clotheslines, neckbreaker, and backbody drop but can’t get the pin. A full nelson and an abdominal stretch likewise can’t get the win. When he tries for his corkscrew neckbreaker finisher, Rheinghans manages to twist out of it, roll over and make the tag to Brunzell. Even the RCW champ though has trouble with Dr. D at first with Schultz controlling the champ for a couple minutes. Brunzell though makes a comeback and then tags out to Rheinghans. The fan favorites make quick tags for the next couple of minutes and now have Schultz worn out and almost beaten. However, in desperation Schultz throws Rheinghans through the ropes to the floor below. After the count of 5 when Rheinghans tries to get back in and Schultz prevents that with a kick, the villain follows him to the floor. He tosses Rheinghans against the announce table. He then scoops up Brunzell’s Heavyweight title and ~waffles~ Rheinghans with it, busting his head wide open. Brunzell comes over and attacks Schultz and referee Kenny Jay calls for the bell.
Rheinghans & Brunzell defeated Schultz by disqualification at 9:49
Post-Match:
Schultz manages to catch Brunzell with a chop to the throat. He then climbs on the announce table and jumps off with the belt, nailing Brunzell in the back of the head. Both Brunzell and Rheinghans are down and out. Schultz tosses the belt beside Brunzell and walks away to the jeers of the crowd.
That’s it for another edition of River City Wrestling.
See ya next week!!!
February 23, 1985
River City Wrestling #180
Lethbridge, Alberta
RCW invades the city of Lethbridge for the first time ever.
Opening Bout:
Robbie Royce defeats The Tulip after a dropkick from the top rope at 4:18
-squash match
Promo;
Former NWA World Champion, Canadian wrestling legend, Gene Kiniski comes to the ring to a huge ovation.
Kiniski says he is there to represent the Hall of Fame committee, and he calls out RCW matchmaker and fellow HoF committee member Marty Goldstein. Kiniski says that last year Goldstein withdrew his name from contention so that he could remain a voting member of the board. Ultimately it was The Destroyer getting elected to the HoF in an easy decision. However, this year’s decision is much tougher. The committee would like Goldstein to step down from the committee this year and put his name in the balloting. At first Goldstein stands firm and says he won’t be considered for the HoF. But Kiniski says that right now there is only one other name that the committee can seriously consider for HoF placement, and that is Chris Lyon. The fans jeer that announcement and it seems to perk up Goldstein’s interest. Marty says he will have an answer for Kiniski next week.
Bout #2:
Tod Hestrerey defeated Steve O by pinfall after a Salto suplex at 8:27
-wow, a huge upset victory for a rookie Hestrerey. The guy looks to be in his mid 30’s but is a rookie. He wears a t-shirt in the ring, perhaps to cover up his love handles, but his repertoire of scientific moves seems solid. He also cheats at just the right moments to aid his cause without the ref calling for the dq. The crowd is shocked, and Steve O is very upset at himself as the rookie comes out of nowhere to win this match.
Interview;
RCW Heavyweight champion Jim Brunzell is interviewed. He wants revenge against Dr D David Schultz for the belt shot he suffered at the end of last week’s match. He says he offered Schultz a match for tonight but that RCW officials decided to have Rheinghans take on Schultz tonight one more time, in a top contenders match. When asked by Ron Strong who Brunzell would prefer to win that match he kind of waffles. He says he of course wants his friend Brad to win, but at the same time he’s not sure how long he is willing to wait to get his hands on Schultz.
Bout #3:
Re-match
Armand Rougeau defeated Richard Charland by pinfall after a flying elbowsmash at 6:44
-A good win for the member of the famous French Canadian clan, and one that will help establish him in the pecking order of RCW.
Tag Team Tournament Update; North American Bracket – Round of 16, matches held at arenas this past week;
Marquette, WI: Larry Hennig & Wahoo McDaniel defeated Kevin Kelly & Kelly Kiniski
Memphis, TN: The Fabulous Ones defeated The Kiwi Sheepherders (Johnathan Boyd & Rip Morgan)
Anchorage AS: The Longriders (Bill & Scott Irwin) defeated Drew Tossel & Curt Hennig
Raleigh NC: Black Bart & Joel Deaton and Brady Boone & Italian Stallion battled to a double countout
Allentown PA: Gary Star & Mike Saxton defeated Jeff Craney & Sal Gee
Honolulu HI: Don Muraco & S.D. Jones defeated Sal Belemo & Peter Maivia
San Antonio Tx: Super Destroyer & Masked Superstar defeated the Masked Grapplers
Montreal QB: Raymond Rougeau & Jos LeDuc defeated Leo Burke & Sailor White
Bout #4:
#1 Contenders Match
Natasha and Tawney England battled to a double countout at 5:06
-despite both being fan favorites (the fans cheered a bit more for Natasha) each girl held nothing back. This turned from a high pace match quickly to a brawl which went out of the ring. Neither girl gave any credence to referee instructions and both were counted out. They continued to brawl after the match until RCW officials tried to break it up. Then Women’s champion Corrie England arrived on the scene and went right after her sister. This turned into a 3 way brawl until officials finally broke it up.
[end of first hour]
Interview:
Miss Hartel and King Tonga are interviewed by Ron Strong. He wants to know who the mystery partner is for tonight. Hartel says they had a partner in mind, but have now decided to ask someone else instead, but they are still trying to find him in the arena. Strong asked her to identify the wrestler, but she retorted that she doesn’t even know who their opponents will be, so why should she? Tonga then got in a few seconds to talk Tongan gibberish and do some air Karate before the interview was abruptly cut-off.
Bout #5:
#1 Contenders Match
David Schultz defeated Brad Rheinghans by pinfall after a corkscrew neckbreaker at 11:04
[joined in progress, approximately 8 minutes shown on TV]
-finally things were settled between these two combatants with Schultz only interested in the victory and not in trying to embarrass Rheinghans. The match went in and out of the ring, and with emotions flying high Rheinghans could not keep the match scientific. When it went into brawling mode the tough Schultz really took over the match. He managed to weaken Rheinghans up by dropping him with a vertical suplex onto the announce table.
Interview:
Post-match David Schultz gives the run of the mill, he’s the #1 contender and will beat Brunzell next week for the belt promo.
Promo: Paramount pictures has a hit on their hands with the nation’s #1 movie “Beverly Hills Cop” starring Eddie Murphy, now in its 12th week of theatrical release, and still at the #1 spot.
Bout #6:
No time limit Re-match
1st Round RCW Tag Team Title Tournament Match (RCW Bracket)
Dynamite Kid & Billy Robinson defeated Bad News Allen & Butch Reed by pinfall when Robinson pinned Reed after a double underhook suplex at 25:09
[approximately 12 minutes shown on TV]
- a good match but probably went unjustifiably long just to get over the fact that they are equally matched and last week ran out of time. All 4 men had their moments, with no weak link. Reed had some misfortune when he missed charging in at Robinson and banged his head off the ring post. Robinson finished him off in short order.
Main Event
1st Round RCW Tag Team Title Tournament Match (RCW Bracket)
The Roughnecks (Stan Rodgers & Russel Riggs)
V
King Tonga & Tod Hestrerey (/w Miss Hartel)
As much of a shock as it must have been that Hartel would pick the inexperienced Hestrerey considering her experiences last year managing green rookies, it was even a bigger surprise when the original tag team legends of RCW, 2 time tag team champs, the Roughnecks came out as the opponents for this match.
The Roughnecks controlled much of the early match, and it was actually Tonga that they had success against not the youngster. But around the 7 minute mark Tonga perked up and began to chop at throats and kick at kneecaps with good results. Hestrerey added some impressive suplexes against men 50-75 lbs heavier then himself. Ultimately though it fell on Tonga to use his Tongan death grip to pick up the win.
Tonga & Hestrerey defeated the Roughnecks by submission when Tonga made Rodgers submit to the Tongan death grip at 10:20
That’s it for another edition of River City Wrestling.
See ya next week!!!