Post by managermike99 on Aug 14, 2019 15:52:26 GMT -5
River City Wrestling #770
December 5, 1998
Winnipeg Convention Centre
Winnipeg, Manitoba
19th Anniversary Spectacular
Opening Bout
Triple Threat Tag Match (One man from each team is legal)
One fall 25 minute time limit - referee Buddy Lane
Rising Son & Pitbull Kid (combined wt. 450 lbs.) ("Hard Knock Life" Jay-Z)
v
Hical & Spyder (combined wt. 452 lbs.) ("Hello Nasty" Beastie Boys)
v
Darren Dalton & Full Nelson (combined wt. 480 lbs.) ("Rock The Boat" Hughes Corporation)
This was not a typical RCW match, it was a bit of a spot-fest because of the nature of having three men in the ring. However, for an opening match it entertained the crowd, especially with two high flying fan favourite teams facing off against a heel team who both cheated and played the buffoons (Dalton & Nelson). The best way to recap this match is to give a list of the highlights, or top spots. The masked lucha Hical was in a bit of trouble around the three minute mark, but he was pulled out of the ring by his partner Spyder. They did the head to head conference, spinning around a couple of times, and then while Dalton and Kid were fighting inside the ring, Spyder donned an identical mask to Hical and attempted to take his place in the ring. It was obvious to the fans, Rising Son, and Full Nelson what was going on since Spyder is lighter skinned, has long black hair flowing from under the mask, and wears pants instead of tights, but to Lane and the combatants who were otherwise distracted it was ignored for about 20 seconds before Lane noticed and ordered the change. By then however, and after some arguing, Hical was nicely recovered and no longer in immediate danger of being pinned. The next spot series came around the 5 minute mark when all the combatants took turns nailing each other with suplexes, including the non-legal partners who had come in to the ring. In fact 5 of the 6 men were out on their backs with only Rising Son staggering to his feet. Buddy Lane made the mistake of getting too close to him, patting him on the shoulder to indicate he had to leave the ring since he was not legal, and Son nailed him with a neckbreaker, not looking to see who it was. Now Lane was the last man out as the six competitors gradually all got to their feet and had a nice brawl as Lane lay on the mat, and kept getting a wrestler dropped on him, or kick him, etc to keep him knocked down. Finally he got to his feet and after giving all six men a stern warning he allowed the bout to continue.
The next series saw Kid, Spyder, and Nelson all in the ring going for the pin, but having to throw the 3rd man out to gain time. In each case the tag partner threw their partner back into the ring to help them break up the pin attempt. A brawl erupted outside the ring between the three non-legal men, and soon the legal men joined them in a six man brawl outside the ring. A table was set up, and Dalton laid Kid on the table as Spyder leapt from the top and drove Kid through the table. Back inside the ring and Pitbull Kid was in trouble but neither of the other teams could put him away as they couldn't get enough time to make a clean pin.
Kid made a comeback and he rolled up Dalton, but was losing it, until Son reached in and they linked hands for leverage. But before Lane could count the three count Hical ran around and pulled Son off, causing him to smash himself face first on the ring apron. The next spot of interest was when Full Nelson was in trouble, disorientated he made the tag out to Rising Son instead of Dalton...who shrugged his shoulders and joined his partner Pitbull Kid in the ring as they double teamed Hical. Spyder came in to protest but Lane dealt with him, putting him out first, with the long delay allowing Son and Kid to double team Hical. They had him set up for a version of the electric chair but Dalton came in the ring and half-ass suplexed both Kid and Hical who was on his shoulder. Hical bounced off the middle strand and rolled out of the ring. Order was slowly restored with Hical and Full Nelson both on shaky street against the much more energetic Pitbull Kid. The Pitbull whipped them both to the buckles and then smashed their heads together. He then threw Hical over the top rope. Nelson recovered enough to nail Kid with a lowblow. Lane stepped between them to warn Nelson. Kid though reached between Lane's feet, grabbed Nelson by the boots and yanked him to the mat. He then pushed Lane down a bit, and springboarded/launched himself off of the back of Lane, landing butt first on the chest of Nelson, grabbed the feet into a victory roll....Dalton tried to make the save but ended up running into Hical who was finally getting back into the ring, and Rising Son took out Spyder who likewise was trying to enter the ring..1, 2, 3!!
[Rising Son & Pitbull Kid defeated Hical & Spyder and Darren Dalton & Full Nelson by pinfall when Kid pinned Nelson after a victory roll at 15:48]
Bout #2
One Fall 25 minute time limit - Referee Jennifer Greaves
Jeanne "Hollywood" Basone (5'7" 128 lbs., Hollywood, California) ("Hollywood" Streetheart) vs Nikki Kixxx (5'6" 120 lbs., Wildwood, New Jersey) ("Bad Medicine" Bon Jovi)
A matchup of former North American Women's Champions with Basone (in her mid 30's) holding the title on 3 occasions (most recently in 1996) and Kixx (in her early 20's) having her one and only reign earlier this year. Hollywood was the "face" in this bout and Kixxx the "heel" but Basone used some stall tactics, including taking photos with fans during the early minutes of the match to frustrate her younger opponent. Then she worked a series of mundane moves like standing headlock and bodyscissors, and when broken she would go to the ropes to stop further engagment. Kixxx went for a spinning heel kick way too early, and Basone ducked away, then nailed Kixxx with a clothesline, then a slingshot into the buckle, followed by applying an STF. It was too early though and Kixxx managed to get out of it. Finally though Kixxx chopped Baone in the throat and then began to choke her, to take her first real advantage of the bout after almost 5 minutes of ring time. Kixxx worked a front chancery, and a side headlock on the mat, working both into chokes when possible, and then did the same with a sleeperhold. Kixxx then picked up the pace with some suplexes, coming off the ropes for a couple moves, and then nailed a superkick, which got a 2 count because Basone got a foot on the ropes. Kixxx was angered and stomped away at Basone, then basically straddled her and started to slam her head off the mat until referee Greaves physically got between the two. Kixxx then threw her opponent out of the ring, and went for a plancha, but Basone rolled out of the way. A count of 9 was applied but both women managed to roll back into the ring to break it, but then decided to leave the ring and renew hostilities. They brawled around the ring, slamming each other off the guardrail, announce table and ringsteps, rolling into the ring on two occasions to stop the 10 count. Basone came out on top, and back inside the ring nailed an elbowsmash from the second rope, a back suplex, for a 2 count, a swinging neckbreaker for a 2 count, and then a camel clutch. We were over 10 minutes into the bout at this point. Kixxx made a comeback again started with a throat chop, and after a couple setup moves, nailed a DDT for a 2 count. Then she attacked Hollywood using her opponent's long blonde hair to her advantage. First standing on it while yanking on her arms pulling her upward from the mat, then grabbing it and delivering a hairplane spin. Finally she was tying it around the ringrope when Greaves had enough and made her stop. Kixxx argued with Greaves and the two even exchanged shoves. That was all the time Basone needed to recover. The two punched it out in the middle of the ring, then Basone smashed her opponent's head off of each turnbuckle, and then a running bulldog, for 1, 2, 3.
[Jeanne Basone defeated Nikki Kixxx by pinfall after a running bulldog at 13:35]
Bout #3
Managerial Contract of Mercedes is on the line
One Fall 25 Minute Time limit - Referee Mike Valiant
Joe E. Legend (6'4" 250 lbs., Toronto, Ontario) ("A Legend Never Dies" Blackfoot) (/w Mercedes) vs "Turbo" Eric Freedom (5'11 220 lbs., Chicago, IL) ("Turbo Lover" Judas Priest) ((Valiant)
It's a common enough story. Former tag team partners, champions, broken apart by a combination of losing and a woman. The table had been set with the contract of Mercedes on the line. To be specific if Freedom won then he would get the contract of Mercedes to manage him. No one is quite sure how long, or why he would want that, or how much her fees are, but that is the vagueness of pro wrestling. So the heat should have been there for this match, yet for some reason the passion just wasn't there. Some reports circled later that Freedom was nursing a knee injury that may have held him back a bit. There were plenty of fisticuffs and Mercedes was front and center getting involved in the action and giving Legend lots of hugs, kisses, and shoulder rubs whenever he left the ring. Freedom though controlled most of the bout. Mercedes jumped up on the ring apron, and Freedom looked like he had fallen for it, but when Legend charged him he moved out of the way, and Legend speared Mercedes right off the ring apron. Freedom tried to roll him up from behind, but Legend hung on to the top rope with both hands sending Freedom tumbling back. Legend struck with a springboard back elbow, then hit his cutter and got the win.
[Joe E. Legend defeated Eric Freedom by pinfall after the Legend Cutter at 8:52]
Bout #4
Best 2 out of 3 Falls
60 minute time limit - referee Buddy Lane
Baron von Raschke, Jim Brunzell & Brian Blair (combined wt. 750 lbs.) ("Born to Run" Bruce Springsteen)
v
Destruction Crew: Mike Enos & Wayne Bloom, & Roadblock (combined wt. 865 lbs.) ("Hell To Pay" Jeff Healey Band)
The first fall saw each guy get a quick turn in the ring, and it settled in with Roadblock slamming Blair to the mat and then working him over with his size advantage. Blair played Ricky Morton for a few minutes with each heel taking a turn on the beatdown but with Roadblock taking the lead, with his huge size (350 lbs.). The problem was that Roadblock got cocky and told Enos to hold Blair while he climbed to the top rope. Well it took him so long to get to the top rope that Blair managed to recover and sneak in a mule kick to the groin of Enos while Lane was counting Roadblock in a futile gesture. Blair then slammed Roadblock off the top rope and made the tag out. It looked like things had turned the corner as Raschke went to work on Roadblock then tagged in Brunzell who picked the pace up a bit. However, in a surprise Brunzell telegraphed his dropkick finisher, and Roadblock hung on to the top rope. Brunzell landed on his head and a winded but still moving Roadblock then splashed down on him, covered and got the 3 count.
[Roadblock pinned Brunzell after a splash at 8:02]
The second fall started with a fired up and motivated Brunzell who went right to work on Roadblock. He whipped Roadblock to the ropes, tagged in Raschke, moved out of the way, and Roadblock walked right into a clawhold. It only took the big man a couple seconds before he submitted. Destruction Crew tried to make the save but the "Bees" stopped them in their tracks.
[Raschke submitted Roadblock to the clawhold at 9:57]
The third fall started with a six man brawl after what had just transpired. It shook out to Brunzell being in trouble and the Crew making several quick tags to sneak in some double teams. Brunzell tagged in Raschke and after some initial success he too fell victim to double teams from the Crew. This broke down into another six man brawl, this one longer, in and out of the ring, and Lane let it go instead of throwing the bout out. Finally it shook out with Raschke having control over Bloom, nailing a couple back body drops, big boot to the head, a couple hip tosses and clotheslines. He locked the clawhold in but before the damage could be done Bloom slammed him to the corner where Enos and Roadblock helped him with a short triple team. Tag was made and Enos, then Roadblock, then Bloom all took turns punishing Raschke. Enos climbed to the top rope while Bloom was setting Raschke up for a spiked piledriver. But Raschke back dropped Bloom, and Blair came around the ring to knock Enos to the mat. Raschke tagged out to Brunzell who hit Bloom with a flying dropkick, for 1, 2 kickout. A short six man brawl ensued with Roadblock and Enos being thrown from the ring. Blair joined Brunzell in the ring, they whipped Bloom to the ropes, nailed a double dropkick and picked up the 1, 2, 3!!
[Brunzell pinned Bloom after a double dropkick at 19:12]
Baron von Raschke, Jim Brunzell & Brian Blair defeated Destruction Crew: Mike Enos & Wayne Bloom, & Roadblock 2 falls to 1 at 19:12
Bout #5
Loser Leave Town Match
No Time Limit - Referee Mike Valiant
Ben Bassarab (5'11" 220 lbs., Calgary, Alberta) ("You've Got Another Thing Comin'" Judas Priest)
v
Mad Dog Manny Silva (5'11" 245 lbs., Hawaii) ("Mad Dog" Deep Purple)
Not sure exactly how many times these two legends have hooked up in their RCW careers but they know each other well. Bassarab is already in the hall of fame, and Silva will one day make it in unless vindictiveness keeps him out. Nobody likes the Mad Dog, and the Mad Dog don't like nobody. It was obvious that the Mad Dog was chomping at the bit and was going to attack Bassarab before the bell so Ben didn't make him wait and met him in the middle of the ring with his warm up jacket still on. The two went toe to toe as the bell was rung before the introductions were complete (pretty safe to say though that the fans know who these two men are). Silva won the fisticuffs as he is the better brawler and began to batter Bassarab around the ring, and then outside the ring. He focused his attention on the back of Bassarab and at one point, after two camel clutches, and several sitdowns on his back, Silva lorded over him making the phantom title belt around his own waist (taunting Bassarab for the one thing he has never done in RCW, won the Heavyweight title). Silva was going for his wheelbarrow suplex finisher but Bassarab pushed up and over landing beside Silva and then took him face first down with a legsweep. Bassarab delivered some sound kicks to the head of Silva as he tried to get up, then some forearm uppercuts, off the ropes and a flying backelbow. The smaller Bassarab went to work with his Stampede style stick and move attack, but when he went for a float behind he ate an elbow from the Hawaiian, who then immediately went to the throat and then the eyes. Silva was back in charge and we were about 6 minutes into the bout. Silva slowed things down with some bearhugs, then straight punches, a trio of backbreakers for a 2 count. A reverse chinlock and then a series of knees to the back followed by a standing surfboard. When Silva went for a belly to belly suplex though Bassarab tackled him, sending both men out of the ring. Bassarab recovered first, rolled into the ring, and then charged at Silva as he tried to get back into the ring. Silva lowered the rope sending Bassarab up and over. Silva went to work on him outside the ring, throwing him off the ringsteps then the guardrail. But it was Bassarab who literally drew first blood when he reversed a whip and sent Silva head first into the ringpost. Back inside Bassarab was not shy in going after the wound with punches, and knees opening Silva up. He then tried to wear Silva down with a series of mat wear down holds like a front facelock as his opponent's head dripped crimson onto the mat. The action picked up again as the two men exchanged punches, kicks, and then traded suplexes. We were about 13 minutes into the bout. Silva grabbed the advantage with an atomic drop, a high knee, a one arm bodyslam, double stomp, and then an impressive vertical suplex powerslam, for 1, 2 kickout. Silva sent Bassarab to the buckle and then caught him with a kick to the head, covered for 2. Silva then ignored the ref's count and uncovered the top turnbuckle. As the two reengaged Valiant tried in vane to get the buckle covered again and gave up after watching the two men exchanging closed fist punches. Now Bassarab grabbed the advantage with a series of high knees, then a facebuster for a 2 count that left a nice blood splotch on the mat. Bassarab attacked with a pair of running clotheslines, then a top rope kneedrop to the skull, for a 2 count. He tried to set up Silva for a figure four but the Hawaiian "accidentally" kicked him in the groin to get the break. Valiant delayed Silva a bit while Bassarab recovered from the nut shot, but Silva tossed him to the side. Bassarab though returned the favour by punching Silva in the groin, then dropped him with a fireman's carry. Bassarab went to the top rope for the flying crossbody block finisher but Silva caught him with a punch to the gut mid-air. Silva though looked VERY wobbly from blood loss, and when he went for a suplex he couldn't lift Bassarab. He then went for a piledriver but was too slow so Bassarab backdropped him. Both men were slow to get up, Silva caught Bassarab with a kick to the gut, then went to throw him into the corner with the exposed turnbuckle, but Bassarab reversed it. It looked like Silva would go in head first but he slammed on the breaks with hands on either side of the buckle. But Bassarab caught him by surprise with a dropkick and Silva went chin first into the buckle and looked to be knocked right out. Bassarab covered, didn't hook a leg, 1, 2, 3!! Tough win.
[Ben Bassarab defeated Manny Silva by pinfall after a dropkick into an unexposed turnbuckle at 21:51]
Post-Match: Manny Silva recovered while the fans sang "na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na, hey-hey-hey, goodbye" to him. Silva gave Bassarab a quick nod of recognition, so Bassarab went to shake his hand only to have the Mad Dog try and attack him again, wrapping his hands around Bassarab's throat. He was still weak though so it was easy enough for Bassarab to throw him out of the ring, and give him a hand wipe motion. But Silva tried to grab a chair and get back into the ring but Bassarab booted him out again and then security surrounded him and escorted him out as the fans continued to sing even louder.
Bout #6
Best 2 out of 3 Falls Legends Tag Match
60 minute time limit - referee Buddy Lane
Paul Orndorff & Don Muraco (combined wt. 527 lbs.) ("Sharp Dressed Man" ZZ Top)
v
Greg Valentine & Stan Lane (combined wt. 467 lbs.) ("Everybody Wants You" Billy Squier)
Stan Lane is a 3 time RCW Heavyweight champion, Greg Valentine, Don Muraco, and Paul Orndorff each holding it two times. A little gamesmanship to start with the faces choosing to use Sharp Dressed Man, Lane's song as part of the Fabulous Ones, as their entrance music, and obviously mocking his prima donna style. Despite that there was obviously a lot of mutual respect between all four men in this match. That respect played out with a slow, methodical start, lots of playing up to the crowd and complaints to the ref, and some ground holds (with the occasional choke and hair pull thrown in). Then Muraco and Orndorff brought their power to bear, delivering simultaneous gorilla press slams to their opponents who rolled out of the ring to regroup. Once inside though the Hammer distracted Muraco and the legal man Lane took him out from behind. Muraco played Ricky Morton for a few minutes, but when Valentine went for a pin Muraco chest pressed him off, then monkey flipped him into the corner where Orndorff nailed him. Muraco tagged out to Orndorff who sent Valentine to the ropes, clotheslined him, dropped a running legdrop, German suplex, and then the piledriver. Lane came in to break it up but Orndorff rolled out of the way and Lane dropped an elbow on Valentine, and then was ejected from the ring by Muraco. Referee Buddy Lane though was distracted by putting Muraco out of the ring which allowed Lane to come back inside the ring and again drop an elbow...but again Orndorff rolled out of the way. Lane dropped that elbow on his partner again, and this time it was Orndorff who tossed him out of the ring and covered Valentine for the fall.
[Paul Orndorff pinned Greg Valentine after a piledriver and some botched interference by Lane at 8:25]
The second fall began with bickering between Valentine and Lane that almost cost them the fall, and the match. But Valentine hung on despite being punished by both Orndorff and then Muraco. Finally Valentine managed to deliver a nut shot to Orndorff and tag out to Lane. The former Fabulous One went right to work on Orndorff with a series of chops, a belly to belly suplex, some kicks to the head, a kneedrop from the second buckle, and then a kneedrop from the top buckle, but only got a 2 count. Valentine came in and continued to punish Orndorff. He managed to lock in the figure-four but Mr. Wonderful managed to get to the ropes for a break. Valentine dragged Orndorff to the corner though where he worked over the knee as he tagged in Lane. After some more knee work Lane also locked in a figure four. When Orndorff refused to submit Valentine made the mistake of entering the ring and attacking the vulnerable Orndorff who was still in the figure four. It was a mistake because as Buddy Lane put Valentine out of the ring it allowed Don Muraco to come in and kick away at Stan Lane to break the lock. Orndorff made a slow recovery, basically hulking off, sustaining some punches as he recovered. He then bodyslammed Lane and tagged out to Muraco. The Rock went right to work on Lane with a couple running shoulderblocks, knee drops, then a Samoan drop, and cover for a 2 count. Muraco worked over the back of Lane, tried a couple bear hugs, some backbreakers, and then tagged out to Orndorff who continued to work the back, and also locked in some bearhugs. Lane though went to the eyes of Orndorff and tagged out to Valentine. Orndorff was blinded and got tangled up with Buddy Lane which allowed Valentine the ability to deliver another low blow, then climb to the second rope, and as Lane took out Muraco, he dropped the elbow and got the pin.
[Greg Valentine pinned Don Muraco after a second rope elbowdrop at 18:37]
The final fall saw all four men take a turn getting beat on by their opponents. The pace was actually pretty impressive for four older guys, thanks to quick tags and featured power and brawling moves, not restholds. All four men nailed a finisher move on an opponent (Orndorff - Piledriver, Muraco - tombstone piledriver, Lane - superkick, Valentine - second rope elbow drop) but in each case the save was made by the tag partner. This resulted in a four man brawl that went from inside the ring, to out, and then back inside. Referee Buddy Lane let the men go at it. Inside the ring Valentine and Stan Lane both locked their opponents in simultaneous figure fours. But Orndorff and Muraco were able to rotate themselves around so that they were side by side with the opposite member applying the holds, and were able to elbow/punch their way out of it. The heels tried to whip the faces into each other but Orndorff and Muraco slammed on the breaks, and then took their opponents down with clotheslines. They then hit simultaneous piledrivers and made the cover. Buddy Lane probably had no idea who was the legal man and just smacked the mat 3 times for both.
[Paul Orndorff & Don Muraco pinned Stan Lane & Greg Valentine after simultaneous piledrivers at 25:55]
Paul Orndorff & Don Muraco defeated Stan Lane & Greg Valentine 2 falls to 1 at 25:55
Post-Match: After a bit of hesitation to accept, all four men ended up shaking hands, and then spent an extra couple minutes posing and waving for the crowd (including doing the four corner thing). They also went and greeted some fans around ringside before making their way to the back.
Bout #7
North American Women's Title Match
30 Minute Time Limit - Referee Jennifer Greaves
Tina Rigdon (champion) (5'4" 119 lbs., Maysville, Kentucky) ("Sock It To Me" Missy Elliot & Da Brat)
v
Strawberry Fields (5'6" 138lbs., Charlotte, North Carolina) ("Strawberry Fields" The Beatles)
Rigdon attacked Fields before the opening belt nailing her with the title belt. She would have done it again but Greaves pulled the title belt away from her and threatened disqualification. Rigdon just yelled at her, you can't disqualify me the bell hasn't rung yet. The bell then promptly rang and the champ continued the onslaught. Stomps, hip tosses, dropkick, springboard backelbow, and a snap suplex got only a 2 count. A vicious looking jawbreaker set up a DDT, and a cover for another 2 count. Rigdon nailed a couple more dropkicks, a German suplex, and then came off the top rope with a splash...but Fields lifted her knees. The champ still got to her feet first, landed a couple punches, tossed Fields into the corner, then did a somersault backelbow, covered, and got another 2 count. She went for a figure-four but was kicked off by Fields. The champ pounded away at Fields, then went for a piledriver but Fields countered with a back bodydrop. For the first time in the match, and we are fully 5 minutes in, the challenger had the advantage. A couple hair assisted hip tosses, a vicious trio of kicks to the back, and then a jumping necksnap. Rigdon managed to grab the challenger and toss her out of the ring. The champ then nailed the challenger twice trying to get back into the ring. The third time though Fields was able to grab her feet and pull the champ out of the ring. They brawled outside and Fields reversed a whip into the guardrail sending Rigdon head over heels into the steel. Back inside Fields went to work with a pair of running elbowdrops, and a front layout suplex for a 2 count. Fields set Rigdon up for a superplex but the champ blocked it, wrapped herself around the challenger's back to take her down in a sunset flip, but the challenger hung on while Greaves counted to 5. With the champ unwilling to break and the challenger holding onto the top rope, Greaves tried to intervene by propping herself up on the second buckle and trying to separate the two. However, all three ended up spilling to the mat. Fields got up and nailed the champ with a trio of rolling German suplexes, covered...but Greaves was still recovering. The ref finally counted but only got to 1 before Rigdon kicked out. The champ then nailed a headbutt to the gut of Fields, then nailed a fireman's carry into a slam for 1, 2, she put her feet on the middle strand to make sure...but Greaves noticed and stopped her hand inches from the mat and called for the break. Rigdon wasted time arguing with Greaves, and Fields rolled her up from behind 1, 2, Rigdon rolled through 1, 2, handfull of tights..again seen by Greaves who called for the bell. Scrambling to their feet Rigdon went for a clothesline but Fields ducked under. The champ slammed on the breaks but Fields nailed her with a standing sidekick, then a powerbomb, covered and got the 1, 2, 3!! New Champion!! This will be the 66th title reign for this championship lineage, and Fields' first title run. Rigdon, a bit of an upstart had won the belt on Halloween night from Christine Law. The women's title has played hot potato a lot in its history and this year was no exception with it going from Madusa Micelli to Nikki Kixxx to Runaway Jane to Christine Law to Tina Rigdon and now to Strawberry Fields.
[Strawberry Fields defeated Tina Rigdon by pinfall after a powerbomb at 10:08]
[Strawberry Fields Wins the North American Women's Title]
Bout #8
RCW Television Title Match
30 Minute Time Limit - Referee Buddy Lane
Nikolai Kishka (champion) (6'0" 250 lbs., Kazan, Russia) ("Hymn of the Russian Federation")
vs
Cobra (6'0 265 lbs., parts unknown) ("Head Like a Hole" Nine Inch Nails)
Kishka has been the top surprise of the year, going from a young up and comer to a really nice run as Television champion. While he may be a heel he has earned the respect of the fans, and I guess it was in the "he may be a heel, but he's our heel" vein that the fans were 50/50 in their support against Cobra who has wrestled in RCW before but has mainly been a SAWF South African guy, including having held their heavyweight title. Cobra has a bit of a "Sting-Crow" gimmick ripoff going, although his colors are red and black. He wrestles with that same methodical but explosive style. Kishka on the other hand attacked with a more stick and move style, and preferred to lock up and do some chain wrestling. With these opposing styles the fans began to get frustrated with Cobra and the sentiment of the crowd began to shift. Around 5 minutes into the bout when Cobra was given a chorus of jeers for countering some chain wrestling from Kishka with a double axhandle chop to the back and then a couple boots to the head, he left the ring to jaw with the crowd, and it was now soundly 90% of the crowd pulling for Kishka. The new found adoration of the crowd seemed to spur on Kishka who took it to Cobra with dropkicks, flying armdrags, slingshot suplex, and a missile dropkick for a 2 count. He went for his finisher the jumping spinning leg lariat, but Cobra ducked away and "accidentally" collided with the groin of the champion. It was all Cobra now as he grounded the champ and worked over his legs with twists, locks, knees, and then a figure four. Cobra then locked on his version of the cloverleaf (Cobra Lock) but Kishka managed to make his way to the ropes. Frustrated Cobra pounded away at Kishka in the corner, before the champ finally retaliated with a knee to the groin, then took him down from behind with a bulldog, for a 2 count. Kishka continued to work over the champ, and then they did some criss cross moves, and Cobra ended up catching the champ with a flying shoulder to the knee. He then nailed an innocent enough looking kneebreaker, covered, 1, Cobra put his feet on the bottom rope for leverage, 2, 3!! New champion, tainted but official. This will be Cobra's first reign under the RCW Television/Heritage Championship, and the 42nd overall of that title lineage. It ends Kishka's impressive run which began on April 11th when he defeated Hysteria. Kishka was upset at Buddy Lane for missing the feet on the ropes but seemed thankful to the fans for the support they gave him.
[Cobra defeated Nikolai Kishka by pinfall after a kneebreaker (with his feet on the ropes) at 11:53]
[Cobra Wins the RCW Television Title]
Bout #9
RCW Tag Team Title Match
60-Minute Time Limit - Referee Mike Valiant
The Extremists: Ace Darling & Devon Storm (champions) (combined wt. 470 lbs.) ("Get The Funk Out" Extreme)
v
The Spinebusters: Bryan Carruthers & Jerry Orth (/w Sharon Montgomery) (combined wt. 480 lbs.) ("Seek & Destroy" Metallica)
The champions wanted immediate payback from getting chair shots last week, but this worked against them as Mike Valiant had to restrain them letting them fall prey to illegal shots and double teams. The first few minutes of the bout were fought under this frustration level by the champions before they calmed down and tried to out wrestle their opponents. After a double team Carruthers telegraphed a back bodydrop while Orth was standing beside him. Storm countered by spinning around the back of Carruthers, kicking Orth in the head, and then taking Carruthers down with a DDT. This started a stretch for the champs that saw the champs take turns working over Carruthers with quick tags. Twice the challengers tried to turn the tide illegally, once when Montgomery jumped on the ring apron and distracted the ref, and the other when Orth entered the ring illegally to make it a four man brawl. On both occasions though the champs gave better then they got and held onto the advantage. The champs got a near fall after Storm hit Carruthers with a top rope clothesline but only got a 2 count. Finally Carruthers was able to push Storm into their corner where Orth held him from behind until Carruthers could get over and make the tag. Orth went to work on Storm with kicks, chops, headslams off the top buckle, and tilt-a-whirl slam for a 2 count. But without a fresh partner Orth could not hold the advantage, a tag was made and Darling went to work on Orth. Ace nailed a hotshot off the top rope, a springboard splash, and then a standing moonsault for 1, 2, Carruthers came in to break it up. We had our first big four man brawl of the match and it left the challengers in control. Carruthers hit a spinning spinebuster, hooked a leg, got 1, 2, kickout by Darling. He then attempted to slam Darling over and over again in the corner, until Darling fought back with a forearm shiver, some elbows, and a scoop slam that he rolled out of and tagged in his partner. Storm went right to the top rope and came off with a flying cross bodyblock, covered for 1, 2, Montgomery reached in and put Carruthers foot on the bottom rope to get a break. This brought Darling running around to confront Montgomery which distracted Mike Valiant. Back inside Storm had Carruthers lifted high for a brainbuster, but Orth came in and clipped his leg from behind. He then nailed Storm with a DDT. By this time Darling rolled back inside the ring but was stopped by Orth, which allowed Carruthers to whip Storm into the buckle, and then nail him with a spinning spinebuster, and got the 1, 2, 3!! New Champions. Incredibly all three title matches tonight have now resulted in a change of champions. The title reign of the Extremists, their second, was very short at just less than a month. The Spinebusters begin their first title reign and the 63rd in the title lineage.
[Bryan Carruthers & Jerry Orth defeated Ace Darling & Devon Storm by pinfall when Carruthers pinned Storm after a spinning spinebuster at 13:02]
[Bryan Carruthers & Jerry Orth Win the RCW Tag Team Titles]
Prior to the main event, commissioner Nick Bockwinkel came to the ring to address the audience. He of course thanked everyone for being there and for supporting River City Wrestling. He then asked that everyone remain in their seats after the main event is over as there will be an announcement and some more festivities that they do not want to miss.
Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
60-minute time limit - Referee Buddy Lane
Vendetta (champ) (6'4" 261 lbs, Port-au-Prince, Haiti) ("Redemption Song" Bob Marley & The Wailers)
v
Gary Goodridge (6'3" 245 lbs., Barrie, Ontario) ("The Outlaw Torn" Metallica)
Former friends, now fighting tooth and nail for the top title in RCW. The pomp and circumstance was cut short by Vendetta when he hit the ring he went right after Goodridge, who met him in the middle of the ring. They traded punches as the various entourage scrambled to get out of the ring and Buddy Lane called for the bell to start things off. Goodridge has a slight advantage in the striking category, landed a solid haymaker, and followed it up with a spinning heel kick that sent the champ reeling into the corner. But when Goodridge came in for more the champ kicked him in the gut, reversed their positions and laid in a series of knees to the midsection. Goodridge though fought back by hoisting the champ up and delivering an atomic drop and then clotheslined him. The challenger took the battle outside where they fought for nearly a full minute, Lane having given up on the count but certainly smart enough to know you don't just prematurely toss out the main event of his employer's signature show. Inside they went through a criss cross sequence. Goodridge tried to hook the arms of the champ for a facebuster but Vendetta worked his way out of it and tried to take the challenger down with an inside cradle but Goodridge instead delivered a knee on knee shot. He then turned the champ over into a side twisted inverted sharpshooter. It looked painful for the champ but he was still fresh and managed to spin his way out of it. The champ fired back with a forearm upper, then an armbar that he worked into an octopus submission. Again it looked impressive but Goodridge was too fresh and managed to back Vendetta into the ropes to get the break. But when they went into the ropes backward they both fell out of the ring to the floor below. Getting to their feet Goodridge nailed the champ with a running clothesline, then a savate kick, and then a double underhook piledriver. Back inside it looked like Goodridge would win by countout so he left the ring again and rolled the champ back in. He slowed things down working a front chancery, then a side headlock. We were just ver the 5 minute mark in the bout at this point.
The challenger picked things up with a belly to belly suplex, but when he went for a second the champ landed a palm blow to the face, then a headbutt that stunned both men. After shaking off the cobwebs though Goodridge still had the champ in his grasp and completed the second suplex. Vendetta created a bit of space backing into the corner and then came out like a man backed into a corner. Goodridge though out punched him again, landing some open hand strikes to the side of the champ's head which played havoc with his equilibrium. As a result the champ dropped to a knee, then missed a wild swing at the challenger, and then was taken over with a belly to back suplex. Goodridge stomped away at the champ's shoulder then locked in an STF. Vendetta managed to get to the ropes for a break but was looking hurt. Keeping his hands up to guard the shoulder left him prey to a kick to the midsection, a hip toss, then a kick to the back of the head while kneeling. Playing into his MMA days the challenger then locked on an Anaconda vice and the champ was in big trouble. However, he managed to work a leg over the head of Goodridge and leverage his way out of it. Goodridge landed a pair of bodyslams, then a pin for a 1 count. He followed this up with a shoulderbreaker and then another STF. Vendetta got to the ropes again but was in big trouble. We were about 10 minutes into the bout.
Unsure what to do the challenger wasted too much time and he went for a superkick but the champ managed to duck under and then come up with Goodridge on his shoulders, and dumped the challenger over the top rope to the floor below. It was a nasty fall and it looked like the champ might win by countout. But whether it was in recognition of what Goodridge did early, or just stunned stupidity, or wanting a clean win, the champ left the ring to break the count and rolled Goodridge back inside. The champ went to work with a running legdrop, spinning elbowdrop, and a standing moonsault for a 2 count. He then nailed a snap suplex, and then went for a slingshot suplex but when Goodridge hit the top rope he slid back enough to back himself onto the ring apron. He then tried to hoist the champ over the top rope and nearly succeeded, but the champ used his better footing to reverse things and brought Goodridge back in with a suplex. The champ came off the second rope with a flying clothesline for a 2 count. He then hooked him up for his jumping DDT finisher but the challenger managed to work the champ's arm out, and brought him down to the mat into a crossface. Goodridge managed to slowly work his way to the ropes for a break, but it was he that was in big trouble now. The champ went to work with a series of stomp on the head and neck area, then put on a neck vice, and then a pair of neckbreakers. A surfboard submission hold on the mat followed, and then more punishment to the back, and then a Samoan drop for another two count. We were about 15 minutes into the bout.
Vendetta worked over the upper body of the challenger for a couple minutes but wasn't having much luck putting him away. The champ then went to the top buckle where he perched until Goodridge turned into him and he hit the challenger with a missile dropkick. The champ was slow to cover though as he is feeling the effects of the bout as well. By the time he covered he didn't even get a 1 count before Goodridge pressed him off. The champ went for a flying clothesline but the challenger countered with a crucifix into a roll, and then locked on a lying hangman's clutch. Vendetta though kept moving and didn't allow it to be fully locked on. The challenger nailed him with a knee, then went for a powerbomb but the champ countered with flying headscissors. Vendetta then went for his own powerbomb but Goodridge resisted, keeping his feet firmly on the ground, so the champ reached through and made it a cradle lift and then a powerbomb. He covered and got a 2 count. Vendetta then went for his jumping DDT but Goodridge countered with an inverted atomic drop, then nailed his own DDT, covered for a 2 count. Both men were now exhausted with their hands on their knees. The timekeeper made the announcement that we had 20 minutes expired.
The battle went to a low tech exchange of punches and kicks, and once again spilled outside the ring. This time it also went into the crowd, and again Lane was very lenient letting them battle outside for a good couple minutes. Back inside the two battled but this was more Goodridge's game and he clobbered away at Vendetta, then nailed a roundhouse kick to the back of the head, and then took him down with a front Guillotine. However, it slipped into a chokehold and Lane ordered a break. Vendetta tried to kick Goodridge in the gut but the challenger caught his foot, but paid for it as the champ struck him with an enzuigiri. The champ then nailed a piledriver in the middle of the ring but instead of going for a pin locked the challenger into a sharpshooter. It looked grim for Goodridge but after a bit he managed to grab the foot of the champ and pull his way out of the hold. Goodridge managed to grab Vendetta by the hair and toss him over the top rope. This was only to gain himself time to recover though as he let the champ regain his senses outside and return to the ring. Goodridge hammered away with forearms and then kicks, alternating feet and backed the champ into the corner. The champ then fought his way out with a series of elbow smashes to the head and then speared him into the far corner. Instead of letting up though, as the challenger was sitting in the corner, Vendetta held onto the bottom ropes and drove his shoulder several times into the chest and gut of the challenger. He tried to pull Goodridge out of the corner, but the challenger kept holding onto the bottom rope. Finally he couldn't hold on anymore and the champ pulled him up and he landed on his back. Bu the challenger was ready for this and the champ was leaning forward off balance. Goodridge made him pay by taking him down with a legwhip, then locked on a combo armbar and leglock. The champ finally managed to roll backward out of it but landed in the ropes. Vendetta got up on the apron and Goodridge slugged him, then ran him along the apron smashing his head off the top steel. The challenger then came off the ring apron and nailed Vendetta with a double axhandle to the back as he was trying to get to his feet. Goodridge whipped him into the guardrail, then the ringsteps, then rolled him back inside. We were about 28 minutes into the bout.
Goodridge decided to take an uncharacteristic risk, and instead of following the champ into the ring climbed to the top buckle. This was a mistake of course as Vendetta recovered and met him in the corner, bringing him back to earth with a superplex. The champ covered for 1, 2 kickout. The champ hooked the neck setting up for the DDT but again the challenger countered, this time hoisting the champ up and taking him down with a front layout suplex. Goodridge then locked on a camel clutch but made the mistake of grabbing the dreadlocks of the champ, which caused Lane to make him break the hold. He went to reapply it but Vendetta pulled his leg out from under him, then locked him up for an STF, but instead pulled him up, and then took him down with an inverted DDT, covered and got 1, 2, 3!! Vendetta becomes the first of 4 champions to hold onto their belt tonight in a classic match.
[Vendetta defeated Gary Goodridge by pinfall after an inverted DDT at 29:50]
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
Post-Match: As Goodridge went to exit the ring Vendetta called out to him. They exchanged some quiet words, some nods, and then Vendetta offered a handshake. It was accepted by the challenger and the two embraced, and lifted each other's arms in the air. By now the house lights had come on and RCW officials and wrestlers were making their way down to ringside. Vendetta stayed in the ring with the title belt, and Goodridge made his way to a standing position outside the ring.
Inside the ring Vendetta was joined by commissioner Nick Bockwinkel, Hall of Famers Destroyer, Chris Lyon, Mike Valiant, Tawney & Corrie England, Jim Brunzell, Ben Bassarab, Marty Gold, referee Buddy Lane, and Hall of fame committee member Stan Mullen, and Baron von Raschke. All the wrestlers that performed tonight with the exception of Manny Silva, and the refs stood outside the ring looking in. The fans grew quiet not really liking what they were seeing given the internet rumours. They began to chant R-C-Dub in imitation of ECW's famous chant. Nick Bockwinkel thanked everyone for staying and suggested the house lights be dimmed again. He then handed the mic off to Jim Brunzell who he said was the glue that held this wrestling company together.
Jim Brunzell let the crowd know that he, along with Baron von Raschke, and Marty Gold were majority owners of River City Wrestling. As everyone knows that behemoth from the east coast has been making it very difficult for any mid-size or regional group to make a living anymore. River City Wrestling has managed to do just that for 19 glorious years. However, it has come time that it is no longer feasible to continue the way it is going...the fans were growing incensed...so Brunzell in an effort to keep a lid on things told everyone, it's okay, RCW is still going to be run. With the tension brought down a notch though he announced that they were selling controlling interest to a group from out east, well from Toronto (again jeers from the crowd). Brunzell is holding back tears. He tells the crowd that the managing partner should be good for the company, he is from a wrestling family. Brunzell says he doesn't want to reveal too much, as that is the right of the new owners as they see fit, but the new C.E.O. will be a man Jack Larkin who made his money as an investment banker, but his family goes back 3 generations in wrestling promotion. Jack's Grandpa Lazarus Larkin began a wrestling company in Toronto that also toured the Ohio Valley. The company was passed down to Jack's father Frank, and was eventually sold in the early 80's to the WWF. Jack has been very interested in getting back into the wrestling business. At this point Jim is having a hard time keeping it together so he hands the mic off to Marty Gold who continues the statement. Marty says most wrestling companies would just keep their fans in the dark, and let it pass, but that is not the way RCW operates. That is not how you thank fans for 19 years of allegiance. Marty says that they are not sure what changes will be made for sure, and can't really divulge much of what they do know, but that RCW has made a commitment to continue to run shows in Winnipeg. However, Larkin will be putting money in to expand the quality of the product and it is likely he will expand elsewhere. However, there are a couple traditions that the current management want to continue. First of all, we want the Hall of Fame to continue. So if the new ownership decides not to continue to honour the past the Stan Mullen led fan club will continue to operate the Hall of Fame Committee and selection process and will hold a non-wrestling event, like a lunch or dinner, to induct hall of famers for the foreseeable future. The other tradition is the year end awards. The wrestlers bust their ass all year and the best of the best deserve their recognition. Therefore as a bonus to fans, we are going to give out the year end awards right now!! This was met by enthusiasm from the crowd.
The first award given out will be for tag team of the year. While Joe E. Legend & Eric Freedom held the tag titles the longest, 5 months, the award is being given to Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage who held the title for slightly less time (about 4 1/2 months) but showed a level of team work and were very popular with the fans. Unfortunately they can not be here to accept the award so it will be sent out to them. We wish them all the best in their future, where right now they are signed to contracts with the WWF. (this drew boos from the crowd).
Tag Team of the Year - Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage
That was the only award where there is no one on hand to accept (this drew cheers from the crowd). The manager or valet of the year, which Brunzell jokes should be renamed the Nick Bockwinkel award since he won it 5 times in the 90's, was then given to Bockwinkel to announce. The commissioner said that RCW is more of a stand on your own feet federation, which means there are not many managers or valets. There were two good candidates this year, and sorry to Sharon Montgomery but she was a little too little, little too late. The award this year goes to the woman who managed the tag team champions, Legend & Freedom for that five month reign; Mercedes. She is accompanied by Legend to the ring to accept the award. Legend tries to complain about being jobbed out of the tag awards but is menaced away by Vendetta.
Manager/Valet of the Year - Mercedes
For feud of the year, there were also a lot of good candidates. It seems like ever year someone tangled with Ben Bassarab or Manny Silva is at the forefront of the running. This year though it was a very spread out and even voting, and had to go to a second ballot. For the second time ever, and the first since 1991, the feud of the year is between two women. Off and on for over half the year, one on one, or part of three ways, Nikki Kixxx and Runaway Jane lit up the ring with their intensity. On hand tonight to accept on their behalf is Nikki Kixxx. The heel Kixxx took a minute to grab the mic and say that since she is here to accept the award and Jane is long gone, that it looks like everyone knows who won the feud.
Feud of the Year - Nikki Kixxx vs Runaway Jane
Before she left the ring though she was asked to stay by Brunzell. The Woman of the Year award is still in its infancy, this is the 4th year the award has been given out, and this is the 4th different winner. Nikki Kixxx burst on the scene and although Madusa Micelli technically held the women's title the longest, she didn't make that many appearances this year. Nikki Kixxx, Runaway Jane, Christine Law, Tina Rigdon, and now Strawberry Fields joined Micelli in each holding the belt once this year. However, as a full body of work, and taking into account other candidates like Mercedes, Sharon Montgomery, and new referee Jennifer Greaves, the award winner was chosen to be the very impressive Kixxx.
Woman of the Year - Nikki Kixxx
Match of the year had been chosen, but as mentioned earlier tonight, the award committee kept in contact tonight. As the night progressed votes changed, but by the end of the main event we had a unanimous decision. In typical RCW fashion we saved the best for last, as the winner of Match of the Year was the last match of the year, and perhaps the last match of an era, Vendetta versus Gary Goodridge. Both men pose with plaques but they are blank and are told they will be filled out and sent to them.
Match of the Year - RCW Heavyweight Title Match: Vendetta defeated Gary Goodridge by pinfall at 29:50 to retain the title; RCW #770 December 5th (19th Anniversary Spectacular)
The final award of the evening is the wrestler of the year. There was no doubt this year, and again it was a unanimous decision and would have been regardless of the outcome tonight. One of RCW's biggest legends, and most popular performers ever, Vendetta won the heavyweight title on April 4th from Masa Chono. He withstood challenges from men like Slapshot, Nikolai Kishka, Manny Silva, Angel, Brujah and Gary Goodridge. He also carried himself like a champion and hid from no one. As a 4 time Heavyweight champion he is tied only in that regard with me (Jim Brunzell), this is his second Wrestler of the Year award, the other one being exactly a decade ago in 1988. The one and only, the Haitian warrior, Vendetta! He gets an ovation from the crowd, a standing ovation since everyone has been standing since the end of the main event.
Wrestler of the Year - Vendetta
Vendetta asks for a mic and is given one. He thanks those in the ring, and his competitors in the dressing room, and most of all the fans for another fantastic year. However, he announces that at this time he is going to relinquish the Heavyweight title (this draws jeers from the crowd who are shocked). Vendetta says its not just about the change in ownership and the uncertainty, although that has a part to play in the timing. He left wrestling once before to return to his native Haiti to do humanity work because of the deplorable political and economic conditions there. So now he finds it a good time to once again take a break from wrestling, return home to Haiti, and try and make a difference to his homeland. He says he would never rule out a return to RCW though, and guaranteed he would never accept an offer from WWF or WCW because those are the kinds of corporations that are doing so much damage to the world. He wishes everyone happiness and peace. He draws closing cheers from the crowd.
Jim Brunzell is then flanked by RCW's officials and top wrestlers and he once again thanks everyone for a great 19 year run, this is not the end, but we are not sure what the future will look like. But for now, "that's another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya...soon".
December 5, 1998
Winnipeg Convention Centre
Winnipeg, Manitoba
19th Anniversary Spectacular
Opening Bout
Triple Threat Tag Match (One man from each team is legal)
One fall 25 minute time limit - referee Buddy Lane
Rising Son & Pitbull Kid (combined wt. 450 lbs.) ("Hard Knock Life" Jay-Z)
v
Hical & Spyder (combined wt. 452 lbs.) ("Hello Nasty" Beastie Boys)
v
Darren Dalton & Full Nelson (combined wt. 480 lbs.) ("Rock The Boat" Hughes Corporation)
This was not a typical RCW match, it was a bit of a spot-fest because of the nature of having three men in the ring. However, for an opening match it entertained the crowd, especially with two high flying fan favourite teams facing off against a heel team who both cheated and played the buffoons (Dalton & Nelson). The best way to recap this match is to give a list of the highlights, or top spots. The masked lucha Hical was in a bit of trouble around the three minute mark, but he was pulled out of the ring by his partner Spyder. They did the head to head conference, spinning around a couple of times, and then while Dalton and Kid were fighting inside the ring, Spyder donned an identical mask to Hical and attempted to take his place in the ring. It was obvious to the fans, Rising Son, and Full Nelson what was going on since Spyder is lighter skinned, has long black hair flowing from under the mask, and wears pants instead of tights, but to Lane and the combatants who were otherwise distracted it was ignored for about 20 seconds before Lane noticed and ordered the change. By then however, and after some arguing, Hical was nicely recovered and no longer in immediate danger of being pinned. The next spot series came around the 5 minute mark when all the combatants took turns nailing each other with suplexes, including the non-legal partners who had come in to the ring. In fact 5 of the 6 men were out on their backs with only Rising Son staggering to his feet. Buddy Lane made the mistake of getting too close to him, patting him on the shoulder to indicate he had to leave the ring since he was not legal, and Son nailed him with a neckbreaker, not looking to see who it was. Now Lane was the last man out as the six competitors gradually all got to their feet and had a nice brawl as Lane lay on the mat, and kept getting a wrestler dropped on him, or kick him, etc to keep him knocked down. Finally he got to his feet and after giving all six men a stern warning he allowed the bout to continue.
The next series saw Kid, Spyder, and Nelson all in the ring going for the pin, but having to throw the 3rd man out to gain time. In each case the tag partner threw their partner back into the ring to help them break up the pin attempt. A brawl erupted outside the ring between the three non-legal men, and soon the legal men joined them in a six man brawl outside the ring. A table was set up, and Dalton laid Kid on the table as Spyder leapt from the top and drove Kid through the table. Back inside the ring and Pitbull Kid was in trouble but neither of the other teams could put him away as they couldn't get enough time to make a clean pin.
Kid made a comeback and he rolled up Dalton, but was losing it, until Son reached in and they linked hands for leverage. But before Lane could count the three count Hical ran around and pulled Son off, causing him to smash himself face first on the ring apron. The next spot of interest was when Full Nelson was in trouble, disorientated he made the tag out to Rising Son instead of Dalton...who shrugged his shoulders and joined his partner Pitbull Kid in the ring as they double teamed Hical. Spyder came in to protest but Lane dealt with him, putting him out first, with the long delay allowing Son and Kid to double team Hical. They had him set up for a version of the electric chair but Dalton came in the ring and half-ass suplexed both Kid and Hical who was on his shoulder. Hical bounced off the middle strand and rolled out of the ring. Order was slowly restored with Hical and Full Nelson both on shaky street against the much more energetic Pitbull Kid. The Pitbull whipped them both to the buckles and then smashed their heads together. He then threw Hical over the top rope. Nelson recovered enough to nail Kid with a lowblow. Lane stepped between them to warn Nelson. Kid though reached between Lane's feet, grabbed Nelson by the boots and yanked him to the mat. He then pushed Lane down a bit, and springboarded/launched himself off of the back of Lane, landing butt first on the chest of Nelson, grabbed the feet into a victory roll....Dalton tried to make the save but ended up running into Hical who was finally getting back into the ring, and Rising Son took out Spyder who likewise was trying to enter the ring..1, 2, 3!!
[Rising Son & Pitbull Kid defeated Hical & Spyder and Darren Dalton & Full Nelson by pinfall when Kid pinned Nelson after a victory roll at 15:48]
Bout #2
One Fall 25 minute time limit - Referee Jennifer Greaves
Jeanne "Hollywood" Basone (5'7" 128 lbs., Hollywood, California) ("Hollywood" Streetheart) vs Nikki Kixxx (5'6" 120 lbs., Wildwood, New Jersey) ("Bad Medicine" Bon Jovi)
A matchup of former North American Women's Champions with Basone (in her mid 30's) holding the title on 3 occasions (most recently in 1996) and Kixx (in her early 20's) having her one and only reign earlier this year. Hollywood was the "face" in this bout and Kixxx the "heel" but Basone used some stall tactics, including taking photos with fans during the early minutes of the match to frustrate her younger opponent. Then she worked a series of mundane moves like standing headlock and bodyscissors, and when broken she would go to the ropes to stop further engagment. Kixxx went for a spinning heel kick way too early, and Basone ducked away, then nailed Kixxx with a clothesline, then a slingshot into the buckle, followed by applying an STF. It was too early though and Kixxx managed to get out of it. Finally though Kixxx chopped Baone in the throat and then began to choke her, to take her first real advantage of the bout after almost 5 minutes of ring time. Kixxx worked a front chancery, and a side headlock on the mat, working both into chokes when possible, and then did the same with a sleeperhold. Kixxx then picked up the pace with some suplexes, coming off the ropes for a couple moves, and then nailed a superkick, which got a 2 count because Basone got a foot on the ropes. Kixxx was angered and stomped away at Basone, then basically straddled her and started to slam her head off the mat until referee Greaves physically got between the two. Kixxx then threw her opponent out of the ring, and went for a plancha, but Basone rolled out of the way. A count of 9 was applied but both women managed to roll back into the ring to break it, but then decided to leave the ring and renew hostilities. They brawled around the ring, slamming each other off the guardrail, announce table and ringsteps, rolling into the ring on two occasions to stop the 10 count. Basone came out on top, and back inside the ring nailed an elbowsmash from the second rope, a back suplex, for a 2 count, a swinging neckbreaker for a 2 count, and then a camel clutch. We were over 10 minutes into the bout at this point. Kixxx made a comeback again started with a throat chop, and after a couple setup moves, nailed a DDT for a 2 count. Then she attacked Hollywood using her opponent's long blonde hair to her advantage. First standing on it while yanking on her arms pulling her upward from the mat, then grabbing it and delivering a hairplane spin. Finally she was tying it around the ringrope when Greaves had enough and made her stop. Kixxx argued with Greaves and the two even exchanged shoves. That was all the time Basone needed to recover. The two punched it out in the middle of the ring, then Basone smashed her opponent's head off of each turnbuckle, and then a running bulldog, for 1, 2, 3.
[Jeanne Basone defeated Nikki Kixxx by pinfall after a running bulldog at 13:35]
Bout #3
Managerial Contract of Mercedes is on the line
One Fall 25 Minute Time limit - Referee Mike Valiant
Joe E. Legend (6'4" 250 lbs., Toronto, Ontario) ("A Legend Never Dies" Blackfoot) (/w Mercedes) vs "Turbo" Eric Freedom (5'11 220 lbs., Chicago, IL) ("Turbo Lover" Judas Priest) ((Valiant)
It's a common enough story. Former tag team partners, champions, broken apart by a combination of losing and a woman. The table had been set with the contract of Mercedes on the line. To be specific if Freedom won then he would get the contract of Mercedes to manage him. No one is quite sure how long, or why he would want that, or how much her fees are, but that is the vagueness of pro wrestling. So the heat should have been there for this match, yet for some reason the passion just wasn't there. Some reports circled later that Freedom was nursing a knee injury that may have held him back a bit. There were plenty of fisticuffs and Mercedes was front and center getting involved in the action and giving Legend lots of hugs, kisses, and shoulder rubs whenever he left the ring. Freedom though controlled most of the bout. Mercedes jumped up on the ring apron, and Freedom looked like he had fallen for it, but when Legend charged him he moved out of the way, and Legend speared Mercedes right off the ring apron. Freedom tried to roll him up from behind, but Legend hung on to the top rope with both hands sending Freedom tumbling back. Legend struck with a springboard back elbow, then hit his cutter and got the win.
[Joe E. Legend defeated Eric Freedom by pinfall after the Legend Cutter at 8:52]
Bout #4
Best 2 out of 3 Falls
60 minute time limit - referee Buddy Lane
Baron von Raschke, Jim Brunzell & Brian Blair (combined wt. 750 lbs.) ("Born to Run" Bruce Springsteen)
v
Destruction Crew: Mike Enos & Wayne Bloom, & Roadblock (combined wt. 865 lbs.) ("Hell To Pay" Jeff Healey Band)
The first fall saw each guy get a quick turn in the ring, and it settled in with Roadblock slamming Blair to the mat and then working him over with his size advantage. Blair played Ricky Morton for a few minutes with each heel taking a turn on the beatdown but with Roadblock taking the lead, with his huge size (350 lbs.). The problem was that Roadblock got cocky and told Enos to hold Blair while he climbed to the top rope. Well it took him so long to get to the top rope that Blair managed to recover and sneak in a mule kick to the groin of Enos while Lane was counting Roadblock in a futile gesture. Blair then slammed Roadblock off the top rope and made the tag out. It looked like things had turned the corner as Raschke went to work on Roadblock then tagged in Brunzell who picked the pace up a bit. However, in a surprise Brunzell telegraphed his dropkick finisher, and Roadblock hung on to the top rope. Brunzell landed on his head and a winded but still moving Roadblock then splashed down on him, covered and got the 3 count.
[Roadblock pinned Brunzell after a splash at 8:02]
The second fall started with a fired up and motivated Brunzell who went right to work on Roadblock. He whipped Roadblock to the ropes, tagged in Raschke, moved out of the way, and Roadblock walked right into a clawhold. It only took the big man a couple seconds before he submitted. Destruction Crew tried to make the save but the "Bees" stopped them in their tracks.
[Raschke submitted Roadblock to the clawhold at 9:57]
The third fall started with a six man brawl after what had just transpired. It shook out to Brunzell being in trouble and the Crew making several quick tags to sneak in some double teams. Brunzell tagged in Raschke and after some initial success he too fell victim to double teams from the Crew. This broke down into another six man brawl, this one longer, in and out of the ring, and Lane let it go instead of throwing the bout out. Finally it shook out with Raschke having control over Bloom, nailing a couple back body drops, big boot to the head, a couple hip tosses and clotheslines. He locked the clawhold in but before the damage could be done Bloom slammed him to the corner where Enos and Roadblock helped him with a short triple team. Tag was made and Enos, then Roadblock, then Bloom all took turns punishing Raschke. Enos climbed to the top rope while Bloom was setting Raschke up for a spiked piledriver. But Raschke back dropped Bloom, and Blair came around the ring to knock Enos to the mat. Raschke tagged out to Brunzell who hit Bloom with a flying dropkick, for 1, 2 kickout. A short six man brawl ensued with Roadblock and Enos being thrown from the ring. Blair joined Brunzell in the ring, they whipped Bloom to the ropes, nailed a double dropkick and picked up the 1, 2, 3!!
[Brunzell pinned Bloom after a double dropkick at 19:12]
Baron von Raschke, Jim Brunzell & Brian Blair defeated Destruction Crew: Mike Enos & Wayne Bloom, & Roadblock 2 falls to 1 at 19:12
Bout #5
Loser Leave Town Match
No Time Limit - Referee Mike Valiant
Ben Bassarab (5'11" 220 lbs., Calgary, Alberta) ("You've Got Another Thing Comin'" Judas Priest)
v
Mad Dog Manny Silva (5'11" 245 lbs., Hawaii) ("Mad Dog" Deep Purple)
Not sure exactly how many times these two legends have hooked up in their RCW careers but they know each other well. Bassarab is already in the hall of fame, and Silva will one day make it in unless vindictiveness keeps him out. Nobody likes the Mad Dog, and the Mad Dog don't like nobody. It was obvious that the Mad Dog was chomping at the bit and was going to attack Bassarab before the bell so Ben didn't make him wait and met him in the middle of the ring with his warm up jacket still on. The two went toe to toe as the bell was rung before the introductions were complete (pretty safe to say though that the fans know who these two men are). Silva won the fisticuffs as he is the better brawler and began to batter Bassarab around the ring, and then outside the ring. He focused his attention on the back of Bassarab and at one point, after two camel clutches, and several sitdowns on his back, Silva lorded over him making the phantom title belt around his own waist (taunting Bassarab for the one thing he has never done in RCW, won the Heavyweight title). Silva was going for his wheelbarrow suplex finisher but Bassarab pushed up and over landing beside Silva and then took him face first down with a legsweep. Bassarab delivered some sound kicks to the head of Silva as he tried to get up, then some forearm uppercuts, off the ropes and a flying backelbow. The smaller Bassarab went to work with his Stampede style stick and move attack, but when he went for a float behind he ate an elbow from the Hawaiian, who then immediately went to the throat and then the eyes. Silva was back in charge and we were about 6 minutes into the bout. Silva slowed things down with some bearhugs, then straight punches, a trio of backbreakers for a 2 count. A reverse chinlock and then a series of knees to the back followed by a standing surfboard. When Silva went for a belly to belly suplex though Bassarab tackled him, sending both men out of the ring. Bassarab recovered first, rolled into the ring, and then charged at Silva as he tried to get back into the ring. Silva lowered the rope sending Bassarab up and over. Silva went to work on him outside the ring, throwing him off the ringsteps then the guardrail. But it was Bassarab who literally drew first blood when he reversed a whip and sent Silva head first into the ringpost. Back inside Bassarab was not shy in going after the wound with punches, and knees opening Silva up. He then tried to wear Silva down with a series of mat wear down holds like a front facelock as his opponent's head dripped crimson onto the mat. The action picked up again as the two men exchanged punches, kicks, and then traded suplexes. We were about 13 minutes into the bout. Silva grabbed the advantage with an atomic drop, a high knee, a one arm bodyslam, double stomp, and then an impressive vertical suplex powerslam, for 1, 2 kickout. Silva sent Bassarab to the buckle and then caught him with a kick to the head, covered for 2. Silva then ignored the ref's count and uncovered the top turnbuckle. As the two reengaged Valiant tried in vane to get the buckle covered again and gave up after watching the two men exchanging closed fist punches. Now Bassarab grabbed the advantage with a series of high knees, then a facebuster for a 2 count that left a nice blood splotch on the mat. Bassarab attacked with a pair of running clotheslines, then a top rope kneedrop to the skull, for a 2 count. He tried to set up Silva for a figure four but the Hawaiian "accidentally" kicked him in the groin to get the break. Valiant delayed Silva a bit while Bassarab recovered from the nut shot, but Silva tossed him to the side. Bassarab though returned the favour by punching Silva in the groin, then dropped him with a fireman's carry. Bassarab went to the top rope for the flying crossbody block finisher but Silva caught him with a punch to the gut mid-air. Silva though looked VERY wobbly from blood loss, and when he went for a suplex he couldn't lift Bassarab. He then went for a piledriver but was too slow so Bassarab backdropped him. Both men were slow to get up, Silva caught Bassarab with a kick to the gut, then went to throw him into the corner with the exposed turnbuckle, but Bassarab reversed it. It looked like Silva would go in head first but he slammed on the breaks with hands on either side of the buckle. But Bassarab caught him by surprise with a dropkick and Silva went chin first into the buckle and looked to be knocked right out. Bassarab covered, didn't hook a leg, 1, 2, 3!! Tough win.
[Ben Bassarab defeated Manny Silva by pinfall after a dropkick into an unexposed turnbuckle at 21:51]
Post-Match: Manny Silva recovered while the fans sang "na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na, hey-hey-hey, goodbye" to him. Silva gave Bassarab a quick nod of recognition, so Bassarab went to shake his hand only to have the Mad Dog try and attack him again, wrapping his hands around Bassarab's throat. He was still weak though so it was easy enough for Bassarab to throw him out of the ring, and give him a hand wipe motion. But Silva tried to grab a chair and get back into the ring but Bassarab booted him out again and then security surrounded him and escorted him out as the fans continued to sing even louder.
Bout #6
Best 2 out of 3 Falls Legends Tag Match
60 minute time limit - referee Buddy Lane
Paul Orndorff & Don Muraco (combined wt. 527 lbs.) ("Sharp Dressed Man" ZZ Top)
v
Greg Valentine & Stan Lane (combined wt. 467 lbs.) ("Everybody Wants You" Billy Squier)
Stan Lane is a 3 time RCW Heavyweight champion, Greg Valentine, Don Muraco, and Paul Orndorff each holding it two times. A little gamesmanship to start with the faces choosing to use Sharp Dressed Man, Lane's song as part of the Fabulous Ones, as their entrance music, and obviously mocking his prima donna style. Despite that there was obviously a lot of mutual respect between all four men in this match. That respect played out with a slow, methodical start, lots of playing up to the crowd and complaints to the ref, and some ground holds (with the occasional choke and hair pull thrown in). Then Muraco and Orndorff brought their power to bear, delivering simultaneous gorilla press slams to their opponents who rolled out of the ring to regroup. Once inside though the Hammer distracted Muraco and the legal man Lane took him out from behind. Muraco played Ricky Morton for a few minutes, but when Valentine went for a pin Muraco chest pressed him off, then monkey flipped him into the corner where Orndorff nailed him. Muraco tagged out to Orndorff who sent Valentine to the ropes, clotheslined him, dropped a running legdrop, German suplex, and then the piledriver. Lane came in to break it up but Orndorff rolled out of the way and Lane dropped an elbow on Valentine, and then was ejected from the ring by Muraco. Referee Buddy Lane though was distracted by putting Muraco out of the ring which allowed Lane to come back inside the ring and again drop an elbow...but again Orndorff rolled out of the way. Lane dropped that elbow on his partner again, and this time it was Orndorff who tossed him out of the ring and covered Valentine for the fall.
[Paul Orndorff pinned Greg Valentine after a piledriver and some botched interference by Lane at 8:25]
The second fall began with bickering between Valentine and Lane that almost cost them the fall, and the match. But Valentine hung on despite being punished by both Orndorff and then Muraco. Finally Valentine managed to deliver a nut shot to Orndorff and tag out to Lane. The former Fabulous One went right to work on Orndorff with a series of chops, a belly to belly suplex, some kicks to the head, a kneedrop from the second buckle, and then a kneedrop from the top buckle, but only got a 2 count. Valentine came in and continued to punish Orndorff. He managed to lock in the figure-four but Mr. Wonderful managed to get to the ropes for a break. Valentine dragged Orndorff to the corner though where he worked over the knee as he tagged in Lane. After some more knee work Lane also locked in a figure four. When Orndorff refused to submit Valentine made the mistake of entering the ring and attacking the vulnerable Orndorff who was still in the figure four. It was a mistake because as Buddy Lane put Valentine out of the ring it allowed Don Muraco to come in and kick away at Stan Lane to break the lock. Orndorff made a slow recovery, basically hulking off, sustaining some punches as he recovered. He then bodyslammed Lane and tagged out to Muraco. The Rock went right to work on Lane with a couple running shoulderblocks, knee drops, then a Samoan drop, and cover for a 2 count. Muraco worked over the back of Lane, tried a couple bear hugs, some backbreakers, and then tagged out to Orndorff who continued to work the back, and also locked in some bearhugs. Lane though went to the eyes of Orndorff and tagged out to Valentine. Orndorff was blinded and got tangled up with Buddy Lane which allowed Valentine the ability to deliver another low blow, then climb to the second rope, and as Lane took out Muraco, he dropped the elbow and got the pin.
[Greg Valentine pinned Don Muraco after a second rope elbowdrop at 18:37]
The final fall saw all four men take a turn getting beat on by their opponents. The pace was actually pretty impressive for four older guys, thanks to quick tags and featured power and brawling moves, not restholds. All four men nailed a finisher move on an opponent (Orndorff - Piledriver, Muraco - tombstone piledriver, Lane - superkick, Valentine - second rope elbow drop) but in each case the save was made by the tag partner. This resulted in a four man brawl that went from inside the ring, to out, and then back inside. Referee Buddy Lane let the men go at it. Inside the ring Valentine and Stan Lane both locked their opponents in simultaneous figure fours. But Orndorff and Muraco were able to rotate themselves around so that they were side by side with the opposite member applying the holds, and were able to elbow/punch their way out of it. The heels tried to whip the faces into each other but Orndorff and Muraco slammed on the breaks, and then took their opponents down with clotheslines. They then hit simultaneous piledrivers and made the cover. Buddy Lane probably had no idea who was the legal man and just smacked the mat 3 times for both.
[Paul Orndorff & Don Muraco pinned Stan Lane & Greg Valentine after simultaneous piledrivers at 25:55]
Paul Orndorff & Don Muraco defeated Stan Lane & Greg Valentine 2 falls to 1 at 25:55
Post-Match: After a bit of hesitation to accept, all four men ended up shaking hands, and then spent an extra couple minutes posing and waving for the crowd (including doing the four corner thing). They also went and greeted some fans around ringside before making their way to the back.
Bout #7
North American Women's Title Match
30 Minute Time Limit - Referee Jennifer Greaves
Tina Rigdon (champion) (5'4" 119 lbs., Maysville, Kentucky) ("Sock It To Me" Missy Elliot & Da Brat)
v
Strawberry Fields (5'6" 138lbs., Charlotte, North Carolina) ("Strawberry Fields" The Beatles)
Rigdon attacked Fields before the opening belt nailing her with the title belt. She would have done it again but Greaves pulled the title belt away from her and threatened disqualification. Rigdon just yelled at her, you can't disqualify me the bell hasn't rung yet. The bell then promptly rang and the champ continued the onslaught. Stomps, hip tosses, dropkick, springboard backelbow, and a snap suplex got only a 2 count. A vicious looking jawbreaker set up a DDT, and a cover for another 2 count. Rigdon nailed a couple more dropkicks, a German suplex, and then came off the top rope with a splash...but Fields lifted her knees. The champ still got to her feet first, landed a couple punches, tossed Fields into the corner, then did a somersault backelbow, covered, and got another 2 count. She went for a figure-four but was kicked off by Fields. The champ pounded away at Fields, then went for a piledriver but Fields countered with a back bodydrop. For the first time in the match, and we are fully 5 minutes in, the challenger had the advantage. A couple hair assisted hip tosses, a vicious trio of kicks to the back, and then a jumping necksnap. Rigdon managed to grab the challenger and toss her out of the ring. The champ then nailed the challenger twice trying to get back into the ring. The third time though Fields was able to grab her feet and pull the champ out of the ring. They brawled outside and Fields reversed a whip into the guardrail sending Rigdon head over heels into the steel. Back inside Fields went to work with a pair of running elbowdrops, and a front layout suplex for a 2 count. Fields set Rigdon up for a superplex but the champ blocked it, wrapped herself around the challenger's back to take her down in a sunset flip, but the challenger hung on while Greaves counted to 5. With the champ unwilling to break and the challenger holding onto the top rope, Greaves tried to intervene by propping herself up on the second buckle and trying to separate the two. However, all three ended up spilling to the mat. Fields got up and nailed the champ with a trio of rolling German suplexes, covered...but Greaves was still recovering. The ref finally counted but only got to 1 before Rigdon kicked out. The champ then nailed a headbutt to the gut of Fields, then nailed a fireman's carry into a slam for 1, 2, she put her feet on the middle strand to make sure...but Greaves noticed and stopped her hand inches from the mat and called for the break. Rigdon wasted time arguing with Greaves, and Fields rolled her up from behind 1, 2, Rigdon rolled through 1, 2, handfull of tights..again seen by Greaves who called for the bell. Scrambling to their feet Rigdon went for a clothesline but Fields ducked under. The champ slammed on the breaks but Fields nailed her with a standing sidekick, then a powerbomb, covered and got the 1, 2, 3!! New Champion!! This will be the 66th title reign for this championship lineage, and Fields' first title run. Rigdon, a bit of an upstart had won the belt on Halloween night from Christine Law. The women's title has played hot potato a lot in its history and this year was no exception with it going from Madusa Micelli to Nikki Kixxx to Runaway Jane to Christine Law to Tina Rigdon and now to Strawberry Fields.
[Strawberry Fields defeated Tina Rigdon by pinfall after a powerbomb at 10:08]
[Strawberry Fields Wins the North American Women's Title]
Bout #8
RCW Television Title Match
30 Minute Time Limit - Referee Buddy Lane
Nikolai Kishka (champion) (6'0" 250 lbs., Kazan, Russia) ("Hymn of the Russian Federation")
vs
Cobra (6'0 265 lbs., parts unknown) ("Head Like a Hole" Nine Inch Nails)
Kishka has been the top surprise of the year, going from a young up and comer to a really nice run as Television champion. While he may be a heel he has earned the respect of the fans, and I guess it was in the "he may be a heel, but he's our heel" vein that the fans were 50/50 in their support against Cobra who has wrestled in RCW before but has mainly been a SAWF South African guy, including having held their heavyweight title. Cobra has a bit of a "Sting-Crow" gimmick ripoff going, although his colors are red and black. He wrestles with that same methodical but explosive style. Kishka on the other hand attacked with a more stick and move style, and preferred to lock up and do some chain wrestling. With these opposing styles the fans began to get frustrated with Cobra and the sentiment of the crowd began to shift. Around 5 minutes into the bout when Cobra was given a chorus of jeers for countering some chain wrestling from Kishka with a double axhandle chop to the back and then a couple boots to the head, he left the ring to jaw with the crowd, and it was now soundly 90% of the crowd pulling for Kishka. The new found adoration of the crowd seemed to spur on Kishka who took it to Cobra with dropkicks, flying armdrags, slingshot suplex, and a missile dropkick for a 2 count. He went for his finisher the jumping spinning leg lariat, but Cobra ducked away and "accidentally" collided with the groin of the champion. It was all Cobra now as he grounded the champ and worked over his legs with twists, locks, knees, and then a figure four. Cobra then locked on his version of the cloverleaf (Cobra Lock) but Kishka managed to make his way to the ropes. Frustrated Cobra pounded away at Kishka in the corner, before the champ finally retaliated with a knee to the groin, then took him down from behind with a bulldog, for a 2 count. Kishka continued to work over the champ, and then they did some criss cross moves, and Cobra ended up catching the champ with a flying shoulder to the knee. He then nailed an innocent enough looking kneebreaker, covered, 1, Cobra put his feet on the bottom rope for leverage, 2, 3!! New champion, tainted but official. This will be Cobra's first reign under the RCW Television/Heritage Championship, and the 42nd overall of that title lineage. It ends Kishka's impressive run which began on April 11th when he defeated Hysteria. Kishka was upset at Buddy Lane for missing the feet on the ropes but seemed thankful to the fans for the support they gave him.
[Cobra defeated Nikolai Kishka by pinfall after a kneebreaker (with his feet on the ropes) at 11:53]
[Cobra Wins the RCW Television Title]
Bout #9
RCW Tag Team Title Match
60-Minute Time Limit - Referee Mike Valiant
The Extremists: Ace Darling & Devon Storm (champions) (combined wt. 470 lbs.) ("Get The Funk Out" Extreme)
v
The Spinebusters: Bryan Carruthers & Jerry Orth (/w Sharon Montgomery) (combined wt. 480 lbs.) ("Seek & Destroy" Metallica)
The champions wanted immediate payback from getting chair shots last week, but this worked against them as Mike Valiant had to restrain them letting them fall prey to illegal shots and double teams. The first few minutes of the bout were fought under this frustration level by the champions before they calmed down and tried to out wrestle their opponents. After a double team Carruthers telegraphed a back bodydrop while Orth was standing beside him. Storm countered by spinning around the back of Carruthers, kicking Orth in the head, and then taking Carruthers down with a DDT. This started a stretch for the champs that saw the champs take turns working over Carruthers with quick tags. Twice the challengers tried to turn the tide illegally, once when Montgomery jumped on the ring apron and distracted the ref, and the other when Orth entered the ring illegally to make it a four man brawl. On both occasions though the champs gave better then they got and held onto the advantage. The champs got a near fall after Storm hit Carruthers with a top rope clothesline but only got a 2 count. Finally Carruthers was able to push Storm into their corner where Orth held him from behind until Carruthers could get over and make the tag. Orth went to work on Storm with kicks, chops, headslams off the top buckle, and tilt-a-whirl slam for a 2 count. But without a fresh partner Orth could not hold the advantage, a tag was made and Darling went to work on Orth. Ace nailed a hotshot off the top rope, a springboard splash, and then a standing moonsault for 1, 2, Carruthers came in to break it up. We had our first big four man brawl of the match and it left the challengers in control. Carruthers hit a spinning spinebuster, hooked a leg, got 1, 2, kickout by Darling. He then attempted to slam Darling over and over again in the corner, until Darling fought back with a forearm shiver, some elbows, and a scoop slam that he rolled out of and tagged in his partner. Storm went right to the top rope and came off with a flying cross bodyblock, covered for 1, 2, Montgomery reached in and put Carruthers foot on the bottom rope to get a break. This brought Darling running around to confront Montgomery which distracted Mike Valiant. Back inside Storm had Carruthers lifted high for a brainbuster, but Orth came in and clipped his leg from behind. He then nailed Storm with a DDT. By this time Darling rolled back inside the ring but was stopped by Orth, which allowed Carruthers to whip Storm into the buckle, and then nail him with a spinning spinebuster, and got the 1, 2, 3!! New Champions. Incredibly all three title matches tonight have now resulted in a change of champions. The title reign of the Extremists, their second, was very short at just less than a month. The Spinebusters begin their first title reign and the 63rd in the title lineage.
[Bryan Carruthers & Jerry Orth defeated Ace Darling & Devon Storm by pinfall when Carruthers pinned Storm after a spinning spinebuster at 13:02]
[Bryan Carruthers & Jerry Orth Win the RCW Tag Team Titles]
Prior to the main event, commissioner Nick Bockwinkel came to the ring to address the audience. He of course thanked everyone for being there and for supporting River City Wrestling. He then asked that everyone remain in their seats after the main event is over as there will be an announcement and some more festivities that they do not want to miss.
Main Event
RCW Heavyweight Title Match
60-minute time limit - Referee Buddy Lane
Vendetta (champ) (6'4" 261 lbs, Port-au-Prince, Haiti) ("Redemption Song" Bob Marley & The Wailers)
v
Gary Goodridge (6'3" 245 lbs., Barrie, Ontario) ("The Outlaw Torn" Metallica)
Former friends, now fighting tooth and nail for the top title in RCW. The pomp and circumstance was cut short by Vendetta when he hit the ring he went right after Goodridge, who met him in the middle of the ring. They traded punches as the various entourage scrambled to get out of the ring and Buddy Lane called for the bell to start things off. Goodridge has a slight advantage in the striking category, landed a solid haymaker, and followed it up with a spinning heel kick that sent the champ reeling into the corner. But when Goodridge came in for more the champ kicked him in the gut, reversed their positions and laid in a series of knees to the midsection. Goodridge though fought back by hoisting the champ up and delivering an atomic drop and then clotheslined him. The challenger took the battle outside where they fought for nearly a full minute, Lane having given up on the count but certainly smart enough to know you don't just prematurely toss out the main event of his employer's signature show. Inside they went through a criss cross sequence. Goodridge tried to hook the arms of the champ for a facebuster but Vendetta worked his way out of it and tried to take the challenger down with an inside cradle but Goodridge instead delivered a knee on knee shot. He then turned the champ over into a side twisted inverted sharpshooter. It looked painful for the champ but he was still fresh and managed to spin his way out of it. The champ fired back with a forearm upper, then an armbar that he worked into an octopus submission. Again it looked impressive but Goodridge was too fresh and managed to back Vendetta into the ropes to get the break. But when they went into the ropes backward they both fell out of the ring to the floor below. Getting to their feet Goodridge nailed the champ with a running clothesline, then a savate kick, and then a double underhook piledriver. Back inside it looked like Goodridge would win by countout so he left the ring again and rolled the champ back in. He slowed things down working a front chancery, then a side headlock. We were just ver the 5 minute mark in the bout at this point.
The challenger picked things up with a belly to belly suplex, but when he went for a second the champ landed a palm blow to the face, then a headbutt that stunned both men. After shaking off the cobwebs though Goodridge still had the champ in his grasp and completed the second suplex. Vendetta created a bit of space backing into the corner and then came out like a man backed into a corner. Goodridge though out punched him again, landing some open hand strikes to the side of the champ's head which played havoc with his equilibrium. As a result the champ dropped to a knee, then missed a wild swing at the challenger, and then was taken over with a belly to back suplex. Goodridge stomped away at the champ's shoulder then locked in an STF. Vendetta managed to get to the ropes for a break but was looking hurt. Keeping his hands up to guard the shoulder left him prey to a kick to the midsection, a hip toss, then a kick to the back of the head while kneeling. Playing into his MMA days the challenger then locked on an Anaconda vice and the champ was in big trouble. However, he managed to work a leg over the head of Goodridge and leverage his way out of it. Goodridge landed a pair of bodyslams, then a pin for a 1 count. He followed this up with a shoulderbreaker and then another STF. Vendetta got to the ropes again but was in big trouble. We were about 10 minutes into the bout.
Unsure what to do the challenger wasted too much time and he went for a superkick but the champ managed to duck under and then come up with Goodridge on his shoulders, and dumped the challenger over the top rope to the floor below. It was a nasty fall and it looked like the champ might win by countout. But whether it was in recognition of what Goodridge did early, or just stunned stupidity, or wanting a clean win, the champ left the ring to break the count and rolled Goodridge back inside. The champ went to work with a running legdrop, spinning elbowdrop, and a standing moonsault for a 2 count. He then nailed a snap suplex, and then went for a slingshot suplex but when Goodridge hit the top rope he slid back enough to back himself onto the ring apron. He then tried to hoist the champ over the top rope and nearly succeeded, but the champ used his better footing to reverse things and brought Goodridge back in with a suplex. The champ came off the second rope with a flying clothesline for a 2 count. He then hooked him up for his jumping DDT finisher but the challenger managed to work the champ's arm out, and brought him down to the mat into a crossface. Goodridge managed to slowly work his way to the ropes for a break, but it was he that was in big trouble now. The champ went to work with a series of stomp on the head and neck area, then put on a neck vice, and then a pair of neckbreakers. A surfboard submission hold on the mat followed, and then more punishment to the back, and then a Samoan drop for another two count. We were about 15 minutes into the bout.
Vendetta worked over the upper body of the challenger for a couple minutes but wasn't having much luck putting him away. The champ then went to the top buckle where he perched until Goodridge turned into him and he hit the challenger with a missile dropkick. The champ was slow to cover though as he is feeling the effects of the bout as well. By the time he covered he didn't even get a 1 count before Goodridge pressed him off. The champ went for a flying clothesline but the challenger countered with a crucifix into a roll, and then locked on a lying hangman's clutch. Vendetta though kept moving and didn't allow it to be fully locked on. The challenger nailed him with a knee, then went for a powerbomb but the champ countered with flying headscissors. Vendetta then went for his own powerbomb but Goodridge resisted, keeping his feet firmly on the ground, so the champ reached through and made it a cradle lift and then a powerbomb. He covered and got a 2 count. Vendetta then went for his jumping DDT but Goodridge countered with an inverted atomic drop, then nailed his own DDT, covered for a 2 count. Both men were now exhausted with their hands on their knees. The timekeeper made the announcement that we had 20 minutes expired.
The battle went to a low tech exchange of punches and kicks, and once again spilled outside the ring. This time it also went into the crowd, and again Lane was very lenient letting them battle outside for a good couple minutes. Back inside the two battled but this was more Goodridge's game and he clobbered away at Vendetta, then nailed a roundhouse kick to the back of the head, and then took him down with a front Guillotine. However, it slipped into a chokehold and Lane ordered a break. Vendetta tried to kick Goodridge in the gut but the challenger caught his foot, but paid for it as the champ struck him with an enzuigiri. The champ then nailed a piledriver in the middle of the ring but instead of going for a pin locked the challenger into a sharpshooter. It looked grim for Goodridge but after a bit he managed to grab the foot of the champ and pull his way out of the hold. Goodridge managed to grab Vendetta by the hair and toss him over the top rope. This was only to gain himself time to recover though as he let the champ regain his senses outside and return to the ring. Goodridge hammered away with forearms and then kicks, alternating feet and backed the champ into the corner. The champ then fought his way out with a series of elbow smashes to the head and then speared him into the far corner. Instead of letting up though, as the challenger was sitting in the corner, Vendetta held onto the bottom ropes and drove his shoulder several times into the chest and gut of the challenger. He tried to pull Goodridge out of the corner, but the challenger kept holding onto the bottom rope. Finally he couldn't hold on anymore and the champ pulled him up and he landed on his back. Bu the challenger was ready for this and the champ was leaning forward off balance. Goodridge made him pay by taking him down with a legwhip, then locked on a combo armbar and leglock. The champ finally managed to roll backward out of it but landed in the ropes. Vendetta got up on the apron and Goodridge slugged him, then ran him along the apron smashing his head off the top steel. The challenger then came off the ring apron and nailed Vendetta with a double axhandle to the back as he was trying to get to his feet. Goodridge whipped him into the guardrail, then the ringsteps, then rolled him back inside. We were about 28 minutes into the bout.
Goodridge decided to take an uncharacteristic risk, and instead of following the champ into the ring climbed to the top buckle. This was a mistake of course as Vendetta recovered and met him in the corner, bringing him back to earth with a superplex. The champ covered for 1, 2 kickout. The champ hooked the neck setting up for the DDT but again the challenger countered, this time hoisting the champ up and taking him down with a front layout suplex. Goodridge then locked on a camel clutch but made the mistake of grabbing the dreadlocks of the champ, which caused Lane to make him break the hold. He went to reapply it but Vendetta pulled his leg out from under him, then locked him up for an STF, but instead pulled him up, and then took him down with an inverted DDT, covered and got 1, 2, 3!! Vendetta becomes the first of 4 champions to hold onto their belt tonight in a classic match.
[Vendetta defeated Gary Goodridge by pinfall after an inverted DDT at 29:50]
[Vendetta retained the RCW Heavyweight Title]
Post-Match: As Goodridge went to exit the ring Vendetta called out to him. They exchanged some quiet words, some nods, and then Vendetta offered a handshake. It was accepted by the challenger and the two embraced, and lifted each other's arms in the air. By now the house lights had come on and RCW officials and wrestlers were making their way down to ringside. Vendetta stayed in the ring with the title belt, and Goodridge made his way to a standing position outside the ring.
Inside the ring Vendetta was joined by commissioner Nick Bockwinkel, Hall of Famers Destroyer, Chris Lyon, Mike Valiant, Tawney & Corrie England, Jim Brunzell, Ben Bassarab, Marty Gold, referee Buddy Lane, and Hall of fame committee member Stan Mullen, and Baron von Raschke. All the wrestlers that performed tonight with the exception of Manny Silva, and the refs stood outside the ring looking in. The fans grew quiet not really liking what they were seeing given the internet rumours. They began to chant R-C-Dub in imitation of ECW's famous chant. Nick Bockwinkel thanked everyone for staying and suggested the house lights be dimmed again. He then handed the mic off to Jim Brunzell who he said was the glue that held this wrestling company together.
Jim Brunzell let the crowd know that he, along with Baron von Raschke, and Marty Gold were majority owners of River City Wrestling. As everyone knows that behemoth from the east coast has been making it very difficult for any mid-size or regional group to make a living anymore. River City Wrestling has managed to do just that for 19 glorious years. However, it has come time that it is no longer feasible to continue the way it is going...the fans were growing incensed...so Brunzell in an effort to keep a lid on things told everyone, it's okay, RCW is still going to be run. With the tension brought down a notch though he announced that they were selling controlling interest to a group from out east, well from Toronto (again jeers from the crowd). Brunzell is holding back tears. He tells the crowd that the managing partner should be good for the company, he is from a wrestling family. Brunzell says he doesn't want to reveal too much, as that is the right of the new owners as they see fit, but the new C.E.O. will be a man Jack Larkin who made his money as an investment banker, but his family goes back 3 generations in wrestling promotion. Jack's Grandpa Lazarus Larkin began a wrestling company in Toronto that also toured the Ohio Valley. The company was passed down to Jack's father Frank, and was eventually sold in the early 80's to the WWF. Jack has been very interested in getting back into the wrestling business. At this point Jim is having a hard time keeping it together so he hands the mic off to Marty Gold who continues the statement. Marty says most wrestling companies would just keep their fans in the dark, and let it pass, but that is not the way RCW operates. That is not how you thank fans for 19 years of allegiance. Marty says that they are not sure what changes will be made for sure, and can't really divulge much of what they do know, but that RCW has made a commitment to continue to run shows in Winnipeg. However, Larkin will be putting money in to expand the quality of the product and it is likely he will expand elsewhere. However, there are a couple traditions that the current management want to continue. First of all, we want the Hall of Fame to continue. So if the new ownership decides not to continue to honour the past the Stan Mullen led fan club will continue to operate the Hall of Fame Committee and selection process and will hold a non-wrestling event, like a lunch or dinner, to induct hall of famers for the foreseeable future. The other tradition is the year end awards. The wrestlers bust their ass all year and the best of the best deserve their recognition. Therefore as a bonus to fans, we are going to give out the year end awards right now!! This was met by enthusiasm from the crowd.
The first award given out will be for tag team of the year. While Joe E. Legend & Eric Freedom held the tag titles the longest, 5 months, the award is being given to Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage who held the title for slightly less time (about 4 1/2 months) but showed a level of team work and were very popular with the fans. Unfortunately they can not be here to accept the award so it will be sent out to them. We wish them all the best in their future, where right now they are signed to contracts with the WWF. (this drew boos from the crowd).
Tag Team of the Year - Sexton Hardcastle & Christian Cage
That was the only award where there is no one on hand to accept (this drew cheers from the crowd). The manager or valet of the year, which Brunzell jokes should be renamed the Nick Bockwinkel award since he won it 5 times in the 90's, was then given to Bockwinkel to announce. The commissioner said that RCW is more of a stand on your own feet federation, which means there are not many managers or valets. There were two good candidates this year, and sorry to Sharon Montgomery but she was a little too little, little too late. The award this year goes to the woman who managed the tag team champions, Legend & Freedom for that five month reign; Mercedes. She is accompanied by Legend to the ring to accept the award. Legend tries to complain about being jobbed out of the tag awards but is menaced away by Vendetta.
Manager/Valet of the Year - Mercedes
For feud of the year, there were also a lot of good candidates. It seems like ever year someone tangled with Ben Bassarab or Manny Silva is at the forefront of the running. This year though it was a very spread out and even voting, and had to go to a second ballot. For the second time ever, and the first since 1991, the feud of the year is between two women. Off and on for over half the year, one on one, or part of three ways, Nikki Kixxx and Runaway Jane lit up the ring with their intensity. On hand tonight to accept on their behalf is Nikki Kixxx. The heel Kixxx took a minute to grab the mic and say that since she is here to accept the award and Jane is long gone, that it looks like everyone knows who won the feud.
Feud of the Year - Nikki Kixxx vs Runaway Jane
Before she left the ring though she was asked to stay by Brunzell. The Woman of the Year award is still in its infancy, this is the 4th year the award has been given out, and this is the 4th different winner. Nikki Kixxx burst on the scene and although Madusa Micelli technically held the women's title the longest, she didn't make that many appearances this year. Nikki Kixxx, Runaway Jane, Christine Law, Tina Rigdon, and now Strawberry Fields joined Micelli in each holding the belt once this year. However, as a full body of work, and taking into account other candidates like Mercedes, Sharon Montgomery, and new referee Jennifer Greaves, the award winner was chosen to be the very impressive Kixxx.
Woman of the Year - Nikki Kixxx
Match of the year had been chosen, but as mentioned earlier tonight, the award committee kept in contact tonight. As the night progressed votes changed, but by the end of the main event we had a unanimous decision. In typical RCW fashion we saved the best for last, as the winner of Match of the Year was the last match of the year, and perhaps the last match of an era, Vendetta versus Gary Goodridge. Both men pose with plaques but they are blank and are told they will be filled out and sent to them.
Match of the Year - RCW Heavyweight Title Match: Vendetta defeated Gary Goodridge by pinfall at 29:50 to retain the title; RCW #770 December 5th (19th Anniversary Spectacular)
The final award of the evening is the wrestler of the year. There was no doubt this year, and again it was a unanimous decision and would have been regardless of the outcome tonight. One of RCW's biggest legends, and most popular performers ever, Vendetta won the heavyweight title on April 4th from Masa Chono. He withstood challenges from men like Slapshot, Nikolai Kishka, Manny Silva, Angel, Brujah and Gary Goodridge. He also carried himself like a champion and hid from no one. As a 4 time Heavyweight champion he is tied only in that regard with me (Jim Brunzell), this is his second Wrestler of the Year award, the other one being exactly a decade ago in 1988. The one and only, the Haitian warrior, Vendetta! He gets an ovation from the crowd, a standing ovation since everyone has been standing since the end of the main event.
Wrestler of the Year - Vendetta
Vendetta asks for a mic and is given one. He thanks those in the ring, and his competitors in the dressing room, and most of all the fans for another fantastic year. However, he announces that at this time he is going to relinquish the Heavyweight title (this draws jeers from the crowd who are shocked). Vendetta says its not just about the change in ownership and the uncertainty, although that has a part to play in the timing. He left wrestling once before to return to his native Haiti to do humanity work because of the deplorable political and economic conditions there. So now he finds it a good time to once again take a break from wrestling, return home to Haiti, and try and make a difference to his homeland. He says he would never rule out a return to RCW though, and guaranteed he would never accept an offer from WWF or WCW because those are the kinds of corporations that are doing so much damage to the world. He wishes everyone happiness and peace. He draws closing cheers from the crowd.
Jim Brunzell is then flanked by RCW's officials and top wrestlers and he once again thanks everyone for a great 19 year run, this is not the end, but we are not sure what the future will look like. But for now, "that's another edition of River City Wrestling. See ya...soon".