It's Nineteen-Eighty-Something and this is my reworking of the

Memorial Hall - Kansas City, KS


Ric Flair vs Dusty Rhodes © for the NWA World Heavyweight Title



23:30 - A very tired Dusty Rhodes attempts to suplex Ric Flair off the top turnbuckle 


23:45 - Flair adjusts his weight slightly causing Dusty to take most of the impact



23:51 - Flair rolls on top of Rhodes for the cover



23:54 - Rhodes has been pinned, Flair is named new NWA World Heavyweight Champion



24:00 - Ric Flair has his hand raised and is given the championship belt. He’s overcome with emotion.



24:10 - Two men are sprinting down to the ring and enter it at top speed. One man, slides under the ropes, as the other man climbs to the top turnbuckle. The man who slid under the ropes is identified as, Bob Orton Jr. He takes down Flair exposing his back. The man on the turnbuckle is identified as, Dick Slater. He launches himself and drops his knee across Flair.



24:25 - Dusty realizes what’s going. He’s attempting to get to his feet to help his opponent. Dusty is on one knee when he’s grabbed by someone from outside the ring.



24:30 - Slater and Orton continue their attack on Flair’s back. Taking turns stomping, kicking and dropping their full weight across Flair’s once broken back.



At the same time, Dusty is pulled outside the ring and hit flush in the head and face with a chair by former NWA Champion, Harley Race. Rhodes is busted wide open and as he’s hit for the fourth time and looks to be knocked out. Race throws the damaged chair to Orton.



24:45 - Harley Race is shouting to the audience that “No one is leaving Kansas City with this title, except ME!”



25:00 - Race, with help from Orton and Slater piledrive Flair onto the damaged chair. Flair is barely conscious at this point. They pick him up and drop him again with another one. Flair appears to be having a seizure in the ring.



25:07 - A woman screams, “Stop it, you’ll kill him.” Kids are crying. The three men all laugh. The bell has been ringing for help to the ring to no avail.



25:15 - Race comes down with what seems like the 10th piledriver, but its only the 3rd delivered when another referee hits the ring. Other wrestlers have finally gotten to ringside.



25:25 - Race and his cohorts leave the ring...with the NWA World Heavyweight title. They turn their backs to the crowd as they’re being pelted by trash and beer cans. They survey their handy work. Flair flat on his back, covered in blood, unconscious, being attended to by medical personnel. Rhodes finally getting back in the ring and being helped to his feet, also busted open and confused about what just happened. Rhodes sees Flair laid out, he looks and sees…



Orton, Race and Slater all smiling at him...Slater raises Race’s arm, as Orton straps the belt around Race.



Flair is placed onto a stretcher, strapped down with, a cervical collar around his neck.



Race grabs the house mic on the way out: "Look at your new World Champion...Him?...haha...or me?"

This. Is. Great.

Super excited to see where this goes and follow along.

Niiiice. We've been in dire need of something retro here. Excited to see where you take this.

The fallout from two weeks ago
...


-  NWA President Bob Geigel submits his resignation. He made a brief statement, “This travesty happened in my territory. I’m to blame for having our new Champion Ric Flair be severely injured at the hands of Harley Race, Bob Orton Jr and Dick Slater. I can no longer in good faith be president of the NWA. I must concentrate on my own territory, that’s quite obvious.”



- The doctor treating Ric Flair made a statement. “Ric has suffered very severe injuries to his neck and back. At the moment, he has a little feeling in his legs and must use a wheelchair to get around. He’s going through vigorous physical therapy as we speak. His previous back injury is limiting his mobility, however, his current physical shape saved him from possibly being paralyzed permanently. We have reason to believe that someday he will be able to walk in a normal capacity. Whether that is with a cane or on his own, but he should never wrestle again. How he was able to after his first injury was surprising enough. With the added damage, we see no way that will ever be possible.”



- At the moment, the NWA territory owners have agreed to suspend Harley Race, Bob Orton Jr. and Dick Slater indefinitely, starting immediately. Revoking their licenses to wrestle in every NWA territory.



- In the upcoming weeks, there will be a new NWA President named. To be voted on by the territory owners.



- The territory owners have stripped Ric Flair of the NWA World Heavyweight Title due to his injuries. A tournament will be held once the new president has been named. Details to follow shortly.

NWA Press Conference



Tony Schiavone here for National Wrestling Night at NWA headquarters. All the press from various regions of the world are here for what appears to be a big announcement. We’ve been speculating all morning on what it could possibly be. To say there’s excitement as well as some tension would be an understatement. Looks like things are about to get started, various owners from around the world are gathering on the dais.



Owners from NWA territories around the world on stage include: Bob Geigel (St. Louis/KC), Fritz Von Erich (Dallas), Jim Crockett Jr (Charlotte), Don Owen (Portland), Stu Hart (Calgary), Verne Gagne (Minneapolis), Ron Fuller (Knoxville), Carlos Colon (Puerto Rico), Eddie Graham (Tampa), Bill Watts (Oklahoma), Shohei Baba (Tokyo), Antonio Inoki (Tokyo) and Vince McMahon Jr. (New York).



Bob Geigel former president is coming to the podium to speak.



Bob Geigel: Thank you, ladies, gentlemen, esteemed colleagues and press from all over the world. We have quite a bit to talk about this morning. As you all know, I stepped down as president of the NWA almost 2 months ago It all stems from what is being referred to now as Chaos in KC. It was on my watch in my territory and though I’ve been told it wasn’t my fault, I take full responsibility for what happened and I’d never be able to live with myself if I wasn’t punished for the actions of those men. Enough about that, we’re here to move forward and name our new President of the NWA. It was near unanimous for this gentleman's election. Normally, we’d elect one of the owners of our great NWA territories, but we’re all getting older, have children entering the business and other business ventures, so we decided to elect someone who would be objective, not play favorites over where the NWA Titles would be defended and truly have a world wide alliance. It’s my pleasure to introduce the new President of the NWA, Ric Flair!



 Camera flashes nearly blind everyone. There’s a lot of shock, awe and whispering in a variety of languages happening. Flair is being wheeled out in his wheelchair, he does however look much healthier than he did when we first checked in after his beating in KC. Flair shakes hands with all the owners and hugs Geigel. Flair actually stands behind the podium to everyone’s astoundment.



Ric Flair: Thank you Bob, gentlemen of the NWA. It’s my pleasure to accept this position. My doctors have said I’ve made incredible improvement. I bet no one ever thought they’d see me stand again. It’s not without great effort that I do this. I managed a couple of steps and everything has started coming back, however, the doctors still don’t believe I’ll ever wrestle again. (Flair sits back down), they may be right, but I’m gonna bust my ass in rehab everyday and exhaust every avenue before I give up and quit. Professional Wrestling is my life, it’s in my blood, I love it and if I can’t wrestle anymore, I still want to be around it, so when this was offered to me...I couldn’t turn it down.



Now, before we open it up to questions from the press, I’m going to introduce to everyone, the 16 competitors of the NWA World Title Tournament. We’ll shall have two matches per week on our great program, National Wrestling Night. With the final two to meet at our first Super Show, which has yet to be named.



We’re going to have fans submit their best names and the winner will receive a weekend at the matches. They’ll get tickets, meet wrestlers, get flight and hotel accommodations. I want to take the NWA to the MTV generation.



Now without further ado, I’ll be introducing the former NWA champions who have accepted automatic spots for the tournament and then all the other men from all over the world. The first two matches will be announced tonight, with all the others to be announced the week before on National Wrestling Night.



Each man will walk through the curtain and be available for questions afterwards.



Here we go:



Dusty Rhodes, former champion and representing JCP



Harley Race, former champion and representing Central States



Terry Funk, former champion and representing the NWA



Tommy Rich, former champion and representing the NWA



Non Champion invitees in no order:

SPOILER: Click to show

{Challenger #5}
Ted DiBiase, representing Mid-South (DiBiase raises his gloved hand and strokes his beard)

SPOILER: Click to show

{Challenger #6}
Bret Hart, representing Calgary Stampede (a quick waive from Bret)

SPOILER: Click to show

{Challenger #7}
David Von Erich, representing World Class (the hulking David nods to everyone in attendance)

SPOILER: Click to show

{Challenger #8}
Antonio Inoki, representing New Japan (Inoki stands up and bows)

SPOILER: Click to show

{Challenger #9}
Jerry Lawler, representing Continental Wrestling (Lawler appears with a big smile, holding his crown)

SPOILER: Click to show

{Challenger #10}
Curt Hennig, representing Pacfic Northwest (the young Hennig is very polite to everyone)

SPOILER: Click to show

{Challenger #11}
Carlos Colon, representing Puerto Rico (Colon stands up)

SPOILER: Click to show

{Challenger #12}
Barry Windham, representing Florida (another huge man walks through with a big smile)

SPOILER: Click to show

{Challenger #13}
Rick Martel, representing the AWA (Martel smiles and shakes hands with Flair)

SPOILER: Click to show

{Challenger #14}
Stan Hansen, representing All Japan (Hansen’s face is covered in chewing tobacco spit and snot, he’s given plenty of room)

SPOILER: Click to show

{Challenger #15}
The Junkyard Dog, representing Mid-South (“Another One Bites the Dust” starts and people start moving...DiBiase is visibly pissed, because he didn’t know.  Dog waves at DiBiase)

SPOILER: Click to show

{Challenger #16}
Last but certainly not least...the man comes running out before his name is announced…

Bob Backlund, representing the WWF (Backlund’s shaking hands with everyone and I mean everyone, Vince McMahon rolls his eyes)

There we go ladies and gentlemen, the 16 lucky men.  One of these men will be the New NWA World Heavyweight Champion!



The first two matches on National Wrestling Night will be..

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}
Jerry Lawler vs Antonio Inoki and Carlos Colon vs David Von Erich. These might be first time meetings for these gentlemen.

(Applause and camera flashes overwhelm everyone)

Questions???

Ric, do you feel left out of this?

Ric Flair: Even if I did, there’s nothing I can do about it right now.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Question}
(Through translator): Why Hansen and not Tsuruta, Baba-san?

(Baba through translator): I need Tsuruta in Japan. Hansen will bring victory and honor back to Japan.


Mr. Race, since you’re responsible for all of this happening, how do you feel about being in the tournament?



Harley Race: I feel great. I mean, all of these men here should be thanking me personally. Most of these gentlemen would never get this shot, but they all do, because of me!



Just then, Terry Funk throws a chair trying to get closer to Race, whose just smiling.

Terry Funk: Listen here Race, you know nothing about being a champion!

Tommy Rich and Dusty Rhodes hold back Funk.

Race leaves the stage laughing louder and louder.



Ric Flair: I believe that’s all for today...see you at National Wrestling Night. I promise each match will be

National Wrestling Night - Special


Voiceover: What a night we have for you wrestling fans at home. This is Tony Schiavone here to talk about a special night of wrestling.


With the announcement of the NWA World Heavyweight Title tournament, we’ll be having some visitors, new faces that may stick around and old returning favorites (depending how you look at things). One favorite and former NWA Champion returning is the legendary, Terry Funk. We’ll see him in action tonight in a warm up before the tournament begins next week.


Precious Paul Ellering brings his devastating team known as the Road Warriors to the studio.



In tonight’s TV Main Event, young Brad Armstrong gets his chance to take on NWA Television Champion, Kevin Sullivan...with the title on the line.



Right now, let me throw it to tonight’s host...Gordon Solie. Take it away Gordon.



Gordon Solie: Thank you Tony and what a night we have...without further ado, let’s get to the ring.



Denny Brown

Vs

Terry Funk



Denny gets a little bit of offense in, but Funk is just working off the ring rust from his flight over from Japan. Terry sets up Brown with a belly to back suplex, an elbow to the knee and then slaps on the patented Funk Spinning toe hold, until Brown can stand no more.


Winner: Terry Funk in 2:12


We’re going to talk to Terry after these...no, it looks like we’re going to talk to him right now…



Terry Funk: Gordon...how long have we known each other?



Gordon Solie: I’ve known you and your family for a long time, Terry.



Terry Funk: Have you ever known me to be a liar?



Gordon Solie (with a puzzled look on his face): Well, Terry...no..



Terry Funk (cuts Solie off): Then you know it’s the truth when I say...I’ve come for what’s rightfully mine! There are some great men coming to be in this tournament. I know Dusty well, he’s a great champion. Young Tommy Rich will be back and I’m sure he hopes to have a longer run than his first time. I held the belt for over a year, I know what it’s like to live with it, let it consume you. The highs...Gordon...there’s nothing in my professional life greater than winning the NWA World title, but there’s one man in this tournament responsible for my families lowest of lows and the cause of this entire mess and that ladies and gentlemen is, one Harley Race. He beat Dory for his first run with the World Title. Gordon, who beat me for the title?



Gordon Solie: Terry, that would be Harley Race.



Terry Funk: You see Gordon, Harley Race, he’s the problem, he caused this horrible thing that happened to Ric Flair in what should’ve been his proudest achievement. Gordon, I’m the solution.



Gordon Solie: Terry Funk, ladies and gentlemen.





Voiceover: Tag Team action after these messages.

---

The Road Warriors w/ Precious Paul Ellering

Vs

Rocky King and Mike Golden




The bell barely rings as Hawk clotheslines Golden off the apron, Animal kicks Rocky King in the gut and then power slams him. He tags Hawk who climbs to the top, while Animal hoists King in the air. Hawk flies off the top nearly separating King’s head from his body, then pins his lifeless body for the 3 count.



Winners: The Road Warriors in 24 seconds


Gordon Solie: We couldn’t even speak to Mr. Ellering it was so quick.



Precious Paul Ellering (in leaving): There will be other times Gordon.
..hahaha.


Gordon Solie: Destruction now has a visual. We’ll be speaking with Brad Armstrong up next.

---

Gordon Solie: It’s my pleasure to introduce you to, Brad Armstrong. I know your dad, Bullet Bob Armstrong must be proud and watching at home.



Brad Armstrong: Yes sir, I spoke to him a little while ago.



Gordon Solie: You face a daunting task in taking on NWA Television Champion Kevin Sullivan tonight, but you could shock the…



Kevin Sullivan (coming from side stage): Did someone call my name?



Armstrong braces himself


Kevin Sullivan: Now, now...nothing’s going to happen here. I’ll wait until the match...in fact...if the gentlemen currently in the ring don’t mind...I say we get going right now.



Rip Rogers and Gene Ligon...who were scheduled to face each other, agree, shake hands and leave.



Brad Armstrong: You know I’m game if you are Kevin. My dad warned me about you and I’m ready for this. I’ve been training my entire life for this very moment, a title match. I’m younger, in better shape and I’ve been taught by the best.



Kevin gets in the ring, takes his title off...just then, Austin Idol walks to the podium to speak with Gordon and Brad.



Gordon Solie: Wow...Austin Idol is here, what do we owe the honor?



Austin Idol: Gordon...great to see you again. It’s been a little while, you’re looking well. Brad...I have a proposition for you.



In the ring, Sullivan turns around after hearing a familiar voice and starts screaming.



Austin Idol: I know it’s your night and I respect the hell out of you and your family. But, I’ve been chasing the man in the ring for over a year. All over the great state of Florida and then he escaped me. He won the Television Title somewhere along the way. I’ve finally tracked him down and have him in a ring, right in front of me. Brad, with your permission and with the promise that “The Universal Hearthrob” will give you the first challenge, after I defeat this maniac…



Brad Armstrong: Do I have a choice?



Austin Idol: Of course you do! Gordon knows me and Gordon doesn’t associate himself with any ne’er do wells, right Gordon? (Idol doesn’t wait for a response and keeps going) If this match goes, like I think, actually...like I KNOW it’s going to go...you’ll be having that title match soon enough. Besides, if I’m unable to defeat the Jester of Darkness, you’ll get a title match with him next week right here on TV...that’s how this works right Gordon, you’ve got a lot of pull around here or something like that.



Brad reluctantly agrees, shakes Austin’s hand and leaves.



Sullivan is losing his mind, saying the match is off. Referee Tommy Rogers is explaining it’s a real title defense and is ringing the bell as Austin climbs the stairs.



NWA Television Heavyweight Title



Kevin Sullivan (c)

Vs

Austin Idol



Idol wastes no time getting the advantage, but after some back and forth, as well as Sullivan cheating, Kevin takes control.



Gordon Solie: We have 5 minutes left in the match.



Due to the time limit for the TV show, going over it’s broadcasting time is not an option.



Sullivan knows the show will be going off the air soon and he’s stalling for all he’s worth.



Idol musters up the strength to hit a quick elbow smash and then transfers to a sleeper hold. Sullivan is trying to hold on, but Idol’s powerful arms are flexing and putting the pressure on.



Gordon Solie: 1 minute left!



The fans are on the edge of their seats. Sullivan drops to one knee. Referee Tommy Rogers is checking, but he’s saying no, he’s still conscious. Idol brings Sullivan down to the mat, putting all his weight on him, still grasping onto that sleeper hold. Rogers raises Sullivan’s arm to check...it falls


He raises it again...it falls again



Gordon Solie: 10 seconds!



Rogers raises the arm one more time…

Sullivan holds it up barely



5


The arm is falling


3


The arm is down and he’s out...Rogers rings the bell.



Winner and NEW!!! NWA Television Heavyweight Champion...Austin Idol!!!



Both men lay on the mat for different reasons…



Sullivan, because he’s been defeated and is asleep



Idol, because he’s clutching the title to his chest in exhaustion.



Fans are cheering...credits roll.

Voiceover: Hello everyone and welcome to another fantastic night of NWA Pro Wrestling and before I toss it to Gordon Solie and Tony Schiavone, I’m going to run down tonight’s action.



Tonight we’re going to see the debut of the masked tag team known as The Technicians, they’ll go up against the duo of Rip Rogers and Gene Ligon.



The other debut will be manager Gary Hart’s new team from the Far East, known as the Rising Sons. They’ll be taking on the team of the Mulkey Brothers.



The first of two NWA World Heavyweight Tournament matches will feature Memphis stalwart, Jerry Lawler vs Japan's own, Antonio Inoki



The second tournament match is young David Von Erich vs the hero of Puerto Rico, Carlos Colon.



An excellent night of wrestling wouldn’t you say, Tony Schiavone?




Tony Schiavone: Absolutely, I couldn’t be more excited to watch this excellent evening of wrestling, except that I get to work with the legend himself, Gordon Solie. How do you feel about the matches Gordon?



Gordon Solie: Well Tony, we get not just one, but two Main Event quality matches, plus the debut of two new tag teams. I think the NWA is heating up all around. Without further ado...let’s get to the action about to begin in the ring.
  Also, there's a special announcement at the end of the show.




Rip Rogers & Gene Ligon

Vs

The Technicians





With Rogers and Ligon already in the ring, The Technicians are talking behind the curtain.



Technician 1: I don’t wanna wear this mask for very long.



Technician 2: What’re you complaining about? We’re about to be on national television.



Technician 1: Yeah, but nobody knows who we are.



Technician 2: They will soon enough.



Technician 1: I hate that you agreed with Boris Malenko, “wear a mask and your wrestling skills will make you popular.” How does that make sense?



Technician 2: Shut up, here we go.





Tony Schiavone: The Technicians!!





Both teams trade moves. The Technicians showing that they really do live up to their name, displaying moves that are unfamiliar to the average crowd. However, the two ring vets of Rogers and Ligon manage to hang with them, just not as fluidly or crisp. More of a workingman’s, blue collar style, but still effective. They have control of the match.



Technician 1 yells audibly: “Stop screwing around!”



Technician 2 buries a knee into Ligon’s mid-section, then smashes Rogers in the face. He tags Technician 1, then their finishing move is hit. Technician 2 hits a quick snap suplex on Ligon and just as that’s completed, Technician 1 hits a running corkscrew elbow drop on Ligon’s head, then rolls over and hooks the leg for the 1-2-3.



Winners: The Technicians in 7:35





Gordon Solie: Once the Technicians got it together, they were extremely impressive.



Tony Schiavone: I agree Gordon, but what a match for Rogers and Ligon, they were right there with them for about half the match…An outstanding showing by them. After the break, we’ll have the Jerry Lawler vs Antonio Inoki in the first of our two NWA World Title Tournament matches...after these messages.



--Commercial Break--



Voiceover: We’re back from our break and there’s some confusion going on at Gordon and Tony’s podium position.



There’s some technical workers trying to get what looks like a wrestler to leave the set. You hear Gordon say, “I’ve got it...we’ll be fine.”



Gordon Solie: Let me introduce my new co-host to the audience at home, Roddy Piper ladies and gentlemen.



Roddy Piper (mugging for the camera): Hi there everyone. I told you, I’d be back. I always keep my promises.
  I wondered why I didn't get an invite for this tournament?  So, I thought I'd invite myself back to the NWA.


Tony Schiavone looks confused.



Roddy continues: You (at Tony) can go now. I like him (pointing at Solie), I don’t know you...so, you can go.



Tony Schiavone: You can’t just come in here and take my..



Roddy Piper: I’m Gordon’s co-host now. I said, you can go...go to the movies, go home...I don’t care. We’re shooting a wrestling program here and you’re interrupting...that’s very rude, sir!



Gordon gives Tony a nod, Schiavone throws up his arms, turns and leaves.



Roddy Piper: So Gordo, what’s up next?



Gordon Solie: We’re about to be joined by new NWA President Ric Flair, who’ll be here to watch the tournament matches.



Just as Gordon finishes saying that, Ric Flair dressed in a designer suit is wheeled out by an extremely gorgeous and buxom blonde, dressed in a nurses outfit. They take a position just off camera, but near the ring. The nurse leaves after Flair whispers in her ear.



Roddy Piper can’t help himself and walks over with a microphone.



Roddy Piper: Well, well Ricky! Look at you...still down and out.



Ric Flair: I’m getting better there Rod, be careful.



Roddy Piper: Oh really? What’s gonna happen? Is Bubbles, the nurse gonna slap me?



Ric Flair: Not Bubbles Rod...but Mr. Bundy will



Roddy Piper: You call your nurse...Bundy? That’s hilarious!!



Just then, an enormous man puts his gigantic hands on the shoulders of Piper. Piper’s head whips around and mutters the word, “Bbbb-BIG!” Piper scurries back to the podium with Solie after dropping the microphone. Flair picks it up.



Ric Flair: Rod, meet Mr. Bundy...6’4” Four Hundred and Forty...wait a second...did you eat lunch yet? (Bundy nods) Four Hundred and Fifty Pounds. If any of you guys out there want to get to me...you gotta go through him!



Tony: Up Next after the break, Lawler vs Inoki!



--Commercial Break--



Piper is still visibly upset as Gordon begins to talk about the tournament match.



Gordon Solie: Roddy you’ll get your turn after the match. Let’s get to the NWA tournament match as Jerry Lawler enters the ring with his crown in hand. Known as “the King” of Memphis Wrestling, he waves to the fans in the studio. His opponent, the man from Japan, the man who once took on Muhammed Ali, Antonio Inoki. To my knowledge, they’ve never met in a ring before.




Jerry Lawler

Vs

Antonio Inoki



In a classic brawler versus submission wrestler match, they went back and forth. Lawler wanted to shake hands before the match, but Antonio didn’t care for the smirk Jerry had on his face, so Inoki slapped it off of him. From there on, all niceties were thrown out. Lawler fired back with his famous right hand, dropping Inoki. They went back and forth with Inoki showing that not only did he know a lot of holds, but could brawl with the best of them. Lawler showed he was more than just a piledriver and a punch, by surprising Inoki with his own submission holds. After 20 plus minutes of action, we saw the finish.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Finish}
Lawler pumping up the crowd with a couple of lefts that had Inoki weary. Lawler throws the right hand, but Inoki is able to duck it and hit a kick to the gut. Inoki looks as if he’s going for Lawler’s own move the piledriver! Lawler somehow kicks his legs out to block the vicious move, he then powers out and back drops Inoki. Lawler climbs slowly to the top turnbuckle, pulls down his strap, looks at the crowd and jumps off with the diving fist drop. Inoki rolls at the last minute...Lawler’s fist connects with the mat...Lawler is hurt, Inoki transitions quickly into a cross armbreaker and Lawler gives up immediately. Lawler’s hand could be broken.



Winner: Antonio Inoki in 22:11

Gordon Solie: What an amazing match. Fans all around the world, that’s the type of action packed match we have in the NWA. We’ll be back after some commercials!



--Commercial Break--



Gordon Solie: Okay Roddy, before our next match, I’m going to let you have your say.



Roddy Piper: Thank you Gordon (Piper responds calmly). I’m going to address the NWA. I don’t care that I’m not in the tournament anymore. I get it. I don’t want it handed to me, I’m gonna earn my way here in the NWA! If I have to start at the bottom, I’ll do it...I’ll find a way to get on top. I want a shot at whoever turns out to be champion after this tournament. Friend...haha...not that I have many in this business or Foe...that’s better...I got plenty of those...I’m gonna be the champ! I ain’t going nowhere...I’m here to stay...I’m tired of being overlooked and I’ve either beat or wrestled everyone in this tournament! You ain’t got nothing on the Hot Rod. Looks like I’m moving in Gordo. See ya next week! (Piper leaves the interview area)



Gordon Solie: Tony Schiavone and I will be joined by Gary Hart and his new duo from the Orient in just a minute. What’d you think about our first tournament match Tony?



Tony Schiavone: Outstanding...what a fight. Glad to be back after..



Gordon Solie: Use caution there Tony, Rod could be anywhere and he’s been known to hold grudges. To the ring…





The Rising Sons w/ Gary Hart

Vs

The Mulkey Brothers




Just as the match gets underway, Gary Hart walks over to the interview area.



Gordon Solie: Nice to see you Gary, it’s been a long time.



Gary Hart: Likewise Gordon. (Looking at Tony Schiavone) I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure (holding his hand out)



Tony Schiavone (shakes hands): Tony Schiavone, Mr Hart.



Gary Hart: Please call me Gary.



Gordon Solie: Gary please tell us about the two men you’ve brought from Japan.



Gary Hart: You see these two men here. Mr Onita, who is the ring as I speak and Mr Fuchi who awaits patiently for his turn, on the ring apron...they are like a fine wine. It’s taken both of them a few years to age to perfection. They have traveled the world gaining experience in different styles of wrestling. Whether it's been Mexico, Canada or at home in Japan, they’ve learned it all and now they’re here to conquer America.



Once Hart stops talking we see the quick finish to the match.



Mr Fuchi hits an enzuigiri and the stunned Mulkey brother is immediately hit with a bridging fallaway slam by Mr Onita for the 1-2-3



Winners: The Rising Sons in 4:38





Tony Schiavone: We’ll back with our Main Event, just after these messages.



--Commercial Break--



Gordon Solie: Our Main Event is about to begin as young David Von Erich heads to the ring. Tony Schiavone spoke to David briefly during the commercial break.


Tony Schiavone: I’m here with David Von Erich. David, first I want to say how sorry we are to hear that your father passed away a week before the event here. What will be done now in Dallas?



David Von Erich: Yes, it was very sudden. He had a heart attack while working on the farm. He thought he could do everything. Going forward, let’s see. Kevin’s gonna continue wrestling in Dallas. I’m gonna stay in the NWA thru the tournament, hopefully with the NWA World Championship around my waist.



Tony Schiavone: What about your other brothers?



David Von Erich: Kerry’s training for the Olympics and Mike will be joining the fire department.



Tony Schiavone: Are either interested in wrestling?



David Von Erich: Kerry, maybe in the future, but Mike has never liked it other than watching as a fan.



Tony Schiavone: Good luck, David





David Von Erich

Vs

Carlos Colon



The first thing to notice is Von Erich is nearly a foot taller than Colon. Colon is nearly a 20 year veteran at this point and has been in every known wrestling match there is. The two men go at it. Von Erich wrestling cleanly and Colon only cutting corners to stay ahead of his much younger, larger and athletic opponent. You see the fire in Von Erich’s eyes when he feels Colon has taken liberties.

The finish comes after nearly 20 minutes.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Finish}
Von Erich goes to deliver a high knee to Colon in the corner, but Colon manages to get out of the way. David’s knee connects with the turnbuckle. He falls to the mat and Colon seizes his opportunity to end it. He grabs the injured leg and tries to put on the figure four leg lock he’s won hundreds of matches. David’s massive legs are giving him trouble locking it in. Von Erich sits up in the hold and grabs Colon’s head, applying the Von Erich claw. Squeezing as hard as he can, he manages to break the figure four leg lock. He stands up while still grasping the hold on Colon’s head. Colon wildly swings with punches. Von Erich releases the claw long enough to slam Colon’s head on the top turnbuckle. Colon has started bleeding and Von Erich quickly reapplies the claw...squeezing, as more and more blood is spilled. The referee calls the match as Colon can no longer continue.



Winner: David Von Erich in 18:47

Gordon Solie signs off for the night, but not before saying: We expand to 2 Full Hours and Next week’s tournament matches will be…



Dusty Rhodes vs Stan Hansen and Harley Race vs Curt Hennig