Similar to my 1993 and 1996 draft projects....
pwcom.proboards.com/thread/3557/1993-draft
pwcom.proboards.com/thread/3525/1996-draft

I drafted wrestlers from 1987 into four promotions using a mix of real time opinions and revisionism. These four promotions will compete for a shot at the current grand champion from 1993. Most wrestlers who appeared on WWF, NWA, and UWF tv from January to August/September 1987 are eligible for the draft. Decided against including part timers/recent retirees like Piper, Bruno, and Superstar Graham. Also chose not to include wrestlers from AWA, Memphis, World Class, Japan, etc. since I didn't watch those promotions in real time. No Ultimate Warrior either since he didn't debut on tv until a month or two after the August/September cutoff date. Some tag teams are eligible to be drafted as a duo and others aren't. I have a system...but it's complicated and I don't feel like explaining it. Managers will be assigned to wherever I think they fit best.

The Draft

1. Hulk Hogan
2. Andre The Giant
3. Bam Bam Bigelow
4. Ted Dibiase
5. Steve Wiliams
6. Randy Savage
7. Dusty Rhodes
8. Ric Flair
9. One Man Gang
10. Nikita Koloff
11. Honkytonk Man
12. Barry Windham
13. King Kong Bundy
14. Ricky Steamboat
15. Road Warriors
16. Lex Luger
17. Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard
18. Fabulous Freebirds
19. Kamala
20. Hart Foundation
21. British Bulldogs
22. Jake Roberts
23. Ron Garvin
24. Strike Force
25. Brutus Beefcake
26. King Harley Race
27. Midnight Express
28. Hercules
29. Billy Jack Haynes
30. New Breed
31. Rick Rude
32. Rock & Roll Express
33. Islanders
34. Hacksaw Jim Duggan
35. Butch Reed
36. Killer Khan
37. Junkyard Dog
38. Ken Patera
39. Paul Orndorff
40. Greg Valentine
--------------------Double Picks
41. Jimmy Garvin
42. Sting
43. Demolition
44. Killer Bees
45. Big Bubba Rogers
46. Don Muraco
47. Eddie Gilbert
48. Koko B. Ware
49. Danny Davis
50. Chris Adams
51. Bob Orton
52. Hillbilly Jim
53. Nikolai Volkoff
54. Iron Sheik
55. George "The Animal" Steele
56. Adrian Adonis
57. Ole Anderson
58. Rick Steiner
59. Outback Jack
60. Ron Bass
61. Young Stallions
62. Rougeau Brothers
63. Iceman Parsons
64. Brad Armstrong
65. Terry Taylor
66. Savannah Jack
67. Dick Murdoch
68. Blackjack Mulligan
69. Missing Link
70. Sika
71. Dino Bravo
72. Tom Zenk
================
Promotion #1

Hulk Hogan
Ric Flair
One Man Gang
Lex Luger
Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard
Strike Force
Brutus Beefcake
Rock 'N Roll Express
The Islanders
Greg Valentine
Jimmy Garvin
Sting
George "The Animal" Steele
Adrian Adonis
Ole Anderson
Rick Steiner
Dino Bravo
Tom Zenk

Promotion #2

Andre The Giant
Dusty Rhodes
Nikita Koloff
Road Warriors
Fabulous Freebirds
Ronnie Garvin
King Harley Race
Rick Rude
Hacksaw Jim Duggan
Paul Orndorff
Demolition
Killer Bees
Nikolai Volkoff
Iron Sheik
Outback Jack
Outlaw Ron Bass
Missing Link
Sika

Promotion #3

Bam Bam Bigelow
Randy Savage
Honkytonk Man
Ricky Steamboat
Kamala
Jake Roberts
Midnight Express
New Breed
Butch Reed
Ken Patera
Big Bubba
Don Muraco
Bob Orton
Hillbilly Jim
Young Stallions
Rougeau Brothers
Dick Murdoch
Blackjack Mulligan

Promotion #4

Ted Dibiase
Steve Williams
Barry Windham
King Kong Bundy
Hart Foundation
British Bulldogs
Hercules
Billy Jack Haynes
Killer Khan
Junkyard Dog
Eddie Gilbert
Koko B. Ware
Danny Davis
Chris Adams
Iceman Parsons
Brad Armstrong
Terry Taylor
Savannah Jack
=============
*Hoping to have the first match up posted some time over the weekend. 

Man, just when I think I have a clear and easy favorite... I scroll down to the next roster. 1987 was sooo stacked, even cutting out the folks you cut out. Just imagine if you'd let yourself have the folks you excluded! Might be even more excited for this year than 1993 or 1996.

First matchup is Promotion #1 vs. Promotion #3. Leave a comment on which card you prefer. Explanations are encouraged and feedback is welcome. Voting will be open for approximately two days before I move on to the next matchup.

Promotion #1

1. Dino Bravo w/ Johnny V vs. Tom Zenk- Creative Has Nothing For You Opener

The future looked bright for these two men a few months earlier at Wrestlemania III. It was there, on that most famous of shows, when Bravo formed the New Dream Team with Greg Valentine and Tom Zenk was riding high with a tag team victory in the opener. The New Dream Team ended up being a flop and Tom Zenk was infamously branded a quitter when The Islanders ran him out of WWF, leaving Zenk's former partner Rick Martel high and dry. In an ironic twist of fate, The Z Man decided to give wrestling another shot only to end up in a promotion with both Martel and The Islanders. Curious how these things work out. Rogue crowds have taken to chanting "Quitter" at good guy Zenk, but literally nobody likes Dino Bravo. Making this battle between two struggling superstars a curious choice indeed for an opener...
 
2. Sting vs. Rick Steiner- Grudge Match

These two young rising stars once served together as Eddie Gilbert's henchmen in UWF until Sting saw the light. This is the long awaited blowoff between the former stablemates.

3. One Man Gang w/ Skandor Akbar vs. George "The Animal" Steele

The nearly 500 pound One Man Gang is among the biggest, baddest men in all of wrestling. He was a dominant UWF Champ for half the year before targeting the biggest star of them all in Hulk Hogan. A win here would put him in contention for that long awaited showdown with The Hulkster. But that's easier said than done given his opponent is the unorthodox, yet wildly popular, George "The Animal" Steele.

4. Jimmy Garvin w/ Precious vs. Adrian Adonis

Jimmy Garvin became an unlikely fan favorite by feuding with Ric Flair in NWA after the hated "Nature Boy" started making unwanted passes at Garvin's wife, Precious. Garvin won over the fans who are now willing to just go along with the self-proclaimed "Prettiest Man In Wrestling." A returning Adrian Adonis, having grown an even bigger gut and most of his hair back, claims he is The Prettiest Man In Wrestling. Voila! Insta-feud.

5. Rock & Roll Express vs. Islanders- Tag Title Tournament Match

The already-legendary Rock & Roll Express are as popular as ever while The Islanders have been on a hot streak ever since eschewing their fan favorite ways to become heinous rulebreakers. Tom Zenk became the first casualty of the new and improved Islanders. Will Ricky or Robert become the second? Or will they dig deep one more time in route to yet another tag title run?

6. Brutus Beefcake vs. Greg Valentine w/ Johnny V- Grudge Match

The Dream Team became a nightmare for Valentine and manager Johnny V when Beefcake was unceremoniously replaced by Dino Bravo. Beefcake took it all in stride by becoming a Barber and embracing the cheers of the crowd. This is the winner-take-all Final Battle between the former partners. 

7. Lex Luger w/ JJ Dillon vs. Ole Anderson- Grudge Match

The Past vs. The Future. Ole Anderson was a founding father of the Four Horsemen. Earlier this year he was rudely replaced by Next Big Thing Lex Luger. Many believe Luger is destined to be The Wrestler of the 90s. Yet Ole Anderson knows every low down dirty old school trick in the book. He invented most of them! Is the future now or will Ole turn back the clock one last time? 

8. Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard w/ JJ Dillon vs. Strike Force- Tag Title Tournament Match

Anderson & Blanchard have become a well oiled machine since they started teaming more and more. Martel & Tito became a tag team out of necessity but they too have quickly gelled. The winner will advance in what is bound to be an instant classic featuring the perfect rulebreaking team against the quintessential fan favorite duo.

9. Hulk Hogan vs. Ric Flair w/ JJ Dillon- Unified World Championship Match

Mr. WWF vs. Mr. NWA in a match four years in the making. It is not hyperbole to say this is the biggest match possible in 1987. 
================================
Promotion #3

1. Young Stallions vs. Rougeau Brothers- Friendly Scientific Match

These two fan favorite teams have started a friendly rivalry. They swim and play tennis together with The Stallions always eeking out hard fought victories. Then they'll go out together to "pick up chicks" with The Stallions once again having better luck. When it comes to non-wrestling activities, the Rougeaus are good, but the Stallions are better. Jacques & Raymond have taken all these tough losses in stride, but they did challenge Roma & Powers to this friendly scientific match with their logic being The Stallions might be better at non-wrestling activities, but the second generation Rougeaus are better wrestlers due their experience edge in the family business. Regardless of who comes out on top, the fans will be the real winners in this wholesome athletic contest between four swell fellows.

2. Dick Murdoch vs. Blackjack Mulligan- Bunkhouse Brawl

Talk about a contrast. We go from the sublime to the ridiculous with a friendly scientific contest between young friends to what is bound to be a bloodstained bunkhouse brawl between two big ugly veteran Texans who have hated each other seemingly since the dawn of time. 

3. Big Bubba Rogers w/ Jim Cornette vs. Hillbilly Jim

Classic confrontation between a big ugly Southern rulebreaker and a happy go lucky fan favorite....who is also Southern....and big!  Former UWF Champ Big Bubba has a stellar win/loss record, but if anybody can upset Cornette's bodyguard it's the popular pride of Mud Lick, Kentucky.

4. Butch Reed w/ Slick vs. Ken Patera

Butch Reed has a problem with veteran strongmen. First "The Natural" ran Superstar Graham out of the business. Then he targeted Olympic powerlifter Patera by challenging "the jailbird" to an arm wrestling contest. Patera was on the verge of victory when that dastardly Slick cracked him with a cane shot. A further beatdown ensued. Now Patera is out for revenge. But does the Olympic strongman still have enough left in the tank to best the powerful Butch Reed?

5. Midnight Express (c) w/ Jim Cornette vs. New Breed- US Tag Title Grudge Match

Jim Cornette was heavily recruiting New Breed member Sean Royal while Royal's partner, Chris Champion, was out with an arm injury. Royal politely declined Cornette's offer in a show of loyalty to his partner. Cornette felt slighted and sicced Beautiful Bobby and Sweet Stan on Royal. A brutal beatdown ensued. Now Champion is back and the New Breed are out for vengeance in this battle between two state of the art tag teams. This is bound to be the most athletic, fast-paced, match on either card.  Don't blink during this one. You're about to see the future of wresting. Quite literally in the case of the New Breed!

6. Don Muraco vs. Bob Orton- Grudge Match

Yet another blowoff match between longtime former partners. Real life 1987 wrestling being too cowardly to do proper blowoff matches has been a godsend for this project.

7. Bam Bam Bigelow w/ Oliver Humperdink vs. Kamala w/ The Wizard- COLOSSAL JOSTLE/World Title Tournament

Promotion #1 would have you believe Lex Luger is the Next Big Thing. They're wrong. Bam Bam Bigelow is the true Next Big Thing. First wrestler to be profiled in Sports Illustrated...Had all the managers begging for his services...A combination of size and agility that is second to none...
Or is it? Because "The Ugandan Giant" is right there. And Kamala has a mean streak we have yet to see from Bigelow. Kamala has sent more people to the hospital over the last year than any other wrestler in the business. This Battle of the Big Boys has the potential to be the most Colossal Jostle of them all. 

8. Honkytonk Man (c) w/ Jimmy Hart vs. Jake "The Snake" Roberts- IC Title Grudge Match

Honkytonk Man's unexpected hot streak really kicked off in earnest when he played his greatest hit on Jake's skull and followed it up by upsetting "The Snake" at Wrestlemania III. The cocky HTM is already claiming to be the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time. But that run will be a short one if Jake has anything to say about it.  He's healed up and full of righteous anger at the "undeserving" Honk. Jake has calmly vowed to take the IC Title and promised to let Damien have his way with Honkytonk Man once he's knocked out from Jake's DDT. Yikes!

9. Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat- World Title Tournament/2 out of 3 Falls No Time Limit Match

This already epic rivalry will conclude with its final chapter right here. Our fan friendly promotion decided to eschew tradition by putting a non-title match on last due to the 2/3 Falls No Time Limit stipulation. They might wrestle all night! And if Wrestlemania III is any indication, we happen to think it would be swell if they did.
========================
VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE VOTE

Promotion #1

1. Dino Bravo w/ Johnny V vs. Tom Zenk- Creative Has Nothing For You Opener

Closer to a dime than no dimes, but not enough pull to be a dull ten cent piece for me. Thought Zenk was great IRL at WM3 as Martel's American doppelganger, and love the quitter gimmick you've given him here. Meanwhile, Bravo is criminally underrated in the ring at least pre-WM7 IMO.

2. Sting vs. Rick Steiner- Grudge Match

Intrigued by this. I feel like Rick gets overlooked and unappreciated because of what Scott went on to do, but Rick is dope too. Bet this ends up being the best or second best in-ring match of the night; i.e., if you discount out the momentous spectacle of Hogan/Flair.

3. One Man Gang w/ Skandor Akbar vs. George "The Animal" Steele

Assuming this could be an acceptable squash. But unless it's a Brock Lesnar match, a squash is rarely-to-never gonna draw my dimes.

4. Jimmy Garvin w/ Precious vs. Adrian Adonis

I'm sure this could be better than I'm expecting on paper, and I like the premise behind this match... But it's drawing none of my dimes.

5. Rock & Roll Express vs. Islanders- Tag Title Tournament Match

You've presented no bad tag bouts, and frankly they're all very close to one another in terms of intrigue, but this one ranks third in the pecking order. Actually, not true. It's a peck ahead of MX/NB because I'm familiar with both teams, and love the Islanders. I could see RnRx being logical Hogan allies against the Horsemen though considering the Rock N Wrestling connection.

6. Brutus Beefcake vs. Greg Valentine w/ Johnny V- Grudge Match

The winner-take-all stipulation has me wondering what's a stake? This should've been a hair vs. hair match, as so excellently laid out by Strobe in the Rebook a Card thread. But even without the hair vs. hair stip, this would undoubtedly be a great match. Many dimes!

7. Lex Luger w/ JJ Dillon vs. Ole Anderson- Grudge Match

I like the premise of the match, but not sure I know enough about Ole to have a real rooting interest in him as the de facto face here. Unless there's some horsemen swerving here with Ole rejoining the stable and Lex & Sting partnering up with Hogan to battle them... I think I'd be saving my dimes.

8. Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard w/ JJ Dillon vs. Strike Force- Tag Title Tournament Match

WrestleMania V two years early and likely with a proper finish? Sign me up! Looking forward to Martel gaining a measure of revenge against the Islanders by meeting them in the next round of the tournament. Possibly my favorite tag bout from either card?

9. Hulk Hogan vs. Ric Flair w/ JJ Dillon- Unified World Championship Match

Forget dimes. This draws dollars. Every dollar I have in 1987.

================================

Promotion #3

1. Young Stallions vs. Rougeau Brothers- Friendly Scientific Match

Seems like a great opener, and super intrigued to see this play out, as I can totally see this being how the Rougeau Brothers turn into the Fabulous Rougeaus a year or two earlier than real life. This match draws a dime.

2. Dick Murdoch vs. Blackjack Mulligan- Bunkhouse Brawl

No dimes. Frankly, not sure how I'd program these guys otherwise though, so maybe the smartest use of both on this card.

3. Big Bubba Rogers w/ Jim Cornette vs. Hillbilly Jim

Surprised how much I love this. Throwing a dime at it.

4. Butch Reed w/ Slick vs. Ken Patera

No dimes. I've recently started to theorize I only love Butch as half of Doom, and am meh on him otherwise. Could that be right? Meanwhile, Panera isn't interesting enough to me as an opponent to make this ketchup worth a dime. And I'm too lazy to fix those autocorrects.

5. Midnight Express (c) w/ Jim Cornette vs. New Breed- US Tag Title Grudge Match

Guilty confession time... I've still never researched the New Breed. Guiltier confession time... I know nothing about Midnight Express. This should draw a dime as the perfect research opportunity and introduction to both, but... It doesn't.

6. Don Muraco vs. Bob Orton- Grudge Match

Excellent point about cowardly 1987 and no blowoffs. This gets a dime. I loved these guys together on my recent WrestleMania WatchThru, and feel like their blowoff would've been a low key excellent match as far as scientific action goes.

7. Bam Bam Bigelow w/ Oliver Humperdink vs. Kamala w/ The Wizard- COLOSSAL JOSTLE/World Title Tournament

Oh man, lots of dimes. Big men who can move with all-time great looks?! Yes, please!!!

8. Honkytonk Man (c) w/ Jimmy Hart vs. Jake "The Snake" Roberts- IC Title Grudge Match

I loved this at WM3 but also don't feel like it's something I necessarily need to see again. Maybe a nickel at most, but definitely not a dime.

9. Randy Savage vs. Ricky Steamboat- World Title Tournament/2 out of 3 Falls No Time Limit Match

See previous comment. WM3 wasn't the be-all-end-all magic I was expecting it to be, and the gimmick just feels a little Wise Men Say try-hard. No dimes if my alternative option on the night for a main event is Hogan/Flair in 1987.

================================

Promotion #1 wins my vote and all of my dimes relatively easily on the backs of Hogan, Flair, an acceptable under card, and wild imagination ideas of what Hulkamania vs. Horsemen could look like in future rounds.

Promotion #1 leads Promotion #3 by a score of 1-0. I'll leave voting open for a few days longer since only one poster has cast a ballot. 1987 might be a little too old school for PW. But at least I still have 🤯 !
================

Promotion #2

1. Demolition w/ Mr. Fuji vs. Killer Bees- Demolition's undefeated streak on the line

The undefeated Demolition are the most dominant tag team to come along in years. They'll be facing their toughest test to date in the Killer Bees in this classic confrontation of brawling vs. sweet science. Both teams aren't afraid to bend the rules which makes the Bees an outlier among good guy tag teams.

2. Outback Jack vs. "Outlaw" Ron Bass- Get Outta Here

It's another classic battle. This one pitting good against evil with the ornery Texas cowboy taking on the good natured fan favorite from the Australian outback.

3. Missing Link vs. Sika w/ Mr. Fuji- War of the Wild Men

Don't expect a catch as catch can classic. But do expect an entertaining spectacle when the headbanging oddity takes on the savage Samoan in a battle that could only take place in the wonderful world of professional wrestling.

4. Hacksaw Jim Duggan vs. Iron Sheik w/ Ivan Koloff- Grudge Match

The patriotic Duggan has been waging war with the Ayatollah supporting Sheik for a long time. Yet they never got to have that conclusive showdown because of *redacted*...until now! Promotion #2 delivers, baby.

5. King Harley Race w/ Bobby Heenan vs. Ronnie Garvin- Tough Guy Tussle

A dream match for the old school fan pitting a scientifically rough veteran villain against a scientifically rough veteran fan favorite in the first ever Tough Guy Tussle. This one is bound to be a classic.

6. Nikita Koloff w/ Magnum TA vs. Nikolai Volkoff w/ Ivan Koloff- Grudge Match

Nikita Koloff shocked the world last year when he became a fan favorite out of respect for the tragically injured Magnum TA, Dusty Rhodes, and ultimately America itself. Nobody is more upset about Nikita's change of heart than true Soviets Volkoff & Koloff, making this a natural matchup between the Soviet defector and a pair of hardline Commies. Magnum will be in Nikita's corner to hopefully counteract any funny business Uncle Ivan may get up to. 

7. Rick Rude w/ Bobby Heenan vs. Paul Orndorff- Grudge Match

It's like the Spiderman pointing meme when the narcissist of the future takes on the narcissist of the past with Bobby Heenan stirring the pot as usual. Orndorff claims he fired Heenan for misguiding his career. Heenan swears he kicked Orndorff to the curb because he had a younger, better model in Rude. Fuel was added to the fire when Orndorff beat Rude in a recent posedown only to be attacked by an irate Ravishing Rick after the admittedly partisan crowd declared Mr. Wonderful the winner.

8. Road Warriors w/ Paul Ellering vs. Fabulous Freebirds w/ Buddy Roberts- Crowning The Uncrowned Tag Team Champions

The two most dominant tag teams of the 80s. Both have won tag titles in many different territories. Both have popped business in multiple places. Both have left a trail of bloodied, bruised, and broken bodies in their wake. Yet their paths have rarely crossed....until now! Gordy & Hayes will be representing the Freebirds in this battle to determine the definitive tag team of the 80s.

9. Andre The Giant w/ Bobby Heenan vs. Dusty Rhodes w/ Magnum TA- Crowning The Uncrowned Champion

For over a decade both men held an honor even higher than any world championship because both men were considered The People's Champion. They even joined forces as a dream team on multiple occasions when one called the other for backup to take care of a particularly pesky gang of vile ruffians. But things are different now. That rat Bobby Heenan poisoned Andre's mind. And now Andre spits on the very idea of being a People's Champion. He wants something more tangible....real gold. And he'll stop at nothing to achieve his goal. Yet "The American Dream" will never go down without a fight. And he promises it's gonna be hard times for Andre. Dusty will also have the martyred Magnum TA in his corner to hopefully counteract Heenan's shenanigans. 

Promotion #4

1. Iceman Parsons vs. Savannah Jack- Grudge Match

The controversial Iceman has been feuding with the popular practitioner of the Superkick from Savannah, GA for months and it all comes to a head here in this bound to be hot opener.

2. Eddie Gilbert w/ Missy Hyatt vs. Brad Armstrong- Second Generation Showdown

The Gilbert & Armstrong families go back a long way. Both were revered throughout the South. The Armstrongs still are. The Gilberts, not so much. And it's all down to the arrogant "Hot Stuff" becoming one of the most hated men in all of wrestling for his litany of dastardly deeds. Brad is looking to humble the leader of Hot Stuff International once and for all while the conspiratorial Gilbert hopes to make an example out of Armstrong as a message to all those losers who still believe in doing things the right way. He also needs a victory to use as a springboard for recruiting new troops to his draft depleted Hot Stuff International faction.

3. Chris Adams vs. Terry Taylor- Grudge Match

These two were once championship partners in the UWF until "Terrific" Terry's ego got in the way. He infamously piledrove "The Gentleman" on the floor and this war has been waging ever since. It finally ends here.

4. Koko B. Ware w/ Frankie vs. Danny Davis- Grudge Match

Danny Davis is one of the few wrestlers who can go boo for boo with Eddie Gilbert. The popular "Birdman" has beef with "Dangerous" Danny from way back when the former corrupt referee's poor officiating cost Koko several matches. 

5. Killer Khan w/ Gary Hart vs. Junkyard Dog- Khan's Undefeated Streak On The Line

Killer Khan has struck fear into the hearts of wrestling fans everywhere during his impressive undefeated streak. If his dreaded top rope knee drop doesn't do the job, the mysterious green mist will. But now he's up against his toughest test to date in the wildly popular Junkyard Dog. 

6. Hercules vs. Billy Jack Haynes- I Quit Chain Match

Another feud which has been raging for months. They had a famous match earlier this year which saw Haynes get busted open by a Herc chain shot. This time the chain will be in play from the very beginning as these two Masters of the Full Nelson will be chained together to settle things once and for all with one man being forced to suffer the ultimate indignity of saying "I Quit."

7. Hart Foundation (c) vs. British Bulldogs w/ Matilda- Bulldogs Last Shot At The Tag Titles

Yet another war which has been going on for a long time. Let's be honest. The Harts straight up stole the tag titles from the British Bulldogs earlier this year. But this time there will be no Jimmy Hart in their corner or crooked Danny Davis donning the pinstripes. Both teams have guaranteed victory in what promises to be another in a long line of classic confrontations between these two terrific tandems.

8. Barry Windham vs. King Kong Bundy- #1 Contender Match

Young Barry Windham became the most popular up and coming fan favorite in wrestling during his long chase of Ric Flair's NWA Title. He had all the tools save experience. But chasing the dastardly Slick Ric for a year will give you an education in a hurry. Both pundits and casual punters now believe the future is now for the pride of Sweetwater, TX. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Because King Kong Bundy has been just as close as Windham when it comes to winning a World Title. The Atlantic City Avalanche is sick and tired of hearing about how great Barry Windham is. And now Barry must battle the imposing 458 pound Walking Condominium with both men once again on the cusp of finally achieving championship gold. Yet, as in Highlander, there can be only one... 

9. "Dr. Death" Steve Williams (c) vs. Ted Dibiase w/ Virgil- Universal Championship Match

For a year and a half these two teamed in UWF as fan favorites fending off a rogues gallery which included such wretched scum as the Fabulous Freebirds, Devastation Inc., and Hot Stuff International. The ultimate goal of both Doc & Dibiase was to dethrone either Terry Gordy or One Man Gang to become UWF Champion. Yet during the height of this war, when the fighting was at its fiercest, and the UWF Title was so close both men could smell it, Ted Dibiase disappeared....

Dr. Death valiantly fought the forces of evil alone but the numbers game caught up to him just a few short weeks later when that no good punk Eddie Gilbert and an associate broke his arm. But did Doc give up? Hell no! He fought on and ultimately won the UWF Championship with a broken freaking arm to cement his status as the biggest badass in professional wrestling...

Meanwhile, over a thousand miles away to the northeast, Ted Dibiase resurfaced. Only he seemed like a completely different person. Gone was the lovable fan favorite. In its place was the arrogant Million Dollar Man. He flaunted his wealth, buying what he could....buying who he could. The worst part is Dibiase was proven right time and time again as everyone really did have a price for the Million Dollar Man. Wrestling Pundits and Scholars were dumb struck by this unexpected turn of events. Why did he leave Dr. Death high and dry? Where did he get all this money? Is this the real Ted Dibiase? Or is the clever "Big Cheese" engaging in some sort of weird long con to screw over one of his evil enemies?

Things finally came to a head when Doc & Dibiase were drafted together. Doc is all like "Why'd you go and pull a Tom Zenk on me?" Dibiase finally dropped the bombshell. He won the biggest lottery jackpot in history. Well, that explains his newfound wealth and obnoxious nouveau riche tendencies. Then he dropped another bombshell. Dibiase no longer needed Dr. Death or the fans. He didn't even really need wrestling anymore. But there's one thing he still wants to achieve before permanently retiring to his mansions. He wants to win a major championship. But not just any piffling World Title. He wants the most prestigious belt of them- The Universal Championship because Universe > World. No hard feelings. Dibiase is willing to give Doc ONE MILLION DOLLARS for the belt. Doc, eloquent as ever, was all "Screw you, pal!" And now it's on.

Former friends turned mortal enemies....the biggest badass in wrestling vs. the embodiment of greed and taking the easy way out.....battling for the right to call themselves CHAMPION OF THE UNIVERSE~!

These both do a whole not of nothing for me, especially thinking back on Promotion #1 and how much it feels like Hulkamania/Horsemen dwarf everything else (even André).

Promotion #4 wins my vote almost exclusively on the backs of Herc and Haynes. Love them, love their match at WM3, and love the stip you've added.

It's sweet to see one of these back again and during an interesting year in North American wrestling. This really felt like the beginning of the end with Wrestlemania III signalling WWF's dominance and the classic territory feds really starting to lose their way around this time. 80s wrestling is a blind spot where I know bits and pieces but don't really know it backwards and forwards like the fine folks of PWO.

I'd have to go with Promotion #3 > Promotion #4. Not only because the Spiderman meme line cracked me up but because I just think it has that star power that I crave from the 80s. Dusty/Andre is a big time fight and I can just see Dusty working so well opposite Heenan and the crowd being electric for that clear babyface/heel match where neither guy leaves their feet unless it's important. Road Warriors are still HUGE around this time and while the Freebirds are starting to simmer down I like that pairing and think the Freebirds could mount some realistic offence on the Road Warriors. Also we've got a clear Demolition/Warriors feud set-up which could just about carry a promotion. My only complaint is that I need more gimmicks. Give me a flag match somewhere! Get Outta Here kind of gets me excited but I need more rasslin goodness, especially with Dusty on board. I'm also going to need a WarGames or something at a Great American Bash.

Of all those matches in Promotion #4, Hercules/Haynes was the toughest to vote against. That's one of my favourite undercard Wrestlemania matches and it's only gotten more esteem after PW's amazing sell of the full nelson. The smark in me thinks that would be the better show, but I'm going to be way more interested in Andre, Dusty and of course Outback Jack.

Some tough choices.

Promotion 1 over Promotion 3- Brainbusters vs Strike Force, Hogan/Flair in their prime, sign me up! Hard to pass though on Savage/Steamboat and BBB/Kamala.

Prromotion 2 over Promotion 4- Dusty vs. heel Andre has never crossed my mind, outstanding. Rude/Orndorff, the Russians exploding, a Race/Garvin slugfest, a fun Bees/Demos opener, this card has everything.

Thanks for voting everyone. Finals should be up tomorrow night or Friday. 

Promotion #1 defeats Promotion #3 by a score of 2-0. Randy Savage & Bam Bam Bigelow are added to the roster as steals.
Promotion #2 comes from behind to edge Promotion #4 by a 2-1 margin. They elect to acquire the services of Ted Dibiase & King Kong Bundy.

I get why Promotion #1 emerged victorious but Promotion #3 was actually my favorite of the bunch due to having a ton of ideas at the top of the card featuring Bigelow/Savage/Steamboat/Honky/Jake/Kamala as the world's weirdest Smackdown Six. I toyed around with all sorts of interesting combos before ultimately going with the most conservative approach because I figured that would be best for business. Should have stuck to my guns. It's still the one I'd be most interested in doing a proper fanfic project for (which is not going to happen). 

I do prefer #2 to #4. Promotion #4 had way too many UWF deep cuts in hindsight. But Doc/Dibiase had my favorite backstory of any match in this project. You can tell because it got the longest writeup lol.

I definitely dropped the ball on the gimmick matches. Have the perfect finish in mind for the theoretical Beefcake/Valentine Hair Match and was kicking myself immediately after Big Pete suggested a Flag Match. Should have been a no brainer for Duggan/Sheik. I'll keep this in mind for next round. Don't be surprised if I go all Gimmickmania.

After Pete's post I came to the sad realization that Outback Jack was the most notable Aussie in American wrestling until at least 2003 when fellow flop Nathan Jones came along. Yeah, there's Bill Dundee, but he was relatively unknown outside of Tennessee and a few surrounding states. WWE does have a few Aussies nowadays, right?

Promotion #1 Results

1. Dino Bravo defeats Tom Zenk when Zenk unexpectedly quits to a bearhug early in the match.

2. Sting pins Rick Steiner clean with a corner splash. 

3. One Man Gang pins George "The Animal" Steele with his patented "747" Splash in a relatively short match.

4. Adrian Adonis scores a cheap pin on Jimmy Garvin when the referee misses "Adorable" Adrian using the ropes for leverage during his cover.

5. Rock & Roll Express defeat The Islanders when an interfering Tom Zenk trips Tama to a big ovation as The Islander attempted a top rope splash.

6. Brutus Beefcake is about to put Greg Valentine to sleep when Valentine's partner Dino Bravo interferes alongside Adrian Adonis to give "The Barber" a DQ victory. The rulebreakers intend to cut Beefcake's hair before being run off by a chair wielding Jimmy Garvin.

7. Lex Luger pins Ole Anderson clean with a powerslam in another relatively short match.

8. Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard defeat Strike Force by pinning Rick Martel after both he and Tito Santana were laid out by chairshots from an interfering Tom Zenk during a ref bump. The chaotic scene ends with irate fans throwing trash at Zenk while loudly chanting "QUITTER."  

9. Hulk Hogan becomes the undisputed Unified World Champion after thwarting the interference of The Four Horsemen to cleanly pin Ric Flair after a Big Boot-Leg Drop combination. Most of the fan favorites come out to congratulate Hogan while "The Hulkster" poses as the show goes off the air.  
===========================

Promotion #2 Results

1. Demolition cleanly beat the Killer Bees with their dreaded Demolition Decapitation finisher despite the Bees resorting to their mask confusion trick.

2. "Outlaw" Ron Bass pins Outback Jack with the Gourdbuster after hitting a cheap low blow. Jack must leave town in accordance with the Get Outta Here stipulation.

3. Missing Link wrestles Sika to a draw when the two wildmen brawl all the way up the aisle to the backstage area after the referee loses control.

4. Hacksaw Jim Duggan pins Iron Sheik after hitting his three point stance clothesline as the Sheik was going for an Iranian flag attack.

5. King Harley Race pins Ron Garvin after reversing a small package and grabbing a handful of trunks after 15 minutes of hard hitting action.

6. Nikita Koloff makes relatively quick work of Nikolai Volkoff after surviving an early Pearl Harbor job and coming back with a Russian Sickle for the win.

7. Rick Rude pins Paul Orndorff when Bobby Heenan trips "Mr. Wonderful" and holds his leg a la the Rude/Warrior Wrestlemania V finish.

8. Road Warriors defeat The Freebirds in a wild match by pinning Michael Hayes after a Doomsday Device to become the new Tag Champs and solidify their spot as the top tag team of the 80s.

9. Andre The Giant is crowned World Champion after pinning Dusty Rhodes with the Headlock Hiptoss Suplex he used to beat Bigelow & Hogan in high profile real life matches. Dusty fought valiantly, but in the end Andre was just too big and too bad for "The American Dream" to overcome.  

The War of '87 is about to climax with the two remaining promotions going head to head for all the marbles after scheduling suspiciously similar pay per views on the same night. There can be only one...

Promotion #1
presents...
Lethal Leap Year

1. Brutus Beefcake/Jimmy Garvin/George Steele vs. Greg Valentine/Dino Bravo/Adrian Adonis w/ Johnny V- Survivor Series Match

It all started almost one year ago when Adonis accidentally cut Beefcake's hair. The future Barber was then kicked out of the Dream Team to be replaced by Dino Bravo. But Beefcake would get his revenge by famously cutting Adonis' hair and having far more success than former partner Greg Valentine or his replacement,  Bravo. This did not sit well with the rulebreaking trio. They planned to take Beefcake out once and for all at our last major extravaganza only to be thwarted by Jimmy Garvin, who had begun a feud with Adonis. Johnny V challenged Beefcake & Garvin to this trendy new "Survivor Series" match type. But the fan favorites still needed a third man. And a bombshell was dropped when Beefcake announced the wildly popular and always unpredictable George "The Animal" Steele would round out his trio.

2. & 3. Sting vs. Rick Steiner & Ole Anderson- Sting attempts to run a Two Ring Gauntlet

Let's face it. Ole Anderson was never cut out to be a fan favorite over the long haul. Sure, fans would support him as the lesser of two evils against the hated Horsemen, but Mr. Grumpy Pants with his wide ranging repertoire of armbars & headlocks was never going to rival the popularity of a Hulk Hogan....or an up and coming energetic ball of charisma like the man called Sting.

It all started when Ole was ranting and raving shortly after losing to Lex Luger at our last big event. He railed against the usual suspects before unexpectedly directing his vitriol towards Undisputed World Champion Hulk Hogan and for some reason "all the makeup wearing needle fiends who are killing the business." Ole did admit there was one young lion, and one alone, whom he had a modicum of respect for- former University of Michigan amateur wrestling standout Rick Steiner. Ole offered to take Steiner under his wing. The rather dimwitted Steiner accepted.

Meanwhile, Sting is all like "what the hell dude?" after that Ole crack came out of nowhere. One thing lead to another and Sting may have bit off more than he can chew by talking himself into this two ring gauntlet match. Meh. Having more guts than brains is what being a 1987 fan favorite is all about.

Ole is confined to one ring and Steiner the other. If either man enters the other ring they will be disqualified. Sting is allowed to switch rings whenever he desires, but must defeat both rulebreakers to be crowned the winner. 

4. Strike Force vs. The Islanders w/ special guest referee "Everybody Hates" Tom Zenk

Tom Zenk quit wrestling after his controversial actions at our last big event. But he did not quit the business entirely. Zenk went to Referee School and earned his zebra stripes in near record time. Both tag teams and Zenk himself lobbied for "The Z Man" to officiate this match. We have no idea what will go down with these three combustible elements who have been on a collision course for a long time. But we do know there is no way we're going to miss it.

5. Bam Bam Bigelow w/ Oliver Humperdink vs. One Man Gang w/ Skandor Akbar- Colossal Jostle

These two had that dreaded Giant Heat the moment Bigelow walked in the door. BBB remains the hottest rising star in wrestling with a recent win over the monstrous Kamala in a now defunct promotion while OMG continues to kick butt and take names as he inches ever closer to getting his crack at The Hulkster. Word on the street is the winner of this Colossal Jostle will indeed be in line for a shot at the Unified World Champion.

6. Hulk Hogan/Rock & Roll Express/Randy Savage w/ Miss Elizabeth vs. Ric Flair/Arn Anderson/Tully Blanchard/Lex Luger w/ JJ Dillon
-WAR GAMES: THE MATCH BEYOND

Arn & Tully became tag team champions by defeating the Rock & Roll Express in the tag title tournament final with an assist from Lex Luger.

The Horsemen continued their feud with Hulk Hogan with their ultimate goal being for Flair to dethrone The Hulkster. Here is where things get really good...

Four Horsemen are great. So it stands to reason Five Horsemen would be even better. So Flair and Friends set out to bolster their ranks by recruiting the hottest free agent in wrestling- Randy "Macho Man" Savage. Flair's reasoning for wanting Macho in the Horsemen were threefold..
1. Backup against The Hulkster
2. Neutralizing a potential future threat
3. Miss Elizabeth. While Flair really did want Macho in the Horsemen, what he really wanted was Miss Elizabeth. WOOOO!

Macho straddled the fence for a while. His daredevil style and undeniable charisma earning more and more cheers every week despite his rulebreaking status. Then came Decision Day. It was a really big thing. After high drama Savage declined the Horsemen offer with an emphatic "HELL NO!" Then the Horsemen swarmed. Arn, Tully, and Lex attacked while Flair stalked poor Miss Elizabeth. The Rock & Roll Express attempted a save but Arn, Tully, and JJ took care of them while Luger readied a bloody Savage for the Torture Rack. A timely slap saved Liz from the leering Flair. She sprinted to the safety of the dressing room with her man still in peril...

Only to come back seconds later with HULK HOGAN by her side! HUGE pop! Aww yeah! Business just picked up.

Hogan cleared the ring to an even more epic pop before doing the world's most dramatic handshake with Savage. And with that the Mega Powers were born.

So now it's all set. The Rock & Wrestling Connection vs. The Four Horsemen in the trendiest match of the year- WAR GAMES: THE MATCH BEYOND!!!

==========================

Promotion #2
presents...
Lethal Leap Day

1. Killer Bees vs. Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff w/ Ivan Koloff

Wrestlemania III rematch pitting the popular Bees against the hated Foreign Legion in a match that bound to get the crowd fired up.

2. Missing Link w/ Dark Journey vs. Sika w/ Mr. Fuji- Samoan Death Match/Headbanger's Ball Match 

Mr. Fuji calls it one thing. Dark Journey calls it another. All you need to know about the rules is there are none! Anything goes in this one fall fight to the finish. This will not be a catch as catch can classic. But it will be a primal fight hearkening back to the earliest days of humanity when cavemen fought to the death with clubs over mammoth meat. And this time there must be a winner.

3. "Outlaw" Ron Bass vs. "Boomerang" Jack Bunyip w/ Dundee The Boxing Kangaroo- Multiple Stipulation Match

The ornery Texan cheated to defeat Outback Jack at our last big event. Australia's greatest export was forced to leave town in accordance with the "Get Outta Here" stipulation.

Yet within a fortnight we were introduced to Outback Jack's "good friend" who is suspiciously similar to Outback Jack. He wears Outback Jack's gear in addition to an Australian flag mask. He calls himself "Boomerang" Jack Bunyip and claims to hail from Australia's Great Sandy Desert.

Bass was livid. He's convinced Bunyip is Outback Jack. But he has thus far been unable to prove it. 

It's a different story entirely with our fans. They liked Outback Jack. But they LOVE Jack Bunyip. Foam boomerangs are all the rage at live shows. Some fans have even taken to throwing them at Bass! Bunyip has also added to the WWF's ever growing menagerie by introducing the world to Dundee The Boxing Kangaroo. Here are the stipulations....

-If Bass wins, Bunyip must unmask. Outback Jack will be banned from Promotion #2 for life if he is indeed the man under the mask. 
-The Loser Leaves Town stipulation will be nullified and Outback Jack will be immediately reinstated if Jack Bunyip emerges victorious.

4. Fabulous Freebirds w/ Buddy Roberts vs. Demolition w/ Mr. Fuji- #1 Contender Bad Street Match

Even the Freebirds biggest detractors have to give them credit for their willingness to mix it up with fellow rulebreakers. The natives of Bad Street are extremely territorial when it comes to being the baddest dudes in any promotion. It doesn't take much to set them off.

And set off they were at a recent tv taping. The 'Birds were walking to the back after an easy victory over enhancement talent. Demolition was walking out for the next match. The two teams got in each other's way. Neither would budge. A fight broke out. It took every referee we have plus a bunch of enhancement talent to separate the two groups.

Mr. Fuji would later add fuel to the fire by implying the Freebirds were washed up. Yeah, the Freebirds were the baddest team around once upon a time. But their day has passed. The present and future belong to Ax & Smash of Demolition. They'll succeed where the Freebirds failed by defeating the Road Warriors.

The 'Birds struck back by talking Fuji into signing Demolition on for their signature Bad Street Match. Ax & Smash were totally fine with this, by the way. So neither team is backing down in this rare rulebreaker vs. rulebreaker encounter.

5. Ronnie Garvin vs. Paul Orndorff- Tough Guy Tussle II

It's true Garvin & Orndorff are both fan favorites. But they are not your typical baby-kissing, hand-shaking, back-slapping good guys. Garvin has a sadistic streak a mile wide and Orndorff is as cocky as any rulebreaker. Plus both men are still smarting after suffering tough setbacks at our last major card. So don't be surprised if this rare fan favorite vs. fan favorite encounter gets just as chippy as the battle between rulebreakers which precedes it. Both men are desperate to get back into title contention and will stop at nothing to achieve that goal.

6. Ted Dibiase w/ Virgil vs. Hacksaw Jim Duggan- $100,000 vs. Duggan becomes Virgil's servant

These two men have a long and storied history together. They've been the best of friends and the most bitter of enemies.

Upon entering this star studded promotion, the arrogant Million Dollar Man realized he could use some backup. He went to his old frenemy Duggan. But his sales pitch left a lot to be desired. He made Duggan a low ball offer and insulted him at every turn. It wasn't long before the proud Hacksaw started swinging his 2x4 at Teddy Wrestling and his poor manservant Virgil. This Culture Clash was immediately signed. An irate Dibiase threw in the stipulation of Duggan becoming Virgil's servant if The Million Dollar Man wins. Duggan agreed, but only if Dibiase would put up $100,000. Dibiase hastily agreed as well, though later expressing some regret over that impulsive decision.

7. Dusty Rhodes/Nikita Koloff/Road Warriors w/ Paul Ellering vs. Andre The Giant/King Kong Bundy/King Harley Race/Rick Rude
w/ Bobby Heenan- WAR GAMES: THE MATCH BEYOND

The Super Powers & Road Warriors have been at war with the Heenan Family ever since Andre defeated Dusty to become the Crowned World Champion. The two factions have fought in various combinations on nearly every show since our last big event. There was only one way to settle this- WAR GAMES: THE MATCH BEYOND!!!

Keep in mind the fan favorites emerged victorious in the already-legendary inaugural War Games match just a few short months ago.

Yet also keep in mind that as great as The Horsemen are, there is one thing they lacked- Size. You can't teach that. And the Heenan Family has it in spades with Andre & Bundy.

Also also keep in mind the Heenan Family is red hot. They went 3-0 at our last major show, and you can even make that 4-0 since King Kong Bundy added fuel to the fire by sending longtime Rhodes friend and protege Barry Windham to the hospital after squashing with multiple splashes over in a now defunct promotion. Big Bundy has since come back to the Heenan Family where he belongs.

You won't want to miss this battle for the ages regardless of who prevails.

I can't tell if I love or hate that the cards are so samey. On the one hand, it does make it feel much easier to compare head to head.

Also, are these shows taking place in February 1988? What's with Lethal Leap Year?

Ultimately, after really liking both cards, I'm remaining loyal to Promotion #1.

While some of the undercard stuff looked a little wonky on paper at first, the writeups helped really get me on board. At that War Games match plus the buildup to it?! Holy shit, f me in the a if that wouldn't have been the most awesome thing to ever happen in pro wrestling.

Honestly, if you draft Hogan & Flair as your #1 & #2 in 1987, you have to do a lot actively wrong to lose my vote. And instead, you've done so much so right.

I've got to go against 🤯 and vote for Promotion #2. Forget for a second that I'm a card carrying (foam boomerang carrying?) Jack Bunyip tragic but top to bottom it's the more varied card with more hooks and more matches! To me that's a double main in Dibiase/Duggan & The WarGames match versus just the WarGames.

🤯 Lethal Leap Year was me goofing around and giving a shoutout to a silly thing WWE did a few years back called Southpaw Regional Wrestling.

Figured "Boomerang" Jack Bunyip would get over with Big Pete. I'm blatantly pandering to my audience this time around.

Now we just need somebody to break this 1-1 tie. Shootist?

May 3, 2021 16:22:17 GMT Baker said:

🤯 Lethal Leap Year was me goofing around and giving a shoutout to a silly thing WWE did a few years back called Southpaw Regional Wrestling.

Figured "Boomerang" Jack Bunyip would get over with Big Pete . I'm blatantly pandering to my audience this time around.

Now we just need somebody to break this 1-1 tie. Shootist ?

Promotion 2, those last 4 matches are relly strong.

DOESN'T WORK FOR ME, BROTHER!

Promotion #2 comes from behind to become the 1987 draft champion by a 2-1 score over Promotion #1.

I'll do another one at some point. Then I'll have the 1987 champion challenge the next winner for the right to take on the winner of 93 vs. 96.

I'd been sitting on this for a minute.

/////

OK, hopefully this isn't an unforgivable sin, but I love these Baker-man projects and between this and his recent string of awesome reviews of select matches and moments from 1986-1988 in History of Wrestling... I've been noodling out how I would've drafted the same list of names into four separate rosters, and what cards I would've booked. Since Baker-man is nearing his grand finale, here's hoping I'm not stepping on toes or stealing thunder here by sharing what I would've done...

THE DRAFT

Promotion #1
1. Hulk Hogan
9. One Man Gang
10. Nikita Koloff
16. Lex Luger
19. Kamala
24. Strike Force
25. Brutus Beefcake
33. The Islanders
34. Jim Duggan
40. Greg Valentine
36. Killer Khan
44. The Killer Bees
53. Nikolai Volkoff
54. The Iron Sheik
56. Adrian Adonis
67. Dick Murdoch
70. Sika
72. Tom Zenk

DRAFT NOTES:
Hulk is absolutely and always the first pick. However, I tended to disagree that Flair would slip to the second round... so the "theme" for Promotion #1 in the 🤯-verse very much becomes Hogan & BFFs vs. the familiar rogues gallery of monstrous giants, dastardly foreign villains, and conniving-but-cowardly chicken-shits. Focusing more on caricatured singles stars and the entertainment aspect of sports entertainment, Promotion #1 is entirely at peace with the fact that it's tag division is arguably the least exciting when it comes to in-ring action... as the good looks of Martel & Santana make either member of Strike Force totally viable as a breakout singles star; the savagery and foreignness of the Islanders and Sheik & Volkoff make them totally viable Hogan opponents-of-the-month; and theoretically the reunion of either the Dream Team or the North-South Connection could provide some fun storytelling and compelling drama.

Promotion #2
8. Ric Flair
6. Randy Savage
14. Ricky Steamboat
12. Barry Windham
17. Arn Anderson & Tully Blanchard
22. Jake Roberts
26. Harley Race
31. Rick Rude
37. The Junkyard Dog
42. Sting
30. The New Breed
45. Big Bubba Rogers
55. George "The Animal" Steele
57. Ole Anderson
61. The Young Stallions
62. The Rougeau Brothers
64. Brad Armstrong
68. Blackjack Mulligan

DRAFT NOTES:
Maybe I was conditioned by growing up in the DC area listening to pro wrestling fanboy/sportscaster George Michael pimp Hogan vs. Flair as the be-all-end-all dream match, or maybe this is entirely hindsight bias... but there's no way Flair is not getting drafted in the first round, and I can see him going ahead of Andre with the thinking being he has more longevity and upside to build a promotion around. Then, with Flair at the helm, Promotion #2 very much becomes the more sports-geared promotion. Savage, Steamboat, Barry, Jake, and Sting become our fan favorites covering the entire hero spectrum from antiheroes Jake & Savage to goody-two-shoes Steamboat & Sting with Barry somewhere in the middle. We swap Lex for Ole because of how the draft shakes out, but nothing wrong with the OG Horsies as the hated heals here. Supplement the heels with Heenan's henchmen Race & Rude, and the faces with sympathetic but sacrificial JYD & Brad... and BOOM! This might be my favorite roster from top to bottom. New Breed, Stallions, and Rougeaous round out the tag division as exciting face teams to feed to the Horsemen. Maybe we turn the Rougeaus early to balance the heel/face equation in the tag division. Animal provides some of the entertainment in sports entertainment as Savage/Steamboat's buddy mascot, and Blackjack backs his son Windham in his fight against Flair & F(r)iends.

Promotion #3
2. Andre the Giant
3. Bam Bam Bigelow
13. King Kong Bundy
15. The Road Warriors
20. The Hart Foundation
21. British Bulldogs
27. The Midnight Express
32. The Rock & Roll Express
39. Paul Orndorff
38. Ken Patera
43. Demolition
46. Don Muraco
51. Bob Orton
52. Hillbilly Jim
59. Outback Jack
60. Ron Bass
65. Terry Taylor
71. Dino Bravo

DRAFT NOTES:
Coming off the biggest main event of the biggest PPV of all time, and considering his crossover mainstream appeal with his iconic role in Princess Bride, Andre absolutely makes sense as a first round pick. But then, based on draft order, the theme for Promotion #3 becomes a bit muddled. It's hard not to feel like the group that hits the B cities while Hogan headlines the A cities on the touring loops. But anyway... Promotion #3 tries to position itself as the land of the giants. So we have reigning king of the giants Andre defending against Bam Bam and occasionally Hillbilly Jim, with King Kong Bundy acting as his gatekeeper of sorts. The Road Warriors and Demolition are the big baddies of the tag division, which is bolstered by some excellent wrestling teams in MX, RnRx, HF, and BB. The midcard mostly comprises "smaller" guys jockeying for position to become the next David to challenge Andre's Goliath.

Promotion #4
7. Dusty Rhodes
4. Ted Dibiase
5. Steve Wiliams
11. The Honky Tonk Man
18. The Fabulous Freebirds
23. Ron Garvin
28. Hercules
29. Billy Jack Haynes
35. Butch Reed
41. Jimmy Garvin
48. Koko B. Ware
47. Eddie Gilbert
50. Chris Adams
49. Danny Davis
58. Rick Steiner
63. Iceman Parsons
66. Savannah Jack
69. The Missing Link

DRAFT NOTES:
Bringing up the rear is always an interesting draft position. With his new gimmick and a change of scenery, Million Dollar Man DiBiase certainly felt poised for big things and makes sense as a first round pick... but I like the balance of heels and faces being drafted as first picks, the nod to Dusty's ego of him being the "face of a company", and since this is a double-tap spot anyway... what's it matter? So the first double-tap is like a poor man's version of Hogan/Flair with the common man American Dream booked opposite the wealthy elite Million Dollar Man. Then, instead of Honky getting murdered by Ultimate Warrior, it's a more violent and entertaining execution at the hands of Dr. Death. Williams ties into the Garvins rivalry with the Freebirds, and that mostly addresses the top of the card. I absolutely cannot deviate from Baker-man's brilliant I Quit Chain Match pitting Herc against Haynes, so they stay drafted together to settle their beef. The rest of the undercard is then mostly made up of guys I either am not familiar with or don't know what they were doing in late 1987.

With the draft out of the way, now it's time for...

THE CARDS

Promotion #1

World Title Ball & Chain Match: Hulk Hogan [champion] vs. One Man Gang [challenger]
This was initially a cage match until the thought popped into my head that this might be a more interesting and unique gimmick. Present OMG as a criminal thug who's spent some time behind bars, where he learned you've gotta be the biggest baddest bully on the cell block to survive. It's where he also learned that you can only ever count on yourself, as even fellow gang members will rat you out to save their own skin, hence him becoming a "One Man Gang". His army-of-one philosophy puts him at odds with the whole concept of Hulkamania, and his mission post-prison is to destroy Hulkamania to prove his point. If OMG just so happens to win the world title in doing so... great. A ball and chain will be shackled to one of the champion's ankles and one of the challenge's ankles. The ball and chain is legal to use as a weapon in the match, as there will be no disqualifications or count-outs in this no-holds-barred bout.

Intercontinental Title Match: Nikita Koloff [champion] vs. Lex Luger [challenger]
We're flipping the cliched USA vs. USSR feud has on its head here. Lex, who knows a thing or two about betrayal, doesn't buy a bit of Nikita's "I <3 USA" schtick. Lex says everyone needs to "wake up from the Russian Nightmare" and root for him instead because --unlike Nikita-- Lex is "Made in America" and is thus bigger, better, stronger, faster, etc. Nikita offers Lex a title match to prove it in the ring. Instead of the Super Powers with Dusty & Nikita or the Mega Powers with Hogan & Savage, Promotion #1 has the Super Mega Powers (or Mega Super Powers depending on commentator) of Hogan & Nikita! Also, this will tie into "Made in America" Lex becoming a thing and him taking issue with "The Real American" Hogan... and eventually literally evolving from Lex Luger into the Lex Luthor to Hogan's Superman.

Tag Team Title Match: Strike Force (Rick Martel & Tito Santana) [champions] (w/ Tom Zenk) vs. The Islanders (Tama & Haku) [challengers] (w/ Sika)
Strike Force vs. Islanders as the obvious play, I suppose. Sika is to the Islanders here what Afa becomes to the Headshrinkers half a decade into the future. To counter Sika's presence in the Islanders' corner, world-renowned quitter Z-Man offers to be Strike Force's cornerman. Martel isn't convinced after Z-Man left him in the lurch, but Santana OKs it because it doesn't hurt to have an insurance policy in place when tangling with such unpredictable wildmen as the Islanders.

Hair vs. Hair Match: Brutus Beefcake vs. Greg Valentine
See Strobe's excellent posts about a WMIV rebooking in the Rebook a Card thread and Baker-man's proposed stuff. No real reason to stray from any of that stuff.

First Blood Match: Dick Murdoch vs. Adrian Adonis
Dick is de facto face here, as he is appalled by how "adorable" his former tag team partner has become. For Adrian's sake as much as his own legacy's sake, Dick wants to beat some sense back into his old partner and thinks perhaps seeing a bit of his own blood might do the trick. Best case, Dick gets his old partner back on the other side of this. Worst case, Dick always loves a good pounding and a solid win here might put him on the path toward a title shot against either of the Super Mega Mega Super Powers.

Tag Team Grudge Match: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) vs. The Foreign Leigon (The Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff)
Another obvious play, because Promotion #1 doesn't really care to emphasize it's tag team division all that much. IMO a WM3 rematch, as Baker-man noted, is really the best way to go with these four guys. Who'll humble who is the question nobody is asking as we prep for this contest. Maybe to make things "interesting" we'll say the Bees' are prohibited from bringing their masks to the ring (if that's still a thing)?

Grudge Match: Jim Duggan vs. Kamala
Duggan as Hogan Lite keeps another monster occupied. This monster has the added perk of also being foreign. Double whammy! We'll give Duggan the win but by count-out to keep Kamala protected. Thinking Duggan finally sends Kamala to the floor with an impressive three three-point stance clotheslines in a row. Kamala is counted out more for throwing a tantrum on the floor than actually being injured. Post-match see Kamala get his heat back with a Pearl Harbor on Duggan and then a diving body splash to send a message to Hogan.

Singles Exhibition Match: Tonk Zenk vs. Killer Khan
Just a throwaway opener with the leftovers. Khan kills Zenk to prove Zenk is on everyone's shit list. Despite the embarrassing squash loss, or perhaps because of it, Zenk might end up costing his old partner Martel the tag titles later in the night due to jealousy of Martel's success in the wake of the Can-Am Connection parting ways.

...

Promotion #2

War Games: The Horsemen (World Champion Ric Flair, Television Champion Tully Blanchard, and Tag Team Champions Arn & Ole Anderson) vs. The Macho Men (Randy Savage, Ricky Steamboat, Barry Windham & Blackjack Mulligan) (w/ George Steele)
Baker-man definitely had the better War Games teams, but I'm making do with what I go based on draft position/draft order. Since Ole slots in for Lex to reform the OG Horsies, I figure Barry's daddy Blackjack works as another grizzled old fart on the face side to balance things out. I figure either Ole or Blackjack can take the fall to keep the rest of the talent involved reasonably protected. Maybe Ole taking the fall is what results in him being re-ousted from the Horsemen? Anyway, because I'm me, the buildup will absolutely include a promo where someone mentions the only thing more macho than a macho man is #HORSECOCK (amirite, or amirite!?!? - Foos, Gyro LC, @ness, etc.)

United States Title Match w/ special guest referee Jake Roberts: Sting [champion] vs. Rick Rude [challenger]
Two young up-and-coming studs on opposite sides of the face/heel coin battle for the secondary singles title, with tweener-tilting Jake the Snake serving as the referee with questions abounding over whether or not Jake will call it down the middle or altogether throw the rulebook out and let Sting and Rude kill each other in a de facto death match with no count-outs or DQs. We'll say Jake became involved in this rivalry after stirring the pot when Sting and Rude were both guests on the Snake Pit. We'll also say Jake has challenged the winner of this match to a title shot to add stakes. I'm a little bummed not to get Jake in a match, but honestly he's such a good character I think he can be just as effective in a role like this as in an actual match.... so, fuck it!

I Quit Dog Collar Match: The Junkyard Dog vs. Harley Race
The beauty of getting the Herc/Haynes I Quit Chain Match on another promotion's card is that I can reuse the same gimmick premise here! JYD blows off his long-standing issue with Race in this match, guaranteed to be violent and guaranteed to humiliate the loser. I picture a finish where JYD somehow hangs Race over the top rope by the chain connecting their collars, and Race "quits" while being hung with his feet just inches off the floor... because racial overtones!

Tag Team Title Number One Contenders Round Robin Match: The Rougeaus (Jacques & Raymond) vs. The New Breed (Chris Champion & Sean Royal)

Tag Team Title Number One Contenders Round Robin Match: The Rougeaus (Jacques & Raymond) vs. The Young Stallions (Paul Roma & Jim Powers)

Tag Team Title Number One Contenders Round Robin Match: The Young Stallions (Paul Roma & Jim Powers) vs. The New Breed (Chris Champion & Sean Royal)
Three exciting young face tag teams wrestle a series of matches against each other on the same night as they jockey for position atop the tag team division mountain. Scoring system is simple: two points for a win, one point for a draw, zero points for a loss. Team with the most points at the end of the series earns a future tag team title shot. Emphasizes the sports side of the sports entertainment coin. My thinking here is Rougeaus ending up at the bottom of the pile prompts their heel turn into the Fabulous Rougeaus to help balance out the face/heel teams.

Singles Exhibition Match: Brad Armstrong vs. Big Bubba Rogers
Just an entertaining squash to establish not-yet Big Boss Man as the big bad baddie he is and will be.

...

Promotion #3

COLOSSAL JOSTLE World Title Match: Andre the Giant [champion] vs. Bam Bam Bigelow [challenger]
Andre, the colossus currently reigning supreme, defends his crown as King of the Giants against the Next Big Thing, Bam Bam. Will this be a passing of the torch, or will Andre continue to reign supreme?

DEMOLITION DERBY Tag Team Title Match: The Road Warriors (Hawk & Animal) [champions] vs. Demolition (Ax & Smash) [challengers]
Hot-shotting this dream match, which is probably second only to Hogan/Flair. Face champions Hawk & Animal have agreed to defend the belts in heel challengers Ax & Smash's own specialty match: a Demolition Derby; i.e., a tornado tag with no count-outs or DQs where all four men are legal at the same time. It's going to be chaos incarnate when these two hard-hitting face-painted teams brawl for it all!

RAGE IN THE CAGE Grudge Match: Paul Orndroff vs. King Kong Bundy
100% inspired by Baker-man's recent match reviews in HoW. Orndorff was screwed out of victory in a match against Bundy thanks to an interfering Andre. The rematch will be contested inside the confines of an unforgiving steel cage to prevent unwanted outside interference. The only thing more unforgiving than the cage will be Orndorff's rage as his continues his quest to take out Heenan's army of giants en route to a title shot against Andre.

GAUNTLET FOR GOLD Tag Team Title Number One Contenders Tournament Semifinal Best 2 of 3 Falls Match: The British Bulldogs (Davey Boy Smith & The Dynamite Kid) vs. The Hart Foundation (Bret Hart & Jim Neidhart)

GAUNTLET FOR GOLD Tag Team Title Number One Contenders Tournament Semifinal Best 2 of 3 Falls Match: The Rock & Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson) vs. The Midnight Express (Stan Lane & Bobby Eaton)
With these four high-caliber tag teams with stories rivalries, why settle for a normal tournament when we can make the matches have a Best 2 of 3 Falls stipulation to extend the wrestling excellence!? I debated branding this tournament as the MEAT GRINDER GAUNTLET before settling on something a little more safe (read: boring) as the eventual winners will surely be exhausted by the end of this grueling thing. Anyway... the British Bulldogs will have a chance to quash their issue with the Hart Foundation once and for all on one side of the brackets, and on the other side we'll find out which Express is expressier. Then, we're guaranteed a first-time ever matchup in the finals. And while not on the level of Road Warriors/Demolition, I'm willing to bet any combination of Hart Foundation or British Bulldogs vs. Midnight Express or Rock & Roll Express in the late 80s would've ranked decently on a dream match wishlist. Winners get a tag title shot at whoever emerges from the Demolition Derby with the gold.

Cast vs. Cast Match: Don Muraco vs. Bob Orton
As Baker-man pointed out, these two must feud after their tag team breaks up. In training for their match, Bob allegedly broke his hand and has re-donned his infamous cast. There's always a workaround though, and in this case The Magnificent Rock Tank has agreed to wear a cast as well for their match. The matchmaker's thought here being that wearing a cast will hinder and hamper Don just as much as it hinders and hampers Bob. But truth is, both men will likely be looking to use their plaster blasters as legal weapons to secure a knockout victory.

WORLD'S STRONGEST MAN Grudge Match: Ken Patera vs. Dino Bravo
As a former Olympian who knows what it takes to claim to be the world's strongest man, Patera has been questioning some of Bravo's more absurd claims. Bravo has in turn challenged Patera to test his strength in a series of challenges. They've benched, squatted, deadlifted, arm wrestled, pulled cars, and various other feats-of-strength contests en route to realizing they just need to wrestle to settle this issue once and for all. Be prepared for this match to start with a good ol' test of strength lockup!

Tag Team Exhibition Match: Outback Jack & Hillbilly Jim vs. Ron Bass & Terry Taylor
Jack & Jim became fast friends upon the former's debut, bonding quickly over a shared affinity for nature and the simpler things in life. Bass hates all things happy, including new friendships, and immediately took issue with Jack & Jim's instant mateship. Bass challenged the BFFs to a tag match here, but didn't have a partner of his own... partly because he's so tough he doesn't think he needs one, but also because no one volunteered given Bass's surly personality. In the end, Terrible Terry was volun-told by the matchmaker that he'd be Bass's begrudging partner. Will Bass & Terry's lack of chemistry, especially in contract to Jack & Jim's tremendous bond, prove to be their downfall?

...

Promotion #4

World Title Texas Death Match: Dusty Rhodes [champion] vs. Ted DiBiase [challenger]
Dusty, as the head booker and face of the company, is the reigning world champ coming into this because... of course he is. Relatively new on the scene is the Million Dollar Man, who has purchased his number one contender status by bribing the rest of the booking committee. Dusty is willing to let DiBiase have his title shot but only under one condition: it must be a Texas death match so that Dusty can put the kind of whoopin' on Teddy Wrestling's wealthy ass that it deserves! DiBiase accepts the perfect stipulation, as now there's no way he can be disqualified himself, making his victory all the more assured. I guess the real question here will be whether or not we see some sort of Dusty finish.

Sourthern Heritage Title Match: The Honky Tonk Man [champion] vs. Steve Williams [challenger]
With help from crooked/corrupt/incompetent referee Danny Davis, Honky stole the belt from Dr. Death and has been on the run ever since... all while proclaiming himself to be the greatest champion in history. Well, Honky has finally run out of runway, and Death is at his doorstep with the Doctor knocking on his door in his long-awaited rematch. However, per Texas state law, since we can only have one Texas death match per promotion per night, this will be contested as a standard bout. So, the question is not if Honky can pin or submit Williams to retain, but... can Honky survive long enough after the opening bell to get himself counted out and retain on a technicality? Because if Williams gets his hands on Honky... if it's not instant death with a Doctor Bomb, it's at least a one-way ticket to Suplex City BITCH!!~

Tag Team Title 3-on-2 Handicap Match: The Fabulous Freebirds (Michael Hayes, Terry Gordy & Buddy Roberts) [champions] vs. Ron Garvin & Jimmy Garvin [challengers]
The Birds crossed a line when they revealed a deep dark family secret... that Ron & Jimmy aren't brothers, but in fact Ron is Jimmy's stepdad! The Garvins have been hellbent on beating some Bird ass ever since this unwanted revelation, and they'll finally get their chance here, but under the condition that it's against all three Freebirds at once. The Freebirds thought this might deter the Garvins, but in fact the Garvins welcomed the opportunity to bring the fight to all three... especially if the cherry on the sundae was walking away with some gold afterward.

I Quit Chain Match: Billy Jack Haynes vs. Hercules
Just repeating Baker-man's brilliance. There is no other option.

Grudge Match: Chris Adams vs. Danny Davis
Let's say screwing The Gentleman out of gold in a match against Honky Tonk was the last straw for Danny Davis' days as a rooked/corrupt/incompetent referee. Adams stopped being a gentleman when he superkicked Davis' head off after that match, and ended up suspended as a result. However, Davis was also relieved of his role as a referee, and so Davis started his in-ring career while Adams was sidelined. Well, Adams is set to return to action, and he's demanded his first opponent be the man who fucked him in more ways than one (wait... what?): Davis!

Grudge Match: Koko B. Ware vs. Butch Reed
I don't know... a WM3 rematch but with more time to be a better bout? @whocares, just something to build Butch up as a contender for Dr. Death or Dusty.

Tag Team Grudge Match: Pretty Pimpin' (Iceman Parsons & Savannah Jack) vs. The Hottest Stuff (Eddie Gilbert & Rick Steiner)
I don't know much of anything about 3 out of 4 of these guys, and pre-Scott Rick is a blind spot for me as well. Looking at their names and pictures, I just assumed putting Iceman & Jack together as a couple of proto-Godfathers might work. Meanwhile, I don't know who Hot Stuff International consisted of or when, so I'm just modifying Eddie's deal here to give a slightly different spin to his schtick. Again, I don't know... @whocares.

PLUS! The search for The Missing Link continues...

🤯  I LOVE what you're doing here and fully endorse an alternate take on my idea. I'll give the cards a more thorough inspection later and return to chime in with my thoughts. At a cursory glance I'm all about Promotion #3 with its big boys at the top of the card and stacked tag division.

I popped for the George Michael mention. My lasting memory of The George Michael Sports Machine is a clip they aired from a Sid & The Kid vs. Horowitz & Hakushi Superstars match that aired in late 95-early 96.

On Flair: I try to stay true to my real time thoughts with these things especially in the earlier rounds. Flair is obviously a #2 or #3 overall pick in hindsight, but I didn't really get Ric Flair as a kid in 1987. "So he's like a Greg Valentine ripoff doing a Honkytonk Man-style 'undeserving champion' gimmick...a one man Rhythm & Blues?"- Me, if Rhythm & Blues had been a thing in 1987 and I knew what a gimmick was. Flair would of course go on to become my all time favorite wrestler, but he was pretty much a non-entity to me until the Funk feud in 1989.

Bam Bam, Dr. Death, and maybe One Man Gang were my big draft reaches in hindsight but those are the guys I thought were/would be huge stars way back in 1987.

I also like what you're doing with Hogan. I wanted to do Hogan/Gang and Hogan/Nikita but never got around to either one.

Promotion #1: Love the writeups. Whoa! I totally slept on this stacked roster. Love the Ball & Chain stipulation and Gang's backstory. Luger/Nikita storyline is interesting and I got a kick out of the shout outs to Luger's later gimmicks. I can't help thinking Nikita will reveal himself to be a Russian rat by turning on Hogan to break up the Super Mega Powers. Murdoch/Adonis and pairing Sika with the Islanders are inspired choices that I'm kicking myself for not thinking of first. A few 'boring' rematches but it probably only seems that way because I just did them. I'm really not crazy about Zenk being double booked. He could be blind or crippled after taking on mist spewing Mongolian maniac Killer Khan! Going with the Strike Force Connection vs. Islanders Three in a straight six man tag and having Kamala beat Duggan clean with the big splash would have taken this card from great to greater.

Promotion #2: Can never go wrong with a War Games main event. Face team seems a bit random but I like how you gave Mulligan a reason for being there while acknowledging Ole & Blackjack are the past their prime jabronies of their respective teams. I dig the round robin tag tournament. Sting/Rude is a cool battle between up and comers but I feel like you wasted Jake here. Another WM 3 rematch is meh. Bubba/Brad is fine for getting Bubba over as a monster heel. 

Promotion #3: This was my favorite roster at first glance. Demolition/Road Warriors is an obvious win. As are the safe choices of Bulldogs/Harts and MX/R&R, but I really wish 🤯 had switched those up to the fresh MX/Bulldogs & Harts/Rock & Roll matches. Orton/Muraco and Patera/Bravo are sensible matchups, though Bravo/Patera is likely to be brutal for the viewer. Solid Colossal Jostle main event. Promotion #1 is still tops in my book, but I think #3 would have taken it with the fresh tag matches. 

Promotion #4: The Dusty/Dibiase culture clash edges out Hogan/Gang to be my favorite main event of the quartet. Doc squashing Honky would be fun. LOVE the Freebirds/Garvins match and storyline. Gentleman/Davis is cool. Fun Fact: I almost ran with that one myself. Meh on the pair of WM 3 rematches. Give me freshness, baby! Savannah Jack has to be the most obscure wrestler I ever drafted for one of these things....and Iceman is probably 2nd! I'm intrigued by the search for the Missing Link. Picturing some sports entertainment gold where a 'reporter' (or perhaps a manager?) goes looking for the Link in some faraway tropical jungle. Solid overall show that was giving P1 a run for its money until it fizzled out with the UWF deep cut undercard. Fun Fact #2: I don't entirely know who was in Hot Stuff International and when either. 

Going with Promotion #1 for having my favorite writeups and some inspired booking choices.

Well, based on the positive reaction and feedback from Baker-man, I'm feeling inspired and encouraged to see 1987 in the 🤯-verse through to some sort of completion. Seeing as Promotion #1 seemed to eek out the win in the fatal fourway for Baker's dime, I'll run with it and add some stolen talent... but with a catch to challenge myself.

First, world champions and their challengers as well as all other reigning champions are protected from theft on the presumption that they'd all be content enough to remain with their current promotions despite losing out to Promotion #1's card on the infamous night in late 1987 when four wrestling promotions ran head-to-head-to-head-to-head pay-per-view events.

Second, stolen talent must equal a "point total" of greater than 50 with points being based on their draft number. This handicap is meant to help further prevent me from just stockpiling all the top dogs on the winning roster and thereby depleting the competition... even if that's essentially what the WWF did IRL.

Third, as a minor offset for the previous two self-imposed constraints, Promotion #1 gets to steal two picks from each of the defeated rosters. So, without further ado, the new roster for Promotion #1 ends up looking like this:

1. Hulk Hogan
9. One Man Gang
10. Nikita Koloff
16. Lex Luger
19. Kamala
24. Strike Force
25. Brutus Beefcake
33. The Islanders
34. Jim Duggan
40. Greg Valentine
36. Killer Khan
44. The Killer Bees
53. Nikolai Volkoff
54. The Iron Sheik
56. Adrian Adonis
67. Dick Murdoch
70. Sika
72. Tom Zenk
62. The Rougeau Brothers (stolen from Promotion #2)
55. George Steele (stolen from Promotion #2)
3. Bam Bam Bigelow (stolen from Promotion #3)
13. King Kong Bundy (stolen from Promotion #3)
48. Koko B. Ware (stolen from Promotion #4)
69. The Missing Link (stolen from Promotion #4)

Then, before we get into the next card, let's go through some quick results:

PROMOTION #1 - CARD #1: QUICK RESULTS

Singles Exhibition Match: Killer Khan def. Tom Zenk
Khan kills Zenk with a knee drop off the top turnbuckle after blinding him with the dreaded Asian mist. After the match, Zenk refuses medical attention despite his impaired vision and reconfirms his intention to be Strike Force's cornerman for their title defense later in the evening.

Grudge Match: Jim Duggan def. Kamala
Kamala is counted out while throwing a temper tantrum on the floor after Duggan staggers the Ugandan Giant with two three-point stance clotheslines and then knocks him out of the ring with a third. After the match, the uncontrollable Kamala attacks Duggan from behind with Duggan's own trademark 2x4 before repeatedly splashing Duggan into oblivion.

Tag Team Grudge Match: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) def. The Foreign Legion (The Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff)
The Bees prove they don't need to don their masks and pull a switcheroo to outsmart the Legion when Blair enters the ring illegally, repositions a small package so that Volkoff's shoulders are down instead of Brunzell's, then knocks Sheik off the apron, and ultimately follows Sheik to the floor with a springboard plancha.

First Blood Match: Adrian Adonis def. Dick Murdoch
Adonis wins with a little help from his new friend "The Hammer" -- literally and figuratively -- as Greg Valentine comes down to ringside during the match, hands Adonis a hammer, and then holds Dick so that Adonis can hammer him. Dick goes down with one well-aimed shot to the temple. Then Adonis uses the hammer's claw on the KO'd Dick's cranium to draw first blood.

Hair vs. Hair Match: Brutus Beefcake def. Greg Valentine
Valentine pays for interfering in the previous match, as Beefcake puts him to sleep with a sleeper hold. Before the Barber can commence with the post-match haircut, Valentine's adorable new buddy Adrian Adonis --still wielding the hammer-- comes to the rescue.

Tag Team Title Match: The Islanders (Tama & Haku) [challengers] (w/ Sika) def. Strike Force (Rick Martel & Tito Santana) [champions] (w/ Tom Zenk) *TITLE CHANGE!*
Strike Force's insurance policy backfires when the still-blind Zenk accidentally hits Santana in the face with one of the belts, moments before one of the Islanders scores the title-winning pinfall with a diving body splash. Zenk is apologetic after the match and promises to make things right with the former champions. Martel isn't so sure and wants to dissociate with his former partner, but Santana is more forgiving since accidents happen and convinces Martel to hear Zenk out and give him another chance.

Intercontinental Title Match: Lex Luger [challenger] def. Nikita Koloff [champion] *TITLE CHANGE!*
Luger wins by TKO with a loaded forearm shot dubbed "America's Secret Weapon". Luger adds insult to injury after the match by hoisting Koloff's unconscious carcass up into a Torture Rack to parade around the ring like a trophy hunter's most prized kill. Commentators worry if the night will see a perfect hat trick of title changes, or if World Champion Hulk Hogan will somehow find a way to retain against One Man Gang.

World Title Ball & Chain Match: Hulk Hogan [champion] def. One Man Gang [challenger]
Hogan pins OMG with a ball-assisted leg drop after felling the gargantuan challenger with three big right hands, an even bigger boot, and then a ball-assisted axe bomber.

Now, that brings us to Promotion #1's follow-up...

CARD #2

World Title Ugandan Death Match: Hulk Hogan [champion] vs. Kamala [challenger]
Kamala has been on a rampage since being counted out at Card #1, interfering in matches he's not involved with and attacking other wrestlers in the locker room without provocation. Through an intermediary, it was communicated that the only only way to mollify Kamala's madness was to grant him a world title shot. However, the resulting match ended in an inconclusive double count-out after the action spilled out of the ring and onto the floor. In the end, Kamala tried to symbolically kill Hulkamania by splashing Hogan through the ringside broadcast table from the apron. Despite several broken ribs suffered as a consequence of being splashed through the table, Hogan has demanded Kamala face him again in another match... this time, in Kamala's own specialty match: a Ugandan death match! Perhaps blinded by his own rage, Hogan says he wants for there to be a clear winner just as much as he wants his own revenge. So that means no count-outs, no disqualifications, no pinfalls or submissions... The ends justify the means, and the last man standing wins!

Tag Team Title Three Strikes Match: The Wild Islanders (Sika and World Tag Team Champions Haku & Tama) vs. Strike Three (Tito Santana, Rick Martel & Tom Zenk)
This is how Z-Man proposed to make things right after inadvertently costing Strike Force the tag titles to the Islanders at Card #1. Zenk campaigned to have Strike Force's contractually obligated rematch altered into a six-man elimination match instead, branding the whole deal as the specialty match of their new three-man tag team now known as Strike Three. The news that they're apparently now part of a three-man team caught Martel & Santana by surprise. Martel of course started to object, but the ever-optimistic Santana convinced his Strike Force partner to be open-minded and give the idea a shot. Anyway... to raise the stakes further, Zenk also had the following convoluted stipulations added to the match because the Z-Man is a man with a plan:
1.) If the Wild Islanders win, no member of Strike Three can ever partner together again
2.) If Strike Three wins, Zenk will be recognized as a tag champ alongside former champs Martel & Santana; furthermore, Zenk will get to select who he defends the titles with (Martel or Santana) in regular tag matches after Strike Three reclaims the belts that Strike Force lost.

Handicap Match: Nikita Koloff vs. The Foreign Legion (The Iron Sheik & Nikolai Volkoff)
Even if he became a treasonous traitor and the embodiment of betrayal when he turned his back on Mother Russia and abandoned her for America, Koloff still represented Soviet Strength. But then Koloff transgressed again when he lost the Intercontinental title to "Made in America" Lex Luger at Card #1. Koloff's display of weakness on behalf of the USSR is arguably even more unforgiveable than his outright treason, and so something must be done. So says consummate comrade Volkoff, and so echoes his ally-in-arms Iron Sheik. Koloff though isn't about to be browbeaten by a couple of losers like the Legion though, so he challenges them to put up or shut up and offers to take them both on at the same time. And so, this handicap match was made. Koloff is hoping a win here will give him a super mega powered boost of momentum headed into his eventual Intercontinental title rematch, or perhaps even catapult him toward a world title shot... WHO KNOWS!? @whocares

Intercontinental Title Match: Lex Luger [champion] vs. Jim Duggan [challenger]
Luger is looking for an easy first title defense, so he handpicks Uncle Sam's favorite fool Duggan as his first challenger... knowing full well that Duggan isn't 100% after the post-match Kamala mauling he suffered at Card #1. Despite not being 100%, Duggan says "HOOOOO-Kay... TOUGH GUY!" in response to Luger's offer. Duggan declares he'll bring the Intercontinental title back to the good ol' U-S-of-A, which makes Luger do a lil whatchu-talkin'-'bout-Willis? But then Duggan elaborates, saying there's nothing American made about "Made in America" Lex Luger... except maybe the surgical steel in his forearm! Pissed about Duggan divulging the secret behind "America's Secret Weapon", Luger tries to coldcock Duggan a steel-plated suckerpunch forearm smash to the forehead... but it has no effect!? Duggan just smiles and reveals he had a steel plate screwed into his skull after car wreck years ago. DON'T DRIVE DRUNK, KIDS!!! If Duggan's steel-plated skull can withstand the impact of America's Secret Weapon, the two questions on everyone's mind as we head into this title bout are: 1.) What other tricks might Luger have up his surgically-altered sleeves to pull out a successful defense? And b.), how do you spell U-S-A??? U-S-A!!! U-S-A!!! U-S-A!!!

Strange Bedfellows Tag Team Match: Brutus Beefcake & Dick Murdoch vs. Greg Valentine & Adrian Adonis
Hopefully the quick results for Card #1 made it relatively obvious how we got to this match. What isn't so obvious is who might turn on whom, if anyone will be turning on anyone. Dick has made it plainly clear he isn't a fan of the adorable, effeminate, flamboyant, or anything else gay or potentially deemed so by him. So how will Dick be when forced to partner with Beefcake, who's known for his sensational shears and sheer ring gear? On the good guy side of the ring, It's definitely more of a situation where the enemy of my enemy is my friend than anything else. But there's also locker room rumors circulating that a Dream Team and/or North-South Connection might be in the works as well. Be on your toes and keep your head on a swivel in this one, as anything can happen in Promotion #1!!~

Colossal Jostle: Bam Bam Bigelow vs. One Man Gang
OMG was looking to reassert his dominance after suffering defeat at the hands of his most-hated rival, Hulk Hogan. So he went back to basics and started bullying smaller-statured enhancement talent. Enter newcomer fan favorite Bigelow, who dared OMG to pick on someone his own size for once. And so this match was made! Whether this just needs more time or no nagging knee injuries, I'll give this match and these men whatever they need (but didn't get IRL at WMIV) to make this contest the most cataclysmic collision of the colossi we've ever witnessed. I'm hoping for cartwheels and moonsaults aplenty out of Bam Bam, and I'm equally morbidly curious to see OMG show us why he earned the "747" nickname.

David vs. Goliath Five-Count Challenge Grudge Match: Koko B. Ware vs. King Kong Bundy
Like Bam Bam Bigelow before him, Bundy is another hulky bulky newcomer on the scene. Unlike the Bammer though, Bundy is a bad apple to the core. His schtick since arriving has been his five-count challenges, where he beats the opposition so thoroughly that he gives them until the count of five (instead of three) to kick out of pin covers. What makes the Walking Condominium especially dangerous is not only his size and strength... but also his surprising speed and agility. Bundy showed off just how quick he can be when he snatched Koko's pet bird mascot Frankie out of mid-air before their last scheduled encounter. Then, to show off just how nasty he can be, Bundy bit off Frankie's head! Needless to say, Koko was too distraught in that moment to compete. But the postponed match will be happening at Card #2... and Koko might come packing an actual sling, just like David in the Bible, as he seeks some Hammurabi-style eye-for-an-eye justice to avenge Frankie.

Singles Exhibition Match: George Steele vs. Killer Khan
I've got no real backstory to make this a grudge match... but boy oh boy what an exhibition of oddities this would be all the same. For some reason I'm thinking about Animal's green tongue in conjunction with Khan's mist, and picturing a spot where Khan blows his mist and Animal just tries to lick it out of the air instead of otherwise selling it. Anyway, this can be just another face (albeit a more meaningful one this time) to feed to Khan to continue building him up to then eventually feed to Hogan.

Best 2 of 3 Falls Tag Team Match: The Killer Bees (B. Brian Blair & Jim Brunzell) vs. The Fabulous Rougeaus (Jacques & Raymond)
After flaming out in another promotion's round robin, the Rougeau Brothers jumped ship to Promption #1 where they were welcomed with open arms by the Bees, who were excited to have a team join the tag division and offer sportsmanly competition unlike teams like the Islanders and Foreign Legion. The Bees offered to face the Rougeaus in their first match, and the Rougeaus gladly accepted the offer. The Bees, back to their old tricks when not prohibited by special stipulations, donned their masks and pulled a switcheroo to pick up the win over the confused Canadiens. Upset by the display of hypocrisy and the obliviousness to it, the Rougeaus challenged the Bees to a rematch. This time, the Rougeaus employed dirty tricks and underhanded tactics to secure the victory. Upset by the rule-breaking Rougeaus' ways, the Bees confronted the brothers after the match. Heated words led to fisticuffs, and before you know it a pull-apart brawl had erupted. Now the Bees and the Rougeaus look to determine the better team once and for all in a best 2 of 3 falls match. The Bees' masks aren't even prohibited, as the Rougeaus claim to be so fabulous that they can overcome any amateur trickery the Bees might attempt in pursuit of a cheap win.

PLUS! The search for The Missing Link continues...
After finding nothing in the jungles of Borneo except Bornean junglemen, Promotion #1's intrepid investigative journalist Newsman @ness journeys next to a Tuareg camp in Saharan dessert in his never-ending quest to locate and learn more about The Missing Link.

This is great. Love the writeups and steal rules you set for yourself. That Adonis/Murdoch match would not be for the squeamish. I'm all in on the Missing Link storyline. You can never go wrong with Hogan/Kamala. Only thing that doesn't work on paper is the oddball Beefcake/Murdoch team but you covered for it with the booking. I'd be counting down the days until I could watch this show at Mr. Charlie's.

🤯 embracing the concept has me thinking we should pick a year and do a mini-draft.

May 4, 2021 22:59:09 GMT Baker said:

This is great. Love the writeups and steal rules you set for yourself. That Adonis/Murdoch match would not be for the squeamish. I'm all in on the Missing Link storyline. You can never go wrong with Hogan/Kamala. Only thing that doesn't work on paper is the oddball Beefcake/Murdoch team but you covered for it with the booking. I'd be counting down the days until I could watch this show at Mr. Charlie's.

🤯 embracing the concept has me thinking we should pick a year and do a mini-draft.

I'm game. Whatcha thinking? 1989, two promotions each?

May 5, 2021 0:05:11 GMT 🤯 said:

I'm game. Whatcha thinking? 1989, two promotions each?

Perhaps. Let's leave it open for now in case anybody else wants to participate. If not, we can do two promotions each from 1989. 

May 5, 2021 1:17:08 GMT Baker said:

May 5, 2021 0:05:11 GMT 🤯 said:

I'm game. Whatcha thinking? 1989, two promotions each?

Perhaps. Let's leave it open for now in case anybody else wants to participate. If not, we can do two promotions each from 1989. 

Getting a half chub already!

Baker how did I not get tagged to vote for this. Promotion 4 all the way.

🤯 I might have to pass on this after all. Thing is I'm greedy. I like the idea of keeping this draft gimmick in my back pocket for a rainy day...or just whenever the mood hits me.

Actually...Just had a brainstorm. How about a compromise? I only have (vague) interest in doing this for 87-00. Don't really care about post-2000 wrestling. And I know how much you love 2002-2003 Smackdown. So how about we do a joint 2003 draft? We can work out a few ground rules and start tomorrow if you're willing.

May 6, 2021 1:20:00 GMT bodyslam said:

Baker how did I not get tagged to vote for this. Promotion 4 all the way.

Sorry! I don't like randomly tagging people for this kind of thing. That's 🤯 's gimmick!  I think it comes across as needy. I only did Shootist (note the lack of tag) that one time because he voted on a previous match so it didn't completely feel like I was begging.

Too bad because Promotion #4 is such a bodyslam card what with all those Mid South/UWF alum. 

May 6, 2021 1:26:43 GMT Baker said:

🤯 I might have to pass on this after all. Thing is I'm greedy. I like the idea of keeping this draft gimmick in my back pocket for a rainy day...or just whenever the mood hits me.

Actually...Just had a brainstorm. How about a compromise? I only have (vague) interest in doing this for 87-00. Don't really care about post-2000 wrestling. And I know how much you love 2002-2003 Smackdown. So how about we do a joint 2003 draft? We can work out a few ground rules and start tomorrow if you're willing.

Totally get it. I kinda got cold feet about it as soon as I committed, as I don't want to infringe on your creative genius and liberty. I kinda like swooping in after the fact when it's less interfering. That said, since 2003 is such a throwaway year, I'd be down for that as a little hopefully harmless pilot project.