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WORLD CLASS WRESTLING (LIVE TV SHOW)
Wednesday, Week 4, January 1985 Dallas, TX (Small Venue) Expected Attendance: 12,037; Ticket Prices: $3 more than default Actual Attendance: ? -Pre-Show Dark Segment The Grapplers come to the ring and cut a hype promo before their match. (C). -Pre-Show Dark Segment The Villanos come to the ring and hype their six-man tag team tournament match at January Star Wars. They say they still haven't heard from Gary Hart since he disappeared in Las Vegas, and they've also tried to contact Hart client King Kong Bundy without success. They say that while there'll still hopeful that Hart will emerge on Saturday night and be a difference-maker, they're not relying on him. (C) Instead, they'll rely, as they always have, on each other, as brothers. They say that while the Sammartinos haven't seen eye to eye in recent months, the Villanos (and Arturo Mendoza), have been on the same page their whole lives. (D+). -Pre-Show Dark Match The Villanos drew with The Grapplers in 10:00 when the time limit expired. (C). The Grapplers looked good. -As the show starts, Curt Hennig cuts a backstage promo, with Tiger Mask and The Great Kabuki by his side. They hype tonight's main event, the final match in group B of the six-man-tag-team championship tournament. Hennig says the tournament has been wild, filled with twists and turns. The latest turn, says Hennig, is that after the events of last week, Dick Murdoch has been rehired onto Gary Hart's former "dream team", and they will be joined by Kevin Sullivan, who fills the spot formally held by King Kong Bundy, who has vanished. Hennig says he, Tiger Mask, and Kabuki are ready for whoever comes through the curtain, and they'll take their last step to the championship match tonight. (B-) -Bill Mercer and Fritz Von Erich run down the card for this Saturday Night's January Star Wars event. (C). -Kevin Von Erich and Jose Lothario come out to ringside, as Kevin prepares to draw this week's random challenger for the TV Title. First, Mercer interviews Kevin about his medical condition. Kevin confirms that he has suffered a shoulder injury, but he's still determined to defend the TV title tonight, and defend the World Tag Team titles with his brother Kerry against the Road Warriors this Saturday night. He admits though, that his grueling schedule is starting to wear him down. (C+). Kevin then draws the name of tonight's TV Championship Challenger: Kevin Sullivan. (C+). Kevin takes a deep sign, and says he'll be ready for the match. -A hype video recaps the Iceman Parsons/Nikita Koloff feud, which has primarily featured Parsons humiliating Koloff on several occasions (Parsons defeating Koloff's "3 minute challenge", and Koloff's thwarted attempts at revenge). (B-) -Nikita Koloff defeats David Sammartino (w/Bruno Sammartino) in 5:39 by pinfall. (C). -The Road Warriors defeat Owen Hart & Al Perez in 4:55 when Animal pinned Perez. (C). Road Warrior Animal looked good. After the match, the Road Warriors continued their attach on Hart & Perez. (D+). Then, the Warriors cut a promo hyping their World Tag Team Title Shot against the Von Erichs on Saturday night. (C+). Finally, the Road Warriors wander down to the announce table, and tell Bill Mercer that they're going to "scout" the next match involving Kevin Von Erich -WCCW Television Championship Match Kevin Von Erich drew with Kevin Sullivan (w/Ray Stevens) in 10:00 when the time limit expired. (D+). Kevin makes his 14th defense of the TV Title. Von Erich somehow held off Sullivan's aggressive offense, and interference from the Road Warriors. Kevin was limited by injury. The two showed poor chemistry. After the match, The Road Warriors immediately attack a weakened Kevin Von Erich. (C). Soon, Iceman Parsons and Bruno Sammartino attempt to make the save, but they are easily repelled by the Warriors. (C). A few minutes later, Curt Hennig and David Sammartino also charge to the ring, but the Warriors quickly destroy them as well. (C+). Finally, after several minutes, the faces regroup, and use their 5-2 numbers to hold off further assault. The Road Warriors leave the ring on their own. -Iceman Parsons defeats Mr. Pogo in 10:23 by pinfall. (B). The two showed great chemistry, but the match suffered from a lack of selling. Parsons was (kayfabe) tired from the previous segment involving the Road Warriors, which led to a highly competitive match here. The announcers had noted that Mr. Pogo had asked for this rematch from last week's show. After the match, Parsons, still weak, is attacked by Nikita Koloff. However, once again, Parsons is ready, and he send Koloff and Akbar retreating with a steel chair. (C+). On their way back to the locker room, Akbar grabs a mic and challenges Parsons to a match with Koloff next week, on TV. (B-) -Backstage, Ray Stevens and his new stable of Bob Backlund, Dick Murdoch, and Kevin Sullivan hype their upcoming match with Tiger Mask, The Great Kabuki, and Curt Hennig. (C+). Murdoch also hypes his #1 Contender's Match with Hennig at January Star Wars. -WCCW Six-Man Tag Team Championship Tournament -Group B, final match (The announcers note that the winner tonight wins the group, and if the match ends in a draw, Tiger Mask/Kabuki/Hennig will advance) -Bob Backlund, Dick Murdoch, and Kevin Sullivan (w/Ray Stevens) defeat Curt Hennig, Tiger Mask, and The Great Kabuki in 22:49 when Backlund pinned Tiger Mask. (B-). The Murdoch/Hennig confrontations in the match were particularly heated. -Final Group B Standings: 1. Bob Backlund, Dick Murdoch, Kevin Sullivan (2 pinfall wins, 1 DQ win, 1 loss, 8 points) 2. Curt Hennig, The Great Kabuki, & Tiger Mask (2 pinfall wins, 2 losses, 6 points) 3. Doug Somers, Perry Jackson & Barry Orton (1 DQ win, 3 losses, 2 points, 0 matches remaining) Overall Show Rating: B- THOUGHTS: -Hopefully I just didn't run into a game-killing bug. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the "expected attendance" number was increased a ton - suddenly my people were recommending a "medium" size venue, enough to seat 10,000 fans! I figured that maybe I crossed some kind of overall popularity threshold, or maybe I passed a point where there's so few promotions that everyone benefits from the vacuum, or maybe this is just something plugged into the DOTT mod to reflect the boom in the industry around this time....Unfortunately, the actual attendance of the show came up blank, and now in the "history" section, it shows "unknown". From my finance screen, it appears I didn't get credit for ANY attendance (but had to pay the higher cost of the medium venue).....SO...perhaps this is the end of the dynasty - I guess I won't know for sure until I advance to the next TV show (if it isn't made obvious before then). -As for the show, it wasn't really a typical "build-up" show, considering our first ever PPV is in a few days, but that's just how things worked out. -This six-man tag team tournament has been INSANE. You could probably release an entire DVD on it. Between the David Sammartino almost firing his father, to Bob Backlund firing his entire team, winning a match without them, only to hire back Dick Murdoch and bring in Kevin Sullivan. Wacky. Finally, we have the 1st half of the final match: Backlund/Murdoch/Sullivan. -Parsons/Pogo had another excellent match, and the Koloff/Parsons segments together have been pretty strong. -The Road Warriors destroyed pretty much everything in their path tonight, and they get to face an injured Kevin at January Star Wars. Kerry has been oddly absent recently. That's not intentional, but it's possible that it becomes worked into the story somehow. -I was counting on Sullivan/Von Erich to give us a good rating, and the match completely tanked due to bad chemistry and Kevin's injury. I'm obviously not going to be able to keep the TV title on Kevin much longer. This also doesn't bode well for the World Tag Team Title match at January Star Wars. I actually thought about substituting Mike into that match, or maybe even Terry Funk. -The Villanos continue to cut sympathetic promos about family, and their sadness at being apparently abandoned by Gary Hart. Not sure where I'm going with that - of course Arturo Mendoza is currently scheduled to depart us over the next couple of months. |
NEWS
-The oddness continues, at it appears I scheduled January Star Wars for Wednesday, the same night of the TV show I just ran. I'm 95% sure I didn't do that, but that would explain the weirdness with attendance. -So I'm going to book the show, and see what happens. I'll come up with some kind of universe explanation for whatever happens -I didn't have a chance to adjust the show length, and the show is only scheduled for 2 hours. It will be difficult to squeeze what I have advertised into that amount of time. |
WCCW: January Star Wars: PPV/Closed Circuit
Saturday, Week 4, January 1985 Dallas, TX (Midsouth - Medium Venue) Expected Attendance: 12,037 Ticket prices: $2 more than default Actual Attendance: 10,000 (SOLD OUT) -I had intended to use Lance Russell as the announcer, but thanks to my scheduling screw-up, I was stuck with Mercer. Still, Russell makes an appearance here in some interviews. -Pre-Show Dark Match Charlie Cook defeats Al Perez in 3:36 by pinfall. (C-). After the match, Bill Mercer interviews Cook, the former NFL player, who says he'll be watching the next match, involving Leon White, closely. Cooks says that White wasn't half the football player he was, and he's not half the wrestler either. (E+) -Pre-Show Dark Match Leon White defeats Perry Jackson in 7:52 by pinfall. (C). The two showed poor chemistry. After the match, Mercer interviewed White about his win, though White refused to comment on Charlie Cook. (D+) -As the show starts, Bill Mercer interviews The Villanos & Arturo Mendoza backstage about their upcoming match in the six-man-tag-team championship tournament against The Sammartinos and Iceman Parsons. Mendoza reveals that Gary Hart, once again, is nowhere to be found. Mendoza hypes his brothers, and and claims that they will overcome and prevail. (C). -At ringside, Lance Russell introduces a brief video recapping the career of Bruno Sammartino, who, Russell points out, must retire when he is done with this tournament (due to losing a retirement match with Roddy Piper). (C). After the match, Russell says that such a brief video can't begin to tell the story of Sammartino's career. (C) Backstage, Bill Mercer interviews The Sammartinos and Iceman Parsons. Bruno Sammartino says that if tonight is the last night of his career, he's proud that his son will be by his side. They also reference the missing Gary Hart, and claim that the Villanos & Arturo Mendoza are better off without him. (C). -WCCW Six-Man Tag Team Championship Tournament -Group A, Final Match (The announcers note that any winner of tonight's match wins the group, and will advance to the championship match against Backlund/Murdoch/Sullivan. However, if the match ends in a draw, there will be a three-way match between these teams and The Sheepherders/Nikita Koloff. That tie would be broken on TV next week, in a 3x3x3 triple threat match) -The Sammartinos & Iceman Parsons defeat The Villanos & Arturo Mendoza in 8:09 when Bruno pinned Villano IV. (C-) Final Group A Standings: 1. The Sammartinos & Iceman Parsons (2 pinfall win, 1 loss, 1 draw, 7 points) 2. The Sheepherders & Nikita Koloff (1 pinfall win, 1 loss, 2 draws: 5 points) 3. The Villanos & Arturo Mendoza (1 pinfall win, 1 draw, 2 losses: 4 points) -Backstage, Bill Mercer interviews Kerry & Kevin Von Erich about their tag team title defense later on tonight against the Road Warriors. Kevin reveals that doctors have ordered him to sit tonight's match out due to his shoulder injury. Kevin says that he and Kerry went to Commissioner Lothario to request that their brother Mike be allowed to take Kevin's place. Lothario, however, ruled that Kerry & Kevin must defend the title together, or relinquish the titles. Thus, Kevin has decided to give it a shot tonight. Kerry states that he knows he'll have to carry his brother tonight, and he relishes the opportunity to do that, after all the difficulties he put his family through last year. (C) -#1 Contender's Match: World Tag Team Championship The Sheepherders (w/Skandor Akbar) defeat The Great Kabuki & Tiger Mask in 7:49 when Miller pinned Tiger Mask. (C+). -A video recaps last year's feud between Dick Murdoch & Curt Hennig, the two men who will face off next in the #1 Contender's Match for the World Heavyweight Championship. (B-) -#1 Contender's Match: World Heavyweight Championship Curt Hennig defeats Dick Murdoch (w/Ray Stevens) in 17:39 by pinfall. (B+). -A highlight video hypes the Road Warriors v. Von Erichs match - the video particularly highlights Kevin's heavy workload and shoulder injury, and the Road Warriors path of destruction and heel turn. (C+). -WCCW World Tag Team Championship Match Kevin & Kerry Von Erich defeat The Road Warriors in 6:44 after Kerry pinned Hawk following interference from Mike Von Erich, to retain the tag team championship (Mike was responding to illegal tactics employed by the Warriors earlier in the match). (C+). Kevin stood on the apron almost the entire match. An inspired Kerry carried the load, and improbably bested the Warriors. The Von Erichs make their 7th defense of the tag team titles. Kevin was limited by injury. -Backstage, Terry Funk cut a promo hyping his upcoming "Falls Count Anywhere" match with Kevin Sullivan. Funk talked about his battles with Sullivan in the finals of the King of the Texas Death Match tournament, and the 3-1 ambush on him last week involving Sullivan, Backlund, and Murdoch. (B) -No-DQ/Falls Count Anywhere Kevin Sullivan (w/Ray Stevens) defeats Terry Funk in 17:14 by pinfall. (B) -Backstage, David Von Erich (C+), and then Bob Backlund (B), cut promos hyping the main event World Title match. Both seem to focus on each other, and ignore Bobby Eaton. -WCCW World Heavyweight Championship Match -Triple Threat Rules: 1 Fall to a Finish Bobby Eaton defeats David Von Erich and Bob Backlund (w/Ray Stevens) in 23:49 by pinfall on Von Erich to retain the WCCW World Heavyweight Championship. (A+) Eaton makes his 3rd defense of the World Title. Eaton "stole" the match after Backlund incapacitated David with his chicken wing hold, and then Koko B. Ware interfered against Backlund, allowing Eaton to pin David. After the match, Eaton and Ware immediately retreated from ringside with the belt. Cameras followed them out to the parking lot, where they briefly celebrated, before leaving in their car. (B) Overall Show Rating: B+ THOUGHTS: -It appears that the attendance issue was my mistake, scheduling both of these shows on the same night (so the AI ran them one after another). I'm not sure if the higher attendance is based on running a PPV, or the fact that I ran two shows. In the universe, I'll still write it down as a Saturday show. Hopefully I didn't screw myself financially. -Our first PPV delivered a terrific rating - perhaps I may have even been able to cross the A- barrier if I had a stronger undercard. -The main event was predictably awesome. If I had been able to sign Backlund prior to tonight, I might have given him the gold. Since that hasn't happen yet, I wanted to do the less obvious win and have Eaton escape with the gold yet again. The chase continues. -Sullivan over Funk is definitely an upset - and it was somewhat disappointing ratings-wise. Funk will be gone in a little over a month, so I wanted to give Sullivan, who will be around longer, the momentum with this kind of win (especially since stablemates Backlund and Murdoch lost). I won't be jobbing Funk out, but he'll probably lose again on his way out. -The Von Erichs were setup to lose, but since I've already decided that the Warriors aren't worth their paycheck, they retain. I considered having the Warriors win and then lose the belts back at the next show, but then I decided I liked the "Kerry overcomes impossible odds" angle. The match was just OK. -Murdoch/Hennig will be feuding again, along with numerous supporting players in that storyline. So it was good to see the B+ rating here. That's better than both of their matches last year (probably due to the rapid improvement of Hennig). Hennig is also now guaranteed a World Title shot in February, as the #1 Contender. -The Sheepherders rebound from their recent slump and defeat Tiger Mask/Kabuki to become the #1 Contenders for the tag team title. They'll kick off a feud with the Von Erichs. -And finally, we're down to the championship match of the six-man-tag-team tournament. Bob Backlund/Dick Murdock/Kevin Sullivan v. The Sammartinos/Iceman Parsons. The Villanos again cut a sympathetic promo - I've kicked of an unchained storyline involving them, Gary Hart, and King Kong Bundy - there'll be some drama once Hart finally emerges again. |
NEWS
-The PPV generated $461,472 in revenue. Assuming that number isn't inflated by the fact I accidentally ran two shows in one night, my financial problems are OVER. (Though I won't do any crazy spending until I this continues for a few months. I learned my lesson from the merchandising tease). -UWA, the last surviving promotion in Mexico, has closed. There a LOT of unemployed Mexican wrestlers, and WCCW would be a natural place for many of them, if I was hiring. Which I might be soon, depending on how the PPV revenue holds up. Any Mexican overness any wrestler had is currently worthless, so it will probably be difficult for many of them to find jobs. That's the 12th promotion to close in the last two years. I believe it would be possible for me to add a Mexican promotion via the editor, but I'll hold off on that, and see how the AI handles this. -Al Perez and Dick Murdoch are exhausted after the last show. -The TV show scores a rating of 4.15, shattering last week's all time high of 3.66. It was a great show, but again, I'm not sure if this is anomaly based on my scheduling screw-up. -Our PPV earned a buyrate of 1.15. That's easily the highest-rated PPV in wrestling in January (the first month of PPV availability). It looks like AWA, Georgia, and Mid-South are running weekly, or semi-weekly PPVs. That might explain their lower PPV buyrate numbers. Perhaps the promotions that have survived this long will now thrive. -Jesse Ventura suffered a PCL tear in a loss to the Junkyard Dog, he'll be out a couple of months. -Roddy Piper is officially available after his month-long suspension ends. He, Perry Jackson, The Sammartinos, Arturo Mendoza, and The Great Kabuki complain about their pushes. -The dirt sheets report that All-Japan will likely close in a few weeks. They did manage to run a PPV last month, so perhaps that revenue will save them. -Roddy Piper won the NWA Canadian Heavyweight Championship, the main event title of Maple Leaf Wrestling, defeating his former WCCW bodyguard, Adrian Adonis. Adonis had held the title for almost 10 months. -Giant Baba, Abdullah the Butcher, and Mad Dog Vachon officially retire. I've mentioned Baba's final match that led to his career-ending injury, but here's the final matches for these three: -Giant Baba & Jumbo Tsuruta defeat Mr. Saito and Bruiser Brody to win the NWA Intentional Tag Team Championship (All Japan) -Abdullah The Butcher defeated Seiji Sakaguchi (New Japan) -Nacho Berrera defeated Mad Dog Vachon (AWA) -Jose Lothario also officially retires from active wrestling, though I haven't used him in that capacity since November, when he teamed with Steve Olsonoski and Al Perez in a loss to Perry Jackson, Doug Somers, and Barry Orton. It's hard to believe that he had a brief run as TV champion for us just a year and half ago. -I'm still waiting on Bob Backlund to respond to my requests for negotiation. |
WCCW - END OF JANUARY 1985 - MONTHLY REVIEW
POPULARITY -Texas/Midsouth: 66.4% (up from 65.7% last month) -Midwest: 63.6% (up from 62.5% last month) -Southeast: 55.4% (up from 54.0% last month) -New England: 52.2% (up from 50.1% last month) -Southwest: 51.6% (up from 49.5% last month) -North West: 51.5% (up from 49.4% last month) -Great Lakes: 51.3% (up from 49.2% last month) -Mid Atlantic: 51.3% (up from 49.2% last month) -Tri-State: 51.3% (up from 49.2% last month) -Puerto Rico: 37.6% (Same as last month) -Strong increases throughout the country. PPV will accelerate our race towards national level (and that of our competitors) FINANCES Income (Last month in parenthesis): PPV Revenue: 461,472 (0) Ticket Sales: 558,518 (502,425) Sponsors: 140,157 (76,601) Merchandise: 233,600 (12,640) Expenses: Worker Costs: 252,700 (360,416) Show Costs: 164,000 (113,500) Marketing: 25,000 (25,000) Merchandise: 27,310 (25,179) Production: 64,000 (40,000) Misc: 438,587 (150,485) Total Profit: $422,150 ($-122,914) Cash in Bank: $758,425 ($336,275) -It's a pretty insane balance sheet on all levels. Obviously, PPV makes a huge difference. But that number is offset somewhat by greatly increased "misc. expenses". We got $461k in PPV revenue, and a $288k increase in misc. expenses. Complicating that picture, we doubled our sponsorship income (that may have been related to PPV, but probably also our record TV ratings), and also increased our production and show cost expenses, due to PPV. -Most surprisingly though, the insane merchandise numbers that were teased a few months ago are back! We see a $221k increase. I still have no idea what that's based on. Either I can thank PPV, some kind of national popularity threshold, or perhaps this just has something to do with my merchandise settings - that I sell a bunch of crap every few months for some reason. -Last month, after our financial picture appeared bleak, I re-structured the whole company, cutting talents and expenses. I'll stay somewhat conservative for at least two months, to see if these numbers hold. Custom Merchandise Settings: (All set to sell every type of merchandise, unless noted) Very Low Level (T-Shirts, Misc., and Posters Only): -David Von Erich -Kerry Von Erich -Kevin Von Erich Very Low Level (T-Shirts Only) -Iceman Parsons -Bob Backlund -Bobby Eaton -Koko B. Ware -Roddy Piper -Tiger Mask -Curt Hennig -Bruno Sammartino -I don't touch these levels, after the money I made last month |
Nice to see lots of updates here. Good luck with the new cashflow. Hope it'll keep Mendoza around after all...
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Long live this completely awesome dynasty! I still want to see the Road Warriors get totally manhandled by the Villianos.
On a totally unrelated note. I was watching AWA on ESPN the other night, and it was Jerry Blackwell v. Stan Hansen. Blackwell sold and sold, and Hansen was bloodied, and it reminded me of the good ol days. |
WCCW CHAMPIONS - End Of January 1985
-World Heavyweight Champion - 97.2% Prestige (Up From 96.5% Last Month) Main Event Title Bobby Eaton (3 title defense, 4 month reign). -Television Champion - 69.1% Prestige (down from 70.0% last month) Midcard Title Kevin Von Erich - (14 title defenses, 5 month reign) -World Tag Team Champions - 70.0% Prestige (Same as last month) Midcard Title Kerry & Kevin Von Erich - (7 title defenses, 5 month reign) -Six-Man Tag Team Champions - 62.5% Prestige (Down from 64.5% last month) Midcard Title Vacant -Cruiserweight Championship - 37.2% Prestige (Up from 36.5% last month) Low Level Title Mike Von Erich - 2 month reign This is the most stability I've had in the title picture so far in the dynasty. Eaton has miraculously been able to hold onto the World Title for 4 months. Since Fritz vacated the TV title in his retirement match back in November 1983, Kevin Von Erich and Buddy Roberts are the only two wrestlers to hold that title. To put that in perspective, 8 different wrestlers held that title in 1983 (some of them obviously before this dynasty started). Kevin/Kerry are the longest reigning World Tag Champions yet, since that title was formed last January. In fact, they're the longest reigning WCCW tag team champions of any kind since Killer Tim Brooks and Arman Hussein held the old American Tag Team titles for 6 months in 1981-1982. |
WCCW STORYLINES - END OF JANUARY 1985
Storylines with participants and date of origin, in order of current heat: 1. Eaton/Koko hides the belt from David: Eaton/Koko/David Von Erich (October) 2T. Tag Team Title Storyline: Sheepherders v. Kerry/Kevink (April, recently evolved to include The Sheepherders, and to eliminate Tiger Mask/Kabuki, Mendoza/Bundy) 2T. Nikita Koloff's 3-minute challenge: Koloff/Parsons (September) 4T. Hart Limited Drama: Gary Hart/Mendoza/Bundy/Villano IV (January) 4T. Olsonoski v. Somers: Olsonoski/Somers (January) 6. Cruiserweight Title Feud: Mike Von Erich/Villano V (January) 7. Hennig v. Murdoch Part II: Hennig/Murdoch/Funk/Sullivan/Grappler #1 (January) Lower midcarders and higher without a current or pending storyline: -Bob Backlund -Roddy Piper -The Great Kabuki -Grappler #2 -Tiger Mask -Road Warriors -Mark Youngblood -Mr. Pogo -David Sammartino -Three pretty long storylines ended in the last month - Sammartino/Piper, and Sheepherders/Road Warriors, and Backlund's managerial search. -The three team Kabuki/Tiger Mask v. Bundy/Mendoza v. Von Erichs feud was shelved before the Von Erichs really got involved. Instead, I've evolved the feud to take out the first two teams and include the new #1 tag team contenders, the Sheepherders. The Tiger Mask/Mendoza feud has been going on and off for more than a year now, I think it's safe to say its finally over. -Eaton/Ware/David Von Erich continues to carry the company, but it might be a little tricky to keep coming up with stuff, now that the championship title defenses are mandated. David will be positioned as the one guy Eaton doesn't want to face. -The "Hart Lmt. Drama" storyline started a few days ago...It will involve Hart's disappearance, and return. -Koloff and Parsons have done a good job in the their feud - good segments, decent matches. Unfortunately, its just about out of steps. -Bob Backlund is obviously the biggest name without a storyline at the moment - I'll wait to see if he re-signs before I commit him to anything. There's nobody too appealing to pair him up with at the moment (except maybe Piper, which would require a face turn for someone). WRESTLER CONFLICTS -The following wrestlers are unavailable on these days in October, as they consider these companies priorities over WCCW: NONE -AWA has edged ever close in surpassing me as world's most pretigious company, they're now 0.6% behind me. Mid-Atlantic dips a bit, as they're now 2.6% behind me. We're clearly the "big three" in the world right now, with All-Japan and Georgia just off the pace. (And All-Japan may be out of business by the end of the month) EXCLUSIVE WORKERS -These are the on-screen workers who happen to work for no one else but me. I'll try to give them a heavier workload, as they're the least likely to have fatigue issues. These guys are also relatively safer when it comes to talent cuts (this list does not include wrestlers who who are exclusively contracted to us, but as of the beginning of the month, have outstanding loan commitments with other promotions). -Al Perez -Barry Orton -Bill Mercer -Charlie Cook -Curt Hennig -David Manning -The Sheepherders -David Von Erich -David Sammartino -Doug Somers -Dusty Wolfe -Fritz Von Erich -The Grapplers -Iceman Parsons -Jose Lothario -Kerry Von Erich -Kevin Sullivan -Kevin Von Erich -Leon White -Mark Youngblood -Mike Von Erich -Nikita Koloff -Owen Hart -Perry Jackson -Ricky Romero -Road Warrior Animal -Steve Olsonoski -The Great Kabuki -The Missouri Mauler -Villano IV -Villano V WRESTLER COMPLAINTS -Arturo Mendoza is unhappy about he's being pushed -Bruno Samartino is furious about how he's being pushed -David Sammartino is furious about how he's been pushed -Lance Russell is unhappy about how often he's been unused on shows -Roddy Piper is unhappy about how often he's been unused on shows -The Great Kabuki is unhappy about how he's been pushed -The locker room continues to improve somewhat in happiness. As a result of my better financial situation, I've decided to hold off on all planned firings. So Kabuki and Mendoza should be happy again soon. The expensive Lance Russell, also, will see more time and should be happy shortly. Bruno will end his in-ring career soon. WRESTLER DISAGREEMENTS ABOUT PUSHES -These are guys that have let me know they think they should be pushed better (including those listed above, whose complaints have risen to the level of affecting morale). (loan agreement workers designated by *). This doesn't include start-of-month changes. -Barry Orton thinks he should be a lower midcarder -Bruno Sammartino doesn't want to be an active wrestler -Charlie Cook thinks he should be a lower midcarder -David Sammartino thinks he should be an upper midcarder -Grappler #1 thinks he should be an upper midcarder -Kevin Sullivan thinks he should be a main eventer -Leon White thinks he should be a lower midcarder -Luke Williams thinks he should be an upper midcarder -Mark Youngblood thinks he should be a midcarder -Mr. Pogo thinks he should be a midcarder -Owen Hart thinks he should be an opener -Perry Jackson thinks he should be a lower midcarder -Road Warrior Animal thinks he should be a main eventer -Road Warrior Hawk thinks he should be an upper midcarder -Roddy Piper thinks he should be a main eventer -Tiger Mask thinks he should be an upper midcarder -A lot of guys on the roster sure have an inflated opinion of themselves....the most ridiculous - David Sammartino thinks he should be an upper midcarder....I don't see him lasting long past his father's retirement. |
Current Momentum Ratings (End of January, 1985), with last month is parenthesis.
B+ Bobby Eaton (B+) Koko B. Ware (B+) B Kevin Von Erich (B) David Von Erich (B+) Curt Hennig (C+) Kevin Sullivan (C+) Iceman Parsons (B-) B- Mr. Pogo (B+) Kerry Von Erich (B-) Roddy Piper (B-) Bob Backlund (B-) C+ Butch Miller (C) Grappler #1 (C-) Road Warrior Hawk (B-) Luke Williams (C) Dick Murdoch (C) Terry Funk (B+) Road Warrior Animal (C) C: The Great Kabuki (C) Tiger Mask (C+) King Kong Bundy (C) Nikita Koloff (C) Villano V (D+) Grappler #2 (C-) Bruno Sammartino (C) Arturo Mendoza (C) C- Charlie Cook (N/A) Leon White (N/A) Doug Somers (C-) Mike Von Erich (C-) D+ David Sammartino (D+) Al Perez (D+) D Villano IV (E+) Steve Olsonoski (D-) D- None E+ Dusty Wolfe (D-) E Perry Jackson (E) E- Mark Youngblood (F+) F Barry Orton (?) Owen Hart (F+) Rising in January: Curt Hennig, Kevin Sullivan, Iceman Parsons, Grappler #1, Grappler #2, Luke Wililams, Butch Miller, Dick Murdoch, Road Warrior Animal, Villano IV, Villano V, Steve Olsonoski, Mark Youngblood Falling in January: David Von Erich, Mr. Pogo, Road Warrior Hawk, Terry Funk, Tiger Mask, Dusty Wolfe, Owen Hart -More guys rising than falling this month. Mr. Pogo, even though he went down some, stands out as as B-. Perhaps I should do something with him before he leaves. Eaton/Ware are the hottest guys in the company. It's nice to see Parsons so high. |
ROSTER, END OF JANUARY, 1985
MAIN EVENTERS Bob Backlund David Von Erich Terry Funk Curt Hennig Bobby Eaton Koko B. Ware -Same group as last month. Terry Funk has taken some losses lately, but he's still a huge deal and will wrestle in huge matches for the rest of his contract. Hennig's been quiet for the last few months, but he's set now to main event February Star Wars with Bobby Eaton, and Dick Murdoch also has his sights set on him. UPPER MIDCARDERS Kerry Von Erich Roddy Piper Kevin Von Erich Dick Murdoch Iceman Parsons Kevin Sullivan -Also the same group as last month. A number of these guys definitely have claims to be main eventers (especially Piper, Murdoch, and Sullivan), and they'll have their chance to impress over the next few weeks. I like to keep the main event and the upper midcard as light as possible. I'm actually 12 wrestlers over my "ideal" game limit, and half of those 12 are hoarded in the midcard. Only 1 each are in the main event, and upper midcard. MIDCARDERS Tiger Mask The Great Kabuki Arturo Mendoza The Road Warriors The Grapplers Steve Olsonoski Nikita Koloff Mike Von Erich The Sheepherders King Kong Bundy Mr. Pogo -Mr. Pogo is promoted up into this book after his solid work as of late. Arturo Mendoza, Tiger Mask, and The Great Kabuki all return to the midcard from "occasional wrestler" hell, where I intended to keep them until their contracts expired. Now, with the new cash I've been able to generate, they're all back on the active roster....I hope to re-sign them all, but I won't break the bank. It's kind of weird to see the Road Warriors at the same level as the Grapplers and Steve Olsonoski, but they simply haven't been that great, and I don't see them at the level as the other upper midcarders. I had planned to fire them at the end of the month, but they also get a reprieve.....Still, they're a little overpaid. LOWER MIDCARDERS Doug Somers David Sammartino Villano V Mark Youngblood Leon White Charlie Cook -Mr. Pogo is promoted up and out of this group, Charlie Cook and Leon White are promoted here after one month. White has been better than expected (though he hasn't been on TV yet), and Cook is basically going with him. The two will either feud or start a tag team. OPENERS Al Perez Villano IV Perry Jackson Barry Orton Owen Hart -After a full year on the roster, Owen Hart is finally promoted into this group. The 19-year old Hart is slowly getting better all the time. ENHANCEMENT TALENT Dusty Wolfe -I might be looking for a new guy to come in and join Wolfe here, if he's as cheap as Wolfe ($75/show). OCCASIONAL WRESTLER Bruno Sammartino -Bruno is ever closer to retirement. OTHERS Skandor Akbar Gary Hart Lance Russell David Manning Jose Lothario Fritz Von Erich Ray Stevens Ricky Romero Bill Mercer -Ray Stevens has been something of a disappointment in his managerial role. If Backlund doesn't resign, I might just let Stevens go also. Now that I have a little more cash, I'm in the market for a second road agent. I'd love to just bring Lubich back, but the game makes you wait 6 months before re-signing guys you've fired. I request negotiations with: Gorilla Monsoon, Jerry Jarrett, Killer Karl Krupp, Don Fargo, Bob Ellis, George Cannon, and Jackie Fargo. Maybe I can find a replacement for Ray Stevens in there too, along with a Road Agent. CONTRACTS UP IN NEXT 60 DAYS -Bob Backlund (25 Days) -Arturo Mendoza (32 Days) -Mr. Pogo (33 Days) -Terry Funk (33 Days) -Al Perez (47 Days) -I'll sign Backlund if Fritz lets me.....I'd love to bring Mendoza back, I've built him up throughout the dynasty. I'm assuming Terry Funk walks after his short term deal - but he's around long enough to be involved at February Star Wars. |
I agree on the Road Warriors, they just can't seem to get going in any of the DOTT dynasties :)
Even a little more surprising to me is Eatons success as a singles wrestler, he is definitely a solid worker, but is doing better than I would have expected as a solo act. Great stuff as always Molson! |
Quote:
Ya, Eaton's surprised me too...His tag team with Koko B. Ware was great last year, and he just kind of stumbled into a main event match and I put the belt on him just to do a "coward heel hides the belt" storyline. He's a tier below David and Backlund, but can wrestle great matches with them or anyone else. I've also noticed that guys who wrestle for multiple major promotions are improving faster - Eaton has been a big player in AWA during this dynasty, and some southern promotions before that....he's worked a TON and its paying dividends. I think its a decent strategy in this game if you have limited funds...Instead of using the expensive main eventer, find a cheaper guy with talent and push him to the moon...He'll want the big bucks eventually, but until his contract is up, he's a great value. |
THE STARS OF WORLD CLASS ON TOUR
Monday, Week 1, February 1985 Jackson City, TN (Southeast - Tiny Venue) Expected Attendance: 1,499 Ticket prices: $3 over Default Actual Attendance: 1,000 (SOLD OUT) -Pre-Show Dark Match Leon White defeats Mr. Pogo in 8:16 by countout. (B-). The match suffered from a lack of selling. After the match, Bill Mercer interviewed White about his upset win. (D) -Pre-Show Dark Match The Grappler #2 defeats Mark Youngblood in 5:58 by pinfall. (C) -Curt Hennig defeats The Grappler #1 in 11:18 by pinfall. (B). After the match, Hennig cuts a promo in the ring about his win, and about his world title shot against Bobby Eaton at February Star Wars. (B+). Hennig is interrupted by Dick Murdoch, who insults Hennig, and says that Hennig doesn't deserve a world title match, and has only gotten by in wrestling with the help of his father pulling the strings. Hennig shoots back at Murdoch for his association with Bob Backlund, Ray Stevens, and Kevin Sullivan. Hennig says he understands why Backlund and Stevens wanted to surround themselves with talent, and he understand why Sullivan, a WCCW newcomer, wanted to associate himself with such a group, but Hennig says he doesn't understand why a guy like Dick Murdoch threw away a world title shot by laying down for Bob Backlund....Hennig says that he's lost any respect that he ever had for Murdoch....(C+). The argument eventually escalates into a shoving match, which is quickly joined by Kevin Sullivan. Sullivan and Murdoch gain the upper hand. (B). After a few minutes however, Terry Funk makes the save for Hennig, and the two fight off Sullivan and Murdoch from the ring. (B-) -Hennig and Murdoch eventually return back to the locker room, as order is restored. Funk and Sullivan remain out for their rematch from January Star Wars. Funk cuts a promo as Sullivan stalls to warm up and recover from the scuffle. (B+) -Terry Funk drew with Kevin Sullivan (w/Ray Stevens) in 16:38 by double DQ after the referee lost control of the match. (A+) -Bobby Eaton & Koko B. Ware come to the ring and cut a promo hyping the main event. They especially put down the David and Kerry Von Erich. They note that Kevin isn't isn't competing due to injury, and that he "can't handle the pressure" of being both TV champion and Tag Team champion. (B-) -Triple Threat Tag Team Match -One Fall to a Finish. David & Kerry Von Erich defeat Bobby Eaton & Koko B. Ware and Bob Backlund & Dick Murdoch (w/Ray Stevens) in 28:41 when David pinned Eaton. (B+). Backlund & Murdoch showed poor chemistry as a team. The performance of Ware stood out. After the match, David & Kerry celebrated in the ring. (B-) Overall Show Rating: B THOUGHTS: -Somewhat disappointed with that show rating, especially as the show was running. I thought an A+ with Sullivan/Funk would give me a chance for my first ever A- show. I did get road agent notes that I overused Murdoch, Sullivan, and Kerry Von Erich, so that brought me down a notch. -The main event was OK, though obviously expensive with all that main event talent....I wanted to get most of my main eventers in front of the southeast audience, to continue to build their national popularity. Running good shows in the south is fairly easy, because there's so many wrestlers that have overness there. -I've noted that Backlund/Murdoch don't work all that well as a team. That's OK, if Backlund re-signs and this stable continues, Murdoch will spent more time teaming with Sullivan, perhaps as this universe's version of the "North-South Connection". -Funk/Sullivan was an unbelievable surprise, delivering an A+. I had thought that Sullivan would work well with WCCW, and that idea has proved correct. That's Funk's second A+ with us, the first was with Dick Murdoch just last week. It's the first A+ for Sullivan (he previously had maxed out at B+) -When I saw that the Grappler #1 had some overness in the southeast, I knew that he and Hennig would deliver a great match, and they did. I kind of like how the Hennig/Murdoch feud has bled into the Funk/Sullivan feud....The WCCW fans can surely expect some kick-ass tag team matches. -Leon White/Mr. Pogo had a surprisingly good match on the pre-show. White is doing a former NFL player/outdoorsman gimmick. He's a little further along than I thought I'd be at this point. Pogo continues to impress, though I'll have to give him a win sooner or later to keep his momentum up. |
NEWS
-Tiger Mask arrived late to the last show. I suspend him for a month. Tiger Mask is the 3rd most expensive guy on the roster, so this will help me save money without him creating issues backstage. He has already developed a "strong dislike" of my user character, so I'm not sure I'll be able to re-sign him in a few months anyway. So this was a great opportunity to make an example of someone, and reduce the risk of no-shows. -Dick Murdoch is exhausted after the last show. I've gotten that notice quite a bit lately, I'll try to ease up a little, but that will be difficult now that he's in a wrestling-intensive feud with Hennig. -Roddy Piper is officially back from his month-long suspension. Piper hasn't been seen since he "retired" Bruno Sammartino at New Year's Revolution. -The unemployed Hercules Hernandez is being hyped in the dirt sheets as a future star. -A number of workers, both real-life and fictional, enter the universe, including Sam Houston, Paul Heyman, Eric Bischoff, and Chris Youngblood. -Bruiser Brody was recognized in a dirt sheet poll as "best brawler in the world today". Hugo Savinovich won a similar poll for "best color commentator". $2,350 -It's judgment day for Bob Backlund....Negotiations take several days, but I am able to re-sign him for another 18 months at $2,350/show, a raise from his current $2,000/show deal. He also gets 25% of his merchandise revenue, the first wrestler to get such a deal. I'm somewhat surprised he came even that cheap, still well below what Terry Funk and Roddy Piper make. |
WORLD CLASS WRESTLING (LIVE TV SHOW)
Wednesday, Week 1, February 1985 Dallas, TX (Small Venue) Expected Attendance: 4,675; Ticket Prices: default Actual Attendance: 4,795 -Pre-Show Dark Match Leon White defeats Barry Orton in 6:17 by pinfall. (C) -Pre-Show Dark Match The Grapplers drew with the Villanos in 10:00 when the time limit expired. (C+). The Grapplers looked good. -As the show starts, Fritz Von Erich and Bill Mercer recap the results of the January Star Wars event. They also hype that the final match of the WCCW Six-Man Tag Team Championship Tournament will happen next week on TV, as The Sammartinos & Iceman Parsons will face Bob Backlund, Dick Murdoch, and Kevin Sullivan. (C). Kevin Von Erich then comes out to the announce area to randomly select this week's challenger for the TV Title. First, he is interviewed by Bill Mercer. Mercer says that we know that Kevin and his brother Kerry are set to defend the tag team championship against The Sheepherders at February Star Wars. Mercer says there's been speculation that due to his physical condition and injuries suffered at the hands of the Road Warriors, that Kevin will forgo his mandatory TV title defenses over the next 4 weeks, vacate the title, and rest for his tag title defense. Mercer says that Kevin can decide to vacate the TV title right now, in which case WCCW Commissioner Jose Lothario would randomly draw two names, and those wrestlers would compete for the vacant title tonight. Kevin says that he's thought about it, and that he's consulted Kerry. And while this has been the most physically grueling stretch of his career, and while all of his doctors are suggesting that he take a break, this run as TV champion is something that he takes great pride in. He says that he's defended the title proudly over the last 5-6 months, and he just can't bring himself to hand over the belt now. So, says Kevin, he's going to defend the title again tonight. (C+). Jose Lothario comes out with the rolling drum of challengers. Mercer notes that there appears to be fewer ping pong balls in the drum than in recent weeks, speculating that there are fewer wrestlers who wish to challenge for the TV title when Kevin isn't at his best. Kevin then draws a name - Dusty Wolfe. Kevin notes that in his current condition, he can't take anyone lightly. (C-) -The announcers introduce and show a video recapping the events from Monday night's house show in Tennessee featuring Dick Murdoch, Kevin Sullivan, Curt Hennig, and Terry Funk (Murdoch arguing with Hennig, Sullivan joining in, and then Funk making the save for Hennig during the 2-on-1 assault). (B-). The announcers also note that Terry Funk has challenged Kevin Sullivan to a rematch at February Star Wars, and that Sullivan has accepted. They also say that Funk is apparently working on some new match stipulation proposal that he says will "take things up a notch". -Terry Funk defeats Doug Somers in 8:26 by pinfall. (C+) -Back at the announce table, Bill Mercer states that he is working on an investigative piece on the whereabouts of Gary Hart. Mercer says that he has been on location where Hart and King Kong Bundy disappeared after Hart's nervous breakdown (Las Vegas), and that he's starting to get some leads and information. Mercer says to stay tuned over the next few weeks, and he hopes to be able to shed light on this mystery. (C) -Arturo Mendoza defeats Owen Hart in 6:14 by pinfall. (C-). Mendoza seemed distracted. After the match, he approaches Bill Mercer at ringside, and tells him that he heard what Mercer just said about "investigating" Gary Hart. Mendoza demands to know details - where is he? Mercer says that the investigation isn't complete yet. Mendoza says Gary Hart was like a father to him, until he abandoned him. (C+) -Piper's Pit Roddy Piper returns, and is on the set of Piper's Pit. With him, are the masked Grapplers. Piper explains that he has sent his old bodyguard to a "special camp" in Alaska to help "straighten him out" (referring to Adrian Adonis' transformation into a cross-dresser). Piper says that as the most compelling and controversial personality in all of professional wrestling, he needed to hire a new bodyguard ASAP. And he decided that 2 is better than 1 - so he introduces his new bodyguards, The Grapplers. Piper says that the Grapplers, unlike his former bodyguard, aren't concerned with their attire, or feelings. With their masks, Piper says he can't tell if they're happy or sad, and that's the way he likes it. (C+) -Piper then states how the last time he was at a WCCW show, he retired Bruno Sammartino. What a surprise it was to him, then, a month later to see that he's still here. Piper says though, that that situation will surely be rectified next week, when The Sammartinos and Iceman Parsons take on his guests this week in the finals of the WCCW Six-Man Tag Team Championship tournament: Bob Backlund, Dick Murdoch, and Kevin Sullivan (along with Ray Stevens). Piper says that everyone has wanted to get the scoop on these guys, and he's pulled it off. The segment is a lengthy love-fest as all sides compliment each other. Stevens says that his stable has joined forces under a mutual lack of trust of Commissioner Lothario. He says that together, with strength in numbers, they can collectively assure that they receive their fair share of TV time, title shots, championships, and money. Stevens says that Backlund had been seeking out proper career guidance for quite some time, Sullivan was looking for a fast track to the top, and Murdoch was fed up with WCCW politics. (C+) -WCCW Television Championship Match Kevin Von Erich defeats Dusty Wolfe in 4:31 by submission to make his 15th defense of the TV title. (D+) Kevin was limited by injury. -Backstage, Nikita Koloff and Skandor Akbar hype Koloff's upcoming match with Iceman Parsons. (B-). A brief video recaps the feud between the two. Iceman Parsons also cut a promo, hyping the match. (C+) -Nikita Koloff (w/Skandor Akbar) defeated Iceman Parsons in 10:16 by pinfall after interference from Akbar. (B-) -Curt Hennig cut a backstage promo hyping his main event match with Koko B. Ware, the associate of the man he will face for the World Title at February Star Wars - Bobby Eaton. (B) -Curt Hennig defeats Koko B. Ware by DQ in 22:54. Ware got himself DQ'd out of desperation when Hennig had all the momentum towards the end of the match. (B+) Overall Show Rating: B- THOUGHTS: -Definitely not a great show, but the main event made it good enough to improve our popularity through most of the US. -The main event was just a chance for Hennig to boost his momentum for his main event world title shot at the end of the month. This is the earliest I've had this many matches booked before an end-of-month show. February Star Wars (which replaces "Mexican Invasion" as our February event, will have Eaton v. Hennig, Kevin/Kerry v. Sheepherders, and Sullivan v. Funk in some kind of stipulation match. -The short Koloff/Parsons storyline ended tonight, unless I evolve it to something else. Koloff has really come along, delivering a B- interview segment tonight, even better than Parson's hype segment. Their match was pretty good too. -I gave Kevin a breather and tried to hide him in a short title defense against Dusty Wolfe tonight. But I can't do that week after week. If he's still struggling with the injury next week, there's a good chance I'll move the title to someone else. Kevin's reign has been impressive, and it's included at least one main event title defense against Bob Backlund. -The Murdoch/Backlund/Sullivan stable got some face time on Piper's Pit. I don't think the reasons for their alliance are all that convincing, but I think they make some sense from a professional standpoint. They're not friends, they just think they can improve their position in the company as an association. Perhaps "The Association" could be the name of their stable. -I like the idea of Roddy Piper being followed around by the Grapplers. And how after his homophobia got the best of him with Adrian Adonis, he replaced him with the most bland guys he could possibly find - two masked wrestlers who wear all white. If Adonis had stayed around, I would have run a storyline where he was sent by Piper to a "special camp" in the woods to help make him "less gay", only to have the experience make him even more gay. With 80s subtleties, of course. I'll probably try to bring Adonis back in 5 months when he's willing to negotiate again. -The fans definitely weren't into the early parts of the show. Mendoza and The Villanos are slowly turning face. They've been cutting a bunch of sympathetic promos about family, and about how Gary Hart abandoned them. This storyline is about to take a couple of bizarre turns. |
NEWS
-I went on a little negotiation spree, requesting negotiations with anyone and everyone of note, just to see if there's maybe one major star I can bring in, if there's one guy that Fritz might ease his cap for, now that I have over $750k in the bank and a hot TV show. With the closing of so many promotions, there's so many unemployed guys out there, so I'm hoping for a bargain. So, I request negotiations with: Ric Flair, Hulk Hogan, Magnum TA, Bruiser Brody, Dory Funk Jr., Gino Hernandez, Stan Hanson, Ricky Steamboat, Larry Zbyszko, and Buzz Sawyer. -I also request negotiations with ton of guys at a slightly lower tier - not because I'm looking to expand my roster, I'm just looking for 1 or 2 bargains. So I request negotiations with The Junkyard Dog, The Dynamite Kid, Kamala, Mil Mascaras, Antonio Inoki, The Missing Link, Tony Garea, The Moondogs (Rex and Spot), Billy Robinson, a few Mexican Luchadors with some Texas overness, Buddy Rose, Jimmy Garvin, and Boris Zhukov. I'm always especially interested in guys with real-life WCCW ties, or guys who have been with us in the past (like Garvin, Hernandez, Kamala, and the Missing Link). -Finally, on a whim, I request negotiations with about 10 women's wrestlers, just to see what the going rate is, in case I consider a WCCW women's championship. My product type (mandated by Fritz), doesn't have much tolerance from women's wrestling. But I might consider running a championship tournament, and then monthly title defenses, just to mix things up. A woman might be useful to have around for certain storylines, also. I would maintain any kind of women's roster, just a champion, and revolving contenders. -Scott Irwin defeated Bob Sweeten, Invader II, and finally David Schultz to win the WWC's inaugural "Gillette Cup" tournament. -The TV show delivered a 4.14 rating. That's just .01 off last week's all time high. -ICW out of Memphis, which was on the brink of bankrupcy most of last year, has enjoyed an amazing comeback, a rise to "regional" level, and now, has earned a TV show. Their main eventers are currently Randy Savage (who is the owner of the promotion), Ronnie Garvin, and Rip Rodgers. Savage is also working for St. Louis, and WWC. I'd love to have him back in WCCW someday, his run with us was all too short (Only 6 matches last fall). -The Sammartinos and Perry Jackson complain about their pushes. -Bruiser Brody and Jumbo Tsuruta won the NWA International Tag Team Championship for All Japan, which is kind of weird because the belts were made vacant after Tsuruta and Giant Baba defeated Brody and Mr. Saito for the belts a few weeks ago, after Baba suffered a career ending injury during the match. -I sign Jackie Fargo as a second road agent, at a cheap $600/show. He's also another "locker room leader". I wish Gorilla Monsoon was cheaper, but he's still looking for something in the $2,400/range. Maybe down the road, I can be financial stable enough for a Lance Russell/Gorilla Monsoon announce team. -I sign the semi-active Billy Robinson for $1,050/show...I'll use him as an "occasional wrestler", and unlike Bruno Sammartino, he'll actually be happy in the role. Robinson is 45, and at the end of his career, and will primarily put over heels, and hopefully help improve the younger guys. -The Dynamite Kid has refused negotiations, citing his loyalty to Calgary Stampede. Buzz Sawyer has also decided not to talk to us, choosing to focus on the AWA. -Fritz' cap on what I can offer Hulk Hogan is still WAY below what Hogan is willing to sign for. So Hogan will continue to do whatever he's doing, and not wrestle for any major promotion. Fritz also won't let me make a competitive offer to Stan Hansen, Bruiser Brody, Larry Zbyszko, Buddy Rose, or Mil Mascaras, though we're a little closer with those guys. I wonder what would change his mind - more cash on hand? A smaller overall roster payroll? Higher promotion prestige? Or maybe he's just stubborn. -The Junkyard Dog, with his A+ Texas popularity, has always intrigued me, but he's still too pricey as well, asking for $2,625/show (though Fritz has given me the green light on that offer). -Kamala, The Ugandan Giant, is willing to sign a short-term, 3 month contract for $1,900/show, and we agree to terms. He'll probably be managed by Skandor Akbar, and I'll use him in one yet-to-be determined storyline. -I also sign El Halcon, who is a former tag team partner of Jose Lothario in WCCW. He looks like a great bargain for $850/show. He's a 4-time former WCCW American Tag Team Champion (3 times with Lothario, once with Kerry), and is also a former WCCW American Heavyweight Champion. -I'm extremely tempted to sign the Moondogs as a cheaper, more talented version of the Road Warriors, but with all the other signings I've made, I decide to hold off for now. -I also veto any idea of a women's division. Any women that are worth anything are in the $1,350/show range, and the WCCW fans don't care enough about women's wrestling to pay that much. -Ric Flair doesn't want to talk because he still thinks we're not big enough for him. Since we're the most prestigious surviving promotion in wrestling, it looks like Flair won't be in the ring for a while. Maybe all these out of work superstars will book their own independent shows to stay busy. -Gino Hernadez refuses to talk to me because he hates me (I suppose because I fired him last year). That's why I try to let contracts expire, when I can, rather than fire guys. -I'm tempted by Dory Funk Jr and the Missing Link, but decide I've brought in enough new blood this time around. -But, I really do want to bring on at least one international superstar, and I do find one that brings limited risk: Antonio Inoki. Inoki comes at a pricey $2,700/show, and a 10% share of his merchandise sales. And at 41 years old, I can fire him anytime and not worry too much about wanting to use him again down the road. He brings a lot to the table: An A+ respect rating, an "A" rating in Charisma, Safety, Star Quality, and Stamina, and "B+" in Puroresu, the Basics, Submissions, and Business Sense. -I set Inoki as a main event face, Kamala as a Upper Midcard heel, El Halcon as an Opener face, and Robinson as an Occasional Wrestler face. We now have a ridiculous 17 wrestlers over our "ideal" number. So everybody should be a little worried about talent cuts and expiring contracts. I'm also thinking about bumping our house show length up to 2 1/2 hours (including dark matches). -So one month after the "corporate restructuring", I'm back in limited spending mode thanks to the PPV and merchandise revenue. Still, I'm holding off on any fundamental changes to merchandise quality, music licensing, etc, until I see if the cash will keep rolling in. |
THE STARS OF WORLD CLASS ON TOUR
Monday, Week 2, February 1985 Dallas, TX (Very Small Venue) Expected Attendance: 2,337 Ticket prices: $3 over Default Actual Attendance: 2,000 (SOLD OUT) -Pre-Show Dark Match Billy Robinson defeats Dusty Wolfe in 5:41 by pinfall. (C). After the match, Mercer interviewed Robinson about his WCCW debut match, and recaps some of the Englishman's career highlights. Robinson said he hasn't wrestled in a while, and is shaking off the cobwebs, but he's thrilled to be in WCCW. (D+) -Pre-Show Dark Match Steve Olsonoski defeats Charlie Cook in 7:49 by pinfall. (C). The two showed good chemistry, but the match suffered from a lack of selling, and from a lack of psychology. -As the show starts, Bill Mercer interviews Fritz Von Erich about the recent happenings in WCCW, particularly hyping February Star Wars, and the announced card to this point: -WCCW World Heavyweight Championship Match Bobby Eaton v. Curt Hennig -WCCW World Tag Team Championship Match Kevin & Kerry Von Erich v. The Sheepherders -Mystery Stipulation Match Terry Funk v. Kevin Sullivan. -Fritz hypes that more matches will be announced on the TV show this week. (C) -Bill Mercer interviews Perry Jackson, Barry Orton, and Doug Somers about their upcoming six man tag team match against The Sammartinos & Iceman Parsons. The heel trio notes that the Sammartinos & Parsons consider this a "tune-up" to the finals of the Six-Man Tag Team tournament to be held later this week on TV, and that they'll make the faces pay for "looking past" them. (D+) -Bruno Sammartino, David Sammartino, & Iceman Parsons defeat Perry Jackson, Barry Orton, & Doug Somers in 5:01 when Parsons pinned Jackson. (D+) Parsons debuted his gimmick tweak - he's now a "rock star". Parsons looked good. After the match, The Sammartinos and Parsons hyped the championship match against Bob Backlund, Dick Murdoch, and Kevin Sullivan on the TV show this week. Bruno Sammartino notes that he must win, or retire, due to losing the retirement match with Roddy Piper several weeks ago. (C+) -Arturo Mendoza came to the ring. He cut another emotional promo about the absence of Gary Hart (B-) and King Kong Bundy. (C+) He says he feels abandoned by Hart, and he's angry at Bundy. He challenges his former tag team partner, Bundy, wherever he is, to a match. Mendoza debuts a slight gimmick tweak to "masked luchadore". -Curt Hennig defeats Arturo Mendoza in 22:48 by pinfall. (B+). The announcing quality wasn't up to the standards of the match. After the match, Mendoza approached Hennig and offered a handshake, which Hennig accepted. (B-). Then, Hennig cut a promo hyping his world title match against Bobby Eaton at February Star Wars. (B) -Bob Backlund, Dick Murdoch, & Kevin Sullivan (w/Ray Stevens) defeat Owen Hart, Al Perez, & El Hacon in 4:54 when Backlund made Perez submit. (C+) Backlund looked good. Stevens debuted his gimmick tweak of "grizzled veteran". This was El Hacon's WCCW debut/return. After the match, Stevens, Backlund, Murdoch, and Sullivan cut a promo hyping the six-man tag team championship match this week against The Sammartions and Iceman Parsons. (C+) -Bobby Eaton, flanked by Koko B. Ware, comes out for the main event match and cuts a promo. He says he watched carefully Curt Hennig's match with Arturo Mendoza, and says that he wasn't particular impressed by Hennig. Eaton says that the WCCW fans are just going to have to get used to him as World Champion, because he's holding onto the title for a long time. Eaton also hypes his upcoming main event match with Kerry Von Erich. (B-). Kerry comes to the ringside area where he is interviewed by Bill Mercer. Kerry says while tonight's match is a non-title contest, he feels that if he defeats Eaton, that should put him line for a World Title shot. Also, says Kerry, his family has a lot of unfinished business with Eaton. (B-) -Non-Title Match Bobby Eaton (w/Koko B. Ware) defeats Kerry Von Erich in 24:28 following interference from Ware. (B-). After the match, Eaton and Ware celebrate in the ring. (B+) Overall Show Rating: B- THOUGHTS: -Uneventful, but decent, house show. This was the third 1-on-1 match between Eaton and Kerry, and by far the best. Kerry has never defeated Eaton, losing twice and drawing once. -Both of the finalists in the WCCW Six-Man Tag Team Championship tournament had "tune-ups" tonight. The heels had a better match. -Mendoza isn't quite a face yet, but he teased a turn again by shaking Hennig's hand and calling out Gary Hart and King Kong Bundy. His match with Hennig was the best of the night. -Billy Robinson makes his debut on the pre-show. I don't expect much from from the 45-year old, and he really can't be judged on a match with Dusty Wolfe. -I tweaked a handful of gimmicks at this show, after reviewing which wrestlers were considered "stale" by my road agents and booking team. |
NEWS
-Kevin Sullivan arrived late to the last show. Obviously, I need him this week, so I give him a warning. -Dick Murdoch is exhausted after the last show. He has a potentially grueling workload, working for us, Georgia, and mid-south. He wrestled 18 matches in January. -I'm tempted to bring back Jimmy Garvin, who only wants $1,000/show, but my roster is so bloated at the moment that I take a pass. |
How much is Hogan looking for? He would be an amazing addition -- hard to believe that guys like he and Flair would rather not work than make some money with your promotion.
Interesting that you signed Kamala. I just read a (fairly) recent interview with him about his rivalries with Andre the Giant and Hogan and about how he felt he was severely underpaid. I think he said he once headlined with the Undertaker, with the Undertaker making ~$500K for the show and he made under $20K. |
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Hogan wanted somewhere around $4,300/show, and Fritz capped me out at something like $2,800. So I wasn't close. I'm pretty sure that if my financial situation continues to improve, that Fritz cap will increase. And eventually, Hogan's popularity will start to decline, and his price will go down (though by then, he'll be less popular and a little less valuable). Ya, he'd be huge for WCCW, but I think Flair will be attainable a little sooner. It will be interesting to see what happens once the economy improves and the "big 3" (Currently WCCW, AWA, and Mid-Atlantic) start to get closer to "national" status. Then they can start signing exclusive written contracts - the winner of that race can probably lock up the Hogans and the Flairs and be a clear #1. Of course, there's so few promotions now that there should be plenty of talent for the survivors. I've thought about going into the editor and adding a promotion, but I'll leave that to the AI for now (I know the mod creates new promotions, but I'm not sure how "smart" that is - i.e. how long will Mexico be without ANY promotion?) It will fun to see what kind of matches Kamala can have with people - he's one of those "freelancers" that only signs 90-day contracts. |
WORLD CLASS WRESTLING (LIVE TV SHOW)
Wednesday, Week 2, February 1985 Dallas, TX (Small Venue) Expected Attendance: 4,675; Ticket Prices: default Actual Attendance: 4,677 -Pre-Show Dark Match -Non-Title Match Mike Von Erich defeats Dusty Wolfe in 3:47 by submission. (C). Mike switches to a "fun babyface" gimmick. Wolfe seemed off his game. Bill Mercer interviews Mike, who hypes his just-announced Cruiserweight Title defense with Villano V at February Star Wars. Mike says he's always enjoyed his matches with Villano V, and the two have actually become friends. He says he'll be up for the challenge. -Pre-Show Dark Match Leon White defeats Mr. Pogo in 10:00 when the time limit expired. (B-). The match suffered from a lack of selling. -Curt Hennig (w/Terry Funk) defeats Perry Jackson in 7:12 by pinfall. (C). Hennig seemed off his game. Funk and Hennig have zero chemistry together. After the match, Hennig cut a promo in the ring with Funk by his side. Hennig said that last week, everyone saw the house show footage of the altercations between Hennig, Funk, Murdoch and Sullivan. And Hennig notes that Ray Stevens' stable has been a thorn in Funk's side since it formed. As a result of all this, Hennig says, he has spending more time with Terry Funk between shows, and he's taken him on as a mentor. Hennig said that while he feels he has as much wrestling talent as anybody in the promotion, he feels that Funk can help teach him that extra mean streak that might help put him over the top. Hennig said that Funk has suggested that he not just "rest up" for his World Title shot at February Star Wars, but to instead go into the show fighting. So, Hennig is challenging Dick Murdoch and Kevin Sullivan to a tag team match with Funk and himself, for next week on TV. (B). Hennig also notes that Funk is wresting World Champion Bobby Eaton in tonight's main event in a non-title match. (C). -A video recaps how recent matches between Mike Von Erich and Villano V, and also the 4-way Cruiserweight Championship match, where Villano V originally became #1 contender to Mike's title. (C). The announcers then hypes the Mike/Villano V Cruiserweight title match set for February Star Wars. (C) -Bill Mercer interviewed Kevin Von Erich, who is out to draw his random challenger for his Television Title. Kevin says that physically, he's in even worse shape that he was last week. Still, he says, this title run has been the proudest months of his career, so he's going to keep on fighting, and just hope that he has enough left in the tank to defend the tag titles with Kerry against The Sheepherders at February Star Wars. (B-). Jose Lothario comes out with the rolling drum, and Kevin draws from the random challengers who have put their name in the running this week...He draws Butch Miller of The Sheepherders, and grimaces. (C+) -The Villanos defeat The Road Warriors in 9:51 when Road Warrior Animal is DQ'd. (C+). The Road Warriors dominated the match until Animal threw Villano IV over the top rope, drawing a DQ. The Road Warriors followed Villano IV out to the outside, where they appeared to set him up for a spike piledriver through the announce table. Fritz Von Erich, however, doing color commentary, interfered and pulled Villano IV to safety. The Road Warriors, upset, began arguing with Fritz, who stayed on his feet and didn't back down. (C-) Soon, the Warriors attached Fritz, and started to quickly set him up for a spike piledriver on the announce table. The Villanos, however, recovered and made the save for Fritz. Villano IV tripped Animal off the announce table to the floor, and Villano V hit Hawk from the top rope with a high cross body. Seconds later, much of the locker room (led by Mike and Kevin) empties to restore order. (C-) Villano IV debuted his "Masked Luchador" gimmick tweak (very minor tweak) -After a commercial break, order has largely been restored. Fritz is unharmed, and the Road Warriors have been escorted from the building by security. Mike, Kevin, and the Villanos linger around ringside briefly. Mike and Kevin can be seen thanking the Villanos for their quick thinking. (C) This completes a face turn for the Villanos. Commissioner Jose Lothario, who also found himself in the middle of the mele, grabbed a mic and announced that Road Warriors have been suspended indefinitely, effective immediately. (C-) -WCCW Television Championship Match Butch Miller (w/Skandor Akbar) defeats Kevin Von Erich in 5:49 by pinfall to win the WCCW TV Championship. (C). Kevin was limited (both kayfabe and real-life) by injury. The two showed poor chemistry. Kevin appeared to be in major pain after the match. -A video is played, hyping the imminent WCCW return of Kamala, The Ugandan Giant. The video is narrated by Skandor Abkar. A graphic shows that Kamala will be in action at February Star Wars (C) -Bruno Sammartino, David Sammartino, and Iceman Parsons hype the upcoming finals of the long and eventful WCCW Six-Man Tag Team Championship Tournament between themselves and Bob Backlund, Dick Murdoch, and Kevin Sullivan. Bruno notes that he's fighting both for the titles, and his career, as he must retire if he loses. Sammartino says he came to WCCW for one reason, to wear gold around his waist one more time, and he's confident that's going to happen in just a few minutes. (C+) -WCCW Six-Man Tag Team Championship Tournament -Final Match Bob Backlund, Dick Murdoch, and Kevin Sullivan (w/Ray Stevens) defeats The Sammartinos & Iceman Parsons in 9:46 when Backlund pinned Bruno Sammartino. The heels win the WCCW Six-Man Tag Team Championship. (C) Murdoch and Backlund looked good. The heels celebrate in the ring as Bruno Sammartino, anti-climatically, departs from the ring for the final time. (B-). -Bobby Eaton hyped his upcoming non-title match with Terry Funk. Eaton says he knows Funk is probably going to try to "soften him up" for his "new buddy" Curt Hennig, but Eaton claims he will outclass Funk and send everyone home early. (B+) -Non-Title Match Terry Funk defeated Bobby Eaton in 21:52 by pinfall. (B-) Funk won despite interference from Koko B. Ware, whose interference was later neutralized by Curt Hennig, who got involved as well. The two showed poor chemistry. Show Rating: C+ THOUGHTS -This was a disappointing show, ratings-wise, but it was certainly eventful. -As the show plodded along with mediocre ratings, I figured we'd be saved by the main event, but Funk/Eaton really is a poor pairing and the rating showed. Funk wrestled an A+ match with Kevin Sullivan recently, which definitely makes Eaton look kind ordinary here. Still, the B- rating they did get carried us to at least a respectable show. -I like the Funk/Hennig alliance of grizzled veteran/blue chipper - too bad they have zero chemistry together. I felt it was important to put Funk over in the main event since he'll be jobbing some throughout the month as his contract winds down. From a creative standpoint, I also like the idea of Eaton looking vulnerable leading up to a match with an underdog challenger (Hennig) at February Star Wars. -The Six-Man Tag Team Tournament finally comes to an end, and the Gary Hart's former "dream team", the original favorites, prevail (with Sullivan in the place of Bundy). Sammartino gets no send off here, he just limps off to the back. This trio has a combined 42 career championships, and will probably be tough to beat for these titles (at least until the Von Erichs decide to go after them again). -I went the semi-obvious route with the TV title. I thought that Kevin's nagging injury required a change here, and it made perfect sense to have him lose it to one of his challengers for the Tag Team Titles. Kevin has a few weeks to recover, otherwise Kerry will have to do it by himself again. Kevin's title reign ends after 5 1/2 months and 15 title defenses. It was a great run, which included a time when the TV title main evented shows, while Bobby Eaton was refusing to defend the World Title. -Pilotman requested a Villanos win over the Road Warriors, and he got it, albeit by DQ. The Warriors basically attempt to murder Villano IV, then Fritz, but get neither. The Villanos are now full-fledged faces, and the Warriors are gone. I certainly wouldn't rule out bringing them back sometime in the future. They had a long and violent feud with the Sheepherders, completely choked when they finally got a tag title shot against the Von Erichs, and otherwise squashed a lot of jobbers. -Leon White had another solid match with Mr. Pogo on the pre-show....White is definitely on his way to something big. He might shoot up the roster as fast as Hennig did. |
The people want Kamala.
Best dynasty in FOFC history. |
NEWS
-The TV Show gets a 3.97 rating. That's our lowest in three weeks, but still a great rating. -Sullivan arrived late for the last show. That's the second straight show that's happened, but I need him for the tag team match next week, so I fine him (last time he just got a warning). -I officially fire The Sammartinos and The Road Warriors. David Sammartio lost any chance he had to stick around by whining so much. I thought about giving Bruno some kind of send-off, but I kind of like it this way better. Maybe they'll introduce him at halftime of a Celtics game....So that pares down the bloated roster a tad. -Even with the Villanos turn, we're still a little heel heavy at the top half of the roster. I might have to find someone else to turn face. -Perry Jackson complains about his push. -Its just anecdotal evidence, but I've seen the remaining healthy organizations extend the contracts of a lot of their works the last few days. Maybe we're starting to see some stability. -Not a whole lot of news, so here's a quick look at the major players in the "Big 3" promotions - upper midcarders and main eventers from each roster: WCCW: Terry Funk Bobby Eaton Bob Backlund David Von Erich Curt Hennig Koko B. Ware Antonio Inoki (not yet debuted) Iceman Parsons Kevin Sullivan Kerry Von Erich Kamala (not yet debuted) Dick Murdoch Kevin Von Erich Roddy Piper AWA: Nick Bockwinkle Buzz Sawyer Bill Dundee Manny Fernandez Steve Keirn Bobby Eaton Wahoo McDaniel Buddy Roberts Dutch Mantel Les Thorton The Iron Shiek Ted DiBiase Mid-Atlantic: Roddy Piper Terry Funk Dusty Rhodes Greg Valentine Jake Roberts Ricky Steamboat Gino Hernandez Dory Funk Jr. Dick Slater Jay Youngblood Ivan Koloff Joe Leduc -And Here's The Status of the Most Popular Wrestlers (North America) who aren't one of the big players in the "big three" -Stan Hansen: Main Eventer with Georgia -Sgt. Slaughter: Main Eventer with Maple Leaf Wrestling -Andre The Giant: Unemployed (and injured for apprx 2 more months) -Superstar Billy Graham: Unemployed (Filming a Movie) -Hulk Hogan: Unemployed -Bruiser Brody: Main Eventer with All Japan -Harley Race: Owner of St. Louis Wrestling Club (and injured for 1 more month) -Mil Mascaras: Unemployed -Ric Flair: Unemployed -Junkyard Dog: Unemployed -Buddy Rose: Main Eventer for SWCW -Larry Zbyszko: Midcarder for Maple Leaf Wrestling -Jerry Stubbs: Out Inured for Apprx 9 more months, but still employed by AWA, Georgia, and Pacific Northwest Wrestling. |
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Thank you, Sir! I echo Senator's sentiments. You da man! Luv this stuff. |
THE STARS OF WORLD CLASS ON TOUR
Monday, Week 3, February 1985 Providence, RI (New England - Tiny Venue) Expected Attendance: 1,249 Ticket prices: $2 over Default Actual Attendance: 1,000 (SOLD OUT) -Pre-Show Dark Match Charlie Cook defeats Owen Hart in 6:47 by pinfall. (D-) Cook came to the ring in his old Pittsburgh Steelers jersey. After the match, Bill Mercer interviewed Cook, who cut a heel promo putting over the Steelers and insulting the New England Patriots. (E+) -Pre-Show Dark Match El Hacon defeats Barry Orton in 7:29 by pinfall. (C-) The two showed great chemistry. -As the show starts Fritz comes to the ring to start the show, and welcomes the New England fans. (D-). Then, Fritz says that an iconic, international wrestling superstar is in the arena tonight, and earlier tonight in Providence, he has finalized his contract to become an active member of the WCCW roster. Fritz goes on to describe the incredible career of Antonio Inoki, and notes that while it was a match somewhat forgotten by history, Inoki once defeated Bob Backlund for the WWF Championship. Fritz then introduces Inoki out to the ring, and a lengthy interview is conducted. Inoki wears a suit, and comes across as very humble and respectful of the American wrestling fans. Inoki says he hopes to make his debut in the ring at February Star Wars. (B-) -The Villanos defeat The Grapplers in 10:37 when Villano IV pinned Grappler #2. (C-) After the match, Bill Mercer interviewed the Villanos about their win, and their rescue of Fritz Von Erich on the TV show last week. (D) -Bill Mercer interviews Billy Robinson, who comes to the ring for his match with Mr. Pogo. Robinson says that its great to be back in New England, and that Mr. Pogo will be an extremely challenging opponent. (E+) -Billy Robinson defeats Mr. Pogo in 10:47 by DQ. (B-). The match suffered from a lack of selling. -Nikita Koloff comes out to the ring with his manager, Skandor Akbar, who displays the Soviet flag. Koloff salutes the flag before the match. (C). Kerry Von Erich comes out to the ring next, and he cuts a promo hyping their match, and trashing the Soviet Union. (C-) -Nikita Koloff (w/Skandor Akbar) defeats Kerry Von Erich in 11:37 by pinfall. (B-). Koloff was tiring towards the end of the match. -David Von Erich comes to the ring to hype his main event match with WCCW World Bobby Eaton. He debuted his new gimmick tweak, showing a more intense personality. David says that while the title is not on the line tonight, it's an incredibly important match for him personally because - 1. A win here should put him in line for a title shot, and 2. He hates Eaton's guts and wants to hurt him. (C) -Non-Title Match David Von Erich drew with Bobby Eaton in 27:57 after a double DQ. (C+) Overall Show Rating: B- THOUGHTS: -This was a great show for this region, and it was quite surprising what did well and what didn't. -The main event was actually disappointing. The David "gimmick tweak", like pretty much every other gimmick tweak I've done over the last few weeks, didn't go over well, that might have impacted his momentum, and that match rating. Each gimmick change was in response to a road agent note that the worker "needed something to freshen his character up", and yet after each change, I get the road agent note, "this gimmick change was too soon after the last one". Ah well. Unfotunately, I haven't kept track of when I change gimmicks, so this will all make things just a little more challenging. -While C+ is a perfectly acceptable main event rating for this region, obviously I'm more used to more from these guys. Though looking back, their only other 1-on-1 match only scored a "B", and that was in Texas, where both guys are far more popular. -Koloff over Kerry is definitely an upset, and their match was pretty good. Koloff impressed me during his feud with Parsons, so I'm going to keep pushing him. And Kerry has just never won me over during this dynasty, so he'll keep heading down the card. -Billy Robinson had a very strong match with Mr. Pogo. Robinson may get a little more meaningful ring-time than I planned. While Robinson is best known in the midwest, he has some overness in every North American region, thanks to his main event run in the AWA many years ago. -Probably the thing that made me the happiest on the show though, was Antonio Inoki's "B-" rated interview segment. That's a great sign, pulling that off outside of our major regions, especially considering he only speaks "passable" English right now (Compare it with Kerry and David only scoring C- and C in their promos). Inoki isn't Flair, or Hogan, but on an international scale, he's not that far off. And he has solid, C+ popularity in every single North American region. And Fritz helped sow the seeds for an eventual Inoki/Backlund feud, by bringing up Inoki's WWF Title win over Backlund that the WWF never officially recognized. |
NEWS
-King Kong Bundy and Buddy Roberts have started a full-time team with WWC. -Otherwise, the industry news is dominated by workers extending their contracts with their employers. 115 works have signed new deals in the last 3 days. There's some kind of game recalculation going on. |
Senator, Pilotman, Swaggs, and everyone else - I appreciate the kind words and you continuing to check this thing out. I'm hopelessly addicted and I'll keep going.
|
WORLD CLASS WRESTLING (LIVE TV SHOW)
Wednesday, Week 3, February 1985 Dallas, TX (Small Venue) Expected Attendance: 4,675; Ticket Prices: default Actual Attendance: 5,000 -Pre-Show Dark Match Grappler #1 defeats Mark Youngblood in 6:47 by pinfall. (B-) The two showed good chemistry. Grappler #1 looked good. -Pre-Show Dark Match Leon White defeats Grappler #2 in 7:08 by pinfall. (C+). The two showed great chemistry. The match suffered from a lack of selling. After the match Bill Mercer interviewed White, who described his training regiment - mostly running and chopping down trees in the Colorado Rockies. (C) -As the show starts, Curt Hennig cuts a promo backstage hyping this week's main event tag team match between himself and Terry Funk v. Dick Murdoch & Kevin Sullivan. Hennig says that Funk is in a bad mood, and that he's helping Hennig to find his mean streak for Hennig's title shot at February Star Wars. (B+). Funk then joins the promo, and hypes the match, and also his 1-on-1 match with Sullivan at February Star Wars. (B+) -Also backstage, the new TV Champion, Butch Miller stands with his manager Skandor Akbar and WCCW Commissioner Jose Lothario, to draw his random challenger this week from the volunteer entrants. Miller reaches into the rolling drum and draws newcomer (and longtime friend of Lothario), El Halcon. (C). -A brief video highlights the recent series of matches between Steve Olsonoski and Doug Somers, all of which have ended in draws. (C) -Steve Olsonoski drew with Doug Somers in 10:00 when the time limit expired. (D). The two showed poor chemistry. -A video hypes the workout routine of WCCW Cruiserweight Champion Mike Von Erich, who prepares for his title defense at February Star Wars against his friend, Villano V. (C). Mike then cuts a pre-recorded promo hyping the Cruiserweight Championship, and his status as 3-time champion. He says he plans on continuing to dominate the division. (C-) -Mike Von Erich & The Villanos defeat Barry Orton, Perry Jackson, & Charlie Cook in 6:06 when Mike made Orton submit. (C). -A video hypes the impending WCCW return of Kamala, The Ugandan Giant. The video is again narrated by Skandor Akbar. (C). After the video, the announcers note that Skandor Akbar has had an extremely difficult time finding an opponent for Kamala at February Star Wars, as many wrestlers are apparently intimidated by rumors that under Akbar's training, Kamala has become stronger, meaner, and more dangerous than ever before. These rumors, says Bill Mercer, have led to WCCW officials to demand that Kamala's return take place at February Star Wars, since any match involving him may be too violent for TV. However, Mercer says, earlier tonight, a challenger did step up, and it's a man who has had issues with Skandor Akbar over the last few months - Iceman Parsons. (C+) -Iceman Parsons defeats Mr. Pogo in 8:37 by pinfall. (B). Parsons defeats Pogo for the 3rd time in 4 weeks on TV. The two showed great chemistry. After the match, Bill Mercer interviewed Parsons, asking him why he's agreed to face the dangerous Kamala, where so many others have refused. Parsons hypes the match, and says that he's not afraid of another living soul. He'd like to send Kamala back to the jungle. (C). -A lengthy mini-documentary hypes the career and imminent WCCW debut of Antonio Inoki. The video makes reference to Inoki's win over Bob Backlund for the WWF Championship, and hypes his WCCW debut at February Star Wars, where he will face Grappler #1. (B-) -WCCW Television Championship Match Butch Miller (w/Skandor Akbar) defeats El Halcon in 3:53 by pinfall to make his 1st defense of the TV Title. (C+) -Kevin Sullivan & Dick Murdoch hype their upcoming main event tag team match, and Sullivan hypes his match at February Star Wars against Funk. Sullivan says he doesn't care about the "mystery stipulation" at that event, he just knows he's going to wipe the floor with Funk once again. (B+) -Dick Murdoch & Kevin Sullivan (w/Ray Stevens) defeat Terry Funk & Curt Hennig in 23:53 when Sullivan pinned Funk after interference from Stevens and illegal double-teams. (B+). Hennig showed a "meaner" side, illustrating his training from Funk. Funk and Sullivan brawled all over the ringside area during the match, leaving Hennig mostly to wrestle Murdoch in the ring. Funk and Hennig have zero chemistry as partners. Overall Show Rating: B- THOUGHTS -I'm very happy with the B- here, considering this was a very cheap show where many main eventers went unused. -The Murdoch/Sullivan/Funk/Hennig storyline is solid, but it's not quite capturing the imagination of the fans an elite angle. Funk's taking most of the losses in the feud - that's mostly because his contract is up shortly after February Star Wars. I will be negotiating with him in the next few days however, and the outcome of that might change the direction of this angle. -Otherwise, a lot of filler on this show. They can't all be eventful. I was glad to see the Inoki documentary when over pretty well here. The expectation for Inoki is nothing less than A+ matches with other main eventers. -Parsons gets to beat-up on Mr. Pogo again - that should have rebuilt some of the momentum he loss in the Nikita Koloff feud, where he was pretty much dominated in the matches. The Kamala/Parsons match will be a big test for Kamala, to determine whether he gets a truly monster push. -Neither the Mike Von Erich/Villano V or Doug Somers/Steve Olsonoski feuds are exactly setting the world on fire, but they're cheap and largely unoffensive. And they give different talent a chance to see the spotlight. -Another solid performance by Leon White on the pre-show. He has a babyface "outdoorsman" gimmick at this point. -The surprise of the night was probably the Grappler #1 carrying Mark Youngblood to a B- (though Youngblood has shown the ability to be carried to such heights a couple of times in the past - by Butch Miller, and Nikita Koloff). Grappler #1 (Les Denton) is very solid, which is why he gets the "assignment" for Antonio Inoki's debut match at February Star Wars. |
NEWS
-Ray Stevens arrived late for the last show. It's a first offense for him, and he works pretty much every show, so I fine him. -The TV show gets a 4.11 rating. That's a nice bounce-back from last week, and it's our 3rd highest rating all-time. -Boriz Zhukof is hyped in the dirt sheets as a future star. I wasn't all that impressed with him when I took a look at signing him a few weeks ago. I had considered teaming him with Nikita Koloff, but it just seemed like that would hold Koloff back. -A friendship has developed backstage between Lance Russel and Ray Stevens. I haven't used Russell yet this month, just out of caution to make sure the big money keeps flowing in. He'll work the PPV, and assuming there's no surprises in the end-of-month balance sheet, he'll be back in the TV broadcast booth next month. Bill Mercer will return to his role as journalist/backstage interviewer. -Roddy Piper and Perry Jackson complain about their pushes. -In Georgia, Jim Duggan won the National TV Title from Greg Valentine. It's his 2nd reign with the title. -Ricky Steamboat suffered a serious injury during a match with Roddy Piper for Maple Leaf Wrestling. He'll be out about 6 months. -Hector Guerrero defeated Tully Blanchard for the SWCW Intercontinental Championship. -There are rumors that Nick Bockwinkle is leaving AWA. I don't really have room for him, but I request negotiations. I'm obviously kind of a sucker for the old school guys. -After being sure Arturo Mendoza was going to be on the way out, I'm able to re-sign him after some tense negotiations for $1,650/show for 9 months, a raise from his old $1,500/show. He's probably worth that, though the game negotiation screen told me he would be looking for something in the neighborhood of $1,000/show, which would have been fantastic. I think wrestlers pretty much refuse to take paycuts from contract to contract, which explains why worker salaries have skyrocketed so much during this dynasty, and why so many promotions have gone under. Though I wonder the hundreds of contract extensions I've seen in the last few days is some kind of "market correction". -After two days of negotiations - I can't yet come to an agreement with Terry Funk. I'll have one more shot at it after the next house show. He's going to cost me in the neighborhood of $2,800 for 3 more months. I think that we'll work something out for something around there. |
THE STARS OF WORLD CLASS ON TOUR
Monday, Week 4, February 1985 Wichita, KS (Midwest- Very Small Venue) Expected Attendance: 1,852 Ticket prices: Default Actual Attendance: 1,784 -Pre-Show Dark Segment Barry Orton & Perry Jackson came to the ring and cut a promo hyping their upcoming match with Owen Hart & Al Perez. (E+). -Pre-Show Dark Match Barry Orton & Perry Jackson defeat Owen Hart & Al Perez in 6:31 when when Jackson pinned Perez after underhanded tactics by the heels. (D). Perez was exhausted by the end of the match. -Pre-Show Dark Match Leon White defeats The Grappler #2 in 5:58 by pinfall. (B-). The two showed great chemistry. The match suffered from a lack of selling. After the match, Bill Mercer interviewed White about his win and his career thus far in WCCW. (C) -Bill Mercer conducts a lengthy interview with Antonio Inoki about his imminent debut in WCCW. Mercer asks Inoki about his career, including his win over Bob Backlund for the WWF Championship. (B-) -Billy Robinson came to the ring for his match, and shook hands with Inoki, who departed. (C). Bill Mercer interviewed Robinson about his upcoming match with Grappler #2. Robinson hyped the match and reminisced about his years wrestling in front of the midwest fans. He referenced his DQ win over Mr. Pogo in Rhode Island last week, putting over Pogo as a "tough customer". (D+) -Billy Robinson defeats Mr. Pogo in 10:05 by pinfall. (C+) -Bill Mercer tried to interview Grappler #1 about his upcoming match with Villano V, but the Grappler only wanted to talk about his match with Antonio Inoki at February Star Wars. He says he's tired of people talking about the match like he's not even it, and while Inoki has spent months traveling around and talking to the fans, he's been working in the ring. He says that Inoki is rusty, and that he'll beat him. (C+) -Grappler #1 defeats Villano V in 9:46 by pinfall. (B+). The two showed great chemistry. Grappler #1 looked good. -Ray Stevens came out to the ring with his stable of Bob Backlund, Dick Murdoch, and Kevin Sullivan, who were also joined by Koko B. Ware and WCCW World Champion Bobby Eaton. Stevens hyped tonight's main event - a 10-man elimination tag team match. Stevens referenced the various feuds on display in this match: Murdoch/Hennig, Funk/Sullivan, Eaton & Ware/David, etc. (C+) -10-Man Tag Team Match -Elimination Rules David Von Erich, Kerry Von Erich, Mike Von Erich, Curt Hennig, & Terry Funk defeat Bob Backlund, Dick Murdoch, Kevin Sullivan, Bobby Eaton, & Koko B. Ware (w/Ray Stevens) in 31:31. (B+) David was the sole survivor. Hennig looked good. Several near falls in the beginning of the match were broken up by other participants, and several 5-on-5 brawls broke out. Then, the referee asked Bill Mercer to announce to the crowd that he has warned both teams - any wrestler who illegally entered the match from now on would be DQ'd on the spot. After that warning, the order of eliminations was as follows: -Mike Von Erich was pinned by Koko B. Ware (5-4, advantage heels) -Koko B. Ware was made to submit by David Von Erich (4-4) -Terry Funk & Kevin Sullivan were both counted out after brawling outside the ring (3-3) -Kerry Von Erich was made to submit by Bob Backlund (3-2) -Curt Hennig was made to submit by Bob Backlund (3-1) The heels wore down David at this point and appeared to have the match won when Bobby Eaton hit a top rope leg drop. However, Bob Backlund broke up the pin attempt and argued with Eaton - Backlund apparently wished to make the final pinfall himself. The two began shoving - Dick Murdoch immediately entered the ring and he and Backlund pummeled Eaton 2-on-1, and threw him to the outside. As a result: -Dick Murdoch was DQ'd for illegally entering the ring (2-1, advantage heels) -Bob Backlund was pinned by David Von Erich, who scored a fluke pin in the chaos, after he was allowed several minutes to recover because of dissension among the heels (1-1). That left David, and a beaten down Eaton, who was lying outside the ring. David angrily went after him, and Eaton retreated to the back. David returned to the ring, and beat the 10 count: -Bobby Eaton was counted out (David is the sole survivor). -After the match, all of the members of the face team returned to the ring, where they celebrated with David Von Erich as the show ends. (C+) Overall Show Rating: B- THOUGHTS: -This was a solid midwest show. -I like to break out the gigantic 5x5 elimination tag match main event every few months on the house show circuit. They're certainly fun to book. It was an expensive match, but it gave us a good show rating, and it gave most of our big main eventers exposure in our second most important region. -Otherwise, not a lot of excitement on the show, though I was happy that Grappler #1/Villano V was such a great match. Grappler #1 has settled into a "jobber to the stars" role, but he might have enough talent to emerge past that someday. -I thought that Robinson would be a little more popular in the midwest, but he was never that great on the mic, so I shouldn't have been surprised. His match with Mr. Pogo was perfectly acceptable. -Inoki continues his "long interview" tour and had another good one. These are LONG interviews, so they count in the rating. Scoring a B- in a lengthy interview definitely helped the show rating here. -Leon White has another strong match as he continues his undefeated streak - the B- here matches his career high that he reacted twice with Mr. Pogo. |
NEWS
-Terry Funk wanted a little more money than I thought, but I still decide to pull the trigger for 3 more months at $2,900/show, and 25% of his merchandise. That's a raise from his old deal of $2,675/show, and I can't see him getting another raise from us when these 3 months are up. He's useful, but not that useful. He's now the second most expensive worker on the roster after Roddy Piper, and like Piper, he will probably have his workload reduced because of the huge contract. -Kerry Von Erich arrived late for the last show. It's not a first-offense for him, but I need him at February Star Wars at the end of the week, so he's fined. -Ric Flair won a couple of dirt sheet awards: "Best Overall Worker in Wrestling Today", and "Most Entertaining Wrestler in the World". Flair hasn't wrestled since July of last year - a 7 month layoff. |
I have had some good matches with Robinson and Bockwinkle. Although, the feud between Bockwinkle and the Baron has had better overall ratings.
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WORLD CLASS WRESTLING (LIVE TV SHOW)
Wednesday, Week 4, February 1985 Dallas, TX (Small Venue) Expected Attendance: 4,675; Ticket Prices: default Actual Attendance: 5,000 (SOLD OUT) -Pre-Show Dark Match El Halcon defeats Dusty Wolfe in 4:32 by submission. (C) -Pre-Show Dark Segment Bill Mercer interviews Perry Jackson about his upcoming match with Owen Hart. Jackson is over the top with his 70's/Blaxploitation gimmick. (D) -Pre-Show Dark Match Owen Hart defeats Perry Jackson in 7:27 by pinfall. (C-). After the match, Bill Mercer interviews Hart about his win. (D-) -Bill Mercer and Fritz Von Erich are joined by Lance Russell, who completes the three-man booth for this week's show. The trio run down the card for February Star Wars, and hype tonight's show. They hype tonight's main event, which features the return to the ring of Roddy Piper, to face Iceman Parsons. Also, the WCCW Championship Committee has announced that tonight, there will be two 10-man Battle Royals. The two winners will face off at February Star Wars to determine the new #1 contender for the World Championship. (D+) -Backstage, WCCW TV Champion Butch Miller stands with Skandor Akbar, Commissioner Jose Lothario, and the rolling drum of challengers...Miller draws a name at random - Al Perez. (B-). Miller laughs with confidence. -10-Man Over-the-Top-Rope Battle Royal -Winner to Compete in #1 Contender Match at February Star Wars. David Von Erich won the Battle Royal in 9:49. (C+). The order of elimination was as follows: 1. Nikita Koloff (eliminated by Billy Robinson) 2. Billy Robinson (eliminated by Nikita Koloff) 3. Charlie Cook (eliminated by David Von Erich) 4. Mark Youngblood (eliminated by Mr. Pogo) 5. Arturo Mendoza (eliminated by Mr. Pogo) 6. Dick Murdoch (eliminated by Mr. Pogo, Barry Orton, and Grappler #2) 7. Barry Orton (eliminated by Mr. Pogo) 8. Mr. Pogo (eliminated by David Von Erich) 9. Grappler #2 (eliminated by David Von Erich) WINNER: David Von Erich -Nikita Koloff seemed off his game. The match featured an especially spirited exchange between Koloff and Billy Robinson, who brawled outside the ring after Robinson eliminated Koloff, and then Koloff illegally returned to the ring and eliminated Robinson. After the match, David Von Erich cut a promo in the ring hyping his win. (C-) -A video hypes Villano V, who will challenge for the Cruiserweight Championship at February Star Wars. (C+). After the match, Bill Mercer interviews Villano V about the match. (C-) -A video hypes the WCCW World Tag Team Championship match at February Star Wars between The Sheepherders and The Von Erichs. Special attention is given to the weakened physical state of Kevin Von Erich, which was made worse by the beating from Butch Miller several weeks ago, when Miller won the TV Title from Kevin. (C+) -Luke Williams (w/Skandor Akbar) defeats Kerry Von Erich in 12:39 by pinfall. (C-). -A brief hype video hypes the upcoming WCCW debut of Antonio Inoki, to take place at February Star Wars. (B) -Piper's Pit: w/Guest Curt Hennig Roddy Piper, who is flanked by his new bodyguards, the Grapplers, first hypes his main event match tonight against Iceman Parsons. Then, he introduces his guest, Curt Hennig, who will challenge for the World Title at February Star Wars. Hennig is flanked by his mentor, Terry Funk - who seems to unnerve Piper. Piper viciously insults Hennig, saying he doesn't deserve a title shot, and says that he's had everything handed to him in WCCW. Hennig doesn't back down, and matches Piper insult for insult. (B+) -WCCW Television Championship Match Butch Miller (w/Skandor Akbar) defeats Al Perez in 4:35 by pinfall to make his 2nd defense of the TV title. (C-). The two showed poor chemistry. -10-Man Over-the-Top-Rope Battle Royal -Winner to Compete in #1 Contender Match at February Stars Bob Backlund won the Battle Royal in 12:06. (B-). The order of elimination was as follows: 1. The Great Kabuki (eliminated by Doug Somers, Steve Olsonoski, and El Halcon) 2. Mike Von Erich (eliminated by Bob Backlund) 3. El Halcon (eliminated by Doug Somers and Steve Olsonoski) 4. Koko B. Ware (eliminated by Leon White) 5. Villano IV (eliminated by Leon White) 6. Doug Somers (eliminated by Leon White) 7. Steve Olsonoski (eliminated by Leon White) 8. Iceman Parsons (eliminated by Bob Backlund) 9. Leon White (eliminated by Bob Backlund) WINNER: Bob Backlund -Steve Olosnoski & Doug Somers, who have wrestled a series of matches that ended in draws over the last few weeks, worked very well together here, cooperating on several eliminations. Leon White, who was making his TV debut, dominated the match, until it came down to him and Backlund. At that point, Backlund schooled White, methodically taking him apart. After the match, Backlund cut a promo hyping his #1 Contender's match at February Star Wars. (B-). Backlund says he's owned David in the past, and this Saturday night will be no exception. -After the match, the announcers note that as a result of the altercation between Nikita Koloff and Billy Robinson in the first battle royal, those two have agreed to meet in a match at February Star Wars. (C). -Another video hypes the WCCW return of Kamala, who will face Iceman Parsons this Saturday night at February Star Wars. (C) -Iceman Parsons defeats Roddy Piper (w/The Grapplers) in 10:08 by DQ after the Grapplers interfered on behalf of Piper, who was losing the match. (B). Overall Show Rating: B THOUGHTS: -Good show leading into February Star Wars. We also got almost everyone of note on the card, which was expensive, but will improve everyone's morale. -Parsons/Piper have never met, haven't had any interactions that I remember, so this was kind of a makeshift main event. They definitely delivered a solid match. -The two battle royals had the obvious winners, and we have our obvious #1 contender's match at February Star Wars. I like this kind of "obviousness", because in a sense, it's realistic. In a kayfabe world, WCCW promoters would WANT that Backlund/David match, so they would have put them in separate battle royals, and filled them with competition that they knew they could overcome. So the results were predictable, but there was some storyline development in the matches: Billy Robinson and Nikita Koloff had some issues (Koloff does not take embarrassment well), Olsonoski & Somers worked well together after wrestling to numerous stalemates, Leon White makes his TV debut and dominates the battle royal. -Piper showed his value again in the Piper's Pit segment - that was a "long" segment that was included in our overall rating, and it was the highest rated segment of the night. -I was perplexed by David's horrible promo - I'm not sure he's the face we can build the company around. If we ever were able to land Hulk Hogan, the Von Erichs would have to take a backseat. -Kerry Von Erich has already taken something of a back seat as he loses again, in an upset loss to Luke Williams. The Sheepherders have all the momentum heading into February Star Wars. -Perry Jackson and Owen Hart delivered a C- on the pre-show - it's been almost a year since their first 1-on-1 match with us, and they've both really improved over that time. That's a good showing for those guys. |
NEWS
The main card for February Star Wars is now set: -WCCW World Heavyweight Championship Match Bobby Eaton v. Curt Hennig -WCCW World Tag Team Championship Match Kevin & Kerry Von Erich v. The Sheepherders -WCCW Cruiserweight Championship Match Mike Von Erich v. Villano V -Mystery Stipulation (To Be Chosen By Funk) Terry Funk v. Kevin Sullivan -#1 Contender's Match (World Heavyweight Championship) Bob Backlund v. David Von Erich Kamala v. Iceman Parsons Antonio Inoki v. Grappler #1 Nikita Koloff v. Billy Robinson -The TV show delivers a 4.10 rating. That's off just .01 from last week. -Greg Valentine & Dusty Rhodes won the vacant NWA World Tag Team Championship, defeating Ivan Koloff & Gino Hernandez. The former champions, Dusty Rhodes and Ricky Steamboat, had to vacate the titles when Steamboat was injured. -Ricky Steamboat's injury also caused a vacating of the Calgary Stampede International Tag Team Championship, a title Steamboat held with Bret Hart. Hart and Leo Burke won the vacant titles, defeating Bad News Allen & The Dynamite Kid. -The dirt sheets are hyping Al Perez as a future star. |
WCCW: February Star Wars: PPV/Closed Circuit
Saturday, Week 4, February 1985 Dallas, TX (Midsouth - Medium Venue) Expected Attendance: 11,686 Ticket prices: $2 more than default Actual Attendance: 10,000 (SOLD OUT) -Pre-Show Dark Match Steve Olsonoski defeats Mr. Pogo in 8:53 by pinfall. (B). -Pre-Show Dark Match The Great Kabuki defeats Grappler #2 in 6:45 by pinfall. (C+) -Skandor Akbar enters the ringside area with Nikita Koloff. Akbar raises the Soviet flag high, and Koloff salutes it. (C+) -Nikita Koloff (w/Skandor Akbar) defeats Billy Robinson in 7:42 by pinfall. (C+) -Bill Mercer interviews Villano V about his upcoming Cruiserweight title shot. (C-) Mercer then interviews Mike Von Erich about the match. (C). -WCCW Cruiserweight Championship Match Mike Von Erich drew with Villano V in 2:34 following a double countout. (D+). The match ended abruptly when Villano V attempted a high-risk move from the ring onto the arena floor, where Mike was located. The impact weakened both men, and neither could make it back to the ring before the 10 count. Mike makes his 2nd defense of the Cruiserweight Title. -A video hypes the upcoming debut of Kamala. (C) -Backstage, Skandor Akbar hypes his client Kamala, and his upcoming match with Iceman Parsons. (C+) Akbar puts over the dangerousness of his client, and claims that he doesn't know if he can control him. Iceman Parsons cuts a promo backstage as well, saying he's not afraid of monsters. (B-) -Kamala, the Ugandan Giant (w/Skandor Akbar) defeats Iceman Parsons in 6:48 by pinfall with a top rope splash. (C+). Parsons appears to be injured in the ring. He is attended to by medical personnel, and is stretchered to the back. (C+). -Backstage, The Von Erichs attempt to cut a promo about their upcoming tag team title defense against The Sheepherders. The promo however, is interrupted by Skandor Akbar and The Sheepherders, and the 5 argue for several minutes. (C). Akbar tells Kevin that it's not safe for him to participate tonight given his injury, and that he and his brother should just surrender the titles. A highlight video recaps the events between these participants - particularly Kevin's last appearance in a ring, when he lost the TV title to Butch Miller, who aggravated Kevin's shoulder injury. (C+) -WCCW World Tag Team Championship Match -The Sheepheders (w/Skandor Akbar) defeat Kevin & Kerry Von Erich in 5:38 when Miller pinned Kevin. (D+). The Sheepheders win the WCCW World Tag Team Championship for the second time. Kevin was limited by injury (both kayfabe and storyline), as the Von Erichs were dominated (though Kevin showed guts). The Sheepheders celebrate their win with with Akbar in the ring. The announcers note that Akbar is 3-for-3 tonight. -A video hypes the upcoming WCCW debut of Japanese legend Antonio Inoki. (B-) -Backstage, Bill Mercer interviews Grappler #1 about his upcoming match with Inoki. (C). Grappler #1 is still bitter that everyone is talking about Inoki, and completely overlooking him as a threat to win the match. -Antoni Inoki defeats Grappler #1 in 10:54 by pinfall. (B). The match suffered from a lack of selling. -David cut a promo hyping the upcoming #1 Contender's match between himself and Bob Backlund. David admits that Backlund has had his number in the past, but that tonight's a new night. (C+) -#1 Contender's Match - WCCW World Heavyweight Championship Bob Backlund (w/Ray Stevens) defeats David Von Erich in 22:16 by pinfall to become the #1 Contender to the World Championship. (B+) -Terry Funk comes to the ring and cuts a promo hyping his upcoming match with Kevin Sullivan. Funk finally reveals his "mystery" stipulation. Funk says that since he lost to Sullivan last month, he's daydreamed about making Sullivan bleed....And tonight, Funk promises, there will be blood, because the match will be a First Blood Match. No countout/No-DQ, the match can only end when one man draws blood. (B+) -First Blood Match Terry Funk defeated Kevin Sullivan in 13:58 after hitting Sullivan with the ring bell, causing him to bleed. (B+) -Curt Hennig, with Terry Funk wobbly but by his side, cuts a promo hyping his upcoming shot at the World Heavyweight Championship. He puts over the title, the promotion, the fans, and even Eaton - and says he's prepared his whole life for this moment. (B). -WCCW World Heavyweight Championship Match Curt Hennig (w/Terry Funk) defeats Bobby Eaton (w/Koko B. Ware) in 24:57 by pinfall to become the WCCW World Heavyweight Champion. (A+). Both Ware and Funk got involved in the match - Funk prevented Ware from using the ring bell on Eaton, and instead struck Ware with it - the second time Funk busted someone open with the ring bell tonight. The match suffered from a lack of psychology. After the match, Funk and Hennig celebrate in the ring. (B+) Overall Show Rating: B THOUGHTS: -This was a good, old-fashion wrestling show, nothing too wacky, but a lot of eventful moments in the ring. -The main event delivered - I had wondered if Backlund/David would overshadow it. This was Eaton's first ever 1-on-1 A+ match (he was involved in an A+ triple threat match with Backlund and David Von Erich). Hennig had previously wrestled three A+ matches, two with Backlund, and the third a triple threat with Backlund and Murdoch. Hennig only debuted in the company in August, and I believe he was a lower midcarder when he started. I guess Hennig winning here is kind of a surprising outcome, but I think in this universe, he's better than Eaton, who has lucked out/avoided defending the belt for months. -Funk/Sullivan was fine - I had intended to put Sullivan over again here, but after Funk re-signed, I felt like he needed the boost here after his recent slump. And I wanted him to go into his main event managerial role as a winner in the previous match. -David/Backlund was actually kind of disappointing at B+. I blame David - it seems like he's been off lately. I've said that Backlund "has David's number", but in 6 previous 1-on-1 matches, David's won 3, Backlund 2, and they've drew once. Still, that's probably more success than anyone else has had against David. One of those previous 6 matches was an A+, so it was somewhat disappointing to not get there here - though B+ is about their previous average. That sets up Backlund v. Hennig, who have wrestled tremendous matches in the past. I'll probably run that match on TV in two weeks. -Inoki has a solid, if somewhat disappointing debut in a competitive match with Grappler #1. It's disappointing because Grappler just wrestled a better rated match with Villano V. -The Sheepherders win the tag team titles 1 year after they won them the last time. This was a dominating victory, as Kerry's been in a slump, and Kevin's still injured. The match, like all of Kevin's matches lately, was horrible. He needs to get healed for this feud to continue. -Kamala basically squashes Parsons in an OK match....Nothing happened here to stop his monster push. I'll try to keep Parsons out for some time to sell the injury here. -Koloff is quietly stringing together some solid victories - he's undefeated in singles competition so far in 1985 (5-0-1). And he only lost three 1-on-1 matches in all of 1984 (and was on our roster the whole year). -On the other side of things, The Great Kabuki, who has been forgotten since Tiger Mask was suspended, finally gets a win on the pre-show. That's his first win in a 1-on-1 match since defeating Magic Dragon in November. Before that, you have to go all the way back to last June to find his last 1-on-1 win (though he's spent much of his time teaming with Tiger Mask). -I was very impressed by Olosnoski/Pogo on the pre-show. Pogo's contract is up - I'll reluctant to resign him just because our roster is so bloated, but he's been really, really, solid in the midcard. He's wrestled B- or better matches with a variety of guys: Leon White, Olosonoski, Billy Robinson, Iceman Parsons. He's also been very unsuccessful in the outcomes of those matches - he's 1-8-1 in 1985. |
NEWS:
-Nick Bockwinkle has rejected negotiations with me, as he's still loyal to the AWA. So I'll have to wait until they've cut ties entirely before he'll talk to me. -Roddy Piper arrived late to the last show....He's a frequent offender, so I suspend him for another month. Piper is turning into a "special attraction", which is probably appropriate for his price tag. After this suspension, he'll have about 6 weeks left on his contract. If he wants a raise, then I won't resign him. Piper's match on TV with Parsons this week was his 1st and only match for us so far in 1985. -Kevin Sullivan, Luke Williams, and Perry Jackson complain about their push. I don't recall Sullivan and Williams as complainers in the past - obviously their recent pushes have gone to their heads. Jackson apparently needs to lose to Owen Hart more to get a reality check. -Arturo Mendoza has changed his style to "Regular Wrestler" - I'm not sure what he was before, maybe "Luchador". It's interesting that he's changed after wrestling exclusively in the US for a while. This can only help him, and he's already good. -Bobby Eaton has signed with Stampede, where he'll work while we're not using him...That's a tremendous opportunity for him to improve even more, with the likes of Bret Hart, The Dynamite Kid, and Bad News Allen -All Japan has officially closed, after being in financial trouble for several months. This follows the death of New Japan, and leaves UPW, which started during this dynasty, as the only surviving men's promotion in Japan. All Japan Women's Wrestling is also still around. All Japan is the 13th promotion to fold during this dynasty. There is now only one men's promotion in Japan and Mexico combined, leaving a ton of unemployed wrestlers. I'll have more thoughts about the ramifications of this in a later post. -And it looks like there's no sign to the end of the bloodshed. The dirt sheets report that All-Star Wrestling (UK), Mid-South, SECW, and SWCW are all close to death as well. Things are starting to get interesting. -Dick Murdoch won the National TV Title (Georgia promotion) from Jim Duggan. -Angelo Mosca, who hasn't wrestled since January 1984, has announced he will retire soon. -A number of wrestlers enter the universe (they couldn't have debuted at a worse time for job opportunities). Too Cold Scorpio and Johnny Ace are among the new arrivals. -So just to keep score, here's the surviving promotions in the game universe right now (in order of prestige), with those in serious financial trouble indicated by a (*) USA/Puerto Rico: -World Class Championship Wrestling -Georgia Championship Wrestling -American Wrestling Association -World Wrestling Council -Mid-South Wrestling* -Pacific Northwest -Southeast Championship Wrestling* -Southwest Championship Wrestling* -International Championship Wrestling -Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling -St. Louis Wrestling Club Canada: -International Wrestling -Maple Leaf Wrestling -Calgary Stampede Wrestling -Atlantic Grand Prix Wrestling UK: -All-Star Wrestling* Continental Europe: -Catch Wrestling Association Japan: -All Japan Women's Pro Wrestling -Universal Pro-Wrestling Federation Mexico: -None |
How are you doing financially? Any chance that Fritz let's you sign Hogan next month? :)
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Quote:
The details are in my next few updates here, but yes, February was just as good as Jaunuary, and I'm making a boatload on PPV. I have over a million in the bank now, and will be requesting negotiations will all of the heavy hitters again, including Hogan. It's pretty awesome how the universe has worked out that way - so many companies dead, and the survivors are making a killing. |
Also, I must have missed it or forgotten it if I saw it, but did the WWF go out of business? I do not see them on the list above.
If they did, what is Vince McMahon up to? Is it possible that he could begin a new promotion? |
Quote:
Yup, they went out of business. I THINK McMahon got a job somewhere - maybe as a booker - I'll check that when I'm in front of the game again. I don't know if people can start new promotions. Harley Race started the St. Louis Wrestling Club, but I assume that was programmed to happen by the mod developers. I haven't seen any purely AI-generated promotions, and I don't know if that's a possible occurence in this mod. I'm always tempted to play God - maybe use the editor and kill off Vince J. McMahon, and give Vince K. McMahon an inheritence and a new northeast based promotion. |
WCCW - END OF FEBRUARY 1985 - MONTHLY REVIEW
POPULARITY -Texas/Midsouth: 66.7% (up from 66.4% last month) -Midwest: 64.8% (up from 63.6% last month) -Southeast: 57.2% (up from 55.4% last month) -New England: 54.4% (up from 52.2% last month) -Southwest: 53.6% (up from 51.6% last month) -North West: 53.5% (up from 51.5% last month) -Great Lakes: 53.3% (up from 51.3% last month) -Mid Atlantic: 53.3% (up from 51.3% last month) -Tri-State: 53.3% (up from 51.3% last month) -Puerto Rico: 39.4% (up from 37.6% last month) -Strong increases continue throughout the country. This is the first time I've seen increases in Puerto Rico - my PPV/Closed Circuit Carrier Covers Puerto Rico, while my TV show does not. It looks like I'm only about 1-2 shows away from raising my midwest popularity to C+ level, which would put it in the same category at Texas. FINANCES Income (Last month in parenthesis): PPV Revenue: 419,304 (461,472) Ticket Sales: 618,840 (558,518) Sponsors: 139,518 (140,157) Merchandise: 211,200 (233,600) Expenses: Worker Costs: 307,875 (252,700) Show Costs: 135,000 (164,000) Marketing: 25,000 (25,000) Merchandise: 27,008 (27,310) Production: 64,000 (64,000) Misc: 425,350 (438,587) Total Profit: $404,549 ($422,150) Cash in Bank: $1,162,974 ($758,425) -The positive financial pictures continues for the second straight month. Even if that merchandise money suddenly decreased like it has in the past, I'd still be looking at a $200k profit. I was a little less conservative with work costs in February than I was in January, and it made very little difference to my bottom line -So, since I'm sitting on a pile of cash, it's time to be slightly less conservative. It's hard to believe that just a few months ago, I scaled down the whole operation to save money. I was down to $336,275 in the bank, and I was losing more than $100k/month. But I was saved by PPV, and the merchandise explosion. My population increases across the country are making things easier as well -I've re-started my DVD/Video Sales department. My business people tell me that it's revenues will be limited since I have free national TV, but it will help in continuing to expand my popularity. I've set the quality of the releases to "Above Average", the second of three tiers. I don't have a great sense of how that will benefit me, but the goal is to soon be maxed out in all areas of production so we can look like a big deal. -I've taken the music department out-of-house and increased the quality to the mid-level "Minor Licensed". This is expensive, and it will run me about $40,000/month. I'm not sure what the benefit is, but I can afford it. Custom Merchandise Settings: (All set to sell every type of merchandise, unless noted) Very Low Level (T-Shirts, Misc., and Posters Only): -David Von Erich -Kerry Von Erich -Kevin Von Erich Very Low Level (T-Shirts Only) -Iceman Parsons -Bob Backlund -Bobby Eaton -Roddy Piper -Tiger Mask -Curt Hennig -Antonio Inoki -Terry Funk -I make only very slight changes here, adding Inoki and Funk and removing Sammartino and Koko B. Ware. Sale levels still show "awful" for everyone, but I'm making tons of money somehow. There's some trigger that increased my merchandise revenue from around $15k a month to more than $200k, and then back down again. Now, we're on the happy side of $200k again, though I'm always concerned about it shooting back down. |
WCCW CHAMPIONS - End Of FEBRUARY 1985
-World Heavyweight Champion - 98.0% Prestige (Up From 97.2% Last Month) Main Event Title Curt Hennig (newly crowned). -Television Champion - 69.3% Prestige (up from 69.1% last month) Midcard Title Butch Miller - (2 title defenses, 2-week reign) -World Tag Team Champions - 69.4% Prestige (down from 70.0% last month) Midcard Title The Sheepherders - (newly crowned) -Six-Man Tag Team Champions - 70.0% Prestige (up from 62.5% last month) Main Event Title Bob Backlund, Dick Murdoch, & Kevin Sullivan -Cruiserweight Championship - 37.2% Prestige (Same as Last Month) Low Level Title Mike Von Erich - 2 title defenses, 3 month reign -Mike Von Erich is the only remaining champion from last month's update, as all other belts changed hands. February saw the end of Bobby Eaton's 5-month World Title Reign, Kevin Von Erich's 6-month TV Title reign, and Kevin/Kerry's 6-month Tag Team Title reign. Also, we finally crowned new six-man-tag team champions, and bumped that championship up to "Main Event Title" Status. |
Looks like you resolved your attendance problem for your big show. That's good to see.
|
Quote:
Yes, I think that was your tip a few pages back, not to run three shows in the same region in the course of a week. So now, I always run that week 4 house show somewhere else. |
WCCW STORYLINES - END OF FEBRUARY 1985
Storylines with participants and date of origin, in order of current heat: 1. Eaton/Koko hides the belt from David: Eaton/Koko/David Von Erich (October) 2. Hart Limited Drama: Gary Hart/Mendoza/Bundy/Villano IV (January) 3. Hennig v. Murdoch Part II: Hennig/Murdoch/Funk/Sullivan/Grappler #1 (January) 4T. Tag Team Title Storyline: Sheepherders v. Kerry/Kevin (April, recently evolved to include The Sheepherders, and to eliminate Tiger Mask/Kabuki, Mendoza/Bundy) 4T. Olsonoski v. Somers: Olsonoski/Somers (January) 4T. Cruiserweight Title Feud: Mike Von Erich/Villano V (January) Set to Debut: -Backlund/Inoki -Kamala Winning Streak -White/Cook/Koloff Lower midcarders and higher without a current or pending storyline: -Roddy Piper -The Great Kabuki -Grappler #2 -Tiger Mask -Mark Youngblood -Mr. Pogo -The Eaton/Ware/David storyline is the only one in the company with any kind of real momentum, so it will continue even though Eaton is no longer World Champion. Likewise, Hennig being the World Champion won't end his storyline with Funk/Murdoch/Sullivan. -The Koloff/Parsons angle officially came to an end in February. -Three new storylines are set to debut: Backlund v. Inoki, a Kamala "monter push", and a Leon White/Charlie Cook/Nikita Koloff storyline, which is designed to push White up into the upper midcard at least. WRESTLER CONFLICTS -The following wrestlers are unavailable on these days in October, as they consider these companies priorities over WCCW: NONE -The AWA is still 0.6% behind me in prestige. I have to keep watching them, as we share a few workers - each of whom will consider the more prestigious company their priority. Mid-Atlantic remains 2.6% behind. EXCLUSIVE WORKERS -These are the on-screen workers who happen to work for no one else but me. I'll try to give them a heavier workload, as they're the least likely to have fatigue issues. These guys are also relatively safer when it comes to talent cuts (this list does not include wrestlers who who are exclusively contracted to us, but as of the beginning of the month, have outstanding loan commitments with other promotions). -Al Perez -Antonio Inoki -Barry Orton -Bill Mercer -Billy Robinson -Charlie Cook -Curt Hennig -David Manning -The Sheepherders -David Von Erich -Doug Somers -Dusty Wolfe -El Halcon -Fritz Von Erich -The Grapplers -Iceman Parsons -Jackie Fargo -Kamala -Jose Lothario -Kerry Von Erich -Kevin Sullivan -Kevin Von Erich -Leon White -Mark Youngblood -Mike Von Erich -Mr. Pogo -Nikita Koloff -Owen Hart -Perry Jackson -Ricky Romero -Steve Olsonoski -The Great Kabuki -Villano IV -Villano V WRESTLER COMPLAINTS -Gary Hart is very unhappy about how often he's been unused on shows -Kamala is unhappy about how often he's been unused on shows -King Kong Bundy is extremely unhappy about how often he's been unused on shows -Perry Jackson is very unhappy about how he's been pushed -Roddy Piper is extremely unhappy about how often he's been unused on shows -Tiger Mask is unhappy about how often he's been unused on shows. -The locker room is a little bit happier than recent months, thanks to the departure of the whining Sammartinos. A lot of these existing issues will be taken care of - Kamala is now a regular, Hart/Bundy will return soon from their hiatus, and the month-long suspension of Tiger Mask is about up. WRESTLER DISAGREEMENTS ABOUT PUSHES -These are guys that have let me know they think they should be pushed better (including those listed above, whose complaints have risen to the level of affecting morale). (loan agreement workers designated by *). This doesn't include start-of-month changes. -Barry Orton thinks he should be a lower midcarder -Butch Miller thinks he should be an upper midcarder -Dick Murdoch thinks he should be a main eventer -El Halcon thinks he should be a lower midcarder -Grappler #1 thinks he should be an upper midcarder -Kevin Sullivan thinks he should be a main eventer -Luke Williams thinks he should be an upper midcarder -Mark Youngblood thinks he should be a midcarder -Nikita Koloff thinks he should be an upper midcarder -Perry Jackson thinks he should be a lower midcarder -Roddy Piper thinks he should be a main eventer -Tiger Mask thinks he should be an upper midcarder -Again, the locker room seems slightly happier this month, after removing the cancers of the Sammartinos and The Road Warriors. I'll take a look at the roster and consider all of these requests for promotions. |
Current Momentum Ratings (End of February, 1985), with last month is parenthesis.
B Bob Backlund (B-) Curt Hennig (B) B- Butch Miller (C+) Terry Funk (C+) Antonio Inoki (N/A) Koko B. Ware (B+) C+ Dick Murdoch (C+) Grappler #1 (C+) Villano IV (D) Kevin Von Erich (B) Iceman Parsons (B) Leon White (C-) Nikita Koloff (C) Kevin Sullivan (B) David Von Erich (B) Billy Robinson (N/A) Bobby Eaton (B+) Roddy Piper (B-) The Great Kabuki (C) C Arturo Mendoza (C) King Kong Bundy (C) Tiger Mask (C+) Grappler #2 (C) Luke Williams (C+) Villano V (C) Kerry Von Erich (B-) C- Mr. Pogo (B-) Kamala (N/A) El Halcon (N/A) Doug Somers (C-) D+ Charlie Cook (N/A) Steve Olsonoski (D) D Mike Von Erich (C-) Al Perez (D+) D- None E+ Perry Jackson (E) Dusty Wolfe (E+) E None E- Mark Youngblood (E-) F+ Barry Orton (F) Owen Hart (F) ------ Rising in February: Bob Backlund, Butch Miller, Terry Funk, Villano IV, Leon White, Nikita Koloff, The Great Kabuki, Steve Olsonoksi, Perry Jackson, Barry Orton, Owen Hart, Falling in February: Koko B. Ware, Kevin Von Erich, Iceman Parsons, Kevin Sullivan, David Von Erich, Bobby Eaton, Roddy Piper, Tiger Mask, Luke Williams, Kerry Von Erich, Mr. Pogo, Mike Von Erich, Al Perez, -In a reverse from last month, More guys falling than rising. A few take pretty steep drops - led by Bobby Eaton and Mr. Pogo, who drop three grades. |
Great stuff molson.
How about an Owen Hart vs Leon White match for me somewhere. |
ROSTER, END OF FEBRUARY, 1985
MAIN EVENTERS Bob Backlund David Von Erich Terry Funk Curt Hennig Bobby Eaton Dick Murdoch Antonio Inoki -Koko B. Ware drops down, is replaced by Dick Murdoch. Antonio Inoki debuted in this group in February. I expect nothing but A+ matches in the upcoming Inoki/Backlund feuds. Ware has been a good supporting player in all of the stuff involving Eaton, but now with Eaton out of the spotlight at World Champion, he moves down a notch. UPPER MIDCARDERS Luke Williams Butch Miller Roddy Piper Kevin Von Erich Kevin Sullivan Grappler #1 Kamala -Kerry Von Erich and Iceman Parsons drop down out of this group from last month. Dick Murdoch moves up to the main event. The Sheepherders, off of their tag team championship win, move up here. Kamala debuts here. And the Grappler, who I certainly never thought of at this level when I signed him, gets a deserved promotion as well, based on his strong in-ring performance. This group is extremely heel-heavy - 6 heels to 1 face. The lower part of the roster restores the balance. MIDCARDERS Kerry Von Erich Iceman Parsons Tiger Mask The Great Kabuki Arturo Mendoza Grappler #2 Steve Olsonoski Nikita Koloff Mike Von Erich King Kong Bundy Mr. Pogo -Kerry Von Erich and Iceman Parsons join this group after a demotion from the upper midcard. This might be the lowest Kerry has been - I imagine there will be a gradual decline of the Von Erichs in this dynasty, as I get more and more popular, and have more and more access to greater talents. The Sheepherders move up and out of this group. LOWER MIDCARDERS Doug Somers Villano V Mark Youngblood Leon White Charlie Cook El Halcon -El Halcon debuted in January as an Opener, but he was good enough in his first few weeks to move up here. Otherwise, it's the same group as last month. I'll be shocked if Leon White doesn't move up by March. OPENERS Al Perez Villano IV Perry Jackson Barry Orton Owen Hart -Same group as last month. Perry Jackson keeps complaining about his position, but he just hasn't earned the promotion just yet. ENHANCEMENT TALENT Dusty Wolfe OCCASIONAL WRESTLER Billy Robinson -Robinson has a slight initial push before being manhandled by Nikita Koloff at February Star Wars. That loss puts him back in his place as an "occasional" wrestler - he'll probably see a lot of tag team matches with younger wrestlers to help build them up. OTHERS Skandor Akbar Gary Hart Lance Russell David Manning Jose Lothario Fritz Von Erich Ray Stevens Ricky Romero Bill Mercer Jackie Fargo CONTRACTS UP IN NEXT 60 DAYS -Mr. Pogo (4 Days) -Al Perez (19 Days) -The Great Kabuki (42 Days) -David Manning (43 Days) -Tiger Mask (56 Days) -Skandor Akbar (47 Days) |
NEWS
-With all this money in the bank, I request negotiations with some of the biggest stars in the wrestling universe. I'm pretty content with my roster right now, so I'm really just looking for one guy to help faster catapult us to national level. So I'm looking to talk to : -Ric Flair -Dusty Rhodes -Hulk Hogan -The Junkyard Dog -Bruiser Brody -Stan Hansen -Sgt. Slaughter -I attempt to "declare war" on Mid-Atlantic and Georgia - that means that no worker can work for both of us (which would benefit me, as the higher prestige company). I'm tempted to declare war on every other company at this point. Though, I also offer "working relationship" (which would allow talent trades), with most other promotions in the universe that I don't consider a threat. With all the carnage in the wrestling industry, I currently retain working agreements with only three promotions: Pacific Northwest Wrestling, WWC, and Mid-South. -While I'm thinking of the talent trades, I decide to make a few: -Iceman Parsons to Portland Wrestling for Jerry Lawler (3 appearances) -Roddy Piper to Portland Wrestling for Greg Valentine (3 apperances) -We'll use Lawler to main event a southeast house show. We've used Valentine in the past - he's over pretty much everywhere and is good at pretty much everything. |
I'm not a wrestling fan, and I've gotten totally wrapped up in this dynasty. Keep it up.
|
THE STARS OF WORLD CLASS ON TOUR
Monday, Week 1, March 1985 Dallas, TX (Very Small Venue) Expected Attendance: 2,337 Ticket prices: $3 over Default Actual Attendance: 2,000 (SOLD OUT) -Pre-Show Dark Match Mark Youngblood defeats Dusty Wolfe in 5:44 by pinfall. (C+). After the match, Bill Mercer interviewed Youngblood about his win. (D) -Pre-Show Dark Match Grappler #2 (w/Grappler #1) defeats El Halcon in 7:50 by pinfall. (B-). -As the show starts, Lance Russell stands in the ring and introduces the new WCCW World Heavyweight Champion, Curt Hennig, who comes to the ring. Hennig cuts a lengthy promo hyping his world title win, and thanking the fans, Terry Funk, and The Von Erichs. He also says that he knows that the challengers are already lining up, and will all be gunning for him - starting with the current #1 Contender, Bob Backlund. He also also hypes tonight's main event - a WCCW Six Man Tag Team Championship Match between Backlund/Murdoch/Sullivan and Hennig/Funk/David Von Erich. (A) -Leon White defeats Doug Somers in in 7:15 by pinfall. (B-). White seemed off his game. The match suffered from a lack of psychology. After the match, Bill Mercer interviewed White about his win, and his strong performance in one of the TV battle royals last week. Mercer also asked White about the recent insults directed at him by another former NFL player, Charlie Cook. White says that he just comes to work like anyone else, and he isn't interested in getting in arguments with people. (D+) -Charlie Cook commandeered Bill Mercer for an interview before his match. Cook insults White again - this time, the attacks take a more viciously personal tone. (C-) -Al Perez defeats Charlie Cook in 5:35 by pinfall after interference from Leon White, who appeared to lose his temper and charged to the ring shortly after the match began. (D+) He attacked Cook on the oustside of the ring while the referee wasn't looking, leading to an easy win for Perez. Cook seemed off his game. -Kamala, The Ugandan Giant, came to the ring and attacked his opponent, Owen Hart, before the bell rang. (C-) -Kamala (w/Skandor Akbar) defeats Owen Hart in 5:44 by pinfall after a top-rope splash. (C+). The two showed poor chemistry. Kamala and Akbar showed bad chemistry as well. After the match, physicians attended to an injured Hart. Like Iceman Parsons at February Star Wars, Hart was stretchered back to the locker room. (D-) -Bill Mercer interviewed Antonio Inoki about his win over Grappler #1 at February Star Wars, and their rematch tonight. Mercer also asked Inoki about rumors that Bob Backlund isn't happy about Inoki's hype videos calling him a "former WWF Champion". Inoki laughs off the question, saying that while he knows the WWF had their reasons for not recognizing that title change, both he and Bob Backlund know what happened that night in Japan. (C) -Antonio Inoki defeats Grappler #1 (w/Grappler #2) in 13:35 by pinfall. (A). Inoki overcame interference from Grappler #2, who illegally switched himself into the match for the weakened (and identical looking) Grappler #1 when #1 became fatigued. The match suffered from a lack of selling. -Ray Stevens came to the ring with his stable: Bob Backlund, Kevin Sullivan, Dick Murdoch. He cut a promo hyping the group, and their upcoming Six Man Tag Team Title Defense. He especially calls out Hennig, and claims that his time with the World Title will be short. (C+) -WCCW Six-Man Tag Team Championship Match Bob Backlund, Dick Murdoch, & Kevin Sullivan (w/Ray Stevens) defeats Curt Hennig, Terry Funk, & David Von Erich in 24:56 when Backlund pinned Hennig following illegal interference from Stevens. (B). The heels make their 1st title defense. Backlund, Funk, and Hennig looked good. Before the match, Backlund insisted he be introduced as the "WWF Champion". Overall Show Rating: B THOUGHTS: -Solid show that wasn't looking so good at first. -With my improved finances, I'll be running more tag team matches, which will put a greater emphasis on the six-man tag team titles. Those matches give more guys an opportunity to improve, and keeps everyone happy. Backlund gets the pinfall on Hennig, the man he is scheduled to face soon for the World Title. Hennig has had some success against Backlund - last October, he defeated him once and wrestled him to a draw twice. -The match of the night, though, was Inoki/Grappler #1, who topped their February Star Wars match with a terrific "A" rated match here. We're starting to assemble more guys on the roster who can pull off A+ matches - that's key to someday nailing down our first A- or higher overall card. -Everything else was pretty disappointing, especially the revelation that Kamala/Akbar don't work well together. I'll run a storyline where Akbar "can't control" Kamala and has to sell his contract to someone else for liability reasons....I just have to find someone on the unemployment line who looks tougher than Akbar.... -Leon White got his first taste of a storyline, as he costs Charlie Cook a match. White has a lot to learn about showing charisma, etc, but I was happy with his match with Doug Somers. -Grappler #1/El Halcon impressed on the pre-show. That was the highest rated match in this dynasty for Halcon, and the Grappler matched his high. |
NEWS
-I re-sign Mr. Pogo for another 3 months at $1,200/show, a slight raise from his old $1,100/show deal. He's been in several good matches, but hasn't had a lot of success from a W/L standpoint. That will probably pick up for him a tad now that he's signed up. -Dick Murdoch is exhausted after the last show. He wrestled 17 matches in February between us, Georgia, and mid-south. -Tiger Mask has officially returned from suspension. He has about two months to prove he's worth the big money. The dirt sheets meanwhile, are reporting that he's causing problems backstage, in a political move to try to gain more power in the company. Maybe it's time to job him out and let his contract expire....There's a chance he wouldn't re-sign anyway, because he's decided he doesn't like me (probably because of the suspension). -Mid-Atlantic and Georgia have accepted my declaration of war. So worker will be permitted to work for both of us. I THINK that means Murdoch will leave them in the next few days, which will leave him more rested for us. Mid-Atlantic also uses Terry Funk and and Roddy Piper - that would be a big blow for them if they lost those guys. -I haven't declared war on the AWA yet - they're a little too close to me in prestige, and if they passed me, that means a bunch of guys on my roster (including Bobby Eaton), would stop working for me. So I'm keeping up good relations with them. -Seven other promotions, that I deemed less of a threat, agreed to my offer to establish a "working agreement", allowing us to engage in talent trades. That just gives me more options down the road. -I've requested negotiations with a couple of guys that might make a decent manager for Kamala - Mad Dog Vachon, Ox Baker, and thinking a little outside the box, a recently-retired Adrian Street. -I've requested buy-out talks will all of the promotions who are apparently near the end of the road (Mid-South, SECW, SWCS, All-Star Wrestling (UK). |
WORLD CLASS WRESTLING (LIVE TV SHOW)
Wednesday, Week 1, March 1985 Dallas, TX (Small Venue) Expected Attendance: 4,675; Ticket Prices: default Actual Attendance: 5,000 (SOLD OUT) -Pre-Show Dark Segment Bill Mercer interviewed Billy Robinson and Mark Youngblood, who are teaming together for the first time, to face the more established team of Perry Jackson & Barry Orton. (D+) -Pre-Show Dark Match Barry Orton & Perry Jackson defeat Billy Robinson & Mark Youngblood in 7:31 when Jackson pinned Youngblood. (C). Robinson & Youngblood showed excellent chemistry as a team. Robinson looked good. -Pre-Show Dark Match Grappler #2 (w/Grappler #1) defeats El Halcon in 6:22 by pinfall. (C+) -As the show starts, Curt Hennig is announced as the new World Heavyweight Champion - he comes down to the ring with his mentor, Terry Funk. Much like at the last house show, Hennig cuts a lengthy promo recapping the night we won the title, and his first week as champion. He thanks Terry Funk, the fans, and the Von Erichs. He says that he knows he faces many challenges as champion, including the #1 Contender, Bob Backlund. Hennig, says that as #1 Contender, Backlund is guaranteed a title shot during the month of March, and he'll get it, live on TV, in two weeks. However, says Hennig, he's not obligated to sit on the belt until then. In fact, Hennig has decided that he's going to defend his World Title for the first time next week on TV, against a man who Hennig admires, a man who never got the 1-on-1 title shot he deserved against Bobby Eaton. Hennig says he will defend the World Title against David Von Erich next week. With that, Bob Backlund and Ray Stevens come down to ringside - Backlund is wearing what appears to be his old WWF Championship belt (a belt he broke out for a storyline last year as well). Backlund takes issue with Hennig not giving him the very 1st title shot, considering he's the #1 Contender, and considering that he just defeated David for #1 Contender spot at Ferbruary Star Wars. Hennig says he's cleared it with Commissioenr Lothario, and it's all legal. While Backlund is guaranteed a title shot in March as the #1 Contender, that doesn't stop Hennig from defending the title against whoever else he wants, whenever else he wants. Backlund then claims that whoever wins the Hennig/David match will face Backlund in two weeks in a World Title unification match - making reference to his WWF Title. (The announcers note that Backlund has apparently been unhappy with the Antonio Inoki's hype videos, which described Inoki as a "former WWF Champion" - referencing a brief title reign that started when Inoki defeated Backlund in 1979. The reign was never offically recognized by the WWF. Funk and Hennig just look confused. (B+) -Backstage, Commissioner Jose Lothario stands with Skandor Akbar, and the WCCW TV Champion (and new co-holder of the World Tag Team Championship), Butch Miller. Miller is prepared to draw his random challenger from the rolling drum of volunteered names. But first, Lothario says he has other business for Akbar. After serious injuries suffered by Iceman Parsons at February Star Wars, and Owen Hart at a house show earlier this week in Dallas, Lothario is officially banning Kamala's top rope splash. Lothario demands that Akbar control his client. (C+) Miller than draws the name of his challenger for the TV Title - Mr. Pogo. (C) -The announcers hype the upcoming return to the ring of Tiger Mask, who has been out of the country for sometime, as he was wrestling in Japan (in actuality, he was suspended). The announcers introduce a video, which shows highlights of the masked Japanese high-flyer. (C) -Grappler #1 (w/Grappler #2) drew with Tiger Mask in 20:00 when the time limit expired. (B). -David & Kerry Von Erich cut a backstage promo hyping their main event tag match this week with Bobby Eaton & Koko B. Ware. The Von Erichs put over Curt Hennig's world title win, and they congratulate him on his success. David says he is honored that Hennig has chosen him to be his first title defense. Kerry & David then turn their attention to Eaton & Ware - saying it's no longer about the world title, but it's still personal. (B-) -Kamala, The Ugandan Giant comes to the ring for his match with Al Perez, but he attacks Perez before the match even started. (C-) -Kamala (w/Skandor Akbar) defeats Al Perez in 4:41 by pinfall, without utilizing the top rope splash. (B). After the match is won, however, Akbar quickly loses control of Kamala, who then hits the top rope splash on Perez. Medical staff attends to Perez for several minutes. Perez is then stretchered out of the ring - the third victim of Kamala in less than a week. (D) -WCCW Television Championship Match Butch Miller (w/Skandor Akbar) drew with Mr. Pogo in 7:35 following a double DQ, and a violent match. Miller makes his 3rd defense of the TV Title. (B). After the match, an out of control Kamala returns to the ring, and attacks Mr. Pogo, who is able to escape before Kamala hits the top rope splash on him. (C) -David & Kerry Von Erich defeat Bobby Eaton & Koko B. Ware in 23:30 when David made Eaton submit. (B+). Eaton and Ware looked good. Overall Show Rating: B THOUGHTS: -Very strong show, we must have just missed a B+ -The main event was basically the blow-off match in the whole Eaton/Ware/David saga, which started last July, almost a year ago. All four guys will likely drop in importance a little. -Kamala's getting a nice push as an out-of-control monster, he was all over the show. And he's getting several vintage monster heel angles all at once: The banned move (top rope splash), the stretchering out of opponents, and the generally wild and controllable actions. So it was GREAT to see him pull out a "B" rated match with Al Perez of all people. That's a great sign. The only guy to get better from Perez is Dick Murdoch. Iceman Parsons, Owen Hart, and Perez will all be out for sometime with kayfabe injuries caused by Kamala. -Fellow heels Pogo and Miller had a solid match as well over the TV title, considering they faced the heel v. heel penalty, and had bad chemistry on top of that. -Tiger Mask returned to face Grappler #1 (for some reason I love putting the masked guys in the ring against each other). After seeing Grappler's success against Inoki, I had a long-shot hope that this would crack "A" or even "A+", but it wasn't meant to be. Still solid though. We actually have six masked wrestlers on the roster right now. -Hennig as world champion feels right, but he'll be very lucky to hold onto the title past the roadblock he's set up for himself over the next two weeks: David, then Backlund. Backlund is starting to go back into "delusional/crazy" Backlund mode, where he claims to still be the WWF World Champion. -One of the roles I had in mind for Billy Robinson was to team up with our younger face jobbers. He did that here with Mark Youngblood, so I was glad to see that they "excellent" chemistry as a team - I don't think I've ever seen that particular road agent note (at least the "excellent" part). So they'll keep teaming, and hopefully have more success as they go |
NEWS:
-Taking a look at the two guys I just brought in for 3 appearances via talent trade, I set Jerry Lawler as a main event face, and Greg Valentine as a main event heel. The last time Greg Valentine was around, he had a mini-feud with Kevin Von Erich culminating at November Star Wars. -The TV show delivers a 4.11 rating, that's up .01 from last week. -All four of the companies I requested buyout negotiations with reject me. -Arn Anderson won the AWA TV Title from Ted Dibiase. It's only the 2nd career championship for Anderson, who won the SECW Heavyweight Title last year. -Ted Dibiase had better luck teaming with Jake Roberts to win the Pacific Northwest Tag Team Championship from from Don Muraco and Paul Orndorff. -Dusty Rhodes declined to negotiate with me, saying he wants to focus on his career with Mid-Atlantic. Ric Flair and Sgt. Slaughter reject negotiations as well - saying I'm not big enough for them. Since I'm as "big" as it gets in wrestling right now, they're obviously content to sit out and count their money. -A number of the other big names do talk to me, however. -Hulk Hogan appears to be far more reasonable with his demands than the last time we talked - he's down to $3,200/show - less than Roddy Piper makes, and only a few hundred/show less than what I just signed Terry Funk for. Still, grumpy old Fritz caps me at $2,514. Maybe he just doesn't like Hogan. And maybe Hogan lowered his asking price because I now employ two of his closest friends - Kamala, and Antonio Inoki. -Fritz caps my offer to Bruiser Brody at $2,754 - when Brody is asking for $3,075. No deal -Fritz caps my offer to Stan Hansen at $2,753 - when Hansen wants $2,932. -That just leaves the Junkyard Dog - who is willing to sign at a Fritz-friendly $2,400/show. But while JYD's immense Texas popularity is always intriguing, he's just not that impressive in the stats outside of Charisma. As much as I'd like to put him in a feud with Roddy Piper, I decide to pass for now. -So no major roster additions yet - we certainly have plenty of talent on the roster to continue our growth. Sooner or later, the stars will align and I'll bring in another major player. Until then, I'll develop my own. -Les Thorton and The Iron Shiek won the AWA Tag Team Titles for the 3rd time, defeating Manny Fernandez and Wahoo McDaniel. -Our world champion, Curt Hennig, has signed to work with Maple Leaf Wrestling on nights when we're not using him. He joins fellow WCCW workers Roddy Piper and Koko B. Ware. That sounds like a fun trio to hang out with on a Saturday night in Toronto. -Kerry Brown is hyped in the dirt sheets as a future star. Brown, the nephew of Bulldog Bob Brown, works for Atlantic Grand Prix Wrestling in the Canadian Maritimes. -Adrian Street rejected my request for negotiations for a non-managerial position, saying he's already stretched too thin. -Ox Baker though, is willing to sign for $2,250/show. That's pricey, but he's a great talent: an "A" rating in mic skills, Charisma, and Menace, and B+ in Star Quality. I'll bring him in as a the "handler" for Kamala. He could certainly move into a road agent capacity down the road if I wanted to go that way. He officially retired from in-ring competition in 1983. |
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I appreciate that, thanks! |
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This will happen soon after Hart comes back from his injury. |
THE STARS OF WORLD CLASS ON TOUR
Monday, Week 2, March 1985 Jackson, TN (Southeast - Tiny Venue) Expected Attendance: 1,499 Ticket prices: $3 over Default Actual Attendance: 1,000 (SOLD OUT) -Pre-Show Dark Match Charlie Cook defeats Mark Youngblood in 6:29 by pinfall. (D+) -Pre-Show Dark Segment Bill Mercer interviews the team of Billy Robinson and El Halcon, who are teaming for the first time tonight against the more established team of the Grapplers. Robinson does most of the talking - he says he's been enjoying wrestling in tag team matches the last few weeks - he's looking for a partner he gels with to make a run at the tag team titles. (D) -Pre-Show Dark Match -The Grapplers defeats Billy Robinson & El Halcon in 7:49 when Grappler #1 pinned El Halcon. (C+) -WCCW Commissioner Jose Lothario came out to the ring to start the main show. He welcomed the Tennessee fans, and recapped some of the recent events in WCCW. Also, he hyped what he said is the best time of the year in WCCW - spring. Lothrio says March will give us the Last Man Standing Event, April has the King of Texas Wrestling Tournament, and May has the Parade of Champions, the biggest show of the whole year. And for the first time, Lothario hypes, all of these events are available on PPV/Closed Circuit TV. Lothario than hypes the Last Man Standing event, which he says is perhaps the most interesting tournament in all of wrestling. He says that, as last year, the event will consist of 5 random-pairing tag team matches - competitors won't know who they're facing, or who their tag team partner is, until seconds before the match, when the pairings are drawn randomly by fans at ringside. The five winning teams will then compete in a 10-man over-the-top battle royal, where it's every man for himself. The winner is the 1985 Last Man Standing. The stakes will be high, says Lothario, as the winner will receive: -$10,000 Cash -A brand-new, 1985 Chevy Camaro -The Gigantic Last Man Standing Trophy -Automatic Entry Into the King of Texas Wrestling Tournament -A Contract For a Championship Match - (Can Be Used To Challenge For Any Championship, Single or Tag-Team, With 7 Days Notice, and No Expiration Date). -Jose Lothario claims that he has received an inquiry from the 1984 Last Man Standing, Terry Gordy, who wishes to be granted an exemption from his "losers leave WCCW match" to defend his trophy in 1985. Lothario says he has taken this request under advisement. This year, says Lothario, wrestlers have to earn their way into the event by winning a "Last Man Standing Qualifying Match" - the first two of which will take place tonight in Jackson, TN. However, all current champions will be granted automatic entry. Thus, Curt Hennig, Mike Von Erich, The Sheepherders, Bob Backlund, Dick Murdoch, and Kevin Sullivan will all participate. 2 of the final 13 spots will be decided tonight. (D) -Then, Lothario states that one of his campaign promises when he was running for WCCW Commissioner was to bring elite talent into WCCW. Lothario says that tonight, he's fulfilled that promise yet again, as Tennessee wrestling legend Jerry "The King" Lawler will wrestle in the main event, in a "Last Man Standing Qualifying Match" against Bobby Eaton. Lothario introduces Lawler, who comes to the ring to a huge ovation, and cuts a lengthy promo. He says that when he signed this match with Bobby Eaton several weeks ago, he thought he'd be wrestling the World Champion - but now, he's just wrestling a chump. He hypes the match further, and puts over the Tennessee wrestling fans. (B) -Last Man Standing Qualifying Match Leon White defeats Dusty Wolfe in 5:45 by pinfall to become participant #8 in the Last Man Standing Event. (C-). White looked good. White showed off a more aggressive, meaner wrestling style. (C-). After the match, Bill Mercer tried to interview White about his win, but all White wanted to talk about was Charlie Cook, who has been insulting him in recent weeks. White claims that when he first came to WCCW, he and Cook traveled together, sharing a bond over their football careers. White says that without getting into details, Cook stabbed him in the back, and now is insulting him in public every chance he gets. White says that he's had enough, and that Cook better watch himself, because when White gets a hold of him, it won't be pretty. (D-) -WCCW World Champion Curt Hennig comes to the ring and cuts a general hype promo, along with his mentor, Terry Funk (B+). He hypes his World Title Defense against David Von Erich scheduled for this week's TV show, and his scheduled defense next week against #1 Contender Bob Backlund. -Non-Title Match Curt Hennig (w/Terry Funk) defeats Mr. Pogo in 10:43 by pinfall. (B+) The match suffered from a lack of selling. -Skandor Akbar comes to the ring with his clients, the WCCW World Tag Team Champion Sheepherders. Akbar says that with the addition of Kamala, and the winning streak of Nikita Koloff, his Destruction, Inc. stable is the strongest it has ever been. (C) -Non-Title Match The Sheepherders (w/Skandor Abkar) defeat The Villanos in 7:39 when Williams pinned Villano IV. (D). There was a bizarre occurrence during the match. Two "fans" - an Elvis impersonator, and a minister, jumped out of the crowd and into the ringside area, and tried to start a conversation with the Villanos. The Villanos looked shocked, and "Elvis" and the minister were quickly escorted out by security. Some fans may have noticed that the Elvis impersonator looked a lot like Gary Hart, and the 400+ pound minister could easily have been mistaken for King Kong Bundy. After this encounter, the Villanos appeared very flustered, and quickly lost the match. (D). After the match, the wild Sheepherders celebrated their win around ringside, stealing beer and sodas from fans and drinking them. (C+) -Fritz Von Erich cut a quick promo before the main event, thanking the fans for coming out. (E+) -Bobby Eaton, alongside his associate Koko B. Ware cut a promo hyping his upcoming main event match with Jerry Lawler. Eaton trashes Lawler, saying that even though Curt Hennig stole the belt from him, tonight is still the closest Lawler will ever come to a World Championship. -Last Man Standing Qualifying Match. Jerry Lawler defeats Bobby Eaton (w/Koko B. Ware) in 31:38 by pinfall to earn the #9 spot in the Last Man Standing Event. (A+) After the match. Lawler celebrates with the fans at ringside. (B+) Overall Show Rating: B- THOUGHTS: -It's pretty easy to run good shows in the Southeast, even when you leave your major stars at home. I think that's because so many workers have overness in that region, and the fans are rated as extremely passionate wrestling fans. -The main event delivered big-time, which isn't surprising, since we used probably the two most over Southeast guys we had. Eaton is in a bit of a tailspin since losing the little. So Lawler will be in the Last Man Standing event, and don't rule him out just because he's on a loan contract - Buzz Sawyer, after all, won the King of the Texas Deathmatch tournament (albeit after invoking a creative control clause). -I thought I needed an extra storyline element to avoid a penalty so I figured the timing was right for King Kong Bundy and Gary Hart to emerge. The last we saw them, several months ago, Gary Hart was having a nervous breakdown, and then disappeared, along with Bundy, in Las Vegas. He left the Villanos in the middle of the Six-Man Tag Team Championship Tournament. His disappearance seemed to have a particular emotional impact on Arturo Mendoza, who Hart had built up to the cusp of the main event. And now, he shows up here dressed like Elvis, along with Bundy, who was dressed like a minister...... -Hennig wrestles his first match as World Champion, it's a good one against the reliable Mr. Pogo. This was actually the best ever match for Mr. Pogo. -Leon White, who still is using a "Colorado outdoorsman" gimmick, is getting a little more violent. He's warned Charlie Cook that he's coming after him, for mostly undisclosed reasons (other than the repeated public insults). This whole storyline is designed to give White a little exposure, and see if he's ready to jump up the roster a little. -Lothario hyped Last Man Standing, which is mostly a rip-off of the old NWA/WCW "Lethal Lottery". I'm a big fan of annual "tournament titles", of which we have four (Last Man Standing, King of Texas Wrestling, The Texas Rumble, King of The Texas Death Match). Lothario teased that Terry Gordy might participate - I had realized that the Freebirds have been gone for 6 months, which means they're eligible to be re-signed again. I think its too soon to bring them back for an actual return, but it would be pretty cool if I could bring Gordy in short-term, to defend his Last Man Standing crown. Unfortunately, since Gordy is working on a short-term contract with Atlantic Grand-Prix, that promotion is unwilling to trade him on a talent loan. So I request negotiations with him. If we're able to agree, I'd be inclined to keep him the whole three months, to not risk souring my relationship with him by firing him again. |
NEWS
-I negotiated a little with Mad Dog Vachon (who has an A+ respect rating and would make a great road agent), but since Ox Baker showed up at my office first and got the job, I send the Mad Dog on his way. -The Assassin won the Pacific Northwest TV Championship from Tom Prichard. I'm not sure when exactly it happened, but Pacific Northwest Wrestling has moved up to cult status, bucking the trend of failing promotions. Their main eventers right now are Jake Roberts, Greg Valentine, Ted Dibiase, Jerry Lawler, Don Muraco. They also have Gino Hernandez, Roddy Piper, Paul Orndorff, Iceman Parsons, and many more. -I was asked about Vince McMahon earlier - after the fall of the WWF, Vince got a job as a commentator with Joe Blanchard's Southwest Championshiop Wrestling. Vince shares the broadcast boost with color commentator Adrian Street. That's like a license to print money right there. On the theory that Hulk Hogan has reduced his asking price because I employ several of his friends, I decide to request negotiations with his "best friend" - Vince. Vince could fill a number of roles - he could certainly be an amusing manager of Bob Backlund. |
WORLD CLASS WRESTLING (LIVE TV SHOW)
Wednesday, Week 2, March 1985 Dallas, TX (Small Venue) Expected Attendance: 4,675; Ticket Prices: default Actual Attendance: 5,000 (SOLD OUT) -Pre-Show Dark Segment Bill Mercer interviewed WCCW Cruiserweight Champion, Mike Von Erich, who appeared to be somewhat annoyed at Villano V's high-risk move that lead to a 2-minute match and a Double Countout at February Star Wars. Mike says that the Cruiserweight division needs all the exposure it can get, and Villano V didn't do it any favors by being so reckless and cutting their match short. (C-) -Pre-Show Dark Match -Non-Title Match Mike Von Erich defeats Villano IV (w/Villano V) in 4:55 by submission. (B). The two showed great chemistry. The match suffered from a lack of selling. After the match, Villano V, who was ringside, got into the ring and looked annoyed at Mike - the two had a brief staredow before things settled down.(C) -Pre-Show Dark Segment Bill Mercer interviewed Dusty Wolfe about his upcoming match with El Halcon. (D) -Pre-Show Dark Match El Halcon defeated Dusty Wolfe in 5:36 by submission. (C+) -As the main show started, David Von Erich cut a backstage promo hyping his upcoming World Title Shot against Curt Hennig. (B). Hennig also cut a backstage promo, with Terry Funk by his side, hyping his first title defense. (A). -As the show starts, the broadcast team of Fritz Von Erich, Lance Russell, and Bill Mercer hype the show, and the recent events of WCCW. Notably, they recap Lothario's rundown of the Last Man Standing Event from the last show. To summarize, the event will feature: -20 Participants -The 7 champions as of the beginning of the month gain automatic entry -The other 13 spots go to the winners of "qualfying matches" over the next few weeks. -At the Last Man Standing Event, there will be 5 random pairing tag team matches - both partners and opponents will be random. -The winning teams take part in a 10-man, over the top rope battle royal, where it's every man for himself. -The winner is the 1985 "Last Man Standing", and wins the Last Man Standing trophy, $10,000, a 1985 Chevy Camaro, automatic entry into the King of the Texas Wrestling Tournament in April, and a contract for a championship match (can be used for any championship, at any time, with 1-week notice). -They then show a graphic of the wrestlers who have already entered: Curt Hennig, Mike Von Erich, The Sheepherders, Bob Backlund, Dick Murdoch, Kevin Sullivan, Leon White, and Jerry Lawler. They repeat the rumor that the 1984 winner, Terry Gordy, is petitioning for an "exemption" to get into the event and defend his trophy, despite his losing a "loser leaves WCCW match" six months ago. -Bill Mercer also makes brief mention of the rumored appearance of King Kong Bundy and Gary Hart at a live event earlier this week in Tennessee. Mercer says he's still working on "mini documentary" getting to the bottom of this situation, and he'll be ready to present it to the WCCW fans in the next few weeks. (D+) -#1 Contender Bob Backlund (w/Ray Stevens) defeated Mark Youngblood in 7:02 by pinfall. (C). Backlund looked good. Before the match, Backlund was once again wearing his WWF Championship belt, and demanded to be introduced as "WWF Champion". After the match, Backlund cut a promo, saying he has no interest in being in the Last Man Standing Event, and says he's officially withdrawing. Instead, said Backlund, he's challenging Antonio Inoki for a "WWF Championship Match" that night. Backlund then goes on a rambling promo, claiming that Inoki has never defeated him, and was never the WWF Champion. (B-) -A video highlights the recent destruction caused by the Ugandan Giant, Kamala, who has put Iceman Parsons, Al Perez, and Owen Hart out of action in recent weeks with his now-banned top rope splash. (C+) -Backstage, Jose Lothario stands with Skandor Akbar and Butch Miller, who his ready to draw his random challenger for his TV Title defense this week. But first, Lothario warns Akbar, and says that Kamala is completely out of control. Lothario says he is canceling Kamala's match that was scheduled for this week, and that if he uses the top rope splash move again, both Kamala and Akbar will be suspended indefinitely. Lothario warns Akbar to get his client under control. (C+). Then, Miller reaches into the rolling drum of volunteer challengers and draws - Leon "The Bull" White. (C). Akbar looks concerned. -Bill Mercer introduces another mini-documentary feature he had been working on recent weeks, following a series of matches between Doug Somers and Steve Olsonoski that all ended in draws. Mercer interviewed both men, who claimed a new found respect for each other. He also filmed a discussion between the two men, which showed a "behind the scenes look" at how a new tag team is formed. Olsonoski and Somers have agreed to bury the hatchet and team up. (D+) -In the ring Olsonoski and Somers cut a brief promo, announcing their debuting team. They play to the fans, which means a face turn for Somers. (D+) -Doug Somers & Steve Olsonoski defeat Barry Orton & Perry Jackson in 3:39 when Olosonoski pinned Orton. (C) -Bill Mercer then does another "journalistic feature" backstage, where apparently, Skandor Akbar is having trouble controlling Kamala, who is still in the arena, despite his match being canceled (since Akbar still has to manage Butch Miller in a match later tonight). Kamala is locked in his dressing room, where he can be heard yelling and destroying things. Akbar is trying to barricade the door from the outside, but claims to Mercer that he has "everything under control". (C+) -Last Man Standing Qualification Match Grappler #1 (w/Grappler #2) defeats Tiger Mask in 12:57 by pinfall after The Grapplers pulled their illegal "switch" tactic (the fresh Grappler #2, who looks identical to Grappler #2, switched into the match for the tired Grappler #1 when the referee wasn't looking). (B) This was a rematch of their 20-minute draw last week. Grappler #1 replaces Backlund in the Last Man Standing event, becoming participant #9. -WCCW TV Championship Match Leon White defeated Butch Miller (w/Skandor Akbar) in 5:57 by DQ after Luke Williams interfered. (B) An aggressive White surprisingly dominated the match, until Williams came in and apparently saved Miller's title (The belt can't change hands on a DQ). -WCCW World Heavyweight Championship Match Curt Hennig (w/Terry Funk) drew with David Von Erich in 25:41 by Double DQ, after Kamala apparently escaped from his locker room, ran down to the ring, and attacked both participants. Kamala then climbed to the top rope, preparing to hit his banned top-rope splash on David. However, Terry Funk grabbed a chair, and put himself between David and Kamala. Kamala descended from the ropes, then Funk hit him with the chair, sending him to the arena floor. Chaos ensues as the show ends. Hennig makes his 1st defense of the World Title. (A+). Overall Show Rating: B THOUGHTS: -Solid show, capped by a great main event between the company's two top babyfaces, though a match that was interpreted by an increasingly wild Kamala. These two have combined for 16 career A+ matches. Hennig survives another week, but will have to deal with Bob Backlund next. Kamala is literally getting a "monster push" right now. -I think this was Leon White's first 1-on-1 match on TV, and he gives a good showing against Butch Miller -Grappler #1 gets his biggest win of his WCCW career, wrestling Tiger Mask in a good match (but I still feel like these guys can do better than "B". -The Olsonoski/Somers storyline is officially over, as they're now a tag team. -Backlund has opted out of The Last Man Standing event, and will face Inoki in a "WWF Championship Match" int he main event of that event. Battle Royals tend not to work as main events, so I needed an A, or A+ match to end the night. -It's too bad Mike is feuding with Villano V, instead of Villano IV, who he clearly has better chemistry match. They had a great match on the pre-show. |
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Heh, I can just picture that one, nicely done. |
NEWS
-Ox Baker is late for the last show....That's not a great sign, considering he hasn't even started working with us yet. I give him a warning. -The TV Show delivers a 4.46 rating - that absolutely shatters our previous all time high of 4.15. I'll definitely be looking to change time slots/networks at the next opportunity to continue our ascent. -Rick Martel won the AWA TV Title for the 3rd time, defeating Arn Anderson. -Tito Santana won the WWC North American Championship, the biggest win of his career. He defeated Invader II. -After these years of playing this game, I still apparently don't understand the "war" dynamic, as Dick Murdoch, Roddy Piper, and Terry Funk haven't left their respective employers I after I declared war on them. I guess this only pertains to signing after the declaration (where a worker won't work for both "warring" promotions) -I request negotiations with Harley Race, who recently recovered from a major injury. He hasn't wrestled in about a year. He's 41-years old, and pretty broken down physically, but he'd add some decent "Plan B" star power since I can't get Flair or Hogan. -Speaking of Hogan, his "best friend" (in-game worker relationships), Vince McMahon is willing to sign for a fairly reasonable $1,325 for 9 months. I pull the trigger on that, and immediately request negotiations with Hogan again, to see if this will lower his price further, to something below Fritz's cap. As for Vince, he has A+ mic skills, "B" rated announcing skills and charisma, but is fairly unknown outside of the Northeast. -One thing that's always kind of annoyed me about this game is how non-wrestlers can't increase popularity, which means if they start low, they're always useless. With Vince, I'll test this idea, and record his current popularity, and see if it increases AT ALL, considering he'll probably be in some well-received angles with Backlund. Maybe I can boost it by giving him a few angles that are 6+ minutes long (the threshold where a non-wrestling segment rating counts in the overall rating): -Vince's Popularity (viewed using in-game editor) New England: 63.8% Tri-State: 60.2% Mid-Atlantic: 34.3% Great Lakes: 32.7% Southeast: 23.7% Midsouth: 20.4% Midwest: 20.0% Northweset: 18.0% Southwest: 17.4% -I don't remember if I noticed it at the time, but Bob Backlund signed with Calgary Stampede in February (where he's already wrestled Bret Hart), and just now has also signed with International Wrestling in Montreal. I'm somewhat concerned about his workload, though currently, he's at A+ "fatigue level" - I've been protecting him with squash matches lately. -There was recently an independent show in Mexico were the attendance (22) exactly matched the number of workers on the card. Mexican wrestling is dead. -I negotiate with Terry Gordy, and am able to lock him up for a short term, 3 month deal, at a ridiculous $1,200/show....Apparently he really wants to get back into the spotlight. There's a dynamic in this game where guys demand raises with every new deal with their current employer, so it seems like there's a lot of benefit to letting guys go for a while (the minimum before they'll talk to you again is 6 months). Gordy hasn't worked that much in the last 6 months - he wrestled 4 matches for AGPW in October, and then has taken the last 5 months or so off. He's still only 23 years old, and has wrestled 2 A+ matches. His momentum and popularity will have to be rehabilitated, but that's a great value. Obviously he'll defend his Last Man Standing Crown, but then I'll figure out a way to keep him around after that, despite him having lost the "loser leaves WCCW" match. -Curt Hennig and Jesse Ventura won the Maple Leaf Wrestling Tag Team Championship. |
Love what you are doing with Kamala. Probably my favorite storyline up to this point. It made me want to know how/what George Steele is doing in your dynasty.
Also, what is Jake Roberts up to? Any chance we could see him in the WCCW at some point? Maybe a talent trade or something... |
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Thanks...here's some updates on those guys, both of whom have stopped by WCCW since the dynasty started: George Steele: -Steele is retired from the business, and not working anywhere. He was in the WWF in the start of the game as a heel, wrestling his last match for them in October 1983 (when he lost to Samula). Before that, he mostly squashed jobbers, and then lost to higher profile guys like Roddy Piper and Bruno Sammartino. We signed him in October '83, to join Skandor Akbar's Destruction Inc. stable, but he wasn't around long. He defeated Johnny Mantel in his debut match, but then the next week, he lost to the debuting Bruiser Brody. That was his last career match, and we let him go after that, as I found him too expensive. Jake Roberts -Roberts is finding a lot of work - he's employed by Georgia, Mid-Atlantic, and Pacific Northwest (he wrestled 175 matches last year). He's a heel in Georgia, and a face in Mid-Atlantic and PNW. He's currently 1/2 of the Pacific Northwest Tag Team Champions with Ted Dibiase. He's also held a couple of singles titles during the dynasty: Florida Heavyweight Championship (he was the last champion the Florida promotion before they went under), Georgia National TV Title, and the NWA United States Championship. -He has had two runs with us so far via talent trade. We had in for a few months in Spring 1983, but it was an uneventful run, because he considered other promotions a higher priority than us - so I never knew when I would be able to use him. He came in as a kind of babyface enforcer for Fritz Von Erich, who was having problems with Skandor Akbar and Gary Hart. He defeated Magic Dragon in his first match, but then was being used elsewhere for several months, so I got frustrated, and jobbed in him to the Super Destroyer, and then Terry Gordy in a American Heavyweight Championship Match -Then I also brought him in for last year's Last Man Standing Event. He teamed with Mike Von Erich to defeat Al Perez & Doug Somers, and advance to the final battle royal match, which was won by Terry Gordy. I'll definitely think about bringing him back for this year's Last Man Standing Show. |
THE STARS OF WORLD CLASS ON TOUR
Monday, Week 3, March 1985 Indianapolis, IN (Very Small Venue) Expected Attendance: 2,337 Ticket prices: $3 over Default Actual Attendance: 2,000 (SOLD OUT) -Pre-Show Dark Match Leon White defeats Barry Orton in 6:35 by pinfall. (C+). The match suffered from a lack of selling. White looked good. After the match, Bill Mercer interviewed White about his success of late, and about his rival, Charlie Cook. They also talked about the Last Man Standing Event, for which White has qualified. (C+) -Last Man Standing Qualifying Match -Triple Threat Match (One Fall to a Finish) El Halcon defeats Perry Jackson and Mark Youngblood in 7:02 when El Halcon pinned Jackson. (D+). Halcon looked good. Halcon qualifies for the Last Man Standing event, as participant #10. -As the show starts, Bill Mercer interviews WCCW Commissioner Jose Lothario, who hypes the show - especially the main event, just signed after the events of last week's TV show. After the David Von Erich/Curt Hennig World Title Match was ruined by Kamala, Hennig agreed to give David a rematch tonight, 2 days before he's set to defend the World Title against Bob Backlund on TV. Also, Lothario hypes tonight's 4-way World Tag Team Title #1 Contender's Match - he says the winners will get a shot against The Sheepherders next week in Las Vegas. Lothario also says that on the TV show this week, he'll address two of the issues many have asked him about - Kamala (and whether he'll be suspended for his actions last week), and Terry Gordy (whether he'll gain an "exemption" to compete in the Last Man Standing Event.) (D+) -Bill Mercer interviews Billy Robinson about his upcoming match against Bob Backlund. (C+) -Bob Backlund (w/Ray Stevens) defeats Billy Robinson in 18:45 by pinfall in a competitive match. (B). The match suffered from a lack of selling. Backlund again wore his WWF Championship belt, and insisted on being introduced as the "WWF Champion". After the match, Stevens and Backlund cut promos hyping Backlund's World Title challenge at the TV show this week. Backlund promises he'll defeat whoever emerges from tonight's match with the belt. (B). Then, Ray Stevens says just to clear things up, once and for all, any confusion regarding the WWF Championship, he's arranged a "special pronouncement" to take place right now. Stevens introduces former WWF Owner, Vince McMahon, who comes to the ring. Vince cuts a lengthy, heel promo, putting over the legacy of the WWF, and trashing his dead father, who he blames for the company's demise. Most importantly, Vince "proclaims" that Bob Backlund is the "official" WWF Champion, and that Antoni Inoki was never recognized as a WWF Champion. The three leave together. (C) -The Villanos come out to the ring for the next match, but just like last week, Gary Hart (dressed as Elvis), and King Kong Bundy (dressed as a minister), come to the ring and try to talk to the Villanos, who want nothing to do with the mentally unstable Hart and Bundy. Hart berates both Villanos, until Villano IV shoves Hart - King Kong Bundy then springs into action, attacking both Villanos with splashes before the next match even begins. (C). -4-Way Tag Team Match (Elimination Rules) -#1 Contenders Match - World Tag Team Title Kerry & Mike Von Erich defeated The Villanos, The Grapplers, and Dick Murdoch & Kevin Sullivan (w/Ray Stevens) in 9:09. (B-). The order of elimination was as follows: 1. The Villanos (weakened by the pre-match attack), where eliminated when Kevin Sullivan pinned Villano IV 2. Dick Murdoch & Kevin Sullivan by DQ, after Ray Stevens was caught interfering. 3. The Grapplers, when Kerry Von Erich made Grappler #2 submit. -Murdoch looked good. -After the match, Kerry & Mike cut a promo hyping their win, and their match next week against the Tag Team Champion Sheepherders. Kerry says he's anxious to get his hands on The Sheepherders again - and that Kevin, still recovering from his shoulder injury, will be cheering them on. (C). Mike Von Erich, the WCCW Cruiserweight Champion, says he doesn't know what was up between the Villanos and Gary Hart/King Kong Bundy before the match, but he wants to challenge Villano V to one more Cruiserweight Title match at this week's TV show. (C-) -David Von Erich came to the ring and cut a promo, putting over Curt Hennig as a "fighting champion" for agreeing to this title defense on such short notice, after their last match was ruined by interference from Kamala. (B+) -WCCW World Heavyweight Championship Match David Von Erich drew with Curt Hennig (w/Terry Funk) in 30:00 when the time limit expired. (A). Hennig makes his second defense of the World Title. After the match, Hennig and David shook hands as a sign of respect. Overall Show Rating: B THOUGHTS: -Solid show, capped by the Hennig/David rematch that was just a tad worse than their TV match. -Kerry & Mike, who I'm not sure have teamed together yet in this dynasty, get a title shot against The Sheepherders in the next stage of that feud. I'm really stalling for time waiting for Kevin to get healthy. -Gary Hart and King Kong Bundy showed off their insane new gimmicks once again, in a second apparent attempt to recruit the Villanos to their "cult". Perhaps the real Gary Hart would have walked out before doing an Elvis gimmick, but I find it's a nice diversion, and I actually have some plans for it. -Vince McMahon makes his WCCW debut. Not every WCCW fan would know who he is, but that doesn't matter - he can come off as a pompus heel no matter the backstory. His association with Ray Stevens' group is still unclear, though the entire stable has connections to the WWF or the northeast (maybe I should call the stable, "The Federation". Vince's midwest popularity did increase 0.4% points from this segment, probably because it was a "major" (more than 5 minutes) segment. -I think the Last Man Standing event needs some lower card guys for some flavor (and to keep costs down), so El Halcon joins the party tonight. I'll have to hustle to qualify 10 more wrestlers by next Saturday night. |
NEWS
-I'm thinking of doing a legit random draw for the "lethal lottery" aspect of the Last Man Standing event, just like I did for tournament pairings at a show last year. I would make myself run all the matches "call in ring" of course, no benefit of "scripting". I don't know of any promotion that ever did something like that, but I think it would be a selling point for the smart fans (if you convince them the draw was legitimately random), and it would also create situations that encourage creativity, and a genuine feeling of randomness. -Referee David Manning's contract is coming to an end this month - this is the last of the original contracts I inherited. He was making a flat $3k/month, regardless of how many times he was used. Presumably, he will no longer be interested in such a contract, and I'll have to pay him by the show. That will cost some money. He has A+ referee skills, so I'll re-sign him unless his requests are ridiculous. -Harley Race, anxious to get back in the ring, is willing to sign for $1,600/show for 18 months. I would be willing to do it, but Fritz caps me at $1,500/show. I've never seen Fritz cap me that low - apparently he just doesn't think the 41-year old Race is worth it at this point. |
I like the addition of Vince. I'm sure you will be able to do some cool things with him trying to rise in power.
I'm really enjoying this dynasty -- it feels like you are "this close" to taking the WCCW to the next level. :) |
Quote:
I did that once upon a time when I had my WCW dynasty on here for Battle Bowl. You end up eliminating some guys from the mix that you might want in, like for me, I didn't have Sting in Battle Bowl, but it adds a challenge to things. Quote:
:( |
Quote:
Good point, this is exactly why I'm using a pre-determined field of 20 rather than opening it to the whole roster. The Harley Race denial was just weird - Frtiz has never capped me at anything near that, and Race would have been making less than my average worker salary. There's some dynamic here I haven't figure out yet - maybe Fritz thinks my overall roster is too big/expenesive. |
Quote:
When I did Battle Bowl, I actually did limit it to like 32 guys to make sure all the guys I wanted in the tag matches got in, I just ended up with a bad draw where Sting and some goof were going up against 2 other main eventers, so Sting's partner had to do the job. The roster costs being too big actually makes sense. Maybe if you let someone walk when their contract is up, it will free up money for some of the other stars you want to bring in. |
WORLD CLASS WRESTLING (LIVE TV SHOW)
Wednesday, Week 3, March 1985 Dallas, TX (Small Venue) Expected Attendance: 4,675; Ticket Prices: default Actual Attendance: 4,852 -Pre-Show Dark Match -Last Man Standing Qualifying Match - Both Winning Tag Team Members Qualify Doug Somers & Steve Olsonoski defeat Barry Orton & Charlie Cook in 7:25 when Olsonoski pinned Orton. (D+) Somers and Olsonoski qualify for the Last Man Standing Event, as participants #11 and #12. -Pre-Show Dark Match -Last Man Standing Qualifying Match Grappler #2 (w/Grappler #1) defeats Villano IV in 6:50 by pinfall. (C). Grappler #2 qualifies for the Last Man Standing Event as participant #13. The two showed poor chemistry. After the match, Bill Mercer interviewed Grappler #2 about his win, and the fact that both Grapplers have now qualified for the Last Man Standing event. (C-) -As the show starts, WCCW World Champion Curt Hennig, with his mentor Terry Funk, cuts a backstage promo hyping his World Title defense tonight against #1 Contender Bob Backlund. (B+) -As the show starts, announcers Lance Russell and Fritz Von Erich introduce a new show format. Russell and Fritz will sit at ringside to commentate on the matches, while Bill Mercer will work as the "sideline reporter", interviewing wrestlers, going backstage, and occasionally offering insights on matches. Also, Bill Mercer debuts his new 2-minute "Update" segment, which recaps all of the goings-on in WCCW, including footage and results from house shows and dark matches. (D-). -In this segment, Mercer shows footage from Monday night's show in Indianapolis, where Kerry & Mike Von Erich were deemed #1 Contenders to the tag team titles, Vince McMahon made a surprising appearance, and World Champion Curt Hennig drew with David Von Erich. He also ran down the full list of current participants in the Last Man Standing Event, including those that qualified earlier tonight on the pre-show. He also shows the bizarre house show footage of Gary Hart (dressed as Elvis) and King Kong Bundy (dressed as a minister) interfering in matches involving the Villanos, noting that WCCW is running a show in Las Vegas next week - the same place Bundy and Hart originally went missing several months ago. Finally, Mercer says speculation is running wild in the locker room regarding two major announcements that Commissioner Lothario is set to make: First, regarding the status of Kamala after his recent uncontrollable violent antics, and his use of banned moves; and Second, the answer to Terry Gordy's request for an exemption, and entry into the Last Man Standing Event. (D+). -A video package highlights the path of destruction of Kamala, including the failed attempts of Commissioner Lothario's attempts to reign him in, and the injuries suffered by Owen Hart, Al Perez, and Iceman Parsons. Then, Lothario appears on screen and announces that after consultation with the WCCW legal department, Kamala has been suspended indefinitely. (C). Skandor Akbar, who was standing just off camera with TV Champion Butch Miller, charges into the screen and argues with Lothario. (C+). Finally, Lothario tells Akbar to shut his mouth, and to instruct his client Butch Williams to draw a name out of the rolling drum of volunteers to determine his challenger this week for the TV title. -Akbar continues arguing, until Lothario tells him if that if Miller doesn't draw in 10 seconds, he'll strip the title, draw two names himself, and have a match later tonight for the vacant title. Akbar reluctantly instructs Miller to draw a name - Billy Robinson. (C-) -Last Man Standing Qualifying Match Arturo Mendoza defeats The Great Kabuki in 12:11 by countout. (B-). Mendoza qualifies for the Last Man Standing event, as participant #14. During the match, Gary Hart (still dressed as Elvis), and King Kong Bundy (still dressed as a minister) approached the ring with a briefcase, apparently looking to speak with the match participants - both former clients of Hart. Hart first attacked the referee and threw him to the outside of the ring. Hart then yelled at Mendoza, waiving a contract in his face, asking him to leave with him and Bundy. When Mendoza appeared reluctant, Hart shoves him. Mendoza shoved Hart back, which led to King Kong Bundy getting involved. Bundy squashed his former tag team partner, Mendoza, in the corner. Then, Hart approached former client Kabuki, grabbed Kabuki's hair, and yelled something to him. Kabuki appeared deferential to and in awe of Hart, and he eventually left the ringside area with Hart and Bundy. Mendoza was left alone in the ring, recovering from the Bundy attack, but won by countout after the referee recovered, and Kabuki had left the match. Mendoza then grabbed a mic, and cut a promo, telling the fans that he will never work for that "psycho" Hart again, after the way he walked on him several months ago. (B) This completes a Mendoza face turn (and a heel turn for Kabuki). -After a commercial break, Bill Mercer and a cameraman catch Hart, Bundy, and Kabuki leaving the arena in Hart's car, a Cadillac convertible. Kabuki seems confused, but loyal to Hart. (C+) -In a backstage promo, Villano V hypes his upcoming Cruiserweight Title Shot against Mike Von Erich. (C-). A video recaps the rivalry between the two, which has ranged from friendly to tense. (C) -WCCW Cruiserweight Championship Match Mike Von Erich drew with Villano V in 5:58 by double countout, in an ending similar to the one at February Star Wars, to make his 2nd defense of the Cruiserweight Title. (C-). Villano V attempted a high risk move from the ring to the floor, with briefly incapacitated both men, leading to the double countout. -Antonio Inoki cut a backstage promo hyping his main event match at the Last Man Standing show against Bob Backlund. (B). Inoki seemed amused about Backlund's obsession over the WWF title, and Inoki's brief run with that title many years ago. Inoki says that to him, this match is just a chance to test himself against one of the world's best. Though he respects the legacy of the WWF, he's not concerned with the championship belt from a defunct organization. -Antonio Inoki defeats Kevin Sullivan (w/Ray Stevens) in 11:45 by DQ after Stevens interfered. (B-) Sullivan appeared to be trying to "soften up" Inoki for his stablemate Backlund. The match suffered from a lack of selling -WCCW Television Championship Match Butch Miller (w/Skandor Akbar) defeats Billy Robinson in 4:38 by pinfall to make his 4th defense of the TV Title. (C). The two showed poor chemistry. -Lance Russell comes to the ring and introduces WCCW Commissioner Jose Lothario, who has another major announcement. Lothario talks about the decision process involving Terry Gordy's request to enter the Last Man Standing event, and defend his crown from last year. Lothario says that on one hand, Gordy lost a "loser leaves WCCW" match, fair and square. However, said Lothario, it would certainly add something special to the event to give Gordy the opportunity to defend his 1984 Last Man Standing trophy. Lothario also feels that it would contribute to the legacy and prestige of the event, that any new winner will have to outlast last year's winner. Balancing all of these factors, says Lothario, he's decided to grant Gordy an exemption, and allow him to participate at the event. (C-) Also, says Lothario, Gordy will be granted exemptions for two "tune-up" matches, first next Monday in Las Vegas, and then on next week's TV show. -Ray Stevens comes to the ring with his stable (Bob Backlund, Dick Murdoch, Kevin Sullivan, and Vince McMahon), and cuts a lengthy promo hyping the group, and Bob Backlund's upcoming title match. Stevens refers to the group several times as a "Federation". While Stevens is talking, staff members set up boxes of champagne near the announce table, in what Stevens calls "preparation for a coronation". (C+) -WCCW World Heavyweight Championship Match Bob Backlund (w/Ray Stevens, Kevin Sullivan, Dick Murdoch, & Vince McMahon) defeats Curt Hennig (w/Terry Funk) in 20:33 by pinfall to win the World Championship. (A+). Backlund again insisted that he be referred to as the "WWF Champion", and that this match be called a "title unification match". The match featured interference from everyone at ringside, though a chair-wielding Terry Funk was largely able to keep the heels at bay, ensuring a relatively fair match. After the match, the heels celebrate wildly around ringside for several minutes. Champagne flies. (C+). Vince looked "dreadful" in this segment. Overall Show Rating: B THOUGHTS: -This was a loaded show, I'm glad I pulled of the decent rating as well. -Bob Backlund wins the World Title in a great match, and Curt Hennig's reign turns out to be not nearly as impressive as Bobby Eaton's. (Though he did manage to retain twice against David Von Erich). This is Backlund's second run with the title (previously, he won the belt and then surrendered it, per agreement, to Michael Hayes. The title was subsequently vacated). It's not immediately clear what this means to his match with Antoni Inoki next week. -I'm going with "The Federation" as a working name for the stable. Vince looked "dreadful" in these segments, but that's probably just because he's still pretty unknown in Texas. Hopefully that will change soon as he hangs around with these guys. -Terry Gordy is back, at least for Last Man Standing event and his two tune-up matches. This run will be a bit of a rehearsal to see if he can still be relevant in my stronger roster. -The Hart/Kabuki/Bundy stuff is out there, but there was some clear storyline development tonight. To recap: Hart walked out the Villanos and Arturo Mendoza several months ago, in the middle of the six-man-tag team title tournament. This was an especially difficult blow for Mendoza, who had considered Hart a father figure. Mendoza cut several sympathetic promos in the weeks following. Now, Hart (who disappeared in Vegas after a series of events caused a nervous breakdown), has completely lost it, and is trying to re-assemble his stable. Mendoza said no (turning face), and Kabuki said yes (turning heel). Which makes sense, because Kabuki has never of course been of completely stable mind anyway. So that's where we are now. -So there's three heel stables building power, and they have a unique hook. Violent/Ruthless (Akbar's Destruction Inc), Crazy (Hart Limited), and Elite/Professional (The Federation). -Kamala is "indefinitely suspended", but surely not gone forever. -Bill Mercer's new "update" segment will give me a chance to remember and recap what's been going on, it also brings the house show/dark match results to TV, so I can assume, in booking, that everybody knows about everything, whether the match was on TV or not. |
NEWS
-The TV Show delivers a 4.46 rating, matching last week's all-time high. Next month, I'll be negotiating for a new time slot/network. -I had requested negotiations with Hulk Hogan again, just to see if the fact that I now employ his best friend would bring down his asking price at all. Nope, he still wants $3,200/show, and Fritz caps my offer at $2,514, same as last time. I will be looking to shed some conracts over the next weeks and months to see if Fritz gets any more reasonable. -Speaking of Fritz, his new blocks/goals are looming at the end of this month. The dynasty started in an April, so every April, Fritz can assign goals (things I have to reach or I'm fired) and blocks (restrictions about signing wrestlers). The past goals have been easy, and the past blocks haven't been very restrictive. But starting in April, Fritz has a clean slate, and I'll have to adjust from there. The one I've heard about that might cause the most problems is "you can't sign anyone with a drug problem".....I'd probably be left with Owen Hart and Billy Robinson... -The only current block I've been dealing with from Fritz (aside from the capped pay), is that I can't sign anyone with a resilience rating of less than C-. That's only impacted me a couple of times - it's kept me from negotiating with Andre The Giant, and Giant Haystacks (later known as "Loch Ness" in WCW). -Vince McMahon has left his position as SWCW booker - he wasn't with them very long, perhaps he left because we're "at war" with them. I still haven't nailed down that dynamic. It will be interesting to see who takes over there. -David, Kevin, and Kerry all get periodic offers from companies, but all maintain their loyalty to WCCW, refusing to work anywhere else -Kevin by the way, is still limited by that shoulder injury. I've shut him down until he's 100%, and there's no telling when that will be. -Referee David Manning, who's current contract earns him $3,000/month (which breaks down to $333/show, wants $825/show to keep working for me). That would cost me an extra $4,425/month. That's not all that much, but since I still have a few weeks before his contract is up, I decide to request negotiations with every other referee who has A+ ref stats (I'm not sure if any other stats matter for ref). There's 7 out there that are willing to talk to me - if anyone is willing to work for way less than Manning, I'll consider him. -WWC is bucking the trend of failing promotions and has risen to Cult Status, which will mean a few more jobs for wrestlers. There are now 7 Cult-sized promotions - all of them are in the US, except for All-Star Wrestling in the UK. -Greg Valentine, who will wrestle in the main event of our house show in Las Vegas this week, won the National Heavyweight Championship in Georgia Championship Wrestling, from Steve Keirn. -Paul Orndorff has signed with the AWA. They're still the #2 most prestigious promotion, behind us. -I sign Al Perez for 9 more months, only because he just wanted a $25/show raise, from $425 to $450/show. |
THE STARS OF WORLD CLASS ON TOUR
Monday, Week 4, March 1985 Las Vegas, NV (Southwest - Tiny Venue) Expected Attendance: 1,323 Ticket prices: $2 over Default Actual Attendance: 1,000 (SOLD OUT) -Pre-Show Dark Match Leon White defeats Dusty Wolfe in 4:45 by pinfall. (C-) -Pre-Show Dark Match Charlie Cook defeats Doug Somers in 7:45 by submission. (D). After the match, Bill Mercer interviews Cook about his recent war of words with fellow former pro football player Leon White. Cook once again lashes into a verbal attack of White. (E). Soon, however, Leon White interrupts the interview and attacks Cook. Cook quickly retreats to the locker room, as Mercer runs for cover. White chases Cook back. (E) -As the main show starts, WCCW Commissioner Jose Lothario comes to the ring to welcome the fans to the show, and run down the card. He also hypes the TV show, and this Saturday night's Last Man Standing Event, which is now available on PPV and Closed Circuit. He also addresses his controversial decision last week to allow Terry Gordy into the Last Man Standing event. Lothario says that he realizes the decision isn't fair to the Von Erichs, who defeated Gordy and The Freebirds in the Loser Leaves WCCW match last summer. In consideration of that, says Lothario, he's decided to grant automatic Last Man Standing Event spots to both David and Kerry Von Erich (Mike is already in, and Kevin is out injured). They will not have to qualify - they're automatically in. That brings the total announced participants in the event to 17, with two more spots on the line tonight. (C-) -Koko B. Ware comes to the ring and cuts a promo hyping his upcoming Last Man Standing Qualifying Match with Billy Robinson. He's playing up his heel "urban thug" gimmick. (C) -Last Man Standing Qualifying Match Billy Robinson defeats Koko B. Ware in 12:58 by pinfall to become participant #18 in the Last Man Standing Event. (B+). After the match, Ware, so angry over his upset loss, tries to attack Robinson. Robinson, however, succeeds in mat wrestling Ware to the ground. (D+). Ware tumbles out of the ring and retreats to the locker room. Bill Mercer interviews Robinson in the ring about his win - Robinson says he's very excited to take part in the Last Man Standing event, and while others might consider his win tonight an upset, he had confidence in himself. (D+) -Gary Hart comes to the ring with King Kong Bundy and the Great Kabuki. Hart has a guitar with him. He cuts a rambling promo about Las Vegas, and how he's "learned about life" here the last several months. He makes vague references to his activities here the last few months, and describes a "spiritual awakening". He also hypes tonight's tag team match with his clients and the Villanos - a team who recently refused his managerial services. However, before the match, says Hart, he wishes to entertain the fans with a song. He performs a horrendous version of "Are You Lonesome Tonight" to a disproving crowd. (C) -The Villanos defeat King Kong Bundy & The Great Kabuki (w/Gary Hart) by DQ in 10:03 after Kabuki sprayed the green mist on Villano IV. (B-) Kabui and Bundy were completely unorganized and acting erratically throughout the match. -Terry Gordy comes to the ring for his first WCCW appearance since last July. He hypes his return, and his participation in the Last Man Standing event on Saturday. He says that once again, he got one over the Von Erichs, and he's hoping that sometime Saturday night, he'll be able to kick some Von Erich ass like old times. (C-). -Terry Gordy defeats Mark Youngblood in 5:42 by submission. (C-). -Kerry & Mike Von Erich come to the ring and hype their upcoming tag team title shot against The Sheepherders, a shot they earned in a 4-way tag team match last week. Kerry says he's been looking forward to getting this shot, ever since The Sheepherders put Kevin out of commission and took the titles from them. Kerry said Kevin is doing well and should be back soon, and that he and Mike plan to make him proud and win the gold tonight. (C-) -WCCW World Tag Team Championship Match The Sheepherders (w/Skandor Akbar) defeats Kerry & Mike Von Erich in 8:32 when Miller pinned Mike to make their first title defense. (C+). Luke Williams looked good. -Terry Funk came to the ring to hype his main event match, a Last Man Standing Qualifier against Greg Valentine, the new National Heavyweight Champion from Georgia Championship Wrestling, who is making another stop in WCCW. (B+) -Last Man Standing Qualifying Match Greg Valentine defeats Terry Funk in 24:03 by pinfall after using the ropes for leverage. (A+). Valentine becomes participant #19 in the Last Man Standing event. Overall Show Rating: B: THOUGHTS: -Another solid show, though I thought I had an outside shot at a B+ here. -A+ matches are definitely getting more common - I just have to figure out how to have more than one of them on a single show. -This was Valentine's first of a 3 match loan contract. At this point, I can bring in a huge variety of guys via loan contract, but I'm try to have some continuity on the roster, so I'll try to bring the same guys back. Valentine had a mini-feud with then-TV champion Kevin Von Erich in November. -The tag team title match was pretty good also, anything involving Mike that reaches C+ ain't bad. Mike & Kerry don't have a whole lot of experience as a team. I'm basically stalling waiting for Kevin to come back and renew this feud. In the meantime, The Sheepherders will enjoy the fact they're dealing with Mike instead of Kevin. -It's tough to judge where Terry Gordy is with just a C- match against Mark Youngblood. I'll try to give him slightly better competition on the TV show. His time away has probably decreased his momentum and popularity a tad. -Kabuki/Bundy are basically a comedy act for now, but if Gary Hart can pull things together eventually, they'd be a dangerous team. They had a very solid match with the Villanos - the B- definitely surprised me. -The surprise of the night though, was the B+ delivered by Billy Robinson and Koko B. Ware. Both Ware and Bobby Eaton are slumping since Eaton lost the world title. This is probably Robinson's biggest win so far in WCCW. -I had thought about booking Leon White to win the Last Man Standing match, but his segments tonight showed he still has a long way to go. Anything's possible though, as I still haven't decided 100% who will walk away with the trophy. |
NEWS
-Jim Ross has replaced Vince McMahon as SWCW head booker. -With Referee David Manning asking for too much money, I decide to bring in two other quality referees. Jerry Usher, at $1,525/show, and Jerry Calhoon at $1,500/show. Both also appear to be good guys behind the scene. I'm not sure if there's any game advantage to having two referees instead of one, but a promotion of my size and prestige seems like it should have more than 1, so here we are. They'll probably alternate house shows/tv shows, and then they'll both work ppvs. I'll continue to use David Manning until his contract expires. |
WORLD CLASS WRESTLING (LIVE TV SHOW)
Wednesday, Week 4, March 1985 Dallas, TX (Small Venue) Expected Attendance: 4,675; Ticket Prices: default Actual Attendance: 5,000 (SOLD OUT) -Pre-Show Dark Match Grappler #1 (w/Grappler #2) defeats El Halcon in 7:08 by pinfall after Grappler #2 interfered (the Grapplers pulled off their 'switchero' gimmick, switching the rested Grappler #2 into the match). (A). The match suffered from a lack of selling -Pre-Show Dark Match -2-on-1 Handicap match Steve Olsonoski & Doug Somers defeat King Kong Bundy (w/Gary Hart) by pinfall in 6:42. (C+). Olsonoski and Somers wrestled a very intelligent match, using their numbers to their advantage. Once again, Bundy and Hart (still in costume as a minister and Elvis) seemed confused and not on the same page, and basically whacked out of their minds. After the match, Bill Mercer interviewed the winners, who hyped their win, as a well as their participation in the Last Man Standing event this Saturday night. They said that while it's unlikely they'll be fortunate enough to team up in the lethal lottery round, if they both get to the final battle royal, they'll work together. (C-) -As the show starts, Curt Hennig, David Von Erich, and Antoni Inoki hype tonight's main event - a six man tag team title match, where they'll challenge "The Federation" - Dick Murdoch, Kevin Sullivan, and Bob Backlund. The faces say that while they've never teamed up before, they're united in their dislike of the champs, and they're all looking for momentum going into Last Man Standing. (B-) -The announcers hype that the new WCCW World Champion, Bob Backlund, who had a match scheduled with Antonio Inoki in the main event of Last Man Standing, has elected to put his belt on the line in that match, (or as Backlund calls his title, "The Unified WCCW/WWF World Championship" (B+) -Bill Mercer ran his 2-minute "update" segment, where he catches the fans up on all the recent events in WCCW. Notably, he runs down the 19 participants announced thus far for the Last Man Standing event, including David & Kerry Von Erich, who were granted special exemption status by Commissioner Lothario, as sort of an olive branch for Lothario's decision to grant entry to the 1984 Last Man Standing, Terry Gordy. (D+) -Bill Mercer introduces and narrates a 10-minute documentary/interview on Terry Gordy, and what he's been up to since losing the "loser leaves WCCW" match against the Von Erichs. Gordy viciously insults Kerry, who he claims had agreed to wrestle with the Freebirds that night last summer, before stabbing him the back. Gordy says if he has any opportunity to put Kerry out of commission this Saturday night, he'll take it. Gordy also says that as the defending Last Man Standing Champion, he's the odds on favorite to win it this year as well. And once he does, says Gordy, you'll be seeing a lot more of his pretty face in WCCW. Because he'll earn an automatic first-round bye in the King of Texas Wrestling Tournament in May. Also, he'll earn a title shot. Gordy speculates that maybe he'll go after the TV Title, so Lothario has no choice but to let him wrestle every single week. Or, Gordy says, maybe he'll go after the six-man tag team championship, because he has two "old friends" that would love to join him WCCW and regain what is rightfully theirs. If that happened, said Gordy, Lothario would again have no choice but to let him and his "friends" stick around as long as they're champions. (C+) -Terry Gordy defeats Billy Robinson in 8:41 by pinfall (B+). -Backstage, Skandor Akbar stands with the TV Champion, Butch Miller, Jose Lothario, and the rolling drum of challengers for the TV Title. Akbar is still bickering with Lothario over his suspension of Kamala. Miller draws a name - his tag team partner, Luke Williams. Akbar erupts with laughter - he says that the Sheepherders fight each other with as much violence as they fight others. (B-) -Leon White defeats Grappler #2 (w/Grappler #1) in 4:34 by pinfall. (A). The two showed great chemistry. The match suffered from a lack of selling. After the match, Leon White cut a promo in the ring, saying he's not done with Charlie Cook, but that this Saturday night, he's focused on the Last Man Standing Event. White says he's the biggest man in the competition, and that if he can get through the Lethal Lottery Round, nobody will be able to throw him over the top rope. -The announcers hype the upcoming "Last Chance Battle Royal" featuring wrestlers who have lost qualifying matches for entry into the Last Man Standing Event. The winner of the battle royal gains the 20th and final spot. -10-Man Last Chance Battle Royal -Last Man Standing Qualifying Match Terry Funk won the Battle Royal in 10:27. (B-). The order of elimination was as follows: 1. Villano IV (eliminated by The Great Kabuki, who sprayed him with the green mist) 2. The Great Kabuki (eliminated by Tiger Mask, Dusty Wolfe, Barry Orton, Perry Jackson, and Terry Funk). 3. Barry Orton (eliminated by Terry Funk) 4. Perry Jackson (eliminated by Terry Funk) 5. Charlie Cook (eliminated by Terry Funk) 6. Dusty Wolfe (eliminated by Terry Funk) 7. Mark Youngblood (eliminated by Bobby Eaton) 8. Bobby Eaton (eliminated by Tiger Mask) 9. Tiger Mask (eliminated by Terry Funk) -After the match, Terry Funk cut a promo in the ring, hyping his win, and the Last Man Standing Event. (B+) -WCCW Television Championship Match Butch Miller drew with Luke Williams (w/Skandor Akbar in a neutral corner) in 2:54 by double countout, as the two Sheepherders brawled outside the ring. (C+). Miller makes his 5th title defense. As soon as the match ended, Akbar ordered his team to stop fighting, and they complied. Akbar then cut a promo hyping his team, and their tag team title defense over Kerry & Mike in Las Vegas earlier in the week. (C+). He also promised that while Kamala was suspended, he won't be gone for long...(C+) -Before the main event, the announcers hype that now that the Last Man Standing field is set, two other matches have been announced for this Saturday night: (C) -Tiger Mask v. The Great Kabuki (former tag team partners) -Bobby Eaton & Koko B. Ware v. The Villanos. -WCCW Six Man Tag Team Championship Match Bob Backlund, Dick Murdoch, & Kevin Sulilvan (w/Ray Stevens) drew with David Von Erich, Antonio Inoki, & Curt Hennig in 25:00 when the TV Time Remaining time limit expired. (B+). The Federation makes its 2nd defense of the six-man-tag-team titles. Backlund & Hennig looked good. During the match, the most heated confrontations involved Backlund v. Inoki, and Hennig v. Murdoch. Overall Show Rating: B THOUGHTS: -This is my 5th consecutive B rated show, and 13th in a row at B- or higher. I'm still looking for that elusive A-. -The main event was a classic, WCCW-style main event. There are a lot of little storylines spread out among those 6 guys (Backlund faces Inoki on Saturday, Backlund just defeated Hennig for the World Title, Backlund and David have a lengthy rivalry, and Hennig and Murdoch have been at each other's throats for a while). -This was actually the 2nd match between Williams and Miller - they also faced off back at Cage Clash last summer, when they randomly drew each other in a #1 Contender tournament. -Terry Funk pretty much dominated the "last chance" battle royal - that match delivered a strong rating considering how many jobbers were in it. -Leon White had a spectacular match with Grappler #2 - that's a great sign. That's his best match ever by far (he skipped right over B+ and A-, as his previous best match was rated B). White is now 14-0-1 in WCCW, with his the draw coming against Mr. Pogo (White also was involved in a battle royale that he didn't win). It was also the best match ever for Grappler #2 (whose previous best rating was B-). Those guys just clicked. White's push will continue, and the Grapplers continue to fight for relevance on the roster. -Terry Gordy got a chance to face much better competition on this show, and he delivered, wrestling a strong match with Billy Robinson. Gordy's talking big - he thinks winning Last Man Standing would be his ticket to stick around WCCW indefinitely. -Steve Olsonoski & Doug Somers worked together to defeat the erratic King Kong Bundy in a handicap match. This is one of those kinds of matches that I've always wanted to see in real life, never did, so I run it here. In handicap matches in wrestling, the side with the handicap wins 99% of the time. I always thought it would be more interesting to see the guys with the numbers advantage actually work together to beat the bigger guy. -The most surprising result of the night, obviously, was El Halcon and Grappler #1 wrestling a ridiculous "A" rated match on the pre-show. Grappler #1 is 1985's version of Arturo Mendoza - I didn't really expect all that much from him, and he's blown me away. El Halcon deserves some credit to - his previous best match was a B-. The Grappler previously wrestled an "A" rated match with Antonio Inoki. |
NEWS
-The TV Show Delivers a 4.57 rating. That's a new all-time high, besting the 4.46 the show received the last two weeks. The first TV show of the dynasty, almost two years ago, scored a 0.64. -David and Kerry continue to refuse requests for negotiations from other promotions, as does SWCW's Tully Blanchard. -The Final Card for the 1985 Last Man Standing Event, which will be a 3-hour event, is as follows: -WCCW World Heavyweight Championship Match Bob Backlund v. Antonio Inoki -Tiger Mask v. The Great Kabuki -Bobby Eaton & Koko B. Ware v. The Villanos -The Last Man Standing Event -20 Participants, randomly paired into 5 tag team matches. The 5 winning teams enter advance to a battle royal, where the 1985 Last Man Standing will be crowded: -Curt Hennig -Butch Miler -Luke Williams -Mike Von Erich -Dick Murdoch -Kevin Sullivan -Leon White -Jerry Lawler -Grappler #1 -El Halcon -Steve Olsonoski -Doug Somers -Grappler #2 -Greg Valentine -Arturo Mendoza -Terry Gordy -Kerry Von Erich -David Von Erich -Billy Robinson -Terry Funk -The most notable absence from this event is Nikita Koloff, who hasn't wrestled since February Star Wars. He was on a winning streak before that. I'm basically just protecting him, and using him as an occasional attraction at this point, while building up his W/L record, momentum, and skill. Roddy Piper is still serving his 2nd 30-day suspension this year (and it's only March). |
It's time, It's time, It's Vader time!
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:confused: $825/show is cheaper than $1,500/show. By a large mark. |
Molson, how far from National are you? Just curious as to when you'll go for Written deals.
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WCCW: Last Man Standing: PPV/Closed Circuit
Saturday, Week 4, March 1985 Dallas, TX (Midsouth - Medium Venue) Expected Attendance: 11,686 Ticket prices: $3 more than default Actual Attendance: 8,707. -Pre-Show Dark Match Mr. Pogo defeats Mark Youngblood by pinfall in 8:52. (C). -Pre-Show Dark Segment Bill Mercer interviews several of the participants of the upcoming Last Man Standing event: -The Grapplers (C+). -Billy Robinson (D) (Robinson says that nobody expected him to defeat Koko B. Ware and qualify for this event, so he has nothing to lose tonight, and is looking to surprise the wrestling world again). -Steve Olsonoski & Doug Somers (D+). Olsonoski & Somers say they know they're underdogs in tonight's event, but if they both can get good draws and qualify for the battle royal, they think they can make some noise working as a team. -Pre-Show Dark Segment -WCCW Commissioner Jose Lothario comes out and hypes the show, as well as the next two monthly supershows - The King of Texas Wrestling tournament in April, and the Parade of Champions in May - both available on PPV/Closed Circuit. (C-) -As the show starts, a video highlights the Last Man Standing Event, showing highlights of the participants, and how they qualified for the event. Then, the video recaps the rules, and what's at stake. 20 wrestlers have qualified - they will be randomly paired off into 5 tag team matches. They will not know their partner or opponents until moments before the match. The winning five teams advance to a battle royal, where the winner is crowned 1985 Last Man Standing, and will win: -The 1985 Last Man Standing Trophy -$10,000 Cash -A brand-new, 1985 Chevy Camaro -Automatic Entry Into the King of Texas Wrestling Tournament (and a first-round bye) -A Contract For a Championship Match - (Can Be Used To Challenge For Any Championship, Single or Tag-Team, With 7 Days Notice, and No Expiration Date). (B+) -Lance Russell conducts interviews with other wrestlers competing in the Last Man Standing Event: -David, Kerry, and Mike Von Erich (C+) (The Von Erichs say that their #1 priority in ensuring that Terry Gordy doesn't win tonight, and thus will be banished from WCCW once again. They say they hope they don't find themselves on opposite sides, but if it happens, they'll deal with it) -Leon White (C+) (White hypes his undefeated streak and the momentum he brings into the event. He says he's the biggest man in the event, and the field better hope he doesn't make it to the battle royal, because there's no way they can get him over the top rope) -Skandor Akbar w/The Sheepherders (Akbar notes that his dominant team already owns the World Tag Team Titles and the TV Title - now they're looking for the Last Man Standing trophy, and ultimately, the world title). -Jerry Lawler (B) (Lawler cuts a babyface promo, putting over the Texas fans and WCCW, and says he can't wait to be tested by the best professional wrestling has to offer). -Kevin Sullivan & Dick Murdoch (B-). The duo says there's nobody tougher, and better-equipped to get through such a grueling event as they are. -Terry Gordy (B-). Gordy recaps his plans - he'll repeat as Last Man Standing champion, and then win the King of Texas Wrestling Tournament next month, to win two title shots. He claims that Jose Lothario won't have the guts to keep him from wrestling as long as he's a champion. With the first title shot, he'll win the TV title, to ensure the fans will be able to see his pretty face every week. With the second title shot, he'll go after the six-man-tag team championship, with "two friends from back home in Georgia". -Bobby Eaton and Koko B. Ware come to the ring and cut a promo hyping their upcoming tag team match. (B-). They say that while they were cheated out of a chance to compete in tonight's Last Man Standing event, they'll take the opportunity to remind the fans that they're the greatest tag team in the world. -The Villanos defeat Bobby Eaton & Koko B. Ware in 10:51 when Villano IV pinned Eaton after striking him with a chair that Ware had introduced into the match (B-). After the match, the Villanos celebrated their upset win around ringside (C+) -A video package features comments from the Last Man Standing participants we haven't heard from yet: (B-) -Greg Valentine (Valentine says he plans on winning the event, then winning the WCCW World Title and taking it to Georgia Championship Wrestling) -El Halcon -Arturo Mendoza -Terry Funk (Funk reminds the fans about his dominating victory in the "last chance battle royal" on the TV show this week) -Curt Hennig (wants his world title back) -A rolling drum is setup at ringside, where the names will be randomly drawn by an impartial, neutral observer, to ensure that the draw is truly random. -The first four names are drawn: Arturo Mendoza & Terry Funk will face Jerry Lawler & Kevin Sullivan. The announcers note the violent rivalry between Funk and Sullivan, and the mutual respect displayed several weeks ago between Mendoza & Funk, who may make a good team. -Last Man Standing: Tag Team Match #1 -Jerry Lawler & Kevin Sullivan (w/Ray Stevens) defeat Arutro Mendoza & Terry Funk in 8:52 when Sullivan pinned Mendoza (with Stevens holding Mendoza's leg for leverage). (B) -The next four names are randomly drawn: Grappler #1 and Kerry Von Erich will face Mike Von Erich and Steve Olsonoski. The announcers note that while Mike & Olsonoski appear to be the underdogs, they have teamed together several times in the past. They also bring up the internal issues that the Von Erich family had last year, and speculate whether those issues will re-emerge during this match, with Kerry and Mike on opposing teams. -Last Man Standing - Tag Team Match #2 Kerry Von Erich & Grappler #1 (w/Grappler #2) defeat Mike Von Erich & Steve Olsonoski in 5:02 when Grappler #1 made Mike submit. (C). After the match, Grappler #1 refused to release his submission hold, until Kerry made the save. (C). The interactions between Mike & Kerrry & Olsonoski had good sportsmanship and technical wrestling - only Grappler #1 wrestled aggressively, which helped lead to the win for his team. -The next four names are drawn: Doug Somers & Butch Miller will face Luke Williams & Greg Valentine. -Last Man Standing: Tag Match #3 Luke Williams & Greg Valentine defeat Butch Miller & Doug Somers (w/Skandor Akbar in a neutral corner) in 5:50 when Valentine made Somers submit. (C). Somers seemed off his game. The Sheeperders will all too happy to fight each other when they were in the ring together, just as they were at the last TV show. Valentine looked good. -The next four names are drawn: David Von Erich and El Halcon will face Curt Hennig & Dick Murdoch. The announcers note that El Halcon is an old friend of the Von Erich family, and helped train David, and talk about Hennig and Murdoch's fierce rivalry. They analyze that from a teamwork perspective, David/El Halcon clearly have an advantage, though from a pound for pound talent perspective, Murdoch/Hennig may have the advantage - if they can get along. -Last Man Standing: Tag Team Match #4 David Von Erich & El Halcon defeat Curt Hennig & Dick Murdoch in 9:31 when David pinned Murdoch. (B+) Hennig & Murdoch weren't able to get along, coming to blows on several occasions. Hennig looked good. -The final four names are drawn: Leon White & The Grappler #2 will face Terry Gordy & Billy Robinson. The announcers note how Gordy and Robinson wrestled a very competitive match on the TV show last week. -Last Man Standing: Tag Team Match #5 Terry Gordy & Billy Robinson defeat Leon White & Grappler #2 in 10:46 when Gordy pinned Grappler #2. (B) -The field for the final battle royal in the Last Man Standing Event is set: Jerry Lawler Kevin Sullivan Kerry Von Erich Grappler #1 Luke Williams Greg Valentine David Von Erich El Halcon Terry Gordy Billy Robinson -A highlight video hypes the lengthy storyline involving Gary Hart, The Great Kabuki, Tiger Mask, and King Kong Bundy. The video features Kabuki's firing of Gary Hart, and his tag team with Tiger Mask, and their battles with Hart's team of Arturo Mendoza and King Kong Bundy. Then, the video recaps Hart's nervous breakdown, sabbatical, and return. Finally, the video shows the events of the last few weeks - Gary Hart's bizarre transformation into an Elvis-impersonator, King Kong Bundy's transformation into a minister, and Hart's recruitment of The Villanos & Arturo Mendoza (which failed) and The Great Kabuki (which succeeded). (C). After the highlight video, Hart cut a rambling, insane promo with King Kong Bundy and The Great Kabuki by his side. He hypes (or attempts to hype) the upcoming match between Kabuki, and his former partner Tiger Mask. (C+) -The Great Kabuki (w/Gary Hart & King Kong Bundy) defeats Tiger Mask in 11:28 by pinfall after interference from Hart & Bundy. (A+). After the match, Hart, Kabuki, and Bundy attack Tiger Mask 3-1, until Tiger Mask's old nemesis, Arturo Mendoza, makes the save and drives off the heels. (C). Mendoza helped Tiger Mask to his feet, and the two shook hands a sign of respect. (C). -Last Man Standing - Final 10-Man Battle Royal. David Von Erich won the Battle Royal in 10:20 to become the 1985 Last Man Standing. (A+) The order of elimination was as follows: 1. Terry Gordy (eliminated immediately by David, Kerry, El Halcon, Jerry Lawler, and Billy Robinson) 2. Kevin Sullivan (eliminated by Kerry & David Von Erich) 3. Jerry Lawler (eliminated by Luke Williams) 4. Luke Williams (eliminated by El Halcon) 5. Billy Robinson (eliminated by Greg Valentine) 6. Kerry Von Erich (eliminated by Greg Valentine) 7. Grappler #1 (eliminated by David Von Erich) 8. El Halcon (eliminated by Greg Valentine) 9. Greg Valentine (eliminated by David Von Erich) -David Von Erich celebrates in the ring with brothers Kerry, Mike, and Kevin, who is wearing a sling. David is presented the trophy, the $10,000, and the new car. (C). David cuts a promo hyping his win, and he thanks the fans. He says he wants to use his shot to challenge for the World Title at Parade of Champions in May. In the meantime, he'll focus on winning the King of Texas Wrestling Tournament next month. (C+) Terry Gordy, distraught from his loss, charges the ring and tries to take on all four Von Erichs - he's quickly dispatched. (C) -Antoni Inoki cuts a promo hyping his upcoming World Title match with Bob Backlund. (B+) Backlund also cuts a promo hyping the match. (B+) -WCCW World Heavyweight Championship Match Bob Backlund (w/Ray Stevens, Kevin Sullivan, Dick Murdoch, and Vince McMahon) defeats Antonio Inoki 36:44 by submission after interference by all members of "The Federation". (A). Backlund makes his 1st defense of the World Title. During the match, after Murdoch, Sullivan, and McMahon were caught intefering, referee David Manning banished them from ringside, leaving Stevens alone in Backlund's corner. Later, Stevens again was able to successfully interfere, leading to the victory for Backlund. After the match, Inoki snapped and took out his frustrations on Backlund, laying him out in the middle of the ring with a series of kicks and punches, leaving Backlund a bloody mess as the show ends. (A). The two showed poor chemistry. The match suffered from a lack of selling. Overall Show Rating: B Thoughts: -I was very disappointed with that "B" rating when it came up, I thought I had a shot at my first A-rated show here. I'm sure it's the first time I ever had three A-rated matches on the same card (and two A+s). -The main event was solid, but bad chemistry kept them down to an A instead of an A+. That's hardly a disappointment though. Inoki's vicious attack at the end was inspired by a youtube video I saw last week of Inoki v. The Great Antonio. I see Inoki's character for us as a humble, quiet, solid wrestler who has the martial arts background and temper to go nuts on someone on occasion. -A+ for the battle royal was certainly unexpected....I guess a battle royal isn't a ratings black whole after all, if you can stuff it with talent. -David Von Erich probably wasn't the most exciting guy to win by post-Attitude Era standards, where you have to utilize a "fresh" guy to succeed, but in 1985, it makes sense, and the fans would have been rooting for him. It also makes sense to protect and push David, who is loyal and will work only for us. The idea here was to build up Gordy as the "favorite" (since he had a plan and everything to bring the Freebirds back), and then have the really logical thing happen - all the faces gang up on him and eliminate him immediately. -I was really happy about how the random draws worked out - there was a good story in every match, and I wasn't ever handicapped by anything. The last match of the five: White/Grappler #2 v. Gordy/Robinson probably had the most intrigue. I had to choose between White and Gordy in the finals, and went with Gordy. I think it would make sense that Robinson, who wasn't around when the whole Freebird thing was going on, wouldn't have been as impacted as teaming with Gordy. If Gordy was paired with Mike, for example, Mike might go ahead and throw the match. -I don't really see this as a "loss" for White - he's still undefeated in 1-on-1 matches. I definitely considered having him win the whole thing, but then what? Either he wins the title or he jobs to Backlund, and then he's just another guy. -One of my favorite things about bookings shows is the little elements of randomness I can throw in - things that I don't think real promotions do enough, like upsets, guys getting further in tournaments battle royals than they should, etc. Here, El Halcon almost pulled off the win, and had a great night. -Kabuki/Tiger Mask hit a home run as well. Variations of that whole feud with Hart/Mendoza/Bundy have been going on for over a year now. Tiger Mask and Mendoza now joining forces is the next twist. Both Tiger Mask and Kabuki's contracts are up pretty soon, and they're both overpaid, but it's tough to get rid of guys who deliver so consistently. -The Villanos sure have come a long way in terms of W/L record - as they pull off another shocker tonight. I knew that would be a good match, so I let them start the show and "go all out". |
NEWS
-A new promotion has risen in Japan, from the ashes of All Japan and New Japan. It's called "Japan Pro". So between that and UPW, Japan wrestling is not dead. Mexican Wrestling on the other hand.....I'm still trying to decide if I should create a new promotion or two manually. I THINK that the AI created Japan Pro on its own (I'm not aware of a real-life "Japan Pro" that would have been programmed in the mod to start in March 1985). If the AI can create promotions where there's a market for them, I'd rather leave it to the AI. But Mexico is still barren. -Ray Stevens arrived late for the last show. I suspend him for a week. That will save some cash. -Greg Valentine is exhausted after the last show. I only have him for one more appearance, I'll hold off a little on that and try to use him at closer to 100%. He was the last man eliminated by David at the Last Man Standing Battle Royal, so that might make a good matchup. -Roddy Piper is officially back from his second month-long suspension this year. He has 42 days left on his contract. -Villano V complained about his push (he probably has a bigger head with the win I gave him over Eaton/Ware). I'll consider moving him up when I do my end-of-month review -Mexican wrestling legend Blue Demon has announced he's retiring at the end of the April. That's not surprising, considering the state of wrestling there. Of course, he's also 62 years old. -Gama Singh and Larry Zbyszko won the Canadian Open Tag Team Championship is Maple Leaf Wrestling, defeating Curt Hennig & Jesse Ventura. -Kenneth "Slick" Johnson, Jerry Sags, Brian Knobbs, and The Big Boss Man are among those that enter the wrestling universe to start April 1985. -Angelo Mosca has officially retired at 47 years old. He hadn't wrestled since January 1984, on the last show of Championship Wrestling from Florida -The PPV did a buyrate of 1.22, that's the highest of our 3 PPVs yet. |
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Ya, I think I goofed on that one, thanks for the catch (I think I had Manning's $3k/month number in my head). Fortunately, that's correctable, and I'll probably re-sign Manning and dump those two refs I just signed. This is like how Paul Heyman ran the finances of ECW.... |
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I'm not really all that close, though I'm a shade ahead of Georgia and AWA in that race. I need 70% popularity pretty much across the board in the US, and I'm at between 56%-59% outside of Texas an the midwest. PPV though, has dramatically increased the speed of my popularity growth, so I think I will be in the ballpark by the end of 1985 or early 1986. |
WCCW - END OF MARCH 1985 - MONTHLY REVIEW
POPULARITY -Texas/Midsouth: 68.1% (up from 66.7% last month) -Midwest: 66.2% (up from 64.8% last month) -Southeast: 59.6% (up from 57.2% last month) -New England: 56.6% (up from 54.4% last month) -Southwest: 55.7% (up from 53.6% last month) -North West: 55.7% (up from 53.5% last month) -Great Lakes: 55.5% (up from 53.3% last month) -Mid Atlantic: 55.5% (up from 53.3% last month) -Tri-State: 55.5% (up from 53.3% last month) -Puerto Rico: 40.3% (up from 39.4% last month) -The midwest finally reaches the same grade of popularity (C+) as Texas. So now, with each TV Taping/PPV comes a decision to make. Since my workers as a whole are still more over in Texas, I'll run most shows there, but if a show will heavily feature guys with more midwest overness (Backlund, Hennig), then I have the option to go north. The southeast also gained a letter grade this month, they're up to "C". That will make our shows there more lucrative (but it also requires me to put on better shows there to keep gaining popularity) FINANCES Income (Last month in parenthesis): PPV Revenue: 484,560 (419,304) Ticket Sales: 625,041 (618,840) Sponsors: 137,858 (139,518) Merchandise: 17,520 (211,200) Expenses: Worker Costs: 353,675 (307,875) Show Costs: 135,000 (135,000) Marketing: 25,000 (25,000) Merchandise: 25,247 (27,008) Production: 103,500 (64,000) Misc: 465,474 (4422,350) Total Profit: $156,813 ($404,549) Cash in Bank: $1,319,787 ($1,162,974) -It happened, the crazy merchandise profits I enjoyed the last two months have disapeared. Maybe they're on a 2 month on/2 month off system - no idea. Maybe it's a bug, maybe it's how we do the accounting. At least this time, with PPV revenue, I'm better able to weather the storm. I'm still making a decent profit. It's imperative that I keep increasing the cash in the bank, because once I make the final push for national status, I'll need to be spending some serious cash. -I keep everything else the same as last month - most notably, all of the production improvements I implemented last month. I will try to be a little thriftier with the worker talent. Custom Merchandise Settings: (All set to sell every type of merchandise, unless noted) Very Low Level (T-Shirts, Misc., and Posters Only): -David Von Erich -Kerry Von Erich -Kevin Von Erich Very Low Level (T-Shirts Only) -Iceman Parsons -Bob Backlund -Bobby Eaton -Roddy Piper -Tiger Mask -Curt Hennig -Antonio Inoki -Terry Funk -I don't make any changes here from last month. Everyone still shows "awful" sales - I don't expect to see any real improvement until we go national |
WCCW CHAMPIONS - END OF MARCH 1985
-World Heavyweight Champion - 100.0% Prestige (Up From 98.0% Last Month) Main Event Title Bob Backlund (1 title defense, 2 week reign). -Television Champion - 70.0% Prestige (up from 69.3% last month) Midcard Title Butch Miller - (5 title defenses, 6-week reign) -World Tag Team Champions - 70.0% Prestige (up from 69.4% last month) Midcard Title The Sheepherders - (1 title defense, 1-month reign) -Six-Man Tag Team Champions - 71.6% Prestige (up from 70.0% last month) Main Event Title Bob Backlund, Dick Murdoch, & Kevin Sullivan (2 title defenses, 6-week reign) -Cruiserweight Championship - 38.0% Prestige (Up from 37.2% last month) Low Level Title Mike Von Erich - 2 title defenses, 4-month reign -Bob Backlund wins the world title in March. After a series of title changes across the championships, I'll be looking for a little more stability again. |
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I looked a little into the DOTT database (2007 version) and Japan Pro-Wrestling does not have a starting year, which I guess means that they would start up randomly depending on maybe whether they were "needed" or not. There are two yet-to-debut promotions in Mexico (Asistencia Asesoría y Administración and International Wrestling Revolution Group) but they have actual start times of 1990 and 1996. So it looks like you would be waiting until 1990 to get wrestling back in Mexico. |
I'd edit AAA to open up soon rather then create a new promotion.
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Thanks for looking at that. Ya, I'll set AAA to come in earlier, but not quite yet. I want this lack of promotions in Mexico to basically destroy the wrestling scene there (causing retirements, worker skill/popularity erosions) until the game economy there picks up. That feels more realistic. |
Almost two years old (bump)... :)
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Damn, thanks for the bump, I didn't realize it was two years today. This must be the slowest dynasty ever...... I'm taking a little break as I'm occupied by a CIV IV game, but will be back to this early next week... |
A long time reader, first time poster. Great dynasty molson. Don't let Civ keep you too busy because I need my WCCW fix.
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WCCW STORYLINES - END OF MARCH 1985
Storylines with participants and date of origin, in order of current heat: 1. Hart Limited Drama: Gary Hart/Mendoza/Bundy/Villano IV (January) 2. Kamala's Rampage: Kamala/Parsons (March) 3. Cruiserweight Title Feud: Mike Von Erich/Villano V (January) 4. Leon White's Rise: White/Cook/Kolof (March) 5T. Hennig v. Murdoch Part II: Hennig/Murdoch/Funk/Sullivan/Grappler #1 (January) 5T: Tag Team Title Storyline: Sheepherders v. Kerry/Kevin (April, recently evolved to include The Sheepherders, and to eliminate Tiger Mask/Kabuki, Mendoza/Bundy) 7. Backlund/Inoki (March) Set to Debut: -Eaton/Ware v. Olsonoski/Somers Lower midcarders and higher without a current or pending storyline: -David Von Erich -Roddy Piper -The Great Kabuki -Grappler #2 -Tiger Mask -Mark Youngblood -Mr. Pogo -Terry Gordy -El Halcon -The Eaton/Ware/David storyline that had been the hottest thing in the company has officially ended. Eaton/Ware will go into a established team v. new team feud with Olsonoski/Somers. That will be quite a demotion for Eaton/Ware, but it will give me a chance to see what Olsonoski/Somers can do. David will stay out of official storylines for the time being - he's already got his hands filled trying to win the King of Texas Wrestling tournament for a 3rd straight year, and then challenging for the World Title in the main event of Parade of Champoins -The rankings of storylines in a little weird this week, almost flipped from what you'd expect in terms of momentum. A few storylines have gotten stale from not progressing fast enough, but hopefully I can remedy that this month. -The one that's really hanging out there in limbo in Von Erichs/Sheepherders. Kevin is still out injured, though I plan on picking up that feud again as soon as he's back 100%. -Roddy Piper will also be without a storyline, probably for the remainder of his contract. Now that he's back from his most recent suspension, I'll probably dust him off for Piper's Pit and the occasional job. WRESTLER CONFLICTS -The following wrestlers are unavailable on these days in October, as they consider these companies priorities over WCCW: NONE -My prestige lead over the AWA has inched up to 0.8%, up 0.2% this month. It's critical that I keep that edge to remain the world's priority company for every worker. I've extended my edge over Mid-Atlantic up to 3.5%, which is a jump of 0.9% since last month. They apparently had some problems last month. EXCLUSIVE WORKERS -These are the on-screen workers who happen to work for no one else but me. I'll try to give them a heavier workload, as they're the least likely to have fatigue issues. These guys are also relatively safer when it comes to talent cuts (this list does not include wrestlers who who are exclusively contracted to us, but as of the beginning of the month, have outstanding loan commitments with other promotions). -Al Perez -Antonio Inoki -Barry Orton -Bill Mercer -Billy Robinson -Charlie Cook -David Manning -The Sheepherders -David Von Erich -Doug Somers -Dusty Wolfe -El Halcon -Fritz Von Erich -The Grapplers -Jackie Fargo -Jose Lothario -Kamala -Kerry Von Erich -Kevin Sullivan -Kevin Von Erich -Leon White -Mark Youngblood -Mike Von Erich -Mr. Pogo -Nikita Koloff -Owen Hart -Perry Jackson -Ricky Romero -Steve Olsonoski -The Great Kabuki -Villano IV -Villano V WRESTLER COMPLAINTS -Dick Murdoch is unhappy about how many losses he's taken. -Iceman Parsons in unhappy about how often he's been unused on shows -Kamala is very unhappy about how often he's been unused on shows -Kevin Von Erich is very unhappy about how often he's been unused on shows -Nikita Koloff is very unhappy about how often he's been unused on shows. -Roddy Piper is furious about how often he's been unused on shows -Some different voice express some complaints this month. Kevin apparently wants to be used in though he stinks of the ring in his current physical condition. I'll use him for a few interviews until he's back. It took me a while to debut Kamala after I signed him, now he's out on a kayfabe "indefinite suspension'. He's only signed through the King of Texas Wrestling show at the end of April, so he'll be back in action soon. I certainly understand why Nikita Koloff is upset, he wasn't used at all in March. I mostly just wanted to keep him out of the fray so I continue to build him slowly. WRESTLER DISAGREEMENTS ABOUT PUSHES -These are guys that have let me know they think they should be pushed better (including those listed above, whose complaints have risen to the level of affecting morale). (loan agreement workers designated by *). This doesn't include start-of-month changes. -Dusty Wolfe thinks he should be an occasional wrestler -El Halcon thinks he should be a midcarder -Kerry Von Erich thinks he should be an upper midcarder -Nikita Koloff thinks he should be an upper midcarder -Perry Jackson thinks he should be a lower midcarder -Roddy Piper thinks he should be a main eventer -Villano IV thinks he should be a lower midcarder -Villano V thinks he should be a midcarder -All around, the locker room again seems slightly happier this month. Some interesting requests here. The Villanos continue to see their confidence improve. It wasn't long ago they were the laughingstock of WCCW, now Villano V thinks he should be in the midcard. |
Current Momentum Ratings (End of March, 1985), with last month is parenthesis.
B+ Greg Valentine (N/A) B Bob Backlund (B) Kevin Sullivan (C+) B- Jerry Lawler (N/A) David Von Erich (C+) Billy Robinson (C+) Terry Gordy (N/A) C+ Grappler #1 (C+) Leon White (C+) Iceman Parsons (C+) Roddy Piper (C+) El Halcon (C-) Nikita Koloff (C+) Villano V (C) Kerry Von Erich (C) Terry Funk (B-) Dick Murdoch (C+) Antonio Inoki (B-) Tiger Mask (C) Butch Miller (B-) Luke Williams (C) The Great Kabuki (C+) Curt Hennig (B) C Koko B. Ware (B-) Arturo Mendoza (C) Mr. Pogo (C-) Villano IV (C+) Doug Somers (C-) Grappler #2 (C) Kevin Von Erich (C+) C- King Kong Bundy (C) Steve Olsonoski (D+) Kamala (C-) Bobby Eaton (C+) D+ Mike Von Erich (D) Al Perez (D) Charlie Cook (D+) D None D- Perry Jackson (E+) E+ Dusty Wolfe (E+) E Barry Orton (F+) Mark Youngblood (E-) E- None F+ None F None F- Owen Hart (F+) Rising in March: Kevin Sullivan, David Von Erich, Billy Robinson, El Halcon, Villano V, Kerry Von Erich, Tiger Mask, Luke Williams, Mr. Pogo, Doug Somers, Steve Olsonoski, Mike Von Erich, Al Perez, Perry Jackson, Barry Orton, Mark Youngblood Falling in March: Terry Funk, Antonio Inoki, Butch Miller, Curt Hennig, Koko B. Ware, Villano IV, Kevin Von Erich, Bobby Eaton, King Kong Bundy, Owen Hart. -Definitely a good month for momentum as a whole. I really try to make sure everyone on the roster has something to do most of the time. Eaton/Ware have really plunged down. It's nothing wrong they did, really, just trying to freshen things up and let Ray Stevens' Federation run as the top heels for a while. Billy Robinson and El Halcon have been nice surprises. |
ROSTER, END OF March, 1985
*Workers on loan contracts MAIN EVENTERS Bob Backlund Greg Valentine* David Von Erich Terry Funk Curt Hennig Bobby Eaton Dick Murdoch Antonio Inoki Jerry Lawler* -Bobby Eaton drops out of this group this month. Jerry Lawler and Greg Valentine each have 1 appearance left on their load contracts. I figure I'll use Lawler to main event a show in the southeast, and Valentine will main event a Texas show with David Von Erich (they were the last 2 in the Last Man Standing Event). Inoki has the most scrutiny here - he'll drop down after the Backlund feud unless he really impresses. UPPER MIDCARDERS Luke Williams Butch Miller Bobby Eaton Roddy Piper Kevin Von Erich Kevin Sullivan Grappler #1 Kamala -Same group as last month, with the edition of Eaton, and the subtraction of Koko B. Ware. Kamala will return this month to terrorize WCCW. Grappler #1 has just had a great run of matches. It's not out of the realm of possibility that he could take the last step and main event. MIDCARDERS Kerry Von Erich Koko B. Ware Iceman Parsons Tiger Mask The Great Kabuki Arturo Mendoza Grappler #2 Steve Olsonoski Nikita Koloff Mike Von Erich King Kong Bundy Mr. Pogo Terry Gordy Leon White -Terry Gordy, Koko B. Ware, and Leon White join this group to make it the biggest on the roster (as it really should be). Gordy is the biggest question mark in the company right now. He couldn't win the Last Man Standing event, so he's still "banned" from WCCW. But I have him cheap for a little longer. I have a couple of ideas to get some more use out him, but I don't think he'll be back on the active roster full-time. As much as I'd like to build White slowly, I just couldn't keep him as a lower midcarder with his performances as of late, highlighted by an "A" rated match with Grappler #2. Kerry definitely doesn't want to be this low on the card, but he's just never really impressed me enough to be any higher. My roster is gaining in star power all the time, and his long-term niche is probably teaming with Kevin. LOWER MIDCARDERS Doug Somers Villano V Villano IV Mark Youngblood Charlie Cook El Halcon -White is up and out of this group. Villano IV moves in here to join his brother, after a promotion. The Villanos have had some big wins recently, and are about to become even more relevant in April. El Halcon is on the verge of the midcard, but at 37 years old, I'd rather have him down here, mostly jobbing, with the occasional "surprise underdog" success, like he had at Last Man Standing. OPENERS Al Perez Perry Jackson Barry Orton -Owen Hart moves down from this group, Villano IV moves up and out. Of the remaining three, my road agents definitely like Perry Jackson the best. ENHANCEMENT TALENT Owen Hart -Hart moves down here because Dusty Wolfe requested to be an occasional wrestler, and my "ideal roster" settings require 1 Enhancement Talent. Hart, who's at the very bottom of our individual momentum ratings, was the obvious choice. Hart's record in WCCW is 11-65-3. I'm actually surprised he has that many wins. OCCASIONAL WRESTLERS Billy Robinson Dusty Wolfe -Robinson had a good month for me in March - he wrestled B+ matches with Koko B. Ware and Terry Gordy. He's 45 years old, and far more useful at this point than the departed Bruno Sammartino. He'll continue to tag with the younger faces, win some, bust mostly lose to stronger heels. OTHERS Skandor Akbar Gary Hart Lance Russell Bill Mercer David Manning Jose Lothario Fritz Von Erich Ray Stevens Ricky Romero Jackie Fargo Ox Baker Vince McMahon Jerry Usher Jerry Calhoun -A few new names here. Ox Baker will debut on screen soon as a manager, I don't think he'll be around very long. Usher and Calhoun were signed as referees in case I can't bring back David Manning. Vince McMahon is a member of Ray Stevens' "federation' stable, but he really doesn't carry a lot of clout, he's mostly just for experimentation/amusement. He's probably fizzle out and disappear at some point. CONTRACTS UP IN NEXT 60 DAYS -The Great Kabuki (14 Days) -David Manning (15 Days) -Tiger Mask (28 Days) -Skandor Akbar (29 Days) -Kamala (34 Days) -Roddy Piper (41 Days) -Terry Funk (50 Days) -Mr. Pogo (57 Days) -Iceman Parsons (59 Days) -Perry Jackson (60 Days) -Barry Orton (60 Days) -There's a lot of interesting decisions coming up in the next two months. I'm definitely looking to reduce my payroll, in the hopes that it will encourage Fritz to let me sign some bigger names. Tiger Mask and his $2,000/show salary is a huge candidate to help out there (though after the events of recent shows, I'd love to use a Tiger Mask/Arturo Mendoza tag match). The Great Kabuki is also at risk. That would definitely blow up the current Gary Hart storyline. I'd actually like to bring Kamala back, he's just too interesting, and there's too much to do with him. Piper, as my most expensive wrestler, seems like an easy choice to let go when his contract is up, but I've thought that before and he's somehow survived. Terry Funk might be the toughest decision of all. Right now, I'm leaning towards letting Kabuki, Tiger Mask, and Terry Funk walk away, and re-signing everyone else as long as their demands are reasonable. That would definitely free up some cash. |
Does Piper have compromising pictures of you? Seriously, how does that guy stay on the roster time and time again?
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Quote:
Ya, someday I'll have to go back and see exactly how he survived so long. It was just one little idea after another kept me running with him: The Adrian Adonis feud/alliance, the mini-feud with David, the never-ending Sammartino angle - throw in a bunch of month-long suspensions where I only had to pay him his downside guarantee, and he was just always able to survive for "one more angle". I think to me, Piper v. pretty much everyone just sounds like a fun storyline, heel or face. |
THE STARS OF WORLD CLASS ON TOUR
Monday, Week 1, April 1985 Dallas, TX (Texas - Very Small Venue) Expected Attendance: 2,337 Ticket prices: $2 over Default Actual Attendance: 2,000 (SOLD OUT) -Pre-Show Dark Match Billy Robinson defeats Dusty Wolfe in 7:31 by pinfall. (C) Robinson looked good. -Pre-Show Dark Match Charlie Cook defeats Mark Youngblood in 6:33 by countout (D). After the match Bill Mercer interviewed Charlie Cook, who continued his verbal attack on Leon White. Cook says that he knows that White is competing later tonight, so he's going to stick around. (C-) -Bill Mercer interviewed the team of Curt Hennig, Terry Funk, and Anotoni Inoki, who are scheduled to compete tonight against the World Six Man Tag Team Champions: Bob Backlund, Dick Murdoch, and Kevin Sullivan. However, as a result of a injuries inflicted by Inoki at the conclusion of the World Title Match at the Last Man Standing show, Bob Backlund is not present tonight. Ray Stevens is also not in the arena. Bill Mercer notes, however, that the match is still scheduled to take place, regardless of whether or not Murdoch & Sullivan can find another partner. Inoki hypes his performance in the world title match, and says that in light of the interference that he feels cost him that match, he's petitioning the WCCW Championship Committee to name him #1 Contender to the World Title so he can get another shot. Mercer notes that the Championship Committee will in fact name the #1 contender on the TV show this week. Funk & Hennig also hyped the match tonight, and their ongoing alliance as mentor/protoge. (B) -King Kong Bundy, The Great Kabuki, and Gary Hart come to the ring and perform their collective "crazy" shtick. Hart attempts to play guitar and sing an Elvis song, Bundy rants and raves in his new preacher gimmick, and the The Great Kabuki performs his bizarre salt ritual. The spectacle is broken up by their opponents tonight, The Villanos. (B-) -The Villanos defeat King Kong Bundy & The Great Kabuki (w/Gary Hart) in 5:47 when Villano IV pinned Kabuki after mass confusion amongst the heels. (C). -After the match, Bill Mercer interviewed The Villanos about their win. (C). The Villanos say their continued success justifies their decision to refuse Gary Hart's offers of managerial service. They also note that on the TV show this week, the WCCW Championship Committee will name the #1 Contenders for the World Tag Team Titles. The Villanos say the committee should take a close look at them and their success of late, which has included victories over The Road Warriors, Eaton/Ware, and now Bundy/Kabuki twice. -Doug Somers & Steve Olsonoski defeat Barry Orton & Perry Jackson in 3:54 when Somers pinned Orton. (D+). After the match, Bill Mercer interviewed Somers & Olsonoski, who stated that while they're a new team, the WCCW Championship Committee should pay attention to their dominant win tonight, and the fact that they're undefeated as a team. (C-) -Members of the Federation Dick Murdoch, Kevin Sullivan, and Vince McMahon come to the ring. They confirm that Bob Backlund and Ray Stevens are not in attendance tonight, and that Antonio Inoki will pay dearly for his attack on Backlund at Last Man Standing. Dick Murdoch, then, turns his attention to Curt Hennig. Murdoch taunts Hennig for his short world title reign, and blames him for losing their random-pairing tag team match at the Last Man Standing event. Murdoch claims that as soon as he found out that he would be teaming with Hennig, he knew he had no shot at advancing, since Hennig is "worthless". (B+). Murdoch and Sullivan then mocked the teams of The Villanos, and Somers/Olsonoski for thinking they have any right at being named #1 Contenders for the World Tag Team Titles. Murdoch and Sullivan say the only team that should be considered is them, as they're the only team tough enough to deal with The Sheepherders. (B+). Finally, they announce that tonight, they will face the Funk/Hennig/Inoki team, however, it won't be a handicap match, and their six-man titles won't be on the line. After teasing that Vince McMahon might round out their team, the introduce their real partner - a returning "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, who comes the ring, with his bodyguard, Grappler #2. (B+) Piper cuts a promo putting over the Federation, insulting their opponents, and hyping the fact that entire Federation stable will be on the next edition of Piper's Pit, this week on the TV show. (B+). -The team of Funk/Hennig/Inoki comes to the ring for the match, however ring introductions are barely underway when Hennig and Murdoch argue and come to blows, before being separated by the referee, road agents, and other participants. (C+) Finally, the match is ready to start. -Dick Murdoch, Kevin Sullivan, & Roddy Piper (w/Vince McMahon & Grappler #2) defeat Curt Hennig, Terry Funk, & Antonio Inoki in 15:40 when Sullivan pinned Hennig after inference and distractions from McMahon and Grappler #2 outside the ring. (B). During the match, Grappler #2 was decimated by Inoki after he attempted to interfere. Grappler #2, still groggy, had to try to prepare for the next match. -Leon White defeats Grappler #2 in 5:41 by pinfall. (B+). The two showed great chemistry. The match suffered from a lack of selling. Immediately after the match, Charlie Cook, as he promised, came to the ring to attack White. White however, easily repelled the attack, sending Cook flying from the ring. (D+). -Greg Valentine came to the ring to cut a promo, insulting his opponent tonight, David Von Erich, the winner of last week's Last Man Standing Event. Valentine was the runner-up in that competition. (B) -David Von Erich defeats Greg Valentine in 22:47 by pinfall. (A) After the match, David cuts a promo hyping his win at the Last Man Standing event - he says he's already signed the contract - he'll face the World Champion, whoever it may be, for the World Title at Parade of Champions. In the meantime, he's focused on winning the King of Texas Wrestling Tournament for a 3rd straight year. (C) -Overall Show Rating: B THOUGHTS: -Decent show, saved by the second half. -That's the end of Valentine's loan contract, he certainly made a good showing while he was here, I'm sure we'll use him again at some point. David's promo at the end tanked, but he can definitely deliver main event caliber matches with a variety of competition. -Leon White and Grappler #2 had another solid match, though it didn't approach their "A" classic from last week. They have a little rivalry going at moment, they were also randomly paired together in a losing effort at last man standing. (Grappler #2 cost White his undefeated record, though White is sill undefeated in 1-on-1 matches, and he's never been pinned in WCCW). Charlie Cook is obviously out of White's league, but that little storyline will go on a while, just to elevate White. It's kind of the equivalent of Goldberg v. Steve McMichael in WCW, all the way down to football player v. football player. -The six-man tag was the standard controlled chaos that the real WCCW did a lot in six-man matches. It also got Murdoch a win, which hopefully will placate him a little. Also, we saw the return of Roddy Piper from his latest suspension. There's a lot of intertwining alliances here. Piper showed he's still running with the Grapplers as bodyguards (even though the profile of both Grapplers have risen since Piper was last around - he better not piss them off, there's an easy face turn there if I want it). That faction is obviously friendly with the Federation. Skandor Akbar's Destruction Inc., however, stands out on it's own, hated by everyone. -The Villanos have clearly gotten the better of this "feud" with Gary Hart and his clients. But their match tonight was a pretty big disappointment compared to what they've been doing lately. |
NEWS
-Some major, critical changes to this dynasty may be in the works as Fritz Von Erich has revealed to me new owner goals and blocks at the 2 year anniversary of my employment. -I had only been dealing with one block - I wasn't allowed to sign any worker with resilience under C-. That wasn't very much of a handicap. There was really only one guy I was really interested in that I had to stay away from. So upon the end of this block, I went ahead and requested negotiations with Andre the Giant. Andre has been on the shelf with injuries for over a year, but he's looking to get back in the ring soon. -And I might need him, because the new blocks are much more challenging, and they're in place for the next 2 years. #1 - I cannot sign any wrestler who has less than a B- rating in "basics". That will be very restrictive. I'm allowed to keep guys who are rated lower than that that I already have under contract - but I don't think I'll be allowed to re-sign them when their contracts are up (not 100% sure on that). Some of the current guys on my roster that wouldn't make that cut include Kamala, Kevin Sullivan, Nikita Koloff, Mr. Pogo, The Villanos, Mike Von Erich, and Leon White. This block will transform my roster over the next 2 years into one that's more scientific-wrestling friendly. -The #2 block is even more interesting, and perhaps more restrictive. Fritz is now on an anti-steroid crusade. He will refuse to do business with any wrestler that has been "known" to use steroids. This is tricky, because it's a hidden rating (I won't cheat by looking in the editor). But, it's safe to say that I probably won't be able to re-sign Kerry, or sign Hulk Hogan. -So Fritz wants scientific wrestlers, that are steroid-free, at least for two years. A whole new challenge. -Fritz has also assigned a new necessary goal: The promotion cannot drop below $787,427 at any time. We're currently at $1,315,712. With my new PPV revenues, this shouldn't be a problem, but I'll have to build up more cash reserves to accomplish my planned "burn money on the way to National Status" strategy (once I get within striking distance). -Dick Murdoch is exhausted after the last show. -Dick Slater & Dusty Rhodes won the annual Crocket Cup tag team tournament in Mid-Atlantic, defeating Rick Harris and Masa Fuchi in the finals -Mid-Atlantic has not re-signed Terry Funk after his contract expired - he now works only for us. |
Wow, losing a pair of the Von Erichs because of the new rules would be a pretty huge change. I'm sure you'll continue to come up with new angles to entertain us, but it will definitely feel different when you have to slash the first family of this dynasty.
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Fritz Von Erich is the father of Mike and Kerry, right? (What I mean is, that relationship was put into the mod, right?) I'm not 100% on this, but an owner will extend a deal with a worker on his own, and with the blood relation, Fritz might ignore his own goals and resign his sons himself.
(Edit: I'm not sure as to when this was put into the game. It might have been a new feature for TEW08) |
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