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NWA Classic Championship Wrestling

The TNM Members ChampPosted on 05/12/08 at 03:52:15

NWA Classic Championship Wrestling
Date: January 3, 1987
Location: Atlanta, GA

Interview:
Bruno Sammartino is introduced as the Commissioner of NWA Classic Championship Wrestling. His first order of business is to determine a World Heavyweight Champion. There will be an eight man tournament that will conclude at the Clash of the Champions on January 28th with the winner being declared the NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Here is the bracket:

Ric Flair        
Brad Armstrong

Barry Windham    
Nikita Koloff

Lex Luger        
Ron Garvin

Dusty Rhodes      
Larry Zbyszko

Also, the NWA World Tag Team Titles will be decided in an eight team tournament which will also conclude at the Clash of the Champions. Here is the bracket:

Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard            
Brad Armstrong/???

The Rock 'n' Roll Express                    
The Midnight Express

Ragin' and Rude                                      
The Fabulous Freebirds

The Road Warriors                                    
Kevin Sullivan/Ivan Koloff

Brad Armstrong pinned Kevin Sullivan after a back suplex in 0:08:08.
Rating: * 1/4

Brad Armstrong is going to have a busy month of January as he will not only be competing in the World Tag Team Title tournament but also in the World Heavyweight Title tournament where the illustrious Ric Flair will be waiting. Tonight, he had to concentrate on the maniacal Kevin Sullivan in singles action. Kevin Sullivan resorted to his usual brawling tactics but Brad Armstrong overcame it by moving the match in a more technical direction which is his strength. However, Kevin Sullivan was able to hit a piledriver on Brad Armstrong and went for the pin. Amazingly, Brad Armstrong was able to kick out after a two count. This infuriated Kevin Sullivan and his anger got the better of him as he knocked referee Tommy Young to the mat. While Kevin Sullivan argued with Tommy Young, this allowed Brad Armstrong enough time to regroup. Once he got back to his feet, he surprised Kevin Sullivan with a back suplex for the three count.

After the match, Kevin Sullivan cut short Brad Armstrong's victory celebration by attacking him from behind. He hit Brad Armstrong with a DDT to bring him down to the mat. From there he went to the outside of the ring and brought a chair into the ring with nothing but bad intentions. Kevin Sullivan was prevented from using the chair as none other than Kerry Von Erich came out of the crowd and slid into the ring and grabbed the chair from Kevin Sullivan and used it against him! The crowd was electric as they hadn't expected Kerry Von Erich to be signed with Classic Championship Wrestling. Afterwards, Brad Armstrong and Kerry Von Erich shook hands.

Lex Luger made George South submit to the Torture Rack in 0:02:58.
Rating: 1/2*

One of the Four Horsemen, Lex Luger, came to the ring with his business advisor, James J. Dillon. The result of this match was never in question, especially when comparing the physical attributes of Lex Luger to George South. After the match, Jim Ross questioned James J. Dillon on what would happen if both Lex Luger and Ric Flair were to advance to the finals of the tournament. Always the diplomat, James J. Dillon explained that it would be a victory for the Four Horsemen and it would mean that the World Heavyweight Title would be guaranteed to be in their possession.

The Road Warriors (Hawk and Animal) defeated Bill Mulkey and Randy Mulkey when Hawk pinned B. Mulkey after a flying shoulderblock in 0:01:41.
Rating: 3/4*

The Road Warriors made short work of the hard luck Mulkeys after Hawk hit a flying shoulderblock on Bill Mulkey. Afterwards, Paul Ellering told Jim Ross that what everyone just witnessed was a small preview of what is going to happen when Animal and Hawk enter the World Tag Team Title tournament.

Barry Windham pinned Larry Zbyszko with the Superplex in 0:13:22.
Rating: **** 1/4

Not only did Barry Windham have to combat the cheating ways of Larry Zbyszko in this match but he also had to look over his shoulder at the nefarious Gary Hart at ringside. Despite the odds, Barry Windham prevailed after hitting a Superplex to get the three count.

After the match, Barry Windham was surprised by a Four Horsemen beatdown. Ric Flair, Tully Blanchard, Arn Anderson, and Lex Luger all took turns in beating down Barry Windham. The Four Horsemen obviously view Barry Windham as a threat in the World Title Tournament. The situation looked dire until Nikita Koloff, carrying a Russian Chain, hit the ring and swung the chain wildly. This sent the Four Horsemen scurrying and Tully Blanchard barely missed being hit with the chain as he struggled to get out of the ring in time. Afterwards, Barry Windham shook hands with Nikita Koloff. For Nikita Koloff to make the save for Barry Windham, who just happens to be his first round opponent in the World Title Tournament, speaks volumes about his character and wanting to face his opponent at 100%.

[NWA World Tag Team Title Tournament - First Round]:
Rock'n'Roll Express (Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson) defeated The Midnight Express (Stan Lane and Bobby Eaton) when R. Morton pinned S. Lane with the Rock'n'Roll Buster in 0:10:44.
Rating: **
[Jim Cornette interfered against Robert Gibson.]

These two teams re-ignited their rivalry here tonight and it just so happened with the stakes at an all time high in a first round match of the NWA World Tag Team Title Tournament. Much to the annoyance of Jim Cornette, the Rock 'n' Roll Express are able to outlast their rivals The Midnight Express after Ricky and Robert hit the Rock 'n' Roll Buster on Stan Lane for the three count.

Interview:
The Four Horsemen: Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, and Lex Luger, along with James J. Dillon, closed the show with an interview with Jim Ross. Ric Flair said that Barry Windham was lucky that Nikita Koloff was stupid enough to save him from a beatdown at the hands of the Four Horsemen. Ric Flair questioned the intelligence of Nikita Koloff for wanting to face Barry Windham at 100% in a situation so important as a World Title Tournament match upcoming. Regardless, Ric Flair warned Nikita Koloff to stay out of their business for now on or else. Ric Flair continued by stating that the Four Horsemen will be walking out with all the titles at the Clash of the Champions later this month. He guaranteed that he would win the World Heavyweight Title, Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard will win the World Tag Team Titles, and Lex Luger will continue to prove that he is the prototype of the athlete of the 21st century. Ric Flair, Arn Anderson, Tully Blanchard, Lex Luger, and James J. Dillon held up four fingers and walked off the set.


Card rating: **


Match observations:

It has been announced that Brad Armstrong has chosen Kerry Von Erich to be his tag team partner in the NWA World Tag Team Title Tournament.

The TNM Members ChampPosted on 05/18/08 at 04:56:40

NWA Classic Championship Wrestling
Date: January 10, 1987
Location: Atlanta, GA

Ragin' And Rude (Manny Fernandez and Rick Rude) defeated Barry Windham and Nikita Koloff when Rude pinned Windham with the Rude Awakening in 0:12:08.
Rating: *** 3/4

Last week, Nikita Koloff saved Barry Windham from certain injury at the hands of the Four Horsemen. This week, the two teamed up to face the tag team of Ragin' and Rude, managed by Gary Hart. They made for a very effective team for most of the match until miscommunication would cost them the match. Nikita Koloff had entered the ring to knock Manny Fernandez out of the ring. Meanwhile, Barry Windham went for a clothesline to Rick Rude but he ducked out of the way and it connected with Nikita Koloff instead! A stunned Nikita Koloff was knocked over the top rope while Barry Windham looked down at him to see if he was alright. This allowed Rick Rude the opportunity he needed to hit the Rude Awakening to get the three count.

After the match, Jim Ross attempted to get some words with Barry Windham and Nikita Koloff. Nikita, who was holding his neck in pain, was furious and wanted to know what Barry Windham was thinking clotheslining him out of the ring. Barry Windham said it was an accident and that he was trying to hit Rick Rude. Nikita wasn't buying it and insinuated Barry Windham was trying to get one up on him before their first round match in the NWA World Heavyweight Title Tournament. Jim Ross showed Nikita Koloff the replay and that it was indeed an accident on Barry Windham's part. Convinced by the replay, Nikita Koloff apologized to Barry Windham for questioning his integrity, shook his hand and wished him luck in next week's match.

[NWA World Heavyweight Title Tournament - First Round]:
Dusty Rhodes pinned Larry Zbyszko with the Bionic Elbowdrop in 0:08:37.
Rating: *** 1/4
[Gary Hart interfered against Dusty Rhodes.]

Dusty Rhodes was cheered wildly by the fans here tonight. When Gary Hart tried to interfere, he was met with an elbow to the face for his troubles. Larry Zbyszko tried to execute a vertical suplex on Dusty Rhodes but couldn't do it and it allowed Dusty to counter into a snap mare. Dusty hit his trademarked Bionic Elbow to secure the three count and advance onwards in the World Heavyweight Title Tournament.

Interview:
"The Total Package" Lex Luger, along with his business advisor and manager of the Four Horsemen, James J. Dillon, come out for an interview with Jim Ross. J.J. Dillon put Lex Luger over again as the athlete of the 21st century. Lex Luger said that when he was working his way up into the business, his goal was to become a Four Horseman because their goals matched his goals of being the very best. They offered him the chance of a lifetime to have all the money, all the women, and all the gold. Lex Luger promised J.J. Dillon that he would take care of Ron Garvin tonight and take out Dusty Rhodes in the semi-finals of the NWA World Heavyweight Title tournament. Jim Ross again questioned Lex Luger on what he would do if he should advance to face Ric Flair in the finals of the tournament. Lex Luger said he would do what was necessary to secure the championship for the Four Horsemen.

[NWA World Tag Team Title Tournament - First Round]:
The Road Warriors (Hawk and Animal) defeated Ivan Koloff and Kevin Sullivan when Hawk defeated K. Sullivan by disqualification in 0:07:40.
Rating: * 3/4
[Paul Ellering interfered against Kevin Sullivan.]

Instead of continuing on with the match with The Road Warriors, Kevin Sullivan got himself and his tag team partner Ivan Koloff disqualified when he pulled referee Scrappy McGowan in the way of a flying shoulderblock by Hawk. The Road Warriors weren't happy with winning the match by disqualification so they ran after Kevin Sullivan who had tried to leave the ring. Ivan Koloff looked like he was going to help Kevin Sullivan but waved him off and left the ring. The Road Warriors beatdown on Kevin Sullivan until for a few moments before Hawk whipped off the ropes and met him with a flying shoulderblock. Animal lifted Kevin Sullivan up and Hawk hit the Doomsday Device.

After the match, Paull Ellering said that once again The Road Warriors have made a statement. Their intentions are clear. They want to be the NWA World Tag Team Champions and they will go through any team who stands in their way.

Ric Flair defeated Rocky King when Rocky King passed out in the Figure-Four Leglock in 0:03:50.
Rating: ***

After the match, Ric Flair told Jim Ross that he stands by his statement that he will be the one to win the NWA World Heavyweight Title. Ric Flair said that while there may be a lot of great wrestlers competing in this tournament, there is only one Ric Flair and you're looking at him. Speaking of the tournament, Ric Flair said he is going to watch the next match with great interest as it involves his friends Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard squaring off against Kerry Von Erich and his first round opponent in the World Heavyweight Title tournament next week, Brad Armstrong in the NWA World Tag Team Title Tournament.

[NWA World Tag Team Title Tournament - First Round]:
Horsemen Blanchard & Anderson (Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard) defeated Brad Armstrong and Kerry Von Erich when Blanchard pinned Von Erich with the Slingshot Suplex in 0:11:25.
Rating: ** 1/2
[James J. Dillon interfered against Brad Armstrong.]

Brad Armstrong and Kerry Von Erich have formed a tag team out of mutual respect and the fact that they are both second generation wrestlers. Their opponents are two of the Four Horsemen in Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard, recognized as one of the best tag teams in professional wrestling. Kerry Von Erich and Brad Armstrong gave a tough challenge to the overwhelming favorites Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard but it wasn't enough in the end to beat the best.

After the match, Ric Flair entered the ring and joined Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard in beating down Kerry Von Erich and Brad Armstrong. Ric Flair paid special attention to Brad Armstrong, trying to weaken him before their match next week. This brought out Dusty Rhodes who entered the ring and delivered elbows to all the Horsemen and sent them running out of the ring.

Interview:
The Rock 'n' Roll Express are with Jim Ross and they talk about how they beat The Midnight Express last week and how sweet it was because of how mad it made Jim Cornette. They want to win the NWA World Tag Team Titles to not only prove they are the best tag team in professional wrestling but to also win it for all the fans that support them. Suddenly, The Midnight Express attack The Rock 'n' Roll Express. The two teams brawl all over the studio set until security is forced to separate the two teams.

[NWA World Heavyweight Title Tournament - First Round]:
Lex Luger made Ron Garvin submit to the Torture Rack in 0:14:47.
Rating: *** 1/2
[James J. Dillon interfered against Ron Garvin.]

Much like any match with a member of the Four Horsemen, not only do you have to deal with the other members of the group but you always have to account for James J. Dillon on the outside of the ring. Ron Garvin experienced first hand why James J. Dillon is such a valuable member of the Four Horsemen. Lex Luger had attempted a Running Forearm Smash on Ron Garvin but he moved out of the way and instead Luger connected with the referee Tommy Young. Ron Garvin took the opportunity to surprise Luger with the Hands of Stone Punch! Luger was down and Garvin immediately went for the cover but no one was there to make it. Ron Garvin desperately tried to get Tommy Young to come to. In the mean time, J.J. Dillon grabbed a chair and entered the ring and hit Garvin from behind with it. The first hit didn't phase Garvin too much but as he turned around, he was met with a shot squarely against his forehead knocking him down to the mat. By this time, both the referee and Lex Luger were beginning to stir. Lex Luger got to his feet and shook the cobwebs out and looked down at Ron Garvin on the mat and smiled back at James J. Dillon. Lex Luger picked Ron Garvin up and executed the Torture Rack. Tommy Young was able to get back up on his feet and see if Garvin was to submit. Ron Garvin had no choice but to submit to avoid further injury. Lex Luger advances in the tournament where he will next meet "The American Dream" Dusty Rhodes.


Card rating: ***
The TNM Members ChampPosted on 05/26/08 at 23:13:57

NWA Classic Championship Wrestling
Date: January 17, 1987
Location: Atlanta, GA

[NWA World Heavyweight Title Tournament - First Round]:
Ric Flair made Brad Armstrong submit to the Figure-Four Leglock in 0:17:26.
Rating: *** 1/2
[James J. Dillon interfered against Brad Armstrong.]

This was a very competitive match in another first round match in the NWA World Heavyweight Title Tournament. Brad Armstrong came very close to winning this match but could not overcome the interference of James J. Dillon and Tully Blanchard. Brad Armstrong went for a flying cross body press but as James J. Dillon was distracting referee Mike Adkins, Tully Blanchard knocked him off the top rope. Brad Armstrong landed hard on the mat. Tully Blanchard quickly left the ring area. Ric Flair took advantage by applying the Figure Four Leglock in the middle of the ring and made Brad Armstrong submit.

The Midnight Express (Stan Lane and Bobby Eaton) defeated Jim Jeffers and Mack Jeffers when Eaton pinned M. Jeffers with the Alabama Jam in 0:04:03.
Rating: *

Jim Cornette looked irritated while watching his Midnight Express take on Jim and Mack Jeffers. His mood lightened up a bit once Bobby Eaton hit the Alabama Jam to secure the victory for The Midnight Express this week. After the match, Jim Cornette said he can't believe the audacity of the Rock 'n' Roll Express to brag about their victory over The Midnight Express in the NWA World Tag Team Title Tournament. Cornette claimed the victory was a fluke and that last week everybody saw that The Midnight Express won't let anyone talk bad about them, especially two punks like Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson.

Interview:
Ron Garvin talked about how unfair last week's match with Lex Luger was because of James J. Dillon's interference. Despite not being in the tournament anymore, he is going to watch Dusty Rhodes' back next week when he faces Lex Luger in the semifinals of the NWA World Heavyweight Title Tournament. He wants to ensure that Dusty Rhodes is not screwed out of the tournament by James J. Dillon or any of the Four Horsemen like he was last week.

[NWA World Tag Team Title Tournament - First Round]:
Ragin' And Rude (Manny Fernandez and Rick Rude) defeated The Fabulous Freebirds (Jimmy Garvin and Michael Hayes) when Rude pinned J. Garvin with the Rude Awakening in 0:23:04.
Rating: *** 1/2

Rick Rude and Manny Fernandez picked up an important victory over the reformed Fabulous Freebirds after Rick Rude hit the Rude Awakening on Jimmy Garvin. Ragin' and Rude will now advance to the next round to face The Road Warriors.

Larry Zbyszko pinned Italian Stallion with the Shoulderbreaker in 0:09:30.
Rating: ***

Gary Hart's night got even better as not only did Ragin' and Rude win their tournament match but Larry Zbyszko also won his match against the Italian Stallion. After the match, Larry Zbyszko told Jim Ross that he heard rumblings that there will be a match to determine the NWA World Television Champion at Clash of the Champions on January 28th. Zbyszko put everyone on notice that he wanted to be a participant in that match because he is a Living Legend and legends needs championship gold.

Horsemen Blanchard & Anderson (Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard) defeated Kendall Windham and Sam Houston when Blanchard pinned K. Windham after a small package in 0:07:28.
Rating: ** 3/4
[James J. Dillon interfered against Sam Houston.]

The veteran tag team of Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard outsmarted the up and coming team of Kendall Windham and Sam Houston. Kendall Windham attempted a Gorilla Press on Tully Blanchard but he played to the crowd for too long and this allowed Tully to reverse it into a small package for the three count. After the match, Arn Anderson and Tully Blanchard once again established that they are the team to beat in the NWA World Tag Team Title Tournament. Their opponents next week are the Rock 'n' Roll Express and Anderson and Blanchard think they are too distracted by their rivalry with The Midnight Express to
focus on the task at hand. While Anderson & Blanchard are the complete opposite going into the match next week since both are focused on bringing home the gold to the Four Horsemen.

Interview:
Dusty Rhodes told Jim Ross that he knew that Ric Flair and the Four Horsemen would do everything in their power to try and prevent him from defeating Lex Luger next week. That's why he has accepted the help from Ron Garvin to watch his back next week. The goal of Dusty Rhodes is to win the NWA World Heavyweight Title and bring it back to the people.

[NWA World Heavyweight Title Tournament - First Round]:
Barry Windham pinned Nikita Koloff with the Superplex in 0:12:59.
Rating: *** 1/4

Barry Windham gets the hard fought victory over Nikita Koloff after hitting the Superplex for the three count. Afterwards, Nikita Koloff raised Barry Windham's arm in victory. Suddenly, the emotion on his face changed and he nailed Barry Windham with a short arm lariat! Nikita waited for Barry Windham to get back to his feet and hit him with the Russian Sickle! The fans are shocked at this latest development. Why did Nikita Koloff turn his back on the fans like this?


Card rating: ***