FORUM HOME > TNM Circuits > TNM Circuits
WWF from WrestleMania 1985 and beyond

Larry MondelloPosted on 02/24/08 at 21:57:04

My circuit will begin with the first WrestleMania on March 31, 1985 and progress onward from there.  I wanted to begin this circuit by holding WrestleMania unbooked on TNM and seeing what results it gave me, then taking my ideas from there.  

Interestingly enough, my WrestleMania card rating was DUD.  The best match of the evening was Tito Santana and the Executioner (Bruce Hart in a mask since I didn't have a Buddy Rose export).  There were a lot of other shocks and upsets, but I took them all and will be developing my storylines from there.  He's a brief summary of WrestleMania:

Tito Santana defeated the masked Executioner in what was hailed as the best match of the evening.

Koko B. Ware pulled off the upset of the night, filling in for S.D. Jones only to defeat King Kong Bundy and end his undefeated streak.

In another fan favorite match, the dark horse Matt Borne overpowered Rick Steamboat.

The evening went quickly downhill when David Sammartino beat Brutus Beefcake in a yawn of a contest that lasted over 16 minutes.

Greg Valentine put to rest the title dreams of the Junkyard Dog, making the Dog tap out to the figure four leglock and retaining the Intercontinental title.

Fred Blassie's men... Iron Sheik and Nikolai Volkoff came up big winners by capturing the Tag titles from the U.S. Express when Rotunda tapped out to the Sheik's camel clutch.

Andre the Giant and Big John Studd had one more anti-climactic battle that ended in a double countout, keeping alive the certainty that they would meet again another day.

Wendi Richter and Leilani Kai put the crowd to sleep, despite Richter coming out on top by pinning Kai's shoulders to the mat.

The unthinkable happened in the main event when Paul Orndorff pinned Mr. T after a wicked Piledriver, carrying himself and Roddy Piper to victory over Mr. T and Hulk Hogan.

WrestleMania left most with their mouths hanging wide open.  The fans seemed tired and disillusioned, and the question had to be asked as to what was next for the McMahon enterprise.

Card rating: dud
Larry MondelloPosted on 02/24/08 at 21:59:09

WWF Championship Wrestling - 1985.04.06

Noticeably absent was Vince McMahon from the broadcast, as Gorrilla Monsoon and Bruno Sammartino opened it up.  Monsoon hyped the previous Sunday's WrestleMania as one of the most unpredictable nights in the sport of professional wrestling, one which would not soon be forgotten.  

Monsoon was interrupted as Jimmy Hart and King Kong Bundy walked up into the announce position.  Jimmy's face was flush with anger as he railed on the WWF promoters for changing Bundy's opponent at the last minute at WrestleMania.  He said Bundy was prepared for S.D. Jones only to get this Koko B. Ware who he was completely unprepared for.  Bundy sent out a challenge to Koko B. Ware and a solemn promise that the stain of his loss at WrestleMania would be mopped up with Koko's brillo hair.

Match #1 - King Kong Bundy vs. Sam Houston - Koko B. Ware didn't appreciate the words that Bundy had for him, so he came down to the ring to torment Bundy during his match with Houston.  Bundy all but finished Houston after a big Avalanche, but a distraction from Koko kept Houston from meeting his end at that point.  The match still came to an end though as Koko pulled down the top rope for Bundy to tumble over, and the ref awarded it to Bundy by DQ. Security had to step in to keep Bundy and Koko B. Ware separated.  

Gene Okerlund was backstage to conduct a special interview with Bobby Heenan, who announced that the #1 free agent in wrestling had joined the Heenan Family.  Heenan said that this man was the hero of WrestleMania who could be credited for the retirement of Mr. T.  He then introduced "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff.  Orndorff said that actors like Mr. T had no place in professional wrestling, and it was unfortunate he had to find out the hard way.  Orndorff claimed that with the managerial expertise of Bobby Heenan behind him that his rise to the top and the WWF title was a sure thing.

Match #2 - David Sammartino vs. Buddy Landell - Sammartino not only had to deal with Buddy Landell, but the continued harrassment from Brutus Beefcake throughout the match who attempted to interfere on Landell's behalf.  After Landell nearly put Sammartino away with a figure four, Luscious Johnny tossed Landell a bat... only David Sammartino caught it and nailed Landell with it, then got the three count!

Brutus Beefcake attacked David Sammartino after the match, enlisting help from Luscious John.  Then Bruno Sammartino left the broadcast position and hit the ring, nailing Beefcake and Luscious John with a pair of bone-crunching bodyslams that sent them packing away from the ring.  The crowd was deafening as Bruno Sammartino stood over his son!  

Match #3 - Paul Orndorff & Big John Studd vs. Paul Roma & Mando Guerrero - Romo and Guerrero gave the Heenan Family more than just a little bit of trouble, but in the end it was the superior strength and coaching of Heenan's men who won out as Paul Orndorff put Guerrero away with the Piledriver, similar to how he put Mr. T away at WrestleMania with the same move.  At that point it was elementary, as the referee made the three count.

Gene Okerlund was again backstage where he was joined by an angry father and son, the Sammartinos.  Bruno said he's been watching Beefcake and Luscious John antagonize his son long enough, and that it was time he finally got involved.  Bruno made a challenge to them both any time, anywhere to take on he and his son David.  David pointed out that Beefcake's and Johnny V's attempts to kill the Sammartino family legacy had all failed, and that tonight they put the last nails in their own coffin.

Match #4 - Tito Santana vs. "Iron" Mike Sharpe - Tito Santana, who was touted as having he best match from WrestleMania, came down to the ring to take on Mike Sharpe.  The wiley veteran could do little to stop the breakout star from Tocula, Mexico, as Tito Santana hooked Sharpe in a figure four until Sharpe passed out not even four minutes into the match.  Santana celebrated the win as "Maniac" Matt Borne looked on from the entry way.

Backstage Gene Okerlund was standing by with Vince McMahon to ask him about his expectations for WrestleMania.  McMahon said that WrestleMania certainly was every bit the big event that he had anticipated, though admitting that it did not turn out quite how he expected.  Okerlund asked him if he thought anybody had thought it possible that Piper and Orndorff would walk out the winners.  McMahon said that he always knew it was possible, but was honestly a little taken aback by it, and said that perhaps bringing a man with limited experience like Mr. T into the main event was not the thing to do.

As McMahon walked off the set, Okerlund was joined by Bobby Heenan and his Heenan Family.  John Studd sent out a warning to Andre the Giant that if he thought he was going to get away as easily as he did at WrestleMania, he was wrong.  Studd said that the question was still unanswered about who the true giant in the WWF was, but that soon everyone would know it was Big John Studd.

Paul Orndorff then said he was tired of everyone talking about how unqualified Mr. T was to be in the main event of WrestleMania.  Orndorff contended that Mr. T was qualified to be Hogan's partner, he just was severely underqualified to contend with a man like himself.  Orndorff then put out a challenge to Hulk Hogan for the WWF title, and said that he was the rightful #1 contender, being the man who humbled them at WrestleMania.

It was just then that from stage left came Rowdy Roddy Piper and "Cowboy" Bob Orton.  Piper smiled at Orndorff and calmly said "Kind of proud of yourself aint'cha?"  Piper said that from the very beginning he told everyone that Mr. T didn't belong in that main event, and beating him at WrestleMania was like Tito Santana beating the Executioner.  He contended that Hogan was the target, and that he was not going to settle for taking out his celebrity sidekick, and that if Orndorff wanted to be the #1 contender to Hogan's belt, he would have to go through the Hot Rod first.  

Heenan stepped in and offered his apology to Piper, saying that by no means did any of his family intend to get between Piper and his title shot.  He said that what was more important to him than title shots was a good working relationship with good friends like Roddy Piper.  Piper backed away from Orndorff, calming down as he listened to Heenan.  Heenan told Piper that he had his full support against Hogan, and maybe down the road when Piper was WWF champion that they could work out a deal where maybe "Mr. Wonderful" would receive a title shot.  

Piper scratched his chin and seemed to think about Heenan's offer.  He then smiled and shook hands with "the Brain", saying that he'd like to have his back scratched by Heenan, and he'd be happy to return the favor.  With big plans, the Heenan Family and Piper left Okerlund on the set, who speculated big things ahead in the WWF, and invited everyone to tune in again next week to Championship Wrestling where Hulk Hogan would be in action!

Results:

1. King Kong Bundy defeated Sam Houston by DQ at 3:33 after Koko B. Ware interfered
2. David Sammartino pinned Buddy Landell with the unintention help of Luscious John at 13:30
3. Orndorff & Studd beat Roma & Guerrero when Orndorff pinned Guerrero at 15:29
4. Tito Santana made Mike Sharpe pass out to the figure four at 3:30

Card rating: ** 1/4


Larry MondelloPosted on 02/25/08 at 05:15:27

WWF Championship Wrestling - 1985.04.13

Vince McMahon and Gorrilla Monsoon were the hosts for this week's edition of Championship Wrestling.  They announced that this week Hulk Hogan would be in action, along with the U.S. Express coming off their big title losses at WrestleMania.  

Match #1 - Mando Guerrero vs. "Maniac" Matt Borne - Borne corrected Howard Finkel in the middle of his introduction, stipulating that since WrestleMania he would here on be referred to as "The Dark Horse" Matt Borne.  Mando Guerrero was on Matt Borne almost before Finkel finished his introduction and made short work of "The Dark Horse".  Borne's luck at WrestleMania didn't seem to hold up tonight though, as Guerrero finished him off with his Mandosault at 3:11. (* 3/4)

In this week's 'UPDATE', Lord Alfred Hayes announced the big event coming up at the end of the month.  April 27th would be 'Saturday Night's Main Event', and it would feature a big WrestleMania rematch as "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff and Mr. T would once again square off in the ring.  Also scheduled was a big tag team match which was made earlier in the week between Bruno and David Sammartino against Brutus Beefcake and Luscious Johnny V.  And if that card wasn't big enough, add a WWF World Heavyweight title match to the picture as Hulk Hogan would put the belt on the line to finally settle the score with Rowdy Roddy Piper.  All this and more at Saturday Night's Main Event!

Match #2 - Koko B. Ware vs. "Nature Boy" Buddy Landell - Koko B. Ware was faring very well until King Kong Bundy and Jimmy Hart showed up at ringside, intent on returning Koko's favor from last week.  Koko hit the Ghostbuster on Landell, but thanks to the distraction of Jimmy Hart, Bundy was able not only to break up to the pin but to incapacitate Koko.  With his feet on the ropes, Buddy Landell got the victory over Koko B. Ware.  And after the match, Bundy got the last laugh by dropping all 450 pounds on Koko in a big splash! (*** 3/4)

Backstage Gene Okerlund was joined by Luscious Johnny V and Brutus Beefcake.  Johnny said that he's been waiting to get his hands on Bruno Sammartino for a long time, and that they have given him just what he wants.  Beefcake flexed for the camera as Johnny V asked the audience to just compare the lean, mean physique of Brutus Beefcake to the tubby body of David Sammartino.  He asked the audience to decide for themselves who had star power written all over him, and promised that at Saturday Night's Main Event they'd win with high markes in style and substance!

Match #3 - U.S. Express vs. Scott Irwin/Mike Sharpe - Tito Santana filled in for Mike Rotunda who was not able to make it for his match.  The crowd never seemed to know the difference, getting behind Santana and Windham who worked like a well oiled machine.  Although the crafty veterans of Sharpe and Irwin seemed to fare well at first, Tito Santana finished Irwin off with his flying forearm to capture the win. (* 3/4)

Gene Okerlund was waiting backstage for a word with Jimmy Hart and King Kong Bundy.  Okerlund condemned Bundy for his actions earlier, attacking Koko in a match that he was not even supposed to be involved in.  Bundy said that this is what happens when you try to stick it to him, and that he noticed Alfred Hayes didn't even mention the main event of Saturday Night's Main Event on April 27th.  He laughed, explaining that the main event would be the WWF road crew mopping Koko B. Ware up off the mat when he got finished with him!

Match #4 - [World Champion] Hulk Hogan vs. Sam Houston - The crowd came alive as Hulk Hogan made his first appearance since WrestleMania to take on Sam Houston.  Houston got in a little offense in the beginning, but Hogan was merely toying with him.  The Hulkster quickly turned the match around, knocking Houston out with a big boot before hitting the legdrop and getting the three count at 1:47.  As the crowd applauded their hero, the Hulkster gave them a pose show.  (1/4 *)

Backstage Gene Okerlund was standing by with Barry Windham and Tito Santana.  Windham said that no one could replace his partner Mike Rotunda, but Tito Santana would have to be the first runner up.  He thanked Tito for stepping in and helping out in the match.  Tito Santana shook hands with Barry Windham as Okerlund talked about how wrestling fans everywhere were talking about how much they loved watching Tito Santana's work in the ring.  Santana said that he believed that it was time to get back to when hard work during the match was at least as important as the showmanship after the matches.  He says he's proud of how the fans appreciate his work, and that there are bigger and better things to come.  

It was then that Greg Valentine stepped into the scene with his Intercontinental title over his shoulder.  Valentine said that while World Champions like Hulk Hogan flexed their muscles, it was men like himself and Santana who were putting the blood, sweat, and tears into the sport.  Valentine claimed he was tired of opponents like the Junkyard Dog, and he wanted to take on a real pure wrestler, and offered to put his belt on the line against Santana.  Luscious Johnny V didn't seem to like the words coming out of Valentine's mouth and asked Greg not to make those kinds of choices without consulting him.  Santana said that he would take on that challenge!

As all four men walked off the set, Gene Okerlund said that next week on Lord Alfred's update would be a very special interview with Mr. T, and that Hulk Hogan would be there to comment on his upcoming title defense against Roddy Piper at Saturday Night's Main Event!

Results:

1. Mando Guerrero pinned "The Dark Horse" Matt Borne in 3:11
2. Buddy Landell pinned Koko B. Ware after interferance from King Kong Bundy at 10:17
3. Barry Windham/Tito Santana beat Scott Irwin/Mike Sharpe when Santana pinned Irwin at 15:14
4. Hulk Hogan pinned Sam Houston at 1:47

Card rating: * 1/4

Larry MondelloPosted on 02/25/08 at 06:34:02

WWF Championship Wrestling - 1985.04.20

Vince McMahon and Gorrilla Monsoon opened up the show, announcing the stars of the WWF that would be featured on this night's Championship Wrestling...including Brutus Beefcake, members of the Heenan Family, the Intercontinental champion Greg Valentine, and Rowdy Roddy Piper who would challenge Hulk Hogan at Saturday Night's Main Event for the WWF World title.

Match #1 - [I-C Champion] Greg "the Hammer" Valentine vs. "The Dark Horse" Matt Borne - Borne was coming off a loss on the last edition of Championship Wrestling to Mando Guerrero, and in this match he truly was the dark horse as he was facing the dominant Intercontinental champion.  Borne met with bad fortune early in the match when he missed a leap on Valentine outside the ring and got knocked unconscious on the guardrail.  Valentine stepped into the ring and took the count-out victory. (* 3/4)

Backstage Gene Okerlund was standing by with Koko B. Ware who had a giant load on his shoulders, the challenge of having to face an angry King Kong Bundy on Saturday Night's Main Event next week.  Koko claimed that the first time he had the element of surprise working in his favor, but on SNME he would have to come with a new gameplan.  He said that he and Frankie have hammered out a strategy that Bundy isn't going to like, and to squash him he's going to have to catch him first!

Match #2 - Paul Orndorff/Big John Studd vs. Sam Houston/Perro Aguayo - Houston and Aguayo were outgunned from the opening bell, but the dominance of the Heenan Family only worked to make them cocky.  Bobby Heenan got his men DQ'd in an attempt to trip Perro Aguayo.  The refere saw it and called for the bell.  Still, the Heenan Family was not in a losing mood, and Orndorff and Studd found it in their best interest to dismantle Houston and Aguayo at the direction of an angry Weasel. (1/2 *)

It was time for Lord Alfred Hayes' 'UPDATE', in which Hayes talked briefly about the upcoming card for Saturday Night's Main Event which would feature four huge matches.  King Kong Bundy and Koko B. Ware would clash in a rematch from WrestleMania.  The father and son duo of David and Bruno Sammartino would face off against Brutus Beefcake and Luscious Johnny V.  "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff would seek to finish the job on Mr. T, and Rowdy Roddy Piper would challenge Hulk Hogan for the WWF World title.  

In a special interview recorded for UPDATE, we were taken to the home of Mr. T who responded to the remarks about his not being qualified to be in the same ring as a professional like Paul Orndorff.  Mr. T said that somebody had to lose at WrestleMania, and he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.  He claimed that he wasn't too big of a man to admit he got beat, but he WAS too big of a man to sit back and watch Mr. Wonderful run him down every week and talk about him like he couldn't even lace his boots.  Mr. T said that at Saturday Night's Main Event, "the fool" would have to eat his words.

Match #3 - Brutus Beefcake vs. Scott Irwin - Brutus Beefcake was all about strutting and taunting the Sammartinos in this match, but Scott Irwin showed that he was not to be taken lightly.  After nearly putting Beefcake away after a superplex, Luscious John's man rebounded and put Irwin to sleep in a sleeper hold to get the victory.  (-*)

Gene Okerlund was backstage again with members of the U.S. Express, Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda.  Okerlund welcomed Rotunda back and said he better be careful about missing his matches, because there's another wrestler in the WWF who's ready to take his place.  Windham assured Rotunda that this was not the case at all.  Rotunda seemed miffed about Okerlund's implication and asked Windham if he thought he'd have better luck winning the belts back with Tito Santana.  Windham asked Rotunda not to get so defensive, and said that they needed to get focused on bringing the WWF Tag straps back into American hands.  

Match #4 - Rowdy Roddy Piper vs. Paul Roma - It was a big opportunity for the youngster, but Rowdy Roddy Piper did not come to blow it on the eve of what he believed was his biggest night.  Piper taunted the crowd, signalling that he would be wearing Hogan's WWF World title around his waist very soon.  Beating Paul Roma was almost an afterthought, as Piper rolled him up after a shoulder block for the victory at 11:19. (*)

Backstage Bobby Heenan made his way onto the set with Paul Orndorff and Big John Studd.  Okerlund asked Heenan what he thought he was doing interfering in that match right in front of the referee.  Heenan told him to forget that because it wasn't important, and what was important was that next Saturday night Paul Orndorff would complete the embarrassment of Mr. T and then be the #1 contender for the WWF title after Rowdy Roddy Piper beat Hulk Hogan.  Big John Studd told Heenan not to forget to mention who the true giant in the WWF was.  

Rowdy Roddy Piper walked into the scene after his match with Paul Roma, high fiving Heenan, Orndorff, and Studd.  Piper said that Orndorff's title shot was as sure as money in the bank, and that as long as everything went to plan that Heenan had nothing to worry about.  Okerlund caught wind of the word "plan" and persistantly asked Heenan and Piper what plan they were talking about, but all of the men were tight-lipped.  Okerlund cut back to Vince McMahon and Gorrilla Monsoon.

Vince said that before Championship Wrestling went off the air, they were to schedule an interview that took place earlier in the week with WWF champion Hulk Hogan.  In what looked to be his private gym, Hulk Hogan was lifting weights with one of his best friends Hillbilly Jim.  Hogan put a set of dumbells down and began to rant about the underhanded ways of Roddy Piper and the Heenan Family.  But he claimed that he was not going to be alone out there, and that along with all the millions of Hulkamaniacs that would be pulling for him, he knew he had Hillbilly Jim there to watch his back.  Hillbilly clapped the Hulkster on the back and said that as the #1 Hulkamaniac, he would consider it a priviledge to watch Hogan's back in his title defense.  Hogan asked, "So watcha gonna do Roddy Piper, when Hulk Hogan, my brother Hillbilly, and all the little Hulkamaniacs run wild on you!!??"

Results:

1. [I-C Champion] Greg Valentine beat Matt Borne by countout at 55 seconds
2. Sam Houston/Perro Aguayo beat Paul Orndorff/John Studd by DQ at 4:55 when Bobby Heenan interfered
3. Brutus Beefcake beat Scott Irwin by making him pass out to a sleeper hold at 12:40
4. Rowdy Roddy Piper pinned Paul Roma at 11:19

Card rating: 1/4*
Larry MondelloPosted on 02/26/08 at 06:34:32

WWF Saturday Night's Main Event - 1985.04.27

The broadcast opened up with Rowdy Roddy Piper standing in front of the WWF logo with Bobby Heenan, Paul Orndorff, and Big John Studd behind him.  They all seemed to be incredibly optimistic about the evening.  Heenan said that they came to make a statement tonight, and that they would punctuate it by sending Mr. T to the hospital.  Mr. Wonderful stated that this wasn't Hollywood, and in the WWF Mr. T was nothing but another wannabe.  Roddy Piper sent a message to Hogan that tonight was the true war to the settle the score, which has never been settled.  He said that he was going to put Hogan on a diet tonight and make sure that he left 10 pounds lighter, by taking the WWF title.

In another pre-recorded interview, Hulk Hogan was standing by with Mr. T and Hillbilly Jim.  Mr. T said that he was tired of listening to Paul Orndorff run his mouth, and after tonight Orndorff wouldn't be able to remember WrestleMania, in fact he wouldnt' even be able to remember his name.  Hillbilly assured Hogan and T that he had their backs, and he would make sure that the Heenan family stayed out of their business.  Hogan seemed really pumped up for his match with Piper, claiming that with the backing of his two biggest Hulkamaniacs, and the millions of little Hulkamaniacs, that there was no way Piper or the Heenan family could survive!

After the opening, Vince McMahon and Jesse "the Body" Ventura opened up the show, hyping the matches that would be seen.  Koko B. Ware would step into the ring to see if he could get the job done a second time against King Kong Bundy.  Bruno and David Sammartino would attempt to settle their score with Brutus Beefcake and Luscious Johnny V in tag team action.  Paul Orndorff and Mr. T would face off for the first time since WrestleMania where Mr. T would have an opportunity to redeem himself, and Orndorff would try to run him completely out of the WWF.  And in the main event, finally Hulk Hogan and Roddy Piper would square off one on one with the WWF title on the line!

Match #1 - "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff vs. Mr. T - Mr. T relied heavily on his boxing/brawling style against Orndorff, despite the admonishment of the referee.  T hit Orndorff with some solid strikes, but lacked the real wrestling experience to really contend with Orndorff.  Bobby Heenan reached into the ring and tripped Mr. T once, which set the man from Chicago off and gave Orndorff the advantage he needed to completely cripple T's momentum and hit him with the Piledriver to get the win at 7:41. (** 1/4)

As the Sammartinos made their way to the ring, Gene Okerlund stopped Brutus Beefcake and Luscious Johnny V to get some comments about their upcoming match.  Johnny V had his arm wrapped up in a cast!  Johnny V explained that he had suffered a serious injury while he was in training for the match, and would not be able to compete.  Okerlund remarked on how convenient the timing of Johnny's injury was.  Luscious John got angry and threatened Gene with the arm wrapped in the cast, but quickly remembered his injury and began to cradle it as if he were in pain.  

Match #2 - Bruno/David Sammartino vs. Brutus Beefcake/Luscious Johnny V - Johnny V took Finkel's mic and announced that he would be unable to compete, and introduced in his place...the WWF Intercontinental champion, Greg "the Hammer" Valentine!  Bruno Sammartino protested this last minute change to the match, but the referee said that the only thing he could do is call the match off or allow it to go on with Valentine replacing Johnny V.  Bruno conceded and went back to his corner.  Besides having little chemistry as a team, Bruno and his son were frustrated multiple times by the outside interferance of Johnny V.  It was this that finally led to the Dream Team's victory, when Beefcake put Bruno to sleep in the sleeper at 12:11. (** 1/4)

Backstage Gene Okerlund stood by with Jimmy Hart and King Kong Bundy.  Jimmy Hart said that the crimes of WrestleMania would be paid for tonight, and he didn't know how the championship committee would be able to live themselves after seeing what Bundy was about to do with Koko!  Bundy laughed and said he heard that they already went out and purchased a giant spatula.  Bobby Heenan and Paul Orndorff then bursted onto the set, with Heenan begging the pardon of Jimmy Hart and Bundy for the interruption.  Orndorff flexed and bragged that he did exactly what he set out to do, and that was to prove that Mr. T might be a dangerous man in Hollywood, but in the WWF he was nothing but a danger to himself.  Heenan said he felt they were so close to a title shot that he could taste it!

Match #3 - Koko B. Ware vs. King Kong Bundy - Koko got a big round of applause as he arrived at the ring with his parrot Frankie.  Koko appeared to be talking some strategy with Frankie as Jimmy Hart led the awesome King Kong Bundy to the ring.  Koko didn't fare too well at staying out of Bundy's reach, and the giant pounded him down with his giant arms.  Koko tried to make a comeback, getting momentum from the cheers of the crowd.  But Koko's repeated attempts to lift Bundy failed and just seemed to take more out of him, until finally Bundy caught Koko in the corner with an Avalanche, and from there it was all over as Bundy covered him for the win at 9:54. (** 3/4)

Gene Okerlund once again caught up with Roddy Piper who was with Bobby Heenan, Paul Orndorff, and Big John Studd.  None of them would talk to him, but Okerlund said that by the looks of things, these guys were up to no good.  He continued down the corridor to the locker room of WWF Champion Hulk Hogan, but instead of the Hulkster he ran into Hillbilly Jim.  Hillbilly said that Hulk is making final preperations for his match, and that he was just there to make sure that nobody could get to the champion until the opening bell, and then the Hulk would chop Piper down a size or two.  
Match #4 - [World Champion] Hulk Hogan vs. Rowdy Roddy Piper - No sooner had the match began than Big John Studd and Paul Orndorff were at ringside, and Hillbilly Jim was nowhere in sight!  Hogan was doing very well against Piper until Orndorff pulled down the top rope, making the Hulkster fall to the outside.  Then with the ref distracted, Big John Studd began to dismantle the champion outside the ring!  Unfortunately the plan didn't seem to work as intended, because Hogan was counted out and although Roddy Piper won the match, he didn't win the title!  (-* 1/2)

Confusion was in the air as Roddy Piper was visibly upset with Studd and Orndorff, refusing to let the referee raise his hand.  Backstage Gene Okerlund was trying to make his way to Hulk's locker room, only to find Hillbilly Jim on the ground holding his jaw.  Okerlund asked Hillbilly what happened, and Hillbilly said that he had been hit... by Mr. T!

Results:

1. Paul Orndorff pinned Mr. T at 7:41
2. Brutus Beefcake/Greg Valentine beat Bruno/David Sammartino at 12:11 when Beefcake made Bruno pass out to the Sleeper
3. King Kong Bundy pinned Koko B. Ware at 9:54
4. Rowdy Roddy Piper beat Hulk Hogan by DQ at 4:01 but did not capture the WWF World title

Card rating: 3/4*
Larry MondelloPosted on 02/29/08 at 07:53:57

WWF Championship Wrestling - 1985.05.04

Vince McMahon and Gorrilla Monsoon opened up the broadcast of WWF Championship Wrestling with the disturbing news that it had been confirmed that Mr. T was the one who knocked out Hillbilly Jim at Saturday Night's Main Event.  Mr. T had already confessed this, and in a special interview later in the broadcast he was going to reveal why he turned on his friends.

Match #1 - King Kong Bundy vs. Mando Guerrero - Jimmy Hart led the big monster from Atlantic City down to the ring.  Bundy was on a tear and his ire had not been quenched at Saturday Night's Main Event.  Unfortunately Mando Guerrero just happened to be the one on the receiving end.  Mando was completely mauled by Bundy who got the pin in just 2:46. (* 1/2)

Match #2 - David Sammartino vs. Brutus Beefcake - This is the one that was supposed to settle the score between these two, but in the end nothing came of it.  Beefcake pretty well had his way with Sammartino until the match spilled outside.  Johnny V attempted to get involved, but it was Beefcake who ran shoulder first into the ring post.  Sammartino entered the ring at the last second and won the match by countout.  (-** 3/4)

It was time for Lord Alfred's UPDATE, where Alfred ran over the results of Saturday Night's Main Event and paid special attention to the main event where Mr. T knocked out Hillbilly Jim, who was supposed to be helping T to watch Hogan's back.  The knockout punch would lead to members of the Heenan Family making their way down to ringside and causing Hogan to lose his match.  Alfred promised an exclusive interview of Mr. T with "Mean" Gene Okerlund.

Mr. T sat on a sofa across from Gene Okerlund who asked him why he knocked out Hillbilly Jim.  Mr. T said that Hogan was all out for himself and that he was an opportunist who took advantage of their friendship.  He added that all Hogan cared about was his match with Piper, and he didn't offer any sort of protection when he was wrestling Orndorff.  Mr. T said that Hulkamania was a sham and that he would humble Hulk Hogan to prove to the kids that he was no role model.

Match #3 - U.S. Express vs. Bill Irwin/Scott Irwin - Windham and Rotunda returned to action as a pair against the two outlaws, the Irwin brothers.  Although Windham fared very well in the ring, Rotunda looked sluggish and melancholy.  Still, with the energy and momentum of Barry Windham, the team managed to pick up a big win toward a rematch for the Tag titles. (**)

Backstage Gene Okerlund was standing by to have a word with Tito Santana.  Santana said he was looking forward to his match with Matt Borne, and thanked all of the fans who sent in letters to him after his statements about bringing the sport back into wrestling.  Santana said that wrestling was entering a new era, and in order for the WWF to be the dominant force in wrestling, it would have to recognize that fans want to see an athletic competition, not a pose down.

Match #4 - Tito Santana vs. "The Dark Horse" Matt Borne - Everyone was expecting an easy Santana victory, but the unpredictable Matt Borne came through in tihs match and shocked everyone by defeating Tito Santana, who was the #1 contender to the Intercontinental title.  Santana seemed very impressed and offered Borne a hand shake after the match.  Borne took the microphone from Howard Finkel and indicated that he didn't want Tito's hand, he wanted his title shot! (** 1/2)

Gene Okerlund caught up to Hillbilly Jim who was in final preparations for his match with Mr. T on Championship Wrestling.  Hillbilly said that after all the trust that Hulk Hogan and all the Hulkamaniacs showed T, it was the worst form of treason to turn his back on them.  Hillbilly threatened to teach Mr. T a lesson about loyalty!

Match #5 - Hillbilly Jim vs. Mr. T - Despite having the Hulkamaniacs behind him, Hillbilly Jim was unable to reach down deep enough to have a good fighting chance against Mr. T.  The country boy was stopped on all fronts, and finally Mr. T put him down with the K.O. and got the pin at 7:00. (-**)

Backstage Gene Okerlund stood by with Hulk Hogan, who was wearing the WWF World Heavyweight title.  Hogan addressed his Hulkamaniacs and told them that men like Mr. T who wanted to ride the greatness of Hulkamania to make a name for themselves were a dime a dozen.  He said that Mr. T made a bigger mistake than he realized, because when he got his hands on him, there would be no one who would be able to save him from the wrath of the 24 inch pythons!

Results:

1. King Kong Bundy pinned Mando Guerrero in 2:46
2. David Sammartino beat Brutus Beefcake by countout in 5:09
3. U.S. Express beat Bill & Scott Irwin when Windham pinned Scott at 9:16
4. Matt Borne pinned Tito Santana in a huge upset at 4:47
5. Mr. T pinned Hillbilly Jim after hitting him with the KO at 7:00

Card Rating: Dud
Larry MondelloPosted on 02/29/08 at 08:02:40

WWF Update

- Executives at the USA Network have grown tired of the lackluster shows and dwindling fan interest, and have given the WWF an ultimatum to stimulate its viewership or else face cancellation.

- WWF officials met this week to discuss changes to programming.  It is believed that the next edition of Championship Wrestling will be a live show with several big matches, including Greg Valentine defending his title against Tito Santana and Matt Borne...and Hulk Hogan teaming up with Hillbilly Jim to take on Rowdy Roddy Piper and Mr. T.

- WWF officials seemed to be very interested in increasing the pace of televised matches, which very likely will result in the increased usage of more skilled in-ring performers such as Tito Santana and the U.S. Express.

- The intention of officials in the WWF is to debut a new broadcast team at the next edition of Championship Wrestling.  It is strongly rumored that Jesse Ventura will be a part of that team, though whether his partner will be Vince McMahon or Gorrilla Monsoon is yet unknown.
Larry MondelloPosted on 02/29/08 at 19:47:29

WWF Championship Wrestling: The Big Bang - 1985.05.11

Match #1 - Paul Roma vs. King Kong Bundy - The match was joined in progress on WWF Championship Wrestling.  Roma's speed and agility was frustrating Bundy who it seemed was seconds from putting him away throughout the match.  Still, the offense of Roma did not have enough impact to stop the big giant.  Roma ran into the referee and in frustration tossed him out of the ring, resulting in Bundy winning the match by DQ.  As Roma argued with the official, Bundy squashed him in the corner with a HUGE avalanche!  He then laughed as Jimmy Hart ordered him to squash Roma again with a big splash!  King Kong Bundy pounded his chest as the crowd threw garbage into the ring.  (1/2 *)

Vince McMahon and Jesse Ventura welcomed wrestling fans to the liftoff of this week's Championship Wrestling which had been nicknamed "The Big Bang".  Meanwhile Bobby Heenan led Paul Orndorff and Big John Studd down to the ring for the next match.  Backstage a camera followed Barry Windham who was looking for Mike Rotunda.  Windham walked out into the parking lot just as Rotunda pulled up in a new porsche!  Windham asked Rotunda what he's doing driving a porsche, and reminds him that they are supposed to be in the ring!  Rotunda smiles and pats Windham on the shoulder, telling him that he just inherited A LOT of money and that things were going to be different from now on!  Windham congratulated him and said he wanted to hear all about it, but that right now they needed to be in the ring because if they could get by the Heenan Family they'd get another shot at the Tag titles.

Match #2 - Paul Orndorff/John Studd vs. The U.S. Express - Windham greeted his girlfriend Cindy who was on the front row to watch their match.  The match spilled outside early on and Paul Orndorff whipped Windham hard into the guardrail right in front of Cindy, which made the railing crash hard into her!  The match carried on, but Rotunda's attention turned from the match to Windham's girlfriend as he checked to make sure that she was not hurt.  Windham saw what was going on and misinterpreted it, then tried to head to the outside to confront Rotunda!  The referee stood in his way, so Windham simply tossed the ref head first out of the ring!  The referee DQ'd the U.S. Express and awarded the easy victory to the Heenan Family. (* 3/4)

Outside Windham and Rotunda fussed about the situation, while Cindy defended Rotunda to her boyfriend.  Meanwhile backstage Gene Okerlund was standing by with Luscious Johnny V, Greg Valentine, and Brutus Beefcake.  Greg Valentine said that he had no fear going into the big triangle match with Santana and Borne, and that he was secure in the knowledge that he'd be walking out with the gold strap.  Okerlund asked Beefcake what the status was on his feud with David Sammartino, but Johnny V quickly reprimanded Okerlund, saying that any questions for Beefcake would be addressed to him specifically.  Johnny V said that they no longer had the time to waste on dead ends like Sammartino, and that his boys would be gunning for that tag team gold, and that soon they would hold three fourths of all the gold in the WWF!

Match #3 - [I-C Champion] Greg Valentine vs. Tito Santana vs. Matt Borne - From start to finish it was an exciting match with no clear dominant wrestler.  Borne surprised everyone by holding his own in the match, but in the end it would not be enough to win him the title.  A busted open and bleeding Greg Valentine hooked Tito Santana in a figure four, forcing Tito to pass out to the pain.  Valentine held Santana in the hold like a vice and the referee counted his shoulders down to the mat... Borne was unable to make the save in time, and Greg Valentine retained the Intercontinental title in 15:16.  (** 1/2)

Backstage Barry Windham and Mike Rotunda had seemed to come to a consensus that Rotunda was just making sure that Windham's girlfriend was alright.  Rotunda then immediately began to talk about his dead uncle who left him the bulk of his estate...Windham interrupted him and asked him if he realizes they just blew their opportunity for a title shot.  Rotunda shrugged it off and said that there would be other opportunities.

In the ring Jesse Ventura introduced his new talk show segment, the Body Shop, and said that his first guest was going to be none other than David Sammartino.  David walked down to the ring to a likewarm reception.  Jesse brought attention to the fact that the crowd wasn't exactly leaping over the railing to get a handshake with David.  David said that it didn't matter and that he was in the sport of professional wrestling to wrestle, not to win a popularity contest.  Jesse brought attention to David's rather unimpressive physique and asked him how he could really take himself seriously in the WWF against wrestlers like Brutus Beefcake.  Sammartino indicated that thus far he felt he had successfully proven that an "average man" like himself was no less equipped for success in the wrestling business than an uncoordinated musclehead like Beefcake.  Ventura chuckled at David and said he was going to give him a chance to put up or shut up, and challenged him to an arm wrestling match next week.  Ventura said that he was going to prove to David Sammartino that the only place for an "average man" in the WWF was wearing a black and white striped shirt and a bow tie, not a pair of wrestling tights.  Sammartino accepted the challenge... but before he could finish his sentence, Bob Backlund stepped into the ring.  Jesse Ventura seemed surprised, but played it off as if he was responsible for bringing Backlund back for a Body Shop exclusive!

Backlund said he had been invited to come back to the WWF and told that the situation was grim.  He said that he now understood what they were talking about, because he was looking around him at number of out of shape wrestlers who wouldn't know a wristlock from a wrist watch trying to tell the world that they are professional wrestlers.  Backlund contended that anyone could role around on the ground and wrestle, but that to be a TRUE professional...there were sacrifices that had to be made, and standards that had to be lived up to.  Backlund cited Hulk Hogan as the prime example of how truly sad of a place the WWF had become.  He then claimed he was going to teach each and every wrestler a lesson, and that they would have to shape up or ship out.  He said that the first disgusting individual he wanted to make an example of was the skinny out of shape Sam Houston.  Backlund went on to criticise his haircut before demanding that Houston come out and face him in the ring!

Match #4 - Bob Backlund vs. Sam Houston - At first it seemed that Backlund was just toying with Houston, but Sam Houston got mad and started really taking it to Backlund.  The veteran former WWF champion was fully prepared for the onslaught though, and turned the match back around, slowly dismantling Houston with a series of painful holds.  Backlund finally caught Houston in the Crossface chickenwing and did not let go.  Houston fought the pain for a few seconds before tapping out at 16:10.  (***)

A recap was shown of the history between Hulk Hogan, Mr. T, Roddy Piper, and Hillbilly Jim...including the knockout punch Hillbilly Jim suffered as Mr. T turned against Hulkamania to join forces with Roddy Piper.  Tonight on the "Big Bang" it was to be Hogan and Hillbilly against Roddy Piper and Mr. T.  Roddy Piper and Mr. T made their way to the ring under a shower of garbage from angry fans as backstage Gene Okerlund stood by for a word with Hulk Hogan and Hillbilly Jim.

Hillbilly Jim warned Mr. T that he did not appreciate the disrespect shown by Mr. T who he considered a friend, and that he was going to get him back tonight.  Hulk Hogan once again alluded to the men who want to ride the Hulkamania bandwagon until their jealousy outweighs their desire for the success they've reached by following the three demandments.  Hogan claimed that Mr. T may have taken his vitamins, but somewhere along the way he stopped saying his prayers, and the reason he turned on them was because he quit believing in himself.  Instead, he started listening to Roddy Piper who couldn't speak one sentence without telling three lies.  Hogan said that all of his Hulkamaniacs are hungry for revnege, and that there was NOTHING they could do when Hulkamania ran wild on them!

Match #5 - Hulk Hogan/Hillbilly Jim vs. Rowdy Roddy Piper/Mr. T - Hulk Hogan cleaned house to begin the match, but was never quite able to get his hands on Mr. T which is what the crowd really wanted to see.  He tagged out to Hillbilly Jim who stayed in the ring for the rest of the match, as Piper and T took him apart piece by piece.  Hillbilly was never able to tag back out to Hogan who was trying to rally the crowd behind them.  Mr. T tossed Hillbilly over the top rope where he stayed as Piper put the boots to him, the referee distracted by trying to keep Hogan in his own corner.  Finally Hillybilly Jim was counted out, and the team of Piper and Mr. T went on to win the match by countout at 9:35. (-** 1/4)

Hogan left the ring to check on his friend as Piper and Mr. T celebrated their win in the ring.  Hulkamania was definitely not running wild tonight.

Results:

1. King Kong Buncy beat Paul Roma by DQ at 8:05
2. Orndorff/Studd defeated the U.S. Express at 1:49 when Barry Windham was DQ'd
3. Greg Valentine retained the I-C title at 15:16 against Matt Borne and Tito Santana when Valentine pinned Santana
4. Bob Backlund made Sam Houston submit to the Crossface Chickenwing at 16:10
5. Piper/Mr. T overcame Hogan/Hillbilly when Hillbilly Jim was counted out at 9:35

Card rating: 3/4*
Larry MondelloPosted on 02/29/08 at 20:35:50

Wrestling Newswire

- Word is that executives seem pleased with the "Big Bang" edition of Championship Wrestling, and other than the main event felt that it delivered higher quality in-ring action and entertainment on every level.

- Bruno Sammartino, who was dropped from the Championship Wrestling announce team for Jesse Ventura, has given notice to the WWF that he will not be renewing his contract when it expires.

- Matt Borne's contract was extended.  Officials seem pleased with Borne's rather unusual presence on WWF shows, and say that for better or worse he has become a WWF attraction.

- Saturday Night's Main Event has been scheduled for May 25th, and the reported main event will be Hulk Hogan and Mr. T in a steel cage.
Larry MondelloPosted on 02/29/08 at 22:39:39

WWF Championship Wrestling - 1985.05.18

Match #1 - [Tag Champions] Iron Sheik/Nikolai Volkoff vs. Perro Aguayo/Sam Houston - This match was joined in progress.  The Sheik quickly hooked Houston in the Camel Clutch and wrenched back on it.  After suffering Backlund's Crossface Chickenwing last week, it seemed Houston was unable to sustain the pain of the Camel Clutch.  Danny Davis raised Houston's arm three times, and three times it fell.  Fred Blassie entered the ring with the titles as Nikolai Volkoff and the Iron Sheik were named winners! (1/2 *)

Volkoff insisted on singing the Russian national anthem once again in Finkel's mic as Vince McMahon and Jesse Ventura welcomed everyone to another edition of Championship Wrestling, raving about "The Big Bang" last week and talking about Saturday Night's Main Event coming up next week where the big match has been signed...Hulk Hogan to face Mr. T in a steel cage.  But as for this week, the main event would pit the dominating King Kong Bundy against "The Living Legend" Bruno Sammartino!  Jesse Ventura also hyped his arm wrestling match tonight against David Sammartino.

Match #2 - Andre the Giant vs. "Iron" Mike Sharpe - This was hardly a match at all, as Mike Sharpe threw his best punches at Andre who simply shrugged them off.  Andre dropped Sharpe with a boot to the face and hit an elbow drop, laying over Sharpe for the pin at 1:17. (-1/2 *)

Vince McMahon called Andre over to welcome him back after a short absence from the WWF.  Andre said that he is back for one reason, and that is to dominate all of the other wrestlers in the WWF just like he did years ago.  He said that he has let friendships get in the way of his career, and it would happen no more.  Andre pointed at the camera and said "I'm coming for you Hogan, and that belt is coming to me!"

Backstage Gene Okerlund was standing by to talk to the U.S. Express, but only Barry Windham and his girlfriend Cindy were present.  Okerlund asked him where Rotunda is, and Barry had no idea.  Someone from off camera stepped onto the set and told Cindy that there was a call for her, and that it was Mike Rotunda.  Windham freaked out and asked her why Mike would be calling for her instead of him.  Cindy said she didn't know and left the set to answer the call.  Windham seemed very agitated as he headed for the ring as Okerlund speculated the obvious, that there was something rotten in Denmark.

Match #3 - The U.S. Express vs. Bill Irwin/Scott Irwin - Since Rotunda did not show up at the match, the referee made it a singles match between Windham and one of the Irwins.  Bill Irwin stepped up to take on Barry Windham.  Bill and Scott Irwin used every tactic they could during the match to double team Barry Windham, but Windham would not be pinned.  Finally Windham got angry and started to pummel Bill, and Bill Irwin took this as a sign to cut out of Dodge, exiting the ring to take an intentional countout...making Barry Windham the winner at 12:48. (* 3/4)

Windham headed back to the locker room as Jesse Ventura announced that the Body Shop was next, where he would embarrass David Sammartino in an arm wrestling match.  Backstage Barry Windham was asking his girlfriend why Rotunda had called for her.  She explained that Mike couldn't make the match because he had a very important meeting with some investors, and that he called for her because he knew Barry would be mad at him.  Windham shook his head and said that if Mike didn't start getting serious, he was going to be done with him and done with the U.S. Express.

Jesse Ventura was in the ring with the podium for the arm wrestling match.  He introduced David Sammartino who came down in a pair of jeans and tank top.  Ventura flexed to show the audience his physique compared to Sammartino's.  Ventura said that he was going to demonstrate that average mediocre wannabes who could only stand in the same ring with him because their father is Bruno Sammartino have no place in the sport of professional wrestling.  This angered David, but he still did not have the strength to compete with Ventura in an arm wrestling match.  In just over 10 seconds, Jesse Ventura was the winner.  

Ventura laughed in David's face... who then slapped Ventura!  The crowd responded as David flatly stated that arm wrestling was no substitute for the real thing, and if Jesse Ventura really thought he still had anything to bring to the table other than large biceps and a pot belly, he would step out of the hiding place that he called retirement, and meet him in the ring at Saturday Night's Main Event!  

Bob Backlund once again entered the ring as Jesse Ventura was leaving and said that this week he was going to make an example of another poor excuse for a WWF superstar, and that was the overall wearing farmer who should be out slopping his pigs instead of pretending to be a wrestler.  He challenged Hillbilly Jim to come down to the ring so that he could demonstrate his superiority as an athlete and wrestler.

Match #4 - Bob Backlund vs. Hillbilly Jim - Big Jim was only too willing to step down to the ring and take on Backlund.  He tossed his hat at Backlund as he entered the ring, and got attacked for it before the opening bell!  Hillbilly quickly turned things around on Backlund and took him to school with rights and lefts, but Backlund was able to swing the match back to wrestling, which was clearly his domain.  Hillbilly missed a roundhouse punch, and Backlund rolled him up from behind for the three count at 6:59. (-* 3/4)

Backstage Gene Okerlund was standing with Mr. T who was joined by "Cowboy" Bob Orton.  Okerlund said that he assumed it was official by the presence of Orton that Mr. T was officially running with Piper's crowd.  Mr. T told Okerlund to get that scornful look off his face before he smacks it off, and told him that in this sport you need protection, and what he found in Piper and Orton were two men he could depend on, unlike Hogan who just wanted all of the spotlight and wanted all of his friends to follow him mindlessly in his cult named Hulkamania.  T said that at Saturday Night's Main Event he would be the man responsible for ending Hulkamania, and it would hit with a thud just like Hogan would when he KO'd him.

As T and Orton left the set, Bobby Heenan stepped up with Paul Orndorff and Big John Studd.  Heenan said he had all the respect in the world for Johnny V, and that his new Dream Team looked like a sure winner, but he knew that his men wanted WWF gold bad and doubted anything would stand in their way.  Orndorff said he should be WWF Champion by now, but it seemed he would have to work his way up slowly... and he'd start with the tag titles.  Big John Studd warned the Dream Team that nothing would stand in their way of becoming #1 contenders to the tag team straps, and that Luscious Johnny V better not get caught in the middle, or he would be just another casualty!

Vince McMahon announced that indeed the match had been signed for Saturday Night's Main Event and Heenan's men would face the Dream Team to determine who would be the #1 contenders to the WWF Tag titles.  With that, Bruno Sammartino was on his way to the ring with a big explosion of cheers as he was set to be King Kong Bundy's greatest challenge thus far.

Match #5 - Bruno Sammartino vs. King Kong Bundy - Sammartino attacked Bundy right off the bat and momentarily had the upper hand, but Bundy overpowered Sammartino and crushed him in the corner with the Avalanche, getting the pinfall in only 33 seconds!  (*)

McMahon and Jesse Ventura were running through the card as it was known so far for Saturday Night's Main Event as Bundy stepped up and said that if Bob Backlund wanted to make an example of someone, he should try to make an example of him... and that he'd be at Saturday Night's Main Event waiting for Backlund to accept his challenge!  

The card was seemingly set... Hulk Hogan vs. Mr. T in a steel cage.  Orndorff and Studd against the Dream Team to decide #1 contenders for the tag team straps.  David Sammartino perhaps stepping into the ring against Jesse Ventura should the challenge be accepted, and a similar last minute challenge made to Bob Backlund from King Kong Bundy!  Saturday Night's Main Event was next!

Results:

1. [Tag Team Champions] Iron Sheik/Nikolai Volkoff def Perro Aguayo/Sam Houston when Sheik made Houston pass out to the Camel Clutch at 12:25
2. Andre the Giant pinned "Iron" Mike Sharpe at 1:17
3. Barry Windham beat Bill Irwin by countout when Irwin fled the match at 12:48
4. Bob Backlund pinned Hillbilly Jim at 6:59
5. King Kong Bundy pinned Bruno Sammartino after an Avalanche in just 33 seconds

Card Rating: 1/4*

King_Of_Old_SchoolPosted on 03/04/08 at 19:06:51

This circuit is terrific and I'm really enjoying reading it. Interesting use of Mr. T.