1983 - The Tournament [Archive]

Jaded

07-02-2006, 01:50 PM

The Sheik of Araby vs Robbie Brookside

17 year old rookie Brookside 'won' the wildcard entry to this tourney by taking the duke in a World of Sport battle royal, but if he'd realised the legendary Sheik would be his first round opponent, he may well have thrown himself over the top rope to save himself some pain...

The Sheik opens up with a series of strikes and headlocks, before jabbing Robbie in the throat with a pencil. Taking the British rookie down, he gets on a hammerlock, then an arm bar, and gets the Rolling Hammerlock for the submission win in 2 minutes, much to the disapproval of the crowd. (Match rating F.)

Seiji Samaguchi vs Huracan Ramirez

The 41 year old Seiji takes on David Garcia, the veteran who's the second wrestler to wear the Huracan Ramirez costume (after Eduardo Bonada, who took on the character after performing stunt duties for him in the film where he was created.) I have to admit, these are two guys I don't know too much about.
First few minutes see the pair sound each other out, exchanging a series of technical holds until Seiji takes control with a series of headlocks and facelocks. Keeping him on the ground with a mixture of armbars and facelocks, the Japanese judo star seems to be in total control, but it's noticeable that he seems to have a knee injury. Still, he's taking it nice and slowly, never letting Huracan back into the match, and gradually working in more impressive moves, taking the Mexican legend down with a knee jab before locking on a straddled armbar. Judo throw grounds Huracan, but he slips out of another armbar attempt and finally gets in some offense, using the candado invertido to slow Seiji down. Side headlock and European uppercut follow, but it's obvious that the Mexican's arm is in real pain. Mixture of headlocks and single leg trips buy Ramirez some time, and the crowd seem solidly behind him. Full arm drag and twist takes Seiji down, but he counters a knife edge chop with a series of vicious slaps. Hip lock takedown quickly puts Huracan back in charge though, and an arm scissors takedown seems to be keeping Seiji grounded until he manages to get the Morote Seoinage throw. Knee jab misses from Samaguchi, but a series of uppercuts don't get him anywhere as Ramirez blocks one and slams him. Knee drop misses, and a leg braced wrist lock from Seiji then straddled arm bar keep him down. Knee jab is avoided though, and Ramirez gets the hammerlock, then drives Samaguchi into the corner. He tries to follow up with a forearm charge, but Seiji ducks, spins, and lands one of his own, sending the two to the outside through the ropes! Huracan gets a running dropkick as the referee gets to the halfway point of his count, and the two have to cease hostilities for a few seconds to get back into the ring. Forearm flurry, single leg grapevine, and head and straight arm lock by Huracan have completely stalled Seiji's momentum, but he blocks a head scissors and fires off three quick kicks to the thigh. Airplne spin follows, and he locks in the short arm scissors, leaving Huracan with no choice than to submit! Incredibly, the crowd STILL dislike the match, chanting that it sucked - no pleasing some people. Hopefully one of the next few will have a few more big spots, as they don't seem keen on the technical wrestling side. (Match rating E.)

Ricky Steamboat vs Rusher Kimura

And from two guys I know little about, to a legend who EVERYONE knows - Ricky 'The Dragon' Steamboat, one of the true greats. Surely the 42 year old Kimura can't beat one of the favourites in the first round... can he?

A series of headlocks, facelocks, and armbars start us off once again, until Steamboat takes Rusher down and starts working the arm in earnest, driving a knee into it then getting the grounded hammerlock. Kimura is rocked by a series of strikes until he manages to retaliate with an open hand slap, and gets that hammerlock himself. Steamboat slips out of an armbar attempt though, taking Rusher back to the ground with a hip lock takedown and back to the chinlocks and facelocks as the crowd cheer him on. Spinning head scissors builds momentum for Ricky, and then he gets the handstand knee drive into Kimura's leg. Straddled arm bar is broken, though, and Rusher works over the arm before hitting a European uppercut. Breaking another arm bar, Ricky regains control, with a pair of dropkicks leaving Rusher slumped in the corner. Right back to working the arm, it's another handstand knee drive by Steamboat, who then channels Wahoo McDaniel by hitting a falling chop to the forehead. Dropkicking Rusher into the corner, he looks to capitalise with another dropkick, but Rusher dives out of the way at the last minute and the Dragon crotches himself on the ringpost!

Kimura HAS to keep Ricky grounded now, and tries it with the armbars again, but Steamboat slips out of the back of one and gets the atomic drop to go back into the driving seat. Elbow drive to the arm misses, though, but Steamboat quickly regains control once more by hitting a short arm knee lift to counter an uppercut attempt. Judo chop and knee drop from Rusher stop him in his tracks, and Rusher tries to get the half-strangle hammer, only for Ricky to avoid it. But a single leg takedown doesn't work for Steamboat, Kimura dodging it and taking out Ricky's leg with an elbow drive. Three kicks to the thigh, short-arm knee to the stomach, and a knee face driver, and for the first time in this match, Kimura seems to be in real control!

Kick to the thigh can't find it's target though, but Ricky goes for a dropkick and just bounces off Rusher! Rusher has the momentum now, getting a knee jab and a straddled arm bar, then grinding his forearm into Steamboat's shoulder. Seated Hammer misses, but Steamboat can't get back into this, as he tries to strike Rusher only for his opponent to easily bodyslam him. Out of desperation, Ricky manages to avoid the half-strangle hammer once more, and gets a high cross body, only for Rusher to kick out at two and three quarters! Springboard Body Press misses, and a deep hip toss then a driving body scissors keep Rusher looking the stronger man. Double chop to the neck, knee drive, arm bar once more, and airplane spin as Ricky tries to get that high cross body again, and there can surely be only one winner now. Japanese Spinning Toe Hold by Rusher... but the escape by Steamboat, only to walk into a Japanese Power DDT! 1... 2... KICKOUT! Somehow, Ricky kicked out of it!

Forearm strike flurry by Rusher leads to Ricky ducking behind him to get a headlock into a hammerlock, and he tries for the figure four only to be kicked away. Spinning back suplex puts Rusher down but not for long enough, as he rises with a running knee. Kickout of the pin attempt, Ricky tries for a springboard body press again but once more misses. Spinning toe hold by Rusher, and Steamboat looks like he might give up - but the crowd are screaming for him, and somehow he finds the energy to hang in there! Ducking a flurry of forearms, Steamboat slaps on a side headlock, moves to a hammerlock, and takes Rusher down with a single leg trip. Abdominal stretch buys Ricky a little time to recover, and this time he DOES get the springboard body press - but only for two! The crowd are on their feet as the Dragon goes up top, to come off with a flying body press... but they sigh as Rusher ducks it, then drapes an arm over the fallen Steamboat! 1... 2... it's... NO! Last second, last MILLIsecond, Ricky kicks out!

One more high cross body attempt, but Kimura leaps sideways and nails Ricky in the head with a knee strike. That gets another nearfall, and then Rusher takes Steamboat down with an enziguri to the arm. Grabbing Steamboat's legs, Rusher locks on a Boston Crab... but STILL, Ricky won't give up! Flurry of forearm strikes meeet him as he struggles to his feet, taking him outside. Steamboat blocks Rusher's attempts to get him back in, f\ irst with a hair pull and then with a suplex, and enters with a sunset flip - only for Rusher to roll through! Two count, the two rise, and Kimura gets another Japanese Power DDT, busting Steamboat open! Surely that's it - or is the Dragon invincible? He STILL can't be kept down! Missed enziguri may even give him the chance to get back into this one, and he goes up top for a flying knife edge chop. Picking Kimura up, he attempts a back suplex only for Rusher to stop him with a well-timed kick, but then counters the Japanese guy's attempt at a running knee by hitting a fireman's carry. Kimura sends Steamboat outside, and follows himself, getting a charging forearm which turns Ricky inside out! The two roll back inside, and once more, Kimura gets the Japanese Power DDT - but third time's NOT the charm, with one more last second kickout!

These guys are 35 minutes in now, and Kimura's been in control for at least quarter of an hour, he just can't finish it! Another running knee gets a close call once more, and Kimura sends Ricky to the apron again with those forearm strikes, then brings him in hard with a suplex. A second attempt at the forearms is countered, though, as Ricky arm drags his opponent, but the running knee counter to the high cross body works again for Rusher! One... two... it's official, this guy's immortal! Enziguri, forearm strikes, Kimura is on fire! Enziguri misses, though, and an abdominal stretch may buy some time for Ricky - but not long, as Kimura ducks another cross body attempt and hits a charging forearm.

The two fall to the outside, and this time an enziguri hits - and Kimura drags Steamboat back into the ring, when he could possibly have taken the win by countout if he'd just rolled in himself! Strike flurry, ring apron suplex, Japanese Power DDT - FOURTH time lucky, maybe?! Steamboat's crimson mask is about 0.7 Muta at this point - but STILL, he won't give up!! He even manages to get up to the second rope and come off with a dropkick! Figure four is blocked though, and surely a fifth JPD must mean it's over! One... two... 2.99! Enziguri, momentum ALL Rusher's once more, but Steamboat will NOT stay down! Boston crab... somehow, he breaks it. Enziguri once more, he kicks out. JPD number 6, he kicks out again. How the heck can the Dragon even SEE to wrestle through all that blood?!

Springboard body press from out of nowhere by the Dragon, but Kimura kicks out of it! Another... and he kicks out again! And out of desperation, Kimura blocks an attempt at a third by diving into the ropes, knocking Ricky off! Enziguri to the arm, Boston Crab must surely do it - but Ricky makes the ropes! A seventh JPD... it's not gonna happen! What does Rusher have that can beat Steamboat? Running knee attempt goes awry as Ricky bodyslams him, and sweet science comes into play with a bridging roll-up... for two and a half! Leaping up top, Ricky hits the Dragon Body Press... and the crowd go crazy as he pulls off the win! Standing ovation for the Dragon as he acknowledges his fans while he wipes some of the blood away, but WHAT a performance from Kimura, dominating one of the world's greatest wrestlers for about half an hour but just never quite finding the killer move. A 49 minute classic which is surely going to be that match of the tournament. (Match rating A*, like you needed to ask.)

Note: I'm going to use the editor to reduce condition for the next match for those people who've been in really gruelling bouts, like this one - Ricky finished with head condition 0%, so I'm thinking of reducing him to 75% or so head condition - does that sound about fair? I want to make it realistically hard for someone who's been beaten up badly while still giving them a chance.

D. Boon's Ghost

07-02-2006, 03:03 PM

Note: I'm going to use the editor to reduce condition for the next match for those people who've been in really gruelling bouts, like this one - Ricky finished with head condition 0%, so I'm thinking of reducing him to 75% or so head condition - does that sound about fair? I want to make it realistically hard for someone who's been beaten up badly while still giving them a chance.

I think that sounds fair. And a darned good idea.

Poor Robbie, heh.

I'm really liking this so far. Thanks a lot for it!

Jaded

07-02-2006, 04:08 PM

Glad you're liking it, Boon - any thoughts on who you'd expect to win? I was convinced that Kimura would put Steamboat away, was actually marking out as I read it - unbelievable the way Ricky kicked out time and time again, but if there's one person who could've done it, it would've been the Dragon :)

Will try and post 3 matches or so a day, have the next 5 written out ready but want to leave posting until tomorrow so that I have a backlog in case I get really busy at work for a few days. There's one other classic already :)

Snuka vs Tiger Mask and Andre/Abdullah are the two I'm really looking forward to in the first round, and hoping we'll eventually get to Flair/Funk and Sheik/Steamboat if they can beat their other opponents!

D. Boon's Ghost

07-02-2006, 06:30 PM

While I am bummed that Nick Bockwinkel didn't get in (heh), there are a ton of great matches lined up.

Some of the highlights of the first round (imo):

Andre vs. Abby (as you mentioned),
Kerry Von Erich vs Antonio Inoki,
Mad Dog Vachon vs Bruiser Brody (should be one of the more violent matches in the first round --- besides Andre v. Abby),
David Von Erich vs Dos Caras,
Mark Rocco vs Bruno Sammartino (I'd love to see Rocco pull this one off, but I don't know - heh)
Dr Wagner vs Dynamite Kid (to go along with the above: it would be super if Rocco and Dynamite met up later),
Jimmy Snuka vs Tiger Mask (maybe the most interesting first round match-up - again, as you alluded to in your last post),

And this entire first round bracket is tops:
Terry Funk vs Jacques Rougeau
Animal Hamaguchi vs Johnny Saint
Masa Saito vs Rick Martel
Jim Breaks vs Ric Flair

--------

I'll hold off my pick on who I think will win it until the next round. :)
But in my eyes, Andre is the #1 seed. Depending upon how Hogan fares v. Bravo, he might be one of the only ones to give the Giant a run for his money.

TCP1

07-02-2006, 07:29 PM

I predict an Andre vs Hulk Hogan clash along the way, with Andre brushing the orange goblin aside!

Jaded

07-03-2006, 02:27 PM

El Satanico vs The Original Kendo Nagasaki

Can ANYONE top that? Sure not, but these two have as good a chance as most - and they must have loved that last bout, as whoever wins this will take on Ricky in the second round. The 34 year old El Satanico is one of the most charismatic rudos in Mexico, while The Original Kendo Nagasaki is a legend in Britain, as is his foppish manager George Gillette.

The usual mixture of headlocks, armbars, and strikes get things started, which gives your recapper a chance for a breather to recover from that Steamboat classic. Nagasaki takes control fairly quickly, with a judo chop, a few forearms, and several arm bars and front facelocks to keep the Mexican down. But Satanico gets a single leg trip and a few grounded arm bars of his own, only for Nagasaki to regain control with those forearm blows again. A bodyslam counters one though, and El S blasts away with strikes, including a couple of closed fist punches which displease the referee. Hammerlock kick brings Kendo back into it after a short-arm knee lift stops Satanico in his tracks, but a knee jab misses and Satanico is back to the punches before working the leg, with a grapevine and a cross figure four. Nagasaki slips out of another grapevine attempt, taking the luchador down with a hammerlock, then jabbing him with a knee. Straddled arm bar and single leg grapevine seem to have him in control, but Satanico gets a grapevine of his own, then a leg braced wrist lock, then a head and straight arm lock.

Satanico fools Kendo, going for a low blow but instead sweeping his legs out, then hitting the handstand knee drive to his leg. Figure four is broken, and Kendo gets a knee to the stomach. Hammerlock takedown puts El S on the mat, but another fake low blow confuses Nagasaki and Satanico is back to the cross figure fours and grapevines. Wrist lock is broken, and Kendo gets the double arm lever submission on! Grapevine submission is broken though, and neither of these two can get any momentum going. Punch flurry, leg braced wristlock, handstand knee to the leg, cross figure four, and El Satanico seems to be in charge until he has an inverse figure four broken. He breaks a German suplex in turn though, hitting a rana, and leans down to pick Kendo up - only to get a face full of salt! The referee is furious, giving Nagasaki a stern warning, and Satanico takes advantage of Kendo's distraction by hitting a series of rapid fire dropkicks, despite the blinding salt.

The two keep dodging each other's moves for a few minutes, until Satanico manages to get the Cerrajera tangle, but Nagasaki manages to escape, before countering a fisherman's buster with a forearm blow. Kendo takes off a turnbuckle cover, then whips El Satanico into the exposed steel, hip tossing him on his way out and then scoring with a German suplex! 1... 2... that's it, the Brit taking the win in 33 minutes, and if it didn't live up to the previous match, it was a huge improvement on the first two. (Match rating C.)

Mad Dog Vachon vs Bruiser Brody

This is set to be brutal, with the 54 year old Mad Dog being one of the most violent competitors around, but the 37 year old Brody being pretty damn close to him when it comes to ass-kickings.

Well, not quite the chain wrestling start of the last two matches - Vachon immediately takes it to Brody with punches and kicks to the guts, but none of them have much effect on the New Mexico wildman. Shrugging off the blows, he punches Mad Dog a few times, then rakes his eyes across the top rope. Tossing him into the corner, Bruiser kicks him in the midsection, then smashes his head into the turnbuckle. Mad Dog manages to slip out of an armbar attempt and the pair brawl for a while, Brody still dominating as he throws Mad Dog into the corner again then charging in with a big boot. Mad Dog comes back with punches, kicks, and a sneaky low blow, but Brody gets a running dropkick, to the awe of the crowd, then a running clothesline. Brody picks Vachon up - only for the Dog to sink his teeth into Bruiser's forehead! Vicious kick to the stomach follows, then a seated hammer, a boot choke, and another bite, this time to the leg!

The ref is losing control of this one fast, although that's no surprise with this pair in. Seated hammer misses, Brody gets a bodyslam, and a vicious kick to the back of the head, and Brody decides it's his turn for lunch, sinking his teeth into the Mad Dog's forehead, only for Vachon to twist somehow and counter by locking his own jaws into Brody's cheek! The pair exchange several punches, until Brody puts Vachon down in the corner, stomping away and kicking him in the back of the head. Brody has all the momentum, until a last gasp low blow stops him in his tracks, and Vachon takes him to the outside with a mad man clothesline. The pair get back into the ring, where Brody chokes Mad Dog then slams his head into the mat, breaking him open!

Off the ropes, Brody goes for a knee drop, but Vachon misses and almost gets a three count off the resulting cover. Huge bodyslam puts Vachon back down, but the running knee drop misses again! Kickout once more, and Vachon goes for the mad man clothesline once more - only for Brody to duck, and get the big bear hug! Vachon won't quit, and slips out of Bruiser's attempts at a big press slam, and low blowing the wildman from behind. Bodyslam can't win it for Brody, but a big boot followed by the running knee drop hitting at the third attempt might manage it... and does! Crowd loved the brutal 28 minute spectacular, and it gets the second standing ovation of the tourney! (Match rating A*.)

Jaded

07-04-2006, 04:49 PM

3 fairly poor bouts here, but I promise tomorrow's will be better...

Billy Robinson vs Riki Chosyu

The Brit is surely an underdog here, despite being extremely technically gifted, but he dominates the early stages after the usual exchange of holds to get things started. He gets the figure four cross leglock, then the head scissors, before switching to an armbar, a leg grapevine, the head scissors again... total control here for Robinson. Chosyu finally slips out of a grapevine, hits a kick to the thigh, a European uppercut, and takes Billy down to work the arm. Series of side headlocks and front facelocks follow, keeping Robinson well under control, and Riki then moves it up a notch. Elbow driver to the leg and a measured knee drop, then three quick kicks. Robinson manages to block a judo throw, only for Riki to slip out of a head and straight armlock, and get the Japanese brainbuster. Leg elbow driver once again, another measured knee drop, and Riki goes back to the grounding holds, until Robinson slips out of a scorpion deathlock attempt. Billy takes him down with a hammerlock and patiently goes back to the wear down holds, but Riki comes back with a series of forearms to send the Brit to the ring apron, then suplex him back in. Scorpion Deathlock follows, and Riki takes the win in a fairly boring 22 minute match. (Match rating D.)

Giant Haystacks vs Ray Stevens

The smaller man starts things off well, punching and grappling with the giant for the first six or seven minutes and keeping him busy, but Haystacks comes back by hurling Stevens into the corner, then dropping him up top and throwing him off. Stevens rolls out of the way of a stomp, though, and quickly hits a series of strikes then a full arm drag and twist. After a bit more control by Stevens, Haystacks manages to retaliate with a big forearm blow, and a hip lock takedown, but Stevens fights back and Haystacks has no momentum here. Knee arm driver, rope assisted knee drop, and a seated bionic elbow follow, and Haystacks is lucky to avoid a kick to the gut before taking Stevens to the mat with a few rest holds to catch his breath. Double axe handle puts the smaller man down, but a falling headbutt misses, and Stevens gets the running butt drop. Another seated bionic elbow hits, as does a knee drop, but the giant fights back and gets a bear squeeze on. Unfortunately, a falling fist drop misses, and Stevens takes control again, wailing away on Haystacks while he's down. Pulling a roll of quarters out of his tights, Stevens blasts the giant in the head with them, busting him open - and gets DQ'ed! The crowd turn on the match, which was bad enough anyway, without the momentary madness by the 48 year old. (Match rating F.)

Osamu Kido vs Mil Mascaras

The first quarter of an hour is decent technical stuff but barely exciting, with neither guy managing to get anything much going. Kido is the first one to really take control, getting the driving body scissors, dropping an elbow onto the arm, then going for a series of armlocks. Mascaras does make a comeback, countering an airplane spin attempt with a few slaps to the chest, and going for an arm bar only for Kido to make the ropes. Mil hits a rana then a figure four cross, but Kido avoids an elbow drop and gets a judo throw. We're back to the point when no one can take control, until out of nowhere, Kido locks on the Gotch Toehold, and gets the 21 minute win. Horrible match considering what the fans were hoping for from two guys with a total of 32 years experience. (Match rating F.)

Jaded

07-05-2006, 03:59 PM

Mongolian Stomper vs Otto Wanz

Stomper dominates to start, brawling with Wanz and sending him reeling with a vicious headbutt to the back of the head. He has a huge momentum advantage until he gets kicked in the thigh as he pulls Wanz's tights when going for a forearm, and Wanz quickly takes him down to slow the pace. After a few restholds, the Stomper breaks a front facelock, but misses with a clubbing blow, and Wanz capitalises by tossing him into the corner. The fans count along as Otto rams the rulebreaker's head into the turnbuckle 10 times, then cheer the big elbow drop. It's actually becoming a surprisingly technical match, with the 2 exchanging several holds down on the mat, but neither managing to get any real control.

At last, however, Otto gets a bear hug on and manages to weaken Stomper, following up by stomping him in the groin and dropping the huge seated hammer before using a massive axe handle to set Stomper up for a butt drop on the ropes. Stomper rolls out of the way at the last minute, though, leaving the unfortunate European to crotch himself! But Stomper is unable to capitalise, even with JR Foley trying to distract Wanz for him, and Ottom nails him with a massive roundhouse. He follows up by hitting the hammer/axe handle/butt drop combo this time, In desperation, Foley takes one for the team, leaping onto the apron and allowing Wanz to chase him away in order to buy some time for the Stomper to sneakily remove a turnbuckle cover then hit a low blow on Otto. As the ref deals with Foley, Stomper manages to grab a splinter of chair his manager slips to him, then blasts Wanz in the throat with it!

Otto recoveres to get a head twist on MS, only for Foley to try to distract him once again, but he catches Stomper trying to sneak up on him this time and throws him to the corner, following up with a huge avalanche! A massive bodyslam follows, as does the Wanz Roll and Splash, but Stomper avoids it! Stomper comes back now, twice biting Wanz, and desperately tearing at his face! Otto comes back with a few strikes, but has a huge stroke of misfortune after throwing Stomper into the exposed steel, missing with an avalanche which sends him chest first into that unforgiving metal! Stomper gets a second chair stab, then piledrives his opponent for the two, before nearly getting a win with the standing stomach claw! Fighting his way out, Wanz again hits that huge bodyslam, but misses again with the Roll and Splash and just kicks out in time from the resulting cover! Stomper goes up top, though, and in turn misses with a flying elbow drop misses in turn for Stomper, and we have a few more exchanges where no one can dominate until a big bear hug nearly puts Wanz away. Wanz brawls back after reaching the ropes to break another stomach claw, and Stomper needs a kick to the gut to counter another slam attempt. Piledriver follows, busting Otto open but not getting the three, and Wanz gets the ropes to break a Shinnni attempt! Stomper goes to the top and hits a flying elbow, then goes for the Mad Man clothesline only for Otto to duck and get the big bear hug on. Missing the Wanz Roll and Splash AGAIN, he leaves himself open for a 2 and three quarter count from Stomper! Mad Man Clothesline from the Mongolian man takes both of them to the outside, where Stomper smashes Otto's head into the concrete!

Rolling back into the ring, Stomper tries to whip Otto to the corner, but it's reversed - only for Otto to take a low blow as he charges in with an avalanche! He hits a piledriver for 2! Another Mad Man clothesline takes the action back to the ringside area. Piledriver back in the ring once again fails to get the duke for the Stomper, and Otto breaks a second Shinni attempt before he FINALLY successfully follows up a big slam with the successful Roll and Splash! One, two, three, and this one's over, as the crowd go wild for these brawlers! (Match rating A*.)

potty

07-06-2006, 08:00 AM

Wow, the crowd is really loving those brawls!

Looks very interesting.

D. Boon's Ghost

07-06-2006, 09:57 AM

Wanz beating Stomper is a shocker! Granted, Wanz was a much better wrestler than just about anyone in America gives him credit - but it's the Stomper for crying out loud! :)

Great job, Jaded.

Jaded

07-06-2006, 12:48 PM

Thanks guys! The two brawls getting A*'s were huge surprises for me - can't wait for the Abby/Andre bout, which should be even wilder!

Jaded

07-07-2006, 03:59 PM

Dusty Rhodes vs Kintaro Oki

The American Dream starts strong, but misses a dropkick and Oki quickly takes him to the mat. Great chain wrestling by the Japanese star, until Rhodes manages to get his second attempt at a dropkick then pound Oki down on the ground with a series of elbow drops and other strikes. Tossing Oki into the corner, he rams his head into the turnbuckle 10 times as the crowd chant along. Oki breaks an armbar, though, and goes to work on Rhodes' own arm and head. Breaking a chinlock, Dusty attacks Oki and takes him to the mat, hitting a huge series of elbow drops then a falling fistdrop. Oki does manage to counter a flurry of punches with a fireman's carry takedown, but Dusty gets a bionic elbow after breaking an armlock. Big elbow drops follow once more, a spread eagled stomp, and a rope assisted knee drop! But Oki counters the Flip Flop Fly combo with a Japanese arm drag, then goes to a mix of body scissors, armbars, and wrist locks. After he misses a big kick, however, he gets bust open by a pair of bionic elbows, and a falling fistdrop compounds the pain for Oki. A few minutes later, the Weaver Lock is on, and the crowd cheer in relief at the end to a dire 20 minute match. (Match rating F.)

Jaded

07-08-2006, 04:24 AM

David Von Erich vs Dos Caras

Von Erich starts strong, with a mixture of brawling and good technical wrestling, until he misses a dropkick and Dos Caras takes him down with a double leg trip. They end up exchanging strikes and holds for the next 8 or 9 minutes with neither able to dominate or get any momentum going, until Caras manages to work over the Yellow Rose's legs with grapevines and figure four variations. Von Erich breaks a leglock attempt, though, hitting a hard punch to take Caras down, and then wailing away with his right hand as Caras lies helpless on the mat. Slamming his face into the mat, David tries for another punch flurry, but Caras slips out to get a standing double arm lever on, then pulls a grounded crucifix cradle out of nowhere for the 3. Somehow, they managed to go 29 minutes without having one decent spot in there! (Match rating E.)

Big Daddy vs Strong Kobayashi

The Brit starts strong, pounding away on Kobayashi, throwing him into the corner, and ramming his head into the turnbuckle 10 times as the crowd cheer. Taking him to the mat, we see a series of arm bars, then a massive elbow drop, and a rear chinlock. A brief Strong comeback gets ended by a forearm to the back, and some clubbing blows help Daddy dominate again, but Strong turns things around with some vicious kicks then takes Daddy down with a mixture of rear chinlocks and front facelocks. Kobayashi keeps the Brit grounded for a couple of minutes, but Crabtree breaks an armbar, then hits a short arm shoulder tackle with massive impact! Head vice is broken, though, and Strong takes him down with more armbars and knee bars. Leg elbow driver and driving body scissors take us up a notch, and the Brit looks in real trouble! Leg braced wrist lock, arm bar, straddled arm bar, driving body scissors again, arm trap head lock...

Daddy REALLY looks lost here, but breaks a straddled arm bar and manages to buy some time with a shoulder tackle. He misses with a seated hammer, though, and Strong takes him down with a hammerlock, then immediately goes back to those moves working on the arm again. Desperation allows Daddy to get a bear hug on and ram his opponent into the turnbuckles, then pound away with a series of punches, but a second bear hug attempt is countered by four forearms which put him to the outside. As they come back into the ring, Strong hits six or seven kicks to Daddy's huge right thigh, then judo tosses him. Picking him up, he sends him reeling with more blasts to the leg, then gets the Japanese Power DDT, but Daddy kicks out at two and a half!

Sidestepping a forearm flurry, Daddy hits his trademark belly butt, then a huge seated hammer, but misses with an axe handle and falls prey to a second Power DDT, this time kicking out at the last second. As the crowd cheer the Brit to make a comeback, though, he manages to slam his opponent and stomp him in the groin, then get that bear hug turnbuckle smash again and follow up with a massive avalanche! Another running belly butt, a hammer punch, and a leaping elbow drop... and Crabtree joins his long term rival Giant Haystacks in the second round! Another excellent brawl which the fans loved. (Match rating A.)

Jaded

07-08-2006, 04:28 AM

Confirmed 2nd round matches so far...

The Sheik of Araby vs Seiji Sakaguchi
Ricky Steamboat vs The Original Kendo Nagasaki

Bruiser Brody vs Riki Chosyu
Giant Haystacks vs Osamu Kido

Otto Wanz vs Dusty Rhodes
Dos Caras vs Big Daddy

Really looking forward to Otto/Dusty and Kendo/Ricky, especially :)

Jaded

07-08-2006, 01:38 PM

Mark Rocco vs Bruno Sammartino

Rocco immediately tries to take Bruno to the mat, but Sammartino powers out and starts to beat the living daylights out of the Brit, eventually tossing him to the corner and slamming his head into the turnbuckle. A few kicks of his downed opponent have the fans screaming Sammartino's name, but he misses a knee drop and Rocco starts to attack Bruno's knee, then arm. Lots of wear-down holds follow, and the legend is struggling here. Running clothesline, measured knee drop, and a rope assisted knee drop come next, as Rocco builds momentum! Bruno tries to punch his way back in, only to be taken down by a snap mare, then the pair struggle for a few minutes, each dodging and blocking lots of moves. Rocco manages to hit another measured knee drop, then goes back to working the arm, and gets a near fall from a German suplex. He goes for a spinning inverted piledriver, but Bruno manages to kick him in the gut to block it, although a bear hug attempt is stopped when Rocco hits him with a forearm. Slipping out of an armbar, though, Sammartino hits several arm whips, then stomps his opponent on the ground, drops a knee, and slams his head into the mat. Double stomp follows, but a running butt drop misses!

Rocco gets a spinning back suplex, then a spinning toe hold, which Sammartino just about manages to break out of. But Rollerball follows up with the spinning inverted piledriver... only for Bruno to SOMEHOW find the strength to kick out! Powering up as the crowd cheer him on, Bruno drops his opponent with a flurry of punches, only to have a bear hug attempt countered by a forearm. Rocco follows up, dropping Sammartino throat first across the top rope! Ref doesn't like it, warning Rollerball, who shrugs and hits another German. Kickout at the last second, only for another spinning inverted pilederiver to follow, busting Sammartino open and sealing the win for Rocco! The crowd cheer the efforts of both guys as the Brit joins his two countrymen in advancing, and Rocco has to be considered to have pulled off an upset here, even with Sammartino's part-time status these days. (Match rating A*.)

Jaded

07-08-2006, 04:48 PM

Tatsumi Fujinami vs Gino Brito

Brito starts off with a couple of strikes to take the Japanese star down, then keeps him there by working the leg, arm, and head. Fujinami breaks out of a hammerlock to hit a few kicks to the thigh, then goes to his own series of wear-down holds, only to miss a kick. The pair mat wrestle for a while, Brito getting a nice figure four armlock on. Fujinami gets out of the way of some uppercut attempts, then uses a judo throw to take Gino down, before kicking him several times more as he gets back up. Hammerlock takedown, head twist, and driving body scissors follow, before Tatsumi goes for the arm with an arm breaker then several submission holds. Spinning side kick and Riki chop hit the mark, but Gino sidesteps the second attempt at the side kick and gets an arm lock and wrist bend. Tatsu breaks another arm lock, hits a running knee, and gets the first two count, then takes his opponent to the outside with forearm strikes, before dragging him back in and locking in the crossface for a submission win in an average 24 minute match. (Match rating C-.)

D. Boon's Ghost

07-08-2006, 08:48 PM

Wow! I am very surprised (and pleased) that Rocco advanced. While Bruno gave him a good fight, Rollerball left the old man a bloody mess. :)

I'm equally surprised that the Von Erich v. Caras match was such a dud. Dusty v. Oki I can see - heh, but you'd think those two should have put on a more entertaining match. Let's see if Big Daddy can get a more crowd-pleasing match out of Caras.

And I agree with you on the next round; the Steamboat v. Nagasaki match, in particular, should be fab. That's a dream match to a lot of people, I'd think.

Great job!

PWNED!

07-08-2006, 09:29 PM

I'm looking forward to Baba vs. Lawler and Snuka vs. Tiger Mask, as well as Andre vs. Abby.

Jaded

07-09-2006, 04:09 AM

Dr Wagner vs Dynamite Kid

Two of the most hated lightweights in their countries collide, as the masked Wagner takes on Tom Billington, becoming a big star in Japan as well as the UK.

High impact stuff to start off with, as the pair shrug off each other's blows at first, until Wagner takes Dynamite down with a snap mare and keeps him there with head locks and punches. Full arm drag and candado inverto follow, but a candado attempt is broken, and Dynamite gets a European uppercut, only for Wagner to shake it off and hit a few forearms, then an arm drag to take Dynamite down. JR Foley tries to run interference, but Dr W takes him down and quickly goes back to punching his charge. Second interference by Foley distracts Wagner for long enough for Dynamite to make a come back, attacking with a snap suplex and a series of chinlocks. Dropkick takes the Mexican star down, and a few elbows are dropped, before Kid misses a knee jab. Wagner gets a rana, then the punetazo furia, a standing surfboard, and an inverse figure four, but Dynamite slips out of a figure four cross, slingshots Wagner into the corner, and whips him across the ring and into the opposite ringpost. Dynamite tries to go up top, but is thrown off by Wagner, and the Dr follows with a hammerlock drive to take him into the corner.

Rolling to the outside, the luchador slams the Brit's arm into the ringpost. Back inside, Dynamite manages to backdrop Wagner as he goes for a roll-up, though, and dropkicks him into the corner then chopping away at him. Hammerlock takedown puts him on the ground, but an elbow drop misses, and Wagner gets a spinning tijeras then works the legs. Dynamite gets back up, though, hitting a running clothesline, knee drop, and slingshot to the corner. Wagner comes back well, hitting a drop toe hold to counter a dropkick attempt, and gets a cross figure four before Dynamite slips out of a leg grapevine. Dropkick into the corner again follows from DK, but a Kangaroo dropkick doesn't find its mark, and Wagner gets a pescado! Ducking a cascita cradle, Kid nails a punch, and takes Wagner down with a hammerlock. Falling headbutt to the shoulder follows, but Dynamite goes up top and misses a diving headbutt! Wagner goes for a high cross body, but Dynamite catches him to hit a fireman's carry slam, then get two from a piledriver. Leaping up top, Kid comes off with a flying clothesline, but only gets one, and somehow Wagner manages to put the campana on after diving around Billington! Dynamite tries to break it, but has no choice but to submit at the 28 minute mark! (Match rating B+.)

D. Boon's Ghost

07-09-2006, 02:01 PM

Nooooooo! :) There goes my Rocco v. Dynamite 2nd round prediction.
Still, there is no shame in losing to Dr. Wagner.

Jaded

07-09-2006, 02:05 PM

Heh, I would've loved to see Rocco/Dynamite! Will be interesting to see which of the Brits gets furthest... hoping for Bruiser Brody/Haystacks and Otto/Big Daddy in the 3rd round, although Otto going over Dusty would be a major upset.

Giant Baba vs Jerry Lawler (wild card)

Lawler starts off all guns blazing, punching away at Baba, but misses a forearm blow and gets chopped right outta his boots with a massive overhead blow! Fighting back, he punches and kicks his way into the driving seat, only for a big slap to the chest to send him reeling. Front facelock and headlock slow him down, then Baba tosses him to the corner, but Lawler avoids a flurry of chops, and goes right back to the brawling style, sneaking in a rake to the eyes. European uppercut attempt sees Baba catch Lawler's hand, though, and decimate him with a massive chop and forearm, but Lawler won't be slowed, and comes right back with punches, uppercuts, and forearms of his own. He manages to down the giant, reaching into his tights for some sort of foreign object and, unseen by the referee, digging it into his opponent's eyes, then hitting a bionic elbow and a double axe handle. Dropping Baba over the bottom rope, he uses his boot to choke him, but misses a double stomp, allowing Baba to come back with a giant squeeze. Tossing his opponent to the corner, Baba stomps over Lawler's chest, leaving the Memphis man gasping for breath! Two more bear squeezes follow, but only one of Baba's two stomp attempts work, Lawler rolling out of the way of the second and clipping the legend's knee. before going back into his tights for the foreign object and again raking the eyes with it - a move which everyone except the referee can see!

A seated bionic elbow misses for the King, and Giant downs him with a double backbreaker, then stomps the chest again, but Lawler desperately gets in a forearm to stop a Samoan drop. Going for the foreign object once more, this time he's caught and gets a warning from the referee. Double axe handle and grounded ear punch find their mark, but a knee drop doesn't, and as Lawler gets to his feet, Baba takes him outside with a huge clothesline. They spill back into the ring, where the Giant gets an abdominal claw on, but Lawler breaks free, only for Baba to get a giant choke slam... and the win. 25 minutes, and a much stronger showing from Lawler than our first wild card, but no surprise that he couldn't quite put the giant away. (Match rating C+.)

Blue Demon vs Great Muta (wild card)

The Mexican legend is at the twilight of his career, while Mutoh is just beginning his. Keiji tries to take the Demon down early, but the lucha responds with a running dropkick and a spinning tijeras. Estacas Indias is locked in for the submission win, nearly as quickly as our first match. Unsurprisingly, the crowd aren't too keen. (Match rating F.)

Jaded

07-10-2006, 01:49 PM

Mick McManus vs Junkyard Dog

One of the matches I've been most looking forward to, as the British heel takes on one of the top American babyfaces. Can McManus join Rocco, Nagasaki, Haystacks and Daddy in round 2, or will he be the third British casualty of the tourney?

To the crowd's delight, JYD completely dominates the early stages, brawling hard and shrugging off the meagre offense which McManus DOES manage. The crowd mark out as Dog hits a couple of his trademark moves, the leaping fistdrop then the crawling headbutts. Another leaping fistdrop follows on the outside, then a stomach breaker as they get back into the ring, a spread eagled stomp, and a pair of more fistdrops. A grounded punch to the ear misses, and McManus comes back with some strong forearms - until JYD shrugs one off and immediately goes back on offense. Mick does slip out of a powerslam attempt, working over JYD's arm from behind for a few minutes, and manages to ground the brawler for a while to stop his momentum. Reeling him with some uppercuts, McManus goes for a charging forearm but gets stopped by a massive punch, then dropped by a huge piledriver! Kickout at two, McManus goes to armbars and leglocks, but gets dropped again by a massive bodyslam, only to regain control with a fireman's carry takedown when JYD tries a running headbutt. Working the arms for a few minutes. Picking the Junkyard Dog up, he sends him to the ropes, and goes for a charging forearm, only for the Dog to counter with a thunderous bodyslam! Roundhouse punch follows, but a powerslam attempt sees McManus slip off JYD's back, and go back to the arm lock and wrist bend. McManus gets a spinning toehold... and almost wins it, with Dog only just managing to break! Self-stranglehold comes next, and again, JYD comes close to submitting! Spinning toe hold for another near-submission, and these guys are taking it all out of each other!

Forearm flurry doesn't keep JYD down though, and he tosses McManus over the top and to the outside, drawing a stern warning from the ref! He follows up by slamming Mick's head into a ringside table, then into the hard concrete floor, busting McManus open! Back into the ring, Dog whips McManus to the corner, hits him with a flurry of punches, then another leaping fistdrop. Piledriver follows, but only gets two and three quarters, and McManus breaks a second attempt at it. Charging forearm for McManus, another spinning toehold, but JYD won't give! Eye rake counters a leglock, slam gets two, piledriver may get more... but despite bleeding heavily, McManus finds the strength to kick out! Breaking a slam attempt, Mick locks in a half nelson takedown, then gets the double knee backbreaker locked in, and gets the Dog to quit! 32 minutes of amazing stuff from these two! (Match rating A*.) McManus is losing blood heavily though, and needs to get seen to quickly, especially with a collision with the fresh Blue Demon in the next round.

Jaded

07-12-2006, 11:21 AM

Jos Leduc vs Norman Frederick Charles III

The first ten minutes or so are a vicious brawl, with Leduc shrugging off most of Charles' attack, until the Royal Kangaroo nails him with a side suplex. Leduc is quick to come back though, getting his hands on a splinter of a chair, and stabbing Charles in the throat with it, then stomping between his legs and ramming his face into the mat. It takes a low blow from Charles to get back into the match, and then he slingshots the Canadian Wildman into the corner before hitting a spinning head scissors. Another slingshot attempt is less successful, Leduc slipping out of it then biting his opponent's forehead, before stomping away and hitting a seated hammer. Charles comes back with an eye gouge, a double underhook suplex, and another slingshot, then chokes Leduc with the tag rope, but Leduc reverses an Irish whip and gets a charging knee to the gut. Big bear hug locked in by Leduc nearly gets him the win, but Charles just manages to break it. Bunch of headbutts staggers the New Zealander, and a high backdrop puts him down. Charles manages to fight back, slingshotting the Canadian into the corner again then sliding to the outside and ramming his arm into the post. Vicious low blow before they go back inside, then a spinning head scissors from Charles. Leduc ducks a running knee but gets punched hard as he goes for a second bear hug, and Charles ties him in the ropes then wails away at him. Spinning toe hold attempt is broken by Jos, and he backdrops Charles to the apron before knocking him off with a kick, then slides to the outside and slams a chair into his knee, but Charles blasts him with a low blow and nearly manages to get the count out win, rolling back into the ring. Running knee connects as Jos makes it back in, and a last second kickout! As Charles goes for a small package, Leduc gets a thumb to the eye, but wastes time trying to untie a turnbuckle cover and allows Norman to recover, hitting the Wildman with another running knee as he turns. Kickout on two and a half, and Leduc sent to the corner, only to get a desparation kick to the gut as Charles tries to run in with a knee. Irish whip by Leduc, and another backdrop, then a piledriver. Kick out at two and a half, and Charles rises to hit that running knee once more, but again only gets two. As he picks Leduc up, Jos gouges his eye, then gets a clothesline to send both men to the outside. Double axe handle on the outside, Leduc trying to follow up by slamming Charles' head into the floor, but can't get it. Back inside, another axe handle, then another clothesline to go back to ringside. Smashing his opponent's head into the table, we see Leduc stomp away at Charles, then slam his face into the concrete floor successfully this time, and he has all the momentum now! Out of nowhere, though, Charles hits another running knee! Last second kickout, and a thumb to the eye follows from Leduc. Whipping Charles to the corner, he chokes him with the tag rope, then slams his shoulder into the post, before stomping away at him. Leduc goes for a piledriver but Charles takes his legs out, then grabs a handful of tights for a small package, but the referee sees it and won't count the pin. Running knee once more, but a last second kick out. Tying Leduc in the ropes again, Charles pounds away at his head, opening him up, but Leduc comes back viciously, biting a chunk outta Charles' arm! Two standing axe handles follow, and the ref's had enough! Medical DQ for Norman Frederick Charles III, who is clearly in no state to continue! The crowd cheer two competitors who they may not like, but have given their all in this brutal bout. (Match rating A*.)

Jaded

07-12-2006, 05:09 PM

Jimmy Snuka vs Tiger Mask

One of the most eagerly awaited first round matches comes next, as two of the sport's best cruisers go up against each other. The Japanese fan favourite has wrestled under the mask for two years, and is quickly becoming one of the most popular men in his country, while Snuka is a hated heel.

Tiger Mask opens well, but Snuka sidesteps a dropkick and takes him down, kicking him repeatedly while he's on the mat. It's a while before either gains a decisive advantage, with both men missing aerial moves and getting plenty of counters in, but on the quarter of an hour mark, a spinning kick followed by a judo toss and a figure four cross leglock put Tiger Mask in control. Another spinning kick attempt is ducked, though, and Snuka viciously brutalises the Japanese star with chops and a falling headbutt. A fistdrop attempt doesn't find its mark, though, and Tiger Mask picks his opponent up, driving him into the corner then hitting a dropkick. Scissors takedown, leg twist, and figure four cross slow Snuka right down, and a somersault legdrop draws cheers from the crowd. Mask gets a bridging roll-up for two and three-quarters, then a series of near-falls, from two springboard body presses, two cradle suplexes, and a Tiger Bomb. Snuka kicks out of all of them, but Tiger Mask gets a crossface chicken-wing on, and that's enough to draw the submission and see TM go through in a decent 20 minute bout. (Match rating B-.)

Jaded

07-13-2006, 03:37 PM

Terry Funk vs Jacques Rougeau

The tough Texan rulebreaker collides with the native of Quebec in what should be another excellent match.

The pair brawl to start things off, but there's no way Rougeau can hold his own with Terry, who shrugs off the best efforts of the Canadian and carries on attacking. Taking him down with vicious right hands, Funk drops the knee before knocking Jacques out of the ring with some crawling headbutts, then climbs up top and leaps to the outside with a double axe handle! Back in the ring, Rougeau blocks a roundhouse to lock on an armbar, then gets a dropkick, but Funk won't be kept down. The Texan hits a knee face driver and a roundhouse, then drives Jacques into the corner and goes for a clothesline. Rougeau counters with a drop toe-hold, though, and gets a knee drop, but as he goes for a handstand knee, Funk rolls out of the way. The crawling headbutts take Jacques outside again, and Terry locks on a spinning toehold! No submission on the outside, obviously, but back in the ring, Funk puts on a sleeperhold, only for Jacques to escape. As the Canadian struggles to his feet, though, Funk, unseen by the referee, reaches into his tights and pulls out a pair of brass knuckles! One punch later, the three count is a formality. 22 minute match. (Match rating C.)

Jaded

07-14-2006, 06:21 PM

Animal Hamaguchi vs Johnny Saint

The 14 year veteran face from Japan takes on UK national hero Johnny Saint in a match of two guys who never really reached the heights of fame they deserved in the US.

This is one for the technical fans, as the first quarter of an hour or so sees almost exclusively holds used, with a wide mixture of armbars, leglocks, and facelocks; virtually no strikes or throws at all. Eventually, Animal scores a few kicks to the thigh, then hits a sweeping hip throw to take Saint down. Judo toss and knee drop come soon after, but Saint slips out of a head and straight arm lock to get a hammerlock takedown. Slipping out of a leg grapevine, Animal blasts Johnny with a knee to the stomach, then a forearm flurry, but Saint again slips out of an armlock. He gets a spinning toe hold for a near submission, then a double knee back breaker, and the job is done in 23 minutes! (Match rating C.)

(Apologies that I suck at recapping matches with few big spots, by the way.)

Masa Saito vs Rick Martel

The former Olympic star Saito takes on Canadian Martel in another eagerly anticipated bout.

Martel dominates the early sessions, brawling and taking Saito down quickly, then keeping him down with lots of wear down holds. Saito manages a brief comeback, breaking out of the Quebec Crab, but as he goes for a judo chop Martel kicks him in the gut then hits a high cross body. Kick out, only for Martel to get a crucifix cradle... for two and a half. Cradle is repeated, though, and this time gets the win in 21 minutes. (Match rating C.)

Jaded

07-15-2006, 04:46 AM

Jim Breaks vs Ric Flair

With two of the greatest heels around, the fans are struggling to know who to boo in this one!

Breaks starts off with a variety of headlocks, before taking Flair to the ground with an arm drag and following up with a knee drive, then an armbar. Mixture of headlocks and armlocks for the next few minutes, but Ric slips out of a front facelock attempt and goes for a few armbars himself before taking Breaks down with a suplex. Breaks in turn slips out of a facelock, though, and hits a forearm then grounds his opponent again for a while. Flair breaks a hammerlock, punching and kicking the Gentleman, but Breaks retaliates with punches. Flair comes back with a series of forearms, taking Breaks down then working the arm again. Breaks regains control, in turn going for the forearms. A few more back and forth exchanges end with Flair getting a hammerlock on and taking Breaks to the corner, then letting loose with a series of chops, a turnbuckle smash, and ten punches. A mixture of arm bars and an elbow drop, and Flair is in control here, or at least he is until he misses an elbow drop. Breaks works the arm again, stalling Flair's momentum, going for lots of holds and then an arm breaker. Flair gets a thumb to the eye, though, as Breaks goes for a crotch grab, then hits a piledriver for the win. 24 minutes altogether, the Nature Boy never looking seriously threatened. (Match rating C.)

Okay, seem to have hit a slow spot for decent matches here - fingers crossed they get back to the high standards soon - Bravo/Hogan's my tip for a B+ or so.

D. Boon's Ghost

07-15-2006, 09:13 AM

I was pulling for Crybaby Breaks against Flair, but The Nature Boy is top tier. Too bad Flair didn't break out his patented 'Woooooo!' :)

Jaded

07-15-2006, 11:29 AM

Next round, maybe :)

He did go for a Flair flop which got countered, but I couldn't get it to read right in the recap so left it out.

More matches coming soon - getting close to the end of the first round now :)

Jaded

07-15-2006, 01:59 PM

Kerry Von Erich vs Antonio Inoki

After a battle of two great heels, the crowd rise to applaud two hugely popular stars, as Kerry Von Erich hopes to go further than brother David, but will have to be on top of his game to beat the Japanese legend.

Inoki works the arm to take the match to Von Erich, but Kerry manages to fight his way back into things and regain the momentum with a series of strikes which stop his opponent in his tracks. Dropkicking his opponent into the corner, he follows by steaming in with a massive clothesline, then gets an atomic drop. Sending him into the corner again, it's a second charging clothesline, then a third to leave Inoki struggling for breath. Inoki comes back with a series of kicks, knocking Von Erich into the corner, but Kerry gets a drop toe hold to stop a knee charge. Von Erich can't get a punch to land, though, Antonio blasting away with kicks then getting a body scissors on. Inoki eventually gets a grounded crucifix arm bar on, and that's it for Kerry, who taps out quickly to end a boring match at dead on 23 minutes. (Match rating D.)

Jaded

07-16-2006, 06:04 AM

El Solitario vs Marty Jones

El Solitario has to be the huge favourite here, as good as Jones is, but neither man starts particularly well. They exchange headlocks and armbars for the opening 10 minutes or so, neither of them building up any real momentum, although Solitario gets two nice ranas to take Jones down - he just can't capitalise. Jones actually starts to look better, working the arm and then hitting a charging forearm which shakes the Mexican, even bringing in some real old school stuff with a double arm takedown as Solitario dives in with a forearm attempt. Solitario gets a spinning tijeras to regain some control, and takes Jones back down to the mat, but Jones hits a stiff forearm to block an attempt at a fisherman's suplex then gets a further half nelson takedown. Out of nowhere, Solitario gets a forward Russian legsweep for two, but Jones fights out of an explosion suplex attempt to get a small package. Kickout, high cross body from El S, and another match goes home at 27 minutes or so. (Match rating D.)

Jaded

07-24-2006, 03:48 AM

Dino Bravo vs Hulk Hogan

With the success the brawls have been having, looks like it's up to the World's Strongest Man and the Hulkster to give us our first decent bout for some time...

The two fight hard to start off, Bravo getting the best of things with a massive bodyslam and a huge elbow drop then attacking Hulk's arms with arm whips and arm wringers. Running clothesline, clubbing blow, butt drop, and Dino's got a chance of pulling off what would have to count as an upset! Hogan ducks another clothesline attempt to hit one of his own, though, but Bravo chokes him out the gets a short-arm shoulder tackle. Another butt drop from Dino, and a second clothesline, then he slams Hogan's head hard into the mat! Bravo goes for a seated hammer, but Hogan ducks away, wagging his finger at Dino to the delight of the crowd! A flurry of punches, a bear squeeze, and a clothesline! Hogan with another bear squeeze, then an atomic drop! Off the ropes, and are we gonna see a big legdrop...? NO! Bravo moves! Bravo rolls Hogan up, only for Hulk to kick out. Bravo goes for a giant choke, but Hulk gets a side headlock then an abdominal stretch. It's locked in for a minute or so, then Dino slumps to the floor - and this time Hogan DOES get the Big Legdrop, and this one's over in 28 minutes. (Match rating B.)

Jaded

07-24-2006, 06:19 AM

1st round will be completed within the next 24 hours.

2nd round, trying to decide whether to leave it as standard matches or change things around a bit.

Options
a) Leave things as they are, standard 1 vs 1 matches, no ref bumps.
b) Leave it as standard 1 vs 1 matches but switch ref bumps on.
c) Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal - randomly selected match types from the five available (normal, hardcore, 2/3 falls, 1st blood, cage) for each bout.

Any thoughts, anyone reading?

DownNDirty

07-24-2006, 06:49 AM

I'm reading and enjoying - I like the Spin the Wheel make the deal idea myself. Good read so far!

Jaded

07-24-2006, 12:04 PM

Jumbo Tsurata vs Mal Sanders

A big one here, as the popular Japanese former Olympian takes on the hated British heel, with a bout against Hulk Hogan at stake in the second round.

Much to the displeasure of the fans, it's Sanders who takes control early on in the match, with some great technical stuff, but Jumbo comes back to work the arm hard, with a mixture of armbars, hammerlocks, and kicks to the arm. Slipping out of a hammerlock takedown, though, Sanders hip tosses his opponent and twists the ankle, then gets a nice figure four cross, an arm lock and wrist bend, and a further half nelson takedown. They're feeling each other out still, and it's a real struggle for either guy to get any real momentum going, although Sanders is definitely having the better of this one, with a series of brutal uppercuts staggering Jumbo. As we get to the 20 minute mark, Jumbo is stuck on the mat, with Sanders working the leg with grapevines and figure four variants. Jumbo slips out of a hip toss, though, judo throwing the Brit, then dropping a big knee, but a second knee misses. Sanders slows things down with a straddled arm bar, but a forearm flurry from Jumbo takes the ex-Olympian back in charge. Judo toss, wrist lock, step over face lock from Tsurata... and that's all she wrote for Sanders, at the 26 minute mark. (Match rating C-.)

Great Kabuki vs Leo Burke

Potential for a real classic here, as the mysterious 20 year veteran from Singapore, the Melting Pot of Sin, takes on Cormier family member Leo Burke.

It's the Canadian who dominates the early stages, with a mixture of brawling and headlocks, as he stops Kabuki from getting anything going. Big suplex takes the Oriental guy down, and Kabuki has no chance until he breaks a head scissors. A few knife edge chops stagger Burke, but Leo breaks an arm wringer and gets a hammerlock takedown, then an inside toe hold. Handstand knee drive to the leg comes next, and Leo has total control, switching between the inside toe hold and straddled arm bars. He goes for a grounded ankle twist, but Kabuki has enough left to kick out violently, catching Burke's thigh and stopping him for a few seconds, then get up. Kabuki chops away at Burke, but Burke barely notices it! Arm scissors from Leo, then back to the straddled arm bar, and again switching between that and the inside toe hold. Belly to back cradle suplex from Burke, and there's the 3, Kabuki barely getting any offense in in the entire 16 minutes of the match. (Match rating F.)

Jaded

07-24-2006, 03:12 PM

Jackie Pallo vs Buddy Rose

One of the all-time great heels in the UK, Mr TV is nearly ready to retire - but you know the ****y Pallo would love to go out on a high, proving himself against the best in the world. His opponent 'Playboy' Buddy Rose is early on in his career, by comparison, but already proving to be an excellent worker.

Real catch as catch can stuff for the first part of the match, as the two competitors try each other out without getting too far. Pallo has a slight edge, getting a few good runs as he pounds away at Rose with punches, forearms, and European uppercuts. Rose gets a cheap low blow to take control, but quickly misses an elbow drop, and Pallo takes it to Rose with more brawling, then works over the arm. Another low blow gets Rose back in charge though, and this time an elbow finds its mark, as does a flurry of punches. Pallo gets a side headlock to counter another punch flurry, then gets an abdominal stretch, and comes close to making Rose quit. Rose breaks it and goes for Mr TV, but the Brit begs off, then gets a sucker punch in! Bridging double armbar from Mr TV, but Rose gets out and holds onto the tights as he hooks in a small package for 2! Pallo back to the bridging armbar, and that's it for tonight, as he gets the win from it in just shy of half an hour! (Match rating B-.)

Mr Wrestling II vs Killer Khan

Veteran vs rookie once more, as Mr Wrestling II, an established star, goes up against the feared Mongolian Killer Khan.

Against the odds, it's Khan who dominates things for the first 15 minutes or so, the wild Far Eastern star attacking like crazy, tearing away at Mr Wrestling's face and hitting some brutal chops and kicks, plus some crafty illegal chokes. Wrestling pulls things back with a snap mare and some headlocks, but Khan rakes his eyes as he goes for a backbreaker to get back in charge. 2 more chops, and Khan rears back - spitting red mist at Mr Wrestling! But Walker ducks, getting in a fireman's carry, then takes Khan to the mat. He's got nothing left, though, and Khan easily powers out of a headlock, then hits a piledriver, busting open his opponent and getting two and three quarters!

Another piledriver, two and nine tenths this time! And a third, still not quite enough for the win, but Wrestling is bleeding heavily now! He comes back with a couple of headlocks, but gets a thumb jab to the throat to wind him, and Khan locks on the Face Claw! Somehow, Wrestling breaks it, then blocks the Asiatic Spike! Wrestling charges in with a forearm, but is stopped in his tracks by a hard throat thrust! Khan is warned by the referee, and it distracts him enough for Wrestling to hit a few uppercuts, then lock on a Boston Crab, but he can't hold it on - he's looking dizzy through blood loss here! Andre and Abby must be praying he pulls this one off, because he could well be easy pickings in the second round if he does! Mr Wrestling staggers around, and Khan is ready to pounce... and does! Back drop Driver!! Khan takes it, and what a match this was! 30 minutes of pure, classic, brutality, and Killer Khan is ready for the Giant or the Butcher next round! (Match rating A*.)

Andre the Giant vs Abdullah the Butcher (wild card)

Abdullah looks confident here, but goodness only knows why... even the Madman from the Sudan isn't used to taking on guys like Andre. The Giant pounds him, tossing him into the corner as if he was a feather, then blasting away at his chest and ramming his shoulder into Abby's midsection. Abby gets up, and unloads on the Giant, but Andre barely seems to feel the blows! Straight back to the corner for Abby, another chop, and a kick to the gut. Back in, more chops, back out, more kicks - simple but effective. Several hard forearms, and Andre is in complete control. Hugo Savinovitch looks desperate, and leaps onto the apron, but a huge right fells him! Abby takes advantage of his manager's distraction to get a hammerlock, then rake Andre's eyes against the ropes, but Andre can't be stopped! The Giant hits an axhandle, then casually walks over the Butcher's chest! Picking him up, he whips him to the corner, then calmly walks backwards into him, crushing him against the turnbuckle. Huge elbow drop to the knee comes next, and a bundle of axe handles. Abdullah periodically tries to come back, but there's just no stopping the Giant! Bear squeeze, seated hammer, axe handle, chest walk, another seated hammer... if he's watching this, Khan may be on the first flight back to Mongolia!! Big Butt Drop by Andre, and 20 minutes is all this one lasts - never a moment of doubt about the outcome. (Match rating E.)

Jaded

07-24-2006, 03:14 PM

2nd round matches... (likely to be spin the wheel, make the deal from now on)

The Sheik of Araby vs Seiji Sakaguchi
Ricky Steamboat vs The Original Kendo Nagasaki
Bruiser Brody vs Riki Chosyu
Giant Haystacks vs Osamu Kido

Otto Wanz vs Dusty Rhodes
Dos Caras vs Big Daddy
Mark Rocco vs Tatsumi Fujinami
Dr Wagner vs Giant Baba

Blue Demon vs Mick McManus
Jos Leduc vs Tiger Mask
Terry Funk vs Johnny Saint
Rick Martel vs Ric Flair

Antonio Inoki vs El Solitario
Hulk Hogan vs Jumbo Tsurata
Leo Burke vs Jackie Pallo
Killer Khan vs Andre The Giant

Anyone wanna predict? Can't look past Andre, who looked hugely dominant against Abby... will go for him over the Sheik in the final, with Dusty and either Funk or Flair joining them in the semis. Dusty/Ric would be a killer final, though. And personally, I'd mark the hell out for a Joint final 4 of Haystacks, Daddy, McManus, Pallo, but can't see them making it.

jbergey_2005

07-24-2006, 11:00 PM

The Sheik of Araby vs Seiji Sakaguchi
Ricky Steamboat vs The Original Kendo Nagasaki
Bruiser Brody vs Riki Chosyu
Giant Haystacks vs Osamu Kido

Otto Wanz vs Dusty Rhodes
Dos Caras vs Big Daddy
Mark Rocco vs Tatsumi Fujinami
Dr Wagner vs Giant Baba

Blue Demon vs Mick McManus
Jos Leduc vs Tiger Mask
Terry Funk vs Johnny Saint
Rick Martel vs Ric Flair

Antonio Inoki vs El Solitario
Hulk Hogan vs Jumbo Tsurata
Leo Burke vs Jackie Pallo
Killer Khan vs Andre The Giant

Great Read, Very nice work!

Jaded

07-25-2006, 02:06 AM

Thanks J!

2nd round will start to be posted later on today, Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal with a random dice roll picking the match each time - 50% chance of gimmick, 50% chance of normal. As we go through the tourney I'll increase the % of gimmick matches, but didn't want to end up with 14 1st blood bouts or anything like that in round 2.

Jaded

07-25-2006, 11:56 AM

The Sheik of Araby vs Seiji Sakaguchi - Hardcore

After the way the Sheik destroyed Robbie Brookside last time, it would be a brave guy who bet on the Japanese star here.

The Sheik punches away at his opponent until Seiji slips out of a facelock to get a hammerlock, then takes the madman down to the ground, and keeps him there. A mixture of facelocks, armbars, and kneebars get rid of all of the Sheik's momentum, and Sakaguchi is obviously trying to keep this one from spilling outside, where he'd be at a massive disadvantage. The Sheik manages to pull out his patented pencil, though, and plunge it into the back of Seiji's knee, and while Seiji keeps control for a few minutes, it can't last, with him eventually missing a knee jab. Eye rake from the Sheik, kick to the gut, throat thrust, then a repeat of that sequence. Gutwrench suplex, and back to the pencil, but Seiji recovers, and gets a few kicks to the thigh. Driving body scissors broken though, a third pencil jab, and then the Sheik drives Seiji into the corner, and stops for a minute, seemingly receiving messages from above! Sheik leaves it too long though, and Seiji charges out with kicks to the thigh, then a judo toss to ground his opponent, before locking on an arm bar. Series of armbars and knee jabs keep him down, until an enziguri misses, and the Sheik goes right back to the pencil, before stopping to recieve more messages. Another hammerlock on, and the Sheik tries to drive Seiji into the corner, but Seiji swings his opponent around and into the turnbuckles himself, then charges in with a running knee to the head. Kickout at just gone two, and as Seiji chops away at the Sheik, the Sheik no-sells, then bodyslams his opponent. He tears away at his face, then bites his opponent, drawing blood! Poor Seiji, in THIS kinda bout with the Sheik! Gouging away at Sakaguchi's eye, the Sheik pulls a pencil out - and digs that into his eye socket! As the Sheik goes for a hammerlock, Seiji is nearly blinded, but somehow slips out to lock on an abdominal stretch - but not for long enough to get the win. Seiji tries for some forearm strikes, but a throat thrust stops him! The Sheik pulls off a turnbuckle cover, then whips Seiji into it hard, the momentum sending Sakaguchi to the outside! Somehow, Sakaguchi fights back, punching away at the Sheik's legs as the man from Araby tries to pick him up, then rolling him back in, where he gets another running knee. Kickout, and as Seiji tries to pick the Sheik up, he gets a vicious low blow and a cradle for a near fall!

Seiji staggers to his feet, just in time to dive out of the way of a fireball, and the ref is hanging around on the outside here, just diving in to count falls - and who can blame him? In fact, as soon as he gets in the ring, an Irish whip reversal by the Sheik knocks him down - and as Seiji checks on the official, the Sheik prepares to unleash another fireball! This time, it finds its mark - but there's no one to count! The Sheik shakes the official, screaming at him to wake up, but no can do - and a German suplex from Seiji could have won it if the ref WAS awake. The ref recovers in time to see Seiji hit another running knee, but only for 2. Enziguri has the Sheik in trouble, but Eddie Creachman jumps on the apron to distract the Japanese star. The Sheik takes advantage of the distraction, though, jabbing a pencil into Seiji's shoulder, then going for an Irish whip - and the ref is down AGAIN! 2nd fireball, but no one to make the count once more! The Sheik is crazy here, digging a pencil into Seiji's eye, then slamming his face hard into the mat! Seiji is a complete mess here, bleeding all over the ring, and the Sheik has a rolling hammerlock locked on! Seiji looks ready to give, but he can't until the ref gets up! Somehow, he gets away, and from instinct, lands an enziguri! Ankle lock by Seiji, who can barely see... HE DOES IT! The ref comes around just in time to see the Sheik tap out! Holy cow, Sakaguchi, despite being nearly blinded by a mixture of blood and lead, pulls off the huge upset here in the Sheik's own type of match!! What a bout it was, going 40 minutes with the fans loving every brutal second of it! (Match rating A*.)

Jaded

07-25-2006, 03:30 PM

Ricky Steamboat vs The Original Kendo Nagasaki - Normal

Steamboat had the best match of the first round, but is nowhere near peak condition after Rusher Kimura beat the hell out of him. Nagasaki is still the underdog here, but must like his chances of getting to round 3.

Nagasaki's in total control for the first 10 minutes or so, until Ricky slips out of an attempt at a short arm knee to the stomach. Steamboat gets an arm drag, and keeps Kendo down for a few minutes, but as they get back up, Kendo shrugs off a kick to the gut. Hammerlock kick by Nagasaki, and an impressive standing double arm lever, then he gets a low blow and cradle, but the ref doesn't like it and refuses to count. Steamboat fights back as Kendo tries to pick him up, and gets a kick to the gut, then a European uppercut, but Kendo reaches into his tights and tosses salt into Ricky's eyes! Spinning toehold by Nagasaki, and Steamboat only just breaks! Kamikaze Crash by Kendo, and this is looking bad for Steamboat! Suspended double arm lever is weakening him, then the Gokuraku-gatame... and Steamboat gives! Nagasaki pulls off our second shock of the second round, and will go against Sakaguchi in the last 16!! 16 minutes in total. (Match rating B-.)

Jaded

07-25-2006, 04:30 PM

Bruiser Brody vs Riki Chosyu - 2/3 falls

Brody was in another first round classic, whereas Chosyu's win over Billy Robinson wasn't too well received by the fans.

Okay, this is far closer to Chosyu/Robinson than Brody/Vachon... boooooring! 20 minutes in and virtually nothing of interest happening, but Chosyu is dominating completely. Brody comes back, choking Riki then hitting some hard chops and kicks, before slamming his head into the mat. Hip throw counters a trademark Bruiser big boot, though, but a series of axe handles bring Brody right back in charge, and split Chosyu's forehead. Bear squeeze from Bruiser, then a big boot, and a running knee! 3 count for Brody, and he's 1-0 up. Brody tries for the Press Slam of Death, but Riki falls on top for 2. As soon as they get up, though, Riki misses an enziguri, and Bruiser gets a second running knee to take this one home 2-0 in 30 minutes. (Match rating B.)

Jaded

07-26-2006, 04:24 AM

Giant Haystacks vs Osamu Kido - Normal

The big Brit got absolutely demolished by Ray Stevens first match, getting the DQ win when Stevens suffered a moment of madness and busted Haystacks open with a roll of quarters. Kido pulled off something of a surprise, going over Mexican legend Mil Mascaras. Kido is hugely popular, and the fans will be hoping he can kill off the Giant here.

Not the greatest of starts - Haystacks wants to brawl, Kido wants to wrestle, and neither of them can get anything going here. The Giant eventually starts to take control, huge clothesline then walking over Kido's chest twice. Choking away at Kido, the Giant draws the ire of the fans, but nearly loses the match when he misses a Giant elbow! Kido gets 2, then locks on the Gotch Toehold... and this one's over in 24 minutes. (Match rating C+.)

Jaded

07-28-2006, 10:13 AM

Otto Wanz vs Dusty Rhodes - Normal

Two big crowd favourites here, Wanz disposed of the Mongolian Stomper 1st round last time and Rhodes getting rid of Kintaro Oki. Can the American Dream go over the German powerhouse?

Otto has Rhodes down early and keeps him there, attacking the leg with knee drives and the arm with armbars, then getting a double axe handle. Butt drop misses, though, and winds Wanz, allowing Rhodes to get a few headlocks of his own on to give him a chance to come back. A few punches are followed by an impressive suplex, then a bionic elbow! Roundhouse punch is countered by a side headlock takedown, but Wanz misses a butt drop after setting Dusty up on the second rope, and crotches himself! Rhodes with a falling fistdrop, then a flurry of punches, and the two brawl for a few minutes, both men hitting hard! This time the butt drop finds its mark for Otto, as do a seated hammer and a spread-eagled stomp! Wanz Roll and Splash attempt doesn't though, and Rhodes goes to the ropes, hitting a rope assisted knee drop and following it with a falling fistdrop. Dipsy Doo Flurry draws cheers from the crowd, and Dusty is loving this! Bionic elbow flurry, then a wrenching hammerlock! Figure four follows from Dusty... and that's it, as he uses old rival Ric Flair's move to take the duke here! A show of respect post-match, as Wanz shakes hands with the Dream, and the fans applaud both guys. 23 minutes. (Match rating C-.)

Dos Caras vs Big Daddy - Normal

Dos Caras got past David Von Erich in a snoozer of a first rounder, while the Brit had a great bout against Strong Kobayashi.

Another scrappy start, with Daddy having a few good minutes after tossing Caras to the corner, slamming his head into the turnbuckle, then hitting a couple of hard kicks as Dos C slumped to the ground. Caras later made a comeback with a nice pescado and a long figure four cross leglock, but he misses a second pescado to allow Daddy to take control. Axe handle from Crabtree, then a seated hammer, and a hard spread-eagled stomp! As Daddy goes for the belly bump, though, Caras stops him in his tracks with a dropkick, then goes to the leg locks and an arm lock and wrist bend. Forearm flurry by Caras, and a high cross body gets 2! Rapid fire dropkicks are staggering the big Brit, who manages to escape from a Boston crab. High cross body from Caras misses, but so does the Big Daddy Splash, and Caras nearly grabs the win after draping an arm across Shirley. Daddy goes for the double elbow drop, but misses that too, and only just kicks out of the resulting cover! Pescado by Caras, springboard body press follows up, only for two! Series of rapid fire dropkicks is attempted by Caras, but Daddy sidesteps the third, only to miss that splash AGAIN! Two and a half for Caras, then a springboard body press for two, and another! Dropkicks hit this time, Caras leaps up top and poses, then comes off with a flying splash... nobody home!! Daddy stumbles to his feet, off the ropes... BIG DADDY SPLASH! Daddy joins fellow Joint star Nagasaki in round 3, and it's bound to be a slobberknocker as he goes against Dusty Rhodes! Awesome, awesome, half hour match. (Match rating A*.)

Jaded

07-31-2006, 06:16 AM

Marc Rocco vs Tatsumi Fujinami - 2/3

Rocco knocked out a bona fide legend in Bruno Sammartino in a great first round match, while Fujinami beat Gino Brito in an average bout.

Rocco plays the Black Tiger for this one, and gets solidly booed right from the start. Doesn't seem to bother him, though, as he beats up Tatsumi pretty badly right from the start, with lots of strikes. Fujinami gets a couple of brief comebacks, but the Brit never lets him get on top for any prolonged period of time, and does some damage with the repeated use of the measured knee drop. Out of nowhere, though, Tatsumi gets an octopus hold on to go 1-0 up!

Diving knee drop nearly seals this for Tatsumi, but Rocco fights back. As he goes for an airplane spin, though, Fujinami blasts him with a few kicks to the thigh, then gets the overhead flip slam for the 3. 2-0 to the Japanese star, who advances, and Rocco is not happy with his performance. (Match rating C+.)

Dr Wagner vs Giant Baba - Normal

Two guys in decent matches first time around, as Wagner beat the Dynamite Kid, while Giant Baba beat wild card entry Jerry Lawler.

Incredibly, Wagner decides to brawl with the giant, hitting him with forearm blows and punches before taking him down, and keeping him there with arm bars and chinlocks. It's resthold central for the Dr, but Baba can't seem to counter it at all, until he slips out of a headlock, takes Wagner down with a few hard hits, then gets a couple of vicious kicks to the shoulder. Mixture of chops and forearms stagger Wagner, and a giant chest walk and a big headbutt have him struggling. Big stomp, bear squeeze, but a falling headbutt misses and an arm lock from Wagner then a hard kick take Baba down. Wagner goes for the crawling headbutts, but Baba avoids them, and gets a giant headbutt, then a big boot and a chest stomp. Abdominal claw from Baba, and Wagner only just manages to break! Giant Samoan drop attempt, but Baba can't hit it, and Wagner hits a forearm flurry. Wagner goes for a flurry of punches; Baba throws him to the corner, but misses a sit down splash. Wagner with a couple of figure four variants, then a pescado, and a high cross body for two! Whip from Wagner, but Baba reverses, and puts the Mexican down with a big boot! Knife edge chop from the Giant, and a massive slam! Only two, though. Wagner gets a cross body - nearly three! Running dropkick from Dr Wagner, but he can't get the media cangrejo! He does get the high cross body again, though, and immediately goes for an arm scissors/arm bar combination... and Baba quits!! Awesome match, certainly towards the end. (A*.)

Jaded

08-13-2006, 08:46 AM

Sorry for the delay here, been away on holiday.

Blue Demon vs Mick McManus - 2/3

Demon won his first round bout with a very quick win over the rookie Great Muta, while McManus took a horrendous beating from the JYD, just scraping through a brilliant fight. Blue Demon with headlocks and hip locks to start things off, until McManus brawls his way out. Demon right back to the holds, but a pescado misses, and McManus goes to armbars to take Demon down. The two trade blows and holds for another 6 or 7 minutes, until Demon hits El Pulpo! 1-2-3, and 1-0 Blue Demon.

High cross body for 2, another El Pulpo attempt is blocked, but the Tirabuzon's on. McManus escapes, only to walk into a fisherman's suplex... two and three-quarters! High cross body misses, and McManus works Demon's leg. He goes for a charging forearm, though, and gets hip tossed, then Blue Demon locks on the cangrejo. McManus fights out, but gets hit by an explosion suplex. Kickout! Sunset flip, and another kickout! Another explosion suplex, and yet another kickout! McManus with a hammerlock takedown, works the leg more, and gets a spinning toehold. Demon won't quit, but McManus gets a British Piledriver and evens things up at 1-1!

They spill to the outside, and McManus hits another British Piledriver onto the floor! Back inside, German suplex, two and a half for McManus. Big kangaroo dropkick, a third British Piledriver - and SOMEHOW, McManus can't get it as Demon finds the strength to kick out! Cross knee back breaker from Mick, then a stepover leglock, but Demon just won't quit! Sleeperhold by Blue Demon, and McManus only just stays in this thing. Tirabuzon by Demon, who surely must take it? No! Another sleeper, but McManus elbows his way out! Casita cradle... Only two! Another casita, but just two again! McManus sent to the corner, but McManus sidesteps a knee charge, and Blue Demon staggers out - straight into another British Piledriver! That's it, McManus with the big comeback to win 2-1 in a superb match! McManus took another huge beating, though, and will surely struggle next round. (A*.)

Jos Leduc vs Tiger Mask - Hardcore

Leduc got here by beating the living daylights out of Norman Frederick Charles III in a brutal bout, the referee eventually stopping the match through fear for Charles' welfare, while Tiger Mask won a highly anticipated, if actually slightly disappointing, bout against Jimmy Snuka. Leduc took a real beating in his match though, and doesn't look like he's fully recovered.

Tiger Mask starts well with some judo stuff, including a host of stiff kicks, but Leduc manages to slam his shoulder into the ringpost as Mask charges at him, then nail him hard, sliding to the outside and ramming his leg into the post. Leduc is WILD, biting Tiger's leg then stomping him in the groin! Another bite, then Jos uses the ropes to help him drop a knee and choke Tiger Mask out with his boot. Face tear, second stomp, another rope assisted knee drop, and Leduc rolls to the outside, smashing a chair up before digging a splinter into Tiger Mask's forehead and busting him open. Tiger Mask somehow slips out of a bear hug, hitting a dropkick and an arm whip then slowing things down with an inverse figure four cross. Leduc breaks the hold though, and hits a few vicious headbutts to send his opponent reeling, then pulls out the chair splinter again and digging it into Tiger Mask's eye! The Japanese star quits quickly, and the fans boo a poor match. (D.)

Jaded

08-14-2006, 03:42 PM

Terry Funk vs Johnny Saint - Normal

A real cross-Atlantic battle here, as Funk, fresh from conquering Jacques Rougeau, takes on the much-loved Brit Johnny Saint, who beat Animal Hamaguchi in a mat-based bout.

Funk is all over Johnny to start things off, and eventually takes Funk to the outside with some crawling headbutts, then rolls out and smashes him over the back with a steel chair! Back in the ring, gutwrench backbreaker does some serious damage to Johnny, and Funk then gets his patented bob and weave combo before hitting an atomic drop. Knee arm driver comes next, and then a small package (assisted by the ropes), for two. Funk slams down Saint, then goes up top, but misses a moonsault! Saint has Funk trapped on the mat and is keeping him there with hammerlocks and armbar variations, only for Terry to slip out of a leg grapevine, hit an atomic drop, then go up top again and this time score with a flying knee drop. Another bodyslam, and Funk goes for the moonsault again - but again, nobody home! And Saint drapes an arm over him for an agonisingly close two and three quarters! Funk gets staggered by a series of European uppercuts, then Saint goes for the spinning toe hold and has it locked in for a good minute or two. Funk breaks the hold, but as they get up, Saint scores the Johnny Saint Special roll-up type move - and that's it!! Saint pulls it off in 25 minutes, a great bout! (A**.)

Rick Martel vs Ric Flair - Hardcore

Two guys who won fairly easily in their first round matches, Martel coming past Masa Saito while Flair took on 'Crybaby' Johnny Breaks.

The two trade blows for a while, but no one gets the advantage until Ric drops measured elbows and knees on Martel. Martel slips out of a hammerlock, though, hitting an atomic drop then getting a head scissors. Martel keeps Flair on the ground for a few minutes, but the Nature Boy breaks a grapevine attempt and floors the Canadian with a posing roundhouse punch. Seated Bionic elbow follows, only for Ric to miss an elbow drop. Head scissors attempt is broken, and Flair drives Martel into the corner, then smashes him into the ringpost, before chopping away at Rick's chest. Martel comes back with uppercuts and forearms, though, but can't get a Quebec Crab locked in. Out of nowhere, he gets a crucifix cradle...

And Ric Flair is OUT! The fans are in shock, as the Dirtiest Player in the Game falls at the second hurdle! Match sucked, but how's about that for an upset?! (E.)

Jaded

07-28-2008, 07:07 PM

Ric Flair crashing out sent your friendly neighbourhood recapper into floods of tears which lasted nearly two years.

However, he's recovered (and has his license sorted out, thanks Scott!) so let's get this shindig back of the road!

Hardcore match: Antonio Inoki vs El Solitario

2 of the very top guys from their respective countries here, as Japan’s Inoki takes on Mexico’s Solitario. Crowd are firmly behind the legendary Antonio here, booing the rudo El S loudly. Both men won their first round matches in a little under half an hour without ever looking in real danger.

Inoki takes control fairly easily, with a mixture of restholds and throws, but El S slips out of an attempted knee drive to the arm. The pair have a five minute sequence where neither manages to do much damage, although El S is favouring his right knee despite Inoki not seeming to have done too much damage to it. Inoki gets our first really big move, whipping the rudo to the corner and hitting an explosive high knee, but Solitario breaks an attempt at the driving head scissors and locks on an inverted candado. Inoki slips out of the move and sends Solitario to the corner, only to miss with a repeat attempt at the high knee. El S slows things down with a number of rest holds on the mat, but eventually falls victim to the Mani-Gatame and taps out on 21 minutes.

F rating for a terrible, terrible match.

Hardcore match: Hulk Hogan vs Jumbo Tsurata

Two of the world’s most popular here, as American Hogan clashes with Japan’s Tsurata.

Hogan starts off by shrugging off a punch by Jumbo and downing Tsurata with a few punches and headbutts, then blasting away on him while he’s down. Jumbo comes back, though, breaking an arm bar to take Hulk down with a series of his own armlocks and headlocks. Brutal side kick and knee drop from Tsurata have Hulk in pain, but he breaks the grounded arm bar. Double ax handle follows as the Hulkster then slams Jumbo’s face into the mat, but as Hogan goes for three elbow drops, Tsurata avoids the third. Tsurata appears to be going for a comeback, but Hulk shakes him off, waving his finger at the Japanese star, then hitting a massive standing ax handle and then getting the three elbow drops. Another ax handle follows, and Hogan then cuts Tsurata as he slams his face into the mat. A sweeping hip toss gets a desperation eye rake from Jumbo to buy some time, and as a part-blinded Hulkster charges in with more punches, Jumbo hits an airplane spin. Judo high toss follows, but as Jumbo goes for a knife edge chops, Hogan Hulks up, waving his finger again. Jumbo gets a dropkick and a high knee but quickly falls victim to another Hulking up, and Hogan locks on a bear squeeze, but can’t get an atomic drop, Jumbo wildly kicking out and catching Hulk right in the crotch! Three kicks to the thigh, but Hulk gets an eye rake of his own now, and gets an elbow drop then bounces off the ropes with a big legdrop… which misses! Jumbo covers… and it’s 2 and nine tenths! Tsurata didn’t quite get it that time, but locks on a front face lock, and thousands of Hulkamaniacs scream in disbelief as Hogan is forced to tap out.

A rating.

Upcoming to finish round 2 ...

Leo Burke vs Jackie Pallo
Killer Khan vs Andre the Giant

Brackets for round 3:

Seiji Sakaguchi vs The Original Kendo Nagasaki
Bruiser Brody vs Osamu Kido

Dusty Rhodes vs Big Daddy
Tatsumi Fujinami vs Dr Wagner

Mick McManus vs Jos Leduc
Johnny Saint vs Rick Martel

Antonio Inoki vs Jumbo Tsurata
Winners of the final two round two matches.

So, anyone remember this? If so, wanna throw up predictions for who'll win now that Flair and Hulk are BOTH out?

Jaded

07-29-2008, 04:39 PM

Normal match: Leo Burke vs Jackie Pallo

Canadian Leo Burke, who squashed the Great Kabuki in a dire first round match, takes on ‘Mr TV’ Jackie Pallo, whose experience was too much for up-and-coming youngster ‘Playboy’ Buddy Rose.

The first eight minutes or so are very open, as neither man manages to retain the upper hand for long. Eventually, however, Pallo staggers his opponent with a few hard punches and uppercuts, and keeps him on the ground with a mixture of headlocks and facelocks. A missed knee drop allows Burke a little respite, though, and the Canadian comes out punching, taking Pallo down and then methodically working over Jackie’s left leg. Single leg grapevine has TV in trouble, and Burke hits a nasty looking handstand knee drive to the leg before going straight back to the grapevine. Pallo blocks a submission attempt, though, and regains control, blasting Leo with two vicious knee jabs to the face, then taking him down with a hammerlock. He goes for a wrenching head scissors, but Leo breaks it, then hits the Thesz Press! Kick out on two! Leo goes for a Boston Crab but Jackie escapes it, bouncing off the ropes with a charging forearm, only for Leo to duck and hip toss him. Burke applies the spinning toehold, and for a minute it looks like he has the Brit, but Pallo manages to escape, only for Leo to trap him in his patented sleeper – and this time there’s no way out for Mr TV. C rating.

First Blood match: Killer Khan vs Andre the Giant

First round saw the relative newcomer Khan win an incredibly brutal classic against Mr Wrestling II, while Andre tore apart Abdullah the Butcher. With Flair and Hulk gone, Andre is most people’s favourite to win the tourney.

Khan starts off with a few headlocks on the Giant, but Andre breaks an arm wringer and hurls Killer into the corner, then hits a massive chop. Choke hold, stomp, facelock, and another throw to the corner, but Andre misses with a charging shoulder. Khan stupidly headbutts the Giant and is left reeling by the hardness of Andre’s skull, and the big man gets a forearm blow, but misses with a fist drop. Throat thrust and fist drop from Killer then a kick to the gut, and he hits a brutal running chop to the head. Chop flurry from Khan now, and another running chop. Rope assisted knee drop misses, and Andre hits a massive elbow drop, but misses with an axe handle. Double throat thrust from Killer leaves the Giant staggered, then a head vice to take him down and a massive soccer kick to the back of that huge head. Seated chop flurry from Khan, and we can clearly see red… that’s it! Andre is cut open, and this one’s over!

F rating.

Official third round line-up

Seiji Sakaguchi vs The Original Kendo Nagasaki
Bruiser Brody vs Osamu Kido

Dusty Rhodes vs Big Daddy
Tatsumi Fujinami vs Dr Wagner

Mick McManus vs Jos Leduc
Johnny Saint vs Rick Martel

Antonio Inoki vs Jumbo Tsurata
Leo Burke vs Killer Khan

Sartagis

07-29-2008, 04:47 PM

Sartagis official third round line-up predictions

Seiji Sakaguchi vs The Original Kendo Nagasaki
Bruiser Brody vs Osamu Kido

Dusty Rhodes vs Big Daddy
Tatsumi Fujinami vs Dr Wagner

Mick McManus vs Jos Leduc
Johnny Saint vs Rick Martel

Antonio Inoki vs Jumbo Tsurata
Leo Burke vs Killer Khan

Lets go Burke!!

Jaded

07-30-2008, 05:38 PM

Thanks Sartagis!

Normal match: Seiji Sakaguchi vs The Original Kendo Nagasaki

Nagasaki won a good first round match against El Satanico, then beat a weakened Ricky Steamboat in the second. He’s probably favourite here – Sakaguchi won against Huracan Ramirez in a long first round bout and then took a real beating as he pulled off the huge upset win against the Sheik of Araby in a hardcore match.

Seiji comes in hard with an uppercut and a kick to the thigh, only for Kendo to completely shrug them off and take the bout to the mat. As he goes for a knee drive, though, Sakaguchi slips out of it, but can’t keep the Brit under control for long as the masked man comes back with a judo chop. Seiji slows things down as he manages to take Kendo to the ground and keep him in a series of facelocks, and as Kendo goes for a spear, takes him straight back to the mat with a double knee lift. Three kicks to the thigh follow, and an elbow driven straight into the knee, before a pair of knee drops and a body scissors. George Gillette can see his man’s in trouble, and leaps onto the apron, distracting Seiji for long enough for Kendo to hit a short arm knee to the stomach, then lock on a straddled arm bar. Hammerlock kick follows, and then comes the step over leg lock, and no doubt at all here, Kendo has stolen this one! E rating.

Cage match: Bruiser Brody vs Osamu Kido

Wildman Brody won a stunning first round brawl against 54 year old Mad Dog Vachon, then took a 2/3 falls match against Riki Chosyu comparatively easily, winning 2-0. Meanwhile Kido took a dire opening round bout against legend Mil Mascaras, then a popular win over Giant Haystacks in another fairly poor match.

Brody starts as he means to go on, powering Osamu into the corner and charging in with a massive big boot. He goes for a second one, though, allowing Kido to duck and take his leg out, but quickly powers out of a headlock attempt by Osamu. Big suplex by Bruiser, but a choke attempt is broken, and Osamu hits a European Uppercut – which Brody completely shakes off! Bruiser hits a vicious kick to the back of Kido, then takes him down with a full arm drag and twist, and manages a bear squeeze before dropping Osamu to the mat, picking him up by the hair and wailing away at his face with a series of hard right hands. Running chop to the head follows as Kido staggers to his feet, and a head twist has him in serious jeopardy. A giant choke adds to his problems, but Kido rolls out of the way of a falling axhandle, and hits a chop, then judo throws his opponent. Arm breaker follows and is segued into a series of armlocks, but Brody breaks one, and gets the big bear hug. Brody goes for a massive big boot but gets judo swept, and Osamu puts on a choke to leave Bruiser gasping for breath, then starts to climb the cage… and makes it!

F rating.

D. Boon's Ghost

07-31-2008, 12:39 PM

Haha! Gillette saving Kendo is superb.
I'm sure they had a nice cup of tea and laughed about it afterwards. In between psychic healings, of course. :)

Jaded

07-31-2008, 06:21 PM

Dusty Rhodes vs Big Daddy

Big Daddy has won two superb matches, against Strong Koboyashi and Dos Caras, Dusty has taken out two pretty tough customers in the Mongolian Stomper and Otto Wanz.

Two massive crowd favourites here, and it’s Daddy who dominates the early exchanges, punching and elbowing Rhodes then hitting some huge forearms and a big elbow drop. Another elbow drop misses, though, allowing the Dream to get on a chinlock which Daddy needs to go to the ropes to break. Series of headlocks and arm bars follow until Big Daddy powers out of one, hurls Dusty to the corner, and hits a seated hammer, but then misses an axhandle. He quickly reverses an attempt to send him to the ropes, though, and hits a running boot then a spread eagled stomp. Grounded double axhandle and a head twist have Rhodes seeing stars, and Daddy picks Dusty up to take him back down with his patented belly bounce. As Daddy plays to the crowd, though, Dusty recovers quicker than his opponent was expecting, and takes him down to the ground, hitting a series of elbow drops. A falling fistdrop misses, however, allowing the Brit to hit a seated hammer, then a head vice and a huge slam. Big Daddy Elbow follows… and that’s it for the Dream!

F rating.

captainlou

07-31-2008, 06:42 PM

After reading the results so far this round, we could be looking at a Big Daddy vs. Antonio Inoki matchup. That would be my prediction for the finals.

Jaded

08-01-2008, 07:10 AM

Normal match: Tatsumi Fujinami vs Dr Wagner

Tatusmi’s all over this one from the start, taking down Wagner with a judo trip and then keeping him on the ground for a good few minutes. Wagner eventually recovers with a snap mare, and gets a warning from the referee for repeatedly using a closed fist against his opponent, and Tatsumi takes advantage of this to blast away with some stiff kicks then a riki chop and a knee jab. Driving body scissors by the Japanese wrestler sees the babyface in total control here, and he locks on a grounded cobra lock, with Wagner only just managing to make the ropes. Fujinami hits a huge bodyslam and springs up top, but Wagner just manages to roll out of the way of a flying knee drop. Wagner gets a figure four locked on, moves to a leg grapevine, then back to a figure four. He gets a big pescado then a series of headbutts, drawing the ref’s ire, but as he goes for another leg grapevine Tatsumi slips out of the back and gets an Octopus Stretch for the submission victory!

D rating.

Jaded

08-01-2008, 03:19 PM

First blood match: Mick McManus vs Jos Leduc

In a battle of two hated villains here, Leduc should have a huge advantage, with McManus having taken a big beating in his first round match which was exacerbated by a tough second round bout.

It looks like Mick knows he’ll be struggling if the match goes long, as he explodes into offense with a bunch of stiff forearms and punches, then takes Jos to the mat. Leduc fights back though, getting a pair of massive headbutts, then stomping his downed opponent, but as he picks McManus up Mick gets a stiff shot to the head in and hits two forearms. As McManus goes for a forearm blow Jos blocks it and slams him, then gets the headbutt again and an eye rake, before biting his arm and hitting a rope assisted knee drop. Jos claws at Mick’s face, and the stitches Mick had after his first round match can’t handle this, coming apart and letting the blood flow out for the quick win for the lumberjack.

F rating.

Jaded

08-01-2008, 03:28 PM

Johnny Saint vs Rick Martel

Saint is a British hero, Martel is working as a heel here. Johnny was involved in one of the best matches so far in the tournament last round, pulling off a shock win against Terry Funk, while Martel pulled off an even bigger upset, defeating ‘Nature Boy’ Ric Flair.

For the first five minutes or so, neither can get an advantage, Saint shrugging off anything Martel does but never really getting his own moves going. Atomic drop and forearm flurry from Martel put him in control, eventually, but he crotches himself as he attempts to dropkick Saint into the corner. The Brit legend capitalizes with a head scissors but Martel quickly comes back with a hammerlock drive, then gets a 10 punch in the corner, only for Saint to counter a forearm shot with a bodyslam and get a bridging double armbar for the 2 count. He locks on a Boston crab and nearly gets a submission victory, only for Rick to break it, but a small package wins it for Johnny! C rating.

Jaded

08-01-2008, 03:51 PM

Normal match: Antonio Inoki vs Jumbo Tsurata

2 bona fide Japanese legends go at it here, with Jumbo having beaten Hulk Hogan, one of the hot favourites to win, and Inoki having downed the Mexican El Solitario.

Inoki starts off ultra-stiff, kicking the living daylights out of Jumbo, but Tsurata comes back by taking him to the ground. Airplane spin toss and huge knee drop follows up for Jumbo, and he keeps him on the ground with a series of arm and leglocks. Several kicks to the thigh and a knee jab follow, but Inoki ducks a clothesline to hit a suplex. A double knee rear chinlock attempt is broken, allowing Tsurata to hit a short arm deep hip toss, then he goes for a wrist lock only for Inoki to sweep his legs from below. Out of nowhere, though, Jumbo locks on the step over face lock… and Antonio taps out!

E rating.

Normal match: Leo Burke vs Killer Khan

Khan got a massive shock win as he beat Andre the Giant last round, while Burke knocked out this recapper’s personal favourite, Jackie Pallo.

This is a straight-out brawl from the start, Killer using the headbutt whenever possible while Leo goes for punches, forearms and repeated European uppercuts. Hammerlock drive by Khan sends Leo to the corner, then a flurry of punches. Burke comes out fighting and gets 2 from a Thesz press, then goes for a forearm flurry but Khan counters with a Samoan drop. Double chop to the neck hurts Leo, but a knee drop misses, allowing the Canadian to hit a Cradle suplex for two and a half! Leo goes for another Thesz press but Khan moves, hitting a running chop then a massive running kick to the head and a seated chop flurry, before choking him out with a boot. Hammerlock drive takes Burke to the corner, but as Killer charges in with a clothesline, Leo comes out with a clothesline of his own, and gets a bridging roll up which is agonizingly close to giving him the victory. As he goes for a belly to back cradle suplex, Khan slips out, and tries to hurl Leo over the top rope, only for Burke to land on the apron and shoulder charge him, then slip into the ring and get a cradle suplex for the win!

B rating.

Quarter Final Line Up

The Original Kendo Nagasaki vs Osamu Kido
Big Daddy vs Dr Wagner
Jos Leduc vs Johnny Saint
Jumbo Tsurata vs Leo Burke

D. Boon's Ghost

08-02-2008, 12:40 AM

Predictions:

The Original Kendo Nagasaki vs Osamu Kido
Big Daddy vs Dr Wagner (simply because I'm hoping for a Daddy v Nagasaki bout - Easy! Easy!!)
Jos Leduc vs Johnny Saint (As much as I admire Leduc, Saint has been awesome so far)
Jumbo Tsurata vs Leo Burke (Tough, tough choice here. Both guys have looked super thus far -- but I'm going with Jumbo because he made Inoki cry. Heh)

-----

This has been a lot of fun to follow, Jaded. I thank you for taking the time to share these results. :)

... Even though I still have no clue how Shirley could have possibly advanced so far.
His brother running this tourny, or what? :D

Jaded

08-03-2008, 10:05 AM

The Original Kendo Nagasaki vs Osamu Kido

Nagasaki has been somewhat lucky to get this far – Ricky Steamboat and Huracan Ramirez were both weakened by tough bouts before they faced him, and he still needed the help of manager George Gillette to get past Huracan. Babyface Kido has wrestled 3 matches which were all pretty low quality.

Resthold central for the first quarter of an hour or so, with neither man taking charge until Kido gets the airplane spin, then an arm trap head twist, but misses a knee drop. Kendo goes for a hammerlock, but Osamu slips out, and lands a series of kicks to the thigh then a short armed knee drive to the stomach. Kido locks on the abdominal stretch, and to the fans’ delight, it looks like this one’s over, but Nagasaki somehow manages to hold in there and eventually break it. A big enziguri gets a two count for Kido, but Kendo manages a desperate kick to the gut as Osamu charges in with a forearm, and Nagasaki hurls his opponent through the ropes and to the outside. Kendo locks on a self-stranglehold, and it’s very close to a double count-out here, but he lets go and they just make it in in time.

A short arm deep hip toss follows, but as Nagasaki goes for a German suplex, Osamu elbows his way free and bounces off the ropes with a running knee for two. Flurry of chops from Kido, who briefly gets a Boston crab on only for Kendo to reach the ropes for the enforced break. Running knee follows and gets an oh-so-close two count. Flurry of chops again, setting up the rolling short arm scissors, and this one’s over! Kido advances in the best match we’ve had for quite some time here.

A rating.

Normal match: Big Daddy vs Dr Wagner

Big Daddy has a huge size advantage here, and tries to make it count with some stiff forearms, but Wagner comes back with chops, headbutts, and some illegal punches, drawing an early warning from the referee. Kick to the gut puts the Brit back in charge, and he hurls the doctor into the corner, ramming his head into the turnbuckle 10 times as the crowd count along. The pair trade uppercuts and chops, and Wagner scores a huge pescado, but Daddy quickly comes back with another corner toss and 10 turnbuckle smashes again. Head vice and double ax handle follow, and Daddy goes for the running belly butt, but Wagner goes low with a punch, drawing the wrath of the ref again. Another pescado follows, then a forearm flurry and an inverse figure four leglock and a series of headbutts which bust open the big man. Wagner keeps Daddy on the ground switching between various leglocks for three or four minutes, until the giant finally powers out, only to be taken down by La Escalera, and there’s no escaping that hold!

D rating.

Jaded

02-15-2009, 05:00 PM

(I appreciate this tournament has now lasted longer than some wrestler's careers... sorry! After these two, it's the semis.)

Cage match: Jos Leduc vs Johnny Saint

And after that giant killing in the previous match, Saint is the only Brit left. This match definitely plays to his opponent’s strengths, though, as the madman headbutts and chokes him straight away to gain a clear advantage. Saint manages to take Leduc down with a fireman’s carry and keep him there for a few minutes, but Leduc is the clear favourite here. Double backbreaker and seated hammer for Jos put him firmly in control, but then he misses with a rope assisted knee drop. Double knee lift follows for Saint, then a figure four cross, and a hammerlock. A series of European uppercuts staggers Leduc, but Jos fights back by biting a chunk out of the popular British star! Spread eagled stomp follows, and Leduc tries to remove a turnbuckle cover, but Saint manages to roll him up then springboard on to the cage, starting to climb out, only for Leduc to catch him easily. Johnny goes for a double knee backbreaker but Leduc blasts him with a low blow and starts to climb out, although he’s caught in turn. Piledriver follows from Jos, busting Saint open, but the bloodied Brit won’t quit and catches Leduc’s escape attempt. A series of headbutts leaves Saint’s crimson mask looking even worse, and Leduc now goes in his trunks and pulls out a chair splinter, which he proceeds to shove in Saint’s eye! Somehow though, Johnny won’t quit! Leduc tosses him to the mat and starts to climb out, but as he reaches the top, Saint staggers to his feet and manages to climb up and pull him back in. Short arm knee lift takes Leduc down and Johnny buys some time with a step over leg lock. He holds it on for three or four minutes and tries to escape before Jos recovers, but Leduc is up and stops him. Step over leg lock again, and Jos looks like his legs are really hurt here… and this time, when Saint lets go and climbs over, the lumberjack can’t make the save! A popular win here, but at what cost?

C+ rating.

Jumbo Tsurata vs Leo Burke

The usual catch-as-catch-can stuff early on, with neither dominating, and both men going to the ropes fairly often to break up holds. Tsurata gets a great airplane spin as Burke’s forearm attempt misses, and follows up with a vicious knee jab, then a sweeping hip toss. No joy with a judo throw, however, Burke blocking the attempt and going for a series of arm bars followed by a handstand knee drive to the leg. Charging forearm leaves Jumbo reeling, but a second attempt gets countered by another airplane spin, and Jumbo moves into control with a judo toss and a few big knees. A knee drop attempt misses, though, allowing Leo to apply a leg grapevine, but no joy as he goes for a handstand knee drive. Three kicks to the thigh by Tsurata, then a judo throw, and another airplane spin. As Tsurata goes for another throw, though, Leo sidesteps him, bouncing off the ropes with a Thesz press, but Jumbo kicks out at two. Small package gets two and three quarters, and a second Thesz press gets another two count. Bodyslam follows, and Burke locks on the spinning toe hold, but Tsurata escapes. He doesn’t get far, however, walking straight into a cradle suplex, and this one’s over!

B rating.

OOC: The last 3 matches are now DONE. Will post over the next couple of days, just leaving it for now in case anyone is still interested enough to want to predict.

Semis: Osamu Kido vs Dr Wagner
Johnny Saint vs Leo Burke

Final: ??? vs ???