“Portland Special”
Sports Arena
10/2/82
 

 
Don Owen opens the show.
 
Owen, “It’s been a while since we’ve had one of these ‘Portland Specials’. I really like to give you fans an extra show now and then. Things have been going so well for us that we are going to have another one in November. We’ll let you know when it’s going to be. We are even going to make next Saturday night a ‘Kids Night’. All kids under 14 will get in free with a paying adult. Now let’s get to the show.”
 
Opening Match, one fall, 20 minutes
Bobo Brazil vs. The Magnificent Zulu
 
Two big strong men meet in the opener. Zulu takes the fight to Brazil, but the veteran from Benton Harbor, MI withstands the assault and goes right after Zulu. Bobo hits the cocobutt for the win.
Winner-Bobo Brazil
 
Second Match, one fall, 30 minutes
The Davidson Brothers vs. Matt Bourne and Steve Pardee
 
These two teams met on ‘Portland Wrestling’ two weeks ago and it ended in a wild double disqualification. This one may be no different. The Davidson get off fast they double team and tag in and out and Bourne and Pardee are in trouble. The Portland crowd helps rally their favorites. Matt Bourne takes the fight to Rick Davidson and catches him with a sunset flip. Referee Sandy Barr counts the fall. This is a popular win for Bourne and Pardee.
Winners-Matt Bourne and Steve Pardee
 
Don Owen is in the ring with Dusty Rhodes.
 
Owen, “With me is the” American Dreamer’ Dusty Rhodes. Dusty, it’s been a while since you’ve been in Portland. It’s always good to have you here.”
 
Rhodes, “Don Owen, you’re one of my favorite people in the world and I love the fans in the Northwest! I came here to put on a show, and I’ll do that! Rip Oliver, you got a big mouth, you hanging around with that fat old Buddy Rose, he’s not slim and trim like the ‘Dream’! Oliver, I don’t take you lightly, but I came here to whip your butt and that’s what I’m going to do!”
 
Owen, “Dusty Rhodes, he’s like Lonnie Mayne, you like to listen to him and watch him wrestle. He’ll be in the main event tonight.”
 
Match #3
Rocky Della Serra vs. Doug Somers
 
The young Della Serra takes on the veteran form Georgia. Rocky gets off to a fast start and Somers must do something to slow the pace. He takes to the floor, argues with the ringsiders and makes Della Serra wait. He then returns and lands a boot to the midsection. Somers controls the next few minutes. Della Serra mounts a comeback and lands a powerslam for the win.
Winner-Rocky Della Serra
 
Don Owen is in the ring.
 
Owen, “I told you I’d let you know when the next ‘Portland Special’ would be and I can do that now. It’s going to be on Tuesday night, November 20 and we just signed a World Title re-match, so if Rhodes wins tonight, he’ll be the Champion and if Oliver wins, he’ll be the Champion. Either way the title is going to be defended on that show.”
 
Semi-Final, one fall, 60 minutes
Six Man Tag Team Match
Buddy Rose, Ed Wiskoski and Bob Hefffernan vs. Stan Stasiak, Billy Jack and Jimmy Snuka
 
This one has “mayhem” written all over it. Stasiak and Billy Jack have formed a tag team and are after the Northwest Tag Titles. Rose and Wiskoski would not grant them a title shot, but they couldn’t avoid this match. That’s all big news, but it pales in comparison to the return of the ‘Superfly’, Jimmy Snuka. The bell rings and it’s Rose vs. Billy Jack. Billy Jack dominates the action. Rose is frustrated and takes to the floor to confer with his partners. They are not quite sure how to handle this young powerhouse. Rose returns and goes to the dirty tactics. He traps Billy in the wrong corner and tags in Wiskoski. They triple team Billy. Stasiak and Snuka try to get in and help, but Sandy Barr stops them, which allows Rose and his men to punish Billy even more. Finally Billy escapes and tags in Stasiak. The Crusher goes to work and clears the ring. Again Rose and his men are frustrated. They return and it ends up with Snuka and Heffernan in the ring. Snuka slams him and goes to the top rope. Rose and Wiskoski come it, but Billy Jack and Stasiak stop them. Snuka hits the Superfly leap for the win. What a match!
Winners-Stan Stasiak, Billy Jack and Jimmy Snuka
 

 
Main Event, one fall, 60 minutes
NWA World Championship
Dusty Rhodes (Champion) vs. Rip Oliver w/Buddy Rose
 
Rhodes questions Rose being allowed at ringside. He says something to Sandy Barr and leaves the ring. He returns with Billy Jack. Oliver and Rose go crazy. Rhodes grabs the mike form Owen.
 
Rhodes, “Oliver, you got fat old Rose, I got muscled up Billy Jack, I call that even!”
 
Oliver and Rose argue, but Sandy Barr is going to allow both men at ringside. The bell rings and the match begins. Both men are cautious. Neither man wants to make a mistake. Oliver gets the first break as he whips Rhodes into the corner and runs in with a shoulder to the mid-section. He drives Dusty’s mid-section. Rose shouts encouragement from ringside and the Champion is in trouble. Oliver goes for the sleeper, but Dusty gets to the ropes to break the hold. It looks very much like Rip Oliver is leaving here with the NWA World Title. Billy Jack encourages Rhodes from ringside and the Sports Arena crowd gets behind him. Rhodes gets the momentum and takes the fight to Oliver. The Northwest Champion is now the one in trouble. Dusty pounds away. No one can brawl like the American Dream. Rhodes works over Oliver. Buddy Rose climbs up on the ring apron. Billy Jack grabs him, pulls him to the floor and decks him with a big right hand. In the ring Dusty lands the bionic elbow and covers Rip. Sandy Barr counts 1…2…3! Dusty Rhodes has retained the World Championship!
Winner-Dusty Rhodes
 

 

Just a prime example of how you build and present any promotion you have been in, Tom. The undercard was very entertaining. Enjoyed the wins of Brazil and Borne/Pardee. Matt is one of my favs. Boy, Stasiak and Jack showed what they have for Rose and Co., but nobody could deny it was Snuka's night. A great return. I am thinking Rose and Rhodes will be next. Can't wait.
 
Great! Great ! Great!

Thanks for the feedback guys. This was an enjoyable show to write. I didn't realize until I was finished that the "good guys" had won every match. That's O.K. for now, but you don't want to do that every big show. Mickey, I think you've been peeking at my notes.  

A 2/3 tv main event of that calibre could stand alone as the only match on the show.  The four of them could probably keep the fans on their feet for an hour.  Look forward to seeing if we actually get that.

Geez.... after agreeing fully with everything Mickey has written, all I can add is just wow.... fantastic card and Tom, you know I can't wait to read more.