NWA Maple Leaf Wrestling TV
"Superstars of Wrestling"
Saturday December 29th 1982
Brassy fanfare over a set of clips of mat action!
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xntnt0_thriller-dsb-film_music Graphic announces
Maple Leaf Wrestling presents
"SUPERSTARS OF WRESTLING" All matches sanctioned by the National Wrestling Alliance - Vincent McMahon, President
Taped at the CHCH-TV (ch. 11) studios in Hamilton ON, Friday December 21st. Syndicated broadcast on regional channels.
At the podium in the interview area is frequent contributor, Toronto sportswriter Dick Beddoes. Today, he is joined by JOHNNY POWERS.
DB: "Johnny, you have been doing well of late, right here on your home turf. I'm not surprised as you have a terrific reputation ALL over the world".
JP: "Why, thanks, Dick, and Happy New Year to you - and to all the Maple Leaf fans. I have found good reasons to stay close to home, for instance the huge HOLIDAY SPECIAL card this weekend in Toronto...a fine a card as I've ever seen!"
DB: "But, apparently, Johnny, YOU don't have a match..."
JP: "I do now! I was inspired by TWO things on the last show - Terry Yorkston standing up to take the mask off The Hangman".
DB: "And what was the other?"
JP: "I was SICKENED by the behavior of ANOTHER man hiding under a mask - The Masked Strangler with yet anouther insane, violent display, this time almost ruining things for the TV champ. I am facing this maniac and I have been granted a stipulation by the promoters - if I win, OFF COMES YOUR MASK! And Strangler, I don't care if it takes a BLOWTORCH to get the job done!"
DB: "Stupendous news! But The Hangman managed to avoid exposing himself..."
JP: "The Masked Strangler has made NO friends, if ten men are needed to hold the lunatic down, there will be enogh volunteers! In fact, young Ed Boulder is CERTAIN he knows who is under the disguise, and I think I know as well".
DB: "Great hearing from you, Johnny, and good luck! Let's send it over to Milt Avruskin & Sam Menacker".
At the desk, the boys are ready to roll!.
MA: "Welcome again, fans, to "Superstars of Wrestling", and the big event at Maple Leaf Gardens is getting better & better!"
SM: "The match between the evil Masked Strangler & Johnny Powers should be a barn-burner, and I hear our new local white knight, "Rocky" Ed Boulder has a match, with details to come later!"
MA: "Last week, Norm Kimber asked Sheik Ali about his VERY rare appearances in any matches - Ali took umbrage and appears today".
SM: "Sheik Ali is well-stocked in the umbrage department! Our Main Event sees the unbeaten "Mean" Mike Miller with a challenge from Jerry Novak".
MA: "All eyes are on RON RITCHIE! A successful defense on this very show against rival Vic Rossitani, and Ritchie will have reached the TOP of THE GOLDEN LADDER! I see Lord Layton, whose brainstorm this lottery was, is on hand. But here is our opening match, a tag-team affair".
Norm Kimber introduces the participants.
Match 1 - The Caribbean Sunshine Boys (Johnny Kincaid & Dave "Butcher" Bond) vs. Pete Sanchez & Mr. Florida
One fall 10 minutes Danny Marsh is the official assigned and issues instructions for the new man, Sanchez.
SM: "Burly Pete Sanchez is from Puerto Rico, teaming up with our Florida native, so we have a real tropical flavor here".
Sanchez defers to the seniority of the masked lightweight in his red/white/blue suit. There is quite a few tags as the match progresses.
SM: "Mr. Florida was not involved in last week's playoff for the Light-Heavyweight title, perhaps he is switching plans to the tag team division".
Well he is back in and has had little success thus far, the Caribbeans are just about as quick. Kincaid whips Mr. Florida into a flying forearm from Bond. Mr. FL rolls backwards to tag out.
MA: "We will have a FULL preview of the HOLIDAY SPECIAL card a bit later on..."
Sanchez pushes out of the Butcher's headlock & Bond bounces off the ropes with a sunset flip that Sanchez was NOT ready for, the shoulders are down for the three-count!
MA: "Not an illustrious debut for Pete Sanches but The Sunshine Boys are looking like contenders! We need to take a break, but when we return...Ron Ritchie has the chance of a lifetime!"
COMMERCIAL 1 - Plan your winter getaway with CP Air Holidays
We return to the desk, with THE GOLDEN LADDER in its usual spot.
MA: "Let's recap the events leading up to this moment. Commissioner "Whipper" Billy Watson organized a 16 man tournament in secret that led to Ron Ritchie winning the television championship. That was in a four man match that included Mark Lewin, Baron Mikel Scicluna & Armand Hussein. Lord Athol Layton instituted the lottery idea and the Golden Ladder. Since then, Ron has defended the belt against...let's see, David Novak, El Matador, Hussein and The Masked Strangler. That leaves him ONE step from the top of the ladder..."
Clip from last week, showing pre-match attack by the masked maniac, the actual (DCO) brawl between Ritchie & The Masked Strangler, the suspect "random" draw by the Russian stripper, and Jerry Brown pearl-harboring the champ with his own belt.
Sam shakes his head.
SM: "We certainly hope you all have been enjoying the holiday season, but I know Ron needed some rest! I am wondering, Milton, WILL we need a draw from the barrel today?"
MA: "That will be clarified after the match, Sam - I know we have a SUNshine Girl on hand..."
Blast of our opening theme & out comes Ritchie to great huzzahs. Wisely, he has "Rocky" ED BOULDER riding shotgun. Ed stays on the floor, watching Ron enter the ring.
SM: "Given the HATE by The Hollywood Bombshells towards Ron, it's good to see Sheriff Boulder on the case!"
Rip Hawk brings out Vic Rossitani (VICKI VICKI VICKI). Trailing, in his matching gaudy blue robe, is Jerry Brown (GERALDINE GERALDINE etc.)
MA: "Jerry Brown knows FULL WELL he is NOT allowed, Rip Hawk, as Rossitani's manager, IS allowed".
SM: "Boulder HAD moved away from the ring but now is in Brown's face! He makes sure Brown follows the referee's order to vamoose!"
Ritchie is sporting a few small bandages on his head but looks 100% fired-up. Hawk & Vic are at a slow pace, elaborate folding of the robe, some threats and trashtalk from Hawk that Ron steadfastly ignores. With no more stalling tactics to try, we get the bell.
Rossitani has the size & weight advantage and takes control early. Ritchie switches to an "aim low" battle plan and action becomes more horizontal. Ron flips big Vic with a double leg-dive & tries grapevining the legs. Vic rolls to a rope-break. NOT a clean break as Vic thumbs Ron in the eye & tosses him out by the hair. Vic starts arguing and the Rip-ster is up on the apron for some jaw-boning.
MA: "Sam, I am pleasantly surprised Hawk did not take a cheapshot...oh, hold the phone!"
As Ritchie dusts him self off, JERRY BROWN got a notion to run from the shadows! He gets started towards the champ, BUT!
GOOD OLD ROCKY! Boulder flattens Brownie with a flying tackle and hauls him off in a hammerlock.
SM: "VERY fortunate as the referee was JUST turning his attention to Ritchie...Rossitani was very close to a DQ loss!"
MA: "Sam, as Ed gets Jerry Brown out...there is SOME sort of commotion..."
Camera gets a snippet...a blonde man in street clothes on the periphery has started jostling Boulder, but it seems HIS goal is ALSO getting Jerry the heck outta there. Mystery man disappears, Ed takes Brown out the exit.
Meanwhile, Ron & Vic have hooked up - Ron steps through Rossitani's long legs and gets him on the mat again. A single-leg crab, and Vic pushes Ron into the buckles. Rip says the time is NOW, and Vic charges - Ritchie uses the ropes to float over! Rossitani rings his own bell! A quick double-underhook, a massive HEAVE-HO and Rossitani crashes - a tight hook of the legs...
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1!
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2!
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THREE!
MA: "Our TV champ has scaled the heights to the TOP! Oh, the fans LOVE it, Hawk is protesting to NO avail...Jerry Brown and Boulder are headed to the ring".
SM: "Things may need some settling down, oh now Boulder is stepping through the ropes...he's suggesting Norm and Ron do any ceremonies on the floor while he chaperones".
Rossitani, Brown & Hawk remain in the ring. Norm Kimber has the mic ready for Ron. Ed Boulder over to slap Ritchie's shoulders with a wide grin, now keeping an eye on the fractious trio in the ring. Heck, now Lord Layton is hovering.
NK: "Congratulations, Ron, this is a monumental achievement, what are your thoughts?"
Ron gathers himself.
RR: "Thanks Norm...and thanks for ALL the support I've gotten. It was justice, or karma...it was just SWEET taking the last step right over Rip Snort's gang! Jerry Brown, you smashed my head last week, you might have cost me this match, too...There is nothing I'd like more than to run you out of town!"
Layton has a look of surprise but he is a stickler for taking things literally.
LAL: "Mr. Ritchie, may I offer my congratulations as well, but I am quite shocked! You have known for weeks, that if you climbed to the top of the Golden Ladder that you could request ANY match. You could challenge the Von Steigers or Kiniski for THEIR belts, you could have asked me to arrange a match with ANY NWA champion, ANY NWA wrestler at all! But your CHOICE...is a LOSER LEAVES TOWN match against Jerry Brown?"
Ron looks flustered.
RR: "Well, I guess that IS what I said, isn't it? (pauses) I see no reason to go back on my word...or try weaseling out of it...like Rip Snort would! Let's set it up!"
Commissioner Watson is out.
WBW: "Gentlemen, we need a commercial break - can we all stay where we are and consider the ramifications, please?"
COMMERCIAL 2 - Ad for Arctic Cat snowmobiles
WBW: "Ron, you have worked a gruelling schedule and as Lord Layton has noted, I am also a bit surprised you didn't have a match planned. Even if you made your choice impulsively, in the heat of the moment, I admire your character..."
During the break, it seems Rip Hawk has lifted the timekeeper's mic.
RH: "BLAH BLAH BLAH, what a SCAM, careful y'all don't lose track of all the LIES we heard while we been standin' up here like cigar-store Injuns!"
WBW: "Oh, we have heard you three bickering among yourselves...EXCUSE ME!"
The man who had been seen earlier, involved with Brown and Boulder, walks right through the knot at ringside & climbs in. Jerry Brown is ECSTATIC!
JB: "BUDDY ROBERTS, git in here, you old dog, set these jokers straight - and Rip, you got some pull..."
SM: "Fans, that IS Buddy Roberts - he and Jerry Brown had teamed as THE FABULOUS BLONDES, once the cream of the crop in tag team history!"
MA: "So it is! What I DON'T like is what Ron has referred to - Rip Hawk being able to weasel out of the Golden Ladder match!"
Back in the ring, Buddy not giving JB the warmest of reunions, with a sardonic expression, he's been chomping his gum.
BR: "Yeah, long time, no see, Jer..."
RH: "You know, Brown you have been a real disappointment, probably WASHED-UP! So, Watson, do we have Ritchie's big match on the HOLIDAY SPECIAL?"
WBW: "As I said, Ron HAS had a gruelling schedule and as a young rising star, we made SURE he had a match this weekend! So, Lord Athol, there is NO problem scheduling the LOSER LEAVES TOWN match for TV next week?"
LAL: "Precisely what I was thinking. I shall fill in your announcers forthwith".
Jerry Brown, Jerry Brown, does it seem your world is caving in on you?
FRANTIC JB: "This is INSANE, Rip - reuniting me and Buddy, an all-time hall-of-fame team THEN letting this GARBAGE loser-leaves-town match go ahead? Heck it sounds like that's what you WANT!"
Buddy shifts his cud of Doublemint.
BR: "DING! DING! You dope, it's not me AND you, it's me INSTEAD of you...beat it, hit the road...JACK!"
Brown is looking for friends...nope. Buddy sticks a finger in Brown's chest, Vic stirs, he rips Brown's robe right off!
BR: "Think of how LUCKY you ARE right now, Jer, I could cram my fist down your throat...and NObody would stop me! Consider it a GIFT, JACK!"
Vic now tears Brown's robe to shreds...Brown sees the fix is in, as he steps onto the apron, Vic flings the pretty blue rags after him.
WBW: "QUITE a revolting display up there, "gentlemen"! One last point. I mentioned Ron has a match at the big Toronto show. It is a TAG match with ANOTHER rising star...Mr. Boulder here..."
Rip, Buddy & Vic are NOT paying strict attention.
WBW: "...AGAINST a team that YOU manage, Mr. Hawk! Might I assume that will be Roberts and Rossitani now?"
Cut to the desk as the HOLLYWOOD BOMBSHELL faction (version 2) erupts!
MA: "Holy mackerel! We'll be right back, fans! I see Lord Layton headed our way..."
COMMERCIAL 3
We return to a VTR
NWA Canadian Heavyweight Champion GENE KINISKI
GK: "Warm wishes for the holidays and New Year to all my fellow Canadians! You know I have been in wrestling a long time now, some even have the nerve to suggest "long enoigh"...but as long as I have been in this sport, there has been a STENCH! It is centered around DETROIT but for years has drifted across the border into the greatest country in the world! In Hamilton, there are dozens of mills & foundries with their smokestacks BUT there is no darker cloud...than THE SHEIK!"
This character is a sadistic ANIMAL who would rather cripple somebody than win a wrestling match. He has caused riots in Maple Leaf Gardens before, so, as CANADA'S GREATEST ATHLETE, I know what I'm dealing with on December 29th" END VTR
At the dsek, Sam & Milton.
SM: "My sentiments exactly in regards to The Sheik. And up next, his equally cut-throat countryman, Sheik Ali will actually doff his robes".
MA: "We just witnessed the despicable manner in which Rip Hawk treats people, keep in mind that Ali has recently unceremoniously jettisoned The Hangman and Armand Hussein. Some real back-stabbing of late..."
SM: "Don't forget YOU snitching my mistletoe, Mr. Avruskin!"
Milt chuckles: "Boy, my wife gave me heck for that! We have doublechecked and we WILL have a GOLDEN LOTTERY draw after this match. Here is Norm".
Mr. Kimber runs down the upcoming live shows - January 1st matinee at the Hamilton Forum, Peterborough, Brockville & Kitchener.
Match 3 - Sheik Ali w/ Beautiful Bruce vs. David Novak
One fall 10 minutes Bruce is one sad, downcast puppy, Ali demands he stay OUT of the ring as he passes burnoose & robes to him. Nothing but a glorified ring attendant...if that. Bounty Hunter David enters and we get the bell.
SM: "Beautiful Bruce is not having much fun of late! Well, he IS trying to ingratiate himself, cheering on Ali, a sad spectacle if you ask me. And Sheik Ali does not need much help, it seems".
Ali seems to be matching David move for move, with greater results. An exchange of forearm smashes has David tumbling out of the ring. Brucie stirs & heads towards him - Ali bellows NO!, he needs NO help from the hired hands.
SM: "The Bounty Hunters have not had any takers for their services at all. Frankly, with men like Ed Boulder & Johnny Powers around, the troublemakers are being reined in. Not to mention what the All-Poland team accomplished last week!"
Novak is bent in half after taking a whip / hard boot to the belly. With an obnoxious look at the booing fans, Sheik Ali straightens him up...then DOWN with a violent chokeslam. The nonchalant one-knee-on-the-chest pin. Ali smarmy as all get-out as he departs with his minion scurrying behind. On to more PLEASANT matters...
MA: "Sam, welcome in our SUNshine Girl this week, Amanda, it says here, Amanda, you are a "wardrobe consultant". What exactly is that?"
Sam not too interested in the bookish young brunette in a sharp business suit. He has a box of popcorn to keep him occupied.
Amanda: "You two gentlemen seem awfully attached to those sportcoats. I suggest brightening things up with stylish, colorful TIES!"
By golly, she has an assortment of neckwear draped over an arm.
Amanda: "Now, Mr. Menacker, with those green eyes and brown jacket - which DESPERATELY needs cleaning - I suggest the forest green in this pattern!"
Sam accepts the baksheesh, uses the tie to wipe butter from his chin! Mandy enthusiastically has turned to Milt.
MA: "Oh, I see, you help with matching colors and so on! This grey stripe goes with my jacket, don't you think?"
Amanda babbles & bubbles: "Excellent, it just SCREAMS "understated elegance" - it matches the weave of the jacket..."
Curiosity killed the cat, Amanda!
Amanda: "OH MY GOD, you're not wearing PANTS!"
Sam pipes up: "Oh, Milton usually wears shorts, I think it's cutting-edge style, myself...now, many thanks to you and Tip Top for the ties, but can you hustle your buns with the BARREL, sweetie?"
Red-faced Amanda spins the drum.
MA: "Fans, next week's match with Ron Ritchie & Jerry Brown is NOT a TV title match, the name drawn today is for TWO weeks from now. And the barrel HAS been re-stocked and is up to date! Good, hold the card up..."
Close shot with smiling Amanda holding a card reading...
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MIKE SHARPE
Geez, our fashion guru had a hunk of spinach wedged in her teeth...ugh.
Sam not up to speed?
SM: "Err, Milt - Sharpe?"
MA: "I said the drum is up to date, Sammy! There are NEW men signed, we already saw Pete Sanchez and Buddy Roberts. This is Iron Mike Sharpe JUNIOR, from right here in Hamilton, long-time fans will recall his dad and uncle as great wrestlers. A real lucky draw for young Mike!"
COMMERCIAL 4 - Boxing Week Sale on NOW at Tip Top Tailors, with locations across Canada
We have Norm Kimber at ringside, and what splendid timing! He introduces none other than Iron Mike Sharpe!
NK: "A young star returning to his ROOTS, Iron Mike Sharpe! Mike, we just heard, you come in with a fantastic opportunity, a TV title match coming up".
IMS: "I think that couldn't have been planned any better! The TV belt can be a nice win, but I am here to do ONE THING, one thing ONLY! I AM CANADA'S GREATEST ATHALETE and I don't care HOW LONG Methuselah Gene Kiniski has been LYING about that claim!"
NK: "You ARE talking about the NWA Canadian Heavyweight champ...that would be quite a lofty goal for down the road..."
IMS: "DOWN THE ROAD? I mean LAST WEEK, yesterday, RIGHT NOW!"
NK: "I suppose you will be looking for some tune-up work before facing Ron Ritchie..."
IMS: "Do you get paid MORE for being the MOST IGNORANT interviewer? I came here from the BIGGEST territory around! If it wasn't for being saddled with a MORON manager, I'd be the toast of New York and NOT listening to a goofball teling me Ron Ritchie is a challenge to ME, he's not in my league".
NK: "Ahh..."
Forget it, Norm - "lost for words" doesn't apply to big Mike.
IMS: "And I come here and before I even drop my bag in the locker room, I have the MORON managers here falling all over themselves! THEY know what sort of class I bring here! But Rip Hawk, Kowalski, and the other idiot, Bruce - you couldn't meet my price in a THOUSAND years, you can all go fly a kite!"
At the desk...
SM: "Mr. Sharpe seems to be very sure of himself! I believe we might consider it a blessing that he seems uninterested in allying himself with any of the managerial BRAINS he have!"
MA: "Sharpe doesn't seem the type that needs someone to do his talking, to be sure! Fans, we are very proud of the SUPER card being presented at Maple Leaf Gardens on Saturday, here is a look at what we can expect..."
Clip package featuring Fabulous Moolah, Joyce Grable, The Sheik, Gene Kiniski, midgets, Jimmy Garvin & Gino Hernandez and Maple Leaf stars - Boulder, Ritchie, Von Steigers, Masked Strangler & Johnny Powers. Norm Kimber has the voice-over, winding up with the Light-Heavyweight semi-finals. MA: "Denny Brown & Don Arakawa face off for the belt, and get this great news! On January 19th, the NWA World Junior Heavyweight champ, currently the Mexican superstar, Chavo Guerrero will face the winner in Windsor. Also in Windsor will be the famniliar face of the fearsome ABDULLAH THE BUTCHER!"
SM: "Tickets will be flying out the window for that event, Milton! After the break, today's Main Event!
COMMERCIAL 5
We return to the intro's.
Match 4 Jerry Novak vs. "Mean" Mike Miller
One fall 10 minutes SM: "It's up to Jerry to salvage SOMETHING for the Bounty Hunters today, but Miller is on an undefeated streak, is he not, Milton? By the way, the new tie looks good..."
MA: "That undefeated streak HAS been drawing attention - Rip Hawk and Buddy Roberts out to scout...and now, I see Beautiful Bruce. If Mike Sharpe gave Bruce the brush-off, Miller might be a good prospect".
Miller is now in, we have the bell, and Jerry Novak getting his bell rung as well.
SM: "I'm sure I've mentioned in the past, I don't think Mr. Brucie is ANY good at evaluating talent...have you forgotten old Malumba?"
Novak rallies as he has Miller down! He hooks the legs to catapult Mike to the buckles...oh MY! Cat-like rexlexes as Miller steps up to the second buckle & flies off with a cross-body. Jerry barely beats the 3 count by squirming a shoulder loose.
SM: "A very alert counter that everyone makes note of! Milton, I suppose the loser-leaves-town match is our Main Event next week...any other matches announced?"
MA: "Another new man, "The Alaskan" Jay York will take on Kowalski's Killer Joe Nova is confirmed. Strange, I know I have seen Killer Kowalski checking out Mike Miller in the past, but NOT today".
Jerry is flagging as Miller has gotten the better in a series of crisscrosses - one ending with a boot, the next with a shoulder-tackle...now a Thesz press and Novak is unable to escape!
SM: "That is a great win and a fine finish to the show! Have a happy and safe New Year's celebration, and be sure to tune in to "Superstars of Wrestling" next week when we will recap the results of the HOLIDAY SPECIAL".
We close with Beautiful Bruce at ringside...making a pitch to our winner. Miller is not terribly impressed it seems.
RESULTS
- Caribbean Sunshine Boys defeat Pete Sanchez & Mr. Florida
- Ron Ritchie pins Vic Rossitani
- Sheik Ali pins David Novak
- Mike Miller pins Jerry Novak
Tickets still available for Saturday's HOLIDAY SPECIAL! Kiniski vs. The Sheik, Von Steigers vs. Hernandez & Garvin, Johnny Powers vs. The Masked Strangler...JUST ADDED, The Soviets vs. Mighty Igor & The Great Wojo - NINE great matches!
Avruskin was noted for tie & jacket when at the desk, shorts and sandals UNDER the desk.
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NWA Maple Leaf TV #16 12/29/82 (Read 92 times)