NWA Maple Leaf Wrestling TV
"Superstars of Wrestling"
Saturday March 23rd 1983
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 March 15th.
Syndicated broadcast on regional channels.
We open the show with Milt Avruskin and Ron Martinez reviewing a clip.
MA: "Welcome again, wrestling fans, we have footage here from last Saturday at the jam-packed Civic Auditorium in Oshawa where the Main Event was Johnny Powers taking on Canadian Heavyweight champion Mike "Killer" Miller..."
Extebded clip package. Spike the Impaler & Killer Kowalski are in Miller's corner. RM: "Thus far, Kowalski has tried braining Johnny with the title belt, and Spike has that massive bone. Veteran Johnny Powers knows what he's up against and is staying well back from these THUGS and focussing on Miller".
Miller has an armwringer in place but Johnny pivots & reverses - as he swings Miller to the buckles, Mike's elbow floors referee Wayne Cashman! The ref is down! Johnny has Miller trapped in the buckles & is gaining HUGE momentum with shoulder tackles. SPIKE up to the apron at Kowalski's urging. He lines up a shot with the bone but Powers was engaging a spinebuster move. DOUBLE TROUBLE for the champ as the fossil finds the back of his head en route to the spinebuster. Johnny now sees the comatose official & goes to revive him. Miller is a gamer, from staring at the rafters, he rolls up to one knee and feels the trickle of blood running down his neck! He sees the big dope and his soupbone looking a trifle embarassed. He leans over the ropes to tell Kowalski to control the oaf.
Powers has gotten Cashman up. He attacks the champ with a short, thundering powerbomb and HOOKS THE LEGS FOR A SOLID THREE COINT! MA: "And THERE YOU HAVE IT, FANS! Johnny Powers wins the NWA Canadian Heavyweight title, the fans in Oshawa are going WILD as you can see!"
RM: "And so, unfortunately are THE KILLERS! Well, Miller is still shocked, AND angry at his teammates...Killer is in panic mode and can only think of ONE thing..."
He sends SPIKE into the ring and he goes CRAZY! Opens Powers up with the belt, butt-ends him out of the ring with the bone...enraged Kowalski has cleared off the timekeeper's desk & puts Johnny on top of it! Spike with a SPLASH off the apron that collapses the desk as Miller looks on in disbelief. He grabs the belt and blows out with his pals following. MA: "Fans, Ron & I have rewound this tape a number of times and still are shocked! We'll sort out what this means to the NWA WORLD title match in Kitchener this weekend...come on in, gentlemen".
Lord Athol Layton and "Whipper" Billy Watson have arrived.
WBW: "A great moment, crowning a champion we can ALL be proud of...a TERRIBLE moment as it is overshadowed by the actions of Kowalski and his men".
LAL: "And Miller, that belt does NOT belong to you! A FINE way to repay us for being given an opportunity here! When you associated yourself with Killer Kowalski, young man, we were ALL VERY apprehensive, but we could have NEVER imagined such VILE TREACHERY!"
WBW: "As soon as Johnny Powers pinned Miller, we knew we had a suitable champion to face David Von Erich. As soon as we got the medical report on Mr. Powers following that savage, bloodthirsty display...well, fans, we are at loose ends..."
OUT COMES MIKE MILLER! WITH the belt, he parks it on the desk!
MM: "YOU'RE RIGHT, Powers beat me, the belt is his, I apologize for grabbing it in the heat of the moment like that!"
VERY surprised reactions from the executives and announcers!
MA: "We'll see that THE CHAMPION gets it...in his HOSPITAL ROOM, Killer. So WHERE are Kowalski and that neanderthal?"
MM: "Too darned embarassed to show their faces, I s'pose. If you've bin lookin' at that film over and over, can you tell the fans ZACKLY what my part here was? Not sayin' I'm no SAINT or that match was squeaky-clean...but WHAT DID I DO?"
RM: "The referee WAS knocked out..."
MM: "Ron, you seen Johnny Powers in action a THOUSAND times - gitting yer arm darn near ripped from its socket, I SHORE can't be held responsible being swung around outta control! Did I ASK that lummox to swing a bone at Powers? I was busy tryin' to catch a breath an' I SHORE didn't pray for ME bein' the one getting whacked instead!"
Exchange of glances.
WBW: "We'll keep reviewing that footage, Miller. You MAY have just saved yourself from SUSPENSION!"
MM: "I'll 'preciate ANY consid'ration I get...look, I dun read the riot act to Kowalski. I WOULD expect a rematch with Powers sooner or later. What I HOPE to find out is...WHO FACES VON ERICH this weekend?"
We fade to a break.
COMMERCIAL 1 - Today's episode of "Superstars of Wrestling" brought to you in part by Shopper's Drug Mart
Ring announcer Norm Kimber runs down the LIVE action headed to - THIS Saturday the NWA WORLD champion is in Kitchener! More great action comes to Pickering on Sunday, Chatham on Tuesday, Guelph on Thursday, Whitby next Friday and NEXT Saturday in Brampton.
Match 1 - Mr. Florida vs. Johnny DeFazio
One fall 10 minutes RM: "It is great seeing a great veteran from Pittsburgh make his way here! "Jumping" Johnny DeFazio looks in great shape and trim enough for the Light-Heavyweight division - as his masked opponent also is. Mr. Florida, truly a mysterious figure, hailing from Homasassa".
MA: "Johnny will team up in Kitchener with popular Nick DeCarlo, sort of an Italian Connection, taking on the MONGOLIAN HORDE for the tag belts".
"Jumping" Johnny very agile as he has Mr. Florida getting dizzy - now reeling from a bulldog takedown.
MA: "Fans, we can tell you that Lord Layton HAS convened an EMERGENCY summit in regards to the appearance of NWA World champion DAVID VON ERICH in Kitchener. Mr. Von Erich is certainly not going to have a lot of advance warning about his opponent".
Mr. Florida has gotten ensnared in the ab stretch of DeFazio, HIS noodle is cooked!
RM: "A good start in the area for Johnny DeFazio!"
MA: "In other news from live action this past week, the Main Event in Barrie on Sunday saw Denny Brown get his rematch with NEW NWA Canadian Light-Heavyweight champ Bobby Gaetano. It was a tough split decision in three falls, but Bobby retained his title".
RM: "And in the process, giving Denny a case of bruised ribs! "Jumping" Johnny DeFazio will face British newcomer Marty Jones on "Superstars of Wrestling" NEXT week, we might be seeing how the challengers for Mr. Gaetano are lining up!"
COMMERCIAL 2 - In theaters this week, "The Grey Fox", a true story of a legendary Canadian outlaw
Match 2 - Lumberjack Mike vs. Mongolian Mauler
One fall 10 minutes The Quebec Lumberjacks are in the ring, proudly showing off Jean Pierre's TV title belt. Devious mastermind Buddy Roberts brings out the TAG belts, AND the champs. Drops the belts at timekeeper's desk & takes the mic.
BR: "Figgered you two hicks went everywhere together! Well, that AIN'T happenin' later when I face Jean Pierre! I play fair & square, one on one...JACK, so we have a situation here! Is Jean Pierre LEAVIN'...or are ALL THREE of us comin' IN?"
Lumberjack Mike suggests the former, JP goes to leave...
Mauler rushes in the ring to occupy Mike while Jean Pierre gets a beating from Mighty Mongol and Buddy! A tag belt is employed, we have all three referees breaking up the ambush. In the ring, Lumberjack Mike is battling the Mauler back...until Buddy tosses his big brute the OTHER tag strap - Mike takes a big shot & collapses.
RM: "We might need some help from the locker room...NO, Buddy says they are leaving! He gathers the MONGOLIANS and the tag belts and it IS all over!"
MA: "Good heavens, that is DEFINITELY a NO CONTEST and we'll see about the TV champ's status a bit later on!"
RM: "Fortunately we have THIS handy..."
We go to a VTR.
GEORGE CANNON! He has squeezed into his army-style garb & has a helmet on! Painted silver with a big red MAPLE LEAF insignia. Plenty of ribbons and medals on his chest.
GC: "As a Canadian WRESTLING HERO, I give my whole hearted 1000% support to the HEROES of the armed forces of this GREAT country! BUT, they are a bit short on their members and are having a recruiting drive! FORTUNATELY, I have already had a recruiting drive MYSELF!"
'I am now re-commissioning myself with my rank as GENERAL George Cannon! And have assembled an ALL CANADIAN Special Operations division. With Canada;s GREATEST ATHA-LETE as second-in-command! Present ARMS, "Iron" Mike Sharpe!"
Careful saluting with that contraption on your arm, Mikey!
IMS: "At EASE, General! The NEW RECRUITS are at the training table! Fine-looking men to represent this GREAT country as TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!"
GG: "Fine work, Mike. This CRACK unit is in need of a NAME to represent this GREAT country...I suggest we call ourselves THE ALL-CANADIAN BEAVER PATROL!"
Sharpe furrows a brow and whispers to Fearless Leader. George scratches his shaggy salt-and-pepper facial fur.
GC: "AT EASE! I reconsider! We are NOW mustering as THE CANADIAN COMMANDO PATROL! THE CCP! THERE'S an ALL-CANADIAN name!"
Sharpe is handed a pole from off-camera and now waves the Maple Leaf flag! END VTR
At the desk...NO, they just CAN'T hold it in...cut to a break, please!
COMMERCIAL 3 - Hinterland Who's Who, "The Canadian Beaver"
We return to the ring. Geez, Norm's STILL biting his lip.
Match 3 - Kelly Kiniski vs. Bobby Vann
One fall 10 minutes Big Gene has escorted his son out, then heads to the announce desk.
MA: "We are being joined by the former NWA Canadian champion, Gene Kiniski! First off, Gene, how are Kelly's ribs healing?"
GK: "As good as can be, in this business you rarely ferel 100%. But I want to know, as I am sure my fellow Canadians are all wondering, has there been a decision yet for who faces the NWA WORLD champion in Kitchener?"
Kelly has started well, after some fine armdrags, he is now finding Mr. Vann being rather elusive.
MA: "I am sure it is being decided as we speak! BUT, as the former champ here, AND a former NWA World champ, WEREN'T you being considered?"
Kelly is having to keep dropping to the floor to drag Vann back in, Bobby is begging off.
GK: "I let Mr. Watson know I WAS NOT interested in being considered. Miller beat me, and as I have been pre-occupied with Markoff's gang, I haven't had a rematch...in fact, I'd venture to say I really haven't done much to earn a rematch!"
Desperate Vann tries a choke, Kelly rams BV's head into a mighty kneelift. Now a Canadian backbreaker & Vann rolls out.
RM: "Mr. Kiniski, I find that very interesting..."
GK: "Ron, we Canadians are PROUD! As much pride as I have in my own career, the success of Kelly, AS A CANADIAN, it is MORE important to have the NWA WORLD CHAMP face a suitable opponent., for our NATION'S pride! I see Mr. Watson and Lord Athol are standing by..."
And the younger Kiniski watches with hands on hips as the referee counts Vann out.
Watson and Layton enter the ring.
LAL: "Mr. Kiniski, congratulations, but we must apologize - we need this time to make an announcement".
Kelly agreeably leaves.
LAL: "As the repreesentative here for the National Wrestling Alliance, Mr. Watson, I unequivically stand by this decision! The fans might find fault with it, but I will take any criticism, either from the fans, the NWA or Mr. Von Erich!"
WBW: "I appreciate that support. Fans, the opponent for David Von Erich in the NWA WORLD title match in Kitchener this weekend will be MIKE MILLER".
Booing at the news.
WBW: "This was a TOUGH decision. We asked a man who knows about this top prize in the sport, Gene Kiniski, for his opinion. Not only that, we called Johnny Powers at the hospital and he agreed. Johnny says it will be up to HIM to be ready for the next opportunity! So, fans, the MAIN EVENT in Kitchener is Mike Miller challenging David Von Erich for the world championship".
LAL: "And, if I may, I have a last comment, piece of advice, for Mr. Miller. Take this opportunity, young man, to show what you are REALLY made of. And do NOT let us all down!"
MA: "Really, I agree with Lord Layton, Miller should feel somewhat fortunate to be getting this chance".
RM: "And what will be the reaction of his manager, Killer Kowalski?"
COMMERCial 4 - The Canadian Armed Forces, there's no life like it - visit your local recruiting center
We return & in the ring we find the TV champ, Lumberjack Jean Pierre, NOT in his usual jovial mood.
LJP: "Ehhh, Buddy Roberts has made us looks out-smarted! Well, Mike hand I are more brawns than brains, Hi suppose. Suit us FINE, if we get out-smarted, we are appy to FIGHT to make hup for hit! So, I MIGHT 'ave gotten zoffened hup a bit by your Mongols, but I ham ready for YOU!"
And Roberts trots out solo. Referee Danny Marsh is assigned and as Buddy removes his gorgeous robe, Marsh ensures that the Lumberjack's TV belt is removed. Away we go...
Match 4 - Lumberjack Jean Pierre © vs. Buddy Roberts
One fall 10 minutes
MAPLE LEAF CANADIAN TV TITLE RM: "The champ had an easy time in his FIRST defense, but then again, Mike Allen did not get a sneaky early jump on our last show. Neither the Mongolians or Lumberjack Mike are in sight".
MA: "I think we are seeing a calculating, even cold-blooded side to Mr. Roberts. I think it was NO accident that Jean Pierre was PROBABLY targetted in that earlier match that was a no-contest".
And Buddy has a plan to thwart his size disadvantage. Seems to be targetting both the ribs & head of JP.
MA: "I don't see a wound on Jean's head from being hit with a belt earlier, but Mike says his partner has a hard noggin".
Back-rake by Roberts, then rams JP into the buckles. Ducking back-elbows, he pulls the legs up...the champ is suspended as he has latched on to the ropes. Buddy builds some momentum to finally heave him to the mat.
MA: "Buddy now stomping away at the ribcage, getting extra height by using the ropes!"
Referee calls the break, Buddy to the floor and starts bouncing JP's face on the mat until the NEXT warning. Re-enters with a hair-grab takedown. All this cheating is wearing him out! He wipes some sweat away during THIS admonishment! Into the buckles for the bronco-buster ride. He is in synch with Marsh's NEXT warning count! It took FOUR but JP slumps to the mat. A kneedrop on the chest...ANOTHER! A flying splash off the top buckle...
.
.
.
1!
.
.
.
.
21
.
.
.
.
THREE!
MA: "Buddy Roberts is the NEW TV champ! Here comes the belt...oh, Buddy sees Jean Pierre getting up and SWAGGERS off, belt in hand!"
COMMERCIAL 5 - Good friends, great times...meet you at The Keg
We return and a tall athletic man in a hat is enrtering the ring, holding up a real nice looking piece of hardware. Norm Kimber does a double-tak!
NK: "Ladies & gentlemen, please welcome the NWA WORLD CHAMPION, DAVID VON ERICH!"
DVE: "Good thing I didn't RUSH to get here, seems the opponent JUST got decided! I been sitting in the back, lookin' at what happened to the Canadian champ, Johnny Powers. Listened to one "Mean" Mike Miller give HIS side of the story! Heard guys like Gene Kiniski say they didn't feel right about facin' me..."
NK: "For better or worse, champ, it IS Mike Miller who will face you..."
DVE: "Yup, I'm FINE with that, he's sort of a Louisiana redneck, but knows how to wrestle...BUT, an' this is a BIG "but", I was tole Mr. KILLER KOWALSKI was NOT on hand today! HIM, I'd like a word with! Seems he's still on contrack as Miller's manager, but I got NO need or want ta see HIS ugly mug!"
Von Erich raises a CLAW HOLD GRIP!
DVE: "My dad gave me plenty of warnin' about ole Kowalski! Back in the day HE claimed to have the BEST CLAW HOLD! Kowalski, get in the way an' I'll show ya who has the best one NOW!"
To the desk.
RM: "A SURPRISE appearance, the champ stops by en route to Kitchener!"
MA: "AND, he's done some homework! A detail that might have gotten overlooked - Fritz Von Erich, David's dad and Kowalski HATE each other! Will Miller use that to his advantage?"
RM: "Good heavens, speaking of managers, it seems George Cannon has been granted a licence by the Athletic Commission!"
Match 5 - "Iron" Mike Sharpe w/ Gen. George Cannon vs. "The Alaskan" Jay York
One fall ten minutes We have a shot of the GOLDEN LADDER - the bottom rung reads BUDDY ROBERTS and NICK DeCARLO.
RM: "Fans, our SUNshine Girl, CP Air stewardess Cynthia, had a flight to catch, but we made the official draw during the break...Buddy takes on Nick next week, and Nick is NO stranger to holding a title. He and Johnny Powers were an excellent team..."
MA: "And GET WELL SOON, Johnny!"
The two big boys in the ring have felt each other out. York now feeling...well, Sharpe has hit two inverted atomic drops.
RM: "Big Mike showing some patience, he moved in VERY carefully to hit that big boot".
George is seeming pensive & placid as Sharpe bars an arm & drops some elbows into the shoulder; a side suplex and Mike over to check with the General.
MA: "Now, having worked with Mr. Cannon for so long, I CAN recall him telling me...oh, a few THOUSAND times, how he is under-rated as a manager".
RM: "As I recall, he CAN be a little on the self-destructive side. He is being VERY calm and I DON'T think Mike has used that reinforced forearm..."
Indeed, the whole bull-in-a-china-shop breakneck attack is not apparent today. And MORE new holds - an armwringer/back-kick combo! Jay on his knees, next big boot is to the proboscis.
MA: "George has another suggestion...oh my, great strength used to get the arms cinched between the ropes! York is a sitting duck!"
NOW, the running forearm & Mr. Alaska is flipped to the floor. Atomic drop by Sharpe shoots Jay into a post, and he is rolled in for a pin!
MA: "One of big Mike's better wins! Now I am REAL curious about the REST of this Commando Patrol!"
RM: "Remember, it is the CANADIAN Commando Patrol..."Superstars of Wrestling" NEXT week will feature Marty Jones from England AND the tag team of Johnny War Eagle & his kemosabe, Randolph Scott...from the Wild West, I suppose... PLUS what went on in Kitchener!"
Close with Sharpe waving his flag. He lets the camera know...HE'S NUMBER ONE!
RESULTS
- Johnny DeFazio submits Mr. Florida
- Lumberjack Mike vs. Mongolian Mauler w/ Buddy Roberts ends as a NO CONTEST
- Kelly Kiniski defeats Bobby Vann via CO
- Buddy Roberts pins Lumberjack Jean Pierre
NEW TELEVISION CHAMPION!
- "Iron" Mike Sharpe w/ George Cannon pins "The Alaskan" Jay York
Pages: 1
NWA Maple Leaf TV #28 3/23/83 (Read 47 times)