BITHLO CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR TWO, CARD 23

Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium

Commissioner Richcreek came to ringside and announced the Tampa Tournament for the next card. Thirty-two wrestlers would be entered in a single-elimination, one-night tournament, with the winner getting a shot at the world heavyweight title at Card No. 26 at the Bayfront Center in St. Petersburg.

The Gorgeous Playboys (w/ Cherie, Sherri) d. the Crusher and the Boogie Woogie Man Jimmy Valiant when Gorgeous George put a spinning toehold on the Crusher. Crusher had the advantage earlier after a CRUSHER BOLO PUNCH, but Sherri interfered with the ref to break up a pin count.

Don Leo Jonathan d. Stan Lane (w/ Jim Cornette, Bobby Eaton) using a full swinging nelson. It was an interesting matchup between two guys who had not been seen in the ring much lately.

The Money Boys (w/ Virgil) d. the Triple Threat (w/ Tammy) when Buff Bagwell nailed Justin Credible with the BLOCKBUSTER. It came at the end of a long match in which both sides had a chance for pins.

Cowboy Bob Orton (w/ Money Boys, Virgil) d. Diamond Dallas Page (w/ Konnan) using his SUPERPLEX. It was a sweet revenge for Orton, who lost to a Page DIAMOND CUTTER during a tag match on Card No. 19. Page held the advantage early, but interference by the Money Boys and Virgil kept him from capitalizing on it.

World heavyweight champion Ted DiBiase came out and said he was tired of hearing the Tokyo Three whine about a lack of title shots. He offered to take on Rikidozan in a nontitle bout, and if Rikidozan won, any member of the Tokyo Three could have a title shot. However, if Rikidozan lost, then no title shots for the TT for the rest of the year, and Rikidozan would be out of the upcoming Tampa Tournament. Rikidozan came out and accepted the offer.

Bill Apter had a Hot Seat interview with the Destroyer. Apter pointed out how the Destroyer was injuring people and flying high before Invasion, but his loss to Jesse Ventura seemed to take some of the steam out of him. Destroyer got mad and started to go after Apter, then Antonio Inoki showed up and pulled him off. Commissioner Richcreek then ordered the two into the ring – right then!

U.S. heavyweight champion The Destroyer (w/ Nikita Breznikov) d. Antonio Inoki (w/ Giant Baba) when Inoki was DQ’d because Baba hit Destroyer while he was trying to get a chair to nail Inoki outside the ring. The match was a wild one, with the Destoyer seemingly regaining his old fire.

Greg Valentine d. Richard Hutton by DQ. Nikita Breznikov came to ringside during the match and kept the ref from DQ’ing Valentine at a key moment, which brought the members of Money Inc to the ring to interfere. After the DQ, and with Jim Cornette nowhere in sight, Valentine left with Breznikov.

World tag-team champions Frank Gotch and George Hackenschmidt wrestled to a double DQ versus Iron Mike DiBiase and Bobo Brazil when Gotch and DiBiase were outside the ring past a 10-count. The champs gave DiBiase and Brazil a title shot after they backed Gotch and Hack up at the last card. But the match grew very competitive, with tempers flaring a bit. Brazil nearly had Hackenschmidt pinned earlier in the bout.

B. Brian Blair (w/ Jimmy Snuka) d. Nick Bockwinkel (w/ Bobby Heenan, Ox Baker, Rick Rude) by DQ when Bockwinkel tossed Blair into a pole outside the ring, but Heenan couldn’t distract the ref enough for him to not notice it.

World heavyweight champion Ted DiBiase (w/ Million Dollar Corporation) d. Rikidozan (w/ Giant Baba, Antonio Inoki) using the MILLION DOLLAR SLEEPER. The brutal nontitle match saw both wrestlers be very physical, but DiBiase was finally able to slip on the sleeper hold for the victory. No title shots for the Tokyo Three until next year!

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR TWO, CARD 24

Tampa Armory (Tampa Tournament)

World heavyweight champion Ted DiBiase took a seat near ringside to see who his opponent will be in two cards following the upcoming 32-man tournament.

OPENING ROUND:

Ox Baker (w/ Bobby Heenan) disposed of Chris Candido (w/ Sunny) quickly using his famed HEART PUNCH.

Bobby Eaton (w/ Jim Cornette) d. Don Muraco by countout. Muraco had gone to the top rope to splash Eaton, but was distracted by Cornette and ended up chasing him around the ring until he was counted out.

George Hackenschmidt, one-half of the world tag-team champions, d. Konnan using his RUSSIAN BEAR HUG in a good match in which both sides had pin attempts.

Killer Kowalski d. the Crusher by DQ after the Crusher slammed him to the concrete floor outside the ring.

Bobo Brazil d. Frank Gotch, one-half of the world tag-team champions, in a long, brutal match that picked up where their recent tag match left off. Gotch survived seven pin attempts before Brazil’s grinding hammerlock forced him to pass out. Brazil escaped from five pin attempts himself.

Richard Hutton d. Iron Mike DiBiase using his ABDOMINAL STRETCH.

Giant Baba and Nick Bockwinkel (w/ Bobby Heenan) wrestled to a double DQ outside the ring, eliminating both men and giving the winner of the next match a bye into the final eight.

Rick Rude (w/ Bobby Heenan) d. Ilio Dipaolo using the RUDE AWAKENING.

Buff Bagwell d. Antonino Rocca when Rocca was DQ’d for running Buff into a pole outside the ring.

Stan Lane (w/ Jim Cornette) d. Playboy Buddy Rose (w/ Sheri Martel) using a sunset flip.

Cowboy Bob Orton d. Justin Credible via a SUPERPLEX.

Don Leo Jonathan d. Gorgeous George (w/ Cheri Dupre) using an atomic drop at the end of a long match.

Greg Valentine (w/ Nikita Breznikov) d. Jimmy Snuka by DQ after Snuka attacked Breznikov outside the ring following a Breznikov cheap shot that the ref did not see.

Brutus Beefcake d. the Boogie Woogie Man Jimmy Valiant by DQ. Beefcake jumped him before the bell, slipped in a cheap shot, then the ref caught Valiant trying to choke Beefcake outside the ring.

In a stunner, B. Brian Blair d. Antonio Inoki using a Boston crab. Inoki seemed to take Blair lightly early on, then got fired up to punish Blair. But Inoki fumbled an atomic drop, and Blair slapped on the Boston crab for the submission win.

U.S. heavyweight champion the Destroyer (w/ Nikita Breznikov) d. Diamond Dallas Page in a long, brutal match. The Destroyer punished DDP for most of the match, only to have Page hit a DIAMOND CUTTER out of nowhere. But Breznikov distracted the ref from making the count, and an intelligent sleeper hold eventually did in Page.

SWEET 16:

Ox Baker (w/ Bobby Heenan) d. Bobby Eaton (w/ Jim Cornette) after Baker nailed Eaton with a vicious clothesline.

George Hackenschmidt d. Killer Kowalski by DQ when Kowalski lost his composure and slammed Hackenschmidt into the guardrail after the ref warned him not to.

Richard Hutton d. an exhausted Bobo Brazil in a long match in which Hutton wore down Brazil – who was already tired from his match with Frank Gotch. Hutton won with a cowboy backbreaker.

Rick Rude advanced via a bye.

Buff Bagwell vs. Stan Lane (w/ Jim Cornette) ended in a double-DQ when both wrestlers ended up brawling outside the ring. Bobby Eaton came down after the bell and nailed Bagwell from behind, injuring him.

Cowboy Bob Orton d. Don Leo Jonathan when Jonathan could not answer the 10-count. Orton threw Jonathan outside the ring and then engaged the ref in a debate while Ted DiBiase, sitting at ringside, gave Jonathan a piledriver, knocking him out.

Greg “The Hammer” Valentine (w/ Nikita Breznikov) d. Brutus Beefcake using his falling elbow hammer.

The Destroyer (w/ Nikita Breznikov) d. B. Brian Blair using his FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK. Blair made it quite the competitive match until he ran headfirst into the turnbuckle, giving The Destroyer the opening he needed to finish the match.

ELITE EIGHT:

Ox Baker (w/ Bobby Heenan) d. George Hackenschmidt in a match that saw Baker unleash three HEART PUNCHES before Hackenschmidt finally succumbed. Hack had Baker in a RUSSIAN BEAR HUG at one point, but Heenan interfered and Baker regained control.

Richard Hutton d. Rick Rude (w/ Bobby Heenan) when Rude was DQ’d for nailing Hutton with a chair at ringside. Heenan thought he had the ref distracted, but he was wrong. Instead of an all-Braintrust half of the Final Four, Money Inc. now has two guaranteed spots in the Final Four.

Cowboy Bob Orton advanced via a bye.

The Destroyer (w/ Nikita Breznikov) d. Greg Valentine in a battle of wrestlers managed by Breznikov. The manager opted to stand behind the U.S. champion and interfered on his behalf. The vicious match ended when Valentine went to ram The Destroyer in the corner, but missed and hit the turnbuckle instead, leading to an easy pin for The Destroyer.

SEMIFINALS:

Ox Baker (w/ Bobby Heean) d. RichardHutton by DQ after Heenan taunted Hutton so much that Hutton got nailed with a 10-count while chasing Heenan outside the ring. It was a disappointment in that Hutton had controlled the match by wrestling scientifically. Afterward, Rick Rude snuck in and, as Ted DiBiase watched on in shock, nailed Hutton with a devastating piledriver that left him seriously injured.

Cowboy Bob Orton d. The Destroyer (w/ Nikita Breznikov) using his SUPERPLEX. The Destroyer looked worn down after his battle with Greg Valentine in the previous round, and Orton seemed to be fired up after what happened to his Money Inc. cohort Hutton.

FINALS:

Cowboy Bob Orton d. Ox Baker (w/ Bobby Heenan) using his SUPERPLEX, meaning he will face his boss, Ted DiBiase, in two cards for the world heavyweight championship. DiBiase was laughing after the final match, but Orton looked strangely serious.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR TWO, CARD 25

Eddie Graham Sports Stadium

Buddy Rogers’ BCW fate will be decided on this card.

Bobo Brazil and Iron Mike DiBiase d. B. Brian Blair and Jimmy Snuka by DQ when Snuka and Blair teamed up against Brazil outside the ring. Afterward, the two sides shook hands, and all in-match bad feelings seemed to dissipate.

Yukon Eric won his debut match in BCW, d. Brutus Beefcake (w/ Virgil) in a long match when Beefcake succumbed to a bear hug.

The Braintrust (w/ Bobby Heenan) d. the Italian Stallions when Nick Bockwinkel got Antonino Rocca to submit using his FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK. Rocca had nearly grabbed the ropes to cause a break when Heenan slapped his hands away while Ox Baker attacked Ilio DiPaolo outside the ring.

Rikidozan d. Greg Valentine using overhand chops at the end of a pretty even match.

Bill Apter interviewed Cowboy Bob Orton on the “Hot Seat.” Orton said he planned to fight for real at the next card and wouldn’t just take a fall for Ted DiBiase. The Million Dollar Man arrived on the set and said if Orton wanted a fight, he would get it – and regret it. Orton said, “Bring it on.” Security had to separate the two men.

The Barrio Boys d. Giant Baba and Antonio Inoki when Konnan piledrove Giant Baba outside the ring and Baba could not answer the 10-count. Afterward, Rikidozan came out, and the Tokyo Three glared at the Barrio Boys.

Don Muraco d. Buddy Rogers by piledriving him outside the ring, meaning the five-time U.S. champion is out of BCW. The end came when Nikita Breznikov and The Destroyer came out to distract Rogers, allowing Muraco to finish him off. Afterward, Breznikov put his arm around Muraco, but Muraco shrugged him off and walked away.

The Midnight Express (w/ Jim Cornette) d. the Gorgeous Playboys (w/ Cherie Dupree, Sherri Martel) when Bobby Eaton pinned Playboy Buddy Rose after a VEG-O-MATIC at the end of a pretty even match. Afterward, Cornette called for a shot for the Midnight Express at Gotch and Hackenschmidt at Wrestlethon.

U.S. heavyweight champion The Destroyer (w/ Nikita Breznikov) retained his title by defeating Justin Credible (w/ Chris Candido, Sunny) in a very competitive match in which Credible also got a pin attempt in on The Destroyer. He finally finished Credible off with a sensational suplex.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR TWO, CARD 26

Bayfront Center – St. Petersburg

Antonio Inoki and Rikidozan d. Jimmy Snuka and B. Brian Blair when Inoki pinned Snuka after a cobra twist. Blair was unable to break up the pin, which left Snuka frustrated.

In a slugfest, Yukon Eric d. Greg Valentine using his KODIAK KRUNCH backbreaker. Nikita Breznikov tried to interfere on behalf of Valentine as a way to make it up to him for what happened at the Tampa Tournament, but Valentine ignored him.

Brutus Beefcake and Virgil stunned the Midnight Express (w/ Jim Cornette) when Beefcake pinned Bobby Eaton following a FLYING KNEE SMASH. World heavyweight champion Ted Dibiase appeared on the house mike during the match and taunted Cornette, distracting the ref and allowing Virgil to trip up Eaton, leading to the pin.

Bill Apter’s Hot Seat interview featured Nick Bockwinkel of the Braintrust. Bockwinkel said the Braintrust should be wrestling for the tag titles, and that he, Baker and Rude should get more singles title shots. When Apter pointed out that the Braintrust’s record didn’t seem to call for title shots, Bockwinkel got angry. The Midnight Express, unhappy with what just happened to them in the ring, showed up on the set and told Bockwinkel to put his money where his mouth was at a No. 1 contender’s tag match for Wrestlethon. Bockwinkel agreed.

In a stunning upset, the Boogie Woogie Man Jimmy Valiant (w/ the Crusher) became the U.S. heavyweight champion when he got The Destroyer (w/ Nikita Breznikov) to submit to his SLEEPER. The match began with The Destroyer trying to attack Valiant with a chair outside the ring, only to be nailed by a Crusher punch. Once in the ring, Valiant made quick work of a groggy Destroyer.

The Barrio Boys d. the Triple Threat (w/ Sunny) when Konnan nailed the 187 on Chris Candido at the end of a competitive match.

Bobo Brazil and Iron Mike DiBiase d. world tag team champions George Hackenschmidt and Frank Gotch by countout when DiBiase nailed Hackenschmidt with a chair to the head at ringside, and a dazed Hackenschmidt could not answer the 10-count. It was the first loss for the Gotch/Hackenschmidt team, and fans booed DiBiase afterward.

Giant Baba d. Playboy Buddy Rose (w/ Sherri) using his NECKBREAKER DROP. Afterward, Gorgeous George snuck into the ring and chop-blocked Baba from behind, injuring his knee.

Cowboy Bob Orton d. world heavyweight champion Ted DiBiase by DQ in a best-of-three-falls match. Orton, determined to win the title, won the first fall with his SUPERPLEX. After that, he fended off an attack by Brutus Beefcake, only to be nailed from behind by Virgil. Then a vicious beatdown began, and Orton had to be carried off on a stretcher, giving other wrestlers a grim reminder of what could happen if you take on Money Inc.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR TWO, CARD 27

Bithloplex

Commissioner Richcreek came to the ring to make the following announcements:

1. George Hackenschmidt is out for a while with a concussion, but Frank Gotch has vowed to defend the tag-team titles by himself.

2. The Boogie Woogie Man Jimmy Valiant will defend his U.S. title in a match later in the card. However, since his title win was so recent, he will not take on the world heavyweight champion at Wrestlethon. Instead, there will be a fatal four-way match among top contenders Greg Valentine, Ox Baker, Rick Rude and newcomer Yukon Eric. When a wrestler is pinned, he is eliminated, and of the final two, the winner will get a shot at the world heavyweight champion at Wrestlethon, while the loser will have a U.S. title shot.

3. There will be two “Loser Leaves BCW” matches at Wrestlethon – one a singles match, the other a tag match. Richcreek said that Iron Mike DiBiase was to be one of the singles participants, but since he and Bobo Brazil were scheduled for a rematch with Gotch, he would not be in the elimination match. Instead, Brutus Beefcake will face the loser of the Ilio DiPaolo vs. Konnan match on this card. The tag match is slated to be the Triple Threat vs. B. Brian Blair and Jimmy Snuka. Snuka came to the ring to complain, pointing out that they were tag champions during the year. But their overall record puts them in the match.

On to the wrestling.

Don Leo Jonathan came out and awaited his opponent. Nikita Breznikov then came out with the mike to introduce the “new” member of his organization: the returning Iron Sheik!!!

Don Leo Jonathan d. the Iron Sheik (w/ Nikita Breznikov) by DQ after Breznikov nailed Jonathan with a foreign object outside of the ring. Afterward, an enraged Jonathan challenged Iron Sheik to a Last Man Standing match at Wrestlethon.

Antonio Inoki and Rikidozan d. Frank Gotch, one-half of the world tag-team champions, in a nontitle handicap match when Gotch submitted to Rikidozan’s HIPLOCK. Gotch put up quite the fight before falling.

Konnan d. Ilio DiPaolo using his TEQUILA SUNRISE in a match to decide who will be wrestling in the Loser Leaves BCW match at Wrestlethon. DiPaolo had dominated the match before Konnan slipped on his Boston crab finisher.

World heavyweight champion Ted DiBiase (w/ Virgil, Brutus Beefcake) d. Bobby Eaton (w/ Jim Cornette, Stan Lane) in a nontitle bout following a vertical suplex that was set up by Virgil hitting Eaton from behind while Beefcake had the ref distracted. Cornette interfered with DiBiase earlier, but Money Inc.’s power was felt in the end.

Bill Apter “Hot Seat” had Diamond Dallas Page as a guest. He said he was glad Konnan was remaining in BCW, then mentioned he’d like to pursue some solo titles in the next year. Konnan showed up on the set and asked DDP why he was not with him during the DiPaolo match. DDP said he thought Konnan wanted to do it on his own. An angry Konnan challenged him to a match at Wrestlethon, and DDP accepted.

Jimmy Snuka and B. Brian Blair d. Brutus Beefcake and Virgil after Snuka subdued Beefcake via a backbreaker. Snuka would not tag out during the match, apparently signaling his game plan for the elimination match at Wrestlethon.

The Boogie Woogie Man Jimmy Valiant (w/ the Boogie Woogie Boys) retained his U.S. heavyweight title with a DQ win against The Destroyer (w/ Nikita Breznikov, Iron Sheik). The Destroyer had worked over Valiant’s leg for most of the match and was going for the FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK when he was distracted by the Crusher up on the ring apron. While The Destroyer knocked the Crusher off, Valiant escaped to the outside of the ring. When The Destroyer went after the Crusher with a chair, he wound up hitting Valiant instead, prompting the DQ. Afterward, the Crusher injured The Destroyer with his famed BOLO PUNCH.

The Gorgeous Playboys (w/ Cherie, Sherri) d. the Triple Threat (w/ Sunny) when Gorgeous George surprised Chris Candido with a quick rollup off a sunset flip for the victory.

In the fatal four-way match, Greg Valentine eliminated Ox Baker with his FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK; Valentine, a house afire, later eliminated Rick Rude via the FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK; then amazingly, a determined Valentine also took out Yukon Eric with the FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK. He will face Ted DiBiase at Wrestlethon for the world heavyweight title, while Yukon Eric will get Jimmy Valiant. The two members of the Braintrust were shut out.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR TWO, CARD 28

Wrestlethon PPV – Orange County Convention Center

Brutus Beefcake (w/ Virgil) ousted Ilio DiPaolo (w/ Antonino Rocca) in a Loser Leaves BCW match. DiPaolo dominated the first half of the match, but Beefcake escaped SEVEN pin attempts. Finally, he nailed DiPaolo with a studded armband and a running stomp to get the victory.

Jimmy Snuka and B. Brian Blair d. the Triple Threat (w/ Sunny) in a Loser Leaves BCW match when Snuka nailed Justin Credible with the SUPERFLY LEAP.

Killer Kowalski d. the Crusher by DQ when the Crusher rammed Kowalski’s head into a pole. Before the match started, Kowalski tried to take down the Crusher outside the ring, but Crusher slammed him into a ringside table. They were only in the ring for a short time before they were back outside it and on the attack.

Rikidozan and Antonio Inoki d. the Gorgeous Playboys (w/ Sherri, Cherie) when Rikidozan gave Gorgeous George a piledriver on the concrete floor outside the ring in revenge for Giant Baba’s injury on Card 26. Gorgeous George was seriously injured and was carted out on a stretcher.

Antonino Rocca d. Rick Rude (w/ Bobby Heenan) by DQ after Heenan was caught giving Rocca a cheap shot outside the ring. Rude appeared angry at the beginning of the match, perhaps due to his lack of a title shot.

Don Muraco appeared on Bill Apter’s “Hot Seat.” Muraco said his debut in BCW had gone slowly, but that he was simply looking for the right team to join and that the bidding could commence for his services.

In a No. 1 contender match, the Midnight Express (w/ Jim Cornette) d. the Braintrust (w/ Bobby Heenan, Rick Rude) when Stan Lane and Bobby Eaton executed a flapjack on Nick Bockwinkel, seriously injuring him in the process.

The Boogie Woogie Man Jimmy Valiant d. Yukon Eric by DQ to retain the U.S. heavyweight title. The end came when both men were outside the ring and Yukon Eric slammed him to the floor.

The Iron Sheik (w/ Nikita Breznikov) d. Don Leo Jonathan in a Last Man Standing match. Jonathan dominated the first half of the match, but the Iron Sheik, with his loaded boot, eventually pounded the giant into submission.

Frank Gotch d. Bobo Brazil and Iron Mike DiBiase to retain the world tag-team titles in a wild handicap match. The finish came when Gotch, missing partner George Hackenschmidt due to a concussion, pushed Brazil outside the ring onto DiBiase, stunning DiBiase. Then Gotch nailed Brazil with a piledriver outside the ring, and Brazil was unable to answer the 10-count!

Diamond Dallas Page d. Konnan using the DIAMOND CUTTER. Afterward, Steve Corino and Danny Doring hit the ring and put the boots to DDP. Konnan joined them, then proclaimed his new Hardcore Wolfpack.

Ted DiBiase d. Greg Valentine in a best-of-three-falls match to retain the world heavyweight title. In the first fall, Valentine succumbed to the MILLION DOLLAR SLEEPER after fighting it off for a while. In the second fall, Valentine used a shoulder block followed by some chops to stun DiBiase and get the quick pin. In the third fall, DiBiase hit an elbow off the ropes, then put his feet on the ropes and used the leverage to get the pin while the ref was concentrating on Valentine.

[The Creek Rises]

BITHLO CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING YEAR-END AWARDS

YEAR TWO

Wrestler of the Year:

Ted DiBiase – The Million Dollar Man captured the world heavyweight title at second PPV of the year, Tag-o-Rama, by defeating Giant Baba, who had been the longest-reigning champ in BCW history (19 cards). By the end of Year Two, DiBiase was close to challenging that record, even though some of his victories came by questionable methods. However, his most impressive win other than capturing the title came when he defeated BWF champ Yokozuna in the War Games at Invasion.

Runners-up: Greg Valentine, Giant Baba.

Top 10 Singles Wrestlers at the End of Year Two:

1. Ted DiBiase (WHC)
2. Boogie Woogie Man Jimmy Valiant (USC)
3. Greg Valentine
4. The Destroyer
5. Yukon Eric
6. Ox Baker
7. Rick Rude
8. Jimmy Snuka
9. Killer Kowalski
10. Bobo Brazil

Tag Team of the Year:

Frank Gotch and George Hackenschmidt – What had been a muddled tag-team division as far as champions went in the first half of the season (five different teams held the belts through the first 13 cards) became solidified at Tag-o-Rama when veterans Gotch and Hackenschmidt won the belts on their way to winning the Tag-o-Rama title (beating the Road Warriors in the final). They went on to become the longest-reigning tag champions ever (14 cards through the end of Year Two), including a defeat of Hall and Nash at Invasion and Gotch defending the belts singlehandedly at Wrestlethon.

Runner-up: the Midnight Express

Top Five Tag Teams at the End of Year Two:

1. Frank Gotch and George Hackenschmidt (WTTC)
2. The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Stan Lane)
3. Bobo Brazil and Iron Mike DiBiase
4. Rikidozan and Antonio Inoki
5. The Money Boys (Buff Bagwell and Brutus Beefcake)

Manager of the Year:

Bobby Heenan – Some might argue it should be Ted DiBiase, because even though he wasn’t strictly a manager, he guided Money Inc. to a huge year, including his holding the world heavyweight title for half of it. Others might point to Nikita Breznikov, who guided The Destroyer to two U.S. title reigns. But Heenan saw his Braintrust tag team hold the world tag-team titles on two occasions in Year Two, and his bringing in Rick Rude also made waves. The loss of Nick Bockwinkel at the end of the year meant Heenan will have to retool, but it’s hard to see him out of the title picture with Rude and Ox Baker as his base.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR THREE, CARD 1

Bithloplex

CARD No. 1 – Bithloplex

In his official BCW debut, Steve Corino (w/ Danny Doring) d. the Iron Sheik (w/ Nikita Breznikov) when he nailed the Sheik with a taser handed to him by Doring. Breznikov was furious afterward.

B. Brian Blair came to ringside and announced that after an amicable split with Jimmy Snuka, he had a new tag-team partner – Jim Brunzell. The Killer Bees are back together!

The Killer Bees d. Brutus Beefcake and Virgil when Jim Brunzell surprised Beefcake with a sunset flip for the pin.

Jim Londos made his debut in BCW a winning one by pinning Playboy Buddy Rose (w/ Sherri) following the use of his famed AIRPLANE SPIN.

Killer Kowalski went to the ring to await his opponent, the newest member of the Heenan family. Bobby came out with … the Masked Superstar!

Killer Kowalski ruined the debut of the Masked Superstar, pinning him using his CLAW HOLD. Heenan tried to interfere in the match, but to no avail.

Bill Apter had Don Muraco on his Hot Seat once again, this time with Bobby Heenan, Ted DiBiase and Nikita Breznikov. Muraco said the bids were in for who would be his new management team, and the winner was …. Bobby Heenan! DiBiase was stunned, while Breznikov looked disappointed. Heenan, of course, was happy with his newest addition to his family.

Bobo Brazil (w/ Iron Mike DiBiase) d. Konnan (w/ Steve Corino, Danny Doring) by DQ when the members of the Hardcore Wolfpack attacked Brazil outside the ring. DiBiase tried to help, but the Wolfpack was only driven off when the Boogie Woogie Man Jimmy Valiant and the Crusher hit the ring to defend their Boogie Woogie teammates.

The Midnight Express (w/ Jim Cornette) won a long, great match with Antonio Inoki and Rikidozan when Bobby Eaton nailed the VEG-O-MATIC on Rikidozan. The match seemingly established the Midnight Express as the No. 1 contenders for the tag titles.

Greg Valentine caught Ox Baker (w/ Bobby Heenan) with a neckbreaker and got the pin before Heenan could interfere. A tough day for Heenan, outside of the Muraco signing.

Don Leo Jonathan d. Boogie Woogie Man Jimmy Valiant using his MORMON SWING to become the new U.S. heavyweight champion. The match was back and forth, with both men getting pin attempts. Afterward, the two shook hands.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR THREE, CARD 2

Eddie Graham Sports Stadium

Rikidozan d. Danny Doring (w/ Konnan) by DQ when Konnan entered the ring to attack Rikidozan. Both men put the boots to Rikidozan before Antonio Inoki showed up at ringside to run them off.

Buff Bagwell made his return from injury, but the Money Boys lost to the Crusher and Boogie Woogie Man Jimmy Valiant when Brutus Beefcake couldn’t make the 10-count after the Crusher threw him out of the ring.

The Iron Sheik (w/ Nikita Breznikov) d. Virgil. Virgil dominated the first part of the match and had plenty of pin attempts despite interference from Breznikov, but eventually the Sheik nailed him with a loaded boot and got the pin.

Antonio Inoki (w/ Rikidozan) d. Playboy Buddy Rose (w/ Sherri Martel) using his ENZUIGIRI. Rose had the advantage for a while in the match, but when he later got in trouble and turned to Sherri for help, she slapped him! After the match, she left with Inoki and Rikidozan!

Bill Apter’s “Hot Seat” featured Don Leo Jonathan, the new U.S. heavyweight champion. Jonathan said it was an honor to win the U.S. belt, and he had his sights set on eventually regaining the world heavyweight title. He said the previous year was kind of an unfocused one for him, and it ended with a tough loss to the Iron Sheik at Wrestlethon, but he was ready to turn things around, and this was a start.

The Braintrust (w/ Bobby Heenan, Rick Rude, Don Muraco) d. the Killer Bees by DQ when B. Brian Blair was caught by the referee attacking Heenan after the Bees took a few unseen cheap shots from Muraco and Rude.

Steve Corino (w/ Danny Doring, Konnan) d. Diamond Dallas Page after nailing him with a SUPERKICK. Page had an early advantage after hitting a DIAMOND CUTTER, but Doring got up on the ring apron and distracted him. Page eventually dispatched Doring, but then was nailed by Corino.

Bobo Brazil and Iron Mike DiBiase d. the Midnight Express (w/ Jim Cornette) following a Brazil COCO BUTT administered to Bobby Eaton. A great back-and-forth match that saw both sides get pin attempts and Brazil and DiBiase line themselves up as the next title contenders along with the Midnight Express.

Ted DiBiase (w/ Money Inc.) d. Killer Kowalski in a best-of-three-falls match to retain the world heavyweight championship. Kowalski got the first fall via his CLAW HOLD. DiBiase, aided by interference from Money Inc. that went unseen by the ref, locked on the MILLION DOLLAR SLEEPER to capture the second fall. In the third fall, with both men punishing each other, DiBiase finally locked on the MILLION DOLLAR SLEEPER again to get the victory at the end of a great match!

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR THREE, CARD 3

Lakeland Civic Center

The card opened with Jimmy Snuka in the ring calling out Ted DiBiase, saying the Million Dollar Man couldn’t run forever from this past world heavyweight champion. DiBiase came out and laughed at Snuka, saying he was a former champ so long ago, no one even remembered his title reign. Eventually, DiBiase offered him a deal: a one-fall match. Snuka wins, he gets a title shot at Bithlo Bash. If he loses, no title shot while DiBiase is champion. Snuka accepted for the end of the card.

Don Muraco (w/ Bobby Heenan) d. Virgil after Muraco nailed him with an Asiatic spike.

The Killer Bees d. Steve Corino and Konnan by DQ when Corino nailed B. Brian Blair outside the ring with a chair. Afterward, Konnan and Corino were joined by Danny Doring in putting the boots to the Killer Bees.

Ox Baker (w/ Bobby Heenan, Masked Superstar) d. Iron Mike DiBiase (w/ Bobo Brazil) when he unleashed a HEART PUNCH on DiBiase.

U.S. heavyweight champion Don Leo Jonathan d. Danny Doring (w/ Konnan, Steve Corino) using his MORMON SWING. Corino interfered at one point to keep Doring from being pinned, but Jonathan threw him off the ring apron. Then Diamond Dallas Page came to ringside and provided suitable distraction for the Hardcore Wolfpack.

The Crusher was the guest in Bill Apter’s “Hot Seat.” He said he and the Boogie Woogie Man were seeking tag-team gold, but before he could go further, Killer Kowalski entered the set and attacked the Crusher. The two about annihilated the set before order was restored.

The Boogie Woogie Man Jimmy Valiant and the Crusher d. the Money Boys (w/ Virgil) when Valiant’s punches floored Brutus Beefcake. Buff Bagwell was unhappy with Beefcake afterward.

The Midnight Express (w/ Jim Cornette) d. world tag-team champions Frank Gotch and George Hackenschmidt by countout when Cornette nailed Gotch with a tennis racket outside the ring. The title belts did not change hands, but Hackenschmidt was furious at what happened and demanded a rematch.

Giant Baba d. Killer Kowalski by countout when the Crusher snuck to the ring and nailed Kowalski with a huge punch while Kowalski was outside the ring and the ref was checking on Baba. Kowalski could not make the 10-count after the attack.

World heavyweight champion Ted DiBiase (w/ Money Inc.) d. Jimmy Snuka by DQ when Snuka slammed him onto the floor outside the ring. DiBiase dominated the early part of the match, forcing Snuka to go outside to change the momentum. But his overreaction cost him a shot at the title. Money Inc. started to go after Snuka, but the Killer Bees came down to make the save.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR THREE, CARD 4

Bithloplex

The Iron Sheik (w/ Nikita Breznikov) d. the Boogie Woogie Man Jimmy Valiant by DQ when Valiant used a chair on the Iron Sheik outside the ring. The Iron Sheik had nailed Valiant a couple of times earlier with his loaded boot.

Antonino Rocca and Jim Londos d. Danny Doring and Steve Corino when a flying dropkick by Rocca knocked Doring out of the ring and he was unable to answer a 10-count.

Giant Baba (w/ Sherri Martel) d. Playboy Buddy Rose via a Russian leg sweep. Afterward, Baba went to attack Rose, only to have the Hardcore Wolfpack come to ringside and, in revenge for what happened between the Tokyo Trio and the Wolfpack a couple of cards ago, put the boots to Baba, who was hurt in the exchange.

Bill Apter interviewed Greg Valentine on the “Hot Seat.” Valentine said that in his three years in BCW, he had learned that in order to truly compete and be successful, a wrestler had to be part of a super group. Therefore, Valentine said he would be putting together a team to compete with Money Inc., the Braintrust, etc. He also said that he planned to get the belt from DiBiase – soon.

Jimmy Snuka and the Killer Bees d. world heavyweight champion Ted DiBiase and the Money Boys (w/ Virgil) when Snuka unleashed a piledriver on Buff Bagwell. Afterward, Snuka taunted DiBiase, who was angry about the loss.

Bobo Brazil and Iron Mike DiBiase d. Rikidozan and Antonio Inoki (w/ Sherri) when Brazil nailed a succession of COCO BUTTS on Rikidozan.

Ox Baker (w/ Rick Rude, Masked Superstar, Bobby Heenan), for a third time, won the U.S. heavyweight title, defeating Don Leo Jonathan using his HEART PUNCH. The key interference in the match came when Rude, with the ref distracted by Heenan, gave Jonathan a piledriver just as Jonathan was getting ready to pin Baker following a MORMON SWING. Rude’s action set Don Leo Jonathan up for Baker’s finisher.

In a bloody cage match, the Crusher d. Killer Kowalski by nailing him with two consecutive BOLO PUNCHES. Both men had numerous pin attempts, and both used their finisher more than once before the Crusher finally prevailed.

Frank Gotch came out and said to keep the cage for the upcoming match with the Midnight Express. Tag-team partner George Hackenschmidt did not look happy with Gotch’s statement. Neither did Midnight Express manager Jim Cornette.

The Midnight Express (w/ Jim Cornette) stunned Frank Gotch and George Hackenschmidt in the cage to capture the BCW tag-team titles. The end came when Cornette tried to climb the cage to throw his tennis racket in to the Midnight Express. Gotch was focused on trying to get Cornette off the cage. Hackenschmidt was distracted by the whole thing, and that allowed Stan Lane to hit him with a SUPERKICK and get the pin. Hack was furious with Gotch afterward.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR THREE, CARD 5

CARD No. 5 – Sanford Barn

In his return to action following an injury, the Destroyer (w/ Nikita Breznikov) d. Playboy Buddy Rose using his sensational suplex. Although Rose got some offense in, the Destroyer mostly brutalized him during the match. He then made the sign of a title belt around his waist – he wanted the U.S. title back.

Greg Valentine came to ringside and called out Don Leo Jonathan. He asked Jonathan if he liked being screwed out of the U.S. heavyweight title. DLJ shook his head “no.” Valentine asked Jonathan to join him in his new group – Justice For All. DLJ agreed.

The Killer Bees d. the Money Boys in a long, good match when Jim Brunzell rolled up Brutus Beefcake after a cross-body block off the turnbuckle.

Frank Gotch d. Iron Mike DiBiase by DQ when the Midnight Express came out and attacked Gotch. George Hackenschmidt came out to run off the tag-team champs, then confronted Gotch about regaining the tag titles. Gotch said they should challenge the Midnight Express at Bithlo Bash. Hack looked disappointed – he apparently wanted to be a part of Battle Bowl at the PPV.

Commissioner Richcreek came out and said that at the end of the card he will announce which wrestlers will take part in the No. 1 contender matches for the world and U.S. titles.

“Boogie Woogie Man” Jimmy Valiant and the Crusher d. Danny Doring and Steve Corino (w/ Konnan) when Valiant pinned Doring following some roundhouse punches. The Hardcore Wolfpack members had controlled the match until the Crusher made the hot tag to Valiant.

Antonio Inoki (w/ Sherri) d. Virgil (w/ the Money Boys) by using a cross-body block off the turnbuckle. Sherri provided some key distraction during the match.

Rikidozan (w/ Antonio Inoki, Sherri Martel) d. Ox Baker (w/ Bobby Heenan, Masked Superstar, Rick Rude, Don Muraco) to become the new U.S. heavyweight champion. A great back-and-forth match with neither side getting a pin attempt until Rikidozan surprised Baker with a piledriver and got the pin. Heenan was unable to interfere with the ref’s count.

Bobo Brazil d. Killer Kowalski by DQ when Kowalski nailed Brazil outside the ring with chair shots. The two battled all over the ring, with numerous blows exchanged.

The Iron Sheik (w/ Nikita Breznikov, the Destroyer) d. world heavyweight champion Ted DiBiase (w/ Money Inc.) by DQ in a best-of-three-falls match when DiBiase slid to the outside and the Iron Sheik followed, only to be pummeled by Money Inc. Afterward, Breznikov yelled for a rematch, knowing his wrestler was in control of the match before the DQ, as DiBiase simply laughed. However, Commissioner Richcreek then came out and announced that the Iron Sheik would face Bobo Brazil in a No. 1 contender’s match for the world title at the next card. As Breznikov cheered and DiBiase frowned, Richcreek also said that Don Muraco and Jim Londos would square off in a No. 1 contender’s match for the U.S. title.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR THREE, CARD 6

Daytona Beach Oceanfront Center

The card began with Killer Kowalski in the ring with a big chain. Fresh off bashing Bobo Brazil with chair shots at the last card, Kowalski called out the Crusher, saying he was tired of the Crusher being touted as BCW’s toughest wrestler just because he got a lucky win against Kowalski. He challenged the Crusher to a chain match, and the Crusher accepted.

The Crusher d. Killer Kowalski in a bloody chain match in which both men pummeled the other senseless. Finally, the Crusher gave Kowalski a piledriver outside the ring, and Kowalski could not answer the 10-count. Then Ted DiBiase and Money Inc. came to the ring and attacked the Crusher, injuring him. They freed Kowalski from the chain and took him with them.

Yukon Eric d. the Destroyer (w/ Nikita Breznikov) via countout in a bizarre match. The Destroyer poked Yukon Eric in the eye, and a blinded Yukon Eric responded with a running tackle that knocked the Destroyer through the ropes. He hit his head on a ringside table, was knocked out and couldn’t answer the 10-count.

The Money Boys (w/ Virgil) d. the Braintrust (w/ Bobby Heenan) when Brutus Beefcake gave Ox Baker a studded armband smash right into his eyes. Baker was injured by the maneuver, and Heenan was angry afterward. Lots of injuries popping up ahead of the first PPV of the year.

The Iron Sheik came out and cut a promo, saying he would beat Bobo Brazil senseless, then get his rematch against DiBiase at Bithlo Bash. “And this time, he will not escape.”

Don Leo Jonathan (w/ Greg Valentine) d. Rick Rude (w/ Bobby Heenan, Masked Superstar), pinning Rude after a giant swing. Valentine’s presence seemed to keep Heenan from interfering, the reason Valentine formed Justice For All.

Bill Apter interviewed world heavyweight champion Ted DiBiase on his "Hot Seat." DiBiase reveled in the fact that he had set a BCW record on this card by holding the world heavyweight title belt for 20 cards – the longest of any BCW champion with any belt, and topping Giant Baba’s record of 19 cards. DiBiase laughed and said that when he wins his match at Bithlo Bash, he might not defend the belt again until Tag-o-Rama. He dismissed the Iron Sheik and Bobo Brazil and said there were no real challengers out there for him. His focus would now be getting other belts for Money Inc., starting with his new "find," Killer Kowalski.

U.S. heavyweight champion Rikidozan d. newcomer Savage-T (w/ KJ Hill) using his THUNDEROUS CHOPS in a nontitle match. Rikidozan then took a seat to watch the next bout.

Jim Londos d. Don Muraco (w/ Bobby Heenan) by DQ when Muraco was caught using a blunt instrument that had been handed to him by Heenan. The rest of the Braintrust came down to put the boots to Londos until Greg Valentine and Don Leo Jonathan arrived at ringside to chase them off. Londos will get the title shot against Rikidozan at Bithlo Bash.

World tag-team champs the Midnight Express (w/ Jim Cornette) d. S&S in their debut when Bobby Eaton nailed Larry Sharpe with a stinging right hand. The nontitle match was a warmup for facing Hack and Gotch at Bithlo Bash.

Bobo Brazil (w/ Boogie Woogie Man Jimmy Valiant, Iron Mike DiBiase) d. Iron Sheik (w/ Nikita Breznikov, the Destroyer) in a wild back-and-forth match that ended with a COCO BUTT. As a result, Brazil will get the title shot at Bithlo Bash. Iron Mike DiBiase took the mike after the match and shouted, “Look out, son, because we’re coming for you!”

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR THREE, CARD 7

Bithlo Bash PPV – Bithloplex

Rikidozan (w/ Sherri) d. Jim Londos by DQ to remain U.S. heavyweight champion. Londos got an early advantage, but Sherri caused enough distraction that Londos went after her outside the ring, prompting the DQ. Afterward, the members of Justice For All came to ringside to console Londos.

In an amazing tag match, the Midnight Express (w/ Jim Cornette) d. George Hackenschmidt and Frank Gotch to retain the world tag-team titles. The bout featured 14 pin attempts between the two teams, and Gotch evaded pins after finishers by both Eaton and Lane. Finally, Eaton caught Hackenschmidt with a top-rope elbow to get the pin.

BATTLE BOWL (30-man event).

Wrestlers brought in to help fill out the field: Koko B. Ware, Missing Link, the Terrible Turk aka Youssef Ishmaelo).

(Eliminated/by whom):

Jimmy Valiant (Greg Valentine) / Diamond Dallas Page (Iron Sheik) / George South (Savage-T) / Maksed Superstar (Konnan, coming to Steve Corino’s aid) / Antonino Rocca (Don Muraco) / Savage-T (Greg Valentine – reversed the Vertibreaker) / Antonio Inoki (last year’s winner) (Killer Kowalski) / Larry Sharpe (Greg Valentine) / Jimmy Snuka (winner of inaugural Battle Bowl) (by Danny Doring, coming to Konnan’s aid) / Danny Doring (trying to help Corino) (by B. Brian Blair) / Steve Corino (B. Brian Blair) / Jim Brunzell (by B. Brian Blair – accidentally while trying to help against Don Leo Jonathan) / B. Brian Blair (Don Leo Jonathan) / Konnan (Yukon Eric) / Playboy Buddy Rose (by Terrible Turk) / Missing Link (Koko B. Ware) / Iron Mike DiBiase (Don Leo Jonathan, after saving Valentine) / Virgil (Iron Sheik) / Koko B. Ware (Destroyer) / Don Leo Jonathan (Rick Rude) /

At this point, the last 10 are: Rude, Iron Sheik, Terrible Turk, Valentine, Muraco, Yukon Eric, Buff Bagwell, Kowalski, Brutus Beefcake and the Destroyer

Buff Bagwell (Muraco – Beefcake just misses making save) / Don Muraco (Beefcake – Rude refuses to help teammate Muraco) / Greg Valentine (Rude) / Yukon Eric (Beefcake – snuck up while Yukon Eric was battling Kowalski) / Rick Rude (Beefcake) / Killer Kowalski (Terrible Turk) / Brutus Beefcake (Terrible Turk)

At this point, Nikita Breznikov rushed to the ring and told the Destroyer and Iron Sheik to halt. Then Breznikov called Commissioner Richcreek to the ring. After a conference, Richcreek nodded his head, shrugged his shoulders and left. Breznikov then called to the Terrible Turk, who got out of the ring! Then, taking the microphone, Breznikov said: “This is my latest signing – my new bodyguard! Now, I can’t decide between my two fine wrestlers in the ring, so gentlemen, I leave it to you to decide.” The crowd is stunned by the turn of events.

The Destroyer won Battle Bowl and a shot at the world heavyweight championship at Tag-o-Rama, eliminating the Iron Sheik. They celebrated with Breznikov and the Terrible Turk afterward, but the Iron Sheik did not appear to be overly happy about the turn of events.

Bobo Brazil and world heavyweight champion Ted DiBiase were introduced for the main event. But before the match could begin, Justice For All came out (with apparent new recruit Jim Londos). Greg Valentine got on the microphone and said: “Jim Londos is not our only new recruit. We have someone else on our side for fair play.” Out came Commissioner Richcreek. He took the mike and said that since Money Inc. had often interfered for DiBiase in his title matches, he decided it will be a best-of-three-falls lumberjack match, with DiBiase’s crew on one side and members of the Boogie Woogie Men on the other. Plus, Justice For All would be at ringside to make sure order was (somewhat) kept. DiBiase did not look happy at the turn of events.

The match between world heavyweight champion Ted DiBiase and Bobo Brazil ended in a no-contest. The bout started as an evenly matched contest, then Brazil threw DiBiase out of the ring. While DiBiase tried to fight his way back in, Killer Kowalski slipped into the ring, unseen by the ref, and nailed Brazil with a chair. DiBiase got back into the ring and applied his MILLION DOLLAR SLEEPER. A groggy Brazil fought it off, only to have DiBiase toss him outside the ring, where the members of Money Inc. gave him a piledriver before the Boogie Woogie Boys and JFA could stop them. Brazil was knocked out, and the ref waved the match as being over.

Commissioner Richcreek then came out and said there would be a decisive cage match at the next card. The world title would be on the line, and there would be no interference from Money Inc., or else DiBiase would forfeit the belt. DiBiase was furious, saying “I beat him” over and over as the fans booed.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR THREE, CARD 8

Eddie Graham Sports Stadium

Commissioner Richcreek came out to talk about the next PPV, Tag-o-Rama (Card 14). He said the format would be slightly different this year, in that there would be four teams from both the BWF and independent federations competing, plus eight from BCW. He also said that there would be a total of four top seeds, with two of them being the BCW champion and an at-large berth, plus one each for the top independent tag team and the top BWF tag team. Finally, he said the rest of the tag teams would be entered into a random drawing, with the top seed in each of the four brackets given the right to choose its first-round opponent from among the rest of the teams in the bracket.

He then finished by noting that tonight, the world heavyweight title match between Ted DiBiase and Bobo Brazil would be held in a cage.

Savage-T (w/ KJ Hill) d. the Terrible Turk (w/ Nikita Breznikov) when the Terrible Turk put his STRANGLEHOLD on Savage-T and the ref DQ’d him for an illegal hold. He left Savage-T in a pile on the mat as Breznikov slapped his new bodyguard on the back.

Justice For All d. the Money Boys (w/ Killer Kowalski) when Don Leo Jonathan nailed Buff Bagwell with the MORMON SWING. Commissioner Richcreek was seen clapping afterward.

Rick Rude (w/ Bobby Heenan, Don Muraco, Masked Superstar) d. the Iron Sheik (w/ Nikita Breznikov, the Terrible Turk, the Destoyer) by DQ when Rude was nailed by a chair outside the ring. The two men were outside the ring often during the long, brutal match, with most of the pain inflicted by the Iron Sheik. Finally, the other guys at ringside started getting involved, and that’s when the Iron Sheik was DQ’d. Afterward, officials and Justice For All helped break up the hostilities.

Antonino Rocca and Jim Londos d. S+S when George South passed out from the pain that Londos was administering (via a Boston crab) and could not continue. Don Leo Jonathan and Greg Valentine of JFA came to ringside and watched the match, but did not appear impressed with Rocca, who seemed to be having an off outing.

Bill Apter interviewed Jim Cornette on the “Hot Seat.” Cornette said he has someone coming soon who will cement his team’s position as the top tag team in the world and make the Midnight Express the reigning power in BCW. He also downplayed the upcoming rematch with Gotch and Hackenschmidt, calling them washed up.

Virgil (w/ Money Boys, Killer Kowalski) d. Jimmy Snuka by DQ when Snuka ran Virgil into a steel post outside the ring. Snuka was frustrated by his inability to defeat a resilient Virgil.

World tag-team champions The Midnight Express (w/ Jim Cornette) d. Frank Gotch and George Hackenschmidt when they executed a ROCKET LAUNCHER on Gotch. The Midnight Express dominated most of the match. Afterward, Bobby Eaton nailed Hackenschmidt with Cornette’s tennis racket (which had been used against Gotch during the match), and then they gave Gotch a piledriver on the floor outside the ring, seriously injuring him.

The Killer Bees d. the Hardcore Wolfpack (w/ Konnan) when Danny Doring fell to Jim Brunzell’s sleeper hold. Diamond Dallas Page came down to ringside to even up the numbers opposite Konnan and even got a shot or two in on Doring when the Killer Bees threw him outside the ring. The Killer Bees also did a good job of isolating Doring away from tag partner Steve Corino.

Bobo Brazil d. Ted DiBiase in a cage to become the new world heavyweight champion. DiBiase tried attacking Brazil before the bell rang, but Brazil turned and threw him against a cage wall. A couple of COCO BUTTS later, Brazil was the new heavyweight champion. Brazil also became the first in BCW history to have held all three major belts. The victory ended DiBiase’s record 21-card reign. The crowd went wild as the members of the Boogie Woogie Boys came to the ring to celebrate with Brazil, who fell to his knees when given the belt by the referee.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR THREE, CARD 9

Melbourne Auditorium

The Killer Bees d. S+S when Larry Sharpe was unable to answer the 10-count after being kicked off the apron and landing on the floor. The Killer Bees had a lot of problems putting away S+S and looked to be concerned after the match.

Iron Mike DiBiase (w/ Boogie Woogie Man Jimmy Valiant) d. Killer Kowalski (w/ Ted DiBiase) by DQ when the son hit the father outside the ring with a chair. Newly crowned world heavyweight champion Bobo Brazil raced to ringside to help Valiant fend off any further attacks by the rest of Money Inc.

Konnan came to ringside holding a chain. He said that he was tired of Diamond Dallas Page whining and interfering in Hardcore Wolfpack business. He challenged Page to a chain match at the end of the card. Page came out and accepted, then gave the sign of the Diamond Cutter.

The Masked Superstar and Rick Rude (w/ Bobby Heenan) d. the Money Boys. Ted DiBiase didn’t come out with the Money Boys, who have been losing a lot lately. The end came when the Masked Superstar nailed Buff Bagwell with a cross-body block off the turnbuckle.

In a wild brawl, Virgil d. Jimmy Snuka by DQ. Virgil came out and nailed Snuka with a chair before the match even began. The match eventually got started in the ring, and Snuka took over on offense, only to end up brawling with Virgil again outside the ring and extracting his revenge by belting Virgil with a chair. Then Snuka was knocked out by a chair wielded by Ted DiBiase. Snuka was injured in the fracas.

Bill Apter’s “Hot Seat” featured Bobo Brazil, who displayed his new world heavyweight title and talked about how honored he was to be the champion and the first to win all three belts. Then Ted DiBiase and Virgil burst onto the scene. DiBiase said he was waylaid by a “cheap shot” and said he wanted a regular match with only one fall in a cage, adding that he doubted Brazil was man enough to face him “straight up.” Brazil accepted the challenge for the next card.

Antonio Inoki (w/ Sherri) d. the Destroyer (w/ Nikita Breznikov, the Terrible Turk) by DQ when the Terrible Turk choked out Inoki while both Inoki and the Destroyer were outside the ring. He finally let go of his STRANGLEHOLD when Rikidozan showed up at ringside. Inoki and Rikidozan challenged the Destroyer and the Terrible Turk to a match at the next card.

Jim Londos and Antonino Rocca (w/ Greg Valentine) d. Danny Doring and Steve Corino by DQ. Londos had Doring in a pinning predicament, only to have Corino enter the ring and give Londos the OLD SCHOOL EXPULSION, prompting the DQ. Londos and Rocca were furious afterward even as Justice For All came to ringside to make sure things didn’t get further out of hand. Londos called for a no-DQ match for the next card, and Corino grinned as he agreed.

The Iron Sheik came out and said he is the toughest man in BCW, and that he got a raw deal at Bithlo Bash. Then he started running down Don Leo Jonathan about their last-man-standing match at Wrestlethon last year, and how DLJ is now a part of the sorry Justice For All. Don Leo Jonathan came out and challenged Iron Sheik to a match.

The Iron Sheik d. Don Leo Jonathan using the CAMEL CLUTCH. Both men came to the ring alone. Jonathan dominated much of the match, but never seemed to go for the kill, a common problem for him in BCW. Finally, he missed a knee drop off the turnbuckle, and the Iron Sheik slapped on the CAMEL CLUTCH. Afterward, the Iron Sheik called for a world title shot.

Konnan d. Diamond Dallas Page in a bloody chain match. DDP got a DIAMOND CUTTER in early, but could not get the pin. Later, he missed a knee drop, and Konnan nailed him with the chain across his face and got the pin. Then the Hardcore Wolfpack came in and unleashed some fury on Page, injuring him. The fans booed as the Hardcore Wolfpack celebrated over a bloody Page.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR THREE, CARD 10

Bithloplex

Giant Baba (w/ Sherri) made his return to the ring from injury and pinned Larry Sharpe following a Russian leg sweep. Baba was a bit rusty before getting it going.

The Killer Bees, vying for the at-large BCW top seed at Tag-o-Rama, d. the Money Boys (w/ Virgil) using the BEE STING. There was a four-way brawl during the match, plus Virgil interference, but it couldn’t keep the Money Boys from another loss.

Killer Kowalski (w/ Virgil) d. George South by pummeling a feisty South around the ring before eventually getting the pin.

Rick Rude (w/ Bobby Heenan, Don Muraco, Masked Superstar) d. Buddy Rose by DQ when Rose gave a brainbuster to the Masked Superstar after getting nailed with a cheap shot by Muraco that the ref didn’t see. After Rose did it, he ran from the ring before the Heenan family could retaliate.

World tag-team champsThe Midnight Express d. Jim Londos and Antonino Rocca (w/ Justice For All) after using the VEG-O-MATIC on Londos. The end came when Cornette, with the JFA not looking, came out of the crowd to nail Londos with his tennis racket while Londos was chasing Stan Lane outside the ring. The Midnight Express got him back in the ring and finished him off. Cornette was not with the Midnight Express at the beginning, and it was thought that he was afraid of the JFA. The JFA was angry afterward and yelled at Rocca, who is not an official member of the JFA.

Antonio Inoki and U.S. champion Rikidozan (w/ Sherri) d. the Terrible Turk and The Destroyer (w/ Nikita Breznikov) when Inoki nailed the Terrible Turk with his ENZUIGIRI. Both sides had interference in the match, and security and the JFA were needed to keep both apart afterward.

Before the championship match, “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase called out Bobo Brazil and said if he was a real man, he would bring no help from the other Boogie Woogie Boys to ringside. Commissioner Richcreek came out and said he agreed – but that the members of Justice For All and Antonino Rocca would be at ringside to make sure there was no interference from either side. DiBiase was upset at the turn of events.

Bobo Brazil legitimized his world heavyweight title reign by defeated former world champ Ted DiBiase using his COCO BUTT. DiBiase tried to slow down the match, taking a lot of punishment as a result. Still, he eventually gained control and whipped Brazil into the turnbuckle, only to get an elbow and a COCO BUTT for his trouble. Afterward, the other members of the Boogie Woogie Boys again came to the ring to celebrate with Brazil, with Iron Mike DiBiase having the biggest smile of all.

BREAKING NEWS: Four independent teams qualified for Tag-o-Rama. They are the Hennings, the Road Warriors, the Sheik and Sabu, and the Vachons. Further matches will determine the No. 1 independent seed.

[The Creek Rises]

PROMOTER NOTE

As of Card 10, Year Three, I am mostly caught up to real time as far as playing goes (I'm a few cards ahead, but my write-ups have yet to be done for those cards). Therefore, updates will be more infrequent, but they will be coming (who can write and throw dice at the same time?)

Thanks for reading!

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR THREE, CARD 11

Jacksonville Auditorium

Commissioner Richcreek came to ringside and announced a six-man tag match for the card – the Midnight Express and Jim Cornette versus members of Justice For All – in a cage for the tag-team titles! Cornette came out and threw a tantrum as Richcreek said it would be an elimination match – meaning Cornette could be the last man left for his side.

The Crusher, in his return from injury, d. Savage-T (w/ KJ Hill) by tossing him out of the ring so hard, he could not make the 10-count for returning to the ring. Crusher then mouthed the name “Kowalski.”

Ox Baker (w/ Bobby Heenan) d. George South in Baker’s return from injury. South controlled the first part of the match, which drove Heenan crazy, then Baker unleashed a HEART PUNCH, and that was that.

Danny Doring and Steve Corino (w/ Konnan) d. the Destroyer and the Terrible Turk (w/ Nikita Breznikov) when the Terrible Turk was DQ’d for throwing Doring around outside the ring. He definitely left an impression on the Hardcore Wolfpack, who quickly left the ring after the match.

Killer Kowalski d. Yukon Eric in a great battle of big men. After a lot of quality back-and-forth action, Kowalski got Yukon Eric outside the ring, slammed him against a post, threw him back inside the ring and used the CLAW HOLD to finish him. Then he mouthed the name “Crusher.”

The Money Boys were guests on Bill Apter’s “Hot Seat.” They admitted they had not done enough to help Money Inc. this year. For a moment, they started pointing fingers at one another, but then George South and Larry Sharpe came to the set and said they could defeat “you two losers.” An angry Buff Bagwell agreed to an upcoming match, calling S+S “scrubs.”

Money Inc. (Ted DiBiase and Virgil) d. Antonio Inoki and Giant Baba (w/ Sherri) by DQ when Inoki slammed DiBiase to the floor outside the ring. Justice For All and security hit ringside quickly to keep the longtime rivals from engaging in a huge brawl.

George Hackenschmidt rallied to d. Rick Rude (w/ Bobby Heenan) using his RUSSIAN BEAR HUG. Rude dominated the first part of the match and nailed Hackenschmidt with two RUDE AWAKENINGS, but Hackenschmidt kicked out both times and eventually gained control. Fans were cheering his comeback.

Down comes the cage!

The Masked Superstar d. Playboy Buddy Rose in a cage, getting revenge for what Rose did to him on the last card. He attacked Rose before the bell and pinned him after repeatedly throwing him into the side of the cage. Rose was a bloody mess afterward.

Jim Cornette tried again to get out of the six-man elimination match, but Commissioner Richcreek said he could go only if the Midnight Express gave up the tag-team belts. Cornette decided to stay in the match.

The Midnight Express d. Justice For All in a six-man elimination match to retain the BCW tag-team belts. Cornette did not enter the match or have his trusty tennis racket with him, but he brought in a collapsible baton, which was used to great effect on the members of the JFA when the ref was not looking. Greg Valentine was eliminated by Stan Lane via an enzuigiri, then a Rocket Launcher took out Jim Londos. Finally, the trio ganged up to beat on Don Leo Jonathan, with Bobby Eaton using a swinging neckbreaker for the pin. Afterward, they celebrated taking down the JFA while Commissioner Richcreek fumed outside the ring.

BREAKING NEWS: The four teams from the BWF that qualified for Tag-o-Rama are Superstar Billy Graham and Jesse Ventura, the Faces of Fear (Barbarian and Meng), Scott Hall and Kevin Nash, and Dusty Rhodes and Barry Windham. Further matches will determine the No. 1 seed.

[The Creek Rises]

YEAR THREE, CARD 12

Kent State

Jim Cornette addressed the crowd at the beginning of the card, crowing about how the Midnight Express took out Justice For All in a cage match. Commissioner Richcreek came out and congratulated Cornette on some sly maneuvers. Then he brought up the fact the Midnight Express would have a match on this card – but not against JFA. Instead, they would face the Killer Bees. Cornette was unhappy with having his team wrestle so soon after the cage match, but didn’t seem overly concerned about the Killer Bees. Richcreek also said he had agreed to Killer Kowalski’s request to have a one-on-one match with the Crusher.

Jim Londos and Antonino Rocca (w/ Greg Valentine) d. the Braintrust (w/ Bobby Heenan, Rick Rude, Don Muraco) by DQ when Rude and Muraco stormed the ring and attacked Rocca and Londos, who had dominated the match. Valentine tried to help out but was pushed off the apron, and Londos was injured by Muraco’s Asiatic Spike.

Konnan d. Virgil using his somersault lariat. Virgil kicked out of three earlier pin attempts.

Giant Baba and Antonio Inoki (w/ Sherri) vs. the Destroyer and the Terrible Turk (w/ Nikita Breznikov) ended in a double DQ. The match featured an in-ring scrum with all four men, and Baba and Terrible Turk going at it outside the ring later in the match. Baba had been getting close to a pin inside the ring, but the Destroyer and Breznikov provided enough distraction to prevent it.

The Money Boys d. S+S by countout after Brutus Beefcake gave George South a piledriver outside of the ring while Buff Bagwell distracted the ref. Afterward, the pair strutted and celebrated their victory and the hoped-for end of their losing ways.

Bill Apter’s “Hot Seat” featured Wolfpack member Steve Corino. He talked about how great Wolfpack members Danny Doring and Konnan were, then wondered aloud how come U.S. champion Rikidozan had not defended his title. Corino wondered if Rikidozan was just running scared. That remark brought out the U.S. champ, who challenged Corino to a title match on the next card.

Don Leo Jonathan d. Ted DiBiase (w/ Virgil) by DQ when DiBiase and Virgil combined to get Jonathan out of the ring and then attacked him. Greg Valentine, who had been tending to Londos, ran to the ring, but DiBiase and Virgil fled before he arrived. Not a good day for JFA.

World heavyweight champion Bobo Brazil (w/ Iron Mike DiBiase) d. Danny Doring (w/ Konnan, Steve Corino) using his COCO BUTT in a nontitle match. Doring wrestled a pretty decent match for a while, and lots of interference from Konnan and Corino kept Brazil wary, but eventually he got the job done.

Killer Kowalski d. the Crusher using a combo of a kidney punch and a stomach claw. During the match, members of Money Inc. came to ringside, but were turned away by officials and members of the JFA. After Kowalski won the long, heated match, the Money Inc. members returned, but so did members of the Boogie Woogie Boys. Officials managed to keep order despite hostility toward Don Leo Jonathan by Ted DiBiase.

In a surprise, the Killer Bees d. the Midnight Express (w/ Jim Cornette) to capture the BCW tag-team titles. The end came when Jim Brunzell distracted Stan Lane and Cornette outside the ring long enough for B. Brian Blair to pin Bobby Eaton. Cornette was stunned afterward, while Blair and Brunzell celebrated capturing the titles.

BREAKING NEWS: Sabu and the Sheik secured the No. 1 seed among the independent teams entered in Tag-o-Rama.