The Empire Wrestling Federation- an LWA Territory

[Mike M]

Episode 3 of the Empire Wrestling Federation
Live from the Boston Garden in Boston, MA
12-08-2007

Gorilla Monsoon: Hello everybody and welcome once again to the Empire Wrestling Federation. I am Gorilla Monsoon, here with…

Bobby Heenan: Your host Bobby “The Brain” Heenan.

GM: Potentially a big night for the Heenan family this week, with three of your men in action.

BH: Of course it’s a big week for the Heenan family. EVERY week’s a big one for the Heenan family.

GM: Before we get to that, let’s check out our Light Heavyweight Challenge Match of the week.

BH: I’ll be back later. I’ve got to get my guys ready for their matches.

1. Light Heavyweight Challenge: Danny Hodge PIN Gorgeous George (with Cheri Dupree)

GM: Another great technical display by the light heavyweights! The Gorgeous one had the upper hand for a good part of this match, but Hodge gets the win with a nice small package.

2. Timber the Insane Lumberjack DISQUALIFICATION Larry Zbyszko

GM: The insane axe-man gets the referee’s decision in this wild affair. To be honest, the referee could have called for the bell on numerous occasions, but Zbyszko’s decision to wield a steel chair was the deciding factor.

3. Playboy Buddy Rose DISQUALIFICATION Ted DiBiase

GM: Ted DiBiase had this match well in hand, until Rose left the ring to regroup. Once on the outside, Rose reached into his trunks and pulled out a metal object, which he used to bust DiBiase open. He rolled DiBiase back in the ring, and went to use the foreign object again, but DiBiase managed to deflect the blow and knock the metal out of Rose’s hand. DiBiase then picked up the object, showed it to the crowd, and then loaded up his own black glove with it. Rose turned right into a vicious right hand to the delight of the fans. Unfortunately for DiBiase, the referee wasn’t as approving of his methods.

4. King Kong Bundy (with Bobby Heenan) COR Larry Sharpe

GM: King Kong Bundy controlled all of the action and delivered a monstrous AVALANCHE that appeared to finish off Sharpe. Before making the cover, Bundy and Heenan demanded the referee count to five instead of three. After showing some reluctance, our official agreed- but Larry Sharpe surprised everyone, including myself, by kicking out at four-and-a-half. Bundy was clearly upset by this, so he delivered the AVALANCHE twice more before throwing his opponent out of the ring and getting the count-out.

5. Ray Stevens COR Diamond Dallas Page

GM: An even match that was decided when DDP paid a little bit too much attention to Bobby Heenan on the outside. As he chased Mr Heenan around the ring, DDP ran into a devastating clothesline from Ray Stevens, followed up by his lethal BOMBS AWAY knee drop on the outside. Stevens rolled back into the ring for another count-out win by the Heenan family tonight.

6. Nick Bockwinkel (with Bobby Heenan and Ray Stevens) SUBMISSION Red Bastien (with Billy Lyons)

GM: Red Bastien appeared to have this match won after his patented ATOMIC DROP, but Ray Stevens dragged Red out of the ring as he made the cover. Lyons intervened, and he and Stevens brawled into the back. Meanwhile, Nick Bockwinkel used the second chance to his advantage, trapping Red Bastien in the BOCKWINKEL SLEEPER for the win.

GM: Its now time to take a look at a new wrestler set to debut at our big Madison Square Garden card in 2 week. Ed "Strangler" Lewis!



Ed Lewis: Many have come to challenge me...all have fallen before me. Wrestlers of the Empire Wrestling Federation, you will soon find out how hard it is to breathe...when you are in the grips of the Strangler!

[mwjergs]

Love the video package on the Strangler.

I have to ask - Who are Mr. X and El Luchador? Is it just someone under multiple masks?

[Tournament Master]

Episode 4 of the Empire Wrestling Federation
Live from the Nassau Coluseium in Uniondale, NY
12-15-2007

Gorilla Monsoon: Hello everybody and welcome once again to the Empire Wrestling Federation. I am Gorilla Monsoon, here with…

Bobby Heenan: Your host Bobby “The Brain” Heenan.

GM: Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us here Brain.

BH: The pleasure, is all yours.

GM: Of course it is. Lets go to ringside for this week’s Light Heavyweight Challenge.

1. Light Heavyweight Challenge: Danny Hodge PIN Mr. X

GM: Another impressive showing by Danny Hodge, putting away the mysterious Mr. X with the Oklahoma Side Roll

BH: You want impressive, check out my man, Ray Stevens. Excuse me Gorilla.

2. Ray Stevens PIN Billy “Red” Lyons

BH: Did you see that Monsoon? Did you see how easily he won that match? We should just rename him the Lyon Tamer.

GM: Sure, it’s real easy to win a match when you have a handful of tights like Stevens had there.

BH: Just what are you insinuating?

GM: Nevermind. Last week we had a match between Larry Zybyszko and Timber cut short, when the Legend got himself disqualified. Lets see if we can get a clear winner this week.

3. Larry Zybyszko DDQ Timber

GM: Those two men were going crazy out there. The referee had no choice but to throw this match out.

BH: You can throw both those guys out for all I care. Lets get on to bigger and better things. And it doesn’t get any bigger or better than my man, King Kong Bundy.

4. King Kong Bundy & Jimmy Snuka PIN Wladek Kowalski & Yukon Eric

GM: It looked like Kowalski had him, but Snuka came in at the right time while the ref was tied up with Yukon Eric. That was enough for Bundy to change the momentum and hit the Avalanche and get the 5 count. And here’s the Brain.

BH: [panting] Gorilla, I’m lucky to still be alive!

GM: You looked pretty uncomfortable out there whenever Snuka was in the corner…I don’t think you could have been any farther away and not in the opposite corner.

BH: Have you seen that man. He’s crazy, he’s uncontrollable. I was taking my life in my hands out there.

GM: Well, I’m sure our fans are glad to see you alive and well. Now its time to go to Sean Mooney for a word with our champion.

[Sean Mooney is up on a podium in the crowd]

Sean Mooney: Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome the Empire Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Champion, “The Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers.

[Crowd boos, as the champ comes out.}

SM: Mr. Rogers, you requested this time to make a special announcement?

BR: I did. Weeks ago I won the EWF championship down in Rio De Janeiro, and I have defended this title every week against the greatest competition from all over the world.

SM: Actually may people are saying that your hand picked opponents have no real credentials…

BR: How dare you interrupt me and how dare you question the level of competition I have faced. These are champions from around the world and I defeated them all. There is no international superstar that can compete with me. And that is why I am here tonight, to retire as EWF champion. There is just nothing left for me to prove as champ…

Ilio DiPaolo: Excusa me seniore. Did you say that there is no international superstar that can compete with you? Well, its pretty obvious that you have never been in the ring with me.

BR: Just who do you think you are? And why would I give you a shot at my title?

ID: I am Ilio DiPaolo and I fight for Italy and all of my fans here in New York and all over America!

[The Long Island crowd goes nuts]

ID: I’ll show you first hand why I deserve a title shot. How about you get a tag team partner and I will get one and we meet tonight. If my team wins I get a title shot next week at the Madison Square Garden.

BR: [looking nervous] Fine, you’re on.

[The crowd goes crazy in anticipation for the Main Event, as we go back to the ring.]

5. “Dr. Death” Steve Williams DQ Greg “The Hammer” Valentine

GM: Dr. Death had it all sewn up until Buddy Rose stuck his nose in there. There is still some unfinished business between Williams, DiBiase, Rose and Valentine. This will all be coming to a head soon.

BH: Pardon me Monsoon, its time for me to escort the greatest body in the EWF to the ring.

[“Ravishing” Rick Rude’s music starts as he comes down to the ring in his trademark robe.]

Rick Rude: Cut the music. What I'd like now if for all you fat, out of shape, Long Island Losers to please keep the noise down, so I can show your ladies what a real man looks like.

6. Rick Rude PIN Larry Sharpe

[After Rude puts his opponent away quickly with the Rude Awakening. He grabs the mic again.]

RR: Now its time to give one of you ladies the thrill of your life. One of you lucky ladies will get to give the Ravishing One a Kiss.

[Rude goes down to ringside and finds a busty brunette. She refuses to give him a kiss. Rude says something unflattering to her, and she slaps him. Rude gets irate and grabs her by the arm. All of a sudden Diamond Dallas Page comes out to make the save and runs Rude off to the back. Page comes out to check on the woman, who gives him a hug and kiss.]

GM: Thank goodness for Diamond Dallas Page. That Rick Rude is a disgusting human being. I hope he gets what’s coming to him. It looks like the Brain has been run off, so helping me call the main event is Lord Alfred Hays. Thank you for joining us your Lordship.

Alfred Hays: My pleasure Gorilla. What an exciting main event we have tonight. Two outstanding competitors and who knows what superstars they will bring with them as tag team partners tonight.

GM: Lets find out!

Ilio DiPaolo & Antonio Rocca PIN George South & Buddy Rogers

AH: What an exciting encounter. Buddy Rogers was controlling a good part of the match, but once DiPaolo got the hot tag the momentum shifted completely.

GM: Ilio was a house of fire and really rook it to the champ, who had to get out of there. Once Rogers made the tag out, George South couldn’t do anything and he fell victim to the Airplane Spin.

AH: Such an impressive victory. And next week we will indeed see the championship match between Ilio DiPaolo and Buddy Rogers.

GM: It’s sure to be a happening. Make sure to join us next week for our big card from Madison Square Garden. For Lord Alfred Hays and the Brain, I’m Gorilla Monsoon. Goodnight everybody!

[Mike M]

I have to apologize to the fans of the EWF- real life has interfered with the posting of our results. Rest assured, the EWF is still alive and well.

Todd & I will be posting quick and dirty results for our next few cards so that we can have our results caught up in time for the big LWA interpromotional card that is scheduled to take place this weekend.

Even though we will be condensing the results for the next few cards, you haven't seen the last of Gorilla and the Brain on commentary. We just couldn't bring ourselves to doing quick write-ups that don't do that tandam proper service.

[Mike M]

Episode 5 of the Empire Wrestling Federation
Madison Square Garden in New York, NY
12-22-2007

1. Wladek Kowalski SUBMISSION Snuka w/ CLAW HOLD.

After the bell, Snuka assaulted Kowalski with a chair, and then did a SUPERFLY to injure Kowalski. The extent of his injuries is not known at the present time.

2. George South PIN Ed “Strangler” Lewis with a suplex.

Lewis had this match well in hand until the referee was incapacitated after a turnbuckle squash. At that point, Yukon Eric made his way down to the ring and attacked Lewis. Yukon Eric finished his assault with a patented KODIAK KRUNCH. South (and the referee) recovered shortly thereafter, and South took advantage of the situation to win the fall. After the match, Lewis was furious and swore revenge. No one is sure what motivated Yukon Eric to get involved, but he certainly got Lewis’ attention.

3. Antonino Rocca DQ Mr. X

Rocca was in control for most of the match before Mr. X got frustrated and took things outside the ring, where he was disqualified for hitting Rocca into a steel post.

4. Ted Dibiase & Steve Williams PIN Blonde Ambition.

Valentine was about to lock in the FIGURE FOUR on Doc when DiBiase distracted him. This gave Doc a little time to recover, but Valentine and Rose still took turns beating on Williams. He finally made the hot tag to DiBiase, who cleaned house and scored the PIN on Valentine.

5. Timber “The Insane Lumberjack” PIN Larry Zbyszko after five LOG SPLITTERs.

After the match, the Living Legend got revenge on a celebrating Timber with a couple of viscous PILEDRIVERs. Initial word is that Timber will be injured for about 4 weeks.

6. Rick Rude PIN DDP.

Post-match, Bundy made a run-in and attacked DDP with an AVALANCHE. DDP suffered bruised ribs and will likely need a week off to recover fully.

7. Flying Redheads PIN Bockwinkel & Stevens.

The heels controlled most of the match. Lyons managed a turnaround and a hot tag, followed by some rapid-fire dropkicks, allowing Bastien to PIN Stevens.

8. Rogers PIN Ilio to retain the EWF Title.

Ilio was a game challenger and the biggest test for Rogers so far. Even so, Rogers showed his stuff, and strutted out of MSG with the win in his fourth title defense.

[Mike M]

Episode 6 of the Empire Wrestling Federation
Live from Brendan Byrne Arena in East Rutherford, NJ
01-05-2008

After a week off for the holidays, the EWF resumed action in the Meadowlands.

1. Strangler Lewis SUBMISSION George South

The Strangler avenges his fluke loss to South in his MSG debut. After repeated STRANGLER’S HEADLOCKS, George has no choice but to give up. After the match, the Strangler refused to give up the hold until multiple referees come out to tear him off South.

2. Antonio Rocca PIN Mr. X

Rocca gets a definitive win, after their last encounter in MSG ended by disqualification. Rocca puts him away with the ARGENTINIAN BACKBREAKER to the delight of the fans.

3. Yukon Eric SUBMISSION Larry Sharpe

Strangler Lewis attacked Yukon Eric before the match even got started. Eventually, officials separated the two of them and sent Lewis to the back. Larry Sharpe controlled most of the match with the less than 100% Eric, but after a comeback, Yukon wins with the Bear Hug.

4. Red Bastien PIN Ray Stevens

The battle between the Heenan Family and the Flying Redheads continues. Bastien controlled most of the match, and when Nick Bockwinkel tried to interfere, he was the victim of a double noggin knocker with Stevens, which resulted in a win for Bastien

LWA Heavyweight Title Tournament Qualifier Match
5. Danny Hodge SUBMISSION King Kong Bundy

In a shocker, the Super Heavyweight is beaten by the Junior Heavyweight! Bundy controlled most of the match, but after a badly timed deathjump attempt, Hodge somehow manage to lock in the Indian Death Lock and got the surprising win.

LWA Heavyweight Title Tournament Qualifying Match
6. Ilio DiPaolo PIN Larry Zbyszko

The two veteran wrestlers had a classic match, but in the end the popular Italian wrestler got the win with the AIRPLANE SPIN.

EWF Heavyweight Title Match
Buddy Rogers PIN Timber

Based on his win over Larry Zbyszko in MSG, Timber received a Heavyweight title match in New Jersey. Although he is injured, Timber couldn't pass up the opportunity. Although he put up a valiant effort, the Insane Lumberjack couldn't compete with Roger's skills or underhand tactics. Rogers wins after a pin using the ropes.

[Mike M]

Episode 7 of the Empire Wrestling Federation
Live from Allentown Arena in Allentown, PA
01-12-2008

1. Strangler Lewis SUBMISSION George South

The Strangler continues to prove his point with South, again beating him pillar to post, and making him give up with the STRANGLER’S HEADLOCK. Refusing once again to give up the hold, South was saved by Lewis foil Yukon Eric. The 2 battled until separated by refs.

2. Pepper Gomez vs. Gorgeous George DRAW

The 2 junior heavyweights were having a great battle, when the match as then halted by the arrival of the massive King Kong Bundy. Bundy destroyed both men, and then grabbed the mic. "I am a Super Heavyweight! I do not lose to pipsqueaks! Hodge, I am going to destroy every Junior Heavyweight in this federation and save you for last."

3. Yukon Eric DQ Mr. X

Yukon Eric was suffering from the effects of the brawl with strangler Lewis earlier in the night, as Mr. X controlled most of the match. The fight eventually went outside the ring, where Strangler Lewis once again made his presence felt, assaulting Yukon Eric and getting Mr. X disqualified.

4. Ted DiBiase and Steve Williams COR Greg Valentine and Buddy Rose

Blonde Ambition just couldn't handle the onslaught from the blue collar duo of DiBiase and Williams. After a few minutes they high-tailed it to the back, giving the fan favorites a count out win. After the referee announced the winners, DiBiase grabbed the mic and called out their opponents. “You two are a bunch of cowards! If one of you wants to prove me wrong, I challenge you to meet me next week in a submission match!"

5. Nick Bockwinkel SUBMISSION Billy Red Lyons

Lyons was a house of fire, controlling most of the match. But the veteran Bockwinkel was able to turn the tide of the match after a timely distraction by Bobby Heenan, and won with the Bockwinkel Sleeper. Post-match, Lyons was furious with the Weasel.

6. Craig DeGeorge interview with EWF Champion Buddy Rogers

Buddy Rogers was brought out for an interview. Announcer Craig DeGeorge told Rogers that in the Philadelphia Spectrum, his EWF Title would be on the line against the man he beat for the title in Rio De Janeiro...Antonio Rocca. Rogers was visibly upset. Rocca then came out to a standing ovation from the crowd. The fan-favorite pointed at Rogers from the rampway and made a belt motion around his waist before leaving to a thunderous ovation.

LWA Heavyweight Title Tournament Qualifying Match
7. Wladek Kowalski SUBMISSION Jimmy Snuka

In a rematch from their heated battle in MSG, and injured Kowalski was able to fend off the Superfly and got the win again with the CLAW HOLD. It was announced that Kowalski will face Ilio DiPaolo next week in the tournament semifinals.

LWA Heavyweight Title Tournament Qualifying Match
8. Rick Rude DQ Diamond Dallas Page

Another classic battle between these two exciting superstars. Rude hit multiple RUDE AWAKENINGS, but couldn't keep Page down. The battle eventually went outside the ring and DDP used a chair and got DQed. It was announced that Rick Rude would face Danny Hodge next week in the tournament semifinals.

[Mike M]

mwjergs said:

I have to ask - Who are Mr. X and El Luchador? Is it just someone under multiple masks?

I will confirm that they are NOT the same person. That is all....

[Mike M]

Episode 8 of the Empire Wrestling Federation
Live from Hershey Arena, Hershey, PA
01-19-2008

1. Strangler Lewis SUBMISSION Mr. X

Mr. X was upset that Strangler cost him his first win last week against Yukon Eric. Strangler shut him up quick. After clamping on the STRANGLER’S HEADLOCK, Mr. X got another L.

2. King Kong Bundy PIN Pepper Gomez

Bundy proved his point that size does matter. He won the match in dominating style with a running power slam.

Submission Match
3. Ted DiBiase SUBMISSION Greg Valentine

After last week's display of cowardice, Greg Valentine tried to show his testicular fortitude in a submission match against Ted DiBiase. The 2 masters of the figure four leg lock battled, and in the end the Black Gloved fan favorite got the blonde bombshell to tap out. Valentine protested to the referee that he wasn’t tapping out, just trying to slap DiBiase’s leg off of him, but the official wasn’t buying it.

4. Nick Bockwinkel COR Red Bastien

These two men continue their bitter feud. Both had wins in singles matches against their other's tag team partner. It looked like Bastien might have a chance at a comeback, but as Heenan had the ref distracted, Stevens pulled down the top rope as Red was bouncing off them and he tumbled to the outside and was counted out.

LWA Heavyweight Title Tournament Qualifying Match
5. Ilio DiPaolo PIN Wladek Kowalski

These two fan favorites faced off with a spot in the finals on the line. The crowd was split on who to root for, but in the end Kowalski's lingering injuries haunted him and DiPaolo was able to win with the AIRPLANE SPIN.

LWA Heavyweight Title Tournament Qualifying Match
6. Rick Rude PIN Danny Hodge

Bobby Heenan’s charge was trying to gain some revenge after, his stablemate King Kong Bundy was upset by Hodge 2 weeks ago. Hodge gave it his all, but was no match for three men (Heenan, Bundy and Rude) all by himself. As Hodge was distracted, Rude rolled him up and grabbed a handful of tights, to secure his place in the finals. Bundy and Rude cornered Hodge after the match, but he was able to escape without any harm.

7. Antonio Rocca & Diamond Dallas Page PIN Larry Zbyszko & Buddy Rogers

This is the first face off between Rogers and Rocca since it was announced that they would be meeting in 2 weeks for the EWF title. However, the two never actually locked up in the ring. Rogers spent the match on the apron, and when Zbyszko tried for the tag, Rogers jumped off the apron and headed to the back. It was only a matter of time before Larry fell victim to the ARGENTINIAN BACKBREAKER.

[Mike M]

Episode 9 of the Empire Wrestling Federation
Live from Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ
01-26-2008

1. Craig DeGeorge announcement

At the top of the card, Craig DeGeorge came out and announced that Ilio DiPaolo and Rick Rude will have the opportunity to choose each other’s opponents this evening in anticipation of their match-up next week where the winner will get a spot in the LWA Heavyweight Title Tournament.

2. King Kong Bundy PIN George South

Bundy was once again dominating; he quickly finished South off with a powerslam.

3. Rick Rude COR Diamond Dallas Page

Rick Rude made his way to the ring with manager Bobby Heenan. Ilio DiPaolo came to the entrance ramp and announced his opponent- none other than DDP! Heenan and Rude were furious, but once the match started Rude was all business. After a great match up seeing both competitors prevent the other from attempting their finishers, the action spilled to the outside. Here, the Weasel was the difference, as a distracted DDP walked right into a monster clothesline from Rude while chasing Heenan. As the referee admonished Heenan (who protested that he was the one being chased), Rude executed a sit-down piledriver on the floor. This put DDP down, and Rude rolled inside for a count-out victory.

4. Snuka PIN Ilio DiPaolo

Ilio made his way down to the ring next, and Bobby Heenan told him that he was in trouble tonight, because his opponent was the savage Snuka! Snuka and DiPaolo brawled all over the arena, and neither man got the better of the other. Bobby Heenan (who had remained ringside with Rick Rude to “scout” the match) then distracted the referee as Rick Rude got up on the ring apron. Snuka tossed Ilio into the ropes, where Rude grabbed him and delivered a RUDE AWAKENING on the top rope. It looked like Ilio’s neck nearly snapped in half. Snuka then finished off the Italian with a brutal SUPERFLY to take the win. Rude and Heenan quickly ran to the exit to avoid having to stay near Snuka, but they clearly looked confident of their chances in next week’s match.

5. DiBiase, Williams & Timber PIN Blonde Ambition & Gorgeous George

Blonde Ambition seemed reluctant to get in the ring with DiBiase, so George started off the match for his side. DiBiase, Williams and Timber worked like a well-oiled machine, tagging out often and pummeling the Gorgeous one all over the ring. George was finally able to make the tag to a surprised Buddy Rose, who was quickly overwhelmed by the blue-collar boys. DiBiase got the pin after a powerslam, and Rose seemed to be clearly favoring his back after the match and required medical attention. No word on how this will effect next week’s planned match between Blonde Ambition and DiBiase & Williams.

6. Red Bastien DQ Bobby Heenan

Red asked for, and received an opportunity to avenge the Weasel for his involvement in the Redheads’ matches lately. To the delight of the crowd, Red dished out several minutes of punishment to the hated manager until Heenan chose to bail out of the ring. Red followed, but Ray Stevens took that opportunity to attack Bastien, resulting in an immediate disqualification. Heenan and Stevens then put the boots to Bastien. It looked bad until Billy Lyons ran in to make the save. Heenan and Stevens weren’t looking for a fair fight, and got out of there in a hurry, vowing to put the Redheads in their place next week.

7. Ed Lewis SUBMISSION Larry Sharpe

Lewis manhandled Sharpe and made him tap to the STRANGLER’S HEADLOCK in less than 2 minutes.

8. Larry Zbyszko DQ Wladek Kowalski

Kowalski showed what a game competitor that he is by continuing to wrestle through a particularly bad bruise to his sternum (courtesy of Snuka’s post-match attack at MSG a few weeks ago). While he wasn’t 100%, he gave Zbyszko everything he could handle. When the action moved outside the ring, it didn’t let up. Unfortunately, Kowalski isn’t very good at hiding when he “bends the rules” whereas that’s a required skill in Larryland, Even though he was disqualified, the fans gave the young Kowalski a standing ovation as a battered Zbyszko scurried off to the locker room.

[Mike M]

Episode 10 of the Empire Wrestling Federation
Live from the Spectrum, Philadelphia, PA
02-02-2008

1. Craig DeGeorge announcement

Craig DeGeorge came out and announced that in addition to the Ilio DiPaolo- Rick Rude match to determine one spot in the LWA Heavyweight Title Tournament, there will be an over-the-top battle royal later tonight to determine the second EWF entry into the tournament. If those two big matches weren’t enough, “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers will defend his EWF Title against Antonino Rocca tonight!

2. King Kong Bundy PIN Danny Hodge

Bundy faced off against the junior heavyweight who made him submit back on January 5th. Although Bundy had promised to go through the entire junior heavyweight division, he took this rematch because “when you’re my size, you don’t lose to little men. I’m doing the rest of the midgets a favor.” While his logic might be questionable, his performance wasn’t. Bundy destroyed Hodge in quick fashion, ending things with his AVALANCHE turnbuckle squash. Bundy even insisted that the referee give a full FIVE COUNT to prove his dominance, which the official reluctantly did.

3. Bockwinkel & Stevens PIN Flying Redheads

This was a great match, with very little of the shenanigans that we’ve come to expect from the Heenan Family. Perhaps Heenan’s mere presence was enough of a distraction for Lyons and Bastien. Ray Stevens managed to pin Lyons after a jumping knee smash. However, the Heenan Family’s celebration was short-lived, as Ray Stevens appeared to injure his knee executing the move, and he had to be helped to the back by his partner and manager.

4. Ed Lewis SUB Yukon Eric

The bad blood between these two has been evident ever since Yukon Eric cost Ed Lewis a win in his debut match. “The Strangler” was clearly a man on a mission, and he gained some redemption by dominating the match and getting the submission after a series of STRANGLER’S HEADLOCKS.

5. DiBiase & Williams DQ Blonde Ambition

Rose and Valentine tried to get out of this match, citing the back injury that Rose suffered the previous week in Atlantic City. EWF officials were having none of that, but did announce that Buddy Rose would be withdrawn from the Battle Royal later on as to avoid “unnecessary taxation on Mr. Rose”. Needless to say, this was not the decision that Rose and Valentine were looking for.

Valentine assured his partner that he could rest his injured back, and took the fight to their opponents with most of the action between DiBiase and Valentine. Just when it looked like Valentine would have trouble lasting much longer, he rolled to the outside where Buddy Rose took the opportunity to hit DiBiase with a steel chair right in the shoulder. This resulted in an immediate disqualification, but Blonde Ambition celebrated like they had won a title as Williams attended to DiBiase.

LWA Heavyweight Title Tournament Qualifying Match
6. Rick Rude PIN Ilio DiPaolo

The South Philadelphia crowd was certainly behind the Italian DiPaolo, but Rude and manager Bobby Heenan were not intimidated in the least. Rude looked impressive throughout the match, but Ilio looked like he might turn it around after surviving a RUDE AWAKENING by putting his foot over the bottom rope. Unfortunately, Rude’s frustration was short-lived, and a second RUDE AWAKENING put away Ilio and earned the “Ravishing” one a spot in next week’s LWA Heavyweight Title tournament.

20-Man Battle Royal
Winner earns a spot in the LWA Heavyweight Title Tournament
7. Nick Bockwinkel wins the Battle Royal

While this was originally billed as a 25-Man match, it was announced that in addition to Buddy Rose, Ted DiBiase and Ray Stevens were being held out of this match for medical reasons. Antonino Rocca pulled out of the match in order to concentrate on his upcoming title shot against Buddy Rogers. Finally, Mexican Champion El Luchador Hermoso had visa difficulties which prevented him from making the show. Outside of those 5 (plus Buddy Rogers, who had no desire to enter), the rest of the EWF roster joined in.

The Battle Royal itself was a wild brawl, with rivals looking to settle the score and some surprise eliminations throughout. Nick Bockwinkel survived to win, eliminating 6 other competitors in the process. Wladek Kowalski, Larry Zbyszko, Gorgeous George and Larry Sharpe (!!!) each managed to eliminate 3 competitors. Despite the absence of Rick Rude (who already had qualified) and Ray Stevens, the Heenan Family performed like a well-oiled machine. While he didn’t officially eliminate anyone, King Kong Bundy was a beast in the match, destroying a number of the competitors and making them easy pickings for eliminations by Bockwinkel.

Elimination (Opponent who eliminated him)
Billy Lyons (Nick Bockwinkel)
Red Bastien (Bockwinkel)
Timber (Larry Zbyszko)
Yukon Eric (Ed Lewis)
Ed Lewis (Larry Sharpe)
George South (Zbyszko)
Danny Hodge (Zbyszko)
Larry Zbyszko (Wladek Kowalski)
Mr. X (Kowalski)
Greg Valentine (Sharpe)
Snuka (Kowalski)
Wladek Kowalski (Bockwinkel)
DDP (Bockwinkel)
King Kong Bundy (Sharpe)
Larry Sharpe (Gorgeous George)
Ilio DiPaolo (Bockwinkel)
Pepper Gomez (Gorgeous George)
Steve Williams (Gorgeous George)
Gorgeous George (Bockwinkel)

BOCKWINKEL WINS THE LAST LWA SPOT!!!

EWF Heavyweight Title Match
8. Buddy Rogers SUB Antonino Rocca

These two competitors really put on a show, dazzling the sold-out crowd with their amazing skill. Rogers repeatedly attempted to apply his famous FIGURE FOUR GRAPEVINE, but Rocca managed to get to the ropes twice to force the champion to break the hold. The match went back-and-forth from there, but as the twenty-minute mark drew near, Rogers managed to apply the FIGURE FOUR GRAPEVINE a third time. This time, Rocca was no where near the ropes, and was forced to submit, allowing Rogers a hard-fought victory to retain his title.

[Mike M]

With the LWA's first major card just 8 days away, here's an update on EWF wrestlers who have been injured:

Injury Update:

Diamond Dallas Page- DDP is fully recovered from the bruised ribs that he suffered at the hands of King Kong Bundy.

Wladek Kowalski- Kowalski is finally fully recovered from the bruised sternum that he suffered at the hands of Snuka.

Timber- Timber's neck is fully recovered from the damage caused by Larry Zbyszko.

Buddy Rose- while EWF medical personnel have given his full medical clearance, Buddy Rose claims that his bad back is still an issue.

Ted DiBiase- Ted DiBiase is suffering from a mild shoulder sprain. EWF doctors estimate that this injury will effect him for a couple of weeks, but he should not miss any action.

Ray Stevens- Bobby Heenan has refused medical treatment from the EWF staff, insisting that "I'm not going to let a bunch of idiotic humanoids touch Stevens. That would be like having your next door neighbor try and repair my Ferrari." Most observers feel that Stevens could be out a month or more, but this is just speculation.

[Mike M]

To see the LWA SUPERCARD Results from 2/10, click here:

tinyurl.com/2gkrmg

[Mike M]

(The EWF Logo Flashes on the screen and the camera pans in on Sean Mooney, sitting behind a desk).

Sean Mooney: Hello everyone I'm Sean Mooney. Get ready Poughkeepsie, because the Empire Wrestling Federation is coming to your town this Saturday, February 16th!

LWA Heavyweight Champion "Ravishing" Rick Rude will make his first appearance since winning the title at last week's SUPERCARD. He's scheduled to make his first title defense, although the challenger is unnamed at this time.

You will see the EWF Heavyweight Champion Buddy Rogers in tag team action.

Yukon Eric and Ed Lewis will continue their feud in Poughkeepsie.

Steve Williams will square off against Greg "the Hammer" Valentine.

Wladek Kowalski, the Savage Snuka, Gorgeous George, Antonino Rocca and Ilio DiPaolo are all scheduled to appear as well. Tickets are available at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster Outlets. Don't miss out on all the action! Get your tickets now!

[Mike M]

Episode 11 of the Empire Wrestling Federation
Live from the Mid-Hudson Civic Center, Poughkeepsie, NY
02-16-2008

1. Snuka vs. Larry Sharpe

Coming off the Steel Cage match loss to Waldek Kowalski at the LWA Championship event, Snuka was looking to get back on track. Things looked to be going against the savage one, when he missed a SUPERFLY Leap early on. However, Snuka rebounded and hit another SUPERFLY for the win.

Result: Snuka by PIN with the SUPERFLY

2. Waldek Kowalski vs. Timber

Kowalski looks to continue his winning ways against the Insane Lumberjack. The two went to outside on more than one occasion, the last time they battled on the arena floor and raced back in to beat the ref’s 10 count, with Timber coming up a second short. With no clear-cut winner, you can bet this battle isn’t over.

Result: Wladek Kowalski by Count Out

3. King Kong Bundy vs. Mr. X

King Kong Bundy looked to continue his dominance over the junior heavyweight division, this time taking on the masked man Mr. X. This match was over almost as soon as it started. Bundy hit the Avalanche and insisted the ref make the FIVE COUNT.

Result: King Kong Bundy by PIN with the AVALANCHE (with a 5 Count)

4. Rick Rude Interview Segment

“Rump Shaker” blasts over the loudspeakers and out struts the LWA Heavyweight Champion, “Ravishing” Rick Rude, along with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan.

BH: Get off your butts and pay proper respect to YOUR LWA Heavyweight Champion…the “Ravishing One,” Rick Rude! (Crowd roars with boos).

RR: Now, if you Poughkeepsie pipsqueaks will please keep the noise down while I take off my robe, I will show your women what a real man and a real champion looks like. Now hit my music! (Crowd goes ballistic as the music resumes and Rude removes his robe revealing the shiny new LWA championship title).

BH: Mr. Rude is not only YOUR LWA Heavyweight champion. But he is also a fighting champion. Tonight he will be making his first title defense against a man that didn’t have an opportunity to contest for the LWA championship. A fighter that is famous throughout Mexico, Columbia and Argentina…. (The crowd goes nuts shouting “Rocca! Rocca!”)

BH: That’s right; tonight Rick Rude defends the LWA title against El Luchador Hermoso!

Crowd: BOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

5. Rick Rude vs. El Luchador Hermoso

The “Mexican Champion” puts in a token move of offense, but is little match for the LWA champion and falls victim to the RUDE AWAKENING.

Result: Rick Rude by PIN with RUDE AWAKENING

6. “Doctor Death” Steve Williams vs. Greg “The Hammer” Valentine

Doctor Death looks to avenge the loss at the LWA SUPERCARD with Ted DiBiase against Greg Valentine and Buddy Rose. Williams and Valentine had a good back and forth match. Eventually Buddy Rose came down to the ringside and slipped something into the ring, and distracted the ref. Valentine picked up the foreign object and punched Williams with it, threw it out of the ring and covered him for the tainted win.

Result: Greg Valentine by PIN

7. Ed “Strangler” Lewis vs. Yukon Eric

This bitter feud continues, with Yukon Eric attacking Strangler Lewis while he was on the way to the ring. Yukon used this advantage the best he could and dominated the match, putting away the Strangler with the KODIAK KRUNCH. As Yukon Eric celebrated, Lewis was irate and vowed revenge.

Result: Yukon Eric by PIN with KODIAK KRUNCH

8. EWF Champion Buddy Rogers and Gorgeous George vs. Antonio Rocca and Ilio DiPaolo

Buddy Rogers finally found a worthy partner to take on the two former challengers for his EWF title. This was a 5 star match with many near falls. In the end, the blondes just wore out the two international stars. Ilio DiPaolo wound up falling victim to Buddy Rogers’ finisher. The champ gloated after the match, once again showing up the fan favorites.

Result: Buddy Rogers by SUBMISSION with FIGURE FOUR GRAPEVINE on Ilio DiPaolo