Georgia Championship Wrestling (December 12th 1981)

Georgia Championship Wrestling---December 12th 1981

CHAMPIONS: 
NWA World Heavyweight Champion: Ric Flair (9/17/1981)
NWA National Champion: Masked Superstar (11/26/1981) 
NWA National TV Champions: VACANT 
NWA National Tag Team Champions Bob Armstrong & Brad Armstrong (11/26/1981) 

Hosted By: Gordon Solie & Rowdy Roddy Piper 

-Random pick from YouTube.  The territory is still doing very well at this time, and would continue to stay pretty hot until around late in ’82. 

-Gordon Solie & Roddy Piper open the show.  Piper of course boasts about the letter and demands from fans he be back on commentary

-We begin with Gary Hart cutting a promo on behalf of The Great Kabuki.  Hart & Piper have a mutual admiration society. 

Jim Garvin vs. Marvin Turner
Before he was gorgeous he was simply Jim “Don’t call him Jimmy” Garvin.  He had just left Mid-South, and did a couple shots in Florida.  He gets going with a flurry of offence, including a nice atomic drop.  Side headlock takedown is reversed into a head scissor submission, by Turner but Garvin escapes and hits another side headlock takedown.  Turner powers out, but Garvin hits a drop toe hold and goes back to the headlock.  Piper expertly comments on Garvin’s upper body strength, as he hits a body slam, followed by a back body drop.  Garvin then hit a whip to the corner, and a vicious looking forearm.  Garvin hits a brain buster for the win.  Good showcase here for “Not Gorgeous Jimmy”.  He’d feud with Ron Bass for a bit over the next few months, but then went to Florida where he received his first real big push by mid-1982. 

-Piper interviews Gary Hart about The Great Kabuki, as they hype him up to be a big deal.  Hart admires Piper’s expertise in bag-pipes, and asks him to play them for him one day.  We see pre-tape of Kabuki in action in a 2-on-1 battle.  Also footage from Dallas of him misting and blinding Bruiser Brody.  Good way to make a guy look credible, I have to say. 

-We get an ad for CNN2 launching on New Years Day, and thank goodness they rebranded into Headline News, or “HLN” because God knows the last think we need is to give more ammo to the “fake news” whiners. 

Ricky Harris vs. Vinnie Valentino
Harris is the future Black Bart, while Valentino was a journeyman throughout his career, finishing his career in Stampede Wrestling in the late 80’s.  Harris has trouble taking control despite some snapmare’s and chin locks, as well as some nice elbows and forearms, but Valentino keeps on coming back.  Piper points out how during one of the reverse chin locks, Harris is being smart by also driving the elbow into the back.  While Solie points out how being a ref ain’t easy, and Piper agrees.  Harris misses a knee drop and Valentino makes another comeback, but puts his head down to soon, and Harris hits an awesome looking gut wrench suplex for the win. 

-Gary Hart is back out again this time with Kabuki, and they hype of their big match with Dusty Rhodes at the Omni in Atlanta the very next night. 

-Freddie Miller hypes up some of the upcoming action in YOUR area. 

-We got a commercial hype for the big Omni card.  Wish I could go back in time so they can take my money so I can see Austin Idol vs. Michael Hayes. 

-Speak of the devil (YES) it’s Austin Idol, who is with Gordon, and cuts a promo on Michael Hayes, basically saying he owns him.  Who am I to argue? 

-Before Gary Hart & Kabuki head to the ring for action, Gordon tells them he has pre recorded words from the American Camo Painted Dream if you WHEEEEEEL, Dusty Rhodes.  Usual good promo from Big Dust, pretty much saying how Kabuki is an errand boy for Gary Hart.  Definitely a different kind of promo from Dusty, selling the severity of his feud with Hart.  This of course angers Hart. 

The Great Kabuki vs. Bubba Carr
Carr actually gets things going with a couple of arm drags, but they have no affect on the Mist Spewing Marvel, who then hits a nice thrust kick to the abdomen, and a hand thrust to the throat.  Kabuki destroys this poor kid, and finishes as he gets to the middle rope, does a little walk and hits a fist drop for the win.  Definitely the right way to go building him as a threat to Dusty.  Kabuki was actually still jumping between territories, as he had ongoing rivalries with Junkyard Dog in Mid-South, as well as the Von Erich’s in Dallas, the territory where he had his biggest runs.  Fans my age might remember him for being one of Mr. Fuji’s hitmen in the WWF to try to take Lex Luger out of the 1994 Royal Rumble. 

-Piper is at ringside interviewing the newly crowned National Tag Team Champions Bob & Brad Armstrong.  Piper’s snark is absolutely hilarious, saying how Brad has gone out and spent $20 000 on a new car, and is making a mistake blowing his money, and blaming Bob who is standing right there, for his lack of management skills.  Bob of course steps in to put Piper down, but then the subject switches to Kabuki who Bob would later face in the new year.  Piper tries to subtly insinuate Bob is afraid of Kabuki, but Bob gets in a good line about how he’s not afraid of anyone including “who I’m standing with” which Piper does NOT like!  And Bob says it’s mind over matter, because he don’t mind and Piper don’t matter.  This was a great segment. 

-We see a commercial for a Christy Lane compilation.  Honestly have no jokes here, she seemed genuinely wholesome.   

Kevin Sullivan & Wayne Farris vs. Keith Larson & Tommy Rogers. 
Indeed, it is the Taskmaster & The Honky Tonk Man, who are being built as challengers to The Armstrong’s, and Farris looks almost unrecognizable with long blonde hair and a goatee.  Tommy Rogers fantastically slips out of Farris’ headlock, to take an advantage with a hammerlock, but Farris makes it to the ropes.  Rogers however continues to work over the arm, as Farris sneaks a tag to Sullivan, but Rogers sees it.  Sullivan does take control of the match for his team, and Farris is quickly back in, and Rogers fights quickly away from an armbar to tag in Larson.  Quickly turns into a brawl between all 4-men, as Rogers becomes the legal man again.  Ref’s back is turned double atomic drop from the heels, as The Army of the Cool Cocky Darkness gets the win. 

-Sullivan & Farris cut a promo on the Armstrong’s. 

-We get a commercial for a Jim Reeves music set.  Somehow I feel he’s someone who’s long overdue for an obscure Family Guy reference. 

Tommy Rich vs. Tony Russo
It’s been about 8 months since Tommy’s shocking title win over Harley Race, and he’s one day away from challenging Flair for the title.  Rich was still a pretty big draw at this point, but things would start to go downhill not long after this.  Russo actually has control in the early going, but of course that don’t last, and it ends pretty quick after Rich hits a Thesz press. 

-NWA World Champion Ric Flair cuts a promo on Tommy Rich hyping up their big showdown in the Omni tomorrow night.  Flair of course is sporting a bandage on his forehead which was pretty much as fashionable as his suits at the time. 

-Gordon Solie interviews Tommy Rich and man is he ever FIRRRED UP!   Anyway, he cuts a good promo here, selling tickets for the Omni. 

National Heavyweight Champion Masked Superstar & Super Destroyer vs. Rick Thor & Pete Martin
For anyone who may not know, Super Destroyer is Scott Irwin here.  The masked men wrestle a smart match here, beating Thor up real nicely with some takedowns and leg-drops, and cut the ring in half, quick tags.  Martin eventually does tag in and gets some shots in, but it’s to no avail, and he’s got about as much chance here as Kevin Spacey has for a sudden career revival.  Too Soon?  Anyway, Piper as usual is gold on color commentary pointing out the importance of being on the same page as your tag team partner.  The masked men hit a double clothesline on Martin which he sells like death!  Super Destroyer wins it for his team with a splash on the second rope.  Good fundamental tag team squash here. 

-The Masked duo lip off Gordon, and threaten the “fat men”, those being Bad Bad Leroy Brown & Big Red who will be there opponents in that Omni card.  They come out for a promo, and it’s sad considering these two would both die young. 

-On our commercial break, we go to the Pabst Blue Ribbon College Scoreboard.  Meanwhile I await to see what episode of Andy Griffith TBS plans an airing this weekend. 

National Tag Team Champions Bob & Brad Armstrong vs. Tony Russo & Ed Timbs
The Armstrong clan had just won the titles in a tournament a couple weeks prior.  Brad & Russo start off the match bro, and some nice hold exchanges take place, a nice hiptoss from Brad.  Piper cracks me up, as the ultimate heel commentator who won’t bury the faces, saying how good Brad is, but saying he could still do it better, and of course plays up his dislike for Bob.  Brad goes for a flying head-scissors but Russo makes a nice counter bro, holding on to an armbar.  Second attempt goes better for Brad, as he sees Russo about to escape, so he smartly tags Papa Bob.  The Bullet comes in hitting some punches and hiptosses, but eventually Russo tags in Timbs.  Brad and Bob exchange quick tags working over the arm of Timbs.  However, eventually Russo tags in as Timbs smartly tags him out of Brad’s view, and keeps him tied up as Russo tries to take control.  Russo indeed goes to work on Brad with a nice knee-drop, and rams him face first into the buckle.  Timbs looks to continue the onslaught, but Brad makes the comeback, and after the heels try to double team Brad, Bob comes in and breaks it up, and all four men are in the ring.  In the melee, Bob springs off the second rope hitting a back elbow on Timbs for the win.  This was a lot of fun. 

-Outlaw Ron Bass joins Gordon, saying how he’s been around the world and feels unappreciated and is just going to beat people up.  Sounds good to me. 

Outlaw Ron Bass vs. Rick Benefield
Bass had just wrapped up a successful babyface run in Mid-Atlantic as TV Champion after beating Greg Valentine, and feuding with Ivan Koloff.  Piper gives a great back story on Bass’ skills in strength, as the Outlaw tries to break Benefield’s arm.  Bass just continues to try and numb the nerves in Benefield’s arm.  The respect Piper shows for Solie is quite a welcome change from heel commentators always having to be cool all the time.  Heenan & Lawler may have been on the case of their colleagues yes, but were never afraid to be the butt of a joke.  The entirety of this match is Bass trying to kill the guy’s arm and shoulder.  Not a criticism.  Benefield tries to fight back, but he is simply mocking Bass by existing, so that pisses the Outlaw off, who hits a nice back elbow, and then a beauty of a powerslam for the win.  Good way to re-introduce Bass to the Georgia audience. 

-Gary Hart comes out with The Great Kabuki, and cuts promos on Bob Armstrong & Dustry Rhodes.  Who Kabuki will be facing respectively on this night and tomorrow night. 

-Freddie Miller, hypes up more cards. 

-Brad & Bob Armstrong cut a promo.  Let’s just say it’s Bob who holds this segment up.

-Commercial for WTBS airing of the 1964 film Rio Conchos, which was basically a poor-man’s film that even John Wayne likely couldn’t save.  Though I have to give Ted Turner credit as he’d create a whole network making money off these older films. 

Austin Idol vs. Vinnie Valentino. 
Idol getting some tremendous heat as he enters the ring as the crowd chants for Michael Hayes.  Idol’s mannerisms are utterly fantastic, from justifying a closed fist, and talking about hair pulls.  Idol clubs away, and uses his knees to his advantage to his some nice shots, and works over the back.  Piper reminds us all heels are great but not as great as him.  Valentino makes an unexpected comeback, gets a near three on a backslide, and even hits a bodyslam as the studio crowd rallies behind him.  His comeback gets cut off as he goes for a second rope splash but Idol gets his knees up and wins with the figure four.  However, Valentino tries to keep the fight going, and Idol re-applies the submission, but Michael Hayes runs out to a HUGE pop, and goes to work on Idol.  However, Terry Gordy comes in and beats on his then former partner, while Bob Armstrong comes back out to even it up.  The heels are sent running as the crowd is losing it, and Gordy cuts an angry promo on his way out. 

-NWA Champion Ric Flair comes back out to talk to Gordon, Good promo about Flair boasting about his world class status, and how everyone wants to be where he is.  Flair and Piper tease a confrontation which has the crowd on edge, but we don’t get much, but the seeds for Piper’s face turn are already being planted. 

-We also see a commercial for the ESPN network.  Concept will NEVER work. 

-Now we get a commercial for a Johnny Rivers compilation, best known for his massive hit “Secret Agent Man” which has been used in quite a few movies.  I’m sure he’s retired to a good life in Branson, Missouri somewhere. 

Buzz Sawyer vs. Keith Larson
Sawyer has only been in Georgia a few weeks at this point, and would go on to have a really good run, as he’s coming off his $5000 challenge angle in Florida.  Sawyer shows off his power and aggression early on, but he gets too cocky playing to the crowd, and Larson hits a second rope drop kick which gets a BIG pop from the studio crowd.  This angers Sawyer who is so frustrated he has trouble taking control of the match, as Larson performs a “made you flinch” spot.  Finally the Mad Dog becomes unleashed, as he chokes Larson on the ropes, and tosses him out of the ring, and puts some mad boots to the face.  Young ref Nick Patrick admonishes Sawyer for constantly breaking the rules, and threatens him by admonishing the slowest fast count ever … ok I made that last part up.  Recently did a podcast on Starrcade ’97 and the bitterness of 14 year old me came back again.  Larson often tries to fight back but to no avail, as Sawyer sinches in the chin lock for the submission win. 

-Gordon interview Buzz Sawyer, who resents Gordon for saying he was ever in trouble during that match. 

-Bad Bad Leroy Brown & Big Red join Gordon at the podium.  We get clips from the Masked Duo last week winning a match, and then being interviewed by Gordon, who call out Big Red for fabricating lies, with incriminating pictures.  The duo brawls with Red, but Brown comes in to even the score to clean house. 

El Gran Apollo vs. Ken Timbs
Apollo was a journeyman mid-card talent who spent his career bouncing between Georgia & Florida mainly, with a short run in Houston, and finished his career in Mid-Atlantic in 1984 and pretty much disappeared after that.  Both men reverse each other’s hammerlocks, and Apollo almost gets the win early with a school boy.  Test of strength ends with Apollo obtaining a wrist-lock take down and successive knees to Timbs’ shoulder.  Action goes back and forth as Apollo gets a backslide for a near win.  Timbs almost takes control a couple of times, even after a bodyslam, Apollo hangs on to an armbar.  Apollo hits a nice “soo-play” © Gordon Solie, and can only get a two count.  Timbs stays in the fight, and even gets a near fall.  However, Apollo reverses a whip, and hits some nice knees in the corner.  Nick Patrick oh … so … slowly makes a two count after Apollo rams Timbs’ head into the buckle.  Apollo gets the win after a high crossbody, and Nick Patrick counts and … eventually get to three.  Apollo seemed talented enough in his role, but nothing standout here. 

-Big Red & Bad Bad Leroy Brown are back again with Gordon, as Leroy just starts shouting randomly.  HEY, we DO NOT cut-off Mr. Solie!!!  Anyway, they unveil a giant cookie with the Masked Duo likeness as frosting, and … they eat it, because they’re going to EAT THEM UP!  Riiiiight.  I like Leroy Brown, but yeesh!  Anyway, moving on. 

-Michael Hayes (YES!) who gets a MONSTER pop, comes out and talks to Gordon about his big Omni showdown with Austin Idol.  He talks about how Idol says Hayes “thinks” he’s all these things, but he assures Idol he KNOWS how good he (being Hayes.  Pronouns Pal), truly is, and Idol will learn tomorrow night!  So awesome. 

National Champion The Masked Superstar & Super Destoryer vs. Tommy Rogers & Bruce Gallagher. 
Ok I know the first and second hour are supposed be separately taped episodes, but why did we need another match on the same episode with these two?  It would have made more sense to have Red & Leroy in action.  Anyway, pretty much the same thing we saw earlier, Masked duo wins. 

-The show ends with Tommy Rich, definitely rocking the influence Urban Cowboy had in this era, but he cuts one last promo on Flair to hype their big battle. 

Final Thoughts:

This was a lot of fun to watch, as the Georgia territory still had a lot of fire going, as they were about to head into 1982.  This was a great final hype for the card at the Atlanta Omni the very next day.  Solie & Piper were just pure magic together, and a great showcase of a lot of the big names involved at the time, as well as some new talents coming in.  In ’82 the cracks did start to show, but it was still a good year for the promotion more than it wasn’t, as ’83 is where things really started plummet.  But this was a joy to watch.