GCW World Championship Wrestling – July 2, 1983: A REAL MOUNTAIN MAN! (Includes Full Show)

World Championship Wrestling
Date: July 2, 1983
Location: WTBS Studios, Atlanta, Georgia
Commentator: Gordon Solie

We’re rolling along with these things for the next few weeks and that has me interested. There are only a few big names around here and it’s fun to see how they interact. The big story continues to be Mr. Wrestling II going after Larry Zbyszko and the National Title, along with Tommy Rich doing whatever he has going on. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening sequence.

Gordon Solie introduces newcomer (or perhaps returning star) Scott Casey, who loves the competition around here and has his eye on Buzz Sawyer. He’s not happy with Dick Murdoch being sent away so he’ll see what he can do.

Solie previews the show and sends us to last week’s main event, which only got started before we ran out of time.

Road Warriors/Paul Ellering vs. Brett Wayne/Arn Anderson/Joe Lightfoot

Ellering is in street clothes (street unknown) because he knows the Warriors can take care of the three of them on his own. The good guys take turns on the Warriors’ arms to start but Ellering gets in a cheap shot to take over on Anderson. Hawk grabs a chinlock and we’re out of time so we’re cut to Ole Anderson running in to go after Ellering as the match is thrown out. Not enough shown to rate again as we just saw the same stuff from last week and the post match brawl. Apparently Wayne and company won when one of them was thrown over the top.

Ole Anderson talks about the greatness of the United States and not liking Paul Ellering bringing in the Iron Sheik from the evil Iran. Maybe the Road Warriors need to go back to Chicago, or even Iran. Ellering DOES NOT love America so Ole is proud that Arn Anderson has kept the family name.

They have their own young guy of their own and here he is, along with Arn: Man Mountain Darsow! This is of course Barry Darsow (23 at the time and looking even younger as he only debuted earlier in the year) as a lumberjack with an ax, as Ole says the Anderson are back together FOR AMERICA. Well that was insane and about as 80s as you can get.

Larry Zbyszko (once again with the belt) and Tully Blanchard join Solie, with Zbyszko talking about how he got the NWA President to give him the belt back. He’s tired of Mr. Wrestling II and II’s friend Mr. Wrestling I with all of their shenanigans so Zbyszko is putting up $25,000 against II’s mask. It’s going to be an elimination tag match and Zbyszko will be teaming with Blanchard and whomever II can find as his partner.

Larry Zbyszko/Tully Blanchard vs. Mr. Wrestling II/Pez Whatley

I believe this is the match ($25,000 vs. II’s mask), which is under elimination rules and has three rounds lasting six minutes each. Whatley and Zbyszko start things off and of course we hit the stall button, with II coming in to face Blanchard without any contact being made. They lock up and go pretty much nowhere, so it’s back to Whatley for a headlock takeover.

Whatley pulls him down again without much trouble before sunset flipping Zbyszko for two. II comes back in to headlock Blanchard, who backs into the corner to keep things slow. Now Zbyszko comes in for a headlock of his own, only for Whatley to come in for a small and another near fall. Whatley is sent into a knee in the corner though and the round ends (5:55 so close enough this time).

We go to Mr. Wrestling I, who can’t stand Zbyszko. Paul Ellering comes in to say his men will win everything at the Omni.

Buzz Sawyer yells about how he’s going to destroy the cowboy from San Antonio (Scott Casey) but it might be in Cincinnati or Atlanta. Eh dude’s nuts enough that he might do both of them.

We rejoin the tag match for the start of round two, with Zbyszko asking for time but getting whipped into various corners by Whatley. Zbyszko gets a boot up in the corner and Blanchard takes over, allowing Zbyszko to stomp away again. A suplex gets two on Whatley and Blanchard grabs a crossface chickenwing.

Whatley backdrops his way out and dropkicks Blanchard but can’t make the tag. II comes in anyway and everything breaks down, with Whatley throwing Blanchard over the top, drawing the DQ at 3:04 of the round and 12:04 total (counting the stuff between rounds). Zbyszko comes in to slug it out with II and power him into the corner. A rip at the mask has II in more trouble and Zbyszko throws him down to tear some more. II fights him off but gets sent into the corner as the round ends.

Tommy Rich is here and is happy about a fan winning a contest to come to Atlanta and meet him. Solie reads most of the fan’s address, which is quite the weird thing to hear. Buzz Sawyer comes in to scream at Rich, who he doesn’t think much of apparently.

We go back to the third round with II grabbing a front facelock on Zbyszko. Blanchard comes in and gets beaten down just as fast. Zbyszko’s distraction lets Blanchard get in a knee to the back though and the chinlock goes on. Some shots to the ribs have II in more trouble but he manages a suplex on Blanchard. The knee lift hits Zbyszko but the cheap shots cut off the comeback again. Zbyszko goes for the mask again and again it wakes II up. The double teaming is on and Blanchard shoves the referee for the DQ at 3:32 of the round and 21:35 overall (again counting time in between falls).

So we’re down to II vs. Zbyszko with the former in a lot of trouble and Zbyszko going for the mask again. Again that brings him up but Zbyszko sweeps the legs and grabs the rope for the pin at 4:42 of the round (22:35 overall)….and here is Mr. Wrestling I to tell the referee what happened. Somehow THIS IS FINE and the match continues so II rolls Zbyszko up for the final pin at 5:02 of the round and 22:55 overall.

Rating: B. This was a heck of a long match for TV back then and it wound up being kind of awesome, with Wrestling II overcoming the odds and pinning the champion, even if it might not have been fair. Zbyszko is going to get to rant about the stupid official (yep that’s deserved) and odds are it all sets up a big showdown at the Omni. Fun stuff here, and solid wrestling angles all around.

Post match Zbyszko rants about how this isn’t standing so he wants II one more time tomorrow night at the Omni, with I and Tim Brooks there too. And of course II doesn’t get the money!

Wrestling II says this ends at the Omni and he wants the money and the belt, which he won fairly (the money is a stretch but saying he won the belt fairly is nuts even by wrestling good guy standards).

Bill Irwin, another cowboy, says he’s here to be the top dog. Wouldn’t that be the Mad Dog Buzz Sawyer? Might not want to go there with the gimmick infringement.

Bill Irwin vs. ???

Irwin jumps him to start and stomps away without even taking his coat off. More stomping sets up the chinlock, followed by the middle rope elbow to finish for Irwin at 2:09. Total destruction.

Solie announces the winner of the contest, but this time gives his FULL address. Geez privacy means nothing these days. Anyway Irwin comes in to say that he doesn’t want to hear about Tommy Rich being Wrestler Of 1982 because it’s 1983. Irwin wants Rich out here and fires off his whip, but Rich is in the ring.

Tommy Rich vs. Bob Brown

Well hang on as Irwin charges in instead.

Tommy Rich vs. Bill Irwin

Irwin pump kicks him down to start but gets cut off with some right hands as this does seem to be a match. Irwin knocks him down again so Rich elbows him in the head, setting up the abdominal stretch. Cue Buzz Sawyer to jump Rich for the DQ at 2:18, apparently fine with the top dog thing.

Post match Scott Casey runs in for the save.

Casey and Rich go to the podium, with Casey saying he’ll watch Rich’s back and vice versa. Ole Anderson comes in to say they have their own group and they’re chasing the bad guys out of here.

Roll credits.

Overall Rating: B. Dang this show is a blast, as it feels like it’s flying by and taking place in a tiny venue, which makes it all the more impressive. This show saw new people showing up, big matches being set up for the major Omni show, and one heck of a long TV match with some stakes. What more could you want, and remember that this is about six months before Hulk Hogan even came back to the WWF from the AWA. Not bad, as these studio shows can be awesome.

Results
Mr. Wrestling II/Pez Whatley b. Larry Zbyszko/Tully Blanchard – Rollup to Zbyszko
Bill Irwin b. ??? – Middle rope elbow
Tommy Rich b. Bill Irwin via DQ when Buzz Sawyer interfered

 

 

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6




AAA On FOX – August 22, 2026: Feel The Heat? (Includes Full Show)

AAA On FOX
Date: August 22, 2026
Location: Coliseo Centenario, Torreon, Mexico
Commentators: Corey Graves, Rey Mysterio, John Bradshaw Layfield

We’re rapidly approaching TripleMania and the big story continues to be Dominik Mysterio teaming up with El Ojo to deal with El Grande Americano. That could make for some interesting situations between now and the biggest show of the year, but we also have to deal with the new monster coming after the Psycho Circus. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

The opening recap looks at Los Perros del Mal recruiting Penta to fight with them, saying he needs help against Roman Reigns and the Bloodline (as we continue pretending that anyone but Penta is winning the #1 contenders tournament). Penta isn’t sure, but will face Bronco Nima tonight with his future on the line.

Opening sequence.

Galeno vs. Omos

Dorian Roldan is here with Omos. Galeno forearms away to start and Omos is staggered but knocks Galeno into the corner with ease. A beal out of the corner sends Galeno flying and Omos gives him a slam. Back up and Galeno dropkicks the knee to set up a DDT as the fans are behind him. Galeno’s frog splash only gets one and Omos’ chokeslam gets two. They go outside with Galeno using the steps, which Omos takes away and uses on Galeno. The referee calls what we’ll say is a No DQ at 5:28.

Rating: C+. This was the old WWF idea of a battle of the big men, even if one of them was tiny compared to the other. That’s how you should use someone like Omos, as he doesn’t get in the ring very often and gets to smash through anyone. It worked here, with Galeno doing well in his role as well.

Post match Omos goes to crush Galeno but Rey Mysterio gets in his way. A chokeslam is loaded up but Roldan breaks it up, with Mysterio suspending Omos. That earns Mysterio a shot to the chest as Dominik Mysterio is here to try to calm things down.

Flammer and La Hiedra came in to see Rey Mysterio earlier today, with Flammer saying she’s taking TripleMania off because there is no one left to come after her. Mysterio had another idea: a gauntlet match, with the winner getting the TripleMania title shot. Works for Flammer, but Mysterio wants to talk to Hiedra about something else.

Money Machine vs. LWO vs. Psycho Circus vs. Los Americanos

For a Tag Team Title shot. Del Toro and Rayo trade missed dropkicks to start and it’s off to Wilde, who gets taken down with a backbreaker. A slingshot hilo connects on Wilde so Money Machine comes in to take over on Bravo. The Circus comes in to take over on Oro and it’s everyone getting together to go after Murder Clown. Plata hits a dive to take over and the Machine beats on Bravo in the corner.

Naturally Bravo can suplex both of them at once and it’s back to Rayo with a top rope seated senton. It’s right back to to Dave The clown to clean house, including a big suicide dive to the floor. Murder comes back in for a dive of his own to the floor but of course Bravo is able to give him an airplane spin. The LWO takes the Clowns out and a Phoenix splash hits Rayo, with Bravo diving out of nowhere for the save. A Russian legsweep/top rope clothesline combination finishes Wilde to give Los Americanos the title shot at 12:17.

Rating: B. The match was the usual messy affair that you would have expected but Los Americanos going forward is a good way to go. They’re associated with the hottest star in the promotion so tack them on with another title match. It’s not like any of the other teams really stand out all that much.

We get the weekly press conference from Rey Mysterio, where he reiterates that Omos is suspended and says that Galeno will be out of action due to injuries. Therefore, Damian Priest will be in the final match for the Latin American Title. That’s next Sunday at Ola de Calor.

Penta vs. Bronco Nima

If Penta wins, he’s free but if Nima wins, Penta is in Los Perros del Mal. Nima jumps him from behind to start and throws him inside for the bell. Penta’s mask is tied to the rope but Nima takes too long, allowing Penta to fight back. That means the big running flip dive, only for Nima to come back with a shoulderbreaker for two.

The Mexican Destroyer is blocked so Penta has to settle for a tornado DDT. Penta is right back with a basement superkick and another try at the Mexican Destroyer, which is blocked as well. This time though the counter is countered into a small package to give Penta the pin at 4:58.

Rating: C+. This didn’t have time to go anywhere but Penta isn’t about to lose anytime soon when he is all but guaranteed to get a title shot against Roman Reigns in a few weeks. This wraps up the loose end of Los Perros as Penta is on his way to Mexico City and the biggest match of his career. Nima was just a warm body here and that’s fine.

Post match Los Perros come in and lay Nima out, with Penta just leaving them be. Penta gets in and is offered a shirt but turns the team down. That earns Penta a beating of his own. Rey Fenix and Dragon Lee run in for the save and the challenge is issued for Ola de Calor. Rey Mysterio makes it official to end the show.

Overall Rating: B. The more I watch of this show, the more I like it. This was another situation where they started fast and kept going, covering a few things in just over an hour. It remains the easiest show to watch every week and I could go for seeing where it goes in the coming weeks. TripleMania should be a show stealer and that’s exactly what it should be, especially with how well this show has been going as of late.

Results
Omos vs. Galeno went to a double DQ when they both used the steps
Los Americanos b. Money Machine, LWO and Psycho Circus – Russian legsweep/top rope clothesline combination to Wilde
Penta b. Bronco Nima – Small package

 

 

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6




World Championship Wrestling – June 25, 1983: Right In The Middle (Includes Full Show)

World Championship Wrestling
Date: June 25, 1983
Location: WTBS Studios, Atlanta, Georgia
Commentator: Gordon Solie

I liked last week’s show and this one should be fun again. We’re also getting a slightly shorter show this week, as they’re only going for the regular hour rather than the extended version last week. I wonder if this is the whole thing that was broadcast, as last week was treated like two different shows. Anyway, let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening sequence.

Gordon Solie is back and brings in Mr. Wrestling #1 to talk about tonight’s show. Solie runs down the card and we’re already off to a break.

Back with…the same people here and Wrestling announcing that we have a new rule: in the event of a draw, the referee gets to determine the winner.

National TV Title: Iron Sheik vs. Bob Roop

Sheik is defending and has Paul Ellering in his corner. Roop wrestles him down to start and grabs a headlock takeover. Sheik gets up and is headlocked right back down as they’re in the basic starter phase here. They get up again and Sheik chops him in the corner, which has Roop annoyed.

A slam lets Sheik set up the front facelock so Roop fights out with a running knee. The elbow drop gives Roop a quick two and he gets Sheik up for a suplex. That earns him more chops against the ropes and they go with the grappling…until the time limit expires at 6:56. So the referee gets to pick the winner and he picks, uh, neither, as it’s a draw.

Rating: C. Well, it’s kind of a weird way to start the draw rules but it’s actually pretty accurate here. Neither of them really stood out over the other and it’s fine to have the two of them stay this way. If nothing else, it would have been a stretch to have the title change hands on a referee decision. Logical, but odd overall.

Larry Zbyszko complains about Mr. Wrestling II cheating against him and we see clips from their National Title match at the Omni, with Wrestling using KICKS! Zbyszko pulled the referee in the way of a running knee before getting knocked down. Wrestling’s friend Rick Rude came in to count the pin and gave Wrestling the belt, which he took with him.

Back in the studio, Zbyszko demands the title back and says that he deserves the respect after beating Bruno Sammartino. He even says there are rumors Sammartino is going to come to Altoona, Pennsylvania (Huh?) but for now, we need an unbiased referee. That would be his friend Killer Tim Brooks, who insists he’d be impartial. This was a fine heel rant after Wrestling looked like a moron and it’s nice to get the story that simply.

We meet the new host of the upcoming Georgia Superstars show. He looks like my cousin so this is rather odd.

Larry Zbyszko vs. Pez Whatley

Non-title, Killer Tim Brooks is referee and Mr. Wrestling II is sitting at ringside. Believe it or not, Zbyszko stalls to start and talks a lot of trash before they trade arm cranking. An exchange of takedowns leaves us with a standoff before Whatley gets two off a sunset flip. Back up and Zbyszko slams him down and gets headbutted for his efforts. Whatley grabs a backslide for two and tries a small package but time expires at 6:55. And Brooks gives it to Zbyszko of course.

Rating: C. Weird time limits aside, that at least makes some more sense, as now you can have someone just cheating as a referee, which seems to tie into the top title program at the moment. Zbyszko and Brooks work well enough together, though you could see something from Whatley. He’s young and energetic and I could go for seeing a bit more of him in the coming weeks.

Mr. Wrestling II is livid and is ready to face Zbyszko for the belt anywhere anytime.

Zbyzsko is ready to be back at the Omni on July 3 and will bring his own special referee.

Tommy Rich has won an award for contributions to wrestling in 1982 and gets a watch.

Mr. Wrestling II vs. Killer Tim Brooks

Wrestling II has the National belt with him but isn’t champion. Hold on though as Mr. Wrestling I comes in to be referee and here are Larry Zbyszko and Rick Rood to join us at ringside. II takes Brooks down and ties up the leg, with Brooks being in trouble. Rood trips Brooks down and gets yelled at, with Brooks grabbing a snapmare into a chinlock. Brooks stomps away but II is back with a backdrop and the running knee (finisher) to send Brooks into the ropes. Zbyszko gives Brooks a foreign object but I takes it away, meaning it’s another running knee lift to pin Brooks at 5:24.

Rating: C+. I really am kind of digging Brooks here and it’s cool to see him getting presented a lot on these shows. Putting him in there against a star like II and it’s worth a look. This ties into the title program too and I being in there as a fair referee makes things all the more interesting.

The good guys come up to the announcers’ desk and II tells Zbyszko to bring all of his “gimmicks” to the Omni because they can both have a guest referee.

Paul Ellering thinks the Road Warriors are tough.

Ronnie Garvin knows he can beat the Iron Sheik and we see him beating the Iron Sheik, but it was one minute after the time limit so there was no title change. The title is a trophy, so Garvin breaks it instead. What a nice guy. Garvin has one more title shot at the Sheik and he promises to win.

Buzz Sawyer vs. Ronnie Garvin

Sawyer jumps him to start fast and grabs a side suplex but Garvin is right back with right hands and ad ropkick as they’re certainly starting fast. Garvin knocks him to the floor and Sawyer takes the countout at 1:11. Ok then.

Paul Ellering and the Iron Sheik are ready for Garvin, one more time.

Ole Anderson is happy that his cousin (got it, cousin this time) Arn Anderson has changed his mind about Paul Ellering, with the face turn likely taking place at the Omni.

Road Warriors/Paul Ellering vs. Arn Anderson/Brett Wayne/Chief Joe Lightfoot

Ellering is in street clothes because he trusts the Warriors to beat the three of them up on their own. Hawk (well, not officially as the Warriors don’t actually have individual names yet) gets caught in the wrong corner so the good guys can work over his arm. That doesn’t last long as he drags Anderson into the bad corner for some alternate beatings but time expires and the show ends at about 2:00 shown. That’s just something you dealt with back then.

Overall Rating: B. Yeah this worked really well and I want to see more from this promotion. That’s all the more impressive when I was dropped into the middle of this show and it’s still working out this well. The wrestling wasn’t exactly great, but it’s 1983 studio wrestling so you’re only getting so much. I get most of the stories and care about what’s happening with these people without much time. I’m getting why this promotion has its reputation and that is rather cool to see.

Results
Iron Sheik vs. Bob Roop went to a time limit draw
Larry Zbyszko b. Pez Whatley via referee’s decision
Mr. Wrestling II b. Killer Tim Brooks – Running knee lift
Ronnie Garvin b. Buzz Sawyer via countout
Road Warriors/Paul Ellering vs. Arn Anderson/Brett Wayne/Chief Joe Lightfoot went to a time limit draw

 

 

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6




AAA On FOX – August 15, 2026: One Of Their Best (Includes Full Show)

AAA On FOX
Date: August 15, 2026
Location: Coliseo Centenario, Torreon, Mexico
Commentators: Rey Mysterio, Corey Graves, John Bradshaw Layfield

We’re rapidly approaching TripleMania and a bunch of the roads lead to El Grande Americano vs. Dominik Mysterio. That’s not all we’ll be seeing on the show though and more of the card will need to be built up. Last week saw Psycho Clown attacked by some weird guy, which almost has to tie into the attacks on the Psycho Circus. We might get some more of that here so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

The opening recap looks at last week’s interview with Dominik Mysterio, who talked about how he didn’t join Los Perros del Mal but turned on El Grande Americano for suggesting that he did. Now he’s with El Ojo, and Americano is going to need some help to beat Mysterio at TripleMania.

Wrestlers are arriving and it’s El Grande Americano getting in a fight with Dominik Mysterio, which spills into the ring. Rey Mysterio tries to break it up and Dominik gets in a low blow. The Mysterios argue and Dominik bails. Americano says his issue with Dominik is about people comparing him to various lucha libre legends. That will never happen, because those legends gave to wrestling but Dominik always takes. At TripleMania, the title returns home for all of the Mexican legends when the belt comes to Americano. As usual, Americano is awesome at these promos and I want to see him win.

Cruiserweight Title: Rey Fenix vs. Noisy Boy

Fenix is defending and we get a hand slap to start. They run the ropes rather quickly to start with Boy being sent outside. The places are switched and Fenix is dropkicked to the floor, setting up the big dive. Back in and Fenix’s kicks don’t do much good as Boy snaps off a running headscissors.

Fenix is right back up with the rope walk kick to the head and a high crossbody. Boy grabs a cool springboard spinning cutter for two of his own but Fenix is back with a nasty Fenix Driver for the same. The Mexican MuscleBuster is broken up so it’s a springboard poisonrana to give Boy two more. A handspring moonsault gets the same but Boy misses a moonsault. That’s enough for the Mexican MuscleBuster to retain at 5:51.

Rating: B. As usual, this was about taking two talented high fliers and putting them in the ring to go nuts for a few minutes. I could have gone for a few more minutes, as Boy was getting rather impressive with some of the things he was doing. It felt more like a way really give him a chance and that worked out well. Rather good stuff here.

Here is Penta (who greets his brother Fenix on the way to the ring) for a chat. He’s here to talk about one person and that is Roman Reigns. The reality is that Reigns has never faced him and Penta has fought for everything. He’s never needed a family or a faction to accomplish his goals so he’s going to win the tournament and then show Reigns what Penta really is.

Cue Los Perros del Mal and Rey Mysterio knows this isn’t good. Commentary points out that Penta is a former member of Los Perros del Mal…and Penta hugs them. Daga welcomes Penta back and explains how things happened back in 2012. But then they lost Perro Aguayo Jr. and now Daga wants to know what Penta meant about not needing a family.

More than ever, Penta needs a family because Reigns isn’t just a man. If they go together, it could all work, because this is about Mexico vs. them. Reigns respects power and there is power in numbers. Penta is offered the shirt and says he’ll think about it, with Daga saying he has until the end of the night. They hurried through this but it still worked.

Raw World Title #1 Contenders Tournament First Round: La Parka vs. Psycho Clown

They trade armdrags to start and it’s time for Parka to dance. The taped up Clown kicks Parka in the corner and shrugs off a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Clown is quickly suplexed into the corner but comes right back with a sunset flip for two. Parka misses a charge and crashes out to the floor, naturally setting up the suicide dive. Back in and the super Spanish Fly so Clown is right back with a Canadian Destroyer to take over again.

Parka dropkicks him into the corner and the turnbuckle pad is taken off, only for Parka to grab a rolling cutter. The referee actually does his job by trying to put it into the corner, where he is quickly crushed. That means the Psycho Driver gets no count so Clown takes off the first layer of his mask…and the lights go out. It’s the big guy from last week who wrecks Clown again and sends him into the barricade and post, with Parka not seeing what happened. The Bone Breaker finishes Clown at 9:08.

Rating: C+. They kind of had to have the attacker come in again here, as there was pretty much no reason to have him show up last week and then not again this week. Parka is a popular star and probably better known to the Raw audience so he makes for a better option in the tournament. The main point here was the big attack again though and the story could get more interesting when we find out some details.

Post match Parka checks on Clown and waves medics down to help.

Penta is considering the shirt when Los Perros del Mal come in. Penta says he respects everything that the shirt and the team mean to him but he’s not sure. If he does this, he wants to make sure there is no dead weight, which doesn’t please Bronco Nima. They agree to face off next week, with Penta’s future in the team on the line. Penta hits the catchphrase, with the fans approving to end the show.

Overall Rating: B+. This show was focused and to the point, with a title match, a tournament match and a bunch of attention on the bigger stories. It was such an easy show to watch and I want to see more from pretty much everything they did this week. This was a rather good show and one of the better they’ve done in a bit. Heck of a job here.

Results
Rey Fenix b. Noisy Boy – Mexican MuscleBuster
La Parka b. Psycho Clown – Bone Breaker

 

 

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6




World Championship Wrestling – June 18, 1983: Georgia On My Mind (Includes Full Show)

World Championship Wrestling
Date: June 18, 1983
Location: WTBS Studios, Atlanta, Georgia
Commentators: Freddie Miller, Bob Roop

Well here’s your random one of the week as we have a random episode of the original WCW show. This would be from Georgia Championship Wrestling and it was one of the hottest wrestling shows around at the time. I have no idea what to expect here but Tommy Rich will likely be featured. Let’s get to it.

Opening sequence.

Gordon Solie isn’t here this week so Freddie Miller is our host/commentator.

Tommy Rich (with some very blonde hair) says Buzz Sawyer is always looking over his shoulder. He doesn’t care who Sawyer sends after him though because he isn’t leaving. We see a clip of Rich chasing Sawyer for a brawl backstage and Rich blames Larry Zbyszko for causing the whole thing. The brawl goes back into the arena with Rich getting the better of things to wrap it up.

Miller throws us to house show ads which of course we don’t see.

Mr. Wrestling II vs. Joel Young/Bob Brown

I think I have the names right at least and Wrestling has to beat them both. Wrestling knocks Young around to start and the knee lift sends him into the ropes for a count from the referee. Back in and a front facelock sets up a chinlock as this is one sided thus far. A young Rick Rood (Rude of course) is wandering around the ring as Wrestling hits his running knee lift for the pin at 4:36. Brown comes in to go after Wrestling but gets backdropped. Another knee lift gives Wrestling the pin at 5:34.

Rating: C. This was kind of a weird one as Wrestling beat the fire out of both of them and then it just kept going. That’s the kind of a match that could go on for just a few minutes and end about the same way. That being said, Wrestling was a huge star in this area so putting him out there for a long match makes sense.

Post match Larry Zbyszko (National Champion) tries to come in but get sknocked away rather quickly.

Buzz Sawyer insists that Larry Zbyszko isn’t scared of anyone. He also doesn’t like Tommy Rich trying to steal his spotlight. They’ve been fighting all around the world and they’ll do it again in Albany, Georgia on July 7 and Sawyer can’t wait. There is nothing left of Rich when Sawyer gets done with him.

Iron Sheik and Paul Ellering come in, with Ellering comparing Ronnie Garvin to a wet pig. He sees Garvin’s face everywhere from in the bathroom to when he’s eating his cuisine. The Iron Sheik will be ready for Ole Anderson too.

Killer Tim Brooks vs. Zane Smith/Rick Rood

Brooks snapmares Smith down to start and grabs a chinlock, followed by a quick front facelock. Some elbows have Smith in more trouble as it is WEIRD to see Rude as a clapping good guy on the apron. Brooks rips at Smith’s jaws and drops him throat first onto the top rope. A suplex and legdrop finish Smith at 4:01 so Rood comes in, though Brooks has to stomp on Smith a few more times first.

Rood’s headlock doesn’t last long as Brooks grabs him again. Another headlock doesn’t work so Rood shoulders him down, with Larry Zbyszko grabbing Rood’s foot from the floor. Cue Mr. Wrestling II to stare at Zbyszko as the time expires at….6:32? If there was a break in there, they did an all time job of editing it out.

Rating: C. I’m not sure what was going on with the time there but Rood and Brooks felt like they were starting to go somewhere. If nothing else, Rood with short hair and regular trunks was quite the visual, but he definitely had a look. Brooks was a good midcard heel, especially in World Class, so it was nice to see him doing something else in a different place.

Tommy Rich is ready for Buzz Sawyer on July 7 in Albany, Georgia. Rich thought this was over with him but now it’s a No DQ match.

Rick Rood is ready for Killer Tim Brooks in Albany. The fact that he talks to “Mr. Miller” about “Mr. Brooks” and how much he’s looking forward to meeting all of the fans as one of the politest men you could imagine is BIZARRE.

Ronnie Garvin vs. Ron Rossi

Garvin is known as the One Man Gang and grabs a headlock to grind away early on. Rossi reverses into a wristlock and gets taken down for a splash as Garvin doesn’t seem overly worried here. A neck crank has Rossi in more trouble and Garvin works on the arm. Back up and Rossi grabs a headlock, with commentary not believing that it’s really hurting. Garvin gets up to chop away as the aggression begins. A suplex and elbow drop have Rossi in more trouble as Garvin seems to be enjoying the beating. Garvin stomps on the ribs and drops some knees for the pin at 5:00.

Rating: C. Garvin has grown on me a bit over the years as he’s good in the role of a tough guy who is going to give you a hard fight. That’s more than you can get from some people and it’s nice to see him getting to just beat the fire out of someone. The match was an extended squash but Garvin felt like a star.

Remember how Tommy Rich is ready to face Buzz Sawyer in a No DQ match on July 7 in Albany, Georgia? Still the case.

Killer Tim Brooks didn’t get enough time to face Rick Rood this week and doesn’t see why Rood’s arm wrestling career matters. They’ll be using their legs here and Brooks might even headbutt him! Roode better do some curls and get those arms ready.

Paul Ellering, with Arn Anderson, thinks Ole Anderson is useless.

TV Title: Iron Sheik vs. Randy Barber

Sheik is defending and gets in a clothesline to start, followed by some early choking. A backdrop puts Barber down again and the gutwrench suplex gets one, with Sheik pulling him up. Sheik’s belly to back suplex retains the title at 2:09. Sheik looked like a killer out here and he would be WWF World Champion by the end of the year.

Paul Ellering, with Arn Anderson, is at the announcers’ desk to yell at Ole Anderson. Ellering insists that Arn is going to change his name to Arn Ellering, which has Ole concerned. For now though, Ellering thinks Ole should be concerned with the Road Warriors, so let’s go to a taped match.

Road Warriors vs. Randy Barber/Joel Young

The Warriors, who look like male strippers with a biker theme, aren’t defending their National Tag Team Titles. Hawk drives Barber into the corner to start and it’s off to Animal for the big forearm to the chest. Animal sends Barber flying and drops Young, setting up Hawk’s slingshot splash for the pin at 2:02. To say the Warriors were green here would be an understatement, but you don’t find a team who looked like that with that kind of power very often. Tweak them enough and let them become the monsters they were destined to be.

Back in the arena, Ole comes up to Ellering and asks if his challenge is still good. They get in the ring and the brawl is on but here are the Roar Warriors to jump Ole from behind. The big beatdown is on with Stan Hansen and Tommy Rich running in for the save. All that and Hawk didn’t even lose his hat. Now that’s a star.

Buzz Sawyer has a surprise for Tommy Rich in Albany, Georgia.

Paul Ellering says his men are taking over.

Ronnie Garvin is ready to take Ellering out in Albany, Georgia. Garvin: “I found the Easter Bunny and I’m going to make an Easter Bunny out of you in Albany, Georgia.” That’s a rather unique threat.

Mike Jackson vs. Bill Irwin

Irwin is a newcomer and hammers away against the ropes to start. Jackson’s dropkick lets him grab a headlock but Irwin knocks him into the corner without much trouble. This lets Miller wish the director a happy birthday and run down some upcoming shows. Irwin’s knee drop gets two but Jackson sends him into the corner and manages to hammer away. Back up and a shoulder breaker gives Irwin two but Jackson gets in a nice flying headscissors. A big boot drops Jackson and the show ends (as it often did, as this was a weird setup where it was technically two shows put together) at 5:14 shown with no winner.

Rating: C. This was one of those weird things that you would see with older TV shows and it was something you would just get used to over time. Jackson was getting beaten up for the most part and that boot at the end looked good, but it wasn’t necessarily the end. That’s a bit of a surprise but Irwin definitely felt like a bigger star here.

Roll credits.

Opening sequence.

Freddie Miller welcomes us to the show (which will be a bit shorter due to a Braves game) and brings in Buzz Sawyer, who lists off all of the people who have tried and failed to get rid of him. Now it’s Dick Murdoch coming after him but Sawyer is going to take Murdoch out too.

Pat Rose vs. Brett Wayne

They shake hands to start as Bob Roop joins commentary to talk about the Road Warriors taking Ole Anderson out in the first hour. Wayne armdrags him down a few times to start and then grabs a headlock takeover to grind away. A pretty terrible Figure Four makes Rose give up at 3:50.

Rating: D+. Not much to this one, as it was more just the two of them having a basic match. Neither of them really stood out and Rose’s Figure Four was rather awful to bring it further down. This was a miss for the show and while Rose has done well enough elsewhere, they didn’t get much out of this one.

Larry Zbyszko vs. Rick Rood

Zbyszko’s National Title isn’t on the line and Killer Tim Brooks (Zbyszko’s paid enforcer) and Mr. Wrestling II are here too. They walk around a bit to start and Rood pops up off of a slam before grabbing one of his own. Rood takes him down in an armbar and they take turns powering each other into the corner. Both of them shove the referee and that’s a double DQ at 3:45.

Rating: C+. This was a case where you could see the potential, with Rood definitely showing a bit of fire. He was a totally green star at this point and it would take someone giving him a chance (it was coming) for him to break out. This was little more than a tease for something bigger, but putting Rood out there with the champion is a pretty nice endorsement.

Post match Mr. Wrestling II says he’ll do anything to get a rematch with Zbyszko for the title. Zbyszko stole the National Title from him and Wrestling II wants it back no matter what.

Dick Murdoch vs. Joel Young

Strap match and basically a preview for Murdoch vs. Buzz Sawyer. Bob Roop is on commentary and doesn’t know why Young is in there. Young tries to run but gets pulled back in with quite the yank. Murdoch beats on him with the strap some more and there’s the suplex. The four buckles give Murdoch the win at 2:50. Total decimation.

Miller previews a card tomorrow night at the Omni, with Mr. Wrestling II getting a National Title shot if he can beat Killer Tim Brooks first. Otherwise, it’s just a non-title match with Larry Zbyszko. Cue Zbyszko who says he’s going to beat Wrestling II up for fun.

Buzz Sawyer yells about beating up Dick Murdoch in their strap match at the same Omni show.

Paul Ellering has found Ole Anderson’s watch and destroys it.

We look back at the Ole Anderson beatdown. Seriously how did Hawk not lose his hat?

Tommy Rich and Stan Hansen swear vengeance on the Road Warriors.

Dick Murdoch, with the strap, is ready for Buzz Sawyer because they’re both rather ugly and they’ll beat on each other. It turns out to be a Loser Leaves Town match and Murdoch isn’t planning on going anywhere (but he did).

Miller acknowledges that this show is shorter than usual as he wraps it up.

Overall Rating: C+. This was fascinating in a way, as it’s so far before modern wrestling took over (Hulk Hogan wouldn’t be WWF Champion for about seven months) and you could definitely see what could be seen as rough edges. The focus was definitely still on the house shows nd that makes perfect sense, but the important thing here is that I could get an idea of the main stories taking place. This was just a random, one off show and I got the idea of what was going on around here in short order. Nice job here, though it’s really just more about previewing the house shows than anything here (as was the case back in the day).

 

 

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6




AAA On FOX – August 8, 2026 (Verano de Escandalo Week Three): That’s A Wrap? (Includes Full Show)

AAA On FOX
Date: August 8, 2026
Location: Arena San Marcos, Aguascalientes, Mexico
Commentators: John Bradshaw Layfield, Rey Mysterio, Corey Graves

It’s the last night of Verano de Escandalo and that means it’s time to get ready for the build towards TripleMania. That could mean quite a few things, but we do have another title match with the Reina de Reinas Title being defended in a triple threat match. Dominik Mysterio is here too so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Latin American Title Qualifying Match: Cruz del Toro vs. El Fiscal vs. Psycho Clown

Del Toro and Fiscal tease an alliance but instead Clown helps Fiscal get rid of del Toro. Back in and a pop up powerbomb gives Fiscal two on del Toro but Clown sends Fiscal outside. The dive is broken up so del Toro hits a big dive of his own onto the two of them. They all get back inside with Clown hitting a heck of a clothesline to del Toro, who is right back up with a super hurricanrana to Fiscal.

Clown sunset flips Fiscal into the rope for no count so del Toro covers them both for two each. Back up and Clown Psycho Drivers del Toro onto the apron, followed by a Cactus Clothesline to Fiscal. Cue a masked monster in the crowd to take out Psycho Clown, punch some fans, and rip off part of his mask. That leaves Fiscal to toss del Toro off the top and hit a frog splash for the pin at 7:59.

Rating: B-. This was more about the monster (and likely Psycho Circus attacker) being revealed and taking out Psycho Clown. That’s something we’ve been waiting to see for a long time now and hopefully the future of the story winds up working. Fiscal winning is a good thing too as I’ve liked what I’ve seen from him in recent months.

Rey Mysterio announces a tournament for the right to face Roman Reigns for the Raw World Title on September 14 in Mexico on Monday Night Raw. Yeah that’s big.

AAA was at the Summerslam version of Axxess.

Noisy Boy vs. Jack Cartwheel

They start with an exchange of headscissor escapes and both miss stomps on the apron. Boy is back up with a springboard cutter to take over and kicks Cartwheel in the head. Cartwheel is right back up to strike it out before going up top. A super headscissors brings Cartwheel down, leaving Graves to say that they’re just making stuff up now. Cartwheel sends him outside for the big running flip dive, followed by a Red Arrow for the pin at 4:32.

Rating: B. Oh good grief this was exactly what it should have been, with the two of them flying around and getting to show everything they could do. It made for a heck of a showcase, with Cartwheel getting to look great in the process. Odd name aside, Boy did well here too and it made him look like a bigger star at the same time. Rather impressive stuff here.

Post match here is Karmen Petrovic to signal Los Perros del Mal for the beatdown on Cartwheel. Daga says he warned us of this and here is Damian 666 (an original member of the team) as the newest member. That’s a big addition and he seems happy to be here.

We get a sitdown interview with Dominik Mysterio, talking about how he wasn’t happy with El Grande Americano not trusting him. Everything changed with Americano won Rey de Reyes and Mysterio left AAA for a bit. Americano went on to become the Mexican national hero but Mysterio will beat him at TripleMania.

As for Dorian Roldan, Mysterio joined up with him after Rey Mysterio became GM, because they both know what it’s like to have fathers in powerful positions. Omos will be here with Mysterio next week, and here is Liv Morgan to leave with Mysterio (along with give a hard glare at interviewer Andrea). That wraps up a bit of a loose end, as well as helps get us focused on Mysterio vs. Americano, as it should be.

Reina de Reinas: La Catalina vs. Lady Shani vs. Flammer

Flammer is defending and both of the other two have pinned her in recent months. Rey Mysterio has to leave commentary to “do some GM stuff”, which has JBL rather annoyed. Flammer gets knocked outside to start fast and Shani takes her down again with a dive. Catalina dives onto both of them before hitting Flammer with a running dropkick back inside. Shani is back up to take the other two down but Flammer gets in a running dropkick to both challengers.

That’s broken up as Catalina is up with a double missile dropkick before Gory Bombing Flammer onto Shani for two more. Shani’s spinning sunset flip gets two on Flammer with Catalina making the save. Catalina splashes Shani for two and then spears Flammer on the floor, followed by a running knee to Shani back inside. That’s fine with Flammer, who sends Catalina outside and steals the retaining pin at 9:10.

Rating: C+. This was fine and felt like a house show triple threat, right down to the most basic three way finish imaginable. The women’s division continues to feel like something that doesn’t really matter all that much in AAA and this didn’t do much to change the feeling. The match was completely fine, but nothing that felt like a big deal in any way.

Overall Rating: B-. This is one of those things you have to get used to, as AAA doesn’t exactly go all out for its final nights of a big event. Instead, these things tend to be front loaded and that’s a rather different way to go. The Cartwheel vs. Boy match was a blast and Clown being attacked definitely felt big, but the show itself, as usual, could have been any regular week. That’s just kind of how it works around here though so it’s hard to get that mad.

Results
El Fiscal b. Psycho Clown and Cruz del Toro – Frog splash to del Toro
Jack Cartwheel b. Noisy Boy – Red Arrow
Flammer b. La Catalina and Lady Shani – Running knee to Shani

 

 

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6




AEW vs. CMLL Semana Internacional: A Fun Night Of Wrestling

AEW vs. CMLL Semana Internacional
Date: August 4, 2026
Location: Arena Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico City
Commentators: Veda Scott, Jorge Livan

So this actually might not be what you’re expecting, as there are representatives from several promotions participating on the card. The main event will see Mascara Dorada facing Kyle Fletcher, albeit in a non-title match. Other than that, Kevin Knight is defending the TNT Title against Titan so let’s get to it.

Note that I do not regularly follow CMLL so I apologize in advance any plot or character points I get wrong.

The hosts welcome us to the show in Spanish but we do have some unidentified voices in English giving another version. That’s always appreciated.

We go to the ring where some other hosts welcome us to the show, with a trophy and some titles next to them. They also plug some upcoming CMLL shows.

Leon Cage (RevPro) vs. Max Star (CMLL)

Lightning Match, meaning one fall with a ten minute time limit (as opposed to regular matches which are 2/3 falls with no time limit). They go to the mat to start and Cage slips out of a hurricanrana. He sends Star outside for the suicide dive but Star is back in with a springboard armdrag right back to the floor. That means a springboard moonsault to take Cage down again but he kicks Star out of the air back inside.

A running kick to the face gives Cage two so Star kicks him out to the floor, setting up the big step up flip dive. Back in and they trade rollups for two each until Cage hits a double underhook spinning faceplant for two more. A super anklescissors gives Star two more so he goes up, where Cage catches him with a super Spanish Fly. The big moonsault to the floor hits Star again and a Phoenix Splash gives Cage the pin at 8:43.

Rating: B-. This was a perfectly acceptable opener with two young guys getting to showcase themselves. They played up the idea of the clock starting to run out and it wound up being a good trading of offense. These guys have to get going somewhere and they used the chance they had to make that happen right here.

Candela/Kira (CMLL) vs. Maya World/Hyan (AEW)

Commentary implies that Candela and Kira are rivals and Kira is one half of the National Women’s Tag Team Champions (not with Candela). Hyan and Candela trade shoves to start and Candela flips over her for an early standoff. Hyan blocks a sunset flip but gets taken down with a springboard crossbody. World comes in to send Kira into the corner for a Cannonball and World’s double 619 gets two.

Everything breaks down and Kira dropkicks Hyan to the floor, setting up the big dive. Back in and a Code Red gets two on World but Kira and Candela miss stereo moonsaults. A double dropkick give Hyan and World two each and they all strike it out. World kicks Candela to the floor and adds a flip dive off the apron but Hyan misses a charge into the corner. Kira’s moonsault gets the pin at 9:06.

Rating: B-. This was another fast paced match, though World and Hyan didn’t feel like they were on the same level. Kira and Candela don’t appear to be regular partners so it’s a bit of a surprise that they won so handily here. At least World didn’t take the fall though, as you don’t want to see an underdog champion getting pinned if you can avoid it.

Los Hermanos Calavera (CMLL) vs. The Swirl (ROH)

Non-title, though Los Hermanos (Calavera Jr. I/Calavera Jr. II) are the Arena Coliseo Tag Team Champions and I is the National Lightweight Champion. The Swirl jumps them to start fast with I being sent into the barricade, leaving the Swirl to double team II in the corner. Christian goes for the mask and gets kicked in the head for the save as I is back in to start the double teaming. Stereo backflips set up stereo basement dropkicks for two, followed by a Swanton to a draping Christian for the same.

Christian is right back up for a reverse DDT/450 combination to put I on the floor. Back in and a double dropkick sends Swirl to the floor, naturally setting up a pair of quick dives. They all knock each other down back inside, followed by stereo nip ups. The Brothers drop both of them but the Swirl gets their feet on the ropes at the same time. Christian Lethal Injects I on the ramp and a handspring Chasing The Dragon gets two on II. Back in and I grabs a quick bridging rollup to pin Johnson at 8:34.

Rating: B. Yeah I can see the appeal of the Calavera Brothers as they have some great chemistry and were flying all over the place. It helps that the Swirl, while not so popular, are more than capable of hanging in there with just about anyone. Nice match here, as the fast paced start continues.

Austin Aries (MLW) vs. Esfinge (CMLL)

Non-title, as Aries MLW National Openweight Title and Esfinge’s National Light Heavyweight Title aren’t on the line. Aries works on the arm to start but gets caught in a headscissors. That’s escaped rather quickly and Aries nails a dropkick before hammering away in the corner. Esfinge is back with a takedown, only to be sent to the floor for a slingshot dive from Aries.

Back in and a slingshot spinning elbow hits Esfinge and Aries starts working on the mask. Esfinge kicks him in the head and a missile dropkick sends Aries to the floor. A suicide dive connects and Esfinge kicks him down for two back inside. Aries is right back with a Death Valley Driver on the apron for two and they trade some forearms. Esfinge kicks him down but misses a springboard splash. The running dropkick in the corner sets up Aries’ brainbuster for the pin at 8:57.

Rating: B-. Like him or not, Aries is still rather smooth in the ring and knows exactly how to wrestle his match. It’s a style that works against just about everyone and it worked here. It’s a shame that his attitude has left him away from major promotions for so long because he’s rather good at what he does. At the same time, Esfinge is another star who shows off some outstanding talent in the ring and he got to do it again here. Nice match.

NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Titles: Los Hermanos Chavez (CMLL) vs. House Of Torture (NJPW)

Los Hermanos (Angel de Oro/Niebla Roja) are defending against Douki/Yujiro Takahashi. Roja and Takahashi start things off with Roja taking him to the mat and working on the leg. Back up and they both appeal to the fans until Roja wins an exchange of shoulders. A headscissors sends Douki outside and everyone else joins him, with Roja getting crotched against the post.

Back in and Oro gets chopped a lot, with Douki ripping at his face. A missed charge gives Oro a breather though and Los Hermanos hit stereo dives to the floor. Some superkicks have Douki on the floor but Takahashi is back in with a brainbuster for two. Douki ties up Oro’s arm for a boot to the head from Takahashi and stereo suplexes give the House two each. Back up and Douki hits a dive to the floor but Oro grabs Takahashi for a running Liger Bomb for the retaining pin at 9:11.

Rating: C+. This was a bit below Los Hermanos Calavera but it was still completely decent wrestling. It helps that the House wasn’t allowed to do all of their weapons/cheating stuff as that tends to drag everything else down. Los Hermanos Chavez are rather good in their own right and it’s no surprise to see them being as successful as they are.

Neon/Ultimo Guerrero/Xelhua/Zandokan Jr. (CMLL) vs. Don Callis Family (AEW)

The Family (Brian Cage/Volador Jr./Hechicero/El Clon) jumps the other four to start fast and it’s Guerrero getting caught on the mat for a double basement superkick. Cage beats up Xelhua and Neon on the floor before Neon gets caught in the wrong corner for the running clotheslines. A double backdrop sends Neon into Cage’s sitout powerbomb for two before it’s Xelhua’s turn to get beaten up in the corner.

Guerrero gets stomped down but fights up and gets the crowd going, allowing Xelhua to come in with a double high crossbody. Neon snaps off a pop up hurricanrana to Hechicero to send him outside, leaving Guerrero and Volador Jr. to have a cheer off. Xelhua clotheslines Cage and eventually knocks him out to the floor as everything breaks down. Neon is up with a double springboard moonsault to the floor, leaving Guerrero to get a kind of Brock Lock/Black Widow combination to make Volador tap at 11:25.

Rating: B. I’m only kind of familiar with the CMLL guys here but they made this work out well. It helps that the Callis team was only so strong in the first place, but it wouldn’t make sense to have the CMLL guys lose here. The match was the usual action packed match you would have expected and Guerrero being around still feels important as he’s that big of a star.

Komander (AEW) vs. Soberano Jr. (CMLL)

Komander wastes no time in sending him outside to start for the early dive. Another dive is loaded up but Soberano blocks a diving headscissors and superkicks him off the apron. Back in and Soberano gets two off a quick rollup but Komander runs the corner and armdrags him into a seat belt for two of his own. A powerslam cuts Komander off again, though he’s fine enough to avoid a moonsault.

Komander’s rope walk moonsault gets two so they head to the apron, where Soberano gives him an over the back piledriver. Naturally Komander pops back up to catch Komander’s dive, with Soberano getting two back inside. A quick Spanish Fly gives Soberano two more and another belly to back piledriver connects. Soberano’s sitout Tombstone finishes at 9:19.

Rating: B. Hey look: Komander does a bunch of high flying and big flip dives but loses in the end. That’s the story of his life most of the time and it’s a shame to see him putting in these efforts and barely ever getting to win anything. That being said, it isn’t like he’s losing any status with the defeats so it seems to still be working out well enough.

Bandido (ROH) vs. Barbaro Cavernario (CMLL)

Bandido’s ROH World Title isn’t on the line (uh oh). They go technical to start with Cavernario biting a finger to take over. Back up and they roll into Bandido’s finger gun pose but Cavernario dropkicks him out of a springboard. The suicide dive connects but Bandido is right back up with one of his own.

Back in and the Eddie frog splash misses so Cavernario sends him outside again to hammer away against the barricade. They get back inside and Aubrey Edwards isn’t having any of Cavernario working him over in the corner. Bandido fights up and hits the corkscrew high crossbody before moonsaulting down onto him on the floor. Now the frog splash can connect for two and they trade charges in the corner.

Cavernario sends him outside for a big crash and a top rope splash to the floor crushes Bandido. Back in and Cavernario’s splash is broken up, just like Bandido’s 21 Plex. The X Knee looks to set up another 21 Plex, which is countered into a suplex. Bandido rolls him up for two but Cavernario gets his own rollup (possibly with a low blow) for the pin at 15:28.

Rating: B+. What a shock: Bandido has one of the best matches of the night but doesn’t get to win on a big stage. I’m hoping Cavernario wants a World Title shot out of this, but I’d settle for him just getting such a shot. The opposite has been done to Bandido far too often and it’s beyond old at this point.

AEW TNT Title: Kevin Knight (AEW) vs. Titan (CMLL)

Knight is defending and suckers Titan into an early dropkick. Titan is sent outside for a springboard clothesline and some posing, followed by a near fall. Knight takes too long though and Titan kicks his way out of the corner, setting up the dive out to the floor. A suicide dive sends Knight halfway into the crowd, with Titan grabbing a leglock back inside.

Knight gets to the ropes before a big so he can run said ropes, only to get kicked in the face. Titan’s top rope double stomp gets two and he grabs a Muta Lock but Knight grabs the rope again. Knight crotches him on the top and gets a running star, setting up the diving cutter for two. The UFO Splash retains the title at 12:18.

Rating: B-. It’s another good match, though Titan didn’t get to show much out there. I’ve seen him steal some shows before and it would be nice to see him do that again. At the same time, this made Knight feel like a star and that’s one of the most important things they could do here. This worked for a semi main event so nice job.

Kyle Fletcher (AEW) vs. Mascara Dorada (CMLL)

Non-title and Don Callis is here to introduce Fletcher with his bad Spanish bit. They take their time to start until Fletcher sends him outside for a kick from the apron. Back in and Fletcher stomps him down and poses a bit, allowing Dorada to get back up. A rather springboardy headscissors takes Fletcher down, setting up a corkscrew springboard moonsault to the floor. Fletcher gets up again and tries a sitout powerbomb, which is countered into a sunset flip for a fast two.

A spinning hurricanrana is countered into the aforementioned sitout powerbomb for two but Dorada breaks up the brainbuster attempt. Dorada grabs a springboard spinning Canadian Destroyer for two, allowing me to try to figure out what the spin added in the slightest. The 450 gives Dorada a VERY near fall but he has to bail out of a shooting star press. That lets Fletcher hit a running knee to the back but Dorada small packages him for another close two. Fletcher is done with this and kicks him in the corner, setting up the brainbuster for the pin at 11:52.

Rating: B. I’m fine with Fletcher winning of course as he’s the biggest AEW name on the show. There’s just something funny about the idea of another Ring Of Honor champion losing in the main event of the show because OF COURSE RING OF HONOR LOSES AGAIN. Anyway, it’s another quality match in a series of them tonight so well done again.

English commentary stops after the match and the Spanish host wraps us up.

Overall Rating: B+. This show was pretty much exactly what you would have expected it to be. There is pretty much nothing important from a storyline perspective, but it was a bunch of wrestlers getting to entertain a hot crowd for over two and a half hours. It’s nothing I’m ever going to want to see again, but it was a very easy show to watch and never got dull. They didn’t make this complicated and just had a fun night. Do that more often.

Results
Leon Cage b. Max Star – Phoenix Splash
Candela/Kira b. Hyan/Maya World – Moonsault to Hyan
Austin Aries b. Esfinge – Brainbuster
Los Hermanos Chavez b. House Of Torture – Running Liger Bomb to Takahashi
Neon/Ultimo Guerrero/Zelhua/Zandokan Jr. b. Don Callis Jr. – Arm/leg trap to Volador Jr.
Soberano Jr. b. Komander – Sitout Tombstone
Barbaro Cavernario b. Bandido – Low blow rollup
Kevin Knight b. Titan – UFO Splash
Kyle Fletcher b. Mascara Dorada – Brainbuster

 

 

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6




Summerslam 2026 Night Two Preview

Well the fight night worked and now we get to see if they can do it again. This side of the card isn’t quite as stacked though, with only one top level main event compared to Night One’s double shot. The match does feel huge though and hopefully that is enough to carry the top half. The rest of the card certainly doesn’t look bad though so let’s get to it.

Sami Zayn vs. Finn Balor

This one intrigues me as I don’t remember the last time WWE did a #1 contenders match on PPV. The good thing is that you have a situation where both guys could conceivably win. Zayn was champion less than a month ago and Balor has been sniffing around the main event scene in recent months. There isn’t an obvious choice here and that leaves things rather wide open.

The more I think about it, the more I think Balor wins here. We’ve done Punk vs. Zayn recently enough and Balor vs. Punk, while having been done earlier this year, would feel like a fresh match. Balor getting into the title picture, especially if Zayn gets cheated again somehow, offers something a bit different and I can always go for seeing Zayn freak out as he does it so well. I’m not at all sure, but I’ll take Balor here.

Interim Smackdown Women’s Title: Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill vs. Chelsea Green vs. Lash Legend vs. Charlotte

This is a ladder match for the shot at Rhea Ripley, whenever she gets back from her knee injury. Hopefully that isn’t too long, as an interim title is still one of the most ridiculous concepts in all of wrestling. The question here basically gets down to who is the best option to face Ripley in (what we can only hope is) a short stretch. I do like the relatively smaller field here so who wins?

While Charlotte is the most likely result, I think I’ll go with Cargill. Ripley vs. Cargill is certainly a heck of a showdown if that is where we go but the question now is whether anyone else is a realistic option. Of course Charlotte is there, but I can’t imagine Green, Stratton or Legend having much of a real chance. While I would like to see Legend in there, I don’t see it happening. I’ll take Cargill here.

United Stated Title: Trick Williams(c) vs. Baron Corbin

The more I think about this, the less sure I am about what is going to happen. Bringing Corbin back in and having him lose here would be one heck of a death blow to his return run, but I’m also not sure I can imagine Corbin winning the title. Maybe they have some kind of shenanigans set up, but otherwise it’s not a good idea to have either of them actually lose here.

I think I’ve talked myself into thinking Corbin actually wins here, as they have at least teased Williams moving into the main event picture. That would be a heck of a move up the ladder in a hurry and I wouldn’t do it just yet, but Corbin being there to have someone else slay him in the future would be fine. It’s another case where I could be completely wrong because I could see it going either way, but I’ll take Corbin winning the title here.

Dominik Mysterio vs. Danhausen

This might be the most confident pick of the entire weekend and that shouldn’t be a surprise. At the end of the dan, Danhausen is one of the most popular stars in all of the promotion right now and it would be insane to have him lose in pretty much any spot at this point. The question is how he manages to pull that off, though this is a Human Monies On A Pole match so it’s far from impossible.

Of course I’ll go with Danhausen to win here, likely with some kind of interference. The question is which form that takes, and I’m wondering if it involves either the cloning machine or whatever is under that sheet in his lab. Danhausen pretty much has to win here and there is no reason to think otherwise. It’s not like he’s pinning Mysterio so go with the fun moment again here.

Intercontinental Title: Penta(c) vs. Chad Gable

Of all the things that are absolutely bizarre in WWE these days (and remember that Danhausen is a thing), Gable’s story might be the most impressive. Gable was given a whole new character for the sake of not being able to beat luchadors and it really got over because he was injured and the replacement, who got the spot because he had nothing to do, got over huge and Gable lost in his return. Now Gable is one of the hottest good guys in WWE and here we are.

There is no reason I can put together to pick Penta to retain. Penta has had a nice reign with the title but Gable has moved past him right now and it’s time for him to move on. Let Gable win here and move on to everything else, as Gable needs to actually win something. He’s never been more over than he is right now so let him have the title and see where it goes from here. He’s earned that at this point.

Raw World Title: Roman Reigns(c) vs. Seth Rollins

This has been treated as the real main event for the two nights and that shouldn’t be a surprise. This story really started almost fourteen years ago and while it isn’t likely to be the final chapter, it’s a match that can be put together this quickly with all of the potential for a huge showdown. The build has been good, though I’m still not sure which way they’re going to go.

I’ll take Reigns to retain here, as Rollins has already beaten Reigns time after time. This is a mostly different Reigns than most of the previous times though and he can hopefully wrap things up with Rollins for the time being. I’m not sure if that means he gets the fabled chair shot here but it wouldn’t be a terrible idea. Rollins winning isn’t crazy, but with the Bloodline out there if needed, I’ll take Reigns.

Overall Thoughts

This half doesn’t seem to be as big as the previous night, but I’ve seen worse options out there. The show very well could wind up being a hit, especially if the midcard matches live up to their hype. Rollins vs. Reigns is more than good enough for a main event and Zayn vs. Balor should hold up as a main event style singles match. Other than that, Danhausen is usually fun and Gable’s win should be a great moment. I’m hopeful here, though not quite as much as I was about the first night.

 

 

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6




AAA On FOX – August 1, 2026 (Verando de Escandalo Week Two): Oh Who Cares? (Includes Full Show)

AAA On FOX
Date: August 1, 2026
Location: Arena San Marcos, Aguascalientes, Mexico
Commentators: John Bradshaw Layfield, Rey Mysterio, Corey Graves

It’s time for the second week of Verano de Escandalo and we have another title match, as Rey Fenix defends the Cruiserweight Title against Mini Vikingo. The big story coming out of last week was Dominik Mysterio joining up with El Ojo, which should create some problems for El Grande American as we get closer to TripleMania. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a recap of last week’s main event, with Dominik Mysterio betraying El Grande Americano, but for El Ojo rather than Los Perros del Mal.

Last week, Mysterio says you should have expected that because he is the King of the Luchadors.

Latin American Title Qualifying Match: Lince Dorado vs. Mecha Wolf vs. La Parka

Parka dances a bit to start and gets knocked down by the other two. Dorado is sent outside though and a dropkick has Wolf joining him. Parka dances some more and grabs a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker on Dorado. That lets Parka dive, only for the other two to catch and post him. Dorado throws Wolf down though and snaps off a top rope hurricanrana to Parka. Wolf is back up for a dive each to both of them, followed by a DDT for two on Dorado.

Parka is back in with a double rolling cutter and a double flapjack for a bonus. The middle rope moonsault hits Dorado and Wolf on the floor as the fans certainly approve. Parka is knocked down, leaving Wolf to spinning superplex Dorado. Parka’s diving save breaks that up at two and fireman’s carries both of them at once.

Dorado escapes to give Parka a handspring Stunner before taking Wolf off the apron. Back in and Dorado gives Parka a shooting star press for two more. Wolf mists Dorado but gets suplexes by Parka. An overhead belly to belly sends Wolf into the corner and it’s a top rope splash into the Bone Breaker for the pin at 12:05.

Rating: B. This was pretty much non-stop throughout the match and I got into the whole thing. That’s not the biggest surprise as these matches tend to be nuts, but this was even bigger than usual. Parka is just crazy popular right now and it’s great to see the fans responding like that.

Someone films the Psycho Circus….walking? In theory it’s the attacker filming them because who else would it be?

Los Perros del Mal brag about what they’ve done so far and promise that things are growing even bigger next week.

Dinamico/Drago vs. Galeno/El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr.

Dinamico jumps over Wagner to start and it’s off to Drago for a pump kick. Wagner isn’t having that though and knocks them both down, with Galeno making a blind tag. Galeno runs over Dinamico on the floor with Drago getting caught in the wrong corner. Wagner boots Dinamico out to the floor and it’s a splash off of Galeno’s shoulders. The Galeno Special finishes Drago at 2:43. Total squash.

Rey Mysterio was surprised by Dominik Mysterio joining El Ojo but he isn’t backing down. That’s all for this week though, because we have a big main event.

Cruiserweight Title: Mini Vikingo vs. Rey Fenix

Fenix is defending. They shake hands to start and they flip around a lot, followed by a series of kicks. Vikingo’s spinning high crossbody gets two, as does Fenix’s. Back up and Vikingo’s crucifix driver gets two more but Fenix is back up with a rope walk kick to the head. A Death Valley Driver gives Fenix two more so Vikingo gives him a Spanish Fly for the same.

Fenix’s kick to the face doesn’t do much as Vikingo knocks him down and hits a frog splash for another near fall. The super Spanish Fly plants Fenix for two more and Vikingo can’t believe the kickout. Fenix’s Mexican MuscleBuster is broken up so he opts to just knee Vikingo in the back of the head for two more. Now the Mexican MuscleBuster can retain the title at 10:53.

Rating: B+. Much like the opener, this was about taking people and letting them go nuts for a few minutes until one of them got the pin. Fenix was getting exasperated at not being able to put Vikingo away and that made some of Vikingo’s near falls feel even better. I dug this one a lot and it moved Vikingo up even in a loss.

Post match respect is shown. Vikingo goes to the back, where Dorian Roldan whispers something to him to end the show.

Overall Rating: B+. While this might not have felt like some big special edition show, it was more than entertaining enough for about fifty five minutes. The two matches that actually got some time were both more than good and the squash match was the kind of entertaining you get from something like that. I’m not sure if it needed to be part of Verano de Escandalo, but I’ll take what I can get here. Rather fun show, as AAA can often be.

Results
La Parka b. Lince Dorado and Mecha Wolf – Bone Breaker to Wolf
Galeno/El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. b. Dinamico/Drago – Galeno Special to Drago
Rey Fenix b. Mini Vikingo – Mexican MuscleBuster

 

 

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6




AAA On FOX – July 25, 2025 (Verano de Escalando Week One): Yeah He Had To (Includes Full Show)

AAA On FOX
Date: July 25, 2026
Location: Arena San Marcos, Aguascalientes, Mexico
Commentators: John Bradshaw Layfield, Rey Mysterio, Corey Graves

It’s the first week (out of three) of Verano de Escalando and that means we’re in for the first of three big main events. In this case that means El Grande Americano/Dominik Mysterio vs. Los Perros del Mal. Other than that, the Mixed Tag Team Titles are on the line and that should be worth a look so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Here is Rey Mysterio to welcome us to the show and talk about how important this city has been to his career. He has some good news for us but here is El Ojo to interrupt instead. Dorian Roldan says that Mysterio has been in charge while El Hijo del Vikingo has been injured and costing Omos a chance at the Latin American Title. Mysterio needs to make Omos the Latin American Champion right now, or violence will ensue. That’s still a no so Roldan threatens him and the villains walk off.

Dominik Mysterio and El Grande Americano don’t trust each other but Mysterio insists that he wants them to face off at TripleMania. Everything seems ok, or at least ok enough. Mysterio leaves and Damian (in a Los Perros del Mal shirt) shows up to say “few are chosen”.

We look at La Hiedra turning on Mr. Iguana but Lola Vice was there to team up with him instead. Now La Hiedra and Laredo Kid want the titles, with Vice suggesting that Hiedra still loves Iguana.

Mixed Tag Team Titles: La Hiedra/Laredo Kid vs. Mr. Iguana/Lola Vice

Iguana and Vice are defending. Kid wrestles Iguana down to start before they both flip over, with Iguana sitting on the mat. A running dropkick puts Kid down so Hiedra comes in for a staredown with Iguana. That doesn’t work for Vice who comes in to strike away, with the hip shaking included. Kid gets struck down as well and the champions get to pose for a bit. Hiedra and Iguana have another staredown on the floor and Iguana seems to be a bit deflated.

Back in and Hiedra chokes Vice on the rope and we hit the chinlock. Vice gets up with a belly to back suplex and there’s the tag to the men. Kid comes back in to kick Iguana down and hits a 450, with the referee just pausing in the middle of the count. Iguana gets up and even Mysterio isn’t sure what happened. The women come back in for a rollup until Vice kicks Hiedra in the head for two more. Iguana is sent into the steps so Vice takes Kid out, only to get Glam Slammed for the pin and the titles at 9:35.

Rating: C+. This was interesting as they had only made a few references to the whole love triangle thing. Instead we got a much more detailed look here and it made for a better story. If nothing else, the title change was a bit of a surprise, though it does feel like it gives the story another extension.

We get the weekly press conference with Rey Mysterio, who isn’t happy with El Ojo. He’s cut off by a message from Penta though, who will be appearing at the August 15 show. Also, action figures are coming and we get a preview for the next two weeks to wrap it up. Not much to be said here.

Los Perros del Mal vs. El Grande Americano/Dominik Mysterio

It’s Daga/Angel Garza for Los Perros. Daga and Mysterio take turns posing until Mysterio slugs away. A slam gets Daga out of trouble and he chops away in the corner, earning himself a trip into the wrong corner. Americano comes in and gets knocked down by Daga, with Garza shaking the ropes to take Americano down again. Garza gets to hammer down right hands in the corner, with Americano actually fighting back for a unique visual.

Mysterio comes back in and gets clotheslined for two. The beating ensues, at least until Mysterio gets in a tornado DDT. Americano comes back in to fight back and helps Mysterio on the Third Amigo. The frog splash gets two but the 619 is broken up (JBL: “I wish I had learned that counter against his dad.”).

Daga gets taken out with a dragon screw legwhip but the referee gets bumped. The 619 connects so Mysterio loads up his hammer, only for the rest of Los Perros to send him into the steps. A Gory Special into a knee to the face gets two on Americano as here are Los Americanos to make the save. Bravo hits a HUGE dive off the lighting structure (with the drone camera going all over the place for a cool visual).

Bronco Nima puts Los Americanos through a table but gets taken out by Americano. That leaves Americano to get piledriven and caught in a German suplex/missile dropkick combination for two each. Americano fights up but Mysterio drops to the floor and walks away. An assisted top rope double stomp finishes Americano at 20:35.

Rating: B. I was surprised by the result as I wouldn’t have expected Americano to lose for a long time. The good thing is that he lost after a bunch of interference and all kinds of big moves so he is certainly protected. Mysterio turning on him was about as obvious as you could get, though I’ll take this over Mysterio leading Los Perros, which wouldn’t have really fit.

Post match Mysterio goes to leave…and here is El Ojo, with Mysterio seemingly being the new leader. Rey knows this is a big problem to end the show. That’s a good move as El Ojo was just kind of floating around doing nothing so this gives them an actual story to be attacked to, which they’ve been needing.

Overall Rating: B. This felt like a major event and that’s a good thing to see. The main event was a big step forward for Mysterio vs. Americano and they should be fine on the way to TripleMania. Oddly enough the title change felt like a big deal as well, which I wasn’t exactly expecting. Good show here, and it did feel like an important event, as they tend to be around here, at least at the start.

Results
La Hiedra/Laredo Kid b. Mr. Iguana/Lola Vice – Glam Slam to Vice
Los Perros del Mal b. El Grande Americano/Dominik Mysterio – Assisted top rope double stomp to Americano

 

 

Remember to follow me on Twitter and Bluesky @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6