View from 315A

On Saturday night, June 7th, MHD and I attended the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA)’s “60 Years of Excellence” at Philips Arena in Atlanta. The NWA is the oldest and largest governing body in professional wrestling. Despite claims of resurgence, the operation is known far more for its past than its present.

The event must have been a financial disaster. As of Friday (the day before the show), the Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer reported that ticket sales were at 491 with 2400 free tickets being distributed throughout the city. There was potential for this to be the biggest debacle in wrestling since the UWF notoriously put on "Beach Brawl" in 1991. We were honestly just pleased that the event was not cancelled as we walked to the ticket booth. It seems that many of the freebies were used and though heavily papered, the crowd was not overly embarrassing.

Though this event might have been better suited for a conference room in the adjacent World Congress Center, it was cool to see our childhood favorites get one more shot at an arena where the lights went down and the spoltlight shone on them. The event’s film crew consisted of a guy with his home video, which may benefit the show by masking the empty seats. A ring bell was not used until late in the show when Chase Stevens used it as a weapon in a match. Perhaps the time keeper did not know what the bell in front of him was for.

We decided to sit in the cheap seats as we figured we could easily walk down whenever we wanted. We honestly thought attendance might rival the legendary Jerry Lawler-Terry Funk empty arena match where the area was, well empty. I felt like Matt Brock taking notes from the confines in the darkened rafters, or at least a Sklar brother.

This marked the first time I had ever been inside of Philips Arena, the nondescript home of the NBA’s Hawks and NHL’s Thrashers. Though nice, it seems the builders tried to make the building as generic as possible.

We first checked the concession stand. I sought to buy a program seeing as how we were unfamiliar with many of the acts on the show. This proved problematic. I kept saying they “have to” have a program to which MHD corrected my inaccurate wording. They did not “have to” have a program, they “should” have had a program. They probably should have, but after talking to several workers we learned they did not. It actually added to the show as we were continually surprised by who walked out of the curtain.

Though they sold no programs, they did sell Antonino Rocca (1921-1977) shirts. I realize that he was a great wrestler, but the man has been dead for thirty years, long before most of the crowd was born, MHD and myself included. He was not being inducted into the Hall of Fame or referenced by anyone at the show. Now, had they had a bloody Tommy Rich shirt... (Note: Read bloody in the literal sense and not the British profane.)

So we settled for bottled water and proceeded to our seats. The concession worker made a point of informing us that she had to present our waters without the caps. Why? If a terrorist can create a weapon from this cap, then I am simply going to give her credit for ingenuity, even if it results in my death.

The show was sponsored by Aaron’s and Golden Corral. The ring was adorned with the Aaron’s logo, as opposed to the NWA logo. Aaron’s was not only responsible for supplying much of the crowd itself through free tickets but also arming them with noisemakers. Though these were quite annoying, Aaron’s was a great sponsor.

The show started with prerecorded message from Adam Pearce, who is apparently the NWA World champion. On this night, he was wrestling for Ring of Honor (ROH) in Philadelphia, where he lost in a six-man tag team match. His NWA World title was unveiled from a briefcase in that match, marking the first time since status as NWA champion was referenced in ROH. He reminded the crowd that they were sitting in hallowed ground where the old Omni used to hold matches. He came across well. It would be the only time the jumbotron would be used during the evening. I suppose it would have been difficult to feed the aforementioned camcorder into it.

After this segment, the matches began. Note: I used to photos from Christine J Coons as she was a better photogrpaher, had a better camera, and had better seats than I. She has literally hundreds of photos from this show on her web site. Check them out.

1. Mike DiBiase defeated Idol Stevens to retain the NWA North American Title in 5:45.

The announcement of famed DiBiase name did receive a pop. DiBiase is indeed the son of “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase and brother of Ted DiBiase Jr. . Mike DiBiase was the name of his grandfather, also a wrestler. He was trained at the Harley Race Wrestling Academy in 2006 and has been North American champion since December 8th. He had another successful defense on this night. MHD described Idol as “sinewy” and then noted that the two competitors looked almost identical. It was a good match but being unfamiliar with the nondescript gimmicks, we were not that into it. DiBiase won with an inside cradle. MHD rated it 1*1/2.

2. Iceberg (with the “Reverend” Dan Wilson) beat Phil Shatter (with Jeff G. Bailey) and Mikal Judas in a three-way to retain the NWA Anarchy Heavyweight Title in 10:36.

This was more up our alley - a universal soldier (Shatter), an evil guy (Judas) and a big fat guy (Iceberg) fighting to the finish. Shatter entered first. We thought that Phil Shatter was “Phil Shatner.” To be honest, it was a little disappointing to learn his gimmick had nothing to do with “Captain Kirk.” Mikal Judas, who resembled Sting from the 206th row, was billed from “the Heart of Darkness”, which if memory serves is the capitol of Parts Unknown. The champion, Iceberg, appeared last. MHD lamented that Iceberg (aka “The No Pain Train”) was supposed to be a big fat evil guy but often resembled a big fat loveable guy instead. Each move he hit we called the “big fat evil (insert name of move here)”. It amused us anyway

When we heard that this was a match for the Anarchy championship, we thought it might be the NWA version of the hardcore division. As it turns out, Anarchy is just a regional promotion out of Cornelia, Georgia. Not knowing this, we surmised that the Anarchy championship represented a division where every fourth move must be a lariat, which we were okay with. These guys were actually impressive, particularly Judas hitting moves on the big fat evil guy. The match was spotty, but they hit some really nice spots. The finish came when Shatter hit the PTSD (powerbomb) on Judas and then Iceberg pinned Shatter after the Ground Zero splash.

Next came the Hall of Fame ceremony - the event that drew us in. It is worth nothing that Ric Flair was announced as a Hall inductee on the organization’s web site, but was not referenced at all during the show. Promoters claim to have forgotten. I kid you not. Can you imagine if any other professional hall of fame forgot an inductee?

Rick Otazu aka “Ricky O” introduced the emcee, Jim Cornette. Cornette received the “someone I have heard of before” pop. He referenced past beatings in Atlanta from Dusty Rhodes (who was not there), Barry Windham (who was not there), and the Road Warriors (who were not there.)

The Hall of Fame music sounded like a theme from a bad 1970s game show. It had to be heard to be believed. Cornette introduced each inductee (except Flair) and bestowed a medallion to commemorate the evening. We are not entirely sure that this was not the only appearance fee these guys received.

The person announced first was Paul Orndorff. He was not an inductee, but announced as a 2009 inductee, a preview of coming attractions if you will. We got the impression that the show’s low budget allowed them only to induct locals and they forgot a local who happened to show up and sent him out there as compensation. Let’s just hope the promoters don’t “forget” this promise of induction next year.

He quite possibly shook everyone’s hand in attendance who actually paid to get in (not that this was that grand an accomplishment) and then proceeded to give an “acceptance” speech longer than any of the actual inductees. It sounded at times like it was grandpa telling a story which was fitting as he came to the ring with his grandson. He acknowledged that after being trained by Hiro Matsuda he had his first match ion Atlanta and that “it stunk.”

Orndorff said the NWA would rise again, but they couldn't do it without the fans. Seeing as how many of the fans are still waiting for the South to rise agin, this was not as implausible as it might otherwise have been.

The first actual inductee was “The Russian Nightmare” Nikita Koloff, who had headlined Starrcade 86 in the Omni. Koloff dressed up for the event - wearing a jersey and jeans. He did his old slow flex. We were aghast when he began speaking without a Russian accent! He did break into his kayfabed voice at one point. It was a shame that he did not do the entire promo with it. The evangelist, after referencing Dusty Rhodes (who was not there), Sting (who was not there) and Lex Luger (who was not there) did thank Jesus for his success.

The next inductee was the Iron Sheik, wearing his turban. He thanked Ted Turner for bringing him to Georgia and twice said “Georgia is my heart and Georgia is my home.” These were two of the few intelligible things he said. He concluded inexplicably with “Give me a ‘hell yeah.’” After concluding a promo whose coherence would have made Jimmy Snuka proud, Cornette said that he “couldn’t be more plain than that.” Priceless.

The Corsica Brothers were honored next, with the award being accepted by 88-year old Corsica Joe (born January 17, 1920). I presume that Corsica Jean is dead. Cornette explained that he was a pioneer. He mentioned that the Corsican Brothers were the world champions when the NWA was first formed in 1948. The crowd took his word for it. He looked good in suit and tie and used a cane. We kept thinking it would be awesome if he busted out a standing moonsault or if Samoa Joe ran in and attacked him under the premise that there can be only one Joe in wrestling. This did not happen, but we thought it would cool if it had.

The next inductees were Cornette’s charges - The Midnight Express, Dennis Condrey and Bobby Eaton. Cornette made the case for them being the best tag team of the 1980s. No reference was made to Stan Lane who joined the team in 1987. MHD (who is happily married) could not contain himself around Eaton, who has thankfully grown his hair out again - “he really is beautiful.”

Condrey, sporting a new tattoo on the back of his neck, acknowledged his wife of nineteen years, Teresa, and the duo’s Alabama heritage by yelling “Roll Tide” for no apparent reason. I found it ironic that Condrey would thank his wife when it was an affair that made him abandon the team in 1987. This woman was not involved in that incident. Condrey said he always loved the fans even if he did not always show it.

Cornette asked the crowd if they wanted the typically taciturn Eaton to speak. He said, “Thank you, Jim. Thank you, Dennis. Thank you, everybody. Appreciate it,” That is actually more than he usually talks.

They wore their gear for the induction. This meant that they would either be wrestling later in the night or that they wear their wrestling gear wherever they go. Though I was thrilled to see arguably the greatest tag team of all-time in action later in the evening, I was saddened that my image of them constantly wearing their gear was shattered.

The final inductee was “Wildfire” Tommy Rich. It was acknowledged that the Georgia favorite was saved for last intentionally. He won the NWA World title in (April 27) 1981 in (Augusta) Georgia. No mention was made of the fact that he held the title only five days or the circumstances surrounding his victory. He claimed that Georgia fans had adopted him 31 years ago and not vice vera. He began with, “Fire it up, Baby!” We were unsure if this was confirmation of our suspicions that he had indeed been paid for the evening in crack. If so, he was in the right part of the city...

He began naming deceased wrestlers which could have gone on as long as Chris Jericho’s list of 1005 moves. His ceremony was interrupted when Honest John Cheatam began talking about his “black specimen” - Abdullah the Butcher. Sadly wrestling arenas and churches are two areas where race is still divisive. This interlude led to...

3. Tommy Rich vs. Abdullah the Butcher (with Honest John Cheatam) was ruled a no contest.

In fact this match never made into the ring. We are uncertain if Abdullah is actually physically capable could of getting into the ring. He was born in 1936 or 1941 depending upon whom you believe. Both wearing red and black, evidently they were both representing the Wolf Pack on this night. Why not, everyone else did at some point?

As one might imagine given the two combatants, everyone in this match was bloody. Rich was stabbed by Abdullah’s trademark fork. He stabbed referee D. L. Norris, who bled everywhere. Rich returned the favor and forked Abdullah. At one point, Rich climbed on top of the ringside table and Abdullah tipped it over. From where we were sitting it looked like the table just gave out.

Naturally both were a bloody mess minutes into the fracas. After this “match” Rich got on the house mic and lauded being “old school.” Rich told the crowd he did not feel right unless his head was busted up. I actually believe that.

4. Sean Waltman & Blue Demon Jr. beat Rob Conway & Carl Ouelett in 10:08.

This match featured performances who have had national exposure, if not for some time. Conway used his WWE entrance music, though he was released on May 11th, 2007. Oulette also did time in the WWE.

Waltman received a nice pop using his staples such as the DX theme, “suck it”, the spinning heel kick, and Bronco Buster. We have no idea why fans are so into that move. We have never been able to look at Waltman the same since his cameo on the Surreal life. Waltman used the suck it routine early and often. Evidently, he really wanted oral sex from someone. Waltman now has a bald spot and rubbed his belly after the match acknowledging his weight gain.

Demon hit a killer tope on Ouellet for one of the biggest pops of the night. Eventually, Waltman pinned Conway with the X Factor-for the win.

5. Mike Quackenbush beat Ricky Vega via submission to retain the NWA World Lightweight Title in 8:31.

Vega, formerly known as Machete in TNA was billed from the “Boogie Down Bronx.”
It is worth noting that this belt is one of the oddest looking titles we have ever seen. Quackenbush entered to Tears For Fears’ “Break It Down Again.” He was really impressive hitting. He won when Vega tapped to the figure-four leglock.

6. Los Luchas (Phoenix Star & Zokre) beat the Naturals ( Chase Stevens & Andy Douglas) and Real American Heroes (RAH, Joey Ryan & Karl Anderson) in an elimination match to retain the NWA Tag Team Titles in 17:24.

The RAH were billed from Los Angeles. They are heels with an American gimmick. They even have the Captain America plastered on their rear ends. Anderson kept pointing and simulating a machine gun. To say MHD loved the gimmick would be an understatement.

The Naturals, billed from Nashville, had some recognition from appearing in TNA.

In our opinion, this was the best match of the night, complete with athleticism and some great false finishes. It appeared the Naturals would win the belts after Zokre had succumbed to the Natural Disaster. The Heroes then ran down to ringside (having already been eliminated) and Anderson pulled the ref out at the two-count. A distracted Stevens was soon pinned by both Luchas. After the match the Natruals teased a split, but reconciled.

7. Sid Vicious destroyed Playas Club (Davey Boy Bling & Juicy Justin Corino) in 3:54.

Sid entered to Saliva’s “Ladies and Gentlemen” and wearing a black shirt which read “Sid E-Nuff Said.” He was billed at 6'10" 328.

MHD weas surprised that he could wrestle, as he thought his leg had disintegrated on January 14th, 2001. (If you would like to view the brutal footage click here.) He thought Sid might just hit softballs to the crowd or something.

This was the worst concept of the night. Evidently the handicap match stemmed from a brutal beating Sid handed the same duo at a prior show in Lincoln, Rhode Island on April 19th. Ricky O came out and said that Sid had complained of having no competition. So he would give it to him. The NWA Pro East tag team champions arrived and wrestled two-on-one. They were demolished. So this served to prove Sid correct - the NWA has no competition as the regional tag champs cannot take on the washed up Sid two on one. Why job out tag team champs?

The match was a total squash. Sid even hesitated after hitting his move, took his shirt off, and pinned them both with a foot to the chest.

A stretcher was then wheeled out to ringside to cart Playas out. Vicious knocked Playas off the stretcher with lariats. The crowd chanted Sid’s name as Ricky O wheeled Playas to the back. Yes, Sid was the babyface!

8. *Rock n’ Roll Express (Ricky Morton & Robert Gibson) defeated the Midnight Express (Dennis Condrey & Bobby Eaton with Jim Cornette) in 13:45.

Prior to the match, Cornette brilliantly turned the crowd against he and his team claiming that they had been nice to them during their induction but after seeing their payoff for the night, realized that they were not being paid enough to do so. Many a truth was said in jest... He called the crowd, “redneck coupon clipping hillbillies.” This was a masterful performance as usual from Cornette.

The Rock n’ Roll Express entered to Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock n Roll.” They were billed from Memphis and as “multi-time” world tag team champions. Morton tried to do comedy before the match. He informed Cornette that the bad news was that he and Robert were going to beat them as usual but the good news was that they had saved money by switching their car insurance to Geico. He then made a joke about not being the real Rock n’ Roll Express but having stayed at a Holiday Inn Express. It did not get over. I would have laughed had he referenced child support.

These two teams will be wrestling when they are 60 years old...next year. MHD could not believe the deterioration of the once heartthrob R n’ Rs. He was especially aghast by Gibson’s appearance. He compared his looks in quantity to Bob Dole and in quality to a gargoyle.

MHD also wants it known that we were Terry Taylor short of having a York Foundation Reunion (with Richard Morton and Thomas Rich).

We were worried about Eaton as he had suffered some medical scares in recent years and has been in the hospital as recently as April. Then the match started and we realized they were not going to do anything that would elevate his heart rate. At one point there were five guys standing around and we laughed at the thought that such a large crowd was watching nothing. At one point, fans in our section chanted, “Boring”. Wrestling is the only brand of tribute show that could have produced this reaction.

Having seen Ricky lately we knew there would be no double dropkick. When I asked if MHD thought we would see Eaton’s Alabama Jam he replied, “ I don’t see that happening.” He was correct. We did, however, see a hip toss. AS MHD admitted we were “perversely entertained by this match.”

Ironically, Robert Gibson was “playing Ricky Morton” much of the match. The Midnight Express worked his left arm throughout and he eventually took a shot from Cornette’s tennis racket. Th finish came when Condrey hit Morton with a chain. Morton kicked out and the Rock n’ Roll Express soon pinned their shocked opponents with double roll ups.

After the match, Cornette vowed that his team never again return to Atlanta. The fans left the arena where they were treated to samples of Full Throttle Blue Demon Energy drinks.