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AWA Super Clash ‘85

Live from Chicago, IL

Airdate: September 28, 1985

Attendance: 20,347

Hosted by Larry Nelson

Can Magnum defeat Flair for the NWA World title? Will Martel retain the AWA World title against Hansen? How will the Road Warriors fare in their hometown? Does Slaughter stand up for America against Zhukov? Let’s sink our teeth into this delicious supershow!

For those unfamiliar, this show took place at Comiskey Park on the south side of Chicago. Fortunately for all involved, the weather was clear and in the high 60s. If you have lived anywhere close to Chicago, you now that it’s hit-or-miss weather in late September. After all, Rod Stewart told Maggie he’d rather be back in school. Nevertheless, the ballpark was the home for the White Sox who finished third in the AL West going 85-77 with two players I’ve met—Carlton Fisk and Juan Agosto. At this time, I cannot confirm if either is a wrestling fan.


Opening montage.

Nelson interviews Rheingans who’s “hungry” and “coming for the gold.”

Afterward, Nelson interviews Regal who calls Rheingans “amateur.”

Match 1 for the AWA Light Heavyweight title: “Mr. Electricity” Steve Regal (champion) versus Brad Rheingans

Highlights:

Rating: *

Summary: Not a hot opener at all, but the psychology was strong on both wrestlers’ parts. The crowd woke up when Garvin intervened.

After the match, Rheingans gives him a cross corner whip, but Regal hightails it.

Nelson interviews Regal at ringside who claims a clean victory regardless of anyone else’s opinion.

Next, Nelson interviews Sherri who believes Devine is “mine.”

Following that, Nelson interviews Devine who’s ready to retain her title.

Since he is adamant about being screwed in the opening match, Rheingans slams Regal on the grass to the delight of the Chicago faithful. HA!

Match 2 for the AWA Women’s title: Candy Devine (champion) versus Sherri Martel

Highlights:

Rating: *

Summary: Consider this a foundation match for today’s female wrestling. I’m just glad there weren’t any hare-mares.

After the match, Sherri mercilessly beats Devine with the belt.

Nelson interviews Sherri at ringside, and Sherri cuts a promo like a scorned woman—evil and crazy.

In the next interview segment, Nelson questions whether Race and the Long Riders can secure the six-man titles from the Japanese contingent. Unfortunately, the cameraman does a piss-poor job of covering what Race has to say.

Jokingly, Nelson tries to interview the Japanese contingent but gets nowhere fast.

Match 3 for the All-Asia six-man titles: Jumbo Tsuruta, Giant Baba, & Genichiro Tenryu (champions) versus Harley Race & the Long Riders

Highlights:

Rating: **

Summary: Due to the Chicago faithful’s unfamiliarity, the tag formula didn’t stimulate them to root for the Japanese contingent. My best guess is they sought some pizza and Old Style from the concession stand.

After the match, Nelson interviews a very perturbed Bill who’s so frustrated that he doesn’t make a lick of sense.

Match 4 for the NWA Midget title: Little Tokyo (champion) versus Little Mr. T

Highlights:

Rating: *

Summary: I pity the fools who watch this match as it is neither clever nor funny. OK, no more Mr. T jokes, or you RSG-ites will boot me from your A-Team of internet wrestling journalists.

After the match, Nelson interviews Tokyo who unwisely disses T.

Match 5 for the IWA World title: Mil Mascaras (champion) versus Buddy “Jack” Roberts

Highlights:

Rating: **

Summary: Did you think for a second that Mascaras would lose? While Roberts was nowhere near a luchador, you could count on him to sell extremely well, and he did so in this match.

After the match, Nelson interviews Mascaras who wants “more action” in the US.

Nelson interviews Kerry who dedicates this match to his brother Mike who is in the hospital with toxic shock syndrome. Although I understand making your commitments, family emergencies take precedence over pro wrestling.

Match 6 for the NWA Texas title: The “Modern Day Warrior” Kerry Von Erich (champion) versus “Gorgeous” Jimmy Garvin (w/ Precious)

Highlights:

Rating: **

Summary: The female contingent of the Chicago faithful LOVED some Kerry in their meal this evening. Meanwhile, Kerry and Garvin entertained without having to break too much of a sweat.

After the match, Precious distracts Kerry so that Garvin can pounce on him. It backfires as Kerry applies an Iron claw much to the delight of the Chicago faithful. Garvin escapes and hightails it quickly toward the dugout.

Nelson interviews Kerry who wants to revisit Chicago as a secondary home. He’d get his chance in ’88.

Thereafter, Nelson interviews Bockwinkel, Stevens, and Zbyszko who promise to give the young guns a “wrestling lesson.”

Nelson interviews Greg, Hall, and Hennig who are pumped to turn the tables on the veterans. In the meantime, Greg borrowed Little Mr. T’s attire.

Match 7 (six-man): Larry Zbyszko, Nick Bockwinkel, & the “Crippler” Ray Stevens versus Greg Gagne, Curt Hennig, & Scott Hall

Highlights:

Rating: ***½

Summary: Exciting match that followed the tag formula and electrified the Chicago faithful almost as much as Tom Seaver’s 300th victory.

After the match, Nelson interviews the babyfaces, and Hall appreciates the support of his team.

Nelson interviews the Freebirds who are wearing Confederate makeup to counteract the Road Warriors’ face paint. Gordy just doesn’t give a FUCK about the Chicago faithful.

Match 8 for the AWA World tag team titles: The Road Warriors (champions w/ “Precious” Paul Ellering) versus the Fabulous Freebirds (w/ Buddy “Jack” Roberts)

Highlights:

Rating: ***

Summary: Wild match where heel shenanigans allowed the Freebirds to steal the tag titles. But the Road Warriors can’t lose in their hometown, can they?

After the match, Nelson interviews Verne who requests to see the finish again. Due to INSTANT REPLAY, the decision is reversed, and “Chicago’s own” Road Warriors retain. In 1985, replay was a scorching hot topic in sports, but it hadn’t been implemented to change rulings. The AWA took it upon itself to innovate the concept in professional wrestling.

Nelson interviews the Soviets, and Ivan promises victory.

Match 9 for the NWA World Six-Man tag team titles: Ivan & Nikita Koloff & Krusher Kruschev (champions) versus the Crusher, Dick the Bruiser, & Baron Von Raschke

Highlights:

Rating: *

Summary: Thank goodness the elder statemen allowed Von Raschke to do most of the work. The Chicago faithful’s animosity toward the Soviets fueled the match despite its lack of anything worthwhile.

After the match, the Chicago faithful rains down a “BULLSHIT” chant about the outcome.

Nelson interviews Zhukov who’s ready to take “Slaughter’s title.”

Afterward, Nelson interviews Slaughter who’s ready to get “justice for the USA.”

Match 10 for the AWA Americas title: Sergeant Slaughter (champion) versus Boris Zhukov

Highlights:

Rating: **

Summary: Second patriotic match in a row, yet the American wins this time albeit in a schmozz.

After the match, Zhukov mauls him until the bloodied Slaughter has had enough. Slaughter chases Zhukov onto the infield as well as in and out of the ring. This feud is NOT over.

Nelson interviews Slaughter who reminds Zhukov that he has “declared war” upon him. He equates himself to G.I. Joe and symbolizes American patriotism.

Who in the blue hell is this ham’n’egger? Nelson explains that it’s Sheik Adnan Al-Kaissie who accompanies Kamala. Al-Kaissie states he has many surprises in store for us.

Nelson interviews Blackwell who’s ready to chop something off Kamala.

Match 11 (body slam): Jerry Blackwell versus Kamala

Highlights:

Rating: DUD

Summary: Popcorn match if there ever was one. I wonder if either of these guys met their sweetheart in a Greek diner. They could buy the owner out from their wrestling fund, but they’d eat away the profits.

After the match, Al-Kaissie jumps into the ring and CREAMS Blackwell’s coffee with a sword. A spoon would have sufficed. Nonetheless, Al-Kaissie steals the check from Carbo while double-teaming Blackwell with Kamala. Blackwell is BUSTED OPEN! Suddenly, Dru Tossel and some other lost soul try to intervene, but Kamala tosses them away like yesterday’s newspaper. Regardless, Von Raschke storms the ring and chases Kamala and Al-Kaissie away with a baseball bat. Before Kamala and A-Kaissie leave, they annihilate the enhancement talent again.

We fast-forward to Hansen who tosses a banquet chair into the ring before attacking Martel.

Match 12 for the AWA World title: Rick Martel (champion) versus Stan “The Lariat” Hansen

Highlights:

Rating: *

Summary: Unquestionably, the show is running long, so the knockdown katie-bar-the-door brawl had to be shortened. Don’t worry, folks, this won’t be the last time Hansen and Martel lock horns.

After the match, Hansen SMACKS Martel with a cowbell. He drags Martel into foul territory with the bull rope around his neck until the brawl continues. Martel slams him on the field, but Hansen tosses him into the dugout. As the camera loses sight of them, they brawl into the clubhouse.

Nelson interviews Magnum who promises if he can hook a belly-to-belly suplex, there will be a new world champion.

Next, Nelson interviews Flair who’s in town to do his thing in style.

Match 13 for the NWA World title: “Nature Boy” Ric Flair (champion) versus Magnum T.A.

Highlights:

Rating: ****

Summary: Fantastic main event where Magnum came so close to capturing the title. Flair stays the man before making his customary trip to Rush Street.

After the match, Nelson interviews the bloodied Flair who is a “winner.”

Nelson interviews Magnum who questions Flair’s tactics but vows it’s not over.

Conclusion: If you’re an AWA fan, you’ll enjoy this show. If you’re an NWA fan, you’ll also enjoy the show. If you want to introduce someone to 80s wrestling without Hogan involved, this show fits the bill. There may only be a couple of great matches, but it’s a worthwhile show. If you’ve never seen it, mark it on your calendars, RSG-ites.

TV Rating: NONE

Stay tuned for AWA 10-01-85!

Comments? Suggestions? Send them to me at rsg@rockstargary.com and follow me on Twitter (@rockstargary202).

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