WCCW 08-31-85
Taped from Dallas, TX
Airdate: August 31, 1985 (taped 08/23)
Attendance: unknown
Hosted by Bill Mercer
What’s the latest on Mike Von Erich? Can Brody and Parsons overtake Hart’s crew this week? What diabolical madness will the Dynamic Duo unleash? Let’s explode into this HOT August episode!
**WARNING** Please do not adjust your TV as the brightness from the Sportatorium taping was set too high. Hopefully, your vision isn’t the worse for wear because of it. If so, sue Vince and not me.
Opening montage.
To start the show, we head to Fort Worth as the Von Erichs tried to regain the World Six-Man titles from Hart’s crew (taped ≈7/29). Highlights included Mike’s decent offense on Brooks, Kerry’s running wild on Gang, Lewin’s insanity, the hot tag to Kevin, a flying elbow smash from Kevin followed by an Iron claw, Gang’s being BUSTED OPEN, and Lewin saving the titles with his nefarious sleeper.
Match 1 (non-title): NWA Texas champion Brian Adias versus “Hollywood” John Tatum
Highlights:
Rating: **
Summary: Solid match with better effort from Adias against the wily yet more-than-capable Tatum.
MIKE VON ERICH UPDATE: Mercer details Mike’s post-surgical complication as a “high fever,” and he was sent to Baylor University Medical Center. According to the surgeon, Dr. Stony Cotton, the surgery was successful, and Mike returned home on 8/26. His fever spiked on Wednesday, and he was diagnosed with toxic shock syndrome—a bacterial infection usually found in women who use tampons. As Mercer continued, he explained that as of Thursday Mike “might not live through the evening.” However, due to his physical conditioning, Mike survived.
On Friday at Baylor University Medical Center, Kevin Von Erich and Dr. William Sutker held a press conference. During the press conference, Sutker described Mike’s condition as “critical.” When asked about the surgery, Sutker described the potential for a “(prior) small infection in the area.” Kevin thanked everyone for their prayers, detailed a “miracle” and anticipated “an upward turn” for Mike.
Match 2: “Gentleman” Chris Adams (w/ Gino Hernandez) versus Scott Casey (w/ Sunshine)
Highlights:
Rating: **
Summary: The story of the match establishes the need for Hernandez to occupy a shark cage on Labor Day due to his continuous outside interference.
After the match, Adams subdues Casey, and Hernandez pulls the golden scissors out and cuts Casey’s hair. Sunshine arrives to save her protégé by spraying something in Adams’ eyes. Of course, Hernandez hightails from the ring before getting sprayed. The Dynamic Duo celebrates with the trophy of Casey’s locks while calling out the Von Erichs.
Match 3: Bruiser Brody & “Iceman” King Parsons versus One Man Gang & “Maniac” Mark Lewin (w/ Gary Hart)
Highlights:
Rating: **
Summary: Although the Dallas faithful loved both Brody and Parsons, the match didn’t tell a particularly good story.
Afterward, Brody CLANGS the chair atop Gang’s head and batters Lewin with it. Gang is BUSTED OPEN again yet returns with his chain. As he attempts to nail Brody, Gang eats another chair shot. Parsons and Lewin tussle on the floor, but Manning breaks it up. Brody closes the segment by banging Lewin with the chair.
Next week, the “Modern Day Warrior” Kerry Von Erich and Adias battle the Dynamic Duo!
Conclusion: The extreme violence at the climax of the main event normally would have been the main highlight of the episode; however, the news about Mike Von Erich overshadows it for historical purposes. Despite the devastating news, the matches this week were all exciting, and Gang’s blood was spilled twice for our enjoyment.
TV Rating: NONE
Stay tuned for WCCW 09-07-85!
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