NWA (JCP) World Championship Wrestling (February 22, 1986)

Original Airdate: February 22, 1986 (taped February 16)

From Atlanta, Georgia; Your Hosts are Tony Schiavone and David Crockett

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express stop by to gloat about their new shark cage. Those two need to get out more often

The Road Warriors v Carl Styles and Bill Mulkey: Both Warriors are looking jacked here, and you have to imagine Vince McMahon was just itching to get his hands on them. It’s a shame it took as long as it did, I feel like they would have gotten the Demolition push if they’d come in earlier, and would be even better remembered as a team today. Which is saying something. Hawk with a flying splash at 0:44. Afterwards, the Warrior swing by the desk to talk about their favorite subject: the Russians. DUD

Tully Blanchard v Mike Jackson: We appear to have a fraternity in the house tonight, which should at least be lively. The fans taunt Blanchard with ‘Dusty’ chants through this dull squash, ending in Blanchard delivering the slingshot suplex at 7:50. Yes, this was an eight minute squash, why do you ask? It actually wasn’t bad in a competitive sense, but who the hell is Mike Jackson that it took Tully nearly ten minutes to put him away? *

Ric Flair comes out to show off his brand new title belt, which marks the debut of the ‘big gold belt.’ And what a beauty. I always thought there were multiple versions of the design (like the ‘winged eagle,’ of which had probably a dozen made over the ten years it was in service), but it was actually the same physical belt all the way up until about 2000, when they made multiple cast copies of it. And then apparently Scott Steiner swapped out a cast copy for the original during his run, hung onto it, and made a small mint selling it years and years later

Baron von Raschke v Rocky King: What were they going for with Baron, exactly. This dude is just so past his expiration date as an active worker at this point. Baron with the clawhold at 2:58. DUD

Jimmy Garvin likes empty arenas. Well, I’m sure he’s seen his share

Teijo Khan v George South: Khan with a powerslam at 2:06. What was with pro-wrestling having obviously caucasian guys portray Asian characters? DUD

Dusty Rhodes swings by, and guys, I think he may be a little bit jealous of Ric Flair’s new belt

Ron Garvin v Bob Owens: Do we think Dusty was hooking up with Baby Doll on the side? Garvin with a punch at 4:44. Garvin has decent enough fire as a personality, but he’s such a dull worker. Afterwards, Ron swings by the desk to remind fans that he doesn’t have time to answer their cards and letters. Well, maybe if he finished his squashes a little more efficiently. DUD

NWA Television Title Match: Arn Anderson v Denny Brown: Brown’s NWA Junior Heavyweight title is not on the line. Ric Flair does guest commentary on this one. Posturing to start, and Arn gets control with a side-headlock. Brown manages to armdrag him into an armbar, and he sinks his teeth into that one, as Flair cracks Tony up with some rants about the Crockett Cup. Meanwhile, Brown keeps working this armbar into tomorrow, so Flair approaches the ring. Dusty Rhodes comes out to watch Brown’s back in response, but Arn fights out of the hold, and turns the tide. Anderson with a bodyscissors hold, but Denny fights free, so Arn drops him across the top rope. Back to the hold, but Brown escapes, and tries a slingshot sunset flip, but Anderson blocks. Brown throws right hands to stay in the game, and he manages to deliver a backdrop. Forearm smash gets the challenger two, but another backdrop gets countered with the gourdbuster at 12:59. The general story of the match was fine, but they took way too long with it. Afterwards, Dusty comes in to make sure there’s no funny business, and Magnum TA runs out to back him up. Meanwhile, Flair and Anderson retreat to the desk to let their mouths do the talking. *

Barbarian v Kent Glover: I’m not sure I get why they’re hyping the Crockett Cup, but are keeping the location under wraps until next week. Like, what’s the point of that supposed to be? They’re lucky anyone even wants to come watch their stupid product anyway! Barbarian with a flying headbutt drop at 2:42. DUD

Jim Cornette comes out with a note from his mother’s doctor that says he can’t be put in a shark cage due a bonafide fear of heights

The Midnight Express v Mike Somaini and Larry Clarke: The NWA World Tag Team gold is not on the line. Cornette continues to rant on commentary during this one. The Express with a combo at 3:06. DUD

The Rock 'n' Roll Express v Black Bart and Thunderfoot: The Express with their stereo dropkicks at 3:13. DUD

The Road Warriors are back out to do more yelling about the Russians. But, slightly less sweaty, since they didn’t just work. Variety!

The Russians are out, and they don’t appreciate being yelled at, regardless of the sweaty factor. Fair!

Magnum TA v Bill Tabb: The NWA United States title is not up for grabs here. As usual with Magnum, it doesn’t take long before the belly-to-belly puts things away, at a brisk 0:25. Afterwards, Nikita Koloff hits the scene, and it’s a brawl, with the locker room emptying out to break it up.  DUD

BUExperience: I’m, like, not a fan of this show.