NWA (JCP) World Championship Wrestling (October 11, 1986)

 

Original Airdate: October 11, 1986 (taped October 5)

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

Dick Murdoch is out, dressed up like Ric Flair. What he does in his own time is his business, but let’s keep that off TV. Dick cuts a good promo here, talking about how he dresses how he does, and acts like he does because he wants to, not because he can’t afford to to ‘better.’ The real Ric joins us, but we cut away to the show opening, and don’t come back to it

Jim Cornette is out, still happy that Robert Gibson is in the hospital 

The Midnight Express v Paul Garner and Art Pritts: Cornette stays on to do commentary here, of course. The Express finish up with the rocket launcher at 2:08. DUD

Dusty Rhodes is out, American dreaming and scheming 

Tully Blanchard and JJ Dillon are out, and they want to show the full video of the Flair/Murdoch confrontation earlier, which features the Horsemen ganging up on Dick, until some babyfaces make the ‘cheap’ save

Ivan Koloff is out, celebrating his NWA United States Tag Team title

Brad Armstrong v Randy Barber: Tony: “the Russians have all the US gold.” David: “in a way, you’re right.” ‘In a way?!’ They literally have the NWA United States and NWA United States Tag Team titles! Brad with a Russian legsweep at 1:50. DUD

Ron Garvin is out, and he’s so excited about winning the NWA Mid-Atlantic title, that he’s already looking to use it as a ‘stepping stone’ to the NWA World title. He promises he’ll capture the title by the end of 1986. Well, maybe add another year just for safety

Tim Horner v Bill Tabb: Gosh, really packing the show with stars this week, aren’t they? Horner with a bridging cradle at 1:28. DUD

Rick Rude v Lee Peek: This is Rude’s TV debut for JCP, and he looks like an immediate star. I mean, I’d have bet on him to take the world title and lead the promotion by the spring, just by this one squash appearance alone. Though, pairing him with Paul Jones probably handicapped him. Rick at 0:39. Afterwards, Rude and Jones swing by the desk to introduce themselves. Paul calling Rick’s body ‘the best money can buy’ feels like a shoot. Paul then reveals that Manny Fernandez has taken the money, and has joined the Army. Great, now we’re pairing Rude with not just Jones but Fernandez?! Fuck that. DUD

Tully Blanchard v Tony Zane: JJ beats up the jobber himself, and Blanchard finishes it up with the slingshot suplex at 0:20. Man, and they thought Danny Davis was on the take?! Teddy Long should have been immediately fired! DUD

Armstrong and Horner are out, and Brad is looking like he’ll be playing some cowbell for us

Manny Fernandez v Randy Glover: This is Fernandez’s big debut as a heel, hold on to your hats. Ron Garvin does commentary here, broken up about Manny’s ‘betrayal.’ Fernandez puts this away at 0:41. Afterwards, Ronnie wants an explanation, but gets one in the form of a beating from Fernandez and Rude. DUD

BUExperience: I enjoyed the Flair/Murdoch stuff, and Rude is a welcome addition, but the episode was nothing otherwise.