Pedro Morales pinned Ole Anderson after a sunset flip in 0:06:21.
Rating: ** 3/4
Pedro Morales has made it abundantly clear that he wants a World Title shot, and also made it abundantly clear that he felt insulted to be wrestling in the opening match. Ole Anderson wanted to slap the taste of Morales' mouth, but it wouldn't work out that way tonight as Morales surprised Ole with a sunset flip to get the win.
The Half-Ton Team (Gorilla Monsoon and Haystacks Calhoun) defeated Bill Watts and Johnny Valentine when Calhoun pinned J. Valentine with the Big Splash in 0:08:44.
Rating: **
The Half-Ton Team is reunited, and they had Bill Watts & Johnny Valentine in their sights. Watts & Valentine are a highly accomplished team, but they couldn't find an answer for over 1000 pounds of Gorilla Monsoon & Haystacks Calhoun. Valentine would be the unlucky recipient of Calhoun's Big Splash and the Half-Ton Team picked up their first victory in years.
Karl Gotch pinned Gene Anderson with the German Suplex in 0:11:53.
Rating: ***
(Karl Gotch retained the GCW United States Title.)
Karl Gotch, the reigning United States champion, let it be known that he will put his championship on the line against anyone anywhere. Gotch, who is still undefeated, is so confident in his abilities that he has put out an open challenge that is in effect until he is beaten for the US Title. Gene Anderson jumped at that chance tonight, but like so many before, he fell short and was pinned in the middle of the ring.
Tony Garea defeated Baron Mikel Scicluna by disqualification in 0:09:08.
Rating: *
[Lou Albano interfered against Tony Garea.]
Lou Albano felt he was embarrassed by newcomer Tony Garea last month, so he sent Baron Mikel Scicluna to "take care of his light work." Garea was impressive against the veteran Scicluna, keeping him on his toes with his toes with his speed and finesse. When it looked like Garea had the win secured with the High Cross Body, Albano jumped in the ring and attacked him for the disqualification. Garea would get the upperhand once again though as he sent Scicluna & Albano sprawling from the ring with dropkicks. Albano was embarrassed once again, and wants Garea to accept another match against Scicluna on April 26 in Chicago.
Billy Graham defeated Ernie Ladd by disqualification in 0:11:43.
Rating: ** 1/2
[The Grand Wizard interfered against Billy Graham.]
Ernie Ladd looked to teach Billy Graham a lesson in respect tonight, but he ended up getting it thrown back in his face. Ladd wasn't looking to win this match against the Superstar - he wanted to hurt Billy as was shown when he got himself disqualified by hitting Billy with the ring bell. Billy was busted open across his forehead as Ladd continued the assault. EDDIE GRAHAM tried to make the save, but he was cut off by WAHOO MCDANIEL. Things looked bleak until LUKE GRAHAM made his return and cleared the ring! Luke had been out with a back injury but he was back in full force and stood tall with his brothers as The Grand Wizard, Ladd, & Wahoo retreated to the back.
Stan Stasiak pinned Rocky Johnson with the Heart Punch in 0:10:59.
Rating: 3/4*
The Grand Wizard didn't have much time to lick his wounds as he had to be back at ringside for the GCW debut of his newest client, Stan "The Man" Stasiak, who took on Rocky Johnson. Stasiak is a menacing presence in the ring, but Johnson isn't one to be easily intimidated. Maybe he should have been though as it might have saved him the grief of suffering Stasiak's vicious Heart Punch that ended this match and secured Stasiak his first win.
Wahoo McDaniel defeated Billy White Wolf by countout in 0:16:54.
Rating: 3/4*
Wahoo McDaniel got himself involved in the Billy Graham/Ernie Ladd match earlier, but what he really needed to focus on was his match against a very pissed off Billy White Wolf. Wolf was wrestling for the honor of his friend Chief Jay Strongbow, who Wahoo brutally assaulted when Strongbow refused to team with him again. Wolf gave Wahoo a beating, but he was too set on revenge and not on winning, letting Wahoo outsmart Wolf into getting himself counted out. Wahoo escapes with the win, but Wolf isn't going away just yet.
The Cripplers (Ray Stevens and Nick Bockwinkel) defeated Crusher & Bruiser (The Crusher and Dick the Bruiser) when Bockwinkel defeated Bruiser by disqualification in 0:16:24.
Rating: ** 3/4
(The Cripplers retained the GCW World Tag Team Titles.)
[Lou Albano interfered against Nick Bockwinkel.]
The tag team division has never been stronger than it is right now, and that was shown by our tag title match tonight. Ray Stevens & Nick Bockwinkel, the current champions and the hottest team in the world, defended against the greatest tag team in GCW history, the 5-time World Tag Team champions Dick the Bruiser & The Crusher. The fans didn't know who to cheer for as both teams are despised around the world, but they were treated to a great tag team title match. As the match wore on, the frustration built in both teams to the point where Bruiser & Crusher lost their cool and got themselves disqualified when they stopped listening to Danny Bartfield's instructions. Bruiser & Crusher lost so much control that they even started wailing on each other. These guys are nuts, but that's what makes them successful.
Peter Maivia and Bobo Brazil battled to a no-contest in 0:28:01.
Bobo Brazil suffered a broken back. He will be out for approximately 20 months.
Rating: ** 1/2
We were expecting a match with a lot of passion and a lot of aggression as former friends and partners Bobo Brazil & Peter Maivia fought due to the High Chief's shocking turn on Bruno Sammartino last month. However, a great, intense brawl turned tragic. The match was well into its 20th minute and both men were coated in blood. Brazil hit the ropes and Maivia hit the former World champ with a backdrop. When Brazil hit, though, he hit very awkwardly and everyone knew right away that something was very wrong. Brazil wasn't moving as referee Dick Kroll stopped the match and the medical staff rushed to the ring. World champion Bruno Sammartino came to the ring as well to check on his friend, but things were not looking good. Brazil was still being attended to as the fans were asked to leave the Civic Auditorium.
Card rating: **
Match observations:
We have an update on the condition of Bobo Brazil, who was severely injured during his match with Peter Maivia. Brazil suffered a severely broken back after an awkward fall on a backdrop from Maivia. Sadly, due to both his age and the physical toll that his body has taken after thousands of matches, Brazil has not regained feeling in his legs and is paralyzed from the waist down. Brazil is not expected to ever walk again and unfortunately, his career is as an in-ring competitor is over. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bobo and his family.
Unfortunately when things like this happen, the show must go on, and it will on April 26 as GCW returns to Chicago, Illinois. The following matches are scheduled to take place:
WORLD TITLE - Bruno Sammartino (c) vs. Peter Maivia
The Graham Brothers vs. Wahoo McDaniel/Ernie Ladd/Stan Stasiak
Tony Garea vs. Baron Mikel Scicluna
Chief Jay Strongbow/Billy White Wolf vs. Dick the Bruiser/The Crusher
The Half-Ton Team vs. The Minnesota Wrecking Crew
