JHawk
So we are finally here. After 48 weeks, we come to the conclusion of the first year of our experiment (the nature of Total Extreme Wrestling means we end up 4 weeks short, which is one of my few criticisms of the software). We’ve discovered it is extremely difficult to change plans in midstream when virtually all of your main eventers either get hurt or go to World Class of all places. How will 1983 end? How will 1984 begin (and yes, I’ll be doing this for 1984 as well from right where we’re leaving off here)? Let’s find out.
December 1983, Monday, Week 4
In previous years, the WWF’s final show at Madison Square Garden every year has been an all-out affair. Either wrestlers are brought in from Japan, or something major happens, or the lineup is the culmination of months of storylines.
Unfortunately for the WWF, most of the long term plans were shot with the defections in November, and most of the back up plans went up in smoke due to failed negotiations. So as we move to what is usually a big show, little to nothing has been announced.
The “main event” as announced of now will be The Wild Samoans vs. Rough & Tumble. The original plan was for Rocky Johnson and Tony Atlas to win the titles last month, which of course was changed when Atlas gave notice. S.D. Jones seems like a step down as far as partners for Johnson go, but I would not be shocked to see the title change take place here.
The only other announced match is George Steele and Lou Albano vs. Jimmy Snuka and Arnold Skaaland, which was booked last month solely for Snuka to get a win over the Intercontinental Champion, which is what I’m expecting here.
Pat Patterson will be defending the WWF Heavyweight Title against an opponent to be named, which leaves Lord Alfred Hayes to announce tonight’s show with Gorilla Monsoon. God help us.
Live coverage from Madison Square Garden (December 1983, Monday, Week 4)
No Adrian Adonis as expected. No Lou Albano tonight either as Southwest Championship Wrestling is using him in Adonis’ corner. This company is hosed on so many levels.
In a bout that had solid in-ring action but not much in the way of heat, Jose Luis Rivera pinned Samu with a roll up in 10:15.
In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Tiger Chung Lee drew with Salvatore Bellomo when the 20-minute time limit expired.
In a bout that had a good crowd and good action, Jimmy Snuka and Arnold Skaaland defeated George Steele and Mr. Fuji (subbing for Albano) in 9:49 when Snuka pinned Steele with a Superfly Splash.
The Great Wojo defeated Chief Jay Strongbow in 7:58 by pinfall.
Bobby Colt went to a double disqualification with Ivan Putski in 7:20 after both men threw referee Dave Hebner down to the canvas.
In a bout that had a good crowd and good action, Ivan Koloff defeated Pat Patterson in 12:28 by submission to win the WWF Heavyweight Title. Patterson was heavily favoring his back at the end of the contest. Koloff’s celebration came off as a big deal, but I am in total shock they not only went with Koloff as the mystery opponent but allowed him to go over here.
In a bout that had a good crowd and good action, Rough and Tumble defeated The Wild Samoans in 20:10 to win the WWF Tag Team Title when Rocky Johnson pinned Sika with a Johnson Shuffle. These last two matches were both really good.
Backstage, Lord Alfred Hayes interviewed Ivan Koloff, who celebrated his title victory by becoming the first Russian athlete to win the title twice.
In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Tony Garea defeated Jerry Valiant in 16:14 by pinfall. This was just way too long considering the participants.
Lord Alfred Hayes interviewed Pat Patterson in the locker room. Patterson apologized to the fans, but noted he injured his back during a suplex attempt early in the match and it got to the point where he simply couldn’t take the pain anymore. He did praise Koloff but said he would be back for the title as his first opportunity.
Invader # 2 and Nick DeCarlo defeated Iron Mike Sharpe and Charlie Fulton in 4:56 when Invader # 2 pinned Fulton by pinfall with a Heart Punch. Sharpe and Fulton have exactly zero chemistry as partners, although this still wasn’t too bad all things considered.
December 1983, Tuesday, Week 4
Bobby Colt and Johnny Rodz bonded backstage last night, as they share a common love of surfing.
The show at the Garden last night drew a disappointing 3,268.
Match of the night bonuses went to S.D. Jones, Rocky Johnson, and The Wild Samoans for their tag team title match.
The Pat Patterson back injury is a work, as Patterson is going to be taken off TV for at least a few weeks, including as an announcer. Gene Okerlund will be making his debut with tonight’s taping.
The decision to put the belt on Ivan Koloff was mostly Vince McMahon’s. If you recall, he was calling for Koloff to win the championship last month when the decision was made to go with Pat Patterson instead. Heels in the WWF rarely hold the Heavyweight Title more than a month or so and I doubt Koloff is going to be any different.
WWF Championship Wrestling taping (December 1983, Tuesday, Week 4)
It looks like a sell out crowd in Allentown tonight.
The Wild Samoans defeated Tony Garea and S.D. Jones in 3:55 when Afa pinned S.D. Jones with a Samoan Drop. I assume this is a way to establish that the Samoans are still the top contenders to the Tag Team Titles.
Eddie Gilbert pinned Kurt Von Hess in 2:13 with a Hotshot. These two have no chemistry, so it made for an awkward match.
In an extremely short match, Rene Goulet defeated Steve Lombardi in 1:58 by pinfall. After the match, Gene Okerlund interviewed Goulet at ringside. Goulet said he expected big things for his career in 1984. Why am I doubting this?
The Great Wojo defeated Swede Hanson in 2:01 by submission with a Boston Crab.
Buddy Rogers’ Corner was next, and his guest, Tony Garea, said he was gunning for a shot at George Steele and the Intercontinental Title.
Mr. Fuji defeated Nick DeCarlo in 2:26 by pinfall with a Kamikaze Clothesline.
In a bout that had solid in-ring action but not much in the way of heat, Iron Mike Sharpe pinned The Tonga Kid in 7:15 with a Running Forearm Smash. Yes, this was actually our main event. After the match, Okerlund interviewed Sharpe, who praised the Kid for staying in the match as long as he did but that the result was really a foregone conclusion before the ink was even dry on the contract.
Howard Finkel announced The Wild Samoans vs. Pat Patterson and a mystery partner for next week. So much for “off TV for several weeks”.
And that was the show. It seemed a little on the short side but I enjoyed it.
December 1983, Wednesday, Week 4
Footage airing on TV this weekend will include most of the Koloff-Patterson title change, brief clips of the Tag Team Title change, plus some pretaped comments from the WWF wrestlers wishing the fans a happy new year.
Vince McMahon has been impressed with Penny Mitchell’s work as a road agent and has personally given her a two year contract extension. He did not get booker Jared Hawkins’ input on it, but since it’s not directly affecting his booking, he’s probably not sweating it.
Expect a slight change of character to S.D. Jones with his next appearance, as they’re going to make him more of a fun babyface. The change won’t be too noticeable, mostly a change in outfits to more of a island theme and, knowing Vince McMahon, some stereotypical black man dancing. What, you mean you thought Vince McMahon had 1980s ideals?
December 1983, Thursday, Week 4
The WWF has announced they will be doing two major shows in January over a three day stretch. After a month off, they will return to the Spectrum in Philadelphia on Saturday, Week 3. Then two days later, on Monday, Week 4, they will return to Madison Square Garden. The first match for the Spectrum has been signed, as Tony Garea will get a shot at Ivan Koloff’s WWF Heavyweight Title. Or as I like to call it, the lifetime achievement main event.
December 1983, Friday, Week 4
The first match for the January Madison Square Garden show has been announced, as Andre the Giant will team with WWF Tag Team Champions Rocky Johnson and S.D. Jones to take on all three Wild Samoans in a best of three falls match. WWF six man tag team matches are generally good and there are some good and over workers involved in that one, so that should be great.
The WWF is not officially announcing Ivan Koloff’s opponent for MSG. I expect them to announce Pat Patterson will be getting a rematch for the title but then use the storyline injury as an excuse to slip someone else into the slot.
December 1983, Saturday, Week 4
The WWF has added an 8-man elimination tag team match to next month’s Philadelphia show. Andre the Giant, Jimmy Snuka, S.D. Jones and Rocky Johnson will take on all three Wild Samoans and The Great Wojo.
December 1983, Sunday, Week 4
Expect a huge update tomorrow, as we’ll be announcing the 1983 Year End Award winners.
TV ratings held steady this week.
Buddy Rogers’ contract expired so he’s history. Preliminary plan is for the weekly talk show segment to be renamed Victory Corner and be hosted by Lord Alfred Hayes every week.
Israel Matia has turned down an offer to work for Championship Wrestling from Florida.
