JHawk
Yes, I am fully aware I’m late on getting this one out there. The reason? I’ve been working more hours the last few weeks. My car broke down. My internet has been running sporadically. I refereed a show this weekend. My girlfriend and I are expecting a baby this spring and I’ve been stressing out looking for a place big enough for my expanding family.
Now all of that is true.
But the truth is, I forgot. I actually have these done through about week 46 or so. It’s just a matter of editing and posting before the weekend. I simply forgot to edit this before the weekend.
I’d say this won’t happen again, but at some point one of those other excuses will legitimately keep this from coming up on time.
OK, here we go.
August 1983, Monday, Week 4
Shocking news out of Florida as “Honky Tonk” Wayne Farris has left Championship Wrestling from Florida, just days after winning the NWA Bahamas Title. Farris had defeated Denny Brown to win the vacant title on Friday and successfully defended the title against Brown last night before telling Eddie Graham that he would not be signing his new contract. This is why you don’t give a title to someone as incentive to sign a new deal.
August 1983, Tuesday, Week 4
Ed Farhat, better known as The Sheik, is the newest member of the Hall of Immortals. The 58th member of the Hall, Sheik had runs as NWA Texas Heavyweight Champion and NWA United National Champion, plus as owner of the Detroit territory was on top as their version of the U.S. Champion on 12 occasions. The Sheik was also on a famous segment of the hit show That’s Incredible in the 70s, demonstrating his legendary fireball.
Rocky Johnson was offered a contract from Championship Wrestling from Florida but has already turned it down.
Championship Wrestling taping (August 1983, Tuesday, Week 4)
In an extremely short match, Tito Santana defeated Buddy Rose in 3:14 by pinfall. These two don’t click at all and I know I’ve said it before, but that shocks the hell out of me.
Sgt. Slaughter defeated Tony Atlas in 3:43 by submission with a Cobra Clutch. After the match, Vince McMahon interviewed Slaughter, who once again vowed to take the gold from Bob Backlund when they meet at the Spectrum next month.
In a match that had an average crowd reaction and some decent in-ring action, Ivan Putski and Invader #2 defeated Johnny Rodz and Bob Bradley in 5:38 when Invader pinned Rodz with a Heart Punch.
Swede Hanson pinned Charlie Fulton in 3:02. They work well together so this was better than I was expecting.
Chief Jay Strongbow pinned Bill Anderson in 1:36 with a Tomahawk Chop. Another match where things just didn’t click.
Samu and The Wild Samoans defeated Salvatore Bellomo, Tony Garea and Eddie Gilbert in 5:24 when Afa pinned Garea with a Samoan Drop. After the match, Pat Patterson interviewed Lou Albano, who told Rocky Johnson that it didn’t matter who he finally chose as his partner because there is no way he is taking the titles away from the Samoans.
Rocky Johnson pinned Israel Matia in 1:48 with a Johnson Shuffle.
Buddy Rogers’ guest in Rogers’ Corner was Iron Mike Sharpe, who cut a generic promo saying he would beat S.D. Jones tonight before setting his sights on Backlund. Didn’t that experiment fail in April?
Iron Mike Sharpe pinned S.D. Jones in 2:56 with a Running Forearm Smash.
Vince McMahon interviewed Jimmy Snuka. Snuka said he’s tired of Don Muraco running from him and ducking his challenges, and he wants just one shot at Muraco inside a cage when there’s nowhere for him to hide. Luckily Rogers was there to help Snuka along, because Snuka seemed lost at points.
In a bout that had great heat and great wrestling action, Superstar Billy Graham defeated Jimmy Snuka in 9:14 by pinfall. I’m shocked at this result.
Despite the better main event tonight, I liked last week’s show better. Still not bad though.
August 1983, Wednesday, Week 4
Despite the promo Mike Sharpe did last night, there are no plans for another Sharpe-Bob Backlund title match.
August 1983, Thursday, Week 4
The vultures appear to be circling the struggling World Wrestling Association out of Indianapolis. The company has lost quite a bit of money lately and is looking to cut back on high priced stars to stay afloat. If they make it into 1984 as a viable company, I’ll be surprised.
August 1983, Friday, Week 4
Tiger Conway Jr. was offered a contract from Championship Wrestling from Florida but has already turned it down.
Dick the Bruiser retired from active competition but will remain with WWA as their owner and head booker.
August 1983, Saturday, Week 4
It’s always fun reporting on stories like this. Despite their loose affiliation in the WWF, Adrian Adonis and Don Muraco will actually be feuding with each other in Southwest Championship Wrestling over the SCW Heavyweight Title.
August 1983, Sunday, Week 4
Mr. Fuji was offered a contract by Championship Wrestling from Florida but turned the offer down.
TV ratings held steady yet again. Next week the TV moves into the New England market again which should help increase the ratings.
Bobo Brazil and Dick “The Bulldog” Brower both retired from active competition. Brazil will continue to be involved in the business as he has opened up the Dojo Brazil training center.
