JHawk
Happy Easter everybody!
Before we begin, I want to give a brief update about this column. As it stands right now, it appears my girlfriend is going to have a Caesarian section done on Friday, which means I’ll have a newborn son to help take care of. I have another 6 or 7 of these articles essentially done and ready to be edited, and I’m going to try to finish editing those over the next few days so we can do these uninterrupted. However, if I end up missing a week, you know why.
I’m also working on a new series of articles that I’m very excited about, and I’m hoping to get them launched in a few weeks once things settle down.
And with that, let’s get rolling.
November 1983, Monday, Week 2
WWF Championship Wrestling will be expanding its coverage into Canada beginning next month, having signed a six month deal with CBAFT-TV in the Maritimes. Not the most ideal station, but more exposure is bound to lead to more opportunities for the WWF to grow.
November 1983, Tuesday, Week 2
Mike Graham has recovered from the MCL injury he suffered in the WWF last month and is expected to return to the ring in Florida before the end of the week.
WWF Championship Wrestling taping (November 1983, Tuesday, Week 2)
At the Agricultural Hall in Allentown as usual, and we look to be very close to a sellout.
In an extremely short match, Tiger Chung Lee defeated Frankie Williams in 2:56 by submission.
Sgt. Slaughter defeated Steve Lombardi in 3:41 by submission with a Cobra Clutch. Slaughter looked as good as ever here.
Buddy Rogers’ Corner was next, and he interviewed The Soul Patrol about their quest for the WWF Tag Team Titles. They didn’t say anything here that they haven’t said in a number of interviews already.
The Soul Patrol defeated Charlie Fulton and Adrian Adonis in 4:50 when Atlas pinned Fulton with The Press Slam. Johnson, having looked real good the last few weeks, looked a step or two off here.
In what might be the most random WWF Tag Team Title match ever, The Wild Samoans defeated S.D. Jones and Israel Matia in 2:20 when Afa pinned Matia with a Samoan Drop. Afa looked good, but wow, the challengers are the weirdest combination ever.
Tito Santana defeated Tiger Conway Jr. in 1:45 by pinfall.
Vince McMahon interviewed Bob Backlund regarding his match on Thanksgiving Day against Masked Superstar. Pat Patterson then interviewed Eddie Gilbert, who said he was being evaluated by Dr. George Zahorian on Monday and if cleared he plans on returning next week.
Masked Superstar defeated Tony Garea in 1:31 by pinfall.
Iron Mike Sharpe pinned Salvatore Bellomo in 2:40 with a Running Forearm Smash.
Vince McMahon interviewed Mr. Fuji, who was headed to the ring for his match against Bob Backlund. He said he was going to beat Backlund tonight. Then, when he receives his inevitable title shot, he’ll take the title from him as well.
In a non-title bout that had great heat and good action, Bob Backlund defeated Mr. Fuji in 7:03 by submission with a Cross Face Chicken Wing. So much for Fuji’s inevitable title shot.
I cannot praise this show enough. A solid main event makes all the difference.
November 1983, Wednesday, Week 2
David Sammartino was arrested just outside of Allentown last night when what appeared to be a routine traffic stop ended up with Sammartino being caught in possession of a large amount of cocaine. The WWF immediately fined David Sammartino an extensive amount of money. The story was picked up by the mainstream media, who are questioning why Sammartino only got a fine. In a statement, booker Jared Hawkins, called the “vice president of wrestling operations”, said that Sammartino has never failed a drug test, which the company does randomly, and that per company guidelines this will be classified as a first offense of the drug testing policy but that they will also support any decisions made by law enforcement regarding the situation. This couldn’t come at a worst time, as the company appeared to be turning a corner and didn’t need this sort of negative publicity.
An extended video showing Bob Backlund training Eddie Gilbert for his return to the ring will air on the syndicated TV this weekend.
The show in Allentown drew the usual sellout of 1,300.
November 1983, Thursday, Week 2
Sgt. Slaughter vs. Tony Atlas has been added to the Thanksgiving Day show at the Philadelphia Spectrum.
November 1983, Friday, Week 2
The WWF announced today that they will be adding Rocky Johnson vs. Bob Bradley to the Thanksgiving show in Philadelphia.
November 1983, Saturday, Week 2
Southwest Championship Wrestling has made contact offers to the Masked Superstar, Superstar Billy Graham, and Tito Santana. I have no idea if any of them are considering accepting the offer. The WWF is hoping Santana doesn’t accept the offer as they have long term plans for him. They would like to keep Masked Superstar but would probably be able to keep most current plans going without him.
November 1983, Sunday, Week 2
TV ratings held steady this week, although negotiations to extend the contract for Championship Wrestling in the Tri State area have hit a snag so the future of the show in the WWF’s home base is in jeopardy.
