Mid-South Wrestling – November 10th, 1983

November 10, 1983

The opening montage showed Junkyard Dog beating Butch Reed for the North American Heavyweight Title from two weeks ago

Your hosts are Boyd Pierce and Bill Watts

This week we have Krusher Darsow vs. Nikolai Volkoff, Road Warriors, and the return of Mr. Wrestling II.

We are shown a clip from last week where Reed painted a yellow stripe down the back of King Cobra to show that this will also happen to JYD. Watts tells us that Reed has been fined $500

Now, we get a video package on JYD. It shows him with kids and clips of him beating all sorts of opponents that are currently wrestling elsewhere.

Jim Ross is in the ring with Reed & Jim Neidhart and asked him about last week’s incident. Reed said King Cobra got what he deserved as Neidhart opens a box to show a puppy. Reed says he does not abuse animals then says he is that dog’s master before telling JYD he will lead him around with a chain. Ross noted that the dog looked a bit wet, implying the two washed something off of the dog. This really was a lame bit.

Butch Reed & Jim Neidhart vs. George Weingeroff & Randy Barber

Watts puts over the strength of Reed & Neidhart by saying they can bench press a combined 1,100 lbs. Weingeroff takes control by grounding Neidhart but Neidhart powers out and hits a backbreaker. Reed tags in and trades stuff with Weingeroff then beats on Barber. Watts talks about Nikolai Volkoff knocking out Dusty Rhodes with a 100 lbs bag of wheat last week as Reed & Neidhart cut off the ring and beat on Barber until Neidhart hits a Samoan Drop (3:31).

Thoughts: A showcase for the Tag Champs, who are in need of some challengers at the moment.

We are shown Volkoff attacking Dusty last week. Watts also told us that Dusty got revenge but we were not shown a replay.

Nikolai Volkoff vs. Krusher Darsow

Before the match, Volkoff demands the Russian National Anthem get played before his match. We hear the anthem then Darsow attacks Volkoff when it finishes. Darsow eats boot on a charge then Volkoff stomps away. Watts goes on about his pro-USA stuff on commentary then Darsow locks on a bearhug. The USA chants get louder for a bit as Darsow maintains the hold. Volkoff reverses the hold then hangs Darsow down and rams him into the corner. Volkoff lands more stomps but Darsow runs him over. Darsow tries it again but is shoved into the corner as Volkoff once again stomps away. Volkoff takes Darsow down with a big boot then uses an overhead backbreaker for the win (4:29) *.

Thoughts: The anthem stuff really did not get much heat but the crowd did get into the match a little when Darsow used a bearhug. The match was incredibly basic as Watts is really pushing the anti Russia stuff hard on commentary but Volkoff is still not getting over as much as a top heel needs to be. Watts also named him as a possible contender for JYD’s title.

Road Warriors vs. Mike Bond & Art Crews

The Road Warriors knock Bond outside then beat on Crews. Watts says the Road Warriors should be in line for a shot at the Mid-South Tag Titles since the Road Warriors hold the National Tag Titles. Bond tags in and also gets his ass kicked as Watts talks about the JYD/Reed feud then Animal hits a clothesline for the win (2:09).

Thoughts: Dominating win for the Road Warriors as Watts listed them as possible Tag Title contenders.

Watts introduces us to a pre-recorded sit-down interview conducted by Reesor Bowden. Reesor talks about specialists and coaches in sports but how its an idea that has never been conceived in wrestling until now. We see Mr. Wrestling II sitting down in a suit and he talks about wanting to coach Magnum TA and promises to pass his knowledge along to Magnum. However, Mr. Wrestling will not quit as an active wrestler then we are shown Magnum as he talks about making his greatest gains while an amateur wrestler under coaching. This was an interesting segment. The interview itself was presented in a way different than anything else seen on Mid-South TV at this time. According to Magnum, then booker Ernie Ladd told Magnum that he should probably go back to Florida since they were struggling to find something for him to do so Magnum called Dusty up and they had ideas. However, Watts thought it was dumb to let Magnum go then Bill Dundee came in to replace Ladd and suggested Magnum and Mr. Wrestling II team up together and the rest was history.

Paul Garner vs. Mr. Wrestling II

Watts runs down Mr. Wrestling’s accolades as Mr. Wrestling works over Garner. Mr. Wrestling II stays in control then hits a power knee lift for the win (2:34).

Thoughts: Mr. Wrestling gets an easy win in his return as he gears up for his role as Magnum’s coach.

Jeff Sword vs. Mike Jackson

Sword uses a chinlock but Jackson escapes. Watts says that Mr. Wrestling & Magnum TA will team up next week as Sword regains control. Jackson rolls away from an elbow drop then hits an enziguiri and a dropkick. Sword comes back with a clothesline then hits a swinging neckbreaker for the win (2:59) *.

Thoughts: Jackson was a great worker but tiny and did not have a great look. Sword was bigger but did not have any standout attributes.

John King vs. Tony Torres

King was based out of Florida and a lower card guy there too. Both men trade arm wringers to start then end up on the mat. King hammers away but gets caught with a back drop. Pierce tells us he will not be here next week because he’s going away to Nebraska for his annual vacation and will be replaced by Jim Ross and Buddy Nichols. Torres works the arm and stays in control until we hit curfew (2:55).

Thoughts: Back to back prelim matches to close out the show. Watts did try to put over Torres for being resilient.

Final Thoughts: They pushed the key storylines and we saw Mr. Wrestling II return to be the coach for Magnum but the action was weak. The bigger news was behind the scenes with Bill Dundee replacing Ernie Ladd and with that we will see some new talents come into the territory as we head towards 1984.