The Piledriver Report 03.11.09: The Fourth Annual Ultimate March Madness Tournament – The Final 32 Contenders and the First Round Brackets

After reading the “Comments” from last weeks article, I noticed the most controversial selection of the first 32 contenders has to be Rick Rude. Sure, he held the NWA title. However, that was AFTER the title was no longer a true World title. Once World Championship Wrestling changed their World Championship from the NWA title to the WCW title, the National Wrestling Alliance belt no longer had any significance as a “World” belt. It was only a “world” title in name only. The NWA crown became the indys top belt. Despite making a short resurgence in WCW when Rick Rude held the belt, it still wasn’t viewed as a legitimate World title in the promotion. Not that they didn’t try, but it was obvious that the WCW title was THE World title of that promotion. Renaming the NWA title the WCW International Heavyweight championship was because WCW realized that their relationship with the NWA was not working, so they went their separate ways. Instead of pretending that Rick Rude was not a current champ, they renamed the belt, and later unified it with the WCW title. Plus, if you go on the website, nwawrestling.com, they do not list Rick Rude as an NWA World Champion. Ric Flair’s 10th NWA World title reign ended in September 1993 when WCW withdrew from NWA. Flair continues to be recognized as “World Heavyweight Champion” by WCW. However, the new belt, which would be named the WCW International World title, was not an official World title belt.

THE FINAL THIRTY-TWO CONTENDERS

King Kong Bundy: Bundy was one of the most famous students ever to graduate from Larry Sharpe’s Monster Factory wrestling school. King Kong Bundy set a record for the shortest match, at the first WrestleMania, when pinned SD Jones in nine seconds. One of his key gimmicks was that Bundy would request that the referee count to five when King Kong would pin his opponents. The most famous angle that Bundy took part of while in the WWF occurred in early 1986. Hogan was wrestling Don Muraco when Bundy ambushed Hogan. The tag team attack from Don Muraco and Bundy caused Hogan to “suffer broken ribs.” Hogan would go on to beat Bundy in the highest profile match of King Kong’s career, as the two fought at WrestleMania 2 inside a steel cage. Titles include: AWA Superstars of Wrestling Heavyweight Championship, Continental Wrestling Association AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship, Maryland Championship Wrestling Heavyweight Championship, NWA New York Heavyweight Champion, Top Rope Wrestling Heavyweight Championship, World Class Championship Wrestling NWA American Heavyweight Championship (2 times).

Bad News Brown: Brown was the 1976 Olympic bronze medal winner in judo, in the heavyweight division. He is the only American heavyweight to have won an Olympic medal in judo. Brown, then known as Bad News Allen, started his wrestling career in Japan, and then he headed up to Calgary where he competed against Dynamite Kid and Owen Hart. Brown gained his greatest fame when he arrived in the WWF in 1988. Brown played a ruthless heel, who was a loner. Not only did he hate the babyfaces, but he didn’t get along with the heels either. More then anything, Bad News was a legitimate tough guy. As legend has it, in a confrontation involving André the Giant, who had made a racist comment on a tour bus for New Japan Pro Wrestling, Bad News overheard it and made the driver stop the bus, walking off and yelling at the Giant to get off and fight him one on one. In one of the few times anyone can remember Andre backing down from someone, the giant did not move from his seat and later apologized for the remark. Titles and awards include: Olympic Games 1976 Bronze medallist in Judo, Heavyweight, Pan American Games 1967 Gold medallist in Judo, Heavyweight, 1975 Gold medallist in Judo, Heavyweight, NWA Florida Bahamian Championship, NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship, NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Florida version), NWA Polynesian Pacific Heavyweight Championship, Stampede North American Heavyweight Championship (4 times), ICW Heavyweight Championship, IWA Heavyweight Championship.

John Morrison: He is arguably the most successful wrestler to ever win the WWE’s “Tough Enough” series. While John Morrison has been an extremely successful tag team performer, pairing with both Joey Mercury in MNM, and The Miz, Morrison is a very gifted athlete. He has the body of Rick Rude/John Cena, charisma, and is awesome on the mic. Along with The Miz, Morrison has been featured on RAW, SmackDown!, and ECW almost every week for the past several months. Titles and awards include: Pro Wrestling Illustrated Tag Team of the Year (2005) with Joey Mercury, PWI ranked him #43 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the year in the PWI 500 in 2008, World Wrestling Entertainment ECW World Championship, WWE Intercontinental Championship (2 times), Slammy Award for Tag Team of the Year (2008) – with The Miz, Slammy Award for Best WWE.com Exclusive (2008) – with The Miz, WWE Tough Enough III co–winner with Matt Cappotelli, Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards Tag Team of the Year (2008) with The Miz.

Ken Kennedy: He is currently one of the WWE’s up and coming stars. At the 2007 Royal Rumble, Kennedy faced Batista in a match where “Mr. Kennedy” seemed to come into his own as a performer. After viewing the match, it looked like Kennedy was destined for greatness. At that year’s WrestleMania, Kennedy won the Money in the Bank match that garaunteed him a World title shot in the next year. After winning, Kennedy announced that he would cash in his Money in the Bank at next year’s WrestleMania. Unfortunately, an injuries to the Undertaker, and what was thought to be a long-term injury to Kennedy, forced the WWE to run a quick angle to get the title shot briefcase off of Kennedy. Since then, Kennedy has yet to regain the momentum that was leading him down the World title path. Titles and accolades include: All–Star Championship Wrestling ACW Heavyweight Championship (3 times), ACW Television Championship, Mid–American Wrestling Heavyweight Championship, NWA Midwest Heavyweight Championship, Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked him #21 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the year in the PWI 500 in 2007, World Wrestling Entertainment United States Championship, Mr. Money in the Bank (2007), Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards- Best Gimmick (2005).

Nikita Koloff: Within a little over a year after his professional wrestling debut, Nikita Koloff was placed in the main event of the July 6th, 1985 Great American Bash against Ric Flair. It was shortly after this main event, that Vince McMahon first approached him with an offer to leave the NWA for the WWF. McMahon promised Koloff an immediate push, suggesting either a program with Tito Santana, during which he would win the Intercontinental Championship, or a program with Hulk Hogan that would culminate the following year at WrestleMania 2. Nikita turned him down, believing the massive push that had been booked for him in the NWA, namely the planned feud with Magnum T.A., would give him greater leverage down the road to secure a more lucrative contract with McMahon. While Nikita never did find the riches of the WWF, he did participate in one of the great feuds on the mid-eighties against Magnum TA. Their epic “best of seven series” matches for the United States championship was the forerunner of other “best of seven” matches that would come after, such as Chris Benoit vs. Booker T. Titles and awards include: NWA National Heavyweight Championship, NWA United States Heavyweight Championship, NWA World Television Championship, UWF World Television Championship, Jim Crockett Sr. Memorial Cup (1987) with Dusty Rhodes, Pro Wrestling Illustrated Feud of the Year (1987) The Super Powers and The Road Warriors vs. The Four Horsemen, PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (1987), PWI ranked him # 64 of the 100 best tag teams of the PWI Years with Ivan Koloff in 2003, Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards- 5 Star Match (1992) with Dustin Rhodes, Sting, Ricky Steamboat, and Barry Windham vs. Rick Rude, Steve Austin, Arn Anderson, Bobby Eaton, & Larry Zbyszko (May 17, WarGames match, WrestleWar).

Kevin Sullivan: Sullivan is one of the greatest minds in the business. Besides being a booker, Sullivan’s best asset as a worker is the psychology that he brings to the ring. Sullivan’s first big break came in the Florida territory where he adopted a devil worshipper’s gimmick. However, his greatest success came in World Championship Wrestling where he managed the Varsity Club, and wrestled as an upper mid-card heel. Titles and honors include: Century Wrestling Alliance Heavyweight Championship, NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship, NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Florida version) (4 times), NWA Georgia Junior Heavyweight Championship (2 times), NWA National Television Championship (2 times), NWA Southeast Continental Heavyweight Championship (2 times), NWA Southeastern United States Junior Heavyweight Championship (2 times), NWA Mid-America Television Championship, Pro Wrestling Illustrated Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (1981), PWI ranked him # 106 of the 500 best singles wrestlers during the “PWI Years” in 2003, Southern Championship Wrestling NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Tennessee version), Southwest Championship Wrestling Southwest Heavyweight Championship, Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards- Worst Worked Match of the Year (1996) with Arn Anderson, Meng, The Barbarian, Ric Flair, Lex Luger, Z-Gangsta and The Ultimate Solution vs. Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage, WCW Uncensored, Towers of Doom match, Tupelo, MS, March 24.

Terry Gordy: Gordy may have been one third of the Fabulous Freebirds, but he was also one of the best big men in the history of the business. Aside from his numerous tag team championships, Gordy held several singles titles. He was also an accomplished tag team wrestler outside of the Freebirds group. Gordy had tremendous success in Japan and in WCW when he teamed with “Dr. Death” Steve Williams. Titles and accolades include: All Japan Pro Wrestling Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship (2 times), Mid-South Louisiana Championship, Mid-South Mississippi Heavyweight Championship, UWF World Heavyweight Championship, Pro Wrestling Illustrated Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (1986), PWI Tag Team of the Year award in 1981 – with Michael Hayes, PWI Tag Team of the Year award in 1992 – with Steve Williams, NWA Alabama Heavyweight Championship, NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship (Northern Division), Smoky Mountain Wrestling Heavyweight Championship, NWA American Heavyweight Championship, NWA Brass Knuckles Championship (Texas version), Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards- Best Brawler (1986), Match of the Year (1984) with Buddy Roberts and Michael Hayes vs. the Von Erichs (Kerry, Kevin, and Mike) in an Anything Goes match on July 4, Tag Team of the Year (1980) with Buddy Roberts as The Fabulous Freebirds, Tag Team of the Year (1981) with Jimmy Snuka, Tag Team of the Year (1992) with Steve Williams as Miracle Violence Connection.

Steve Williams: Williams was an All-American football player and top amateur wrestler at the University of Oklahoma. Williams had his greatest national fame working for Bill Watt’s Mid-South Wrestling, and later WCW. However, it was his stint in Japan that made him one of the top wrestlers in the world. In a rarity in professional wrestling, Steve Williams went over a decade without getting pinned on U.S. soil. Titles and awards include: All Japan Pro Wrestling Triple Crown Heavyweight Championship, NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship, UWF World Heavyweight Championship, Pro Wrestling Illustrated Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (1985), PWI Tag Team of the Year (1992) with Terry Gordy, PWI ranked him # 8 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the year in the PWI 500 in 1991, United States Wrestling Association, Universal Wrestling Federation (Herb Abrams), UWF SportsChannel Television Championship, UWF World Heavyweight Championship, Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards- 5 Star Match (1993) vs. Kenta Kobashi on August 31, 5 Star Match (1995) with Johnny Ace vs. Mitsuharu Misawa and Kenta Kobashi on March 4, 5 Star Match (1996) with Johnny Ace vs. Mitsuharu Misawa and Jun Akiyama on June 7 in Tokyo, Japan, Match of the Year (1996) with Johnny Ace vs. Mitsuharu Misawa and Jun Akiyama on June 7 in Tokyo, Japan, Most Improved (1985), Rookie of the Year (1982), Tag Team of the Year (1992) with Terry Gordy.

Lance Storm: Storm was one of the most underrated wrestlers in the past twenty years. Despite not being over six feet tall, Lance was able to find success in every federation that he competed in. One of the things that made Storm unique was the fact that he never really cared about whether he won titles. Despite not caring about championships, Lance was a Triple Crown champion in WCW. Titles and honors include: Canadian Rocky Mountain Wrestling Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight Championship (4 times), CRMW International/North American Championship, Catch Wrestling Association Catch Junior Heavyweight Championship (2 times), Pro Wrestling Illustrated PWI ranked him #13 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2001, Smoky Mountain Wrestling Beat the Champ Television Championship, World Championship Wrestling Cruiserweight Championship, WCW Hardcore Championship, WCW United States Heavyweight Championship (3 times), World Wrestling Entertainment Intercontinental Championship, Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards- Most Underrated Wrestler (2001).

Dean Malenko: Dean is a second-generation wrestler from the Malenko family. Dean has wrestled all around the world. Due to learning different wrestling styles in Mexico, Japan, and the United States, Dean garnered the nickname of the “Man of 1,000 Holds.” Titles and awards include: Extreme Championship Wrestling Television Championship (2 times), Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked him # 1 in the PWI 500 in 1997, World Championship Wrestling Cruiserweight Championship (4 times), WCW United States Heavyweight Championship, World Wrestling Federation Light Heavyweight Championship (2 times), Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards- Feud of the Year (1995) vs. Eddie Guerrero, Best Technical Wrestler (1996, 1997), ICWA Light Heavyweight Championship, SPW Heavyweight Championship.

Kevin Von Erich: Kevin Von Erich is the last of Fritz Von Erich’s boys still alive. Despite tragedy after tragedy that befell the Von Erich family, Kevin Von Erich has stood tall. When David passed away, and Kerry was no longer the same after his motorcycle accident, Kevin Von Erich carried World Class Championship Wrestling. While everybody remembers the classic Von Erichs-Fabulous Freebirds wars, Kevin’s greatest rivalry came against Chris Adams. Titles and honors include: NWA American Heavyweight Championship (5 times), WCCW Television Championship, WCWA Texas Heavyweight Championship (2 times), WCWA World Heavyweight Championship, NWA North American Heavyweight Championship, NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship, Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards- Match of the Year (1984) with Mike and Kerry Von Erich vs. the Fabulous Freebirds (Buddy Roberts, Michael Hayes, and Terry Gordy) in an Anything Goes match on July 4.

David Von Erich: David was the most complete wrestler in the Von Erich family. Out of all of Fritz’s children, David was the best. He was the best worker. He was the best interviewer. He even did something the younger Von Erich boys didn’t do. He traveled outside of Texas to work as a heel. David was thought very highly of by the NWA Championship Committee, to the point where it is believed that they were going to put the NWA World title on him in March or April 1984. Sadly, David passed away on February 10th during a Japanese tour for All-Japan Wrestling. He would never capture the NWA World title prior to his death. Although, his brother Kerry won the NWA World title from Ric Flair at an event that bared his brother’s name. Titles and achievements include: NWA Florida Television Championship, NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Florida version) (1 time), Pro Wrestling Illustrated Stanley Weston Award (1984), NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship (8 times), NWA United National Championship (1 time), NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship, Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards- Match of the Year (1984) with Kevin and Kerry Von Erich vs. the Fabulous Freebirds (Buddy Roberts, Michael Hayes, and Terry Gordy) on July 4.

Eddie Graham: A kayfabe member of the “Graham” wrestling family, Eddie was best known as a promoter in the Florida territory, and one-time NWA President. Before becoming a key member of the NWA’s front office, Graham was an accomplished wrestler. First, as a tag team wreswtler, and later as a singles star, where his most famous feud was against Prof. Boris Malenko (Dean’s dad). Titles and awards include: NWA Brass Knuckles Championship (Florida version) (2 times), NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship, NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Florida version) (3 times), NWA Georgia Southern Heavyweight Championship, World Heavyweight Championship (Georgia version), WCW Hall of Fame (Class of 1993), Midwest Wrestling Association World Junior Heavyweight Championship, NWA Hall of Fame (Class of 2006), Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996), World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame (Class of 2008).

Bruiser Brody: Brody was one of the greatest brawlers of all-time. He was “extreme” before “extreme” was ECW. Bruiser was a star in numerous territories in the United States, and one of the top foreign draws in Japan. The problem with the wildman is that Brody was perceived as both an asset and a liability by promoters. He was a major draw wherever he competed, but he also had a reputation for refusing to job to other wrestlers. Despite being one of the innovators of “hardcore” wrestling, Brody will probably be most remembered for his death. Brody was murdered in the locker room while on a tour of Puerto Rico allegedly by fellow wrestler Jose Gonzalez. Wrestlers such as Mick Foley, The Predator, “The Necro Butcher” Dylan Keith Summers, and The Berzerker have all patterned their styles off of Brody. In addition to this, Brody is the man who helped break in Vader (Leon White) and The Undertaker, wrestling both of them in their first professional matches.. Both men have said Brody played a big role in the style they wrestle. Titles and awards include: NWA International Heavyweight Championship (3 times), NWA Central States Heavyweight Championship, NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship, NWA American Heavyweight Championship (4 times), NWA Brass Knuckles Championship (Texas version) (6 times), NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship, WCCW Television Championship, NWA Western States Heavyweight Championship, Pro Wrestling Illustrated Editor’s Award (1988) tied with Adrian Adonis, PWI ranked him # 14 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the “PWI Years” in 2003, Southwest Championship Wrestling Southwest Brass Knuckles Championship, St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame (Class of 2007), World Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Championship, Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards- 5 Star Match (1984) with Stan Hansen vs. Dory and Terry Funk on December 8, Best Brawler (1980-1984, 1987, 1988), Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996).

Ernie Ladd: In 1961, as a publicity stunt, some wrestlers in the San Diego area challenged Ladd to a private wrestling workout. Before long, Ladd was a part-time competitor in Los Angeles, during football’s off-season.[1] Ladd became a huge draw in short order. Ladd became one of wrestling’s most hated heels during the 1970s, as well as one of the first black wrestlers to portray a heel character. Because of his size, Ladd wrestled other big men type wrestlers. His biggest rival in the World Wide Wrestling Federation was Andre the Giant. Titles and honors include: NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship, NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Florida version), NWA American Heavyweight Championship, NWA Brass Knuckles Championship (Texas version), NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship, NWA Americas Heavyweight Championship (3 times), Mid-South Louisiana Heavyweight Championship (2 times), Mid-South North American Heavyweight Championship, NWA Arkansas Heavyweight Championship, NWA North American Heavyweight Championship (Tri-State version) (4 times), National Wrestling Federation Brass Knuckles Championship, NWF Heavyweight Championship, NWF North American Heavyweight Championship (2 times), Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked him # 205 of the 500 best singles wrestlers during the “PWI Years” in 2003, World Championship Wrestling Hall of Fame (Class of 1994), World Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Championship, World Wrestling Council North American Heavyweight Championship, World Wrestling Federation Hall of Fame (Class of 1995), Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards- Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996).

Tully Blanchard: Tully is the son of former wrestler and promoter, Joe Blanchard. Tully gained his greatest fame in the Mid-Atlantic territory as one of the founding members of the Four Horsemen. Blanchard was one of those rare breed mid-eighties heels who could wrestler like a face, but was aggressive and arrogant like a “bad guy.” Aside from being an accomplished singles wrestler, he formed a classic tag team with Arn Andreson. However, this tournament is about singles greatness, and not team accomplishments. Titles and honors include: NWA Central States Heavyweight Championship, NWA National Heavyweight Championship, NWA Television Championship, NWA United States Heavyweight Championship, NWA World Television Championship (2 times), Pro Wrestling Illustrated Feud of the Year (1987) Four Horsemen vs. Super Powers and the Road Warriors, PWI Tag Team of the Year (1989) with Arn Anderson, Southwest Championship Wrestling Southwest Heavyweight Championship (4 times), SCW Southwest Television Championship (3 times), Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards- Worst Feud of the Year (1988) vs. The Midnight Rider.

Wahoo McDaniel: Like Ernie Ladd, Wahoo began his professional wrestling career as a way to make extra money during professional football’s off season. Once his football career ended, Wahoo made his big mark in the Houston territory where he feuded with Boris Malenko and the NWA World Champion Dory Funk, Jr. Wahoo gained his greatest exposure in wrestling working for the Crocketts’ in the Mid-Atlantic territory. It was there that he feuded with Johnny Valentine, Greg Valentine, and of course his legendary war with the “Nature Boy” Ric Flair. Titles and awards include: NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship, NWA Florida Television Championship, NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Florida version) (2 times), NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship (2 times), NWA Macon Heavyweight Championship, NWA National Heavyweight Championship, International Pro Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship, NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship (5 times), NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (5 times), WCW Hall of Fame (Class of 1995), NWA Big Time Wrestling American Heavyweight Championship (2 times), NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship (2 times), Pro Wrestling Illustrated Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (1976), PWI ranked him # 97 of the 500 best singles wrestlers during the “PWI Years” in 2003, Southwest Championship Wrestling Southwest Heavyweight Championship (2 times), Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards- Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 2002).

Chief Jay Strongbow: “Chief Jay” played the role of the stereotypical “native American” wrestler. While he wrestled for the National Wrestling Alliance in the 50s and 60s, he gained his greatest fame working for Vince McMahon, Sr.’s World Wide Wrestling Federation. Aside from his championship tag team run with Sonny King, Billy White Wolf, and his “brother” Jules Strongbow, the Chief also had a storied singles career in the WWWF. He feuded with legends like Spiros Arion, Jimmy Valiant, and “Superstar” Billy Graham nearly winning the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship. His most famous feud in the company was against Greg Valentine, who broke Strongbow’s leg in an angle in 1979. Titles and accolades include: NWA Brass Knuckles Championship (Florida version) (2 times), NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship, NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship, NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Championship, Pro Wrestling Illustrated Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (1973), PWI Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (1979), PWI ranked him # 214 of the 500 best singles wrestlers during the “PWI Years” in 2003, Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum (Class of 2009), World Wrestling Council Caribbean Heavyweight Championship, World Wide Wrestling Federation | World Wrestling Federation Hall of Fame (Class of 1994).

Magnum Terry Allen: Better known as Magnum T.A., Allen became one of the top faces in professional wrestling upon signing with Jim Crockett’s Promotions in 1984. Magnum’s greatest feud in the Mid-Atlantic region was against Nikita Koloff, where he lost the classic Best of Seven series matches for the United States title. Magnum’s popularity was so strong that he was being groomed as an eventual NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Unfortunately, his career would be cut short following a near fatal car accident he had on October 14, 1986 when his car skidded in the rain and crashed into a telephone pole. This ended any hopes for a World title reign as his career was officially ended. Titles and awards include: NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (2 times), Mid-South North American Championship (2 times), Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked him # 73 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the “PWI Years” in 2003.

Dustin Rhodes: Rhodes seemed to always be wrestling in the national spotlight from Day One. He first wrestled in the NWA, where he teamed with fellow second generation wrestler Kendall Windham, then he moved on to the WWF where he teamed with his dad, Dusty Rhodes. Dustin found individual success in his WCW run, where he met his future wife, Teri Boatright. In WCW, he would go on to capture tag team gold. After being fired for “bleeding” in a hardcore style match, Dustin shocked the wrestling industry by rejoining the WWF as the controversial character Goldust. As Goldust, Dustin achieved his greatest fame and success as a wrestler. Titles and awards include: American Combat Wrestling Heavyweight Championship, Coastal Championship Wrestling World Heavyweight Championship, NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship, Pro Wrestling Illustrated Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (1991), PWI ranked him #11 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 1996, Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling Heavyweight Championship, World Championship Wrestling United States Heavyweight Championship (2 times), World Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment Hardcore Championship (9 times), WWF Intercontinental Championship (3 times), Slammy Award for Best Couple (1997) with Marlena, Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards- Most Embarrassing Wrestler (1997), Most Improved (1991), Rookie of the Year (1989), Worst Gimmick (1995, 1997, 2007).

Big Boss Man: Ray Traylor was legitimately a former prison guard in Cobb County, Georgia before he made his pro wrestling debut in 1985. He started out as a bodyguard for Jim Cornette in Jim Crockett’s Mid-Atlantic promotion. In 1987, he won his first major singles title when he won the UWF championship from the One Man Gang. His greatest exposure can the following year when he signed with the World Wrestling Federation as the Big Boss Man. The WWF used Traylor’s former occupation as the main gimmick to Boss Man’s character. Boss Man received an immediate push by the WWE machine, as he was inserted into a program with Hulk Hogan after just a few short months in the company. During his prime, Ray Traylor was one of the best big men in the business. During the “Attitude Era,” the WWF brought Ray Traylor back with a revamped, more modernized Big Boss Man character. The update in his gimmick helped revitalize the Boss Man’s career. Titles and honors include: Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked him #138 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the PWI Years in 2003, Legends Championship Wrestling ranked him #82 of the top 250 wrestlers of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, Universal Wrestling Federation World Heavyweight Championship, World Wrestling Federation Hardcore Championship (4 times), Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards- Most Improved (1987), Worst Feud of the Year (1996) vs. The Earthquake, Worst Feud of the Year (1999) vs. The Big Show, Worst Worked Match of the Year (1999) vs. Al Snow in a Kennel from Hell match at Unforgiven.

Antonio Rocca: Rocca was known for his unique wrestling style wowing audiences with his dazzling aerial maneuvers. He was responsible for the revival of the New York territory in the late 1940s, which would eventually become the modern day World Wrestling Entertainment. Rocca became one of the most well-known wrestlers during the golden age of television. Rocca was an enormously popular “good guy” with both Italian-American and Hispanic audiences due to his Spanish and Italian roots. Rocca debuted in 1942, and featured his greatest success in Capitol Sports/World Wide Wrestling Federation, where he performed from 1952-1976. When Capitol Sports split from the National Wrestling Alliance to form the World Wide Wrestling Federation, a factious tournament was “held” to crown the first WWWF World champion in Rio de Janerio, Brazil. In this fake “tournament,” Rocca made it to the finals, where he would lose to Buddy Rodgers on April 29, 1963. Title and awards include: American Wrestling Association World Heavyweight Championship (Montreal version), AWA World Heavyweight Championship (Ohio version), Stampede Wrestling Hall of Fame, NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship (2 times), World Wide Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Federation Hall of Fame (Class of 1995), WWWF International Heavyweight Championship, Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum (Class of 2003), Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards- Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996).

Ivan Putski: Aside from wrestling, Ivan Putski also competed as a strongman. Putski participated in the 1978 World’s Strongest Man competition, finishing eighth in a field of ten competitors. Ivan started his career in Texas, and then the AWA before moving on to the Northeast to work for Vince McMahon, Sr. Ivan’s biggest rivalry in the WWWF was known against “Superstar” Billy Graham over the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship. Since both had an incredible physique and strength, the WWWF used this as part of their storyline by having them participate in many pose-downs, arm wrestling bouts, and long, physical matches. Other rivals of Putski included Iron Sheik, Ivan Koloff, and Jesse “The Body” Ventura. Titles and honors include: Pro Wrestling Illustrated Tag Team of the Year (1979) with Tito Santana, PWI ranked him # 170 of the 500 best singles wrestlers during the “PWI Years” in 2003, PWI ranked him # 92 of the 100 best tag teams of the “PWI Years” with Tito Santana in 2003, World Wrestling Federation Hall of Fame (Class of 1995), Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards- Readers’ Least Favorite Wrestler (1984), Worst Wrestler (1984).

The Sheik: He was the owner and operator of Big Time Wrestling, one of the most successful promotions during the 1960s. He is also one of the originators of what became the Hardcore wrestling style, and the uncle of former ECW wrestler Sabu. He was a staunch believer in kayfabe, even going so far as to hurl fireballs at fans that recognized him on the street in order to keep his persona in “civilian” situations. He also maintained kayfabe with own family, he went as far as to have his own grandchildren call him ‘Grandpa Sheik’. Furthermore, Sheik’s nephew Sabu stated when people would call Sheik’s house and ask for “Edward” (Sheik’s real first name), Sheik would say that nobody by that name lived in his house and would hang up the phone. His biggest feud was his seemingly career long feud with Bobo Brazil in the Sheik’s main territory, which he later became the owner of, Detroit, Michigan. The two feuded over Sheik’s version of the United States Championship, frequently selling out the Cobo Arena. he also wrestled regularly in Toronto, where he was undefeated for 127 matches at Maple Leaf Gardens. He defeated the likes of Whipper Billy Watson, Lou Thesz, Gene Kiniski, Bruno Sammartino, Édouard Carpentier, Ernie Ladd, Jay Strongbow and even André the Giant during Andre’s first extensive tour of North America in 1974. It was Andre who put an end to the Sheik’s Toronto winning streak in August 1974. Titles and awards include: All Japan Pro Wrestling NWA United National Championship, NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (Central States version), Frontier Martial Arts Wrestling World Martial Arts Heavyweight Championship (2 times), International Championship Wrestling United States Heavyweight Championship (2 times), NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (Toronto version) (4 times), NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (Detroit version) (12 times), NWA Hollywood Wrestling Americas Heavyweight Championship, NWA Mid-Pacific Promotions Hawaii Heavyweight Championship (1 time), Pro Wrestling Illustrated Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (1972), NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship, World Wide Wrestling Federation / World Wrestling Entertainment WWE Hall of Fame (Class of 2007), Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards- Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996).

Freddie Blassie: He was a master at antagonizing the crowd, and inspired legendary animosity. In Los Angeles, he was so hated there that uniformed police officers were regularly brought in to protect him as he made his way to and from the ring. One of Blassie’s gimmicks was to file his teeth, and draw blood from his opponents by biting their foreheads. In a match against Lord James Blears a fan threw acid on his back, and he had to return immediately to the locker room to wash it off. Titles and accomplishments include: NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Florida version), NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship, NWA Georgia Southern Heavyweight Championship (16 times), North American Wrestling Alliance | World Wrestling Association (Los Angeles) World Heavyweight Championship, WWA Americas Heavyweight Championship, WWA World Heavyweight Championship (2 times), NWA Hollywood Wrestling NWA Americas Heavyweight Championship (4 times), NWA Mid-America NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Championship, NWA Mid-Pacific Promotions NWA North American Heavyweight Championship (Hawaii version), Pro Wrestling Illustrated Stanley Weston Award (2000), Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum Television Era (Class of 2004), World Wrestling Federation Hall of Fame (Class of 1994), Lifetime Achievement Slammy Award, Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards- Worst Worked Match of the Year (1985) vs. Lou Albano, Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996).

Abdullah the Butcher: Abdullah is one of the most brutal or “hardcore” professional wrestlers of all-time. Abdullah the Butcher first distinguished himself as one of the world’s most feared rule breakers when he broke a chair over his opponent’s head and then proceeded to beat him senseless with the leg. Such acts of violence were only the beginning for the terrifying Abdullah the Butcher, whose menacing figure, excessive violence, and complete disregard for the safety of himself or his opponents quickly established his well-deserved reputation for ruthless brutality. Abdullah’s matches almost always degenerated into bloodbaths, and he was infamous for stabbing his opponent’s wounds with his trademark fork. In addition to his insanely hardcore style, Abdullah the Butcher was revolutionary in that he would never stay in any one territory for too long so as to maintain the novelty and incredible notoriety of his character. By constantly roaming from region to region, Abdullah positioned his reputation as the most violent wrestler in the world. Consequently, he was often brought into a territory as a hired gun to destroy a popular fan favorite, and his appearances usually sparked local interest . As a result of his frequent traveling, Abdullah the Butcher usually served as more of a special hardcore attraction than as a consistent championship contender. Titles and accolades include: All Japan Pro Wrestling NWA United National Championship, PWF United States Heavyweight Championship, PWF World Heavyweight Championship, Champion’s Carnival (1976), Champion’s Carnival (1979), Big Japan Pro Wrestling Deathmatch Heavyweight Championship, NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship, NWA Georgia Television Championship, International Wrestling Association International Heavyweight Championship (3 times), Lutte Internationale (Montreal) Canadian International Heavyweight Championship, Midwest Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Championship (2 times), NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (Detroit version), NWA New Zealand British Commonwealth Championship, NWA Southwest NWA Texas Hardcore Championship, National Wrestling Federation Heavyweight Championship (2 times), NWF International Championship, Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked him # 54 of the 500 best singles wrestlers of the “PWI Years” in 2003, Stampede Wrestling NWA Canadian Heavyweight Championship (Calgary version), Stampede North American Heavyweight Championship (6 times), World Class Wrestling Association Texas Brass Knuckles Championship, World Wrestling Council Caribbean Heavyweight Championship (2 times), WWC Hardcore Championship, WWC North American Heavyweight Championship (2 times), WWC Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship (3 times), WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship (3 times), WWC World Heavyweight Championship, Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards- Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996).

Mr. Wrestling II: As Mr. Wrestling II, Walker was one of the most popular wrestlers in the Florida and Georgia areas in the 1970s and early 1980s. He is considered one of the greatest American wrestlers not to win a world title – masked or not. Some of Walker’s most notable feuds involved The Assassin, The Spoiler, The Masked Superstar, Jack Brisco, Buddy Colt, Magnum T.A., Jimmy Garvin, Tim Woods, Minnesota Wrecking Crew, Larry Zbyszko, and The Road Warriors. Title and awards include: NWA Florida Heavyweight Championship (2 times), NWA Florida Tag Team Championship, NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (Florida version), NWA Alabama Heavyweight Championship, Deep South Wrestling American Championship, NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship (10 times), Mid-South Mississippi Heavyweight Championship, Mid-South North American Championship, NWA North American Heavyweight Championship (Tri-State version), NWA United States Junior Heavyweight Championship (4 times), Pro Wrestling Illustrated Wrestler of the Year (1975), PWI Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (1980), World Championship Wrestling Hall of Fame (Class of 1993), Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards- Most Overrated (1980).

Ray Stevens: During his first televised interview on the Bay Area’s KTVU Channel Two weekly Friday night wrestling show promoting his upcoming match at the Cow Palace, Stevens, speaking with a low pitched growl, shocked the fans when he said San Francisco was a terrible place to live. He also referred to those who watched the wrestling programs as “hillbillies” and “pencil neck geeks.” The insults thrown at the inhabitants of San Francisco caused a bit of a stir at the time which helped to further enhance Stevens’ box office draw. During his San Francisco years, Stevens took on and vanquished wrestlers of such caliber as Cowboy Bob Ellis, Karl Gotch, Pat O’Connor, Pepper Gomez, Kinji Shibuya, Bobo Brazil, Bruno Sammartino (through a count out), Pedro Morales, Dr. Big Bill Miller, Ernie “Big Cat” Ladd, Jose Lothario, and many others. While working with the AWA in 1972, Stevens had a match with a masked wrestler known as Doctor X (Dick Beyer) in which he applied the Bombs Away coup de grâce to win the match. This resulted in the “breaking” of Doctor X’s leg (which allowed Beyer to leave the area to work with a wrestling tour in Japan as “The Destroyer”) and also led to the outlawing of the Bombs Away maneuver by the AWA. It was shortly after that match when Ray Stevens was no longer called the Blond Bomber and became known as “The Crippler.” When he went to the WWF in the early eighties, he was managed by Capt. Lou Albano. Stevens and Albano turned on Jimmy “Superfly” Snuka in 1982. This angle had the Crippler piledriving Snuka onto the concrete floor (before padding was introduced) two consecutive times. This was Stevens’ biggest feud during his time in the Northeast promotion. Titles and awards include: American Wrestling Alliance United States Heavyweight Championship (7 times), NWA Florida Television Championship (2 times), NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight Championship, Midwest Wrestling Association World Junior Heavyweight Championship, NWA Mid-Pacific Promotions NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (Hawaii version), NWA Mid-America NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Championship (3 times), NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (San Francisco version) (2 times), NWA Western States Sports NWA Amarillo Brass Knuckles Championship (2 times), Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum Class of 2006 (In Modern Era and Tag Team categories), Pro Wrestling Illustrated Tag Team of the Year award in 1973 – with Nick Bockwinkel, PWI Tag Team of the Year award in 1980 – with Jimmy Snuka, World Championship Wrestling (Australia) IWA World Heavyweight Championship (2 times), Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards- Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 1996).

Ole Anderson: Before he became one of the inaugural members of the Four Horsemen, Ole was an accomplished tag team wrestler. Teaming with his “brother” Gene, the Minnesota Wrecking Crew faced legendary stars such as Mr. Wrestling and Mr. Wrestling II, Wahoo McDaniel, Jack Brisco, Jerry Brisco, Tommy Rich, Johnny Weaver, Dino Bravo, Paul Jones, Ric Flair, Greg Valentine, Ricky Steamboat, Rufus R. Jones, The Mongols, and Thunderbolt Patterson throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. Eventually, Ole would team with another brother, Arn, to continue the Minnesota Wrecking Crew tradition. Aside from his in-ring work, Ole was a booker and part owner of Georgia Championship Wrestling. Awards and titles include: American Wrestling Association Midwest Heavyweight Championship, NWA Florida Television Championship. NWA Columbus Heavyweight Championship, NWA Georgia Television Championship (2 times), NWA Macon Heavyweight Championship, NWA Eastern States Heavyweight Championship, WCW Hall of Fame (Class of 1994), Pro Wrestling Illustrated Tag Team of the Year (1975, 1977) – with Gene Anderson, Southeastern Championship Wrestling NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship (Northern Division), Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards- Tag Team of the Year (1982) with Stan Hansen.

Jesse Ventura: While most fans know “The Body” as a former heel pro wrestling announcer, or even as the Governor of Minnesota, Jesse was a very accomplished wrestler. With the persona of a bully-ish beach body builder, Jesse picked the name “Ventura” from a map as part of his “bleach blond from California” gimmick. As a wrestler, Ventura performed as a villain and often used the motto “Win if you can, lose if you must, but always cheat!” Much of his flamboyant persona was copied from “Superstar” Billy Graham, a charismatic and popular performer during the 1970s and ’80s. Years later, as a broadcaster, Ventura made a running joke out of claiming that Graham stole all of his ring attire ideas from him. September 1984 when blood clots in his lungs ended his in-ring career; it forced him to miss a title match against WWF Champion Hulk Hogan. Ventura claimed the blood clots were a result of his exposure to Agent Orange during his time in Vietnam. After a failed comeback bid, he began to do color commentary on television for “All-Star Wrestling” (replacing Angelo Mosca) and later “Superstars of Wrestling” (initially alongside Vince McMahon and Bruno Sammartino, and with McMahon after Sammartino’s departure from the WWF in 1988), hosted his own talk segment on the WWF’s “Superstars of Wrestling” called “The Body Shop”, and did color commentary on radio for a few National Football League teams (among them, the Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers). Ventura most notably co-hosted Saturday Night’s Main Event with Vince McMahon and the first six WrestleManias (1985-1990) and most of the WWF’s pay-per-views at the time with Gorilla Monsoon. Titles and accolades include: Continental Wrestling Association AWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (2 times), International Wrestling Institute and Museum Frank Gotch Award (2003), NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Championship (2 times), Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked him #239 of the 500 best singles wrestlers during the “PWI Years” in 2003. PWI ranked him #67 of the 100 best tag teams of the “PWI Years” with Adrian Adonis, World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame (Class of 2004).

Peter Maivia: This legendary wrestler and promoter is best known as being the grandfather of The Rock. While he spent most of his time on the Hawain islands, Maivia did make it to the main land, and fought numerous times for the World Wide Wrestling Federation. Titles and awards include: NWA Australasian Heavyweight Championship (2 times), NWA New Zealand Heavyweight Championship, NWA Texas Heavyweight Championship, NWA Hollywood Wrestling NWA Americas Heavyweight Championship, NWA Mid-Pacific Promotions NWA Hawaii Heavyweight Championship, NWA New Zealand British Empire Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship (2 times), NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (San Francisco version) (2 times), World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame (Class of 2008), Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked him # 268 of the 500 best singles wrestlers during the “PWI Years” in 2003.

Nikolai Volkoff: He received training in Calgary from the legendary Stu Hart, followed by his arrival in the United States in 1970. As soon as he arrived, he began wrestling in the World Wide Wrestling Federation. It was during his numerous stints in the WWWF/WWF that Volkoff had his greatest success. He started wrestling in the company as Bepo Mongol, managed by Captain Lou Albano. In 1974, he had what he considers to be the most memorable match of his life when he sold out Madison Square Garden wrestling against Bruno Sammartino. Volkoff chased the WWWF title for the majority of his early career and was always given a considerable amount of title shots from whoever was the current WWWF Champion. Late in 1974, Volkoff moved to the AWA where he wrestled under the name of Boris Breznikoff. He reverted back to the Volkoff name in his WWF return in 1976. During this time in the WWF, Volkoff was announced as being from Mongolia. He enjoyed a very successful feud with Bruno Sammartino. In 1984, Volkoff returned to the now WWF, feuded against Hulk Hogan, and later teamed with the Iron Sheik. It was at this point that Volkoff really pushed the envelope. During the Cold War period, Volkoff played a communist villain who was one of the most hated men in professional wrestling. His act included angering fans by insulting America and singing the “Russian National Anthem” before each match, joined in tag team matches by the Iron Sheik (whose home nation of Iran was also seen as an American enemy). Although Volkoff had originally sought to be a “good guy”, he had a stellar career as one of the top “bad guys” in the business. With the Cold War ending, Volkoff finally got his wish and was allowed to turn himself into the “good guy” he always wanted to be. A short time after his Bolsheviks tag team, with Boris Zhukov, split, Volkoff became a fan favorite for the first time in his career. His gimmick was now that of a recently liberated Lithuanian, following the fall of the Soviet Union. This led to a feud with Sgt. Slaughter, who had recently began an Iraqi sympathizer gimmick. After this feud was over, Volkoff’s popularity declined and he left WWF in 1992. Titles and awards include: NWA Georgia Heavyweight Championship, Mid-South North American Championship, Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked him # 136 of the 500 best singles wrestlers during the “PWI Years” in 2003, PWI ranked him # 96 of the 100 best tag teams of the “PWI Years” with the Iron Sheik in 2003, World Wrestling Federation | World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Fame (Class of 2005), Slammy Award for Most Ignominious (1986), Slammy Award for Best Personal Hygiene (1987) with Boris Zhukov and Slick, Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards- Worst Tag Team (1988) with Boris Zhukov, World Wide Wrestling Alliance Intercontinental Championship.

Welcome to the 4th annual “The Piledriver Report” March Madness Tournament. The first year, I chose 64 wrestlers who have wrestled at any past WrestleMania, and created our own dream tournament to crown the Greatest Wrestler to ever appear at WrestleMania. Kurt Angle beat Bret Hart in the Final Round to win the WrestleMania crown. The next year, Ric Flair earned the title of the Ultimate World Champion by beating Bret Hart. Last year, the Road Warriors won the crown of the Ultimate Tag Team in Wrestling History by beating the Steiner Brothers.

This year, we crown the Greatest Wrestler to never win a major World Heavyweight Championship.

I NEED YOUR HELP IN DETERMINING WHO THIS WRESTLER IS. Each week, I will let you know the match-ups for that week’s tournament round. PLEASE E-MAIL ME WITH WHO YOU WOULD THINK WILL WIN THAT WEEK’S SERIES OF MATCHES. The results of that week’s round will be printed in the next edition of “The Piledriver Report,” along with a list of the next round’s group of matches. Until, there is a champion crowned. Due to the nature of this particular tournament, the seeds were and match-ups were chosen at random.

Like the NCAA Tournament, our tournament has four number one seeds. They are as follows:

#1 Davey Boy Smith
#2 Mr. Wrestling II
#3 Jake Roberts
#4 Arn Anderson

The Davey Boy Smith bracket is called the HOGAN REGION
The Arn Anderson bracket is called the BRUNO REGION
The Mr. Wrestling II bracket is called the THESZ REGION
The Jake Roberts bracket is called the FLAIR REGION

Below, you will find the first round match-ups for each region. Please e-mail the winner of each first round match to [email protected] by SUNDAY MARCH 15th OR enter your picks on the COMMENTS section below.

FIRST ROUND
HULK HOGAN REGION
1. Davey Boy Smith vs. 16. Ray Stevens
8. Jimmy Snuka vs. 9. Terry Gordy
5. Chief Jay Strongbow vs. 12. Magnum T.A.
4. Nikolai Volkoff vs. 13. The Original Sheik
6. Anotino Rocca vs. 11. Killer Kowalski
3. William Regal vs. 14. Steve Williams
7. John Morrison vs. 10. Freddie Blassie
2. Paul Orndorff vs. 15. Bad News Brown

BRUNO SAMMARTINO REGION
1. Arn Anderson vs. 16. Wahoo McDaniel
8. Don Muraco vs. 9. Ivan Putski
5. Blackjack Mulligan vs. 12. Ole Anderson
4. David Schultz vs. 13. Tully Blanchard
6. Kevin Von Erich vs. 11. Ken Kennedy
3. Rick Rude vs. 14. Brian Pillman
7. Buddy Roberts vs. 10. Owen Hart
2. Big Boss Man vs. 15. Shelton Benjamin

LOU THESZ REGION
1. Mr. Wrestling II vs. 16. Ken Patera
8. Ernie Ladd vs. 9. Lance Storm
5. Gorilla Monsoon vs. 12. John Studd
4. Bob Orton, Jr. vs. 13. Jesse Ventura
6. Dominic Dennuci vs. 11. Pat Patterson
3. Abdullah the Butcher vs. 14. Tito Santana
7. Greg Valentine vs. 10. David Von Erich
2. King Kong Bundy vs. 15. Matt Hardy

RIC FLAIR REGION
1. Jake Roberts vs. 16. Dynamite Kid
8. Dean Malenko vs. 9. Christopher Daniels
5. Bruiser Brody vs. 12. Peter Mavia
4. Dick Murdoch vs. 13. Kevin Sullivan
6. Fit Finlay vs. 11. Scott Hall
3. Dustin Rhodes vs. 14. Nikolai Volkoff
7. Ted DiBiase, Sr. vs. 10. Roddy Piper
2. Eddie Graham vs. 15. Bryan Danielson