Grilling JR - UWF Watchalong 10.31.87 [Show Notes] (Patreon)

JR today we look back at a classic episode of the Universal Wrestling Federation and there you are Jim with Steve Williams as he celebrates his UWF title win. It’s set to Queen, “We Are The Champions.” I think Tony Khan has done a great job of incorporating real music back into professional wrestling. Is this something you think with the expansion of wrestling was limited because of copyright laws?

The Steve Williams title reign starts back in July in Oklahoma City, OK where he defeated Big Bubba Rogers. What was the building like that night?

This show is taped on October 19th, 1987 in New Orleans, LA at the Lakefront Arena. What are some of your favorite memories from that arena?

Where are you at in the process of the merging of JCP and UWF at this point? Are you involved in JCP?

The Sheepherders won the UWF Tag Team Titles and here you are with Johnny Ace at ringside talking about the title change. The Sheepherders defeated The Lightning Express of Brad Armstrong & Tim Horner in Kansas City, Missouri. A lot of people talk about how underrated Brad Armstrong was and he definitely was…but Tim Horner. What don’t people know about him?

The Sheepherders are the future Bushwhackers…what was the best incarnation in your mind?

Johnny Ace with the Sheepherders. Crazy to look at him being your future replacement in Talent Relations looking back isn’t it?

The Sheepherders talk about saying they're ready for Starrcade…and they do appear at the New Orleans version of Starrcade. Is it disappointing to them that they’re not going to be on pay-per-view?

Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin … the Fabulous Freebirds defeat the Red Devil & the Enforcer in 1:59. Precious at ringside…what an odd gimmick is it not?

Starrcade 87 Control Center segment with Tony Schiavone, Jim Crockett Jr and Tully & Arn have the announcement defending against the Road Warriors with Sandy Scott signing the contract. Who was Sandy Scott? Is this contract signing segment much better than what you see on WWE TV?

Was JCP producing this show compared to the UWF production squad? What were the main changes you saw?

Here’s Ron Garvin now who is now NWA Champion defeating Gary Young and then you talk with Garvin about his steel cage match at Starrcade against Ric Flair. A lot has been said about Garvin becoming NWA Champion and Flair having to put him over to get the belt at Starrcade. What did you think of all this and was Garvin credible enough for it?

Ivan Koloff & the Warlord defeat Davey Haskings & Terry Jones. Jim is with Mighty Wilbur before the match who called Jones “puddin head”. What is Mighty Wilbur for those that don’t know?

Nikita Koloff - NWA TV champion - defeats Eddie Gilbert when Terry Taylor ran out in dress clothes and attacks Koloff with the TV belt. What is it like to bring in some of these JCP guys to run these shows? Do you need someone like Crockett to direct and produce them?

Eddie Gilbert’s legacy on this business is still being felt today with people like Eddie Kingston doing Gilbert-isms today in AEW and Heyman still on the creative side with Eddie’s influence. The impact of Eddie on this business…shows his legacy does it not?

Lex Luger as US champion defeats Dale Lapeyrouse. Ross at ringside with Flair, Dillon & Horsemen talking about War Games. You’re not promoting a show that’s taking place in Long Island the day before Starrcade. How does that make sense?

Dusty vs. Luger in a Steel Cage Match for the US Title is made for Starrcade. The amount of talent on this show and announced for Starrcade…it's hard not to find a Hall of Famer on the list. Was a lot missed at this time?

It’s announced that Sting, Michael Hayes & Jimmy Garvin would take on Eddie Gilbert, Larry Zybysko & Rick Steiner at Starrcade. Is this just a let’s get everyone on the show we can 6 man?

Jim with Barry Windham & Sting talking about their matches at Starrcade. Did you know Sting was going to be the guy at some point? Or was it expected to be Windham before Sting?

Main event is Ron Simmons & Shane Douglas against Tiger Conway Jr. & Shaska Whatley and it ends in the middle. As the show is getting ready to close it’s announced that Flair & Luger will be teaming up in the main event next week.

Is it a big deal to have Flair & Luger on these shows. Did you notice any attendance changes or anything like that?