[Official] Team New Zealand Discussion Thread

[IrishCanadian25]

This is the HQ for discussion on Team New Zealand

This is a non-spam thread! If you wish to discuss team Australia / New Zealand, who should be on the team, etc. please make sure you back up your point. Lists and one-sentence answers that do not contribute to the conversation will be warned.

Sigs will be available once the members of Team Australia / New Zealand are announced in mid-November.

 

[Shadowmancer]

There is a list of wrestlers that qualify for this. Pat O'Connor being cheif among them as is Tony Garea. Both of whom made it big in the United States. Pat O'Connor was the World Champion of both the NWA and the AWA in the early 50s he had the respect of Lou Thesz. Tony Garea was a 5 time WW(W)F Tag Team Champion.

Those two are automatic locks in this team regardless of what anyone else says those two are locks. Both of them are Hall of Famers and are widely respected by members of the Wrestlin Community. JBL made reference to Pat O'Connor in the role as a commentator in the lead up to a PPV.

Now onto those that I feel could get in because of their New Zealand connection if that is allowed. Rick Martel and "High Chief" Peter Maivia. Both names that you know to some degree. Both spent a considerable amount of time in the country Wrestling, Rick Martel was even the champ at some stage if memory serves correctly.

 

[Lee]

Now onto those that I feel could get in because of their New Zealand connection if that is allowed. Rick Martel and "High Chief" Peter Maivia. Both names that you know to some degree. Both spent a considerable amount of time in the country Wrestling, Rick Martel was even the champ at some stage if memory serves correctly.

It's not on assosciation but where you're from. Martel was either from Quebec or Florida during his career and Miavia is from Samoa.

I guess the likes of Bill Dundee, Nathan Jones, Al Costello, Larry Davis and Bill Verna for the Aussies. For the Kiwis the Bushwackers and Tony Garea could be added to those that Shadow has already said.

 

[Viola Moonlight]

I am going to have to add someone on this team that no-one knows of but is considered a legen around these parts. He is Greg Bownds, also known as TNT, who is the head trainer of the Australian Wrestling Federation School and is still competing at the "main event" level so to speak. He has done very well to elevate the promotion that has many opportunties to expand his business and be the face of the entire federation.

He has the required experience, has gone toe to toe against some of the best international stars, is the representative of Australia and should be considered a prime addition to the team.

 

[Harthan]

Come on now, you know you've really got no one other than Nathan Jones and Dingo.

And the Bushwhackers, I guess.

Ha! Ha! I laugh at the poverty of Australia.

Fortunately, Wikipedia has a whole section for Australian pro wrestlers.

The Fabulous Kangaroos should probably be on here. And then subsequently laughed off the stage for such a silly name. But really though, Al Costello was a pretty important guy, and they were a good tag team. Put them on here.

Andres Labrakis? Had a match of the year with Sammartino.

That's all I've got. Dingo's probably your best bet.

 

[Viola Moonlight]

Good mention has to go to Outback Jack. He has become one of the most successful wrestlers to go international and compete in front of some big and important audiences such as Stu Hart's Stampede Wrestling federation and actually proved himself worthy of a competitor considering that he is Australian. He even competed for the World Wrestling Federation at one point, so he must have been of some usefulness to the company... despite not winning a championship during his tenture.

 

[Viola Moonlight]

Ha! Ha! I laugh at the poverty of Australia.

There is one thing that many people seem to forget about the Australian/New Zealand team. When combined, we are a nation of pride, honour and respect for each other. Many times in history as well as sporting events this has been constantly shown whether we are outnumbered or don't have the best teams out there. Look at the Australian soccer team, who do we really have that are essential to the team? Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell are the best two we have, everyone else isn't that great. They're good, but not great. However, with the name of Australia on the line, the support between each other and the teamwork, we can just be as dominating as any other team.

So, our best may lie in the Bushwackers or Nathan Jones, but all know how to work in the honour to defend and win the titles. The only other countries that come close are Japan and Russia, but we aren't forced to love our country. We do it because we love it and do anything for it. Don't take the team too lightly as I wouldn't.

 

[D-Man]

There is one thing that many people seem to forget about the Australian/New Zealand team. When combined, we are a nation of pride, honour and respect for each other. Many times in history as well as sporting events this has been constantly shown whether we are outnumbered or don't have the best teams out there. Look at the Australian soccer team, who do we really have that are essential to the team? Mark Viduka and Harry Kewell are the best two we have, everyone else isn't that great. They're good, but not great. However, with the name of Australia on the line, the support between each other and the teamwork, we can just be as dominating as any other team.

So, our best may lie in the Bushwackers or Nathan Jones, but all know how to work in the honour to defend and win the titles. The only other countries that come close are Japan and Russia, but we aren't forced to love our country. We do it because we love it and do anything for it. Don't take the team too lightly as I wouldn't.

I don't think anyone is taking a job at the character of Austrailia or NZ... more like the non-existing talent pool that they have to offer (or lack thereof).

Just as previously stated, I believe that Nathan Jones and the Bushwhackers are mainstays on this team. Besides their popularity or overwhelming size (individually), they haven't made any legitimate contribution to the sport of professional wrestling. Unfortunately, I think they're going to be the weakest team in the Wrestlezolympics.

 

[Viola Moonlight]

I don't think anyone is taking a job at the character of Austrailia or NZ... more like the non-existing talent pool that they have to offer (or lack thereof).

Just as previously stated, I believe that Nathan Jones and the Bushwhackers are mainstays on this team. Besides their popularity or overwhelming size (individually), they haven't made any legitimate contribution to the sport of professional wrestling. Unfortunately, I think they're going to be the weakest team in the Wrestlezolympics.

My thoughts exactly D-man, this is an extremely weak team that has not got much to use for their team. As a country, we aren't big on professional wrestling unless a huge company roles into town like WWE or having a couple of drinks to watch the AWF. Sure, I am a proud man of my country and try to do everything I can to support my team... but I do question the existence of this team.

Anyway, since there are very few spots to mention on all teams... I think Australia is going to do well with what they have.

 

[NSL]

In a completely serious tone, I'd like to back the Moondogs. Better known as the Bushwhackers, they weren't bad in the ring. They certainly weren't the greatest, but in an environment where chemistry is key, who better to turn to than a tag team?

Shadow already mentioned Pat O' Connor, and I'd back him to. I didn't know much about him before the tourney, but Shadow did a very good job of getting his name and history out there.

 

[X]

In a completely serious tone, I'd like to back the Moondogs. Better known as the Bushwhackers, they weren't bad in the ring. They certainly weren't the greatest, but in an environment where chemistry is key, who better to turn to than a tag team?

I think you mean The Sheepherders, which is what the Bushwhackers were originally called. The Moondogs were a completely different stable who wrestled all over the United States, most famously in the late 70s, early 80s in the WWF.

But yes, the Sheepherders would be a worthy addition depending upon how many spots each team gets. They were hardcore before anyone even knew what hardcore was.

 

[NSL]

But yes, the Sheepherders would be a worthy addition depending upon how many spots each team gets. They were hardcore before anyone even knew what hardcore was.

Yeah, I was wrong. The Sheepherders are who I was thinking of. They'd be a great addition to the team, and since there's not a lot of anyone else to join in, why not?

Each team really should have a tag team added to it, and they would obviously be the best option for Australia and New Zealand.

 

[Mantaur Rodeo Clown]

I think that the Oceanic Team right here is going to get decimated. With that in mind, we should also get any South East Asian and maybe even Tongan/Samoan wrestlers just to make it a South Pacific team, otherwise this team could not fare well in the competition. A South Pacific Team however could do extremely well. Nathan Jones has no place whatsoever in a wrestling team.

Or, if the South Pacific Idea doesnt work, the Australia/New Zealand Team could get wild cards, that is, people billed from "Parts Unknown". This could include maybe Kane and The Ultimate Warrior and would help alleviate any shortages or deficiencies that The Fabulous Kangaroos and the Bushwhackers can't make up.

 

[Turd Ferguson]

I think that the Oceanic Team right here is going to get decimated. With that in mind, we should also get any South East Asian and maybe even Tongan/Samoan wrestlers just to make it a South Pacific team, otherwise this team could not fare well in the competition. A South Pacific Team however could do extremely well. Nathan Jones has no place whatsoever in a wrestling team.

Fully 100% behind this idea as well. Barring The Bushwhackers/Sheepherders, there's nobody else from Australia that's even close to being a threat or belonging in this tournament. You throw some South Pacific guys on there, and at least you get The Rock, Samoa Joe, Haku, Afa, and even expand it to Filipino wrestlers and throw Batista in there. Suddenly, this is a team that can do some major damage in the tournament.

 

[Shadowmancer]

why is it that people fail? I mention a former world champion in two promotions and a Another great wrestler. That are both better than The Sheepherders and they are the only ones that people continue to mention. What the fuck?

 

[MattGuy28]

id like to throw in a NZ wrestler by the name of Dal Knox, who this year placed 326 in the PWI 500, not much but hey

 

[Shadowmancer]

Yeah I would agree with Dal, but If we were going to do that I would also chuck out Vinny Dunn or Jordan Invincible, as possible candidates. I was talking to Dal yesterday as well. Nice guy.

 

[Viola Moonlight]

Alright, after much searching through the entire possible candidates to include in the illustrious Australian/New Zealand team, here are my five candidates that I nominate to take the team roles:

Pat O'Connor (Team Captain) - Basically the best export to come from the Australian/New Zealand region. He has held multiple titles for multiple companies and has experience in both amateur and professional wrestling. He is a Hall Of Fame currently and held such championships like the NWA/AWA Titles (simultaneously I might add). He also holds a silver medal in his amateur wresting circuit as well. Truly one of the better wrestlers of the early days. He can do the tag teaming role and is a sure-fire bet on placing him in the submissions/iron man area since he is an old school and amateur wrestler.

Tony Garea - The second in line for the team. This man is basically the man to go for when you want to take on the submissions angle considering his finisher being the Octopus Stretch and the fact that he has won a lot of tag team championship gold. He also achieved big time status within the mainstream circuit in North American. He also received the status of Rookie of the Year in 1973 as well.

"Lord" Jonathan Boyd - This man worked under the tag team names such as The Bushwackers, The SheepHerders and The Royal Kangaroo's. He has won numerous tag team championships and has proven to be very successful in many promotions. Boyd will be my pick for the anywhere falls type scenario's as his wrestling style involved the brawling of the likes rarely seen, in a strong hard fashion.


Now... the fourth position can either go to Luke Williams or Butch Miller, who also worked under the same Bushwacker/Sheepherder tag team monika and were very successful in the tag team area. These are the men that you would want to place on the fifth man position, maybe even rely on them for the anywhere falls type scenario if need be.


The fifth position is a battle between Outback Jack or Greg "TNT" Bownds. For one point, Outback Jack made a stint into the WWF and become featured on the mainstream and indy circuits. He has gone against and defeated the likes of Nikolai Volkoff and the Iron Sheik as well. Though, he did not win anything notable.

As for Bownds, he is the head trainer of the biggest Australian promotion known as the AWF and is the current (and five time) heavyweight champion. He has studied the art of the Mexican lucha libre style, is a well known name in Australia and made a successful run in Japan and wowing crowds. He has championship titles under his belt, left a mark on Australian wrestling history and is a good pairing for entering in the Ladder/Cage match scenarios. So Greg "TNT" Bownds wins my vote, but his lack of North American recognition might be a detriment.


In conclusion, here are my picks:

Pat O'Connor (team captain) - iron man specialist
Tony Garea - submissions specialist
"Lord" Jonathan Boyd - anywhere falls specialist
Greg "TNT" Bownds - ladder/cage (a.k.a. gimmick match) specialist

Either Luke Williams or Butch Miller to take fifth man.

EDIT: From the kayfabe perspective and in recognition of Lariat's following post, Bill Dundee as a top contender for fifth man.

 

[It's...Baylariat!]

If this is kayfabe and Yokozuna can go into the Japanese team possibly, I can't see why Superstar Bill Dundee can't be on Team Australia. He's a serviceable wrestler who is short, low to the ground, and is tough to beat in any of the competitions set forth. He's also a brawler and can punch as hard as anyone. And he did move to Australia when he was 16, so I wouldn't be too against seeing Dundee on this team.

 

[Shadowmancer]

Well I was looking through some other sources and have come up with a number of other Wrestlers that have Wrestled under the New Zealand Flag, Rip Morgan and Jack Victory. Most famously during the 1990 Starrcade where they had the Tag Team Tournament in memory of Pat O'Connor.

So really, the team appears to go: Pat O'Connor; Tony Garea; Luke Williams; Butch Miller and Rip Morgan. We should probably just rename this Team New Zealand. All those names had big time experience within the United States in the big companies of the time, with the Sheepherders having global experience and are some of the most brutal matches before Hardcore was a word to describe the matches.

 

[IrishCanadian25]

The Final 15 Nominees: (team Aussie includes New Zealand)

Pat O'Connor
Tony Garea
Bill Dundee
Nathan Jones
Al Costello
Larry Davis
Bill Verna
Greg Bownds (TNT)
Dingo
Outback Jack
Luke Williams
Butch Miller
Lord Jonathan Boyd
Mike "Rip" Morgan
Jack Victory


1. Each poster may vote for THREE WRESTLERS.

2. If someone votes for more than three, all of their votes will be disqualified.

3. Think before voting. Once you hit the submit button, there is no changing.

4. The wrestler with the highest vote total will be named captain.

​

 

[Xtreme_Animlas2314]

This was another team that I don't care for but hey it will be interesting who makes the team though. I decided to go with the Bushwackers and Nathan Jones. I have feeling for this team the captian should be Pat O'Connor or Tony Garea at least but who know.!!

 

[SavageTaker]

Poor team Aussie. I really don’t think they stand a chance and I don’t see them winning any of the matches. The main problem I see is that a lot of the wrestlers on the list are unknown to most (me included) or they aren’t as good as the wrestlers from the other countries.

Anyways, I voted for Pat O'Connor first. His name sounds familiar but I’m not exactly sure of what he did. Was he an NWA Champion at one point or is it someone else I’m thinking about? If he did win the NWA title then he should be on the team.

Second vote is for Nathan Jones. It’s not that I like him or anything, because I don’t, but he is probably better known than any of the other wrestlers so that might be helpful in some odd way. The final vote is for Tony Garea. I honestly don’t know who he is but other people voted for him so I’m assuming that he might be a good wrestler that deserves to be on the team.

 

[Shadowmancer]

You should know who Pat O'Conner is since I was trying to push him past Hulk Hogan in the Wrestlezone Tournament and was somewhat successfuol getting people to actually vote for him over Hogan. Old school wrestler from way back, held the NWA and AWA belts at the same time.

I also voted for Tony Garea and Rip Morgan because well the Sheepherders are going to get votes anyway.

Tony Garea is one of those wrestlers that is important to the WWE because he is an Agent, he held the tag belts five times with four different wrestlers, Rick Martel being the man he held the belts with twice. He won Rookie of the year in 1978 IIRC.

Rip Morgan was voted for because well he currently runs a promotion down in Wellington but he also was on the world stage at the start of the 90's.

 

[gd]

Pat O'Connor is the heart and sole of this team, he has to make it and be the captain here. Tony Garea for what Shadow mentioned above, he was a solid wrestler who had some success in America. Lastly, I'm going with Nathan Jones, a name that most people will know could get Aussie some votes.