|
Post by Cory Olson on Oct 6, 2008 23:35:46 GMT -4
September 26, 2008 Card #182: Mesquite Rodeo Arena in Mesquite, TX
1) Cousin Luke and S.D. Jones got a win in the opener over George South and Larry Sharpe. Sharpe started the bout off for his team, but then tagged in to South and never came back in. Midway through the bout, The Crusher came down to ringside looking for revenge on Sharpe for his tainted victory last week in Louisville. The New Jersey native jumped off the ring apron and fled back to the locker room. With South left alone, “Special Delivery” performed his Philly Shuffle, then decked him with a big punch. Jones tagged out to Luke who blasted South with a two-fisted sledgehammer to get the pin and give him and Jones their first win as a team. ½*
2) The Crusher was soon back in the arena and got a decisive win over “Dastardly” Danny Doring. The now former World Tag Team champion Doring attempted to hip toss “Da” Crusher. Naturally that didn’t work, so Crusher flatted him with a forearm smash. He picked up Doring and nailed one of his famous Crusher Bolos to put Doring down for the pin in about 20 seconds! Despite a rough start in the USWA, Crusher lived up to his reputation in this one! DUD
3) The Killer B’s defeated Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware. Ware got a near fall early on, rebounding off a whip into the ropes with a cross body block on Brutus Beefcake. “The Birdman” went up to the top, but got shoved off by Buff Bagwell. Armstrong eventually tagged in, but was worked over as well, as The B’s tagged in and out. Armstrong barely got his shoulder up after a Buff Blockbuster, but a running stomp from Beefcake would pin him to the mat a few minutes later, while Bagwell knocked Ware off the apron. *½
4) In another tag team rematch, The Masked Superstar and King Kong Bundy got a dominating win over Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge. The Heenan Family team charged their opponents right at the bell. Bundy knocked Hodge off the apron, then followed him to the floor, where he slammed Hodge’s back into the ring post. Superstar blasted Hutton with two Superstar clotheslines, then tagged out to Bundy. In almost a mocking manner, Bundy whipped Hutton into the corner and delivered an Avalanche, but before Hutton could fall, sent him into the opposite corner and delivered a second Avalanche. The two squashes put Hutton down to the mat for a count of five and made Bobby “The Brain” Heenan a happy man. Superstar and Bundy actually got some cheers, due to Team RPW’s recent attitude “adjustment”. DUD
5) The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer beat Bobo Brazil by submission in a hard-hitting bout. The masked man had the advantage at the start, but Brazil fought back and nailed Destroyer with two Coco Butts. Despite the hard blows, Brazil couldn’t pin Destroyer. Brazil hit a big body slam later on for a near fall. Destroyer came back and applied the figure-four leglock, but Brazil managed to escape. It was a back-and-forth contest. Destroyer hit a nice suplex on the big man for a two-count. He pulled Brazil back to the center of the ring and applied the figure-four again. Brazil was left with no choice but to tap. ***¼
6) “Ravishing” Rick Rude scored a surprising pinfall on Antonino Rocca in about 15 seconds. Rocca went for a takedown at the opening bell, but Rude blocked it and hit a powerful clothesline, knocking Rocca backwards and causing the back of his head to bounce off the mat hard. Rude capitalized, picking Rocca up and hitting the Rude Awakening. Rude floated into a cover and got the pin. Bobby Heenan was ecstatic that one of his men scored their second quick victory of the night. Rocca was down after the bell and several officials helped him to his feet. He was favoring his neck, but as of press time, it didn’t appear that he suffered any serious injury. neg*
7) Greg “The Hammer” Valentine forced old rival B. Brian Blair to tap out. Blair was hoping to get a win. He locked on his sleeper early on, but Valentine got to the ropes. Valentine took over and applied the figure-four leglock, which brought about a quick tap. “The Hammer” was impressive prior to challenging for the USWA World Heavyweight title. ½*
8) The figure-four leglock seemed to be the move of the night, as it brought Nick Bockwinkel a victory over Dan Severn. Dick Hutton accompanied Severn to the ring, but seemed hurting from taking two Avalanches from King Kong Bundy earlier. “The Beast” seemed to have a little more support in this one, as the Mesquite fans are familiar with Bockwinkel’s long rule breaking history in the USWA. After some great wrestling exchanges, Bockwinkel went right to his specialties, going for both the figure-four legock and the Bockwinkel sleeper, but Severn escaped from both holds. Bockwinkel went up to the top rope and came off with a falling sledge, but “The Beast” dodged the blow, grabbed Bockwinkel’s arm, and took him straight down to the mat into the wakigatame. He held the armbar on for nearly a minute, before Bockwinkel finally managed to his foot on the ropes. Bockwinkel came back aggressive, attacking the leg and going for another figure-four, but Severn got to the ropes again. Bockwinkel worked over the leg, stomping it, while it was draped on the ropes. He rebounded off the ropes with a knee smash to Severn’s face, which busted his nose. Bockwinkel went for a cover, but Severn kicked out again. The four-time USWA champ went drug Severn back to the center again and locked on another figure-four. Having suffered so much damage, Severn was left with no choice but to tap. ***
9) Mesquite fans got to see their first USWA title change, as World Tag Team champion “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton became a double champion, pinning “Playboy” Buddy Rose to win the Texas title. Rose spent much of the match, working on Eaton’s leg, applying the half Boston Crab on several occasions. Certainly Rose was trying to take out Eaton’s aerial offense, but Eaton would fight through the pain and come off the top rope several times. Rose kicked out of one Alabama Jam, as it took Eaton a while to make the cover due to the pain. Eaton came out of the ring at one point, but Tom Branch was distracted by Jim Cornette and “Sensational” Sherri Martel jawing on the other side of the ring. This allowed Rose to smash Eaton’s bad leg with a steel chair. The Texas fans were supporting “Beautiful” Bobby on this one and it helped, as Eaton came back to wear Rose down. Eaton went up to the top rope, presumably for another Alabama Jam. Before he could, Sherri jumped upon the apron and looked ready to knock Eaton down. Before she could try anything, Cornette came around and cracked Sherri on the rear with his tennis racket, which drew a big pop from the crowd! Eaton flew off and nailed the Alabama Jam. Despite the pain, he was able to roll on to Rose and score the pin to become the new Texas champion! ***¼
10) The main event saw three-time USWA Southern Heavyweight champion The Sheik put the gold on the line against Yukon Eric. Would the Mesquite fans witness another title change? Sheik brought out the sharp object early on in this one and used it several times throughout, hiding it well from Kevin Christian. Eric eventually wore the “crimson mask”, but had his own moments as he slammed Sheik on the arena floor and applied a Kodiak Krunch inside the ring. The fans popped, but Sheik managed to drape his leg over the top rope to break the hold. The object came back into play and Sheik applied the Camel Clutch, slipping the object in for extra pain. Eric fought hard but ultimately had to surrender. Sheik and Abdullah Farouk quickly fled the arena as the Mesquite fans were riled up by the Syrian’s victory! **
|
|
|
Post by Cory Olson on Oct 11, 2008 20:39:56 GMT -4
Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on September 27 and October 4: • In one of the stranger events ever reported in USWA history, Abdullah Farouk told Bill Apter that the Arabian rug belonging to Southern Heavyweight champion The Sheik, on which the Syrian madman kneels and bows before his matches, was missing after the previous night’s card at the Mesquite Rodeo Arena. The manager said that when he and Sheik left the ring area for the locker room, after Sheik’s victory over Yukon Eric, they gathered their items. The rug was taken back to the locker room by a USWA employee after Sheik’s introduction, but wasn’t there after the main event. Farouk believes that someone is doing this to try and get into the champion’s mind and psych him out. Farouk accused long-time Sheik rivals Bobo Brazil and Dan Severn for taking it, since both were in matches on the same card. On the October 4 episode, both men denied the accusations. Brazil stated that he was icing his knee after losing to The Destroyer’s figure-four, while Severn was in another locker room, discussing future matches with fellow Team RPW members Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge. Farouk also accused the “rowdy fans” of Mesquite who were wound up by Sheik’s continuous cheating in his bout that night, but at this time the Mesquite Police Department has no leads on any suspects. Farouk said that if the rug was not returned soon, he and Sheik may seek legal action against the USWA Committee and the Mesquite Rodeo Arena! • Lance Russell interviewed The Crusher. Crusher said that the only reason Larry Sharpe defeated him in their second encounter was due to the help of tag team partner George South. Crusher said if South wanted to get involved, he could. “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous” challenged both Sharpe and South to a 2-on-1 Handicap Match! “Da” Crusher stated that he’s taken on 10 men in a “sloon” brawl and he can take on two punks who have never won a tag team match! Sharpe and South later accepted the challenge and the match was signed for October 17 in Evansville! • Lance also informed fans that Antonino Rocca did not suffer any serious neck damage from “Ravishing” Rick Rude. A rematch between Rocca and Rude was announced for Halloween Night—October 31 at the Sportatorium in Dallas!
The USWA comes back to the Civic Center in Knoxville on October 10! This card will be filled with some huge match-ups! • The former World Tag Team champions The Masked Superstar and King Kong Bundy scored a quick win over the Team RPW duo of Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge on the last card, but can they beat the other two RPW members—Frank Gotch and Dan Severn? This will be a very interesting tag team battle! • You can bet that Southern Heavyweight champion The Sheik is going to be even more angry and sadistic, with his rug having been stolen. Sheik will take on one of the “suspects” Bobo Brazil. Brazil stated in an interview on Championship Wrestling that he thinks Sheik and Abdullah Farouk are too busy complaining about the rug and are avoiding giving him a shot at the Southern title. Brazil stated he knows that he (Brazil) has lost some bouts lately, but he knows that a win over the champ himself would have to get him noticed. Who will this one? • Nick Bockwinkel is 2-0 so far since his return. In Knoxville he’ll take on a first time opponent in former USWA Texas champion Danny Hodge. Hodge is a great scientific wrestler and an upset win over Bockwinkel would do great things for his career. • Another feud will continue as Giant Baba takes on The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer. Baba got the pinfall last time, but Destroyer called it a “fluke”. He says that he will use the figure-four to injure Baba’s leg again. Will the masked man’s prediction come true? • “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka returns from his neck injury and will certainly be a man possessed, as he looks to take Magnificent Muraco out of wrestling. Snuka will have the fans behind him, but Muraco has been impressive in the USWA, currently with a 7-1 total record in singles. Will Snuka soar to victory or will Muraco hammer him to the mat? • Another first time meeting will take place, as former World Heavyweight champion Ed “Strangler” Lewis battles Team RPW coach Dick Hutton. Lewis said on WMC-TV that he doesn’t like the attitudes of the RPW members lately. He didn’t mean any disrespect by not joining their team, but if they want to make things personal, he will show them who the better wrestler is in the ring, and he’ll take on each RPW member if he must. Who will prove to be the superior wrestler in Knoxville? • The main event will for the USWA World Heavyweight championship. Two-time and current title holder Rikidozan will collide with Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. Valentine stated to Lance Russell that it is his destiny to win the championship, as he has been in the USWA since its inception in 2004 and his father Johnny was the first champion. He has defeated Rikidozan in the past. Can he do it again and bring the World title to Capt. Lou Albano’s stable? These great bouts, plus “Ravishing” Rick Rude in action, as well as former World Tag Team champions “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring!
|
|
|
Post by Cory Olson on Oct 14, 2008 2:15:11 GMT -4
October 10, 2008 Card # 183: Civic Center in Knoxville
1) The card started off with a great bout and a big upset, as Brad Armstrong and “The Birdman” Koko B. Ware defeated former World Tag Team champions “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring. The popular duo cut the ring in half on Rose in the early going. Doring tagged in, but Armstrong nailed him with a Russian leg sweep. “Sensational” Sherri Martel jumped up on the ring apron to distract Frank Morrell. By the time Morrell turned around, Doring was able to recover and kick out of the pin attempt. Rose and Doring got control, and the “Dastardly One” hit two Danacondas on Armstrong, but both times the Georgia native was able to survive. Rose brought in Sherri’s purse, while Ware and Doring were brawling on the floor and Sherri created a screaming diversion. The “Playboy” cracked Armstrong with the purse, which dropped Armstrong quickly. Before Rose could capitalize, Ware broke free from Doring, jumped in the ring, and nailed Rose with a flying head butt, then rolled out of the ring as quickly. Rose was busted open, but Armstrong was still down from the purse shot. Armstrong finally was able to roll over and make a cover, but Rose kicked out at 2¾. Armstrong hit another leg sweep on Rose a few moments later, but Sherri again jumped on the apron. Armstrong had had enough and chased her around the ring. Doring tried to trap Armstrong with a superkick, but Armstrong saw it coming, ducked it, and returned with a dropkick. He rolled back in the ring and went at it with Rose again. Armstrong locked on an abdominal stretch and tried to force a submission. Before Rose could give, Armstrong rolled him backwards into a lateral guillotine and pinned his shoulders to the mat, while “The Birdman” held Doring at bay. The Civic Center popped big time as the fan favorites celebrated their win. ****¼
2) S.D. Jones locked on his way to an upset, but was stopped short by “Ravishing” Rick Rude. Cousin Luke accompanied his partner to ringside, and the two were greeted warmly by the Knoxville crowd, after winning their first tag team match on the last card in Mesquite. Rude hit two Rude Awakenings early on, but was cocky and pulled “Special Delivery” up to administer more punishment. It was an error in judgment, as Jones came back and hit several power body slams, as well as his famed head butts. The second head butt drew blood on Rude. Jones hit a suplex for a near fall, but a second suplex got blocked. Rude hit a top rope sledge for a two-count, then followed up with a third Rude Awakening. This time the “Ravishing One” was smart and didn’t release the pin attempt, as it brought him three. ***½
3) The tag team war raged on, as The Killer B’s narrowly defeated The Killer Bees by countout. The Bees had control early on, working over Buff Bagwell. Brutus Beefcake had to save “Buff Daddy” on two occasions. When Beefcake came in, he worked over “Jumping” Jim Brunzell and kept him in the ring. Bagwell hit a Buff Blockbuster, but B. Brian Blair made the save. The B’s choked Brunzell in their corner with the tag rope, while Capt. Lou Albano distracted Jerry Calhoun. Brunzell was in trouble and rolled out of the ring near his corner, after getting hit with a double team body slam by The B’s. He and Blair donned their Bee masks and looked ready to attempt a switch. Albano saw it from the other side and got on the apron to point it out to Calhoun. (Ironic action, considering the Captain’s past shenanigans!) While Calhoun told Blair to get back to his corner, Bagwell went over to Brunzell on the floor. He picked him up and delivered a big double arm DDT right on the arena floor. Brunzell was out and was counted out of the ring, giving The B’s the win. ***¼
4) Frank Gotch and Dan Severn scored a big (and sneaky) win over The Masked Superstar and King Kong Bundy. Dick Hutton did not accompany Gotch and Severn to ringside for this bout, as he was preparing for his later match with Ed “Strangler” Lewis. Gotch was double teamed early on, but took over on Bundy and locked on his toehold. Bobby “The Brain” Heenan quickly helped Bundy grab the ropes, unseen by Paul Neighbors. “The Beast” tagged in and worked over Bundy, nailing him with knee strikes. The knees knocked Bundy out of the ring and almost got him counted out, but the big man rolled back in. Severn showed great technical knowledge, leverage, and power in throwing Bundy with a fireman’s carry slam, which popped the crowd. The Heenan Family team came back and had Severn in trouble. Bundy hit an Avalanche, but Severn kicked out at four. Bundy hit a second Avalanche and went for a cover. Gotch jumped in the ring to save his partner, but Superstar came in as well. Neighbors saw Superstar come in first and ordered him back to his corner. Bundy broke the pin attempt and yelled at Neighbors, but then got clipped in the knee from behind by Gotch. Severn recovered and tagged out to Gotch, who immediately applied the Gotch Toehold again. Bundy was caught and tapped to the hold. The fans mainly sided with Team RPW, although they did have a few boos for their sneaky actions at the end. **¾
5) Southern Heavyweight champion The Sheik defeated Bobo Brazil in record time. Brazil came out first, but was attacked by Sheik from behind in the aisle, as the Syrian smashed Brazil on the back of the head with the Southern title belt. Sheik, still angered by the theft of his Arabian rug, choked Brazil with his turban, while Frank Morrell tried to get him to stop. Sheik threw Brazil in the ring, while Morrell called for the bell to officially start the bout. Abdullah Farouk distracted Morrell immediately and Sheik blasted Brazil with a fireball. Sheik made a cover and got the pin in about five seconds. Fans were irate at Sheik’s actions and at Morrell for allowing the match to go on, but the decision stood. Despite reports on WMC-TV, apparently Sheik still suspects his rival Bobo for taking his rug. neg*
6) Nick Bockwinkel pinned Danny Hodge with a “tricky” maneuver. The two exchanged mat wrestling holds early on, but Hodge took over and looked determined to get a big win. He hit two Oklahoma side rolls on Bockwinkel for near falls. He charged at Bockwinkel with a vertical body press, but Bockwinkel caught him and dropped him throat-first across the top rope with a hot shot-type maneuver. Bockwinkel immediately capitalized and made a cover, putting his feet on the ropes. Bobby Heenan held on to Bock’s feet to ensure he didn’t slip. The tactic was successful, as Bockwinkel got the three. The fans booed the finish and Hodge seemed upset by his mistake. **
7) Giant Baba pinned The Destroyer. Apparently Baba had his translator interpret The Destroyer’s interview on USWA Championship Wrestling, where the masked man stated that Baba’s last win over him was a fluke. The giant was fired up here, hitting two dreaded neckbreaker drops. Destroyer was able to kick out of one, and rolled out of the ring to recover from the second. One of Baba’s patented Baba Chops put the “Intelligent, Sensational One” down for the 1-2-3. *½
8) “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka returned to action, but suffered a tough loss to rival Magnificent Muraco. Snuka was fired up early on, ducking a rolling neck snap from Muraco and blasting him with a stiff chop. Snuka tried to break his foe’s neck by using a piledriver for a two-count. The match went to the floor and Snuka got momentarily distracted by Capt. Lou Albano, allowing the Hawaiian muscleman to take over. Muraco blasted Snuka with an Asiatic Spike and went for a cover, but only got two. He focused on Snuka’s neck, hitting a neckbreaker for another two. He picked up Snuka into the Hawaiian Hammer—the move that injured him and dropped Snuka right on his head. The blow was enough to give Muraco the pinfall. Snuka was shaken up, but thankfully suffered no further injury. ***
9) Ed “Strangler” Lewis defeated Team RPW coach Dick Hutton. Hutton had a very determined and almost angered look on his face at the beginning of the bout. But despite the personal grudge, the two kept things clean, showcasing some great scientific wrestling. Hutton got control and locked on the abdominal stretch. Lewis eventually got to the ropes. “Strangler” came back and took Hutton down to the mat with the Strangler’s Headlock. Hutton fought to get out of the hold or get to the ropes. Lewis held it on for nearly two minutes. Hutton finally weakened, so that Lewis was able to pin his shoulders to the mat. The crowd popped big at the win, but things weren’t over. The rest of Team RPW swarmed the ring and surrounded Lewis. Lewis looked shocked by their appearance, but got in a wrestling stance ready to take them on. While he was facing Dan Severn, Lewis was taken down by Frank Gotch, who clipped his knee, just as he did to King Kong Bundy earlier in the card. Hutton recovered and gave orders, as the other three members suplexed Lewis. Gotch then applied the Gotch Toehold to Lewis and added an extra twist to the ankle. Lewis screamed in pain. Giant Baba (recovered from his previous bout) and World champion Rikidozan (preparing for the main event) ran down and ran off Team RPW. Unfortunately the damage had been done, as it was determined that Lewis had suffered a broken ankle in the attack. At this point, the “Strangler” is expected to miss the rest of 2008. **½
10) After the pre-main event intermission, Rikidozan was back out to defend his USWA World Heavyweight title against Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. The Japanese superstar was obviously enraged by what had just taken place and he took it out on Valentine, taking him down twice with his hiplock, then blasting him with thunderous chops. Valentine wasn’t going to give up on this big opportunity so easily, as he fought tooth and nail with Rikidozan, getting near falls after a piledriver and a neckbreaker. “The Hammer” came off the top with a sledge, but got met with a Rikidozan chop to the chest. The champ hit a nice flying head scissors for a near fall. Rikidozan hammered Valentine with a big forearm to the face, which drew some blood. Rikidozan made a cover and got the pin to retain his gold. ***¼
|
|
|
Post by Cory Olson on Oct 16, 2008 23:25:20 GMT -4
Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on October 11: • Bill Apter interviewed Team RPW. Apter asked the question that was on the mind of many USWA fans—why a team that stands for pure wrestling would perform such a dastardly attack. Coach Dick Hutton answered the question stating that they were just giving Ed “Strangler” Lewis what he wanted. When Apter asked him to explain, Frank Gotch said that Lewis had said he would take on each member of Team RPW, and so that’s what they gave Lewis—an opportunity to take them on at once. Gotch called Lewis a liar, because he proved he couldn’t stand toe-to-toe with the best pure wrestlers in the USWA. When Apter tried to point out that Lewis probably didn’t intend to take them on all at once, Dan Severn interrupted and stated that wwhether or not that’s what Lewis wanted, that’s what he got. • World Heavyweight champion Rikidozan and Giant Baba, along with their translator, were interviewed later in the program by Lance Russell. Baba stated that what Team RPW did to a great wrestler like Ed “Strangler” Lewis was disrespectful. Rikidozan stated that he has a great deal of respect for Lewis, both from the times the two have teamed up, as well as when they’ve battled each other as opponents. The champ said that he and Baba would defend Lewis’ honor and take on the Team RPW members in any match-up. • Some upcoming championship bouts were announced. As a result of his big pinfall win over two-time USWA World Heavyweight champion Buddy Rose in the opening tag bout the night before, Brad Armstrong will challenge for his first USWA title on Halloween night in the Sportatorium in Dallas, when he battles “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton for the USWA Texas championship. • The main event on that Halloween night will feature a scary man—The Sheik put the USWA Southern Heavyweight title on the line against Magnificent Muraco. The Hawaiian surfer has made an impressive showing so far in the USWA. Will he win a treat on the 31st or will The Sheik have some tricks up his sleeve? • It was also announced that New Year’s Knockout V will be held on December 31 at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville. As always, fans can expect some great bouts on this supercard!
The next USWA card will take place on October 17 from the Sailors & Soldiers Memorial Coliseum in Evansville! • In a two-on-one Handicap Match, “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous” The Crusher will take on both George South and Larry Sharpe. Sharpe now holds two one-on-one wins over “Da” Crusher, thanks to questionable tactics. Can the barroom brawler defeat two men at once? • Southern Heavyweight champion The Sheik is still on a rampage to find out what happened to his prayer rug. He’ll battle a long-time rival and one of Abdullah Farouk’s “suspects”—Dan “The Beast” Severn. Severn claimed innocence, but with Team RPW’s recent attitude change, could he be deceiving us? • Before challenging for the Southern Heavyweight title, Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine will take on “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and Yukon Eric. Muraco and Valentine have been a deadly combination, injuring both Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant. Can Capt. Lou’s men achieve victory over the popular duo of Snuka and Eric? • Nick Bockwinkel continues his comeback. In Evansville, he’ll be facing another long-time USWA “fixture”—former Southern Heavyweight and World Tag Team champion Bobo Brazil. So far Bockwinkel has taken on scientific wrestlers, but this he’ll have more of a brawler in big Bobo. Will it be Bock or Bobo walking out with the big win? • Frank Gotch will take on The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer. These two have had some great battles already this year. The interesting question is which wrestler will the Evansville fans support? • A huge grudge tag team match will take place as World Heavyweight champion Rikidozan teams up with Giant Baba to collide with Team RPW’s Oklahomans Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge. The Japanese duo is looking for revenge for “Strangler” Lewis’ injury, but they’ll have a tough challenge against Hutton and Hodge! • The main event will be for the USWA World Tag Team titles as current and three-time champions The Midnight Express defend the gold in a rematch against former champions “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring. Jim Cornette mocked the challengers on WMC-TV, pointing out their upset loss to Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware. Can Rose and Doring rebound to regain the gold or will “Beautiful” Bobby and “Loverboy” Dennis stop them? All this plus Brad Armstrong, The Killer Bees, and more great USWA wrestlers in action!
|
|
|
Post by Cory Olson on Oct 21, 2008 22:08:19 GMT -4
October 17, 2008 Card #184: Sailors & Soldiers Memorial Coliseum in Evansville
1) The Killer Bees got win in a surprisingly competitive opener over Cousin Luke and S.D. Jones. Both teams got cheers from the Evansville crowd, but Luke and “Special Delivery” had a slight edge, being the underdogs looking for their second tag team win ever. Luke and Jones showed a lot of heart, kicking out of The Bees’ finishers several times. Jones even saw blood after hitting his head on the mat, falling after a Bee Sting. In the end Luke would tap out to a Scorpion Leglock applied by B. Brian Blair. The Bees helped their opponents up afterwards and shook hands with them. ***
2) Brad Armstrong scored a win over former USWA Texas champion Brutus Beefcake. The Georgian was on fire in this one. Beefcake kicked out of a Russian leg sweep, and was saved from a second one by Capt. Lou Albano, who distracted Scott Bowden. Albano was met with an Armstrong dropkick, which knocked him off the apron. Armstrong applied an abdominal stretch. When Beefcake wouldn’t submit, Armstrong dropped him back into a lateral guillotine and scored the pinfall, the same way he did over “Playboy” Buddy Rose in the tag team match last week. (NOTE: Armstrong’s finisher seems to be the abdominal stretch, rather than the RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP!) ¾*
3) Armstrong’s partner Koko B. Ware hoped for a big win, but was stopped short by “Ravishing” Rick Rude. Rude blasted Ware with a big clothesline in the opening moments of the contest, just like he did to Antonino Rocca a few weeks back. “The Birdman” came back and got several near falls, using his Ghostbuster twice. Rude got the win after his Rude Awakening. **½
4) In a wild two-on-one Handicap Match, George South and Larry Sharpe defeated The Crusher by DQ. Crusher had the early advantage, blasting South with a Crusher Bolo. Before he could make the cover, Sharpe pulled his partner out of the ring for a breather. Crusher later had Sharpe up in a bear hug in the middle of the ring, but South came off the second rope with a double sledge to the back. Crusher turned around and blasted South with a big punch. He picked Sharpe and delivered a Crusher Bolo. Crusher went for a cover, but South again made the save. Sharpe eventually tagged out and then nailed Crusher with a chair shot on the floor, while South distracted Tommy Gilbert in the ring. Crusher was fired up and picked up the chair. He brought it into the ring and nailed South with it right in front of Gilbert. Gilbert immediately called for the bell, but Crusher didn’t care as he smacked South again, then nailed Sharpe in the corner. Sharpe retreated to the locker room, while South lay in the ring beaten. The crowd was infuriated by the decision, but cheered Crusher as the last man standing. **¾
5) Southern Heavyweight champion The Sheik scored a quick win over rival Dan “The Beast” Severn. Dick Hutton did not accompany Severn to ringside, as he was busy preparing for his big tag team bout later on. Sheik entered the ring and charged Severn right away, pulling out the sharp object and jabbing him. The fight spilled to the floor, where Severn slammed Sheik’s shoulder into the ring post, something not typically seen out of “The Beast”. He tossed Sheik back in and applied the wakigatame, which popped the Coliseum. Abdullah Farouk jumped up on the apron and distracted Paul Morton. Severn wouldn’t release the hold, but tried to break Sheik’s arm. The champ took his free arm and rolled over, trying to break free. Severn held on to the armbar, but as Sheik turned he somehow threw a huge fireball at Severn. Severn writhed in pain. Sheik went for a cover and Morton turned around in time to count the pin in about three minutes. Sheik held on his arm and quickly retreated to the locker room. The rest of Team RPW came down to help Severn to the back. DUD
6) “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and Yukon Eric defeated rivals Greg “The Hammer” Valentine and Magnificent Muraco. This one was back-and-forth. Snuka hit a big Superfly Leap on Valentine midway through the bout, but Capt. Lou Albano distracted Scott Bowden. Eric later got Muraco up in the Kodiak Krunch. It looked like Muraco was going to give, but he eventually draped his foot over the top rope. Eric tagged in to Snuka and the “Superfly” went wild on his foe. Snuka came off with a Superfly Leap on Muraco. Valentine jumped in to save Muraco, but was cut off by Eric who knocked him to the floor with a big shoulder tackle. Snuka went for the cover and got the pin. This is Snuka’s first USWA win over his rival, since their feud was reignited. ***¼
7) Nick Bockwinkel scored a submission win over Bobo Brazil. Brazil had the early advantage, looking for a big win. Bobo nailed two Coco Butts, but couldn’t get the pin. After a brawl on the floor, Bockwinkel took over and applied the figure-four leglock. Brazil rolled to the ropes to break the hold. As Brazil staggered to his feet, Bockwinkel pounced on him and immediately applied the Bockwinkel Sleeper. Brazil weakened from the hold. Paul Morton checked his arm and it dropped three times. Bockwinkel continues his impressive comeback. **¾
8) The Destroyer scored a big win over Frank Gotch. The masked man went to Gotch’s leg early on and applied the single leg Boston Crab several times throughout the match. Gotch fought with all his might, but the leg was definitely hurting him. The “Intelligent, Sensational One” slapped on the figure-four. Gotch fought for the ropes, but ultimately had to tap. **
9) World Heavyweight champion Rikidozan and Giant Baba got a win over Team RPW’s Oklahomans—Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge by countout. Hodge got the ring cut off on him in the first part of the bout. He took a ton of punishment, getting by the World champ’s thunderous chops, as well as taken down twice with the hiplock. Hodge was busted open after one of Rikidozan’s chops, but fought with him and Baba. Hodge gained the advantage after a big dropkick on Baba and tagged out to Hutton. Hutton later had Rikidozan in a sleeper and looked like he might put the champ out, but Rikidozan got to the ropes. Hutton and Baba went at it and the coach delivered a big body slam on the Japanese giant which was very impressive. The two battled on the floor and Baba blasted Hutton with a big boot to the face. Baba crawled back in and Hutton followed, just getting by the count of nine. Later all four men ended up brawling on the floor, but Rikidozan and Hodge were the legal men. The two exchanged blows, but Rikidozan took over with some more chops, then rolled back in the ring. Tommy Gilbert counted ten and Hodge was out of the ring, giving the Japanese duo the win. Hutton and Hodge were ready to continue. You can bet this war is just getting started. ***¼ 10) The main event was a big rematch for the USWA World Tag Team titles. Three-time and current titleholders The Midnight Express put the gold on the line against former champs “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring. The challengers looked like they would regain their belts, as they kept Texas champion “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton in the ring for nearly ten minutes, tagging in and out. Bobby didn’t look so beautiful after a few minutes, as he was busted open by a foreign object used by Rose. Eaton finally tagged out to “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey and this time the champs were the ones cutting the ring in half, on Doring. Doring took one heck of a beating and was soon wearing the crimson mask as well. He got hit by Eaton and Condrey’s double team specialties several times. Eaton went for a cover after a Rocket Launcher, but “Sensational” Sherri Martel jumped on the apron and screamed away, distracting Paul Morton. Jim Cornette pulled her off the apron. Sherri was infuriated and clawed away at Cornette and a “catfight” out of sorts broke out! While the two corner people brawled away, back in the ring The Midnights blasted a very bloody Doring with a Double Goozle. The “Dastardly One” rolled to the floor, while Rose and Condrey started brawling in the ring. Doring looked weary. Cornette got the upper hand on Sherri and then proceeded to smack Doring on the back with the tennis racket. Condrey pulled Doring into the ring. Doring was up against the ropes and Cornette nailed him with a second shot to the back. Doring fell forward and was caught in a small package by Texas champ Eaton. Doring was easy prey for a 1-2-3 count. Cornette celebrated the victory with his men after a wild bout! ****½ (NOTE: Eaton had six fatigue tokens on him, while Doring had eight! This was a crazy bout with Eaton and Doring both getting beaten on for several minutes each!)
|
|
|
Post by Cory Olson on Oct 25, 2008 21:04:41 GMT -4
The USWA takes this next Friday off, but will return with a huge card on Halloween Night—October 31! The Sportatorium in Dallas will host a spooktacular event! • Watch out! It’s the Boogeyman! Actually…it’s “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant! “The Boy from New York City” returns to action. He and “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka will take on The Killer B’s. Snuka and Valiant have worked well together, but is “Boogie’s” neck healed? • Antonino Rocca looks for revenge on “Ravishing” Rick Rude. Rude got a quick win last night, but will he have another trick up his sleeve for “Argentina” Rocca? • “Da” Crusher has had enough! “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous” is going to look to end things with George South and Larry Sharpe. Crusher will take both men on again, but this in a No-Disqualification Match! Can the barroom brawler beat South and Sharpe in his type of match? • Now 4-0 since his return, Nick Bockwinkel looks to keep the streak going. He’ll do battle with Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. This should be a great match-up of two scientific rulebreakers (if that makes sense!) Will Bobby Heenan and Capt. Lou Albano get involved in this one? • Giant Baba looks for revenge for his ally Ed “Strangler” Lewis, when he goes head-to-head with Frank Gotch. These two have only wrestled each other once before, in 2004. Gotch came out the winner in that encounter. Ironically, the two teamed up last month in Memphis, when Baba needed a partner to take on The Masked Superstar and King Kong Bundy. But that was before Team RPW’s treacherous attack on the “Strangler”. Will it be the Gotch Toehold or the dreaded neckbreaker drop that gets the win? • USWA World Heavyweight champion Rikidozan will be in action. He’ll take on rival “The Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer in a non-title bout. The masked man is hoping for another title match. A win over the champ himself would definitely earn him a shot and he pinned Rikidozan in July in Evansville. Can Destroyer get another victory over the Japanese superstar or will Rikidozan chop him down? • “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton makes his first defense of the USWA Texas title when he does battle with Brad Armstrong. Armstrong is very popular with the fans and has looked extra impressive as of late. Can he grab the gold from Eaton? • The main event will be for the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship, as the scary man The Sheik puts the gold on the line against Magnificent Muraco. Sheik has been extra violent in his last two bouts; no doubt due to his anger over having his prayer rug stolen. Can he get a quick win on Muraco or will the Hawaiian powerhouse take the gold back to Sunset Beach? All this and more great bouts! All fans who dress up as their favorite USWA wrestler receive free candy! Forget about trick-or-treating--the real treat is USWA action!
|
|
|
Post by Cory Olson on Oct 26, 2008 23:22:36 GMT -4
October 31, 2008 Card #185: Sportatorium in Dallas
With the offer of free candy for any fans who dressed up like the their favorite USWA wrestlers (past and present!), the Dallas Sportatorium like more like a theater showing The Rocky Horror Picture Show than a wrestling arena! But despite the comical appearance of many fans, the crowd was all serious about great wrestling action on Halloween night!
1) Team RPW’s Oklahomans of Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge got a victory in the opener over Cousin Luke and S.D. Jones. The Oklahomans were booed big-time in this one. They were focused and all business tonight. Hutton caught “Special Delivery” in an Oklahoma side roll for an attempted pinfall, but Luke made a save. Hodge jumped in and nailed Luke with a forearm, sending him to the floor. This allowed Hutton to lock Jones in the abdominal stretch, which brought about a quick submission. ¼*
2) “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring got a sudden win over The Killer Bees. Doring sported some stitches from the bloody match with The Midnight Express two weeks ago in Evansville for the World Tag Team titles. The Bees hoped for a win over the former champs, especially after the last time these two teams met for the belts in August at the Nashville Fairgrounds. That night, B. Brian Blair got dropped by Doring’s Wham, Bam, Thank You Ma’am on the arena floor. In this bout, Rose got blasted by four of “Jumping” Jim Brunzell’s dropkicks, including one off the top rope, but still held on. Brunzell sent Doring into the ropes and initially bent over for a back bodydrop, but then lifted his head and knocked heads with Doring. Both men went down hard. Doring was able to attempt a cover, but Bruznell kicked out. Although still woozy, the “Dastardly One” went up to the top rope and came off with the Danaconda. The move earned him and Rose the victory. Both Doring and Brunzell seemed dizzy afterwards, but were both alright. ***
3) “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and the returning “Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant scored a quick win over The Killer B’s. Yukon Eric accompanied Snuka and Valiant to ringside, sporting a Great Pumpkin costume, complete with his own (rubber) carving knife! Valiant was also in the spirit of the holiday, wearing an orange neck brace. Snuka hit Brutus Beefcake with a big flying body press off the top rope, but only got two. He tagged out to “Handsome” Jimmy, who sent Beefcake into the ropes, and then caught him in a sleeper. The move quickly put Beefcake out. Snuka kept Buff Bagwell (who never legally entered the match) at bay, while Eric kept Capt. Lou Albano at bay, threatening him with his knife! Afterwards, Snuka, Valiant, and Eric asked Gary Michael Cappetta for a microphone. Eric thanked the USWA fans for their support during his time wrestling here, but announced he was leaving to track down his rival Killer Kowalski and continue their war! Fans gave Eric a standing ovation as the trio walked out of the Sportatorium! DUD
4) Antonino Rocca gained some revenge, pinning “Ravishing” Rick Rude. Rude’s airbrushed tights had a Halloween feel to them, including a tombstone that read “R.I.P. Rocca”. Rocca had control early, even lifting Rude up into the Argentinian Backbreaker. Bobby “The Brain” Heenan got up on the apron, but Rocca saw him and spun Rude around, so that Rude’s legs smacked Heenan and sent “The Weasel” flying off the apron! Rude took over after a brawl on the floor and hit the Rude Awakening in the center of the ring. Many fans thought that would be it, since it brought Rude a quick win last time. The “Ravishing One” took his time making a cover, and when he finally did he lifted Rocca up before the count of three! Heenan had recovered on the floor and seemed shocked by this move. Rude hit a second Rude Awakening and again took time making the pin attempt, doing his usual “hip swivel”. When he finally did make the cover, Rocca kicked out before the three which drew a big cheer from the crowd! Rude was angry and went up to the top rope. He came off with a big knee drop, but Rocca rolled out of the way and Rude crashed and burned! Both men got to their feet, but it was Rocca who struck first with an amazing flying head scissors. He floated into a cover and got the three! Rocca celebrated among the fans at ringside. Meanwhile Heenan seemed upset by Rude’s showboating, as he yelled “You had him!” in reference to Rude having Rocca possibly beaten with one Rude Awakening. **
5) The Crusher finally settled the score with George South and Larry Sharpe, defeating both men in a No-Disqualification Handicap Match. Although they did tag legally in and out of the match, South and Sharpe did take advantage of no five-count for double teaming, staying in as long as they could against “Da Crusher”. Sharpe attempted a piledrvier on Crusher, but couldn’t get him up. So he tagged out to South to try something! South came off the second rope with a double sledge, but got caught him with a big Crusher Bolo. Crusher went for a cover, but Sharpe broke up the pin attempt. Crusher came off the second turnbuckle with a stomp, then hit South with another Bolo. Sharpe ran in, but got hit with the Bolo as well! Crusher stood on South with one foot and got the pinfall! The Sportatorium came alive at the sound of the “Beer Barrel Polka”! *½
6) Greg “The Hammer” Valentine scored a big victory, defeating Nick Bockwinkel by countout. The two exchanged some great wrestling holds early on. Although both men specialize in the figure-four leglock, Valentine was the first to attack a leg and start working on it. Yet Bockwinkel went for the leglock first, but was kicked off by Valentine before the hold could be applied. Valentine came back and locked on his own figure-four. In a great struggle, Bockwinkel was locked in the hold for two-minutes in the center of the ring. As he was starting to weaken, Bobby Heenan jumped on the ring apron to distract Kevin Christian. While Christian had his back turned, Bockwinkel actually tapped out, which drew a pop from the Dallas crowd. Capt. Lou Albano was irate at ringside and went over towards Heenan and Christian. Valentine released the hold as well to tell Christian what happened, but obviously no call could be made. Bockwinkel fought back and went for his other finisher—the sleeper. Valentine quickly got to the ropes to break the hold. The two wound up on the floor, where Valentine slammed Bockwinkel’s head into the ringpost, perhaps trying to give Bockwinkel another concussion. Bockwinkel was busted open from the move and looked weakened. Valentine crawled back in, but then went back right out, so Christian had to start the count over. While Heenan and Albano started arguing again outside the ring, “The Hammer” gave Bockwinkel a crushing piledriver on the arena floor. Valentine returned to the ring again and Bockwinkel was easy prey for a countout. Valentine and Albano celebrated big-time at this important win. Heenan was concerned for his man, but Bockwinkel came to on his own after a few minutes. The Destroyer came down to ringside, along with other USWA referees and officials to help Bockwinkel to the back. ****
7) Frank Gotch defeated Giant Baba by submission. The two wrestling greats exchanged one hold after another in the early going. Gotch attempted a double leg takedown, but was met with a knee smash by Baba, who attempted a pin, but Gotch got out of it. Baba went for one of his famed boots in the corner, but Gotch ducked and Baba’s foot hit hard. Gotch seized the opportunity and locked on the Gotch Toehold. He positioned the big man in the center of the ring, where Baba fought for nearly a minute, but ultimately tapped out. This was a somewhat shorter bout than many fans expected, but Gotch and Dick Hutton were definitely happy with the results! This was Baba’s first pin or submission loss in the USWA so far in 2008. **
8) The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer defeated World Heavyweight champion Rikidozan by DQ in a non-title bout. Destroyer worked on the leg early on, utilizing the single leg Boston Crab. But Rikidozan came firing back, trapping the masked man in the corner and nailing him with several chops. Despite efforts to block the strikes, Destroyer kept getting blasted. Tom Branch warned Rikidozan to let Destroyer out of the corner, but the champ was incensed and wouldn’t listen. Rikidozan hadn’t let Destroyer out of the corner by Branch’s five-count, so Branch had to disqualify the champ after just a few minutes. After the bell, Giant Baba limped down to ringside (feeling the effects of the Gotch Toehold) and got his mentor to calm down. neg*
9) World Tag Team co-holder “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton retained his other USWA championship—the Texas title with a win over Brad Armstrong. Armstrong was a “Candyman” of sorts, throwing candy into the crowd for the already riled up USWA fans! Jim Cornette was in the Halloween mood, as he came decked out in a white Kentucky coronel suit for this one! Armstrong gave Eaton some good offense, but Coronel Cornette blasted him with the tennis racket in the throat, while Eaton had Sam Platania distracted. Eaton hit an Alabama Jam, but Armstrong kicked out. Yet a second Jam a few moments later would bring Eaton the win. *¾
10) What turned out to be a strange main event, saw Southern Heavyweight champion The Sheik defend the title against Magnificent Muraco. Sheik tried to jump Muraco right at the bell, but the Hawaiian saw it coming and cut him off. Still the champ fought back and went for the Camel Clutch early on, digging his fingers into Muraco’s face and cutting him early. Muraco came back and managed to execute the Hawaiian Hammer out of nowhere. He went for a cover, but Sheik managed to get his foot on the bottom rope. Muraco blasted Sheik with an Asiatic Spike, then later hit Sheik with the Southern title belt outside the ring, while Kevin Christian was distracted by Capt. Lou Albano. Muraco hit a second rope diving Asiatic Spike and went for a cover, but the champ kicked out. Muraco was losing lots of this blood by this point, but was focused on winning the Southern gold. Sheik pulled the sharp object out for the first time in the bout and proceeded to carve Muraco up even more. Christian caught sight of this action and immediately calling for the bell, disqualifying The Sheik and giving the challenger the win. Sheik continued the attack despite Christian’s warning. Suddenly, in what will go down as one of the strangest things in USWA history, Sam Platania returned to the ring, with Tom Branch following him. In Branch’s possession was Sheik’s Arabian prayer rug! Sheik and Abdullah Farouk spotted the item, and the champ looked ready to attack the two officials. Farouk held him back, as Platania grabbed a microphone from Gary Michael Cappetta. The referee explained that he and Branch were packing up their gear in the referees’ locker room, when they found the rug in the locker of…their fellow official Kevin Christian! Farouk directed Sheik toward Christian, who tried to deny it, but before he could Sheik charged him and jabbed away at him with the spike! Sheik locked in the Camel Clutch and carved up Christian, who hit a gusher and was bleeding everywhere! Jerry Jarrett and several USWA officials swarmed to the ring to end the carnage. Sheik finally released the hold and he and Farouk retreated to the locker room, with the Southern belt and the prayer rug in their possession! Fans weren’t sure what to make of this scene! ****
|
|
|
Post by Cory Olson on Nov 5, 2008 1:28:49 GMT -4
Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on November 1: • USWA Committee Chairman Jerry Jarrett spoke to Lance Russell about the incident between Kevin Christian and Southern Heavyweight champion The Sheik the night before in Dallas. After some investigating from authorities in both Dallas and Mesquite, the mystery was figured out. Apparently after the main event of Card #182 in Mesquite, where Sheik defeated Yukon Eric after much use of his sharp object, when Sheik and Abdullah Farouk fled the ring, Christian, who was the official for the bout, fled the arena as well. He got to the locker room area first, where Sheik’s Arabian rug had been taken back by a USWA ring attendant. Christian stole the rug before Sheik and Farouk got there. Christian knew that this style of rug was very valuable and his plan was to sell the rug on the black market for a huge amount. He kept close watch on the rug the last month. He apparently had a buyer in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, who was going to meet with him following the Halloween card at the Sportatorium. So Christian brought it with him to the arena, and thought he had locked it up in his locker. Apparently he didn’t lock it, as fellow referees Sam Platania and Tom Branch noticed the rug sticking out of the locker and opened the locker door. They waited until the main event match had finished to reveal it. Jarrett stated that while the USWA Committee does not condone wrestlers intentionally attacking officials in such a violent manner, they also do not condone theft. Therefore, Christian as of this show was fired from the USWA! • Another big change was announced on this show, as manager Bobby “The Brain” Heenan announced a shake-up in The Heenan Family. He said that due to some personal differences between himself and “Ravishing” Rick Rude, the “Ravishing One” has decided to leave the USWA. Bill Apter asked about former World Tag Team champions The Masked Superstar and King Kong Bundy, who hadn’t been in action for a few weeks. Heenan said that the team also will be leaving the USWA, but on good terms with “The Brain”. He stated that they plan to wrestle in Georgia Championship Wrestling. Apter asked what the future holds for The Heenan Family. Heenan stated that he’s already signed another new wrestler to the USWA, who will be debuting in a few weeks. Of course his main focus right now is on four-time USWA World Heavyweight champ Nick Bockwinkel and his comeback. Apter asked if any more members will be coming in. Heenan stated that he will be scouting more tag teams and plans to add more members in 2009. • Speaking of Nick Bockwinkel, a rematch between him and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine has been signed for November 14 at the Earl Belle Community Center in Jonesboro, AR. Also on that card, The Killer Bees will take on The Killer B’s in a 2-out-of-3 Falls Match.
The USWA comes back to Rupp Arena in Lexington on November 7! • In a prelude to the 2-out-of-3 Falls tag team Match in Jonesboro, B. Brian Blair will collide with Buff Bagwell. Albano’s B’s have the upper hand lately in their tag team battles. Can Bagwell get a singles win over former Texas champ Blair? • In a rematch from the last card in Evansville, Southern Heavyweight champion The Sheik will go head-to-head with Dan “The Beast” Severn. Sheik used his fireball last time in a quick bout to break out of Severn’s wakigatame. Can Severn get his revenge? • A tag team war heats up, as “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant take on Greg “The Hammer” Valentine and Magnificent Muraco. Snuka and Valiant are looking for revenge for their recent neck injuries. Can they overcome the hard-hitting duo of Valentine and Muraco? • Frank Gotch is coming off a big win over Giant Baba, and he looks to gain a win over another long-time USWA star—Bobo Brazil. Gotch said on Championship Wrestling that he’d like another shot at the World Heavyweight title. But he shouldn’t look past Brazil. Will it be the Gotch Toehold or the Coco Butt to get the victory? • Another big singles bout, as Nick Bockwinkel takes on Giant Baba. Baba’s only pinfall win over Bockwinkel occurred in 2007 on a match in All Japan Pro Wrestling. Bockwinkel was set back a bit, with his countout loss to Greg Valentine, but no doubt a win over Baba would get him back on track. Can Baba chop Bock down? • The main event will be for the USWA World Heavyweight championship as Rikidozan defends against rival The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer. Destroyer mocked Rikidozan on WMC-TV, stating that he’s distracted right now, with his angry chopping “tantrum” in their non-title bout in Dallas. The masked man said that Rikidozan is “prime to be beaten” for the belt. Is the masked man correct? Will we see a new champ or will the Japanese superstar retain? These great bouts, plus USWA World Tag Team champions The Midnight Express, the Team RPW Oklahomans of Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge, The Crusher, and more in action!
|
|
|
Post by Cory Olson on Nov 13, 2008 0:47:43 GMT -4
November 7, 2008 Card #186: Rupp Arena in Lexington
1) Cousin Luke and S.D. Jones defeated George South and Larry Sharpe in the opener. The rulebreakers hoped to avenge their loss to Luke and Jones that occurred on September 26 in Mesquite, TX, partially due to a distraction from “Da” Crusher. Sharpe hit two piledrivers on Luke midway through the bout, but couldn’t keep the hillbilly down. “Special Delivery” was fired up on Sharpe and the Rupp Arena was behind him. Jones came off the top rope twice with a jumping head butt on Sharpe. The spectacular moves knocked Sharpe out and made him easy prey for a pinfall by “Philadelphia’s Favorite Son”. **
2) The Crusher pinned Brutus Beefcake. Nothing pretty about this match! This one featured a lot of brawling on both ends. Beefcake was able to knock “Da” Crusher down with his flying knee smash, but he could only get a two-count. Crusher rallied back and got the pin after one of his big Crusher Bolos. **
3) Team RPW’s Oklahomans got a big win, as Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge defeated former World Tag Team champions “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring. Hutton and Hodge kept Rose in the ring the whole time and got the win after just a few minutes when Hodge pinned Rose with an Oklahoma side roll. The former champs seem to be in a bit of a rut. Hodge earned some revenge for losing the Texas title to the “Playboy” back in July. DUD
4) World Tag Team champions The Midnight Express got a win over Brad Armstrong and “The Birdman” Koko B. Ware. This was a back-and-forth bout from the get-go, with the crowd definitely wanting to see the up and coming duo of Armstrong and Ware get the upset. Jim Cornette sensed his men were in trouble and interfered, taking cheap shots at Armstrong. The Midnights hit a Rocket Launcher and “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton went for a cover, but Ware made the save. “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey came in and clotheslined Ware out of the ring. Condrey tagged in and choked Armstrong on the rope. While Frank Morrell back Condrey off, Cornette jammed Armstrong in the throat with the tennis racket again, just as he did on the last card in Dallas. Eaton tagged back in and the champs hit a second Rocket Launcher to get the win. Cornette jumped in the ring to celebrate and started taunting Armstrong. Koko jumped back in the ring and dropkicked the “Louisville Slugger”. The Midnights went after him, but Armstrong recovered and saved his partner. Armstrong and Koko knocked “Loverboy” Dennis out of the ring with a double dropkick. “Beautiful” Bobby went to clothesline Armstrong, but he ducked and caught the Texas champ with his Russian leg sweep. Eaton’s neck hit the mat hard. The champs bailed out of the ring with Cornette. Eaton was seen holding his neck, although he was able to walk back to the locker room on his own. **¾
5) Buff Bagwell was taking a beating, but still came out the winner over B. Brian Blair via DQ. Bagwell focused on Blair’s neck early on, but the Killer Bee came back and was fired up, wanting to get a big win. He nailed Bagwell with a slingshot plancha to the arena floor. Bagwell was nearly counted out, but rolled back in the ring just in time. Blair continued to work on “Buff Daddy” and had him trapped in the corner where he delivered a series of punches and kicks. Scott Bowden counted Blair and warned him to let Bagwell out of the corner, but Blair got angry and shoved Bowden to the mat. Bowden was left with no choice, but to call for the bell. Blair continued pounding away on Bagwell afterwards, as Capt. Lou Albano yelled for him to stop. Brutus Beefcake made his way to the ring to save his partner. “Jumping” Jim Brunzell also came out to even the odds. Several referees and officials separated the two teams before their big 2-out-of-3 Falls Match next week. **
6) Dan “The Beast” Severn scored an important win over Southern Heavyweight champ The Sheik in a surprising bout. Sheik actually waited for the ring bell to start his attack. (Perhaps he is calmer now that his Arabian prayer rug has been returned!) Severn was more of the aggressor here, using the wakigatane and the fireman’s carry slam several times. Sheik got dropped on his head on one slam and was busted open. Severn caught him in a head and arm throw and went for a pin. Abdullah Farouk, knowing that Severn used that move to defeat Sheik for the Southern gold in 2007, jumped on the apron to distract Jerry Calhoun. Severn released the hold, but got jumped by Sheik, who jabbed him with the sharp object. Severn fought back and locked on the wakigatame again. With blood pouring down The Sheik’s face and nowhere to go, Sheik tapped out. While some fans booed Severn for Team RPW’s recent ways, most cheered at the sight of his victory. This was only Sheik’s third pin or submission loss in singles in 2008. (The first two both coming from Bobo Brazil.) ***
7) “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant got some revenge defeating Greg “The Hammer” Valentine and Magnificent Muraco. Valiant worked over Valentine’s leg in the opening minutes, using a spinning toehold. Capt. Lou Albano’s men made a comeback and worked over Valiant for several minutes, hitting both the Hawaiian Hammer, as well as a piledriver from Valentine. Despite the recent neck injury, Valiant fought hard and kicked out. Snuka and Muraco went at it for several minutes, each getting a near fall on the other. Later “The Boogie Woogie Man” sidestepped a top rope sledge from Valentine and caught him in a sleeper. He looked to have Valentine beaten, but Valentine just grabbed the ropes. Snuka was being double teamed by Valentine and Muraco, but took over and tagged out to “Handsome” Jimmy. Jimmy came in and rocked Muraco with roundhouse punches, then rolled him up into a small package for the pin out of nowhere. Valentine attempted to make a save, but Snuka cut him off, then stared down the Captain to keep him from interfering. ***¾
8) Frank Gotch scored a dominant win over Bobo Brazil. The Team RPW member was focused and controlled most of the match. He applied the crossface and bar arm a few times, as well as the rolling kneebar. He applied the Gotch Toehold, but Bobo made the ropes. Gotch started showcasing his boxing skills, busting Brazil open with stiff punches. He “grounded and pounded” Brazil, then floated into a cover for an easy pin. The fans booed Gotch for his arrogance and cockiness. Despite the attitude, it was an impressive win. ¼*
9) Nick Bockwinkel scored a big submission victory over Giant Baba. The two grappling greats started off with some great scientific wrestling. Both men attempted to use the Boston Crab to weaken his opponent’s leg. Baba got a near fall after a big Russian leg sweep. Bockwinkel was later able to hit a back suplex on the big man and picked up a two-count. Baba came back and hit the dreaded neckbreaker drop. He went for a cover, but Bockwinkel managed to kick out. Bockwinkel later locked on his sleeper, but Baba would not go down either, managing to get to the ropes. This was back-and-forth, but Bockwinkel capitalized on a mistake by Baba and locked the sleeper on again. The giant weakened and Frank Morrell checked his arm, which dropped three times, giving Bockwinkel the win in a great bout. ***¾
10) Rikidozan put the World Heavyweight title on the line in the main event against heated rival The Destroyer. The masked challenger was very focused tonight, wanting to make history. Rikidozan came off the second rope with a forearm smash in the opening minutes, but missed and landed hard on his leg. Destroyer noticed and went right to work on the weakened limb. The Japanese superstar had the crowd behind him and fought hard, but had trouble maintaining control. The champ got a near fall with a reverse rolling cradle, after Destroyer missed a knee smash in the corner. Destroyer kicked out and quickly took over, again attacking the leg. Destroyer applied the figure-four, but the champ reversed the hold briefly, reversing the pressure. The “Intelligent, Sensational” One rolled to the ropes to break the hold. Destroyer kept it up, applying the single leg Boston Crab for several minutes, before Rikidozan finally made the ropes. Destroyer stomped Rikidozan right across the face after releasing the hold, busting Rikidozan’s nose. After a brawl outside the ring, Destroyer smashed Rikidozan’s leg into the ring post. He slapped on the figure-four again. With blood running down his nose and caught in the center of the ring, Rikidozan tapped out to the pain. Jerry Calhoun called for the bell and awarded the belt to The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer! Destroyer becomes the first masked wrestler to win the World title, as well as the first man to hold the World Heavyweight, World Tag Team, and Southern Heavyweight titles! Giant Baba came down to help his partner back to the locker room. Destroyer’s associates, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan and Nick Bockwinkel came down to congratulate the new champion. ***½
|
|
|
Post by Cory Olson on Nov 14, 2008 23:52:14 GMT -4
Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on November 8: • Some big match-ups were announced for Card #188, which will take place on November 21 at Freedom Hall in Johnson City, TN. New USWA World Heavyweight champion The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer will team up with four-time champ Nick Bockwinkel to battle the Japanese contingent of former World champ Rikidozan and Giant Baba. Destroyer appeared in studio dressed in a fine suit and with the title belt draped over his shoulder, bragging about his huge win. He claimed that his pre-match prediction was true—that Rikidozan has been too distracted by “Strangler” Lewis’ injury and the problems with Team RPW, that he was “ripe for the pickings”. Destroyer stated that with a great technical wrestler like Bockwinkel by his side, he will defeat his rivals in a tag team setting at Freedom Hall. • Also on that card, as a result of his big win the night before in Lexington, Dan Severn will challenge for the Southern Heavyweight title in the main event when he does battle with The Sheik. It was a little over a year ago that Severn and Sheik traded the Southern title. Will “The Beast” grab his second championship in Johnson City? • Capt. Lou Albano was interviewed later in the show by Lance Russell and the rubber banded manager protested the fact that his charge, Magnificent Muraco, was not getting a rematch for the Southern title, since Muraco defeated The Sheik by DQ in Dallas. USWA Committee Chairman Jerry Jarrett interrupted and stated that since he defeated the champ by DQ, Muraco will receive another shot in the near future. • Bobby “The Brain” Heenan was interviewed by Bill Apter. The manager announced that on the next card the newest Heenan Family member will debut. “The Weasel” announced that that man would be none other than Larry Zbyszko! Zbyszko is one of the most notorious rulebreakers in the entire professional wrestling world. While Heenan tried to talk up the fact that Zbyszko is (allegedly) trained in karate and other martial arts styles, wrestling fans know him for his sneaky tactics against many opponents!
The USWA comes back to the Earl Belle Community Center in Jonesboro, AR on November 14! • Southern Heavyweight champ The Sheik will do battle with long-time rival Bobo Brazil in a non-title battle. You can bet Sheik and Abdullah Farouk are angered after Sheik’s loss to Dan Severn last week. Bobo is in need of a win in this one. Will Sheik lose to another Michigan native? • The Killer Bees will take on The Killer B’s in a 2-out-of-3 Falls Match. Capt. Lou Albano’s B’s have done better against their more experienced rivals than many expected. Can the popular Bees get some momentum against their foes? Whom will the 2-out-of-3 format favor? • In a rematch from Card #185 in Dallas, Nick Bockwinkel locks up with Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. Valentine scored the countout win in the last meeting, with a big piledriver on the floor. Will Bockwinkel gain revenge or will Valentine pound him down? • In a tag team rematch, Rikidozan and Giant Baba will collide with Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge. The Japanese got the win over the Oklahomans last time by countout, but will lightning strike twice in Jonesboro? • The main event is another big tag bout and will be for the USWA World Tag Team gold. The Midnight Express will defend against “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant. Snuka and Valiant are not just a popular team with the fans, but have worked well together, despite being former rivals. Snuka is a former Tag Team champ (with Buddy Rogers), and has also formed successful teams with Red Bastien and Bruiser Brody. Valiant has not held the belts, but he and his brother, “Luscious” Johnny were a tough team in the first few years of the USWA. Jim Cornette stated on Championship Wrestling that his men have far more experience as a team and are the superior unit. Is “The Louisville Slugger” right? Or will the wild team of Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” be crowned the new champions? All this plus, The Crusher collides with Magnificent Muraco. Team RPW members Frank Gotch and Dan Severn will be in singles competition, and the debut of Larry Zbyszko. That’s at the Earl Belle Community Center on Church Street!
|
|
|
Post by Cory Olson on Nov 18, 2008 1:06:55 GMT -4
November 14, 2008 Card #186 Earl Belle Community Center in Jonesboro, AR
1) Dan Severn got a submission win in the opener over George South. “The Beast” dominated and got the tap out with a heel hook. Severn looked impressive before he receives another shot at the Southern title next week. DUD
2) The newest Heenan Family member, Larry Zbyszko, won his USWA debut over S.D. Jones. Zbyszko avoided “Special Delivery” at the start of the match, but Jones would have none of it, as he unleashed a barrage on Zbyszko. Jones got near falls after a suplex and his patented head butt. Jones locked on a sleeper, but Zbyszko broke it by slamming Jones’s head into the turnbuckle. With Jones down and Tommy Gilbert momentarily distracted by Bobby Heenan, Zbyszko removed the same turnbuckle pad and slammed Jones’s head into the exposed steel. Zbyszko was able to execute an over-the-knee backbreaker a few moments later to score the winning pin. **½
3) The underdogs made lightning strike twice when Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware defeated former USWA World Tag Team champions “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring. Rose and Doring were definitely nervous, as they cheated early on, with Rose choking Armstrong with Gary Michael Cappetta’s microphone cable outside the ring, while “Sensational” Sherri Martel distracted Scott Bowden. Armstrong managed to tag out to “The Birdman” back in the ring. Rose and Doring tagged in and out and looked to have things in control. Doring tossed Ware over the top rope, but Ware grabbed the rope, and “skinned the cat” back into the ring. Doring turned around, but got blasted with a crossbody block. Ware went for a cover, while Armstrong held Rose at bay, and the popular duo got their second win as the crowd went wild! *½
4) Frank Gotch scored another quick win, making Larry Sharpe tap out after a few minutes. Gotch utilized a guillotine choke in the opening minute, but it was the Gotch Toehold that brought him the win. DUD
5) Magnificent Muraco defeated The Crusher quickly by DQ. Crusher had control early on, but Capt. Lou Albano smashed Crusher on the back outside the ring. It didn’t hurt Crusher much, but got him fired up. Crusher grabbed a steel chair and threatened the Captain. Muraco came out of the ring, but got clocked by the chair. Unfortunately it was right in front of Paul Morton, who immediately called for the bell. Muraco was the winner, but didn’t look like one after this bout! ¼*
6) Southern Heavyweight champion The Sheik has few losses during his USWA tenure, but he lost his second match in as many weeks against another rival—Bobo Brazil. This bout was out of the ring, more than it was in. Naturally Sheik’s sharp object came into play. But it was Bobo who would draw blood first, utilizing the Coco Butt, while having Sheik locked in a bear hug. Bobo hit another Coco Butt, but before he could make a cover, Abdullah Farouk jumped up on the ring apron. Farouk was quickly back down, as he got nailed with a big hammer punch. Bobo then delivered three more consecutive Coco Butts on his foe, who was bleeding buckets by this point. Sheik collapsed and was easy prey for a cover. Ironically the Earl Belle Community Center was the site of Sheik’s first loss ever, in a tag match to Dick Hutton in December 2006. The Jonesboro fans erupted again at the site of another Sheik loss. ***½
7) The Killer Bees defeated The Killer B’s in a 2-out-of-3 Falls Match, 2-1. The first fall ended surprisingly quickly, as only “Jumping” Jim Brunzell and Brutus Beefcake wrestled. Brunzell came off the top rope with a flying body press, but Beefcake rolled through and ended up on top in a pinning position. Beefcake hooked the tights for leverage and got the quick pinfall.
The second fall turned into an actual tag team match, with Buff Bagwell and B. Brian Blair coming in. The Bees cut the ring off on Buff Bagwell. Brunzell blasted him with a dropkick and went for a cover, but Capt. Lou Albano distracted Scott Bowden. Blair tagged in and locked on the sleeper a few minutes later. Beefcake tried to save his partner, but was knocked out of the ring by a Brunzell dropkick. Bowden checked Bagwell’s arm and it dropped three times, allowing The Bees to win the second fall and even things up. Bowden woke Bagwell up during the rest period before the third fall.
The deciding fall saw The Bees tag in and out and dazzle their rivals with their double team offense. Blair attempted to put out Beefcake with the sleeper, but Beefcake reached the ropes. Blair nailed a missile dropkick, busting Beefcake open. Bagwell came in and got a two-count on “Jumping” Jim with a double arm DDT. Brunzell took over. He nailed a bloody Beefcake with a dropkick, then spotted Albano attempting to interfere in the match. Before he could enter the ring, the manager got met with a dropkick as well. Blair kept Bagwell at bay, while Blair made the three-count on Beefcake. ***¾
8) Nick Bockwinkel scored a relatively quick submission win over Greg Valentine. Capt. Lou Albano looked shaken up from Jim Brunzell’s dropkick in the previous bout, as he accompanied Valentine to the ring. After some great scientific wrestling, “The Hammer” got more aggressive. He hit a piledriver on Bockwinkel, but this time in the ring. It still looked devastating and it got Valentine a count of 2¾. Valentine climbed the ropes and jumped off with a falling sledge, but Bockwinkel blocked it with a punch to the stomach. Valentine favored his leg on the landing. Bockwinkel went for the sleeper, but Valentine got the ropes. Bockwinkel turned his attention toward the hurt leg and slapped on the figure-four. Valentine was trapped and quickly tapped out to his own finisher. Bobby “The Brain” Heenan was delighted by his man’s win. **
9) Rikidozan and Giant Baba scored a pinfall win over Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge, although the pin had some controversy to it. Hutton almost got counted out in the first minute, as he attempted a double leg in the corner on Rikidozan, but missed and hit the turnbuckle. He fell to the arena floor, but crawled back in, right at the nine-count. Baba hit Hutton with the dreaded neckbreaker drop, but Hutton got his foot on the ropes. Hodge hit two Oklahoma side rolls on Rikidozan, but the former World champ kicked out both times. Baba’s chops opened up Hutton. Baba hit another neckbreaker drop, but Hutton managed to kick out right before the three. Baba hit a big chop to the chest and made another cover. Hutton draped his foot on the ropes, right before Tommy Gilbert counted three, but Gilbert was out of position and counted counting. The Japanese duo were officially declared the winners, despite Hodge’s protests and much evidence that Hutton’s leg was out. Frank Gotch and Dan Severn came out to protest their coach’s positioning, but the decision stood. **¼ (NOTE: Much like Tim Dalton recently did in his NWF, I made a “promoter mistake” into an angle. I realized after the match, that a roll I made on the newer Pin Save chart should have favored Hutton and Hodge. But I was thinking of the older version and didn’t see my mistake until after I recorded the result. Rather than restart the match, I decided to add some controversy to the finish, and add some intrigue to the Japanese-Team RPW feud.)
10) The main event was for the USWA World Tag Team championship. Jim Cornette’s champions—The Midnight Express put the gold on the line against the popular, yet bizarre duo of “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant. Cornette must have kept it secret prior to the match, but Texas champ “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton’s neck was hurting, from the post-match incident with Brad Armstrong last week. Eaton sported a neck brace, and allowed “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey to start. Condrey dropped Snuka with the face-first leg sweep in the first minute, but Snuka kicked out. Eaton came in, but got in trouble. Valiant dropped his super wind-up elbow on Eaton for a near fall. Snuka dropped Eaton right on the neck with a piledriver. He hit a picture perfect Superfly Leap, but Jim Cornette jumped up on the apron to distract Paul Morton. “The Boogie Woogie Man” popped Cornette with a roundhouse punch, sending him and the tennis racket flying. “Superfly” tagged out to Valiant, who whipped Eaton into the ropes and caught him in a sleeper. Snuka blasted an interfering Condrey with a flying chop, keeping the action one-on-one. Eaton fought hard, but weakened to “Boogie’s” sleeper. Morton checked the arm and Eaton went out. Morton called for the bell as Snuka and Valiant were awarded the belts. The roof nearly came off the Earl Belle Community Center, as Snuka and Valiant celebrated with the fans and “The Boy from New York City” played over the speakers! **
In the next update, find out the main event for New Year’s Knockout V!
|
|
|
Post by Cory Olson on Nov 23, 2008 1:12:00 GMT -4
Highlights of USWA Championship Wrestling on November 15: • The main event for New Year’s Knockout V was announced on this episode. The supercard will take place at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville for the first time since the event’s inception. USWA Committee Chairman Jerry Jarrett announced that The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer will make his first defense of the USWA World Heavyweight title on that night. His opponent will be his former tag team partner turned rival--Giant Baba! Jarrett said that as an added stipulation, this match will be contested under Best 2-out-of-3 Falls rules! This should be an outstanding main event! • Team RPW was interviewed by Bill Apter. Coach Dick Hutton claimed that Rikidozan and Giant Baba must have paid off referee Tommy Gilbert in that bout, as Hutton’s foot was clearly on the bottom rope. Jerry Jarrett came out and apologized that Gilbert missed the call, but the decision of the bout stands. However, Hutton and Danny Hodge will get a rematch with Rikidozan and Baba and it will be the main event of Card #188 at the Mid South Coliseum in Memphis. Hutton seemed content with that announcement and stated that justice will be served on that night, as the Oklahomans will prove their wrestling superiority over the Japanese. • The new USWA World Tag Team champions were interviewed by Lance Russell. It was an interesting interview to say the least. “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant thanked the fans, as well as “Big Mama” for their support, and said they wouldn’t be champs without them. Snuka said they would defend the titles anytime, any place, against anyone. (At least, that’s what we think he said!) There were a lot of “brother” terms thrown out in this one! • After their exciting 2-out-of-3 Falls Match the night before, Capt. Lou Albano’s Killer B’s wanted a rematch with their foes The Killer Bees. B. Brian Blair and “Jumping” Jim Brunzell accepted the challenge, but said that they want to see if The B’s can beat them all on their own. Therefore they asked that the Captain be banned from ringside for the bout. Brutus Beefcake and Buff Bagwell seemed upset, but agreed to the provision. The Captain claimed he will be with his boys “in spirit” and will guide them to victory, even if he’s not physically present.
The USWA returns to Freedom Hall in Johnson City, TN on November 21! • Jim Cornette is protesting The Midnight Express’ loss of the World Tag Team titles, due to Texas champ Bobby Eaton’s injured neck. For now, “The Louisville Slugger” is sending “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey to get revenge on Brad Armstrong. Armstrong has stated that he never intended to injure Eaton, but rather that he was just acting in self-defense. Nevertheless, he’s willing to battle Cornette and his men in any shape and form. Who will walk out the victor in this grudge match? • Speaking of the World Tag Team titles, the new champions will be on this card, but in singles action. “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant will lock up with Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, while “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka tangles with rival Magnificent Muraco. Can the popular champs score wins over Capt. Lou Albano’s charges? • A huge tag team bout will take place, that will be a preview of sorts for the main event at New Year’s Knockout V. World Heavyweight champion The Destroyer will compete for the first time since winning the gold, teaming up with Nick Bockwinkel to battle Rikidozan and Giant Baba. Other than the obvious Baba-Destroyer issue, we also have Bockwinkel, who defeated Baba two weeks ago in Lexington, and who lost his last USWA championship to Rikidozan on Thanksgiving last year. Rikidozan and Bockwinkel have not locked up since that bout. So much is on the line in this one! • The main event will be for the USWA Southern Heavyweight title as three-time and current titleholder The Sheik defends against former champion Dan “The Beast” Severn. Despite Team RPW’s recent attitude shift, the fans seem on the side of Severn in this one against the notorious Sheik! Severn got the submission win in Lexington two weeks ago and it may have affected Sheik mentally (more so than usual!), since he also lost to Bobo Brazil last week. Can Severn regain the Southern crown or will Sheik find a way to hold on? All this plus a big tag team bout, when Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge collide with The Killer Bees. Plus Bobo Brazil, Larry Zbyszko, and more great matches!
|
|
|
Post by Cory Olson on Nov 26, 2008 16:53:53 GMT -4
November 21, 2008 Card #188: Freedom Hall in Johnson City, TN
1) Former USWA World Tag Team champions “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring rebounded from their recent losses to get a win in the opener over George South and Larry Sharpe. South scored a singles upset over Rose earlier this year, and it looked like he and Sharpe would get a tag team upset this year. Doring missed his Danaconda off the top, not once, but twice! Rose managed to land the Bombs Away on South, but Sharpe stopped the pin attempt. Rose and Sharpe went at it, before the “Playboy” hit a gut wrench backbreaker to get the pin. “Sensational” Sherri Martel was definitely happy with her boys’ win. **½
2) Bobo Brazil defeated Brutus Beefcake by submission. Brazil, hot off his win over Southern champ The Sheik last week, was on a roll here. Beefcake had control early on, but Bobo took over and never looked back. He used the Coco Butt several times, busting the San Francisco native open, and threatened to nail Capt. Lou Albano with one, when the manager was up on the apron. But it was a bear hug which would bring Bobo victory. *¾ 3) Larry Zbyszko pinned Cousin Luke. Zbyszko used a piledriver twice and went for a cover, but the hillbilly got his foot on the bottom rope. Zbyszko attempted to rip the turnbuckle pad off several times, as he did against Luke’s partner S.D. Jones last week, but Tommy Marlin was on the ball and stopped his attempts. (Marlin returned to refereeing duty on this card, after having recently served on the USWA Committee. He replaces the recently fired Kevin Christian.) Zbyszko busted Luke open after a falling sledge off the top turnbuckle. He came off the second rope with a knee drop to Luke’s bloody head and got the pin, to the delight of Bobby Heenan. *¼ 4) For the second week in a row, The Crusher got disqualified against one of Capt. Lou Albano’s charges—this time, Buff Bagwell. “Buff Daddy” jumped Crusher at the bell and tried with all his might to get the big man down. He raked the eyes and choked Crusher on the ropes. Crusher rolled to the floor, where Capt. Lou Albano attempted to smash him with a chair. Crusher stopped him and grabbed the chair. Bagwell came over, but got clocked with the chair as he leaned through the ropes, in a scene similar to Magnificent Muraco last week. The fans were irate at this one, knowing that Albano attempted to use the chair first! DUD
5) “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey scored a tainted win via countout over Brad Armstrong. The biggest factor in this match was Jim Cornette’s constant interference behind Tom Branch’s back. Armstrong’s tag team partner Koko B. Ware came down to counteract Cornette. Armstrong started to rally back and nailed Condrey with a nice missile dropkick. He went up the ropes again, but Cornette jumped up on the apron. ‘The Birdman” came up on the other side of the apron, but Branch cut him off first. With Armstrong still on the top, Cornette cracked him in the back with the tennis racket. Armstrong went down and rolled to the floor, holding his back. Branch put the count on him and despite encouragement and help from Ware, Armstrong couldn’t get back in the ring in time. *¼
6) Greg “The Hammer” Valentine defeated World Tag Team champion Jimmy Valiant by submission. Valentine worked over “The Boogie Woogie Man’s” leg from the opening bell. He got the win after just a few minutes with the figure-four leglock, although he was aided by leverage from Capt. Lou Albano, which was unseen by Sam Platania. After the bell, Valentine kept the leglock on as Albano yelled for him to break the leg. Valiant’s Tag Team championship partner Jimmy Snuka came down and broke up the melee before serious damage could be done. Valiant needed help to the back, but suffered no serious injuries. ½*
7) Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge scored a submission victory over The Killer Bees. B. Brian Blair and “Jumping” Jim Brunzell put Hutton out of action in 2005 with a back injury, and ironically Hutton and Hodge would focus their attack on Brunzell’s back in this one. Hodge applied the Boston Crab to Brunzell on several occasions, cinching in the hold with his great grip strength. Hutton went for a pin at one point on Blair after a side salto, but Brunzell leapt over the ropes and stomped Hutton to break up the pin attempt. Blair recovered, tagged out to Brunzell, and The Bees hit the Bee Sting on Hutton, but Brunzell could only get a two-count. Hodge and Hutton double teamed Brunzell more, again, going after the back. Hodge applied his partner’s finisher, the abdominal stretch, focusing on the lower back, as well as the abdominals. “Jumping” Jim fought desperately for the ropes, but with Hodge’s great grip, he was trapped and ultimately had to surrender. ***½
8) Magnificent Muraco scored a win over his rival, World Tag Team champion “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. Muraco hit the devastating Asiatic Spike early on, and Snuka was shook up for the rest of the bout. He had the fans behind him, but couldn’t sustain offense on the Hawaiian surfer. At one point, Muraco had Snuka up in an over-the-shoulder backbreaker. Snuka got his foot over the rope and also was able to pull both himself and Muraco over the rope to the floor. The “Superfly” landed on top of the pile and got back in the ring first. Muraco recovered and just made it back in by the count of nine. Despite the fall, Muraco was able to take over. He smashed Snuka with another Asiatic Spike. He went for an immediate cover and got the three. Snuka came up coughing up blood after the bell. He tried to fight back against Muraco, but was weakened. Muraco went for another Spike, but suddenly “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant limped down the aisle. Muraco saw him and went to attack Valiant at ringside, with Capt. Lou Albano cheering on. Snuka suddenly came out and smashed Muraco from behind with his Tag Team championship belt, then head butted Albano. The champs threw Muraco back in the ring. The two stomped on Muraco’s taped thumb that he uses for the Asiatic Spike. Snuka then held Muraco down, while “The Boogie Woogie Man” climbed up the ropes. Despite a bad leg, Valiant came off with a top rope elbow drop, the same move he and brother “Luscious” Johnny used to use. Greg Valentine and The Killer B’s finally made their way to ringside. Muraco needed help to the back. No word on any injuries as of this time. **½
9) Giant Baba and Rikidozan scored a hard fought victory over USWA World Heavyweight champion The Destroyer and Nick Bockwinkel in an amazing match. Baba looked strong in this bout. At one point, he prevented a double suplex by Bockwinkel and Destroyer and gave both men a head butt in return. While Destroyer attacked the giant’s legs throughout the bout, he couldn’t get him down long enough to apply the figure-four. Baba hit the dreaded neckbreaker drop on the champ midway through the bout, but the champ got his shoulder up at 2¾. Rikidozan caused blood to pour out of the Destroyer’s mask, after a stiff forearm shot off the second turnbuckle. Bockwinkel came in, but was slammed by Baba, who followed up with a big leg drop for a near fall. Tommy Marlin had a good “welcome back” to officiating, when he got smashed by Bockwinkel in the corner off a whip by Baba. With Marlin down in the corner, all four men got involved. During the melee, Rikidozan busted Bockwinkel open as well after a series of chops. Rikidozan hit a scoop slam and went for a cover, as Marlin came to. Marlin counted, but Bockwinkel raised his shoulder in the knick of time. Rikidozan immediately followed up with a hiplock, but again Bockwinkel kicked out. The bloody Destroyer came back in, but also felt the wrath of Rikidozan’s thunderous chops. Rikidozan went for a cover, but the champ kicked out. Rikidozan tagged out to Baba. Baba hit a piledriver on Destroyer and went for a cover. Bockwinkel, knowing that the end was perhaps near, saved the “Intelligent, Sensational One” from defeat. In return, he was met by a Rikidozan chop, which knocked him out of the ring, right in front of Bobby Heenan. The champ and his challenger at New Year’s Knockout V were left one-on-one. Baba whipped the champ into the ropes and smashed him with a big boot to the face. He went for the cover and got the three-count on the World Heavyweight champion after over 30 minutes of action! The Freedom Hall crowd popped big time at the Japanese duo’s win. ***** (NOTE: Destroyer had eight fatigue tokens on him, while Bockwinkel had seven! The rulebreakers had a lot of offense on the Japanese, but couldn’t keep them down for a pin too often. Awesome match!)
10) After the pre-main event intermission, it was time for the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship. Three-time and current titleholder The Sheik put the gold on the line against former champ Dan “The Beast” Severn. The champ used his trusty sharp object early on in the bout. He applied the Camel Clutch, slipping in the spike and busting Severn open. Dick Hutton jumped on the apron to point it out to Tom Branch. Sheik released the Clutch and took a swing at Hutton, who ducked it. Sheik turned around and charged at Severn, who was trying to get to his feet. Severn sidestepped the champ and took him down into the wakigatame. Sheik was close enough to the ropes, to drape one foot over the bottom. Severn maintained the attack, using a fireman’s carry slam and a bow and arrow. The bout spilled to the floor, and Sheik took over again, ramming the bloody “Beast” into the ring post. He tossed Severn back in and locked on the Clutch, again slipping in the object. Sheik kept the object out of Branch’s view. With a bloody face and suffering pain from the spike, Severn tapped out to the hold, giving Sheik the victory and allowing him to retain the Southern crown. ***¼
|
|
|
Post by Cory Olson on Nov 29, 2008 19:05:09 GMT -4
The November 22 and 29 editions of USWA Championship Wrestling were jam-packed with news, particularly new matches for New Year’s Knockout V!• USWA Committee Chairman Jerry Jarrett announced on 11-22 that The Sheik will put the Southern Heavyweight title on the line against the first Southern champ and his long-time rival, Bobo Brazil! As an added incentive to this bout, this match will be fought in a Steel Cage Match! • Jarrett also announced that World Tag Team champions “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant will compete against Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine in a big grudge match. This bout will not be for the titles, since Muraco and Valentine have only teamed up on a few occasions. • Another big match was made on the 11-29 episode. Former World Heavyweight champion Rikidozan will collide with Team RPW member Frank Gotch. Gotch was interviewed and stated that he feels he should be in the main event, challenging for the World Heavyweight title, as he holds victories over both Giant Baba and The Destroyer. When Lance Russell reminded Gotch that he has never beaten Rikidozan, Gotch seemed slightly offended or irritated by the comment. He stated that he will get the win over the Japanese superstar on New Year’s Eve. • Nick Bockwinkel made a strange challenge on the 11-22 edition. He challenged Ed “Strangler” Lewis to a bout at New Year’s Knockout. Lance Russell reminded him that two-time World champ Lewis was still out of action with a broken ankle, thanks to Team RPW. Bockwinkel stated that that is the reason he is challenging Lewis now. The four-time champ reminded the audience that he is 3-1 in the history of New Year’s Knockout cards. That one loss came last year at the hands of “Strangler” Lewis. Bobby Heenan interrupted and stated that his man was not 100% that night, due to a series of concussions. Yet, he still showed up for the match and competed, because he is a loyal, dedicated wrestler. Bockwinkel stated that his purpose in challenging Lewis is to see how dedicated he is to professional wrestling. Bill Apter informed USWA fans on 11-29 that he will be traveling to Lewis’ home in Louisville for an interview to get his answer. That interview will air on Championship Wrestling on December 6. • Other matches made for the month of December in the USWA included a big World Tag Team championship main event on December 12 in Tupelo, MS. Jimmy Snuka and Jimmy Valiant will make their first defense against Team RPW members Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge. Hutton is a two-time former Tag Team champion, but this will be the Oklahomans’ first opportunity as a team to win the gold. • The Sheik will have a busy month. Not only will he battle Bobo Brazil in a Steel Cage at NYK V, but he will also have to face him before then in the first ever Falls Count Anywhere Match in the USWA! The rules for this one are just as stated—a pin or submission can occur anywhere in the Tupelo Sports Arena! Brazil and Sheik got into a wild brawl on the last Tupelo card, back in January of this year, ending up in the concession stands! So this type of match will encourage that kind of behavior! Also, 12 days before defending against Brazil, Sheik will defend the Southern title in a rematch against Magnificent Muraco in Dallas. For the first time ever, the USWA will hold a card at the Reunion Arena. Abdullah Farouk claimed the USWA is out to get his man, but The Sheik is ready and willing to inflict punishment in these bouts. Capt. Lou Albano announced that Muraco will be taking time off until his Southern title shot, to heal up from injuries sustained in the attack in Johnson City by the World Tag Team champions. When Lance Russell pointed out how Greg Valentine tried to break Jimmy Valiant’s leg earlier on the same card, Albano stormed out of the WMC-TV studios in a huff! The USWA will hold its last card in Memphis for 2008 on December 5!• The Crusher has gotten disqualified twice in a row against Capt. Lou Albano’s men. Can he keep his cool when goes one-on-one with Greg “The Hammer” Valentine? • Two “Michiganders” will collide, as Bobo Brazil takes on Dan “The Beast” Severn. These two teamed up together earlier in the year to battle common enemies The Sheik and Sabu. Bobo is said to not be too happy with Team RPW’s recent “attitude adjustment”, as he saw first hand in his bout with Frank Gotch a few weeks ago in Lexington. Can Bobo knock down Severn with the Coco Butt, or will Severn score a tap out? • Texas champion “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton will return to action, as he and “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey team up to face Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware. This tag team feud has picked up some steam with Jim Cornette interfering freely against Armstrong. Don’t forget—Armstrong’s Russian leg sweep hurt Eaton’s neck. According to Cornette, it cost The Midnight Express the World Tag Team titles. Can the popular underdogs score another upset or will The Express get their revenge? • The Killer Bees will meet up again with The Killer B’s. This time Capt. Lou Albano will be banned from ringside. Can The B’s survive without their guiding light in their corner? • Nick Bockwinkel continues his comeback. He’ll face another long-time USWA superstar—one-half of the World Tag Team champions “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. Snuka is one of a handful of wrestlers to have a pin or submission win over Bockwinkel, as he defeated him in 2004 in a non-title bout, when Bockwinkel was USWA champ. Can the “Superfly” do it again? • The main event will be a huge tag team rematch, as Rikidozan and Giant Baba take on Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge. Baba pinned Hutton the last time the teams met, but Hutton had hit foot on the ropes. This is a big match for both teams, as all four men have big upcoming bouts this month and a victory would bring them momentum. Who will win this war? All this plus Frank Gotch, “Playboy” Buddy Rose, and the debut of “The Unpredictable” Johnny Rodz!
|
|
|
Post by Cory Olson on Dec 13, 2008 19:04:53 GMT -4
December 5, 2008 Card #189: Mid South Coliseum in Memphis
1) S.D. Jones got a win in the opener, defeating newcomer “The Unpredictable” Johnny Rodz. Rodz hails from New York City and is a scrappy competitor, but he had a tough going in his debut. “Special Delivery” put Rodz out with a sleeper. ¼*
2) Heenan Family member Larry Zbyszko continued his winning ways, getting a pinfall on Larry Sharpe. Sharpe had some offense early on, getting a near fall with a piledriver. Zbyszko came back and worked over the New Jersey native. Zbyszko rammed Sharpe into the turnbuckle. Meanwhile Bobby Heenan distracted Frank Morrell, while Zbyszko undid the turnbuckle pad, then smashed Sharpe’s head into the metal. Zbyszko made a cover and Morrell turned around to count the dastardly pin. **
3) “Playboy” Buddy Rose got a win over former rival Cousin Luke. The hillbilly Luke seemed to still be somewhat infatuated with “Sensational” Sherri Martel, as Rose was able to take advantage early on and maintained control throughout. A Bombs Away put Luke down for the pin. ¼*
4) The Crusher got a big win over Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. Capt. Lou Albano got very involved in this match, hoping another one of his men would get a win over Crusher. The Memphis fans were irate, as Albano frequently got in cheap shots, when Crusher was near the ropes or outside the ring. The Captain would also distract Frank Morrell when Valentine bent the rules. Valentine managed to get the big man in the figure-four leglock, but “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous” powered out. Valentine smashed Crusher with a steel chair at ringside, which drew blood. The blood seemed to fire Crusher up more, as he made a huge comeback. It took just one Crusher Bolo to put “The Hammer” down for the three-count. Albano seemed to be in shock by the victory, as all his shenanigans still didn’t pay off! ***¼
5) Frank Gotch defeated George South by submission. The Team RPW member continued his recent dominant performances, locking on the Gotch Toehold after just a few minutes and forcing South to tap out. DUD
6) Texas champion “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton got some revenge, as he and “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey just barely got a win over Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware. Eaton sported a neck brace on his injured neck. The popular duo of Armstrong and “The Birdman” kept Eaton in the ring for the first part of the match. Condrey saved Eaton on two occasions from being pinned by Ware’s Ghostbuster. Armstrong and Ware busted Eaton open after a double dropkick. Armstrong followed up with a knee lift for a very near fall. Condrey finally tagged in. He whipped Armstrong into the ropes and Jim Cornette grabbed the middle rope, causing Armstrong to hit the floor. Condrey hit a face-first leg sweep back in the ring, but before he could make a cover, Ware jumped in. Eaton came in as well and attacked Ware, then tossed him out. Condrey legally tagged out to Eaton, then The Midnights hit the Rocket Launcher on Armstrong for the pin. ***½
7) Bobo Brazil got a pinfall victory over fellow Michigander Dan “The Beast” Severn. Dick Hutton was not present at ringside with Severn, since he was preparing for his main event tag team match. Brazil started out a house of fire, delivering three big Coco Butts to Severn. Severn made a comeback and tossed Brazil with his fireman’s carry slam, then applied the wakigatame after slamming Brazil’s arm into the turnbuckle. Brazil managed to get a foot on the ropes to break the armbar. Brazil came back and he and Severn exchanged punches. A big hammer punch from Brazil with his good arm knocked Severn down and gave Bobo the win in a physical bout. ***
8) Despite Capt. Lou Albano being banned from ringside, The Killer B’s got a sneaky victory over The Killer Bees. The Bees hit the Bee Sting on Brutus Beefcake in the opening minutes, but Buff Bagwell came in for the save. Bagwell had control of “Jumping” Jim Brunzell. He hit a crossbody block and went for a cover, hooking the tights at the same time. The extra leverage got him a quick pinfall. Brunzell was upset by the tactics and the fans weren’t too happy either. As The B’s returned to the locker room, Albano met them at the entryway to celebrate with them. ½*
9) Nick Bockwinkel took a beating from World Tag Team champion “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka, but came back to get a submission victory. In an amazing sight, Snuka hit three Superfly Leaps in the first part of the match, but Bockwinkel managed to kick out each time! (NOTE: The first two Leaps were +5!) Bockwinkel made a comeback and locked on his sleeper, but “Superfly” managed to ram Bockwinkel into the buckle to break the hold. Snuka blasted Bockwinkel with a jumping head butt, which drew blood. He then whipped Bockwinkel into the ropes and hit a big power slam. He went for the cover, but Bobby Heenan jumped on the apron. Snuka chased Heenan down, then went back to work. The momentary distraction allowed Bockwinkel to recover. He rammed Snuka’s leg into the ring post, then applied the figure-four in the middle of the ring. The pain was too much for Snuka, who tapped out to the hold. ****
10) The main event was the big tag team rematch pitting Giant Baba and Rikidozan against Team RPW’s Oklahomans of Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge. Baba got the pin last time on Hutton, but Hutton’s foot was on the rope, unseen by Tommy Gilbert. Jerry Calhoun was the official this time out. Hutton and Baba started the bout, and Hutton locked the abdominal stretch on early, but Baba managed to reach the ropes. It was back-and-forth between the teams for a few minutes, until the Japanese cut the ring in half on Hodge. Rikidozan used both his thunderous chops and the hiplock, but Hodge fought strong and kicked out both times. Rikidozan delivered a big scoop slam on Hodge and went right into a cover. Hutton tried to save his partner, but got blasted with a big chop from Baba. Calhoun made the count and Baba and Rikidozan got the win, with no controversy involved. **
In the next update, more great matches announced for New Year's Knockout V, as well as Ed "Strangler" Lewis' response to Nick Bockwinkel's challenge!
|
|