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Post by Cory Olson on Dec 14, 2008 20:47:25 GMT -4
Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on December 6: • Bill Apter traveled to Ed “Strangler” Lewis’ home in Louisville to interview the two-time USWA World Heavyweight champion. Apter asked Lewis how his recovery was going. Lewis said that his ankle was healing right on schedule. His doctors had told him to stay out of ring action until 2009. Apter asked if that meant Lewis would have to decline Nick Bockwinkel’s challenge at New Year’s Knockout V. The “Strangler” responded by saying that his original plan was to return to the ring and have his first opponents be Team RPW, and particularly Frank Gotch, since they put him out of action in the first place and he’s sick by the attitude they’ve demonstrated the last few months. Even though he is eager to do battle with RPW, he is not one to turn down a challenge and he will see Bockwinkel in the ring in Nashville on New Year’s Eve! Lewis stated he will probably be wrestling with a walking cast that night, but he is ready to take on Bockwinkel at his best. Therefore it’s signed—Lewis vs. Bockwinkel II! • Some more matches were made for New Year’s Knockout V. The Killer Bees issued a challenge to The Killer B’s. They stated the two teams have feuded all year, a feud which began at last year’s NYK. They want to end it once and for all. The Bees asked for a match, where the losing team would not be allowed to team up in any wrestling organization for one full year! Capt. Lou Albano accepted the challenge later in the show, stating that his B’s have done better than many first expected and they will give The Killer Bees their final sting! • In a special attraction, “The Eighth Wonder of the World” Andre the Giant will return to the USWA rings! Andre competed at New Year’s Knockout III in 2006, taking on two men, and he will dot he same this year! The “lucky” opponents this time around will be George South and Larry Sharpe! • A new wrestler will be coming to the USWA at NYK V, when Diamond Dallas Page makes his debut! Page recently competed in Championship Wrestling from Florida, as well as Georgia Championship Wrestling and is popular among the fans. He is known as a man of the people. His finisher, the Diamond Cutter, is one of the strongest in professional wrestling and can come out of nowhere! USWA rulebreakers should watch out, so that they don’t feel DDP’s “BANG!” • 12 days before New Year’s Knockout , a big card will take place at the Reunion Arena in Dallas. The main event has already been announced, but some more bouts were made this past week. The Japanese-Team RPW wars will continue, as #1 contender to the World Heavyweight championship, Giant Baba, takes on Dan “The Beast” Severn, while Rikidozan will take on coach Dick Hutton. Also, two former World Heavyweight champions will collide, when Nick Bockwinkel takes on “Playboy” Buddy Rose. Dallas has a lot of history for these two, as Rose captured the World Heavyweight title from Bockwinkel in Dallas in July 2005, but lost it to him in an Alley Fight Match that year at New Year’s Knockout II at Texas Stadium.
As things heat up on the way to New Year’s Knockout, the Tupelo Sports Arena will hold a huge card on December 12! • Two former World Tag Team championship teams will meet once again when The Midnight Express will do battle with “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring. These teams had some wild battles. Who will get the win in this one? • Giant Baba and Rikidozan will collide with another Team RPW duo, when they face Frank Gotch and Dan “The Beast” Severn. This will be a preview of sorts for NYK V, as Rikidozan and Gotch will be across the ring from one another prior to their one-on-one match. Can Baba and Rikidozan put down another RPW pair? • Before they get locked up in the cage, Southern Heavyweight champion The Sheik and Bobo Brazil will be allowed to fight all over the arena, as they’ll collide in non-title Falls Count Anywhere Match! Back in January these two brawled throughout the Tupelo Sports Arena and caused a lot of damage to the concession stands! This time it will all be legal. Can Bobo get another pinfall win on The Sheik, prior to challenging for the Southern gold? • The main event will be for the World Tag Team titles, as new champs “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant will defend against Team RPW’s Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge. Hutton is a two-time USWA Tag Team champion and would love to win a third championship, especially with fellow Oklahoman Hodge. While Snuka and Valiant have worked well together, can they beat two technical wrestling experts like Hutton and Hodge? All this plus, S.D. Jones will have one of his biggest USWA matches ever when he battles four-time World Heavyweight champion Nick Bockwinkel! Plus B. Brian Blair takes on Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. The Crusher, The Killer B’s, and more in action!
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Post by Cory Olson on Dec 20, 2008 18:05:11 GMT -4
December 12, 2008 Tupelo (MS) Sports Arena
1) In a match-up of fan favorites, Cousin Luke got a quick win in the opener over “Jumping” Jim Brunzell. Although Brunzell is the better technical wrestler, Luke was able to use his unorthodox offense to get the pin after just a few minutes with the Hillbilly Drop. Both men shook hands afterwards in a sign of sportsmanship. DUD
2) The Killer B’s scored a win over George South and Larry Sharpe. South and Sharpe double teamed Brutus Beefcake in the first few minutes, but Buff Bagwell tagged in and “saved the day”. Bagwell hit a Buff Blockbuster on South, but pulled him up before the three-count to gloat and deliver more punishment. “Buff Daddy” hit a second Blockbuster to wrap things up and give The B’s the “W”. ¼*
3) Larry Zbyszko pinned “The Birdman” Koko B. Ware. Zbyszko came off the top with a double sledge, but was cut off with a punch to the midsection. Zbyszko was able to block two attempts at the Ghostbuster, yet the third time was the charm for Koko. When he went for the cover though, Larry Z. got his foot on the bottom rope. After a brawl outside the ring, Zbyszko took over and hit piledriver to get the pinfall and make Bobby Heenan a happy man. *¼
4) The Crusher got a submission victory over Johnny Rodz. Crusher blasted the Brooklyn native with a Bolo, but he locked on a powerful bear hug to force Rodz into submission. DUD
5) Greg Valentine defeated old rival B. Brian Blair in a competitive match. Capt. Lou Albano was sending “The Hammer” after Blair to weaken him prior to The Killer Bees battling The Killer B’s at New Year’s Knockout V in a match where the losing team must split up for one year. Blair looked to repeat his success of 2007, where he captured the Texas title from Valentine. He caught Valentine in a sleeper midway through the bout, but Valentine reached the ropes. Blair later missed a charge in the corner, hit the turnbuckles, and flipped up and over the ropes, crashing on the arena floor, and landing right on his leg. Valentine capitalized, pulling him back in the ring, working over the leg, and eventually slapping on the figure-four, which forced Blair to tap. ***
6) Nick Bockwinkel beat “Special Delivery” Jones by submission. Jones had some early offense on the four-time USWA World Heavyweight champion, but Bockwinkel made a comeback. He locked on the Bockwinkel Sleeper, which put Jones out, and gave Bock the win. ¼*
7) The Midnight Express scored an impressive win over “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring. Jim Cornette’s men kept Doring in the ring for the first portion of the bout. Texas champ Bobby Eaton hit a Divorce Court on Doring, but Rose jumped in to save him from a pin. Doring tagged out, but Rose got double teamed as well, getting hit with the Midnight Massacre. As “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey went for the cover, “Sensational” Sherri Martel jumped on the apron to distract Scott Bowden. It broke up the pin attempt, but infuriated Cornette, who ran around the ring and cracked Sherri on the backside with the tennis racket! The Midnights continued their onslaught, even busting Rose open, when Eaton landed a top rope elbow smash right across Rose’s nose. Condrey got the pinfall on the “Playboy” after a second Massacre. **¼
8) Giant Baba and Rikidozan made short work of Frank Gotch and Dan Severn. The bout started off with a New Year’s Knockout V preview, as Rikidozan and Gotch collided. Rikidozan scored a two-count after some overhead chops, then tagged out to Baba. Baba hit a piledriver, a big dropkick, then delivered his dreaded neckbreaker drop to get the pin on Gotch, before Gotch could even tag out to “The Beast”. Team RPW seemed shocked by the quick win. neg*
9) Bobo Brazil defeated Southern Heavyweight champion The Sheik in a wild non-title Falls Count Anywhere Match. The two rivals actually stayed in the ring for the first few minutes, but once they hit the arena floor, it was on! The Tupelo Sports Arena concession stand stood safe on this night, but many other parts of the arena would see action. Sheik strangled Brazil with the chord from Gary Michael Cappetta’s microphone for several minutes. He attempted a pin on the floor, but Brazil kicked out. The two brawled back in to the fan favorites’ locker room, and from there the action spilled into a restroom, where Bobo delivered a big Coco Butt and went for a pinfall, but Sheik kicked out. Bobo picked Sheik up into a body slam, but instead smashed his head into a wall outside the restroom. Sheik got busted open, but kicked out when Brazil made a cover. Sheik battled back and applied the Camel Clutch in the ring. Brazil grabbed the ropes, but Scott Bowden couldn’t force a break in this type of a match. Brazil instead rolled towards the ropes and he and Sheik both hit the floor, with Brazil coming out the better of the two. Brazil grabbed the steel chair that Cappetta was sitting on and cracked him over the head with it. Sheik’s cut opened up even more, but he still fought strong. Brazil rammed Sheik into the security railing up the aisleway. With his man in trouble, Abdullah Farouk jumped on Brazil’s back. The move was futile, as Brazil tossed him off his back, then delivered a big hammer punch to the manager. Sheik crawled back to the ring, trying to find some escape. Brazil caught up to him and delivered another big Coco Butt. He pounced on Sheik, made a cover in the center of the ring, and got the 1-2-3. The Tupelo Sports Arena popped big time at Bobo’s win! ****
10) The main event was for the USWA World Tag Team championship, as “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant made their first defense against Team RPW’s Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge. This was a “styles clash”, as you had the wild, unorthodox offense of the champs battling the technical wrestling skills of the challengers. The champs started off strong, but Hodge capitalized on a mistake by the “Superfly” and hit an Oklahoma side roll for a two-count. Hutton and Valiant were the legal men, when Hutton gained the advantage and tagged out. Hodge worked over “The Boogie Woogie Man’s” legs, applying an Indian Deathlock for a near submission. Valiant recovered and tagged out to Snuka, who hit a Superfly Leap on Hutton. He made a cover, but Hodge jumped and delivered a forearm smash to Snuka to break up the pin. Once Hutton recovered, he tagged back out to Hodge, who applied a Boston Crab on Snuka. The Oklahomans attempted a double team suplex, but Snuka broke free and delivered a noggin knocker, then individual head butts to both men. Hodge fell out of the ring, while Snuka tagged out to Valiant. The “Boy from New York City” whipped a groggy Hutton into the ropes and caught him in a sleeper. Paul Morton checked Hutton’s arm and it dropped three times. The champs retained in their first defense and celebrated among the Tupelo fans at ringside. ****
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Post by Cory Olson on Dec 22, 2008 19:02:03 GMT -4
Thanks to Chad and Mr. Vegas for their comments and predictions!
Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on December 13: • More big match-ups were made for New Year’s Knockout V. The Midnight Express will do battle with Brad Armstrong and “The Birdman” Koko B. Ware. Armstrong and Ware have been angered by Jim Cornette’s interference in their matches with his men and hope to gain a big at NYK! • Two relative newcomers to the USWA will collide, as The Crusher takes on Heenan Family member Larry Zbyszko. Zbyszko is unbeaten so far, but how will he match up against “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous”? • In another special attraction, two wrestlers looking to make a name for themselves in the world of professional wrestling will get their chance on the USWA’s biggest event of the year. The wild and crazy Delirious will take on Chris Hero. Delirious is a fast-paced masked wrestler who speaks his own “language”. Hero is a talented athlete, who hails from Metropolis and will be accompanied by his sports agent, “Sweet & Sour” Larry Sweeney! This two have had great battles in smaller promotions and will get a chance to shine at NYK V! • The USWA World Heavyweight champion The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer was interviewed by Lance Russell. Russell asked what Destroyer’s game plan was against his challenger Giant Baba at New Year's Knockout. Destroyer stated that he’s got more endurance against the big man, and the longer the match goes, it will be in his favor. Russell pointed out that Baba and Rikidozan defeated him and Nick Bockwinkel in a 30-plus minute bout a few weeks ago, but the masked man stated that Baba had Rikidozan to “carry” him through the bout. Russell asked how it made the champ feel that his only win against Baba so far in the USWA was a disqualification victory, and that Baba has defeated him by pinfall twice. Destroyer got upset by the questions and simply stated that Baba will have to defeat him twice in one night if he wants to win the World Heavyweight championship! He reminded Russell that he and Baba are former partners and Tag Team champions and he knows Baba better than Rikidozan, Antonio Inoki, or anyone else in professional wresting. He knows his challenger’s weakness and will use that knowledge to defeat him on December 31. The champ also stated that he will be at ringside for Baba’s match against Dan “The Beast” Severn at the Reunion Arena.
It’s the last stop before New Year’s Knockout, when the USWA comes to the Reunion Arena in Dallas for the first time on December 19! • Before their respective tag teams battle in a high stakes match at New Year's Knockout, “Jumping” Jim Brunzell and Buff Bagwell will go one-on-one. You can bet the winner of this one will have a psychological edge going into NYK! • World Tag Team champions “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant will take on the reuniting Dream Team. That’s right, Capt. Lou Albano is having Greg Valentine and Brutus Beefcake team up to wear down Snuka and Valiant before they battle Valentine and Magnificent Muraco. Will the Captain’s plan succeed? Or will the champs give The Dream Team a nightmare? • Rikidozan will collide with Team RPW coach Dick Hutton. You can bet Frank Gotch will be watching this one closely. Can Hutton outwrestle the Japanese superstar? • Two former World champions and big-time rivals will collide as Nick Bockwinkel battles “Playboy” Buddy Rose. These two have a big history in Dallas. Bockwinkel is still undefeated since his return to USWA action. Rose claims that since he was the one to end Bockwinkel’s first reign as champion (a reign of nearly 16 months), that he will end Bockwinkel’s comeback streak. Will the “Playboy” turn out to be right or will Bockwinkel shut him up? • The #1 contender to the World Heavyweight championship, Giant Baba, will take on Dan Severn. While these two were in a tag team match against each other last week in Tupelo, they never met, as Severn never tagged in before Baba pinned his partner, Frank Gotch. Remember, fans, the World Heavyweight champion The Destroyer will be at ringside for this one! • The main event will be a rematch for the Southern Heavyweight championship, as The Sheik puts the title on the line against Magnificent Muraco. The last time these two met, Sheik bloodied Muraco, but the surfer came back to give him a challenge, before the champ got disqualified. Can Muraco capture his first USWA gold or will Sheik stop him? All this plus Larry Zbyszko and the Argentinian sensation Antonino Rocca in action!
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Post by Cory Olson on Dec 23, 2008 19:56:14 GMT -4
December 19, 2008 Card #191: Reunion Arena in Dallas
1) S.D. Jones and Cousin Luke defeated George South and Larry Sharpe in the opener. Jones and Luke double teamed South in the first few minutes, with both men using head butts on South. South finally tagged out to Sharpe, but the New Jersey native didn’t have much success either, as he got caught by Luke in a bear hug and quickly submitted. *
2) Larry Zbyszko kept up his winning ways with a quick pinfall on Johnny Rodz. Zbyszko was aggressive from the get-go and pummeled Rodz. He put Rodz down for the three-count after a piledriver. DUD
3) “Jumping” Jim Brunzell pinned Buff Bagwell. “Buff Daddy” controlled Brunzell early on and looked like he would score the win. Brunzell managed to kick out of a Buff Blockbuster and rallied back, with the Dallas fans behind him. Brunzell nailed Bagwell with a picture perfect dropkick to pick up the win, giving The Killer Bees some momentum going into NYK V. *¼
4) Antonino Rocca pinned “Dastardly” Danny Doring. Rocca got Doring up in the Argentinian Backbreaker in the opening minutes, but Doring was able to drape his foot over the top rope. Tommy Marlin called for Rocca to release, and Rocca agreed…by dumping Doring over the top rope to the floor, to the delight of the Reunion Arena! As “Sensational” Sherri Martel consoled Doring on the floor, he crawled back up on to the ring apron. But as he got up, he was met by a big Rocca dropkick which sent him right back down to the floor! Doring was almost counted out, but managed to beat the count. Doring took over after Rocca missed a flying body press off the top rope, but couldn’t maintain control. Rocca caught Doring with a crushing body scissors out of nowhere and used the move to pin Doring’s shoulders to the mat. **¾
5) World Tag Team champions “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant defeated The Dream Team by DQ in a non-title match, that wasn’t much of a match! Snuka and Greg Valentine started the match off. But after only a few minutes the action spilled to ringside, where Valentine grabbed a steel chair and smacked Snuka right across the back of the head with it, right in front of Sam Platania, who called for the bell. While Valiant went to save Snuka, he was cut off by Brutus Beefcake, who rammed him into the ringpost. The Dream Team and Capt. Lou Albano tossed Snuka into the ring, while Buff Bagwell joined the carnage. (Magnificent Muraco was allegedly preparing for his Southern title shot later in the evening.) Valentine brought the chair into the ring and picked up Snuka for a piledriver, while Beefcake climbed up to the second turnbuckle to apparently deliver a spike piledriver right on the chair. Before damage could be done to Snuka’s previously injured neck, The Killer Bees ran down to the ring to run off Albano and his men. neg*
6) Rikidozan scored an impressive victory over Team RPW’s coach Dick Hutton. Frank Gotch accompanied Hutton to ringside, to scout his NYK V opponent. Rikidozan threw Hutton three times with his hiplock, but couldn’t keep his shoulders down. He got the pin after a series of thunderous chops. ½*
7) Nick Bockwinkel made short work of long-time rival “Playboy” Buddy Rose. Bockwinkel was focused and controlled the man who ended his first World Heavyweight title reign. He had the Bockwinkel Sleeper locked on and appeared to have Rose put out, but “Sensational” Sherri Martel distracted Tom Branch. Bockwinkel slapped on the figure-four leglock, but Rose managed to get to the ropes. Bockwinkel released the figure-four, but as Rose got to his feet and stumbled back to the center of the ring, he got caught in another Bockwinkel Sleeper and went out to the hold quickly. DUD
8) Dan “The Beast” Severn scored a shocking quick win over Giant Baba, although it wasn’t without controversy! Before the wrestlers came to the ring, World Heavyweight champion The Destroyer made his way into the arena and joined Lance Russell and Dave Brown at ringside. Baba was a house of fire and looked like he had victory wrapped up. He had Severn trapped in the corner with chops, but Destroyer tripped Baba up from ringside, which Sam Platania couldn’t see due to Baba blocking his vision. Baba yelled at Destroyer at ringside, while the champ pleaded innocence. This allowed Severn to slap on a rear naked choke on the big man, which caught him off guard and forced him to quickly tap out. Destroyer quickly retreated up the aisle. As Platania raised Severn’s arm, “The Beast” too quickly fled to escape the angry giant’s wrath! The fans were not happy about this one! neg*
9) “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton retained the Texas championship with yet another tainted win over Brad Armstrong. Jim Cornette slipped Eaton a small chain early on, which Tom Branch did not notice. Eaton decked Armstrong with a right hand wrapped in a chain. He came off the top rope with an elbow, then came off the opposite corner with the Alabama Jam which brought him the pinfall. The Dallas fans were once again irate by this ending! DUD
10) The main event was the big rematch for the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship, as The Sheik defended against Magnificent Muraco. Muraco was the aggressor in the early going, knowing what the champion was capable of doing to him. As The Sheik got in trouble, he used his trusty sharp object to gain an advantage. At one point he was gouging away at Muraco’s face, which caused Capt. Lou Albano to try and point it out to Tommy Marlin. But Sheik put away the object before Marlin caught him. Muraco was busted open and Sheik tried to gain a submission with both a hammerlock, as well as the Camel Clutch, but Muraco wouldn’t give. Muraco came back and blasted Sheik with an Asiatic Spike, then hit a vertical suplex for a near fall. Muraco was losing lots of blood, but still fought hard. Sheik was desperate to retain. Albano got on the apron again to complain, but got blasted with a thrust to the throat from The Sheik. While Marlin checked on the downed Albano and Abdullah Farouk ensured the official stayed distracted, Sheik threw a huge fireball at the bloody Muraco. Farouk then “conveniently” pointed Marlin to Sheik, who had covered Muraco. Marlin returned to the ring to count the three, giving The Sheik the win. This was only Muraco’s second pinfall or submission loss in one-on-one competition in the USWA. ****½
In the next report, a full preview of New Year's Knockout V!
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Post by Cory Olson on Dec 26, 2008 0:52:12 GMT -4
Merry Christmas, everyone!
From beginning to end, here’s the full line-up for
Buddy Rose and Danny Doring vs. Cousin Luke and S.D. Jones This match was just added on the December 20 edition of USWA Championship Wrestling. The “Playboy” isn’t too happy about being in the NYK opener for the second year in a row. Rose and Doring had an interesting 2008, as they started off as a surprise tag team, with a long unbeaten streak, and winning the World Tag Team titles. Their reign was brief, and when they lost, they got into a slump and have been trying to recover. Can they do it here? Will Luke’s year-long interest in “Sensational” Sherri be a distraction?
Delirious vs. Chris Hero Special Attraction This is a big opportunity for both of these wrestlers to make a name for themselves in professional wrestling. USWA fans will probably see maneuvers they have never seen before. Will it be the man from the Edge of Insanity or the man from Metropolis to get the win?
Diamond Dallas Page vs. Johnny Rodz This will be DDP’s debut in the USWA. Page gave his first in-studio interview this past week to Lance Russell and said that he is excited to take on the competition in the USWA. He said his goal is to win a singles championship and be a man to represent the people. Can he impress the fans in Nashville against Rodz?
The Midnight Express vs. Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware Armstrong and Ware have become a popular team, and have looked on the brink of a big upset several times. But the deciding factor has usually been The Midnights’ manager, Jim Cornette. Will Armstrong and Ware able to start the New Year with a bang and beat the three-time USWA World Tag Team champions?
The Crusher vs. Larry Zbyszko This should be an interesting match-up. Crusher is a rugged brawler, but is adored by the fans. Zbyszko is despised by the fans, whom he has started to call “Spud Heads”. He is known for taking short cuts and getting away with any sneaky tactics he can. Can he sneak by “Da” Crusher and get a win, or will “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous” give Zbyszko a “sloon” style beating?
The Killer Bees vs. The Killer B’s Losers Must Split Up for One Year This one started at New Year's Knockout IV and it will end at New Year's Knockout V . The Bees have more longevity as a team in professional wrestling. But The B’s have also surprised USWA fans with some of their wins. Will it be the popular high flying Bees or Capt. Lou Albano’s B’s who will survive this feud?
Andre the Giant vs. George South and Larry Sharpe Special Attraction: 2-on-1 Handicap Match “The 8th Wonder of the World” returns to the USWA! South and Sharpe have yet to defeat any team by pinfall or submission. Their only win was over The Crusher in October, and that was by disqualification! Can they work together to defeat a man who stands 7’4” and weighs 450 lbs.?
Rikidozan vs. Frank Gotch The cocky, arrogant Gotch feels ignored in the USWA World Heavyweight title picture. This is his opportunity to prove he deserves a shot. Gotch has not beaten Rikidozan yet in one-on-one action. The Japanese superstar is hoping to get another shot at the World title as well. There’s a lot of bragging rights on the line in this one!
Jimmy Snuka and Jimmy Valiant vs. Magnificent Muraco and Greg Valentine These two teams have had wild battles in both singles and tag matches this year. Valiant was supposed to return to the USWA to help his former manager Capt. Lou Albano, but ended up turning on him and becoming “The Boogie Woogie Man”. Muraco and Valentine injured both men and feel they deserve a shot at the USWA World Tag Team titles. Which team will walk out the victors in this war?
Ed “Strangler” Lewis vs. Nick Bockwinkel This is the rematch from last year’s NYK . Bockwinkel was suffering from a concussion last year when he lost to Lewis and further aggravated things, keeping him out of action until September of this year. Now Lewis is the one suffering from an injury—a broken ankle in this case. Can Bockwinkel keep up his win streak or will Lewis repeat his NYK victory?
The Sheik vs. Bobo Brazil USWA Southern Heavyweight championship—Steel Cage Match Brazil holds the most pin or submission victories over The Sheik in the USWA, at four. He beat Sheik in a Falls Count Anywhere Match, but how will he do when there is no escape? Sheik captured his three Southern title from Killer Kowalski. Can he stop Bobo’s quest for the gold?
The Destroyer vs. Giant Baba USWA World Heavyweight championship—2-out-of-3 Falls Match Two former partners became two heated rivals in 2008. It all started when Destroyer accepted Bobby Heenan’s bounty to attack Ed “Strangler” Lewis. Baba was angered by Destroyer’s greed. Destroyer used part of the bounty money to send Abdullah the Butcher after Baba in All Japan Pro Wrestling. When Baba returned to the U.S., Destroyer injured his leg. Destroyer is the champ, but his challenge in this match is to retain, against a man he has never pinned or made submit. On the other hand, the champ does not necessarily have to pin the challenger to retain. Who will leave NYK V the champion?
That’s New Year's Knockout V —coming your way on December 31 from the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville!
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Post by Cory Olson on Dec 26, 2008 23:36:00 GMT -4
December 31, 2008 New Year’s Knockout V Card #192: Municipal Auditorium in Nashville
1) “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring defeated Cousin Luke and S.D. Jones in the opener. Doring got beat on in the first minutes, but made the tag to Rose, who worked over Luke and hit two Bombs Aways. Doring whipped Luke into the buckle, but he crashed into Scott Bowden. Rose jumped in the ring and knocked “Special Delivery” off the apron, leaving he and Doring to work over Luke. “Sensational” Sherri Martel tossed her purse in the ring and Rose cracked the hillbilly over the head with it. Bowden came to and Doring worked over Luke. He hit a Danaconda and went for a cover, but Luke managed to kick out. Jones tagged in, but so did Rose. Rose got the better of things and hit a Bombs Away to put S.D. down for the count. ***
2) In the first special attraction, Chris Hero pinned Delirious. The masked Delirious entered first, grabbed the microphone from Gary Michael Cappetta and said something along the lines of, “BralahahbharhkdjkjkUSWA! JkdrkjjkdrjklnbkjakljlalahrkjNew Year’s Knockout V!” The crowd welcomed him greatly for his wackiness. Hero and his sports agent Larry Sweeney entered second. Delirious had control in the first few minutes, but Hero took over. He hit two of his Hero’s Welcome finishers, which is a rolling cutter-type maneuver. Delirious managed to kick out both times. The masked maniac came back and hit a running knee in the corner, which he calls the Panic Attack. He went for a cover, but “Sweet & Sour” Sweeney jumped up on the apron to distract Paul Morton. Hero came back and locked on a unique submission known as the Rubik’s Cube, but Delirious made the ropes. Another Hero’s Welcome would soon bring him victory. Sweeney was a happy man. **½
3) Diamond Dallas Page made a “BANG!” in his debut, quickly pinning Johnny Rodz. DDP made a grand entrance, showing he’s a man of the people, by entering through the crowd. He took quick control on Rodz and hit the Diamond Cutter in less than a minute to score the pin. DUD (NOTE: DDP won in three moves!)
4) Despite interference by Jim Cornette, Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware finally prevailed, scoring a big win over The Midnight Express. The former World Tag Team champions hit the Midnight Massacre on Armstrong early on, but Armstrong kicked out at 2¾. The Midnights double teamed Armstrong more and “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey made a cover, but as Jerry Calhoun backed “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton out of the ring, Ware jumped in and head butted Condrey, then rolled Armstrong on top. Calhoun turned around to count, but Condrey kicked out in the knick of time. Condrey came back to nail “The Birdman” with the face-first leg sweep, but Ware kicked out. Texas champ Eaton tagged in and knocked Ware to the floor, then distracted Calhoun. Meanwhile as Ware attempted to crawl back in, Cornette blasted him with the tennis racket to the back. Ware looked down and out, but he managed to crawl back in by the count of nine. Condrey tagged in again, but Ware rallied back. Out of nowhere, he picked up the “Loverboy” and dropped him with the Ghostbuster. Eaton attempted to make the save, but was cut off by Armstrong, who also knocked Cornette off the apron with a dropkick. Ware covered Condrey and got the big three-count. Ware and Armstrong went crazy, celebrating with the Music City fans! **
5) The Crusher ended Larry Zbyszko’s unbeaten streak, giving him a taste of his own medicine. Zbyszko used every sneaky tactic he could to overcome Crusher’s power advantage. Zbyszko managed to hit his a short version of the piledriver twice, but couldn’t keep Crusher down. Crusher hit one Crusher Bolo and went for a cover, but Bobby Heenan draped his foot over the bottom rope, unseen by Tommy Marlin. After several failed attempts, Zbyszko finally managed to remove the top turnbuckle pad. Before he could make use of the exposed metal, Crusher came back and attacked Zbyszko. He blasted Zbyszko with a second Crusher Bolo, which happened to knock him backwards into the turnbuckle that Larry Z. had attempted to use. Zbyszko smashed his back on the metal. Crusher made a cover and got the pin. “The Brain” tried to complain to Marlin, but to no avail. Music City became Polka City, as The Crusher celebrate to the tune of the “Beer Barrel Polka”. ***½
6) The Killer Bees ended their war with The Killer B’s and get to stay together, as they scored a win a back-and-forth match. B. Brian Blair and Buff Bagwell started things off for their respective teams. Blair was in trouble early, as The B’s cut the ring in half on him. “Jumping” Jim Brunzell finally tagged in and get a near fall on “Buff Daddy” after a flying head scissors. The Bees hit the Bee Sting on Brutus Beefcake, but Bagwell made a save. Beefcake got caught in a sleep by Brunzell, but reached the ropes and took Brunzell with him to the arena floor. While Paul Morton had his attention averted to Blair and Bagwell brawling in the ring, Albano took advantage and delivered a kick to Brunzell’s ribs, allowing Beefcake to recover. Bagwell tagged in and hit the Buff Blockbuster on a weakened Brunzell. Bagwell strutted and gloated before making the cover, and when he did, Brunzell kicked out after two, which drew a big pop from the crowd. The Bees still looked in trouble. Beefcake nailed Brunzell with his studded armband, which knocked him out of the ring, near The Bees’ corner. Blair went to the floor to help Brunzell. Beefcake tried to attack, but Morton held him back in the ring. This allowed The Bees to don their masks and pull the old “switcheroo”. Beefcake didn’t notice this and went to attack Blair, whom he thought was Brunzell. Blair unleashed a fury on him and hit a big atomic drop for a near fall. Albano realized what had happened and tried to protest, but to no avail. Beefcake tagged out to Bagwell, but Blair took over again. He caught Bagwell off a whip into the turnbuckle in his sleeper. Blair pulled Bagwell to the center of the ring. Morton checked Bagwell’s arm and it dropped three times, while Brunzell held Beefcake at bay. The crowd erupted as The Bees embraced. They removed their masks to celebrate their big win. Due to the pre-match stipulation, The B’s are not allowed to team up anywhere for one full year! As Bagwell lay in the ring, Albano and Beefcake walked back to the locker room, without any care of their partner. Morton finally woke Bagwell up. When “Buff Daddy” came to, he seemed shocked to see that he had been left alone! ***¾
7) A very special attraction was next, as “The 8th Wonder of The World” Andre the Giant showcased his physical dominance to defeat George South and Larry Sharpe in a 2-on-1 Handicap Match. South took a beating from the French giant. Andre hit a big splash on South, but Sharpe interrupted the pin attempt. Andre basically tossed South into his own corner, which allowed him to tag into Sharpe. Sharpe jumped in, but got caught by the giant, who delivered a crushing body slam. Andre then brought South back into the ring the “hard way” and placed him on top of his own partner. Andre then sat on the duo and got the three-count. Andre smiled his famous smile, as he celebrated his win with the fans. ½*
8) Frank Gotch scored a impressive submission win over Rikidozan. The two exchanged mat holds, until Gotch brought out his boxing skills and punched away at the former USWA World Heavyweight champion. Gotch locked on a crossface and bar arm, but Rikidozan quickly made the ropes. He went to the Gotch Toehold, but again the Japanese superstar made the ropes. Rikidozan came back and got a near fall after a series of thunderous chops. The two spilled to the floor, where Rikidozan missed a big roundhouse kick and blasted the ring post. Gotch took advantage and tossed him back into the ring where he immediately applied the toehold. Rikidozan was in pain and immediately tapped out. Gotch was the winner, but refused to release the toehold. Dick Hutton entered the ring and “coached” Gotch encourage him to increase the pin. Rikidozan continued tapping out. Tommy Marlin tried to get him to release the hold. Giant Baba came down to ringside, followed by Ed “Strangler” Lewis, who sported a walking cast. Gotch finally released before Baba and Lewis could get to the ring. Rikidozan had to be helped to the back by Baba and several officials. No word at this time on the extent of his injuries. *¼
9) Capt. Lou Albano’s night got better, as his team of Magnificent Muraco and Greg Valentine scored a big non-title win over USWA World Tag Team champions Jimmy Snuka and Jimmy Valiant. The “Superfly” and “The Boogie Woogie Man” were rolling in the early minutes, showcasing their improving skills as a unit, tagging in and out. Snuka hit a piledriver on “The Hammer” for a near fall, then Valiant followed up shortly after with a big super elbow drop for another two-count. Muraco came over and worked over “Handsome” Jimmy. He focused on the previously injured neck. Muraco dropped Valiant with a neckbreaker, then made a cover. He put his feet on the ropes for leverage and got a three-count out of nowhere. Albano and his men quickly retreated up the aisle, celebrating their victory over the champs. Snuka and Valiant were irate at what transpired. *½
10) Ed “Strangler” Lewis’ return to action was not as he hoped, as he lost via countout to Nick Bockwinkel in their rematch from last year’s New Year’s Knockout. Lewis wore his walking cast for this match, but seemed concerned from the start, perhaps due to his injury, or concern for what had happened to Rikidozan. Bockwinkel worked the leg, using a Boston Crab, and then applying the figure-four leglock. He held on to the leglock for nearly a minute, before Lewis finally made the ropes. Bockwinkel took the bout to the floor, where he managed to remove Lewis’ cast. He then proceeded to stomp the injured ankle in a vicious scene, while Bobby Heenan distracted Paul Morton. Bockwinkel crawled back into the ring, then pointed out the fallen Lewis to Morton. Morton counted Lewis out of the ring, and awarded the bout to Bockwinkel. The fans booed Bockwinkel unmercilessly. Not surprisingly, Lewis had to be helped to the back. ¾*
11) The Sheik managed to retain the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship in a Steel Cage Match, defeating his rival Bobo Brazil. Abdullah Farouk accompanied the champ to ringside, but being locked outside of the cage, he could do little to help The Sheik. Brazil attacked at the start, using a backbreaker and slamming Sheik’s face into the cage. He nailed a Coco Butt, but Sheik got a shoulder up. Bobo attempted a Coco Butt in the corner, but Sheik ducked and Brazil hit the turnbuckle. Sheik pulled out the sharp object and jabbed Brazil with it. He then pressed Brazil’s face into the cage, while still using the object to quickly draw blood. He put Brazil in the Camel Clutch, while using the sharp object, which was legal in this type of bout. Brazil fought hard for nearly a minute-and-a-half, before finally having to give in. Farouk was overjoyed still seeing the champ with the gold. **
12) The cage was taken down during the pre-main event intermission, then it was time for the big one: 2-out-of-3 Falls for the USWA World Heavyweight championship. The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer put the gold on the line against Giant Baba. The first fall went to the champion. Despite the intense hatred for one another, the two maintained a slow pace, knowing the importance of preserving energy for a typically longer-length bout. They exchanged some great chain wrestling. The challenger took a page out of the champ’s book, as Baba worked on Destroyer’s leg, applying a single leg Boston Crab. The pace picked up and Baba hit a dreaded neckbreaker drop, but the champ managed to just kick out in time. Baba hit a back suplex and a bridge for another close count. Destroyer came back and started to work on Baba’s previously injured leg, using the single leg Crab as well. Baba attempted a dropkick, but missed and landed hard on the leg. Destroyer blasted him with a dropkick of his own for a two-count. Baba fought back, despite the bad leg, but couldn’t get a cover. Destroyer went to the leg again and wore his foe down. Destroyer applied an Intelligent Sleeperhold. Destroyer’s weight on his back caused Baba’s leg to buckle and the strength of the hold made him woozy. Jerry Calhoun checked his arm and it dropped three times, giving Destroyer the first fall after nearly 18 minutes of action. The champ strutted and gloated over his first submission win over Baba in the USWA, but the match wasn’t over. Calhoun went to wake up the Japanese giant, but Destroyer insisted on it. He did so, but giving Baba a stiff kick in the back of the head. Baba awoke, but was angry!
Baba evened things up in the second fall. Destroyer hit a big knee lift to Baba’s face, which drew blood and dropped the big man. Destroyer went back to the leg and applied the figure-four leglock. The fans chanted Baba’s name and it must have helped, as the champ was able to reverse the hold and put the pressure on Destroyer. The masked man quickly made the ropes to get the break. The champ got to his feet and charged at Baba, but Baba cut him off with a chop to the chest, then took Destroyer down with a Russian leg sweep. He made a cover and got the three after just a few minutes.
Both wrestlers were tired in the third fall, but knew what was on the line. They battled back-and-forth. Destroyer whipped Baba into the buckle and charged at him with a knee smash. Baba dodged the attack, causing Destroyer to hit the buckle hard. Baba rolled Destroyer up with a school boy roll-up and got a very near fall. Fans popped big for this, as it was the same way Baba pinned Destroyer in a bout back in September in Louisville. Baba was intent on beating Destroyer and finally capturing the World title and the fans were behind him 100%. He chopped and head butted Destroyer. The champ backed into the corner. Baba used all the energy he could with the bad leg to charge at Destroyer in the corner and smash him with a big boot. The champ basically fell out of the way of the boot and Baba’s bad leg hit the turnbuckle hard. Destroyer recovered and pulled the big man into the center of the ring. He applied the figure-four once again. Baba fought hard with blood streaming down his face. But with the pain of the bad leg, the challenger tapped in the center of the ring, giving Destroyer the fall, the match, and keeping him as World Heavyweight champion! Fans were somewhat shocked by the result, but there was no doubt, as Destroyer was the better man on this night and ended 2008 as the champ. ****
That’s it for the USWA for 2008! Thanks for reading and for your continued support! What does 2009 hold? Keep checking here to find out!
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Post by Cory Olson on Jan 3, 2009 23:23:04 GMT -4
USWA Championship Wrestling on January 3 recapped the biggest moments of 2008 and gave some post-New Year’s Knockout V news: • Several big name wrestlers have decided to leave the USWA. Both Giant Baba and Rikidozan have decided to return to their native country of Japan. Their interpreter prepared a statement saying that both men thanked the USWA fans for their great support of them during their time here. Also, former Southern Heavyweight champion Bobo Brazil has decided to compete elsewhere as well. He was glad to have returned to the USWA and gotten wins over his rival The Sheik, even if was unable to recapture the Southern title. • On the other hand, a former USWA wrestler will be returning here in 2009. Virgil will be making his return. The former bodyguard of Ted DiBiase has competed a great deal in WCCW the last year. Virgil scored some big upsets in the USWA in the past, over greats such as Red Bastien, Buddy Rose, and Harley Race. It is said that Virgil will be forming an alliance with “The Unpredictable” Johnny Rodz. It will be interesting to see how Virgil will do this time around. • Capt. Lou Albano was interviewed by Lance Russell. One of the things Russell asked the rubber banded manager about was how he and Brutus Beefcake walked out on Buff Bagwell following The Killer B’s’ loss to The Killer Bees at New Year’s Knockout V. Albano stated that Bagwell let the team down and he had decided to drop him from his stable. Russell asked what was next for “Buff Daddy”. Albano said he didn’t know and he didn’t care, as he was now focusing on the careers of his remaining members—Beefcake, Magnificent Muraco, and Greg Valentine. • Bobby “The Brain” Heenan told Bill Apter that he was very happy for The Destroyer’s win at NYK V. He said that even though “The Intelligent, Sensational One” is not an official member of The Heenan Family, he is an associate and feels like it was a win for The Family. Heenan reminded Apter that it was he (Heenan) that enticed Destroyer to return to the USWA in 2008, with the bounty attack on Ed “Strangler” Lewis. • Speaking of the “Strangler”, it was reported that Lewis was doing alright after his countout loss to Nick Bockwinkel. He will not be competing on the first card of 2009, but will compete after that and plans to get revenge on Team RPW, with his first battle being against Danny Hodge on January 16 in Evansville. • Championship bouts were made for 2009. World Heavyweight champion The Destroyer has his first two challengers lined up for the New Year. On January 9, he will defend against Dan “The Beast” Severn at the Civic Coliseum in Knoxville. The winner of that match will defend the championship against another Team RPW member—Frank Gotch on February 6 at the Louisville Gardens. Lance Russell asked Team RPW what they would do if they had to battle each other in February for the championship. Gotch reminded Russell that when RPW was formed, they stated that they would wrestle each other when need be, to showcase pure wrestling to the fans. Gotch mentioned in January 2007, when he defended the Southern title against Dick Hutton, that there were no hard feelings following their bout. He said if he and Severn should meet, the same will be true—the better man will win and Team RPW will go on. • Other title bouts for this month include a rematch from New Year’s Knockout. “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant will defend the World Tag Team titles against rivals Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine on the card in Evansville. The following week, “Playboy” Buddy Rose will try and make history and become the first “Grand Slam” winner in USWA history, when he challenges The Sheik for the USWA Southern Heavyweight title at the Community Center in Cookeville, TN.
2009 starts with a big card on the 9th, when the USWA comes back to the Civic Coliseum in Knoxville! • The Crusher takes on old foe Larry Sharpe. Sharpe gave Crusher some headaches in his first few matches in the USWA. Can “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous” give Sharpe a “sloon” style beating? • Two teams who have had great battles will meet again in ’09 when The Killer Bees take on Team RPW’s Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge. The Bees just won their feud with The Killer B’s and are hoping to get a shot at the Tag Team titles. A win over the Oklahomans would put them in consideration. • Nick Bockwinkel will do battle with one-half of the World Tag Team champions “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant. Bockwinkel narrowly got a win over Valiant’s partner Jimmy Snuka last month. Both Bockwinkel and Valiant specialize in the sleeper. This will be their first one-on-one meeting in USWA history. Who will put whom to sleep? • Speaking of the Tag Team champions, “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka will do battle with Frank Gotch. Gotch is coming off a big win over Rikidozan and hopes to get another big victory here. But he shouldn’t look past the “Superfly”! • The main event will be for the USWA World Heavyweight championship. The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer will defend against Dan “The Beast” Severn. Each man got a victory over the other in 2008. This is more than just an average “rubber match”, as the biggest prize in the USWA is on the line. Will The Destroyer retain or will “The Beast” conquer him? All this plus “Playboy” Buddy Rose, the team of Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, and Diamond Dallas Page in action!
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Post by Cory Olson on Jan 6, 2009 21:21:09 GMT -4
January 9, 2009 Card #193: Civic Coliseum in Knoxville
1) The New Year started off with an upset of sorts, as the new team of Virgil and Johnny Rodz got a controversial win over Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware. Right after the bell, The Midnight Express and Jim Cornette, who weren’t even booked on this card, came down to ringside. The popular duo of Armstrong and Ware were looking good and had things in control, until Armstrong missed a charge into the corner and Virgil took control. He delivered a big piledriver on Armstrong, then went for a cover near the ropes. Cornette got involved and held Armstrong’s leg down from the outside, unseen by Paul Neighbors. The leverage was enough to keep Armstrong down for the three and give Virgil and Rodz the win. The fans were irate as were Armstrong and Ware. The Midnights and Cornette quickly retreated to the locker room. ¼*
2) Larry Zbyszko pinned “Dastardly” Danny Doring. Even though neither wrestler is well-liked by the fans, Doring had more support, as fans were hoping for another upset. (Or perhaps they were cheering for “Sensational” Sherri Martel!) Both men resorted to dirty tactics at various times. Zbyszko rammed Doring’s head into the buckle several times, but couldn’t remove the turnbuckle pad. Possibly he was nervous about it backfiring on him, as it did at New Year’s Knockout against The Crusher! Doring managed to hit the Danaconda at one point, but Zbyszko kicked out. The Pittsburgh native rallied back and hit the piledriver to get the win. **½
3) Diamond Dallas Page scored another quick victory, making short work of George South. This bout lasted a little more than a minute, but not much more! DDP hit a top rope clothesline, then picked up South and delivered a big Diamond Cutter to put South down for the 1-2-3. DUD
4) Capt. Lou Albano’s team of Magnificent Muraco and Greg Valentine defeated Cousin Luke and S.D. Jones. The next challengers for the World Tag Team titles worked well together, but showed their time teaming together has been shorter, as they made some mistakes and almost got pinned at one point when Valentine missed a top rope sledge and blasted his own partner Muraco. Luke made a quick school boy roll-up, but Muraco just kicked out in time. Valentine worked over “Special Delivery” and made him submit to the figure-four leglock. **¾
5) The Crusher made quick work of old rival Larry Sharpe. The New Jersey native tried to take shortcuts and get another win over “Da” Crusher, but the big man fought back. Crusher went up the turnbuckles, which is a rarity for him. He came off the second rope with a big knee drop and covered Sharpe to get the pin. ¼*
6) The Killer Bees scored an impressive victory over Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge. The Bees tagged in and out early on, keeping Hutton in the ring. Hutton capitalized on an error by B. Brian Blair and caught him in the abdominal stretch. Blair grabbed the ropes to escape. Hutton tagged out to Hodge. Hodge and Jim Brunzell went at it and nearly collided with Jerry Calhoun. Hodge stopped short, but turned around get met by a Brunzell dropkick. “Jumping” Jim went for a cover, but Hodge kicked out. Hutton later got blasted by a dropkick, but Hodge saved him from defeat. The Bees worked on Hutton’s leg, as Brunzell applied a figure-four leglock, then tagged out to Blair, who locked on a Scorpion Leglock. Hutton made the ropes, but after the break, Blair immediately applied a Boston Crab and got Hutton to tap out. ***
7) In a battle of former USWA Texas champions, “Playboy” Buddy Rose defeated Brutus Beefcake. Rose was all business here and controlled most of the match. Beefcake managed to kick out of two Bombs Aways. Rose later came off the top with a falling sledge and busted Beefcake open. Capt. Lou Albano distracted Frank Morrell preventing a pin. Rose hit a third Bombs Away to finally get the win. ¾*
8) Nick Bockwinkel defeated one-half of the World Tag Team champions “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant by DQ. The four-time USWA World Heavyweight champion had the early advantage, using his technical wrestling expertise to his advantage. “The Boogie Woogie Man” took over, when Bockwinkel went up the turnbuckles, but Valiant cut him off and tossed him to the mat with a body slam. Valiant applied his sleeper on Bockwinkel, but Bock made the ropes. Valiant had Bockwinkel rocking and reeling with some of his roundhouse punches, but Bockwinkel hit a back suplex out of nowhere for a two-count. Bockwinkel applied the figure-four leglock. With the crowd behind him “The Boogie Woogie Man” managed to make the ropes. Bockwinkel began to choke Valiant on the ropes, and started to work on Valiant’s previously injured neck. This brought out Valiant’s championship partner “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka to ringside. Bockwinkel picked Valiant up for a piledriver. The thought of his partner getting reinjured infuriate the “Superfly”, who jumped in the ring and smashed Bockwinkel with the Tag Team championship belt right in front on Frank Morrell. Morrell was left with no choice but to disqualify Valiant. Snuka apologized to Valiant for his temper, but “Handsome” Jimmy didn’t seem upset. Snuka stayed in the ring, as his own singles bout was next. ***
9) Jimmy Snuka would come out the winner via disqualification due to outside interference over Frank Gotch. Dick Hutton was recovered from his earlier tag team bout and accompanied Gotch to ringside. It was a clash of styles here, as the high flying Snuka battled the technical wrestler in Gotch. Gotch had the early advantage, looking to score a quick win. He held Snuka in the rolling kneebar for quite some time, before Snuka finally made the ropes. Snuka managed to leap frog Gotch with a bad knee and blast him with a chop for a two-count. Gotch managed to kick out of two Superfly Leaps during the bout. The “Superfly” drew blood on Gotch after a big head butt, then hit a power slam for another near fall. It looked as if Snuka was about to get the win, as he nailed a picture-perfect Superfly Leap. He went for the cover, but Hutton jumped in the ring and smashed Snuka on the back with a forearm. Paul Neighbors called for the bell, giving Snuka the win. Hutton and Gotch began to pummel Snuka with forearm shots, but Jimmy Valiant was quickly back out to save his partner and run off the Team RPW members. ***½
10) After the pre-main event intermission, Dick Hutton was back out, accompanying Dan Severn for his shot at The Destroyer and the USWA World Heavyweight championship. The crowd was split in favoritism, although “The Beast” had a few more cheers, perhaps as fans wanted to see history made with a title change. Destroyer and Severn battled it out, exchanging the advantage. Severn nailed some stiff knee strikes early on, which knocked the champion out of the ring and almost got him counted out. Severn applied the wakigatame early on, but Destroyer made the ropes. The champ hit a Sensational Suplex for a near fall, then applied the figure-four, right in the center of the ring. With Hutton coaching from ringside, Severn managed to work his way to the ropes. Severn caught Destroyer coming off the top rope with a double sledge and threw him with a big fireman’s carry slam. He then applied a choke sleeper, which popped the crowd, who knew that Severn beat Giant Baba with the move last month (ironically with a distraction from The Destroyer). Destroyer was trapped in the move for over a minute, but somehow got to the ropes. Severn used more knee strikes, which drew blood through the champion’s mask. Severn then threw Destroyer with three consecutive fireman’s carry slams. He floated into a cover after the third, but Destroyer barely got his shoulder up. Severn was a true “Beast” here, fired up as he had the advantage. He took Destroyer into the wakigatame once again in the center of the ring. The blood was staining Destroyer’ s mask and certainly impairing his vision. The champ fought hard, but ultimately tapped out. Hutton jumped into the ring, as Jerry Calhoun handed Severn the belt and a new World Heavyweight champion was crowned! Frank Gotch and Danny Hodge joined their teammates in celebrating the victory! ***¾
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Post by Cory Olson on Jan 11, 2009 23:02:22 GMT -4
Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on January 10: • The new USWA World Heavyweight champion Dan “The Beast” Severn was interviewed, along with his RPW teammates. The usually soft-spoken Severn said he proved the night before that he was better than some self-proclaimed “Destroyer”, who must be a coward, since he hides behind a mask. Lance Russell asked what would happen now that Severn must make his first defense against Frank Gotch on February 6 at the Louisville Gardens. Dick Hutton interrupted and stated that they already discussed this—that the better man would walk out the champion that night and life will go on for Team RPW. Hutton also stated that the Louisville fans will see an example of a true wrestling match. • A big bout was signed for January 23 at the Community Center in Cookeville. In addition to the main event for the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship, fans will see two former World Heavyweight champions collide, as Ed “Strangler” Lewis will take on The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer. Remember it was The Destroyer who in 2008 attacked Lewis and cashed in on Bobby “The Brain” Heenan’s bounty. Even though his main goal is getting revenge on Team RPW, you can bet the “Strangler” hasn’t forgotten about what the masked man did to him!
The USWA presents a huge card at the Sailors & Soldiers Coliseum in Evansville on January 16! • Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware got a big upset over The Midnight Express at New Year’s Knockout in tag team action. The four men will meet again, but in singles bouts. Armstrong will lock-up with “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey, while “The Birdman” does battle with Texas champion “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton. Armstrong and Ware are fuming as Jim Cornette and The Midnights’ involvement in their bout against Virgil and Johnny Rodz last week. Who will get the wins in these singles match-ups? • In another rematch from New Year’s Knockout V, The Crusher will do battle with Heenan Family member Larry Zbyszko. “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous” gave Zbyszko his first loss. Can “Da” Crusher repeat or will Zbyszko avenge his loss? • Nick Bockwinkel continues his comeback. This time he’ll take on Team RPW’s coach, Dick Hutton. Bockwinkel continues to be impressive in his bouts. You can bet he’ll be keeping an eye on Hutton’s teammate, new World champion Dan Severn. But he can’t overlook Hutton first. This should be a great technical wrestling match! • Speaking of Team RPW, Hutton’s fellow Oklahoman Danny Hodge goes one-on-one with Ed “Strangler” Lewis. Lewis is gunning for revenge against RPW. Can he get by Hodge? • The main event is a big tag team grudge match-up with the USWA World Tag Team championship on the line. “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant will put the gold on the line against Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. Capt. Lou Albano’s men defeated the champs in a non-title bout at New Year’s Knockout. The champs are well aware of that, but also have vengeance on their mind, for the neck injuries that Muraco and Valentine caused them in 2008. Will new champions be crowned or will the popular and wild duo of Snuka and Valiant retain? All this plus Frank Gotch, The Killer Bees, Diamond Dallas Page, and more USWA superstars in action!
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Post by Cory Olson on Jan 17, 2009 13:59:27 GMT -4
January 16, 2009 Card #194: Sailors & Soldiers Memorial Coliseum in Evansville
1) Diamond Dallas Page started the card with a BANG! by defeating Danny Doring. This was DDP’s longest USWA to match to date, but he was still dominant and impressive. Fans got to see more of Page’s offense, such as a Russian leg sweep, discus clothesline, and a DDT he calls the Diamond Dream. In the end it was still the Diamond Cutter that brought him the 1-2-3. ¼*
2) The Killer Bees showed their tag team work, scoring a quick win over George South and Larry Sharpe. B. Brian Blair almost scored a pin in less than ten seconds, getting behind South and taking him down with a lateral guillotine. He quickly tagged out to “Jumping” Jim Brunzell, who soon thereafter scored the pin after one of his famous dropkicks. South’s partner Sharpe was never able to tag in! DUD
3) “Playboy” Buddy Rose pinned Johnny Rodz. After upsetting Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware with new partner Virgil last week, “The Unpredictable” Rodz was hoping for the same here against former USWA World champion Rose. But the “Playboy” was focused and aggressive, one week before his shot at The Sheik’s Southern Heavyweight title. Rose put Rodz down after just a few mintues with the Bombs Away. DUD
4) Frank Gotch scored a hard fought submission win over Virgil. Gotch may have underestimated the former bodyguard as Virgil came very close to an upset. Virgil applied his Million Dollar Dream several times, but Gotch was able to escape, remembering the move from his battles with Virgil’s former employer, Ted DiBiase, in 2006. Gotch worked the leg, locking on the rolling kneebar, but Virgil was able to make the ropes. Virgil actually drew some blood on Gotch and scored a close count after a piledriver. In a rare sight, Virgil had the crowd behind him, as Evansville wanted to see the arrogant Gotch get beaten. Perhaps the blood got Gotch fired up as he rallied back and busted Virgil open as well. He applied a big hammerlock to try and get a submission, but Virgil made the ropes. He released the hold, allowed Virgil to crawl towards the center of the ring, and then wisely applied the Gotch Toehold. Virgil fought hard, longer than most might have expected, but ultimately surrendered. The next USWA World Heavyweight title challenger stood victorious in the end. ***½
5) Brad Armstrong scored a pin out of nowhere on “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey. Armstrong had control throughout a lot of this bout, but, to little surprise, Jim Cornette would turn the tide for his man. Armstrong hit the Russian leg sweep several times. At one point, Cornette jumped up on the apron as Armstrong went for a cover. The Georgia native was fed up and went after Cornette. He was about to deck him, but Condrey had recovered and nailed Armstrong on the floor with a double sledge. The “Loverboy” had a cut on his forehead from an Armstrong punch, but had control and looked on his way to victory. He whipped Armstrong into the corner, but out of nowhere, Armstrong leapt to the second turnbuckle, then turned around and nailed Condrey with a big body press. He made a cover and the pin, which popped the Evansville fans! Armstrong rolled out of the ring to celebrate with the fans, while Cornette threw a fit! ***
6) Larry Zbyszko avenged his only USWA scoring a controversial win over The Crusher. This was a big brawl, going in-and-out of the ring on several occasions. Every time that “Da” Crusher had the advantage, Zbyszko would gain control by cheating outside the ring or due to Bobby Heenan’s involvement. Zbyszko hit a piledriver on Crusher, but Crusher kicked out. With the fans behind him, Crusher rallied back and blasted Zbyszko with the Bolo. He went for a cover, but just like he did at New Year’s Knockout V, “The Brain” draped his man’s foot over the bottom rope, this time out of sight of Tommy Gilbert. During another brawl outside the ring, Zbyszko smashed Crusher’s head into the ring post. He rolled the big man back into the ring, then hit another piledriver. As Zbyszko went for a cover, he placed his own feet on the second rope for leverage and got the pin. The fans were irate. Crusher managed to recover and was fired up smashing Zbyszko with forearms. Heenan jumped in, but Crusher caught him and was about ready to unload on “The Weasel”. Out of nowhere, Nick Bockwinkel and The Destroyer (Who was not scheduled on the card) ran down and attacked Crusher from behind. The two former World champions attacked “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous”, as Zbyszko got to his feet and recovered. The three stomped away at Crusher’s head. Zbyszko then delivered another piledriver to Crusher, while Bockwinkel and Destroyer each pushed down on a leg, making it a spike piledriver. The Heenan Family and their associate finally left the ring, cocky and arrogant over their attack, while the fans booed him. Referees and officials assisted Crusher back to the locker room. Thankfully Crusher was able to walk out under his own power. ***½
7) Texas champion “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton pinned Koko B. Ware. “The Birdman” looked to follow his partner Brad Armstrong’s success from earlier. Ware had the advantage and was rocking and reeling Eaton with his fast-paced offense and particularly his quick punches. He looked on his way to a win, until Eaton was knocked out of the ring. Ware followed, but got distracted by Jim Cornette, who threatened to whack Koko’s mascot Frankie with his tennis racket. While Koko ran after “The Louisville Slugger”, Eaton recovered and attacked Ware from behind. He smashed his head into the announcers’ table, then tossed him back into the ring. Eaton ascended the turnbuckles and came off with an Alabama Jam. That was enough to pin “The Birdman” to the mat. **½
8) Nick Bockwinkel scored a submission win over Dick Hutton. The fans were split in their support here, although Hutton had a few more cheers, most likely due to Bockwinkel’s assistance earlier in the evening in the attack on The Crusher. These two seemed to have a counter for the other’s hold, but the four-time USWA champion soon took control. He attempted to make Hutton submit to his own specialty, the abdominal stretch, but Hutton tossed Bockwinkel out of it. Bockwinkel applied one of his own favorites—the Bockwinkel Sleeper. Hutton weakened, but his arm wouldn’t drop on the third attempt. He elbowed out of the hold, but Bockwinkel quickly recovered, took him down to the mat, and applied the figure-four. Hutton fought hard for the ropes, but ultimately had to tap, giving Bockwinkel the win and keeping him undefeated since his return in September. **
9) Ed “Strangler” Lewis had a good start in his quest for revenge against Team RPW, as he made Danny Hodge submit. The Oklahoman was hoping for a big win and fought hard to get one. He took control early and hit an Oklahoma side roll for a very near fall in the first few minutes. Hodge kept using his grip strength to try and wear down Lewis with a sleeper. But Lewis would use his own gripping hold, the Strangler’s Headlock, on several occasions. At one point, while trying to pin Hodge or make him submit to the headlock, he slipped in some punches to the forehead, which busted Hodge open. Hodge would not go down easily. Out of nowhere, the former USWA World champion Lewis slipped behind Hodge and locked on a full nelson. He dropped Hodge to his knees and Hodge surrendered to the hold. Lews stood tall as the victor. His bad ankle did not seem to bother him, so it looks like the "Strangler" is back to 100%. **½
10) “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant put the USWA World Tag Team titles on the line in the main event against their rivals Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. The challengers got a victory over the champs at New Year’s Knockout. But before that, they had put both Snuka and Valiant out of action with neck injuries. Capt. Lou Albano’s men knew where to attack and went after both men’s necks throughout the whole match, using neckbreakers and a variety of maneuvers targeting the weak spot. Muraco and Valentine showed that they have improved on their teamwork, as they were able to double team the “Superfly” on several occasions. Muraco at one point got “The Boogie Woogie Man” up on his shoulder in a backbreaker, but “Handsome” Jimmy managed to grab the top rope and pull both himself and Muraco to the arena floor. The champs took control and nailed Valentine with a big double suplex. “The Hammer” was in trouble and rolled out to the floor. Valiant followed, and while Albano caused a diversion to Paul Morton, Valentine smashed him with a steel chair. He then proceeded to drop several elbows across the back of Valiant’s neck. He tossed “The Boogie Woogie Man” back into the ring and hit a big neckbreaker. It looked all over, but somehow Valiant kicked out at 2¾. Muraco tagged in and continued the onslaught. He set up Valiant in the center of the ring, then hit an impressive rolling neck snap. He went for a cover. “Superfly” tried to save his partner, but was cut off by Valentine. The damage was too much for Valiant, as Muraco was able to score the pinfall and new World Tag Team champions were crowned! The fans were not happy about this, but the decision stood, as the second USWA championship in as many weeks changed hands in the New Year. This is Muraco’s first USWA title of any kind. For Valentine, in addition to being a former Texas champion, this is his second World Tag Team championship, as his first was with his father (the first USWA champion) Johnny. Capt. Lou Albano was definitely a happy man on this night! ***¾
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Post by Cory Olson on Jan 20, 2009 22:30:36 GMT -4
Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on January 17: • Capt. Lou Albano was interviewed, along with Brutus Beefcake, and the new USWA World Tag Team champions Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. Albano complimented his men’s achievement and said with their skills, they will reign as champs for a very long time. Lance Russell what was next for Beefcake. The rubber banded manager stated that Beefcake would compete in singles action, but that also Valentine would showcase his tag team prowess, and The Dream Team will still team up from time-to-time. • Later in the show, Russell interviewed Team RPW again. Russell seemed to be trying to stir things up again prior to the World Heavyweight title bout between RPW members Frank Gotch and present titleholder Dan Severn. Russell asked RPW coach Dick Hutton in whose corner he would be. Hutton stated that the team had already discussed this and that both he and Danny Hodge would be present at ringside, right next to him (Russell) and Dave Brown at the announcers’ table. They would be neutral in this match and allow Gotch and Severn to show a true wrestling match. Hutton said that he and Hodge would be cheering for a good, competitive match between two great wrestlers. He said that the better man would come out the winner on that night. • Other big bouts for that card on February 6 at the Louisville Gardens were announced. Louisville’s own, Ed “Strangler” Lewis will continue his quest for revenge against RPW, when he does battle with Dick Hutton. It’ll be a busy night for the coach, to say the least! Also the feud between USWA World Tag Team champion Magnificent Muraco and “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka rages on, as the two will meet one-on-one. You can bet that Snuka is even more fired up after losing the Tag Team titles to Muraco and Greg Valentine. • After the attack by Larry Zbyszko, Nick Bockwinkel, and The Destroyer on the last card, "Da" Crusher was lucky to escape with only a minor neck injury and will only miss a few weeks of action. You can bet "The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous" will be back with a vengeance!
The USWA comes back to the Community Center in Cookeville, TN on January 23! • Nick Bockwinkel was victorious over Dick Hutton last week, but how will he fare against Hutton’s regular tag team partner Danny Hodge? These two have met before, with Bockwinkel coming out the winner, although Hodge gave him a good test. Can Hodge score a big win over the four-time USWA World champ? • Another big feud rolls on as The Midnight Express look to avenge their upset loss at New Year’s Knockout V when they collide with the popular duo of Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware. Each team got a singles win in Evansville, but who will be the winners in tag action? • Ed “Strangler” Lewis will go head-to-head with The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer! You can bet the winner of this one would be in consideration for another shot at the USWA title in the near future! • In a big tag team bout just made, former World Tag Team champions “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant will take on the Team RPW duo of Frank Gotch and new World Heavyweight champion Dan “The Beast” Severn. This bout was made as a result of the match on the 9th where Snuka defeated Gotch by disqualification. This is definitely an intriguing battle, as Gotch and Severn will be opponents on the next card. Can they defeat the former Tag Team champs, or will the popular duo of Snuka and Valiant defeat the technical wrestlers? • The main event will be for the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship. “Playboy” Buddy Rose looks to make history, as he hopes to become the first “Grand Slam” winner in the USWA. But in order to do it, he’ll have to defeat current three-time Southern kingpin The Sheik! Rose didn’t seem his usual confident, cocky self on Championship Wrestling this past week when interviewed by Lance Russell. Rose has pulled off surprises in the past. Can he do it again in Cookeville? All this plus Larry Zbyszko, Diamond Dallas Page, the new World Tag Team champions Magnificent Muraco and Greg Valentine, and more USWA superstars in action!
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Post by Cory Olson on Jan 24, 2009 23:47:46 GMT -4
January 23, 2009 Card #195: Community Center in Cookeville, TN
1) The Killer Bees got a win in the opener over Johnny Rodz and Virgil. The duo of Rodz and Virgil were hoping to get their second win as a team, after upsetting Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware two weeks ago. The Bees controlled most of the action in this one, although Rodz and Virgil had a few hopeful moments and gave The Bees a good fight. Virgil saved “The Unpredictable” Rodz on two occasions from B. Brian Blair’s sleeper. On the second save, he was knocked out of the ring by “Jumping” Jim Brunzell’s dropkick. Blair locked the sleeper on again and put Rodz out. **¼
2) Dick Hutton must have underestimated “Special Delivery” Jones, as the Team RPW coach needed help from Danny Hodge just to get a countout win over Jones. Hutton used a side salto several times in this contest, attempting to score a pinfall, but S.D. was able to kick out. “Philadelphia’s Favorite Son” fought long and hard the Cookeville fans were behind him, as he used his head butt twice for near falls. Jones really got the crowd riled up when he performed his Philly Shuffle, then delivered a big punch. He went for another cover, but Hutton barely kicked out. Sensing his teammate may be in trouble, Hodge made his way to ringside to root Hutton on. Jones retained control and delivered a third head butt. As he went for a cover, Jones was close to the ropes. Out of view of Tom Branch, Hodge grabbed Jones’s leg and pulled him off Hutton, right before it looked like “Special Delivery” would have gotten the three-count. Jones was angry, as were the fans! Jones questioned Hodge’s actions, but the Oklahoman acted innocent. This further infuriated Jones, who punched away at Hodge on the outside and then crushed him with a head butt. Meanwhile, Branch was counting away on the inside of ring. Jones was so distracted by what Hodge had done, that he paid no attention to the count, until it was too late and Branch reached ten. Once he realized he’d been counted out, Jones was mad at himself, but mad at what had happened. Hutton rolled out of the ring and got back to the dressing room with Hodge as quickly as he could! ***
3) Diamond Dallas Page pinned Brutus Beefcake. Former USWA Texas champion Beefcake struck at the beginning, wearing down Page with a bear hug. Page broke out of the bear hug and gained control. He hit a swinging neckbreaker, as well as a big top rope clothesline. The Diamond Cutter would claim another victim, as it put the San Francisco native down for 1-2-3. ¼*
4) Larry Zbyszko defeated Cousin Luke. The fans booed Zbyszko and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan mercilessly, due to their attack on The Crusher last week in Evansville. The hillbilly was hoping to get an upset and he went wild on Zbyszko at the bell, hitting a big body slam. Zbyszko took over and used a second rope knee drop several times in the bout. He went to the top rope at one point, but Luke got up to his feet and pulled Zbyszko off into his Hillbilly Drop. He went for a cover, but Zbyszko kicked out. The Pittsburgh native took over again and finished Luke off with a piledriver. **½
5) The new USWA World Tag Team champions Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine looked dominant, scoring a quick win over George South and Larry Sharpe. Valentine went to work and South, then tagged out to his partner. Muraco hit a Hawaiian Hammer, but before making a cover, picked up South and delivered a second Hammer. He went for a cover, as Valentine nailed Sharpe with an elbow smash and kept him from making the save. That would have been the closest Sharpe got to seeing action in the ring on this night, as Muraco got the pin on South. Capt. Lou Albano celebrated with the champs. DUD
6) Danny Hodge scored his biggest win in the USWA to date on this night. Not only that, but he became the first man to pin Nick Bockwinkel, since the four-time World champion’s return to the USWA back in September. The fans were split in this one, as both rulebreakers received their share of boos. Bockwinkel locked on his sleeper twice, but both times Hodge managed to escape. Hodge came back and hit a big standing dropkick for a two-count. Hodge hit an Oklahoma side roll, but Bobby Heenan managed to place Bockwinkel’s foot in the ropes, unseen by Tommy Marlin. Ironically, Dick Hutton at ringside was furious by this action, even though Hodge had done the same thing to save him earlier in the evening! Hodge maintained control and the fans started to side with the Oklahoman, hoping to witness an upset. Hodge locked on a Boston Crab, using his grip strength to keep the hold locked on tight. Bockwinkel somehow managed to make the ropes. Hodge executed another side roll for a very near fall. A minute later, Hodge followed up with a third side roll and got the big win. Fans were almost in shock by what they had just seen! Frank Gotch and World Heavyweight champion Dan Severn came down to congratulate Hodge on his big victory! ***½
7) The Midnight Express got a controversial win over Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware. The Midnights double teamed Armstrong for several minutes. They hit him with several of their finishers, but Armstrong kept kicking out. Armstrong regained control momentarily and went up to the top rope to dive on “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton, but “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey shoved him off, while Sam Platania was momentarily distracted by Jim Cornette. It was a scary moment, but Armstrong managed to fight back. The Midnights hit the Midnight Massacre on Armstrong. Texas champion Eaton went for a cover, but as Platania was getting “Loverboy” Dennis out of the ring, “The Birdman” came off the top turnbuckle with a diving head butt on Eaton. Ware quickly went back to his corner. Armstrong recovered and hit Eaton with the Russian leg sweep. He floated into a cover, but Eaton barely kicked out. Armstrong tagged out to Koko and the two delivered a big double dropkick on Eaton. “The Birdman” pounded away on Eaton. He hit a top drop dropkick, then whipped Eaton into the ropes and hit him with a big crossbody block. Cornette jumped up on the apron to distract Platania. Armstrong ran around the apron and grabbed Cornette by the throat, which popped the crowd big time. Meanwhile, Cornette “accidentally” dropped his tennis racket in the ring by Platania’s back. Condrey jumped in and grabbed the racket, then cracked Ware across the back of the head with it! The “Loverboy” tossed the racket out of the ring. Eaton was able to turn Ware into a cover of his own. Platania turned around and counted the pinfall. The fans were irate at this one! You can bet we haven’t seen the last of this feud! ***¾
8) Ed “Strangler” Lewis defeated his old rival The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer by submission. Destroyer tried to soften up Lewis’ leg for the figure-four, by using the single leg Boston Crab. But Lewis was again focused and forced the masked man to tap with a double wristlock. Interestingly in his two matches so far in 2009, Lewis has not won with the Strangler’s Headlock, but with other maneuvers. *
9) Former World Tag Team champions “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant defeated Frank Gotch…and technically current USWA World Heavyweight champion Dan Severn. The fan favorites were able to keep Gotch in the ring the entire match. “The Beast” stood in the corner and didn’t seem too eager to try and tag out to Gotch. Valiant locked Gotch in the sleeper, but Gotch made the ropes. Snuka tagged in, and delivered a big chop after a leap frog. The “Superfly” then went up to the top rope and came off with the Superfly Leap. Severn didn’t immediately enter the ring to attempt to save his partner. He entered the ring, but by that time it was too late and Snuka scored the pin. As Snuka and Valiant left the ring and celebrated, Dick Hutton entered the ring to check on Gotch. Gotch recovered, got to his feet, and then questioned “The Beast” about where he was. Severn stood there stoically. Hutton eventually calmed Gotch down and the three left together. ¾*
10) The Sheik put the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship on the line against “Playboy” Buddy Rose in the main event. Rose was hoping to become the first “Grand Slam” winner in USWA history. Would the third USWA championship change hands in as many weeks? Sheik was his usual wild self, but Rose was more aggressive than he’s looked in a long time. Sheik went for the Camel Clutch, but Rose quickly got to the ropes. Rose hit a forearm smash off the ropes, which knocked down the champion. He came off the top rope with a Bombs Away, but Sheik kicked out. In an almost bizarre scene, the fans were 100% behind the “Playboy” on this night and “Sensational” Sherri Martel was almost a cheerleader of sorts. Rose hit a second Bombs Away, but again Sheik kicked out. Sherri jumped up on the apron to distract Tommy Marlin. This allowed Rose to grab the championship belt from ringside, which he used to smash Sheik in the head with. Sheik was busted open. Rose went for a cover, but Sheik kicked out at 2¾! The Cookeville fans were on their feet by this point! Sheik rolled to the arena floor. Abdullah Farouk started yelling at Sherri at ringside. Rose went to confront Farouk about it. Marlin went to break up the skirmish. Meanwhile Sheik pulled out his sharp object. Rose came after Sheik, but got blasted with the sharp object. He threw the challenger back in the ring and continued to use the object, eventually busting open the “Playboy” as well. Rose went to the floor, but Sheik followed and threw him into the ring post. Sherri went to check on her man and her encouragement may have saved Rose from getting counted out, as he just beat the count back in. Sheik blasted Rose with an elbow to the head to further draw blood. The bout went to the floor again and Sheik continued to jab Rose with the object. Sherri tried to yell to Marlin that the champ was using the weapon, but Marlin was putting the count on both men. Sheik released Rose and rolled back into the ring by seven. Marlin continued counting Rose and hit 10, giving the champ by the victory by a countout. The fans berated the champ with boos! ****½
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Post by Cory Olson on Jan 31, 2009 0:05:37 GMT -4
USWA Championship Wrestling on January 24 and 31 were newsworthy editions! • Bill Apter interviewed Team RPW on the 24th about what had taken place the night before. It was almost a debate, as the members seemed to be questioning one another. Frank Gotch asked World Heavyweight champion Dan Severn why “The Beast” did not help him in their tag team contest the night before. The champ stated that he was putting Gotch through a challenge. He stated that a true champion will have to take on all kinds of challenges and challengers, and if Gotch expects to beat him and become World champion, he needs to be ready for anything. In Severn’s mind, he wasn’t ready for Jimmy Snuka and Jimmy Valiant. Gotch didn’t respond to the statement. Apter tried to calm the tension by congratulating Danny Hodge on his big win over Nick Bockwinkel. Hodge thanked Apter. Apter asked the Oklahoman what was next for him after his big victory. Hodge stated that he hoped to challenge for one of the singles title soon, perhaps even the World title. The other RPW members looked somewhat startled at this. Severn told Hodge not to get too far ahead of himself. Hodge calmly replied saying that he had done something that none of his teammates had ever done—and beaten Nick Bockwinkel! Apter quickly wrapped up the interview, sensing some tension! • There may be more tension coming for Team RPW, as Lance Russell informed USWA fans that former USWA World Tag Team and Southern Heavyweight champion Ted DiBiase would soon be returning to the area! Long-time fans remember that DiBiase, the then-“Million Dollar Man”, lost his fortune to Frank Gotch at New Year’s Knockout III in 2006. DiBiase left the USWA after the loss and has been competing in the UWF. Gotch used the money he won to form Team Real Pro Wrestling, signing names like Dan Severn and Danny Hodge, and establishing a training center for “true” wrestlers. Russell announced that Bill Apter will have an interview with DiBiase on the February 7 episode of Championship Wrestling, in which DiBiase will reveal the plans for his return. • Buff Bagwell was interviewed on the 31st. Lance Russell asked the former Killer B where he had been since New Year’s Knockout V. “Buff Daddy” said that since Brutus Beefcake and Capt. Lou Albano had abandoned him, he had been searching the last few weeks for a new tag team partner. He said that he had found him and he was a name that should be familiar to not only USWA fans, but all pro wrestling fans. He is someone who is almost as good looking as himself! Bagwell stated more importantly that he and his partner will get revenge on Capt. Lou and capture the World Tag Team titles. Russell tried to get more info from Bagwell, but he wouldn’t give the name, only saying that his partner will be revealed soon. • Some upcoming title bouts were made. It was announced that Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine will make their first defense of the USWA World Tag Team championship against The Killer Bees on February 13 at the Sportatorium in Dallas. The following week, in the USWA’s first ever show at the Civic Center in El Dorado, Arkansas, The Sheik will defend the Southern Heavyweight title in a rematch against “Playboy” Buddy Rose. Although the challenger lost, the champion used illegal tactics to do so, so thus Rose will get another opportunity. • USWA Committee Chairman Jerry Jarrett also had a huge announcement. He said that the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis will host the USWA’s historic 200th card on March 13! Matches will be announced in the coming weeks for this huge event!
The Louisville Gardens has held some great USWA cards in the past, but the next event on February 6 may be top them all! • Prior to challenging for the USWA World Tag Team championship, The Killer Bees will battle former champs “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring. Rose may be in tough shape after his loss to The Sheik, but Rose and Doring hold wins over The Bees in the past. Can The Bees sting the former champs? • In a rematch from last month, Nick Bockwinkel will go head-to-head with “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant. You can bet that Bockwinkel is more focused after suffering his first loss since his return on the last card. Valiant looked impressive against Bockwinkel last time, but how will he fare this time around? • Danny Hodge will compete following his big victory. He’ll take on S.D. Jones. Remember due to Hodge’s distraction, “Special Delivery” got counted out against Team RPW coach Dick Hutton. This will be a big grudge match! • Speaking of grudges, one-half of the USWA World Tag Team champions Magnificent Muraco will collide with “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. This feud has added more fuel to the fire with Muraco and Greg Valentine capturing the Tag Team gold from Snuka and Jimmy Valiant. Who will get this win! • Ed “Strangler” Lewis continues his revenge quest against Team RPW. He’ll take on RPW’s coach Dick Hutton. It’ll be a big night for Hutton with all RPW members in action, including himself. Can Lewis continue his impressive performances, especially in his hometown of Louisville? • The main event will be for the USWA World Heavyweight title and will be a “civil war” of sorts, as champion Dan Severn puts the gold on the line against his teammate Frank Gotch. Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge will be at ringside at the announcers’ table. They have stated they won’t favor one man or the other. Gotch is a former World Tag Team and Southern Heavyweight champion, but has never held the World title. Severn has the size and strength advantage, but Gotch has defeated larger men due to his technical wrestling knowledge. Who will leave Louisville the champion and how will the outcome affect Team RPW? All this plus The Midnight Express, Diamond Dallas Page, and more great bouts!
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Post by Cory Olson on Feb 2, 2009 23:32:42 GMT -4
February 6, 2009 Card #196: Louisville Gardens
1) “The Birdman” Koko B. Ware got a sneaky pinfall win over Larry Sharpe in the opener. Ware dazzled Sharpe throughout the bout with his quick offense. Ware missed a flying body press off the top and looked hurt. Sharpe gloated about dodging the move and took his time in capitalizing. He finally went to cover Ware, but Ware caught him off guard and rolled him into a small package to get the win. *
2) Louisville’s own Jim Cornette led his Midnight Express to a quick win over Johnny Rodz and Virgil. Ironically, Cornette helped Virgil and Rodz get their only win to-date, by interfering in their bouts against Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware, but tonight, they were enemies. The Midnights hit the Rocket Launcher on Virgil early on, but as Texas champion Bobby Eaton went for a cover, Rodz jumped in to make the save. “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey tossed Rodz out of the ring, in what would Rodz’s only appearance in the match. The Midnights soon executed the Midnight Massacre on Virgil to get the pin. DUD
3) Buff Bagwell returned to action for the first time since New Year’s Knockout V, and was impressive, getting a countout win over Diamond Dallas Page. “Buff Daddy” was aggressive, knowing he had to be, opposing the undefeated DDP. The action was back-and-forth, until Bagwell gained control. He hit two Buff Blockbusters, but couldn’t keep Page down. Bagwell threw Page out of the ring and a brawl ensued, which saw Bagwell throw Page into the ring post, then follow up with a swinging neckbreaker right on the floor. Bagwell crawled back in and beat the count to get the win. Page suffered no injuries on the move, but was slow in making his way back to the locker room. *½
4) Larry Zbyszko defeated Brad Armstrong. Zbyszko gained the advantage early on. While Bobby Heenan distracted Paul Neighbors Zbyszko took off the top turnbuckle pad and whipped Armstrong right into the exposed metal. He soon followed up with a piledriver to get the pin. ¼*
5) The Killer Bees showed what tag team wrestling is all about, as they cut the ring in half on “Dastardly” Danny Doring to score a win over him and “Playboy” Buddy Rose. Rose was bandaged up from his Southern title bout against The Sheik. Doring started the bout and ended up wrestling the whole match, as The Bees tagged in and out and double teamed him. “Jumping” Jim Brunzell put Doring down the count after a dropkick. The Bees looked impressive prior to challenging for the USWA World Tag Team titles. ¼* 6) Nick Bockwinkel made “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant submit. Valiant was hoping to do like Danny Hodge on the last card and get a win over Bockwinkel. He looked like he was going to, as he had Bockwinkel rocking and reeling. He hit his super elbow drop for a close two-count. Bockwinkel came back and locked on the sleeper, but Valiant made the ropes. Bockwinkel quickly turned his attack to Valiant’s legs and then applied the figure-four. In a strong show of fortitude, “Handsome” Jimmy fought hard to try and break free for over two minutes. The four-time World champ Bockwinkel kept the hold and kept Valiant away from the ropes, until the New Yorker was left with no choice but to tap. **¾
7) Danny Hodge got a submission win over “Special Delivery” Jones. S.D. hoped to get revenge on Hodge, for interfering in his match with Hodge’s partner Dick Hutton, but Hodge maintained control. He utilized Hutton’s specialty the abdominal stretch several times and the hold eventually caused Jones to surrender. ¼*
8) “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka pinned one-half of the World Tag Team champions Magnificent Muraco. These two went back-and-forth, with neither man able to maintain control. With the crowd behind him, the “Superfly” took over and blasted Muraco with a chop after a big high leap frog. Capt. Lou Albano got on the apron, but got nailed with a chop as well. Snuka then came off the top rope with a perfect Superfly Leap and picked up the pin. *½
9) Ed “Strangler” Lewis scored a dominant win via countout over Dick Hutton. To little surprise, the Gardens exploded when Lewis entered the arena. He just totally outwrestled the Team RPW coach. Hutton rolled out of the ring for a breather, but Lewis wouldn’t let him get a breath. Lewis slapped on the Strangler’s Headlock on the floor. Frank Morrell put the count on both men for being outside. “Strangler” kept the headlock on to weaken Hutton. He released when Morrell counted to seven, then crawled back in the ring. Hutton was down, but not out. He seemed to realize that things were against him with the crowd on Lewis’ side, so he made no effort to get back in. The fans weren’t too upset with the quick win, as Lewis stood in the ring with his arm raised high. DUD
10) After the pre-main event intermission, Dick Hutton was back out, with Danny Hodge to sit ringside and watch as teammates Dan “The Beast” Severn and Frank Gotch take on each other, with Severn’s USWA World Heavyweight championship on the line. Gotch and Severn wrestled a very scientific match for nearly ten minutes. The champ had more control, using his strength advantage to keep Gotch grounded. Severn hit a fireman’s carry slam at one point. Gotch turned from wrestling to boxing and used some punches to weaken Severn. Gotch attempted a waistlock, but Severn broke free a hit a big German suplex. The crowd favored Severn slightly, since Gotch is considered the leader of RPW, and perhaps because Gotch’s Toehold was instrumental in injuring “Strangler” Lewis. Severn locked on a choke sleeper and had Gotch weakened, but he got a foot on the ropes to break the submission. The two exchanged holds until Gotch missed a double leg and hit the second turnbuckle. Gotch rolled to the floor and was able to get a breather. Back in the ring, Gotch managed to pick up Severn and deliver an Iowa backdrop to the surprise of the crowd. He floated into a cover and scored the three-count to win his first USWA World Heavyweight championship! Hutton and Hodge entered the ring and helped Severn to his feet. As Jerry Calhoun presented Gotch with the belt, Hutton and Hodge walked over and shook hands with the new champion. Severn paused, but then eventually offered his hand to the new champ. Gotch accepted and RPW stood united. It seemed like a nice scene, but the fans booed as the arrogant foursome stood in the ring. The crowd changed their tune as Ed “Strangler” Lewis watched from the aisle and pointed to Gotch, indicating he wants a shot at the gold. (With his win, Gotch becomes the second man, after The Destroyer, to have held the USWA World Heavyweight, World Tag Team, and Southern Heavyweight titles!) ***
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Post by Cory Olson on Feb 11, 2009 23:28:06 GMT -4
STOP THE PRESSES! For some reason, since his return this past September I have been listing Nick Bockwinkel in my write-ups as a four-time USWA champion, when in fact he is only a three-time champ. I have no idea what made me think he was a four-time champ! Rather than go back and try and edit EVERY post with wrong information, I thought I'd acknowledge my mistake here and from now on list Bock correctly. Check back later tonight for the next USWA card preview!
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