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Post by cruefan68 on Aug 20, 2016 16:39:43 GMT -5
That was a great night of action in Chattanooga. That main event between Doc and Gordy was brutal. What a shocking turn with Doc being injured via the spike piledriver from Gilbert, Fuji and Saito and then Gilbert burning Gordy with the huge fireball! Holy smokes - literally! I did not see that coming and I have to say that Gilbert and company had better be worried if Doc and Gordy decide to get back together as a tag team after this situation. Nick Bockwinkel over Big John Studd by submission was huge. Bock needed that to build some momentum for his upcoming world title match with Rick Rude.
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Post by Cory Olson on Aug 24, 2016 13:20:56 GMT -5
Thanks to Booker Bill and Crue Fan for the comments!
Highlights of the last two episodes of USWA Championship Wrestling:
January 30: • Commissioner Armstrong announced that Southern Heavyweight champion Steve “Dr. Death” Williams suffered a neck injury as a result of the attack by “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert and the World Tag Team champions Mr. Fuji and Mr. Saito. Williams’ doctors have said that the four-time Southern champion should stay out of wrestling action for about three months. Armstrong also announced that Terry “Bamm Bamm” Gordy suffered some third-degree burns from Gilbert’s fireball. Armstrong said that he was ready to suspend the Hot Stuff, International trio, not only for this attack, but also for their attack on Doctor X a few weeks ago in Nashville. But both the Vachons and Williams had contacted him and asked him not to do that, so that both could get even on Hot Stuff inside the ring. Armstrong said that he respects their wishes and toughness. • Gilbert interrupted Armstrong’s interview, accompanied by “Sensational” Sherri Martel. The Hot Stuff, International manager bragged that his group is superior because they took out two doctors in one month: Doctor X and “Dr. Death”! Gilbert asked Armstrong what would happen to the Southern championship if Williams listens to his doctors and doesn’t wrestle for three months. “Bullet” Bob replied that if Williams can’t defend the title once in a calendar month, he would have to be stripped of the title, per the USWA bylaws for championships. Gilbert said that he wants to take away any worry from Williams, Armstrong, and the USWA Committee and challenge Williams to a Southern title rematch! Lance Russell was shocked and appalled by this statement and asked how in the world this would take away their worries! Gilbert said that if Williams signs for a championship match with Gilbert, but cannot make it or wrestle, he would have to forfeit the Southern title to Gilbert. Russell asked the commissioner if this was true and Armstrong replied that is the typically the rule. Gilbert told Armstrong that by Gilbert winning the title via forfeit, he would not have to strip Williams of the title and setup any type of tournament or other series of matches to crown a new champion. “Hot Stuff” also reminded Armstrong, Russell, and the wrestling fans that he defeated Williams in a title match via countout at New Year’s Knockout XI in Evansville, and therefore should be entitled to a rematch. Armstrong walked out of the WMC-TV Studios in disgust and Russell appeared ready to do the same. • Two upcoming matches were announced involving the other two attackers that aided Gilbert: Fuji and Saito. As a result of the disqualification ending, that saw two referees get hurt in one match, the champions will have a non-title rematch with the Vachons on February 22 at Freedom Hall in Johnson City. For that match, Commissioner Armstrong has decreed that a second referee will be assigned to the match! The commissioner explained that the official in the ring will rule all pinfalls, submissions, or other decisions inside, while the outside referee will call countouts or possible disqualifications. While both officials are able to consult one another, should one or the other miss a rules infraction, it will be the call of the referee in the sight of the action (in the ring or outside the ring) to make the final judgment call. And, should the official inside the ring get hurt, as happened twice in the last match between the World Tag Team champions and the Algerian brothers, the second official will be there to automatically take over officiating duties. • The other match announced for Fuji and Saito will see them put the USWA World Tag Team titles on the line in the main event on February 15 at the Louisville Gardens against David Taylor and “The Belfast Bruiser” Fit Finlay. The British duo has racked up a lot of wins and this will be their first time (both individually and as a team) challenging for the World Tag Team titles!
February 6: • Commissioner Armstrong was back in the studio and announced that he had spoken with the Southern Heavyweight champion Steve Williams during the week, from the hospital. He said that while “Dr. Death” is far from 100%, he is going against the doctors’ orders and will defend the Southern title against Eddie Gilbert in the main event on February 22 in Johnson City! Williams told Armstrong that he knows he’s taking a chance, but he cannot let Gilbert just take the title without any type of a fight!
The USWA comes home to Memphis and the Mid-South Coliseum on February 8 with a huge card! • You can bet that “The Angry Amish Warrior” is angrier now that his partner “Dastardly” Danny Doring has been taken out of action! The Amish RoadKill will have a chance for vengeance, as he battles one-half of the Age of the Fall Jimmy Jacobs this week! This will be Jacobs’ first singles match in the USWA. Can RoadKill defeat the eccentric Jacobs? • In a rematch from New Year’s Knockout XI, the undefeated “Anarchist” Arik Cannon will take on his former tag team partner Claudio Castagnoli! The Swiss powerhouse was winning their match in Evansville, when Cannon capitalized on one mistake by Castagnoli and hit the Burning Hammer to score the pinfall. Will lightning strike twice or can the former Mid-America Heavyweight champion Castagnoli avenge that loss? • “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert has become more hated, with his recent attacks. He will receive another shot at the USWA Southern Heavyweight title in two weeks in Johnson City, but this week he will battle a two-time former Southern champion “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant! Can Gilbert defeat “The Boy from New York City”? • “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton will receive his rematch for the USWA Mid-America Heavyweight champion at Freedom Hall in two weeks. This week he will face the man that defeated him for the belt—three-time former champion “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson! Danielson won the title from Eaton back in November in this same arena, but lost it to Tracy Smothers at New Year’s Knockout XI. Who will win this great match-up? • In a battle of two powerful brutes, Larry “The Axe” Hennig of the First Family of Wrestling will collide with “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. Hennig is coming off another big win over Nick Bockwinkel from a few weeks ago in Lexington and is hoping to topple the American hero Duggan. Will it be “The Axe” or “Hacksaw” who chops down his opponent? • On the January 30 edition of USWA Championship Wrestling, “The Road Dogg” Jesse James issued a challenge for him and Billy Gunn against the Midnight Express of “Sweet” Stan Lane and Sweet Brown Sugar. After their bout on the last card in Chattanooga ended up in a double disqualification, James said their wrestling match looked more like a fight on the street. Therefore, the Outlaws challenged the Midnights to a Beale Street Fight at the Mid-South Coliseum! Later in the show, "Sweet” Stan accepted on behalf of the Midnights, although Sugar looked apprehensive! After the last bout, this should be a wild one, with very few rules in place. Lance Russell reviewed the rules of a Street Fight on the February 6 edition of Championship Wrestling:
I. There are no disqualifications and no countouts in this match. The match can only be won by pinfall or submission inside the ring. II. The wrestlers involved can (and often do) come dressed in street clothes. III. Since this is a tag team match, all four wrestlers are allowed to be in the match at all times and the referee can count any of the wrestlers down for a pin or ask them for a submission.
Who will leave Memphis the winners of this Street Fight?
• The main event will be for the USWA World Heavyweight championship. Current and two-time champion “Ravishing” Rick Rude will put the title on the line against four-time former champion and a man he knows very well—Nick Bockwinkel. Rude earned a shot at then-champion Lou Thesz by defeating Bockwinkel last July in Springfield, thanks in part to Larry “The Axe” Hennig, who made his USWA return that night and joined the First Family of Wrestling. Thesz told Bockwinkel he would give him a World title shot, but that match did not take place, due to Bockwinkel suffering injuries from the First Family and Thesz exchanging the title with Rude in the next few months. While Bockwinkel defeated Rude in a six-man tag team match last May, he has yet to defeat him in a one-on-one match. Can Bockwinkel capture his fifth USWA championship 4½ years after his last title reign or will Rude hold on to the gold?
All these huge matches, plus tag team matches with Red Pepper, as well as the next challengers for the USWA World Tag Team titles David Taylor and “The Belfast Bruiser” Fit Finlay! Also, the return of the newest First Family of Wrestling member—former World Tag Team champion the mammoth King Kong Bundy!
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Post by Cory Olson on Aug 26, 2016 15:31:44 GMT -5
February 8, 2015 Card #423: Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis
1) Red Pepper defeated George South and “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe via countout in a competitive tag team match to open the card. Red Bastien and Pepper Gomez had the early advantage, but South capitalized on a mistake by Bastien and he and Sharpe took control. Sharpe hit a body slam on the flying redhead and scored a two-count. “The Man with The Cast Iron Stomach” tagged in and took over on Sharpe. He nailed a Mexican Leap. Sharpe rolled out of the ring for a breather. Gomez followed, but went to the other side of the ring and then crawled underneath the ring. As Sharpe recovered and got to his feet, he turned toward the ring and was confused by not seeing Gomez in the ring. Gomez came out from another side and surprised Sharpe with a big running punch! Gomez rolled back into the ring. Despite help from South, Sharpe was not able to get back in by Jerry Calhoun’s 10-count, so Red Pepper got the sneaky victory! ***¼
2) Jimmy Jacobs scored a submission victory over the Amish RoadKill in a competitive match-up. Jacobs had the early advantage, hitting a springboard dropkick for a near fall. RoadKill took control and hit an Amish Splash for a two-count. Jacobs had momentary control and went for a senton, but RoadKill rolled out of the way. Jacobs took over and locked on the End Time. RoadKill was in trouble, but managed to make his way to the ropes for a break. Jacobs maintained control, punching away at “The Angry Amish Warrior” and ripping at his face, similar to what he did to RoadKill’s tag team partner “Dastardly” Danny Doring a few weeks ago in Lexington with his spike. Jacobs clamped on a Camel Clutch in the center of the ring. RoadKill was trapped and had to submit to the hold. ****
3) David Taylor and “The Belfast Bruiser” Fit Finlay defeated Hillbilly Jim and Cousin Luke. The British team trapped Jim in the ring for several minutes, until he finally made the hot tag to Luke. Luke hit Taylor with a two-fisted double sledgehammer and made a cover, but Taylor kicked out. Jim tagged back in, but Taylor cut him off. He tagged Finlay back in and Finlay hit the Tombstone on Jim to score the pinfall. Taylor and Finlay looked impressive as they look ahead to their first shot at the USWA World Tag Team titles in next week’s main event in Louisville! ***
4) A former USWA World Tag Team champion made his return after 6½ years, as King Kong Bundy made short work of S.D. Jones. Bundy, now a member of the First Family of Wrestling, was accompanied both by manager Jimmy Hart and his new tag team partner Big John Studd. Despite “Special Delivery’s” best efforts, the Atlantic City native Bundy dominated him. He slammed Jones hard to the mat and then followed up with an elbow drop to score the pinfall. Bundy looked impressive here and it will be interesting to see how the mammoth team of him and Studd will fare against USWA tag teams! ½*
5) In a rematch from New Year’s Knockout XI, Claudio Castagnoli defeated “The Anarchist” Arik Cannon via countout. Castagnoli was aggressive from the opening bell, attacking his former tag team partner. He hit the Very European uppercut for a two-count. The PBR spokesman Cannon rolled out of the ring for a breather, but the Swiss powerhouse followed. Castagnoli hit Cannon with a clothesline, knocking Cannon down to the Mid-South Coliseum floor. Castagnoli picked Cannon up off the floor directly into a gut wrench and then executed a gut wrench on the floor! Castagnoli rolled back into the ring and scored a countout victory, after just a couple of minutes of action. DUD
6) “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert scored a controversial win over “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant. Gilbert had control at the start. He hit a neckbreaker clothesline on Valiant for a near fall. Valiant surprised Gilbert with the sleeper out of nowhere. Gilbert started to drop, so “Sensational” Sherri Martel got up on the ring apron to distract Paul Neighbors. As Neighbors argued with Sherri, an object fell out of her purse and into the ring. Valiant released the sleeper and chased after Sherri, while Gilbert grabbed the object, which turned out to be a pair of brass knuckles. He slipped the knucks on, as Valiant returned to the ring. Valiant picked “Hot Stuff” up off the canvas, but Gilbert nailed him with the knucks. Gilbert hid the knuckles behind his back as he made a cover and scored the pinfall. “Hot Stuff” quickly put the knucks into his tights, before Neighbors could see them, as he and Sherri raised Gilbert’s hand in victory! *¾
7) In a battle of two former Mid-America Heavyweight champions, “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson defeated “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton in a competitive match. Eaton had the early advantage, as he capitalized on a missed knee smash in the corner from Danielson. Eaton rolled Danielson up with a reversing rolling cradle, but only got a two-count. Eaton used his top rope offense, hitting an elbow drop, as well as the Alabama Jam, but “Dragon” kicked out of both pin attempts. Eaton had control, but Danielson surprised him by catching him in the triangle choke. Eaton looked about ready to tap, but got a foot over the bottom rope for a break. As Eaton got to his feet and recovered, Danielson took him down and went for the LeBell Lock. The fans went wild, but “Beautiful” Bobby got to the ropes again for a break. Danielson executed a Dragon suplex and bridged into a pin, but Eaton kicked out again. Danielson sent Eaton into the ropes and bent over for a backdrop, but telegraphed the attempted move. Eaton stopped short and executed a spinning neckbreaker. He covered Danielson, but kicked out. Danielson battled back with some hard roundhouse kicks. He took “Beautiful” Bobby down to the mat again and clamped on the LeBell Lock. Eaton tried for the ropes, but ultimately had to tap out. The Memphis fans gave Danielson a big ovation for his hard-earned win! ***¾
8) Larry “The Axe” Hennig scored a big win over “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. Duggan took control at the start and had Hennig in trouble. Duggan got down in the three-point stance and blasted Hennig with the flying spear. Duggan went for a cover, but “The Mouth of The South” Jimmy Hart jumped up on the ring apron to distract Frank Morrell. Duggan got off of Hennig, grabbed his 2X4, and went after Hart, much to the fans’ delight! Hart ran as quickly as he could away from Duggan. Morrell convinced Duggan to put the 2X4 back in the corner and return to the ring. He did so, but was blindsided by a recovered “Axe.” Hennig took over, sent Duggan into the ropes, and blasted him with the Axe. He made a cover and scored the pinfall. *
9) The New Age Outlaws were victorious in one of the wildest and bloodiest matches in USWA history, as they defeated the Midnight Express of “Sweet” Stan Lane and Sweet Brown Sugar in a Beale Street Fight. As per the rules of a Street Fight, all four men came dressed in street clothes, including “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton, who was recovered from his earlier bout. With all four men legal at the same time, the action was fast-and-furious in this one. Sugar whipped Jesse James into the corner and went for a splash in the corner, but James dodged the attack and Sugar’s head hit the top turnbuckle. Eaton tossed Sugar a steel pipe that he found underneath the ring. Sugar went to use it on “The Road Dogg,” but James blocked it, took the pipe away and clocked Sugar with it. Sugar was busted open and the blood flowed quickly and plentifully! A few moments later, Billy Gunn drove Sugar’s bloodied face into the mat with the Famouser and made a cover, but Lane saved his partner. Lane knocked James out of the ring and was stomping away on him from the apron. James blocked a stomp, grabbed Lane, and tossed him off the apron and to the Mid-South Coliseum floor! James pulled Lane into the ring and hit the pump handle slam, but Lane kicked out at 2¾. A few moments later Gunn executed a Cobra Clutch slam on Lane, but again “The Gangster of Love” kicked out. Lane surprised “The Road Dogg” with the superkick and scored a near fall. Since it was legal in this type of match, Eaton pulled Gunn out of the ring and attacked him, allowing Lane and Sugar to double team James. Sugar hit a diving head butt off the apron to the floor, while Lane held James down. The Midnights tossed “The Road Dogg” back into the ring and Sugar hit a jumping elbow drop. He covered his former tag team partner, but James kicked out. Sugar grabbed the ring bell from the announcers’ table. He climbed up the top rope, dove off, and nailed James in the face with it, while “Sweet” Stan held him up. The attack busted James open. Sugar gave the bell back and told Gary Michael Cappetta to get ready to ring it, as the Midnights were going to score the win. He made a cocky, lazy cover and James kicked out. Gunn sent Eaton into the ring post on the outside and then climbed back in the ring, but Lane cut him off with a superkick. The Midnights continued to double team James, hitting a slingshot power slam and then going for the Rocket Launcher a few moments later. Sugar again covered James, but Gunn jumped in with a leg drop to the back of Sugar’s head. He then put James on top for a pin. Lane came in and dropped an elbow to the back of “The Road Dogg’s” head, breaking up that pin attempt, and then put Sugar back on top. As Paul Neighbors tried to attempt another pin count, Gunn interrupted again, stomping Sugar in the face! It was a wild exchange in this wild match! A few moments later, Gunn executed another Famouser on Sugar and tried again for a pinfall, but “Beautiful” Bobby came off the top from outside the ring with the Alabama Jam to the back of Gunn’s head, as James and Lane brawled on the floor. Eaton put Sugar on top, but Gunn managed to kick out! Several minutes later, Sugar went into his jeans pocket and came out with a small rope. He looked ready to choke James with it, but before he could, Gunn nailed him with a clothesline. Gunn picked up the rope and choked “Sweet” Stan with it, while James tossed Sugar out of the ring. Eaton got up on the apron, but James nailed him with a punch, sending him flying to the arena floor. Gunn released his choke and immediately gave Lane the Famouser. He covered Lane and scored the pinfall. The Memphis fans exploded in cheers for the Outlaws’ hard-earned win in this wild bout! (NOTE: For Street Fights, I use the Hardcore Texas Death Match chart from the Ringside Companion. With all the “Add 1” situations from the chart, “Add 1” moves, and pin attempts, pin saves, etc. there was a total of 27 fatigue tokens—James had eight tokens, Sugar had 11, and Gunn and Lane each had four.) *****
10) The main event was for the USWA World Heavyweight championship. Current and two-time champion “Ravishing” Rick Rude put the title on the line against his rival and four-time former champion Nick Bockwinkel. Rude had defeated Bockwinkel last July in Springfield to earn his first championship match against Lou Thesz. Bockwinkel was going into this match without a win over Rude in one-on-one matches. The champion had the early advantage against the challenger. He hit a reverse atomic drop for a near fall. Rude executed the Rude Awakening a few minutes later and made a cover, but Bockwinkel was able to kick out again. Rude telegraphed a back bodydrop attempt, so Bockwinkel executed a sunset flip on him for a near fall. The “Ravishing One” rolled out of the ring for a breather. While Jimmy Hart tried to console his charge, Bockwinkel came out of the ring and threw Rude into the ring post. Knowing he couldn’t win the title via a countout, Bockwinkel brought Rude back into the ring. He went up to the top rope and came off with a flying body press. Rude used Bockwinkel’s momentum against him, rolling on top on his opponent into a pinning combination. He hooked Bockwinkel’s leg and his tights and scored the pinfall to retain the title. The fans were outraged by Rude’s tactics in retaining the title! Hart and Rude quickly retreated to the back with the World title belt, to avoid an attack by Bockwinkel! **
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Post by TTX on Aug 26, 2016 21:03:08 GMT -5
Roadkill in a four star match amazes me, Outlaws and Midnights impress as usual as do Danielson and Eaton, Rude goes cheap again, and good to see Bundy returning. Bullet Bob might need to get those refs some new eyeglasses to catch some of the flagrant cheating though.
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Post by cruefan68 on Aug 26, 2016 22:29:31 GMT -5
The MSC cards are always highly anticipated events and that was quite a main event with Rick Rude beating Nick Bockwinkel to retain the USWA World title. The fans and Bockwinkel may have been angry over the finish but I see it as Rude using ring smarts to come up with a way to retain the title in the heat of battle.
The New Age Outlaws vs. Midnight Express in the Beale Street Fight - I have no words. 27 fatigue tokens is off the charts. An amazing bout and one that rivals the epic Lawler & Mantel vs. Dundee & Landell Texas Death epic of yesteryear. Speaking of goodness from yesteryear the return of King Kong Bundy and winning over S.D. Jones brings back some great memories. I am really looking forward to how Bundy fares in his return. An awesome card from top to bottom.
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Post by Cory Olson on Aug 31, 2016 19:41:28 GMT -5
Thanks to Crue Fan and Troy for the comments! Troy, I was surprised by RoadKill's good match as well. Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on 2-13: • Some upcoming matches were made, including “Ravishing” Rick Rude’s next defense of the USWA World Heavyweight championship! Rude will put the gold on the line against “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka in the main event on March 16 at the Civic Coliseum in Knoxville! Snuka defeated three of Rude’s First Family of Wrestling allies in the Battlezone Match at New Year’s Knockout XI in Evansville. This will be the Fijian warrior’s fifth shot at the World title and his first in 3½ years. • Snuka will have a busy few weeks, as he and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant will take on the Midnight Express of “Sweet” Stan Lane and Sweet Brown Sugar on February 22 at Freedom Hall in Johnson City. This is a rematch from last month in Nashville, where Snuka and Valiant got an impressive win. Lane and Sugar were interviewed in-studio, flanked by “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton. Lance Russell mentioned that the team has had a rough start to 2015, especially without Jim Cornette guiding them. Lane replied that it’s only natural that without a “great mind” like Cornette at their side, that the Midnights are going to have a rough time. Sugar, sporting many bandages from the Beale Street Fight with the New Age Outlaws last week, interrupted that the Midnights will get back on track and are going to defeat those “dummies” Snuka and Valiant, and then get back on track to winning their fourth USWA World Tag Team championship! • Rivals Claudio Castagnoli and “The Anarchist” Arik Cannon will collide again. Their “rubber match” will take place on March 23 at the Sailors and Soldiers Memorial Coliseum. Their first meeting was on December 31 in the same city of Evansville, with Cannon coming out the winner. The Swiss powerhouse won their second meeting last week in Memphis via countout. The USWA returns to the Louisville Gardens on February 15!• “The Angry Amish Warrior” the Amish RoadKill lost a tough battle last week to Jimmy Jacobs. This week he will take on the other-half of the Age of the Fall—Tyler Black. This be the high-flying Iowan’s first singles match in the USWA. Can RoadKill get revenge for the Age of the Fall’s attack on “Dastardly” Danny Doring? • “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert is scheduled to challenge Steve “Dr. Death” Williams for the USWA Southern Heavyweight title in Johnson City in next week’s main event, if the champion is physically able to compete. This week Gilbert will take on a former USWA World champion—“Cowboy” Bob Orton, Jr.! Orton has had his problems with the Gilbert brothers and Hot Stuff, International and came to the aid of Williams, as well as well as Terry “Bamm Bamm” Gordy, after Gilbert and the World Tag Team champions’ heinous massacre of the two last month in Chattanooga. Can Gilbert knock down the “Cowboy”? • Nick Bockwinkel is upset by the results of his challenge for the USWA World Heavyweight championship last week in Memphis. He hopes to get back on track and earn another shot. This week he will battle his former tag team partner and current First Family of Wrestling member Ray “The Crippler” Stevens. Who will win the latest chapter of this feud? • Two tag teams will collide for the first time, as the New Age Outlaws battle the Vachons! Mad Dog and Butcher are looking ahead to another non-title bout with Mr. Fuji and Mr. Saito next week in Johnson City. But they cannot overlook the two-time former champions in “The Road Dogg” Jesse James and Billy Gunn! The Outlaws are coming off a big win over their rivals the Midnight Express in a Beale Street Fight. Which team will leave Louisville the victors? • The World Heavyweight champion will be in action, as “Ravishing” Rick Rude will team up with fellow First Family of Wrestling member and Robbinsdale, MN native Larry “The Axe” Hennig to do battle with their rivals “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant! Snuka and Rude will do battle for the World title on March 16 in Knoxville for the USWA title. Snuka and Valiant have been impressive in tag team competition. Can the First Family beat the two-time former champions? • In the first of two championship bouts, Tracy Smothers will put the USWA Mid-America Heavyweight title on the line against former champion and a man he knows well—“Beautiful” Bobby Eaton! Eaton won the title from Smothers back in October in this same arena. Bryan Danielson captured the title from Eaton the next month in Memphis, but then lost it to Smothers at New Year’s Knockout in Evansville. Eaton is going into this bout without his former manager “The Louisville Slugger” Jim Cornette at ringside. Can Eaton win back the gold or will Smothers retain and defeat his rival? • The main event will be an international affair, as the USWA World Tag Team champions from Japan—Mr. Fuji and Mr. Saito put the titles on the line against the British team of David Taylor and “The Belfast Bruiser” Fit Finlay! Taylor and Finlay have been an impressive combination in the last year, using their combination of technical wrestling and brawling to gain many tag team victories. Fuji and Saito are hoping to move up to share the second place for most defenses of the Tag Team titles (currently held by the Road Warriors’ second reign) and retain against the British. But they cannot underestimate Taylor and Finlay’s skills. Can Taylor and Finlay capture the gold in their first time challenging for the belts or will the Japanese duo from Hot Stuff, International continue their impressive reign? Also, Louisville native Ed “Strangler” Lewis will be in attendance and will make an announcement live in front of his hometown fans about his future in professional wrestling! Fans will also see the first match of the First Family of Wrestling’s newest tag team Big John Studd and King Kong Bundy! As well as “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson, “The Anarchist” Arik Cannon, and more USWA stars in action at the Gardens!
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Post by Cory Olson on Sept 2, 2016 13:03:31 GMT -5
February 15, 2015 Card #424: Louisville Gardens
1) The Amish RoadKill got a disqualification win in the opener over Tyler Black. Jimmy Jacobs accompanied his tag team partner to ringside for this match. RoadKill was aggressive against Black. He went up to the top rope and went for the Amish Splash, but Black rolled out of the way and “The Angry Amish Warrior” crashed hard. RoadKill battled back and knocked Black out of the ring with a punch. RoadKill followed, but Black cut him off with a boot to the stomach. Jacobs grabbed a steel chair from ringside and threw it to Black. Black grabbed it and hit RoadKill across the back with it, right in front of Paul Morton. Morton called for the bell and disqualified Black. The Age of the Fall continued to pummel RoadKill after the bell, until several USWA referees and officials came down to ringside to get them to cease. ½*
2) “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson defeated Virgil by submission. Virgil took control at the start, hoping to get a big win over the former World, Mid-America, and Texas champion. He caught Danielson in the Million Dollar Dream, but Danielson got to the ropes for a break. Virgil went to punch Danielson on the mat, but Danielson surprised him with the triangle choke. Virgil looked in trouble, but managed to get a foot on the ropes for a break. Danielson maintained control and caught Virgil in the LeBell Lock a few moments later to get the tap out. ¾*
3) Jimmy Hart’s new tag team of Big John Studd and King Kong Bundy were victorious in their first match together, defeating S.D. Jones and Jim Powers. The fan favorites had some offense on Studd in the first few minutes. Jones hit the head butt on Studd, but couldn’t knock the big man off his feet. Studd took control on Powers a few moments later and tagged to Bundy. Bundy worked over Powers and hit a big body slam. He covered the New Yorker and scored the pinfall. The First Family of Wrestling’s massive new tag team looks like they could be a dominant force in the USWA! *½
4) “The Anarchist” Arik Cannon scored a pinfall on “The Unpredictable” Johnny Rodz. Cannon controlled most of the action. He hit an elbow drop off the top rope. Rodz managed to get to his feet, but Cannon grabbed him and hit the Burning Hammer to score the pinfall. Cannon celebrated his win with PBRs amongst the Louisville fans! ¼*
5) The New Age Outlaws scored a big win giving Mad Dog and Butcher Vachon their first decisive loss since their return last July. It looked as if the Vachons would continue their winning ways, as they stormed the ring after the Outlaws’ self-ring introduction and attacked the Outlaws. Mad Dog took Billy Gunn outside the ring, while Butcher punished “The Road Dogg” Jesse James inside the ring. Butcher came off the second turnbuckle with a knee drop and made a cover, but James kicked out. Mad Dog returned to the ring apron, while Gunn had been slammed on the Gardens floor. Butcher choked James on the rope, near the Vachons’ corner and then tagged his brother into the match. Mad Dog continued the onslaught on “The Road Dogg.” He hit the piledriver a few moments later and went for a cover, but Gunn broke up the pin attempt. Mad Dog raked away at James’s face and busted him open. Mad Dog got him down on the mat and hit a double foot stomp. He made a cover, but James kicked out. James fought back against Butcher. He tagged to Gunn and the Outlaws hit a double team Hot Shot. The Outlaws tagged in-and-out, even hitting a spike piledriver on Butcher for a near fall. James managed to get Butcher up for the pump handle slam. He made a cover and scored the pinfall, while Gunn kept Mad Dog at bay. The Louisville fans gave the Outlaws a big ovation for their win! **¾
Before the next match, Commissioner Bob Armstrong and USWA Committee Chairman Jerry Jarrett came to the ring. Armstrong announced that the next time the USWA returns to Louisville will be on Friday, May 1. He said that faithful “Louisvillians” will recognize that is the night before the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports”—the Kentucky Derby. Jarrett announced that the USWA will be adding another supercard to its schedule this year, exclusively for the great fans in Louisville. That supercard will be called Derby City Stampede and will be held at the Horse Show Pavilion at the Kentucky State Fairgrounds! The fans cheered for this announcement! Armstrong said that matches will be announced in the coming months on USWA Championship Wrestling!
6) Nick Bockwinkel got a victory via disqualification over his rival and former tag team partner Ray “The Crippler” Stevens. Bockwinkel hit a dropkick in the opening minutes for a near fall. Bockwinkel went for the figure-four leglock, but Stevens kicked him off, before Bockwinkel could fully apply the hold. Bockwinkel attempted the Bockwinkel sleeper a few moments later, but before he could fully apply it, Jimmy Hart jumped up on the ring apron. Bockwinkel saw him, released the hold, and went after Hart outside of the ring. Stevens recovered and kicked Bockwinkel through the ropes. He took control of Bockwinkel inside the ring, until the four-time former USWA champion rolled toward the ropes, near the announcers’ table, for a breather. Stevens reached through the ropes and grabbed the microphone from Gary Michael Cappetta. He grabbed the chord and wrapped it around Bockwinkel’s neck, choking him. Louisville native Joe Wheeler warned Stevens about his action and put a five-count on him. “The Crippler” would not release the chord choke, so Wheeler called for the bell and disqualified him. Stevens continued to choke Bockwinkel after the bell. “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant, preparing for their own tag team match against the First Family later on the card, came running down to the ring and chased Stevens and Hart away. They helped a weakened Bockwinkel to his feet and back to the locker room. **
7) “Cowboy” Bob Orton, Jr. scored a big win, earning a pinfall over “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert! Orton had the early advantage, hitting a vertical suplex for a near fall in the opening minutes. He maintained control of the Hot Stuff, International manager and tried to get a submission with a stepover toehold, but Gilbert got to the ropes for a break. Orton placed Gilbert on the top rope and attempted the superplex. “Sensational” Sherri Martel climbed up on the ring apron and out of Paul Morton’s sight, grabbed Orton’s leg, as he went for the superplex. Gilbert landed on top and made a cover, with Sherri holding the “Cowboy’s” leg, but Orton managed to get out of the illegal pin attempt. As Orton got to his feet, he threatened to go after Sherri, but Gilbert cut him off and took control. Gilbert got Orton Jr. down on the mat and hit a second rope elbow drop for a near fall. Gilbert went for a second elbow, but Orton rolled out of the way and Gilbert landed hard. Orton hit a piledriver, which has brought him victories before, but Gilbert got a foot under the ropes for a break. Orton made sure he knew where Sherri was outside the ring and attempted a second superplex. He hit his finisher and floated on top of Gilbert to score the pinfall. The Louisville fans gave the “Cowboy” a big ovation for his win! ***¼
As advertised, six-time former USWA World Heavyweight champion Ed “Strangler” Lewis made an appearance in his hometown. The Louisville fans gave him a big ovation, as he typically receives in this arena. Lewis reminded fans how he has been primarily managing the last three-plus years. He said for a new manager, he thinks he did pretty well, helping guide Lou Thesz to four USWA World title reigns. The fans applauded him. Lewis jokingly pointed out that Thesz’s first reign began by defeating him (Lewis) at New Year’s Knockout VIII in 2011 in Nashville, but after that, it was all his guidance that helped Thesz! He said that as fans know from his “Press Conference” last month with Bill Apter, that Thesz has decided to leave the USWA for the time being. The “Strangler” said that he wouldn’t be surprised to see Thesz back in USWA rings in the future. Fans chanted, “Thesz, Thesz!” Lewis said since his only charge has left the USWA, it appears that there is nothing left for him to do. As fans seemed sad that this might be Lewis’ last appearance, he said, that there is in face plenty for him to do, including breaking his own record and winning his seventh USWA World title! The fans erupted, as Lewis stated he plans to start wrestling regularly in the coming weeks and his goal, if Commissioner Armstrong will grant him the wish, is to come back to Louisville in May at Derby City Stampede and challenge the champion! As Lewis was about to continue, “Ravishing” Rick Rude’s music hit and he came to the ring with Larry “The Axe” Hennig and “The Mouth of The South” Jimmy Hart. Hart called Lewis crazy for trying to make a comeback. Rude grabbed the mic and told the “fat, out of shape, Louisville losers” to keep the noise down while the World champion spoke. Rude said that if Lewis couldn’t beat Thesz and if he (Rude) has beaten Thesz three times, what makes Lewis think he can beat Rude. Rude told Lewis he should get out of “his” ring and watch what a real World champion is supposed to look like. As Rude told the USWA technical crew to hit his music, Lewis surprised him by taking him down with the Strangler’s Headlock! The fans went wild, as Lewis squeezed Rude in his famed maneuver. Hart and Hennig tried to get Lewis to break the hold, but he was a man possessed! Rude actually tapped out to the hold, which drew a big pop from the fans! Commissioner Armstrong, Chairman Jarrett, and several other USWA officials ran down to the ring and finally convinced the “Strangler” to release the hold. Lewis returned to the locker room, while the First Family of Wrestling stayed in the ring for their bout, which was next!
8) Despite the chaos prior to the bout, World Heavyweight champion “Ravishing” Rick Rude and Larry “The Axe” Hennig managed to score a win on “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant. Since Rude was recovering from the Strangler’s Headlock, Hennig started the match for the Robbinsdale, MN team. Hennig worked over Snuka, hitting a double forearm hammer for a near fall. Hennig hit the Axe, but “Boogie Woogie” saved his partner. Rude tagged in, but Snuka also tagged to Valiant. Valiant caught Rude in the sleeper, which defeated Rude in October in Jonesboro. Rude quickly scurried to the ropes for a break. While near the ropes, Hennig came over and nailed “Handsome” Jimmy with a big punch. Rude tagged “The Axe” back into the bout. Hennig hit a body slam on Valiant for a near fall. He nailed Valiant with the Axe and made a cover, but Valiant got a foot under the bottom rope for a break. Rude tagged in and hit the Rude Awakening on Valiant. Before making a cover, he ran over and knocked Snuka off the apron with a forearm smash. He then covered Valiant and scored the pinfall. As Snuka got up on the ring apron and back into the ring, Rude and Hennig celebrated their win. Rude swiveled his hips, held up the World title belt, and indicated that Snuka would see a similar fate when they two battle it out for the belt in a few weeks in Knoxville! **¾
9) Tracy Smothers retained the USWA Mid-America Heavyweight championship, by defeating his rival and former champion “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton. Smothers was riled up and very aggressive against Eaton. He hit the jawjacker early on in the bout, but it was too early, as Eaton kicked out. Eaton had Smothers hurting, as the champion was up against the ropes after some of Eaton’s right hands. Eaton bounced off the opposite ropes and came back with another haymaker, but Smothers ducked and backdropped the challenger over the top rope and to the arena floor. Eaton hit his face on the apron as he fell and was busted open. It looked like Smothers might retain via countout, but Eaton rolled back into the ring by nine. Smothers went for another jawjacker a few moments later, but Eaton dodged the attack and Smothers landed hard. Eaton went up top and hit the Alabama Jam, but the champion kicked out. Eaton blasted Smothers with another right hand and made a cover, but Smothers kicked out again. Eaton went up top again and came off this time with a knee drop. With the fans behind him and the title on the line, Smothers kicked out yet again. Smothers battled back and body slammed “Beautiful” Bobby hard to the mat. The two wrestlers battled back-and-forth, until Smothers gained the upper hand with a right hand. He then went out to the apron, but came right back with a slingshot dropkick, which toppled Eaton. Smothers covered his challenger and scored the pinfall to retain the Mid-America title! The Louisville fans gave Smothers a big ovation for his win! ****
10) The main event was for the USWA World Tag Team titles. Current champions Mr. Fuji and Mr. Saito of Hot Stuff, International put the gold on the line against David Taylor and “The Belfast Bruiser” Fit Finlay. This was Taylor and Finlay’s first time challenging for the gold. The Japanese were hoping to retain the titles and move up in the record books. The challengers trapped Fuji in the ring for the first few minutes. Taylor hit a vertical suplex on Fuji for a two-count. Finlay had Fuji down on the mat and went up to the second rope for a reverse splash, but Fuji rolled out of the way. Fuji tagged Saito in and Saito went for the Scorpion Leglock, but the Irish brawler kicked Saito off before he could fully apply the leglock. The Japanese double teamed Finlay, busting him open with a head butt from Fuji. Saito hit his suplex and went for a cover, but Taylor came in and broke up the pin. Saito maintained control and picked Finlay up for a second suplex. Before hitting the suplex, he lifted Finlay up and threw Finlay’s legs at Taylor, knocking the former Mid-America champion off the ring apron. Saito hit the suplex, but rather than make a cover, pulled Finlay to the champions’ corner. He tagged Fuji back in and Fuji immediately went to the second turnbuckle. He came off with the Banzai Drop and scored the pinfall. “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert was very happy with his team’s win. (With the win, Fuji and Saito are now tied for the second-most number of defenses for the World Tag Team titles, with eight defenses. The Road Warriors’ second reign from May 2006 to January 2007 is the other reign that equals the Japanese team’s current place in USWA history.) ***
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Post by TTX on Sept 2, 2016 13:32:21 GMT -5
Good showing by Saito and Fuji of course, but could see them getting a challenge from Studd and Bundy at some point. Smothers winning is good and poor Roadkill from 4 to 1/2 a star.....crash.
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Post by bookerbill on Sept 3, 2016 8:13:40 GMT -5
Was surprized to see the preliminary action from the Coliseum so competitive. Never thought South and Sharpe would give Red Pepper a run for their money. I think that every promoter wants to roll out Bundy v. Jones at least one. So classic. Danielson v. Eaton on paper is a great match up and it delivered when the dice started to roll. I cannot say enough about the Street Fight. Pure Sothern Gold. I enjoyed the finish of the main event. Nice touch with the tight grab to secure the victory for Rude.
I always enjoy you use of the undercard talent the game has to offer and that was on full display in Louisville. The Outlaws get their second straight monster win. Another Supercard to the schedule! Awesome. Great segment with Ed Lewis and the title match with Rude would be epic. However, granting a title match based on past results is questionable. Big decisions ahead for the Commissioner. Smothers and Eaton delivered. Fuji & Saito continue to look impressive as tag team champions.
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Post by cruefan68 on Sept 3, 2016 12:47:19 GMT -5
The angle between Ed Lewis and Rick Rude in Louisville was a classic. The "Strangler" trapping Rude in the headlock like that really added tension to what promises to be an explosive USWA World title match when it takes place. Tracy Smothers over Bobby Eaton was great and I really liked that win by Cowboy Bob Orton over Eddie Gilbert. The monster tag team of King Kong Bundy & Big John Studd could cause a lot of problems for everyone in the USWA. The main event, Fuji & Saito over Finlay & David Taylor, was solid and it was cool to see the Japanese stars tie the Road Warriors in the record books.
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