Cory's USWA

[Cory Olson]

Thanks to Crimson Cross for the nice comments!

January 13, 2014
Card #382: Municipal Auditorium in Nashville

The “Music City” fans were excited for the first USWA card of 2014, as the USWA starts its 11th year! One fan in the crowd tonight wore a nice suit, but sported a black and white mask with an “X” at the top. You never whom you’ll see at a USWA card!

1) Tracy Smothers got a victory in the opener and the first USWA match of 2014, by scoring a pinfall on Virgil. Virgil had some offense against Smothers, but Smothers had several counters for him. Smothers hit a slingshot dropkick, knocking Virgil down. Smothers went for a cover, but only got two. Smothers hit the jawjacker a few moments later to score the pinfall. Smothers remains unbeaten and is becoming more and more popular with USWA crowds! ¾*

2) “Ravishing” Rick Rude made short work of S.D. Jones. “Special Delivery” had some early offense, but Rude quickly took control. He hit the Rude Awakening neckbreaker and made a cocky cover on Jones to score the pinfall in about two minutes, making Jimmy Hart a happy man! DUD

3) Hot Stuff, International’s team of Mr. Fuji and Mr. Saito defeated “Dastardly” Danny Doring and the Amish RoadKill. Fuji and Saito double teamed and punished Doring in the first few minutes of the bout, even drawing blood on him after Saito blasted him with a stiff head butt. Saito hit his suplex and went for a cover, but RoadKill jumped in and splashed Saito and Doring, sacrificing his partner to save the match. Doring managed to recover first and tag “The Angry Amish Warrior.” Saito tagged Fuji as well, but RoadKill attacked first. RoadKill looked to have Fuji in trouble and went up to the top rope. “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert distracted Frank Morrell, which allowed Fuji to pull out some of his salt and toss it in RoadKill’s eyes. RoadKill fell off the top, blinded by the salt. The Amish wrestler fought through the obstacle, but the Japanese team maintained control. Saito hit an Oriental leg sweep and made a cover, but RoadKill kicked out. Saito tried to put RoadKill out with a sleeper, but RoadKill rammed Saito’s back into the buckles. RoadKill attempted to tag to the “Dastardly One,” but Saito pulled RoadKill to his and Fuji’s corner. He tagged to Fuji and the Japanese blasted him with a double karate chop. Fuji worked over RoadKill, then tagged back to Saito. Saito chopped Doring, knocking him off the ring apron. He then slammed RoadKill, went up to the middle rope, and came off with a knee drop. He covered RoadKill and scored the pin. Fuji and Saito looked impressive, as they looked forward to their first shot at the USWA World Tag Team titles in next week’s main event in Lexington! **¾

4) Giant Bernard pinned Jim Powers in impressive fashion. Bernard seemed angrier and more vicious coming off of his loss to Bruiser Brody at New Year’s Knockout X in Lexington, as he was very aggressive against Powers. Powers battled back and had some brief offense against the monster Bernard, but the Boston native cut him off, blasting him with a short-arm clothesline. He pulled Powers off the mat and hit the Bernard Driver to score the pinfall. ½*

5) The Masked Superstars were victorious over “Cowboy” Bob Orton, Jr. and Olympian Bob Roop. Orton and Roop put up more of a fight in this bout, compared to their first meeting in Evansville and December, as they continue to work better together as a tag team. Jimmy Hart’s masked duo had some early offense against Orton Jr. Superstar II picked up Orton for the backbreaker, but Orton got a foot over the top rope to break up the hold. Later in the bout, Orton went to attack the giant with a clothesline, but Superstar II caught him, lifted him up, and dropped him throat-first across the top rope. Superstar II went for a cover, but the “Cowboy” kicked out. Superstar I tagged in and hit the spinning neckbreaker, but Roop made a save. Roop tagged in, but got worked over by the Superstars as well. Superstar I locked on the Cobra Hold and the Olympian started to drop. Orton Jr. climbed up the ropes and came off with a falling sledge to Superstar I’s back, breaking up the hold. The attack allowed Roop to recover and tag to Orton before Superstar I could tag to Superstar II. Orton worked over Superstar I and hit a piledriver for a near fall. A few moments later, Orton lifted Superstar I up and placed him on the top turnbuckle. He then hit the superplex. Orton went for a cover, but Superstar I got a foot under the bottom rope for a break. A few moments later, Roop and Superstar II went for the legal men. Roop was trying his best to get a pinfall on the giant, as he did in this same arena back in September, giving Superstar II his first pinfall loss. Roop went to pick up Superstar II, perhaps for the shoulder breaker, but the big man blocked it with a forearm to the back. Roop recovered, nailing Superstar II with forearms, and then knocking him into the corner with a shoulder tackle. Roop charged in with a clothesline, but the big man nailed him with a big boot to the face. Roop dropped to the mat and Superstar II went for a cover. Orton Jr. attempted a save, but was too late, as Paul Neighbors counted three. The Superstars got a hard-fought win in this bout and Jimmy Hart was happy once again! ***¼

6) “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson scored an impressive submission win over “The Belfast Bruiser” Fit Finlay. Danielson came to the ring wearing a neck brace, as he did in the Four Corners Match at New Year’s Knockout X in Memphis for the Mid-America Heavyweight title. However, as he entered the ring and removed his robe, he also took the brace and threw it down. Finlay looked nervous at this, so he attacked Danielson right at the bell, going for the neck. He hit a fireman’s carry Hot Shot and pummeled “Dragon.” Finlay had Danielson in the center of the ring and went for another shot, but Danielson ducked, took Finlay down to the mat, and locked on the LeBell Lock. Finlay fought hard for the ropes and almost grabbed them a few times, but Danielson managed to pull him away, even rolling through once, and keep the LeBell Lock on. After nearly two minutes, the Irish brawler finally tapped out, giving Danielson a big win! The “Music City” fans Danielson a big ovation as he celebrated after the bout, with “The Final Countdown” blaring throughout the Municipal Auditorium! **

7) The new Southern Heavyweight champion Steve “Dr. Death” Williams scored a pinfall victory over Doug Gilbert. Williams was very aggressive in this bout, wanting to score a decisive win over Gilbert, after losing to him via disqualification last month in Evansville. Williams hit the Doctor Bomb, which is what won him the Southern title against Ted DiBiase on December 31 and sent DiBiase out of the USWA for one year. Williams went for a cover, but “Hot Stuff’ Eddie Gilbert distracted Jerry Calhoun. Later Williams hit the Oklahoma Stampede. “Sensational” Sherri Martel distracted Calhoun, while Eddie jumped in the ring and dropped an elbow to Williams’ back. Doug took control briefly, but the Southern champ battled back. He hit a German suplex into a bridge and scored the pinfall. As Williams got his hand raised, Eddie and Sherri helped Doug of the ring. Eddie indicated that Williams was victorious now, but soon he would face off with the newest Hot Stuff, International member! *

8) In a “second chance” bout, “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers made quick work of David Taylor, to earn a shot at the USWA World Heavyweight championship next month in Evansville. Irate due to being suspended and kicked out of the finals of the 12-man tournament for the World title shot at New Year’s Knockout X last month, Rogers was extra aggressive in this bout against the British grappler. Rogers worked over Taylor and hit a series of dropkicks to put him down for the pinfall after about three minutes of action. “The Mouth of The South” Jimmy Hart was ecstatic that one of his men earned a World title shot and tonight was a perfect night for the First Family of Wrestling! DUD

9) In the first ever, World of Sports Rules Match in USWA history, Nigel McGuinness got a victory over USWA Mid-America Heavyweight champion Johnny Saint, but just like at New Year’s Knockout X, did not leave as champion. As was announced on USWA Championship Wrestling, this match was scheduled for 10 five-minute rounds. Gary Michael Cappetta announced over the microphone when there were two minutes, one minute, 30 seconds, and then 10 seconds left in each round. The challenger had early control in the first round. With about 90 seconds left in the round, he sent Saint into the corner. He charged at Saint with a shoulder tackle, but the champ leapt over McGuinness, and executed a hooking sunset flip. McGuinness kicked out at two. Saint pulled McGuinness to the middle and locked on the elevated surfboard. The Nashville fans went wild, as Saint has scored submission victories in the past with this hold. McGuinness was saved by the bell as time ran out to end the first round. Both men went back to their corners during the one-minute break. The second round started. Saint tossed McGuinness into the ropes off a lockup and nailed him with a shoulder tackle. McGuinness quickly got to his feet, but Saint nailed him with a forearm smash. McGuinness got knocked backwards in between the top and middle ropes. He rebounded and surprised Saint with a lariat out of nowhere. He covered the champ, but Saint managed to kick out at 2¾. With about two minutes left in the round, McGuinness whipped Saint into the ropes and bent over for a back bodydrop. Saint saw McGuiness’ attempt and leapt over him again with another sunset flip. The move was enough to put the challenger down for a three-count, giving Saint one fall in the bout!

The third round started off with McGuinness being aggressive and battling back from the one fall deficit. McGuinness nailed Saint with the jawbreaker lariat on two separate occasions, but the champ managed to kick out. McGuinness locked on the London Dungeon. Saint was in the middle of the ring, but managed to pull out one of his amazing counters and roll out of the hold. McGuinness maintained control, until the end of the round. In round four, the challenger blasted Saint with another lariat, this time busting him open. McGuinness covered Saint again, but the champ still kicked out. The bloodied Saint rolled to the ring apron for a breather. McGuinness didn’t allow him one, as he charged Saint with another lariat, knocking him to the arena floor. Saint was hurt. McGuinness had taken a lot of physicality as well and didn’t realize that Saint wasn’t returning to the ring. Frank Morrell’s count hit 10, as McGuinness rushed over to try and stop Morrell or help Saint back in, but it was too late. Due to the countout, McGuinness was declared the winner of the entire match. However, also due to the countout, Saint retained the title again. McGuinness was irate at himself for not bringing Saint back in. (Despite the loss, Saint achieved six defenses of the Mid-America Heavyweight title and now is the longest reigning champ of this title!) ***

10) The main event was for the USWA World Heavyweight championship, and was a historic match, as the current champion Lou Thesz put the title on the line against the very first USWA champion Johnny Valentine. Valentine won the title almost 10 years ago in Knoxville in February 2004, in the finals of an eight-man tournament. He defeated Thesz in the CWF in April 2011 and was hoping to win his second title nearly a decade after his first. Prior to the bout, Thesz offered to shake the challenger’s hand, but Valentine simply turned around and went back to his corner. The match started off with some great mat wrestling. Valentine had a little bit more control, as he would his strength against Thesz to dominate. The action picked up and Thesz managed to get the challenger up for the Greco-Roman backdrop. He turned into a cover, but Valentine kicked out. The challenger took control and locked Thesz in an abdominal stretch. The champ looked in trouble, but eventually managed to get to the ropes for a break. Valentine picked Thesz up into an over-the-shoulder backbreaker in the center of the ring. Thesz fought hard and managed to break out of the hold after 30 seconds, but was still hurting. Valentine attacked him with a stiff Atomic Skullcrusher. Thesz dropped to the mat and Valentine made a cover, but Thesz kicked out. With Ed “Strangler” Lewis cheering him on at ringside, Thesz battled back and surprised Valentine with a double wristlock. Valentine managed to pull himself to the ropes for a break. A few moments later, Thesz bounced off the ropes and flattened Valentine with the Thesz Press. Valentine lifted a shoulder at 2¾. Valentine had kicked out of both of the champ’s finishers and started to battle back, nailing Thesz with stiff forearms and chops. The champ surprised Valentine again and took him down to the mat, taking a risk by applying a short-arm scissors. (It was this move that Valentine blocked in 2011 to score the pinfall on Thesz in Tampa, albeit with a hook of the tights.) This time, Thesz did not roll through the arm scissors, but kept it clamped on tight in the center of the ring. Valentine was trapped in the center of the ring and could not reach the ropes, so he tapped out after 16 minutes of physical action. Jerry Calhoun called for the bell and awarded the bout to Thesz via submission. As the Nashville fans cheered Thesz’s victory, Lewis entered the ring to celebrate with his charge. Thesz and Lewis helped Valentine to his feet. Thesz again offered his hand to Valentine and this time the first USWA champ accepted. Valentine also offered his hand to the “Strangler” and Lewis accepted. It was a historic moment to kick off the USWA’s 11th year, seeing the first USWA champ, the current USWA champ, and the six-time former USWA champ in the same ring and showing respect for one another! ***½

[cruefan68]

Lou Thesz over Johnny Valentine was a solid main event. I would like to see Valentine get a rematch down the line but it looks like a challenge from Buddy Rogers is looming. I liked the World of Sport match but man what bad luck has Nigel McGuinness had against Johnny Saint. I am a fan of Saint so I like him setting the record for title defenses but Nigel got robbed in Nashville. I'm looking forward to Mr. Fuji & Mr. Saito getting the tag title shot against the Midnight Express. Another great night of USWA action.

[Cory Olson]

Thanks to Crue Fan for the comments!

Highlights of USWA Championship Wrestling from 1-18:
• As a result of his strong victory over David Taylor last week in Nashville, former USWA World Heavyweight champion “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers will get another shot at the title when he challenges current and two-time champ Lou Thesz in the main event on February 7 at the Sailors and Soldiers Memorial Coliseum in Evansville! Thesz began his second reign by defeating Rogers for the title last March in Lexington. The two have battled twice since then, first last May in Johnson City, with Rogers getting a disqualification victory and nearly defeating Thesz decisively. The rematch was at Independence Day Bash at Engel Stadium in Chattanooga and saw Thesz defeat Rogers to retain the title. One difference in this next meeting is that Rogers now has “The Mouth of The South” Jimmy Hart in his corner. Can Hart lead his first charge to a USWA title?
• Rogers will have a busy couple of weeks, as he will face rival “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka on January 27 at the Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga! Snuka will return from a leg injury caused by Rogers in November in Springfield, TN after their semifinal bout of the 12-man tournament to determine Thesz’s challenger at New Year’s Knockout. The attack by Rogers caused him to get suspended and miss out on competing in the tournament finals. Who will win the latest chapter of this epic feud?
• USWA Commissioner “Bullet” Bob Armstrong and Committee Chairman Jerry Jarrett both appeared in the WMC-TV Studios about upcoming cards. Lance Russell pointed out that the February 7 card in Evansville will take place on a Friday night, rather than the USWA’s typical Monday night schedule. Jarrett pointed out that February 7 will mark the 10-year anniversary of the crowning of the first USWA World Heavyweight champion, when Johnny Valentine defeated the Iron Sheik in a 2-out-of-3 Falls Match in the finals of an eight-man single elimination tournament in Knoxville. In honor of that historic night, Jarrett and the USWA Committee worked with the Sailors and Soldiers Memorial Coliseum to schedule a special Friday night card, like the USWA used to run, and pay homage to this anniversary!
• Commissioner Armstrong also announced that as a result of another countout victory over the USWA Mid-America Heavyweight champion, Nigel McGuinness will get another opportunity at Johnny Saint’s title. The British grapplers will tangle again, on February 17 at the Civic Coliseum in Knoxville. The match will once again be fought under 10 Rounds of World of Sport Rules. However, some added stipulations to hopefully ensure a decisive winner will be that the match will also be No-Disqualification and No-Countouts! McGuinness has now beaten Saint twice in title matches due to countouts and walked out without the Mid-America title. Can he finally win the gold and become a four-time champion or will Saint triumph?

The USWA comes back to the Rupp Arena in Lexington on January 20!
• Two tag teams looking to make an impact in 2014 will tangle once again, as Bob Roop and “Cowboy” Bob Orton, Jr. take on the Mongols! Geeto and Bepo will be battling their rivals Mr. Fuji and Mr. Saito the following week in Chattanooga in a No-Disqualification Match. They defeated Orton and Roop in Knoxville in December and hope to do so again. Can they make it 2-0 or will the popular duo of Orton and Roop avenge that loss?
• Another huge tag team match up will see two former USWA World Tag Team championship teams collide, as the Fabulous Kangaroos take on the New Age Outlaws! The Aussies had an impressive 2013, capturing the titles twice and having a very impressive win-loss record. The Outlaws are also two-time former champs and would love to get back in the title picture, especially if their rivals “Sweet” Stan Lane and Sweet Brown Sugar are holding the belts. Which team will emerge victorious?
• First Family of Wrestling member “Ravishing” Rick Rude has looked impressive in his first two matches back in the USWA so far. This week he’ll take on former Texas and World Tag Team champion Red Bastien! Rude’s first debut in the USWA at New Year’s Knockout IV in Memphis in 2007 saw him lose via countout to Bastien, after getting knocked off the top rope and to the floor. “The Mouth of The South” Jimmy Hart bragged on Championship Wrestling that with him accompanying and guiding Rude, that won’t happen! Will Hart’s prediction be true or can the flying redhead stop the “Ravishing One”?
• In what could be an action-packed, exciting six-man tag team match, the British trio of Nigel McGuinness, David Taylor, and Fit Finlay will take on their rival “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson and the high-flying popular duo of Brian Kendrick and Paul London! Danielson is said to be 100% recovered from his neck injury caused by the British rulebreakers in September in Jonesboro. He is enlisting the help of Kendrick and London to take on his rivals. Which trio will walk out the victors?
• Bruiser Brody will challenge Steve “Dr. Death” Williams in the main event next week in Chattanooga for the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship. But first, the New Mexican madman will take on Hot Stuff, International member Doug Gilbert! Brody earned his Southern title shot by defeating then-champion and Hot Stuff, International member Ted DiBiase in December in Knoxville. Gilbert has scored some impressive wins in his USWA tenure. With his brother Eddie managing him, and possibly “Sensational” Sherri Martel at ringside, can he score an upset on Brody prior to the brawler’s title match?
• It will be a busy night for Hot Stuff, International, as the main event will see Mr. Fuji and Mr. Saito challenge the current and three-time USWA World Tag Team champions the Midnight Express’ “Sweet” Stan Lane and Sweet Brown Sugar! The Midnights captured the belts from the Fabulous Kangaroos at the New Year’s Knockout card in Jim Cornette’s hometown of Louisville. Fuji and Saito have been an impressive and vicious duo since coming to the USWA in September. This will be their first shot at the titles. What impact will managers Cornette and Gilbert have in this bout and which rulebreaking duo will leave Lexington the World Tag Team champions?

All these great match-ups, plus Ray “The Crippler” Stevens competes for the first time, since betraying former tag team partner Nick Bockwinkel and joining the First Family of Wrestling at New Year’s Knockout! Plus, Giant Bernard, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, Tracy Smothers, and more USWA stars in action!

[Cory Olson]

January 20, 2014
Card #383: Rupp Arena in Lexington

The loyal Lexington fans were rabid for their first USWA card of 2014! As happened in Nashville last week, one fan wore a nice suit and tie, along with a white and black mask with an “X” on top. Was this the same fan from last week?

1) Tracy Smothers was victorious in the opener over the Amish RoadKill. Smothers was very impressive against his larger foe, using his fast-paced offense to wear down his opponent. “The Angry Amish Warrior” momentarily gained control on Smothers, hitting a body slam and then going up to the top rope for an Amish Splash. Smothers rolled out of the way and RoadKill crashed hard. Smothers recovered and blasted RoadKill with the jawjacker. He knocked RoadKill down and covered him to score the pinfall. Smothers is now 5-0 in the USWA after his most recent victory! ½*

2) “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan was victorious over “The Unpredictable” Johnny Rodz. Duggan was largely dominant against Rodz, pummeling him from pillar-to-post. He blasted Rodz with a powerful clothesline and scored the pinfall in just a few minutes. The Rupp Arena fans gave “Hacksaw” a big pop for his win! DUD

3) The newest member of Jimmy Hart’s First Family of Wrestling, Ray “The Crippler” Stevens was victorious over Jim Powers. The two-time former USWA World Tag Team champion was aggressive from the opening bell against Powers. He hit a double underhook suplex for a near fall. Powers made a comeback and had some control, but Stevens blocked a monkey flip and regained control. “The Crippler” got Powers down on the mat and came off the top with the Bombs Away. He covered Powers and scored the pinfall. “The Mouth of The South” was very happy with Stevens’ first victory as part of the First Family! ¾*

4) The Mongols scored a victory out of nowhere over Bob Roop and “Cowboy” Bob Orton, Jr. Orton and Roop double teamed Geeto in the first few minutes of the bout and looked like they might get a victory over the Mongols. Orton lifted Geeto up to the top rope to execute the superplex. As the “Cowboy” climbed the ropes to hit the finisher, Bepo ran over to the corner and shoved Orton down. Geeto got off the buckle and tagged to Bepo for the first time. At the same time, Orton managed to roll to the corner and tag back to the Olympian. Bepo cut Roop off and nailed him with a hard slam. He quickly tagged back to Geeto, who distracted Paul Morton, while Bepo grabbed one of the Mongols’ chains. Bepo wrapped the chain around his fist and then decked Roop in the face with it. Geeto quickly covered Roop and scored the pinfall. Orton, who was hurting from being shoved off the ropes, was slow to attempt a save and didn’t get there in time. The Mongols were happy by their win, but the Lexington fans were not! Geeto and Bepo will be allowed to use their chains legally next week in Chattanooga against rivals Mr. Fuji and Mr. Saito in a No-Disqualification Match! ½*

5) Giant Bernard pinned Virgil. The former bodyguard had some brief offense against Bernard, but the tattooed giant battled back. He blasted Virgil with a short-arm clothesline and then hit the Bernard Driver a few moments later to score the pinfall. ¼*

6) In a battle of two former USWA World Tag Team championship teams, the New Age Outlaws got their first victory over the Fabulous Kangaroos. “The Road Dogg” Jesse James and Billy Gunn were very focused in this bout, hoping to get a win over the Aussies. They double teamed Al Costello for the first few minutes. Gunn hit the Famouser on Costello early on, but Roy Heffernan broke up the pin attempt. Costello trapped Gunn in the Kangaroos’ corner a few moments later and double teamed him, then tagged to Heffernan. Heffernan got Gunn down on the mat and went up to the second rope. He came off with a knee drop, but Gunn rolled out of the way and Heffernan landed hard. Gunn pulled Heffernan to the Outlaws’ corner and tagged back to “The Road Dogg.” The Outlaws hit a spike piledriver on Heffernan. James made a cover, but Heffernan kicked out at 2¾. James hit the pump handle slam on Heffernan and covered him, but Heffernan got a foot under the ropes. Gunn tagged back in and blasted Heffernan with some stiff punches, which drew blood on the Aussie. Gunn surprised Heffernan with a power slam a few moments later and went for another pin attempt, but Heffernan showed his toughness in kicking out again. Gunn tagged back to James and the former Mid-America worked over Heffernan. He hit a body slam and went up to the second rope. He came off with a knee drop, but much like happened to Heffernan earlier in the bout, he crashed hard. Heffernan worked over the leg and went for the stepover toehold, but James grabbed the ropes for a break. Costello and Heffernan tagged in-and-out, while “Wild” Red Berry yelled encouragement from ringside. Heffernan blasted “The Road Dogg” with a Kangaroo Kick and went for a cover, but James kicked out. Costello tagged back in, but so did Gunn. Gunn ran wild on Costello, hitting a Jackhammer for a near fall. Gunn continued to attack Costello, but Costello was knocked into his own corner and tagged Heffernan. Heffernan jumped in and he and Gunn battled back-and-forth. Heffernan whipped Gunn into the corner, but Gunn reversed the whip, and sent Heffernan in. Gunn then showcased his agility, by launching himself and blasting Heffernan with an impressive running corner splash. Heffernan hit the mat and Gunn covered him to score the pinfall. Costello had attempted to save his partner, but was cut off by “The Road Dogg” with punches. Berry was shocked and outraged by the Kangaroos’ loss, but the Rupp Arena fans were very pleased as the Outlaws celebrated their big win! ***½

7) First Family of Wrestling member “Ravishing” Rick Rude was victorious over Red Bastien. Rude worked over Bastien’s neck in the opening minutes, perhaps setting him up for the Rude Awakening. The flying redhead battled back and hit a flying head scissors. He covered Rude, but Rude kicked out, with Jimmy Hart yelling encouragement from ringside through his megaphone! Rude battled back and set up Bastien for the Rude Awakening, but Bastien broke out of the neckbreaker before Rude could execute it. Rude cut him off and worked him over. He suplexed Bastien to the met and then went up to the top rope. Rude dove off and landed a big fist drop to Bastien. He covered him and scored the pinfall in impressive fashion. Hart was happy with another one of his charges getting a victory on this night! **½

8) Nigel McGuinness, David Taylor, and Fit Finlay defeated Bryan Danielson, Brian Kendrick, and Paul London by disqualification in a fast-paced, high-action six-man tag team match. The British trio went to work on Danielson in the opening minutes. Taylor hit the British suplex in the opening minutes, but Danielson managed to lift a shoulder before the three-count. Finlay tagged in, but Danielson surprised him with strikes and then made a tag to Kendrick. Kendrick dazzled “The Belfast Bruiser” with his offense. Finlay tagged to McGuinness, who went right after Kendrick. He sent him into the ropes and bent over for a back body drop, but Kendrick saw it and instead hit a sunset flip on McGuinness. McGuinness kicked out at two. Kendrick leapt to his corner and tagged London, who attacked McGuinness and got him down on the mat. Taylor jumped in to save his partner, but got nailed with a dropkick from London, who in the same movement hit the dropsault on McGuinness. He covered the three-time former Mid-America champ, but McGuinness kicked out. London went up to the top rope a few minutes later, but Taylor shook the ropes and crotched him on the top rope. Taylor tagged in, but London battled back. London and Kendrick wore down the British grappler with their fast-paced offense, including a tossing dropkick. Kendrick went for a cover on Taylor, but Finlay broke up the pin attempt. Rivals Danielson and McGuinness ended up back in the ring as the legal men. McGuinness hit the jawbreaker lariat, but “American Dragon” kicked out. McGuinness locked on the London Dungeon and held it on for nearly a minute. With the fans and his partners cheering him on, Danielson managed to pull himself to the ropes for a break. Finlay tagged in and tossed “Dragon” into the ropes. He went for a clothesline, but Danielson ducked it, and bounced back off the ropes with a Yakuza Kick. With Finlay down, Danielson tagged back to Kendrick. Kendrick sent Finlay into the corner and charged in with a big boot. Finlay ducked the attack, Kendrick overshot the target, and got crotched on the ropes. Kendrick rolled out of the ring for a breather, and the Irish brawler followed. McGuinness and Taylor jumped in the ring to lure Danielson and London in, which diverted Joe Wheeler’s attention. Finlay grabbed a steel chair from the ringside area and went to use it on Kendrick. Despite being in pain, Kendrick ducked the chair shot, and nailed Finlay in the stomach with a roundhouse kick. Finlay dropped the chair and Kendrick grabbed it. He nailed Finlay across the back with it. Unfortunately, Wheeler turned around from the other four wrestlers brawling in the ring, saw Kendrick use the chair, and called for the bell, disqualifying the fan favorites. The Rupp Arena fans booed the decision, as it was a disappointing end to a great tag team match! McGuinness and Taylor escaped Danielson and London, grabbed Finlay, and retreated to the locker room, bragging about their win, as they fled! ***¼

9) Bruiser Brody got a hard-earned victory over Doug Gilbert. Gilbert was accompanied both by his manager and brother “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert and valet “Sensational” Sherri Martel. Gilbert used the double distraction element to his advantage, gaining the offensive on Brody throughout the bout and fighting his hardest for a big upset. With the crowd behind him, the former USWA World champion Brody battled back. He hit a one-hand body slam and then a running leg drop for a near fall on Gilbert. Brody had Gilbert down in the center of the ring and appeared ready to launch for the jumping knee drop. Eddie jumped up on the ring apron to distract Scott Bowden. Meanwhile, Gilbert rolled out of the ring and Sherri consoled him. Brody chased off “Hot Stuff” and then went to the floor after Doug. Sherri fled for her safety, as Brody went after him. Gilbert cut Brody off and rammed him into the ring post. He tossed the New Mexican madman back into the ring and then climbed up the ropes. He came off with the top rope shoulder ram, which managed to knock Brody off his feet. Gilbert made a cover, but Brody powered out. Brody quickly battled back and got Doug down on the mat. He took off and hit the jumping knee drop to score the pinfall. Brody looked impressive in his win and he is ready to challenge Steve “Dr. Death” Williams for the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship next week in Chattanooga! ***

10) After the pre-main event intermission, “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert was back out to the ring, this time accompanying Mr. Fuji and Mr. Saito as they challenged for the USWA World Tag Team championship for first time against current champs—“Sweet” Stan Lane and Sweet Brown Sugar of the Midnight Express. The Midnights were naturally accompanied by their manager Jim Cornette, as well as third tag team partner “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton. The four combatants were in their respective corners, while Gary Michael Cappetta did the main event ring introductions. As Cappetta concluded the announcements, the champs turned their backs to remove their ring robes, take off the World Tag Team title belts, and consult with Cornette. Fuji and Saito took advantage of this and charged the Midnights in their corner, ambushing them from behind. Eaton was on the ring apron and tried to reach in, but Saito cut him off and nailed him with a stiff head butt, sending Eaton flying off the ring apron. Cornette reached in and started swinging at both challengers. Gilbert ran in and pulled “The Louisville Slugger” off the apron, then nailed him with a clothesline. Saito and Sugar brawled to the floor and Saito sent Sugar into the guard railing back-first. Paul Morton finally managed to separate Lane and Fuji inside the ring long enough to call for the bell and officially start the bout, after consulting with “Sweet” Stan as to whether or not the Midnights wanted to have the match. Fuji continued his onslaught and executed a shoulder breaker on Lane. Fuji then went up to the second rope and hit the Banzai Drop. He covered Lane cockily, but Lane managed to kick out. Lane rolled out of the ring for a breather, but his teammates and manager were all still down and out. Saito ran over and nailed Lane with some stiff chops and punches. Morton told Saito to return to his corner. The Japanese Olympian obliged, while Lane climbed back up to the apron. Morton was still warning Saito and did not see Fuji got into his pocket and pull out salt. Fuji tossed the salt in Lane’s eyes and “Sweet” Stan dropped to the arena floor, blinded. Morton turned around and saw Lane on the floor, but did not see the salt in his eyes. He put a 10-count on Lane. Lane fought hard and got to the apron by nine, but couldn’t get back in the ring. Morton called for the bell and awarded the bout via countout to Fuji and Saito, after only a minute of legal action! The Rupp Arena fans were outraged by this travesty and such a short main event! Fuji, Saito, and Gilbert were happy by their win, despite not winning the World Tag Team titles! They left the ring celebrating their acts. Cornette, Eaton, and Sugar had recovered by this point and checked on Lane. “Sweet” Stan, still blinded, started swinging at his teammates, before realizing who was there. (NOTE: This match was only three moves!) neg*

[throwingtoasters]

Always great to read your results. Looks like The First Family had a decent night. Always good to see.

[Cory Olson]

Thanks to Toaster Boy for the comments!

Hope everyone's having a great Christmas!

Highlights of USWA Championship Wrestling from 1-25:
• Jim Cornette and all three members of the Midnight Express were interviewed in-studio. Lance Russell asked how the group was doing after their ambush by Mr. Saito, Mr. Fuji, and “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert last week in Lexington. Cornette said that he and his men were just fine, but that he is outraged that such tactics are allowed in the USWA! He said that Gilbert should be barred for “impersonating a manager and a wrestler” and that Fuji and Saito should be “shipped back to Japan”! Commissioner Bob Armstrong entered the studio and told Cornette it was interesting that he is complaining about a pre-match attack, as he and his men attacked him, Brad, and Brian Armstrong 2½ years ago before their Ultimate Jeopardy Match at the 300th card in Memphis, which led to Brad having to leave the USWA. Armstrong stated that he and the USWA Committee do not condone pre-match attacks and because of this, Fuji and Saito will have to wait for their rematch for the USWA World Tag Team titles. Cornette asked why they would even get a rematch and the commissioner stated that it’s because they beat the champs! Armstrong continued and stated that the next challengers for “Sweet” Stan Lane and Sweet Brown Sugar will be a team they know very well—two-time former champions the New Age Outlaws! This bout will be the main event on February 17 at the Civic Coliseum in Knoxville! Cornette said he’s not surprised that the “incompetent” commissioner is rewarding his son with a championship match. The manager said that if Lane and Sugar have to embarrass “The Dirty Dogg” Jesse James and Billy “Goon” once again, they will do that!
• Some more matches were added for the February 7 card at the Sailors and Soldiers Memorial Coliseum in Evansville. In a first-time match-up, “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson will take on the Swiss powerhouse Claudio Castagnoli! Both men are hoping to get in the singles title picture in 2014. This could be a very exciting bout!
• Also, two rival tag teams will collide once again, when the First Family of Wrestling’s Masked Superstars take on the two-time former World Tag Team champions “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant!
• Another bout featuring a member of Jimmy Hart’s First Family will see Ray “The Crippler” Stevens take on his long-timer rival former Southern Heavyweight and Mid-America Heavyweight champion “The Man with The Cast Iron Stomach” Pepper Gomez! Stevens’ attack off of a ladder in San Francisco eventually caused Gomez to follow him to the USWA in 2011. This will be the first time that Gomez has battled Stevens with “The Mouth of The South” at ringside!
• Commissioner Armstrong was back later in the program and announced that in honor of the 10th anniversary of the USWA, a special presentation will take place in Evansville right before the main event. He said that some USWA wrestlers, both current and former will be honored. Lance Russell asked if the commissioner could reveal those names, so that the USWA fans could buy their tickets to this great card! “Bullet” Bob said that “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka will be receiving an award, as well as Nick Bockwinkel! This will be Bockwinkel’s first appearance since being betrayed by former tag team partner Ray “The Crippler” Stevens at New Year’s Knockout X. Armstrong said that former USWA World Tag Team champions the Killer Bees will return, as well as former USWA World Heavyweight, World Tag Team, and Southern Heavyweight champion Frank Gotch! Gotch was a USWA “original,” who wrestled in the area from the promotion’s inception in 2004. His last match was at New Year’s Knockout VI in 2009 in Dallas, where he came out victorious in the only Battlezone Match in USWA history with Dick Hutton, Danny Hodge, and Dan Severn as Team RPW (Real Pro Wrestling) against Ted and Mike DiBiase, Steve Williams, and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. Russell asked Armstrong if he would reveal what would bring these great names in USWA history and all of pro wrestling history together in one place. Commissioner Armstrong said that will be announced live in Evansville!

The USWA comes the Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga on January 27 with a huge card!
• Ray “The Crippler” Stevens will collide with Pepper Gomez on February 7. But first he’ll take on Gomez’ tag team partner and a man Stevens knows very well—Red Bastien! You can bet that the First Family member will be looking to make a statement to Gomez and the wrestling world by defeating the flying redhead. Can Stevens get a win over his rival’s partner or will the ever-capable Bastien ruin his plans?
• The popular Magnum T.A. will make his first USWA appearance of 2014. T.A. had a great 2013 and is hoping for an ever better 2014. But he’ll have a tough challenge in front of him with former Mid-America champion David Taylor! Magnum’s only losses of ’13 came at the hands of Taylor’s mate Fit Finlay. Magnum is hoping to battle Finlay again, but first he’ll take on Taylor. Can T.A. topple the British technician?
• Two powerhouses will collide for the first time, when “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan takes on Giant Bernard. Bernard made an impact in the USWA at the end of 2013 and has only suffered one loss so far. How he will fare against the American hero Duggan?
• The World Tag Team champions will be in non-title action, when the Midnight Express’ “Sweet” Stan Lane and Sweet Brown Sugar take on the popular duo of Brian Kendrick and Paul London. The high-flying Kendrick and London defeated Lane and Sugar in a non-title bout in August in Memphis in a great bout. Kendrick and London went on to challenge the Fabulous Kangaroos, who had defeated the Midnights, later in the year for the belts. Kendrick and London would love another shot at the gold and you can guarantee that another win over the champs would put them in line. Lane and Sugar are outraged after being ambushed by Mr. Saito and Mr. Fuji last week in Lexington and will probably be extra aggressive against the fan favorites. Which team will come out the winners in this bout?
• “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka will be back in action after his injury and he is out for revenge on long-time rival “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers. Rogers injured Snuka’s leg in November in Springfield with the figure-four grapevine, causing Rogers to get suspended and miss the finals of the 12-man tournament for the shot at Lou Thesz’s USWA World Heavyweight championship. Rogers has since earned a shot at Thesz on February 7. He may be taking a big risk by facing an irate Snuka prior to that title bout. Can Snuka gain revenge or will Rogers ruin his return?
• Two rival tag teams will battle once again, when Hot Stuff, International’s Mr. Saito and Mr. Fuji take on former Hot Stuff members the Mongols in a No-Disqualification Match! These two teams have been pretty even in their meetings so far. Fuji and Saito got a win at New Year’s Knockout X in Lexington by disqualification after the Mongols used their chains on their opponents. Because of that, Commissioner Armstrong made this a No-Disqualification Match! In this match, there will be no disqualifications or countouts! Since this is a tag team match, wrestlers must legally tag in to score a pinfall or submission. However, anything else is allowed in this bout! Can Fuji and Saito gain a win over Bepo and Geeto, or will Eddie Gilbert’s former team topple his current team?
• The main event will feature two of the most popular and most powerful wrestlers in the USWA doing battle for the first time and for one of the top prizes in the USWA. New Southern Heavyweight champion Steve “Dr. Death” Williams will make his first defense of the title against former World Heavyweight champion Bruiser Brody! Brody earned his shot by pinning then-champion Ted DiBiase on December 9 in Knoxville. Williams captured the title from DiBiase at New Year’s Knockout in Lexington and sent him packing from the USWA for one year. This should be a very physical bout! In addition to the championship being on the line, “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert has announced that his newest Hot Stuff, International member will be revealed at this card and that he will be very interested in Williams’ match. Who will that man be? Can “Dr. Death” topple Brody and retain the Southern gold or will Brody capture the Southern belt for the first time?

All these great bouts, plus “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant takes on “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton! As well as “Ravishing” Rick Rude, Tracy Smothers, and more USWA stars in action!

[cruefan68]

I am very happy to see the USWA back in action. The card in Lexington was fun but wow what a controversial main event. The one positive is that Fuji & Saito vs. Midnight Express could turn into a great feud. Looking forward to the next show in Chattanooga.

[Cory Olson]

Thanks to Crue Fan for the comments!

January 27, 2014
Card #384: Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga

1) Tracy Smothers remains undefeated in the USWA, as he scored a quick pin in the opener over “Dastardly” Danny Doring. Smothers largely controlled the action. He slammed Doring to the mat and then blasted him with the jawjacker, as Doring tried to get back to his feet. Smothers covered Doring and scored the pinfall in about two minutes. Smothers’ popularity among the USWA fans continues to grow, as he continues to win! DUD

2) Ray “The Crippler” Stevens made a comeback to score a pinfall victory over Red Bastien. Stevens was naturally accompanied by “The Mouth of The South” Jimmy Hart. Bastien was accompanied by tag team partner Pepper Gomez, who will face Stevens on February 7 in Evansville. This was a back-and-forth match. Bastien scored several near falls on Stevens, including one after a beautiful flying head scissors. Stevens got whipped into the ropes and ducked a clothesline from Bastien. He bounced back and nailed Bastien with a jumping knee smash. He covered the flying redhead, but only got a two-count. Bastien battled back and nailed “The Crippler” with an airplane spin into the atomic drop. Stevens went flying off the drop head-first into the top turnbuckle and was busted open. Bastien went for a cover, but Stevens got a foot on the bottom rope for a break. The blood continued to pour out, as Bastien knocked Stevens out of the ring with a dropkick. Hart went to check on Stevens, but Red followed him out and chased the manager off. He went to grab Stevens, but Stevens cut him off and rammed him head-first into the ring post. Bastien was knocked silly and Stevens tossed him back into the ring. Stevens went up to the top rope and hit the Bombs Away. He covered Bastien and scored the pinfall. As Hart celebrated Stevens’ win, “The Crippler” gloated toward Gomez, who checked on Bastien. ***¾

3) “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton defeated “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant. This was a back-and-forth bout. Valiant got Eaton down on the mat and went for a spinning toehold. Eaton looked in trouble, but managed to kick Valiant off and send him into the turnbuckles. Eaton took over and hit the Alabama Jam for a two-count. Valiant battled back and caught Eaton in the sleeper. With Jim Cornette yelling from ringside, Eaton managed to get to the ropes for a break. Valiant maintained control, but Cornette tripped “Boogie Woogie” up from outside. Eaton ambushed Valiant off of the distraction and hit the Divorce Court. He covered Valiant and scored the pinfall. Cornette was very happy about “Beautiful” Bobby’s win. **¼

4) “Ravishing” Rick Rude pinned “The Ragin’ Cajun” Lash LeRoux. Rude had control at the start of the bout. He hit a reverse atomic drop for a near fall. LeRoux battled back and surprised Rude with a diving huracanrana. LeRoux went for a cover, but Rude kicked out. Rude capitalized on a mistake by LeRoux and regained control. He hit the Rude Awakening and scored the pinfall. The First Family of Wrestling member Rude continues to impress on his return to the USWA! **½

5) Magnum T.A. scored an impressive win on former Mid-America champion David Taylor. Taylor took control at the start and tried to score a big win on T.A. He hit the British suplex, but Magnum got a foot under the bottom rope for the break. Magnum battled back and hit the belly-to-belly suplex out-of-nowhere to score the pinfall after about four minutes of action. The Chattanooga fans gave Magnum a big cheer for his win! *½

6) “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan got a huge victory, defeating Giant Bernard. Bernard charged Duggan right after the opening bell and pummeled him. He used a powerful short-arm clothesline on “Hacksaw.” Bernard missed a charge into the corner and Duggan took control. He rocked Bernard with punches and then landed an Old Glory. Bernard rolled to the corner and started to get to his feet. Duggan came out of the other corner from the three-point stance and hit Bernard with the flying spear. He knocked the big Bernard off his feet and covered him to score the pinfall after just a few minutes of action. The fans popped big for Duggan’s quick win over Bernard and “Hacksaw” celebrated amongst the Chattanooga fans, including a fan dressed in a suit and a white mask with an “X” on it. (Perhaps the USWA’s newest most loyal fan?) Bernard recovered after the pinfall and was outraged by the loss! ¾*

7) The World Tag Team champions the Midnight Express of “Sweet” Stan Lane and Sweet Brown Sugar scored quick win over Brian Kendrick and Paul London. Perhaps the Midnights were outraged after their quick countout loss to Mr. Fuji and Mr. Saito last week in Lexington, as they were extra aggressive in this bout. They hit the Flapjack on Kendrick after just a couple of minutes. Sugar continued to work over Kendrick and blasted him with the dropkick. He covered Kendrick and scored the pin, while Lane knocked an intervening London out of the ring with the superkick. London never even got the chance to tag in, as the champs scored a dominant win, making Jim Cornette happy again! DUD

8) “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka returned to action from injury, but had his returned spoiled by “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers. This action was fast-and-furious from the opening bell between these two rivals. Rogers nailed Snuka with a series of dropkicks for a two-count. Snuka reversed a whip and hit a power slam on the “Nature Boy” for a near fall. Rogers regained control, knocked Snuka into the ropes with a forearm, and bent over for a back body drop. Snuka saw Rogers’ attempt and surprised him with a sunset flip for another two-count. Rogers quickly recovered from the pin attempt and went right to work on Snuka’s previously-injured leg. He clamped on the figure-four grapevine in the center of the ring. Perhaps to avoid reinjuring the leg, Snuka tapped out due to the pain of the hold, giving Rogers the victory. Jimmy Hart climbed in the ring to celebrate Rogers’ win. Much like he did in November in Springfield, Rogers kept Snuka in the grapevine. “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant, recovered from his earlier bout, ran down to the ring to run off Rogers and Hart and save his tag team partner. Rogers and Hart returned to the locker room, with Rogers strutting and looking ahead to another shot at Lou Thesz and the USWA World Heavyweight title on February 7 in Evansville! **½

9) Mr. Fuji and Mr. Saito defeated the Mongols in a No-Disqualification Match. Geeto and Bepo brought their chains into play several times during this bout, since it was allowed, but it could not put down the Japanese duo. Geeto blasted Fuji with an Oriental Spike and went for a cover, but Fuji kicked out. Saito tagged in and worked over Bepo. He locked Bepo in the Scorpion Leglock. Bepo grabbed the ropes, but Sam Platania couldn’t force the break, due to the no-disqualification rule. Geeto ran in and broke up the hold with a boot the back of Saito’s head. A few minutes later, Saito and Geeto were the legal men. Saito caught Geeto in the Scorpion. Bepo ran in and broke up the submission hold. Fuji came in and eye raked Bepo. He then knocked Bepo out of the ring with several chops. Fuji returned to his corner, while Saito picked up Geeto and hit his suplex. He covered Geeto and scored the pinfall in impressive fashion. “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert was very happy with his team’s win! ***

10) The main event was a first-time meeting between two of the USWA’s most popular and most powerful stars! Steve “Dr. Death” Williams made his first defense of his second reign with the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship against Bruiser Brody. After Gary Michael Cappetta introduced both wrestlers for the typical pre-main event introductions, “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert, accompanied by “Sensational” Sherri Martel, came down to ringside. Gilbert asked Cappetta for the microphone. He said that just as he promised, he was going to introduce the newest member to Hot Stuff, International. He said that Williams is especially familiar with this man, as the two were part of some epic battles in the UWF. He then looked to the challenger and said that Brody has also crossed paths with him in All Japan Pro Wrestling. “Hot Stuff” said that this man has traveled the world, both as a singles wrestler and a tag team star, and will fit Hot Stuff, International very well. Gilbert introduced Chattanooga’s own—one-third of the Fabulous Freebirds—Terry “Bamm Bamm” Gordy! Gordy entered the Memorial Auditorium, while “Freebird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd played. The Chattanooga fans gave this hometown wrestler a mixed reaction. Many fans seemed shocked that Gordy has joined Gilbert’s group! Long-time USWA fans will remember that Gordy teamed up with Michael “P.S.” Hayes and Buddy Roberts as part of a special attraction match against David, Kerry, and Kevin Von Erich for the WCCW World Six-Man Tag Team championship at New Year’s Knockout II at Texas Stadium in 2005. Gordy entered the ring and stared down both the champion and challenger. Gordy, Gilbert, and Sherri, sat near Lance Russell and Dave Brown at the announcers’ table, as Tommy Marlin called for the bell to start this title match.

Williams and Brody showed great respect and sportsmanship by shaking hands to start the match. The action started slowly, with both wrestlers showing their mat wrestling skills. As the action picked up, Brody went for an arm wringer, but Williams blocked it, and surprised Brody with a backslide for a near fall. The challenger fought back and hit a twisting vertical suplex. He covered Williams, but the Southern champ kicked out. Brody got “Dr. Death” down on the mat again, then took off, and hit the jumping knee drop. The former World champ covered Williams, but the Southern champ kicked out at 2¾! The Chattanooga fans went wild, thinking that Brody had things won. Brody decided to go up to the top rope. He came off with a knee drop, but Williams rolled out of the way and Brody landed hard. Both men got to their feet and Williams blasted Brody hard in the face with a lariat. Brody was busted open. Williams went for a cover, but Brody kicked out. Brody battled back and sent Williams into the corner. “Dr. Death” reversed the whip, pulled Brody toward him, and picked him up into the Oklahoma Stampede. The fans popped big for this reversal! Williams hit the Stampede and went for a cover. Brody kicked out at 2¾! The fans were going crazy for this great action. Williams hit the backdrop driver. Somehow, Brody managed to stand after the move, but was definitely shaken up. Williams immediately hit another lariat and put Brody long enough to score the three-count after 14 minutes of action. The fans popped big for the Southern champ’s win. Williams and Brody shook hands again after the match, as Brody strapped the Southern title belt around him and then returned to the locker room. Gordy, Gilbert, and Sherri also returned to the back, but Gordy and Williams stared each other down with great intensity! ***½

[bookerbill]

Really enjoyed the main event. Adding Gordy to the mix was excellent.

[Deleted]

This fed is a 2014 fed of the year finalist. Vote now (if you already haven't) and help it win FED OF THE YEAR tomorrow night!

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