Cory's USWA

[Cory Olson]

April 10, 2009
Card #203: Sailors & Soldiers Memorial Coliseum in Evansville

1) “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka got a win in the opener over Larry Sharpe. “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant accompanied his partner to ringside. Snuka nailed Sharpe with a chop after a leap frog. The fans popped, knowing Snuka used this to beat Frank Gotch on the last card. Snuka got the pinfall after a flying head butt. DUD

2) Even with only one good leg, The Crusher was able to help Diamond Dallas Page score a win over “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring. Crusher wore a walking cast on his injured leg. Page gave both Rose and Doring a beating. Doring tried to bail out, but gave him a boot from the apron, then grabbed him by the hair and tossed him back in the ring. DDP tagged out to Crusher. “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous” tossed Doring shoulder-first into the ring post. Doring turned around and got met with a Crusher Bolo. Crusher made the cover, while Page kept Rose at bay. As Crusher and Page left the ring, Crusher threatened to take “Sensational” Sherri Martel back with him again. Sherri ran back into the ring to console her men and avoided “Da” Crusher. ¾*

3) “Iron” Mike DiBiase scored another impressive win, this time over Johnny Rodz. It took DiBiase only about one minute to put Rodz down with a series of stiff punches. Apparently Ted DiBiase trained his punching ability with his father, as Mike is no slouch, winning his last two bouts with punches. DUD

4) Larry Zbyszko defeated George South. Coming off two wins over Dick Hutton, Zbyszko was looking to impress the USWA Committee. He administered a ton of punishment to South in this one, even pulling him up from what would might have been a pin, after his piledriver. After some more punishment, Zbyszko nailed South with a knee smash and got the pinfall, making Bobby “The Brain” Heenan a happy man. ½*

5) Magnificent Muraco and Greg Valentine got a win over rivals Buff Bagwell and Chris Candido. As Capt. Lou Albano and his men were making their way to the ring, Bagwell and Candido took a page from the former champs’ book and jumped them in the aisle. Bagwell and Valentine started the match legally, while Candido and Muraco brawled on the floor. Bagwell got a two-count after a scoop slam, then tagged out to Candido, who had thrown Muraco into the guard railing. Candido and Bagwell placed Valentine on the top turnbuckle, allowing Candido to follow up with an awesome top rope huracanrana. He made a cover, but only got a two. Candido took Valentine up the ropes again and managed to execute a Blonde Bomb. He went for a cover, but Albano distracted Paul Neighbors. It looked to have saved Valentine, who was very woozy from the Bomb. Muraco had recovered and climbed to the corner by this point. Valentine recovered and tagged out to him. Muraco immediately fought back with dirty tactics, nailing Candido with two Asiatic Spikes. Muraco then knocked Bagwell off the apron with a running clothesline. He tagged Valentine back in, and “The Hammer” worked over Candido’s leg in the corner. While Neighbors backed Valentine off, Muraco rammed Candido’s leg into the post. This left Candido easy prey for Valentine’s figure-four. Candido fought the hold for more than a minute, until finally having to tap out. Albano’s men stood victorious, but you can bet this feud isn’t over yet! ***

6) Dan “The Beast” Severn defeated “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan by submission in a hard-hitting, physical match. Severn utilized his power and great wrestling leverage to toss Duggan several times with the fireman’s carry slam, and then busting him open after some knee smashes. Duggan locked Severn in a bear hug many times, trying to get a submission of his own. Duggan got Severn up and delivered a big spinning body slam, then following up with a cover, but only getting a two-count. Severn came back and caught Duggan in the middle of the ring in a bow and arrow, stretching him out. “Hacksaw” fought for the ropes, but to no avail, eventually surrendering. The bell rang, but Severn wouldn’t release the hold. Dick Hutton climbed in the ring, but not to convince Severn to let go, but to join in on the punishment. While Severn held Duggan down, Hutton dropped several knees. Steve Williams ran down to the ring and got Severn and Hutton out of the ring. Duggan suffered a torn pectoral from the bow and arrow. No word at this time on how much ring time he will miss. ***¼

7) World Tag Team champions The Midnight Express got a quick win over Brad Armstrong and “Jumping” Jim Brunzell. Armstrong started off against “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton and had some good offense. But just as he was getting going, Jim Cornette jammed his tennis racquet into Armstrong’s back from outside the ring, unseen by Frank Morrell. The Midnight soon hit the Midnight Massacre on Armstrong. Brunzell came in for the save, but got cut off by Eaton, while “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey got a quick pin. Fans were not happy about this one! DUD

8) Frank Gotch and Dick Hutton scored a very quick DQ win over Ted DiBiase and Steve Williams. Rivals Gotch and DiBiase started off. Gotch hit a stiff forearm smash and knocked DiBiase out of the ring. Hutton tagged in, and then went to the floor to go after his former tag team partner. Before he could get his hands on DiBiase, DiBiase grabbed a steel chair and clocked Hutton with it! Paul Neighbors was left with no choice but to call for the bell, before “Dr. Death” could even tag in. Apparently DiBiase was fired up for Team RPW’s earlier attack on “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. Dan Severn ran out from the back, but so did “Iron” Mike DiBiase. Referees and officials kept the teams apart before things could escalate. (Danny Hodge was in preparation for his later World title match, and thus did not run out.) DUD

9) Nick Bockwinkel forced Antonino Rocca to submit in a very competitive match. Bock was focused, attempting both the sleeper and the figure-four in the first minute of the match. But it was too early to get a submission on Rocca. Rocca used his own submission finisher—the Argentinian backbreaker, but Bockwinkel was close to the ropes and get his foot draped across the top. Rocca got more near falls with a series of flying dropkicks, as well as a top rope dropkick. He locked Bockwinkel in a bow and arrow and looked close to a submission, but Bockwinkel managed to get out. Bockwinkel took control after a brawl outside the ring. He worked over Rocca’s legs and applied the figure-four in the center of the ring. Rocca was in it for over two minutes, but with the crowd behind him, managed to roll out of the hold. His legs were definitely hurt though. Bockwinkel immediately took over and slammed his head into the buckle, which drew blood on Rocca. Bockwinkel slapped on the sleeper again, but Rocca grabbed the ropes. Bockwinkel clipped Rocca’s legs and pulled him back into the center of the ring. He applied the figure-four and finally got Rocca to tap out. Bobby Heenan’s men were both victorious on this night. ****½

10) The main event was for the USWA World Heavyweight championship as Ed “Strangler” Lewis defended against Danny Hodge. Remember fans, Hodge won this shot, as well as $25,000, in the one-night, four-man Clash at the Coliseum tournament at the USWA’s 200th card. The two started off with some great scientific wrestling. Lewis went to his specialty—the Strangler’s Headlock many time in this one. Hodge is known for his grip strength, but Lewis showed he’s got some got gripping as well, as the headlock eventually drew blood on Hodge. As Lewis had Hodge in a headlock at one point, Dick Hutton pulled Hodge’s foot to the ropes to cause a break. Jerry Calhoun didn’t see it, but Lewis did and he questioned Hutton. This allowed Hodge to recover and blast the champ with a dropkick. He applied a Boston Crab on Lewis, utilizing the grip. But the “Strangler” made it to the ropes. As Lewis tried to get to his feet, Hodge leapt over him and hit the Oklahoma side roll. Lewis kicked out at 2¾. Hodge was gunning for the win, but the champ staged a comeback with the crowd behind him. Lewis caught him in another headlock, took him down to the mat, and forced Hodge to tap. “Strangler” was victorious and remains champ! ***½

[Cory Olson]

April 10, 2009
Card #203: Sailors & Soldiers Memorial Coliseum in Evansville

1) “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka got a win in the opener over Larry Sharpe. “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant accompanied his partner to ringside. Snuka nailed Sharpe with a chop after a leap frog. The fans popped, knowing Snuka used this to beat Frank Gotch on the last card. Snuka got the pinfall after a flying head butt. DUD

2) Even with only one good leg, The Crusher was able to help Diamond Dallas Page score a win over “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring. Crusher wore a walking cast on his injured leg. Page gave both Rose and Doring a beating. Doring tried to bail out, but gave him a boot from the apron, then grabbed him by the hair and tossed him back in the ring. DDP tagged out to Crusher. “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous” tossed Doring shoulder-first into the ring post. Doring turned around and got met with a Crusher Bolo. Crusher made the cover, while Page kept Rose at bay. As Crusher and Page left the ring, Crusher threatened to take “Sensational” Sherri Martel back with him again. Sherri ran back into the ring to console her men and avoided “Da” Crusher. ¾*

3) “Iron” Mike DiBiase scored another impressive win, this time over Johnny Rodz. It took DiBiase only about one minute to put Rodz down with a series of stiff punches. Apparently Ted DiBiase trained his punching ability with his father, as Mike is no slouch, winning his last two bouts with punches. DUD

4) Larry Zbyszko defeated George South. Coming off two wins over Dick Hutton, Zbyszko was looking to impress the USWA Committee. He administered a ton of punishment to South in this one, even pulling him up from what would might have been a pin, after his piledriver. After some more punishment, Zbyszko nailed South with a knee smash and got the pinfall, making Bobby “The Brain” Heenan a happy man. ½*

5) Magnificent Muraco and Greg Valentine got a win over rivals Buff Bagwell and Chris Candido. As Capt. Lou Albano and his men were making their way to the ring, Bagwell and Candido took a page from the former champs’ book and jumped them in the aisle. Bagwell and Valentine started the match legally, while Candido and Muraco brawled on the floor. Bagwell got a two-count after a scoop slam, then tagged out to Candido, who had thrown Muraco into the guard railing. Candido and Bagwell placed Valentine on the top turnbuckle, allowing Candido to follow up with an awesome top rope huracanrana. He made a cover, but only got a two. Candido took Valentine up the ropes again and managed to execute a Blonde Bomb. He went for a cover, but Albano distracted Paul Neighbors. It looked to have saved Valentine, who was very woozy from the Bomb. Muraco had recovered and climbed to the corner by this point. Valentine recovered and tagged out to him. Muraco immediately fought back with dirty tactics, nailing Candido with two Asiatic Spikes. Muraco then knocked Bagwell off the apron with a running clothesline. He tagged Valentine back in, and “The Hammer” worked over Candido’s leg in the corner. While Neighbors backed Valentine off, Muraco rammed Candido’s leg into the post. This left Candido easy prey for Valentine’s figure-four. Candido fought the hold for more than a minute, until finally having to tap out. Albano’s men stood victorious, but you can bet this feud isn’t over yet! ***

6) Dan “The Beast” Severn defeated “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan by submission in a hard-hitting, physical match. Severn utilized his power and great wrestling leverage to toss Duggan several times with the fireman’s carry slam, and then busting him open after some knee smashes. Duggan locked Severn in a bear hug many times, trying to get a submission of his own. Duggan got Severn up and delivered a big spinning body slam, then following up with a cover, but only getting a two-count. Severn came back and caught Duggan in the middle of the ring in a bow and arrow, stretching him out. “Hacksaw” fought for the ropes, but to no avail, eventually surrendering. The bell rang, but Severn wouldn’t release the hold. Dick Hutton climbed in the ring, but not to convince Severn to let go, but to join in on the punishment. While Severn held Duggan down, Hutton dropped several knees. Steve Williams ran down to the ring and got Severn and Hutton out of the ring. Duggan suffered a torn pectoral from the bow and arrow. No word at this time on how much ring time he will miss. ***¼

7) World Tag Team champions The Midnight Express got a quick win over Brad Armstrong and “Jumping” Jim Brunzell. Armstrong started off against “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton and had some good offense. But just as he was getting going, Jim Cornette jammed his tennis racquet into Armstrong’s back from outside the ring, unseen by Frank Morrell. The Midnight soon hit the Midnight Massacre on Armstrong. Brunzell came in for the save, but got cut off by Eaton, while “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey got a quick pin. Fans were not happy about this one! DUD

8) Frank Gotch and Dick Hutton scored a very quick DQ win over Ted DiBiase and Steve Williams. Rivals Gotch and DiBiase started off. Gotch hit a stiff forearm smash and knocked DiBiase out of the ring. Hutton tagged in, and then went to the floor to go after his former tag team partner. Before he could get his hands on DiBiase, DiBiase grabbed a steel chair and clocked Hutton with it! Paul Neighbors was left with no choice but to call for the bell, before “Dr. Death” could even tag in. Apparently DiBiase was fired up for Team RPW’s earlier attack on “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. Dan Severn ran out from the back, but so did “Iron” Mike DiBiase. Referees and officials kept the teams apart before things could escalate. (Danny Hodge was in preparation for his later World title match, and thus did not run out.) DUD

9) Nick Bockwinkel forced Antonino Rocca to submit in a very competitive match. Bock was focused, attempting both the sleeper and the figure-four in the first minute of the match. But it was too early to get a submission on Rocca. Rocca used his own submission finisher—the Argentinian backbreaker, but Bockwinkel was close to the ropes and get his foot draped across the top. Rocca got more near falls with a series of flying dropkicks, as well as a top rope dropkick. He locked Bockwinkel in a bow and arrow and looked close to a submission, but Bockwinkel managed to get out. Bockwinkel took control after a brawl outside the ring. He worked over Rocca’s legs and applied the figure-four in the center of the ring. Rocca was in it for over two minutes, but with the crowd behind him, managed to roll out of the hold. His legs were definitely hurt though. Bockwinkel immediately took over and slammed his head into the buckle, which drew blood on Rocca. Bockwinkel slapped on the sleeper again, but Rocca grabbed the ropes. Bockwinkel clipped Rocca’s legs and pulled him back into the center of the ring. He applied the figure-four and finally got Rocca to tap out. Bobby Heenan’s men were both victorious on this night. ****½

10) The main event was for the USWA World Heavyweight championship as Ed “Strangler” Lewis defended against Danny Hodge. Remember fans, Hodge won this shot, as well as $25,000, in the one-night, four-man Clash at the Coliseum tournament at the USWA’s 200th card. The two started off with some great scientific wrestling. Lewis went to his specialty—the Strangler’s Headlock many time in this one. Hodge is known for his grip strength, but Lewis showed he’s got some got gripping as well, as the headlock eventually drew blood on Hodge. As Lewis had Hodge in a headlock at one point, Dick Hutton pulled Hodge’s foot to the ropes to cause a break. Jerry Calhoun didn’t see it, but Lewis did and he questioned Hutton. This allowed Hodge to recover and blast the champ with a dropkick. He applied a Boston Crab on Lewis, utilizing the grip. But the “Strangler” made it to the ropes. As Lewis tried to get to his feet, Hodge leapt over him and hit the Oklahoma side roll. Lewis kicked out at 2¾. Hodge was gunning for the win, but the champ staged a comeback with the crowd behind him. Lewis caught him in another headlock, took him down to the mat, and forced Hodge to tap. “Strangler” was victorious and remains champ! ***½

[Cory Olson]

Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on April 11:
• It was announced that Larry Zbyszko will challenge The Sheik for the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship on April 24 in Temple, TX. Zbyszko is 12-1 in singles competition in the USWA since debuting in November. Can he become the first Heenan Family member to wear the Southern gold?
• Team RPW was interviewed by Lance Russell. Lance asked Danny Hodge about his match the previous night with Ed “Strangler” Lewis for the World Heavyweight title. Hodge stated that despite losing, he gave the champ some “scary moments”. The Oklahoman said he’s always been up for a challenge, and he was going to issue a challenge. He held up a check, which he said was the check for $25,000 that he won in the Clash at the Coliseum tournament on the 200th card. Hodge asked the “Strangler” for another shot at the gold, and in all place, in “Strangler’s” hometown of Louisville, at the Gardens on May 8! Hodge said that if he didn’t win the championship on that night, he would give Lewis the $25,000! Lewis was unavailable for a response at the time of the broadcast.

It’ll be a huge night of action on April 17 at the Civic Coliseum in Knoxville!
• Buff Bagwell and Chris Candido will do battle with “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring. After Bagwell and Candido got involved in the former champs’ match with Magnificent Muraco and Greg Valentine, you can bet Sherri Martel’s men are looking for revenge. Candido stated on WMC-TV that “Buff Daddy” is a far superior partner than the “Doughboy” (Rose) ever was!
• In another big tag team contest, The Crusher and Diamond Dallas Page will collide again with Larry Zbyszko and The Destroyer. Crusher proved on the last card that he can do alright as a “one-legged man”. How will he and DDP fare against the men who injured Crusher twice?
• The war between Team RPW and Ted DiBiase’s crew will continue in Knoxville, as two one-on-one bouts have been signed. Danny Hodge will collide with the undefeated “Iron” Mike DiBiase, while Ted faces rivals Frank Gotch. There’s so much history between Ted and Gotch, as has been documented here. What will the outcomes be on this night?
• Nick Bockwinkel will collide with “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. These men have battled each other in the past and will look to gain another victory over the other on the 17th!
• The main event will be a big rematch for the USWA World Tag Team championship, as The Midnight Express defend against Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. Can the Midnights hold on to the gold or will Capt. Lou’s men regain the belts?
All this plus Steve “Dr. Death” Williams in singles action, and the in-ring return of Johnny Valentine!

[Cory Olson]

April 17, 2009
Card #204: Civic Coliseum in Knoxville

1) Virgil was victorious in the opener by submission against S.D. Jones. After a few minutes of action, Virgil caught “Special Delivery” in the Million Dollar Dream out of nowhere and it was all over for Jones. DUD

2) Another quick match followed, as “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant defeated Larry Sharpe. Valiant delighted the Knoxville fans with his antics and put Sharpe out with the sleeper to get the win. DUD

3) Steve Williams made short work of George South. “Dr. Death” exploded on South with his powerful offense and got the win quickly after an Oklahoma Stampede. DUD

4) The first USWA World Heavyweight champion, Johnny Valentine, made a successful return, defeating “The Unpredictable” Johnny Rodz. Valentine was more methodical, slowing the pace down, as compared to the first three matches. But the Knoxville fans were supportive of his style. Rodz lived up to his nickname, as he was more aggressive and came close to his first singles win. He even drew blood on Valentine, after coming off the top rope with a double sledge. Rodz went for his Unpredictable Slam, but Valentine shifted his weight and fell on top. The former champ fought back, blasting Rodz with stiff chops, before putting him down for the count with his Atomic Skullcrusher. Valentine helped Rodz to his feet afterwards and shook his hand in a show of respect. ***

5) “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring got a victory over Buff Bagwell and Chris Candido. This was a back-and-forth tag team bout. Former allies Rose and Candido ended up in the ring against one another. Candido had the advantage and went to the top rope, but while Tommy Gilbert was momentarily distracted, “Sensational” Sherri Martel tossed a foreign object into the ring to Rose. As Candido dove off with a diving head butt, Rose decked him with the object. Rose went for a cover, but Candido managed to kick out. Bagwell and Candido worked over Doring for several minutes. Bagwell went for a cover after the Buff Blockbuster, but Sherri again caused a distraction to prevent to the pinfall. Candido and Doring brawled on the floor, where Candido hit a snap suplex. Doring was almost counted out, but managed to get in, thanks to an assistance from his partner. The former champs took over on “Buff Daddy”. Bagwell kicked out of both the Bombs Away, as well as the Danaconda, but then got tossed out of the ring. Doring slammed Bagwell’s head into the ring post, then tossed him back in. He hit a second Danaconda and made the cover to pick up the win for him and Rose. ***

6) Larry Zbyszko and The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer took a beating, but got a win via DQ over The Crusher and Diamond Dallas Page. Page started off for his team, giving his injured partner time to conserve his energy. He took a beating from Zbyszko and Destroyer, kicking out of Larry’s piledriver. He finally made the tag to Crusher, who on one bad leg, gave Zbyszko a pounding. He blasted Zbyszko with three Crusher Bolos and went for a cover, but Bobby “The Brain” Heenan distracted Scott Bowden. Crusher limped after “The Weasel”, but didn’t catch him on this occasion. Page came back in, but got worked over by the masked man, who applied the single leg Boston Crab. Destroyer missed a dropkick, and got hit by a swinging neckbreaker from Page, who scored a two-count off the move. Crusher came in and went after the man who injured his leg. The bout went to the floor, where Destroyer attempted to use a steel chair. Crusher intercepted the chair and smacked Destroyer in the leg with it. Bowden saw this and called for the bell. While Page and Zbyszko brawled to the locker room, Crusher put Destroyer’s leg inside the chair and attempted to stomp on it, climbing up to the second turnbuckle. Heenan jumped in the ring and pulled the “Intelligent, Sensational One” to safety before damage could be done. ***¼

7) Danny Hodge gave “Iron” Mike DiBiase his first USWA loss. The two started off with some great mat wrestling, but things quickly picked up. Hodge controlled things for most of this short bout, but DiBiase wouldn’t give up easily. Hodge hit a vertical body press of the second turnbuckle for a near fall. “Iron” Mike kicked out of one Oklahoma side roll, but got his shoulders pinned by a second one. *¼

8) “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka got a big win, defeating Nick Bockwinkel. Bockwinkel went for the figure-four early on, but Snuka kicked him off before the hold could be fully applied. Bockwinkel got a near fall after a sunset flip. The Fijian warrior fought back and dropped Bockwinkel with a big piledriver, getting a two-count. Snuka then came off the top rope with a big Superfly Leap and went for a cover, but somehow Bockwinkel managed to kick out. The bout went back-and-forth, with both men fighting for the win. Bockwinkel whipped Snuka into the ropes and bent over for a back drop, but Snuka leap frogged him. He came back and blasted Bockwinkel with a big chop. Bobby Heenan jumped up on the apron, but he too got blasted with a chop! Snuka then went up to the top rope and hit a second Superfly Leap and this time there would be no kicking out for Bockwinkel. Snuka celebrated his big win among the Knoxville fans! ***½

9) Ted DiBiase got a big win over rival Frank Gotch. Fans were excited for this one-on-one battle between these two. Gotch attempted his toehold in the first minute, but DiBiase kicked him off, knocking him backwards into the turnbuckle. DiBiase took over hitting a reverse rolling cradle out of the corner for a near fall. The two battled on the floor, where DiBiase hit a neckbreaker drop-style clothesline on the floor. With Dick Hutton’s coaching, Gotch was able to beat the count back into the ring. DiBiase decked Gotch with his right hand, then applied a figure-four leglock. Gotch was bleeding from the punch, but managed to reach the ropes. Gotch took over and showcased his own punching ability, knocking DiBiase to the floor. The Nebraskan managed to come back, hitting a second rope elbow, which knocked down Gotch, then applying the figure-four leglock again. Gotch was trapped in the center and although he fought hard for the ropes, in the end he tapped out. It appears DiBiase has a new weapon in the figure-four to “counter” the Gotch Toehold! **¾

10) Four-time USWA World Tag Team champions The Midnight Express put their titles on the line in the main event against the team they beat for their fourth championship—Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. Texas champion Bobby Eaton and former Texas champ Valentine started the bout off. Some great action took place, as both men tried to gain the advantage. It was back-and-forth, until “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey and Magnificent Muraco entered the match. The powerful Muraco took control early. He attemped the Hawaiian Hammer, but Condrey managed to avoid the move. He worked Condrey’s back, lifting him up several times into an over-the-shoulder backbreaker. Condrey managed to escape the maneuver and avoid submission. Eaton came back in and worked over Muraco. He came off the top rope with a splash, but Muraco rolled out of the way. Muraco went for a cover, but Eaton managed to kick out. “Loverboy” Dennis got hit by Muraco’s rolling neck snap—the move Muraco used to win the title for him and Valentine. Perhaps knowing this, Eaton jumped in to save his partner. Valentine came in as well and he and Eaton brawled to the floor. Condrey recovered and hit a face-first leg sweep on Muraco for a near fall. The Midnights blasted Muraco with the Double Goozle as well. Condrey choked Muraco on the second rope. Tommy Gilbert warned the “Loverboy” about the move, but while he was admonishing Condrey, Jim Cornette seized the opportunity and wacked Muraco across the head with his tennis racquet! Capt. Lou Albano yelled at Cornette for this. This not surprisingly ended up with the two managers going at it again! The fans popped at the melee! The four participants started brawling on the floor as well. With Gilbert distracted by all six men fighting, he didn’t see Condrey use the racquet on Muraco for a second time, knocking the Hawaiian out. With Condrey and Muraco the legal men, the “Loverboy” rolled back in the ring, while Gilbert put the count on Muraco. Muraco couldn’t recover and The Midnights retained the belts via countout in a wild match! ***¾

[Cory Olson]

Highlights of USWA Championship Wrestling on April 18:
• World Heavyweight champion Ed “Strangler” Lewis was interviewed by Lance Russell. Lewis mentioned Danny Hodge’s $25,000 challenge from last week’s episode. The champ stated that the Oklahoman was a formidable opponent, and while he would rather defend against new competition, he’s willing to accept Hodge’s challenge. Therefore the rematch has been signed for May 8 in Lewis’ hometown of Louisville at the Gardens!
• During an interview with Bobby Heenan, Nick Bockwinkel, and Larry Zbyszko, Bill Apter asked “The Brain” if he would be adding a tag team to The Heenan Family, as he mentioned at the beginning of 2009. The manager responded that while he felt Larry Zbyszko and Heenan Family associate The Destroyer had been impressive in their few bouts teaming together, he respects the fact that both men are more focused on singles competition in the long-run. He stated that in fact he had just recently found a tag team that impressed him greatly. He said that the deal hadn’t been finalized and thus he wasn’t at liberty to announce anything yet, but he hoped to have news for USWA fans soon.
• It’ll be Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State (or technically—Oklahoma A&M!) on May 8…in Louisville! A “neutral site” will host the first meeting between Team RPW coach Dick Hutton and Steve “Dr. Death” Williams. Two amateur wrestling legends will collide for the first time in the pro rings!
• Another bout that was a made was a rematch from the previous night’s card. The Midnight Express will put the USWA World Tag Team titles on the line again against Magnificent Muraco and Greg Valentine. Because of the nature of both teams to bend the rules, as well as the frequent involvement of both teams’ managers, the USWA Committee has decided to make this a Penalty Box Match! There will be a second referee assigned to this bout, who will be outside the ring. Anytime any wrestler or manager is caught violating a rule, according to either referee’s discretion, that person will have to spend two minutes in a penalty box, which will be at ringside. The match ends via pinfall or submission.

The USWA holds its first card ever at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic Center in Temple, TX on April 24! The great people of Temple will get quite the card on this night!
• Before their respective tag team partners battle for the Texas championship, Brad Armstrong and World Tag Team champion “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey will meet in a one-on-one bout. Remember, fans, both men are barred from ringside during the title match, but they’ll get their chance to appear in front of the Temple crowd in this one!
• Diamond Dallas Page will face The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer. These two have met in tag team bouts, but this will be their first singles match against one another. Who will get the “W” in this one?
• In a “rubber match”, Nick Bockwinkel takes on Antonino Rocca. Each man holds a victory over the other. Rocca has had a big following in the Lone Star State. Will that give him the edge in this match?
• Hopefully the fans in Temple will get a longer bout than the fans in Evansville did, when Ted DiBiase and Steve “Dr. Death” Williams fought Frank Gotch and Dick Hutton. DiBiase got disqualified quickly the last time. We’ll see a preview of the “Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma A&M” match-up here!
• “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka will go one-on-one with Magnificent Muraco. These two haven’t met for a few weeks, due to other bouts. Snuka and “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant got the last win over Muraco and Capt. Lou Albano at the 200th USWA card. Plus the “Superfly” has been on a roll with big wins over Frank Gotch and Nick Bockwinkel. Can Snuka keep up his momentum or will the Hawaiian powerhouse stop him?
• In the first of two title matches, “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton defends the USWA Texas championship against the returning “Birdman” Koko B. Ware. The Midnight Express and Jim Cornette put Ware on the shelf with a throat injury, and now Ware is looking for revenge, as he hopes to take Eaton’s title. The stipulations in this match should ensure a winner. Again, both men’s tag team partners will be banned from ringside. But perhaps the bigger impact is that Cornette will be locked in his own personal cage at ringside! Who will walk out of Temple with the Texas gold?
• The main event will be for the Southern Heavyweight championship as The Sheik defends against Larry Zbyszko. This will be one of Larry Z.’s toughest challenges so far in the USWA, going up against the three-time champ. Can Zbyszko win the Southern title for The Heenan Family, or will The Sheik carve up another successful defense?
All this plus Johnny Valentine, the team of Chris Candido and Buff Bagwell, and more USWA greats in action!

[markyhitch]

I like the Penalty Box match idea. I've seen it in action just once, back in the 1980s, here in England with our wrestlers.

It was a six-man tag match and I remember it climaxing with two of the faces being shockingly sent to the box, leaving the remaining face at the hands of the full team of heels. They beat on him, but failed to put him away. A double team move failed just as the penalty was served, and the face made the hot tag to his returning teammates, who cleaned house and won!

[crimsoncross]

Solid stuff Cory, but your tag team division is the best in all of your fed!

[Cory Olson]

April 24, 2009
Card #205: Frank W. Mayborn Civic Center in Temple, TX

1) Dan “The Beast” Severn got a win, and a measure of revenge, in the opener making “Dastardly” Danny Doring tap out. Severn wanted some revenge, after Doring beat him by countout in March, thanks to interference from Nick Bockwinkel. Doring wanted to prove he could beat former World champion Severn on his own. He did give Severn a fight here, scoring a couple of two-counts, and not giving up easily. But Severn finally locked on the wakigatame and forced Doring to tap. ***

2) Virgil and Johnny Rodz made lightning strike twice, as they scored another win over Buff Bagwell and Chris Candido. Candido and Bagwell had most of the match in control, but a freak accident seemed to occur, as Candido and Virgil were brawling in one corner of the ring, and both men fell to the arena floor. Candido got the worst of the exchange, hitting his head and getting knocked out. Virgil tossed Candido back in and locked on the Million Dollar Dream. Tom Branch checked Candido’s arm and it dropped three times, giving Virgil and Rodz another win. It may have been a fluke, but it still goes in the record books as a victory. ¼*

3) Temple, TX seems to be the underdogs’ town, as S.D. Jones got the biggest win of his USWA tenure, defeating former USWA World Heavyweight champion Johnny Valentine, albeit, via controversial results. To his credit, Jones was giving Valentine quite the challenge in this one, blasting Valentine with his head butt. Valentine hit a couple of Atomic Skullcrushers, but couldn’t keep “Special Delivery” down. Midway through the bout, Nick Bockwinkel and Bobby Heenan appeared at ringside, apparently to scout Valentine, whom Bockwinkel goaded back into USWA action. Valentine was busted open after a second head butt from Jones. Jones managed to execute a power body slam and went for a cover. Tommy Marlin went to count. Valentine’s foot was close to the ropes, but not on them. Bockwinkel grabbed Valentine’s leg and held it down to give Jones some added leverage. Jones himself did not see this, but scored a big pinfall win. Valentine sat up right after the three-count, realizing what had happened, but Bockwinkel and “The Brain” quickly retreated to the locker room. Valentine shook Jones’s hand out of respect for his victory, but was fuming from Bockwinkel’s involvement. ***½

4) World Tag Team champion “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey got a pinfall victory over Brad Armstrong. This was a back-and-forth match-up between the two rivals. Armstrong hit a couple of Russian leg sweeps for near falls, but couldn’t get the pin. Surprisingly Jim Cornette had little involvement in this one, as Condrey got the pin somewhat out of nowhere after a gut wrench suplex. **

5) Diamond Dallas Page took a beating, but a got big win over The Destroyer, thanks in part to some help from his ally The Crusher. Destroyer was outwrestling Page in this one, utilizing his Intelligent Sleeper and verbally berating Page throughout, claiming he wasn’t a true wrestler. The Crusher slowly made his way to ringside, still sporting his walking cast. Destroyer came off the top rope with a flying body press, but conked heads with Page, busting DDP open. Destroyer recovered and went for a pin, but Page kicked out. Destroyer applied the figure-four and had himself positioned near the ropes and looked to grab the ropes for leverage, but before he could, he got blasted with a forearm smash by Crusher, unseen by Sam Platania. Page went for a cover, but the “Intelligent, Sensational One” kicked out. Both men struggled to get to their feet. Page struck first hitting a Diamond Dream and making the cover to score the three. Bobby Heenan ran down to ringside for his associate, but it was too late. “The Brain” tried to point out Crusher’s involvement, but it fell on deaf ears. (Ironic, considering Nick Bockwinkel’s earlier interference against Johnny Valentine!) ***

6) Bobby Heenan was soon back out to ringside again, accompanying Nick Bockwinkel, who scored a dominant victory over Antonino Rocca. Bock worked over the Argentinian sensation from the opening bell. He took the fight to the floor and slammed Rocca’s leg into the ring post, both grounding the high flyer and softening him up for the figure-four. Bockwinkel applied the leglock and got the quick tap out. Johnny Valentine showed up at ringside, but Bockwinkel and Heenan quickly fled, boasting that he got a victory, while Valentine hadn’t. ½*

7) Ted DiBiase and Steve Williams had a slightly longer bout against Frank Gotch and Dick Hutton, and this time came out the winners. DiBiase and Williams showcased their great team work, cutting the ring in half on Gotch and keeping him in the entire bout. Williams hit the Oklahoma Stampede early on, but Gotch managed to kick out. DiBiase came in and punched Gotch with his powerful right hand, but again Gotch kicked out. Gotch momentarily gained control, but before he could tag out to Hutton, DiBiase caught him with a vertical body press out of nowhere and got the pin. Team RPW was shocked and appalled by their quick loss! ¾*

8) “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka kept up his winning ways, pinning rival Magnificent Muraco. Snuka was on fire in this one, taking it to Muraco. The Fijian warrior hit a nice Superfly Leap to pick up the pinfall in another relatively quick match. ½*

9) Despite his manager locked at ringside in a cage, and with Brad Armstrong and “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey barred from ringside, “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton retained the USWA Texas title, defeating the returning Koko B. Ware. After Gary Michael Cappetta had announced the stipulations and introduced both wrestlers, Tom Branch and Tommy Marlin put the resisting Jim Cornette into his own cage at ringside. Sam Platania officiated the bout. The fans were solidly behind Ware on this night. Ware got a near fall early after a big flying head butt. Eaton made a comeback and took the match to the floor, but Ware took over, blasting him with another head butt, then crawling back in the ring. The double champ got up on the apron, but Ware brought him back in and hit the Ghostbuster. He went for a cover, but only got a two. “The Birdman” hit a second Ghostbuster, but this time Eaton got his foot over the bottom rope. The bout was in and out of the ring. Platania was lenient with the rules, knowing the importance of the bout. Eaton took over and came off the top rope with an Alabama Jam, targeting the throat. He went for a cover, but Koko kicked out. The champ quickly followed up with a second Jam, and this time got the three-count! Cornette celebrated with delight, still locked inside the cage. Branch came down and unlocked the cage, allowing the “Louisville Slugger” to leave and celebrate with his man. Ware recovered and was given an ovation from the fans, as he carried Frankie back to the locker room. ***¼

10) The Sheik defended the USWA Southern Heavyweight title in the main event against Larry Zbyszko. Zbyszko, known for insulting USWA fans with names such as “Spud Heads”, actually got a lot of cheers tonight. Certainly the Temple fans wanted to see history made on their first USWA card. The challenger was the aggressor in the opening minutes, using several karate kicks to work over the champ. Zbyszko went for a piledriver early on, but Sheik blocked the attempt. Sheik took over after a brawl outside the ring and locked on the Camel Clutch holding it on for several minutes. Sheik didn’t use the sharp object at first, but when he couldn’t get a submission, proceeded to bring it out of nowhere and slipped in while holding the Clutch, which bloodied up Zbyszko. Bobby Heenan quickly tried to point it out to Tommy Marlin. Marlin didn’t catch The Sheik, but this did allow Zbyszko the chance to fight back and execute the piledriver. He went for a cover, but Sheik kicked out. The champ was a dangerous as ever, fighting back and continuing to pound on the bloody challenger. He continued to use the Camel Clutch and eventually was able to force Zbyszko into submission and remain the champion. ***

[Cory Olson]

Thanks to Marky Hitch and Crimson Cross for the comments!

Marky, I had been thinking about putting together a Penalty Box Match for a while, but wanted to have a fitting feud match in which to do it. I just recently purchased a DVD compilation of the Von Erichs-Freebirds feud. There's a Penalty Box Match on there with the Freebirds vs. Kerry Von Erich, Iceman Parsons, and Chavo Guerrero, Sr. That was kind of the inspiration, combined with the nature of the MX-Muraco & Valentine feud to finally do it.

CC, thanks for the great compliment! With tag team wrestling not pushed as much in "real life" wrestling nowadays, I like to try and give it as much respect in my fed as possible.

[Cory Olson]

Highlights from the last two editions of USWA Championship Wrestling:
• Some more matches were made for the card on May 15 at the Tupelo Sports Arena. In the continuing war between Team RPW and Ted DiBiase’s crew—a one-on-one match will take place between Dan “The Beast” Severn and Steve “Dr. Death” Williams. As has been documented here, these two wrestled each other in college, but this will be their first professional wrestling match against each other.
• Also on this card, The Crusher will take on The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer. Crusher suffered a leg injury thanks to the masked man’s figure-four leglock. Destroyer demanded this match after Crusher’s involvement in his match against Diamond Dallas Page on the last card. “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous” stated on WMC-TV that his leg will be healed by that point and will not need his walking boot.
• On the May 2 episode, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan revealed that the deals have been worked out and that a new tag team will be joining the ranks of The Heenan Family. When asked by Lance Russell who this team was, Heenan first said that this team would make The Heenan Family even more of a family. Russell asked if this meant that The Ortons would be rejoining the Family. The manager said that it wasn’t the Ortons—but The Double Ax Attack of Larry and Curt Hennig! This father-and-son duo have had great success in the PNW (Pacific Northwest Wrestling). “The Brain” stated that The Hennigs will debut on the Tupelo card on the 15th.

The USWA comes back to the Louisville Gardens on May 8!
• After the interference of Nick Bockwinkel, a rematch has been made between Johnny Valentine and “Special Delivery” Jones. S.D. was interviewed on Championship Wrestling and said that he didn’t even know that Bockwinkel had gotten involved until Valentine told him and he saw the replay on WMC-TV the next day. “Philadelphia’s Favorite Son” said he didn’t want his win to come about because of somebody else and so he’s willing to give Valentine a rematch. Can Jones score another big win or will Valentine even things up?
• Brutus Beefcake will return from his neck injury. He and Greg Valentine will collide with Chris Candido and Buff Bagwell. The Dream Team is looking for revenge after Candido injured Beefcake with the Blonde Bomb. Which team will walk out the victors?
• It’s the battle of Oklahoma and Oklahoma A&M as Steve Williams will collide with Dick Hutton! Two powerful, hard-hitting amateur greats will meet in the squared circle. Williams is not taking things easy, prior to meeting Dan Severn in Tupelo. Which Oklahoma university will prevail?
• Diamond Dallas Page will face Larry Zbyszko. Page has been aiding The Crusher in his battles against Zbyszko and The Destroyer, and now DDP will get his chance with Larry Z. one-on-one!
• Dan Severn isn’t taking things lightly before meeting up with Steve Williams either. In a rematch from a few weeks ago in Chattanooga, Severn will lock-up with Ted DiBiase. These two had an awesome five-star bout that saw DiBiase come out the winner. Will history repeat?
• With “The Birdman” back from injury, Koko B. Ware and Brad Armstrong will continue their war with the World Tag Team champions The Midnight Express. Ware didn’t succeed in his quest for the “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton’s Texas title, but a win for him and Armstrong over the champs would certainly earn them a Tag Team title opportunity. Who will win the battle in this heated tag team feud?
• The main event will be for the USWA World Heavyweight title as Louisville’s own Ed “Strangler” Lewis puts the gold on the line against Danny Hodge. Remember, also on the line is Hodge’s $25,000 prize from the Clash at the Coliseum tournament. Will Hodge leave the Louisville Gardens with the World championship or will Lewis leave $25,000 richer?
All this plus the team of “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant in action, as well as “Iron” Mike DiBiase, and more USWA superstars compete!