Cory's USWA

[Cory Olson]

May 8, 2009
Card #206: Louisville Gardens

1) Former World Heavyweight champion Frank Gotch was victorious in the opener, defeating Johnny Rodz. Gotch forced Rodz to tap out in about one minute, to the Gotch Toehold. DUD

2) “Iron” Mike DiBiase pinned “Dastardly” Danny Doring. DiBiase kicked out of three Danacondas. The Nebraskan fought back and brutalized Doring. Doring took some punishment as well, but went down for the count after DiBiase came off the top with a knee drop to Doring’s back. ***

3) Former World Tag Team champions “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant beat George South and Larry Sharpe by countout. South and Sharpe worked over Valiant and were hoping to get their first tag team victory. Valiant came back and made the “hot tag” to the “Superfly”, who worked over South. Snuka nailed South with a big dropkick, which knocked him to the arena floor. South was hurt and unable to get back in by the 10-count, giving the popular duo of Snuka and Valiant the win. **½

4) Johnny Valentine was focused and aggressive, making short work of S.D. Jones. Valentine delivered six Atomic Skullcrushers, busting Jones open and then scoring the pin. Valentine helped Jones to his feet and shook hands with the man who beat him on the last card. DUD

5) With Brutus Beefcake healed from his neck injury, The Dream Team got a hard-earned victory over Chris Candido and Buff Bagwell. Beefcake blasted Candido with his flying knee smash and went for a cover, but only got a two-count. The Dream Team was able to cut the ring in half on their opponents. Greg Valentine applied the figure-four leglock on Candido, but Bagwell made the save. “Buff Daddy” tagged in, but got worked over as well and was busted open by “The Hammer”. Valentine applied the figure-four to Bagwell, but Candido made the save. Beefcake came in and he and Candido brawled to the floor. Bagwell was still down and weakened, making him easy prey for Valentine to drop an elbow and score the pin. **¾

6) Oklahoma came out victorious over Oklahoma A&M on this night, as Steve Williams scored an impressive win over Dick Hutton. The bout started off even with some great mat wrestling, but it turned into a power game. “Dr. Death” hit a backdrop driver, then followed up with an Oklahoma Stampede to score the pin. ½*

7) Diamond Dallas Page got a big win over Larry Zbyszko. Page was on fire early, getting several near falls on Zbyszko. After a distraction from Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, Zbyszko took over and rammed Page into the turnbuckle several times. Zbyszko looked like he was attempting to remove a turnbuckle pad a few times, but must have had trouble with the Louisville turnbuckles, as he was unable to remove them. Zbyszko hit the piledriver and made a cover, but DDP got his foot on the bottom rope. Zbyszko was in control and picked Page up for what appeared to be a backbreaker, but before he could execute it, Page swung out of the hold and hit the Diamond Cutter out of nowhere to score the winning pinfall. ***¼

8) Ted DiBiase emerged victorious over Dan “The Beast” Severn yet again. Severn came out alone, as Dick Hutton was recovering from his own bout with Steve Williams. DiBiase came off the second rope several times with elbow smashes, trying to weaken Severn. The former USWA World champion fought back and tossed DiBiase with a fireman’s carry slam. He executed a hard shoulder slam and floated into a cover, but only got two. DiBiase came back and applied the figure-four. Severn was trapped for more than a minute, but finally made the ropes. Both men took their time getting to their feet, but Severn was quickly back down, as he got decked with a punch from DiBiase’s gloved right hand. DiBiase K.O.ed Severn and got the pin. ***

9) Once again Louisville native Jim Cornette was the difference maker, as World Tag Team champions The Midnight Express defeated Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware. Cornette was not cheered on this night, as his men battled the popular duo of Armstrong and Ware. The champs kept Armstrong in the ring for several minutes. “The Birdman” saved his partner from the Rocket Launcher. Armstrong got a two-count on Texas champion “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton after a Russian leg sweep. Ware came in and went to work on Eaton, but “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey tagged in and took control. Armstrong came back in and got two-counts on Condrey after a dropkick and another Russian leg sweep. A wounded Condrey tagged out to Eaton, who blasted Armstrong with a famous left hand. He stomped on Armstrong in the corner, and while Frank Morrell backed Eaton out of the corner, Cornette jumped in and smashed Armstrong with his tennis racquet. Armstrong was out and was easy prey for Eaton to get a pin. The fans were furious, but Cornette emerged victorious in front of his hometown fans, and his Mama! ***¼

10) Another Louisvillian, Ed “Strangler” Lewis put the USWA World Heavyweight title on the line against Danny Hodge in the main event. Hodge brought with his check for $25,000 from the Clash at the Coliseum tournament that would be “Strangler’s”, if he retained his title. Dick Hutton was recovered by this point and accompanied his RPW teammate to ringside. Despite the animosity between the champ and RPW, Lewis and Hodge exchanged some great mat wrestling holds early on, slowing the pace, knowing the importance of a World title bout, and neither man wanting to make a mistake early on. Hodge used more “modern” moves like the standing dropkick to get a near fall on Lewis. The Oklahoman then used his grip strength and applied a sleeper. The champ weakened and when Jerry Calhoun checked Lewis’ arm, it dropped twice, but the champ draped his foot over the bottom rope to break the hold. The Gardens crowd was behind their hometown hero and Lewis rallied back after catching a breather on the ring apron. He took Hodge down with the Strangler’s Headlock and the crowd went nuts. Hutton was yelling encouragement to Hodge. Lewis fought to score either a pin or a submission for nearly two minutes, before the challenger rolled the ropes. Hodge soon regained control and took over again, looking on his way to a title victory. He went up to the second rope and came off with a vertical body press. But out of nowhere, Lewis caught him and used an amateur-style double leg takedown on Hodge. Lewis applied a half nelson and was able to pin Hodge’s shoulders for three seconds. The crowd went wild as Lewis celebrated the win! Hodge was furious at losing his money, but went back to the locker room, knowing that there was nothing he could do, based on the pre-match stipulation. Lewis called Lance Russell into the ring from ringside. Russell asked the “Strangler” what his plans were for the money and the champ said that was an easy decision. He was going to donate the money to the city of Louisville and allow the city to decide where it could be used best. Lewis said that all the USWA fans have been great supporters of him, but it was Louisville that made him feel like a true hero. ***½

[Cory Olson]

USWA Championship Wrestling Report from May 9:
• The following matches were announced for the next USWA card at the Mid South Coliseum in Memphis, which will take place on May 22.
o B. Brian Blair will return from his broken rib injury. He and “Jumping” Jim Brunzell will take on the World Tag Team champions The Midnight Express. The titles will not be on the line in this bout, but there will be revenge on the line for The Killer Bees.
o Another popular wrestler will return from injury, as “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan will team up with Steve “Dr. Death” Williams to collide with two RPW guys named Dan—Dan “The Beast” Severn and Danny Hodge. “Hacksaw” had his pectoral torn by Severn’s bow and arrow move a few weeks ago and is fired up to return and battle RPW.
o For the first time in the USWA, “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous” The Crusher will take on Nick Bockwinkel. Former World champ Bockwinkel helped Larry Zbyszko and The Destroyer injure Crusher back in January. Due to Crusher’s second injury, he hasn’t gotten the opportunity to take on Bockwinkel. But he will on this night.
o The main event will be for the Southern Heavyweight title, as The Sheik puts the title on the line against a former champion—Ted DiBiase. This is DiBiase’s first title match since returning to the USWA this year.
• Another big match was made, as Ed “Strangler” Lewis’ next challenger for the next USWA World Heavyweight championship was announced. On June 12 at the Rupp Arena in Lexington, Lewis will face “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. Two very popular wrestlers with very different wrestling styles will collide here. Snuka has been on a roll in singles action in 2009. This will be his first World title shot since 2004.
• It was also announced that for the second year in a row, the USWA will hold the Independence Day Bash on July 4! This year the card will be held at Chilhowee Park in Knoxville. Matches for this big card will be announced in the coming weeks.

Some big USWA cards are coming up, but one just as big will take place on May 15 at the Tupelo Sports Arena!
• Chris Candido will take on Brutus Beefcake one-on-one. The Dream Team beat Candido and Buff Bagwell last week, but the San Francisco native wanted to meet Candido in a singles match, for more revenge on the man who injured him. Can Beefcake beat the blonde bombshell?
• Prior to challenging for the Southern Heavyweight crown, Ted DiBiase will go one-on-one with Danny Hodge. Hodge is certainly incensed after losing his $25,000 to World champ Ed “Strangler” Lewis. But DiBiase is focused on his title match and wants to get a big win over an RPW member. Who will walk out the victor?
• Johnny Valentine will collide with Heenan Family member Larry Zbyszko. Valentine is still waiting for his match with Nick Bockwinkel, but is willing to go through Zbyszko first. Some fans feel that Bockwinkel is avoiding Valentine, after Valentine demolished S.D. Jones, even though it was Bockwinkel who challenged Valentine to come back to the USWA rings. Will Bockwinkel regret his challenge; can Valentine beat the crafty Zbyszko?
• The Crusher says he will not have his walking cast on, when he collides with The Destroyer. This feud has gotten heated. Can the barroom brawler stop the masked man?
• From the mats of the NCAA to the USWA ring, Steve “Dr. Death” Williams will take on Dan “The Beast” Severn for the first time in a pro wrestling ring. Williams got the win in collegiate wrestling, but since then, Severn has been a former USWA World champ. Can Williams get the win inside the ropes or will “The Beast” put him down?
• The main event will be for the USWA World Tag Team championship, as champs The Midnight Express will defend against Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. Remember fans, this will be the first ever Penalty Box Match in the USWA! A second referee will be outside the ring. If any wrestler, or managers Jim Cornette or Capt. Lou Albano, gets caught breaking a rule, by either official, they will be forced inside a penalty box at ringside for two minutes. In an interview with Lance Russell on WMC-TV, Cornette made the statement that “It’s only cheating, if you get caught.” Which rulebreaking tag team will be able to maintain their cool and leave Tupelo the champs?
All this plus Nick Bockwinkel in action, as well Antonino “Argentina” Rocca, and The Hennigs make their USWA debut!

[Cory Olson]

May 15, 2009
Card #207: Tupelo Sports Arena

1) The newest Heenan Family members, Curt and Larry Hennig were victorious in their debut, defeating S.D. Jones and Cousin Luke by countout. Luke hadn’t competed in the USWA for about two months, as he had been home visiting his family in Hog Waller, TN. He wouldn’t actually compete here, as the father-son duo kept “Special Delivery” in the ring the whole time. Curt used his high-impact offense on Jones, then tagged out to his powerhouse father. Curt knocked Luke off the apron with The Axe (a crooked elbow clothesline) and Larry tossed Jones out as well. “The Axe” slammed Jones on the arena floor and crawled back in. Scott Bowden counted Jones out, giving The Hennigs the win. Bobby Heenan was delighted with his new team’s win. DUD

2) Antonino Rocca got a submission win over Johnny Rodz. “Argentina” Rocca dazzled “The Unpredictable” Rodz with his unique offense, and got the win in just a couple minutes with an Argentinian Backbreaker. DUD

3) Chris Candido was victorious in his first singles match in the USWA since his return, pinning rival Brutus Beefcake. The blonde bombshell was ultra-aggressive in this match, bending the rules when needed, and wanting to prove he could hang with former Texas champion Beefcake. He set up Beefcake for a Blonde Bomb, but Beefcake managed to escape and rolled to the floor. He tried to catch his breath, but got blasted with a baseball slide from Candido. As Candido went for a cover inside the ring, Capt. Lou Albano pulled Candido off, unseen by Paul Morton. This brought out Buff Bagwell. Beefcake regained the advantage and hit Candido with his flying knee smash. He went for a cover, but Candido kicked out. Beefcake picked Candido up, whipped him into the ropes, and hit a second flying knee smash. He went for a cover, but this time it was Bagwell pulling Beefcake off. Beefcake yelled at his former Killer B partner. The San Francisco climbed up the ropes to dive off on Candido, but Candido cut him off with a punch to the stomach, causing Beefcake to get crotched on the top turnbuckle. Candido climbed up and hit a top rope huracanrana. He went for a cover and got the pinfall. Albano was irate at “Buff Daddy’s” involvement. ***

4) Nick Bockwinkel defeated “Jumping” Jim Brunzell. Brunzell’s partner B. Brian Blair returns to action from injury next week in Memphis. Bockwinkel probably viewed Brunzell as a “warm-up” opponent, but the Killer Bee came very close to an upset win, getting a near fall after his famous dropkick. Bockwinkel recovered and used both the sleeper and the figure-four to try and gain a win. The Tupelo fans were behind “Jumping” Jim and were rooting for an upset. But another Bockwinkel Sleeper would put Brunzell out. ***

5) Jimmy Snuka and Jimmy Valiant defeated “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring by countout. Two former World Tag Team champion teams met here, but the fan favorites were the only ones doing the tagging, as they kept Doring in the ring the entire match. Snuka especially was impressive against the “Dastardly One”. After taking several chops from the “Superfly”, Doring was knocked to the floor. Rose and “Sensational” Sherri Martel checked on him and the trio decided to retreat to the locker room, rather than sustain more punishment. Snuka and Valiant stood victorious, and Snuka was especially impressive prior to challenging for the World Heavyweight title in a few weeks. ½*

6) Danny Hodge got a big win over Ted DiBiase. Hodge was coming off losing his $25,000 Clash at the Coliseum prize to World champion Ed “Strangler” Lewis. Ironically, DiBiase knows that pain, having lost more money to Hodge’s RPW teammate Frank Gotch in 2006. This was a back-and-forth bout. Hodge caught DiBiase with an Oklahoma side roll early on, but DiBiase kicked out. DiBiase took over and put a beating on Hodge. DiBiase went to the top rope and came off with his father Mike’s finisher, the top rope knee drop. Hodge managed to roll out of the way and DiBiase landed hard on his knee. Hodge took advantage and landed a second Oklahoma side roll to get the big pin. As Hodge and Dick Hutton returned to the locker room in victory, DiBiase held his knee. “Iron” Mike and Steve Williams came down to the ring and helped DiBiase back to the locker room. There was no update at this time on DiBiase’s injury, and how this could impact him challenging The Sheik for the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship next week in Memphis. **¾

7) Larry Zbyszko scored a controversial pinfall over Johnny Valentine. In addition to manager Bobby Heenan, Zbyszko was also accompanied by Nick Bockwinkel, who was scouting Valentine again. Valentine had the early advantage, but Zbyszko took over and used the turnbuckles several time. He was unable to remove the pad, but still utilized sneaky tactics to maintain control. Zbyszko took the fight to the floor and worked over Valentine’s back, smashing him back-first into the ring post, then applying an abdominal stretch in the ring. Valentine grabbed the ropes to break the hold. Zbyszko picked up Valentine and executed a backbreaker across the knee. He went for a cover and put his feet on the ropes. Bockwinkel added some extra leverage to Zbyszko’s feet. The “double leverage” ensured that Zbyszko got the three-count. Valentine recovered and was upset by Bockwinkel getting involved in another one of his matches. **¾

8) The Destroyer defeated The Crusher by DQ. Crusher, as promised, came to the ring without his walking cast. Destroyer set right to work on the injured leg, using the single leg Boston Crab, and stomping away on the leg throughout the match. He applied the figure-four midway through the match, but Crusher managed to power out of the leglock. Crusher brawled his way back, tossing Destroyer shoulder-first into the ring post. He blasted Destroyer with the Crusher Bolo, which flattened the masked man. Crusher made a cover, but was slow in doing so, due to the hurt leg, so Destroyer made a kick out. Destroyer took over again after a brawl on the floor, and slammed Crusher’s leg into the ring post. He also stomped Crusher right in the face, drawing blood on “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous”. The “Intelligent, Sensational” One tossed Crusher back in and dropkicked Crusher’s leg. Diamond Dallas Page came out of the crowd, came into the ring, and dropped an elbow on Destroyer, breaking a pin attempt by Destroyer, but getting Crusher disqualified. Page ran Destroyer off, not wanting to see further injury done to his tag team partner’s leg. ***

9) In their first meeting in the pro ring, Steve Williams defeated Dan Severn by countout. The two exchanged some great mat wrestling early on, reminiscent of their NCAA championship meeting. Severn later attempted a head and arm throw, but Williams slipped out and blasted “The Beast” with a lariat for a near fall. “Dr. Death” hit the backdrop driver for a big pop. He went for a pin, but again, only got two. Severn took over and applied the heel hook, trying to force a tap out, but Williams powered his way to the ropes. The two were exchanging blows. Williams bounced off the ropes to tackle Severn, but as he did Severn bounced back, and the two collided heads. Both grapplers fell to the floor and looked down and out. At the count of six, both men slowly started coming to their feet. Williams rolled back in the ring at eight. Severn tried, but couldn’t get back, so Williams was declared the winner. While “Dr. Death” was happy with the win, it was obvious that it was not the way he would have liked to beat Severn in the squared circle. **¾

10) The main event was the first ever Penalty Box Match. The Midnight Express put the USWA World Tag Team titles on the line against former champs Magnificent Muraco and Greg Valentine. Tommy Gilbert served as the in-ring referee, while Paul Morton was stationed outside the ring. Texas champ “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine started off the bout. Eaton was the first to get forced into the penalty box, when he wouldn’t break a choke on the ropes. “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey came in, but Valentine quickly attacked his legs and applied the figure-four. Condrey made the ropes. Valentine tagged out to Muraco and the two pounded on Condrey’s neck in the corner. Gilbert counted to five and Valentine was still pounding away, so “The Hammer” got sent to the box. Muraco was pounding away on Condrey in the corner and wouldn’t let him out by the five-count, so he was sent to the box. As a “send off”, Muraco blasted Condrey with the Asiatic Spike. The challengers seemed to have gotten caught and reprimanded more, as both Muraco and Valentine were sent to the box several times for various infractions. The “Loverboy” got sent to the box for choking Valentine on the ropes. When Condrey came back in, he got busted open by some stiff shots from Valentine. Valentine went for the figure-four again, but Condrey made the ropes. Jim Cornette was the first non-wrestler sent to the box, as he tripped Valentine coming off the ropes. Gilbert didn’t see it, but Morton saw it from outside and sent “The Louisville Slugger” to the box. Eaton popped Valentine with a stiff right, which drew blood on him. “Beautiful” Bobby rolled Valentine into a small package, but Valentine kicked out. The Midnights hit the Double Goozle several times on both challengers and managed to get out of the ring before the double teaming five-count. Later Eaton went for an Alabama Jam off the top rope, but Valentine rolled out of the way. He went for the figure-four on Eaton, but Eaton kicked him off, before it could be fully applied. Muraco came in and dropped the Texas champ with a Hawaiian Hammer, but Eaton got his foot on the ropes. Eaton didn’t look so beautiful, as he was bleeding as well, making this a triple juice bout. Later Valentine had control of Condrey and went up to the top rope. Condrey sidestepped the falling hammer and took Valentine down with the face-first leg sweep. The “Loverboy” was tired in making the cover and only managed a two-count. Eaton came back in and was pounding away on “The Hammer” in the corner. Cornette smashed Valentine with the tennis racquet from outside the ring, but the manager was again caught by Morton. Valentine took over and worked on Eaton’s neck, which was weakened from the Hawaiian Hammer. “The Hammer” used a piledriver of his own on Eaton. He went for a cover and scored the three-count. Muraco and Valentine used their neck moves to capture their second World Tag Team championship! Capt. Lou Albano, who was the only one of the six to not go in the penalty box, was overjoyed at his men’s victory. (This was The Midnights’ first loss in 2009.) *****

[hollywoodlyn]

Great set of matches...I always enjoys the USWA...great concept with the penalty box match.

[Scott Fire 54]

Awesome stuff! I also love the penalty box match concept.

[TDalton]

Just got caught up on all the outstanding USWA action! Great stuff as always.

I love that Muraco/Valentine combo and hope Curt Hennig has as much success in your Heenan Family as he has in mine!

[Deleted]

Wow Great Concept Cory.

[Chad Olson]

Great show Cory! I was hoping Severn could defeat Williams, I sense a rematch at some point. Great win for Danny Hodge. I was surprised to see Muraco & Valentine take the belts back. I think they're a great team, but I thought the MX's double teams would take their toll.

[Cory Olson]

Thanks to everyone for the comments!

Lyn, Scott, and Neal, I plan to release the Penalty Box Match rules sometime soon. I was surprised by how many "trips" to the box came out in this match. The rules are pretty basic and allow for a lot of those "It's up to you, Promoter"-type scenarios.

Tim, I'm interested to see how the Hennigs do in both singles and tag action. They will be primarily tag wrestlers to start. But we'll see what happens.

Chad, I didn't really have a favorite for the Williams-Severn match. It's kinda cool that Williams is still undefeated, but the win didn't hurt Severn too match. And yes, I'd say there's a good chance of a rematch. Hodge's win was cool, as it keeps him as a top singles guy for now, coming off his two World title challenges. Plus it's gives RPW a good win in this group feud. I was surprised too that Muraco and Valentine regained the belts. Like you mentioned the Midnights' double team moves came into play quite a bit, but the challengers still managed to win. The double team maneuvers got Eaton and Condrey into the penalty box a few times, so that was kind of interesting.

Check back soon for the next USWA update!

[Cory Olson]

USWA Championship Wrestling on May 16 announced some great matches for the USWA’s return to their home base of Memphis, TN! The fans at the Mid South Coliseum will see some huge bouts on May 22!
• Team RPW continues their war with Ted DiBiase and his group. Two matches between these units have been signed for the Mid South Coliseum. “Iron” Mike DiBiase will collide with Dick Hutton. Also, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan returns from injury. He’ll team with Steve “Dr. Death” Williams to face Dan “The Beast” Severn and Danny Hodge. The American hero will certainly have his sights set on Severn. You can bet that Severn and Williams will be locking horns at some point, after their singles bout last week ended in a countout. Which team will get the edge in this feud?
• The other RPW member, Frank Gotch, will be in action, going one-on-one for the first time against Antonino Rocca. It’s a definite “styles clash”—as the high flying Argentine takes on the scientific Iowan. Whose style will lead them to victory?
• Another popular wrestler will return to action, as B. Brian Blair teams up with “Jumping” Jim Brunzell to battle the former World Tag Team champions The Midnight Express. Blair is looking revenge for The Midnights’ attack on him back in March in Chattanooga. Jim Cornette’s men will almost assuredly be fired up as well, having just lost their Tag Team championship. Which team will emerge victorious?
• Johnny Valentine is still gunning for Nick Bockwinkel, especially after his interference in Valentine’s match against Larry Zbyszko. But before he gets Bock, Valentine will collide with Heenan Family associate The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer. This bout features two former USWA World Heavyweight champions. Can Valentine defeat the masked man?
• Another first time meeting will occur, when Nick Bockwinkel takes on “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous” The Crusher! Bockwinkel joined Larry Zbyszko and The Destroyer in injuring Crusher back in January. Crusher is said to be 100% and would definitely get the USWA Committee’s attention if he could defeat the three-time USWA World champion!
• Lance Russell confirmed on Championship Wrestling that the originally scheduled main event for the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship will take place! The Syrian madman The Sheik will defend against former champ Ted DiBiase. Mike DiBiase spoke on his son’s behalf and stated that he did suffer some minor knee damage, missing the top rope knee drop in his match last week against Danny Hodge. But Ted is a fighter and he’s not going to miss this golden opportunity. Despite Ted’s toughness, it will be a challenge wrestling in a Southern title bout, and especially against The Sheik! Can DiBiase become a two-time champ and defeat the sadistic Sheik?
All this plus the new World Tag Team champions Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine collide with former champs “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring in a non-title rematch from a few weeks ago. Also, the next challenger for the World title, “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka will be in action, as well as The Hennigs, and more great USWA superstars!