Cory's USWA

[markyhitch]

Nice card, Cory. Very intrigued on how the elimination match will pan out plus I'm hoping Sharpe & South get a win. Go underdogs!

[Cory Olson]

Thanks, Marky Hitch, for the predictions!

Since this report is longer than usual, I'm going to divide it in half. Happy Fourth of July, everyone!

Independence Day Bash 2009
July 4, 2009
Card #212: Chilhowee Park in Knoxville

1) “Special Delivery” Jones and Cousin Luke got a win in the opener over Virgil and Johnny Rodz. Both teams fought hard in this match, to get a much needed win. Virgil and “The Unpredictable” Rodz worked over the popular duo. Rodz rammed Luke into the announcers’ table at ringside and almost got a countout win, but the hillbilly just beat the count. Luke managed to tag out to S.D., who took control on Rodz. He nailed Rodz with two big head butts to put him down for the pin, while Luke knocked Virgil down with a head butt of his own to prevent him from making the save. **¾

2) What was scheduled as a tag team match, was essentially a singles match, as “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring got a quick win over George South and Larry Sharpe. Rose attacked South right at the bell and was aggressive, probably remembering that South scored an upset on him last year in a singles bout. Rose kept South in the ring the entire time. Doring offered his hand to the “Playboy” for a tag, but Rose kept up his attack. Rose hit a gut wrench backbreaker on South, then climbed up the ropes and hit the Bombs Away. Somewhat surprisingly Sharpe did not attempt to save South. Rose got the easy pinfall, then tossed South out of the ring after the bell. Doring was happy by the win, but questioned Rose as to why he wouldn’t tag him. Rose avoided Doring, who persisted. Out of nowhere Sharpe jumped in the ring and nailed Doring from behind with a forearm smash. Rose looked at Sharpe, but then proceeded to join the New Jersey native in double teaming Doring! Rose and Sharpe grabbed Doring’s arms, while “Sensational” Sherri Martel entered the ring and proceeded to slap the “Dastardly One”! Sherri stood behind Rose and Sharpe and raised both men’s arm, then the three left the ring together! DUD

3) “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant managed to keep his cool and get a submission win over rival Brutus Beefcake. Valiant caught Beefcake in his sleeper coming off the ropes in the first minute. Capt. Lou Albano distracted Tommy Gilbert from the apron, which also led to Valiant releasing the hold and chasing the rubber banded manager. Beefcake recovered and used his studded armband several times to weaken “Handsome” Jimmy. Valiant rolled out of the ring. Beefcake followed, but got thrown into the ring post. Valiant tossed Beefcake back in and applied a second sleeper. Beefcake was weakened and went down to the hold. Valiant, in celebration of his win, gave Gilbert a big hug after the bell! **

4) In the first of two special attractions, Chris Hero got a win in a very fast-paced match over “Lightning” Mike Quackenbush. The Knoxville fans gave Quackenbush a nice ovation in his first USWA appearance, but weren’t as nice to Hero and his agent, “Sweet & Sour” Larry Sweeney! Hero started off strong, using his Hero Stomp and Hero Sandwich for near falls. Quackenbush took over and hit a big slingshot plancha to the floor, then nailed one version of his Quackendriver finisher (version III—a modified fisherman driver). Quackenbush went for a cover, but Sweeney distracted Paul Morton. Sweeney pulled Hero out of the ring and the two headed for the locker room, with Hero having taken a beating. Quackenbush didn’t want a countout victory and dove off the top rope with another plancha, taking out both men! He tossed Hero back in and came off the top with a flying body press to pick up a two-count. “Lightning” whipped Hero into the corner and dove in with a flying splash, but Hero caught him in midair with a roaring elbow to the face. The two were back-and-forth battling. Hero ducked a Quackenbush punch and caught him with a nice back suplex into a bridge. Hero scored the quick pin and rolled out of the ring to check on Sweeney and help him to the back. Quackenbush looked disappointed, having got caught off guard for just a few seconds. The fans gave him a nice ovation as he headed to the back. ***

5) The Hennigs continued their winning ways, with a sneaky win over Diamond Dallas Page and The Crusher. Tommy Marlin was taken out of the match after a few minutes, Larry ducked a clothesline from The Crusher, and the big man hit Marlin. All four men ended up in and out of the ring, until Jerry Calhoun came down to replace Marlin and restored order. Page hit a big clothesline off the top rope on “The Axe”. Page and Crusher worked over the big man, until son Curt tagged in. Curt hit his Hennig Plex on Page, but DDP managed to kick out right before the three. Now the Hennigs tagged in and out and isolated Page. Larry blasted Page with The Axe and went for a cover, but Page was saved by a boot from “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous”. Curt was beating on Page and mocking him in an arrogant fashion. Curt went for a big standing dropkick, but missed, as Page fell backward into the ropes. Page rebounded and caught Curt as he got to his feet and nailed him with the Diamond Cutter out of nowhere. Page was still hurt and took his time in making a cover. He finally did, but Curt kicked out at 2¾. Page managed to tag out to Crusher, who slapped on a stomach claw, but Curt made the ropes. Bobby “The Brain” Heenan was going nuts at ringside, worried that his team was about to suffer their first loss. As the younger Hennig got to his feet, Crusher nailed him with the Bolo. Curt went flying from the punch, but managed to land in his own corner. Crusher turned his back to celebrate his blow, but as he did Curt made a tag to Larry. Crusher didn’t know this, and when he turned around he got met with a big Axe from Larry. Larry made a cover and got the three, while Curt, although weakened himself, took Page down to prevent a save. The father and son left the ring and gloated about their wise victory along with “The Brain”. ****¼


6) Once again, the “Card subject to change.” line came into play, as “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey was a no-show for his tag team match. Brad Armstrong and “The Birdman” Koko B. Ware (along with Frankie) came to the ring first. As “Chase” came over the P.A. system, Texas champ “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton walked out with manager Jim Cornette…who was sporting his spandex bodysuit, that he uses for when he wrestles! Before Cornette introduced Eaton, he explained that he didn’t know where Condrey has been, but since he has failed to be a team player, Cornette was dropping him from The Midnight Express. Cornette stated that he would be a true leader and take Condrey’s place! Armstrong and Ware weren’t too sad about this, as they finally got their hands on “The Louisville Slugger” in the ring. Cornette actually was willing to tag in and the fan favorites had control, but after a few minutes, two men appeared at ringside. One was “Sweet” Stan Lane, who twice held the USWA World Tag Team titles with Eaton in a different Midnight Express incarnation. The other was recognized as Dr. Tom Prichard. At one point, Cornette rolled out of the ring, and Ware followed. Eaton and Armstrong were brawling in the ring, which tied up Tommy Gilbert. Prichard blasted Ware with a superkick from behind, then tossed him back in. While Gilbert was still tied up, Cornette used his tennis racquet to add further insult to injury. Once order was restored, Eaton tagged in and continued to beat on Ware. He choked “The Birdman” on the ropes and as Gilbert held him off, Lane came around and blasted Ware with a karate kick. Eaton then came off the top with the Alabama Jam. Armstrong attempted a save, but Prichard had grabbed his leg from outside and prevented it, thus Eaton scored the pin. Armstrong finally broke free, but got blasted by a kick from Lane. Cornette was definitely on a high, as he, Eaton, Lane, and Prichard celebrated their accomplishment. ¾*

[Cory Olson]

Independence Day Bash 2009 (results continued)

7) New Southern Heavyweight champion Antonino Rocca got a quick submission win over The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer. The masked man had control early on, getting a two-count after a Sensational Suplex. Destroyer missed his Bombs Away off the top rope and almost got pinned. Rocca reversed an Irish whip into the buckle and Destroyer hit his back hard. Rocca caught him on the rebounded, lifted him up into the Argentinian Backbreaker, and forced a submission on the former World champ. *

8) USWA World Tag Team champions Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine defeated rivals Chris Candido and Buff Bagwell in a non-title match. Candido and Bagwell were hoping for a win over the champs and looked like they might get it early, as Candido set up Valentine for the Blonde Bomb, but Muraco ran in and broke up the attempt. Candido later used a diving head butt on “The Hammer” for a near fall. Muraco tagged in and took over for his team, hitting a rolling neck snap on Candido, and later blasting him with the Asiatic Spike. Candido’s neck got worked over, as the champs were apparently giving him some payback for Candido injuring Brutus Beefcake back in March. Valentine hit a neckbreaker on Candido and went for a cover, but Bagwell made the save. Muraco soon tagged in and hit a neckbreaker of his own to finally put Candido down for the count and give Capt. Lou Albano’s men the win. ***¼

9) NWA history was made on a USWA card, as Terry and Dory Funk, Jr. captured the NWA World Tag Team championship from Rick and Scott Steiner in the second special attraction match. The Steiner Brothers had control for most of the first part of the match, keeping the wild brawler Terry in the ring for quite a while. They gained near falls after Rick rammed Terry chest-first into the turnbuckles off of a backbreaker, and after a big fallaway slam from Scott. Dory tagged in, but took a beating as well, as he got hit with Scott’s famous and amazing Frankensteiner. Dory managed to kick out, but also got hit with the Steiners’ super DDT, where Rick lifted Dory on his shoulders, and Scott executed the DDT off of the top rope. Dory capitalized on a mistake by the “Dog Faced Gremlin” Rick and worked over his leg. Dory applied his finisher—the spinning toehold. Rick looked in trouble, but eventually made the ropes. Dory tagged out to Terry. The brothers from Amarillo lifted Rick up and delivered a big double team back suplex. Terry rolled into a cover, while Dory kept Scott at bay, and just like that the Funks captured the NWA titles. ***¾

10) The DiBiases, Steve Williams, and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan emerged victorious over Team RPW in an eight-man tag team Elimination Match. The first fall started with former World Tag Team championship partners Ted DiBiase and RPW coach Dick Hutton going at it. “Hacksaw” Duggan soon tagged in and it was back-and-forth, until Duggan got in the three-point stance and delivered a flying spear to put Hutton down and eliminate him quickly.

Dan “The Beast” Severn entered the match next for Team RPW. Williams and Duggan double teamed Severn. Duggan hit a second flying spear and managed to pin the man who tore his pectoral and eliminate him from the match. By this point, RPW had not been able to tag at all in either fall, while the DiBiase-led team had frequently switched.

The next fall started off with some controversy, as Tommy Gilbert went down after Duggan ducked a dropkick from Hodge and Gilbert took the effect of it. Severn, still down on the floor after being eliminated, had snuck back in and clocked Duggan with a steel chair. Severn quickly retreated, while Ted and Gotch went at it. Hodge worked over Duggan, as Paul Morton came down to replace Gilbert. Two Oklahoma Sooners (Williams and Hodge) went at it, with Williams executing a backdrop driver. Hodge showed his toughness, recovered, and managed to hit an Oklahoma side roll for a two-count a few minutes later. RPW kept “Iron” Mike in the ring for what seemed like an eternity and eventually busted the Nebraskan open. They also worked his leg with Hodge’s Indian Deathlock, and Gotch’s rolling kneebar, before Gotch clamped on the toehold. Ted saved his father from a submission with his K.O. punch. Both Gotch and Mike were down, but Gotch recovered first. “Iron” Mike finally made the hot tag to his son, who pounded away on Hodge and busted him open after a fist drop. “Dr. Death” came back in and was outwrestling Hodge, until Hodge hit another Oklahoma side roll. Just that quickly Hodge pinned him and took him out of the match. (This was Williams’ first pin loss in any type of match since coming to the USWA.)

“Hacksaw” attacked Hodge right away, then tagged out to “Iron” Mike. Both Hodge and Mike were bloodied, but battled tooth-and-nail. DiBiase’s partners got him out of trouble a few times. Ted tagged in and locked Hodge in the figure-four, but this time Gotch made a save. Gotch and Ted went at it. Gotch locked Ted in the guillotine choke—the same move he used to win DiBiase’s fortune at New Year’s Knockout III in 2006. DiBiase managed to make the ropes and fought back, tagging out to Duggan. Duggan hit the Old Glory knee drop, as well as a big clothesline on Gotch. Mike came back in and soon had Gotch bleeding as well after some stiff shots to the face. Mike had Gotch down on his stomach and seized the opportunity, hitting the top rope knee to the back. He made a cover and pinned the former World champ to eliminate him from the match. Hodge was now left one against three.

Hodge didn’t back down, as he and Mike battled for a few minutes, before Hodge clamped on an abdominal stretch and got the submission to score an elimination.

Hodge went at it with “Hacksaw” and Ted. DiBiase hit a top rope knee drop on a bloody Hodge and it looked like Hodge was done for, but somehow he still kicked out. DiBiase quickly followed up with his big right hand to put Hodge down for the pin. DiBiase and Duggan were left as the survivors in a hard-fought match. ****½

11) Nick Bockwinkel defeated Johnny Valentine by DQ in a bout that turned out to be short, but was memorable for other reasons. Valentine had the early advantage and Bockwinkel was getting very visibly frustrated. Valentine caught Bockwinkel in a sleeper and tried to put the three-time USWA champ out with a version of his own hold. Unseen by Tommy Marlin, Bobby Heenan aided Bockwinkel in grabbing the ropes. Valentine saw this and refused to break, since “The Brain” had been the reason Bockwinkel made the ropes. Marlin gave Valentine the five-count, but Valentine wouldn’t release. Marlin had to call for the bell. The fans were upset by this. Valentine kept the sleeper on after the bell, then dropped Bock and delivered some stomps and Atomic Skullcrushers. Suddenly The Hennigs appeared and nailed Valentine with a double Axe. Curt grabbed a chair from ringside and put Valentine’s leg in it. Larry revived Bockwinkel and then held Valentine’s arms down. Bockwinkel came off the second rope with a stomp to the chair. He then applied the figure-four to Valentine’s injured leg. Diamond Dallas Page, The Crusher, and Southern champ Antonino Rocca ran down to break up the attack. The Heenan Family bailed out, but the damage was done. Valentine had to be stretchered out and his leg didn’t look good. *

12) After the intermission, it was main event time—the big rematch for the USWA World Heavyweight championship with Ed “Strangler” Lewis defending against “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. The fans were split in their support on this one. In the opening seconds, Snuka got a very near fall, as Lewis attempted a leg sweep, but Snuka blocked him and hit a backbreaker. The challenger was in control and went for his Superfly Leap. But it was too early as Lewis rolled out of the way and Snuka hit his hard on the mat. Lewis immediately took Snuka down with the Strangler’s Headlock. He fought Snuka for about three minutes, trying to gain either a pin or submission. Lewis busted Snuka open, but couldn’t get a win, as the “Superfly” eventually rolled out of the hold. With his fans behind him, Snuka fought back and blasted Lewis with a flying head butt for a two-count. Snuka was fired up and looked on his way to victory. He climbed up the buckles again, perhaps for another Superfly Leap. Lewis got to his feet quickly and followed Snuka to the corner. He reached up and grabbed Snuka in the Strangler’s Headlock, then took him down to the mat while Snuka was on the top rope! Lewis held Snuka down and managed to pin his shoulders to the mat to retain the title. Snuka recovered and got to his feet. He offered his hand to Lewis in sportsmanship. Lewis accepted and the two shook, to the cheers of the crowd. ***¼

[Cory Olson]

With the Independence Day Bash taking place on a Saturday, WMC-TV broadcasted a special Sunday edition of USWA Championship Wrestling on July 5.
• Lance Russell announced that former USWA World Heavyweight champion The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer has decided to leave the USWA and return to All Japan Pro Wrestling. It will be interesting to see if Destroyer picks up his USWA feud from 2008 with Giant Baba in Baba’s home country!
• Bill Apter interviewed “Playboy” Buddy Rose, Larry Sharpe, and “Sensational” Sherri Martel about their actions from the previous night. Sherri said that Danny Doring wasn’t holding his end up in his team with Rose, in the same way that George South wasn’t doing his share for the South-Sharpe team. She said that Rose and Sharpe were the talented members of their respective former teams and thus had decided to form a new team. Rose added that Sharpe will now be given the nickname of the “Pretty Boy”, because (in his words) he rivals only Rose as the best looking man in the USWA!
• Jim Cornette was interviewed by Lance Russell about what went down at the Independence Day Bash with his men. Cornette said there was nothing more to add to the Dennis Condrey situation—that Condrey wasn’t responsible and therefore didn’t deserve to belong to the strongest unit in professional wrestling. Cornette introduced “Sweet” Stan Lane and “The Doctor of Desire” Tom Prichard as his new tag team—The Heavenly Bodies! Cornette stated that Lane was out of action for one year, after suffering a serious neck injury from The Road Warriors’ Doomsday Device in 2006 in the USWA, but has made a full recovery. Lane and Prichard recently started teaming in the CWF (Continental Wrestling Federation). A few weeks ago when Condrey started no-showing USWA cards, Cornette got in touch with Lane and invited him and Prichard to join his USWA stable. Russell asked “The Louisville Slugger” if Texas champ “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton would be reforming his Midnight Express team with “Sweet” Stan at all. Cornette said they plan to occasionally team, but for now Eaton will focus on singles action and on defending his Texas title. Cornette said that his new unit will put Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware out of wrestling for good!
• During an interview with the entire Heenan Family (minus the injured Larry Zbyszko), Nick Bockwinkel made a challenge to Ed “Strangler” Lewis for the next shot at the USWA World Heavyweight championship! Bockwinkel stated that he is ready to win his record-breaking fourth championship. Lewis was not available for a response. Lance Russell asked Bobby Heenan about the actions of Bockwinkel and The Hennigs. “The Brain” stated that Johnny Valentine “undeservedly” attacked Bockwinkel after the bell and The Hennigs were “defending” a (Heenan) Family member. It was revealed during this show that Valentine will be out of action for about two months.
• Speaking of The Heenan Family, the undefeated Hennigs will receive the next shot at the USWA World Tag Team championship, when they challenge Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine in the main event on July 17, on the USWA’s debut card at the Great Plains Coliseum in Lawton, OK.
• Another big bout for the card in Lawton will be an “inter-squad match” of sorts as two former Oklahoma Sooners will do battle. Steve “Dr. Death” Williams will collide with Danny Hodge. Hodge was the first man to pin Williams in the USWA during the big eight-man tag team Elimination Match. Can he do it again in singles competition?
• Also, a rematch has been signed for the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship as Antonino Rocca will defend against three-time champ The Sheik! This bout will take place on July 24 at the Sailors and Soldiers Memorial Coliseum in Evansville.

Following the huge Independence Day Bash, the USWA continues to roll on with more great action! They return to the Boutwell Coliseum in Birmingham, AL on July 10!
• In a first-time tag team meeting, The Dream Team will take on Ted DiBiase and Steve “Dr. Death” Williams. Coming off their team’s win in the eight-man tag team Elimination Match at Independence Day Bash, DiBiase and Williams would love to get into the USWA World Tag Team title picture (Not that they’re totally finished with Team RPW!) A win over one-half of the champs would be a step in the right direction. Can they do it or will Capt. Lou Albano’s men stop them?
• Two of the men who suffered the most punishment in the eight-man tag team Elimination Match will meet again, when Danny Hodge faces “Iron” Mike DiBiase. Who will get the win in this singles bout?
• Prior to getting their shot at the World Tag Team titles, The Hennigs will face The Killer Bees in a rematch from a few weeks ago at the Nashville Fairgrounds. Larry and Curt barely got a countout win last time. Can they win again or will The Bees end their perfect record?
• The Sheik will appear without the USWA Southern Heavyweight title belt in Birmingham and will take on American patriot “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. Duggan’s last match in the USWA during his first run (before going to the UWF) was against the Syrian madman in October 2006. Sheik was the winner on that night. Duggan is coming off being one of the last two survivors in the big eight-man tag match, while Sheik is gunning for his rematch for the Southern gold against Antonino Rocca!
• “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka didn’t capture the World title at the Bash, but he’s still intent on driving Magnificent Muraco out of the USWA. These two rivals will meet again at the Boutwell!
• The main event will be a big rematch, as Nick Bockwinkel goes one-on-one with The Crusher. Crusher defeated Bockwinkel on May 22 in Memphis at the Mid-South Coliseum, although Bockwinkel claims it was due to a distraction from Johnny Valentine. While Bockwinkel awaits “Strangler” Lewis’ answer to his World title challenge, he hopes to get revenge on “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous”. Not only will Crusher be fighting for another victory, but you can bet he’s fighting on behalf of the injured Valentine.
All this plus another first-time match, as Diamond Dallas Page takes on Dan “The Beast” Severn. Also, native Alabaman and Texas champ “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton in action!

[Cory Olson]

July 10, 2009
Card #213: Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham, AL

1) A new tag team got a win in the opener, as “Playboy” Buddy Rose and the newly christened “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe narrowly defeated “Special Delivery” Jones and Cousin Luke. Jones and Luke showed that they have more experience as a team, as they came very close to a victory over the rulebreakers on several occasions. Sharpe came back and got a near fall on Luke with a knee drop. He tagged out to Rose, who came off the top with his own Bombs Away knee drop and got the pin. As Jones and Luke left the ring, they were seen by the entryway talking to “Dastardly” Danny Doring, Rose’s former partner. **½

2) Buff Bagwell and Chris Candido finally got a win over Virgil and Johnny Rodz. Bagwell and Candido were more focused, after losing two bouts to Virgil and Rodz. They tagged in and out frequently. Virgil locked on the Million Dollar Dream on “Buff Daddy”, after Bagwell missed a flying body press, but Bagwell wisely was able to tag out, while locked in the hold. Virgil broke up two pin attempts on Rodz, but he would go down in the end to Candido’s Blonde Bomb. **¾

3) USWA Texas champ and Alabama native “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton received a big homecoming response from the Birmingham crowd, which led him to a quick dominant victory over George South. Eaton was accompanied not only by manager Jim Cornette, but also The Heavenly Bodies, who will debut next week in Lawton, OK. Eaton was almost toying with South, relishing the cheers of the fans that he doesn’t hear in many other USWA cities! The Alabama Jam would put South down for the 1-2-3. DUD

4) Diamond Dallas Page scored a big pinfall win over Dan “The Beast” Severn. Severn focused on Page’s arm early, applying the wakigatame on one occasion. The fans were behind Page here. In an amazing moment, Severn lifted DDP for a German suplex, but Page broke free and turned it into a Diamond Cutter, almost in midair! Page was slow in making the cover and only got a two-count. The action was back-and-forth, until Page hit a second Diamond Cutter a few minutes later to score the pinfall a quick, but competitive match. **½

5) The Dream Team defeated Ted DiBiase and Steve Williams by DQ, in what turned out to be a very disappointing tag team match. DiBiase and Valentine started off the bout, and basically ended up being the only ones in! When DiBiase was getting the advantage against “The Hammer”, Valentine got frustrated, rolled out of the ring and grabbed his USWA World Tag Team title belt. Capt. Lou Albano distracted Paul Neighbors, as Valentine entered the ring and prepared to strike. DiBiase cut him off, grabbed the belt, and blasted him. Unfortunately, Neighbors turned around in time to see that and disqualified DiBiase. “Dr. Death” and Beefcake never entered the match, although Beefcake didn’t seem to mind, as he and Albano hauled Valentine back to the locker room in victory. negative*

6) Danny Hodge pinned rival “Iron” Mike DiBiase. Hodge was in control for most of this match, but DiBiase wouldn’t go down without a fight. Hodge had DiBiase in an abdominal stretch, as coach Dick Hutton rooted his RPW teammate on from ringside. DiBiase grabbed the ropes and then pulled himself and Hodge through the ropes to the floor. Both men were hurt, but Hodge recovered first, tossed DiBiase back in the ring, and then hit the Oklahoma side roll to get the pin. *¾

7) In a rematch from Card #211, The Hennigs made short work of The Killer Bees. The Bees looked like they would get the fast win, as they kept Curt in the ring. Curt kicked out of two of “Jumping” Jim Brunzell’s dropkicks, as well as got to the ropes while locked in B. Brian Blair’s sleeper. Curt was reeling, but out of nowhere hit Blair with his father’s Axe finisher and made the cover with his feet on the ropes to put down Blair for three. Larry didn’t even need to enter the match, as The Hennigs remain undefeated prior to challenging for the USWA World Tag Team titles next week in Lawton! ½*

8) Former Southern Heavyweight champion The Sheik took a pummeling but needed just one “maneuver” to pin “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. The American patriot had the Syrian madman rocking and reeling. Duggan even came off the top rope with a version of his Old Glory knee drop for a near fall. Sheik was down near the ropes, when Abdullah Farouk had Frank Morrell distracted. As Duggan went to pounce on the Sheik, Sheik unleashed a huge fireball! Duggan went down quickly and was easy prey for Sheik to make a cover and score the pin. The DiBiases and Steve Williams came to ring to check on “Hacksaw” and help him to the back, as Sheik and Farouk retreated to the locker room amidst angry Birmingham fans! **

9) “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka came back to score a win over one-half of the USWA World Tag Team champions Magnificent Muraco. Muraco was the aggressor early on, using an over-the-shoulder backbreaker several times, as well as two Hawaiian Hammers, but Snuka managed to survive. Muraco hit the Asiatic Spike and Snuka was coughing up blood. “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant came down to ringside to fire up the fans and get them behind Snuka. It may have helped as the Fijian warrior battled back and wore down Muraco. He nailed a Superfly Leap, but hurt himself and was slow in making a cover, thus Muraco kicked out. Snuka gave Muraco a taste of his own medicine, using a piledriver to plant him and score the pin. After the bell, Snuka wasn’t finished, as having taken months of punishment and illegal shenanigans from Muraco and the rest of Capt. Lou Albano’s crew, Snuka and Valiant executed a spike piledriver on Muraco, with Valiant coming off the second rope with the “spike”. Valiant blasted Albano with an elbow smash. The Dream Team was soon down to battle with Snuka and Valiant, until several officials broke it up. Muraco had to be helped to the back and held his neck in pain. Although their tactics weren’t typical, fans cheered Snuka and Valiant, as Muraco got what many feel was coming to him. ****¼

10) The main event saw three-time former USWA World Heavyweight champion Nick Bockwinkel looking for revenge against The Crusher, who defeated him a few weeks back. Bockwinkel was focused, wanting a victory, as he awaits Ed “Strangler” Lewis’ response for a challenge for the USWA World Heavyweight championship. This was a wild bout, which seemed to go more out of the ring than in. When the two wrestlers were inside Bockwinkel utilized both the figure-four and the Bockwinkel sleeper several times. Crusher used his stomach claw and Crusher Nelson (which defeated The Destroyer on Card #211), but couldn’t keep Bock down for long. After another brawl outside, Bockwinkel took over and applied another sleeper. He stayed on the big man’s back and weakened him. Jerry Calhoun checked Crusher’s arm and it dropped three times, giving Bockwinkel the win and making Bobby “The Brain” Heenan a happy man. ***

In the next USWA update, we'll have Ed "Strangler" Lewis' response to Nick Bockwinkel's challenge for the World title, as well as have an update on the condition of Magnificent Muraco and the situation involving the USWA World Tag Team championship!

[Cory Olson]

Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on July 11:
• Bill Apter interviewed USWA World Heavyweight champion Ed “Strangler” Lewis. The three-time titleholder accepted Nick Bockwinkel’s challenge for a title match. The match was made for August 7, when the USWA returns to Ft. Worth, Texas! This card will be held at the Tarrant County Convention Center. This will be Bockwinkel and Lewis’ third meeting in USWA history. The next USWA update will have an in-depth look at the history of their previous battles.
• Lewis also announced that a great technical wrestler will soon be debuting in the USWA—“Tiger Man” John Pesek! Pesek has a reputation throughout the wrestling world as one of the toughest and most dangerous men. While Pesek has not yet captured a World Heavyweight title, he holds victories over many great wrestlers. Lewis stated that he is excited that Pesek will be competing in USWA rings. When Apter asked if Lewis would team with Pesek, the “Strangler” said that he has contacted Pesek and that the two could very well team up against any wrestlers who want a challenge.
• Lance Russell updated USWA fans on the situation with Magnificent Muraco. The Hawaiian powerhouse suffered a neck injury from Jimmy Snuka and Jimmy Valiant’s spike piledriver, but it is not a serious one. He was told that he should sit out about six weeks. Capt. Lou Albano came into the WMC-TV studios and said that he had been pleading his case to the USWA Committee all morning, prior to Championship Wrestling going on the air. He tried to get Brutus Beefcake to fill in for Muraco and defend the titles, but the Committee will not allow a substitute to fill in for any champion. The Committee decided that Muraco will either wrestle next week in Lawton or he and Greg Valentine will have to forfeit the belts to The Hennigs. Bobby “The Brain” Heenan interrupted and gloated about the situation, saying that he was certain The Hennigs would win the titles before this, but now it’s a guarantee. The two managers argued for several minutes, before the show went to commercial.
• In another Heenan Family-related item, it was announced that Larry Zbyszko will return from injury on July 24 in Evansville, and will do battle with the man who injured him—Diamond Dallas Page.

It’s the USWA’s debut in Lawton, OK on July 17! The fans at the Great Plains Coliseum are going to see a card full of action!
• “Dastardly” Danny Doring announced on Championship Wrestling that he will be reforming his “legendary” tag team (his words!) for one night with Cousin Luke to get revenge on “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe! S.D. Jones spoke on behalf of Luke and said that this is just a one-time deal and that he (Jones) will be keeping an eye on how Doring treats Luke, as Doring often took advantage of the hillbilly in the past.
• Former Killer “B”s Buff Bagwell and Brutus Beefcake will meet up again, in one-on-one competition. This will be only the second time the two have wrestled in singles action, and Beefcake came out the winner the first time. Can “Buff Daddy” even things up?
• An Oklahoman returns to his home state, when Dick Hutton teams up with fellow RPW member Frank Gotch to collide with Ted and Mike DiBiase. So much on the line between these four men. Most recently, “Iron” Mike eliminated Gotch from the eight-man tag team Elimination Match at the Independence Day Bash. Which team will come out on top?
• In a first-time meeting, that will certainly be a wild brawl, The Sheik will clash with “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous” The Crusher! Sheik will get his rematch for the Southern Heavyweight title next week in Evansville, but will have to face Antonino Rocca’s ally. Can he stop “Da” Crusher?
• In what’s being billed as a “Sooners Intra-Squad Match”, two University of Oklahoma legends will go at it, when Steve “Dr. Death” Williams faces Danny Hodge. Hodge gave Williams his only pin loss in the eight-man tag team Elimination Match. Will Williams be able to stop Hodge or will Hodge come out the dominant Sooner on this night?
• In a rematch from Card #211 at the Nashville Fairgrounds, Nick Bockwinkel hopes to avenge another loss when he meets up with Diamond Dallas Page. Bockwinkel is guaranteed his title shot at Ed “Strangler” Lewis on August 7, but can he put down the man from the Jersey Shore or will Bockwinkel feel the BANG!?
• The scheduled main event will see the undefeated Hennigs challenge for the USWA World Tag Team titles against Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. Capt. Lou Albano never gave a decisive answer about whether or not Muraco would be there. Will the Hawaiian powerhouse be able to compete or will new champions be crowned without a match taking place?
All this plus “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka takes on Dan “The Beast” Severn, plus “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant in action, and the in-ring debut of The Heavenly Bodies!

[Cory Olson]

July 17, 2009
Great Plains Coliseum: Lawton, OK

1) The opener for the first Lawton card saw a new tag team achieve victory in their first USWA match, as The Heavenly Bodies defeated Virgil and Johnny Rodz. “Sweet” Stan Lane worked over Virgil and nailed his famed superkick for a near fall. He tagged out to Dr. Tom Prichard who roughed up the former bodyguard. Jim Cornette distracted Tommy Gilbert and dropped his tennis racquet in the ring. Prichard picked it up, blasted Virgil with it, and made a cover. Gilbert turned around to count the pin and award The Bodies the win. Rodz never tagged in, as Lane and Prichard kept Virgil in the entire match. DUD

2) “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant got a quick win over George South. Valiant electrified the Lawton crowd with his antics. He used his sleeper to quickly put South out and get the win. DUD

3) “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe ruined the one night reunion of “Dastardly” Danny Doring and Cousin Luke. S.D. Jones accompanied Doring and Luke for this match, to keep an eye on Doring and his treatment of the hillbilly. Long-time USWA fans recall how Doring would often make Luke start the match and wrestle longer stretches. On this night, Luke forced Doring to start, since Doring had asked Luke for his help. Doring started strong against former partner Rose, but Rose and Sharpe soon took over. Rose and Sharpe showed good double teaming skills for a new team, as they hit Luke with a double suplex, while Paul Morton was trying to get Doring out of the ring at one point. “Sensational” Sherri Martel’s purse later came into play, while Sharpe had diverted Morton’s attention. Luke tagged Doring back in. Doring was almost pinned by Sharpe’s piledriver. Rose came in again. He knocked Doring into the turnbuckles with a kick to the back, then surprised him with a school boy roll-up and hook of the tights, which was enough to keep Doring down for the three. Rose, Sharpe, and Sherri walked up the aisle in victory. Doring tried to protest to Morton, but to no avail. Luke and Jones left the ring without Doring, having done what was asked of them. Fans felt no sympathy for Doring, knowing from USWA Championship Wrestling broadcasts in Lawton the history between Doring and Luke. ***

4) Dan Severn beat “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka by DQ. Dick Hutton got some cheers from the Lawton crowd, for being an Oklahoma A&M alumnus. But Snuka had more support from the fans. “The Beast” had control of most of the action, hitting two fireman’s carry slams in a row, and then going for a pin attempt, but Snuka got his shoulder up. The bout spilled to the floor where a chop and punch fest broke out between the two. Snuka gained control and set Severn up to piledrive him on the floor! Scott Bowden jumped out of the ring to warn the “Superfly” not to execute the move. Snuka shoved Bowden down, which led to the disqualification. Hutton ran over to try and stop Snuka, but got a head butt for his actions. Snuka then finally hit the piledriver on Severn. The Fijian warrior has been more fired up from his feud with Magnificent Muraco and Capt. Lou’s men, and took it out on Severn tonight! “The Beast” was helped to the back by his Team RPW teammates, but suffered no major injuries. *½

5) Brutus Beefcake put Buff Bagwell out to get a win. This battle of The Killer “B”s was back-and-forth. Bagwell landed throat-first across the top rope early on, after attempting a flying body press. Beefcake focused his attack to the throat, using a double thrust several times. Bagwell hit a double arm DDT and went for a cover, but Capt. Lou Albano distracted Tommy Gilbert. After a brawl outside the ring, Beefcake dropped Bagwell throat-first across the guard railing. He tossed him back in the ring, caught “Buff Daddy” in a sleeper, and put Bagwell out with the hold to get the win. ***¼

6) Ted and Mike DiBiase got a very hard-fought win over Frank Gotch and Dick Hutton. Hutton got some cheers again, being from Oklahoma, as he did when he accompanied Dan Severn earlier. But The DiBiases were immensely popular in Lawton. This bout was full of action. Ted went for the figure-four after just a few minutes on Hutton, as he caught the former A&M Cowboy with a leg trip off the ropes and went for the leglock. Gotch made the save, knowing the effects of the move. Gotch went for Ted’s leg later, applying the rolling knee bar several times. “Iron” Mike tagged in, but was worked over as well, getting hit by an atomic drop from Hutton, then being trapped in the abdominal stretch and Gotch Toehold back-to-back. Mike has lived up to his “Iron” nickname in the USWA, as he may not always win, but he can take punishment and won’t give up without a fight. He and Gotch traded punches in what started to resemble more of a boxing or MMA match than a standard pro wrestling match. Gotch had a later more power, as he busted Mike open. Hutton got Mike up in the Cowboy backbreaker, but the elder DiBiase got his foot on the ropes. Ted and Gotch were back at it, when DiBiase went for a clothesline, but Gotch ducked and Scott Bowden took the impact of the move. He was out of commission for about three minutes, as all four men went at it, with Ted blasting Gotch with his gloved right hand. Gotch recovered and was able to apply the toehold to “Iron” Mike, while Ted and Hutton brawled on the floor. Mike broke out of the hold with a stiff kick, while Bowden came to and resumed officiating duties. Mike was bleeding buckets by this point, but managed to block a slam from Gotch and tag out to his son. Ted went for the figure-four on Gotch, but the Iowan made the ropes. Hutton tagged in and once again the match went to the floor. Hutton looked to be attempting a throw or suplex on the floor, but Ted blocked it and drove him back-first into the ring apron. He tossed Hutton back in, immediately climbed up to the top turnbuckle and dove off with his father’s finisher—the knee drop to the back. As Ted went for a cover, Gotch stepped in the ring, but from out of nowhere, a bloody Mike cut him off with a punch and allowed his son to score the pin on Hutton in an awesome match. ****½

7) The Sheik bloodied up The Crusher en route to a submission victory. To little surprise, this match was a wild brawl from the opening bell and was back-and-forth with all kinds of blows from each man. Crusher had Sheik in a bear hug, but the Syrian madman broke the hold with an eye rake. He took over and got “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous” in the Camel Clutch, digging his nails into Crusher’s face. Crusher made the ropes and went to the floor, but Sheik rammed him head-first into the announcers’ table, which busted him open. He threw Crusher back in the ring and locked on the Camel Clutch again. Crusher fought valiantly, but in the end tapped out, giving Sheik the win, one week before his rematch for the Southern Heavyweight title. *½

8) The “Sooners Intra-Squad Match” ended in controversy, as Danny Hodge defeated Steve Williams by DQ. In an interesting touch to this match, both Hodge and Williams entered the ring to the University of Oklahoma’s "Boomer Sooner” fight song. (While Hodge doesn’t have regular entrance music, Williams normally comes out to “I Love It Loud” by KISS.) Dick Hutton did not accompany Hodge at the start, as he was recovering from his own earlier tag match. The match started off with some great mat and chain wrestling. Williams shot a nice single leg takedown and went for a half nelson. He got a two-count of this amateur-style pin combination. The action picked up and Williams hit a nice backdrop driver on Hodge. Hodge came back and hit the Oklahoma side roll (the same move that pinned “Dr. Death” at Independence Day Bash) for a near fall. This was great back-and-forth action. Williams would come off the second and top turnbuckles several times, trying to use new tactics to defeat Hodge. While Hodge couldn’t overpower Williams, he did make use of his immense grip strength to lock Williams in a Boston Crab for nearly two minutes, before Williams made the ropes. Just as the match was getting great, Hodge whipped Williams into the ropes. Williams rebounded, and Hodge was going to leap frog him. Williams’ head was low and basically head butted Hodge in the groin. Hodge went down hard. As Williams went to attack, Paul Morton called for the bell, disqualifying Williams for a low blow. “Dr. Death” was in shock, stating that it was an accident, but the decision stood. As Hutton came down to help his partner to the back, the Lawton fans were irate by the decision! ***

9) Nick Bockwinkel defeated Diamond Dallas Page via submission. This was another back-and-forth contest. Page focused on Bockwinkel’s neck, trying to set him up for the Diamond Cutter, by using the Diamond Dream and a swinging neckbreaker for near falls. Page never hit the Cutter though, as Bockwinkel countered with his tough offense. He used a big piledriver that almost pinned Page, but DDP got his shoulder up at 2¾. Bockwinkel worked over the leg and slapped on the figure-four. Page fought hard for nearly a minute, trying to escape. He had the fans behind him, but in order to avoid injury, Page tapped out from the pain, giving Bockwinkel the win in a very good bout. ***½

10) Bobby “The Brain” Heenan was back out again after intermission, to accompany his team of The Hennigs to the ring for their shot at the USWA World Tag Team titles in the main event. The challengers, of course, entered the ring first. The Lawton fans waited to see if both champions would enter, or just Greg “The Hammer” Valentine to forfeit the titles. After a few minutes, Capt. Lou Albano led both Valentine and Magnificent Muraco to the ring. Muraco sported a neck brace and looked to be in pain, just standing in the corner as Gary Michael Cappetta did the pre-main event introductions. To little surprise, Valentine started the match off for his team. He stayed in the ring longer than usual, trying to give Muraco as little time in the ring as possible. Valentine worked over Larry “The Axe” and went for the figure-four, but Hennig managed to power out. After some begging from his partner, Valentine reluctantly tagged out. Muraco was very effective. He failed on his first Hawaiian Hammer attempt, but got big Larry up on the second try and nailed the move. “The Weasel” jumped up on the apron to keep Tommy Gilbert from making a pin count. Muraco blasted Larry with his Asiatic Spike, but the big man managed to tag out. Valentine tagged in as well and caught Curt in the figure-four, but Curt made the ropes. The champs tagged in and out and, to little surprised, worked Curt’s neck. “The Hammer” hit a piledriver, which drew blood on Curt, but couldn’t pin him. Muraco eventually tagged back in and hit a Hawaiian Hammer, which pinned Curt to the mat and ended The Hennigs’ perfect record. Fans were in support of the challengers early on, perhaps wanting to see history made, but some turned in support of the champs, seeing Muraco perform unbelievable feats, considering his injured neck. **

[Cory Olson]

Highlights of USWA Championship Wrestling from July 18:
• Capt. Lou Albano was interviewed by Lance Russell, with The Dream Team flanking him. The rubber banded manager stated that fans should not be surprised by Magnificent Muraco and Greg Valentine retaining the World Tag Team titles the night before, as they are the best team in the USWA today and Muraco himself is, and always has been, an amazing physical specimen! Albano said that Muraco will be wrestling less in the coming weeks, as he allows his injured neck to heal. But he will appear with “The Hammer” to continue to defend their belts.
• Another title match has been added to the card on August 7 at the Tarrant County Convention Center in Ft. Worth. “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton, coming up on 10½ months as Texas champion, will put the gold on the line in a rematch against “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant. The last time these two met, Valiant was disqualified for getting wound up and slamming referee Scott Bowden. “Handsome” Jimmy will need to keep his cool if he hopes to win the Texas title!
• It was announced that “Tiger Man” John Pesek will make his USWA debut on August 14 at the USWA’s home base—the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis.
• A video package aired highlighting the history between World Heavyweight champion Ed “Strangler” Lewis and Nick Bockwinkel.
* Long-time USWA fans remember that Lewis was special guest referee at New Year’s Knockout III in 2006, when Bockwinkel retained the USWA gold against Harley Race in a memorable 60-Minute Iron Man Match. Lewis challenged Bockwinkel to a title match afterward. Bobby Heenan intervened and claimed Lewis wasn’t worthy. Bockwinkel got taken down in the Strangler’s Headlock immediately and was seen taping while officials had to pry Lewis off.
* Lewis became a USWA wrestler in March 2007, debuting in his hometown of Louisville. He and Bockwinkel never met up until the next New Year’s Knockout. Lewis won the match with the headlock, dropping Bockwinkel right on his head as he took him over. Bockwinkel had suffered concussions at that time and received another one in this match. This took him out of action for nearly nine months.
* When Bockwinkel returned, he naturally wanted a rematch with Lewis. Lewis had suffered a broken ankle in an attack by Team RPW, but was willing to answer Bock’s challenge and meet him at New Year’s Knockout V. Bockwinkel took advantage of Lewis’ injury this time, removing his walking cast and stomping on the ankle, leading to a countout victory. New Year’s Knockout has been the center of the history between these two, but now it will be a sizzling battle in August as these two collide! Bockwinkel hasn’t scored a pin or submission win over the “Strangler”. Both men are three-time champs, but Bock would become the first ever four-time champ with a win in Ft. Worth! Who will leave Ft. Worth on top of the USWA world?

The USWA returns to the Sailors & Soldiers Memorial Coliseum in Evansville on July 24!
• Give Danny Doring credit—he’s not giving up easily. This week he’ll team up with George South to battle “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe. Doring convinced South (Sharpe’s former partner) to work with him. Remember, USWA fans, South also has upset Rose in singles competition in the past!
• The Hennigs got a sneaky win over The Crusher and Diamond Dallas Page in tag team competition at the Independence Day Bash, but the Evansville fans will get to see a one-on-one battle of big men when “Da” Crusher collides with Larry “The Axe” Hennig!
• Steve “Dr. Death” Williams stated on Championship Wrestling that his low head butt against Danny Hodge was an accident and that he wants a rematch with his fellow Sooner alumnus. He won’t get that match this week, but he’s got an equally tough challenge, when he battles RPW founder and former USWA champion Frank Gotch!
• The Dream Team will be looking for revenge for Magnificent Muraco when they take on former World Tag Team champions “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant. Can Capt. Lou’s men get the win or will the wild, popular team of Snuka and Valiant walk out the winners?
• Larry Zbyszko returns to action and will also be looking for revenge when he battles Diamond Dallas Page!
• Nick Bockwinkel isn’t slowing things down as he prepares for his shot at the USWA World Heavyweight title. On the 24th, he’ll face a man that’s defeated him twice this year—RPW member Danny Hodge! Hodge defeated Bockwinkel in the finals of the Clash at the Coliseum tournament back in March at the USWA’s 200th card. Can Hodge three-peat or will Bock emerge victorious?
• The main event will be another big rematch, as Antonino “Argentina” Rocca makes his first defense of the USWA Southern Heavyweight title against three-time former champ The Sheik! Rocca got the submission win over the Syrian madman in Nashville. Can he hold on to the strap or will Sheik become a record-breaking four-time champ?
All this plus The Heavenly Bodies, and the team of Brad Armstrong and “The Birdman” Koko B. Ware return to USWA action!

[Deleted]

The USWA returns to the Sailors & Soldiers Memorial Coliseum in Evansville on July 24!
• Give Danny Doring credit—he’s not giving up easily. This week he’ll team up with George South to battle “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe. Doring convinced South (Sharpe’s former partner) to work with him. Remember, USWA fans, South also has upset Rose in singles competition in the past!
• The Hennigs got a sneaky win over The Crusher and Diamond Dallas Page in tag team competition at the Independence Day Bash, but the Evansville fans will get to see a one-on-one battle of big men when “Da” Crusher collides with Larry “The Axe” Hennig!
• Steve “Dr. Death” Williams stated on Championship Wrestling that his low head butt against Danny Hodge was an accident and that he wants a rematch with his fellow Sooner alumnus. He won’t get that match this week, but he’s got an equally tough challenge, when he battles RPW founder and former USWA champion Frank Gotch!
• The Dream Team will be looking for revenge for Magnificent Muraco when they take on former World Tag Team champions “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant. Can Capt. Lou’s men get the win or will the wild, popular team of Snuka and Valiant walk out the winners?
• Larry Zbyszko returns to action and will also be looking for revenge when he battles Diamond Dallas Page!
• Nick Bockwinkel isn’t slowing things down as he prepares for his shot at the USWA World Heavyweight title. On the 24th, he’ll face a man that’s defeated him twice this year—RPW member Danny Hodge! Hodge defeated Bockwinkel in the finals of the Clash at the Coliseum tournament back in March at the USWA’s 200th card. Can Hodge three-peat or will Bock emerge victorious?
• The main event will be another big rematch, as Antonino “Argentina” Rocca makes his first defense of the USWA Southern Heavyweight title against three-time former champ The Sheik! Rocca got the submission win over the Syrian madman in Nashville. Can he hold on to the strap or will Sheik become a record-breaking four-time champ?
All this plus The Heavenly Bodies, and the team of Brad Armstrong and “The Birdman” Koko B. Ware return to USWA action!

[Cory Olson]

Thanks to Kevin for the predictions!

July 24, 2009
Card #215: Sailors & Soldiers Coliseum in Evansville

1) The Heavenly Bodies were victorious in the opener over S.D. Jones and Cousin Luke. Jones and Luke had control in the opening minutes, keeping “Sweet” Stan Lane in the ring for several minutes. Dr. Tom Prichard tagged in and worked over the hillbilly. Luke had the advantage, but got crotched on the top rope, after attempting a splash. Prichard pulled him off the ropes and was able to hit a slingshot suplex on the big man for a near fall. Lane came back in and The Bodies used the Rocket Launcher on Luke. “Special Delivery” made the save, but got knocked out of the ring by Prichard. Lane hit his superkick to put Luke down for the pin. ***

2) “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe got a quick countout win over Danny Doring and George South. Doring started the match off, just like he did last week in teaming with Cousin Luke. Rose worked over his former partner and hit the Bombs Away. Rather than go for a pin, he tagged out to Sharpe, who continued to beat on Doring. He tossed Doring out of the ring. South tried to help his partner off, but got cut off by the “Playboy”. Meanwhile Sharpe hit a piledriver on Doring on the arena floor. He crawled back in the ring and let Tom Branch count Doring out of the ring. Doring had to be helped to the back by South and several USWA officials, but it was determined that he did not suffer any serious injuries. DUD

3) “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan scored a big pinfall victory over Team RPW coach Dick Hutton. This was a short, but hard-hitting battle. Hutton showed his strength, lifting the big Duggan up into the Cowboy backbreaker. Duggan managed to break free and regain control. Duggan got into the three-point stance and hit the flying spear, but Hutton kicked out. A piledriver from “Hacksaw” soon after would lead to a pin. *½

4) The popular team of Brad Armstrong and “The Birdman” Koko B. Ware wrestled for the first time since the Independence Day Bash, and got an impressive win over Virgil and Johnny Rodz. Armstrong and Ware returned from their attack by The Heavenly Bodies, Bobby Eaton, and Jim Cornette and were fired up. After a double dropkick on Rodz, Ware hit the Ghostbuster to pick up the pin before Virgil could even tag in! DUD

5) Larry “The Axe” Hennig beat The Crusher by DQ in a physical match. Hennig surprised some USWA fans in the early going, controlling “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous”. Hennig hit The Axe at one point, but Crusher kicked out. Crusher fought back with the fans behind him and blasted Hennig with the Crusher Bolo, but Bobby “The Brain” Heenan distracted Sam Platania. Crusher came off the second rope twice with a knee drop, but Hennig still kicked out. The two big men were exchanging blows in the corner, when Platania tried to break them up. Crusher got fired up and punched Platania. Platania went down, but was able to call for the bell and disqualify him. Crusher tried to go after Larry some more, but Curt Hennig ran down to protect his father, along with Heenan, and the three retreated to the locker room. ***¼

6) Frank Gotch defeated Steve “Dr. Death” Williams by submission. These two had a great hard-fought match. Even though Williams had the power and size advantage, Gotch used his quickness and technical knowledge to work over the former Oklahoma Sooner. Gotch managed to use his Iowa backdrop (a move similar to Williams’ backdrop driver) for a two-count. He worked over Williams’ leg, using both the Gotch Toehold and rolling kneebar. Williams took over and went for a tackle in the corner, but Gotch sidestepped him and Williams’ shoulder hit the ring post hard. Gotch worked over the wounded arm for several minutes. He locked on a grinding hammerlock and forced “Dr. Death” to tap out. Gotch had been in a bit of a slump this year in singles competition, but scored an impressive win here. **¾

7) Larry Zbyszko’s return from injury wasn’t a good one, as he was defeated by Diamond Dallas Page. Perhaps Zbyszko had some ring rust or wasn’t fully healed, as Page had control for most of the bout. He picked up the win after just a few minutes with the Diamond Cutter. *

8) The Dream Team scored a strong win over “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant. Greg “The Hammer” Valentine and Snuka started the match off with Valentine hitting Snuka hard, focused on payback for Snuka and Valiant injuring his Tag Team championship partner, Magnificent Muraco. Snuka took over when Brutus Beefcake tagged in. Valiant came in and rocked Beefcake with some big roundhouse punches, but “The Hammer” came in and wore down “Handsome” Jimmy. From there, The Dream Team cut the ring in half on Valiant, not letting him tag out the rest of the match. Beefcake hit his flying knee smash, but Snuka made a save. Valentine came in and knocked Snuka out of the ring, taking him out of the match. World Tag Team champ Valentine soon tagged back in and locked Valiant in the figure-four. Snuka was recovering and looked ready to enter back in to save Valiant again, but Capt. Lou Albano held Snuka’s leg from outside. Valiant was trapped and tapped out to the hold, giving The Dream Team the win. **

9) Nick Bockwinkel scored a quick win over Danny Hodge. The two grapplers went back-and-forth in the first few minutes. Hodge knocked Bockwinkel out of the ring with a dropkick. Bockwinkel had an angered look on his face and responded by grabbing Hodge’s legs from the outside, tripping him, and then smashing his right leg into the ring post. He stomped the leg back in the ring, then slapped on the figure-four in the center. Hodge was trapped and quickly tapped to the hold. Bockwinkel had an arrogant smirk on his face as he and Bobby Heenan returned to the locker room. He seemed confident as he goes for his fourth USWA World Heavyweight title on the next card. ½*

10) The main event was the big return bout for the USWA Southern Heavyweight title, as Antonino “Argentina” Rocca defended against the man he beat for the belt—three-time titleholder The Sheik. Sheik and Abdullah Farouk entered the ring first, being Sheik was the challenger and stood in one corner, for the typical pre-main event introductions. Rocca then came out to a huge ovation. Before Gary Michael Cappetta could announce both combatants, Sheik charged across the ring, shoving Cappetta down, and going for the champ. Rocca saw him coming and blasted Sheik with a dropkick. Rocca removed his robe and the belt, and Tom Branch called for the bell to start this match. The champ had control for several minutes, putting a beating on the challenger. But to Sheik’s credit, he didn’t give up easily. Rocca tried the Argentinian Backbreaker several times, but Sheik managed to get out. Later in the bout, Sheik was busted open after Rocca had him locked in a bow and arrow, and delivered some forearm smashes to Sheik’s nose. Rocca had Sheik up in the backbreaker again when Farouk distracted Branch. Rocca dropped Sheik and threatened Farouk, but this allowed Sheik to pull out his trusty sharp object, which he used for several minutes and busted open Rocca as well. Farouk again got up on the apron, which allowed Sheik to throw a huge fireball. Thankfully the fireball just glanced Rocca’s face and actually made more contact with the shoulder. Sheik went to that shoulder and tried to make the champ submit to a hammerlock, much like Frank Gotch did to Steve Williams earlier in the evening. (A rare comparison between Gotch and The Sheik!) Rocca had the crowd solidly behind him and made the ropes. “Argentina” fought back and the bout was back-and-forth, with both men bloodied and beaten. As Sheik was punching away at the champ, Rocca was knocked into the ropes, but bounced back, and out of nowhere, took Sheik down with a body scissors. Sheik was trapped on the mat and Rocca managed to put his shoulders down. Branch checked the shoulders and counted Sheik down for the 1-2-3, giving Rocca the victory! Rocca had an emotional celebration, almost as big as when he won the title, knowing he had won a hard-fought victory to retain. *****