Cory's USWA

[Cory Olson]

Thanks to Tim for the comments! Happy Thanksgiving to you as well!

Nov 26, 2009 10:19:07 GMT -5 TDalton said:

At NYK, are you going to do anything (stat wise) to Valentine in the main event to reflect the fatigue of wrestling twice, or will it depend on how the Southern Title match goes?

Great question. I haven't decided for sure. The only time off the top of my head, that someone's wrestled twice on a USWA card was in 2007, when I did a #1 contender's tournament for a World title shot and had both the semifinals and final match on the first card. (Check page 2 of Cory's USWA Fed:A-Z on the GREATEST Board in the Galaxy for the details.) I don't think I did any special fatigue rules at that time.

With Valentine's two matches at NYK, I will probably wait and see how the Southern title match with Pesek goes and then make a decision. Although with the match being first, as the storyline goes, it gives Valentine time to rest. We'll see how the match plays out!

[Cory Olson]

December 4, 2009
Card #228: Municipal Auditorium in Nashville

1) Chris Hero got a win in the opener, defeating “Special Delivery” Jones. S.D. came very close to a big win, hitting his famous head butt for a near fall. “Sweet ‘n Sour” Larry Sweeney seemed nervous for his client, but Hero came back. He used several versions of the cravate to wear down “Philadelphia’s Favorite Son”. In the end, Hero used the Hero’s Welcome to score the pin. ***

2) The Killer Bees nearly got upset by Virgil and Johnny Rodz, but came back to score the win. “The Unpredictable” Rodz used some stiff right hands to weaken “Jumping” Jim Brunzell. The Bees battled back. Brunzell blasted Virgil with a dropkick in midair, as Virgil attempted a double sledge off the top rope. Brunzell hit a second dropkick, but Virgil kicked out. Virgil blocked Brunzell’s attempt at a double sledge off the top with a tackle for a near fall. Rodz was working over Brunzell, when he knocked him out of the ring with a punch. As Paul Neighbors was holding Rodz back, B. Brian Blair went to check on his partner. The Bees donned the masks and Blair switched with Blair. Brunzell got to the corner, still shook up. Blair worked over Rodz, then tagged Brunzell back in. The Bees hit the Bee Sting on Rodz and scored the pin, while Blair knocked Virgil off the apron. The Bees pulled the “Masked Confusion” switch, but in the end the original legal man (Brunzell) scored the win! The former World Tag Team champs seemed somewhat hurt from their title loss, but got a needed win in the end. ***¼

3) Buff Bagwell and Chris Candido got another big tag team victory, defeating Ted and “Iron” Mike DiBiase. Ted still sported his faceguard, protecting his broken nose. Bagwell and Candido tagged in and out. “Buff Daddy” wore down the younger DiBiase, hitting a scoop slam, the Buff Blockbuster, and a big dropkick for near falls. He tagged out to the “Suicide Blonde”, who took Ted up to the top rope and hit the Blonde Bomb. He made a cover and got the big win, as Bagwell kept Mike in his corner. **½

4) Danny Hodge scored an impressive win over Diamond Dallas Page. Despite Page having the height and weight advantage, Hodge would not be intimidated. He used his superior pure wrestling skills, as well as his immense grip strength, to wear down Page, utilizing a sleeper several times. The sleeper finally put DDP out and gave Hodge a big win, which he celebrated with Team RPW coach Dick Hutton. *

5) Larry “The Axe” Hennig scored a quick countout win over The Crusher, keeping up his winning streak in singles matches against “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous”. The two brawled back-and-forth in the first minute. Hennig got the advantage and locked on a big bear hug, trying to force a submission. Crusher broke the hold with a double forearm clap, but got knocked out of the ring by “The Axe”. Bobby Heenan jumped up on the apron to distract Frank Morrell. Hennig took advantage, by grabbing a steel chair and smashing Crusher with it. Crusher went down hard. Hennig rolled back in the ring and scored an easy countout victory. DUD

6) “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant defeated The Heavenly Bodies in a hard-fought match. The fan favorites had the early advantage, but Dr. Tom Prichard used a small chain, handed to him by Jim Cornette to punch Snuka and take over. The Bodies double teamed the “Superfly” in the corner, as Jerry Calhoun was getting “Handsome” Jimmy out of the ring. Stan Lane punched away at Snuka, while Prichard choked Snuka with the chain. Snuka fought back and hit the Superfly Leap on “Sweet” Stan, but Cornette distracted Calhoun. The Bodies soon took over and hit the Rocket Launcher on Valiant, but “The Boogie Woogie Man” kicked out. With the fans behind him, Valiant made a big comeback. He caught Prichard in his sleeper. Lane jumped in and hit a superkick to break the hold. Both Valiant and Prichard went down. Snuka ran in and hit a flying head butt to Lane, knocking him out of the ring. Snuka went out after him, and took out Cornette with a chop as well! Valiant and Prichard slowly got to their feet. Dr. Tom swung at Valiant, but “The Boogie Woogie Man” ducked and locked on the sleeper again. This time he put Prichard out and got the win for him and Snuka. ***

7) Dan “The Beast” Severn beat “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan by DQ. Former World champ Severn outwrestled Duggan from the get-go. Severn locked on the bow and arrow—the same move he used to tear Duggan’s pectoral muscle earlier this year. Duggan held tough and eventually broke free. Severn locked on the wakigatame, but “Hacksaw” got a foot on the bottom rope. Severn tossed the big man with a fireman’s carry slam. Duggan rolled out of the ring to catch his breath. Severn followed him, but Duggan saw him coming and clocked him in Severn’s previously injured shoulder with his 2X4. Unfortunately Paul Neighbors saw this and immediately called for the bell, giving Severn the win, but it looked as if Severn may have hurt his shoulder again. ¼*

8) Ed “Strangler” Lewis made one-half of the World Tag Team champions, Greg Valentine, tap out. After some great mat wrestling, Lewis locked on a half nelson, then quickly turned into a full nelson, and then into his headlock in a great series of chain wrestling moves. Valentine got a foot on the ropes for the break. He battled back and applied his own figure-four leglock, but the “Strangler” got to the ropes. “The Hammer” set Lewis up for a piledriver, but Lewis powered out of the hold, got behind Valentine and locked on a full nelson again. Lewis took Valentine down with the headlock again, trapped him, and forced him to tap out. **

9) Frank Gotch scored a controversial win over Steve Williams via DQ. “Dr. Death” was fired up and hoping to get his first win over the last member of Team RPW he hadn’t defeated. Williams knocked Gotch out of the ring with a football tackle after a few minutes. Gotch was woozy, but got back up on the apron with Dick Hutton’s encouragement. Williams brought him into the ring the “hard way”, picking him up and delivering a crushing Oklahoma Stampede. He made a cover, but Gotch managed to kick out. Williams went to clothesline Gotch, but Gotch ducked. Frank Morrell was behind Gotch and instead was the recipient of “Dr. Death’s” clothesline. Morrell went down in a heap. Hutton went over to try and revive the official. Williams seemed upset by his mistake. Meanwhile Gotch took him down from behind and locked on the Gotch Toehold. Williams made the ropes, but it didn’t matter, since there was no ref. Williams powered out of the hold, but Gotch stayed in control, locking on the rolling kneebar and causing further damage to Williams’ leg. Morrell slowly started to come to. Gotch knocked Williams backwards into the ropes with a forearm smash, but Williams bounced back and nailed his opponent with a big tackle! He went for a cover, as Morrell got to his feet. Instead of making a pin count, Morrell called for the bell. Williams thought at first that he had scored a pin, but Morrell went over and raised Gotch’s hand, ruling that he was disqualifying Williams for hitting him. “Dr. Death” tried to plead his case, saying it was an accident, but to no avail. Fans were not happy about this one! **½

10) The main event saw new USWA Southern Heavyweight champion Johnny Valentine battle Larry Zbyszko in a big grudge match. Zbyszko was accompanied not only by manager Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, but also by World Heavyweight champion Nick Bockwinkel, dressed in a fine suit and carrying the championship belt. While Heenan stood next to the ring, as usual, Bockwinkel sat with Lance Russell and Dave Brown at the commentators’ table. Valentine kept an eye on his New Year’s Knockout opponent, but didn’t get too distracted, as he unleashed an onslaught on Zbyszko. The Southern champ used the Atomic Skullcrusher several times, eventually busting him open. “The Weasel” distracted Jerry Calhoun when Valentine made a pin attempt, and this allowed Zbyszko to take over. Zbyszko wore down Valentine and hit a piledriver, but only got a two-count. Zbyszko took the fight to the floor and over to the announcers’ table. He grabbed the microphone from Gary Michael Cappetta and wrapped the chord around Valentine’s neck. As he did in their last meeting, Zbyszko choked Valentine, but this time was aided by a weapon. Calhoun warned Zbyszko and gave him a five-count to release. Zbyszko kept the choke on and had Valentine basically right in front of World champ Bockwinkel. Calhoun was left with no choice, but to call for the bell and disqualify Zbyszko. Right after the bell, Bockwinkel stood up and began pounding away on Valentine as Zbyszko continued to choke him with the chord. Under Heenan’s direction, Zbyszko released the hold and Bockwinkel tossed the Southern champ in the ring. It looked as if he and Zbyszko were going to give Valentine a spike piledriver, but Valentine back dropped Zbyskzo out of the piledriver position. He then gave Bockwinkel and Zbyszko a noggin knocker, knocking the World champ out of the ring. He then grabbed the bloodied Zbyszko and delivered several more Atomic Skullcrushers. Finally Bockwinkel and Heenan were able to grab Zbyszko’s legs and pull him out of the ring. They helped Zbyszko to the back, but Larry didn’t look too good! Valentine stood in the ring with the Southern title and stared down the World champ, as The Heenan Family retreated! **¾

[hollywoodlyn]

Excellent as always Cory

[Cory Olson]

Thanks to Hollywood Lyn for the comment!

Highlights of a newsworthy edition of USWA Championship Wrestling on December 5:
• Another big tag team bout was made for New Year’s Knockout VI. After the wars that Brad Armstrong and “The Birdman” Koko B. Ware have had with Jim Cornette and his men this past year, they will get their chance at The Heavenly Bodies in a No-Disqualification Match! Certainly with Dr. Tom Prichard’s sneaky tactics and Cornette’s ever-present antics, this match could favor them. But in an interview with Lance Russell, Armstrong was very fired up and said he and Ware will deliver a “Southern style butt whoopin’” to both Bodies, and Cornette as well, if he gets involved!
• In a first-time singles meeting, former Southern Heavyweight champion Curt Hennig will face Diamond Dallas Page. Page has battled the various Heenan Family members, including Hennig in tag team matches, but this will be their first one-on-one meeting.
• Three-time World Heavyweight champion Ed “Strangler” Lewis will have a first-time match-up of his own when he takes on Curt’s father, Larry “The Axe” Hennig! It will be interesting to see if Lewis can get the Strangler’s Headlock on the big Minnesotan!
• Southern Heavyweight champion Johnny Valentine responded to Bobby Heenan and The Hennigs’ challenge from Championship Wrestling from last week, for next week's card at Freedom Hall. He said that the best way to take on The Heenan Family is to go with family—and thus he will be reuniting with his son, current World Tag Team champion Greg “The Hammer” Valetnine! The Valentines teamed up in the USWA’s first year in 2004 and had a strong record and a brief reign as World Tag Team champions. Greg entered the WMC-TV studios, flanked by his manager, Capt. Lou Albano. His father seemed annoyed by the rubber banded manager’s mere presence! As Albano started to state that he would accompany the Valentines to the ring for this match, Johnny seemed surprised and was about to Skullcrush Albano! Greg calmed his father down and politely informed Albano that his father had requested that Albano not accompany them; and that this was an issue between The Hennigs, him, and his father!
• In a special segment hosted by Dave Brown, the rules were clarified for the big Battlezone Match that will take place between Team RPW and the unit of The DiBiases, Steve “Dr. Death” Williams, and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan.

I. Each team will randomly draw the order of their members backstage before the match, under the supervision of a USWA official. Respective team captains Ted DiBiase and Frank Gotch have already agreed that they will enter the match last, should they be needed. (see Rule IV)
II. The match consists of a series of one-on-one matches.
III. A wrestler can be eliminated by any standard means—pinfall, submission, countout, disqualification, or referee stoppage. Once a wrestler is eliminated, the next member of his team enters the match to compete against the winning wrestler.
IV. A team wins when the opposing team has had all members eliminated. Thus, the winning team may not have all its wrestlers actually compete in the match.

• On the last card before New Year’s Knockout, a preview of sorts to the big Battlezone Match will take place. Ted DiBiase will face Frank Gotch in the main event on December 18 at the Rupp Arena in Lexington. This will ensure that they will meet at least one more time in 2009!
• In another big one-on-one feud from this group war, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan will collide one more time with Dan “The Beast” Severn in Lexington. Severn aggravated his previously-injured shoulder with Duggan’s 2X4 attack last week.
• Also on that card, “Sweet ‘n Sour” Larry Sweeney will have two more of his wrestlers compete in a USWA ring. Chris Hero will team up with Claudio Castagnoli and Arik Cannon to face Texas champion “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton and The Heavenly Bodies in a big six-man tag team match! Castagnoli and Cannon are part of Sweeney’s stable of independent wrestlers, whom he represents—Sweet ‘n Sour, Inc., and have both teamed up with Hero in various territories.

December 11 will be less than three weeks away from New Year’s Knockout, but the fans at the Freedom Hall in Johnson City, TN will see a huge night of action themselves!
• Before their respective tag teams collide in a No-Disqualification Match, “The Birdman” Koko B. Ware will face “The Doctor of Desire” Tom Prichard in singles competition. Who will gain momentum for their team going into New Year’s Knockout?
• “The Nebraska Tiger Man” John Pesek will get his big opportunity at Johnny Valentine’s Southern Heavyweight title at NYK VI, but this next week, he’ll face former Texas champion Danny Hodge. This will be a first-time meeting of two great, pure wrestlers!
• Many USWA fans feel that Steve “Dr. Death” Williams was the recipient of a bad referee call in his match last week. He’ll get another opportunity against Frank Gotch in Johnson City. Can Williams finally beat the Team RPW founder?
• Another big heated feud will continue, as one-half of the World Tag Team champions Magnificent Muraco will take on “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. These two men will be locked inside in a steel cage on December 31 along with their tag team partners, but on this night it will be about their one-on-one feud, which goes back years to the WWF, before either man was in the USWA. Who will get the win here?
• The main event is being dubbed the “Father-Son Match”, as Curt and Larry Hennig will face Southern Heavyweight champion Johnny Valentine and his son and co-holder of the USWA World Tag Team titles Greg Valentine! The Hennigs want revenge for Johnny giving Curt a concussion and more importantly taking his Southern championship! How will former USWA and AWA Tag Team champions The Valentines do against The Hennigs, also backed by The Heenan Family?
All this plus Texas champion “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton faces “Iron” Mike DiBiase, and Chris Hero in action!

[Cory Olson]

December 11, 2009
Card #229: Freedom Hall in Johnson City

1) Chris Hero was victorious in the opener, defeating Cousin Luke. The man from Metropolis continued to showcase his unique offense. He even took the hillbilly to the arena floor and demonstrated how he can brawl, while “Sweet ‘n Sour” Larry Sweeney cheered his man on. Hero came off the top rope with a nice moonsault to score the pin. *¼

2) The Killer Bees defeated Buff Bagwell and Chris Candido by DQ in a hard-hitting tag team match. Bagwell and Candido have been on a roll lately and hoped to keep it up here with a win over the former USWA World Tag Team champions. They had control early on, with Candido hitting a top rope huracanrana on “Jumping” Jim Brunzell for a near fall. Candido hit an impressive somersault plancha to the floor on Brunzell and nearly got a countout win, but Brunzell just barely beat the count. The “Suicide Blonde” had Brunzell on the top rope and set him up for the Blonde Bomb, but Brunzell back dropped Candido out of the move. Candido was hurt from the fall and The Bees took control. B. Brian Blair caught Candido in the sleeper, but the New Jersey native made the ropes. Brunzell came back in and the Bees hit the Bee Sting for a near fall. “Buff Daddy” stood on the apron, trying to cheer his hurting partner into the corner for a tag. Brunzell went for a big flying head scissors on the woozy Candido. Brunzell fell towards Bagwell in the corner and as he came down, Bagwell grabbed him by the back of the neck and dropped him throat-first across the top rope. Brunzell rolled out of the ring to recover. Bagwell left the ring apron, grabbed a steel chair from ringside and cracked him across the back. Unfortunately for him, Paul Morton saw this infraction and disqualified Bagwell and Candido. Bagwell looked ready to strike again as Candido came out to help him. Blair ran around the ring and attacked both men with punches. Bagwell and Candido got away from Blair and retreated to the locker room. ***¼

3) Texas champion “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton pinned “Iron” Mike DiBiase. Both Eaton and DiBiase exchanged some good right hands in this one. In the end, Eaton hit one of his famous right hands, after Jim Cornette tripped up DiBiase for a distraction. Eaton then followed up with the Alabama Jam to score the pin in a brief, but hard-hitting match. *

4) Antonino Rocca scored a quick pin on “Playboy” Buddy Rose. “Argentina” Rocca dazzled the former USWA World Heavyweight champion and hit a nice victory roll to score the pin in less than two minutes. DUD

5) Dr. Tom Prichard was victorious in his first USWA singles match, pinning “The Birdman” Koko B. Ware. This was a wild back-and-forth match. Ware hit the Ghostbuster and went for a cover, but Prichard got a foot on the ropes. Prichard took the match to the floor on several occasions. He was handed an object by Jim Cornette, which he used twice, while Cornette distracted Sam Bowden. He then placed the object into his boot. Back in the ring, Ware was shaken up. Prichard took advantage and hit a big running boot, with the boot in which he placed the object, to Ware’s head and then covered him for an easy pin. ***¼

6) Brutus Beefcake scored a big win over “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant. Beefcake was basically sent in by Capt. Lou Albano to weaken Valiant before he and “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka challenge Magnificent Muraco and Greg Valentine for the World Tag Team titles in the Steel Cage Match at New Year’s Knockout VI. Beefcake hit his flying knee smash early in the match for a near fall. He worked over Valiant with stomps and a double thrust to the throat. Albano even got shots in at his former charge Valiant outside the ring. Beefcake blasted Valiant with a shot with his studded armband and covered him to score the pin. Albano helped his man here, but at NYK, he’ll be locked outside the cage when he accompanies the Tag Team champs! **

7) “Tiger Man” John Pesek pinned Danny Hodge. Hodge was coming off a big win over Diamond Dallas Page last week. These two showcased some great technical wrestling. Pesek tried the double wristlock several times, perhaps trying to weaken Hodge’s great grip strength. Hodge clamped on a sleeper at one point—the same maneuver he used to beat DDP last week in Nashville. Pesek did a duck and roll to break the hold, but was close to the ropes and both men hit the floor. Hodge got the worst of the exchange and hit his head on the floor, coming up bloody. Pesek took control again back in the ring. He threw Hodge with a fireman’s carry slam, then turned into a half nelson pinning combination. He managed to pin Hodge’s shoulders for a three-count. ***

8) Steve “Dr. Death” Williams defeated Frank Gotch by countout. Williams hit the backdrop driver (similar to Gotch’s Iowa backdrop) twice in the opening minutes, trying to weaken Gotch early. Williams hit the Oklahoma Stampede, but Gotch kicked out at 2¾. Gotch fought back. He locked Williams in the crossface and bar arm, but Williams grabbed the ropes. With Dick Hutton at ringside for Gotch, Ted DiBiase came down, to support his partner. Gotch spotted DiBiase at ringside and stared him down. With Williams down, Gotch grabbed his legs and applied the Gotch Toehold. “Dr. Death” showed his fortitude and strength, by kicking Gotch off and sending him flying out of the ring. While Tommy Gilbert was checking on Williams, DiBiase seized the opportunity and nailed Gotch with his big right hand! Gotch went down like a rock. Hutton tried to inform Gilbert of the interference, but Gilbert began counting Gotch out of the ring. Gilbert hit ten, called for the bell, and awarded Williams the match! It may not have been the way “Dr. Death” wanted to win, but he finally got a victory over the former USWA World champion! ***¼

9) “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka pinned one-half of the World Tag Team champions Magnificent Muraco in a hard-hitting match. While these two will meet with their respective partners Jimmy Valiant and Greg Valentine in the Steel Cage Match at New Year’s Knockout VI, this bout was more about their one-on-one feud that dates back several years ago prior to even the formation of the USWA. Muraco to little surprised focused his attack on Snuka’s neck from the get-go, hitting a rolling neck snap for a near fall. Snuka fought back and focused on Muraco’s back, using a backbreaker several times. Muraco had control and picked up Snuka for the Hawaiian Hammer, but Snuka got out of the hold and hitting a rolling reverse cradle for a near fall. Snuka busted Muraco open after a big head butt. He had the Hawaiian powerhouse down on the mat and started to climb the ropes, presumably for the Superfly Leap. As he went up, Capt. Lou Albano climbed on the apron and looked ready to punch the “Superfly”. The Fijian warrior saw him coming and cut the manager off, nailing him with a head butt and knocking him off the ring apron. Snuka continued climbing and came off with a great Superfly, then covered Muraco to score the pin. Snuka got the singles win here, but can he and “The Boogie Woogie Man” win their second World Tag Team titles at NYK VI? ***½

10) The main event saw a “family feud” of sorts, as two teams made up of a father and son competed. Southern Heavyweight champion Johnny Valentine teamed with his son, World Tag Team champion Greg “The Hammer” to battle Larry “The Axe” Hennig and his son Curt. This was the first time that former USWA and AWA World Tag Team champions the Valentines had teamed in a USWA ring in over two years, when they defended the AWA belts at the USWA’s 150th card on Thanksgiving night at the Louisville Gardens. Going into this match, the Hennigs had only one loss in the USWA, although they hadn’t teamed up in about three months, due to Curt limiting his matches due to his concussion from Johnny. Remember fans, it was Johnny who also took the Southern gold from Curt a few weeks ago in Louisville.

The Valentines started strong in this bout, with both using their finishers (the Atomic Skullcrusher and the figure-four leglock) on Larry “The Axe”, but unable to keep the big man down. Curt came in and hit the Hennig Plex out of nowhere, when Johnny bent over to attempt a back bodydrop. The Southern champ managed to kick out. He came back against Larry and hit an over-the-knee backbreaker on him for a two-count. The Hennigs later hit a double team Axe on Johnny, which busted the Southern champ open. Larry made a cover, but Johnny kicked out. Larry was pounding away on Johnny on the ring apron, when out of nowhere, Valentine blocked a punch and smashed “The Axe” with an Atomic Skullcrusher from outside. Larry was soon wearing the “crimson mask” as well. Greg tagged in and managed to hit a piledriver on Larry, but Bobby “The Brain” Heenan distracted Paul Morton to prevent a pinfall count. The sons were in the ring going at it, when Greg slapped on the figure-four, but Curt made the ropes. Curt later hit another Hennig Plex on a bloodied Johnny, but “The Hammer” made the save, dropping an elbow on Curt. “The Axe” tagged in and came off the second turnbuckle with a big splash on Johnny. He went for a cover, but again the son saved the father. The sons were in again and Valentine whipped Curt into the turnbuckle. Curt crashed into the buckles hard. Tag Team champion Greg pulled him out of the corner and applied the figure-four again. Curt was in great pain and was trapped in the hold for over a minute, but somehow got to the ropes. Greg tagged out to his father. As Curt got to his feet slowly, Johnny blasted him with a chop, which knocked Curt inside out. Johnny went for a cover, as “The Hammer” held “The Axe” in the corner. Morton counted the pin and the Valentines came out the winners in an awesome match! Johnny and Greg held up their respective title belts, as The Hennigs and Heenan made their way back to the locker room in defeat! ****

In the next update, the last two matches for New Year's Knockout VI are signed!

[Crimson Cross]

Always a great read Cory, too bad Gotch lost to Williams in the last event...

[Cory Olson]

Thanks to Crimson Cross for the comment!

Highlights of USWA Championship Wrestling on December 12:
• The last two matches were signed for New Year’s Knockout VI at Reunion Arena in Dallas. Antonino “Argentina” Rocca will take on Heenan Family member Larry Zbyszko. Both men are looking to get a big win to move up in the singles ranks going into 2010. Zbyszko suffered a minor concussion in his post-match brawl with Johnny Valentine in Nashville two weeks ago, so he’s going in at a disadvantage. But he’s always got a trick up his sleeve!
• The last match announced is certainly not the least, as for the first time in over three years, a Battle Royal will take place in the USWA! A 12-Man Battle Royal will be held with the winner getting a shot at the Texas champion (either Bobby Eaton or Chris Hero) in February 2010. The following twelve participants were announced:
* B. Brian Blair
* “Jumping” Jim Brunzell
* Chris Candido
* Buff Bagwell
* “Playboy” Buddy Rose
* “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe
* S.D. Jones
* Cousin Luke
* Virgil
* Johnny Rodz
* Brutus Beefcake
* George South

• While New Year’s Knockout VI is still upcoming, already some news for 2010 has been announced. USWA Committee Chairman Jerry Jarrett mentioned how USWA cards have typically been held on Friday nights, since the USWA’s inception in 2004. He said that the USWA has made a new arrangement with what they consider their “home arena”—the Mid-South Coliseum. Part of this deal would that USWA cards at the Coliseum will be held Mondays instead. Jarrett said that they planned to do this with most regular cards in 2010, and that it will be great because fans won’t have to wait “all week long” for their wrestling action. USWA Championship Wrestling will still be broadcast on WMC-TV and affiliated stations on Saturdays.
• The first Monday night card will be a big one. As mentioned in November, The Crusher will challenge the winner of the New Year’s Knockout main event between Nick Bockwinkel and Johnny Valentine for the World Heavyweight championship. This comes as a result of Crusher’s non-title pinfall victory over champion Bockwinkel in October in Jonesboro. Whoever the champion will be, he will defend against “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous” on January 11 at the Tupelo Sports Arena! Tupelo has hosted some memorable USWA cards in the past, but this will be their first time hosting a World Heavyweight championship match!
• Jarrett also announced that some new faces will appear in the USWA in 2010. While some deals are still being worked out, he verified that “The Russian Bear” Ivan Koloff will debut on the card in Tupelo as well. Koloff is a notorious rulebreaker, known for sneaking in his Russian chains as often as he can. But you can’t ignore his wrestling skills, as he is a former WWF World Heavyweight champion and a powerful wrestler!

It’s the last card before New Year’s Knockout VI, when the USWA returns to the Rupp Arena in Lexington on December 18!
• The World Tag Team champions Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine will be in non-title action, when they face the team they beat for the belts—The Killer Bees. Lance Russell asked Capt. Lou Albano on Championship Wrestling how wise it was to take a tough challenge one the last card before his men’s big title defense in a Steel Cage Match. The rubber banded manager said that he has no fear that his men will again sting The Bees, and then roll on to NYK to not only defeat Jimmy Snuka and Jimmy Valiant, but make many fans sad, by forcing the popular team to break up for one year!
• Before the Battlezone Match, there will be a huge battle, as “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan faces former World champion Dan Severn. This singles feud has been a highlight of this team war, as Severn tore Duggan’s pec, but Duggan has twice attacked “The Beast’s” shoulder with his 2X4. Who will win this singles war?
• In a big six-man tag team match, Texas champion “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton and The Heavenly Bodies, led by Jim Cornette, will face “Sweet ‘n Sour” Larry Sweeney’s team of Chris Hero, Claudio Castagnoli, and Arik Cannon. Castagnoli is a Swiss powerhouse, and Cannon is known for having some great brawls. Can Sweet ‘n Sour, Inc. topple Cornette’s men, prior to Hero challenging Eaton for the Texas title?
• In another New Year’s Knockout preview, Curt and Larry “The Axe” Hennig will face Diamond Dallas Page and The Crusher. These teams had a great battle at Independence Day Bash, that saw The Hennigs score a sneaky win. Can they do so again in Lexington?
• The main event will see the captains of the Battlezone Match battle one more time, when Ted DiBiase faces Team RPW’s Frank Gotch. The feud between these two dates back to 2006. As if this feud wasn’t hot enough already, DiBiase added more fuel to the fire, by knocking Gotch out on the last card during Gotch’s match against Steve “Dr. Death” Williams. Since both men are entering the Battlezone Match at NYK VI last, this will guarantee that they will collide. With DiBiase still suffering a broken nose, how will he fare against Gotch?
All this plus Ed “Strangler” Lewis, Steve “Dr. Death” Williams, “Tiger Man” John Pesek, and more greats in action on the last card before New Year’s Knockout!

[Cory Olson]

December 18, 2009
Card #230: Rupp Arena in Lexington

1) Brad Armstrong and “The Birdman” Koko B. Ware got a win in the opener defeating Buff Bagwell and Chris Candido. Bagwell and Candido worked over Ware throughout much of the match. At one point, Candido hit a baseball slide on Ware. He went out of the ring to toss Ware back in, but before Candido could reenter the ring, Armstrong got off the apron and whipped Candido into the guard railing, causing the “Suicide Blonde” to his his back hard. Armstrong showed his rough side, going into Ware and his No-Disqualification Match with The Heavenly Bodies at New Year’s Knockout VI. Armstrong soon tagged in and was a house of fire on Candido. Candido sent the Georgian into the corner, but Armstrong reversed the whip. Candido hit the corner, bounced backwards, and got hit with Armstrong’s Russian leg sweep. Armstrong floated over into a cover and got the pin, as Ware held off “Buff Daddy”. ***¼

2) Steve Williams dominated George South en route to an easy victory. “Dr. Death” tossed South with a German suplex, then followed up shortly thereafter with a press slam, showing his great strength. Williams made the cover and scored the pin. DUD

3) “Tiger Man” John Pesek caused “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe to submit. The Nebraskan easily outwrestled Sharpe. Sharpe survived the Tiger Man Toehold by grabbing the ropes, but got caught in the double wristlock and quickly gave up. Pesek looks strong going into New Year’s Knockout VI where he will challenge Johnny Valentine for the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship! DUD

4) “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant beat Virgil and Johnny Rodz by countout. Virgil and Rodz put up a fight against the popular tag team, but the fan favorites were focused going into their challenge for the USWA World Tag Team titles in the Steel Cage Match, as well as what could be their last time teaming together for one full year. Valiant had “The Unpredictable” Rodz rocking and reeling and knocked him out of the ring. Valiant followed, hit a Super Elbow drop on the floor, then crawled back into the ring. Rodz was too beaten down and couldn’t return by the 10-count. *

5) World Tag Team champions Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine scored a sneaky non-title win over The Killer Bees. Greg teamed with his father, Southern champ Johnny Valentine (who was off this card, training for his two big championship matches at New Year’s Knockout), but was back with his championship partner Muraco this week. The Bees had control for most of the early going. “Jumping” Jim Brunzell caught Muraco in a sleeper, but Capt. Lou Albano distracted Tom Branch. Brunzell later busted Muraco open after a big dropkick to the face. B. Brian Blair rolled “The Hammer” into a small package for a very near fall. Valentine fought back and dropped on elbow on Blair. Muraco came back and used the Asiatic Spike twice on Blair. Valentine tagged back in and blasted the weakened Blair with several chops to the chest. He covered Blair and put his own feet on the ropes to score the pin out of nowhere. The champs got a win, but can they retain in the steel cage at New Year’s Knockout? ****

6) Dan Severn pinned “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan in a hard-hitting match. Severn used knee strikes to the head early on, to try and knock Duggan out, but that is a hard task for any wrestler fighting Duggan! Severn used the fireman’s carry slam in the opening minutes. Duggan fought back and managed to hit a big spinning body slam on Severn for a near fall. Severn fought back, hit a second fireman’s slam, and then turned into a pinning combination to pin Duggan’s shoulders to the mat for a three. **½

7) Jim Cornette’s trio of Texas champion “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton and The Heavenly Bodies came out the winners in a six-man tag team match over Larry Sweeney’s team of The Kings of Wrestling—Chris Hero, Claudio Castagnoli, and Arik Cannon. The “Man from Metropolis” had some good offense early on on “Sweet” Stan Lane, hitting a nice moonsault for a two-count. Castagnoli tagged in, but The Bodies worked over him, picking him up and dropping him throat-first on the top rope. “The Anarchist” Cannon came in, but was double- and triple-teamed by Cornette’s men. Former Midnight Express partners Eaton and Lane were back in action here, as they hit the Flapjack on Cannon. A few minutes later, Eaton tagged Lane back in and they hit their old Veg-O-Matic finisher to put Cannon down for a three-count, while Eaton and Prichard kept Castagnoli and Hero at bay. Cornette was happy with his team’s victory tonight. *¾

8) Ed “Strangler” Lewis scored a strong win over Brutus Beefcake. Despite losing the USWA World Heavyweight championship in October, Lewis has had a great 2009, as he has one of the best win-loss records in singles competition. He is getting back on track and gunning for another championship match in 2010. He dominated and outwrestled Beefcake in this one. To Beefcake’s credit, the San Francisco native fought hard and lasted through a long stretch in the Strangler’s Headlock, coming out bloody in the end. Lewis took Beefcake down again with the headlock and forced the former Texas champ to tap out. *½

9) The Hennigs followed the “Heenan Family Playbook” and got a quick win over Diamond Dallas Page and The Crusher. The father-son duo did something similar to what “The Axe” and Larry Zbyszko pulled on DDP and “Da” Crusher last month at the Louisville Gardens, as they attacked the fan favorites at ringside before the bout began. Curt smashed Crusher with a steel chair to the head, taking him out of the match, which Sam Platania never saw, as he was watching Larry and Page. Larry threw Page into the ring. Sam Platania checked with Page to see if he wanted the match to take place, and to little surprise, the always tenacious Page said “yes”. “The Axe” continued to pummel Page from one end of the ring to the other. Larry delivered two bone-crushing body slams to the New Jersey native and covered him for an easy pin. Fans were not happy about this one! neg*

10) One of the USWA’s longest feuds continued at the Rupp Arena, when Ted DiBiase met Frank Gotch in the main event. The feud between these two essentially started in 2006, after DiBiase had a falling out with then-tag team partner Dick Hutton. Gotch saved his fellow technical wrestler and the two formed a partnership. Gotch and DiBiase battled throughout ’06, ending at New Year’s Knockout III at the Louisville Gardens with Gotch defeating DiBiase via a guillotine choke to retain the Southern Heavyweight title, and also win the then “Million Dollar Man’s” fortune. Gotch used the money to put together Team Real Pro Wrestling, as a way to promote, true wrestling in the USWA. DiBiase left for the UWF in 2007. While Gotch was the fan favorite at the time, his RPW unit eventually became greedy and arrogant and often strayed from their pure wrestling roots. When DiBiase returned this year with Steve Williams, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, and his father Mike by his side, USWA fans embraced them in their war with RPW. Even though these two will meet again in 13 days at New Year’s Knockout VI in the Battlezone Match, the captains wanted to meet one more time in one-on-one action to ensure that they would face each other.

Gotch had control early on, applying the rolling kneebar to weaken DiBiase’s leg for the Gotch Toehold. With the fans behind him, the captain of Team DiBiase fought back. He hit a big power slam, then went for his own submission finisher—the figure-four leglock. Gotch made the ropes on the first attempt. DiBiase nailed Gotch with one of his famed right hands, which he also knocked Gotch with in interfering in Gotch’s match with Williams last week. DiBiase busted Gotch open this time and went for a cover, but Gotch managed to get a foot under the bottom rope. RPW coach Hutton was rooting Gotch on from ringside. Despite the blood, Gotch was a man determined and battled back against DiBiase, trying to use his pure wrestling skills to his advantage. DiBiase again got back in control and again applied the figure-four. He held Gotch in the hold for nearly a minute until Gotch finally surrendered and tapped out to the hold. Williams, Duggan, and “Iron” Mike met Ted in the aisle following the bout to congratulate Ted. Team DiBiase goes into New Year’s Knockout VI with momentum on their side, thanks to their captain’s victory here! ***½

[Cory Olson]

From beginning to end, here’s the preview for New Year’s Knockout VI, coming your way on December 31 from the Reunion Arena in Dallas, TX!

Johnny Valentine vs. John Pesek
(USWA Southern Heavyweight Championship)

Normally a Southern championship match would take place near the end of the card, but since the USWA Committee decreed that all four USWA titles would be on the line, and since Valentine is challenging for the World Heavyweight title in the main event, this huge bout will start New Year’s Knockout! Both wrestlers are tough competitors, who can wrestle, but also aren’t afraid to fight when need be. Both are popular with the USWA fans. Pesek has had a strong record, since debuting in the USWA in August, with only one loss on his record. This will be a tough battle for Valentine, not only in facing the “Nebraska Tiger Man”, but in that he will need to conserve energy for the main event match. Will Pesek capture his first USWA gold or will Valentine be victorious in his first title bout of the night?

Antonino Rocca vs. Larry Zbyszko

“Argentina” Rocca has battled Zbyszko and other Heenan Family members, primarily to aid his allies Diamond Dallas Page and The Crusher. This will actually be the first one-on-one meeting between Rocca and Zbyszko. Rocca knocked then-Southern champ Sheik off his throne in June, but since losing the belt to Curt Hennig in August, has been trying to get back in the title picture. Zbyszko is currently suffering from a minor concussion, thanks to Johnny Valentine. But with Bobby Heenan at ringside and a knowledge of sneaky tactics, Zbyszko will pull out all stops for a win!

12-Man Battle Royal for USWA Texas title shot in February 2010

Participants
B. Brian Blair, Jim Brunzell, Buff Bagwell, Chris Candido, Buddy Rose, Larry Sharpe, Cousin Luke, S.D. Jones, Virgil, Johnny Rodz, Brutus Beefcake, George South

This will be the third Battle Royal in USWA history. It will be interesting to see how the tag teams work together in this “Every Man for Himself” atmosphere and with a shot at the Texas gold on the line. There are three former Texas champs in this bout (Blair, Rose, and Beefcake). Who will be the last man standing and get a shot against either Bobby Eaton or Chris Hero in 2010?

Ed “Strangler” Lewis vs. Larry Hennig

Rumors are circulating that Lewis feels somewhat “left out” of this year’s NYK. While he’s got the best overall win-loss record in singles in 2009, he failed to regain the USWA World title from Nick Bockwinkel in November. Others say that Lewis is fine with having any match on the card and taking on a new opponent in “The Axe”. Lewis has headlocked larger opponents like former Heenan Family member King Kong Bundy. But he can’t underestimate Hennig, who has scored singles wins over The Crusher. Can Lewis beat the big Minnesotan or will “The Axe” chop him down?

Brad Armstrong & Koko B. Ware vs. The Heavenly Bodies
(No-Disqualification Match)

The popular duo of Armstrong and Ware started their war with Jim Cornette in 2008, when they battled The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Dennis Condrey). When Condrey was fired by Cornette this summer, Cornette brought in The Bodies as his new tag team. It’s often been Cornette’s interference that has made the difference in matches with Armstrong and “The Birdman”. Under No-Disqualification rules, interference is legal. But Armstrong and Ware can “fight fire with fire”, when provoked! Who will get the win on New Year’s Eve?

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Curt Hennig

Similar to Antonino Rocca and Larry Zbyszko, these two have battled in tag team matches, but this will be the first one-on-one meeting. The younger Hennig is looking to get back in title contention, after losing the Southern title to Johnny Valentine. He has been recovering from a concussion, caused by Valentine. Page has had opportunities at both the World and Southern titles and is hoping for another opportunity in 2010. You can bet that DDP will be fired up after The Hennigs jumped him and The Crusher on the last card in Lexington. Can he gain revenge when it’s one-on-one?

Team DiBiase vs. Team RPW
(Battlezone Match)

The long history involved in this feud, primarily between team captains Ted DiBiase and Frank Gotch, has been documented. The teams have had some physical battles in 2009, which have seen many injuries occur. Remember fans, Gotch and DiBiase are guaranteed to enter last (if their participation is even needed), but the order of entry of the other participants is determined by random draw by a USWA official. Which team can survive to finally end this war?

Bobby Eaton vs. Chris Hero
(USWA Texas Championship)

Eaton is currently the longest reigning Texas champion (as well as the longest reigning of all the current USWA champions). Hero has been impressive in his USWA appearances and is looking to make his name in wrestling by capturing the Texas gold. Both men have “ringside support”—for Eaton, manager Jim Cornette, and for Hero, his sports agent, “Sweet ‘n Sour” Larry Sweeney. Can Hero be the one to end Eaton’s historic reign?

Magnificent Muraco & Greg Valentine vs. Jimmy Snuka & Jimmy Valiant
(World Tag Team Championship—Steel Cage Match
If Muraco and Valentine win the match, Snuka and Valiant cannot team up in pro wrestling for one full year.
If Snuka and Valiant win, they will get five minutes in the cage with Capt. Lou Albano immediately after the match.)

This is another historic feud in the USWA. Snuka and Valiant were once enemies. It looked as if they would fight again last year, when Capt. Lou planned to bring “Handsome” Jimmy back to the USWA, but the “Boy from New York City” came back with longer hair, a huge beard, and dubbed as the wild “Boogie Woogie Man” and double crossed his former manager, by joining up with the “Superfly”. Albano then brought in Muraco, another former Snuka enemy—this time even before Snuka wrestled in the USWA. Muraco and Valentine specialized in the piledriver to injure both fan favorites at different times. This will be the fifth Steel Cage Match in the USWA’s nearly six-year history. The steel cage will keep Albano outside for the course of the tag team match, but the rubber banded manager may have to enter the cage at the end! Or will the fan favorites have to disband for a year?

Nick Bockwinkel vs. Johnny Valentine
(World Heavyweight Championship—The Crusher serves as Special Guest Referee)

Valentine returned to the USWA back in March, initially for just one appearance as referee in the finals of the Clash at the Coliseum tournament at the USWA’s 200th card. When Bockwinkel and Bobby Heenan weren’t happy with Valentine’s decision, they challenged him to return to ring action. Valentine did, but suffered a leg injury in an attack by Bockwinkel and The Hennigs at the Independence Day Bash. He returned from injury as a man “possessed” for revenge against The Heenan Family. Valentine defeated Bockwinkel in a non-title bout, and then to further anger The Family, won the Southern Heavyweight crown from Curt Hennig. The USWA Committee appointed The Crusher (who will also face the winner for the title on the first card of 2010) to keep order in this one. While Crusher is definitely one of The Heenan Family’s enemies, he lost to Valentine in November for the NYK title shot. Will he call things right down the middle? Will Bockwinkel enter 2010 still on top of the USWA or will Valentine take his prized gold?

That’s New Year’s Knockout VI, coming your way on December 31 from the Reunion Arena in Dallas!

In the next USWA update, Bill Apter takes an in-depth look at the twelve individual participants in the Battle Royal for the shot at the USWA Texas championship!

[Deleted]

From beginning to end, here’s the preview for New Year’s Knockout VI, coming your way on December 31 from the Reunion Arena in Dallas, TX!

Johnny Valentine vs. John Pesek
(USWA Southern Heavyweight Championship)

Normally a Southern championship match would take place near the end of the card, but since the USWA Committee decreed that all four USWA titles would be on the line, and since Valentine is challenging for the World Heavyweight title in the main event, this huge bout will start New Year’s Knockout! Both wrestlers are tough competitors, who can wrestle, but also aren’t afraid to fight when need be. Both are popular with the USWA fans. Pesek has had a strong record, since debuting in the USWA in August, with only one loss on his record. This will be a tough battle for Valentine, not only in facing the “Nebraska Tiger Man”, but in that he will need to conserve energy for the main event match. Will Pesek capture his first USWA gold or will Valentine be victorious in his first title bout of the night?

Antonino Rocca vs. Larry Zbyszko

“Argentina” Rocca has battled Zbyszko and other Heenan Family members, primarily to aid his allies Diamond Dallas Page and The Crusher. This will actually be the first one-on-one meeting between Rocca and Zbyszko. Rocca knocked then-Southern champ Sheik off his throne in June, but since losing the belt to Curt Hennig in August, has been trying to get back in the title picture. Zbyszko is currently suffering from a minor concussion, thanks to Johnny Valentine. But with Bobby Heenan at ringside and a knowledge of sneaky tactics, Zbyszko will pull out all stops for a win!

12-Man Battle Royal for USWA Texas title shot in February 2010

Participants
B. Brian Blair, Jim Brunzell, Buff Bagwell, Chris Candido, Buddy Rose, Larry Sharpe, Cousin Luke, S.D. Jones, Virgil, Johnny Rodz, Brutus Beefcake, George South

This will be the third Battle Royal in USWA history. It will be interesting to see how the tag teams work together in this “Every Man for Himself” atmosphere and with a shot at the Texas gold on the line. There are three former Texas champs in this bout (Blair, Rose, and Beefcake). Who will be the last man standing and get a shot against either Bobby Eaton or Chris Hero in 2010?

Ed “Strangler” Lewis vs. Larry Hennig

Rumors are circulating that Lewis feels somewhat “left out” of this year’s NYK. While he’s got the best overall win-loss record in singles in 2009, he failed to regain the USWA World title from Nick Bockwinkel in November. Others say that Lewis is fine with having any match on the card and taking on a new opponent in “The Axe”. Lewis has headlocked larger opponents like former Heenan Family member King Kong Bundy. But he can’t underestimate Hennig, who has scored singles wins over The Crusher. Can Lewis beat the big Minnesotan or will “The Axe” chop him down?

Brad Armstrong & Koko B. Ware vs. The Heavenly Bodies
(No-Disqualification Match)

The popular duo of Armstrong and Ware started their war with Jim Cornette in 2008, when they battled The Midnight Express (Bobby Eaton and Dennis Condrey). When Condrey was fired by Cornette this summer, Cornette brought in The Bodies as his new tag team. It’s often been Cornette’s interference that has made the difference in matches with Armstrong and “The Birdman”. Under No-Disqualification rules, interference is legal. But Armstrong and Ware can “fight fire with fire”, when provoked! Who will get the win on New Year’s Eve?

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Curt Hennig

Similar to Antonino Rocca and Larry Zbyszko, these two have battled in tag team matches, but this will be the first one-on-one meeting. The younger Hennig is looking to get back in title contention, after losing the Southern title to Johnny Valentine. He has been recovering from a concussion, caused by Valentine. Page has had opportunities at both the World and Southern titles and is hoping for another opportunity in 2010. You can bet that DDP will be fired up after The Hennigs jumped him and The Crusher on the last card in Lexington. Can he gain revenge when it’s one-on-one?

Team DiBiase vs. Team RPW
(Battlezone Match)

The long history involved in this feud, primarily between team captains Ted DiBiase and Frank Gotch, has been documented. The teams have had some physical battles in 2009, which have seen many injuries occur. Remember fans, Gotch and DiBiase are guaranteed to enter last (if their participation is even needed), but the order of entry of the other participants is determined by random draw by a USWA official. Which team can survive to finally end this war?

Bobby Eaton vs. Chris Hero
(USWA Texas Championship)

Eaton is currently the longest reigning Texas champion (as well as the longest reigning of all the current USWA champions). Hero has been impressive in his USWA appearances and is looking to make his name in wrestling by capturing the Texas gold. Both men have “ringside support”—for Eaton, manager Jim Cornette, and for Hero, his sports agent, “Sweet ‘n Sour” Larry Sweeney. Can Hero be the one to end Eaton’s historic reign?

Magnificent Muraco & Greg Valentine vs. Jimmy Snuka & Jimmy Valiant
(World Tag Team Championship—Steel Cage Match
If Muraco and Valentine win the match, Snuka and Valiant cannot team up in pro wrestling for one full year.
If Snuka and Valiant win, they will get five minutes in the cage with Capt. Lou Albano immediately after the match.)

This is another historic feud in the USWA. Snuka and Valiant were once enemies. It looked as if they would fight again last year, when Capt. Lou planned to bring “Handsome” Jimmy back to the USWA, but the “Boy from New York City” came back with longer hair, a huge beard, and dubbed as the wild “Boogie Woogie Man” and double crossed his former manager, by joining up with the “Superfly”. Albano then brought in Muraco, another former Snuka enemy—this time even before Snuka wrestled in the USWA. Muraco and Valentine specialized in the piledriver to injure both fan favorites at different times. This will be the fifth Steel Cage Match in the USWA’s nearly six-year history. The steel cage will keep Albano outside for the course of the tag team match, but the rubber banded manager may have to enter the cage at the end! Or will the fan favorites have to disband for a year?

Nick Bockwinkel vs. Johnny Valentine
(World Heavyweight Championship—The Crusher serves as Special Guest Referee)

Valentine returned to the USWA back in March, initially for just one appearance as referee in the finals of the Clash at the Coliseum tournament at the USWA’s 200th card. When Bockwinkel and Bobby Heenan weren’t happy with Valentine’s decision, they challenged him to return to ring action. Valentine did, but suffered a leg injury in an attack by Bockwinkel and The Hennigs at the Independence Day Bash. He returned from injury as a man “possessed” for revenge against The Heenan Family. Valentine defeated Bockwinkel in a non-title bout, and then to further anger The Family, won the Southern Heavyweight crown from Curt Hennig. The USWA Committee appointed The Crusher (who will also face the winner for the title on the first card of 2010) to keep order in this one. While Crusher is definitely one of The Heenan Family’s enemies, he lost to Valentine in November for the NYK title shot. Will he call things right down the middle? Will Bockwinkel enter 2010 still on top of the USWA or will Valentine take his prized gold?

That’s New Year’s Knockout VI, coming your way on December 31 from the Reunion Arena in Dallas!

In the next USWA update, Bill Apter takes an in-depth look at the twelve individual participants in the Battle Royal for the shot at the USWA Texas championship!