Cory's USWA

[Cory Olson]

Matches 1-8 were played in a great wrestling city--St. Louis--when Chad and I were there for the NCAA wrestling championships. I don't know if it's quite Sam Muchnick style booking, but enjoy it anyway!

March 28, 2008
Card #163: Community Center in Cookeville, TN

1) Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge got a quick win in the opener over George South and Larry Sharpe. The two Team RPW teammates continue to improve as a team. Hodge hit his Oklahoma side roll on South, but they rolled close to the ropes. Hodge tagged out to Hutton who did the same move rolling South back towards the middle of the ring. South kicked out, but got locked in the abdominal stretch and immediately surrender, before Sharpe could even enter the match. DUD.

2) “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring went to 2-0 as a team with a big upset over The Killer Bees. B. Brian Blair was fired up early on, but got overzealous and missed a splash into the corner, hitting his head on the ringpost, falling to the floor, and almost getting counted out. Doring followed up with the Danaconda, but “Jumping” Jim Brunzell jumped in to make the save. Brunzell tagged in and blasted the “Playboy” with his dropkick, but this time it was Doring making a save. Blair and Doring went back-and-forth, when Doring caught him with a small package out of nowhere. Doring grabbed Blair’s tights as well, unseen by Sam Platania, and got the surprise three-count. “Sensational” Sherri Martel was definitely excited by her men’s victory, while The Bees looked upset. **¾

3) Despite a torn pec, “Ravishing” Rick Rude emerged victorious over Brad Armstrong. The Georgia native Armstrong did his best to take advantage of Rude’s injury and score an upset win. But Rude still showed great strength and fortitude. After a reverse atomic drop, Rude followed up with a Rude Awakening for the pinfall. **

4) The Sheik was declared the winner in a bout with rival Dan Severn, but it was a very controversial decision. Sheik jumped “The Beast” before Gary Michael Cappetta could finish his introduction of the Team RPW member. The Syrian madman went right to work, bringing out his sharp object early on and carving Severn up with it. Severn fought hard and would not give up as he would battle back against the Sheik, using the wakigatame on him, as well as catching him in a pin with a head and arm throw—the same move he used to defeat Sheik with for the Southern title in September. But Severn’s blood loss was weakening him and Sheik took advantage locking in the Camel Clutch and using the object more, but still keeping it out of the sight of Kevin Christian. From ringside, “coach” Dick Hutton could tell Sheik was using it and would yell at Christian, but to no avail. Severn made the ropes to break the Clutch, but Sheik continued to pound away on him. Severn caught Sheik with a fireman’s carry slam, but couldn’t maintain offensive control. Christian continued to check Severn’s wound and asked “The Beast” if he wanted to quit, but Severn refused. Finally with so much blood loss, Christian stopped the bout and awarded it to The Sheik. Severn was angry, and although weakened by the blood loss and barely able to stand, he yelled for The Sheik’s head. Hutton, along with Danny Hodge and Southern champ Frank Gotch helped Severn to the back. The Community Center was not happy about this decision one bit and they let Christian know about it with words that won’t be repeated here! ****¼
(NOTE: Sheik used his “stab with sharp object” SIX times in this match! I used my “blood stoppage” rule, which I explained on my original thread on Chris’s board. But for those who haven’t read it, basically in a regular match, if one wrestler’s PIN Rating reaches 12, I stop the match. Depending on the last move rolled, I may do the “blood stoppage” storyline as I did here, or I may just say the wrestler on offense scored a pin or submission win.)

5) Greg Valentine scored a big upset win over the struggling Rikidozan. The former World champion started off strong against “The Hammer”, but Valentine took over and targeted Rikidozan’s neck, using a neckbreaker for a near fall and several forearm shots to the back of the neck. Valentine applied his figure-four leglock, but Rikidozan made the ropes. After throwing Rikidozan into the ringpost, Valentine followed up with another neckbreaker and made the cover for the surprise three-count. **½

6) Bobo Brazil defeated Sabu. Sabu followed his uncle’s actions from earlier and jumped Brazil before the bell. But he would crash and burn after a missed somersault senton off the top rope and land on his arm. Bobo attacked the arm, applying a grinding hammerlock, but Sabu got to the ropes. Several Coco Butts later Brazil would get the pinfall. *¾

7) The Destroyer got a submission win over S.D. Jones. The masked man does what he does best, in focusing his attack on the opponent’s leg. He applied his single leg Boston Crab to soften up “Special Delivery” for his figure-four, which brought about a quick tap out. The “Intelligent, Sensational One” looks impressive going into his shot at the World Heavyweight championship. ¾*

8) The Killer B’s scored a big win over the team of “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and Yukon Eric. Just like last week’s card, Buff Bagwell started the match off for his team and it looked like Texas champion Brutus Beefcake wasn’t going to tag in. Snuka worked over Bagwell in the early going, even hitting a Superfly Leap, but Beefcake pulled Sam Platania out of the ring before he could count three. Platania didn’t disqualify The B’s, but while arguing with Beefcake and Capt. Lou Albano, Bagwell recovered and took over. Beefcake eventually tagged in and nailed the big Eric with his flying knee smash, but only got a two-count. It was back-and-forth action, as Eric later got Beefcake up in his Kodiak Krunch, but Beefcake managed to get his foot over the top rope. Snuka hit a flying body press off the top for a two-count, then went up again for a Superfly Leap, but missed. Beefcake recovered and locked the “Superfly” in a sleeper. Just as Snuka looked like he was going out, his arm raised before the third drop and he made the ropes. Eric came back in, but the Texas champ hit him with three more flying knee smashes, but still couldn’t keep him down. Beefcake blasted Eric right in the face with his studded arm band, which busted the big Alaskan open. Snuka broke up the pin attempt, which also brought Bagwell in. While Bagwell and Snuka brawled in the corner, Beefcake tried to help his partner out, but got nailed from behind by a big running splash from Eric. Eric went for a cover, but only got a two-count. Snuka tagged back in and immediately nailed Beefcake with a flying head butt, but again the Texas champ kicked out. Bagwell came in and was sent into the corner. Snuka dove at him with a corner splash, but missed and hit his head on the turnbuckle, busting him open as well. Snuka was knocked silly from this. Bagwell took advantage, picking Snuka up and delivering a nice scoop slam. He went for the cover and got the pinfall. ****½

9) Bobby “The Brain” Heenan’s first actual USWA match turned out to be a success, as he scored the pinfall to give him, The Masked Superstar, and King Kong Bundy the win over the new World Tag Team champions The Midnight Express and their manager Jim Cornette. Normally Superstar starts off the matches for him and Bundy, but the New Jersey giant insisted on starting off against “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton, perhaps for the hopes of gaining revenge for Bundy being the one pinned in the title change last week. Unfortunately “Beautiful” Bobby seemed to show him up, as he hit a spinning neckbreaker (with which The Midnights regained the gold last week), then tagged in “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey. The champs hit an early Rocket Launcher on Bundy, but the big man got his shoulder up at 2¾. Superstar tagged in and wore down Condrey, so that “The Weasel” could tag in and get in some cheap shots. Heenan punched Condrey with a foreign object and then tossed it to his partner’s, unbeknownst to Tom Branch. But Condrey quickly recovered and executed a backbreaker on Heenan. He went for a cover, but Superstar and Bundy made the save for their manager. Condrey tagged out to his manager for the first time. When Heenan saw Cornette, he freaked out and immediately tagged to Superstar. (Who’d have thought someone would be running away from Jim Cornette?!) Cornette was cocky and actually got in some good punches on the masked man, but Superstar regained control and locked in the Cobra Hold. But rather than try and put “The Louisville Slugger” out, Superstar, per Heenan’s orders, tagged out to Bundy, who placed a weakened Cornette in the corner and delivered the Avalanche! Bundy went for his typical five-count pin, but at 4½ both Eaton and Condrey made the save, blasting Bundy with a double clothesline. Bundy was shook up, yet not surprisingly, Cornette was more hurt. With Cornette down, Bundy tagged out to “The Brain” who confidently took some punches at Cornette. Heenan waited too long as Cornette recovered and fired away on Heenan! The Cookeville fans were definitely favoring the champs and Cornette tonight! “Beautiful” Bobby tagged back in and looked to have things wrapped up. He nailed a missile dropkick on “The Weasel”. This brought Bundy into the ring, but “Loverboy” Dennis cut him off and the two brawled in one corner of the ring. While referee Branch was preoccupied with those two, Eaton went up to the other corner to come off with another high risk move. But Superstar had loaded up his mask in the corner, with the same object that his manager used earlier on Condrey. Superstar went over to the corner and head butted Eaton, knocking him off the top rope and into the center of the ring. With Cornette recovering from his beating and Condrey and Bundy still going at it, Heenan rolled on to Eaton and Branch turned around to make the three-count. The Community Center nearly rioted at the site and Cornette and his men were upset by one of the most shocking pinfalls in USWA history! ***

10) Capt. Lou Albano was hoping for a perfect night for his men, but Killer Kowalski would have to fight through the pain of injured ribs in order to try and win his second USWA Southern Heavyweight championship. And he would be challenging an old foe in current title holder Frank Gotch.

The champ started off more aggressive than usual, throwing some boxing punches at the challenger and even throwing shots to Kowalski’s injured ribs. Kowalski went for the stomach version of the claw, but Gotch was able to break the hold quickly. Kowalski then decided to focus on Gotch’s head. He hit two Bombs Aways, but couldn’t get the win. He applied the face claw. With Dick Hutton coaching from ringside, Gotch was able to ram Kowalski backwards into the buckle, right into the injured ribs and break the hold. Gotch applied a body scissors on the ribs and slipped in a half nelson, trying to pin the big man, but couldn’t hold him down. With Gotch’s pure wrestling seemingly overcoming him, Kowalski decided to take the fight to the floor. Albano helped out, as he got into an argument with Hutton, which tied up Tom Branch’s attention, leaving Kowalski to smash Gotch in the head with the Southern title belt. He later used a steel chair to Gotch’s head as well and rammed him into the ringpost. He applied the face claw again back in the ring and by this point the champ was bleeding. Kowalski held it on for over a minute, but Gotch would not respond. With the champ in the hold and his shoulders on the mat, Branch counted the pinfall and Kowalski captured his second Southern championship! Albano was overjoyed at having a second champion in his stable. Hutton complained to Branch about the illegal tactics, but to no avail. Danny Hodge came down to help Gotch to the back. (Dan Severn was rushed to a hospital following his earlier match with The Sheik to receive several stitches for his own wound.) Greg Valentine and The Killer B’s celebrated the win with Kowalski and Albano in the locker room in footage that aired the next day on USWA Championship Wrestling. ****¼

[Cory Olson]

Highlights of USWA Championship Wrestling from March 29 and April 5:
• Bobby “The Brain” Heenan was certainly bragging on the 3-29 episode after his pinfall on “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton in the six-man tag team match the night before. The manager bragged about pinning one-half of the World Tag Team champions and now wants to be referred to as the “uncrowned USWA World Tag Team champion”! Jim Cornette responded the following week claiming that “The Weasel” only won because Superstar’s loaded mask put Eaton down. He said that if Heenan wants to step in the ring with him or The Midnights again, they’d more than willing to take him on!
• Speaking of the World Tag Team championships, The Midnights’ next defense will come on April18 at the Civic Coliseum in Knoxville, and it will be against The Killer B’s. The Midnights had a wild feud with the Capt. Lou Albano-managed Vachons last year, and will battle the Captain’s newest team. Naturally Cornette and Albano got involved in last year’s bouts and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see it happen again! (What is it with Cornette and the other rulebreaker managers?)  Brutus Beefcake could come out of this bout a double champion, but he will need to defend his Texas championship on the next card. (See Card #164 preview below.)
• Another title bout has been signed for the month of April. New Southern Heavyweight champion Killer Kowalski will make his first defense against another rulebreaker, “Ravishing” Rick Rude! Kowalski has been impressive, having to battle through injured ribs. Rude himself is fighting with a torn pectoral, but said on WMC-TV that he will be in top fighting form come April 25 in Evansville.

What could be one of the biggest cards in USWA history will take place on April 11 at the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio!
• After being embarrassed by Bobby Heenan, World Tag Team champion “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton looks for some redemption against The Masked Superstar! Superstar has an impressive record in singles, but Eaton has pulled off upsets in the past. Who will come out the winner in this one?
• New Southern Heavyweight champ Killer Kowalski teams up with fellow stable mate Greg “The Hammer” Valentine to take on rivals “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and Yukon Eric. Albano’s men have the momentum with Kowalski’s title win and Valentine’s upset of Rikidozan. Which team will win this brutal battle?
• The war between Bobo Brazil and The Sheik will continue in San Antonio! Brazil joined a small group of wrestlers to have defeated Sheik via pin or submission last month in Memphis. Can he repeat or will The Sheik brawl his way to another win?
• “Ravishing” Rick Rude has never been at a loss for confidence, but he may be overdoing it here. Before challenging for the Southern Heavyweight championship, the “Ravishing One” has agreed to a rematch with former World Heavyweight champion and the man who tore his pec—Rikidozan! Rude scored the big win at the Mid-South Coliseum with some ropes for leverage, but got chopped up afterwards. Can he make it 2-0 against the Japanese superstar?
• Brutus Beefcake will put his USWA Texas championship on the line against Team RPW member Danny Hodge. Hodge has yet to lose via pin or submission, since debuting in the USWA this past November. Beefcake has the size and overall strength advantage, but Hodge is definitely the better technical wrestler here, and has his freaky grip strength. Who will leave San Antonio the champ? And will the fans favor the flamboyant San Francisco native Beefcake or the Oklahoman Hodge?
• The main event will be one of the biggest main events already in 2008. Ed “Strangler” Lewis will put the USWA World Heavyweight title on the line against the man who betrayed him for money—The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer. Lewis said on Championship Wrestling that his leg is still bothering him a bit, but he’s ready to take on the masked coward. Destroyer said he will focus his attack on the leg and make Lewis give to the figure-four leglock. Should Destroyer capture the championship, he would become the first man in USWA history to have held the World Heavyweight, World Tag Team, and Southern Heavyweight titles. Will the USWA have its first masked World champion or will Lewis headlock his way to victory?
All this plus Frank Gotch battles Sabu, The Killer Bees in action, and the Argentinian sensation Antonino Rocca battles Buff Bagwell!

[Cory Olson]

April 11, 2008
Card #164: Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio

1) The Killer Bees came out the winners in the opener over George South and Larry Sharpe. Sharpe started off the match this time, but the results were similar to his and South’s last bout, as The Bees kept Sharpe in the ring the whole time. The Bees hit the Bee Sting, then just to ensure things, “Jumping” Jim Brunzell picked him up and nailed him with a dropkick before getting the pinfall. ¼*

2) “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring got another win over Koko B. Ware and S.D. Jones. “The Birdman” and “Special Delivery” were hoping for a win over the rulebreakers, to get some revenge for Cousin Luke. In their short time teaming, Rose and Doring have learned to work well together, especially when it comes to bending the rules! Early on, Rose choked Jones at ringside with a microphone chord, while Doring provided a diversion in the ring. Ware and Jones came back and worked over Doring, hitting their respective Ghosbuster and head butt finishers on him, but couldn’t keep him down. Jones hit a power body slam and went for a cover, but Rose jumped in the ring. Ware came in too, but Frank Morrell saw him first and tried to get him out. Meanwhile Rose blasted Jones with a knee drop to the back of the head, breaking up the pin attempt. Doring followed up with a Danaconda but only got a two-count. Ware came back in, but was worked over as well. Rose landed the Bombs Away, but pulled Koko up before the three-count. Just to rub it in, he decided to use “Sensational” Sherri Martel’s purse, while the valet distracted Morrell. He blasted Koko with it, then took his time in making a cover, but Koko somehow kicked out! Rose tagged out to Doring and the two went for a double team, but Koko stopped them and delivered a noggin knocker. “The Birdman” was still woozy from the purse shot and tried to make a tag to Jones. As S.D. held out his hand for the tag, Sherri ran around the ring and grabbed his ankle. Jones pulled her up onto the ring apron and look ready to blast her with a head butt! Morrell went to break up the fracas. Meanwhile, Rose grabbed the purse again and blasted Koko with it a second time. He threw the purse out of the ring, then went after Jones to save Sherri. Doring recovered and came off with another Danaconda onto Ware, then made the cover to score the pin. ****¼

3) Argentinian sensation Antonino Rocca defeated Buff Bagwell by submission. Bagwell had control early on, after Rocca was pushed off the top rope by Capt. Lou Albano and landed hard on his head, while Paul Neighbors was focused on Bagwell. Bagwell hit a swinging neckbreaker, but only got a two-count. Rocca was on the arena floor and the Capt. charged at him, but got blasted with Rocca’s lightning fast feet! Rocca nailed Bagwell with some foot slaps from the floor, when Bagwell reached through the ropes. Rocca came off the top rope with a flying body press, but only got a two-count. He sent Bagwell into the turnbuckle and then caught him in his Argentinian Backbreaker to get the submission win. ***

4) Frank Gotch got a win out of nowhere on Sabu. These two last met in January in the main event at the Tupelo Sports Arena, when Gotch defeated Sabu by DQ in a wild bout to retain the Southern title. Gotch was definitely looking to get back on track after losing that championship to Killer Kowalski a few weeks ago. It looked though as if Sabu would come out on top. He used his Arabian facebuster early on, while Abdullah Farouk distracted Frank Morrell, then followed up with a slingshot leg drop for a near fall. Sabu applied the Camel Clutch and punched away to Gotch to bust him open. Sabu whipped Gotch into the ropes, but Gotch rebounded with a single leg takedown. He held the Bombay madman down and quickly applied the Gotch toehold. Sabu was in the center of he ring and quickly tapped out. An awesome victory by the Team RPW member! **½

5) One-half of the World Tag Team champions “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton got a big win in singles over The Masked Superstar. Bobby “The Brain” Heenan interrupted Gary Michael Cappetta’s introduction of The Superstar to inform him that he (Heenan) wishes to be announced as the “Uncrowned USWA World Tag Team champion”. Heenan motioned to Eaton, saying he wants his belt, as a result of Heenan’s pin on Eaton on the last card in the six-man tag team match. This bout was back-and-forth and full of action. Superstar applied the Cobra Hold early on, and then followed up with two spinning neckbreakers, targeting Eaton’s neck (which was broken last summer by a Mad Dog Vachon piledriver on a chair). Eaton kicked out and held strong. Eaton recovered after a brawl on the floor and blasted Superstar with a right hand. He hit three Alabama Jams, but couldn’t keep Superstar down. Eaton came off the top with a splash, in almost a solo Rocket Launcher, but Superstar rolled out of the way and Eaton smacked first-first into the mat, which also drew some blood. Superstar went for a cover, but Eaton kicked out. After another brawl, Eaton was choking Superstar on the ropes, when Jerry Calhoun warned him about it. While Eaton discussed things with Calhoun, Jim Cornette blasted Superstar in the head with the tennis racket! Eaton went for a cover, but Superstar still kicked out. Yet the masked man’s mask had blood coming out of it as well. Heenan chased Cornette around the ring for his interference, but meanwhile “Beautiful” Bobby came off with another Alabama Jam and this time got the win. Heenan turned around to see that his charge had lost and complained. He turned to Cornette again, but got clocked with the racket as well! ****

6) In a heated tag team battle, Yukon Eric and “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka got the win over new Southern Heavyweight champion Killer Kowalski and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. Valentine was coming off a big win over Rikidozan and had momentum as well. But the fan favorites were very focused in this match. Snuka hit Kowalski with a big flying head butt and went for a cover, but Capt. Lou Albano distracted Paul Neighbors. Snuka and Eric worked over Kowalski’s still injured and bandaged ribs. Snuka hit a Superfly Leap, but Kowalski kicked out. Eric applied a bear hug, then his Kodiak Krunch, but Albano again got involved, pulling Kowalski’s leg over the top rope, causing Eric to break. Eric worked over “The Hammer”, then tagged out to Snuka. Snuka missed a Superfly Leap. Valentine made a cover, but only got two. He applied the figure-four leglock, yet the “Superfly” made the ropes. The Southern champ tagged back in and worked over Snuka. Snuka fought back and hit a piledriver. He made a cover and got the pinfall seemingly out of nowhere. Snuka and Eric won the match, but the war wasn’t over. Valentine ran into the ring and knocked Eric out of the ring, before he could celebrate his team’s victory. “The Hammer” then attacked Snuka, stomping away on his midsection and dropping knees across it as well. This was all a set-up for his partner, as Albano revived Kowalski. The champ applied a stomach claw to Snuka for several minutes. Eric finally recovered and cleared the ring, wielding his ax-handle. But the damage was done, as Snuka was bleeding from the mouth. It was determined that the “Superfly” had suffered internal injuries and will miss about a month of action. ****

7) In another heated feud match, The Sheik scored a controversial pinfall over Bobo Brazil. Brazil started off fired up, wailing away on the Syrian madman and looking like he’d gain his second victory over his rival. After a brawl outside the ring, Sheik took over. He applied the Camel Clutch and later used his sharp object, but couldn’t keep Brazil down. With Abdullah Farouk distracting Jerry Calhoun, Sheik turned to another of his “specialties”—the fireball. He unleashed a huge one on Brazil. The flame kept Brazil down for the three-count after. The match only last a few minutes, but was full of action. **½

8) Rikidozan avenged his loss to Rick Rude on Card #161 with an impressive victory. The Japanese superstar was focused and determined here. He worked over the “Ravishing One” with his hiplock and several thunderous chops, centered on Rude’s torn pec, which Rikidozan himself tore with those chops. After Rikidozan came off the second turnbuckle with a chop, Rude was busted open. He came back and focused on Rikidozan’s neck. He hit the Rude Awakening and it looked like it was over, but Rikidozan kicked out. Rude came off the top rope with a double sledge, but Rikidozan side stepped it and blasted Rude with a chop to the chest while he was in mid-air. Rikidozan attempted a pin, but only got two. Rude was bleeding big time and Frank Morrell checked the cut to ensure Rude could continue. To Rude’s credit, he fought hard and Bobby Heenan checked on his cut as well. Rikidozan hit another hiplock, but Heenan got up on the apron. Just a quickly, Heenan went back down, as the former USWA World champ blasted him with a chop. Rikidozan nailed Rude again with more thunderous chops. After losing a ton of blood and getting his injured pectoral hit, Rude was easy prey for a pinfall. ***¾

9) Danny Hodge brought gold back to Team RPW, as he defeated Brutus Beefcake to win the USWA Texas championship. The San Antonio fans were more in favor of Hodge, despite him (and coach Dick Hutton) hailing from Oklahoma. They couldn’t deny that Hodge definitely outwrestled Beefcake on this occasion. He hit the Oklahoma side roll, but Capt. Lou Albano jumped up on the apron. Hodge let go of the hold and chased Albano down. When he turned around he was met by Beefcake’s flying knee smash. The champ strutted at his move, but took too much in going for the actual pin, as Hodge kicked out at two. Hodge came back and got Beefcake down on the mat. He turned him into a Boston Crab and got Beefcake to tap out. Frank Gotch and Dan Severn (who was backstage and sported several stitches from his last match with The Sheik) came down to celebrate the championship win with Hodge and Hutton. **¼

10) USWA World Heavyweight champion Ed “Strangler” Lewis put the title on the line in the main event against the man who collected the bounty on him—The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer. Bobby “The Brain” Heenan accompanied Destroyer to the ring for this title match. The two exchanged great mat wrestling holds for the first ten minutes of the bout. Destroyer focused on the leg, to little surprise. But Lewis was ready. As Destroyer attempted a single leg Boston Crab at one point, Lewis rolled out of the hold and applied a single leg Crab of his own! The crowd popped big a seeing Lewis use one of Destroyer’s holds. The masked man quickly got to the ropes. Lewis used some amateur style cradles for a near fall, but couldn’t successfully apply the Strangler’s Headlock. Destroyer went to a different submission—his Intelligent Sleeperhold. Lewis looked like he was going out, but when Jerry Calhoun checked his arm, Lewis’ arm bounced back. Destroyer pulled Lewis into the center of the ring and applied the figure-four leglock. Lewis was definitely in pain, but rolled into the ropes. Destroyer didn’t release at first, but then the “Strangler” continued rolling and both men fell out of the ring and to the arena floor. Lewis got to his feet first, but Heenan came around the ring to attempt an ambush, but the champ saw him coming. “The Brain” retreated before the champ could catch him. With Lewis’ attention diverted, Destroyer clipped his knee from behind. He then picked Lewis up and dropped him in a kneebreaker-type move, but across the guard railing, rather then his own knee. Lewis was in pain. The masked man rolled back into the ring at the count of eight, while the champ was still hurt on the floor. Lewis couldn’t get back in and The Destroyer got the win via countout. Although he didn’t win the title, Destroyer and Heenan were very happy that he beat the champ and it appeared they may have done more damage to Lewis’ knee. **¾

[Cory Olson]

Back in action!

Highlights of USWA Championship Wrestling on April 12:
• It was announced that a rematch has already been signed for the World Heavyweight championship, as Ed “Strangler” Lewis will defend once again against The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer. The rematch will take place on May 9 at the Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga. Just as their first bout was the first time the World title was defended in San Antonio, the rematch will be the first time that Chattanooga has hosted a World title match. Lewis suffered no major damage to his knee in his countout loss to the masked man. Destroyer was bragging that Lewis took the coward’s way out and was “deliberately” counted out to retain his title in losing.
• Before getting his return shot, Destroyer must take on a former ally from Japan. On April 25 at the newly christened Sailor and Soldiers Memorial Coliseum in Evansville, the former Southern Heavyweight champ will do battle with former World Heavyweight champion Rikidozan! It is said that the Japanese superstar is embarrassed by Destroyer’s recent actions and unsportsmanlike conduct. Destroyer is definitely taking on a tough challenge prior to his title rematch!
• Former Southern champ Dan “The Beast” Severn appeared with Team RPW coach Dick Hutton and issued a big challenge. The former Southern champ stated that he’s tired of The Sheik’s illegal tactics. He stated that if one looks at the history of their bouts, there’s one common feature—blood. Therefore he has challenged The Sheik to a First Blood Match, where the only way to win is to make your opponent bleed! No response has been issued at this time by Abdullah Farouk on behalf of his sadistic charge.
• Following the regular edition of Championship Wrestling, a special one-hour documentary aired on WMC-TV about Frank Gotch Day, which took place on April 3 in Gotch’s hometown of Humboldt, IA. Gotch himself was able to make the trip, prior to his April 11 bout in San Antonio. Bill Apter and a USWA camera crew joined the Team RPW member. His hometown faithful welcomed him with open arms. One fan’s sign listed Gotch as “The True Champion”, in reference to his recent controversial loss of the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship to Killer Kowalski. Gotch was given the key to city and definitely received a hero’s welcome! Highlights of some of Gotch’s greatest matches aired, including the brutal 2-out-of-3 Falls Match with George Hackenschmidt from November 10, 2006 in Lexington, KY.

April 18 will be the date of a big card at the Civic Coliseum in Knoxville!
• In a tag team match between rival duos, Dick Hutton and new Texas champion Danny Hodge will do battle with The Sheik and Sabu! The last time these two teams met Team RPW came out the winners via DQ. Can they get a decisive win or will Abdullah Farouk’s men pull off a victory?
• Prior to challenging for the Southern Heavyweight champion on the 25th, “Ravishing” Rick Rude does battle with two-time former World Heavyweight champion “Playboy” Buddy Rose. Rose asked for this match, after Rude and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan walked out on him after their loss to Ed “Strangler” Lewis and Rikidozan on March 21 in Louisville. Both these competitors think highly of themselves. Will it be the “Ravishing One” or the “Playboy” who emerges victorious?
• Speaking of the Southern title, champ Killer Kowalski goes one-on-one with rival Yukon Eric in a non-title bout. As if this feud needed more heat, now Kowalski and Greg Valentine have taken out Eric’s ally, “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. Eric still has yet to get a singles win on Kowalski in the USWA. Will this be his night?
• A huge tag team match takes place, as USWA World Heavyweight champion Ed “Strangler” Lewis teams with former champion Rikidozan to battle the former World Tag Team champions The Masked Superstar and King Kong Bundy. The Heenan Family is definitely working with The Destroyer to try and weaken the champ as well as do more damage to Rikidozan. Both teams are forces to be reckoned with. Who will win this war?
• The main event will be for the World Tag Team championship as The Midnight Express put the belts on the line against The Killer B’s. Capt. Lou Albano’s team has surprised some critics. You can bet Brutus Beefcake is looking to win gold, after losing the Texas title. Plus there’s a lot of history between Jim Cornette and Capt. Lou Albano! The two managers were interviewed together by Lance Russell on WMC-TV and actually stated that they would be “gentlemen” and not get involved. But few believe them! Will “Beautiful” Bobby and “Loverboy” Dennis hold on to the belts or will The B’s be the new champs?
All this plus Greg “The Hammer” Valentine takes on Dan “The Beast” Severn. The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer, Frank Gotch, and more in action!

[Cory Olson]

April 18, 2008
Card #165: Civic Coliseum in Knoxville

1) S.D. Jones scored a victory in the opener over George South. “Special Delivery” delivered two of his head butts during the bout, but it was a suplex that brought him the pinfall. *½

2) Frank Gotch scored a submission win over Brad Armstrong. The former Southern champ applied the Gotch Toehold, but Armstrong made the ropes. Gotch applied a crossface and barred the arm to gain the submission. Gotch showed respect for Armstrong by shaking his hand afterwards. ½*

3) “Dastardly” Danny Doring defeated rival Koko B. Ware. “The Birdman” kicked out of two consecutive Danacondas. Ware came back and hit a Ghostbuster, which gave Doring a concussion in 2006. Ware went for the cover, but Doring draped his foot on the bottom rope. It was a back-and-forth battle. Doring hit the Wham, Bam, Thank You Ma’am and pinned Koko out of nowhere. As he and “Sensational” Sherri Martel celebrated their victory, S.D. Jones and Cousin Luke (sporting a neck brace) ran down to the ring. Luke pulled Sherri out of the ring and then spanked her! The crowd went wild, but the hillbilly wasn’t done as he planted a big kiss on Sherri! Sherri was repulsed. Meanwhile, back in the ring “Special Delivery” went to town on Doring. Koko had recovered and he and Jones delivered a double dropkick. Then the two delivered head butt after head butt on Doring. Luke jumped in and delivered some as well to his former partner. Doring fell out of the ring near Sherri. “Playboy” Buddy Rose finally made his way down to help his partner and his valet. It was determined that Doring had suffered another concussion and will be out of action for a while. **¼

4) The Sheik and Sabu got a win over Dick Hutton and Texas champion Danny Hodge. Sheik worked on Hodge early on with the Camel Clutch. Sabu tagged in and hit a slingshot somersault leg drop from the apron, but Hutton broke up the pin attempt. Hutton eventually tagged in, but got worked on as well. Sabu locked the Clutch on Hutton, but Hutton made the ropes. Sheik applied the Clutch too, but the RPW coach broke free. Hutton came back and applied the abdominal stretch to a big pop. Sheik wouldn’t surrender, so Hutton held on and tagged out to Hodge, who switched and applied his own stretch. Sheik weakened but fell into the ropes, breaking the hold. After a brawl outside the ring, Sheik took over. With Abdullah Farouk on the apron distracting Scott Bowden, and Hutton and Sabu brawling in the corner, Sheik blasted Hodge with a huge fireball! The Texas champ rolled around in agony. Sheik covered Hodge and Bowden turned around to make the count. Sheik became the first wrestler to score a pinfall victory over Hodge in the USWA. Sheik, Sabu, and Farouk retreated to the locker room, while the crowd was irate! Dan Severn and Frank Gotch came down to check on Hodge. Gotch and Hutton helped Hodge to the back, while “The Beast” remained in the ring for his bout. ***

5) Dan Severn made a statement by beating Greg “The Hammer” Valentine to a bloody pulp and forcing him to submit. The bout started off a back-and-forth physical bout and was actually slow at some points. But “The Beast” fueled by rage of his hatred for The Sheik, controlled “The Hammer”. He applied the wakigatame, but Valentine got to the ropes. Valentine came back and attempted a top rope sledge, but Severn sidestepped him and caught him in midair to execute an awesome fireman’s carry slam. Severn went for a cover, but Valentine got his shoulder up at 2¾. Severn delivered more fireman’s carry slams, as well as a German suplex, then floated over and delivered some stiff knee smashes, which drew blood on Valentine. Severn applied a bow and arrow to a bloodied Valentine, but “The Hammer” wouldn’t give. Valentine fought his hardest and blasted Severn with stiff chops. “The Hammer’s” blood loss was great and it weakened him. Severn locked Valentine in a choke sleeper in the center of the ring. With the blood staining the ring, Valentine was left with no choice but to tap. Severn certainly seemed to back up his challenge to The Sheik for a First Blood Match. ***¾

6) “Ravishing” Rick Rude scored a decisive victory over “Playboy” Buddy Rose. “Sensational” Sherri Martel at ringside seemed to be still shaken up from Cousin Luke’s kiss from earlier. Rose controlled the action at the beginning, but after a missed dropkick, Rude took over and put him away after a snap suplex. Rude looks to be healing well from his torn pectoral muscle and got an impressive win prior to challenging for the Southern Heavyweight title next week. DUD

7) Speaking of the Southern title, champion Killer Kowalski looked set on doing more damage to rival Yukon Eric, and got himself disqualified. Kowalski went to work on the severed ear early, to little surprise. He slapped on a face claw, but Eric grabbed the ropes and powered out of the hold. Frustrated, Kowalski took the fight to the floor. Both men were exchanging punches, when Kowalski got the upper hand. He grabbed the cable from Gary Michael Capppetta’s microphone and wrapped it around Eric’s neck. Paul Morton jumped to the arena floor and gave Kowalski a five-count to stop the illegal action, but the Southern champ refused to listen. Morton called for the bell, giving Eric a DQ win. Several USWA referees and officials came down to try and get Kowalski to stop. Finally, thanks to Capt. Lou Albano’s suggestion, Kowalski released the choke. Albano was apparently warning Kowalski about any possible ramifications from the USWA Committee for his actions. *

8) The Destroyer pinned Larry Sharpe. The “Intelligent, Sensational One” showcased his great wrestling arsenal, scoring a pin with his Sensational Suplex. The masked man looks impressive going into his bout next week with Rikidozan, as well as his rematch for the World Heavyweight title in May. DUD

9) USWA World Heavyweight champion Ed “Strangler” Lewis and Rikidozan scored a very hard fought victory over former World Tag Team champions The Masked Superstar and King Kong Bundy. Lewis and Rikidozan had the early advantage, which was very impressive considering they’ve teamed fewer times than The Heenan Family duo. Out of nowhere Superstar caught Rikidozan in the Cobra Hold, but the former World champ made the ropes. Bundy came in, but Rikidozan caught him in a modified hiplock and went for a pinfall. Superstar came in to break the pinfall, but Lewis came in to counter him. Yet Tommy Gilbert saw the champ first and cut him off. This allowed Superstar to blast Rikidozan with a head butt to the back and then reverse the pinfall, putting Bundy on top. Gilbert turned around to count, but Rikidozan just kicked out which drew a big pop from the Knoxville crowd. Bundy hit an Avalanche and went for a pin, but Rikidozan kicked out at 4½, again getting a big cheer from the crowd. The Japanese superstar came back and nailed Bundy with some stiff overhead chops, knocking the New Jersey giant down. Rikidozan went for a pin, but Bobby “The Brain” Heenan (still being announced as the uncrowned USWA World Tag Team champion) handed something to Superstar in the corner, and then jumped up on the apron, distracting Gilbert. Meanwhile, Superstar loaded his mask with the object and then head butted Rikidozan again. Bundy went for another cover and Gilbert turned around to count, but this time Lewis jumped in and blasted Bundy with a stiff forearm shot. Superstar tagged back in and he and Bundy double teamed Rikidozan, who had a slight cut from the head butt. But out of nowhere, Rikdozan had the spirit to come back and blasted Superstar with some of his patented chops. He went for the cover and got the three-count, while Lewis held Bundy in the corner with a double leg takedown. The crowd popped for this out of nowhere win! The last half of the bout was almost a “Rikidozan showcase”! ****

10) Jim Cornette’s Midnight Express put the USWA World Tag Team titles on the line in the main event against Capt. Lou Albano’s Killer B’s. Despite having feuded in the past, the two managers had agreed on WMC-TV to let the teams fight. Early in the bout, Paul Morton was taken out of the bout momentarily, when “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey reversed a whip into the turnbuckle and sent Buff Bagwell crashing into him inadvertently. Morton went to the arena floor and in a surprise, both Cornette and Albano went to help him and get him back into the title bout. The Midnights and The B’s battled in the ring, but kept things relatively clean. Morton recovered and came back in to officiate. The champs hit the Midnight Massacre on Brutus Beefcake, but Beefcake managed to kick out. “Loverboy” Dennis hit his face-first leg sweep on Beefcake, but Bagwell came in and hit a low dropkick to Condrey’s face, while Morton was trying to get “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton out of the ring. The champs came back and used their double team prowess against Beefcake. In a shock, Morton got taken out again when Beefcake was accidentally knocked into him and the two knocked heads. This time though, the managers did not play nice! The Midnights had just hit a Rocket Launcher, but Morton was not there to make the count. Eaton went up to the top rope to jump on Beefcake, while Cornette was trying to revive Morton. Meanwhile, Albano ran over to the corner and pushed Eaton off the top rope. Cornette saw this and yelled at the rubber banded manager. Bagwell came in and grabbed “Beautiful” Bobby. He whipped him into the ropes, but Eaton reversed the whip and Cornette tripped Bagwell coming off the ropes. To little surprise, Cornette and Albano started brawling on the floor! Eaton pulled out a small chain and decked Beefcake who was already bleeding. Beefcake went to the floor. Bagwell got hit with the face-first leg sweep and came up bleeding as well. The Midnights hit the Rocket Launcher on Bagwell. Morton started to come to, but was slow in making the count and Bagwell managed to escape. The Midnights hit the Double Goozle, then Condrey made the cover and got the pinfall in a wild bout. The fans were behind Cornette and The Midnights in this one. As the champs and their manager returned to the back, Albano and his men, recovering from their beating, complained that Beefcake was the legal man in the ring at the time that Morton went down, but the decision stood. ****¼

[Cory Olson]

Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on April 19:
• Abdullah Farouk announced that he was accepting Dan Severn’s challenge on behalf of The Sheik. Therefore a First Blood Match has been signed for May 9 at the Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga! Farouk said that Severn may have bloodied up Greg Valentine, but Sheik is an expert on drawing blood on opponents and will be the one to draw first blood in their bout!
• With a First Blood Match and a World title rematch already making the Chattanooga card a huge card, another title bout has been added. This isn’t a USWA-sanctioned championship, but will be a special attraction. The Intercontinental title from the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) will be on the line when champion “Macho Man” Randy Savage will defend against big rival Hulk Hogan! Savage has held the title for some time and fought off many challengers, including Hogan. The Intercontinental title is considered a stepping stone to the WWF World Heavyweight championship (currently held by Bruno Sammartino). Hogan is one of the most popular and well-known wrestlers not only in the WWF, but wherever he wrestles. Savage will have his manager Miss Elizabeth at ringside with him for this huge bout.
• Another big bout will take place, but not in a USWA ring, rather in an All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) ring. Former USWA Southern Heavyweight and World Tag Team champion Giant Baba will do battle with a man who’s currently trying to take him out of professional wrestling, the Sudanese madman—Abdullah the Butcher! Remember fans, The Destroyer has used part of his bounty money from Bobby Heenan to pay Abdullah to go after and try to injury Baba—his former USWA Tag Team championship partner. Baba and Abdullah have already met in AJPW rings, but will meet again on April 27 at the famed Nippon Budokan Hall. The important thing for USWA fans is that this bout will air in its entirety on the May 3 edition of USWA Championship Wrestling. (Long-time fans will remember that a bout between Baba and Nick Bockwinkel from Budokan aired last summer on WMC-TV.)

The newly renamed Sailors and Soldiers Memorial Coliseum in Evansville will host a huge USWA card on April 25!
• A tag team feud rolls on as The Killer Bees do battle with The Killer B’s. Capt. Lou’s team has had some success lately, but this feud is very even. Who will get the edge here?
• Before battling The Sheik in a First Blood Match, Dan “The Beast” Severn will face his nephew Sabu. Sabu injured Severn’s ribs with a moonsault through a table in November, but an injured beast gave Sabu a beating on Thanksgiving night. Can Severn bloody up another opponent?
• Speaking of The Sheik, he’ll be in another big bout as he battles another of his many rivals Bobo Brazil. This bout will have extra importance, as the USWA Committee has announced that the winner will challenge for the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship on May 23 in Lexington. Since Frank Gotch lost the title to Killer Kowalski, Sheik is now eligible for another Southern title shot. Brazil was the first Southern champ and never officially lost it, as he was injured and stripped of the gold. Who will win this brawl and go on to challenge for USWA gold?
• In a huge bout that could be the main event anywhere in the world, Rikidozan takes on The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer. These two were allies in AJPW, but due to Destroyer’s greed (words from Rikidozan’s interpreter) the Japanese superstar is out to defeat the masked man. Rikidozan was impressive in the tag team bout last week. Can he give Destroyer a loss or will Destroyer go in to his World title rematch with momentum?
• The main event will be for the USWA Southern Heavyweight title as Killer Kowalski defends against “Ravishing” Rick Rude. Rude is coming off a torn pectoral injury, while Kowalski is still sporting some injured ribs. This will be Rude’s first shot at a USWA title. Can he capture the gold or will Kowalski keep a death grip (like a claw hold) on the title?
Also, Yukon Eric takes on Greg “The Hammer” Valentine, The Masked Superstar and King Kong Bundy in tag team action, Team RPW coach Dick Hutton, and more!

[Cory Olson]

April 25, 2008
Card #166: Sailor & Soldier Memorial Coliseum in Evansville

1) Dick Hutton got a submission win in the opener over Brad Armstrong. This was a good scientific opening bout. Armstrong got a near fall with a sunset flip. Hutton locked him in the abdominal stretch. The Georgia native fought valiantly for the ropes, but ultimately surrendered. The two shook hands afterwards in a show of respect. **¾

2) George South shocked the wrestling world with his first USWA win, over former World champion “Playboy” Buddy Rose! Rose was cocky and went for his Bombs Away in the opening minutes, but missed and landed hard on his knee. South followed up with a nice dropkick, and then came off the top himself with a flying body press. He hooked the leg and scored the shocking pinfall! The Evansville crowd went nuts, as South himself couldn’t believe it. “Sensational” Sherri Martel screamed in anger, but the decision stood. ¼*

3) The Masked Superstar and King Kong Bundy defeated Koko B. Ware and S.D. Jones. Ware and Jones held their own against their larger and more powerful foes. “The Birdman” got hit with an Avalanche (with an assisted whip from Superstar), but “Special Delivery” made the save. Superstar jumped in and took Jones out of the ring, allowing Bundy to deliver a second Avalanche and score the five-count. **

4) Frank Gotch pinned Larry Sharpe. It took Gotch less than three minutes to put down the New Jersey native after a stiff forearm uppercut. Gotch has looked tough and focused and is hoping to get a rematch for the Southern Heavyweight title. DUD

5) Greg Valentine forced Yukon Eric into submission. “The Hammer” sported several stitches from his bloody beating from Dan Severn last week. But to his credit, Valentine fought hard against the big Alaskan. Eric used several basic power moves like tackles and bodyblocks into the turnbuckle, but couldn’t keep Valentine down. Eric missed a splash off the top rope and landed on his knee. Valentine focused on the knee the rest of the match and eventually picked up the win with the figure-four leglock. Capt. Lou Albano was happy to see Eric go down in defeat. ***

6) Sabu scored a big win over Dan “The Beast” Severn. Severn started off strong against the homicidal, suicidal, genocidal, death-defying Bombay madman, but Sabu went to the floor and grabbed a steel chair. With Abdullah Farouk distracting Sam Platania, Sabu hit his Arabian facebuster. Sabu locked on a Camel Clutch, but Severn made the ropes. Sabu used the chair to launch off of and hit a triple jump moonsault to score the somewhat surprising win. **¼

7) The Killer B’s got a countout win over The Killer Bees. Capt. Lou Albano’s team controlled most of the action here. Buff Bagwell hit the Buff Blockbuster on B. Brian Blair, but Blair managed to kick out. He rolled to the floor, and Brutus Beefcake came in the ring to jaw with “Jumping” Jim Brunzell. Meanwhile, Bagwell went after Blair and hit a double arm DDT on the floor. He crawled back in and Tom Branch turned to count Blair out of the ring. Blair was shaken up, but thankfully suffered no major injuries. *

8) The Sheik earned the next shot at the USWA Southern Heavyweight title by defeating rival Bobo Brazil. This was a brawl, but not as wild as the bouts between these two usually are. Sheik controlled most of the action, using a hammerlock submission early on (a move that is a favorite of both grapplers). Sheik pulled out the sharp object and jabbed Brazil. He locked on the Camel Clutch and slipped in the object, unseen by Kevin Christian. With the added pain of the object, Brazil was left with no choice but to submit. *

9) Rikidozan gave The Destroyer his first loss since returning to the USWA. The two started off with some great scientific chain wrestling. But tempers quickly flared when Destroyer gave Rikidozan a hard shove after a “clean” break against the ropes. Destroyer naturally focused his attack on the leg, using his single leg Boston Crab. He got a near fall after a Sensational Suplex. The masked man went for a Bombs Away but missed. Rikidozan went for a cover, but only got two. Bobby “The Brain” Heenan came down to ringside to encourage Destroyer. Rikidozan took Destroyer down with a hiplock and turned into a cover, but Heenan put Destroyer’s foot on the bottom rope. Rikidozan saw the action and stared at Heenan. This allowed Destroyer to recover and knock Rikidozan out of the ring with a knee smash to the back. Rikidozan came back and blasted Destroyer with some of his thunderous chops and put him down for the three-count, giving Rikidozan a much needed win. ***¾

10) Killer Kowalski put the Southern Heavyweight title on the line in the main event against “Ravishing” Rick Rude. Both men targeted the other’s injury, as Rude went to work early on Kowalski’s ribs. But the champ came back and went to Rude’s torn pectoral. (Although Rude appears to be healed, as he sported no bandaging in this bout.) Kowalski went for a stomach claw, but Rude was able to fight out of it, perhaps due to his well-defined abdominals. Kowalski came off the second turnbuckle with a stomp to Rude’s pec and went for a cover, but only got two. He then applied a unique version of the claw, focusing on the pectoral. Rude hollered in pain, but made the ropes. Kowalski wouldn’t release at first, so Rude used his strength to take both men through the ropes and to the floor. Capt. Lou Albano jumped up on the ring apron, but so did Bobby Heenan. As Kevin Christian tried to get the two managers down, Kowalski delivered a running stomp to Rude’s pec. As if Rude weren’t already in pain, just to deliver more punishment and prove his sadistic nature, Kowalski grabbed a steel chair and smashed Rude in the head with it. The champ rolled back in and Christian turned around to see Rude wounded on the floor. He put the count on the challenger and Rude rolled back into the ring…but it was after the 10-count. Kowalski retained the title via countout, with some questionable tactics. **½

[Cory Olson]

Highlights of USWA Championship Wrestling from April 26:
• The “uncrowned” World Tag Team champion Bobby “The Brain” Heenan may get a chance to prove us all wrong. For the first time in USWA history, the World Tag Team titles will be on the line in a six-man tag team bout. The Midnight Express will team up with their manager Jim Cornette to defend against former champs The Masked Superstar and King Kong Bundy, as well as Bobby Heenan! This will be the main event on May 16 at the Civic Coliseum in Nashville. Just to be clear, the belts can only change hands if “Beatiful” Bobby Eaton or “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey is pinned or submitted, as in a standard tag team match. If a member of the Heenan Family team scores a winning pin or submission, that man will get to choose which of the other two men will be his championship partner. “The Weasel” told Lance Russell that if he pinned “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton once in a six-man tag, he can do it again and prove he is a true champion.
• Capt. Lou Albano announced that his already strong stable is about to get stronger, as two-time former USWA Southern Heavyweight champion “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant will be returning to the area. Jimmy and his brother “Luscious” Johnny were a successful tag team in the first years of the USWA, despite never capturing the World Tag Team championship and the arrogant Jimmy held some good wins in singles competition as well. Despite a falling out between Albano and The Valiants in 2006, the rubber banded manager claims he and Jimmy have put aside their differences and Jimmy will be serve as “back-up” in Albano’s men’s feuds against Yukon Eric, “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka, and The Killer Bees. Valiant feuded with the “Superfly” in the past and had some wild bouts, including the “Handsome One” defeating Snuka at New Year’s Knockout 2005.

The next report will focus on the big bout from Nippon Budokan Hall in Tokyo, Japan. Former USWA World Tag Team and Southern Heavyweight champion Giant Baba takes on the Sudanese madman Abdullah the Butcher!

[Cory Olson]

April 27, 2008
All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW)
Nippon Budokan Hall in Tokyo, Japan

Giant Baba vs. Abdullah the Butcher
Aired on USWA Championship Wrestling on May 3, 2008

These two rivals started off their bout in a wild way. Abdullah did what he does best and pulled out a foreign object, seemingly out of nowhere and pounded away on Baba with it. He relied on the object and it looked like he would take Baba out early. But with his home country on his side, Baba battled back and hit a big leg drop for a two-count. Baba hit his dreaded neckbreaker. The giant went for a cover, but Abdullah got his foot on the ropes. Baba showed great strength and tenacity and executed a back suplex on Abdullah for another two-count. Baba was angered and delivered yet another neckbreaker drop to score the pinfall. The Budokan Hall exploded into cheers, as Baba was very energetic about the win over his rival. **¾

In the next report, the preview for the big card on May 9 from the Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga!

[Cory Olson]

Chattanooga will host one of the biggest cards in the history of the city on May 9, as the USWA returns to the Memorial Auditorium!
• A big grudge match takes place as Cousin Luke returns to action to battle “Playboy” Buddy Rose. With the concussion to “Dastardly” Danny Doring on April 18 in Knoxville (plus the smooch to “Sensational” Sherri Martel!), as well as Rose’s shocking loss to George South, the hillbilly seems to have more of the psychological advantage in this one. But can he score another win over Rose?
• Before he challenges for the World Tag Team championships on the 16th, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan will get a chance to show his pinfall win in Cookeville was no fluke. The manager will go one-on-one with one-half of the Tag champions and the man he pinned—“Beautiful” Bobby Eaton. Is “The Weasel” getting too cocky, signing for two big bouts two weeks in a row?
• One of the bloodiest feuds in USWA history will live up to its reputation as Dan “The Beast” Severn will take on The Sheik in the first ever First Blood Match in the USWA. Severn got set back a bit in losing to Sabu on the last card, but you can bet he’s got revenge on his mind for Sheik’s fireball attack to Texas champion Danny Hodge. Who will draw First Blood?
• In a special attraction, “Macho Man” Randy Savage puts the WWF Intercontinental championship on the line against the immensely popular Hulk Hogan. Savage has held on to his crown in past battles with Hogan, often by devious means. Will history be made in Chattanooga?
• The main event will be the huge rematch for the USWA World Heavyweight championship as Ed “Strangler” Lewis will defend against The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer. The masked man targeted the knee last month and got a countout win, but you can bet he’s looking to get the decisive victory and capture the gold. Will Destroyer finally grab the big one and become the first “Triple Crown” winner in USWA history or will Lewis’ stranglehold on the belt stay locked on?
All this plus Frank Gotch battles Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. Also Southern Heavyweight champion Killer Kowalski, The Killer B’s, and more in action!