Cory's USWA

[Deleted]

Can Da Crusher pull off the major win and grab the belt? I hope so because he and Valentine will bring the house down when they meet for the title.
The American Dragon is coming!? NICE!........I smell the future Texas champ.

[hollywoodlyn]

Great card

[Cory Olson]

Thanks to Kevin and Hollywood Lyn for the comments!

Highlights of the February 6 edition of USWA Championship Wrestling:
• It was announced that Johnny Valentine’s next defense of the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship will be on February 22 at the Louisville Gardens against Heenan Family member and his hated rival—Larry Zbyszko. USWA fans will recall that Zbyszko scored a pinfall win over Valentine in a non-title match on the first USWA card of 2010 in Tupelo. Lance Russell asked Bobby Heenan about the status of Curt Hennig, since he defeated Valentine by DQ on the last card in a title bout. “The Brain” somewhat avoided the question, saying they’ll (The Heenan Family) cross that bridge when they come to it.
• Former USWA Texas champion Danny Hodge appeared in the WMC-TV studio for the first time, since January when it was announced that Team Real Pro Wrestling would be disbanding. Hodge said that he had wrestled on some cards for the UWF in his native Oklahoma the last month, just for a “taste of something different”. He said that he enjoyed the time there, but missed the USWA. He apologized to the fans for any time that he let them down with his actions as a member of RPW. He said that he has found a new tag team partner, who will be debuting in the next month. He said this man has a lot in common with himself, as he takes a great deal of pride in pure wrestling.

The USWA comes home to the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, for Memphis’ first card of 2010! And what a card it is!
• Brad Armstrong will team up with a tag team specialist—former World Tag Team champion and Killer Bee B. Brian Blair, in his continued quest to destroy Jim Cornette’s Heavenly Bodies! Armstrong and Blair actually teamed up once in 2009 and were impressive for a first-time tag team. Can they bring down The Bodies, before The Bodies get a rematch for the USWA Tag Team gold?
• In a rematch from New Year’s Knockout VI, Diamond Dallas Page will face Curt Hennig! DDP has been on a roll, but has not beaten the former Southern champ in singles action. Can he do it in Memphis?
• In a non-title match, World Tag Team champions “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant will face The Dream Team, managed by Jimmy’s brother “Luscious” Johnny Valiant! Johnny V. claims that he knows his brother better than anyone and will lead Greg Valentine and Brutus Beefcake to the Tag Team titles. Will he prove himself right?
• The main event will be a big return match for the USWA World Heavyweight championship, as Nick Bockwinkel defends against The Crusher. Remember fans, this will be a Lumberjack Match! Dave Brown reviewed the rules of this match on Championship Wrestling.

I. There will be eight wrestlers, designated as lumberjacks, stationed outside the ring.
II. Anytime one of the participants is thrown out of the ring or attempts to leave the ring, it is the duty of the lumberjacks to get the wrestler back into the ring.
III. The match will be won by pinfall or submission.

Obviously the most important element of this match is the World Heavyweight title. But you’ve also got Crusher’s deal with Southern Heavyweight champion (and new lumberjack) Johnny Valentine—if Crusher wins, he will make his first defense against Valentine, who has beaten him in the past. Crusher also has Diamond Dallas Page and the World Tag Team champions picked as his lumberjacks. Bockwinkel has chosen Curt Hennig, Larry Zbyszko, Brutus Beefcake, and Valentine’s son—Greg “The Hammer” Valentine! Bobby Heenan has said that he will sit ringside with Lance Russell and Dave Brown. Will history be made in Memphis?
All this, plus, Texas champion “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton in action, as well as his next challenger Chris Candido! And the USWA debut of Russian wrestler Boris Zhukov!

[Cory Olson]

February 8, 2010
Card #235: Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis

1) “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan was victorious in the opener over “The Unpredictable” Johnny Rodz. Duggan brutalized Rodz, hitting a piledriver, then getting down in the three-point stance and hitting the flying spear for the pin. DUD

2) Boris Zhukov made a successful USWA debut, pinning George South. Ivan Koloff accompanied his ally to the ring for his match. He brutalized South. South had some moments of hope, but in the end Zhukov hit a diving head butt, coming off the second turnbuckle and got his first win. *½

3) Ted DiBiase and Steve “Dr. Death” Williams beat “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe by DQ. DiBiase had control against Rose, hitting a backward elbow drop off the second rope for a two-count. He tagged out to Williams, who went to town on Rose. Rose made the tag to Sharpe, but it didn’t improve things. Williams hit the Oklahoma Stampede on Sharpe and went for the cover. Meanwhile Rose had grabbed “Sensational” Sherri Martel’s purse and clocked Williams on the back of the head with it. Martel had Frank Morrell distracted, but Morrell turned around just in the nick of time to see Rose’s actions. Morrell immediately called for the bell. DiBiase came in to help Williams, while Rose, Sharpe, and Sherri quickly retreated. DUD

4) Chris Candido pinned S.D. Jones in about two minutes. Candido got control of Jones and didn’t let up. He took him up to the top rope and hit the Blonde Bomb, which put “Special Delivery” down for the count. DUD

5) USWA Texas champion “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton defeated Candido’s tag team partner Buff Bagwell. Bagwell received a title shot against back in November in Austin, and came very close to ending Eaton’s record-long reign. Eaton was ready for Bagwell, having control early on. “Buff Daddy” hit a sunset flip for a near fall. He survived two Alabama Jams, but went down to a third. ***

6) Danny Hodge returned from a tour of the UWF and scored a big win over Larry Zbyszko. Zbyszko had control at the beginning, using short cuts and cheap tactics. Hodge hit a sunset flip for a near fall, and took over control, but Zbyszko fought back. Zbyszko went up to the second turnbuckle, but Hodge cut him off and knocked him to the arena floor with a forearm smash. Zbyszko was knocked loopy, but Bobby “The Brain” Heenan helped his man back in before the 10-count. It may not have been the smartest move however, as Hodge immediately hit the Oklahoma side roll to score the three-count. The Memphis crowd went wild at Hodge’s win, as Heenan was irate! **

7) The Heavenly Bodies scored another win over Brad Armstrong and his newest partner—B. Brian Blair. This time, Jim Cornette and his men attacked the fan favorites in the aisle, before they could even enter the ring. They drug Armstrong to the ring and double teamed him. Blair made it to his corner, but would never see ring action. “Sweet” Stan Lane hit the superkick and covered Armstrong for the pin, while Dr. Tom Prichard knocked Blair off the apron. DUD

8) Diamond Dallas Page scored a big win over Curt Hennig in a hard-fought match. The match was back-and-forth from the get-go. Midway through the match, Hennig had control, hitting a missile dropkick. Page was on the ring apron, trying to get back into the ring, but Hennig hit him with a running knee lift, knocking him off the apron and almost getting Page counted out. With the crowd behind him, Page fought back and hit the Diamond Cutter. He went for a cover, but Hennig got his foot on the ropes, just before Paul Neighbors would have counted three. DDP hit a second Cutter and went for another cover, but this time Bobby Heenan put Hennig’s foot on the bottom rope, out of Neighbors’ sight. Page looked to be going for a third Diamond Cutter, but before he could execute it, Heenan jumped up on the apron. Page fed up with “The Weasel’s” interference, ran over and knocked him off with a big right hand. Page then elbowed Hennig in the face, busting him open and followed up with a swinging neckbreaker. Soon after, DDP hit another Diamond Cutter to finally get the win. ****

9) The Dream Team scored a non-title win over World Tag Team champions “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant in an awesome tag team match. Valiant got worked over in the first half of the match and looked in trouble, as he was busted open early on after a Dream Team double team. Brutus Beefcake had him locked in his own finisher the sleeper—but Snuka saved him from going out. Valiant fought back and tagged in the Fijian warrior. Snuka knocked Beefcake out of the ring with a flying head butt and almost got a countout win, but “Luscious” Johnny Valiant helped his man beat the count. Greg Valentine got in and knocked Snuka off the top rope to the floor. Snuka was in trouble, but managed to tag out to “The Boogie Woogie Man”, who locked Valentine in the sleeper and had him weakened, until his own brother distracted Frank Morrell. This allowed Valentine to recover. Later, Beefcake was busted open after another big head butt from the “Superfly”. The Dream Team eventually trapped Valiant in their half of the ring and worked over his leg. Their manager “Luscious” Johnny even slammed his brother’s leg into the ring post, while Morrell was distracted by “The Hammer”. Valentine then pulled Valiant into the center of the ring, locked on the figure-four and forced “Handsome” Jimmy to tap out. As The Dream Team and Johnny V. celebrated their ring, Snuka had to help Valiant to the back.

10) After the intermission, it was time for the main event. Nick Bockwinkel put the USWA World Heavyweight title on the line against The Crusher in a Lumberjack Match. Bockwinkel’s four picked lumberjacks—Curt Hennig, Larry Zbyszko, and The Dream Team came out first. Two of Crusher’s choices came down—Diamond Dallas Page and World Tag Team champion “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. Due to the apparent injury Jimmy Valiant suffered in the previous match, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan came out to take his place as lumberjack. Southern Heavyweight champion Johnny Valentine came out last, apparently wanting to show that he was not favoring either wrestler in his role as lumberjack. Johnny and Greg Valentine stood guard on opposite sides of the ring. The challenger then entered, followed by the champion with his manager. As he had said on WMC-TV beforehand, Bobby Heenan sat at ringside with Lance Russell and Dave Brown. ****½

Not surprising, Bockwinkel’s picked lumberjacks were favoring him and would attack Crusher any time “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous” was outside the ring. Brutus Beefcake hit a flying knee smash outside and Zbyszko hit a short piledriver on the floor, but Crusher was able to kick out. Bockwinkel locked on his sleeper, but Crusher rammed him into the buckles, breaking the hold. Crusher had the momentary advantage, but when Bockwinkel got knocked out of the ring, a brawl broke out among the lumberjacks. Jerry Calhoun’s attention was diverted and he didn’t see Hennig slip into the ring and smash Crusher with a steel chair, once to the head, and then one to the back for “good measure”. The shot to the head drew blood on the challenger and things looked over, as the champ made a cover. But just at 2¾, Crusher got a shoulder up. Crusher fought back and blasted Bockwinkel with forearm smashes. Still the blood loss weakened him and Bockwinkel started to wear Crusher down with an abdominal stretch. Crusher wouldn’t give, but was locked in the hold, as Bockwinkel delivered jabs to the injured back for added impact. Bockwinkel managed to position himself towards the ropes and grabbed Hennig’s hand from outside for extra leverage, out of the view of Crusher’s chosen lumberjacks. The trick worked, as Crusher ultimately surrendered to the hold, due to the pain he had endured from the hold and Hennig’s chair shots. Bockwinkel celebrated the win with his allies and manager. Snuka, Duggan, and Page helped Crusher to the back, as Johnny Valentine walked to the back alone. ***

[Cory Olson]

Highlights of USWA Championship Wrestling on February 13:
• After surviving the Lumberjack Match and continuing to reign atop the USWA, Nick Bockwinkel’s next challenger for the World Heavyweight title was announced. The four-time champ will defend against Diamond Dallas Page on March 8 at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville. Page and Bockwinkel met three times in singles matches in 2009, and Page is up 2-1 against Bock, with one victory by countout and one by pinfall. Can he grab his first USWA gold and score another win over Bockwinkel?
• Johnny Valentine was interviewed by Lance Russell. Russell asked the Southern champion why he left the ringside area so abruptly after the Lumberjack Match. Valentine simply stated that he did what he was asked to do—serve as a lumberjack during the match, and the match had ended. He stated that Crusher didn’t do what he said he would and win the World title, so that Valentine could get a title match. So now, he must earn another shot, just like he does most things—all on his own.

The USWA makes its debut at the Bell Expo Center in Belton, TX on February 15!
• Larry Zbyszko was upset by Danny Hodge last week in Memphis, but will get his opportunity for revenge this week, as the two will meet again. Zbyszko will challenge for the Southern Heavyweight title the following week in Louisville and wants to get some momentum on his side. Can he beat Hodge or will Hodge go 2-0?
• The Crusher will do battle with Curt Hennig. This match was a lot of intensity behind it, as each man has kept the other from winning a USWA championship in recent week. Add to that that Crusher broke the ribs of Curt’s father, Larry “The Axe”, and you can bet that this will be a heated battle in Belton!
• “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton will make his first defense of the USWA Texas title in 2010, when he faces Chris Candido. Remember, fans, Candido earned his shot by winning a Battle Royal at New Year’s Knockout. Eaton continues to be the longest-reigning Texas champ, as well as the longest reigning champ of all the current titleholders, and he has not been pinned or submitted in a one-on-one bout since 2007! Will the “Suicide Blonde” be the man to finally end Eaton’s reign?
• Two of Jim Cornette’s men will be part of the main event contest as well, as his Heavenly Bodies receive another shot at the USWA World Tag Team titles when they challenge champs “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant. The Bodies beat the champs last month by DQ in a controversial match. It was announced on Championship Wrestling that Valiant suffered a knee injury from Greg Valentine’s figure-four leglock in last week’s match in Memphis. As of right now, the champs are both planning on competing? Will the injury cost the champs the gold?
All this plus a tag team rematch, as Ted DiBiase and Steve “Dr. Death” Williams face “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe. Also, Ed “Strangler” Lewis looks for his first win in 2010, and the debut of “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson!

[Cory Olson]

February 15, 2010
Card #236: Bell Expo Center in Belton, TX

1) Russians Ivan Koloff and Boris Zhukov teamed up for the first time in the USWA and made short work of Cousin Luke and “Special Delivery” Jones. Koloff and Luke started the match off, as Koloff wanted some revenge for Luke hitting him with his horseshoe a few weeks ago in Evansville. Luke had some early control, but “The Russian Bear” took over with an eye rake and tagged out to Zhukov. Zhukov pounded away on Luke with some big forearm shots, then hit a hammerlock body slam to score the pin, while Koloff knocked S.D. off the ring apron. S.D. never ended up tagging in, as the Russians were impressive in their win. DUD

2) The Dream Team defeated The Killer Bees. These two teams have a history, as they feuded in 2005 and the beginning of 2006, until The Dream Team won a Losers-Leave-Town Match and sent The Bees out of the USWA for a year. Greg “The Hammer” Valentine worked over “Jumping” Jim Brunzell’s leg early on, ramming it into the ring post. Brutus Beefcake tagged in and hit the flying knee smash for a near fall. Beefcake had control, until Brunzell took over after blocking an attempted double sledge off the top rope. The Bees hit Valentine with a double elbow smash and B. Brian Blair went for a cover, but Valentine kicked out. Beefcake worked over Blair, who eventually tagged out to Brunzell, but Beefcake continued his assault and hit a running stomp, which put Brunzell down for the count. “Luscious” Johnny Valiant was very happy with his team’s win. **¼

3) “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson made his USWA debut and impressed the Belton crowd, in scoring a win over Johnny Rodz. Danielson entered the Bell Expo Center to the tune of “The Final Countdown”. Danielson is a man of many moves and showcased his unique offense and controlling Rodz for most of the match. He locked on one of his patented moves—the crossface chicken wing, but Rodz quickly grabbed the ropes. Danielson hit a beautiful missile dropkick and then quickly kipped up to his feet in an awesome display. In the end he hit a Dragon suplex (a full nelson taken backwards into a suplex and bridging pin combination) to pin Rodz and win his USWA debut. The crowd gave Danielson a great ovation afterward. ¼*

4) “Tiger Man” John Pesek scored a submission victory over Buff Bagwell. This was a rematch from Card #234 in Evansville, when Pesek got a countout win, after the match spilled out of the ring and Pesek rammed “Buff Daddy’s” arm into the ring post. Bagwell fought hard to try and get an upset win. He hit a crossbody block out of nowhere for a near fall. Pesek fought back and tried to get submissions with both the double wristlock and Tiger Man Toehold, but Bagwell managed to get to the ropes on both occasions. Bagwell hit a dropkick and scored a two-count. Bagwell attempted a suplex, but Pesek blocked it and turned it into a lateral press keylock. Bagwell got the ropes, but soon got trapped in a double bar hammerlock, which finally got Pesek the submission. ***

5) Ted DiBiase and Steve “Dr. Death” Williams scored a strong win over “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe. DiBiase attempted the figure-four on Sharpe after a few minutes, but Sharpe grabbed the ropes before the hold could be applied. Williams came in and pressed Sharpe over his head, then dropped him to the floor. Sharpe looked like he was in trouble, but with some coaxing from Rose and “Sensational” Sherri Martel, managed to beat the count back in the ring. Williams soon hit a big lariat on Sharpe and scored the pin, while DiBiase kept the “Playboy” at bay. ¼*

6) Larry Zbyszko got some revenge for his loss last week, by pinning Danny Hodge. Hodge outwrestled Zbyszko in the first part of the match and hit the Oklahoma side roll twice for very near falls. Hodge had Zbyszko in an abdominal stretch, but Zbyszko grabbed the ropes and pulled himself and Hodge out of the ring. Zbyszko landed on top and Hodge hit the arena floor hard, which gave Zbyszko the advantage for most of the rest of the match. Hodge took a great deal of punishment, until Zbyszko hit a backbreaker, focusing on where Hodge had landed on the floor. Zbyszko made a cover and scored the pin. ***½

7) Ed “Strangler” Lewis defeated George South to get his first win of the New Year. South is known for upsets, especially his win over Lewis’ ally John Pesek that he scored in 2009. He looked very close to scoring another shocker here, as he got near falls after a suplex and a crossbody block. He went for another crossbody, but Lewis caught him and hit a modified body slam. Lewis grabbed South in the Strangler’s Headlock, took him down, and scored the pin. While the “Strangler” was glad he got a win, he seemed frustrated that South was more of a challenge to him than expected. *¾

8) The Crusher defeated Curt Hennig in a wild bout. Crusher had control for several minutes, sending Hennig rocking and reeling around the ring. Crusher nailed him with a right hand and sent him flying over the top rope to the floor. Hennig almost got counted out, but managed to roll back in by nine. Crusher hit the Crusher Bolo and made a cover, but Bobby Heenan placed Hennig’s foot on the bottom rope. Tommy Gilbert didn’t see “The Brain’s” involvement, but Crusher did and went after Heenan outside the ring. “The Weasel” ran for his life. Not wanting to get counted out, Crusher came back to the ring, where Hennig had recovered and gave him a boot to the midsection. Hennig then managed to hit the Hennig Plex, but only got a two-count. Crusher fought back with the crowd rabidly behind him and busted Hennig open with some stiff forearm shots to the face. Hennig was weakened, but managed to hit a nice standing dropkick for a two-count. Crusher battled back and caught Hennig in a bear hug. Hennig fought his hardest. Due to the fatigue and blood loss, the former Southern champ weakened. Gilbert checked Hennig’s arm and it dropped three times, giving Crusher the win. ***¾

9) Chris Candido came extremely close to winning the USWA Texas championship from “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton, but had to settle for a disqualification victory. The fans sided more with Candido in this bout, perhaps wanting to see a historic title change on the first USWA card in Belton. Candido used every move in his arsenal to try and defeat the champ. He hit a Blonde Bomb in the first few minutes, but it was too early and Eaton managed to kick out. Candido held “Beautiful” Bobby up in the air for what seemed like an eternity in a delayed vertical suplex, before dropping him and making a cover, but once again, he only got a two. Eaton regained control, thanks to some interference from outside by Jim Cornette. But the challenger came back, busted Eaton open with punches, and then managed to execute a second Blonde Bomb. Candido was tired himself, and thus took longer to make a cover. By the time he did, Cornette had jumped up on the apron to distract Scott Bowden. Candido had Eaton pinned, but Bowden was tied up with Cornette. Candido got off of the champ and went after Cornette, who had the Texas title hanging in his hands for some reason. It turned out to be a plan from “The Louisville Slugger”, as he dropped the belt in the ring out of sight of Bowden and Candido. The “Suicide Blonde” grabbed Cornette by the boat and nailed him with a big punch sending him flying. Meanwhile, Eaton, although down and hurting, grabbed the Texas gold and pulled it close to him. Candido went to the top rope and dove off with a diving head butt. As he did, Eaton rolled over, and held the belt in front of his face. Candido had already dove and didn’t see it until it was too late, and thus smashed into the gold. He looked knocked out from the belt shot. Bowden was focused on Cornette on the floor, but turned around in time to see Eaton use the belt and called for the bell, disqualifying the champ and giving the challenger the win, but not the belt. Eaton rolled out of the ring and bailed to the locker room with Cornette, while the fans berated them! Buff Bagwell, with his arm wrapped up from his earlier match, came down to check on his partner and help him to the back. ***¼

10) Jim Cornette was back out to the ring after intermission for the main event, as he accompanied The Heavenly Bodies to the ring for their return match against “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant for the USWA World Tag Team titles. Valiant came to the ring with his knee heavily wrapped. Not surprisingly, Snuka started the match for his team, giving Valiant plenty of time to rest. The challengers took advantage of Snuka wrestling most of the match for his team and double teamed him, hitting the Flapjack twice. Snuka momentarily got the advantage with a sunset flip on “Sweet” Stan Lane, but only got a two-count, and The Bodies soon regained control. Dr. Tom Prichard took the Fijian warrior to the floor and attempted to hit him with Cornette’s tennis racquet, while Cornette had Paul Morton’s attention diverted. Snuka saw Prichard coming, grabbed the racquet, and turned the tables on Prichard, by smashing him with it. However, in a scene similar to their last meeting, the official (once again, Morton) saw the champs use the weapon and disqualified them, giving The Bodies their second disqualification win over the champs! Valiant had never even tagged in to the match, and although he was wounded, he was upset by what not having gotten a chance to see action and help his team. The Bodies and Cornette retreated to the back, celebrating another win. The Belton fans were extremely upset at two disqualification endings in two titles matches, and both involved Cornette! ¾*

[Cory Olson]

Highlights of USWA Championship Wrestling on February 20:
• USWA Committee Chairman Jerry Jarrett announced that because of their non-title win over the World Tag Team champions last week in Memphis, The Dream Team will receive the next shot at “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant. The match has been signed for March 15 at the Rupp Arena in Lexington. Jarrett stated that The Heavenly Bodies will receive a rematch down the line, since they have scored two disqualification victories over the current champs. Jim Cornette later in the show stated that Snuka and Valiant are dodging his men as long as possible, knowing that they can’t beat the “uncrowned USWA Tag Team champions”.
• Bill Apter interviewed three popular wrestlers—Ted DiBiase, Steve Williams, and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. DiBiase and Williams announced that they will be on tour with All Japan Pro Wrestling—where former USWA Southern and World Tag Team champion Giant Baba currently competes. They will be competing in AJPW and return to the USWA in a few months. DiBiase stated they will miss the great USWA fans, but are excited for a new opportunity. Duggan wished his teammates well, and announced that he has signed to battle new comer “The Russian Bear” Ivan Koloff on March 8 in Nashville. Duggan stated that he doesn’t like Koloff’s arrogant attitude and badmouthing of the USA, and with the fans behind him, will give him an American beating in Nashville!
• Two more new faces will soon debut in the USWA. Danny Hodge announced who his tag team partner will be Bob Roop! Roop is well-known throughout the wrestling world as a former Olympic wrestler, who has also had great success in the pros. Hodge stated that he and Roop will impress the USWA fans with their great mat skills.
• Also announced was young, high-flying sensation Matt Jackson. Jackson is an up-and-comer who is looking to make his name in the wrestling world!

The USWA comes back to the Louisville Gardens on February 22!
• In a first-time meeting, three-time former USWA World champion and Louisville’s own Ed “Strangler” Lewis will collide with former Southern champion Curt Hennig. Lewis battled Curt’s father Larry “The Axe” at New Year’s Knockout VI, losing via disqualification, for not releasing the Strangler’s Headlock. Lewis has never lost a match in his hometown. Can he defeat Hennig and keep his perfect Louisville record?
• Speaking of perfect records, Jim Cornette’s Heavenly Bodies are unbeaten so far in 2010. They will take on their enemy Brad Armstrong, and Armstrong’s latest partner—“Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. The Bodies have beaten Armstrong and other partners, although usually due to sneaky tactics involving Cornette. Can they beat Armstrong and Duggan in Cornette’s hometown?
• Before he challenges for the World Heavyweight title, Diamond Dallas Page will be in action. He’ll take on Buff Bagwell!
• One-half of the World Tag Team champions “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka will face Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. These two have been in the USWA since its inception in 2004. They’ve met numerous times in both singles and tag team contests. Things have heated up with Valentine and Brutus Beefcake, bringing in Jimmy Valiant’s brother “Luscious” Johnny as their manager and with Valentine injuring Valiant’s knee with the figure-four. Who will come out the winner in this meeting in Louisville?
• The main event will be a huge match for the USWA Southern Heavyweight title when Johnny Valentine puts the gold on the line against The Heenan Family’s Larry Zbyszko. Zbyszko holds two disqualification wins over Valentine, and more importantly two pinfall wins as well. Zbyszko and Bobby Heenan stated that Valentine fears him, since he has to beat Zbyszko. Can Zbyszko beat Valentine again and grab his first USWA championship?
All this plus Ivan Koloff and Boris Zhukov face The Killer Bees. Plus “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson and more USWA superstars in action!

[Cory Olson]

February 22, 2010
Card #237: Louisville Gardens

1) Virgil and Johnny Rodz got a win hard-fought win in the opener over Cousin Luke and S.D. Jones via countout. Jones and Luke had control in the early going, using both the Hillbilly Drop and Jones’s head butt on Virgil, but Virgil kicked out. Rodz finally got in and used his Unpredictable Slam on “Special Delivery” several times. Rodz whipped Jones into the buckles and sent him flying out of the ring. He followed Jones, while Virgil kept Luke and Sam Platania at bay. Rodz executed another Unpredictable Slam on Jones, but this time on the arena floor. He crawled back in the ring, turned Platania’s attention towards Jones, who then counted S.D. out of the ring, giving Virgil and Rodz the win. ***

2) Danny Hodge scored a fast win over “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe. Hodge easily outwrestled Sharpe and scored a three-count in less than a minute with an Oklahoma side roll. “Sensational” Sherri Martel was screaming at ringside, over her man’s quick loss! DUD

3) Bryan Danielson scored a submission win over George South. The “American Dragon” once again showcased his unique offensive arsenal. He hit a great diving head butt on South, then soon after locked on his finisher—the Cattle Mutilation (a grounded bridging double chicken wing). South was trapped in the middle of the ring and quickly surrendered. DUD

4) Ivan Koloff and Boris Zhukov scored an impressive win over former World Tag Team champions The Killer Bees. The Bees kept “The Russian Bear” in the ring for several minutes, tagging in and out. B. Brian Blair caught Koloff in his sleeper, but Koloff managed to get out of the hold and finally tag in Zhukov. Zhukov weakened “Jumping” Jim Brunzell. Koloff came back in and busted Brunzell open with his big chain, while Zhukov distracted Tom Branch. Koloff hit a falling face slam for a near fall, then locked the bloody Brunzell in the Russian bear hug. Blair came off the second rope with a double ax-handle to Koloff’s back, breaking the hold. Koloff drug Brunzell to his corner, where he tagged to Zhukov. Zhukov brutalized Brunzell, then soon hit a diving head butt off the second rope to score the pin on Brunzell, while Koloff knocked Blair out of the ring. ***¾

5) “Playboy” Buddy Rose scored a big upset, pinning “The Nebraska Tiger Man” John Pesek. Pesek had control early, using both his double wristlock and Tiger Man Toehold, but Rose got to the ropes on both attempts. Rose took over and took Pesek to the floor. While “Sensational” Sherri Martel distracted Tommy Marlin, Rose grabbed her purse and smashed Pesek with it. Pesek dropped quickly, which leads one to believe that there’s more than the “usual items” in that purse! Rose tossed Pesek back in the ring and followed up with the Bombs Away to score the big win. Ed “Strangler” Lewis came down to the ring, which drew a big cheer from the Louisville crowd. Lewis revived Pesek. Pesek came to, but didn’t look happy at what had transpired! *

6) “Strangler” Lewis stayed in the ring and scored an impressive win over Curt Hennig in about 90 seconds! Lewis took control early and locked on the Strangler’s Headlock. He tossed Hennig down to the mat in the hold and managed to pin the former Southern champ’s shoulders to the mat. Bobby “The Brain” Heenan was in shock, but the Gardens crowd went wild at their hometown hero’s win! DUD

7) The Heavenly Bodies were victorious again, this time over Brad Armstrong and “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. In introducing his own team, Jim Cornette introduced them as the “uncrowned USWA World Tag Team champions”, as he had stated on USWA Championship Wrestling. “Sweet” Stan Lane then took the mic to introduce Cornette and of course, mentioned him as “Louisville’s own”, which didn’t put the fans on Cornette’s side tonight! Armstrong unleashed on Lane at the opening bell, hitting his Russian leg sweep for a two-count. Duggan tagged in, bringing a round of “Hooooooooos!” from the crowd. Duggan pounded away on Lane as well. He got down in the three-point stance, then hit the flying spear. Lane got knocked into the ropes by the move, and may have saved himself from a pinfall. Armstrong came back in, but Lane took over. He tagged out to Tom Prichard and The Bodies hit the Flapjack on Armstrong. Prichard made a cover on Armstrong, with Cornette holding down Armstrong’s feet from the outside. Duggan stormed into the ring and pointed Cornette’s involvement out to Sam Platania. Platania stopped the count, as Duggan grabbed his 2X4 and chased “The Louisville Slugger” up the aisle! Platania had his attention turned towards the out of the ring antics and didn’t see Lane hand Dr. Tom an object, which the “Doctor” placed into his boot. He then blasted Armstrong with a big kick with the loaded boot and covered him to score the pin. Duggan turned his attention back toward the ring and saw the result. He came back in to check on Armstrong, while The Bodies and Cornette retreated to the Louisville Gardens locker room! **½

8) Diamond Dallas Page pinned Buff Bagwell. Page had the crowd behind him. “Buff Daddy” attacked early, wanting to score a big win over Nick Bockwinkel’s next challenger. Bagwell hit a double arm DDT for a near fall. The bout went to the floor and Page took control. He tossed Bagwell back in to the ring, then slid back in himself. As Bagwell got to his feet, Page surprised him with the Diamond Cutter and scored the pin. **¼

9) Greg “The Hammer” Valentine scored an impressive submission win over one-half of the USWA World Tag Team champions “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. Both men used the piledriver to try and score a pin on the other. (This was reminiscent of 2009—where Valentine and then-partner Magnificent Muraco battled Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant and the piledriver was often used.) Snuka was in control and went up to the top rope. Snuka momentarily turned his attention to “Luscious” Johnny Valiant on the floor, who was yelling at Snuka. The momentary distraction paid off, as Valentine knocked Snuka off the ropes onto the mat. Snuka landed on his leg hard, and Valentine seized the opportunity, slapping on the figure-four. Snuka was caught and forced to tap out. *¾

10) The main event was a big one, as Johnny Valentine put the USWA Southern Heavyweight title on the line against a man he had never beaten—Larry Zbyszko. Despite the animosity between these two, both men waited in their respective corners during Gary Michael Cappetta’s main event introductions. But once the bell rang, the fight was on! It was a physical one, with the champ unleashing on the challenger, using the Atomic Skullcrusher several times. Bobby “The Brain” Heenan would get involved twice for his man, after the champ used the Skullcrusher, keeping Zbyszko in the bout. Several times Zbyszko tried to remove a turnbuckle pad, but Tommy Marlin prevented him from doing so. Zbyszko hit the piledriver, but only got a two-count. He managed to bust Valentine open. Zbyszko hit a big backbreaker on Valentine—a move that brought Zbyszko a pinfall victory over Valentine last May. The challenger made a cover, but the champ managed to kick out. Valentine made a momentary comeback, but Zbyszko regained control. He hit another piledriver to pin Valentine to the mat and become the new Southern Heavyweight champion! Heenan was ecstatic, as Zbyszko brought more gold to The Heenan Family. Curt Hennig came down to celebrate with his manager and his teammate. (This match marked the third consecutive Southern title change in the Louisville Gardens.) ****

[Cory Olson]

Highlights of USWA Championship Wrestling from February 27 and March 6:
• The Heenan Family was interviewed on 2-27. Bill Apter congratulated Larry Zbyszko on his win over Johnny Valentine for the USWA Southern Heavyweight title the night before. He asked if Curt Hennig would get a title shot at Zbyszko, since Hennig had defeated Valentine by DQ (due to Crusher’s interference) in January. Hennig answered by stating that he knows he has lost some singles bouts lately and thus he will hold off on his rematch until he’s “gotten back on track”. Zbyszko complimented his teammate’s skills and stated that he’s going to show all the “spudheads” that not only is he the king of “Larryland”, but now he’s king of the South.
• Danny Hodge announced on the March 6 episode that his new tag team partner, Bob Roop, will make his USWA debut on March 15 in Lexington and that the two will team up for the first time the following week in Birmingham, AL.
• It was also announced that as a result of his disqualification victory a few weeks ago in Belton, Chris Candido will receive another shot at the USWA Texas championship against “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton on April 12 in San Antonio.

The USWA comes back to the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville on March 8!
• Ed “Strangler” Lewis is getting back in gear with some recent wins and hopes to keep it up. He’ll face another popular scientific wrestler—Danny Hodge. These two have had some great matches in the past. Who will emerge victorious in Nashville?
• Chris Candido and Buff Bagwell will face The Heavenly Bodies. Jim Cornette is sending The Bodies after Candido in particular, to wear him down prior to him getting his rematch for the Texas title next month. The Bodies have yet to lose in 2010, but they have been beaten by Candido and Bagwell in the past. This should be a great tag team match!
• Curt Hennig suffered a quick loss to Ed “Strangler” Lewis on the last card. This week he’ll face Lewis’ ally “The Nebraska Tiger Man” John Pesek. This will be the first time these two have met. Who will get the win?
• “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan looks to defend the USA when he faces “The Russian Bear” Ivan Koloff. Duggan is tired of Koloff’s anti-American/pro-Russian comments. Can he be the first wrestler to beat Koloff in the USWA?
• Two popular wrestlers who are not fans of one another will collide when Johnny Valentine faces The Crusher. Valentine is still mad at Crusher for getting him disqualified in January in his match against Curt Hennig, claiming he doesn’t need “Da” Crusher’s help. The last time these two met, Valentine got the win in a physical bout. Can he do it again or will polka music blare in Music City?
• The main event will be for the USWA World Heavyweight championship as Nick Bockwinkel puts the gold on the line against Diamond Dallas Page. DDP holds victories over Bockwinkel in the past and looks to capture his first USWA championship. Can he finally do it or will Bockwinkel continue his reign?
All this plus The Dream Team and Boris Zhukov in action, and the debut of “Mr. Action Replay” Matt Jackson!

[Cory Olson]

March 8, 2010
Card #238: Municipal Auditorium in Nashville

1) “Mr. Action Replay” Matt Jackson scored a win in his USWA debut, pinning George South. The young high flyer from California impressed the Nashville crowd with his quickness. South tried to keep Jackson on the mat, but Jackson fought back. He hit a great moonsault off the top rope on South, but South managed to get a foot on the bottom rope. Jackson hit a flipping sitout facebuster to put South down for the pin. *

2) Boris Zhukov pinned S.D. Jones. “Philadelphia’s Favorite Son” tried hard to score a win over the Russian, nailing a big punch after his famous shuffle. Zhukov kicked out of the pin attempt, then came back to hit his diving head butt of the second turnbuckle to pin Jones to the mat. *¾

3) The Dream Team defeated Virgil and Johnny Rodz. Virgil and Rodz double teamed Greg Valentine in the opening minutes, but “The Hammer” made the tag to Brutus Beefcake. Beefcake weakened Virgil and tagged Valentine back in. Beefcake held Virgil upright, while Valentine came off the top rope with a falling sledge (similar to his father’s own Atomic Skullcrusher). Valentine made the cover and got the pin. “Luscious” Johnny Valiant was very happy with his team’s win before they challenge for the USWA World Tag Team championship next week. ½*

4) The Killer Bees got a hard-fought victory over “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe via disqualification. Rose was even more arrogant than usual, after his tainted win over John Pesek on the last card. He and Sharpe looked on their way to a big tag team upset over the former World Tag Team champions. “Jumping” Jim Brunzell hit his dropkick out of nowhere on Rose and went for a cover, but Sharpe jumped off the second rope with a double sledge to back, breaking up the pin and allowing Rose to recover. Rose hit the Bombs Away on Brunzell, which busted him open. Rather than go for the cover, he tagged in Sharpe who hit his piledriver. Sharpe made an arrogant cover, but B. Brian Blair broke it up. Brunzell made the “hot tag” to Blair who went to work on Sharpe. He caught Sharpe in the sleeper, but Sharpe grabbed the ropes and the two tumbled to the arena floor. Blair recovered first and punched away at Sharpe. Rose came around the ring and shoved Blair, which diverted his attention. Meanwhile, “Sensational” Sherri Martel handed Sharpe her purse. Sharpe took it and clocked Blair with it as he turned around. Unfortunately for the rulebreaking trio, Frank Morrell turned around in time to see it and called for the bell. Rose, Sharpe, and Martel quickly retreated as Brunzell was fired up by their actions. ***½

5) Ed “Strangler” Lewis scored a submission win over Danny Hodge. These two had heated matches in 2008, after Hodge and the other members of Team RPW had broken Lewis’ ankle at the end of 2007. In this bout the two were respectful to each other and showcased some great mat wrestling early on. Hodge had control, scoring a near fall after a great standing dropkick. Hodge locked on an abdominal stretch, but Lewis reached up, and grabbed him in the Strangler’s Headlock, breaking the stretch. Lewis took him down to the mat in a great move. Hodge fought hard, but after a minute tapped out. After the bout, when Hodge had recovered, he offered his hand to Lewis. “Strangler” was leery, based on their past, but did accept and the crowd cheered the sportsmanship. **¾

6) John Pesek scored a big win over former Southern champion Curt Hennig by submission. Hennig had control for the first minutes. Pesek took over and used both the double wristlock and Tiger Man Toehold. Hennig looked trapped in the wristlock, but Bobby Heenan distracted Paul Neighbors. Hennig broke the hold with a punch Pesek’s ribs, but “The Tiger Man” regained control, locked on the toehold again, and forced Hennig to tap out. ***

7) Buff Bagwell and Chris Candido gave The Heavenly Bodies their first loss in 2010 in an amazing tag team contest. Texas champion “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton joined Jim Cornette at ringside in The Bodies’ corner, keeping an eye on Candido. Candido and Bagwell kept “Sweet” Stan Lane in the ring for a long period of time. Candido and Bagwell hit a double suplex, but Dr. Tom Prichard made the save. Bagwell hit the Buff Blockbuster, but again Prichard made a save. Prichard finally got in the ring, but Bagwell and Candido continued their control. Later on Candido hit a delayed vertical suplex on Lane and went for a cover. Jerry Calhoun was distracted by Prichard, who attempted to interfere, and didn’t see Eaton sneak around and smash Candido with one of his famed right hands. Lane was bloodied, but got to his feet and blasted Candido with the superkick. He made a cover, but this time it was “Buff Daddy” making the save. Candido came back and hit the Blonde Bomb on “Sweet” Stan to score the pin, while Bagwell took Prichard out with a clothesline. Cornette was frantic at ringside. Eaton was calm, but he and Candido had an intense stare down. ****½

8) “The Russian Bear” Ivan Koloff defeated “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan by DQ. Koloff had control in the early going, slipping in his chain at one point, while Frank Morrell had his back turned. Koloff hit a top rope knee drop for a near fall. Koloff rammed Duggan’s head into the turnbuckle, but Duggan felt no effect and let out a “Hooo!” He rammed Koloff into the buckle, then locked him in Koloff’s own finisher—the bear hug. Koloff used an eye rake to break the hold. Duggan maintained control, got down in a three-point stance, and hit the flying spear. The spear knocked Koloff out of the ring, so Duggan didn’t get a chance to make a cover. Boris Zhukov ran down to check on his comrade. He helped Koloff back in the ring to avoid a countout. Duggan maintained control, and went up to the top rope. Zhukov got on the apron and started yelling at him, which distracted “Hacksaw”. This allowed Koloff to recover and shove the ropes, crotching Duggan on the top rope. Duggan fell off the ropes, and rolled out of the ring to the floor. Koloff reached out of the ring, but didn’t see that Duggan had grabbed his 2X4. Duggan clocked Koloff with the board. Morrell saw the action and called for the bell. Duggan climbed in the ring and looked ready to crack Koloff again, but Zhukov pulled him out of the ring and the Russians retreated. Duggan seemed upset at his loss, but the crowd supported him in his battle! ***

9) The Crusher scored a big win over Johnny Valentine. This was another physical meeting between the two, with both men exchanging stiff punches and chops. Crusher hit one Crusher Bolo, but Valentine kicked out. Crusher locked on his Crusher Nelson, but Valentine got to the ropes. A second Bolo put Valentine down for the pin and gave Crusher a big win. Crusher helped Valentine to his feet afterward and offered his hand. Valentine shook, but didn’t seem too happy to do so. He walked back to the locker room immediately afterward as Crusher celebrated with the “Beer Barrel Polka”. ***¼

10) Crusher’s ally Diamond Dallas Page was in the main event challenging Nick Bockwinkel for the USWA World Heavyweight championship. Right at the bell, the champ charged DDP and nailed him with a knee to the back. Bockwinkel locked Page in the Bockwinkel Sleeper and weakened him. Page made the ropes, but had been affected by the hold. Bockwinkel hit a back suplex and covered Page to score the quick pin. Bockwinkel and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan celebrated the champ’s quick win. DUD