Cory's USWA

[cruefan68]

I'm liking the tournament to name the challenger at New Year's Knockout X. Lou Thesz over Dan Severn in the main event was cool and I liked the successful return of The Destroyer. I would love to see him get the shot at Thesz but the competition for that spot is top notch. A solid show overall in Jackson.

[Cory Olson]

Thanks to Crue Fan for the comments!


Highlights of USWA Championship Wrestling from 11-9:
• After the first week of the 12-man tournament for the main event match on December 31 against Lou Thesz for the USWA World Heavyweight title, here is an update:

o The final three first round matches will take place next week in Blytheville. (See Card #376 preview below.)
o Bruiser Brody will take on Nick Bockwinkel in an epic meeting of two former USWA World Heavyweight champions on November 18 at the Civic Center in Springfield! These two superstars have only wrestled each other one other time in the USWA, in August 2007 at the Nashville Fairgrounds, with Brody coming out the winner on that night. Will history repeat itself?
o The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer has also advanced to the semifinals in Springfield and will take on the winner of next week’s bout between Southern Heavyweight champion Ted DiBiase and “Cowboy” Bob Orton, Jr.
o Should either DiBiase or “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka advance to the semifinals in Springfield, their tournament matches will take place at the beginning of the card, as they will face other again in the main event that night in a USWA Southern Heavyweight championship match!

• Two grudge tag team matches have also been signed for Springfield, as Bepo Mongol will return from his leg injury and team with Geeto to take on Hot Stuff, International’s team of Mr. Fuji and Mr. Saito!
• Another return will see “Sweet” Stan Lane back from his concussion. Lane will team with Sweet Brown Sugar to take on the World Tag Team champions the Fabulous Kangaroos. The ‘Roos nailed Lane with one of their boomerangs two months ago in Lexington to capture their second USWA Tag Team championship. This bout in Springfield will be a non-title match-up, should Al Costello and Roy Heffernan retain their titles in next week’s main event!

The USWA returns to the American Legion in Blytheville, AR on November 11!
• Sweet Brown Sugar will be in singles action against the man who broke his nose—Billy Gunn! Commissioner Bob Armstrong announced on Championship Wrestling that he has checked with the doctors and that Sugar’s nose is healed, therefore he no longer needs to wear his faceguard in the ring. Can Sugar gain a win over the man who injured him?
• Jimmy Hart’s Masked Superstars will take on the popular tag team of Brian Kendrick and Paul London. The fan favorites will have their high-flying, fast-paced offense on their side, while the Superstars have the weight and strength advantage, as well as “The Mouth of The South” at ringside. Which team will emerge victorious?
• The first round of the tournament for the main event match with Lou Thesz for the USWA World Heavyweight championship at New Year’s Knockout X will conclude on this card!

1. Former World champion “Cowboy” Bob Orton, Jr. will take on current Southern Heavyweight champion Ted DiBiase. Both competitors in this bout are well-versed at wrestling and brawling. Both men have also had matches with Thesz in the past. Can Orton get the win or will the rulebreaking DiBiase get another victory?
2. Former World champion “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers will battle former Southern champ Steve “Dr. Death” Williams. This will be a first-time meeting between these two huge USWA superstars. Rogers is known for his sneaky tactics, and with Jimmy Hart now in his corner, could be even more nefarious. Williams’ power and determination could help him overcome Rogers’ attacks. Will it be “Dr. Death” or the “Nature Boy” advancing to Springfield?
3. The very first USWA World Heavyweight champion Johnny Valentine will return to the USWA for the first time since 2010. He will take on former Southern Heavyweight champion “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. Both wrestlers were around in 2004 at the USWA’s inception. Snuka is one of the most popular wrestlers in USWA history. When Valentine last competed in the USWA, he was a fan favorite, although he was often a “lone wolf,” who would battle all comers. Will Snuka soar to victory or will Valentine pound him into defeat?

• The main event will see two legendary tag teams battle it out for the top tag team prize in the USWA—the World Tag Team championship. Current and two-time champions the Fabulous Kangaroos will defend against two-time former champs Nick Bockwinkel and Ray “The Crippler” Stevens. The challengers for this match are hoping to win their third USWA Tag Team championship. They are the only team in the USWA to score any decisive victories over “Wild” Red Berry’s team, and have done so twice. Will they do it again and regain the gold or will the Aussies finally find a way to beat Bockwinkel and Stevens?

All these matches, plus Red Pepper battle Mr. Fuji and Mr. Saito in tag team action. As well as a rematch between Magnum T.A. and Geeto Mongol. And the USWA debut of Giant Bernard!

[Cory Olson]

November 11, 2013
Card #376: American Legion in Blytheville, AR

1) Magnum T.A. was victorious in the opener over Geeto Mongol. The popular Magnum dazzled Geeto with a series of dropkicks. He attempted to get a submission win with an abdominal stretch, and later a sleeperhold, but Geeto got to the ropes on both moves. T.A. surprised Geeto with an atomic drop, then made a cover to score the pinfall. The Blytheville fans gave Magnum a big ovation for his win, as he continues to gain popularity with various USWA crowds! *½

2) Mr. Fuji and Mr. Saito got a DQ win over Red Pepper in a competitive tag team match-up. Red Bastien and Pepper Gomez had the early advantage against the Hot Stuff, International tag team. Gomez sent Fuji up-and-over with a wind-up punch to the stomach. He covered Fuji, but Fuji kicked out. Bastien tagged in and nailed Fuji with a flying dropkick, which knocked him out of the ring. Bastien went after Fuji, but Fuji raked his eyes to take control. Fuji returned the ring and tagged to Saito, who worked over Bastien. Red Pepper regained control and Bastien hit a flying head scissors, coming off the second turnbuckle on Saito. He covered Saito, but Saito kicked out. Gomez and Fuji were the legal men a few moments later, when Gomez busted Fuji open after some big right hands. Fuji went down and Gomez hit the Mexican Cradle. Gomez landed on top of Fuji near the Japanese’s corner, so Saito leaned through the ropes and booted “The Man with The Cast Iron Stomach” in the head to break up the pin attempt. Bastien tagged back in and tried to get a submission with an abdominal stretch, but Saito again saved his partner, but running in and nailing the flying redhead with a knee to the back. Fuji recovered and tagged to Saito. The Japanese Olympian had early control, but Bastien surprised him with a knee lift, which busted Saito open as well. Bastien then went up top and came off the top rope with a flying body press. “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert jumped up on the apron and distracted Joe Wheeler. Saito recovered and tagged to Fuji. The Japanese worked over Gomez. Fuji clamped on a nerve grip. Gomez started to drop, so Wheeler checked his arm. It dropped twice, but came back up on the third attempt. Gomez fought out of the hold and tagged to Bastien, but Saito tagged back in as well. Saito fought through the blood and worked over Bastien. He hit the Saito suplex on Red and went for a cover. Gomez jumped in the ring to save Bastien, but in doing so, tripped over the pile and dropped a knee on Wheeler. Wheeler thought this was an intentional attack, so he called for the bell and disqualified Red Pepper. The Blytheville fans were not happy with Wheeler’s decision in this one, but Gilbert certainly was! ****

3) Billy Gunn scored a pinfall on Sweet Brown Sugar. As announced on last week’s episode of USWA Championship Wrestling, Sugar’s nose injury has healed, and he came out without his faceguard. Sugar, of course, was accompanied by Jim Cornette, while Gunn was accompanied and introduced by “The Road Dogg” Jesse James. Gunn had a lot of control in this bout. He came off the top rope with a hooking clothesline and went for a cover, but Cornette jumped up on the ring apron to distract Paul Morton. James ran around the ring and chased Cornette off the apron and up the aisle. Back inside the ring, Gunn hit the Famouser on Sugar and covered him to score the pinfall. Gunn and James were happy with Gunn’s win, but you can bet they will want more battles with the Midnight Express in the near future! **

4) The monstrous Giant Bernard was successful in his USWA debut, defeating Cousin Luke. While the hillbilly had some offense against Bernard, it was largely futile, as Bernard shook things off and dominated his opponent. He showcased his offense, such as an impressive bicycle kick, the Baldo Bomb (a neck-hanging tree slam), and a spinning wreck pancake. After each maneuver, Bernard chose to pull Luke’s shoulders off the canvas and inflict more punishment. Bernard finally finished Luke off with the Bernard Driver. After the bell, Bernard pulled Luke off the canvas and hit a few more Baldo Bombs and Bernard Drivers for good measure. Several USWA referees and officials ran down to the ringside area to finally convince Bernard to leave. Luke was not moving and the officials had to call for a stretcher to take Luke out of the arena. **½

5) The Masked Superstars were victorious over Brian Kendrick and Paul London via countout. Kendrick and London had control early in the bout and looked on their way to a big win over the Superstars. Kendrick hit a huracanrana on Superstar I, but the former Southern champ kicked out of the pin attempt. The fan favorites executed the assisted Shooting Star, but Superstar I kicked, which relieved the frantic Jimmy Hart at ringside. Superstar II tagged in. Kendrick tried his best against the giant, trying to knock him down with kicks to the legs. Superstar II wouldn’t go down. Kendrick grabbed him by the head and setup for the Sliced Bread #2. As Kendrick flipped over, Superstar II tossed him off with his strength, blocking the move. A few moments later, Superstar II picked Kendrick up for the backbreaker. Kendrick managed to get his foot over the top rope to break up the submission move. Superstar I tagged in and worked over Kendrick. He knocked Kendrick out of the ring and then followed him out. Superstar I executed a Superstar clothesline on Kendrick, causing Kendrick’s head to hit the floor. Superstar I returned to the ring, while Joe Wheeler counted Kendrick out. London tried to help his partner, but it wasn’t in time, as Wheeler hit 10. Hart was very happy with the Superstars’ win! **¾

6) The 12-man tournament for the USWA World Heavyweight championship main event at New Year’s Knockout X continued tonight, with the final first round matches. “Cowboy” Bob Orton, Jr. defeated Southern Heavyweight champion Ted DiBiase by disqualification to advance to the semifinals. The “Cowboy” largely dominated the Southern champ. He went for a submission early on with a stepover toehold, but DiBiase got to the ropes. Orton lifted DiBiase up on to the top turnbuckle and went for the superplex. Before he could execute it, “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert grabbed Orton’s foot, unseen by Scott Bowden. Orton left the ring to go after Gilbert. Meanwhile, DiBiase grabbed the Southern title belt off the announcers’ table. Orton came back in to the ring to grab DiBiase, but DiBiase surprised him by smashing him in the head with the Southern belt. Unfortunately, Bowden saw this and disqualified DiBiase. DiBiase and Gilbert quickly retreated before the “Cowboy” could recover. Despite being in pain, Orton, Jr. got his hand raised in victory and will go on to face the “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer next week in Springfield. ¼*

7) “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers got a controversial submission victory by defeating Steve “Dr. Death” Williams. Williams took control early on and had Rogers in trouble. He went for the Oklahoma Stampede. “The Mouth of The South” Jimmy Hart slipped in and hit Williams in the leg with the megaphone, which Paul Morton did not see. Williams collapsed from the pain and Rogers pulled the Oklahoma Sooner into the middle of the ring and worked on the leg. He clamped on the figure-four grapevine. Williams fought hard for nearly two minutes, but finally had to tap out. Hart jumped up and down in celebration over the “Nature Boy” advancing in the tournament! ¾*

8) “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka defeated the first USWA World champion Johnny Valentine by disqualification in the final first round match of the tournament. Valentine got a big ovation from the Blytheville fans on his return after a three-year absence. Valentine seemed unaffected by the fans’ response. “Superfly” offered his hand out of respect and sportsmanship to Valentine before the bout, but Valentine simply turned away and went to his corner before the bell. Valentine was aggressive against the Fijian warrior early on, scoring a near fall after a big forearm shot. Snuka battled back and came off the top rope with a flying body press. Valentine kicked out of the pinfall. Both wrestlers battled to their feet and started slugging it out. Valentine got the best of the slugfest and starting pounding away on the “Superfly” in the corner. Joe Wheeler was warning Valentine about letting Snuka out of the corner. Valentine responded by shoving Wheeler to the mat. Wheeler was hurting, but called for the bell and disqualified Valentine. Valentine continued his assault, but Snuka battled back and nailed Valentine with a head butt. Valentine was knocked out of the ring and decided to return to the locker room on this night. Snuka will go on to meet his rival Buddy Rogers next week in a match that will open the card in Springfield, as the “Superfly” will also challenge Ted DiBiase in the main event for the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship! ½*

9) Johnny Saint retained the USWA Mid-America Heavyweight championship by battling back to defeat Doug Gilbert. Gilbert was accompanied by both his manager and brother Eddie Gilbert, as well as valet “Sensational” Sherri Martel. The challenger had the early advantage. He hit the top rope shoulder ram and covered Saint, but the champ kicked out. Gilbert knocked Saint out of the ring. Sherri distracted Scott Bowden, while Eddie grabbed Saint on the other side of the ring and rammed him head-first into the ring post. Saint was nearly counted out, but managed to roll back in the ring by eight. Saint surprised Gilbert with a counter and then executed a cutblock into a folding press for a two-count. Saint maintained control and caught Gilbert in the Three-in-One a few moments later. Despite Eddie and Sherri’s protests from outside, the challenger surrendered to the hold and Saint retained the Mid-America championship! **¾

10) The main event was for the USWA World Tag Team championship. The current and two-time champs the Fabulous Kangaroos put the titles on the line against the two-time former and longest reigning champs Nick Bockwinkel and Ray “The Crippler” Stevens. Bockwinkel and Stevens are the only team to have decisively defeated the Aussies in the USWA. It looked as if the challengers would do so again, as Bockwinkel went for his sleeper early on on Roy Heffernan. Heffernan managed to grab the ropes for a break, before Bockwinkel could fully lock the hold in. Stevens tagged in and hit a piledriver for a near fall. Heffernan took over on “The Crippler” and tagged back to Al Costello. The ‘Roos hit the Boomerang on Stevens, but Bockwinkel saved his partner. Heffernan worked over Stevens, coming off the second ropes with a forearm smash. He knocked Stevens down and went for a cover, but Stevens kicked out. Costello tagged back in, but Stevens made the hot tag to Bockwinkel. Bockwinkel went on the offensive against Costello, coming off the top rope with a falling sledge right to the face, busting him open. Bockwinkel went for the figure-four leglock. Costello fought for nearly a minute, until Heffernan made the save. Bockwinkel tagged back to Stevens, before Costello could tag out and hit a double underhook suplex on Costello for a two-count. Bockwinkel tagged back in, but Costello took control and tagged to Heffernan. The champs executed the Boomerang on Bockwinkel and Heffernan went for a cover, but Bockwinkel kicked out at 2¾. Heffernan knocked Bockwinkel into the corner, where he was able to tag to “The Crippler.” Stevens jumped in and attacked Heffernan with a knee smash. He whipped Heffernan into the corner, but Heffernan reversed the whip and sent Stevens flying into the corner hard. The momentum of Heffernan’s throw caused Stevens to hit the buckles hard, fly upside down, and land hard. Heffernan quickly covered Stevens and scored the pinfall out of nowhere. Bockwinkel was too late to attempt a save, as Stevens was closer to the Kangaroos’ corner. The Aussies celebrated finally getting a decisive win over Bockwinkel and Stevens and retaining their titles and “Wild” Red Berry was definitely happy tonight! As Stevens recovered, he was definitely upset as he and Bockwinkel returned to the locker room. ***½

[cruefan68]

Another solid night of USWA action. I liked the classic Ray Stevens corner flip leading to the finish giving the Kangaroos a big victory. It was an awesome debut for Giant Bernard taking Cousin Luke out. Also nice to see Magnum T.A. with a big win over Geeto Mongol in the opener. The top contenders tournament was a highlight on this show and I'm interested to see how Jimmy Snuka does facing both Buddy Rogers and Ted Dibiase in big matches in Springfield. I'm also looking forward to The Destroyer vs. Bob Orton, Jr., that should be a good one.

[bookerbill]

The combination of Hart & The Nature Boy will be hard to stop.
I cannot see Superfly having anything left for the main event after battling Rogers in the opening match.
Great action as always.

[Cory Olson]

Thanks to Crue Fan and Booker Bill for the comments!

Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on 11-16:
• It was announced that Cousin Luke suffered a severe neck and back injury in the post-match attack by Giant Bernard last week in Blytheville. There was no word on how long the man from Hog Waller, TN will be out of action or if he will return to wrestling. Commissioner Bob Armstrong had a statement for Bernard that since he is new to the USWA, he will give him a warning this time about post-match attacks, but that he and the USWA Committee will be watching his future actions!
• Steve “Dr. Death” Williams was interviewed in-studio. Williams said that he was very upset at Jimmy Hart sticking his nose in where it didn’t belong, during his tournament match with “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers, but he will deal with Rogers and Hart in the future. For now, he wants to settle something that has been going on a long time—his feud with Southern champion Ted DiBiase. He challenged his former USWA World Tag Team championship partner to one more match at New Year’s Knockout X! There was no response from DiBiase or “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert at this time.
• As has been announced, this year’s New Year’s Knockout will take place at three different USWA arenas: the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis, the Louisville Gardens, and the Rupp Arena in Lexington. Long-time USWA fans will remember that the USWA’s six base cities are these three, as well as Evansville, Knoxville, and Nashville. The USWA does not want to forget the fans in those latter three cities, so therefore the three cards in December prior to New Year’s Knockout will take place in those respective cities! Of course, the finals of the 12-man tournament for Lou Thesz’s challenger for the USWA World Heavyweight championship will take place on December 2 in Evansville, and that will be a Triangle Match!
• “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe was interviewed in-studio. He said that since his former tag team partner “Playboy” Buddy Rose has decided to leave the USWA, then he has reunited with his original partner—George South! Sharpe and South teamed together from 2008-2009, until Sharpe turned on South and joined up with Rose and “Sensational” Sherri Martel. South came into the studio and said that he has put aside his differences with Sharpe and they will take on any team or singles wrestler in the USWA!

The USWA returns to the Civic Center in Springfield, TN on November 18!
• In the first of two big grudge tag team matches, Bepo Mongol will return from his leg injury and will be going for revenge, when he and Geeto take on Mr. Fuji and Mr. Saito from Hot Stuff, International! The Mongols defeated the Japanese last month in Evansville in an exciting tag team match, but were then attacked by Fuji and Saito right after the bout. Can the Mongols gain revenge or will Eddie Gilbert’s new team avenge their loss?
• “Sweet” Stan Lane will also return from injury and team up with Sweet Brown Sugar to face the World Tag Team champions the Fabulous Kangaroos in a non-title bout. The Aussies won their second USWA Tag Team championship in September at the Rupp Arena by defeating the Midnight Express after using one of their boomerangs on Lane, giving him a concussion. Can the Midnights gain a win over the champs?
• Three huge semifinal matches will take place in the 12-man tournament to determine who will battle Lou Thesz on December 31 at the Mid-South Coliseum for the USWA World Heavyweight championship! The winners of these three bouts will go on to battle on December 2 in Evansville in a Triangle Match!

1. Two former USWA World champs will collide, when Bruiser Brody takes on Nick Bockwinkel. Many USWA fans and experts would consider these two wrestlers two of the biggest stars in USWA history. Interestingly enough, they have only wrestled each other once—at the Nashville Fairgrounds in August 2007. Brody got the victory that night, but Bockwinkel went on to win the USWA World title two more times in the years that followed. Some wrestling experts wonder if Bockwinkel is not focused, as he has split his time between singles and tag team matches. Although he looked impressive in his win against Mid-America champ Johnny Saint two weeks ago. Which former champ will advance in the tournament?
2. Two other former USWA champs will tangle, when “Cowboy” Bob Orton, Jr. and the “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer lock-up! Both men recently returned to the USWA with the primary goal of capturing the World title again. Both men looked strong in their first round matches. It appeared from his match against the Masked Superstar I that the Destroyer has gone back to his fan favorite ways, so it will be interesting to see whom the fans support more. Will it be the masked man or the “Cowboy” coming out the victor?
3. Two long-time rivals will collide when “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers and “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka! These two were Tag Team champions in 2007, but have been more associated for their battles against each other! Since Snuka will also be in the main event in Springfield, this huge match will actually start the card! Rogers now has “The Mouth of The South” Jimmy Hart in his corner, which could be the determine factor in this match. Who will move on to Evansville?

• Snuka has another huge match-up, as he will be in the main event, challenging Ted DiBiase for the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship. DiBiase captured his second Southern title in May of this year, nearly seven years after his first win. Should Snuka win, he will break that record, as his first Southern title win was in May 2004! Snuka has been impressive in singles action recently. DiBiase will have an advantage going into the bout, as the “Superfly” will have wrestled twice on this card. Can “Superfly” get two big wins in one night and leave Springfield the Southern champ or will DiBiase continue his reign?

All these great bouts, plus George South and “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe reunite to take on Brian Kendrick and Paul London! Also, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan takes on Hot Stuff, International’s Doug Gilbert. As well as Giant Bernard and the debut of Springfield’s own Tracy Smothers!

[Cory Olson]

November 18, 2013
Card #377: Civic Center in Springfield, TN

1) In a huge opening bout, “Nature Boy” Buddy Rogers defeated “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka by submission to advance to the finals of the tournament for a shot at Lou Thesz at New Year’s Knockout. Snuka had the advantage at first. He got Rogers down on the mat and hit a picture-perfect Superfly Leap. He covered Rogers, but Jimmy Hart distracted Sam Platania. Snuka got off of Rogers and went after “The Mouth of The South.” Hart “accidentally” dropped the megaphone into the ring. Rogers grabbed it and quickly clipped Snuka’s leg with it, then tossed it out of the ring before Platania could see it. Rogers attacked Snuka’s leg. He hit an atomic drop, then leapt over Snuka, and immediately locked on the figure-four grapevine right in the center of the ring. Snuka was in pain and fought the hold for nearly a minute. Perhaps knowing that he had a shot at the Southern title in the main event and not wanting to suffer further damage, Snuka tapped out to the hold. While Snuka had the right idea, unfortunately Rogers would not release the hold after Platania called for the bell. Hart jumped in the ring and continued to nail Snuka’s leg with the megaphone. “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant ran to the ring in street clothes (since he was not booked on this card to wrestle) and chased Rogers and Hart away. Valiant and Platania helped the “Superfly” to his feet. He was severally limping and did not look he could even return to the ring for tonight’s main event. **½

2) Springfield’s own Tracy Smothers made a successful USWA debut, defeating “The Unpredictable” Johnny Rodz. Rodz was hoping to make a name for himself and spoil Smothers’ debut in his hometown, as he aggressively attacked Smothers in the opening minutes of the bout. He choked Smothers on the ropes and then snapped his neck. He covered Smothers, but Smothers kicked out. Rodz hit an Unpredictable Slam as well. The crowd cheered Smothers on and it may have helped, as Rodz went to the top rope and came off with a flying body press. Smothers went down, but rolled through to the top, hooked Rodz’s leg and scored the three-count. The Springfield fans popped big for Smothers’ debut win! *¼

3) Brian Kendrick and Paul London defeated the reunited duo of George South and “Pretty Boy” Larry Sharpe. Kendrick executed a front rolling cradle on Sharpe in the opening minutes, but Sharpe kicked out. Kendrick hit the Sliced Bread #2 and went for a cover, but South broke up the pin attempt. The save allowed Sharpe to recover and he hit the piledriver on Kendrick for a two-count. Later in the bout, London had control against South. London went to the top rope, but Sharpe shoved him off before he could leap. South rolled out of the way as London crashed to the mat. South followed up a few moments later by bouncing off the ropes and hit a crossbody block on London. He covered London and hooked the leg, but London managed to kick out. Sharpe tagged back in, but London battled back and got the “Pretty Boy” down on the mat. Kendrick tagged back in. A few moments later, London knocked an intervening South out of the ring with a boot to the face, and then the high-flying fan favorites scored the win on Sharpe after an assisted Shooting Star. Despite the loss, South and Sharpe worked well together, after not having teamed in four years. ***

4) Giant Bernard made short work of “The Ragin’ Cajun” Lash LeRoux. The monster Bernard largely dominated LeRoux with his powerful offense and scored the pinfall in just a few minutes with the Bernard Driver. ¼*

5) Mr. Fuji and Mr. Saito ruined Bepo Mongol’s return, by defeating the Mongols. The Japanese duo worked over Geeto in the first few minutes. Saito hit an Oriental leg sweep on Geeto for a two-count. Saito hit his suplex a few moments later and went for a pin, but Geeto got a foot on the ropes for a break. Bepo tagged in, but the Japanese worked over him. Fuji tossed him out of the ring and then stomped on his previously-injured leg. Bepo managed to get back into the ring. Fuji nailed him with a Kamikaze clothesline, but the big man kicked out. Saito tagged back in and sent Bepo into the corner, but Bepo reversed the whip and sent Saito in. Bepo blasted him with a powerful clothesline and went for a pin, but Saito kicked out. Bepo attempted to tag to Geeto, but was slow in getting to the corner, due to the injured leg. Before he could tag, Saito surprised him with a sleeper. Bepo started to drop, so Geeto entered the ring. Fuji cut him off with a karate kick, knocking the Mongol out of the ring. Fuji returned to his corner, as Bepo dropped to his knees. Tom Branch raised Bepo’s arms and it dropped three times, so Branch called for the bell and awarded Fuji and Saito the bout via submission. “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert was very happy with his team’s win over his old team’s win! ***

6) Another Hot Stuff, International member had a good night, as Doug Gilbert scored a big singles win over “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. Since Eddie Gilbert was out at ringside with Mr. Fuji and Mr. Saito, he did not initially accompany his brother to the ring, but “Sensational” Sherri Martel did. This was a back-and-forth, physical bout. Duggan hit a piledriver midway through the bout and went for a cover, but Gilbert kicked out. “Hacksaw” hit an Old Glory as well, which busted Gilbert open. Duggan locked Gilbert in a bear hug and looked like he might get a submission victory. Sherri jumped up on the apron and distracted Tommy Marlin. Duggan released the hold and chased Sherri around the ring. Sherri screamed and managed to avoid Duggan. As Duggan returned to the ring, Gilbert nailed him with a double sledge. Gilbert had control of Duggan and hit the top rope shoulder ram. He covered Duggan, but Duggan kicked out. “Hacksaw” battled back and hit a spinning body slam. Suddenly, Eddie Gilbert came back to the ringside area. Doug was in one corner of the ring and Duggan got down in the opposite corner in the three-point stance to deliver the flying spear. Before he could take off, “Hot Stuff” grabbed Duggan’s leg. Duggan turned around and grabbed the manager. Marlin got in between the two and separated them. Duggan turned around but got surprised with a punch from Doug. Doug then hit a sitout body slam on “Hacksaw” and went for a cover. Gilbert held Duggan down long enough for the three-count. Duggan got up soon after the three-count and bell and grabbed his 2X4. The Gilberts and “Sensational” Sherri quickly retreated to the locker room, before Duggan could attack! ***½

7) “Sweet” Stan Lane had a successful return, as he and Sweet Brown Sugar got a countout victory over the World Tag Team champs the Fabulous Kangaroos. The Midnight Express were accompanied by both manager Jim Cornette and “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton. It looked like Lane’s return would not be successful, as Al Costello and Roy Heffernan double teamed him. “Wild” Red Berry got involved too, hitting Lane in the head with his cane. Costello went for a cover, but Lane kicked out. The Kangaroos hit the Boomerang on “Sweet” Stan, but Sugar broke up the pinfall. Heffernan locked on the stepover toehold a few moments later. Lane was in trouble, but managed to make the ropes. Costello tagged back in and the champs hit another Boomerang on Lane. Before Costello could make a cover, Cornette jumped up on the ring apron and distracted Sam Platania. “Beautiful” Bobby snuck into the ring and blasted Costello with one of his stinging right hands. Eaton rolled out of the ring, but Heffernan jumped up on the apron and followed him. Costello recovered and went after him as well. The Kangaroos attacked Eaton. Sugar jumped off the apron and went after Heffernan. Meanwhile, Platania was counting Costello, the legal man, out. Platania hit 10 and called for the bell, giving the Midnights a countout win, without Sugar even entering the match legally. Right after the bell, Eaton retaliated and threw more rights at Costello. Berry gathered up his men and retreated before things got more out of control! neg*

8) In another semifinal bout of the 12-man tournament to determine USWA World Heavyweight champion Lou Thesz’s challenger on December 31, Bruiser Brody defeated Nick Bockwinkel via disqualification. Bockwinkel had the early advantage and tried an abdominal stretch on Brody. Brody managed to power out of the submission maneuver and hip toss Bockwinkel. Brody made a cover, but the four-time former USWA champ kicked out. Bockwinkel regained control and went for both of his submission finishers: first the Bockwinkel sleeper and then the figure-four leglock a few minutes later. Brody managed to break out of the sleeper by ramming Bockwinkel back-first into the turnbuckles, and he actually reversed the figure-four on Bockwinkel. Bockwinkel managed to get to the ropes and break the figure-four. Frustrated that both of his finishers wouldn’t put Brody down. Bockwinkel started to choke Brody on the ropes. Tom Branch gave Bockwinkel a five-count, but Bockwinkel did not release, so Branch was left with no choice, but to call for the bell. Bockwinkel eventually released the choke. Brody recovered from the choking and came out swinging at Bockwinkel. Bockwinkel retreated to the locker room to avoid the New Mexican madman! **½

9) The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer scored a surprise pinfall over “Cowboy” Bob Orton, Jr. to win the last semifinal bout and go on the Triangle Match on December 2 in Evansville. The two former USWA World champs shook hands before the bout in a great sign of sportsmanship. Destroyer gained the advantage early on. He went up to the top rope for a Bombs Away, but Orton Jr. rolled out of the way and the masked man landed hard. Orton took Destroyer to the top rope and executed the superplex. He covered Destroyer, but “Intelligent, Sensational One” kicked out. A few moments later, both men were on their feet. Orton bounced off the ropes to attempt a clothesline. Before he could connect, Destroyer surprised him with a big dropkick. Orton went down and Destroyer made a cover to score the pinfall. After the bout, the “Cowboy” realized he had been bested and offered his hand and good luck to the Destroyer. The masked man accepted and complimented Orton on his ring skills. Destroyer will go on to face Bruiser Brody and Buddy Rogers in the Triangle Match finals in Evansville for the shot at Lou Thesz! **

10) Despite some questions after the opening bout, the scheduled main event did take place as scheduled as Ted DiBiase put the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship against former champ “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. Being the challenger in this title match, Snuka’s entrance music played first. He eventually came out, but had his leg bandaged and was noticeably limping. The champ was accompanied by both “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert and “Sensational” Sherri Martel. To little surprise, the champ attacked Snuka’s injured leg from the start of the bout. DiBiase locked on the figure-four a few moments into the bout. Somehow, Snuka managed to get to the ropes for a break. The Fijian warrior battled back with the Springfield fans heavily cheering him on. He blasted DiBiase with a flying head butt. The champ dropped hard from the head butt. Due to the injured leg, “Superfly” was slow to make a cover. He finally did, but DiBiase kicked out at two. Seeing her man in trouble, Sherri jumped up on the ring apron to distract Tommy Marlin. Meanwhile, Gilbert tossed the Southern title belt into the ring. DiBiase looked like he was going to use it on Snuka, just like he did to “Cowboy” Bob Orton, Jr. last week in Blytheville in their tournament bout. DiBiase went to clock “Superfly” with the belt, but the challenger blocked it and grabbed the title belt for himself. He wound up and smashed the champ with the belt. Unfortunately for Snuka, Marlin turned around in time to see this and disqualified the challenger. Gilbert pulled DiBiase and the Southern title belt out of the ring, and retreated up the aisle with Sherri. While Marlin raised DiBiase’s hand in the winner, he certainly did not look like a winner! The Springfield fans were not happy with this outcome! “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant came back out to help his injured tag team partner to the back. **

[cruefan68]

Wow Jimmy Snuka was dealt a bad hand in Springfield. Losing both matches mainly due to outside interference. I have a feeling that Eddie Gilbert and Sherri Martel are going to be a force to be reckoned with. Doug Gilbert over Hacksaw Jim Duggan was a big upset but again thanks to Eddie and Sherri. Commissioner Bob Armstrong might have to do something about that duo. Giant Bernard is looking unstoppable thus far. The tournament final with Rogers, Brody, and The Destroyer should be great. Lou Thesz will have a strong challenger no matter who wins.

[Cory Olson]

Thanks to Crue Fan for the comments!

Highlights of the last two episodes of USWA Championship Wrestling:

11-23:
• Southern Heavyweight champion Ted DiBiase, joined by “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert and “Sensational” Sherri Martel, was interviewed in-studio. The Southern champion said he would accept Steve “Dr. Death” Williams’ challenge for one more match at New Year’s Knockout X, but on one condition—he wants Williams to take on the other members of Hot Stuff, International (Doug Gilbert, Mr. Fuji, and Mr. Saito) on the three cards prior to December 31. Williams and Commissioner Bob Armstrong walked into the studios with a contract in hand. The Oklahoma Sooner said if it means he can get his hands on DiBiase again, he will wrestle the other Hot Stuff members. DiBiase accepted the match and signed the contract. Williams smiled and thanked the Southern champ for being so willing and eager to sign the contract. DiBiase and his manager looked nervous. Commissioner Armstrong showed them the details of the match for which DiBiase signed and read it to the TV audience. He said the DiBiase will defend the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship at the Rupp Arena in Lexington, as the main event match for that arena’s portion of the New Year’s Knockout card. The title match will be inside a steel cage, and as added stipulations, DiBiase will surrender his black loaded glove prior to the match, as it will be put on top a 15-foot high pole, connected to the ring! Whichever wrestler that can grab the glove will get to use it! And to bring some finality to this long-running feud, a Loser-Leave-Town stipulation has been added, where the loser of the match must leave the USWA for one full year! Williams said, “See you on the 31st!”, as DiBiase, Gilbert, and Sherri were outraged!
• Commissioner Armstrong was back later in the show with more updates on the USWA’s annual supercard. He stated that the main event for the Louisville Gardens’ portion of the card will see the Fabulous Kangaroos defend the USWA World Tag Team championship. Lance Russell asked “Bullet” Bob who the challengers for the Aussies’ belts would be. Armstrong said he had invited Jim Cornette to the WMC-TV Studios today. Cornette walked into the studios, reluctant to be near Armstrong! The commissioner said that he and Cornette have definitely had issues in the past and Cornette has been very vocal about some of Armstrong’s decisions as a commissioner. But he was going to give Cornette a “happy Thanksgiving” and award the Midnight Express a shot at the USWA World Tag Team championship! Cornette was happy about this, but then proceeded to insult the “dingbat” Armstrong by reminding him there are three Midnight Express members. Armstrong said he was well aware of this, and pointed out that Sweet Brown Sugar and “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton got a disqualification win over the Kangaroos a few weeks ago in Jackson, TN, while Sugar and “Sweet” Stan Lane got a countout win over the champs last week in Springfield. He said that Sugar was the common factor in both victories, and as far as Sugar’s partner, the commissioner is leaving that decision up to Cornette! He said he would give “The Louisville Slugger” one week to decide whether Eaton or Lane would team up with Sugar in Cornette’s hometown. Cornette seemed surprised and concerned by Armstrong’s announcement.
• The commissioner had a very busy episode, as he was back toward the end of the show with an update on “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. He stated that the former Southern and World Tag Team champion suffered a leg injury in Buddy Rogers’ post-match attack and will most likely miss New Year’s Knockout X. Armstrong said that Rogers had no right to keep the figure-four grapevine on after scoring a submission win on Snuka. Since Rogers got greedy, Armstrong has decided to suspend him for three cards! Lance Russell asked Rogers’ status in the 12-man tournament for the shot at Lou Thesz at New Year’s Knockout. Armstrong said that an additional part of the punishment will be that Rogers has been kicked out of the tournament finals! The originally scheduled Triangle Match for December 2 in Evansville will now be a one-on-one bout between Bruiser Brody and the “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer! Jimmy Hart ran in to the studios frantically saying that Armstrong had no right to make this decision! He stated that Snuka was injured during the match, not after, and this was an unjust decision. Armstrong told “The Mouth of The South” that he (Hart) could join Rogers in the suspension if he doesn’t be careful!

11-30:
• Commissioner Armstrong and Jim Cornette were reunited in the WMC-TV Studios. Cornette announced that he had all three Midnight Express members over to his mama’s mansion in Louisville for Thanksgiving dinner, and after having the finest turkey dinner in all of the South, they had all agreed that former champs Sweet Brown Sugar and “Sweet” Stan Lane will challenge the Fabulous Kangaroos in Louisville on New Year’s Eve! Cornette said that the Kangaroos won their second championship from Lane and Sugar and this duo has not yet received a rematch. Cornette said that “Beautiful” Bobby is a true team player and has no hard feelings about this, and he will accompany his partners and Cornette to the ring at the Louisville Gardens!
• Another championship match was announced for New Year’s Knockout X. The USWA Mid-America Heavyweight championship will be defended in Memphis at the Mid-South Coliseum, when Johnny Saint puts the title on the line against three challengers! For the first time in USWA history, a Four Corners Match will take place when Saint defends against former Mid-America champs Nigel McGuinness, David Taylor, and“American Dragon” Bryan Danielson! Saint was interviewed in-studio and said that he requested this match from Commissioner Armstrong. Saint pointed out that McGuinness, Taylor, and Fit Finlay’s six-card suspension will be concluded by New Year’s Knockout, and since both McGuinness and Taylor scored non-title pinfalls on Saint prior to their suspension, they are in line for a shot. And Saint said that “Dragon” is owed a title shot after getting a disqualification win on Saint in October in Knoxville, when the British trio interfered, and then attacked both wrestlers. Saint said he has personally spoken with Danielson and that while doctors are not advising that he return by December 31, “Dragon” wants to take advantage of this opportunity for a championship match. Both Saint and Danielson are also looking forward to getting a measure of revenge of McGuinness and Taylor! Similar to the Triangle Match in the USWA, a Four Corners Match is fought under elimination rules and one wrestler must survive all three of his opponents to become Mid-America champ! With the addition of this match, this will be the first time that all four active USWA championships have been defended on one card since New Year’s Knockout VI at the Reunion Arena in Dallas. (At that time the USWA Texas championship was in existence.) Since the Mid-America championship was created in 2011, this will be the first time it has been defended on the same card with the World Heavyweight, World Tag Team, and Southern Heavyweight titles!
• Nick Bockwinkel and Ray “The Crippler” Stevens were interviewed in-studio. Bockwinkel said that he has been distracted by the Masked Superstars’ betrayal of him and Stevens and this has affected him in championship opportunities. Therefore, they are challenging the Superstars to a tag team match at New Year’s Knockout! The Superstars and Jimmy Hart answered the challenge later in the show by accepting! Masked Superstar I stated that he would be very happy to prove that he and Superstar II are the next greatest tag team in USWA history and that Hart is a better manager than Bobby “The Brain” Heenan ever was. This mega tag team match will take place at the Louisville Gardens’ portion of the supercard.

The road to New Year’s Knockout continues, as the USWA stops in Evansville and the Sailors and Soldiers Memorial Coliseum on December 2 with a huge card!
• In a tag team rematch from a few weeks ago in Blytheville, Hot Stuff, International’s team of Mr. Fuji and Mr. Saito will take on Red Pepper. Fuji and Saito got a disqualification win when Pepper Gomez attempted a pin save and stepped on referee Joe Wheeler. Will decisive winners be determined in this one?
• Steve “Dr. Death” Williams got his wish for another match with Ted DiBiase at New Year’s Knockout! Due to his agreement with the Southern champ, Williams will begin the first in a string of three matches against Hot Stuff, International members, when he takes on Doug Gilbert! Gilbert is coming off a big win over “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan on the last card in Springfield. He cannot be underestimated, especially if both his brother Eddie and valet “Sensational” Sherri Martel are present at ringside. Can Doug score a big win on “Doc” or will the Oklahoma Sooner stampede to a win?
• Two tag teams looking to settle a score will tangle again, when the team of Brian Kendrick and Paul London take on the Mongols. These teams have faced each other twice in the last few months and both times Kendrick and London have gotten disqualification win. Kendrick and London are quickly becoming two of the most popular wrestlers in the USWA. Can they triumph over Geeto and Bepo or will the Mongols stop them?
• One-half of the World Tag Team champions Al Costello will wrestle his very first singles bout in the USWA, when he takes on one-third of the Midnight Express “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton. Eaton interfered in Stan Lane and Sweet Brown Sugar’s match against the Fabulous Kangaroos a couple of weeks ago in Springfield and now Costello wants revenge! Eaton is one of the most decorated wrestlers in USWA history. Both men can wrestle and brawl, so this could be a very exciting match-up!
• In a first time tag team match-up, the Masked Superstars will face “Cowboy” Bob Orton, Jr. and Olympian Bob Roop! Orton and Roop have been impressive in their first three matches teaming up. They started their team because of mutual problems with the Superstars. After forming their team, Roop became the first man to defeat Superstar II in singles competition. But since that time, the Superstars have taken on the managerial services of “The Mouth of The South” Jimmy Hart! Can Orton and Roop continue their winning ways or will the Superstars stop their streak?
• The main event will determine Lou Thesz’s challenger for the USWA World Heavyweight championship in the final USWA match of 2013. What was originally scheduled to be a Triangle Match, will now be a singles bout in the finals of the 12-man tournament. Two former USWA champs will collide when Bruiser Brody takes on the “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer! Both wrestlers have been huge gaijin stars in Japan. Both men returned to the USWA in the last year with the primary goal of winning the World title. Brody had a brief taste of that goal earlier this year. Destroyer so far has wrestled cleanly and was respectful in his semifinal bout against “Cowboy” Bob Orton, Jr. on the last card in Springfield. Champion Thesz and manager Ed “Strangler” Lewis were interviewed on last week’s episode of USWA Championship Wrestling and were asked whom Thesz would prefer to face. He said he has wrestled and defeated Brody twice, but would be happy to tangle with him again. He said that he has never wrestled the Destroyer, but he has talked to Lewis, who did battle the Destroyer in 2008 and ’09, and he would be excited for a new challenger. The champ said that he and the “Strangler” will be in attendance and will sit ringside for this main event match to scout both men. Lance Russell asked the “Strangler” why he, as a six-time former USWA champion and one of the greatest wrestlers in USWA history, was not asked to be part of this tournament. Lewis said that Commissioner Armstrong and Jerry Jarrett did invite him. He laughed and said Thesz has beaten him twice before and a new challenger would be more exciting. Lewis said that he is focused on training Thesz and guiding him to whomever his New Year’s Knockout X challenger will be. Will it be the wildman Brody or the “Intelligent, Sensational One” going on to Memphis and a shot at the World title?

All these matches, plus Mid-America Heavyweight champ Johnny Saint takes on Claudio Castagnoli! Plus, S.D. Jones is out for revenge for his partner Cousin Luke, when he battles Giant Bernard! As well as Magnum T.A., Tracy Smothers, and more USWA stars in action!

[cruefan68]

I had a feeling that Commissioner Bob Armstrong was going to be making some big rulings. Really looking forward to Doc vs. Dibiase and now the tournament final between Bruiser Brody and The Destroyer. Buddy Rogers got hit with a stiff penalty there but pretty much a well deserved one. I liked how Lance Russell asked Ed Lewis why he wasn't part of the tournament and the response by Lewis was a good one.