Cory's USWA

[Cory Olson]

Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on January 10:
• The new USWA World Heavyweight champion Dan “The Beast” Severn was interviewed, along with his RPW teammates. The usually soft-spoken Severn said he proved the night before that he was better than some self-proclaimed “Destroyer”, who must be a coward, since he hides behind a mask. Lance Russell asked what would happen now that Severn must make his first defense against Frank Gotch on February 6 at the Louisville Gardens. Dick Hutton interrupted and stated that they already discussed this—that the better man would walk out the champion that night and life will go on for Team RPW. Hutton also stated that the Louisville fans will see an example of a true wrestling match.
• A big bout was signed for January 23 at the Community Center in Cookeville. In addition to the main event for the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship, fans will see two former World Heavyweight champions collide, as Ed “Strangler” Lewis will take on The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer. Remember it was The Destroyer who in 2008 attacked Lewis and cashed in on Bobby “The Brain” Heenan’s bounty. Even though his main goal is getting revenge on Team RPW, you can bet the “Strangler” hasn’t forgotten about what the masked man did to him!

The USWA presents a huge card at the Sailors & Soldiers Coliseum in Evansville on January 16!
• Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware got a big upset over The Midnight Express at New Year’s Knockout in tag team action. The four men will meet again, but in singles bouts. Armstrong will lock-up with “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey, while “The Birdman” does battle with Texas champion “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton. Armstrong and Ware are fuming as Jim Cornette and The Midnights’ involvement in their bout against Virgil and Johnny Rodz last week. Who will get the wins in these singles match-ups?
• In another rematch from New Year’s Knockout V, The Crusher will do battle with Heenan Family member Larry Zbyszko. “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous” gave Zbyszko his first loss. Can “Da” Crusher repeat or will Zbyszko avenge his loss?
• Nick Bockwinkel continues his comeback. This time he’ll take on Team RPW’s coach, Dick Hutton. Bockwinkel continues to be impressive in his bouts. You can bet he’ll be keeping an eye on Hutton’s teammate, new World champion Dan Severn. But he can’t overlook Hutton first. This should be a great technical wrestling match!
• Speaking of Team RPW, Hutton’s fellow Oklahoman Danny Hodge goes one-on-one with Ed “Strangler” Lewis. Lewis is gunning for revenge against RPW. Can he get by Hodge?
• The main event is a big tag team grudge match-up with the USWA World Tag Team championship on the line. “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant will put the gold on the line against Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. Capt. Lou Albano’s men defeated the champs in a non-title bout at New Year’s Knockout. The champs are well aware of that, but also have vengeance on their mind, for the neck injuries that Muraco and Valentine caused them in 2008. Will new champions be crowned or will the popular and wild duo of Snuka and Valiant retain?
All this plus Frank Gotch, The Killer Bees, Diamond Dallas Page, and more USWA superstars in action!

[Cory Olson]

January 16, 2009
Card #194: Sailors & Soldiers Memorial Coliseum in Evansville

1) Diamond Dallas Page started the card with a BANG! by defeating Danny Doring. This was DDP’s longest USWA to match to date, but he was still dominant and impressive. Fans got to see more of Page’s offense, such as a Russian leg sweep, discus clothesline, and a DDT he calls the Diamond Dream. In the end it was still the Diamond Cutter that brought him the 1-2-3. ¼*

2) The Killer Bees showed their tag team work, scoring a quick win over George South and Larry Sharpe. B. Brian Blair almost scored a pin in less than ten seconds, getting behind South and taking him down with a lateral guillotine. He quickly tagged out to “Jumping” Jim Brunzell, who soon thereafter scored the pin after one of his famous dropkicks. South’s partner Sharpe was never able to tag in! DUD

3) “Playboy” Buddy Rose pinned Johnny Rodz. After upsetting Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware with new partner Virgil last week, “The Unpredictable” Rodz was hoping for the same here against former USWA World champion Rose. But the “Playboy” was focused and aggressive, one week before his shot at The Sheik’s Southern Heavyweight title. Rose put Rodz down after just a few mintues with the Bombs Away. DUD

4) Frank Gotch scored a hard fought submission win over Virgil. Gotch may have underestimated the former bodyguard as Virgil came very close to an upset. Virgil applied his Million Dollar Dream several times, but Gotch was able to escape, remembering the move from his battles with Virgil’s former employer, Ted DiBiase, in 2006. Gotch worked the leg, locking on the rolling kneebar, but Virgil was able to make the ropes. Virgil actually drew some blood on Gotch and scored a close count after a piledriver. In a rare sight, Virgil had the crowd behind him, as Evansville wanted to see the arrogant Gotch get beaten. Perhaps the blood got Gotch fired up as he rallied back and busted Virgil open as well. He applied a big hammerlock to try and get a submission, but Virgil made the ropes. He released the hold, allowed Virgil to crawl towards the center of the ring, and then wisely applied the Gotch Toehold. Virgil fought hard, longer than most might have expected, but ultimately surrendered. The next USWA World Heavyweight title challenger stood victorious in the end. ***½

5) Brad Armstrong scored a pin out of nowhere on “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey. Armstrong had control throughout a lot of this bout, but, to little surprise, Jim Cornette would turn the tide for his man. Armstrong hit the Russian leg sweep several times. At one point, Cornette jumped up on the apron as Armstrong went for a cover. The Georgia native was fed up and went after Cornette. He was about to deck him, but Condrey had recovered and nailed Armstrong on the floor with a double sledge. The “Loverboy” had a cut on his forehead from an Armstrong punch, but had control and looked on his way to victory. He whipped Armstrong into the corner, but out of nowhere, Armstrong leapt to the second turnbuckle, then turned around and nailed Condrey with a big body press. He made a cover and the pin, which popped the Evansville fans! Armstrong rolled out of the ring to celebrate with the fans, while Cornette threw a fit! ***

6) Larry Zbyszko avenged his only USWA scoring a controversial win over The Crusher. This was a big brawl, going in-and-out of the ring on several occasions. Every time that “Da” Crusher had the advantage, Zbyszko would gain control by cheating outside the ring or due to Bobby Heenan’s involvement. Zbyszko hit a piledriver on Crusher, but Crusher kicked out. With the fans behind him, Crusher rallied back and blasted Zbyszko with the Bolo. He went for a cover, but just like he did at New Year’s Knockout V, “The Brain” draped his man’s foot over the bottom rope, this time out of sight of Tommy Gilbert. During another brawl outside the ring, Zbyszko smashed Crusher’s head into the ring post. He rolled the big man back into the ring, then hit another piledriver. As Zbyszko went for a cover, he placed his own feet on the second rope for leverage and got the pin. The fans were irate. Crusher managed to recover and was fired up smashing Zbyszko with forearms. Heenan jumped in, but Crusher caught him and was about ready to unload on “The Weasel”. Out of nowhere, Nick Bockwinkel and The Destroyer (Who was not scheduled on the card) ran down and attacked Crusher from behind. The two former World champions attacked “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous”, as Zbyszko got to his feet and recovered. The three stomped away at Crusher’s head. Zbyszko then delivered another piledriver to Crusher, while Bockwinkel and Destroyer each pushed down on a leg, making it a spike piledriver. The Heenan Family and their associate finally left the ring, cocky and arrogant over their attack, while the fans booed him. Referees and officials assisted Crusher back to the locker room. Thankfully Crusher was able to walk out under his own power. ***½

7) Texas champion “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton pinned Koko B. Ware. “The Birdman” looked to follow his partner Brad Armstrong’s success from earlier. Ware had the advantage and was rocking and reeling Eaton with his fast-paced offense and particularly his quick punches. He looked on his way to a win, until Eaton was knocked out of the ring. Ware followed, but got distracted by Jim Cornette, who threatened to whack Koko’s mascot Frankie with his tennis racket. While Koko ran after “The Louisville Slugger”, Eaton recovered and attacked Ware from behind. He smashed his head into the announcers’ table, then tossed him back into the ring. Eaton ascended the turnbuckles and came off with an Alabama Jam. That was enough to pin “The Birdman” to the mat. **½

8) Nick Bockwinkel scored a submission win over Dick Hutton. The fans were split in their support here, although Hutton had a few more cheers, most likely due to Bockwinkel’s assistance earlier in the evening in the attack on The Crusher. These two seemed to have a counter for the other’s hold, but the four-time USWA champion soon took control. He attempted to make Hutton submit to his own specialty, the abdominal stretch, but Hutton tossed Bockwinkel out of it. Bockwinkel applied one of his own favorites—the Bockwinkel Sleeper. Hutton weakened, but his arm wouldn’t drop on the third attempt. He elbowed out of the hold, but Bockwinkel quickly recovered, took him down to the mat, and applied the figure-four. Hutton fought hard for the ropes, but ultimately had to tap, giving Bockwinkel the win and keeping him undefeated since his return in September. **

9) Ed “Strangler” Lewis had a good start in his quest for revenge against Team RPW, as he made Danny Hodge submit. The Oklahoman was hoping for a big win and fought hard to get one. He took control early and hit an Oklahoma side roll for a very near fall in the first few minutes. Hodge kept using his grip strength to try and wear down Lewis with a sleeper. But Lewis would use his own gripping hold, the Strangler’s Headlock, on several occasions. At one point, while trying to pin Hodge or make him submit to the headlock, he slipped in some punches to the forehead, which busted Hodge open. Hodge would not go down easily. Out of nowhere, the former USWA World champion Lewis slipped behind Hodge and locked on a full nelson. He dropped Hodge to his knees and Hodge surrendered to the hold. Lews stood tall as the victor. His bad ankle did not seem to bother him, so it looks like the "Strangler" is back to 100%. **½

10) “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant put the USWA World Tag Team titles on the line in the main event against their rivals Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. The challengers got a victory over the champs at New Year’s Knockout. But before that, they had put both Snuka and Valiant out of action with neck injuries. Capt. Lou Albano’s men knew where to attack and went after both men’s necks throughout the whole match, using neckbreakers and a variety of maneuvers targeting the weak spot. Muraco and Valentine showed that they have improved on their teamwork, as they were able to double team the “Superfly” on several occasions. Muraco at one point got “The Boogie Woogie Man” up on his shoulder in a backbreaker, but “Handsome” Jimmy managed to grab the top rope and pull both himself and Muraco to the arena floor. The champs took control and nailed Valentine with a big double suplex. “The Hammer” was in trouble and rolled out to the floor. Valiant followed, and while Albano caused a diversion to Paul Morton, Valentine smashed him with a steel chair. He then proceeded to drop several elbows across the back of Valiant’s neck. He tossed “The Boogie Woogie Man” back into the ring and hit a big neckbreaker. It looked all over, but somehow Valiant kicked out at 2¾. Muraco tagged in and continued the onslaught. He set up Valiant in the center of the ring, then hit an impressive rolling neck snap. He went for a cover. “Superfly” tried to save his partner, but was cut off by Valentine. The damage was too much for Valiant, as Muraco was able to score the pinfall and new World Tag Team champions were crowned! The fans were not happy about this, but the decision stood, as the second USWA championship in as many weeks changed hands in the New Year. This is Muraco’s first USWA title of any kind. For Valentine, in addition to being a former Texas champion, this is his second World Tag Team championship, as his first was with his father (the first USWA champion) Johnny. Capt. Lou Albano was definitely a happy man on this night! ***¾

[hollywoodlyn]

Wow Excellent action in the USWA...surprising results in the federation

[Cory Olson]

Thanks to Hollywood Lyn for the comments!

Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on January 17:
• Capt. Lou Albano was interviewed, along with Brutus Beefcake, and the new USWA World Tag Team champions Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. Albano complimented his men’s achievement and said with their skills, they will reign as champs for a very long time. Lance Russell what was next for Beefcake. The rubber banded manager stated that Beefcake would compete in singles action, but that also Valentine would showcase his tag team prowess, and The Dream Team will still team up from time-to-time.
• Later in the show, Russell interviewed Team RPW again. Russell seemed to be trying to stir things up again prior to the World Heavyweight title bout between RPW members Frank Gotch and present titleholder Dan Severn. Russell asked RPW coach Dick Hutton in whose corner he would be. Hutton stated that the team had already discussed this and that both he and Danny Hodge would be present at ringside, right next to him (Russell) and Dave Brown at the announcers’ table. They would be neutral in this match and allow Gotch and Severn to show a true wrestling match. Hutton said that he and Hodge would be cheering for a good, competitive match between two great wrestlers. He said that the better man would come out the winner on that night.
• Other big bouts for that card on February 6 at the Louisville Gardens were announced. Louisville’s own, Ed “Strangler” Lewis will continue his quest for revenge against RPW, when he does battle with Dick Hutton. It’ll be a busy night for the coach, to say the least! Also the feud between USWA World Tag Team champion Magnificent Muraco and “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka rages on, as the two will meet one-on-one. You can bet that Snuka is even more fired up after losing the Tag Team titles to Muraco and Greg Valentine.
• After the attack by Larry Zbyszko, Nick Bockwinkel, and The Destroyer on the last card, "Da" Crusher was lucky to escape with only a minor neck injury and will only miss a few weeks of action. You can bet "The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous" will be back with a vengeance!

The USWA comes back to the Community Center in Cookeville, TN on January 23!
• Nick Bockwinkel was victorious over Dick Hutton last week, but how will he fare against Hutton’s regular tag team partner Danny Hodge? These two have met before, with Bockwinkel coming out the winner, although Hodge gave him a good test. Can Hodge score a big win over the four-time USWA World champ?
• Another big feud rolls on as The Midnight Express look to avenge their upset loss at New Year’s Knockout V when they collide with the popular duo of Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware. Each team got a singles win in Evansville, but who will be the winners in tag action?
• Ed “Strangler” Lewis will go head-to-head with The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer! You can bet the winner of this one would be in consideration for another shot at the USWA title in the near future!
• In a big tag team bout just made, former World Tag Team champions “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant will take on the Team RPW duo of Frank Gotch and new World Heavyweight champion Dan “The Beast” Severn. This bout was made as a result of the match on the 9th where Snuka defeated Gotch by disqualification. This is definitely an intriguing battle, as Gotch and Severn will be opponents on the next card. Can they defeat the former Tag Team champs, or will the popular duo of Snuka and Valiant defeat the technical wrestlers?
• The main event will be for the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship. “Playboy” Buddy Rose looks to make history, as he hopes to become the first “Grand Slam” winner in the USWA. But in order to do it, he’ll have to defeat current three-time Southern kingpin The Sheik! Rose didn’t seem his usual confident, cocky self on Championship Wrestling this past week when interviewed by Lance Russell. Rose has pulled off surprises in the past. Can he do it again in Cookeville?
All this plus Larry Zbyszko, Diamond Dallas Page, the new World Tag Team champions Magnificent Muraco and Greg Valentine, and more USWA superstars in action!

[Cory Olson]

January 23, 2009
Card #195: Community Center in Cookeville, TN

1) The Killer Bees got a win in the opener over Johnny Rodz and Virgil. The duo of Rodz and Virgil were hoping to get their second win as a team, after upsetting Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware two weeks ago. The Bees controlled most of the action in this one, although Rodz and Virgil had a few hopeful moments and gave The Bees a good fight. Virgil saved “The Unpredictable” Rodz on two occasions from B. Brian Blair’s sleeper. On the second save, he was knocked out of the ring by “Jumping” Jim Brunzell’s dropkick. Blair locked the sleeper on again and put Rodz out. **¼

2) Dick Hutton must have underestimated “Special Delivery” Jones, as the Team RPW coach needed help from Danny Hodge just to get a countout win over Jones. Hutton used a side salto several times in this contest, attempting to score a pinfall, but S.D. was able to kick out. “Philadelphia’s Favorite Son” fought long and hard the Cookeville fans were behind him, as he used his head butt twice for near falls. Jones really got the crowd riled up when he performed his Philly Shuffle, then delivered a big punch. He went for another cover, but Hutton barely kicked out. Sensing his teammate may be in trouble, Hodge made his way to ringside to root Hutton on. Jones retained control and delivered a third head butt. As he went for a cover, Jones was close to the ropes. Out of view of Tom Branch, Hodge grabbed Jones’s leg and pulled him off Hutton, right before it looked like “Special Delivery” would have gotten the three-count. Jones was angry, as were the fans! Jones questioned Hodge’s actions, but the Oklahoman acted innocent. This further infuriated Jones, who punched away at Hodge on the outside and then crushed him with a head butt. Meanwhile, Branch was counting away on the inside of ring. Jones was so distracted by what Hodge had done, that he paid no attention to the count, until it was too late and Branch reached ten. Once he realized he’d been counted out, Jones was mad at himself, but mad at what had happened. Hutton rolled out of the ring and got back to the dressing room with Hodge as quickly as he could! ***

3) Diamond Dallas Page pinned Brutus Beefcake. Former USWA Texas champion Beefcake struck at the beginning, wearing down Page with a bear hug. Page broke out of the bear hug and gained control. He hit a swinging neckbreaker, as well as a big top rope clothesline. The Diamond Cutter would claim another victim, as it put the San Francisco native down for 1-2-3. ¼*

4) Larry Zbyszko defeated Cousin Luke. The fans booed Zbyszko and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan mercilessly, due to their attack on The Crusher last week in Evansville. The hillbilly was hoping to get an upset and he went wild on Zbyszko at the bell, hitting a big body slam. Zbyszko took over and used a second rope knee drop several times in the bout. He went to the top rope at one point, but Luke got up to his feet and pulled Zbyszko off into his Hillbilly Drop. He went for a cover, but Zbyszko kicked out. The Pittsburgh native took over again and finished Luke off with a piledriver. **½

5) The new USWA World Tag Team champions Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine looked dominant, scoring a quick win over George South and Larry Sharpe. Valentine went to work and South, then tagged out to his partner. Muraco hit a Hawaiian Hammer, but before making a cover, picked up South and delivered a second Hammer. He went for a cover, as Valentine nailed Sharpe with an elbow smash and kept him from making the save. That would have been the closest Sharpe got to seeing action in the ring on this night, as Muraco got the pin on South. Capt. Lou Albano celebrated with the champs. DUD

6) Danny Hodge scored his biggest win in the USWA to date on this night. Not only that, but he became the first man to pin Nick Bockwinkel, since the four-time World champion’s return to the USWA back in September. The fans were split in this one, as both rulebreakers received their share of boos. Bockwinkel locked on his sleeper twice, but both times Hodge managed to escape. Hodge came back and hit a big standing dropkick for a two-count. Hodge hit an Oklahoma side roll, but Bobby Heenan managed to place Bockwinkel’s foot in the ropes, unseen by Tommy Marlin. Ironically, Dick Hutton at ringside was furious by this action, even though Hodge had done the same thing to save him earlier in the evening! Hodge maintained control and the fans started to side with the Oklahoman, hoping to witness an upset. Hodge locked on a Boston Crab, using his grip strength to keep the hold locked on tight. Bockwinkel somehow managed to make the ropes. Hodge executed another side roll for a very near fall. A minute later, Hodge followed up with a third side roll and got the big win. Fans were almost in shock by what they had just seen! Frank Gotch and World Heavyweight champion Dan Severn came down to congratulate Hodge on his big victory! ***½

7) The Midnight Express got a controversial win over Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware. The Midnights double teamed Armstrong for several minutes. They hit him with several of their finishers, but Armstrong kept kicking out. Armstrong regained control momentarily and went up to the top rope to dive on “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton, but “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey shoved him off, while Sam Platania was momentarily distracted by Jim Cornette. It was a scary moment, but Armstrong managed to fight back. The Midnights hit the Midnight Massacre on Armstrong. Texas champion Eaton went for a cover, but as Platania was getting “Loverboy” Dennis out of the ring, “The Birdman” came off the top turnbuckle with a diving head butt on Eaton. Ware quickly went back to his corner. Armstrong recovered and hit Eaton with the Russian leg sweep. He floated into a cover, but Eaton barely kicked out. Armstrong tagged out to Koko and the two delivered a big double dropkick on Eaton. “The Birdman” pounded away on Eaton. He hit a top drop dropkick, then whipped Eaton into the ropes and hit him with a big crossbody block. Cornette jumped up on the apron to distract Platania. Armstrong ran around the apron and grabbed Cornette by the throat, which popped the crowd big time. Meanwhile, Cornette “accidentally” dropped his tennis racket in the ring by Platania’s back. Condrey jumped in and grabbed the racket, then cracked Ware across the back of the head with it! The “Loverboy” tossed the racket out of the ring. Eaton was able to turn Ware into a cover of his own. Platania turned around and counted the pinfall. The fans were irate at this one! You can bet we haven’t seen the last of this feud! ***¾

8) Ed “Strangler” Lewis defeated his old rival The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer by submission. Destroyer tried to soften up Lewis’ leg for the figure-four, by using the single leg Boston Crab. But Lewis was again focused and forced the masked man to tap with a double wristlock. Interestingly in his two matches so far in 2009, Lewis has not won with the Strangler’s Headlock, but with other maneuvers. *

9) Former World Tag Team champions “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant defeated Frank Gotch…and technically former USWA World Heavyweight champion Dan Severn. The fan favorites were able to keep Gotch in the ring the entire match. “The Beast” stood in the corner and didn’t seem too eager to try and tag out to Gotch. Valiant locked Gotch in the sleeper, but Gotch made the ropes. Snuka tagged in, and delivered a big chop after a leap frog. The “Superfly” then went up to the top rope and came off with the Superfly Leap. Severn didn’t immediately enter the ring to attempt to save his partner. He entered the ring, but by that time it was too late and Snuka scored the pin. As Snuka and Valiant left the ring and celebrated, Dick Hutton entered the ring to check on Gotch. Gotch recovered, got to his feet, and then questioned “The Beast” about where he was. Severn stood there stoically. Hutton eventually calmed Gotch down and the three left together. ¾*

10) The Sheik put the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship on the line against “Playboy” Buddy Rose in the main event. Rose was hoping to become the first “Grand Slam” winner in USWA history. Would the third USWA championship change hands in as many weeks? Sheik was his usual wild self, but Rose was more aggressive than he’s looked in a long time. Sheik went for the Camel Clutch, but Rose quickly got to the ropes. Rose hit a forearm smash off the ropes, which knocked down the champion. He came off the top rope with a Bombs Away, but Sheik kicked out. In an almost bizarre scene, the fans were 100% behind the “Playboy” on this night and “Sensational” Sherri Martel was almost a cheerleader of sorts. Rose hit a second Bombs Away, but again Sheik kicked out. Sherri jumped up on the apron to distract Tommy Marlin. This allowed Rose to grab the championship belt from ringside, which he used to smash Sheik in the head with. Sheik was busted open. Rose went for a cover, but Sheik kicked out at 2¾! The Cookeville fans were on their feet by this point! Sheik rolled to the arena floor. Abdullah Farouk started yelling at Sherri at ringside. Rose went to confront Farouk about it. Marlin went to break up the skirmish. Meanwhile Sheik pulled out his sharp object. Rose came after Sheik, but got blasted with the sharp object. He threw the challenger back in the ring and continued to use the object, eventually busting open the “Playboy” as well. Rose went to the floor, but Sheik followed and threw him into the ring post. Sherri went to check on her man and her encouragement may have saved Rose from getting counted out, as he just beat the count back in. Sheik blasted Rose with an elbow to the head to further draw blood. The bout went to the floor again and Sheik continued to jab Rose with the object. Sherri tried to yell to Marlin that the champ was using the weapon, but Marlin was putting the count on both men. Sheik released Rose and rolled back into the ring by seven. Marlin continued counting Rose and hit 10, giving the champ by the victory by a countout. The fans berated the champ with boos! ****½

[Cory Olson]

January 23, 2009
Card #195: Community Center in Cookeville, TN

1) The Killer Bees got a win in the opener over Johnny Rodz and Virgil. The duo of Rodz and Virgil were hoping to get their second win as a team, after upsetting Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware two weeks ago. The Bees controlled most of the action in this one, although Rodz and Virgil had a few hopeful moments and gave The Bees a good fight. Virgil saved “The Unpredictable” Rodz on two occasions from B. Brian Blair’s sleeper. On the second save, he was knocked out of the ring by “Jumping” Jim Brunzell’s dropkick. Blair locked the sleeper on again and put Rodz out. **¼

2) Dick Hutton must have underestimated “Special Delivery” Jones, as the Team RPW coach needed help from Danny Hodge just to get a countout win over Jones. Hutton used a side salto several times in this contest, attempting to score a pinfall, but S.D. was able to kick out. “Philadelphia’s Favorite Son” fought long and hard the Cookeville fans were behind him, as he used his head butt twice for near falls. Jones really got the crowd riled up when he performed his Philly Shuffle, then delivered a big punch. He went for another cover, but Hutton barely kicked out. Sensing his teammate may be in trouble, Hodge made his way to ringside to root Hutton on. Jones retained control and delivered a third head butt. As he went for a cover, Jones was close to the ropes. Out of view of Tom Branch, Hodge grabbed Jones’s leg and pulled him off Hutton, right before it looked like “Special Delivery” would have gotten the three-count. Jones was angry, as were the fans! Jones questioned Hodge’s actions, but the Oklahoman acted innocent. This further infuriated Jones, who punched away at Hodge on the outside and then crushed him with a head butt. Meanwhile, Branch was counting away on the inside of ring. Jones was so distracted by what Hodge had done, that he paid no attention to the count, until it was too late and Branch reached ten. Once he realized he’d been counted out, Jones was mad at himself, but mad at what had happened. Hutton rolled out of the ring and got back to the dressing room with Hodge as quickly as he could! ***

3) Diamond Dallas Page pinned Brutus Beefcake. Former USWA Texas champion Beefcake struck at the beginning, wearing down Page with a bear hug. Page broke out of the bear hug and gained control. He hit a swinging neckbreaker, as well as a big top rope clothesline. The Diamond Cutter would claim another victim, as it put the San Francisco native down for 1-2-3. ¼*

4) Larry Zbyszko defeated Cousin Luke. The fans booed Zbyszko and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan mercilessly, due to their attack on The Crusher last week in Evansville. The hillbilly was hoping to get an upset and he went wild on Zbyszko at the bell, hitting a big body slam. Zbyszko took over and used a second rope knee drop several times in the bout. He went to the top rope at one point, but Luke got up to his feet and pulled Zbyszko off into his Hillbilly Drop. He went for a cover, but Zbyszko kicked out. The Pittsburgh native took over again and finished Luke off with a piledriver. **½

5) The new USWA World Tag Team champions Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine looked dominant, scoring a quick win over George South and Larry Sharpe. Valentine went to work and South, then tagged out to his partner. Muraco hit a Hawaiian Hammer, but before making a cover, picked up South and delivered a second Hammer. He went for a cover, as Valentine nailed Sharpe with an elbow smash and kept him from making the save. That would have been the closest Sharpe got to seeing action in the ring on this night, as Muraco got the pin on South. Capt. Lou Albano celebrated with the champs. DUD

6) Danny Hodge scored his biggest win in the USWA to date on this night. Not only that, but he became the first man to pin Nick Bockwinkel, since the four-time World champion’s return to the USWA back in September. The fans were split in this one, as both rulebreakers received their share of boos. Bockwinkel locked on his sleeper twice, but both times Hodge managed to escape. Hodge came back and hit a big standing dropkick for a two-count. Hodge hit an Oklahoma side roll, but Bobby Heenan managed to place Bockwinkel’s foot in the ropes, unseen by Tommy Marlin. Ironically, Dick Hutton at ringside was furious by this action, even though Hodge had done the same thing to save him earlier in the evening! Hodge maintained control and the fans started to side with the Oklahoman, hoping to witness an upset. Hodge locked on a Boston Crab, using his grip strength to keep the hold locked on tight. Bockwinkel somehow managed to make the ropes. Hodge executed another side roll for a very near fall. A minute later, Hodge followed up with a third side roll and got the big win. Fans were almost in shock by what they had just seen! Frank Gotch and World Heavyweight champion Dan Severn came down to congratulate Hodge on his big victory! ***½

7) The Midnight Express got a controversial win over Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware. The Midnights double teamed Armstrong for several minutes. They hit him with several of their finishers, but Armstrong kept kicking out. Armstrong regained control momentarily and went up to the top rope to dive on “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton, but “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey shoved him off, while Sam Platania was momentarily distracted by Jim Cornette. It was a scary moment, but Armstrong managed to fight back. The Midnights hit the Midnight Massacre on Armstrong. Texas champion Eaton went for a cover, but as Platania was getting “Loverboy” Dennis out of the ring, “The Birdman” came off the top turnbuckle with a diving head butt on Eaton. Ware quickly went back to his corner. Armstrong recovered and hit Eaton with the Russian leg sweep. He floated into a cover, but Eaton barely kicked out. Armstrong tagged out to Koko and the two delivered a big double dropkick on Eaton. “The Birdman” pounded away on Eaton. He hit a top drop dropkick, then whipped Eaton into the ropes and hit him with a big crossbody block. Cornette jumped up on the apron to distract Platania. Armstrong ran around the apron and grabbed Cornette by the throat, which popped the crowd big time. Meanwhile, Cornette “accidentally” dropped his tennis racket in the ring by Platania’s back. Condrey jumped in and grabbed the racket, then cracked Ware across the back of the head with it! The “Loverboy” tossed the racket out of the ring. Eaton was able to turn Ware into a cover of his own. Platania turned around and counted the pinfall. The fans were irate at this one! You can bet we haven’t seen the last of this feud! ***¾

8) Ed “Strangler” Lewis defeated his old rival The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer by submission. Destroyer tried to soften up Lewis’ leg for the figure-four, by using the single leg Boston Crab. But Lewis was again focused and forced the masked man to tap with a double wristlock. Interestingly in his two matches so far in 2009, Lewis has not won with the Strangler’s Headlock, but with other maneuvers. *

9) Former World Tag Team champions “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant defeated Frank Gotch…and technically current USWA World Heavyweight champion Dan Severn. The fan favorites were able to keep Gotch in the ring the entire match. “The Beast” stood in the corner and didn’t seem too eager to try and tag out to Gotch. Valiant locked Gotch in the sleeper, but Gotch made the ropes. Snuka tagged in, and delivered a big chop after a leap frog. The “Superfly” then went up to the top rope and came off with the Superfly Leap. Severn didn’t immediately enter the ring to attempt to save his partner. He entered the ring, but by that time it was too late and Snuka scored the pin. As Snuka and Valiant left the ring and celebrated, Dick Hutton entered the ring to check on Gotch. Gotch recovered, got to his feet, and then questioned “The Beast” about where he was. Severn stood there stoically. Hutton eventually calmed Gotch down and the three left together. ¾*

10) The Sheik put the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship on the line against “Playboy” Buddy Rose in the main event. Rose was hoping to become the first “Grand Slam” winner in USWA history. Would the third USWA championship change hands in as many weeks? Sheik was his usual wild self, but Rose was more aggressive than he’s looked in a long time. Sheik went for the Camel Clutch, but Rose quickly got to the ropes. Rose hit a forearm smash off the ropes, which knocked down the champion. He came off the top rope with a Bombs Away, but Sheik kicked out. In an almost bizarre scene, the fans were 100% behind the “Playboy” on this night and “Sensational” Sherri Martel was almost a cheerleader of sorts. Rose hit a second Bombs Away, but again Sheik kicked out. Sherri jumped up on the apron to distract Tommy Marlin. This allowed Rose to grab the championship belt from ringside, which he used to smash Sheik in the head with. Sheik was busted open. Rose went for a cover, but Sheik kicked out at 2¾! The Cookeville fans were on their feet by this point! Sheik rolled to the arena floor. Abdullah Farouk started yelling at Sherri at ringside. Rose went to confront Farouk about it. Marlin went to break up the skirmish. Meanwhile Sheik pulled out his sharp object. Rose came after Sheik, but got blasted with the sharp object. He threw the challenger back in the ring and continued to use the object, eventually busting open the “Playboy” as well. Rose went to the floor, but Sheik followed and threw him into the ring post. Sherri went to check on her man and her encouragement may have saved Rose from getting counted out, as he just beat the count back in. Sheik blasted Rose with an elbow to the head to further draw blood. The bout went to the floor again and Sheik continued to jab Rose with the object. Sherri tried to yell to Marlin that the champ was using the weapon, but Marlin was putting the count on both men. Sheik released Rose and rolled back into the ring by seven. Marlin continued counting Rose and hit 10, giving the champ by the victory by a countout. The fans berated the champ with boos! ****½

[Cory Olson]

USWA Championship Wrestling on January 24 and 31 were newsworthy editions!
• Bill Apter interviewed Team RPW on the 24th about what had taken place the night before. It was almost a debate, as the members seemed to be questioning one another. Frank Gotch asked World Heavyweight champion Dan Severn why “The Beast” did not help him in their tag team contest the night before. The champ stated that he was putting Gotch through a challenge. He stated that a true champion will have to take on all kinds of challenges and challengers, and if Gotch expects to beat him and become World champion, he needs to be ready for anything. In Severn’s mind, he wasn’t ready for Jimmy Snuka and Jimmy Valiant. Gotch didn’t respond to the statement. Apter tried to calm the tension by congratulating Danny Hodge on his big win over Nick Bockwinkel. Hodge thanked Apter. Apter asked the Oklahoman what was next for him after his big victory. Hodge stated that he hoped to challenge for one of the singles title soon, perhaps even the World title. The other RPW members looked somewhat startled at this. Severn told Hodge not to get too far ahead of himself. Hodge calmly replied saying that he had done something that none of his teammates had ever done—and beaten Nick Bockwinkel! Apter quickly wrapped up the interview, sensing some tension!
• There may be more tension coming for Team RPW, as Lance Russell informed USWA fans that former USWA World Tag Team and Southern Heavyweight champion Ted DiBiase would soon be returning to the area! Long-time fans remember that DiBiase, the then-“Million Dollar Man”, lost his fortune to Frank Gotch at New Year’s Knockout III in 2006. DiBiase left the USWA after the loss and has been competing in the UWF. Gotch used the money he won to form Team Real Pro Wrestling, signing names like Dan Severn and Danny Hodge, and establishing a training center for “true” wrestlers. Russell announced that Bill Apter will have an interview with DiBiase on the February 7 episode of Championship Wrestling, in which DiBiase will reveal the plans for his return.
• Buff Bagwell was interviewed on the 31st. Lance Russell asked the former Killer B where he had been since New Year’s Knockout V. “Buff Daddy” said that since Brutus Beefcake and Capt. Lou Albano had abandoned him, he had been searching the last few weeks for a new tag team partner. He said that he had found him and he was a name that should be familiar to not only USWA fans, but all pro wrestling fans. He is someone who is almost as good looking as himself! Bagwell stated more importantly that he and his partner will get revenge on Capt. Lou and capture the World Tag Team titles. Russell tried to get more info from Bagwell, but he wouldn’t give the name, only saying that his partner will be revealed soon.
• Some upcoming title bouts were made. It was announced that Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine will make their first defense of the USWA World Tag Team championship against The Killer Bees on February 13 at the Sportatorium in Dallas. The following week, in the USWA’s first ever show at the Civic Center in El Dorado, Arkansas, The Sheik will defend the Southern Heavyweight title in a rematch against “Playboy” Buddy Rose. Although the challenger lost, the champion used illegal tactics to do so, so thus Rose will get another opportunity.
• USWA Committee Chairman Jerry Jarrett also had a huge announcement. He said that the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis will host the USWA’s historic 200th card on March 13! Matches will be announced in the coming weeks for this huge event!

The Louisville Gardens has held some great USWA cards in the past, but the next event on February 6 may be top them all!
• Prior to challenging for the USWA World Tag Team championship, The Killer Bees will battle former champs “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring. Rose may be in tough shape after his loss to The Sheik, but Rose and Doring hold wins over The Bees in the past. Can The Bees sting the former champs?
• In a rematch from last month, Nick Bockwinkel will go head-to-head with “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant. You can bet that Bockwinkel is more focused after suffering his first loss since his return on the last card. Valiant looked impressive against Bockwinkel last time, but how will he fare this time around?
• Danny Hodge will compete following his big victory. He’ll take on S.D. Jones. Remember due to Hodge’s distraction, “Special Delivery” got counted out against Team RPW coach Dick Hutton. This will be a big grudge match!
• Speaking of grudges, one-half of the USWA World Tag Team champions Magnificent Muraco will collide with “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. This feud has added more fuel to the fire with Muraco and Greg Valentine capturing the Tag Team gold from Snuka and Jimmy Valiant. Who will get this win!
• Ed “Strangler” Lewis continues his revenge quest against Team RPW. He’ll take on RPW’s coach Dick Hutton. It’ll be a big night for Hutton with all RPW members in action, including himself. Can Lewis continue his impressive performances, especially in his hometown of Louisville?
• The main event will be for the USWA World Heavyweight title and will be a “civil war” of sorts, as champion Dan Severn puts the gold on the line against his teammate Frank Gotch. Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge will be at ringside at the announcers’ table. They have stated they won’t favor one man or the other. Gotch is a former World Tag Team and Southern Heavyweight champion, but has never held the World title. Severn has the size and strength advantage, but Gotch has defeated larger men due to his technical wrestling knowledge. Who will leave Louisville the champion and how will the outcome affect Team RPW?
All this plus The Midnight Express, Diamond Dallas Page, and more great bouts!

[Cory Olson]

February 6, 2009
Card #196: Louisville Gardens

1) “The Birdman” Koko B. Ware got a sneaky pinfall win over Larry Sharpe in the opener. Ware dazzled Sharpe throughout the bout with his quick offense. Ware missed a flying body press off the top and looked hurt. Sharpe gloated about dodging the move and took his time in capitalizing. He finally went to cover Ware, but Ware caught him off guard and rolled him into a small package to get the win. *

2) Louisville’s own Jim Cornette led his Midnight Express to a quick win over Johnny Rodz and Virgil. Ironically, Cornette helped Virgil and Rodz get their only win to-date, by interfering in their bouts against Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware, but tonight, they were enemies. The Midnights hit the Rocket Launcher on Virgil early on, but as Texas champion Bobby Eaton went for a cover, Rodz jumped in to make the save. “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey tossed Rodz out of the ring, in what would Rodz’s only appearance in the match. The Midnights soon executed the Midnight Massacre on Virgil to get the pin. DUD

3) Buff Bagwell returned to action for the first time since New Year’s Knockout V, and was impressive, getting a countout win over Diamond Dallas Page. “Buff Daddy” was aggressive, knowing he had to be, opposing the undefeated DDP. The action was back-and-forth, until Bagwell gained control. He hit two Buff Blockbusters, but couldn’t keep Page down. Bagwell threw Page out of the ring and a brawl ensued, which saw Bagwell throw Page into the ring post, then follow up with a swinging neckbreaker right on the floor. Bagwell crawled back in and beat the count to get the win. Page suffered no injuries on the move, but was slow in making his way back to the locker room. *½

4) Larry Zbyszko defeated Brad Armstrong. Zbyszko gained the advantage early on. While Bobby Heenan distracted Paul Neighbors Zbyszko took off the top turnbuckle pad and whipped Armstrong right into the exposed metal. He soon followed up with a piledriver to get the pin. ¼*

5) The Killer Bees showed what tag team wrestling is all about, as they cut the ring in half on “Dastardly” Danny Doring to score a win over him and “Playboy” Buddy Rose. Rose was bandaged up from his Southern title bout against The Sheik. Doring started the bout and ended up wrestling the whole match, as The Bees tagged in and out and double teamed him. “Jumping” Jim Brunzell put Doring down the count after a dropkick. The Bees looked impressive prior to challenging for the USWA World Tag Team titles. ¼*

6) Nick Bockwinkel made “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant submit. Valiant was hoping to do like Danny Hodge on the last card and get a win over Bockwinkel. He looked like he was going to, as he had Bockwinkel rocking and reeling. He hit his super elbow drop for a close two-count. Bockwinkel came back and locked on the sleeper, but Valiant made the ropes. Bockwinkel quickly turned his attack to Valiant’s legs and then applied the figure-four. In a strong show of fortitude, “Handsome” Jimmy fought hard to try and break free for over two minutes. The four-time World champ Bockwinkel kept the hold and kept Valiant away from the ropes, until the New Yorker was left with no choice but to tap. **¾

7) Danny Hodge got a submission win over “Special Delivery” Jones. S.D. hoped to get revenge on Hodge, for interfering in his match with Hodge’s partner Dick Hutton, but Hodge maintained control. He utilized Hutton’s specialty the abdominal stretch several times and the hold eventually caused Jones to surrender. ¼*

8) “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka pinned one-half of the World Tag Team champions Magnificent Muraco. These two went back-and-forth, with neither man able to maintain control. With the crowd behind him, the “Superfly” took over and blasted Muraco with a chop after a big high leap frog. Capt. Lou Albano got on the apron, but got nailed with a chop as well. Snuka then came off the top rope with a perfect Superfly Leap and picked up the pin. *½

9) Ed “Strangler” Lewis scored a dominant win via countout over Dick Hutton. To little surprise, the Gardens exploded when Lewis entered the arena. He just totally outwrestled the Team RPW coach. Hutton rolled out of the ring for a breather, but Lewis wouldn’t let him get a breath. Lewis slapped on the Strangler’s Headlock on the floor. Frank Morrell put the count on both men for being outside. “Strangler” kept the headlock on to weaken Hutton. He released when Morrell counted to seven, then crawled back in the ring. Hutton was down, but not out. He seemed to realize that things were against him with the crowd on Lewis’ side, so he made no effort to get back in. The fans weren’t too upset with the quick win, as Lewis stood in the ring with his arm raised high. DUD

10) After the pre-main event intermission, Dick Hutton was back out, with Danny Hodge to sit ringside and watch as teammates Dan “The Beast” Severn and Frank Gotch take on each other, with Severn’s USWA World Heavyweight championship on the line. Gotch and Severn wrestled a very scientific match for nearly ten minutes. The champ had more control, using his strength advantage to keep Gotch grounded. Severn hit a fireman’s carry slam at one point. Gotch turned from wrestling to boxing and used some punches to weaken Severn. Gotch attempted a waistlock, but Severn broke free a hit a big German suplex. The crowd favored Severn slightly, since Gotch is considered the leader of RPW, and perhaps because Gotch’s Toehold was instrumental in injuring “Strangler” Lewis. Severn locked on a choke sleeper and had Gotch weakened, but he got a foot on the ropes to break the submission. The two exchanged holds until Gotch missed a double leg and hit the second turnbuckle. Gotch rolled to the floor and was able to get a breather. Back in the ring, Gotch managed to pick up Severn and deliver an Iowa backdrop to the surprise of the crowd. He floated into a cover and scored the three-count to win his first USWA World Heavyweight championship! Hutton and Hodge entered the ring and helped Severn to his feet. As Jerry Calhoun presented Gotch with the belt, Hutton and Hodge walked over and shook hands with the new champion. Severn paused, but then eventually offered his hand to the new champ. Gotch accepted and RPW stood united. It seemed like a nice scene, but the fans booed as the arrogant foursome stood in the ring. The crowd changed their tune as Ed “Strangler” Lewis watched from the aisle and pointed to Gotch, indicating he wants a shot at the gold. (With his win, Gotch becomes the second man, after The Destroyer, to have held the USWA World Heavyweight, World Tag Team, and Southern Heavyweight titles!) ***

[hollywoodlyn]

Great card Cory! Really thought there would have been an explosion at some point after the main event. I can see a turn in the making.

[Cory Olson]

Thanks to Lyn for the comments!

STOP THE PRESSES!

For some reason, since his return this past September I have been listing Nick Bockwinkel in my write-ups as a four-time USWA champion, when in fact he is only a three-time champ. I have no idea what made me think he was a four-time champ!

Rather than go back and try and edit EVERY post with wrong information, I thought I'd acknowledge my mistake here and from now on list Bock correctly.

You can always keep up to date by checking Cory's USWA Fed: A-Z on the GREATEST Board in the Galaxy!

Check back later tonight for the next USWA card preview!