Cory's USWA

[Cory Olson]

Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on February 7:
• An interview aired with Bill Apter and Ted DiBiase. DiBiase stated that since leaving the USWA at the end of 2006, he has been competing in the UWF and has had some great success, capturing the UWF World Tag Team titles with Steve “Dr. Death” Williams, as well as the North American Heavyweight championship. Apter asked him to what he attributed his success. DiBiase responed by saying that he hit rock bottom when he lost his fortune to Frank Gotch, and he thought that was the end. But he went to the UWF and focused on the important thing—wrestling. He had a mentor who reminded him that he stopped focusing on the money and started caring about being the best wrestler he could be. When Apter asked who this mentor was, DiBiase said that it was no other than a man he knew very well—his father, “Iron” Mike DiBiase! DiBiase said he also allied himself with another former USWA wrestler—“Hacksaw” Jim Duggan. DiBiase said that Duggan was a great American wrestler and a tough brawler. Apter asked DiBiase his thoughts on Gotch’s use of DiBiase’s former fortune to form Team RPW. The former “Million Dollar Man” stated that he has followed the USWA closely in his time away and at first he had respect for RPW, as they represented real wrestling. But in recent months, their arrogance and attitude has bothered him and given wrestling in general a bad name. Apter asked if that meant that DiBiase would look to battle RPW and DiBiase confirmed that. He said he wasn’t coming alone, as “Dr. Death”, “Hacksaw”, and “Iron” Mike would all join him!
• Speaking of Team RPW, Lance Russell interviewed the group in the WMC-TV studios. New World Heavyweight champion Frank Gotch said that any tension among the members has been settled. He beat Dan Severn and captured the title, proving he was the better man on that night. When asked if Gotch would give “The Beast” a rematch, he somewhat avoided the topic and brought up Ted DiBiase. Dick Hutton said that RPW would show DiBiase, his former tag team partner, who the true wrestlers are in the USWA.
• It was announced that The Crusher will return from injury on February 20 at the USWA’s debut in El Dorado, AR. He will take on two of the men that injured him—The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer and Larry Zbyszko in a tag team match. Crusher’s partner? Well…at this point it is unknown! It is said that this will be a mystery partner who will be revealed that night!
• In another mysterious situation, Buff Bagwell revealed that he and his new partner will team up for the first time on March 6 at the Rupp Arena in Lexington “Buff Daddy” has also signed to meet his former tag team partner Brutus Beefcake on the February 20 card in El Dorado.

The Sportatorium in Dallas will host a big card of action on Friday the 13th!
• S.D. Jones was close to an upset on Dick Hutton a few weeks ago in Cookeville, until Danny Hodge intervened. He’ll get a second chance to get a big win. Can “Special Delivery” deliver?
• Southern Heavyweight champion The Sheik will be in non-title action as he does battle with “Dastardly” Danny Doring. Sheik will defend his strap against Doring’s partner “Playboy” Buddy Rose the following week in El Dorado. You can bet that Sheik looks to make a statement in taking out Doring first!
• In a big tag team match-up “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant collide with The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer and Larry Zbyszko. Snuka and Valiant are hoping to get another shot at the World Tag Team titles, while Zbyszko and Destroyer are taking a big name team in preparing to do battle with The Crusher and his partner. Which team will come out the winners?
• In a first time meeting, three-time USWA World Heavyweight champion Nick Bockwinkel will collide with Argentine sensation Antonio Rocca. Rocca would get a big “boost” by defeating Bockwinkel. Can he do it or will Bockwinkel stop him?
• Ed “Strangler” Lewis continues his revenge quest against Team RPW. In Dallas he’ll meet former World Heavyweight champion Dan “The Beast” Severn. Will it be the Strangler’s Headlock or the wakigatame that gets the win here?
• The USWA Texas championship will be on the line, when “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton defends against “The Birdman” Koko B. Ware. Ware appeared to have Eaton pinned in the tag team match between Ware and Brad Armstrong and The Midnight Express, until “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey clocked Ware with Jim Cornette’s tennis racket. Can Ware capture his first USWA championship in Dallas?
• The main event will be for the World Tag Team titles. Capt. Lou Albano’s duo of Magnificent Muraco and Greg Valentine will make their first defense, when they face The Killer Bees. The Bees have the experience edge, when it comes to teaming, but Muraco and Valentine have been an impressive duo. Can Muraco and Valentine hold on to the gold, or will The Bees make their reign a short one?
All this plus a rematch between Diamond Dallas Page and Buff Bagwell, as well as more great bouts!

[Cory Olson]

February 13, 2009
Card #197: Sportatorium in Dallas

1) Virgil and Johnny Rodz got a win in the opener defeating George South and Larry Sharpe. You had two teams, with less than stellar records, battling it out for a win. South and Sharpe had control for quite a while, but Virgil came back. Rodz hit a body slam, which he calls the Unpredictable Slam, on Sharpe and went for a cover, but Sharpe kicked out. Rodz tagged out to Virgil, who slapped on the Million Dollar Dream and put Sharpe out. **

2) Brutus Beefcake pinned Brad Armstrong. The popular Armstrong hit a Russian leg sweep early on and went for a cover, but Beefcake got his foot on the bottom rope. Armstrong later hit a top rope dropkick, but Capt. Lou Albano distracted Paul Morton. This allowed Beefcake to recover and wear down Armstrong. A flying knee smash would put Armstrong down for the pinfall. *¾

3) Diamond Dallas Page scored some revenge, pinning Buff Bagwell. “Buff Daddy” knew he’d need to be impressive against DDP, if he wanted to win again. He attacked Page right at the bell and even hit a Buff Blockbuster. He went for a cover, but Page kicked out. Page fought back and hit a swinging neckbreaker, as well as a Russian leg sweep for near falls. Page scored the pinfall after a Diamond Dream. **

4) Dick Hutton put a beating on “Special Delivery” Jones before finally scoring the pin. Jones fought hard in this one, making it to the ropes on two occasions while locked in Hutton’s abdominal stretch. Jones was weakened, but had the crowd behind him and out of nowhere nailed a head butt, but the force was such that he rocked himself and busted himself open! Jones was worn out and fought with all his might, but couldn’t capitalize. Hutton used his tag team partner Danny Hodge’s specialty, the Oklahoma side roll to score the pin. **¾

5) USWA Southern Heavyweight champion The Sheik defeated “Dastardly” Danny Doring in a non-title bout. Sheik pulled out the sharp object early on and locked on the Camel Clutch, but released when Doring wouldn’t give. Doring actually landed a sunset flip, but Sheik quickly recovered outside the ring and continued his onslaught. Sheik dropped an elbow right to Doring’s throat and covered him to score the pin. “Playboy” Buddy Rose ran down to check on Doring with “Sensational” Sherri Martel. Rose stared down Sheik and Abdullah Farouk, as Sheik ran to the locker room with the Southern title—the title which Rose will challenge him for next week. ½*

6) The Destroyer and Larry Zbyszko worked well as a team, defeating former World Tag Team champions “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant. This was a back-and-forth bout that looked like either team could win at any time. Destroyer and Zbyszko would gain the advantage with cheap shots or sneaky tactics. Destroyer worked both opponents’ legs, slamming them into the ring post and using the single leg Boston Crab. Snuka hit a Superfly Leap on Zbyszko, but Zbyszko just managed to kick out in time. Zbsyzko hit two piledrivers on “Handsome” Jimmy, but as he went for the cover, Scott Bowden was trying to get Destroyer out of the ring and missed the cover. Snuka came off the second turnbuckle with a fist drop to the back of Zbyszko’s head. He then put “The Boogie Woogie Man” on top for the cover, but Zbyszko managed to kick out. Destroyer later locked Snuka in the figure-four leglock, but the “Superfly” got to the ropes. The rulebreakers managed to wear down Valiant. Meanwhile, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan ran around to the other side of the ring and got Snuka’s attention. Snuka jumped off the apron and was about ready to attack Heenan. At the same time Zbyszko locked a weakened Valiant in an abdominal stretch and was able to turn just right, so that he could grab Destroyer’s hand for leverage out of view of Bowden. The “double submission” move was enough for Valiant to surrender. Snuka turned around at the sound of the bell to see what had happened to his partner. This allowed “The Weasel” to escape unscathed and made him extra happy, since his man Zbyszko and his associate The Destroyer got the win. ****

7) Antonino Rocca scored the biggest win of his USWA appearances to-date, making three-time USWA World champion Nick Bockwinkel submit. Rocca had the advantage early on, but got reversed into a near fall, after Bockwinkel rolled through on a flying body press off the top. Bockwinkel took the bout to the floor and worked over Rocca, while Bobby Heenan distracted Tommy Gilbert. Bockwinkel applied the figure-four back in the ring, but Rocca reached the ropes. Rocca staged a comeback and blasted Bockwinkel with a dropkick. Heenan jumped on the apron, but Rocca spotted him. He picked Bockwinkel up into the Argentinian Backbreaker, then spun Bockwinkel around, so that Bockwinkel’s legs knocked his own manager off the apron! He held the move and Bockwinkel surrendered to the hold, in a relatively short bout. Rocca celebrated among the Dallas fans at ringside. **½

8) In a heated battle of former USWA World Heavyweight champions Ed “Strangler” Lewis defeated Dan “The Beast” Severn. Severn missed a takedown attempt in the corner in the opening minutes and rammed his arm into the turnbuckle. Lewis capitalized and locked on a double wristlock. Severn momentarily had control and locked on a bow and arrow, but the “Strangler” managed to break free. Lewis fought back and locked on the Strangler’s Headlock several times. He took Severn down to the mat in the headlock and was able to pin his shoulders to the mat in an impressive win. ¾*

9) Koko B. Ware defeated USWA Texas champion “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton by DQ, so Eaton left the Sportatorium with the title still in his grasp. This was “The Birdman’s” night, as he had the champion rocking and reeling. He weakened Eaton with several combo punches. Jim Cornette was frantic at ringside, sensing the possibility of a title change. Eaton kicked out of the Ghostbuster, and made a brief comeback. He sent Ware into the ropes and went for a clothesline, but Ware bounced back with a big cross body block. He went for a cover, but as Scott Bowden went to count, Cornette jumped in the ring, and smacked “The Birdman” across the back with the tennis racket, causing an intentional disqualification for Eaton. Ware was weakened, and Eaton and Cornette went to attack him more with the racket. “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey ran out from the locker room, but was cut off by Brad Armstrong, who nailed him from behind. Armstrong then sprinted to the ring, grabbing a chair from ringside and chased Eaton and Cornette out of the ring. The Midnight Express and Cornette fled to the locker room, with the Texas title still in hand. **½

10) Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine made their first defense of the USWA World Tag Team titles in the main event, taking on The Killer Bees. The champions had control early on. Muraco lifted “Jumping” Jim Brunzell up for a Hawaiian Hammer, but Brunzell broke free, before the move could be executed. The Bees worked over the Hawaiian, utilizing several of their finishers on him and eventually busting him open. After one Bee Sting, B. Brian Blair went for a cover. Paul Morton went to make the count, but right before what looked like it would be a three, Valentine had dropped to the arena floor and pulled Morton out of the ring. The fans booed this action and were mad that Morton didn’t disqualify “The Hammer”. But perhaps due to the importance of the championship match, Morton let the action go. This allowed the champions to take over on Blair. Valentine tagged in and went to work on his long-time rival Blair, applying the figure-four. Blair fought hard and eventually made the ropes. The challengers came back and worked over Valentine. Brunzell nailed Valentine with a dropkick and went for a cover, but Muraco jumped in to make the save. Blair was angered and jumped in as well, attacking Muraco and tossing him out of the ring. Blair went back to his corner, where “Jumping” Jim tagged him in. Blair went to work on Valentine, with the Dallas fans rooting The Bees on, sensing they were about to win the titles for the first time. Blair whipped Valentine into the corner, then leapt at him to execute a monkey flip. Unfortunately the corner was near where Muraco was laid out on the floor. The Hawaiian powerhouse had recovered enough to get to his feet and push Blair off of his partner before he could execute the flip. Blair went crashing and Valentine seized the opportunity to make a cover. He put his feet on the ropes and had Muraco hold on to his feet for leverage, out of sight of Morton. Blair’s shoulders were down and Morton counted the three. The champs quickly retreated from the ring with the belts and a celebrating Capt. Lou Albano. The Bees were angered by the ending and the fans were in support of them. ****¼

In the next update, the first matches for the historic 200th USWA card on March 13 will be announced, including the main event!

[Cory Olson]

Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on February 14, including the first matches announced for the historic 200th USWA card!
• The main event for this huge event at the Mid South Coliseum will feature Frank Gotch making his first defense of the USWA World Heavyweight championship. Gotch will defend against two-time champ and his rival Ed “Strangler” Lewis! Even though Lewis is currently involved in a heated war against Team RPW, technically he and Gotch have only met once before in a one-on-one match—last Fourth of July at the Independence Day Bash at Texas Stadium. On that day Lewis was the champ and Gotch was the challenger, and the “Strangler” retained that belt. Shortly after that bout, Lewis declined an offer to join RPW, which infuriated Gotch and his teammates. This led to the attack on Lewis, which broke his ankle, primarily thanks to the Gotch Toehold. It has taken Gotch a long time to win his first USWA championship, and you can bet he doesn’t wish to have a short reign! He will be battling hard against Lewis, but the “Strangler” will be looking not only for his third championship, but also revenge for the injury caused him.
• In addition to the huge title bout, there will also be a one-night four-man elimination tournament, entitled Clash at the Coliseum[/b]. The winner of this tournament will receive $25,000, as well as a shot at the USWA World Heavyweight championship in April. The first round bouts were announced on WMC-TV. Danny Hodge will do battle with The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer, while Nick Bockwinkel will collide with Dan “The Beast” Severn. Four hard-nosed rulebreakers, who also possess technical wrestling skills. In an added feature to the tournament, the final bout will be refereed by the first USWA World Heavyweight champion Johnny Valentine! Valentine has been wrestling around the world, including in the AWA, and has compiled an impressive win-loss record in his time away from the USWA. The USWA Committee wanted to commemorate the historic 200th card, with a “piece of history” in bringing back the first USWA World champion!
• Ted DiBiase, who will return to USWA ring action on the next card, will do battle that night with Team RPW’s coach Dick Hutton. DiBiase and Hutton were former USWA World Tag Team champions in 2005, but had a falling out. This led to Hutton’s alliance with Frank Gotch. USWA fans can expect a heated match in this one!
• One week before the 200th event, the main event for Card #199 at the Rupp Arena in Lexington will be a battle of Team RPW and The Heenan Family (and their associate). Nick Bockwinkel, Larry Zbyszko, and The Destroyer will team up to face Dick Hutton, Danny Hodge, and Dan Severn. This will be a huge match featuring six of the USWA’s top stars!

The USWA comes to the Civic Center in El Dorado, Arkansas for the first time with Card #198!
• In another heated tag team match, Larry Zbyszko and The Destroyer will take on the returning Crusher and his mystery partner. Whoever Crusher’s partner will be, he will need to be a great wrestler, as Zbyszko and Destroyer proved effective in their only teaming to-date, beating former World Tag Team champions Jimmy Snuka and Jimmy Valiant. Can Crusher and his partner gain revenge for the attack on “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous”?
• The tag team war between The Midnight Express and Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware rages on, as the two teams will do battle in El Dorado. You can bet the popular duo of Armstrong and Ware will be even more fired up, after the last card where Jim Cornette got “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton disqualified, so that Eaton could retain the Texas championship. This tag feud roars on!
• Nick Bockwinkel is hoping to avenge his loss to Danny Hodge, as the two will lock up once again. Both men are participants in the Clash at the Coliseum tournament and could very well face each other in the finals, but they are guaranteed to meet on February 20!
• World Tag Team champions Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine will face their rivals and the men they beat for the belts, “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant in a non-title match. Snuka and Valiant are hoping for another shot at the gold, but may have gotten sidetracked with the loss to Larry Zbyszko and The Destroyer. But a win over the champs would definitely earn them another opportunity! Can they do it or will Captain Lou Albano’s men prevail?
• Ed “Strangler” Lewis takes on Dick Hutton. Lewis got a countout win last time in his home arena. Can he win again on “neutral territory”?
• The main event will be a huge return bout for the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship as The Sheik puts his gold on the line against “Playboy” Buddy Rose. The champion was the winner last time via countout in a double bloody bout that saw his sharp object come in to play on several occasions. Can Rose get the win and become the first “Grand Slam” winner in USWA history, or will The Sheik continue to reign?
All this plus, former tag team partners collide when Buff Bagwell faces Brutus Beefcake! Plus Ted DiBiase makes his return to the USWA rings, and more great bouts!

[Cory Olson]

Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on February 14, including the first matches announced for the historic 200th USWA card!
• The main event for this huge event at the Mid South Coliseum will feature Frank Gotch making his first defense of the USWA World Heavyweight championship. Gotch will defend against two-time champ and his rival Ed “Strangler” Lewis! Even though Lewis is currently involved in a heated war against Team RPW, technically he and Gotch have only met once before in a one-on-one match—last Fourth of July at the Independence Day Bash at Texas Stadium. On that day Lewis was the champ and Gotch was the challenger, and the “Strangler” retained that belt. Shortly after that bout, Lewis declined an offer to join RPW, which infuriated Gotch and his teammates. This led to the attack on Lewis, which broke his ankle, primarily thanks to the Gotch Toehold. It has taken Gotch a long time to win his first USWA championship, and you can bet he doesn’t wish to have a short reign! He will be battling hard against Lewis, but the “Strangler” will be looking not only for his third championship, but also revenge for the injury caused him.
• In addition to the huge title bout, there will also be a one-night four-man elimination tournament, entitled Clash at the Coliseum[/b]. The winner of this tournament will receive $25,000, as well as a shot at the USWA World Heavyweight championship in April. The first round bouts were announced on WMC-TV. Danny Hodge will do battle with The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer, while Nick Bockwinkel will collide with Dan “The Beast” Severn. Four hard-nosed rulebreakers, who also possess technical wrestling skills. In an added feature to the tournament, the final bout will be refereed by the first USWA World Heavyweight champion Johnny Valentine! Valentine has been wrestling around the world, including in the AWA, and has compiled an impressive win-loss record in his time away from the USWA. The USWA Committee wanted to commemorate the historic 200th card, with a “piece of history” in bringing back the first USWA World champion!
• Ted DiBiase, who will return to USWA ring action on the next card, will do battle that night with Team RPW’s coach Dick Hutton. DiBiase and Hutton were former USWA World Tag Team champions in 2005, but had a falling out. This led to Hutton’s alliance with Frank Gotch. USWA fans can expect a heated match in this one!
• One week before the 200th event, the main event for Card #199 at the Rupp Arena in Lexington will be a battle of Team RPW and The Heenan Family (and their associate). Nick Bockwinkel, Larry Zbyszko, and The Destroyer will team up to face Dick Hutton, Danny Hodge, and Dan Severn. This will be a huge match featuring six of the USWA’s top stars!

The USWA comes to the Civic Center in El Dorado, Arkansas for the first time with Card #198!
• In another heated tag team match, Larry Zbyszko and The Destroyer will take on the returning Crusher and his mystery partner. Whoever Crusher’s partner will be, he will need to be a great wrestler, as Zbyszko and Destroyer proved effective in their only teaming to-date, beating former World Tag Team champions Jimmy Snuka and Jimmy Valiant. Can Crusher and his partner gain revenge for the attack on “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous”?
• The tag team war between The Midnight Express and Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware rages on, as the two teams will do battle in El Dorado. You can bet the popular duo of Armstrong and Ware will be even more fired up, after the last card where Jim Cornette got “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton disqualified, so that Eaton could retain the Texas championship. This tag feud roars on!
• Nick Bockwinkel is hoping to avenge his loss to Danny Hodge, as the two will lock up once again. Both men are participants in the Clash at the Coliseum tournament and could very well face each other in the finals, but they are guaranteed to meet on February 20!
• World Tag Team champions Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine will face their rivals and the men they beat for the belts, “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant in a non-title match. Snuka and Valiant are hoping for another shot at the gold, but may have gotten sidetracked with the loss to Larry Zbyszko and The Destroyer. But a win over the champs would definitely earn them another opportunity! Can they do it or will Captain Lou Albano’s men prevail?
• Ed “Strangler” Lewis takes on Dick Hutton. Lewis got a countout win last time in his home arena. Can he win again on “neutral territory”?
• The main event will be a huge return bout for the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship as The Sheik puts his gold on the line against “Playboy” Buddy Rose. The champion was the winner last time via countout in a double bloody bout that saw his sharp object come in to play on several occasions. Can Rose get the win and become the first “Grand Slam” winner in USWA history, or will The Sheik continue to reign?
All this plus, former tag team partners collide when Buff Bagwell faces Brutus Beefcake! Plus Ted DiBiase makes his return to the USWA rings, and more great bouts!

[Cory Olson]

February 20, 2009
Card #198: Civic Center in El Dorado, AR

1) The Killer Bees got a win in the opener against George South and Larry Sharpe. After their controversial loss in challenging for the USWA World Tag Team titles last week, The Bees were focused here, wanting to get another championship opportunity. They kept South in the ring the entire bout and picked up the win when B. Brian Blair pinned South after a flying body press off the top rope. ¼*

2) Danny Doring got a surprising win via countout over Dan Severn. Doring fought hard, hoping to get a big upset win over “The Beast” and even scored some near falls. Nick Bockwinkel, along with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan came down to ringside, to scout Bockwinkel’s first round opponent in the Clash at the Coliseum tournament on Card #200. Doring knocked Severn out of the ring with a dropkick. “Sensational” Sherri Martel distracted Sam Platania, which allowed Bockwinkel to attack Severn. He threw “The Beast” into the ring post. He and Heenan then walked up the aisle, making it look like they hadn’t touched Severn. Platania turned around to see Severn on the floor and put the count on him. Dick Hutton came from the other side of the ring to check on his man, but it was too late, as Severn was counted out. Bockwinkel looked happy with his tactics, and Doring and Sherri were definitely excited over “The Dastardly One’s” dastardly win! ¾*

3) In the first battle of The Killer B’s, it was Brutus Beefcake that got the win over Buff Bagwell. This was a quick, physical bout, that saw each man trying to get the first win. Each hit their respective finishers on the other, but it was as if the former partners knew each other so well, that they were able to kick out at two. Beefcake took control and blasted “Buff Daddy” with a big double thrust to the throat. The move was strong enough to put Bagwell down for the three-count. *

4) After more than two years away, Ted DiBiase returned to the USWA with a vengeance and defeated Johnny Rodz. DiBiase sported a black glove on his right hand in this bout. “The Unpredictable” Rodz had a lot of control in this one, and looked on his way to his first one-on-one win in a USWA ring. But out of nowhere, DiBiase took control and blasted Rodz with the gloved right hand. The punch dropped Rodz and DiBiase took advantage to make a cover and score the pin out of nowhere. DiBiase was cheered by the El Dorado crowd. Dick Hutton was seen watching the match from the aisle, and DiBiase stared him down, pointing to his right hand and signaling that Hutton would soon feel the power of the right. *

5) The Crusher returned from injury with a mystery partner to battle Larry Zbyszko and The Destroyer. “Da” Crusher came to the ring first, then told something to Gary Michael Cappetta. Suddenly, familiar music hit, and out from the crowd came Diamond Dallas Page! The choice of partner was a good one. Page hit the Diamond Cutter on Zbyszko early on, but Bobby Heenan distracted Tommy Marlin. Crusher came in and hit the Bolo, but Zbyszko rolled out of the ring. Zbyszko took a beating, but eventually tagged out the “Intelligent, Sensational One”, who went to work on DDP’s leg, applying the figure-four, and later a single leg Boston Crab. Zbyszko came in and managed to take off the turnbuckle pad, while Destroyer momentarily diverted Marlin’s attention. Zbyszko then rammed Page’s head into the buckle, weakening the Jersey native. But with the crowd behind him, Page fought back and tagged out to Crusher. Crusher hit a punch to the face, then another Crusher Bolo, but again Heenan caused a distraction. Zbyszko was bloodied, but recovered and came off the top rope with a double sledge to Crusher’s neck. Later on, Page had control against Destroyer, and went up to the top rope. Before he could come off, Zbyszko pushed DDP off the top, causing him to hit the mat hard. Destroyer went for a cover, but Crusher came in and broke it with a big stomp. Both men recovered and tagged out to their partners. After a few minutes of action, Crusher put Zbyszko down for the count with a third Bolo, while Page kept Destroyer at bay. The El Dorado fans popped big time and Crusher and Page celebrated among the fans at ringside. ****½

6) The Midnight Express scored a hard-fought victory in a great match against Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware. Both teams fought tooth and nail in this one, as this feud has heated up. “The Birdman” and “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton went at it several times, as Ware was hoping to get a pin on the Texas champion, after being cheated out of the title last week in Dallas. Armstrong hit a Russian leg sweep on Eaton for a near fall. The Georgian followed up with a stiff knee lift, which busted Eaton’s nose. Armstrong went for a cover, but Jim Cornette jumped up on the ring apron. This allowed Eaton to recover and blast Armstrong with a right hand. “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey later hit a face-first leg sweep on Ware for a near fall, but Ware used his Ghostbuster later for another two-count. Ware later hit a top rope diving head butt on Condrey, which bloodied him up as well. The Midnights managed to take control and hit a Midnight Massacre on ‘The Birdman”. Somehow Koko managed to kick out. A few minutes later, they followed up with a second Massacre and Eaton made the cover to get the pin. The match was over, but the war wasn’t, as Condrey charged Armstrong and threw him to the floor. Cornette then tossed Eaton his tennis racket, and the Texas champ drove the racket into Ware’s throat. While “The Birdman” writhed in pain, Eaton went to the top rope, while Condrey and Cornette held him down. Eaton dove off with a knee drop, landing right across Ware’s throat. Ware started coughing up blood, while The Midnights and Cornette celebrated their attack. Armstrong finally recovered, but the damage had been done to his tag team partner. *****

7) Nick Bockwinkel got a submission victory over Danny Hodge. Bockwinkel was focused here, fighting more aggressively than usual. His focus was on Hodge’s leg, going for the figure-four leglock. When Hodge wouldn’t surrender, Bockwinkel went for his sleeper, but Dan Severn had come down to ringside and tried to get in the ring, looking for revenge on Bockwinkel for his earlier involvement in Severn’s bout. Dick Hutton calmed “The Beast” down, but Bockwinkel released the hold and jawed with Severn. Hodge was later seeing red, as the blood streamed down his face. Bockwinkel continued the attack on the leg and eventually caused Hodge to tap to the figure-four. **

8) World Tag Team champions Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine defeated their rivals “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant. This was a back-and-forth bout. The champions, as has become one of their trademarks, worked over their opponents’ necks. They proved their toughness as a duo, busting open both Snuka and Valiant. Snuka had control over Valentine, but Capt. Lou Albano attacked Snuka at one point on the floor, while Tommy Gilbert was distracted by Muraco and Valiant in the ring. Snuka wasn’t too hurt by the Captain, but this allowed Valentine to recover and nail Snuka with a steel chair to the back of the neck. Muraco hit a Hawaiian Hammer and went for a cover, but Valiant made a save. Snuka came back and went to the top rope, looking for the Superfly Leap. He dove off, but Muraco rolled out of the way. Snuka hit hard and his neck whiplashed back. Muraco hit another Hammer and got the pin. ***½

9) Team RPW’s coach Dick Hutton scored a huge win, pinning Ed “Strangler” Lewis prior to Lewis challenging Frank Gotch for the World Heavyweight crown on the USWA’s 200th card. This was a physical bout that saw both men have the upper hand at various times. Lewis locked on a double wristlock, then turned into a Strangler’s Headlock trying to get either a pin or a submission on Hutton. Hutton managed to get his foot on the bottom rope after a long struggle. Hutton applied his own abdominal stretch to the “Strangler” for nearly a minute, but Lewis managed to force a break as well by grabbing the ropes. It was a slugfest between the two, with Hutton starting to gain control via some forearm shots. Hutton went up to the second turnbuckle, and leapt off with another impressive forearm shot, that leveled Lewis. Hutton went for a cover and got a somewhat surprising three-count. This was Lewis’ first pin or submission loss since returning from his broken ankle. Lewis seemed shaken up by the forearm blows, but was able to return to the locker room on his own. Hutton definitely gave Team RP W a psychological advantage over the “Strangler” prior to his title shot, and perhaps to Ted DiBiase prior to Hutton and DiBiase’s bout. ***

10) The main event was a rematch for the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship as The Sheik defended against “Playboy” Buddy Rose. This one was practically over before it started. With both men in their respective corners after Gary Michael Cappetta’s main event introductions, Sheik charged Rose from behind and attacked him. “Sensational” Sherri Martel started screaming for her man. Meanwhile Abdullah Farouk ran around the ring and started yelling at Sherri. Tommy Marlin was distracted by Farouk and Martel, and didn’t see Sheik toss a huge fireball right at the challenger! Sherri saw it and screamed for Rose’s safety, while he rolled on the mat in pain. The champ then went to his second weapon—the sharp object and proceeded to jab away at Rose’s burned flesh. It was just a matter of moments before Sheik was able to pin Rose’s shoulders to the mat, after using the spike several times. The El Dorado fans were not happy by the quick and controversial main event, but the decision stood. Danny Doring made his way down to the ring, to attend to his fallen partner, along with Sherri. By virtue of his victory, Sheik has set a record for most defense of the Southern title—with seven, having just surpassed Frank Gotch’s first reign in late 2006-early 2007. DUD

[TDalton]

I'm just catching up on some USWA action! Big wins for Hutton and 7 time USWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel! Seriously, his title reigns could be like the inflated Goldberg winning streak!

Armstrong & Koko are doing well - it seems like even when they lose, they are really competitive. I'm still digging the Muraco/Valentine team. The big 200th show spectacular is sounding great!

[Cory Olson]

Thanks, Tim, for the comments!

Mar 5, 2009 13:39:28 GMT -5 TDalton said:

I'm just catching up on some USWA action! Big wins for Hutton and 7 time USWA Champion Nick Bockwinkel! Seriously, his title reigns could be like the inflated Goldberg winning streak!

It reminds me of Ric Flair's real number of World title reigns as well.

Mar 5, 2009 13:39:28 GMT -5 TDalton said:

Armstrong & Koko are doing well - it seems like even when they lose, they are really competitive.

Yeah, they have awesome matches and have come so close to beating The Midnights apart from their New Year's Knockout V win.

Mar 5, 2009 13:39:28 GMT -5 TDalton said:

I'm still digging the Muraco/Valentine team.

They've surprised me. I'm interested to see how long they hold on to the gold.

Mar 5, 2009 13:39:28 GMT -5 TDalton said:

The big 200th show spectacular is sounding great!

Thanks! I hope it's a memorable one!

Check back later this weekend for the preview of Card #199 and more matches for the big 200th show!

[Cory Olson]

Highlights from two very newsworthy episodes of USWA Championship Wrestling:
February 21, 2009
• It was announced that due to the attack by The Midnight Express and Jim Cornette, “The Birdman” Koko B. Ware had suffered a throat injury and will be out of action for about two months. Brad Armstrong was interviewed and announced that he had enlisted some help to battle The Midnights and Cornette. The Killer Bees walked into the WMC-TV studios. Armstrong revealed that a six-man tag team match had been signed between the two trios for the 200th card.
• In another big tag team match signed for the Mid South Coliseum, former World Tag Team champions “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant will take on one-half of the USWA World Tag Team champions Magnificent Muraco and manager Capt. Lou Albano. You can bet that Snuka and Valiant are looking forward to getting their hands on the rubber banded manager in a sanctioned match.
• The Crusher will do battle with Heenan Family member Larry Zbyszko in another big feud match.
• Ted DiBiase was interviewed by Bill Apter on this episode. Apter asked the former Southern Heavyweight champion about his black gloved right hand. DiBiase stated that while wrestling in the UWF, he suffered a broken hand. The glove was to protect the previously injured hand. Rather than make excuses, DiBiase had trained his hand to be one of his top weapons and he delivers a powerful blow which has knocked down many opponents. He plans to knock out Team RPW or anyone else who gets in his way. DiBiase also announced that his teammates “Dr. Death” Steve Williams, “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan, and “Iron” Mike DiBiase are finishing commitments for the UWF, but will debut at the 200th card!

February 28, 2009
• Another tag match was signed as the other half of the World Tag Team champions Greg “The Hammer” Valentine will reform The Dream Team with Brutus Beefcake. These two will battle Buff Bagwell and his new partner. “Buff Daddy’s” partner will debut on the next card, but Capt. Lou Albano was confident that The Dream Team can handle whoever the partner turns out to be, so he signed for this bout.
• In singles action, Diamond Dallas Page will do battle with two-time former USWA World Heavyweight champion “Playboy” Buddy Rose.
• Speaking of DDP, he and The Crusher were interviewed by Lance Russell about their victory the previous week over The Destroyer and Larry Zbyszko. Crusher said he chose Page as his partner, because he sees him like himself, as a man of the people. Russell asked if the two would team up again. Page stated that while both are more focused on singles competition, that they are willing to help each other out, whenever it’s needed.

We’re one stop away from this huge 200th card! But Card #199 at the Rupp Arena in Lexington will be a huge one itself!
• “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous”—The Crusher will take on “Playboy” Buddy Rose. Rose is suffering some bumps and bruises from challenging The Sheik for the Southern Heavyweight title on the last card, but you have to give him credit for not taking time off. Who will win this big bout?
• “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant will collide with one of Capt. Lou Albano’s men—former Texas champion Brutus Beefcake. Albano is looking to wear down Valiant before he and Magnificent Muraco have to step into the ring with Valiant and Jimmy Snuka. Can Valiant boogie his way to a victory over the San Francisco native?
• Before they collide in six-man tag team action, The Killer Bees will face The Midnight Express. The Bees are fighting for Koko B. Ware’s honor, but this match is also important for moving up in the tag team division. Will it be The Bees or The Midnights getting a victory before the showdown at the Mid South Coliseum?
• World Tag Team champion Magnificent Muraco will take on his hated rival “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. This feud continues to roll on. Who will get the win in Lexington?
• Before challenging for the World Heavyweight title, Ed “Strangler” Lewis will face “Dastardly” Danny Doring. Doring was bragging on Championship Wrestling about his “win” over Dan Severn on the last card and claims he’ll upset another technical wrestling great in Lexington. While Lewis is coming off a loss to Dick Hutton, you can be he’s focused for the World title bout, plus he’s got his home state on his side. Can Doring gain the upset or will Lewis put a stranglehold on him?
• The main event will be a big six-man tag team bout pitting Team RPW against The Heenan Family and their associate. Dick Hutton, Danny Hodge, and Dan “The Beast” Severn will take on Nick Bockwinkel, Larry Zbyszko, and The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer. There’s six of the top wrestlers in the USWA in this one. You’ve got three former USWA World Heavyweight champions featured, plus all four participants in the Clash at the Coliseum tournament. There will be some bragging rights going to the winners. Will it be the pure wrestling unit or the Family coming out on top?
All this plus Diamond Dallas Page and Ted DiBiase in action, as well as Buff Bagwell teaming up with his new partner!

[Cory Olson]

March 6, 2009
Card #199: Rupp Arena in Lexington

1) Brad Armstrong was victorious in the opener defeating George South. Armstrong rocked South and picked up the win in a few minutes with a Russian leg sweep. DUD

2) Cousin Luke and S.D. Jones were to meet Buff Bagwell and his new partner. Buff Bagwell came out to his “Buff Daddy” theme song first. He handed a card to Gary Michael Cappetta. Cappetta then introduced…Chris Candido, who walked out to his familiar “Back in Black” theme! Candido last wrestled in the USWA in 2006-2007, as part of a unit with “Playboy” Buddy Rose and Gorgeous George. The new duo of Bagwell and Candido worked well together, keeping “Special Delivery” in the ring the entire time. Candido took Jones to the top rope and looked about ready to execute his Blonde Bomb, but the hillbilly Luke jumped in to stop the attempted move. Bagwell came in and knocked Luke out of the ring with a clothesline. “Buff Daddy” tagged in shortly after and picked up the win with after a Buff Blockbuster on Jones. ¼*

3) Larry Sharpe got perhaps his biggest USWA win to date with a pinfall over Ted DiBiase. DiBiase had the match in control, locking on a figure-four leglock early, but Sharpe made the ropes. Team RPW’s coach Dick Hutton came down to ringside to scout his opponent for the 200th card. DiBiase went up to the top rope for a maneuver. Before he leapt, he started jawing with Hutton. This was a mistake that allowed Sharpe to get to his feet and slam DiBiase off the top rope. He made a quick cover and scored the pinfall. DiBiase got up right after the bell and was mad at himself for his mistake. Hutton seemed to have a smirk on his face as he made his way back to the locker room. ¼*

4) Diamond Dallas Page scored a hard-fought win over Virgil. DDP went for the Diamond Cutter early, but Virgil slipped out of it. The former bodyguard gave Page a good fight, using his punching skills to wear down the Jersey native. But with the crowd behind him, Page rallied back and put Virgil down after a stiff discus clothesline. ¾*

5) The Crusher scored an impressive win over “Playboy” Buddy Rose. Crusher rocked the former USWA World champion with his hard-hitting offense. Despite “Sensational” Sherri Martel’s best efforts, “Da” Crusher put her man down after a big Crusher Bolo. DUD

6) “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant battled Brutus Beefcake to a double disqualification. Valiant had control throughout most of this bout, locking on his sleeper, and later hitting a top rope super elbow drop, but couldn’t keep Beefcake down. The two brawled in and out of the ring, and were throwing wild punches in the center of the ring. When Paul Neighbors tried to break the two up, both Valiant and Beefcake slugged Neighbors. The official was left with no choice but to disqualify both men. The World Tag Team champions Greg Valentine and Magnificent Muraco ran down and jumped “Handsome” Jimmy, holding him down, while Capt. Lou Albano went to attack him with a steel chair. Before he could “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka ran down to save his partner from further punishment. *¼

7) The Midnight Express got a controversial win via DQ over The Killer Bees. Jim Cornette got involved several times to give his men the advantage. “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton and “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey used the face-first leg sweep a few times, as well as the Rocket Launcher on B. Brian Blair. As Texas champion Eaton went for the cover, Jerry Calhoun was getting Condrey out of the ring, which allowed “Jumping” Jim Brunzell to sneak in and blast Eaton with a low dropkick to the face and give his team the advantage. Still Cornette was able to sneak in cheap shots and sneaky tactics to allow The Midnights to retain control. Brunzell managed to tag out to Blair and The Bees took over on “Beautiful” Bobby, double teaming him and hitting a double dropkick. Unfortunately they were so angered by The Midnights’ tactics, that they were not paying attention to Calhoun’s count and got disqualified for double teaming, giving “Beautiful” Bobby and “Loverboy” Dennis the win. Cornette celebrated the victory. The Lexington fans were irate by the call, considering all of “The Louisville Slugger’s” antics! **¼

8) World Tag Team co-champion Magnificent Muraco bloodied and beat his rival “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. Muraco worked over Snuka and hit the Hawaiian Hammer twice. With the fans behind him, as well as his tag team partner “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant who came down to ringside midway through the bout, Snuka managed to kicked out. After the second Hammer, Snuka came up bleeding and the blood poured throughout the rest of the bout. The Fijian warrior fought hard against the Hawaiian surfer, but couldn’t keep him down for long. Muraco used his Asiatic Spike several times and got the win after a third Hawaiian Hammer. ***¼

9) Despite coming off a loss on the last card to Dick Hutton, Ed “Strangler” Lewis dominated “Dastardly” Danny Doring. The next challenger for the World Heavyweight title had the Kentuckian crowd on his side. He utilized his Strangler’s Headlock several times, even sidestepping a top rope double sledge from Doring and grabbing the “Dastardly One” in the headlock and taking him down to the mat in a quick motion. But the headlock would come in to play again and force a tapout from a bloodied Doring. ¼*

10) The main event was a big six-man tag team match that pitted Team RPW members Dick Hutton, Danny Hodge, and Dan Severn against Heenan Family members Nick Bockwinkel, Larry Zbyszko, and their associate The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer. Neither team is considered fan favorites, but the Lexington fans sided slightly with the trio of Bockwinkel, Zbyszko, and Destroyer, perhaps due to RPW fueding with Kentuckian Ed “Strangler” Lewis. “The Beast” and Destroyer, who met in January for the World Heavyweight title, started the match off. Severn hit a German suplex for a two-count, then tagged out to Hodge. Destroyer caught Hodge with a small package for a near fall, then continued his onslaught on the Oklahoman. He applied the figure-four, but Hodge made the ropes. Zbyszko tagged in and slammed Hodge’s head into the turnbuckle several times. He dropped Hodge with a piledriver, but only got a two. Bockwinkel tagged in and worked over Hodge, before tagging out to Destroyer. The masked man locked on the figure-four again, but Hutton jumped in and dropped a knee to Destroyer’s head. This allowed Hodge to recover and he tagged out to Hutton, who made his first official appearance of the match. Hutton threw Bockwinkel with a nice side salto, then turned into a pin attempt, but Bockwinkel just kicked out. Bockwinkel took over on Hutton after a brief skirmish on the floor, then applied the figure-four in the center of the ring. Hutton managed to roll into the ropes. Zbyszko tagged in again. He showcased his martial arts skills, blasting Hutton with a big spinning back kick. Hutton went down and Zbyszko capitalized, making a cover. He wisely positioned himself near the ring ropes, where Bobby “The Brain” Heenan was. Zbyszko put his own feet on the middle ropes and “The Brain” held on for added leverage, unseen by Jerry Calhoun. The move proved effective as Zbyszko scored the pin for his team. RPW was outraged by the ending, but the crowd didn’t seem too sympathetic to them! ***¼

[Cory Olson]

From beginning to end, here’s the line-up for the historic 200th USWA card from the Mid South Coliseum in Memphis on March 10!

The card will open up with the first round matches in the Clash at the Coliseum tournament. This will allow the two winning wrestlers time to rest up before the final bout.

The Destroyer vs. Danny Hodge
(First Round Match in The Clash at the Coliseum Tournament)

Former World Heavyweight champion Destroyer battles former NWA Jr. Heavyweight champion Hodge. Both men are great technicians. This will be the first time the two have met in a one-on-one match. Hodge holds wins over “tougher” opponents and hopes get another win here against the masked man. This should be a great bout, and it’s just the opener!

Nick Bockwinkel vs. Dan Severn
(First Round Match in The Clash at the Coliseum Tournament)

Two former USWA World Heavyweight champions collide in this one. They have met before, with Bockwinkel coming out the winner. “The Beast” would love to make the three-time champ tap out and earn another opportunity at the gold. Who will emerge victorious and move on to the finals?

The final bout of the tournament is currently slated to take place before the main event. Remember, fans—the winner of this four-man tournament will win $25,000 and will get to challenge the winner of the main event for the USWA World Heavyweight championship on April 10 in Evansville, IN. Also, the inaugural USWA champion Johnny Valentine will be the special guest referee for the finals. Valentine appeared in the WMC-TV studios this past week and was interviewed by Lance Russell. He informed the four wrestlers that he will be an impartial official and will call it right down the middle. In a random “USWA history” moment, should Nick Bockwinkel get to the finals, it was Valentine whom Bockwinkel defeated in 2004 for his first USWA championship.

Mike DiBiase vs. Virgil

“Iron” Mike makes his USWA debut. He’ll battle his son Ted’s former bodyguard. Virgil should not be underestimated and he is a tough competitor and has scored upset wins in the past!

The Dream Team vs. Buff Bagwell & Chris Candido

“Buff Daddy’s” new tag team partner was a good choice, but they’ll be going up against a tough team in Beefcake and one-half of the World Tag Team champs Valentine. Which former Killer B will have the better partner to lead his team to victory?

Steve Williams & “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan vs. George South & Larry Sharpe

The other members of Ted DiBiase’s group will make their first appearance. Duggan wrestled in the USWA in 2005 and 2006, but this will be “Dr. Death’s” first time in a USWA ring.

Diamond Dallas Page vs. Buddy Rose

DDP continues to roll in the USWA, having not lost by pin or submission. He’ll have a big bout against two-time former USWA World Heavyweight champion Rose. Will the “Playboy” feel the BANG!?

The Crusher vs. Larry Zbyszko

Zbyszko, along with Nick Bockwinkel and The Destroyer, put Crusher out of action with a neck injury. Crusher and Diamond Dallas Page got a tag win over Zbyszko and Destroyer, but “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous” wants to get another one-on-one win over Zbyszko. Will it be “Da” Crusher polkaing out of the Mid South Coliseum in victory or can Zbyszko pick up the win?

The Midnight Express & Jim Cornette vs. The Killer Bees & Brad Armstrong

“The Louisville Slugger” will certainly bust out his typical spandex bodysuit for this one! Armstrong enlisted the help of The Bees when his partner Koko B. Ware went down to injury from The Midnights and Cornette. Can the popular trio stop Cornette and his men?

Ted DiBiase vs. Dick Hutton

A lot of history in this one! DiBiase and Hutton formed an alliance in 2004. Many experts thought it was an odd combination, but the duo briefly held the USWA World Tag Team titles in 2005, defeating the then-undefeated Valentines. Their partnership fell apart and Hutton joined up with Frank Gotch. It was DiBiase losing his money to Gotch at New Year’s Knockout in 2006 that led to the formation of Team RPW. Now the “roles” have switched with DiBiase being backed by the fans, and Hutton and RPW becoming cocky, hated wrestlers. Who will get the win in this one?

Magnificent Muraco & Capt. Lou Albano vs. Jimmy Snuka & Jimmy Valiant

Albano follows fellow manager Jim Cornette in stepping in the ring on this night. The “Superfly” and “The Boogie Woogie Man” have had their problems with Albano interfering in their matches. Now they get the chance to face him head-on. Can the former World Tag Team champs defeat one of the current titleholders and the rubber banded manager?

Frank Gotch vs. Ed “Strangler” Lewis
(Main Event—USWA World Heavyweight Championship)

Even though it’ll only be the second time these two have met one-on-one, there’s so much heat and history here. Gotch offered Lewis a spot in Team RPW last summer, but the “Strangler” politely refused. Gotch claimed there were no hard feelings, but the rejection obviously bothered Gotch and his teammates, as they ambused Lewis and broke his ankle with the Gotch Toehold. Gotch finally achieved his goal this year of winning his first USWA World championship, but his first defense will be a tough one, against two-time champ Lewis. Will the “Strangler” headlock his way to a third championship or will the Gotch Toehold bring him down?

That’s the historic 200th USWA card on March 13 from the Mid South Coliseum in Memphis, TN!