Cory's USWA

[bookerbill]

Excellently laid out card with a fantastic build to the main event. This card had a little of everything and was bookended with a pair a great tag team encounters

[TTX]

Solid show all around. Nice seeing the Jones Boys in action, Cabana/Pearce is always fun and congrats to the Armstrongs on their title win.

[Cory Olson]

Thanks to Victory Roll, Pariah, Booker Bill, and Troy for the comments!

Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on 5-19:
• Commissioner Teddy Long had some big announcements for the coming weeks! He congratulated Brad and Brian Armstrong on regaining the USWA World Tag Team titles last week in Memphis. He said that the first challengers of their second reign will be John and Chris Tolos! That bout will be the main event on June 18 at the Rupp Arena in Lexington! The commissioner pointed out that this will be a historic bout, as it will be the first time that two different brother tag teams will battle each other for the USWA World Tag Team titles!
• The commissioner also had more bouts for the May 28 Memorial Day card in Engel Stadium in Chattanooga!
o Commissioner Long verified the stipulation for the main event: Match #5 of the Seven Levels of Hate series between Colt “Boom Boom” Cabana and “Scrap Iron” Adam Pearce will be an “I Quit” Match! This will be the first time this kind of match has taken place in the USWA. The only way a wrestler can win the match is by making his opponent say “I quit!”
o “Classy” Freddie Blassie will take on King Kong Bundy in a first-time match-up! You can bet that “The Mouth of The South” Jimmy Hart is going to try to get the New Jersey giant to hurt and perhaps even injure “The King of Men” before Blassie challenges fellow First Family of Wrestling member Harley Race for the USWA World Heavyweight title on June 11 at the Nashville Fairgrounds!
o Speaking of the First Family, Jimmy Hart’s tag team of Ray “The Crippler” Stevens and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine will take on the former World Tag Team champions The Flying Redheads! Both of these teams have strong win-loss records and are looking to get into the championship picture!

• Commissioner Long also announced two more matches for the June 11 card at the Nashville Fairgrounds!
o “Superstar” Bill Dundee will do battle once again with “Exotic” Adrian Street! Dundee has yet to defeat the two-time former Southern Heavyweight champion and hopes finally to do so in the “Music City”!
o As part of his new talent initiative, the commissioner announced that another wrestler will make his USWA debut, when Dutch Savage competes! Savage has made a name on the West Coast, primarily in Pacific Northwest Wrestling (PNW), where he has held the PNW Heavyweight title. He is a rough and rugged competitor and will fit in well in the USWA!

• It was also announced that the 11th annual Independence Day Bash will take place (as always) on July 4! This year’s event will be held at Tim McCarver Stadium in Memphis! This will also be the milestone 550th USWA card! Matches for this supercard will be announced on Championship Wrestling in the coming weeks!

The USWA returns to Freedom Hall in Johnson City on May 21!
• In a rematch from last week in Memphis, “Classy” Freddie Blassie will take on Jim Powers! Powers gave Blassie quite the challenge but got disqualified when Blassie’s tactic paid off. Can Powers avenge that loss and score a huge upset or will “The King of Men” prevail?
• “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant will do battle with Chris Tolos, one-on-one! Can “The Boy from New York City” defeat the Canadian grappler?
• In a rematch from Derby City Stampede, Ray “The Crippler” Stevens and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine will face The Uptown Boys! Marty Jannetty and Ric McCord took the First Family of Wrestling team to the limit in Louisville. Can they avenge that loss or will Stevens and Valentine continue their winning ways?
• Another rematch from Louisville will see Tommy “Wildfire” Rich take on Hugh Morrus! Rich scored a countout victory over the laughing man and hopes to get a decisive win in Johnson City. Can he achieve it?
• The Patriot will take on a huge challenge when he does battle with King Kong Bundy! Bundy defeated the Patriot by countout last month in Evansville when World champion Harley Race interfered. The masked American is hoping to get another World title shot but he needs to get by the New Jersey giant first!
• The main event will be for the USWA Southern Heavyweight title. Current and three-time champion “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson will defend the title against “Scrap Iron” Adam Pearce! Danielson continues his battles against Jim Cornette’s men. Pearce earned this shot by pinning Danielson in the tag team match at Derby City Stampede. Pearce is taking on a lot, being in the middle of his Seven Levels of Hate series with Danielson’s ally Colt Cabana. Who will leave Freedom Hall the Southern Heavyweight champion?

All these bouts, plus The Heavenly Bodies take on S.D. and S.T. Jones! As well as “The Fabulous” Jackie Fargo, “Dastardly” Danny Doring, and the House of Humperdink tag team of Ivan Koloff and Mr. Saito in action!

[Cory Olson]

May 21, 2018
Card #545: Freedom Hall in Johnson City

1) Ivan Koloff and Mr. Saito were victorious in the opener over Memphis natives Robert Reed and Ken Raper. The House of Humperdink team kept Raper in the ring for the whole bout, tagging in and out. “The Russian Bear” put Raper down for the three-count in about four minutes after the Russian Sickle. DUD

2) “Dastardly” Danny Doring scored a pinfall on George South. While South had some flurries of offense, the “Dastardly One” largely dominated and even seemed to be taking his time to defeat South. Doring got South down on the mat and came off the second rope with the Panty Drop elbow. Rather than go for a pin, he went up to the top and hit the Danaconda to score the win in four minutes. As Doring got his hand raised by Sam Platania with the Amish RoadKill by his side, he again indicated that he would become the new Mid-America Heavyweight champion next week in Engel Stadium in Chattanooga! DUD

3) “The Fabulous” Jackie Fargo scored another win, this time over “The Unpredictable” Johnny Rodz. Fargo controlled much of the action in this brief bout, hitting the atomic drop and scoring the pinfall in just over a minute! Fargo gave the Freedom Hall fans a good Fabulous Fargo Strut after the win! DUD

4) The Heavenly Bodies picked up a win over S.D. and S.T. Jones. The Joneses had Dr. Tom Prichard in trouble for the opening minutes of the bout, as “Special Delivery” hit a suplex for a two-count. “Soul Train” tagged in and hit the Russian leg sweep but Prichard again kicked out. Prichard took over in a brawl outside the ring and tagged to Chris Candido. The Bodies kept S.T. in the ring for the remainder of the match, tagging in and out, hitting the Flapjack, a double team suplex, and finally the Prima Donna Plunge to score the pinfall in six minutes, while Candido kept “Philadelphia’s Favorite Son” at bay. It was a measure of revenge for “The Suicide Blonde,” who had been eliminated by “Soul Train” in the 15-man Battle Royal at Derby City Stampede! **¾

5) “Classy” Freddie Blassie scored a pinfall on Jim Powers. It looked as if Powers might score the upset win he almost did last week in Memphis, as he had the initial advantage. Blassie broke up a wristlock in the corner by sneaking in a low blow, which was just out of Tom Branch’s site. Blassie knocked Powers out of the ring and then followed him, ramming the New Yorker’s head into the ring post. Powers was almost counted out but managed to get back in by nine. Blassie stayed in control and hit the Southern neckbreaker about a minute later to score the pinfall in about four minutes. “The King of Men” gloated that he will soon be the champion of the world! *½

6) “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant was victorious over Chris Tolos in about five minutes. The younger Tolos gave the two-time former World Heavyweight champion a challenge but Valiant rallied back. Tolos kicked out of a neckbreaker but got put down for the three by the Boogie Woogie elbow. Valiant had lots of his “Street People” in Johnson City tonight, as the fans went wild for his win! **

7) Ray “The Crippler” Stevens and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine picked up another hard-earned win in an amazing 24-minute match with The Uptown Boys! The action was back and forth in this one. About five minutes into the match, Valentine went for the figure-four leglock on Ric McCord. With Marty Jannetty and the fans rooting him on, McCord managed to reverse the hold on Valentine! Valentine was close enough to the ropes that he quickly grabbed them for a break. Valentine recovered and right back to work on McCord’s leg. He went for another figure-four but before he could apply it to both legs, McCord blocked him and rolled him into a small package for a two-count. Valentine got up and went after McCord but McCord had gotten back on his feet and surprised “The Hammer” with a side saddle suplex. He then made the hot tag to Jannetty, who immediately climbed up the ropes and leapt off the top with fist drop, which busted open Valentine. Jannetty made a cover but Valentine kicked out. Jannetty followed up with the Rocker Dropper. He covered the former Texas champion but Jimmy Hart jumped up on the apron and distracted Tommy Marlin. Jannetty threatened “The Mouth of The South,” who quickly retreated. McCord tagged back in and went up top as well, coming off with the flying body press. He covered Valentine and hooked the leg. Hart again jumped up on the ring apron, shouting loudly through the megaphone. Stevens came off the top with the Bombs Away to the back of McCord’s head, breaking up the pin. He put Valentine on top, as Hart left the ring apron and Marlin went to count but McCord kicked out at 2¾. Valentine took McCord to the First Family team’s corner and choked him. Marlin warned Valentine about this, which allowed “The Crippler” to wrap the tag rope around McCord’s throat and choke him, as well as pummel him with forearms to the face! As Stevens released the choke, McCord was now bleeding as well. Stevens and Valentine worked over McCord for several minutes. Valentine sent him into the ropes and bent over for a back body drop. McCord dodged him twice with leapfrogs. On the third rebound, Valentine went for a haymaker but McCord dodged that too, slid underneath “The Hammer,” and dove to the Uptown Boys’ corner to tag Jannetty! Jannetty jumped in and went to work on Valentine. He hit a DDT and scored a very near fall. As Jannetty hit the ropes, Stevens nailed him with a knee to the back to cut off his momentum. This allowed the First Family to take over. They double teamed Jannetty, until he managed to tag back to McCord. McCord ran wild on “The Crippler” but had lost a lot of blood by this point and Stevens regained the offensive. He tagged back to Valentine and the rulebreakers worked on McCord’s leg. Valentine went for another figure-four and had McCord in trouble but Jannetty made a save. Stevens came in and took Jannetty to the floor. He hit a vertical suplex on the floor, then returned to the First Family’s corner. Valentine tagged Stevens back in and he immediately went up the ropes and came off with the Bombs Away. He covered a bloodied McCord and scored the pinfall. Hart’s team continues to impress in the USWA tag team division! ****¾

8) In another rematch from Derby City Stampede, “Wildfire” Tommy Rich picked up a decisive victory over Hugh Morrus in eight minutes. Rich had the early advantage and scored a near fall after fist drop. The laughing man blocked a body slam and hit a power bomb for a two-count of his own. Morrus stayed in control and scored two-counts after a spinebuster and after No Joke. Rich started to fight back, with the crowd behind him. He and Morrus exchanged punches on their feet. Morrus went for a clothesline but Rich ducked, spun him around, and got him up in an airplane spin. He spun the House of Humperdink member around several times before dropping him and then falling on top of him to score the pinfall. Rich continues to impress in the USWA! ***¼

9) The Patriot picked up a dominant win over King Kong Bundy, with a pinfall in six minutes. The masked American showcased his power again by hitting the Uncle Slam on the 446-pounder and scoring a two-count. He hit the Patriot Missile, knocking heads with Bundy and busting him open. The Patriot was shaken up too and was slow to cover the New Jersey giant, so Bundy kicked out. The Patriot stayed in control and hit a second Missile to knock down Bundy again. This time, the Missile put Bundy down for the pin! As the Patriot got his hand raised by Sam Platania, he pointed to Jimmy Hart that he wants another shot at Harley Race and the USWA World Heavyweight title! *½

10) The main event was for the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship. Current and three-time champion “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson put the title on the line against “Scrap Iron” Adam Pearce. Former Mid-America champion Pearce had scored a pinfall on Danielson in a tag team match at Derby City Stampede, with Pearce and former Southern champion Mr. Hughes against Danielson and Colt “Boom Boom” Cabana. With Pearce being in the middle of the Seven Levels of Hate series with Cabana, he was going into the title match after some physical bouts. Pearce, naturally, had Jim Cornette and Hughes in his corner. Danielson kept an eye on Cornette and Hughes at ringside throughout the bout.

This was a back-and-forth title bout. Pearce hit a power slam a few minutes into the bout and scored a two-count. Danielson took control a few minutes later and knocked Pearce out of the ring. He hit a suicide dive, sending Pearce into the guard railing. Cornette and Hughes made their way over to Pearce but Danielson stood in front of them, grabbed the challenger himself, and tossed him back into the ring. Danielson went for a cover but “Scrap Iron” kicked out. Danielson tried for submissions with both the guillotine choke and the LeBell Lock but Pearce managed to get to the ropes both times for breaks. Danielson bounced off the ropes and went for a forearm smash but Pearce surprised him with a Last Ride lariat and scored a near fall. Pearce sent “Dragon” into the corner and charged in with a double sledge but Danielson sidestepped him and took him into the top turnbuckle with a drop toehold. Pearce’s head hit the buckle hard and he was busted open. Danielson went for the guillotine choke again but Cornette jumped up on the ring apron and distracted Tommy Marlin. Danielson released the hold but stayed in control. The Southern champ went up to the top and hit a missile dropkick, then kipped up and went for a cover but Pearce kicked out. It looked as if Danielson had things wrapped up but Pearce surprised him with some stiff punches and drew blood on the champion. With Danielson dazed, Pearce went for a schoolboy roll-up, using the tights. Despite the leverage, Danielson still managed to kick out. Pearce had Danielson in trouble and went up the ropes. Danielson recovered and followed Pearce up the buckles. He hit a back superplex, landing in the center of the ring. Danielson turned into a guillotine choke again quickly. Pearce fought hard but had to tap out at 25 minutes. Marlin called for the bell and declared Danielson the winner and still Southern champion! As Danielson got his hand raised, he and Hughes had a stare down and the bodyguard indicated he wants his rematch for the Southern gold! *****

[TTX]

Ray Stevens is always tough. Big win for Danielson in the main event.

[bookerbill]

The second half of that card was on fire. Great action in the main event and the tag team match tore the house down

[Pariah]

The Uptown Boys delivered a dazzling performance, but there was just no stopping the Crippler & Hammer - A dangerous duo that could be looking for a crack at the Armstrongs for the tag belts very soon.

Absolutely epic main event, my friend... Happy that Danielson retained, but I hope Pearce's momentum doesn't suffer from the loss... Counting on him to beat Cabana in the next stage of Seven Levels of Hate... Exciting times!

[victoryroll84]

All caught up with USWA action!

Always a blast to read Cory

[cruefan68]

Another amazing show, Uptown Boys vs. Ray Stevens & Greg Valentine and Bryan Danielson vs. Adam Pearce were real standouts. Nothing beats the action in the USWA.

[Cory Olson]

Thanks to Troy, Booker Bill, Pariah, Victory Roll, and Crue Fan for the comments!

Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on May 26:
• Commissioner Teddy Long announced some more matches for the coming weeks. He said that the June 25 card will take place in a new city and arena for the USWA, as the USWA debuts in Tuscaloosa, AL at the Jaycee Fairgrounds Arena! The main event will see “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson defend the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship against “The Monday Night Messiah” Tyler Black! Black has been wanting this shot for some time. For a lot of wrestling fans, this could be an action-packed match!
• The commissioner verified that Mr. Hughes will receive his rematch for the Southern title in the near future!
• Another Jim Cornette-managed wrestler has a big match upcoming, as two-time former Southern Heavyweight champion “Exotic” Adrian Street will face “Superstar” Bill Dundee on June 11 at the Nashville Fairgrounds! The Aussie “Superstar” is hoping to get his first win on Street! He has come close but Cornette and/or Mr. Hughes have been the difference makers!

The USWA presents a huge card on Memorial Day—May 28, from Engel Stadium in Chattanooga!
• “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant will do battle once again with “Exotic” Adrian Street! Valiant and “Superstar” Bill Dundee have had their struggles with Jim Cornette’s men the last few months. Can “The Boy from New York City” defeat the British glam rocker?
• The former World Tag Team champions The Flying Redheads will take on the First Family of Wrestling’s team of Ray “The Crippler” Stevens and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine! Stevens and Valentine have yet to lose decisively in tag team competition but this will be their toughest test to date. Red Bastien and Billy Red Lyons are hoping to get back on track after suffering their first loss since their reunion and losing the USWA World Tag Team titles to the Armstrong Brothers two weeks ago in Memphis. Who will win this epic tag team encounter?
• Another wrestler who’s been on a roll is “Wildfire” Tommy Rich. Rich will have his toughest opponent so far when he faces John Tolos! Rich made his debut in Nashville in March teaming up with “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant and “Superstar” Bill Dundee against the Toloses and “Classy” Freddie Blassie. While Tolos has competed more in tag team matches, he is a very capable singles competitor. Can Rich continue his winning ways or will Tolos score the big win?
• The current World Tag Team champions Brad and Brian Armstrong will battle Mad Dog Vachon and Baron Von Raschke in a non-title grudge match! The Armstrong Brothers got disqualified for double teaming in the six-man tag team match with them and their father “Bullet” Bob against Vachon, Von Raschke, and Doctor X. Vachon is a very capable tag team wrestler, having held the USWA titles twice with his brother Butcher. Can the champs get the win or will the rulebreakers earn a huge non-title victory?
• Before he challenges Harley Race for the USWA World Heavyweight title in the main event on June 11 at the Nashville Fairgrounds, “Classy” Freddie Blassie will take on Race’s First Family of Wrestling ally King Kong Bundy! Blassie has defeated many opponents but it will be interesting to see how he fares against the New Jersey giant! You can be that win, lose, or draw, Jimmy Hart is going to send Bundy out to injure Blassie before the World title match with Race! Can “The King of Men” knock down Bundy?
• Pepper Gomez will defend the USWA Mid-America Heavyweight championship against “Dastardly” Danny Doring! Doring earned this title shot by winning the 15-man Battle Royal at Derby City Stampede by throwing out his own partner the Amish RoadKill! Outlasting 14 other wrestlers, Doring could shock the world and find a way to beat “The Man with The Cast Iron Stomach.” Gomez has had an impressive reign, as currently he is tied for second place (with Fit Finlay’s first reign) for the highest number of title defenses. Will Gomez retain or will Doring shock the world and grab the gold?
• The main event will be the fifth match in the Seven Levels of Hate series, as Colt “Boom Boom” Cabana takes on “Scrap Iron” Adam Pearce! Going into this bout, the series is tied at two wins a piece. This will be the first ever “I Quit” Match in USWA history! The wrestler that wins this match will not only take the lead in the series but also be one winner closer to wrapping up the series! With a Loser-Leaves-Town stipulation (for one year) at stake in the series, there is a lost of pressure in this one! Dave Brown clarified the rules of an “I Quit” Match for fans not familiar with this type of match:

I. In this match, there are no pinfall, submissions (via tap out, arm drop, or verbal submission), disqualifications, or countouts.
II. The referee will be carrying a wireless microphone for the entire match.
III. The only way to win is for one wrestler to beat on their opponent so much that he says the words, “I quit!” into the referee’s microphone.
Who will make their enemy say “I quit!” and take the lead?

All these matches, as well as The Patriot takes on Hugh Morrus! As well as “The Monday Night Messiah” Tyler Black and his bodyguard Luke Harper in separate singles bouts!