Cory's USWA

[Cory Olson]

Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on 8-16:
• Bill Apter interviewed Nick Bockwinkel and Bobby “The Brain” Heenan. Apter asked Bockwinkel what he thought about the World title match between Ed “Strangler” Lewis and Dan Severn that he had witnessed the night before in Lexington. The four-time champ stated that he witnessed a good bout between two good athletes. However while both Lewis and Severn were excellent wrestlers, neither one would be able to defeat him (Bockwinkel) when he returns. Apter reminded Bock that Lewis did defeat him and put him out of action last December at New Year’s Knockout IV. “The Brain” interrupted and reminded Apter that Bockwinkel was already suffering from a concussion at that point and was not 100%. Bockwinkel thanked his manager and then continued stating that part of the reason he waited to return to the ring was to be in top condition. He was not going to rush back too soon and get injured yet again. Bockwinkel said he is in the best physical shape of his career and is in the best competing shape as well. Apter asked the duo when USWA fans would see Bock in the ring again. Heenan answered that Bockwinkel will return to action on September 19 at the Louisville Gardens. Apter asked if there was any symbolism behind Bockwinkel choosing Lewis’ hometown as his place of return, but neither Heenan nor Bockwinkel responded to that statement, but they did say that Bockwinkel’s first opponent will be announced in the coming weeks.
• In addition to the Steel Cage Match for the Southern Heavyweight title, two more matches were announced for the card from Engel Stadium in Chattanooga on August 29. For the first time one-on-one in a USWA ring, “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka will take on Magnificent Muraco. After some of the wild brawls these two have had on recent cards, you can bet this will be a heated match. The other bout will feature two other feuding rivals, as Rikidozan takes on The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer. The bout will be of even more importance, as the winner will challenge Ed “Strangler” Lewis for the USWA World Heavyweight title on September 12 at the Mid South Coliseum in the USWA’s home base of Memphis. The masked man was interviewed by Lance Russell and stated that despite a torn pectoral, he was going to fight through the pain and earn another shot at the “Strangler”.
• A few days before his upcoming debut, The Crusher appeared in the WMC-TV studios and was interviewed by Lance Russell. “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous” came in with a cigar in his mouth, but it was not lit, since there is no smoking in the WMC-TV studios! Crusher said he is happy to have some new “fights” in the USWA and he will knock out any wimps, just like he does in the “sloons”. After he wins his bout he will head to the best Southern sloons, drink some beer (or moonshine) and go dancing with the Southern “dollies”!

It’s fair time and the USWA will hold its annual card at the Nashville Fairgrounds on August 22!
• Abdullah Farouk’s sanity has often been questioned, but he should be really examined here. One week before his charge The Sheik challenges for the Southern Heavyweight title in a Steel Cage Match, he’ll face his long-time rival Bobo Brazil! Brazil was DQ’d in their last meeting for using Sheik’s own sharp object against him, and has looked even wilder lately. Can Sheik get the win before entering the cage or will the Michigan native Coco Butt his enemy down?
• Frank Gotch will go head-to-head with “Ravishing” Rick Rude. Each man holds a victory over the other. Who will win the “rubber match”?
• Prior to their one-on-one meeting at Engel Stadium, “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and Magnificent Muraco will be across the ring from one another in a tag team bout, as Snuka teams up with “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant to battle the Capt. Lou Albano-led team of Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. Snuka and Valiant are undefeated so far in teaming up. Can they stop a tough looking team like Muraco and Valentine?
• After losing in his challenge for the World Heavyweight title, Dan “The Beast” Severn looks to get back on track when he battles The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer. Severn scored a big win on the masked man on May 23, but Destroyer assisted Masked Superstar in gaining the pinfall win on Severn in a six-man tag team match on July 11 in Cookeville. Destroyer said he’s ready to challenge for the belt again, but will his pec injury deter him?
• The main event will be for the World Tag Team titles as “Dastardly” Danny Doring and Texas champ “Playboy” Buddy Rose make their first defense when they face The Killer Bees. B. Brian Blair and “Jumping” Jim Brunzell are looking to win their first USWA Tag Team gold, but they know not to overlook Rose and Doring, as the champs have defeated The Bees in the past and are still undefeated. Will Rose and Doring or retain or will The Bees get that sweet taste of gold?
All this plus Southern Heavyweight champion Killer Kowalski in action, Yukon Eric, and the debut of “Da” Crusher!

[Cory Olson]

August 22, 2008
Card #178: Nashville Fairgrounds

1) Yukon Eric got a submission win in the opener over George South. The Nashville crowd gave Eric a big cheer, supporting him after his big win over Killer Kowalski last week. The Alaskan dominated South and got the win with the Kodiak Krunch. DUD

2) Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware got a big win in their second bout together, defeating The Killer B’s by countout. Buff Bagwell hit Armstrong with a double arm DDT and went for a cover, but Ware saved him. Bagwell bent over for a back body drop, but Armstrong sidestepped him and hit a Russian leg sweep for a near fall. The Georgian tagged out to “The Birdman” who went to work on “Buff Daddy”. Ware hit the Ghostbuster and went for a cover, but Bagwell kicked out. He went to lift Bagwell for a second Ghostbuster, but Capt. Lou Albano grabbed Ware’s leg from the outside. Ware dropped Bagwell and went after the manager on the outside of the ring. Brutus Beefcake went to attack Ware, but Armstrong cut him off. Bagwell recovered and came out to save his manager. Koko saw him coming and grabbed him, then delivered a noggin knocker to Bagwell and Albano! Ware then dove back in the ring. Both B’s were knocked woozy and Paul Morton counted legal man Bagwell out of the ring. **¼

3) Larry Sharpe scored his first one-on-one victory in the USWA, and it was a big upset at that, as he defeated The Crusher, in the big Wisconsin native’s debut match. Crusher got a big cheer from the crowd, coming to the ring to the “Beer Barrel Polka”. Perhaps Crusher underestimated Sharpe, as the New Jersey native took advantage early on, using shortcuts and dirty tactics to gain the advantage. Sharpe attempted a piledriver, but Crusher powered out of the hold. Crusher came off the second turnbuckle with a knee drop, but missed and hit hard. Sharpe took advantage and clipped Crusher’s knee, then got him down with a modified school boy roll-up. Sharpe grabbed the tights and was able to pin the Crusher. The crowd was mad at Sharpe’s tainted win. Crusher recovered and popped Sharpe with a big right hand, sending him to the floor. Sharpe was knocked for a loop, but tried his best to celebrate his first win. ¾*

4) Southern Heavyweight champion Killer Kowalski scored an impressive win over Cousin Luke. Kowalski worked over the hillbilly from the get-go. Luke had his moments, but Kowalski was focused here. Luke kicked out after one Bombs Away, but a second one would put him down for the count. Kowalski appeared aggressive prior to his defense against The Sheik in a Steel Cage Match next week. DUD

5) The Masked Superstar and King Kong Bundy defeated Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge, surprisingly by DQ. The Oklahomans looked very close to a big win, as they kept Bundy in the ring for quite a while, wearing the big man down. Hodge managed to get him off his feet after a nice standing dropkick. With Bundy down on all fours, Hodge managed to hit a modified Oklahoma side roll. He had Bundy in a pinning combination, but Bobby Heenan got on the apron to distract Tommy Gilbert. Hutton from the corner was upset about this. Bundy took over on the floor, slamming Hutton’s back into the ring post. Bundy whipped Hutton into the corner back in the ring and hit an Avalanche. Weakened from his being double teamed so long, it took Bundy longer than usual to make the cover, thus Hutton was able to kick out. Superstar tagged in and hit his dreaded spinning neckbreaker, but Hodge broke up the pin attempt. Hutton recovered and locked Superstar in a sleeper, but Superstar grabbed the ropes. Hutton was aggressive and fired up and wouldn’t release Superstar. Gilbert put the five-count on Hutton, but the Team RPW coach refused to release the hold. Gilbert was left with no choice but to disqualify Hutton and give the match to the Heenan Family team. The crowd was not happy by this result. Hutton finally released the sleeper and seemed upset at his own actions. He dropped a knee across Superstar to “wake him up”. Bundy and “The Brain” got Superstar out of the ring and dragged him to the back, while Hodge tried to console Hutton. ***¼

6) The Sheik defeated Bobo Brazil by DQ. Sheik charged Brazil, as the former Southern champ was entering the ring. The sharp object made an appearance early and it wasn’t long before Brazil was wearing the “crimson mask”. Sheik applied the Camel Clutch, making use of the object. It looked like Brazil was going to go out, but we’ll never know for sure, as out of nowhere Southern Heavyweight champion Killer Kowalski ran down to the ring. Kowalski ascended the turnbuckles and dove off with a Bombs Away to Sheik, while Sheik still had the Clutch locked on. Paul Morton disqualified Brazil for Kowalski’s interference. Kowalski and Sheik brawled after the bell, fighting around the ringside area, until several USWA referees and officials broke the two up. ½*

7) Frank Gotch scored a hard-fought submission win over “Ravishing” Rick Rude. The Team RPW member controlled most of the action, using his technical wrestling skills to dominate Rude. Gotch locked on the Gotch Toehold midway through the bout, but Bobby Heenan jumped up on the ring apron to distract Scott Bowden. Dick Hutton quickly ran over and threatened “The Brain” to get down, especially after Heenan’s involvement in Hutton’s own tag team match earlier in the night. Gotch hit an Iowa backdrop, which dropped Rude on his head and busted him open. Gotch floated into a cover, but Rude kicked out at 2¾. The “Ravishing One” came back, even with the blood flowing and got a near fall after a clothesline. He hit the Rude Awakening and went for a pin attempt, yet Gotch was able to kick out again. Rude came off the top rope with a big knee drop, which hit the target right on. Somehow Gotch still had fight left in him and kicked out. The Iowan made the comeback and took Rude down to the mat and applied the crossface and bar arm. Rude fought, but with the blooding flowing, he could only use his free arm to tap out. ****

8) Capt. Lou Albano’s team of Greg “The Hammer” Valentine and Magnificent Muraco gave the duo of “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant their first loss. Muraco and Valentine worked over Valiant for a few minutes, hitting the Hawaiian Hammer and applying the figure-four leglock respectively, but Valiant was able to hold on. Snuka came in and the crowd went wild when Snuka and Muraco were in together. The Hawaiian dropped the Fijian warrior with the Hawaiian Hammer, but Snuka kicked out. He hit a second Hammer, but “The Boogie Woogie Man” broke up the pinfall. A few minutes later a third Hammer would put the “Superfly” down for the count. The match was over, but the war wasn’t. As Valiant came in to help his downed partner, Valentine nailed him with a big elbow to the back of the head, then tossed him out of the ring. He and Muraco then double teamed Snuka. Muraco picked Snuka up into the Hawaiian Hammer and Valentine pushed down on Snuka’s legs, making it a spike Hammer. Yukon Eric made his way from the back with an ax-handle in hand. Albano, Muraco, and Valentine fled the scene. Eric helped Snuka to his feet, as did Valiant who had recovered. Snuka suffered a minor neck injury. It is unclear at this time as to whether or not he will be able to compete against Muraco next week at Engel Stadium. ***

9) Despite a torn pectoral muscle, The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer was able to score a submission win over Dan Severn. Bobby “The Brain” Heenan made another appearance, accompanying his associate, Destroyer, to ringside for the bout. Destroyer worked over “The Beast” for the opening minutes of the bout. He locked Severn in a single leg Boston Crab to wear down the leg. Severn came back and caught Destroyer in a head and arm throw, taking Destroyer down into a pinning combination. Tommy Gilbert was distracted by Heenan who had jumped on the apron. Dick Hutton was fed up and went after “The Weasel” who ran up the aisle and towards the locker room. Meanwhile Severn had released the headlock and turned his attention to Heenan’s antics, allowing Destroyer to recover and clip Severn’s leg from behind. He applied another single leg Crab and got the submission on Severn. **½

10) Texas champ “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring put the USWA World Tag Team titles on the line for the first time in the main event against challengers The Killer Bees. Rose started off against “Jumping” Jim Brunzell. Rose went to dirty tactics right away, punching Brunzell with some type of foreign object. Brunzell was able to get to his corner and tag out to B. Brian Blair. Blair and Rose exchanged offense, but Rose got the advantage with a gut wrench backbreaker. Blair rolled to the arena floor. Rose tried to follow, but Paul Morton held him back. Meanwhile Doring jumped to the floor and hit his Wham, Bam, Thank You Ma’am on Blair right on the arena floor. Doring went back to his corner like nothing happened. Morton turned around to see Blair out on the floor. Morton put the count on Blair. Brunzell went over to try and help his partner, but couldn’t revive him in time. Blair was counted out after only a few minutes, giving the champs the win. The Nashville Fairgrounds crowd was not happy about this! They pelted Rose, Doring, and “Sensational” Sherri Martel with garbage. The trio quickly made their way to the back to try and escape with their lives! DUD

[Cory Olson]

Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on August 23:
• It was announced that Nick Bockwinkel’s first opponent back will be Team RPW member Frank Gotch. Bockwinkel and Gotch are two USWA “originals” and have battled many times, especially over the USWA World Heavyweight title. They met in the main event of the first New Year’s Knockout in 2004, with Bockwinkel coming out the winner in a 2-out-of-3 Falls Match. Gotch has never defeated Bockwinkel by pin or submission, other than in the second fall of their NYK match. This should be a great bout for the Louisville Gardens faithful!
• Another USWA wrestler will make his return from injury, when Giant Baba steps into the ring on September 12 at the Mid South Coliseum in Memphis to battle former World Tag Team champions The Masked Superstar and King Kong Bundy. This will not be a Handicap Match, rather Baba's tag team partner will be announced later. The Japanese giant's interpreter said that he hopes that Rikidozan will be available, but keep in mind, that he may have bigger plans--challenging for the World Heavyweight title that same night! Baba is also scheduled to do battle with his archrival and former partner The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer the following week in Louisville.

A hot and wild summer comes to an end, as the USWA presents a huge card on August 29 at Engel Stadium in Chattanooga!
• Dan “The Beast” Severn will do battle with The Masked Superstar. These two have had their problems the last couple of months. Will they settle their score in Chattanooga?
• In another rematch from Independence Day Bash, World Tag Team and Texas champion “Playboy” Buddy Rose will face the man he beat for the belt—Danny Hodge. Hodge is fired up to get his hands on Rose, after Rose jumped him at the bell in Texas Stadium. Can the Oklahoman put down the Texas champ?
• Two feuding tag teams will meet again as The Killer Bees battle The Killer B’s. Which “B” team will get the win?
• In a first time meeting, Frank Gotch takes on a huge challenge in Heenan Family member King Kong Bundy. In addition to manager Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, Nick Bockwinkel announced that he too will be at ringside to scout his first opponent back. Gotch has taken on many challenges, but can he beat the big bad Bundy?
• It was announced on Championship Wrestling that despite a neck injury, “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka will be in Chattanooga to take on Magnificent Muraco in their first one-on-one meeting in the USWA. This match was a heated one before, but with the injury to the Fijian warrior, things are even hotter! Can Snuka overcome the injury or will Muraco hammer him down?
• Rikidozan goes head-to-head with The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer. Remember fans, the winner of this will face Ed “Strangler” Lewis for the USWA World Heavyweight title on September 9 in Memphis. Can former champ Rikidozan earn another title bout or will Destroyer defeat the Japanese superstar again?
• The main event will be the first ever one-on-one Steel Cage Match in USWA history. Current two-time Southern Heavyweight champion Killer Kowalski will put the gold on the line against two-time former champ The Sheik. This feud has been wild and wooly so far, but the cage will add an even more violent element. Even though Capt. Lou Albano and Abdullah Farouk will be at ringside for their respective charges, the cage will make them basically useless when it comes to interference. This type of a match could change either man’s career. Will Kowalski hold on to the gold or will Sheik win his third Southern crown?
All this and more great bouts, including a rematch between The Crusher and Larry Sharpe!

[Cory Olson]

August 29, 2008
Card #179: Engel Stadium in Chattanooga

1) The Crusher got a small measure of revenge in the opener, defeating Larry Sharpe by countout. Crusher hit a big body slam on Sharpe and went for a cover, but Sharpe kicked out. Crusher pulled him up and blasted him with a forearm, knocking him out of the ring. “Da” Crusher went out and did what he does best—brawl. “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous” smashed Sharpe’s head into the ring post, then crawled back in the ring. Sharpe was down and Kevin Christian counted him out of the ring. DUD

2) The Midnight Express defeated Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware. The popular duo of Armstrong and Ware has looked great together so far, but this was their toughest challenge to date, taking on the two-time former World Tag Team champions. “Beautiful” Bobby and “Loverboy” Dennis kept Armstrong in the ring for the first few minutes. Jim Cornette even got involved taking a swing at Armstrong, which wound up the Chattanooga crowd. The Midnights hit the Rocket Launcher, but “The Birdman” made the save. Ware finally tagged in and his home state crowd went wild. But the Midnights showed their experience and came back to hit Ware with the Double Goozle. They soon followed up with another Rocket Launcher and pinned Ware to the mat. **½

3) Greg Valentine scored a big submission win over Bobo Brazil. Brazil started off strong, hitting several Coco Butts for near falls. “The Hammer” rolled out of the ring and rammed Brazil’s leg into the ring post. He applied the figure-four leglock, but Brazil rolled to the ropes. Still Brazil’s leg was hurting throughout the match and “The Hammer” worked over it. Former Southern champ Brazil somehow fought through the pain and took over control. He drew blood on Valentine, took him down to the mat, and applied a hammerlock. Capt. Lou Albano jumped on the apron to distract Sam Platania. Brazil released the hold and rolled out of the ring, threatening to hit the manager. He attempted a Coco Butt, but Valentine followed him out. He clipped Bobo’s hurt leg from behind and the big man went down quickly. Valentine tossed him into the ring and again applied the figure-four. Bobo fought for the ropes, but eventually tapped out. ***½

4) The Masked Superstar pinned Dan Severn. The Heenan Family member took control early on and was relentless on “The Beast”. He hit two dreaded spinning neckbreakers in the opening minutes, but Severn kicked out. Superstar came off the second turnbuckle with a version of his Superstar clothesline. He then picked up Severn and hit two more consecutive neckbreakers and went for the cover to get the big win. DUD

5) It was another tough bout for Team RPW, as USWA World Tag Team and Texas champ “Playboy” Buddy Rose scored another quick pin on Danny Hodge. Rose was more aggressive than usual, wanting to prove his Texas title win at Independence Day Bash was not a fluke. He hit a gut wrench backbreaker for a near fall. Rose came off the top with a Bombs Away to get the pin. DUD

6) The Killer B’s took advantage of a wounded B. Brian Blair to defeat their rivals The Killer Bees. Blair’s neck seemed to affect him, after getting dropped on the floor with Danny Doring’s Wham, Bam, Thank You Ma’am last week in Nashville. Buff Bagwell hit a similar move, a double arm DDT on the stadium ground and it looked like it would bring The B’s a countout win. Blair somehow managed to get back in the ring before the 10-count. Brutus Beefcake came off the top with a double sledge. Rather than go for a cover, the San Francisco native strutted. It cost him as “Jumping” Jim Brunzell jumped in and blasted him with a dropkick, which allowed his partner to recover, then legally tag him in. Brunzell hit a flying body press off the second turnbuckle, rebounding off a whip into the corner from Beefcake. He followed with another big dropkick and went for a pin attempt, but Buff made the save. With Blair back in the ring, Bagwell focused on the neck again. He came off the second turnbuckle with the Buff Blockbuster on Blair and picked up the win for The B’s. **½

7) Frank Gotch scored an impressive victory over King Kong Bundy. As advertised, Nick Bockwinkel, dressed in his finest suit, joined Bobby “The Brain” Heenan in accompanying Bundy to ringside. While many fans wouldn’t label this an “upset”, the manner in which Gotch dominated the big man was certainly surprising. Gotch used his superior wrestling technique and mat wrestling ability to wear the giant down and “wind” him. Gotch actually attempted the Iowa backdrop several times, but couldn’t get him up. Bundy missed a shoulder tackle in the corner and when he rebounded back, Gotch used Bundy’s own momentum against him to take him over with a fireman’s carry. That move drew a big pop from the crowd. He floated into a cover, but Bundy lifted his shoulder. Gotch showed his punching ability as well, grounding and pounding the big man. Gotch locked on the Gotch Toehold and managed to turn Bundy over. The New Jersey giant had taken such a beating, that he quickly tapped out. Bockwinkel looked somewhat concerned, watching his first opponent take the victory. Dick Hutton was certainly happy at a Team RPW member getting their first win of the evening. ½*

8) In their first one-on-one meeting in the USWA, Magnificent Muraco got a DQ victory over “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka. Snuka came out in a neck brace, but the Fijian warrior was incensed and worked over Muraco early on. He hit a picture perfect Superfly Leap in the first few minutes (a +5 rating), but as he hit the splash, Snuka held his neck on the “whiplash” and thus couldn’t make the cover right away. When he did, Muraco just got the shoulder up at 2¾. Muraco fought back and hit an Asiatic Spike, going under the neck protector. He went for a cover, yet couldn’t get the win. Snuka’s partner, “The Boogie Woogie Man” Jimmy Valiant, came down to ringside to cheer him on. Muraco went right for the Achilles’ heel and hit a neckbreaker on Snuka after ripping the brace off. The Hawaiian went for a pin attempt. “Handsome” Jimmy, furious at seeing the treatment of his injured partner, jumped in the ring and dropped a big wind-up elbow drop on Muraco. Tom Branch immediately called for the bell, giving Muraco the DQ win. Valiant stood over Snuka to protect him from further damage. Muraco and Capt. Lou Albano walked away, but you can bet this war isn’t over. **¼

9) Rikidozan came back from a bloody beating to pin his rival The Destroyer and earn a shot at the USWA World Heavyweight title. Bobby “The Brain” Heenan once again accompanied Destroyer to the ring for this important match. The “Intelligent, Sensational One” worked on the Japanese superstar’s leg the majority of the match, using the single leg Boston Crab several times. He locked on the figure-four midway through the match, but Rikidozan made the ropes. Destroyer took the bout to the floor and rammed Rikidozan’s head into the ring post, then gave him a kneebreaker into the post. Rikidozan was busted open and the blood quickly flowed. Kevin Christian checked the wound and asked Rikidozan if he wanted to concede, but the blood seemed to make him stronger. Rikidoan blasted Destroyer’s injured pectoral with his chops. Destroyer kicked out of the pin attempt, but got taken down with the hiplock and was pinned. It was a quick and remarkable comeback for the former World champ Rikidozan. ****

10) During the typical pre-main event intermission, the cage was assembled around tehr ring. The main event was for the USWA Southern Heavyweight championship within the confines of a Steel Cage Match. Killer Kowalski put the gold on the line against The Sheik. Sheik scored the first submission or pinfall on Kowalski in a one-on-one bout in 2008, back on July 18 in Knoxville, when the brawling between Capt. Lou Albano and Abdullah Farouk led to a distraction and allowed Sheik to throw a fireball and then apply his Camel Clutch. With the cage surrounding the ring, this would keep the managers out. But Sheik was able to pull out a sharp object early on and he would use it on Kowalski, in addition to the cage wall. Kowalski decided to go airborne, hitting his Bombs Away three times during the bout, as well as a top rope splash. He attempted pins each time, but couldn’t keep The Sheik down. Sheik ended up bloody after a Bombs Away. Kowalski went up the ropes again, but a weakened Sheik fell against the ropes, which caused Kowalski to go flying off the top rope and smash headfirst into the cage, knocking him out. Sheik drug Kowalski under the ropes and into the ring. He made a cover and scored the three-count, in somewhat of a surprise finish, as Sheik had taken more punishment. Once Tom Branch opened the cage door, Albano jumped in to revive Kowalski. Farouk celebrated with his man, as Sheik held up the Southern title in victory for the third time (tying the record originally set by Gorgeous George). ***¼

[stu]

Great stuff my friend. Sheik vs. Kowalski equals fireworks in any fed I think. That seems like its been a dandy for you.

And, as I was catching up on your fed...say it ain't so...Larry Sharpe over The Crusher? Sheesh man. Next thing you'll tell me is there isn't a Santa Claus.

How has Brad A. and Koko fared as a team for you? That's a pretty fun pairing on paper at least.

[Cory Olson]

Aug 18, 2008 12:44:43 GMT -5 stu said:

Sheik vs. Kowalski equals fireworks in any fed I think. That seems like its been a dandy for you.

The Cage Match was good, but not the classic I'd thought it be. But the "out of nowhere" finish was cool. Another amazing thing was Sheik didn't roll either the Camel Clutch or fireball.

Aug 18, 2008 12:44:43 GMT -5 stu said:

And, as I was catching up on your fed...say it ain't so...Larry Sharpe over The Crusher? Sheesh man. Next thing you'll tell me is there isn't a Santa Claus.

Sad, but true. Sharpe was either 0-10 or 0-11 in his USWA career prior to beating Crusher. Of all the people to beat! Still, I hope things improve for "Da" Crusher.

Aug 18, 2008 12:44:43 GMT -5 stu said:

How has Brad A. and Koko fared as a team for you? That's a pretty fun pairing on paper at least.

They're 2-1 so far, with the loss on the previous card to the Midnights. They had good offense against Eaton and Condrey, but couldn't get any fatigue tokens on them. No shame in losing to the former World Tag Team champs. They got a countout win on The Killer B's on the previous card, which was a bit of a surprise. Armstrong's first half of the year wasn't anything to call up Papa Bob about, but he's gotten some upsets lately. I'm hoping the teaming with Koko will go well. I picture them as a '80s babyface tag team that excites the crowd whenever they come out--win, lose, or draw.

[Cory Olson]

Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on August 30 and September 6:
• Following The Sheik’s record-tying third Southern Heavyweight championship win, it was announced that the Syrian madman will make his first defense on September 26 when the USWA makes its debut at the Mesquite Rodeo Arena in Mesquite, Texas. His challenger will be Yukon Eric. USWA Committee Chairman Jerry Jarrett announced that Eric his shot by defeating then-champion Killer Kowalski in a Lumberjack Match a few weeks ago in Lexington.
• Speaking of Kowalski, his manager Capt. Lou Albano announced on September 6 that the former Southern champ has decided to leave the USWA following his title loss in the cage. No word on where Kowalski plans to go to next, but you can bet he’ll cause mayhem in every ring in which he competes!
• On the August 30 edition, Lance Russell interview Giant Baba and Rikidozan, along with their English interpreter. Russell congratulated Rikidozan on earning another opportunity at the USWA World Heavyweight title. Baba congratulated his ally as well, but stated that now he must find a new partner to help him battle The Masked Superstar and King Kong Bundy that same night. Frank Gotch and the rest of Team RPW entered the studio. Gotch offered his services to Baba, stating that he just defeated Bundy in Chattanooga the night before, he has beaten Superstar in the past, as well as defeated Baba in their only meeting back in 2004. Gotch also brought up his tag team experience, having been a former co-holder of the USWA World Tag Team championship and his leadership capabilities in forming Team RPW. Baba seemed hesitant, but after some convincing from his interpreter, he agreed and shook Gotch’s hand.
• An already big card, just got bigger, as Louisville’s own, current USWA World Heavyweight champion Ed “Strangler” Lewis will be in action that night. Lewis will have what is sure to be a great scientific bout against Dan “The Beast” Severn. Lewis also said that he will make a decision on Team RPW’s offer to join them on the September 13 episode of Championship Wrestling. This will come the day after his next World title defense.

It’s time to go back to school and the USWA’s coming back home to Memphis and the Mid South Coliseum on September 12!
• After what Magnificent Muraco did to “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka, he’ll have to take on Snuka’s partner “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant! You can bet the big bearded man will be looking revenge, but can he stop the Hawaiian superstar?
• USWA World Tag Team and Texas champion “Playboy” Buddy Rose will take on “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton. The Midnight Express-Rose & Danny Doring feud will continue. Both men utilize top rope maneuvers as their finishers. Eaton is known for his surprising singles success. Can he beat a two-time former USWA World champion in Rose?
• In the continuing bouts between The Heenan Family and Team RPW members, Dan “The Beast” Severn will face “Ravishing” Rick Rude. Severn is looking to get back on track after a rough loss to The Masked Superstar, and before he takes on the World champ. He has beaten Rude before, but can he make it two?
• The wild feud continues as new Southern Heavyweight champion The Sheik takes on his blood rival Bobo Brazil. Sheik has won their last two bouts by DQ. Will a clear-cut winner come out of the one?
• A huge tag team bout will take place when former World Tag Team champions The Masked Superstar and King Kong Bundy take on the returning Giant Baba and Team RPW member Frank Gotch. Baba and Gotch will be an interesting team to watch work together. Can they stop the monstrous Heenan Family duo?
• The main event will be for the USWA World Heavyweight title as for the third time champion Ed “Strangler” Lewis and Rikidozan do battle. Lewis captured the belt from the Japanese superstar in January and won the rematch the following month, both of which were classics. Can Rikidozan win his gold back or will Lewis keep up his amazing reign?
All this plus Yukon Eric, The Crusher, The Killer B’s, and more in action!

[stu]

I'm still quite happy to see Strangler holding on to the top spot my friend. I'm always happy to see the real geezers do well, and I hope Mr. Lewis continues to wear the USWA gold for quite some time! Riki's tough competition though, the guy was a whirlwind for me on his year-long run.

[Cory Olson]

Aug 25, 2008 7:33:21 GMT -5 stu said:

I'm still quite happy to see Strangler holding on to the top spot my friend. I'm always happy to see the real geezers do well, and I hope Mr. Lewis continues to wear the USWA gold for quite some time! Riki's tough competition though, the guy was a whirlwind for me on his year-long run.

Rikidozan had one of the longest winning streaks in my fed's history in singles, going something like 12-0 when he debuted (plus wins in tag bouts). He won the belt from Bock last Thanksgiving, defended against Mascaras at New Year's Knockout, then lost to Strangler in January.

Strangler himself had a rough first year, but has had a great second year up to this point, while Rikidozan has dropped a few bouts, hitting his "sophomore jinx". His record overall is still good though. I'm interested to see if Strangler can three-peat against him.

[Cory Olson]

Just wanted to post and thank everyone who voted for the USWA as Fed of the Month. It is a great honor with so many awesome feds on this board.

I just moved into my first house of my own this weekend. I'm still busying sorting through things and unpacking, but hopefully I'll play the next card sometime this week!