Cory's USWA

[holland227]

Solid as always

[Cory Olson]

Sept 28, 2008 8:22:59 GMT -5 holland227 said:

Solid as always

Thanks, Holland!

September 26, 2008
Card #182: Mesquite Rodeo Arena in Mesquite, TX

1) Cousin Luke and S.D. Jones got a win in the opener over George South and Larry Sharpe. Sharpe started the bout off for his team, but then tagged in to South and never came back in. Midway through the bout, The Crusher came down to ringside looking for revenge on Sharpe for his tainted victory last week in Louisville. The New Jersey native jumped off the ring apron and fled back to the locker room. With South left alone, “Special Delivery” performed his Philly Shuffle, then decked him with a big punch. Jones tagged out to Luke who blasted South with a two-fisted sledgehammer to get the pin and give him and Jones their first win as a team. ½*

2) The Crusher was soon back in the arena and got a decisive win over “Dastardly” Danny Doring. The now former World Tag Team champion Doring attempted to hip toss “Da” Crusher. Naturally that didn’t work, so Crusher flatted him with a forearm smash. He picked up Doring and nailed one of his famous Crusher Bolos to put Doring down for the pin in about 20 seconds! Despite a rough start in the USWA, Crusher lived up to his reputation in this one! DUD

3) The Killer B’s defeated Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware. Ware got a near fall early on, rebounding off a whip into the ropes with a cross body block on Brutus Beefcake. “The Birdman” went up to the top, but got shoved off by Buff Bagwell. Armstrong eventually tagged in, but was worked over as well, as The B’s tagged in and out. Armstrong barely got his shoulder up after a Buff Blockbuster, but a running stomp from Beefcake would pin him to the mat a few minutes later, while Bagwell knocked Ware off the apron. *½

4) In another tag team rematch, The Masked Superstar and King Kong Bundy got a dominating win over Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge. The Heenan Family team charged their opponents right at the bell. Bundy knocked Hodge off the apron, then followed him to the floor, where he slammed Hodge’s back into the ring post. Superstar blasted Hutton with two Superstar clotheslines, then tagged out to Bundy. In almost a mocking manner, Bundy whipped Hutton into the corner and delivered an Avalanche, but before Hutton could fall, sent him into the opposite corner and delivered a second Avalanche. The two squashes put Hutton down to the mat for a count of five and made Bobby “The Brain” Heenan a happy man. Superstar and Bundy actually got some cheers, due to Team RPW’s recent attitude “adjustment”. DUD

5) The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer beat Bobo Brazil by submission in a hard-hitting bout. The masked man had the advantage at the start, but Brazil fought back and nailed Destroyer with two Coco Butts. Despite the hard blows, Brazil couldn’t pin Destroyer. Brazil hit a big body slam later on for a near fall. Destroyer came back and applied the figure-four leglock, but Brazil managed to escape. It was a back-and-forth contest. Destroyer hit a nice suplex on the big man for a two-count. He pulled Brazil back to the center of the ring and applied the figure-four again. Brazil was left with no choice but to tap. ***¼

6) “Ravishing” Rick Rude scored a surprising pinfall on Antonino Rocca in about 15 seconds. Rocca went for a takedown at the opening bell, but Rude blocked it and hit a powerful clothesline, knocking Rocca backwards and causing the back of his head to bounce off the mat hard. Rude capitalized, picking Rocca up and hitting the Rude Awakening. Rude floated into a cover and got the pin. Bobby Heenan was ecstatic that one of his men scored their second quick victory of the night. Rocca was down after the bell and several officials helped him to his feet. He was favoring his neck, but as of press time, it didn’t appear that he suffered any serious injury. neg*

7) Greg “The Hammer” Valentine forced old rival B. Brian Blair to tap out. Blair was hoping to get a win. He locked on his sleeper early on, but Valentine got to the ropes. Valentine took over and applied the figure-four leglock, which brought about a quick tap. “The Hammer” was impressive prior to challenging for the USWA World Heavyweight title. ½*

8) The figure-four leglock seemed to be the move of the night, as it brought Nick Bockwinkel a victory over Dan Severn. Dick Hutton accompanied Severn to the ring, but seemed hurting from taking two Avalanches from King Kong Bundy earlier. “The Beast” seemed to have a little more support in this one, as the Mesquite fans are familiar with Bockwinkel’s long rule breaking history in the USWA. After some great wrestling exchanges, Bockwinkel went right to his specialties, going for both the figure-four legock and the Bockwinkel sleeper, but Severn escaped from both holds. Bockwinkel went up to the top rope and came off with a falling sledge, but “The Beast” dodged the blow, grabbed Bockwinkel’s arm, and took him straight down to the mat into the wakigatame. He held the armbar on for nearly a minute, before Bockwinkel finally managed to his foot on the ropes. Bockwinkel came back aggressive, attacking the leg and going for another figure-four, but Severn got to the ropes again. Bockwinkel worked over the leg, stomping it, while it was draped on the ropes. He rebounded off the ropes with a knee smash to Severn’s face, which busted his nose. Bockwinkel went for a cover, but Severn kicked out again. The four-time USWA champ went drug Severn back to the center again and locked on another figure-four. Having suffered so much damage, Severn was left with no choice but to tap. ***

9) Mesquite fans got to see their first USWA title change, as World Tag Team champion “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton became a double champion, pinning “Playboy” Buddy Rose to win the Texas title. Rose spent much of the match, working on Eaton’s leg, applying the half Boston Crab on several occasions. Certainly Rose was trying to take out Eaton’s aerial offense, but Eaton would fight through the pain and come off the top rope several times. Rose kicked out of one Alabama Jam, as it took Eaton a while to make the cover due to the pain. Eaton came out of the ring at one point, but Tom Branch was distracted by Jim Cornette and “Sensational” Sherri Martel jawing on the other side of the ring. This allowed Rose to smash Eaton’s bad leg with a steel chair. The Texas fans were supporting “Beautiful” Bobby on this one and it helped, as Eaton came back to wear Rose down. Eaton went up to the top rope, presumably for another Alabama Jam. Before he could, Sherri jumped upon the apron and looked ready to knock Eaton down. Before she could try anything, Cornette came around and cracked Sherri on the rear with his tennis racket, which drew a big pop from the crowd! Eaton flew off and nailed the Alabama Jam. Despite the pain, he was able to roll on to Rose and score the pin to become the new Texas champion! ***¼

10) The main event saw three-time USWA Southern Heavyweight champion The Sheik put the gold on the line against Yukon Eric. Would the Mesquite fans witness another title change? Sheik brought out the sharp object early on in this one and used it several times throughout, hiding it well from Kevin Christian. Eric eventually wore the “crimson mask”, but had his own moments as he slammed Sheik on the arena floor and applied a Kodiak Krunch inside the ring. The fans popped, but Sheik managed to drape his leg over the top rope to break the hold. The object came back into play and Sheik applied the Camel Clutch, slipping the object in for extra pain. Eric fought hard but ultimately had to surrender. Sheik and Abdullah Farouk quickly fled the arena as the Mesquite fans were riled up by the Syrian’s victory! **

[Cory Olson]

Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on September 27 and October 4:
• In one of the stranger events ever reported in USWA history, Abdullah Farouk told Bill Apter that the Arabian rug belonging to Southern Heavyweight champion The Sheik, on which the Syrian madman kneels and bows before his matches, was missing after the previous night’s card at the Mesquite Rodeo Arena. The manager said that when he and Sheik left the ring area for the locker room, after Sheik’s victory over Yukon Eric, they gathered their items. The rug was taken back to the locker room by a USWA employee after Sheik’s introduction, but wasn’t there after the main event. Farouk believes that someone is doing this to try and get into the champion’s mind and psych him out. Farouk accused long-time Sheik rivals Bobo Brazil and Dan Severn for taking it, since both were in matches on the same card. On the October 4 episode, both men denied the accusations. Brazil stated that he was icing his knee after losing to The Destroyer’s figure-four, while Severn was in another locker room, discussing future matches with fellow Team RPW members Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge. Farouk also accused the “rowdy fans” of Mesquite who were wound up by Sheik’s continuous cheating in his bout that night, but at this time the Mesquite Police Department has no leads on any suspects. Farouk said that if the rug was not returned soon, he and Sheik may seek legal action against the USWA Committee and the Mesquite Rodeo Arena!
• Lance Russell interviewed The Crusher. Crusher said that the only reason Larry Sharpe defeated him in their second encounter was due to the help of tag team partner George South. Crusher said if South wanted to get involved, he could. “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous” challenged both Sharpe and South to a 2-on-1 Handicap Match! “Da” Crusher stated that he’s taken on 10 men in a “sloon” brawl and he can take on two punks who have never won a tag team match! Sharpe and South later accepted the challenge and the match was signed for October 17 in Evansville!
• Lance also informed fans that Antonino Rocca did not suffer any serious neck damage from “Ravishing” Rick Rude. A rematch between Rocca and Rude was announced for Halloween Night—October 31 at the Sportatorium in Dallas!

The USWA comes back to the Civic Center in Knoxville on October 10! This card will be filled with some huge match-ups!
• The former World Tag Team champions The Masked Superstar and King Kong Bundy scored a quick win over the Team RPW duo of Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge on the last card, but can they beat the other two RPW members—Frank Gotch and Dan Severn? This will be a very interesting tag team battle!
• You can bet that Southern Heavyweight champion The Sheik is going to be even more angry and sadistic, with his rug having been stolen. Sheik will take on one of the “suspects” Bobo Brazil. Brazil stated in an interview on Championship Wrestling that he thinks Sheik and Abdullah Farouk are too busy complaining about the rug and are avoiding giving him a shot at the Southern title. Brazil stated he knows that he (Brazil) has lost some bouts lately, but he knows that a win over the champ himself would have to get him noticed. Who will this one?
• Nick Bockwinkel is 2-0 so far since his return. In Knoxville he’ll take on a first time opponent in former USWA Texas champion Danny Hodge. Hodge is a great scientific wrestler and an upset win over Bockwinkel would do great things for his career.
• Another feud will continue as Giant Baba takes on The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer. Baba got the pinfall last time, but Destroyer called it a “fluke”. He says that he will use the figure-four to injure Baba’s leg again. Will the masked man’s prediction come true?
• “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka returns from his neck injury and will certainly be a man possessed, as he looks to take Magnificent Muraco out of wrestling. Snuka will have the fans behind him, but Muraco has been impressive in the USWA, currently with a 7-1 total record in singles. Will Snuka soar to victory or will Muraco hammer him to the mat?
• Another first time meeting will take place, as former World Heavyweight champion Ed “Strangler” Lewis battles Team RPW coach Dick Hutton. Lewis said on WMC-TV that he doesn’t like the attitudes of the RPW members lately. He didn’t mean any disrespect by not joining their team, but if they want to make things personal, he will show them who the better wrestler is in the ring, and he’ll take on each RPW member if he must. Who will prove to be the superior wrestler in Knoxville?
• The main event will for the USWA World Heavyweight championship. Two-time and current title holder Rikidozan will collide with Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. Valentine stated to Lance Russell that it is his destiny to win the championship, as he has been in the USWA since its inception in 2004 and his father Johnny was the first champion. He has defeated Rikidozan in the past. Can he do it again and bring the World title to Capt. Lou Albano’s stable?
These great bouts, plus “Ravishing” Rick Rude in action, as well as former World Tag Team champions “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring!

[stu]

Great stuff Cory. I'm really liking the Severn/Hutton-Lewis angle. I love these kinds of "who truly is the greatest true wrestler" types of angles in general, so I think I'm your audience!

I read Severn lost to Bock, but how has Severn done in general? He is a pretty tough out, and I may give him a stronger singles push in the future.

[Cory Olson]

Oct 13, 2008 11:58:56 GMT -5 stu said:

I'm really liking the Severn/Hutton-Lewis angle. I love these kinds of "who truly is the greatest true wrestler" types of angles in general, so I think I'm your audience!

Glad I can appeal to my audience.

Oct 13, 2008 11:58:56 GMT -5 stu said:

I read Severn lost to Bock, but how has Severn done in general? He is a pretty tough out, and I may give him a stronger singles push in the future.

Severn started off well for me last year, winning the Southern title from The Sheik, which was also Sheik's first pin or submission loss in singles. He's struggled a little bit lately, losing to Strangler, Bock, and Masked Superstar. While it makes sense for him to lose to Strangler and Bock, the Superstar loss did surprise me a bit, as Severn had defeated him previously.

[crimsoncross]

Solid Action from Cory's USWA, whats great about reading not only Cory's fed but the many promotions posted on the board is how the action turns out and how each person presents the wrestlers and storylines...

[Cory Olson]

Oct 13, 2008 15:00:29 GMT -5 @crimsoncross said:

Solid Action from Cory's USWA, whats great about reading not only Cory's fed but the many promotions posted on the board is how the action turns out and how each person presents the wrestlers and storylines...

Thanks to CC for the comments!

October 10, 2008
Card # 183: Civic Center in Knoxville

1) The card started off with a great bout and a big upset, as Brad Armstrong and “The Birdman” Koko B. Ware defeated former World Tag Team champions “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring. The popular duo cut the ring in half on Rose in the early going. Doring tagged in, but Armstrong nailed him with a Russian leg sweep. “Sensational” Sherri Martel jumped up on the ring apron to distract Frank Morrell. By the time Morrell turned around, Doring was able to recover and kick out of the pin attempt. Rose and Doring got control, and the “Dastardly One” hit two Danacondas on Armstrong, but both times the Georgia native was able to survive. Rose brought in Sherri’s purse, while Ware and Doring were brawling on the floor and Sherri created a screaming diversion. The “Playboy” cracked Armstrong with the purse, which dropped Armstrong quickly. Before Rose could capitalize, Ware broke free from Doring, jumped in the ring, and nailed Rose with a flying head butt, then rolled out of the ring as quickly. Rose was busted open, but Armstrong was still down from the purse shot. Armstrong finally was able to roll over and make a cover, but Rose kicked out at 2¾. Armstrong hit another leg sweep on Rose a few moments later, but Sherri again jumped on the apron. Armstrong had had enough and chased her around the ring. Doring tried to trap Armstrong with a superkick, but Armstrong saw it coming, ducked it, and returned with a dropkick. He rolled back in the ring and went at it with Rose again. Armstrong locked on an abdominal stretch and tried to force a submission. Before Rose could give, Armstrong rolled him backwards into a lateral guillotine and pinned his shoulders to the mat, while “The Birdman” held Doring at bay. The Civic Center popped big time as the fan favorites celebrated their win. ****¼

2) S.D. Jones locked on his way to an upset, but was stopped short by “Ravishing” Rick Rude. Cousin Luke accompanied his partner to ringside, and the two were greeted warmly by the Knoxville crowd, after winning their first tag team match on the last card in Mesquite. Rude hit two Rude Awakenings early on, but was cocky and pulled “Special Delivery” up to administer more punishment. It was an error in judgment, as Jones came back and hit several power body slams, as well as his famed head butts. The second head butt drew blood on Rude. Jones hit a suplex for a near fall, but a second suplex got blocked. Rude hit a top rope sledge for a two-count, then followed up with a third Rude Awakening. This time the “Ravishing One” was smart and didn’t release the pin attempt, as it brought him three. ***½

3) The tag team war raged on, as The Killer B’s narrowly defeated The Killer Bees by countout. The Bees had control early on, working over Buff Bagwell. Brutus Beefcake had to save “Buff Daddy” on two occasions. When Beefcake came in, he worked over “Jumping” Jim Brunzell and kept him in the ring. Bagwell hit a Buff Blockbuster, but B. Brian Blair made the save. The B’s choked Brunzell in their corner with the tag rope, while Capt. Lou Albano distracted Jerry Calhoun. Brunzell was in trouble and rolled out of the ring near his corner, after getting hit with a double team body slam by The B’s. He and Blair donned their Bee masks and looked ready to attempt a switch. Albano saw it from the other side and got on the apron to point it out to Calhoun. (Ironic action, considering the Captain’s past shenanigans!) While Calhoun told Blair to get back to his corner, Bagwell went over to Brunzell on the floor. He picked him up and delivered a big double arm DDT right on the arena floor. Brunzell was out and was counted out of the ring, giving The B’s the win. ***¼

4) Frank Gotch and Dan Severn scored a big (and sneaky) win over The Masked Superstar and King Kong Bundy. Dick Hutton did not accompany Gotch and Severn to ringside for this bout, as he was preparing for his later match with Ed “Strangler” Lewis. Gotch was double teamed early on, but took over on Bundy and locked on his toehold. Bobby “The Brain” Heenan quickly helped Bundy grab the ropes, unseen by Paul Neighbors. “The Beast” tagged in and worked over Bundy, nailing him with knee strikes. The knees knocked Bundy out of the ring and almost got him counted out, but the big man rolled back in. Severn showed great technical knowledge, leverage, and power in throwing Bundy with a fireman’s carry slam, which popped the crowd. The Heenan Family team came back and had Severn in trouble. Bundy hit an Avalanche, but Severn kicked out at four. Bundy hit a second Avalanche and went for a cover. Gotch jumped in the ring to save his partner, but Superstar came in as well. Neighbors saw Superstar come in first and ordered him back to his corner. Bundy broke the pin attempt and yelled at Neighbors, but then got clipped in the knee from behind by Gotch. Severn recovered and tagged out to Gotch, who immediately applied the Gotch Toehold again. Bundy was caught and tapped to the hold. The fans mainly sided with Team RPW, although they did have a few boos for their sneaky actions at the end. **¾

5) Southern Heavyweight champion The Sheik defeated Bobo Brazil in record time. Brazil came out first, but was attacked by Sheik from behind in the aisle, as the Syrian smashed Brazil on the back of the head with the Southern title belt. Sheik, still angered by the theft of his Arabian rug, choked Brazil with his turban, while Frank Morrell tried to get him to stop. Sheik threw Brazil in the ring, while Morrell called for the bell to officially start the bout. Abdullah Farouk distracted Morrell immediately and Sheik blasted Brazil with a fireball. Sheik made a cover and got the pin in about five seconds. Fans were irate at Sheik’s actions and at Morrell for allowing the match to go on, but the decision stood. Despite reports on WMC-TV, apparently Sheik still suspects his rival Bobo for taking his rug. neg*

6) Nick Bockwinkel pinned Danny Hodge with a “tricky” maneuver. The two exchanged mat wrestling holds early on, but Hodge took over and looked determined to get a big win. He hit two Oklahoma side rolls on Bockwinkel for near falls. He charged at Bockwinkel with a vertical body press, but Bockwinkel caught him and dropped him throat-first across the top rope with a hot shot-type maneuver. Bockwinkel immediately capitalized and made a cover, putting his feet on the ropes. Bobby Heenan held on to Bock’s feet to ensure he didn’t slip. The tactic was successful, as Bockwinkel got the three. The fans booed the finish and Hodge seemed upset by his mistake. **

7) Giant Baba pinned The Destroyer. Apparently Baba had his translator interpret The Destroyer’s interview on USWA Championship Wrestling, where the masked man stated that Baba’s last win over him was a fluke. The giant was fired up here, hitting two dreaded neckbreaker drops. Destroyer was able to kick out of one, and rolled out of the ring to recover from the second. One of Baba’s patented Baba Chops put the “Intelligent, Sensational One” down for the 1-2-3. *½

8) “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka returned to action, but suffered a tough loss to rival Magnificent Muraco. Snuka was fired up early on, ducking a rolling neck snap from Muraco and blasting him with a stiff chop. Snuka tried to break his foe’s neck by using a piledriver for a two-count. The match went to the floor and Snuka got momentarily distracted by Capt. Lou Albano, allowing the Hawaiian muscleman to take over. Muraco blasted Snuka with an Asiatic Spike and went for a cover, but only got two. He focused on Snuka’s neck, hitting a neckbreaker for another two. He picked up Snuka into the Hawaiian Hammer—the move that injured him and dropped Snuka right on his head. The blow was enough to give Muraco the pinfall. Snuka was shaken up, but thankfully suffered no further injury. ***

9) Ed “Strangler” Lewis defeated Team RPW coach Dick Hutton. Hutton had a very determined and almost angered look on his face at the beginning of the bout. But despite the personal grudge, the two kept things clean, showcasing some great scientific wrestling. Hutton got control and locked on the abdominal stretch. Lewis eventually got to the ropes. “Strangler” came back and took Hutton down to the mat with the Strangler’s Headlock. Hutton fought to get out of the hold or get to the ropes. Lewis held it on for nearly two minutes. Hutton finally weakened, so that Lewis was able to pin his shoulders to the mat. The crowd popped big at the win, but things weren’t over. The rest of Team RPW swarmed the ring and surrounded Lewis. Lewis looked shocked by their appearance, but got in a wrestling stance ready to take them on. While he was facing Dan Severn, Lewis was taken down by Frank Gotch, who clipped his knee, just as he did to King Kong Bundy earlier in the card. Hutton recovered and gave orders, as the other three members suplexed Lewis. Gotch then applied the Gotch Toehold to Lewis and added an extra twist to the ankle. Lewis screamed in pain. Giant Baba (recovered from his previous bout) and World champion Rikidozan (preparing for the main event) ran down and ran off Team RPW. Unfortunately the damage had been done, as it was determined that Lewis had suffered a broken ankle in the attack. At this point, the “Strangler” is expected to miss the rest of 2008. **½

10) After the pre-main event intermission, Rikidozan was back out to defend his USWA World Heavyweight title against Greg “The Hammer” Valentine. The Japanese superstar was obviously enraged by what had just taken place and he took it out on Valentine, taking him down twice with his hiplock, then blasting him with thunderous chops. Valentine wasn’t going to give up on this big opportunity so easily, as he fought tooth and nail with Rikidozan, getting near falls after a piledriver and a neckbreaker. “The Hammer” came off the top with a sledge, but got met with a Rikidozan chop to the chest. The champ hit a nice flying head scissors for a near fall. Rikidozan hammered Valentine with a big forearm to the face, which drew some blood. Rikidozan made a cover and got the pin to retain his gold. ***¼

[Cory Olson]

Highlights from USWA Championship Wrestling on October 11:
• Bill Apter interviewed Team RPW. Apter asked the question that was on the mind of many USWA fans—why a team that stands for pure wrestling would perform such a dastardly attack. Coach Dick Hutton answered the question stating that they were just giving Ed “Strangler” Lewis what he wanted. When Apter asked him to explain, Frank Gotch said that Lewis had said he would take on each member of Team RPW, and so that’s what they gave Lewis—an opportunity to take them on at once. Gotch called Lewis a liar, because he proved he couldn’t stand toe-to-toe with the best pure wrestlers in the USWA. When Apter tried to point out that Lewis probably didn’t intend to take them on all at once, Dan Severn interrupted and stated that wwhether or not that’s what Lewis wanted, that’s what he got.
• World Heavyweight champion Rikidozan and Giant Baba, along with their translator, were interviewed later in the program by Lance Russell. Baba stated that what Team RPW did to a great wrestler like Ed “Strangler” Lewis was disrespectful. Rikidozan stated that he has a great deal of respect for Lewis, both from the times the two have teamed up, as well as when they’ve battled each other as opponents. The champ said that he and Baba would defend Lewis’ honor and take on the Team RPW members in any match-up.
• Some upcoming championship bouts were announced. As a result of his big pinfall win over two-time USWA World Heavyweight champion Buddy Rose in the opening tag bout the night before, Brad Armstrong will challenge for his first USWA title on Halloween night in the Sportatorium in Dallas, when he battles “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton for the USWA Texas championship.
• The main event on that Halloween night will feature a scary man—The Sheik put the USWA Southern Heavyweight title on the line against Magnificent Muraco. The Hawaiian surfer has made an impressive showing so far in the USWA. Will he win a treat on the 31st or will The Sheik have some tricks up his sleeve?
• It was also announced that New Year’s Knockout V will be held on December 31 at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville. As always, fans can expect some great bouts on this supercard!

The next USWA card will take place on October 17 from the Sailors & Soldiers Memorial Coliseum in Evansville!
• In a two-on-one Handicap Match, “The Man Who Made Milwaukee Famous” The Crusher will take on both George South and Larry Sharpe. Sharpe now holds two one-on-one wins over “Da” Crusher, thanks to questionable tactics. Can the barroom brawler defeat two men at once?
• Southern Heavyweight champion The Sheik is still on a rampage to find out what happened to his prayer rug. He’ll battle a long-time rival and one of Abdullah Farouk’s “suspects”—Dan “The Beast” Severn. Severn claimed innocence, but with Team RPW’s recent attitude change, could he be deceiving us?
• Before challenging for the Southern Heavyweight title, Magnificent Muraco and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine will take on “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and Yukon Eric. Muraco and Valentine have been a deadly combination, injuring both Snuka and “The Boogie Woogie Man” “Handsome” Jimmy Valiant. Can Capt. Lou’s men achieve victory over the popular duo of Snuka and Eric?
• Nick Bockwinkel continues his comeback. In Evansville, he’ll be facing another long-time USWA “fixture”—former Southern Heavyweight and World Tag Team champion Bobo Brazil. So far Bockwinkel has taken on scientific wrestlers, but this he’ll have more of a brawler in big Bobo. Will it be Bock or Bobo walking out with the big win?
• Frank Gotch will take on The “Intelligent, Sensational” Destroyer. These two have had some great battles already this year. The interesting question is which wrestler will the Evansville fans support?
• A huge grudge tag team match will take place as World Heavyweight champion Rikidozan teams up with Giant Baba to collide with Team RPW’s Oklahomans Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge. The Japanese duo is looking for revenge for “Strangler” Lewis’ injury, but they’ll have a tough challenge against Hutton and Hodge!
• The main event will be for the USWA World Tag Team titles as current and three-time champions The Midnight Express defend the gold in a rematch against former champions “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring. Jim Cornette mocked the challengers on WMC-TV, pointing out their upset loss to Brad Armstrong and Koko B. Ware. Can Rose and Doring rebound to regain the gold or will “Beautiful” Bobby and “Loverboy” Dennis stop them?
All this plus Brad Armstrong, The Killer Bees, and more great USWA wrestlers in action!

[Cory Olson]

October 17, 2008
Card #184: Sailors & Soldiers Memorial Coliseum in Evansville

1) The Killer Bees got win in a surprisingly competitive opener over Cousin Luke and S.D. Jones. Both teams got cheers from the Evansville crowd, but Luke and “Special Delivery” had a slight edge, being the underdogs looking for their second tag team win ever. Luke and Jones showed a lot of heart, kicking out of The Bees’ finishers several times. Jones even saw blood after hitting his head on the mat, falling after a Bee Sting. In the end Luke would tap out to a Scorpion Leglock applied by B. Brian Blair. The Bees helped their opponents up afterwards and shook hands with them. ***

2) Brad Armstrong scored a win over former USWA Texas champion Brutus Beefcake. The Georgian was on fire in this one. Beefcake kicked out of a Russian leg sweep, and was saved from a second one by Capt. Lou Albano, who distracted Scott Bowden. Albano was met with an Armstrong dropkick, which knocked him off the apron. Armstrong applied an abdominal stretch. When Beefcake wouldn’t submit, Armstrong dropped him back into a lateral guillotine and scored the pinfall, the same way he did over “Playboy” Buddy Rose in the tag team match last week. (NOTE: Armstrong’s finisher seems to be the abdominal stretch, rather than the RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP!) ¾*

3) Armstrong’s partner Koko B. Ware hoped for a big win, but was stopped short by “Ravishing” Rick Rude. Rude blasted Ware with a big clothesline in the opening moments of the contest, just like he did to Antonino Rocca a few weeks back. “The Birdman” came back and got several near falls, using his Ghostbuster twice. Rude got the win after his Rude Awakening. **½

4) In a wild two-on-one Handicap Match, George South and Larry Sharpe defeated The Crusher by DQ. Crusher had the early advantage, blasting South with a Crusher Bolo. Before he could make the cover, Sharpe pulled his partner out of the ring for a breather. Crusher later had Sharpe up in a bear hug in the middle of the ring, but South came off the second rope with a double sledge to the back. Crusher turned around and blasted South with a big punch. He picked Sharpe and delivered a Crusher Bolo. Crusher went for a cover, but South again made the save. Sharpe eventually tagged out and then nailed Crusher with a chair shot on the floor, while South distracted Tommy Gilbert in the ring. Crusher was fired up and picked up the chair. He brought it into the ring and nailed South with it right in front of Gilbert. Gilbert immediately called for the bell, but Crusher didn’t care as he smacked South again, then nailed Sharpe in the corner. Sharpe retreated to the locker room, while South lay in the ring beaten. The crowd was infuriated by the decision, but cheered Crusher as the last man standing. **¾

5) Southern Heavyweight champion The Sheik scored a quick win over rival Dan “The Beast” Severn. Dick Hutton did not accompany Severn to ringside, as he was busy preparing for his big tag team bout later on. Sheik entered the ring and charged Severn right away, pulling out the sharp object and jabbing him. The fight spilled to the floor, where Severn slammed Sheik’s shoulder into the ring post, something not typically seen out of “The Beast”. He tossed Sheik back in and applied the wakigatame, which popped the Coliseum. Abdullah Farouk jumped up on the apron and distracted Paul Morton. Severn wouldn’t release the hold, but tried to break Sheik’s arm. The champ took his free arm and rolled over, trying to break free. Severn held on to the armbar, but as Sheik turned he somehow threw a huge fireball at Severn. Severn writhed in pain. Sheik went for a cover and Morton turned around in time to count the pin in about three minutes. Sheik held on his arm and quickly retreated to the locker room. The rest of Team RPW came down to help Severn to the back. DUD

6) “Superfly” Jimmy Snuka and Yukon Eric defeated rivals Greg “The Hammer” Valentine and Magnificent Muraco. This one was back-and-forth. Snuka hit a big Superfly Leap on Valentine midway through the bout, but Capt. Lou Albano distracted Scott Bowden. Eric later got Muraco up in the Kodiak Krunch. It looked like Muraco was going to give, but he eventually draped his foot over the top rope. Eric tagged in to Snuka and the “Superfly” went wild on his foe. Snuka came off with a Superfly Leap on Muraco. Valentine jumped in to save Muraco, but was cut off by Eric who knocked him to the floor with a big shoulder tackle. Snuka went for the cover and got the pin. This is Snuka’s first USWA win over his rival, since their feud was reignited. ***¼

7) Nick Bockwinkel scored a submission win over Bobo Brazil. Brazil had the early advantage, looking for a big win. Bobo nailed two Coco Butts, but couldn’t get the pin. After a brawl on the floor, Bockwinkel took over and applied the figure-four leglock. Brazil rolled to the ropes to break the hold. As Brazil staggered to his feet, Bockwinkel pounced on him and immediately applied the Bockwinkel Sleeper. Brazil weakened from the hold. Paul Morton checked his arm and it dropped three times. Bockwinkel continues his impressive comeback. **¾

8) The Destroyer scored a big win over Frank Gotch. The masked man went to Gotch’s leg early on and applied the single leg Boston Crab several times throughout the match. Gotch fought with all his might, but the leg was definitely hurting him. The “Intelligent, Sensational One” slapped on the figure-four. Gotch fought for the ropes, but ultimately had to tap. **

9) World Heavyweight champion Rikidozan and Giant Baba got a win over Team RPW’s Oklahomans—Dick Hutton and Danny Hodge by countout. Hodge got the ring cut off on him in the first part of the bout. He took a ton of punishment, getting by the World champ’s thunderous chops, as well as taken down twice with the hiplock. Hodge was busted open after one of Rikidozan’s chops, but fought with him and Baba. Hodge gained the advantage after a big dropkick on Baba and tagged out to Hutton. Hutton later had Rikidozan in a sleeper and looked like he might put the champ out, but Rikidozan got to the ropes. Hutton and Baba went at it and the coach delivered a big body slam on the Japanese giant which was very impressive. The two battled on the floor and Baba blasted Hutton with a big boot to the face. Baba crawled back in and Hutton followed, just getting by the count of nine. Later all four men ended up brawling on the floor, but Rikidozan and Hodge were the legal men. The two exchanged blows, but Rikidozan took over with some more chops, then rolled back in the ring. Tommy Gilbert counted ten and Hodge was out of the ring, giving the Japanese duo the win. Hutton and Hodge were ready to continue. You can bet this war is just getting started. ***¼

10) The main event was a big rematch for the USWA World Tag Team titles. Three-time and current titleholders The Midnight Express put the gold on the line against former champs “Playboy” Buddy Rose and “Dastardly” Danny Doring. The challengers looked like they would regain their belts, as they kept Texas champion “Beautiful” Bobby Eaton in the ring for nearly ten minutes, tagging in and out. Bobby didn’t look so beautiful after a few minutes, as he was busted open by a foreign object used by Rose. Eaton finally tagged out to “Loverboy” Dennis Condrey and this time the champs were the ones cutting the ring in half, on Doring. Doring took one heck of a beating and was soon wearing the crimson mask as well. He got hit by Eaton and Condrey’s double team specialties several times. Eaton went for a cover after a Rocket Launcher, but “Sensational” Sherri Martel jumped on the apron and screamed away, distracting Paul Morton. Jim Cornette pulled her off the apron. Sherri was infuriated and clawed away at Cornette and a “catfight” out of sorts broke out! While the two corner people brawled away, back in the ring The Midnights blasted a very bloody Doring with a Double Goozle. The “Dastardly One” rolled to the floor, while Rose and Condrey started brawling in the ring. Doring looked weary. Cornette got the upper hand on Sherri and then proceeded to smack Doring on the back with the tennis racket. Condrey pulled Doring into the ring. Doring was up against the ropes and Cornette nailed him with a second shot to the back. Doring fell forward and was caught in a small package by Texas champ Eaton. Doring was easy prey for a 1-2-3 count. Cornette celebrated the victory with his men after a wild bout! ****½ (NOTE: Eaton had six fatigue tokens on him, while Doring had eight! This was a crazy bout with Eaton and Doring both getting beaten on for several minutes each!)

[crimsoncross]

I'm really liking TEAM RPW, this is a type of angle I used but with a Hardcore twist in my past feds and revived it with Dick Hutton leading Brody and Baker but it didn't turn out that well this time. Excellent Stuff from the USWA!