NWA Heartland presented by Daytondave

[EpicDave]

Thanks to barfly2021 and ~KB~ for the comments this week! As I look at the Aldis card, it is pretty darn strong, with a +2 Finisher and an Add 1 with a 5(2) pin rating. I guess this reflects the amazing run that Aldis had as NWA World Heavyweight Champion, which I thoroughly enjoyed. KB, do you use this card, a different Aldis card, or none at all?

Heartland Wrestling Association:
Pro Wrestling Mid-America
January 10, 2024 (Card #1264)
Hirsch Memorial Coliseum, Shreveport, Louisiana

EpicDave: Hey, fans! Welcome to the Pelican State for an exciting Wednesday night of Heartland Championship Wrestling. The madcap mayhem of Pro Wrestling Mid-America has come to Shreveport! We've got a great night of action lined up for tonight, including a championship Main Event for the PWMA Tag Team Championship! The new champs, TONY GAREA & LARRY ZBYSZKO, will be defending the titles against THE STEINER BRO-

Voice: Where is he? I'm gonna beat the snot out of that little punk!

The introduction is interrupted by the unexpected arrival of JACKIE FARGO, who is accompanied by JIMMY HART & OLE ANDERSON.

Hart: Take it easy, Jackie. We'll get this figured out!

EpicDave: Jackie- Mr. Fargo, sir- exactly what is the issue here?

Fargo: EpicDave- you idiot- were you born yesterday? SHAWN MICHAELS is the problem! That stupid little twit got me knocked out of the Buckeye Bowl!

EpicDave: Shawn Michaels? Yeah, we all agree he is a punk. But if you guys hadn't have been playing around with the megaphone during the Buckeye Bowl-

Hart: Mind your own business, EpicDave!

Ole: Let me handle this, boss. We'll find Shawn Michaels and I will deal with him personally.

Fargo: I am gonna break him in half!

EpicDave: Mr. Fargo- with all due respect, you already have a match scheduled tonight against JERRY LYNN. We'll try to sign a match with Michaels as soon as we can get something booked-

Hart: You better do your job and get that match signed, EpicDave. Come on, guys- we need to get ready for tonight.

Hart and his men exit from ringside. Moments later, SHAWN MICHAELS dashes across in the opposite direction and disappears into the crowd.


EpicDave: Where was I? Oh yes- title match tonight- and the excitement never ends around this place. So relax, grab yourself a cold one, and enjoy the show!



RANDY 'MACHO MAN' SAVAGE*** pinned BOBBY SHANE***** after a running knee to the back


DIAMOND DALLAS PAGE pinned BAD NEWS ALLEN*** after a Discus Clothesline


TED DIBIASE pinned NIKITA KOLOFF** after Nikita passed out from the Tongan Death Grip of Meng

As DiBiase faced off against Nikita, he was clearly reluctant to lock up with the powerful Russian. DiBiase summoned MENG to the ring, and offered Meng a sizable bribe to take the match. Nikita agreed to face Meng, but Meng overpowered Nikita and put him away with the Tongan Death Grip. DiBiase returned to the ring, and after presenting Meng with another wad of cash, it was DiBiase who covered Nikita for the three count and the official victory.

EpicDave: Of all the low-down tactics of Ted DiBiase, he may have just reached his lowest point. He took advantage of the pride of Nikita- and the greed of Meng- but that result will officially go down as a "W" for DiBiase.


DON & ROCKY KERNODLE defeated 'SUPERSTAR' BILL DUNDEE**** & DUTCH MANTELL* when Don pinned Dundee with a Top Rope Clothesline


GRUDGE MATCH- NO DISQUALIFICATION:
JACKIE FARGO (w/JIMMY HART) pinned JERRY LYNN****** after use of a ringside weapon

Jerry Lynn started the match with a wrestling clinic, turning Fargo inside out until Jackie pitched Jerry out of the ring. Once the match went to the floor, the dirty tactics of Fargo prevailed and Fargo busted Lynn open with a foreign object. Lynn escaped to the ring, but Fargo was relentless in his pursuit, and busted Jerry again with the foreign object and covered Lynn for the victory.

EpicDave: So Fargo makes quick work of Jerry Lynn. Score one for WHATEVER WE WANT- but it seems like Fargo is less concerned about the battle with JUSTICE 4 ALL than he is with getting hold of SHAWN MICHAELS after the debacle at Buckeye Bowl 2024.


PWMA HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: #1 CONTENDERS' MATCH
BRET 'HITMAN' HART*** defeated TOMMY 'WILDFIRE' RICH** by submission with the Sharpshooter


MAIN EVENT: PWMA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
TONY GAREA & LARRY ZBYSZKO* (c) defeated RICK*** & SCOTTY**** STEINER by disqualification after Rick bodyslammed Garea onto the arena floor

Rick and Scotty came to the ring hungry to regain their belts, but Garea and Zbyszko stayed a step ahead of the challengers throughout the contest. The champions isolated Scotty and wore him out, largely with Zbyszko able to weaken Scotty with repeated use of the Abdominal Stretch. Rick hit the ring at full speed, but Garea and Zbyszko smartly tagged in and out quickly to keep Rick from maintaining and offense. Rick became frustrated, and in his eagerness to prevail, Rick grabbed Garea on the arena floor and threw him down viciously, ignoring the warnings of the referee and earning himself a disqualification.

TONY GAREA & LARRY ZBYSZKO RETAIN THE PWMA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

EpicDave: A strategic masterpiece for the tag team champions. Garea and Zbyszko were physically overmatched out there, but they had their game plan plotted perfectly and they followed it to "T". They pushed Rick Steiner to the point of losing his cool and making a costly error to cost the Steiner Brothers their opportunity to regain the titles. Congratulations to TONY GAREA & LARRY ZBYSZKO for a successful title defense here tonight in Shreveport! All right, fans- we're done here. Thanks for checking us out tonight! We'll be back on Saturday Night with the pay-per-view presentation of Heartland Havoc CXIX: I Walk Alone. Be sure to tune in to catch our Double Main Event! The Heartland Ladies' Championship will be on the line when NICOLE MATTHEWS defends against KELLY KLEIN. And- it will be the first-ever Tables Match to decide the NWA World Heavyweight Championship when RIC FLAIR battles BRUNO SAMMARTINO. That's our show, and I AM OUTTA HERE!





PWMA Heavyweight Champion: BARRY WINDHAM
PWMA Tag Team Champions: TONY GAREA & LARRY ZBYSZKO
Southland Heavyweight Champion: 'DR. DEATH' STEVE WILLIAMS

PWMA Commissioner: LANCE RUSSELL
PWMA Guest Interviewer: 'MEAN' GENE OKERLUND

[~KB~]

Jan 12, 2024 11:19:21 GMT -5 EpicDave said:

Thanks to barfly2021 and ~KB~ for the comments this week! As I look at the Aldis card, it is pretty darn strong, with a +2 Finisher and an Add 1 with a 5(2) pin rating. I guess this reflects the amazing run that Aldis had as NWA World Heavyweight Champion, which I thoroughly enjoyed. KB, do you use this card, a different Aldis card, or none at all?

I do love that NICK ALDIS card but not in LOW, he is too strong. IMO

I believe he was built to be the Harley Race of the Indies line, and if there's another ALDIS card I'm not aware of it.


Your fed is incredible, keeping it rolling Dr. Little!

[neilybob21]

Great card Dr little ? I don't have this card either.

[EpicDave]

Thanks for the background info, ~KB~!

Heartland Championship Wrestling proudly presents:





January 13, 2024
Hammerstein Ballroom, New York City



Main Event: NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Tables Match
RIC FLAIR (c) vs. BRUNO SAMMARTINO






Heartland Ladies' Championship
NICOLE MATTHEWS (c) vs. KELLY KLEIN






Patriot Heavyweight Championship
BUDDY ROGERS (c) vs. HARLEY RACE






Grudge Match: No Disqualification
JESSICKA HAVOK vs. JOANIE LAURER






Patriot Tag Team Championship
THE FANTASTICS (c) vs. THE BRITISH BULLDOGS





Heartland Ladies' Tag Team Championship
MALIA HOSAKA & JAZZ (c) vs. MERCEDES MARTINEZ & NICOLE SAVOY




Grudge Match: No Disqualification
SGT. SLAUGHTER, BRYAN DANIELSON, & RICKY STEAMBOAT vs.
JOHNNY VALENTINE, ARN ANDERSON & TULLY BLANCHARD





Special Interview Segment: MARK HENRY
2024 Buckeye Bowl Winner




All matches will be streamed live on the Epic Sports Broadcasting Network!

[TTX]

Love that six man tag match.

[paul]

Damn! That is one stacked card! I'm gonna predict Bruno in the main event. Would have loved to see him drive someone through a table in real life.

[EpicDave]

Thanks to TTX and paul for the comments this week!

Heartland Championship Wrestling proudly presents:





January 13, 2024
Hammerstein Ballroom, New York City

The show opens with the tune, "I Walk Alone" by Saliva playing overhead. The New York City fans erupt with applause as EPICDAVE, VELVET SKY, & BILL APTER make their way to the ring. EpicDave helps Velvet into the ring, as Apter slides between the ropes and fires up the Air Guitar in time with the music.

EpicDave: Hey, fans! Welcome to Heartland Havoc CXIX: I Walk Alone! The New England winter is nasty- but the stars of Heartland Ladies' Wrestling and Patriot Championship Wrestling are fixin' to set New York on fire tonight! The NWA World Heavyweight Championship is on the line tonight as RIC FLAIR defends the title in a Tables Match against local favorite BRUNO SAMMARTINO.

Apter: And that will be the first time in Heartland history that the World Title has been defended in a Tables Match!

Velvet: Heartland... WHAT IS UP?!?!? I am STOKED to be here! And I am definitely excited to see the Heartland Ladies' Championship match between NICOLE MATTHEWS and her challenger, KELLY KLEIN!

Apter: Would you believe that Kelly and Nicole finished in a TIE for the Heartland Lady Wrestler of the Year for 2023? That has NEVER happened!

EpicDave: There will be plenty of pride on the line in that match- and the stakes are high in EVERY match here tonight. And all of tonight's action will be streamed live on the Epic Sports Broadcasting Network. And to kick things off, Bill Apter is going to interview the winner of the 2024 Buckeye Bowl, MARK HENRY. So relax, grab yourself a cold one, and enjoy the show!

youtube.com/live/CQZMawnTl78?feature=share

Special Interview Segment: MARK HENRY
2024 Buckeye Bowl Winner

The show opened with BILL APTER setting up for an interview, but to the surprise of the fans, 'ROWDY' RODDY PIPER burst onto the scene and took over the interview set! Piper congratulated Henry on his Buckeye Bowl victory, but Henry was confronted by BIG JOHN STUDD & BOBBY HEENAN. Words were exchanged, and Piper and Heenan got into a shouting match! Apter had to return to the set and settle down the argument, sending Heenan and Studd away from the broadcast set.

Apter: Surprise! Roddy Piper has come to Patriot Championship Wrestling! And after what we just saw, we are going to book a Tag Team Match with RODDY PIPER & MARK HENRY to take on BIG JOHN STUDD & CURT HENNIG!

EpicDave: How about that! Ol' Bill Apter has a few tricks up his sleeve- and bringing in RODDY PIPER is certainly something I wasn't expecting. Now- let's get to the in-ring action for tonight.



Grudge Match: No Disqualification
SGT. SLAUGHTER, BRYAN DANIELSON, & RICKY STEAMBOAT vs.
JOHNNY VALENTINE, ARN ANDERSON & TULLY BLANCHARD (w/JAMES J. DILLON)

The six-man match was a war of attrition. Steamboat took out Blanchard at the beginning of the match, but Anderson carried the load for Dillon's team. After a considerable period of back-and-forth action, the showdown between Slaughter and Valentine took center stage. Slaughter annihilated Valentine with the Slaughter Cannon and appeared to be on the verge of victory! But Valentine rolled out of the ring, and Anderson slugged Slaughter with a shoe that was given to him by Dillon. As the J4A members came after Anderson, Blanchard pulled out a sledgehammer and walloped Slaughter. Slaughter was stunned, and Blanchard rolled Slaughter back into the ring, where Valentine put Slaughter away with the Atomic Skullcrusher.

WINNERS: JOHNNY VALENTINE, ARN ANDERSON & TULLY BLANCHARD

EpicDave: Another strategic stroke of genius by JAMES J. DILLON. And who better to pull it off than Anderson and Blanchard.

Velvet: That's a rough loss for JUSTICE 4 ALL. But they are trying to build something special across the Heartland- but it's gonna be a challenge. But now- it's been a long rivalry for the Heartland Ladies' Tag Team Championship- and tonight it comes to an end. The winners get the titles, and the losers will be forced to split up as a tag team.


Heartland Ladies' Tag Team Championship
MALIA HOSAKA & JAZZ (c) vs. MERCEDES MARTINEZ & NICOLE SAVOY

The final battle in this long-term rivalry was as intense as anticipated. The deciding factor in the match was the striking ability of the challengers, as Nicole punished both opponents with stiff MMA kicks, and Mercedes chopped away at Jazz until Jazz was worn down and weakened. Jazz sought a respite on the arena floor, but walked right into a Fisherman Buster from Mercedes for the pin.

WINNERS: NICOLE SAVOY & MERCEDES MARTINEZ
MARTINEZ & SAVOY REGAIN THE HEARTLAND LADIES' TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

Velvet: Congratulations to Mercedes and Nicole! That was a hard-hitting match- and now they are the champions again! Way to go you two! It is kinda sad to see the end of JAZZ & MALIA as a tag team- but they had an awesome run together.

EpicDave: They certainly did. Malia and Jazz held the titles on three separate occasions. And tonight, they went down fighting after an excellent battle. These two teams have been battling for months- and they have built a lot of respect for each other leading to tonight's conclusion. And after that terrific tag team match- next up, we have another tag team championship on the line!


Patriot Tag Team Championship
THE FANTASTICS (c) vs. THE BRITISH BULLDOGS

The first-ever match between the Fantastics and the Bulldogs was a shocker! Early in the match, Davey Boy took over on Fulton and overpowered Fulton with a running powerslam. Dynamite Kid alertly knocked Rogers off the ring apron, setting the Bulldogs up for the double-team Tower Of London and a quick pinfall victory.

WINNERS: THE BRITISH BULLDOGS
THE BRITISH BULLDOGS WIN THE PATRIOT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

Apter: That was an amazing win for Dynamite and Davey Boy. This is the first tag team title that the Bulldogs have won here in the Heartland. Congratulations!

EpicDave: I, for one, and shocked at how quickly the Bulldogs took the measure of the champions. Rogers and Fulton are going to have to regroup in a major way to prepare for a rematch after such a devastating defeat. But now, fans- another match that will not be for the faint of heart. JOANIE LAURER has been terrorizing the Heartland since her arrival- and tonight, JESSICKA HAVOK has stepped up to face this intimidating foe.


Grudge Match: No Disqualification
JESSICKA HAVOK vs. JOANIE LAURER

As expected, the battle between Joanie and Jessicka was a slugfest. Joanie came out strong, but Jessicka refused to be intimidated. The conflict reached a fever pitch when action spilled out of the ring. Joanie prevailed in the brawl and drove Jessicka back-first against the ring apron. Jessicka winced and grabbed at her back, prompting Joanie to roll Jessicka back into the ring and deliver a Powerbomb to score the win.

WINNER: JOANIE LAURER

Velvet: How brutal was that? But you gotta be impressed by Joanie Laurer. She just took down one of the biggest and baddest ladies in the Heartland- and I have NO IDEA who is going to step to her next.

EpicDave: No doubt about it. Joanie was brought in by IVELISSE- so it will be very interesting to see what is next for both of them. Next up- HARLEY RACE has been on the journey for a shot at the Patriot Heavyweight Championship for many, many months. BUDDY ROGERS was able to maneuver his way to the front of the line and capture the title- and finally here tonight, Race gets his long-awaited opportunity to wrestle for the gold.


Patriot Heavyweight Championship
BUDDY ROGERS (c) vs. HARLEY RACE

Rogers and Race were evenly matched in this contest, as evidenced by multiple reversals and changes in momentum. Harley showed more strength and toughness, and as the match wore on, Race was able to weaken Rogers. It took two piledrivers from Race to complete the win, but Harley's determination paid off in the end and he captured the pinfall.

WINNER: HARLEY RACE
HARLEY RACE WINS THE PATRIOT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Apter: Congratulations to HARLEY RACE for a tremendous victory to become the new Patriot Heavyweight Champion. It has been a long road for Race to get to this point, and today his persistence has paid off. Both of the major PCW titles have changed hands tonight here in New York City!

EpicDave: And we have two more titles to be defended before the night is over.

Velvet: And now it will be the Heartland Ladies' Championship!


Heartland Ladies' Championship
NICOLE MATTHEWS (c) vs. KELLY KLEIN

With pride AND the Heartland Ladies' Title on the line, both Nicole and Kelly came out focused and determined to compete. The match was relatively clean, as Kelly controlled the pace and kept Nicole grounded. Nicole was able to execute several reversals and take the offensive at times, but Nicole really couldn't do much damage. Kelly wore down Nicole and locked on The End Of The Match! Nicole struggled and fought, and after a desperate effort, Nicole made it to the ropes to force the break. But Nicole came back woozy, and Kelly quickly took Nicole down and reapplied The End Of The Match. This time, Nicole was going nowhere, and after a few more agonizing moments, Nicole went limp and the referee immediately called for the bell.

WINNER: KELLY KLEIN
KELLY KLEIN WINS THE HEARTLAND LADIES' CHAMPIONSHIP

Velvet: Ohmigawd! Kelly choked her out!

EpicDave: That guillotine choke is incredibly dangerous. There's a reason she calls it "The End Of The Match".

Velvet: She definitely ended Nicole with that one. Kelly is now the Heartland Ladies' Champion!

EpicDave: And Kelly starts off 2024 with a bang after a huge year in 2023. And now, fans- it's time for tonight's Main Event!


Main Event: NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Tables Match
RIC FLAIR (c) vs. BRUNO SAMMARTINO

The table stipulation added a new dimension to this match. Bruno seemed to have the advantage with his superior strength. But Flair was able to keep his distance and wear down Bruno with his devastating chops. It was Flair who made the first attempt at setting up the table, but Bruno powered his way free before Flair could dive Bruno through the table and claim victory.

Velvet: That was close!

Bruno fought his way free, and trapped Flair in a powerful bearhug. Flair groaned through the pain as BOBBY HEENAN went berserk at ringside. Bruno maneuvered Flair toward the nearest table, preparing to hoist Flair up and slam him through the table. But Flair shifted his weight, dropping to his knees and catching Bruno with a devastating low blow!

Apter: Of all the despicable things… Flair was on the verge of losing and he comes up with a cheap shot! I am disgusted!

EpicDave: When the title is on the line- you do what you gotta do!

Bruno dropped to the mat in a heap. Flair followed up with a series of kicks to the knee, then wrapped Bruno into the Figure-Four! Bruno gasped and struggled as Flair tortured his knee without mercy. Bruno managed to turn the hold briefly, but Flair quickly broke the grip and launched another assault on Bruno's knee. Bruno lay on the mat, grimacing and holding his knee. Flair took advantage, pulling Bruno to his feet and driving Bruno through a nearby table to earn the victory!

WINNER: 'NATURE BOY' RIC FLAIR
RIC FLAIR RETAINS THE NWA WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Apter: Well, I suppose congratulations are in order to RIC FLAIR for a successful title defense.

Velvet: Yeah- we should have expected Flair to cheat to win. That's what he does.

EpicDave: He is the dirtiest player in the game, without a doubt. And once again, tonight, you can call him "Champ". The fans here in New York City are booing like crazy, but that only makes Flair that much more cocky. Flair thrives on the reaction he gets from the fans in situations like this- but the proof is in the pudding. Flair is your winner here tonighht in the Main Event and he remains your NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Congratulations to the Nature Boy! All right, fans- we're done here. Thanks for checking out tonight's presentation of Heartland Havoc CXIX: I Walk Alone. Heartland will be back next week with another terrific episode of the finest championship wrestling money can buy. Until then, that's our show and I AM OUTTA HERE!

[~KB~]

This card was EPIC, I had the pleasure of watching it play out live.

[EpicDave]

Heartland Championship Wrestling Rankings
January 18, 2024

NWA SINGLES (previous month in parenthesis)

1. RIC FLAIR- NWA World Heavyweight Champion (1)
2. NICK ALDIS- Atlantic Heavyweight Champion (2)
3. BARRY WINDHAM- Pro Wrestling Mid-America Heavyweight Champion (6)
4. BRUNO SAMMARTINO (4)
5. SGT. SLAUGHTER- North American Heavyweight Champion (5)
6. BOBO BRAZIL- Dixie Heavyweight Champion (8)
7. 'DR. DEATH' STEVE WILLIAMS- Southland Heavyweight Champion (7)
8. HARLEY RACE- Patriot Heavyweight Champion (NR)
9. BOB BACKLUND (NR)
10. NICK BOCKWINKEL (9)


NWA TAG TEAM

1. JACK & JERRY BRISCO- NWA World Tag Team Champions (1)
2. THE FANTASTICS (TOMMY ROGERS & BOBBY FULTON) (2)
3. TONY GAREA & LARRY ZBYSZKO- Pro Wrestling Mid-America Tag Team Champions (4)
4. THE MIDNIGHT EXPRESS (STAN LANE & BOBBY EATON)- Atlantic Tag Team Champions (3)
5. THE BRITISH BULLDOGS- Patriot Tag Team Champions (NR)
6. DICK THE BRUISER & THE CRUSHER (NR)
7. THE FABULOUS KANGAROOS (6)
8. JAY & MARK BRISCOE (NR)
9. DON & ROCKY KERNODLE (NR)
10. BOB ROOP & BOB ORTON, JR. (7)


LADIES

1. KELLY KLEIN- Heartland Ladies' Champion (4)
2. CHEERLEADER MELISSA (2)
3. NICOLE MATTHEWS (1)
4. SARA DEL REY- HLW Mistress of Mayhem (NR)
5. JORDYNNE GRACE (7)
6. DEONNA PURRAZZO (3)
7. SUMIE SAKAI (10)
8. TRISH ADORA (NR)
9. JESSICKA HAVOK (5)
10. KILLER KELLY (6)


LADIES' TAG TEAM

1. MERCEDES MARTINEZ & NICOLE SAVOY- Heartland Ladies' Tag Team Champions (2)
2. THE KIMBER BOMBS (3)
3. THE HEX (MARTI BELLE & ALLYSIN KAY) (5)
4. TASHA STEELZ & BIG SWOLE (NR)
5. LUNA & VIVIAN VACHON (NR)



MOST POPULAR

1. SGT. SLAUGHTER
2. THE FANTASTICS
3. BRYAN DANIELSON
4. KELLY KLEIN
5. KEVIN STEEN
6. NIKITA KOLOFF
7. STEVE WILLIAMS
8. TONY GAREA/LARRY ZBYSZKO
9. BOB BACKLUND
10. BRET HART


MOST HATED

1. RIC FLAIR
2. IVELISSE
3. BARRY WINDHAM
4. KEVIN SULLIVAN/CACTUS JACK
5. JACKIE FARGO
6. ARN ANDERSON/TULLY BLANCHARD
7. JOANIE LAURER
8. SHANE DOUGLAS
9. BUDDY ROGERS
10. BIG JOHN STUDD

*****************************************************************************

ROSTER OF CHAMPIONS:

NATIONAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE
NWA World Heavyweight Champion: RIC FLAIR (4)
NWA World Tag Team Champions: JACK & JERRY BRISCO


ATLANTIC WRESTLING FEDERATION
AWF Heavyweight Champion: NICK ALDIS (2)
AWF Tag Team Champions: THE MIDNIGHT EXPRESS (3)
Dixie Heavyweight Champion: BOBO BRAZIL


PRO WRESTLING MID-AMERICA
PWMA Heavyweight Champion: BARRY WINDHAM
PWMA Tag Team Champions: TONY GAREA & LARRY ZBYSZKO
Southland Heavyweight Champion: 'DR. DEATH' STEVE WILLIAMS


PATRIOT CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING
PCW Heavyweight Champion: HARLEY RACE
PCW Tag Team Champions: THE BRITISH BULLDOGS
North American Champion: SGT. SLAUGHTER


HEARTLAND LADIES' WRESTLING
HLW World Champion: KELLY KLEIN
HLW Tag Team Champions: MERCEDES MARTINEZ & NICOLE SAVOY (2)
Mistress Of Mayhem: SARA DEL REY

[EpicDave]

Heartland Wrestling Association:
Pro Wrestling Mid-America
January 20, 2024 (Card #1265)
Sam Houston Coliseum, Houston, Texas

EpicDave: Hey, fans! Welcome to Houston, Texas for tonight's presentation of Heartland Championship Wrestling! We are proud to bring you a tremendous night of action from Pro Wrestling Mid-America. We have a stellar show lined up tonight, including a championship Main Event! It will be a No Disqualification rematch for the PWMA Heavyweight Championship with BARRY WINDHAM defending once more against the former champion, NICK BOCKWINKEL. Plus- THE MIDNIGHT EXPRESS have come to Houston to take on TONY GAREA & LARRY ZBYSZKO in a Number One Contenders' Match for the NWA World Tag Team Championship. And tonight's feature matches will be streamed live on the Epic Sports Broadcasting Network. It's time to light up the night, fans- so relax, grab yourself a cold one, and enjoy the show!


JERRY LYNN* pinned SCOTT NORTON** with a Cradle Piledriver


BILL DUNDEE & DUTCH MANTELL* defeated THE VACHON BROTHERS (MAD DOG & BUTCHER***) when Dundee pinned Butcher with the Superstar Bomb


JACKIE FARGO* (w/OLE ANDERSON) pinned GIANT BABA** with an Atomic Drop


PWMA TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP: #1 CONTENDERS' MATCH
THE KERNODLE BROTHERS (ROCKY & DON*****) defeated DICK THE BRUISER & THE CRUSHER*** by Disqualification when Bruiser attacked the Kernodle Brothers with a steel chair

It was a very strange series of events in the Tag Team Contender's Match. Bruiser and Crusher were heavy favorites, and they seemed to have the match well in hand after both men beat down Don Kernodle. But Don made a desperation tag to Rocky, and Rocky launched an incredible flurry against Crusher! Rocky connected with two flying body presses and nearly had Crusher pinned when Bruiser hit the ring with a steel chair. Bruiser smacked Rocky with the chair to break up the pin, and the referee called for the disqualification.

After the DQ, Don Kernodle hit the ring to defend his brother, but Bruiser assaulted Don with the chair! Bruiser beat Don with the chair until Don was covered in blood, and only the intervention of Crusher could make him stop.

EpicDave: Are you kidding me? That was totally over the top! Getting his team disqualified was bad enough- but the beating that Bruiser gave to Don Kernodle was absolutely uncalled for. Don is out cold and he is going to be taken out of here on a stretcher. And you can better believe that Dick the Bruiser is going to be looking at some serious suspension time. Wow… I have no words to describe what I have just witnessed. But the show must go on, fans- and it's time to fire up the Epic Sports Broadcasting Network for the remainder of tonight's matches.

youtube.com/live/JhZIMTBeiNA

KEVIN STEEN* pinned SHAWN MICHAELS**** with the F-Cinq

Both men have recently run afoul of WHATEVER WE WANT, so it was no surprise when TERRY FUNK showed up at ringside. Funk made no effort to intervene in the match, and after a competitive contest, Steen dropped Michaels with the F-Cinq to win.

After the match, Funk and Steen had words, but Funk seemed more interested in getting after Michaels. But Michaels took the opportunity to roll out of the ring and escape the ring area, leaving Funk in frustration.

EpicDave: Shawn Michaels escaped again! Michaels has been the target of WHATEVER WE WANT ever since he inadvertently cracked JACKIE FARGO with the megaphone and eliminated Fargo from the Buckeye Bowl. Michaels can run- but he can only hide for so long before he has to face the music. All right, fans- a few weeks ago in Nashville we witnessed a verbal altercation between HARTFORD LOVE and BILLY GUNN which turned physical. And tonight, these two men will settle their differences in this No Disqualification Grudge Match.


GRUDGE MATCH- NO DISQUALIFICATION:
BILLY GUNN pinned HARTFORD LOVE** with the Fame-Asser

It didn't take long for Billy to overpower Hartford with an aggressive onslaught of power moves. Before Hartford could mount a response, Billy dropped him with the Fame-Asser for the win.

EpicDave: That was a decisive statement by Billy. The fans here in Houston were definitely impressed by that- as one ringside observer said, "He ain't gettin' paid by the hour."


NWA WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP #1 CONTENDERS' MATCH
TONY GAREA & LARRY ZBYSZKO* defeated THE MIDNIGHT EXPRESS (BOBBY EATON & STAN LANE*****) when Zbyszko pinned Lane after a Running Lariat

The tag team chemistry of both teams was impeccable in the early going, as repeated tags by all four men prevented either side from establishing momentum. Eaton went to the air and took down Zbyszko, and Larry appeared to be favoring his left shoulder after a nasty Divorce Court. But Garea was able to tag in, and the Garea/Zbyszko double-teams began to take their toll. Lane was the victim of several double-team moves that led to a couple of near-falls. Jim Cornette became concerned, and tried to interfere with his tennis racket. But Cornette's racket shot went awry and nailed Lane, busting him open! Zbyszko alertly capitalized, clobbering Lane with a running lariat and covering him for the victory.

EpicDave: What a drastic failure by Jim Cornette! Give credit to Zbyszko and Garea- their teamwork and execution was the difference in that match that put them in position to win. It will be Garea and Zbyszko heading to Dallas next month for a World Tag Team Championship match against JACK & JERRY BRISCO! And now, fans- another chapter in the rivalry between BARRY WINDHAM and NICK BOCKWINKEL with the PWMA Heavyweight Championship on the line!


MAIN EVENT: PWMA HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP- NO DISQUALIFICATION
BARRY WINDHAM* (w/JIMMY HART) pinned NICK BOCKWINKEL****** with the Sweetwater Superplex

Windham was accompanied to the ring by JIMMY HART, and the battle of the titans started with Windham taking control. Windham surprised Bockwinkel by going to the air on multiple occasions to do considerable damage. Action spilled out of the ring, where Hart removed his boot and handed it to Windham, who nailed Bockwinkel!

After Hart's boot came into play, KEVIN STEEN came to ringside and confronted Hart! Windham was headed to the top turnbuckle, but the distraction gave Bockwinkel time to catch Windham climbing the ropes and throw Windham to the mat. But Windham was first to recover, and clamped Bockwinkel into the BlackJack Claw! Bockwinkel was staggered and desperate, but managed to survive. Undaunted, Windham took Bockwinkel to the top turnbuckle and launched him with the Sweetwater Superplex and covered him for the three count.

BARRY WINDHAM RETAINS THE PWMA HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

EpicDave: Congratulations to BARRY WINDHAM! He has successfully defended the PWMA Heavyweight Championship here tonight in Houston. It has been an unbelievable run for Windham, and tonight he finally put aside the challenge of NICK BOCKWINKEL. You may not like him- but you have to respect everything that Windham has accomplished here in Pro Wrestling Mid-America. All right, fans- we're done here. Thanks for checking us out tonight! Heartland will be back on Wednesday night with action from the Atlantic Wrestling Federation. Baton Rouge will be the center of attention on Wednesday when BOBO BRAZIL brings the Dixie Heavyweight Championship to town to defend against LOU THESZ. That's our show, and I AM OUTTA HERE!





PWMA Heavyweight Champion: BARRY WINDHAM
PWMA Tag Team Champions: TONY GAREA & LARRY ZBYSZKO
Southland Heavyweight Champion: 'DR. DEATH' STEVE WILLIAMS

PWMA Commissioner: LANCE RUSSELL
PWMA Guest Interviewer: 'MEAN' GENE OKERLUND