Memphis Wrestling

[kevinmcfl]

MIDSOUTH COLISEUM

MEMORIAL DAY SPECTACULAR

MAY 26, 1990

 

Brian Christopher defeats “Dirty” Dutch Mantel by count-out.  Dutch was really giving it to Christopher, using Ol’ Betsy (Bullwhip) as much as he could without the ref noticing. 

He kept tossing it in and out of the ring to the Angel of Death who had accompanied him to the ring.  After about an extra 5 minutes of toying and beating Brian Christopher, the crowd erupted as “The Missouri Tiger” Jeff Gaylord rushed the ring. 

Instead of sticking around, Dutch ran for the hills and we had a good brawl between Gaylord and Angel of Death which eventually saw Gaylord standing tall in the ring and the Angel of Death slamming the matt on the outside of the ring.  A side note to the chaos; this was Brian Christopher’s first official win in the USWA!

 

Nature Boy Buddy Landel with Skandar Akbar defeated Iceman Parsons with a roll up and a grab of the tights after Akbar had blinded Iceman with some sort of powder. 

 

TRI-STATE TITLE MATCH

“Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert with Jimmy Hart & Missy Hyatt Superstar defeated Superstar Bill Dundee with the Hotshot as Jimmy Hart and Missy Hyatt interfered just enough to allow Gilbert to hit a low blow which he followed up with the Hotshot!  Eddie Gilbert, Missy Hyatt, and Jimmy Hart really hyped up their new title!!

 

 

USWA WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH

The Steiner Brothers © dominated The Guerreros and made them pay for every dirty tactiv they tried.  Doom (Reed & Simmons) tried to come out to distract the Steiners but this just seemed to fuel Rick and Scott.  The destruction came after Rick connected with a German Suplex on Hector.  The Steiners dared Doom to enter the ring but, using a house mic, Hacksaw Reed said they had to go get ready for their match or else they would love to kick their …..

 

Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart & Greg “The Hammer” Valentine with Jimmy Hart defeated Jeff Jarrett & Brad Armstrong after Hart had pulled the ropes down as Jeff Jarrett was being wiped into them.  This caused JJ to fall awkwardly onto the floor and appeared to hurt his shoulder.  This left Brad to fight 2-1 or 3-1 if you include Hart.  Brad help up well until the Anvil took out his knee with a dirty break in the corner.  This allowed Valentine to go to work on the knee and we eventually saw the Figure 4 locked in.  Armstrong refused to surrender but his brother Steve saw the trouble he was in and rushed and threw in the white towel. 

 

 

UNIFICATION TITLE MATCH

Southern Champion- Randy “Macho Man” Savage with Miss. Elizabeth defeats “The Texas Tornado” Kerry Von Erich with the top rope elbow drop.  This was a back and forth match that went nearly 20 minutes but in the end, it was a clean win for the Macho Man.

 

 

UNIFICATION TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH

Southern Tag Team Champs- The Southern Boys defeated the  UWF Tag Team Champs-Doom (Hacksaw Reed & Ron Simmons with Teddy Long) as Reed and Simmons and made it obvious that they cared more about giving a beating to the Southern Boys and sending a message to the Steiners that they are coming for the USWA World Titles.  The end came when Reed and Simmons both brought chairs into the ring and gave big headshots to both Tracy Smothers and Scott Armstrong!  The Southern Boys didn’t look like it but they were winners and still champions in this Unification Match,

 

 

MAIN EVENT:  USWA TITLE MATCH

“The King” Jerry Lawler © defeated “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff with the piledriver that the King followed up with after the middle rope, singlet strap-down, fist drop.  This was a physical match that saw the King play the babyface in peril role to perfection.  In the end, we saw Lawler power out of the pin attempt following Mr. Wonderful’s piledriver and then slowly mount his comeback.  In the end, Lawler left “no doubt” who had the better piledriver!

[Autistic Dragon]

Dutch's crippling tiger-phobia gives Christopher his first W.

Landel needs a lot of help to get past Parsons.

Gilbert brings some gold back to the First Family.

The Steiners use Los Guerreros to send a very painful lesson.

Double J goes down leaving it up to Steve to save brother Brad.

Savage and the Southern Boys are your undisputed Southern champions.

Lawler wins the battle of the Piledrivers.

[spaldoni]

Only a matter of time before Gaylord gets his hands on Dutch 

Always love seeing two Mid South vets like Budro and Iceman go at it. 

Gilbert and his entourage defeat Dundee for the Tri State title. 

By dismantling the Guerreros, the Steiners send a strong message to Doom

Hammer and Anvil, that just sounds like they were meant to team up. After that impressive win, we might see more of this team. 

Savage and Kerry give the fans their money's worth. Savage winning clean here is a big deal. 

Damn, I thought the Steiners sent a message, but Doom really went overboard here. 

Orndorff was really built up well for this match. Lawler makes the ultimate comeback, satisfies the fans with a piledriver and prevails. 

Another fun show at the Coliseum. Great job Kev 

[kevinmcfl]

 

May 31, 1991

Lance Russell:

"Yellow again, wrestling fans, and welcome to another hour of United States Wrestling Association action. I'm Lance Rusell along with Dave Brown, and what a night of wrestling we had last Monday at the Midsouth Coliseum.  Randy Savage is still the Southern Heavyweight Champion after he defeated Kerry VonErich in the unified title match and the Southern Boys survived their unification title match with Doom!

Dave Brown: 
"Lance, … survived might be an understatement as Doom had no interest in winning the match.  Instead they wanted to send a message to the USWA World Tag Team champions, the Steiner Brothers.  What Hacksaw Reed and Ron Simmons did had nothing to do with wrestling as they just broke every rule in the book including hitting both Tracy Smothers and Steve Armstrong in the head with steel chairs.  Give referee David Weathers credit for disqualifying them for their disgusting actions."

Lance Russell: 

"Yes Daivid did an excellent job but I’ll tell you this… when the Steiners and Doom do meet in an actual match, let me tell you, it is going to be a war.  Speaking of a war …. Someday… “The Missouri Tiger” Jeff Gaylord is going to get his hands on Dirty Dutch Mantell and Dutch might not know what day it is when Jeff is finished with him. 

Suddenly, Jimmy Hart, Missy Hyatt and Hotstuff Eddie Gilbert come to the ring.  Gilbert is wearing his newly won Tri-State Championship belt around his waist and Missy, wearing a low-cut top has her arms all over her man. 

Jimmy Hart:
"Ok Pencil Nose, I’ve had about enough of this.  One belt… one title… the Tri-State Title changed hands at the Midsouth Coliseum last Monday and you two idiots have been rambling on and on about everyone else who won their match and who is going to beat who months down the road and you’ve yet to tell these uneducated hicks here in studio today that Eddie Gilbert defeated the vertically challenged Aussie for the belt.  I mean I know you have your marching orders from the blonde buffoon, Jerry Jarrett to ignore the First Family but this prejudice is getting ridiculous.  Just because we have declared war on his son, the wanna-be wrestler Jeff Jarrett, he thinks he can black list.  I mean enough is enough Lance! 

Lance Russell (rolling his eyes) :
"Come on now Jimmy.  You know well and good that Jerry Jarrett doesn’t tell us what we are to talk about, and we would have gotten to Eddie Gilbert and him winning the Tri-State Title in just a minute. 

Eddie Gilbert grabs the mic and with a smirk on his face, arrogantly begins to talk

Eddie Gilbert:
"Lance, I know the real reason why my title victory wasn’t first on your list of things to talk about.  It’s simple!  There was never a doubt of who would win the match.  I mean Hotstuff Eddie Gilbert is so far and away superior to the runt of the litter… Bill Dundee, the outcome was a forgone conclusion…. And that can be said for any match I’m in.  You don’t see Jeff Jarrett wanting to get in the ring with me.  You don’t see The Southern Boys wanting a match with me and you sure as heck don’t see Jerry Lawler wanting another beating from me. So as far as I’m concerned… the Tri-State champion is the best champion in the USWA, and I will face anyone who dares to get in the ring with me as I plan on holding this title for a long, long time."

The First Family struts off to a chorus of boos as Lance and Dave both welcome in Jerry Jarrett who just shakes his head at the First Family.   

Jerry Jarrett:
"That Jimmy Hart sure is something else… Fans, I wanted to let you all know that after the success of the Memorial Day Spectacular, USWA will be returning to the Midsouth Coliseum on Monday July 7 for an event we’re calling the Great American Stampede.  We promise this to be a night of wrestling action that will long be remembered.  This will be a great way to end the Holiday weekend and see some great wrestling action.  I will be back later on to give you a little more information on that big event.  ________________________________________________________________________
 

Match #1:  Southern Title Match
Randy “Macho Man” Savage with Miss. Elizabeth defeats “White Lightening” Tim Horner with the top rope elbow drop.  We get the full Macho Man on display today as he comes to the ring, dark flamboyant sunglasses on wearing a blue and green sparkling rope and headband.  He slowly opens the robe to display the Southern Heavyweight title and then jumps up on the middle rope, hands pointing at the belt and then his biceps. 

Randy Savage:
"Oh yeah… let me tell you something Lance Russell…. Nothing means nothing!  I came here to Memphis in search of retribution… oh yea… and now I’ve risen to the top… the cream of the crop if you will… unjustifiably in a position I don’t want or deserve to be in…oh yeah.  I mean I am the Southern Heavyweight Champion… I beat Kerry VonErich just like I said I would… oh yeah … but what I really want and what I really deserve is to have been in the ring with Jerry Lawler…but that was not the case as he played us all like a fiddle and avoided the Macho Man at every turn. "

“Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig suddenly comes out to interrupt Randy Savage.

Curt Hennig:

Listen up Savage… I’ve heard about enough from you… you’re out here crying it should have been you in the USWA World Title shot last week in the Midsouth Coliseum… Are you kidding me.  I had Kerry VonErich pinned right in the center of the ring which would have given me the title match.  I nailed him with the Perfect Plex… and nobody gets up from that move.  The referee was making the count…1…2… and next thing you know, my own teammate… my jealous teammate… a teammate that couldn’t get the job done on his own… jumps in the ring and pulls me off of Kerry!  Who might I ask was that no good turn coat… of that’s right … It was you Savage.  Make no mistake about it… You cost me my title… That’s right I am the original USWA World Champion.  I’m the one who has beaten Lawler in the ring… NOT YOU! 

Hennig now puts his finger right in the chest of Savage

 

Curt Hennig:

And now I’m coming for the man that cost me the title… That’s right Savage… I coming for you and your Southern Title and when Mr. Perfect says something, you can mark it down.

As Hennig walks off…. WHAM… from behind Savage attacks Hennig and with the effect of the Pearl Harbor attack, Hennig has no chance and Savage gives it to him pretty good!  Nobody is coming out to make the save as most people in the back hope these two kill each other.  To get order restored, Lance takes up to break.

_________________________________________________________________

Lance Rusell:
"Welcome back, fans. I must admit that I’m not shocked at the chaos that we just saw.  I mean if I was Curt Hennig, I would be pretty upset at Rand Savage for what he did last week as he cost Hennig a World Title Shot… but I am also not surprised at the actions of Randy Savage.  I mean he’s been nothing but trouble since he got here."

Match #2: 

Jeff Jarrett defeats The Soultaker with a middle rope drop kick to the head.  Lance Russell made a point of the Soultaker seeming a bit lost since Paul Bearer and The Undertaker have disappeared.  Russell also hypes up the roll that JJ has been on.

 

Jeff Jarrett:
"Eddie Gilbert! You been runnin’ your mouth for around here for far too long now.  You cheat your way to a title and now we here you talking about how easy it was to beat Superstar Bill Dundee.  Well Bill is a good friend of mine and I take exception to all the dirty tactics that you, Jimmy Hart and Missy Hyatt used to steal the Tri-State title.  Now, a few weeks ago, the First Family attacked me… and blamed me for not getting a USWA Title Shot against Jerry Lawler.  They blamed my father and decided to attack me 5-1…. Well, they said that they were going to make a point of taking out what they called the sins of my father out on me…. We’ll I still here … Hot Stuff Eddie Gilbert…. Why don’t you put your title where your mouth is!!!  How about you and me at The Great American Showdown! 

______________________________________________________________________

Match #3:  Doom (Hacksaw Butch Reed & Ron Simmons with Teddy Long) destroys Allen Martin & Jack Downing with the end coming by a double military press slam.  The beating was so bad that both men needed help getting to the back.

Lance Russell:

“Guys, I must admit that I was both disappointed and surprised at your actions on Memorial Day where you seemed not to care about winning the Southern Tag Title against the Southern Boys as you left referee Dave Weathers no choice but to disqualify you after you hit both Tracy Smothers and Steve Armstrong in the heads with steel chairs.”

 

Hacksaw Butch Reed:

“Now am I supposed to care that you were disappointed in our actions.  Don’t you get it you turkey… The Southern Boys and the Southern Titles are beneath Ron and myself.  We don’t care if we get disqualified.  What we care about is sending a message to The Steiner Brothers that we want their World Titles and until they give us our title shot… we are going to keep sending people to the hospital.

 

Ron Simmons:

I get it Rick Steiner… I get it Scott Steiner… you’re afraid… and you should be but if you have any morals, you will give us what we deserve… A USWA Wolrd Tag Team Title show.  Ever body that needs to be stretchered out of here is on your hands… Can you live with yourselfs?  Can you live if you get in the ring with us?  Either way… it looks like you to are in trouble!

Next, Jerry Lawler comes out and hypes up his win against Paul Orndorff

Jerry “The King” Lawler

“Lance… I’m going ask you two questions.  First, who is the greatest wrestler in the world and why am I?  Now with all kidding aside, being the USWA World Champion is the opportunity of a lifetime.  I get to test my skills against the greatest wrestlers in the world each and every night.  I mean last week it was “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff and that was one heck of a match. Everyone comes out and tries extra hard as they want what I got.   Next it could be Randy Savage… the Nature Boy Buddy Landel, Curt Hennig, it could be Hacksaw Butch Reed.  I mean the list of worthy opponents is endless.  The USWA is the place to be and I’m going to my best to keep this belt a long, long time. 

 

______________________________________________________________________
 

Match #4: Dick Slater defeats Tom Bruno with a big right hand that he followed up with the Russian Legsweep.

Dick Slater:

“Lawler… I told you when I first got here that I was offered a lot of money to take you out.  I also told you that I would have to find out for myself if the person who wanted you out of the business was being honest with all the bad things he said about you.  Well after a few months, its obvious… the man was right about you.  You only care about yourself and that you are the real bad guy in the business.  So, I just warning you that I will be coming for you.  I will be collecting the bounty.  You want to play games … you want to talk a big game… you say how you wanted me in the ring and then do everything in your power to make sure that match doesn’t happen… You showed your true colors… Yellow… Watch your back Lawler, I’m coming for you!

 

_____________________________________________________________________

Match #5:  The Anvil Jim Neidhart & Greg “The Hammer” Valentine with Jimmy Hart beat Brian Christopher and Scott Taylor after a big powerslam by the Anvil on Taylor.

 

Jimmy Hart:
"Okay listen to me Lance Russell.  Everyone says that Jimmy Hart only cares about himself and the First Family well I’m here to tell you that just aint true baby.  Listen up Southern Boys… listen up Jeff Jarrett… I going to give you some advice baby.  Make sure your insurance is all paid up.  Call Blue Cross… Call Blue Sheild… call whoever you need to as I don’t want you all to be homeless because of all your hospital bills.  I mean did you see what the Anvil and the Hammer are capable of…. Let’s not forget about Eddie Gilbert and the Honky Tonk Man.  I mean the First Family is loaded  and were coming full force baby.  Remember Jeff Jarrett it aint personal baby… the trouble your in is all your daddy’s fault."

______________________________________________________________

Match #6:  “The Missouri Tiger” Jeff Gaylord defeats Larry Cheatem with the Bearhug.
After the match, Gaylord is fuming about Dirty Dutch Mantell and the Angel of Death.  Gaylord is disgusted with Dutch for the money he owes him, his dirty tactics with the bull rope and how he runs and hides and lets the Angel of Death do all his dirty work.  Gaylord is disappointed when Lance informs him that neither Dutch nor the Angel of Death are in the studio tonight. 

Match #7:  Tommy Rich defeats The Assassin with the Flying Cross Body Block.

 

Tommy Rich:

“I know I’ve got a lot to prove to everyone here in Memphis.  I’ve made a lot of mistakes around these parts but I’m going to prove to everyone that I’m here to amend for mistakes.  I’m going to prove it you Lance Russell.  I’m going to prove to all these fans who come out to the matches and most of all… I’m going to prove it Jerry Lawler!  I know what he means to Memphis Rasslin and I really want him on my side.  Thanks Lance.

Other wrestler’s who got wins on today’s show included Brad Armstrong, Buddy Landel with Skandar Akbar and the Southern Boys.  For once, USWA ends without a chaotic finish but Lance does replay the video from earlier in the show were Randy Savage attacked Curt Hennig from behind.

Lance Russell:

“See you next time on USWA Wrestling… so long from Memphis.

 

[rainmakerrtv]

War in the tag division, Savage vs. Hennig, loving the hot action in Memphis.

[spaldoni]

Kicking off the show with Hot Stuff Inc, shows that they're back in a big way 

Savage vs. Hennig is a feud I can get behind. Just think about the 5 star matches these guys can deliver. 

I wonder where the Soultaker goes from here. If Jarrett wants a shot at Gilbert, he might need some back up. 

Doom is lighting up the territory. I can't wait for their showdown with the Steiners

The King is on top but like he said, there's a lot of guys gunning for him including Dick Slater 

Anvil and Hammer could develop into serious tag team contenders. 

I cant wait for the day when Gaylord gets his hands on Dutch. 

Are we really seeing the redemption of Tommy Rich??? 

It's going to be a sizzling summer in the USWA. 

[Autistic Dragon]

The First Family really shone this episode.

Doom declares the beatings will continue until they get their title shot.

Everybody is calling out the King.

Interesting how Rich's plan for redemption involves him getting close to the USWA World Champion.

Double J would be glad to take the Tri-State title from Gilbert.

Savage vs Hennig? Nuff said.

[LowBlowPodcast]

Lance and Dave’s opening is straight-up hype, kicking off the USWA show with some killer vibes that get you stoked!

Man, Jimmy Hart, Eddie Gilbert, and Missy Hyatt’s promo is just wild, full of that cocky energy 

Savage jumping Hennig? Dude, it’s pure chaos and so fun, making their beef something special

Doom’s beatdown and promo are crazy intense

Jeff Jarrett’s callout to Gilbert is so fired up, it’s got that big-fight feel that’s got everyone buzzing!

Lawler and Slater’s stuff is packed  with some seriously cool tension!

[kevinmcfl]

 

THE GREAT AMERICAN STAMPEDE PREVIEW SHOW

(The Event will be Monday July 7^th)

 

Main Event:  USWA World Title:  Jerry Lawler vs “The Bounty Hunter” Dick Slater

How we got here:  This one is simple… Slater arrived months ago ready to collect a bounty on the wrestling career of Jerry Lawler.  Who placed the bounty on Lawler?  We are still unsure but this Slater’s chance to collect.  Lawler has done a few other things to get the ire of Slater incliding some controversies when been Slater and Lawler were special referees in each other's matches and when Lawler refused to give Slater an earlier title shot.  This when will be interesting as it might have more to do with a true back-ally brawl then awrestking match and both Lawler and Slater seem to excel in these type of matches.

 

USWA Wolrd Tag Team Title Match:  The Steiners © vs Doom with Teddy Long

How we got here:  Going back to the UWF days, Doom was the #1 team… the one with the fans backing and the one with the titles.  When the Steiners arrived, the two teams seemed to be friends.  That is until a gauntlet match where the Steiners defeated Doom after Doom had to wrestle two earlier matches.  Everybody seemed to understand the reason for the loss… match fatigue.  Doom was frustrated at the loss and the Steiners believed they could do it again and again. Well, Doom quickly turned on the Steiners and Pearl Harbored them on tv.  Fast forward a few weeks and we now had the Steiners win the USWA World Tag Team Tournament and become the #1 team in the company.  Again, this did not sit well with Doom, the UWF tag team champions and clearly the #2 team in the USWA.  Fast forward again and we saw Doom intentionally get disqualified in their title unification match against the Southern Boys as they believed the Southern Title was beneath them.  Next, we saw Doom stretcher out a few jobbers and blame it on the Steiners and Jerry Jarrett for not giving them the title shot they deserved.  Doom went as far as to say they would continue to injure people until they got what they deserved.  A few stare downs, a few match run-ins, and a lot of heated words between the two powerhouse teams and here we are.  Who walks out with the titles?  Who knows as both teams are capable of anything. 

 

Southern Heavyweight Title:  Macho Man Randy Savage © vs Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig

How we got here:  The blame here can be placed at the feet of two individuals… Jerry Jarrett and “The King” Jerry Lawler.  First Jerry Jarrett for allowing Lawler to pick his opponent for the Memorial Day Spectacular at The Midsouth Coliseum.  Then Lawler for playing mind games with the 4 top contenders… Paul Orndorff, Dick Slater, Curt Hennig and Randy Savage.  All 4 could make a legitimate claim for the match.  Orndorff has come into the USWA laying waste to all opponents with a piledriver and then claiming his piledriver was better than Lawler’s.  Slater, for arriving in the USWA a few months ago claiming that he was here to collect a bounty that someone places on Lawler’s head and then having a few violent run-ins with the champ.  Curt Hennig, the former USWA Champion, as he has yet to get his rematch from when Lawler defeated him in Minnesota and finally Randy Savage, who has been after Lawler for months after he furiously arrived in the USWA demanding revenge on Lawler for praising Bluegrass Wrestling and helping it into the USWA while he never allowed his father’s company into the CWA.  This feud reached unheard of levels as Savage at one point ran Lawler over with a car. 

This is where Lawler started to play mind games with the four competitors.  First, he had them square off against each other in a Four Corner match where Hennig pinned Slater.  Hennig thought that he had won the title- shot but instead, Lawler just eliminated Slater from contention.  Next, Lawler had a 6-Man tag with him, Bossman and Kerry VonErich vs Hennig, Savage and Orndorff.  In a chaotic finish that actually saw Hennig and Savage make saves against each other to prevent the other  from winning the bout, Orndorff scored the victory over Kerry.  Lawler announced that Mr. Wonderful had won the title shot.

Hennig was fuming at Savage and the next week, he confronted the Macho Man which eventually led to Savage attacking Henning from behind.  Over the next few weeks, Henning completed his babyface turn by reminding everyone that all he ever did was wrestle and wrestle well.  He never attacked anyone during a match, never attacked anyone from behind and NEVER HIT ANYONE WITH A CAR!  Since, the Pear Harbor job by Savage, these two have had a war of words but nothing else physical occurred between the two.  This title match is going to be huge as two of the biggest names in the business collide. 

 

Southern Tag Team Title Match: 

Southern Boys © vs Greg “The Hammer” Valentine & Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart with Jimmy Hart

How we got here:  The Hammer and The Anvil have been quickly moving up the tag team ranks and are currently undefeated.  They called out the Southern Boys a few weeks and said they were too afraid to get in the ring with them.  Add some priceless Jimmy Hart promos and Tracy Smothers and Steve Armstrong could take no more and quickly pushed Eddie Marlin to sanction the match.  With the experience of Valentine and Neidhart and the antics of Jimmy Hart, this is one time the challengers are the favorites but the Southern Boys love to play the underdog!  Just ask the now moved-on Freebirds!

 

Tri-State Title Match:  “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert © with Jimmy Hart vs Jeff Jarrett

How we got here:  Jimmy Hart was furious at Jerry Jarrett when he said that Lawler could pick his next opponent for the USWA World Title at the Memorial Day Spectacular as long as it was either Orndorff, Slater, Hennig or Savage.  He reminded them what his First Family has done and all the times he defeated Lawler.  He demanded that one of his men, Valentine, Gilbert, Honk Tonk Man or Neidhart be included in this list but Jarrett refused.  Jimmy Hart proceeded to make Jeff Jarrett enemy #1 as he has been ranting and raving about how “the sins of the father are now the sins of the son.”  He has attacked JJ every chance he has gotten but give young Jeff credit, he has never backed down. 

At the Memorial Day Spectacular, Hot Stuff Eddie Gilbert managed to become the new Tri-State champion as he defeated Superstar Bill Dundee.  Jerry Jarrett now saw this as a chance to help Jimmy Hart put his foot in his mouth.  He reminded Jimmy how he has been running around wanting matches against his son, Jeff, against any member of the First Family and that he would get his revenge.  Jerry decided to take Jimmy up on his wish and made the Tri-State Title match with Eddie Gilbert vs Jeff Jarrett.

Make no mistake about it, Jeff is not riding on his father’s power.  He truly deserves this match as he has been racking up the wins of late with his only loss coming months ago to Randy Savage.  As with most matches in Memphis, expect the unexpected… Jimmy Hart has been known to find a way to either save his man or cause his own demise

 

Big Bossman vs “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff

How we got here:  No real back story here except that Bossman has been a big ally of Jerry Lawler and Orndorff has been a thorn in the side of the King so here is our chance to have to big names help to draw a big crowd. 

 

Jeff Gaylord vs Angel of Death with Dutch Mantel suspended above the ring in a cage.  If Gaylord wins, he gets in the cage with Dutch Mantel. 

How we got here:  This all started over a year ago when Dirty Dutch was afraid for his life as he mouthed off to Shane Douglas.  “The Franchise” now was seeking revenge against Mantel at every turn.  Dutch went out and found him a bodyguard… “The Missouri Tiger” Jeff Gaylord.  With Gaylord around, Shane Douglas never got his hands on Dirty Dutch.  The problem was that instead of paying Jeff for his services, Dutch decided to go away for a while.  When Gaylord and Shane Douglas left Memphis, Dutch returned… never paying his bodyguard fees to Gaylord.  Well, when Jeff heard that Dutch was back in Memphis, he quickly returned in search of his money.  Instead of paying him, Dutch pretended that he didn’t even know who Gaylord was.  This angered the Missouri Tiger who now decided to take his fees out of the hide of Dirty Dutch.  Have no fear for Mantell, he knows how to get out of trouble…. Hire a new bodyguard.  Bring in the big 6’5. 310 pound Angel of Death.  So far, history has repeated itself.  Jeff Gaylord has not gotten close enough to Dutch as the Angel of Death has stepped in each time his man was about to get what he deserved.  Well now we have a big match between the two bodyguards…. For Dutch’s sake, the Angel of Death better be the better of the two!  We shall soon find out!

 

 

Superstar Bill Dundee vs “The Nature Boy” Buddy Landel with Skandar Akbar

How we got here:  No real back story here.  These two got into a little beef a few weeks ago on TV as Dundee didn’t like his interview time being interrupted by “The Nature Boy” and Akbar. 

 

Brian Christopher vs Honky Tonk Man with Jimmy Hart

How we got here:  This one is a strange one… The First Family have given a lot of beatings to Brian Christopher.  Nobody seems to know why but Valentine, Eddie Gilbert and Jim Neidhart have all roughed up the youngster on TV.  In fact, each of the 3 have refused to stop the beating after the match was over and continued their assault until the ref has threatened to reverse his decision.  HTM has been mostly a bystander in this strange angle but now he gets his chance.  Will he continue the assault on Brian Christopher?  Shall see.

[Autistic Dragon]

A great breakdown of all the big angles. What could the First Family have against Brian Law..er I mean Christopher?

[spaldoni]

Great job with the Preview show. This gets us all caught up and pumped for the Great American Stampede. 

[LowBlowPodcast]

Lawler vs. Slater for the USWA World Title sounds intense—a gritty fight with that bounty drama.

Steiners vs. Doom for the Tag Titles looks solid, with their bad blood making it a big clash.

Savage vs. Hennig for the Southern Heavyweight Title should be great—two stars with a wild backstory.

Southern Boys vs. Valentine and Neidhart will be fun, with the champs facing tough odds.

Gaylord vs. Angel of Death, with Dutch in a cage, feels like classic Memphis chaos.

[KingBoggs33]

Really awesome card. I am excited to see how this one goes.

Very excited to see what happens here. My match of the night is going to be Savage/Hennig. That match would be an all-timer. Can't wait to read that.

[kevinmcfl]

 

THE GREAT AMERICAN STAMPEDE

The Midsouth Coliseum:  Memphis, Tennessee

July 7, 19990

 

Brian Christopher vs Honky Tonk Man with Jimmy Hart

This match starts with both Jimmy Hart and Honky Tonk Man getting in the face of Brian Christopher which seems extreme for a match against a wrestler who has yet to have a clean win in his USWA career.  The words seem to be getting to Christopher whose head and eyes slump towards the floor.  This is all the First Family wanted as Honky Tonk nails Christopher with a knee to the gut.  We hear Jimmy Hart say, “okay Honk, time to go to work” as HTM starts a brutal attack on Christopher.  This is as one-sided a match as we could have as the words and Pear Harbor attack took everything from Christopher who could only manage a few mosquito bite-like punches to the chest of HTM.  Eventually, we see the Shake-Rattle & Roll as HTM goes for the easy cover.  The problem was that when referee Tommy Weathers was about to make the 3-count, HTM pulled up Christopher.  Weathers admonished HTM but there is nothing he can do.  HTM leaves the fallen Christopher and grabs a house microphone.

HTM:

Folks, I’ve decided to change the stipulations for this match….  It is time to show this man in the ring how tough this sport of wrestling really is…. That not just anybody can be a wrestle no matter what your bloodlines are.  So, instead of pinning young Brian Christopher…. I am going to beat him until he utters the word “Uncle’” just like when you were little kids and the school bully was whipping you behind the school bleachers.

 

HTM goes back into the ring and proceeds to do exactly what he says he is going to do.  He beats Christopher with huge kick, chops and punches but each time he puts the mic in front of Christopher, he says nothing.  This goes on for about 4 or 5 more minutes before Superstar Bill Dundee rushes in and throws in the white towel. 

HTM and Jimmy Hart have a big smile on their faces for what they just did.  HTM throws up his hands to Dundee like he doesn’t want to fight him and HTM and Hart had up the aisle with debris raining down on them.  Superstar calls for medical attention as medics rush in to help Brian Christopher. 

 

 

 

Superstar Bill Dundee vs “The Nature Boy” Buddy Landel with Skandar Akbar

Dundee just stayed in the ring for his bout while Akbar and Landel had a tough entrance to the ring as the crowd was still fired up.  This did not stop Landel from being his normal arrogant self as he and Akbar seemed to relish getting more heat from the fans.

As for the match, Dundee is still fired up from what he just watched as was able to get the early momentum.  Dundee seemed to acting more heelish then the actual heel as he took this match right to the gutter by making this more of a brawl then a wrestling match.  This is exactly what the crowd needed as they were so angry from the first match that they needed to see someone like Landel get what he deserved. 

Unfortunately for the fans, you can’t keep Landel down for ever, especially with someone like Akbar in his corner.  Akbar tripped up Dundee which caused the Superstar to jump up and go over to the ropes and start yelling at Akbar.  The problem was that this gave Landel the time he needed to recover and when Dundee turned around, we get a rake of the eyes by the Nature Boy.  Landel now takes over and while he bends the rules at every turn, he does use more wrestling holds then Dundee did with his time on top.  He manages to take out the knee of the Superstar after which he went to work on the legs of his opponent; trying to weaken him for the Figure Four.  Eventually, Landel locks in his finisher buy Dundee refuses to give in; somehow reversing the painful leglock.  After the ref forces the break, Superstar shows the fans how much pain he is in by struggling to even walk.  Landel still thinks he is in charge struts around the ring.

Now this gave Superstar the time he needed to recover and when Landel comes over to his opponent, Superstar begins the hot comeback only to be stopped by Akbar who was up on the ropes and accidently bumped into Dundee.  The Nature Boy went over to his manager and gave him a big high-five.

From behind…. Dundee with the roll-up for the win!  Devastation Inc. was shocked that Dundee managed the win even after their cheating seemed to have things under control! 

 

Memphis Street Fight:  Jeff Gaylord vs Angel of Death

(Dutch Mantel suspended above the ring in a cage.  If Gaylord wins, he gets in the cage with Dutch Mantel)

Let’s keep this one simple.  We know that the Angel of Death and the Missouri Tiger are going to be all about brawling… especially given their backgrounds as bodyguards so lets just get to the finish after the brawling is done.  Dutch has been perched above the mat, very nervous the entire bout as he knows his “life” depends on a win by the Angel of Death.  At one point, it looked like the Angel of Death was going to do just that as the Dirty Dutchman decided to drop his bullrope down to AOD.  The problem was that it was intercepted by Gaylord.  Gaylord now used this illegal object to help get himself the win.

The fans were so excited as the cage was being lowered down and Dutch was about to get his beating.  Just as the cage door was being opened…

WHAM… from behind the Angel of Death takes out the knees of The Missouri Tiger.  Dutch runs out of the cage and half way up the aisle before turning around and yelling, “finish him” to the Angel of Death. Dutch them continued to run out of the Midsouth Coliseum.

The Angel of Death continued the beating of Gaylord until Gaylord makes the hot comeback leaving the Angel of Death laying in the center of the ring.  Gaylord rushed to the back in search of Mantel but it was too late as the Dirty Dutch was already on Interstate 40!

 

Big Bossman vs “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff

“Mr. Wonderful” was first to the ring and this allowed him to Pear Harbor Bossman as he climbed through the ropes.  We get a good minute of Orndorff laying the beatdown on the Bossman until he tried to whip him in the corner.  Bossman with the big reversal and Orndorff was sent flying in the turnbuckles like a ton of bricks.  Bossman, now rips off the first few buttons of his prison guard shirt and begins to go to work on Orndorff!

WHAM… Big Boot to the head of Orndorff and down goes Mr. Wonderful.  Orndorff gets up slowly and tried to play the scared heel and backs up into the corner with both hands up pleading Bossman to stop.  This was only a trick as Orndorff attacks!

Bad idea… Big right hand by Bossman and another whip into the corner.  Orndorff hits the corner so hard he bounces right out to the center where Bossman is ready for a huge backdrop from the 6’6’ big man.

WHAM… Body slam by Bossmam

WHAM… Legdrop by Bossamn and he goes for the cover but Orndorff kicks out and somehow manages to roll outside the ring but Bossman smells blood and follows him out.

Orndorff manages to grab the trunks of his opponent and pull him face first into the steel barricade.  A few more big blows and Orndorff tosses a weakened opponent back into the ring.  Orndorff now with the advantage, wrestles very stiff and lays in some huge blows on Bossman.  Orndorff goes to the second rope and tries to connect with a big chop only to Bossman steps aside and nails Mr. Wonderful with a big kick to the head.  Bossman now goes to work before finally connecting with a big powerslam for the win.

 

 

Tri-State Title Match:

 “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert © with Jimmy Hart & Missy Hyatt vs Jeff Jarrett

 

As soon as the ref calls for the bell, we get a loud, primordial yell from Gilbert and he attacks JJ with big punches.  No problem… JJ is ready and answers with his own blows followed by a big back body drop!  The challenger is now all over the champ!  After many more blows, Hot Stuff back peddles himself right through the middle ropes where he is comforted by both Missy Hyatt and Jimmy Hart.

Gilbert pulls out another dirty trick as he plays the injured wrestler.  The ref tries to back up JJ to check on Gilbert. 

AHHHHH…. Eye rake by Gilbert .  Eddie now, using questionable tactics, controls the next 4-5 minutes. 

Eventually, JJ uses a roll-up and a two-count to get back the advantage.  JJ decides its time to slow things down a bit and uses some great wrestling moves to wear down the champ.  This lasts a few minutes before another rule break by Gilbert allows him to connect with a big suplex.  Gilbert is losing patience and went in for a big splash but JJ wasn’t home. 

JJ goes back to a wrestling match; but the next dirty trick by the champ is only around the corner.  This match had about 15 momentum changes with neither man getting close to a pinfall.  After Missy got involved, Eddie Gilbert was finally able to lock in the Figure 4 for the first real chance at a victory.  Hot Stuff had this locked on for nearly two minutes before a reversal by JJ followed by Jimmy Hart dragging Gilbert to the ropes for the break!

The momentum changes go on and on until the ring announcer let’s us know there is less then 2 minutes to go in the match.

Suddenly, Madusa with a tall, well-built man with long blonde hair in a ponytail, wearing a golden robe walks down the aisle and to the ring.  Missy Hyatt, knowing what Madusa is capable off, gives here plenty of space as does Jimmy Hart.

Eddie Gilbert looks out and sees what is going on but seems confused.

It is this confusion that allows JJ to leap on top of Eddie Gilbert and lock in the crucifix.

Eddie tumbles to the ground and JJ has him locked up!

1…2… and the bells rings.  JJ thinks he has won the title but the ref pulls his arm DOWN!  We have a time-limit draw!

Suddenly, Madusa and her man enter the ring and point at both JJ and Hot Stuff in a threatening manner before walking out.

The crowd is disappointed that JJ didn’t win the title but they are also intrigues by who the man was with Madusa and what is his business in the USWA as he seemed to want a piece of both JJ and Hotstuff Eddie Gilbert.

 

Southern Tag Team Title Match: 

Southern Boys © vs Greg “The Hammer” Valentine & Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart with Jimmy Hart

In this match, Jimmy Hart proved to be the difference!  Hart managed to trip up Tracy Smothers as he came off of the ropes.  The ref goes to question Hart but he vehemently denies and wrong doing.

WHAM… Valentine whips Smothers into the ref and out goes the ref.

Valentine and Neidhart quickly toss Steve Armstrong from the ring and go to work on Tracy!  A few nasty double team moves followed by a steel chair blow to the head of Tracy and a quick “waking-up” of the ref by Jimmy Hart was all that was needed for new Southern Tag Team Champions!

 

 

 

Southern Heavyweight Title:  Macho Man Randy Savage © vs Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig

This match starts with everybody, including Elizabeth, walking very confidently to the ring. 

Just prior to the bell, we get a lot of finger pointing and yelling but no early attack.  The bout starts with a bit of chain wrestling which gave Hennig the early momentum.  Curt whipped Macho Man into the ropes, but Savage flies in with a huge elbow.  Savage now tosses Hennig to the floor where the brawl is on and we see just how personal this one is!  After a long period outside, with little attempt by the ref to get them back in the ring, Hennig slams Savage’s head off the steel post and closes in for more.  Savage, doing the cowardly thing; grabs Liz in front of himself for protection

but Hennig doesn’t slow down one bit and rushes in with a spear!  Lucky for Elizabeth, she pulled away from Savage at the last minute; unlucky for Savage who went flying.  Hennig violently chokes Macho Man before finally tossing him back into the ring.  Hennig, using every heel tactic he knows, is all over Savage and has him up against the ropes… somehow, Macho Man pulls Hennig forward and delivers a low-blow headbutt to the groin.  Both men are now out on their feet and it is a struggle to see who can get up first….and it’s…. Savage!  Savage once again tosses Mr. Perfect to the outside and this time it is Macho Man ramming his opponent into the steel post… over and over again.  Savage realizes Hennig is in trouble and tosses him back into the ring by his hair.  Now, like a cat, Savage to the top rope… Flying Elbow drop! 

1…2…3!  Savage wins this instant classic and Elizabeth is quick to enter the ring to celebrate but Savage points at her to get out of his way as he grans the Southern title and heads up the ramp! 

 

 

USWA Wolrd Tag Team Title Match:  The Steiners © vs Doom with Teddy Long

Doom comes to the ring dressed all in black from their capes to their long tights.  They are led by Teddy Long who does his best to antagonize the fans.  When the Steiners come to the ring in their Michigan jackets, they go face to face with Simmons and Reed.  Nobody seems to want to leave the ring as the two teams do a lot of posturing around the ring.  Finally we get started with Rick Steiner and Hacksaw Butch Reed.

This one starts with a big pose down before the two finally lock up. 

Both men struggle to move their opponent from the center of the ring, so they release the lock up and just start trading big right hands!  The crows is loving this one already.  Again, we get a lock up but Reed thrusts a knee into the midsection of Rick and then Hacksaw goes to work…. A big elbow after an Irish Whip sends Rick flying.  Reed now shoves Rick back into his own corner and Reed and Simmons now go to work on Steiner. 

Somehow Rick manages to fight his way out of the corner and nails the now legal Rron Simmons with a big Steiner Bomb (clothesline) Hacksaw doesn’t want to see Doom’s advantage go away so he rushes in and illegal attacks Rick.  This brings in Scott and we go bonzo-gonza for a few minutes where the Steiners finally got the advantage.

Rick and Scott go to whip Ron and Butch into each other but somehow, Reed leapfrogs his partner.  Both Butch and Ron point at their heads like they are just too smart!

WHAM… Double clothesline by the Steiners on Doom! 

Doom manages to take the action out to the arena floor where we get a wild brawl with the ref having no control.  Finally we are back in the ring with Scott and Simmons.  Again, the two big men lock up collar and elbow by Simmons wastes no time before he elbows Scott in the head.  Simmons goes to whip Scott into the corner but Scott reverses it.  Simmons hits the corner so hard, he bounces out!

WHAM… Belly to Belly by Steiner.  He goes for the cover.  1…2…. Kick out by Simmons.

WHAM… Shoulder breaker by Steiner.  He covers again.  1…2… 2 ½ … kick out by Simmons.

Steiner again whips Simmons into the ropes but Ron hooks the ropes as Scott went airborne for the Frankensteiner.  Simmons tags in Hacksaw Butch Reed.

Reed quickly tosses Scott to the floor.  This angers Rick who enters the ring and goes after Hacksaw.  This was all just a trick to allow Simmons to go to work on the outside against Scott. 

WHAM… Simmons drops Scott face first against the security railing before rolling him back into the ring. 

Doom now really goes to work on Scott Steiner.  Reed nails a reverse neckbreaker but again, only a count of two.  Next, Reed with a huge clothesline; another 2 count.  In comes Simmons.  Spinebuster…. 2 ½ count. 

Rick can take no more but all this did was force the ref to push Rick back out of the ring which set up Doom!

Spike Piledriver….1…2… Rick makes the save. 

Scott Steiner manages an inside cradle on Simmons but all this did was anger Doom who now stomped Scott all over the ring. 

WHAM… Doom with a double suplex but again, Rick makes the save. 

Simmons now locks in the Camel Clutch and tries to rip Scott’s face apart but he refuses to give in.  In fact, Scott manages to drag  Simmons over to his corner for the tag to Rick but Teddy Long saw what was happening and jumped up on the apron just in time to distract the ref.  Since the ref didn’t see the tag, he, again forced Rick back out of the ring and beating of Scott continued. 

Finally, we get the hot tag and Rick goes NUTS!! 

WHAM… powerslam on Simmons.

WHAM… belly to belly suplex on Reed.

WHAM… Double Clothesline on Reed.

WHAM… Double Suplex on Simmons.

WHAM… Frankensteiner on Simmons.

And for a match we all the chaos and power… Rick from behind, shoves Simmons into the ropes and hooks the belly for the roll up three count for the successful title defense!

 

Main Event:  USWA World Title:  Jerry Lawler vs “The Bounty Hunter” Dick Slater

Is this just another USWA World Title bout or is this Dick Slater’s attempt to collect a bounty on The King’s wrestling career from an unknown enemy of Lawler?  We are about to find out as the ring announcer announces both men as two of the best brawlers in all of professional wrestling!

The match goes through a long, slow, feeling-out process between the two punchers as the opening 10 minutes looks very much like a true wrestling match.  We get a few pushes into the corner by both men followed by surprising, clean breaks.  We get hip tosses, hammer locks, reversal of hammer locks with great go behinds, arm bars and leg scissors.  To many, it was surprising that Slater seemed to control most of this segment.

Lawler became frustrated with the pace and elbowed Slater in the head, only to have The Bounty Hunter hip toss the King in the center of the ring.  The wrestling continues with more armbars and wristlocks.  Finally, the two lock up for a test of strength where it is Slater’s turn to throw the big elbow into the head of Lawler and the brawl is on!  After a few punches that saw the King take the advantage, Lawler whips Slater into the ropes and goes for the big backdrop only to have Slater with the leap frog escape.

WHAM… Reverse Neck Breaker by Slater! 

WHAM… Knee Drop by Slater and he goes for the cover but Lawler kicks out at 2. 

Frustrated, Slater tosses the King to the floor and now we get a nice fight out by the fans and on to the ramp towards the locker rooms.  This is where we get the camera shot of Tommy “Wildfire” Rich sitting in the stands with a big smile on his face, eating a bucket of popcorn. 

Not sure if the appearance of Tommy Rich shook the King, but Slater seemed to take control of the situation.  Slater uses the ring bell to draw some color of Lawler and then runs him into the ring post before tossing the champion back into the ring! 

Slater with the cover but again Lawler kicks out at 2.  Slater frustrated, walks around the ring before grabbing Lawler by the back of the head as he is setting him up for the piledriver!  The fans sense this could be the end.

WHAM… Lawler, somehow blocked the piledriver and nailed Slater with a backdrop.  From there, the comeback is on as Lawler is all fired up!  He connects with 10 big punches to the head of Slater and the Bounty Hunter staggers before crumbling on the mat. 

Strap is pulled down… Lawler to the middle rope…. And Tommy Rich walks to ring side!

Lawler sees Wildfire but focuses on Slater and leaps and connects with the big fist drop! 

Lawler now scoops up Slater…

WHAM… Piledriver by Lawler.  And the cover…

1…2…3!

Lawler wins the bout and the camera shows Tommy Rich applauding the champ before simply walking up the ramp and out of the arena.  Lawler takes his belt, hesitates, and then lifts it over his head to a thunderous ovation. 

 

 

[rainmakerrtv]

Wow, Christopher sure is earning his keep with the pounding he just took. Huge win for the Bossman and the mystery of Lawler's enemy deepens. 

[Autistic Dragon]

So much for that Honky face turn.

Dundee save Christopher's life and beats Landel. Big night for the Superstar.

AOD takes the L but still saves his boss.

Orndorff finds out who's the Boss in Memphis.

The Tri-State title match ends in a draw but what everyone will be focusing on is Madusa and her new friend.

The Hammer & Anvil capture the Southern tag straps capping off an all-around great night for the First Family.

Savage retains but his treatment o Elizabeth is winning him no fans.

The Steiners put an exclamation point on their feud with Doom.

The King bests the Bounty Hunter while Wildfire looks on.

[spaldoni]

I thought for sure HTM was heading for a face turn. I was wrong. Instead, he somehow becomes even more hated. 

Dundee changes the mood with a fun win over Budro. 

That no good dirty Dutch escapes his punishment. If Gaylord ever catches him, Dutch will be hurting for a long time. Dutch does play the cowardly heel so well. 

Wow Bossman scores a huge win over Mr. Wonderful. I enjoyed this match between two top names. Big things ahead for the Bossman. 

Gilbert and JJ go the distance in a barnburner. The big question is who is Medusa's man. Nice touch by having him point at both Gilbert and JJ. Very intriguing. 

Anvil and Hammer have quickly become one of my favorite teams in the game. I love the Southern Boys, but I'm looking forward to this reign. 

Savage puts Hennig away after a damn good dream match. Savage's treatment of Liz reminds the fans why they boo him. 

OH MAN! The Steiners/Doom match was off the charts! Excellent write up. Steiners retain and are going nowhere but up. 

Also loved the write up for the main event. I liked the slow methodical pace that turns into a roller coaster ride. The Tommy Rich tease was well done. Lawler stands tall to end the night on a great note. 

Awesome card! The Great American Stampede delivered brother! 

[kevinmcfl]

Week of July 12, 2025

 

After the regular opening, we get a 2 minute montage from the Great American Stampede where we see Superstar Dundee rushing to the ring to make the save on Brian Christopher who was taking an unnecessary beating from Honky Tonk Man, Jeff Gaylord being attacked from behind by Angel of Death just as he was about to get his hands on Dutch Mantel, Madusa parading a tall blonde man around the ring with both Hotstuff Eddie Gilbert and Jeff Jarrett looking at him, Greg Valentine hitting Tracy Smothers over the head with a chair, Randy Savage leaping from the top rope with an elbow to Mr. Perfect, Jerry Lawler connecting with a piledriver on Dick Slater and Tommy “Wildfire” Rich watching from the stands eating popcorn.

 

Highlights from this week’s TV show:

Tommy Rich defeats jobber Larry Cheatum but Wildfire is confronted during his post-match interview.    

Lance Russell:
"Congratulations Tommy on a nice win.  You’ve been on a roll since returning to the Memphis area.

Tommy Rich:

Thanks Lance….

Suddenly the crowd erupts as the USWA World Champion, Jerry “The King” Lawler comes out.

 

Tommy Rich:

Hey Jerry… nice to see you.  That was a great win for last Monday night.  I mean Dick Slater is one tough dude. 

Jerry Lawler: 
"Alright Tommy… enough of your nonsense.  What are you doing back here in Memphis.  You saw the video… what were you doing at the Midsouth Coliseum on Monday night.  You weren’t wrestling? 

Tommy Rich:    

"Jerry… you know I’m a Tennessee boy.  Why wouldn’t I be back in Memphis.  You know as well as anybody that wrestling in your hometown town is such a thrill.  And why was I at the matches the other night?  I’ve been a fan my whole life and when I saw that card, I just had to be there.  I mean to get the chance to see you and Dick Slater for the World title… Count me in. 

Jerry Lawler:

“I told you once.  Cut the nonsense.  I am going to ask you once and I want a straight answer.  Somebody put a bounty on my wrestling career.  Was it you?  Where you the one Dick Slater was talking about.  Is that why you were at the Midsouth Coliseum on Monday… hoping to see my last match?  To pay off Slater!

 

Tommy Rich:

“I told you when I first came back that you could count on my if you needed anything.  I tried to put our differences behind me … and now you ask me this?  You want the truth… Well I know a couple of things… I’ve been in this business now for over a dozen years and I’ve known both you and Dick Slater a long time.  Two things are for certain… he’s always been more honest with me then you.  He’s never stabbed me in the back before, but for whatever reason, you do it time and time again brother.  I also know that I, a former World Champion myself, has earned enough money in this business to put out a bounty on you… but that’s not my style. I’m a straight shooter.  If I got a problem with somebody, I tell them to their face.  As I said when I first came back here, I don’t have a problem with you Lawler… at this moment!

As Wildfire leaves the interview area, The King is heard saying, “ I don’t trust that guy as far as I could throw him.”

 

-Jerry Jarrett dishes out some punishment

  For those of you who were at the Midsouth Coliseum, you saw Dutch Mantell avoid meeting “The Missouri Tiger” Jeff Gaylord after Gaylord pinned the Angel of Death.  The Angel of Death proceeded to help Mantel escape the arena which was against the stipulations of the contract.  For this breach of contract, the USWA has decided to suspend both Dutch Mantel and the Angel of Death for two weeks.  Also, it has become abundantly clear that Mantell failed to pay the $270 he owed Gaylord for his time as Dutch’s bodyguard, so the USWA Board of Directors have decided to give Gaylord the $270 from Mantel’s first pay check he earns after his suspension is over.    

 

-Jerry Jarrett also renames the Tri-State Title Belt

The USWA has decided to change the USWA Tri-State Title to the USWA World Television Title.  The reason for this is the USWA is no longer wrestling in just 3 states therefore the belt has become somewhat obsolete. Also, the USWA wants to reward our fans at home that can’t always make it out to the arena with even more meaningful matches.  Eddie Gilbert was presented with the title later in the show which led to a very arrogant promo from Gilbert, Missy Hyatt and Jimmy Hart. 

They were also very confident that Eddie Gilbert will be a double champ as Hotstuff will be facing Jerry Lawler for the USWA World Title this Monday at the Midsouth Coliseum.      

 

-“Superstar” Bill Dundee is fuming about the First Family’s treatment of Brian Christopher.

Dundee was really upset about what Honk Tonk Man did to Brian Christopher last Monday night at the Midsouth Coliseum.  This caused both Honky Tonk Man and Jimmy Hart to come out laughing and asking if Dundee is Christopher’s babysitter? 

Jimmy Hart, still laughing and wondering if Christopher’s daddy pays Dundee a good rate for watching him. HTM doesn’t think so because he bets Christopher’s father is a cheapskate!  Dundee tells them to watch their mouths… in fact why don’t they put their money where their mouths are.  Jimmy Hart, still laughing, ends up putting his foot in his mouth here as he says even he could beat Brian Christopher! 

Dundee quickly accepts the challenge and Hart is confused.  Dundee announces that it will be Dundee and Brian Christopher vs HTM and Jimmy Hart this week in the Midsouth Coliseum. 

 

-Both the Southern Boys and the new Southern Tag Team Champions, Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine win jobber matches and hype up their title rematch this week at the Midsouth Coliseum.

 

-The main event had Eddie Gilbert and Dick Slater vs Jerry Lawler and Bossman which ended in a wild brawl as Jimmy Hart sent in the rest of the First Family (Anvil, Hammer and HTM) to attack the fan favorites but The Southern Boys and Superstar Bill Dundee made the save! 

 

-The rest of the card for this week at the Midsouth Coliseum:

USWA World Title Match:  Jerry “The King” Lawler © vs Eddie Gilbert

 

Southern Title Match:  Randy “Macho Man” Savage © vs Iceman King Parsons

 

Big Bossman vs “Dirty” Dick Slater

 

Tommy “Wildfire” Rich vs The Assassin

 

“Nature Boy” Buddy Landel vs “White Lightening” Tim Horner

[Autistic Dragon]

Lawler is just not buying Rich's pleas of innocence.

Jarrett declares that Dutch has to pay up.

Hot Stuff gets to boast he's the best wrestler on TV, and he's got a shot to be the best in the world.

Hart's fat mouth just wrote a check that I have a feeling his & Honky's asses can't cash.

There's that classic Memphis brawl!

[kevinmcfl]

MIDSOUTH COLISEUM:

  JULY 14

 

“Nature Boy” Buddy Landel defeated “White Lightening” Tim Horner with the Figure 4.  In some behind the scenes information, Jerry Jarrett was paying Buddy Landel back  before sending him on his way.  Buddy helped out USWA by doing some jobs of late as he helped to put over both Kerry VonErich and Superstar Bill Dundee. 

 

Tommy “Wildfire” Rich defeats The Assassin (Don Bass) with the Lou Thesz Press.  The Assassin did a good job of getting a lot of heat by not only using some dirty tactics but also antagonizing the fans every chance he got and by not only berating ref Tommy Weathers but by getting nearly DQ’ed after being a little physical with Weathers.  All of this helped to get Wildfire over in a place where he has not always been on the side of the fans.

 

Southern Title Match:

Randy “Macho Man” Savage with Miss. Elizabeth defeated Iceman Parsons with the flying elbow drop in a match that saw both men do a good job of bumping and selling.  The fans were on their feet after a Big Butt Bump but Macho Man escaped and ultimately defeated Iceman for the win.  Macho Man was better behaved in terms of his treatment of Miss. Elizabeth, but he still yelled at here to get the ropes for him on both his entrance and exit. 

 

Big Bossman defeated “The Bounty Hunter” Dick Slater with the powerslam.  Unlike Slater’s recent USWA World Title shot against Jerry Lawler where there was quite a bit of technical wrestling, this one was all elbows, kicks, punches and slams!  Slater held his own in the brawling department but once Bossman got his hands on Slater and started with the power moves, his size was too much for Slater. 

 

Southern Tag Team Title Match:

Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart & Greg “The Hammer” Valentine © with Jimmy Hart defeated the Southern Boys (Armstrong & Smothers) in this return title bout as Jimmy Hart cracked Smothers over the head with the microphone which allowed The Hammer to connect with a big middle rope elbow drop.

 

Grudge Match:

Superstar Bill Dundee & Brian Christopher defeated The Honky Tonk Man & Jimmy Hart with Missy Hyatt in a bit of chaos.  Throughout the entire match, Jimmy Hart had refused to get in the ring and Eddie Gilbert had to wrestle 2-1.  HTM, upsetting to the fans, was holding his own.  Somehow, HTM managed to connect with The Shake Rattle and Roll on Brian Christopher and seemed to have the win.  This is when Jimmy Hart started jumping up and down, demanding to get tagged in.  HTM gave in to his manager and tagged him in.  Suddenly, the Southern Boys, who Jimmy Hart had just cost the tag titles, rushed to ringside.  HTM turns to them as and they start pushing him back and forth. 

Jimmy Hart covers Brian Christopher…1….2…WHAM!  The save by Superstar Dundee.

Dundee grabs Jimmy Hart and connects with the PILEDRIVER!!! 

Hart is convulsing in the center of the ring as ref Tommy Weathers demands Dundee to exit the ring!

Dundee screams to Christopher and points to Jimmy Hart!  Brian Christopher scampers over and covers “The Mouth of the South.” 

1…2….3!!  Brian Christopher gets his first win by pin in the USWA and it is against none other than Jimmy Hart!

 

USWA World Title Match:

Jerry “The King” Lawler © defeated Hot Stuff Eddie Gilbert (No Jimmy Hart) with Missy Hyatt by DQ as the entire First Family (HTM, Anvil & Hammer) rushed the ring to attack Lawler who seemed to have overcome the treachery of Hyatt and Gilbert and was climbing the middle rope for the fist drop!  The attack seemed to go on a bit longer than usual; as maybe the other wrestlers were showering as this was the main event.  Finally, when the Southern Boys and Dundee rushed the ring, the sides evened out and the fan favorited made a comeback.  Many fans were heard saying they saw Tommy “Wildfire” Rich hanging out by the ramp but there was no camera that showed him.  Fans were arguing that Wildfire should have come out to help Lawler if he was really back in Memphis for the reasons he claims but others were heard saying Wildfire did the right thing in staying back as Lawler made it clear on tv that the King did not want Wildfire anywhere near him!

[spaldoni]

Enjoyed the fallout from Stampede. 

More intrigue in the Lawler/Rich saga

I'm sure Dutch is going to love having his wages garnished to pay off Gaylord. Very creative 

Hot Stuff Inc must love the fact that Gilbert gets to represent the USWA in TV title bouts. Big ego boost 

And Hart sticks his foot in his mouth, yet again 

Mid South Coliseum

Budro gets to leave on a high note 

It seems Rich is really trying to be a babyface again. We'll see how all this plays out 

Savage retains against the Iceman. Savage did tone down his behavior just a tad 

Bossman's racked up some really big wins lately 

Hart really is a heat magnet which makes Christopher's first win so sweet. The First Family will be coming for payback but luckily Christopher has Dundee backing him up 

Chaos ends the night but Rich manages to be the hot topic. 

You've got some really great storylines going on. 

 

 

 

[Autistic Dragon]

Budro goes out on top.

Assassin manages to get the fans on Rich's side.

A somewhat more respectful Macho Man holds onto the gold.

Bossman is on a serious roll.

Hart's screwing over the Southern Boys blows up in his face leading him to get pinned by Christopher.

The night ends with a massive brawl in the ring but the most interesting part is who didn't take a side.

[LowBlowPodcast]

This USWA show at the Midsouth Coliseum is packed with that raw, Southern wrestling heat. The Lawler-Slater brawl is a standout—love the slow-burn technical start exploding into a bloody street fight, with Tommy Rich’s popcorn-munching cameo adding intrigue. The Christopher-HTM beatdown is brutal and emotional.The Southern Boys’ title loss and Dundee-Christopher’s grudge win keep the crowd hyped, but the chaotic First Family attack in the main event hits hard. Awesome cards overall!