Memphis Wrestling

[Autistic Dragon]

Holy shit, Macho Man runs down the King!

Double J is gonna have to dig deep to survive Goto.

Brad brings in a real Superstar to be his partner.

Dustin should be careful moving on another man's lady especially when that man is Eddie Gilbert.

[spaldoni]

I can just imagine a crazy Savage behind the wheel. I love this entire storyline and how it ties in with the upcoming title match. I also loved Hennig's take on all this. Great TV! 

I think Goto might be too distracted by Rhodes to focus on his title match with Jarrett 

As if Goto wasn't enough to deal with, Rhodes now has issues with Hot Stuff 

You've got something great going with the Dutch/DWB/Armstrong feud. Add in Dundee and this goes to an entirely new level. It's great seeing Dundee back home. 

Can't wait for the Mid South card. 

 

[LastStopTour]

Is the "This Week in Wrestling" the new format for the TV show? Seems the 1990 formats for several shows have changed to a quicker format that focusses on the larger details rather than the minute to minute minutia. Makes for a quicker read and I have to imagine, has to make for a quicker write. Allows you to be focused on the card from top to bottom.

The Lawler/Hennig feud is a good one. I have to imagine despite all odds, Jerry will come back from this just as he said. We're in Memphis, baby and that can only be a good thing for The King and bad for everyone else.

The Coliseum card looks really good. You have all of the usual Memphis suspects which should make the fans happy against some tough opponents. Should be a wild roller coaster ride on Monday night.

I saw the Undertaker being a tough write comment and have to agree with that. I think he worked so well so long because he was in the WWF and probably would not have elsewhere for as long as he did. I can see him working well here in Memphis for the short term as in real life where Lawler's opponents where brought in and built up as monsters, only to leave once the feud with Lawler was over. In a place where the characters/gimmicks are believable the Undertaker doesn't work as well. Same goes for Paul Bearer. As Percy Pringle, down south he was absolutely great but I don't think it would work as well for the long term.

[kevinmcfl]

 

Midsouth Coliseum Card:  January 27, 1990

“The Fab One” Steve Keirn defeats Rip Rogers with a diving seton.

 

The Undertaker with Paul Bearer defeats Cousin Junior with the top rope elbow smash, Tombstone Combo.  The bout started with some good ol fashion country dancing as Cousin Junior made his way to the ring but the fans quickly became silent as the Dead Man came walking to the ring.  Even more scary than the Undertaker was the Soul Taker who seemed to perform some ritual on Cousin Junior after he was left for dead by the Undertaker.  Fathers were seen covering the eyes of the children in the arena.  

 

Memphis Street Fight: 
 Brad Armstrong & Bill Dundee vs Dirty Dutch Mantel & The Dirty White Boy ended in a Double Countout.  The rules allowed Mantel to bring his bull whip to the ring but this plan backfired as he was the one being snapped out by Superstar Bill Dundee.  Mantel decided to hightail it towards the locker room but Superstar followed him behind the curtain.  Armstrong and the DWB were not to be outdone as the brawled all over the arena.  

 

Dustin Rhodes vs Eddie Gilbert with Jimmy Hart & Missy Hyatt ended in a 20-minute draw.  Jimmy Hart and Missy Hyatt were somewhat neutralized by Miss. Tennessee who came rushing to ringside after Missy interfered early in the match.  It seems Miss. Tennessee has made it her mission to stop Missy from getting involved in Gilbert’s matches.  Eddie was all fired up to start the match as he was still fuming at Dustin kissing Missy last week but Dustin didn’t seem to mind as a brawl was just what he seemed in the mood for.  Dustin has definitely not shied away from any situation since coming to the CWA as he has already gotten on the bad side of both the First Family as well as Tojo and his group.

 

The UWF Tag Team Champs, Honkey Tonk Man & Greg “The Hammer” Valentine with Jimmy Hart defeated the Freebirds in a non-title match with help from the Studd Stable (Robert Fuller & Sid Eudy).  The Studd Stable seemed to just be observing their competition as these two teams are most likely the top two challengers to their Southern Tag Titles.  As Fuller distracted ref, Jerry Calhoun, Sid Eudy came in and powerbombed Jimmy Garvin.  

Southern Title Match: 
 Jeff Jarrett © defeated Tarzan Goto with Tojo Yamamota by DQ as he had Goto locked in the Figure Four Leglock when Kendo Nagasaki came rushing out from the back and sprayed some mystical green mist into the eyes of the champ. This quickly became obvious that Kabuki was the new addition that Tojo has been talking about.  What also became obvious was that Dustin Rhodes was not done with his feud with the Japanese as he rushed out and attacked the trio by himself.  This went well but only for a short period of time and in the end, it was Jarrett and Rhodes left laying in the middle of the ring as the Japanese dodged debris during their celebration to the locker room.

 

USWA World Title Match:
  “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig © vs “The King” Jerry Lawler:  Lawler must pay Hennig $500 for every punch he throws.
A week ago, nobody was even sure this match was going to take place as Randy Savage seemed to hit Jerry Lawler with a car injuring his right shoulder.  Lawler vowed to be here for the match and he is but his shoulder is heavily wrapped.  Jerry Jarrett has vowed to protect the legitimacy of this match but some think that this is too little, too late as Hennig clearly has the advantage over the injured King.

As the match progresses, it is obvious that Lawler is not 100%.  After nearly 15 minutes, Lawler has not thrown 1 punch.  Maybe he is not able to or maybe he even believes he can’t win the match and doesn’t want to hand any of his money over to the champion.  None of this has stopped Hennig from breaking a bunch of rules for his advantage.  He may be right that the King throws a few punches but lets not for a minute think that Hennig is not above a dirty break here or a grab of the tights there to save his belt.  

We have had a few momentum changes through the first 25 minutes but Hennig, who seems to have a deeper arsenal has managed to carry more of the action.  Lawler has started to take some big blows and is struggling to get to his feet.  As his confidence grew, Hennig starts to belittle Lawler… making mocking signs about his crown and then even pulling down his own strap and pretending to shadow box an opponent.  According to Lance Russell, this was all an attempt to anger Lawler into throwing a few weakened punches by Lawler so Lawler would have to fork over some cash.  
Hennig turns to the crows and starts to mock them… pointing at their “hero” while signaling that his waist is the one that holds the belt.

Lawler, from his knees, shoves Hennig, who simply laughs and then comes down to a big boot to the head of Lawler.
We get about three more failed attempts by Lawler going after Hennig with the champ delivering a big blow each time to keep all the momentum from Lawler and the energy from the fans.  Finally, Lawler just says its now or never and starts to just absorb the blows from Curt while continuing to rise up.  Each blow from Hennig has less and less effect on Lawler.  Finally, he just completely no sells a huge punch by Hennig and Lawler shoves the champ into the corner and he rushes in and leaps on the second rope straddling Hennig.  Lawler pulls the strap down, kind of stretches out that right shoulder and then just starts wailing on the champ.

The crowd starts to count the blows and when we get to a dozen, Lawler jumps down from the middle rope and the champ just face plants in the corner.

Lawler, quickly back up on the second rope…

WHAM… Fist drop on Hennig
Lawler drags the champ up by his hair…
WHAM… Piledriver on Hennig
Lawler covers the champ as Jerry Calhoun rushes into position
1…2…
Suddenly, from behind, a man in a ski mask pulls Jerry Calhoun from the ring by his legs.

Nobody knows exactly what is happening for a second until the man pulls the mask off at its Randy Savage.  
Lawler and Savage are equally enraged and go after each other.  This epic brawl is short lived as security storm the ring after about 3 minutes during which Hennig simply took his belt and left.  

In the end, we see Lawler getting medical attention which he waves off.  Savage leaving the ring in handcuffs and Hennig probably hailing a cab to the airport with his title still around his waist.  The chaos at the end, almost made the fans forget about Lawler not winning the title… Almost!
 

[Autistic Dragon]

Keirn gets the night off to a Fabulous start.

Love the visual of Dad's shielding their kids from the spookiness.

Of course the Memphis Street fight ends in craziness.

Dustin and Eddie are just getting started.

The Studs lend the First Family a hand.

Kendo is here! Dustin is taking on a lot at once.

Okay I kinda love how Hennig just nopes out while Savage and Lawler are fighting.

[spaldoni]

Keirn shows he's still a favorite here 

I agree with AD, I like those little touches you add in to get the fear of the Takers over.

One thing about Memphis, they'll give you a wild street fight

A feud with Gilbert will definitely help get Dustin over here. 

I'm sure the Freebirds will be gunning for the Stud Stable now more than ever

Tojo has put together some heavy assassins. With Gilbert already on his mind, Dustin might be getting in over his head here. 

Fun main event. I would have gotten my money's worth on that crazy ending. Lawler refusing medical attention. Savage taken out in cuffs and Hennig simply leaving was great stuff. The inevitable Lawler/Savage match will set records. 

[Control21]

Randy Savage in Memphis is always a blast. I think you are using him well here.

Curt Hennig vs Jerry Lawler was a great main event too, I could picture it very easily. 

[LastStopTour]

The evil has spread to Memphis! Certainly, yours is more physically imposing than mine but still scary in it's own right. Should go far.

Really solid matches throughout the card with the Street Fight, Rhodes/Gilbert and the Southern Title match. Rounding it all out with the well built match between Lawler and Hennig with the wild ending (or non-ending) as The Macho Man gets tossed into the mix.

Only complaint, if it is one, too many DQ/Countout/Time Limit Draw finishes for my liking.

[kevinmcfl]

 

MIDSOUTH COLISEUM:  FEB.17, 1990

Opening Bout 
Wild-eyed Southern Boys (Steve Armstrong & Tracy Smothers) have a successful debut with a win over Ron& Don Harris when they connected on a big double team move as Tracy held big Ron Harris up by his hips and Scott came flying of the top rope for a huge dropkick.  The Southern Boys had the crowd eating out of their hands as they came out to Wild-eyed Southern Boys by 38 Special dressed in Confederate soldier uniforms and waving a Confederate flag.  When asked by Lance Russell why they chose to come to the CWA, they said the answer was two-fold.  First, Scott wanted to come and help out his brother who was dealing with the likes of the Dirty White Boy and Dutch Mantel.  Next, Tracy quickly said that he heard there was going to be a tournament sometime next month to crown the first ever USWA World Champion and who better that the Southern Boys to be the champions down here in the Land of Dixie!

Interview with Dick Slater

Lance Russell:  Dick Slater, your status in this sport cannot be denied.  Even though you have not spent a lot of time here in Memphis, I would be hard pressed to find a wrestling fan that doesn’t know the great Dick Slater.  Some call you the rebel.  Some call you Mr. Excitement.  Some just simply call you “Dirty.”  Fans, I want to let you know that it was Mr. Slater who asked for this time here in the Midsouth Coliseum as he says he has something real important to tell us.

Dick Slater:  Lance, you left out one thing.  Some people call me the ultimate bounty hunter and that is why I am here right now.  I got a call from someone who will remain nameless, but they said they are willing to pay me $50,000 to put Jerry “The King” Lawler out of wrestling.  This person gave me a whole laundry list of reasons as to why Lawler needs to be hurt and hurt badly.  I will say this… I am a whole lot of things, but I am not someone who goes around hurting people that don’t deserve it.  So, I guess what I am saying is that right now, I am here to do a little investigating.  If what I am being told is true, I will have no problem taking out Lawler but if the claims prove to be unfounded, I will be coming after the person who hired me.  

Lance Russell:  Dick… this is very disturbing news.  Can you at least give us a clue as to who is paying you.  I mean right now The King seems to have a long list of people who would be willing to hurt him…. Randy Savage…. Jimmy Hart and the First Family …. Curt Hennig?

Dick Slater:  No comment.  And Dick Slater simply walks off.

 

Match #2
Iceman Parsons defeats Hector Guerrero with the Butt Bump in a fast-paced match that had the fans out of their seats.

 

Match #3
Eddie Gilbert with Jimmy Hart & Missy Hyatt defeats Too Cold Scorpio when Missy Hyatt distracted Jerry Calhoun in a way that only Missy could which allowed Jimmy Hart to toss an illegal object to Hot Stuff who clobbered Too Cold.  Gilbert quickly covered Scorpio and a surprised Calhoun rushed over to complete the 3-count.  Iceman Parsons rushed in to plea to Jerry Calhoun that Gilbert had cheated but by then Gilbert had already given the object to Missy Hyatt who stuffed in a place that Calhoun wouldn’t dare search but every guy wished they had the chance to.  The First Family leaves as Iceman tends to Too Cold Scorpio.  

 

Grudge Match
Brad Armstrong vs Dutch Mantel
The problems between Armstrong and Dutch has been going on for a while and the dislike these two have for each other was evident from the start as Dutch tried to attack before the bell but Brad was ready for it.  Brad actually had Dutch twisted in knots from a great ground attack but Dutch eventually brough this match to the gutter and the brawl was on.  The fans were loving it as Brad seemed to have the upper hand … that is until the Dirty White Boy hit the ring.  It is obvious that wins and looses mean nothing in this feud as Dutch was not the least bit upset at Calhoun calling for the bell.  Dutch and the DWB just seemed to be enjoying this beat down… that is until the Wild-eyed Southern Boys hit the ring.  Together Brad and Steve Armstrong along with Tracy Smothers really gave it to the DWB and Dutch who actually high-tailed it back to the locker room.  

 

Kendo Stick on a Pole Match- Losers get 10 Whacks Each With the Kendo Stick
Jeff Jarrett & Dustin Rhodes defeated Kabuki and Tarzan Goto with Tojo Yamamota when Kabuki tried to spray the green mist into the eyes of Dustin Rhodes, but he pulled away from Tarzan just in time and Tarzan got the mist right in the eyes.  This allowed Dustin to nail Tarzan with the Bulldog for the 3-count as JJ dropkicked Kabuki out onto the floor.  Give Tojo’s monsters some credit as they took their whacks like men.  It almost seemed like Tarzan was enjoying it.  

 

Main Event:  Southern Tag Team Title Match in a Steel Cage
Last Match Between the Freebirds and the Studd Stable:  

The Freebirds (Hayes &Garvin) have been feuding with The Studd Stable (Robert Fuller & Sid Eudy) for nearly 6 months now.  We have seen many different types of matches as these two teams have traded the Southern Tag Team Titles back and forth.  We have even seen this feud divide families as Jimmy Golden sided with the Freebirds for a time and Buddy Roberts helped the Studd Stable.  Eddie Marlin, concerned for the well-being of all involved, decided this would be the Last Match between these two teams in Memphis.  Fuller and Eudy seemed eager to shut the Freebirds up for the last time and successfully defend their Southern Tag Titles while the Freebirds vowed that they would be partying with their new belts down on Beile Street long after the legal closing time!
As for the match, Eudy showed that he was a beast as he battered each Freebird against the cage on numerous occasions.  The problem came about 25 minutes into the bout as Sid came off the top rope and seemed to legitimately land wrong.  He struggled to put any weight on his right leg as Lance feared it might be broken.  This allowed the Freebirds to double team Fuller for the rest of the match.  The end finally came as Hayes and Garvin hoisted Fuller up for a Double Brainbuster.  Ref Jerry Calhoun made the 3-count and handed the Freebirds the titles but then all attention turned to Sid.  Even the Freebirds seemed to look on with concern.  After being examined by the doctor, Sid was stretchered out and you could just tell be the look on Fuller’s face, that the Studd Stable was in need of a new stud.  The crowd didn’t seem too upset as the cheered wildly for their new Southern Tag Team Champions.  

 

“Lights Out-Non-Sanctioned Match
“King” Jerry Lawler vs Randy “Macho Man” Savage:  If Savage wins, he gets a CWA contract
Let’s take a look at how we got here.  During the break between matches, we see a video on the screen that shows all the problems between Lawler and Savage dating back to before Christmas.  We see Savage storming  the TV set in search of Lawler as he is fuming that Bluegrass Championship Wrestling was admitted to the USWA.  By coincidence, Lawler wasn’t in the building that day.  Savage proceeded to interfere with Lawler’s championship match against “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig by coming off the top rope with an elbow as Lawler seemed ready to win the title.  Next, we get footage of an injured Lawler as Savage apparently hit him with a car.  Finally, we get footage from the last big event in the Midsouth Coliseum as Savage once again prevented Lawler from winning the title as he interfered once again resulting in Savage and Lawler brawling in the ring and Savage eventually being lead out of the Coliseum in handcuffs while Curt Hennig simply walked out with his title in tack.  Hennig also walked out with an extra $6000 of Lawler’s money as per the stipulation that the King had to pay Mr. Perfect $500 per punch he threw.  That is a hefty price tag for not winning the title.
The video then went to last week’s TV show where we see Lawler and Jerry Jarrett.  Everybody knew that Jarrett’s presence meant business as he usually sends out Eddie Marlin to deal with the day-to-day drama of the CWA.
Lance Russell:  Okay folks, before we get to today’s show, Jerry Lawler has asked for some time to speak and he also requested Jerry Jarrett’s presence.

Jerry Lawler:  Thank you Jerry for coming out here.  Jerry, we all know that there is one goal in this business and that is to win the World Title.  I believe that on three occasions over the past 2 ½ months, I have clearly outwrestled Curt Henning… and I have nothing to show for it.  The first time was a fluke…. A coin toss but the other two… clearly Randy Savage has cost me the world title… and more… He cost me my health as he ran me over with a car.  Yes… he ran me over with a car.  Whatever is going on in that sick mind of his, whatever problem he has with me, is not going to get solved until I face him in the ring.  Now, I understand he is not an employee of the USWA or the CWA and he has no right getting into a real wrestling match in this territory but for everything I’ve done for this company, I’m asking a favor… I need this to stop…. I need the chance to get even… I need to stop Randy Savage so I can get back on track to take what is rightfully mine… The USWA World Title!
Jerry Jarrett:  Jerry, I know your upset.  Upset at everything that has gone on in the last three months.  I also know that you have done more for Memphis Wrestling than any man alive but… I can’t reward someone with a CWA Wrestling contract who has done nothing but criminal actions to the CWA for the past few months.  He has trespassed.  He has committed assault.  He has tried to ruin the integrity of the USWA World Title and he has actually run a member of our promotion over with a car!  I’m sorry King, I can’t do that.

Suddenly, Randy Savage comes out with Lance and Jerry Jarrett begging for peace.  This time it is Savage who seems the peacefully one as Lawler is being restrained by Jarrett.  

Randy Savage:  Oh yea…. Lawler and the Macho Man… Lights Out… Non-Sanctioned Match.  I finally get to put the King down once and for all.  OH YEA…. Sounds like a win-win for everybody… but the Macho Man.  You people have once again found a way to use the Macho Man.  First it was you keeping the great Angelo Poffo out of the CWA and now, you are about to have the biggest crowd in Memphis history… OH YEA…. They will be hanging from the rafters to in hopes that the King will put an end to the Macho Man… the lines at the concession stand will be around the corner… the popcorn will be flowing… the beers will be guzzled…. And when its all said and down… the King will be laying in the center of the ring, beaten once again by the Macho Man Randy Savage… OH YEA, but when the camera closes in on Lawler, you will see the blood… you will see the bruises… but you will also see the King smiling the biggest smile since the teenaged girls here in Memphis say Elvis!  Why you ask is a beaten man so happy.  Let the Mach Man tell you why… Jerry Lawler and Jerry Jarrett will be rolling in money as I am escorted out of the building… victorious yes but also not paid for the match and also unemployed.  The Macho Man is no fool.  You want the match Jerry Lawler, the Lights Out-Non-Sanctioned Match, I will accept with one stipulation… I win, I get a CWA contract!  That’s right, I win the match, I am a wrestler here in Memphis but if you win… I will walk away!

Lance Russell:  So let me get this straight.  You, Randy Savage will wrestle Jerry Lawler in the Midsouth Coliseum on February 24th in a Light Out Match if and only if, you win, you get a CWA Wrestling contract.

Suddenly Jerry Lawler grabs the microphone and instead of yelling at Savage, he is yelling at Jerry Jarrett about how he better accept this deal or he is leaving Memphis to hunt down Randy Savage.

Jerry Jarrett: Ok, while this is against my better judgement, I will accept these stipulations and Lawler you better win!
Jarrett walks off as Lance takes us to break with a warning that he hopes the studio is in one piece when we return.
Now, let’s get to the match… Brawl… Brawl…. Brawl!  This is obviously personal and no matter what one does to the other, they both keep on coming.  Suddenly, Dick Slater makes his way to ringside.  He grabs a chair and takes a seat.  Lance Russell helps to remind us what Slater said earlier in the evening.  He is here in the CWA as a hitman looking to collect a bounty on the wrestling career of Jerry Lawler.  From Lawler’s reaction, he also knows exactly why Slater is here.  This causes Lawler to lose focus.  Unfortunately, the problems for Lawler get only worse as Jimmy Hart is now leading out The First Family…Eddie Gilbert, Greg Valentine and Honky Tonk Man.  The referee, who was announced as Bill Billingsly, could do nothing about it as this match was Non-Sanctioned and basically lawless.  Jimmy Hart, clearly hands Eddie Gilbert the same illegal object that he used earlier in his match and Gilbert waits for the right time…
WHAM… Gilbert nails the King!
Eddie Gilbert motions to Savage to climb to the top rope and do his elbow drop!
Savage almost seems to hesitate but then climbs to the top…
Dick Slater is now out of his chair and up on the apron… as are Honky Tonk and Greg Valentine.
WHAM… Savage with the big Elbow Drop on Lawler.
Bill Billingsly with the count!
1…2…3!
Jimmy Hart is jumping up and down as the first family is in the ring stomping on Lawler!
Dick Slater climbs down off the apron and walks to the locker room shaking his head!.
Savage seems confused but then a big smile comes over him as he has finally earned a contract to wrestle in Memphis- the company his father so badly wanted to become back in the late 70’s.
Finally, the calvary comes to the ring as JJ, Dustin Rhodes, Brad Armstrong and the Wild-eyed Southern Boys chase away the First Family.
Savage just stays in the ring and makes no motion to leave and no motion to attack.  He just takes in the whole situation as the fans wonder what is next between The King and the Macho Man.  
 

[LowBlowPodcast]

What a huge show - so much build-up to this huge moment. Eddie Gilbert with Missy and Jimmy could be one of the most annoying trios of all time. Sid getting hurt brings up huge questions, finally... Savage gets the contract - at what expense? Who wins and loses from this?

[Autistic Dragon]

The Southern Boys have got to be considered favorites in the USWA World Tag Title tournament.

Dick Slater, ethical bounty hunter wasn't something I had on my bingo card.

Iceman put Hector on ice.

Having two managers pays off for Gilbert.

One good thing about the Southern Boys being here is Brad has some guaranteed backup.

Somehow I feel like the post match caning might not have been as satisfying as Jarrett & Rhodes had expected.

A bad landing by Sid hands the Freebirds the Southern tag titles.

The First Families interference awards Savage a contract but seems to have Slater souring on his assignment.

[LastStopTour]

Big show with lots going on, setting up the future.

I feel for Lawler as he is a marked man and now being hunted at every turn. Isn't like the old days with someone coming in to face him, then dispatched until the next challenger is brought in. Now, you have Savage with a contract, you have Dick Slater looking to collect a bounty on Jerry's head and you always have the First Family lingering and waiting for their turn to strike. Lawler needs some friends.

USWA with tag titles coming up soon will get some notice in Kentucky with a few teams looking to put themselves on the map. The Mortons and Pretty in Pink are two that wouldn't mind a crack at those belts.

[spaldoni]

The Southern Boys will thrive here. 

Love the ambiguity with Slater. The man plays this role so well. 

Parsons rocks the house, but his partner 2 Cold goes down to the numbers game. 

BA and Dutch go at it again, but this time Brad has some serious back up. 

Jarrett and Dustin get the crowd pleasing win. Nice touch with Goto enjoying the whacking 

Sid goes down to a broken leg. Luck was with the Freebirds tonight. We'll see how Fuller rebounds 

The build to the Lawler/Savage match was gold. The promos were outstanding. Everything made total sense from both sides. Poor Lawler just has to many enemies and it costed him yet again. I can't wait for the fall out with Lawler, Savage, the First Family, Hot stuff and Slater. What a great story. 

 

[kevinmcfl]

MIDSOUTH COLISEUM:  FEB.24, 1990

 

** Note:  All wrestlers who wrestled tonight won matches on the 90 minute weekly TV show from this past Saturday except Ron Fuller who didn't wrestle.  

Opening Bout 

Jeff Gaylord defeats Dr. X (Moondog Rex in a mask) with a bearhug.  Gaylord has not been seen in the Memphis area for about a year but the fans liked his size, energy and ability to go toe to toe with the big Dr. X.

 

Interview with USWA World Champion, “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig

Lance Russell:  Curt, I would like to bring you back to a few weeks ago when you were wrestling “The King,” Jerry Lawler but that match was again ended with Randy Savage interfering and attacking Jerry Lawler.  

Curt Hennig:  All I know is that I am “Mr. Perfect.  I have wrestled your so called King 3 times in the last two months and each time I have left the match as the USWA World Champion…. Three matches and each time I was perfect!  Even when Lawler was allowed to cheat and punch me as many times as he wanted… I left with this perfect title around my waist.  

Lance Russell:  Well that may be true, but you can look at it this way… you have wrestled Jerry Lawler 3 times in the last two months and you have never beat him.  

Curt Hennig:  This title around my waist says differently and I will tell you this… I am done wrestling Jerry Lawler.  I have proven he can’t beat me.  I am tired of running up here to Memphis to wrestle the same inferior wrestler.  Next time I am here, tell Jerry Jarrett to find my some real competition.

And with that Hennig walks off with his title over his shoulder.

 

Match #2:  Winning Team Gets Entry Into the USWA World Tag Team Tournament 

The Wild-eyed Southern Boys (Steve Armstrong & Tracy Smothers) defeat the Guerreros when Tracy held Hector up and Armstrong came off the top rope with a dropkick!  The fans are quickly buying into this exciting team who come to the ring interacting with all the fans while wearing their Confederate uniforms and waving the Confederate flag!  

 

Match #3:  “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff defeats Tim Horner with the Piledriver

Paul Orndorff made his CWA debut this week on tv and quickly brought the heat down on himself.  Not only was he his arrogant self, he proclaimed that his finisher, the piledriver, was second to none and that while others use the devastating move, including Jerry Lawler, it is not nearly effected as his.  He also was quick to show off his physique, which he proclaimed at just one of the reasons he is Mr. Wonderful.

As for the match, Horner gave a good effort, but he was outclassed.  After a quick start for Horner, Mr. Wonderful took total control and toyed with Horner until he connected with the piledriver for the clean victory.  

 

Interview with former CWA tag team champion, “The Tennessee Studd” Robert Fuller

 

Lance Russell:  Robert, we all saw the devastating injury that Sid Eudy suffered last week and how the Freebirds capitalized on that to take back the CWA Tag Team Titles.  What is next for you as your partner is obviously out of action for the foreseeable future.

Robert Fuller:  Lance, I’ve been around this business for a long time and seen everything there is to see.  Injuries happen.  This is a man’s game and sometimes things happen.  As for me, I’ve decided to go back into singles competition.  When I walk around here and see young, inexperienced losers like Jeff Jarrett walking around with the CWA title, I know that I will have gold around my waist real soon.  I also want to let everyone know that I am too good to show my talent for free.  I am not going to be wrestling on TV…. I know that all you women who go ga-ga over seeing this 6’9 inches of sex appeal are going to be upset by that but truth be told… I don’t care.  I don’t care about any of those stupid fans who wish they were the Studd!... No listen up Jerry Jarrett…. If you dare… get me a match in the Midsouth Coliseum against that snot-nosed kid of yours so this organization can have a champion that it deservers!

 

Match #4:  Winning Team Gets Entry Into the USWA World Tag Team Tournament 

The Undertaker & The Soultaker with Paul Bearer defeat Ice Cold (Iceman Parsons & Too Cold Scorpio) as the Undertaker connected with his top-rope-walk elbow drop/Tombstone combo on Too Cold.  Iceman and the Soultaker were battling on the outside when Too Cold came off the tope rope with a Moonsault but Undertaker lifted his right hand and caught Scorpio by the throat and then sat up and took Scorpio apart.  After the match was over, Undertaker and Soultaker double teamed Iceman and put him down.  Soultaker then performed that eerie ritual on Scorpio where he seems to take the heart and soul from his fallen opponent.

The fans are still unsure of what to make of Paul Bearer’s team but Lance is sure that no one has seemed to slow then down at all.  

CWA Tri-State Title Match:  “Dirty” Dutch Mantel © vs “The Superstar” Bill Dundee

These two had a war of words this week on TV where Dundee was upset at Dutch for not being able to fight a clean fight anymore.  Dundee pointed out that every match that Dutch is in, he either uses an illegal object or has the Dirty White Boy interfere to save his title.  Superstar then said that Dutch isn’t the same man he was when Superstar was last in Memphis.  Dundee said that the Dutch Mantel used to be able to fight his own fight and that he would use his fists to do it instead of a bull whip.  Dundee ended his verbal attack by calling Dirty Dutch “over the hill.”  

Dutch was fuming and told Dundee he should mind his own business and that it’s not like Jerry Lawler hadn’t saved his butt hundreds of times.  This all lead to a TV brawl that needed a commercial break to restore order.

So here we are, a Tri-State Title Match.

These two might be short in stature but don’t measure their fight in inches… this was a brawl!  Unfortunately for Dundee, this match ended in a Double Count-out.  This didn’t seem to stop the brawl and Eddie Marling came out a grabbed the house microphone and threated to suspend both Dutch and Dundee.  This got their attention and gave Marlin the chance to announce that this feud needs a stipulation to where we get a winner… So next week right here in the Midsouth Coliseum, we will see a rematch between Dutch and Dundee for the Tri-State Title but it will be in a Falls-Count Everywhere Match!

 

Semi-Main Event:  Randy “Macho Man” Savage with Miss. Elizabeth vs Dustin Rhodes

It was a this week’s tv show that Savage introduced Ms. Elizabeth to the Memphis fans.  Many of the bigger wrestling fans in the area, are familiar with her as was Lance Russell who wanted to know where she has been for the last month.  Savage took offense to this and reminded Lance that until this week, he didn’t have a contract to wrestle in the CWA so why would his manager be here.  Savage then seemed to turn even more angry and wondered in Lance was suggesting if Elizabeth was with another man.  Lance said that was not what he was talking about but Savage was already off the rails!

To protect Lance, Dustin Rhodes came out and said that Savage has been nothing more than a bully sense he got here and that he should put his money where his mouth stands and challenged his to this match tonight…

As for the match… easily the beat match of the night.  Both men were bumping and selling for each other and hitting big move after big move.  In the end, Savage outlasted Rhodes with a little help from a collision with ref Jerry Calhoun, and Savage connected with the Top Rope Elbow Drop for the win! 

 

Main Event:  Jerry “The King” Lawler vs Eddie Gilbert with Jimmy Hart & Missy Hyatt
Anyone who interferes will be suspended from the CWA for 1 year

Last week in the Midsouth Coliseum, we saw Jimmy Hart toss an illegal object to Eddie Gilbert and Gilbert knocked Lawler out which cost him his match with Randy Savage and gave Savage a CWA Contract.  Eddie Marlin fined both Jimmy Hart and Eddie Gilbert $1000 each for their interference in both the Savage-Lawler match and the Eddie Gilbert-Too Cold Scorpio match.

While the fans liked the large fines, Jerry Lawler said that wasn’t enough as Gilbert and Hart’s interference allowed Randy Savage into the CWA.  Lawler basically reminded everyone of the criminal actions of Savage and because of Gilbert and Hart, Savage now has free reign to do what he wants in the CWA.  Lawler demanded this match tonight against Gilbert and demanded the stipulation of the year suspension to anyone who interferes.

As the match is about to get started, two interesting things happen… first Lance Rusell notices that “The Bounty Hunter” Dick Slater is sitting in the first row.  Last week, we found out that Slater was hired by someone to take Lawler out of wrestling but Slater needed to be sure what was told to him was the truth.  Next, Lance, is joined by Curt Hennig at the announce area and says that he is just here to “watch” Lawler get what’s coming to him.  Lance points out that this could be trouble for The King as Slater, the bounty hunter, doesn’t work for the CWA and technically, neither does Hennig, the USWA World Champion.  

As for the match, it is back and forth with a bunch of momentum changes.  Every time Lawler has the advantage, we see Jimmy Hart and Missy Hyatt just trying to come up with a way to help Hot Stuff without being suspended.  Eventually we see Missy try to distract ref Jerry Calhoun with her “assets.”  This doesn’t work but Calhoun does take time to admonish Missy and tells her to get off the apron.

WHAM… Low blow by Gilbert on Lawler.

Wait a minute… Slater is coming towards the ring!

Eddie goes to cover Lawler!

Slater grabs…. Missy Hyatt… and lifts her off the apron….

Jerry Calhoun turns towards the action and sees the cover.  He rushes over to start the count.

Missy Hyatt screams when Slater lifts her up!

Hotstuff sees Missy in the arms of Slater and gets off Lawler and heads towards the rope

Here comes Curt Hennig

Slater puts down Missy and starts to point as Jimmy Hart… Hart nervous… starts to run around the ring!

WHAM… Jimmy Hart and Curt Hennig collide…Hart goes flying and Hennig goes to check on him.

WHAM… Uppercut by Lawler on Gilbert….  WHAM… piledriver by Lawler

1…2…3!  Lawler has defeated Gilbert

What is going on with Slater?  What was Hennig’s plan?  I guess we have to wait until next week!
 

[Autistic Dragon]

The Missouri Tiger impressed with his return to Memphis.

The Southern Boys are quickly climbing the ranks.

Orndorff makes a Wonderful debut.

Love Fuller deciding he's too good to wrestle for free on TV.

Paul Bearer & his macabre duo could put a hex on the World tag titles.

Dutch & Dundee look to take it all over the Mid-South Arena next week.

Savage takes advantage of a ref bump to take down the Natural.

Lawler manages to score a win over Gilbert as the ringside area descends into chaos.

[LowBlowPodcast]

Chaos is the name of the game in Memphis and you capture it well here. I don't know about 1990 Dustin Rhodes vs Randy Savage... that seems to be a huge mismatch even though Dustin was the Natural... fast forward 2 years and I am all over it. Taker and Taker... the Takers... if you will... I feel like they're on track for the gold but I don't know how long they will stay belts or turn into Urns and Necklaces with these two...

[spaldoni]

Gaylord made a smart move coming back to Memphis. This is a place he can thrive.

It didn't take long for the Southern Boys to get over with the fans

Man, it's great seeing Orndorff back in the game. I'm all for a battle of piledrivers match with Lawler

Jarrett better give Fuller what he wants because the fans will want to pay to see him lol

The Taker team is bringing the eeriness to Memphis

I'm already buying a ticket to next week's show to watch Dundee and Dutch fight everywhere

Dustin looks great but I think Lance accidently fired up Savage

Memphis+Main Event=Chaos. Love the slow burn storyline with Slater. What's really going on in Hennig's mind. 

Another wild week in Memphis 

[kevinmcfl]

 

 

 

SAM HOUSTON COLISEUM:  FEBRUARY 28, 1990 (UWF)

Sam Houston defeated Dr. X with the running bulldog

 

Rip Rogers defeats El Santo Negro with the Ripper Plex … Rogers brought his “search for a valet to Texas and calling all the Texas wives ugly and stupid didn’t go over to well with the crowd.

 

The Grappler defeated Big Boogie Woogie Brown with an impressive powerslam

 

Rick Steiner & Scott Steiner defeated The Pitbulls with Skandar Akbar when Scott Steiner hit a devastating suplex on Pitbull #1

 

Doom (Hacksaw Butch Reed & Ron Simmons) with Teddy Long defeated Greg “The Hammer Valentine & Honky Tonk Man with Jimmy Hart to win the UWF Tag Team Titles.

 

Kerry VonErich defeated Curt Hennig by DQ as Devastation Inc (The Nature Boy” Buddy Landel & The Pitbulls) rushed the ring and attacked VonErich.  Most likely this is in response to Landel not getting a UWF Title shot against VonErich.  The Stieners and Brian Adias rushed out to make the save.  Adias had shown up earlier in the night asking Kerry for forgiveness for all the wrongs he’s done over the past few years.  Kerry didn’t seem to trust him but the evening ended with the two shaking hands.  As has been Hennig’s ritual, he simply walked off with his belt and didn’t get involved in the chaos.  

 

 

 

 

MIDSOUTH COLISEUM:  MARCH 3, 1990  (CWA)
 
** Note:  All wrestlers who wrestled tonight won matches on the 90 minute weekly TV show from this past Saturday except Ron Fuller who didn't wrestle.  

 

Opening Bout 
Jeff Gaylord defeats The Assassin with a big slam after wearing down the Assassin with a bearhug.  

 
Message from USWA World Champion, “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig

Lance Russell asks all the fans in the Midsouth Coliseum to turn their attention to the big scoreboard above the ring as the USWA World Champion, “Mr. Perfect” would like to make a quick announcement.

Curt Hennig:  Hello wrestling fans and welcome to another “imperfect” night of matches in the Midsouth Coliseum.  Why imperfect you ask?  Well that is simple.  I, Curt Hennig, Mr. Perfect, the greatest wrestler in the world, is once again, not there to display my greatness.  And why am I not there?  Again, another simple answer.  Your #1 contender for my world title, the so-called King, Jerry Lawler, does not deserve another match against me as I have already beaten him 3 times in the last 3 months.  Lawler… Memphis Wrestling Fans… you don’t deserve another view of Mr. Perfect!

As boos reign down, we get set for our next match.
 
Match #2:  “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff defeats “The Fab” One” Steve Keirn

Paul Orndorff interrupted Steve Keirn’s interview on this past week’s TV show as he wondered what made a washed-up tag team wrestler, the self-proclaimed Fab One.  Orndorff continued to point out that Keirn has done nothing since his return to the CWA and that he is just trying to catch a ride on the curtails of Jerry Lawler.  Orndorff then began to strut around and show off his body and point out to Keirn that this in what a wrestler should look like.  Steve Keirn takes over and says that he remembers when Orndorff was first hear in Memphis and how he had respect… respect for the sport … respect for the other wrestlers … and respect for the fans… but now, Orndorff, all you are is an arrogant piece of trash.  This got Orndorff hot and the two go chest to chest but cooler heads prevailed when Eddie Marlin came out and announced that these two would face off tonight.

As for the match, Orndorff is pretty stiff and doesn’t sell one bit for Keirn but Keirn, being the professional that he is, helps Mr. Wonderful get over as the match ends with Orndorff hitting the piledrive for the win.  

 

Match #3:  The Southern Boys vs Tarzan Goto & Kabuki with Tojo Yamamota

This match was signed because Tojo was fuming last week about how the Southern Boys got an elimination match into the upcoming USWA Tag Team Title Tournament and his team of Goto and Kabuki were passed over because of the “prejudice” against Japan.  Tracy Smothers and Steve Armstrong took offense to this and came right out and into the ring and challenged them to a match on TV.  Tojo said that he would rather embarrass the Southern Brats in the Midsouth Coliseum so here we are.

Compared to the last match with Orndorff and Keirn, this has each wrestler putting on a good show.  Goto is somewhat limited in his arsenal,but his power moves get some big oohhhs and ahhs from the crowd.  

After everyone gets some shine, it looks like the Southern Boys are about to get a win as Smothers hoists up Kabuki and Armstrong climbs the rope as he is setting up for a top rope drop kick.

WHAM…Tojo with the Kendo stick to Smother’s back…

Tojo over and over with the Kendo stick as Goto rushed in and shoves Armstrong off the top rope!

The beating is on….

The fans erupt as Brad Armstrong rushes in from the back!

WHAM… Green Mist in the eyes of Brad Armstrong by Kabuki!

The beating now continues for a few minutes before Tojo and his “evils” head to the back, dodging debris as they go.  One thing Lance Russell noticed was that Tarzan Goto had the same smile on his face heading to the locker room as he did when he was getting hit with the kendo stick a few weeks ago after losing to Dustin Rhodes and Jeff Jarrett.  

  
 Match #4: Brad Armstrong vs “The Tennessee Studd” Robert Fuller

Last week Brad took offense to the Tennessee Studd thinking he was too good to wrestle for free on TV and the Studd said he would love to wrestle and beat another Armstrong as long as he “got paid” to do it.

Fuller is already in the ring when Eddie Marlin comes out and says that as a result of the attack by Tojo and his men, Brad Armstrong is not able to wrestle tonight.

Fuller claims that while Brad Armstrong would not have been much of a challenge for him, this is even better as he is getting paid to do nothing.

Marlin tells him to hold on as he has a replacement for Brad Armstrong….

Fuller says that he is only going to wrestle Brad Armstrong as that was who he was contracted to wrestle.

Marlin says that is fine but then if he doesn’t wrestle tonight, then doesn’t get paid.  

Fuller quickly changes his mind and Eddie Marlin announced Fuller’s opponent as “The Bullet” Bob Armstrong!  The crowd goes nuts as the patriarch of the Armstrongs is here and the Fuller-Armstrong feud is on once again!!!

The Bullet comes running out and the brawl is on!!

As for the ending… Double Countout!

*** This is just and one and off for Bob Armstrong… for now!

 

CWA Tag Team Title Match:  Spot in the USWA Tag Team Title Tournament On the Line!
The Freebirds (Hayes & Garvin) vs Greg “The Hammer” Valentine & Honky Tonk Man with Jimmy Hart

 On this past week’s TV show, Lance Russell enjoyed showing the video of Doom (Hacksaw Butch Reed & Ron Simmons) defeating Valentine & HTM for the UWF Tag Team Titles in the Sam Houston Coliseum as Jimmy Hart tried to hit Ron Simmons with the megaphone except that he accidently hit HTM.  This caused HTM to stagger backwards right into a huge shoulder block by Reed for the win and the title change.

Jimmy Hart and his tag team rushed out to the podium and were fuming at both Lance Russell for showing the video and for the corrupt Teddy Long, the manager of Doom.

Jimmy Hart:  How dare you Lance!  How dare you Lance Russell… you go and show that doctored up video that the UWF set you.  That’s not what happened at all.  Teddy Long… the cheating Teddy Long came up from behind me and took my megaphone and clobbered Honk Tonk right in the temple.  I mean I’ve never seen such actions in all my life!

Lance Russell:  C’mon now Jimmy.  Nobody’s buying that load of malarky but I do have some news for you.

Jimmy Hart:  News from you… this is about as trustworthy as a weather report 6 months in advance.

Lance Russell:  Your real funny but my information comes straight from Eddie Marlin and I quote, “As a result of no longer holding the UWF tag team titles, Greg Valentine and Honky Tonk Man will no longer be granted an automatic exemption into the USWA Tag Team Title Tournament as this exemption is only granted to current USWA tag teams that hold a current championship!

As Jimmy Hart was throwing a hissy fit, the Freebirds came out laughing at the fate of the First Family!

After, a great promo by both Garvin and Hayes, Jimmy Hart fires back and gets under the skin of the Freebirds as only he can do.  The result… Jimmy Hart may have just tricked the Freebirds into a title match this week at the Midsouth Coliseum … or maybe the Freebirds are as cocky as they come off and want to really make this an awful week for Hart as his stable!

As for the match, we get the same ending as in the Sam Houston Coliseum…

Jimmy Hart once again “accidentally” slammed HTM’s head with his microphone and HTM staggered back into a brainbuster by Jimmy Garvin!  

Lance Rusell:  Well isn’t that karma!

 

 
Semi-Main Event:  Tri-State Title Match:  Falls Count Anywherw:  
Dirty Dutch Mantel © vs Superstar Bill Dundee

After the brawl all over the arena, we get a rather simple finish!  Dutch has Dundee down and in trouble.  He comes off the ropes for two big elbow drops which has Dundee in trouble.  Dutch, feels victory is at hand, and lets the fans know!!

From behind… Bill Dundee with the roll up and like many fan favorites in Memphis, he is not against bending a rule or two himself so he grabs the trunks and gets the three count!  Bill Dundee is the new Tri-State champion.  

 

 

Main Event:
Jerry “The King” Lawler & Jeff Jarrett vs  “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert & Randy “Macho Man Savage

So how did Eddie Gilbert and Randy Savage get together for this match?  Simple… their hatred for Jerry Lawler!

Interesting part here was the entrance of the heels… between Missy Hyatt, Jimmy Hart and Miss. Elizabeth, it seemed like the entourage that would accompany a heavyweight title match at a boxing event!
One thing that did seem out of place was Miss. Elizabeth… Her class is apparent while the lack of class of the rest of her team is clearly on display!

As for the match, this was awesome!  Lawler and Gilbert are really good at the wrestling side of the match.  Savage brings the athleticism and charisma while bringing down the heat on himself.  JJ, still young but has the confidence to be here!  
The match sees a little bit of everything … some wrestling, some fighting, and a whole lot of rule breaking.  

In the end, we get ref Jerry Calhoun “accidently” pushed from the ring where it appears that he has hit his head.

This allows Jimmy Hart to get a little revenge on everyone as he slams Lawler with the microphone.  Lawler is busted wide open but is still ready to fight.  He goes out after Hart as Eddie Gilbert follows him.

Wham… Missy with the loaded purse shot on JJ and down he goes….

Wham… Randy Savage with the top rope elbow drop on JJ

Savage covers JJ but there is no ref to make the count!

Suddenly, it is Dick Slater rushing down the aisle… Jimmy Hart is jumping for joy!

Slater gets in the ring… looks at Lawler …. Looks at Jimmy Hart…. Looks at Savage covering JJ

Slater goes to the ground and… starts counting like he is the ref

1…2…3!

Slater simply gets up and starts to exit the ring … Jimmy Hart is screaming at him to get Lawler!

Slater just keeps on going!  

Lawler slams Gilbert’s head into the ring post and gets back in the ring!

The night ends with JJ down and out.  Gilbert down and out.  Lawler and Savage brawling in the ring where nobody will give an inch and Slater simply walking out on everyone! 
 

[Autistic Dragon]

Akbar, Budro & The Pitbulls make an interesting mental image. 

Doom rights a month's long wrong and capture the UWF tag titles.

Adias looks to make amends with Von Erich.

Orndorff is more Wonderful than Kiern is Fabulous.

The Japanese trio goes on quite the tear.

Brad gets taken out but the Bullet is more than willing to take his son's place, especially against a Fuller.

Jimmy just can't keep his megaphone away from Honky's head.

Dundee gives Dutch a taste of his own medicine and gets the Tri State title as a bonus.

The Slater drama continues as he costs Lawler (and Jarrett) the match without laying a hand on him

[spaldoni]

Good seeing the UWF back in action

I think the Steiners are on the verge of superstardom. 

Doom's back on top! 

Nice to see Brian Adias making amends. Always nice seeing Budro pop up 

Mid South Coliseum 

Gaylord continues his rise 

Hennig tells it like it is. The man is perfect 

Nice Orndorff/Keirn segment. This gives Orndorff some good heat

Damn, Goto loves receiving and inflicting pain

Look at that! Bullet Bob's in town. I think he'll be back for another round with Fuller

Hart's plan backfires again. Freebirds are having a blast in Memphis 

Dundee wins another title in Memphis. I'm sure the fans loved seeing Dutch go down 

Great finish in the main event. Keeps the intriguing story going.  

 

 

 

[kevinmcfl]

 

SAM HOUSTON COLISEUM:  MARCH 7, 1990 (UWF)

** Note:  All wrestlers who wrestled tonight won matches on the 90 minute weekly TV show from this past weekend which was taped at the Cajundome in Lafayette, Louisiana.    

The Grappler defeats El Santo Negro as he came off the middle rope with a big lariat.  After the match, the Grappler went after the mask of EL Santo Negro but he managed to escape with his identity intact.  As El Santo headed to the locker room, the Grappler could be heard screaming, “there is only room for one masked man in the USWA!  

 

Interview with Chris VonErich

After the match, Gordon Solie welcomed in the youngest VonErich brother, Chris.  We find out that Chris is trying to follow in his brothers’ footsteps and to become a pro wrestler.  Chris also expressed his thoughts on how it is just a matter of time before his brother, Kerry becomes the USWA World Champion as he is going to beat “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig.  This brought out the world champion who kind of just laughed at Chris VonErich at his two thoughts.
Curt Hennig:  First of all shrimp… look at you and look at me.  You got no shot at ever being a professional wrestler unless that’s Midgets Professional Wrestling…. And you think that your brother Kerry is gong to beat me… Mr. Perfect.  I mean how did your daddy raise you people.  I mean each time your daddy reproduced, you all came out dumber and dumber.
Chris takes a charge at Hennig who simply shoved him to the ground and then went to work on Chris.  He methodically beat him to a pulp.  Finally, the crowd exploded as Brian Adias attacked Hennig from behind.  Adias got in a few shots before Mr. Perfect recovered at we got a great “Pier 6 Brawl before going to break.  When they returned from commercial, it was Gordon Solie apologizing to Brian Adias for doubting him last week when he said he was here in the UWF to make amends for all of his wrongs.  Gordon went on to say that Chris was in the back receiving medical attention but that it could have been far worse if not for Brian Adias!  Adias thanked Gordon and went to the back to get ready for his match!

 

Rip Rogers vs Sam Houston ended in a No Contest as Sam Houston attacked Rip Rogers before the bout as he was incensed at Rip Rogers for the insulting way he searched for a new valet in the middle of all the “ugly Texas women.”  Houston grabbed the mic and warned Rogers to stop as this is Texas where women are to be respected.  When Rogers told Houston to mind his own business and went on with his insults, Houston attacked him.  Houston got the best of the brawl but there seems to be some unfinished business.  

 

Iceman King Parsons defeated Jimmy Jack Funk with the Butt Bump in match that had more brawling than wrestling.

 

 

Brian Adias defeated Moondog Spot as he overcame all the dirty tactics of the Moondog and managed to connect with a Russian Leg Sweep which he followed up with the Oriental Spike.  Moondog Rex hit the ring and attacked Adias from behind with the dog bone.  To everyone’s surprise, it was Chris VonErich who rushed out from the back and tried to help Adias against the Moondogs.  Chris gave a valiant effort but his lack of size and with Adias already down, the Moondogs tossed VonErich around for a few minutes before heading to the back!

 

Semi-Main Event:  Return Match for the UWF Tag Team Titles
Doom © (Hacksaw Butch Reed & Ron Simmons) with Teddy Long defeated Greg “The Hammer” Valentine with Jimmy Hart by DQ as Jimmy Hart again had a misplaced microphone shot.  This time he hit referee Nick Patrick who, when he came to, called for the bell and gave the DQ win to the champs.

 

Main Event:
Kerry VonErich & The Steiners defeat Devastation Inc (Buddy Landel & The Pitbulls) with Akbar as Kerry VonErich nailed Buddy Landel with the Discus Punch.  

 

 

MIDSOUTH COLISEUM:  MARCH 10, 1990  (CWA)

 
** Note:  All wrestlers who wrestled tonight won matches on the 90 minute weekly TV show from this past Saturday except Ron Fuller who didn't wrestle.  This show was taped at the Memorial Auditorium in Chattanooga, TN

 

Opening Bout 
Jeff Gaylord defeats “No Class” Donny Bass with a big power slam.  After the match, Lance Russell comes in the ring and praises Gaylord about how well he is doing since his return to Memphis.  Jeff thanks him but says its time… time to collect his debts and that Dutch Mantell better have his money!  As Gaylord exits the ring, Lance simply says that he has an idea about what that was all about and that Dutch better be careful as that is a big man coming for him!

Match #2: 
“Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff defeats Cousin Jr. with a piledriver.  Orndorff tells Lance Russell that he has the best finisher in the business and that nobody… nobody gets up from his piledriver.  Lance Russell tries to remind him that “The King” Jerry Lawler also uses the piledriver.  Mr. Wonderful laughs that off, and simply repeats himself… “I have the best finishing move in the business… The Wonderful Piledriver!

 

Match #3
The Southern Boys ( Steve Armstrong & Tracy Smothers) defeat The Harris Brothers with the Bear Hug/Top Rope Dropkick combo  on Ron Harris.  It appears that the Southern Boys are in peak form heading into the USWA Tag Team Title Tournament in two weeks!

 

Match #4
“The Tennessee Studd” Robert Fuller defeats Brad Armstrong by count-out as Fuller rammed Armstrong’s head into the ring bell over and over again until Brad was showing some color and not able to get back in the ring before the 10-count.  On this week’s show, The Studd goated Brad Armstrong into this match before he was healthy after the beating he took last week at the hands of Tojo and his men.  Even though Eddie Marlin was against this match due to the injury, Fuller kept saying that Brad Armstrong was still just a little baby boy who needed Daddy to come and solve his problems.  Eventually, a fuming Brad Armstrong agreed to this match which turned out to be a mistake.  Even though Fuller has yet to wrestle on TV, claiming that he is too good and too much of a stud to give away his talent for free, he is getting more heat than ever!  

 

Match #5:  CWA Tri-State Title Match

Superstar Bill Dundee © defeats The Dirty White Boy in a moment of chaos.  This match had gone back and forth for a good 15 minutes when Ref Jerry Calhoun went over to the ropes, reprimanding Dirty Dutch Mantell who had come to ringside.  Jeff Gaylord soon followed down the aisle on got up on the apron on the other side.  Dutch looked at him like he had no idea what was going on but this was all the distraction that Dundee needed as DWB seemed to be watching the show on the outside of the ring.  Dundee came from behind and rolled him up for the successful title defense.  

 

Match #6:  Winner will be the #1 contender in the USWA Tag Team Title Tournament 
The Freebirds (CWA Tag Team Champions) vs Doom (UWF Tag Team Champions) 

Interesting thing here was that the crowd was someone divided.  The Freebirds, strutted out to a lot of love from the local fans but so did Doom as the fans remembered the recent trips to Memphis where they had attacked The First Family to help Jerry “The King” Lawler.

As for the match, The Freebirds quickly realized that they had no chance unless they took the match to the gutter and they tried as many dirty tactics as any heel in wrestling!  The problem was that a backyard brawl was just up Hacksaw Reed’s ally and the Freebirds constantly found themselves wrestling from the bottom.  

The end comes with all 4 men in the ring and a distracted ref which allowed Michael Hayes to nail Ron Simmons with a low blow for the win!

While Simmons and Reed were arguing with ref Tommy Weathers, two men carrying a trophy headed to the ring and grabbed the microphone from ring announcer Dave Brown.

The Freebirds kind of shrugged their shoulders as if to say, “who the hell are you two?”

The one not holding the trophy introduces themselves as Shane and Todd Morton and that they are the winners of the Kentucky Cup… the most important tag team event in Bluegrass Championship Wrestling history and they want to know how come they were not invited to wrestle for the #1 seed in the upcoming USWA Tag Team Tournament?

Michael Hayes can’t hide his laughter as he simple says, “And who are you two again?”

Before either Morton can respond, Michael Hayes goes on to basically throw Bluegrass Wrestling, the Mortons and the Kentucky Cup under the bus.

Shane takes offense and challenges the Freebirds to a match.  Jimmy Garvin now steps in and continues with the belittling of the Mortons and tells the little boys to run back to Kentucky before they get hurt!

WHAM… Big drop kick by Shane Morton on Michael Hayes… and like a cat, Todd Morton scampered up to the top rope and came off with a frog splash.

Doom, who is still fuming at Michael Hayes for the low blow now gets involved.  Ron Simmons shoves Jimmy Garvin out of the ring to prevent him from attacking the Mortons while Butch Reed quickly hits the floor and makes the “unofficial” 3 count as Todd has Michael Hayes pinned in the center of the ring!

Todd and Shane calmly pick up their trophy and walk to the locker room.  Doom is laughing all over the ring while Michael Hayes and Jimmy Garvin are fuming!  You would never remember that they just became the #1 seed in the upcoming tournament.  

Match #7:  Main Event:  Rematch from last week but with Dick Slater as the guest referee

Jerry “The King” Lawler & Jeff Jarrett vs “Macho Man” Randy Savage with Miss. Elizabeth & Hot Stuff Eddie Gilbert with Jimmy Hart & Missy Hyatt 

 

So how did we get here?  Last week, Missy Hyatt clobbered JJ with a loaded purse which allowed Savage to come off the top rope for the elbow drop.  Ref Jerry Calhoun had been knocked out so there was nobody to make the 3-count… that is… until Dick Slater came into the ring and acted like the ref and made the count before simply walking away even though Jimmy Hart urged him to attack Jerry Lawler.

 

On this week’s TV show, Randy Savage was demanding a Southern Title show as he pinned the champ, Jeff Jarrett.  Eddie Marlin came out and quickly negated Macho Man’s win as Dick Slater was not the legal referee.  Randy Savage was getting in the face of both Eddie Marlin and Lance Russell.  This brought out all kinds of people including Lawler, Jimmy Hart, Eddie Gilbert, Missy Hyatt….

Finally, JJ spoke up and says that the only reason Savage even had a chance to cover him was because of the floozy Missy Hyatt him with a brick!  

 

This is where Savage challenged him to a match right then and there!  Eddie Marlin, at first, refused this match and was set to just have a rematch this week at the Midsouth Coliseum.  Jimmy Hart now took his turn with the mic and told Eddie Marlin that the CWA referees are completely incompetent and said that the return match needed a special ref for the match?  

Jerry Lawler saw a set up and asked who Hart wanted and he said Dick Slater.  

Jerry Lawler:  Ok, come on now… and I want Superstar Bill Dundee!

Hart quickly turned that idea down but as any good general manager does, Eddie Marlin came up with a solution.   Marlin said that on TV, Randy Savage would face Jeff Jarrett in the main event of the TV show and the winner would pick the special guest referee.

 

So, the TV fans got a great match that saw Savage get the win over JJ and Dick Slater was chosen as the ref for this big match in the Coliseum.  

 

As for the main event in the Midsouth Coliseum…. Give Slater some credit.  He played this down the middle.  Every time someone went to break the rules, he got involved!  He cleared Eddie Gilbert away from the corner when he nailed Lawler with an illegal knee to the gut.  He shoved both JJ and Eddie Gilbert out of the ri

ng after a too-long double team and he knocked Jimmy Hart off the apron as he came up with the microphone.
In the end, Lawler is straddling Gilbert and starts throwing big haymakers at Hot Stuff.  Slater warns the King to stop but he keeps going as the crowd is counting the blows.  Slater asks Lawler again to stop with the punches as the fans are nearing double digits!

 

WHAM…  Slater grabbed Lawler by his singlet and throws him backwards.

 

WHAM… Gilbert face plants from the blows but he falls towards his corner and Macho Man makes the tag!

 

WHAM… Top Rope Elbow Drop by the Macho Man….

 

JJ rushes in to break up the count but Slater interrupts him and forces him to leave the ring.  This argument takes a little time but Jimmy Hart now scampers into the ring and nails Lawler with the microphone before Slater turned back.

 

The two blows by Savage and Hart are too much and Savage pinned Lawler as Slater completed the three count!
 

[Autistic Dragon]

UWF.

Grappler with the big time disrespect to the luchador.

Chris Von Erich with an eventful first night.

Houston stands up for the women of Texas.

Parson puts the freeze on Funk.

Always enjoy seeing the Moondogs run wild.

Hart just is not having any luck with that megaphone.

Kerry & the Steiners make a formidable trio against Devastation Inc.

CWA.

If I were Dutch i'd just hand Gaylord however much he says I owe him and move on.

It takes a special kind of audacity to say you have the best Piledriver in Memphis.

Southern Boys are surging ahead of the tag title tournament.

Fuller takes advantage of an injured Armstrong.

The Freebirds get the #1 seed but the arrival of the Mortons ruin the moment for the. Good to see Bluegrass get some love on the bigger USWA shows.

After pinning Jarrett and Lawler in back to back weeks I don't see an argument for why Savage shouldn't get a Southern title shot. Slater is as Unpredictable as ever.

[Control21]

Lots of interesting things going on in the USWA. Poor Chris got a hearty "welcome" from Curt Hennig. I like the duel-promotion system you are running. Can be a lot of work, but it's also interesting to see how these two operate under the USWA umbrella. It seems like the fans are getting their money's worth. 

[spaldoni]

Grappler says there's only room for one mask man while Orndorff says he has the best piledriver. I love these seeds being planted. 

Poor Chris Von Erich doesn't get a warm welcome into pro wrestling. I'm sure this will fire up Kerry for a shot at Hennig. 

Once again Rogers gets under the skin of an opponent. This time it's Sam Houston. 

Budro gets blasted with the discus punch. 

Dirty Dutch better have Gaylord's money

The Southern Boys have to be considered tournament favorites

Prop to Fuller. The man can still generate heat 

Dundee takes advantage of the distraction and retains

Great way to introduce the Kentucky Cup winners. These guys get some good buzz by embarrassing the Freebirds. Doesn't hurt to have Doom on your side either. 

The Lawler/Savage/Gilbert/Slater story keeps getting better. The slow burn with Slater has been so well done. 

[kevinmcfl]

 

 

SAM HOUSTON COLISEUM:  MARCH 21, 1990 (UWF)

** Note:  All wrestlers who wrestled tonight won matches on the 90 minute weekly TV show from this past weekend which was taped at the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana.    

El Santo Negro defeated Scott Taylor with a top rope dropkick  

 

Sam Houton defeated Rip Rogers with the running bulldog in a rematch from last week’s bout which ended in a “No Contest” after Houston attacked Rogers for mistreating the Texas women in the audience.  Rogers tried his same gimmick but Houston ripped the microphone out of his hands as referee Nick Patrick called for the bell.  This was a back and forth match that saw Houston throw some huge right hands after Roger’s tried to bring the match to the gutter.  

 

The Grappler defeated “White Lightening” Tim Horner with a big powerslam which Gordon Solie called The Houston Hurricane.  After the three count, the Grappler tired to make an example of Horner by hitting multiple short-armed clotheslines on his opponent.  El Santo Negro rushed the ring with a chair to make the save.  Solie was quick to remind the crowd that the Grappler went after El Santo Negro’s mask last week claiming that their was only room for one masked man in the UWF!  This week, El Santo Negro proved that he would not back done from the Grappler.  

 

Chris VonErich and Brian Adias defeated the Moondogs as VonErich shocked Rex with a rollup.  The Moondogs used their size and experience to beat Chris from pillar to post every time Adias tagged in the rookie but Chris, in true VonErich fashion, did not back down.  In a quick post-match interview, Chris was excited with the victory but said this was only the first VonErich win of the night as his brother Kerry would defeat Curt Hennig to become the new USWA Champion!  

 

UWF Title Match
“The Nature Boy” Buddy Landel defeated Iceman King Parsons with the Figure Four and some help from Skandar Akbar who seemed to put a towel over the nose of Iceman as the ref was distracted by the Pitbulls who were on the opposite apron pretending to be trying to get into the ring.    

 

Semi-Main Event:  Tag Team Gauntlet Match

Doom (Hacksaw Reed & Ron Simmons) defeated The Guerreros as Reed Press Slammed Hector.

 

Doom (Hacksaw Reed & Ron Simmons) defeated The Pitbulls as Simmons nailed Pitbull #1 with a shoulder block while Akbar was trying to get into the ring but Teddy Long pulled him from the apron.

 

The Steiner Brothers defeated Doom as Scott hit a big suplex on Simmons after a long battle.  This is not the finish Doom wanted heading into Monday’s USWA World Tag Team Title match in Memphis.  In fact, Doom was a little sour with the defeat and hesitated to shake the Steiner’s hands after the bout.  Solie wondered if this was just a result of Reed and Simmons being exhausted after wrestling 3 matches in a row!

 

Main Event:  USWA World Title Match:
Kerry VonErich defeated Curt Hennig by countout as Hennis outsmarted Kerry as he rolled in the challenger at the count of 8 and then simple fell down and allowed the ref to complete the count.  The crowd erupted when the ring announcer announced Kerry as the winner as many thought he won the title but when he said “Mr. Perfect” was still the champion, the crowd booed vehemently.  

 

 

MIDSOUTH COLISEUM:  MARCH 24, 1990  (CWA)

 
** Note:  This week’s TV show was taped at the Civic Center in Knoxville, TN where much of the show was to hype up the USWA Tag Team Title Tournament this week at the Midsouth Coliseum.

USWA Tag Team Tournament:  Round 1:

Pretty N Pink with Precious defeated the Mortons in a battle of the Bluegrass Championship Wrestling teams where Precious nailed Shane Morton with the loaded purse.

The Southern Boys (Steve Armstrong & Tracy Smothers) defeated the Moondogs in a wild match that saw the Southern Boys connect with the bearhug-missile drop kick off the top rope combo to pin Moondog Spot.

 

The Steiner Brothers outlasted Doom in a battle of the top teams in the UWF as Reed was counted out after Rick Steiner suplexed him out on the floor.  It was hard to tell that these two teams are babyfaces as these two teams were all over each other.  Unlike last week when the Steiners defeated Doom in the gauntlet match, there was no handshake when the match was over.  In fact, the match pailed in comparison to the violence after the match.  Doom attacked the Steiners from behind ramming both Rick and Scott into the ring post.  Rick was busted open but Doom continued the assault until security was forced to come in and break up the assault.  Lance Russell didn’t think their was any chance of the Steiners making it back to the next round!

 

The Freebirds defeated The After Life (The Undertaker and the Soul Taker) as Jimmy Garvin followed up the low blow by Michael Hayes on The Soul Taker with the Brainbuster.

 

USWA Tag Team Tournament:  Semifinals

The Southern Boys defeated Pretty N Pink after Precious accidently hit Bodacious Pretty Boy with her loaded purse.

 

The Steiners manage to defeat the Freebirds who took them a little lightly believing that Doom had basically finished them off with the brutal post-match attack a little earlier.  This time it was Scott with the big toss suplex as he caught Michael Hayes playing with the crowd during one of his more arrogant struts across the ring.

 

Semi-Main Event:  Southern Title Match:  

Randy “Macho Man” Savage with Miss. Elizabeth defeats Jeff Jarrett with the top rope elbow drop to become the new champion.  

 

Main Event:  Winner is the new USWA World Tag Team Champions  

The Steiner Brothers defeated The Southern Boys as Scott caught Steve Armstrong with a huge powerbomb.