Memphis Wrestling

[Autistic Dragon]

UWF.

Santo comes back strong after last week's attack by the Grappler.

Houston & Rogers are getting heated.

Chris with a feel good win.

Landel & Akbar put Iceman to sleep.

Doom nearly sweeps the board but the Steiner's were too much.

Hennig takes the coward's way out.

I bet the Memphis crowd just Pretty N Pink.

Bad couple days for the Moondogs.

Doom could tolerate one loss to the Steiner's but twice in two days was too much to handle;

I think the Freebirds just cheated death!

Precious went to the well once too often.

The Freebirds got careless and it cost'em.

Ohh yeah new southern champion!

The Steiner's had quite the journey but they end up with the gold.

[spaldoni]

Houston wasn't playing games with Rogers

Looks like a masked feud is coming

Young Chris is quickly living up to the Von Erich name

Thanks to a lot of help, Budro takes down the Iceman

After 2 matches it would be almost impossible to beat the Steiners

Hennig doesn't mind taking a loss as long as he keeps his title 

Mid South Coliseum

Fun tournament. It was cool seeing the Blue Grass teams in there. Well, I guess it's official, Doom are heels. They went through hell but the Steiners earned the tag team titles. 

And just like that, Savage is holding gold. OOOOHHHH YEA! 

[kevinmcfl]

 

 

WEEK OF 4/7

(Sorry for the lack of production but been away.  Full shows to return next week)

 

1.     The CWA/UWF merger is coming to an end.  Jerry Jarrett has bought out a disappointed Bill Watts who claims that the lack of talent sharing caused him to have financial problems.  Jarrett’s promotion, which will still run across much of the south, will only use the USWA name and no longer be called the CWA and the UWF.  What this means for the UWF titles has yet to be determined but most believe that there will be a few unification bouts in the near future.   Jarrett must walk a bit of a tightrope here as he will need to keep the UWF fans happy and not just simply use his Memphis guys across the promotion.  Time will tell if this works.  

2.     With Bill Watts now out of the picture, Curt Hennig’s idea of not giving Jerry “The King” Lawler another title shot has gone out the window.  One of Jarrett’s first actions as sole owner was to sign a rematch between the two but that is not the interesting thing here.  The interesting thing is that the match will be part of the AWA event … Night of Champions which will be held on April 12th at Market Square Arena!  What is going on here?  Nobody knows.  Is Jarrett trying to renew his old alliance with the AWA or is he just trying to recoup some of his money that he just spent to buy out Bill Watts?

[Autistic Dragon]

Jarrett's been making some big moves and it looks like Watts has become a casualty.

[spaldoni]

Wow, big news with Jarrett buying out Watts. Things will be very interesting. 

I can say, it was a pleasure for the AWA to showcase a USWA title match. 

[kevinmcfl]

 April 14, 1990

A new opening is played with orchestra music in the background as the tv screen is divided into quadrants as all the USWA stars are seen in action.  When the action ends, a USWA logo rolls across the screen.   

     

SORRY IN ADVANCE AS THIS SHOW IS ALL OVER THE PLACE AS I TRY AND GET THIS UNIFIED (CWA/UWF) ROSTER IN SOME SORT OF ORDER

Lance Russell:  Yellow again everybody.  Lance Russell and Dave Brown here in our studio as a new era begins in the world of wrestling.  First, you might have noticed a new opening to our show tonight.  That’s right, from now on, our show will be known as USWA Championship Wrestling.  The merger between the CWA and the UWF is over and we are all one promotion.  What that means to us here in Memphis and all of our new fans coming from the Louisiana and Houston areas is that we will all be seeing the same great talent and that’s great news as the Steiners, Kerry VonErich, Hacksaw Butch Reed, Ron Simmons and all the stars of what used to be the UWF will be here with us here in Memphis each and every week as will all of Memphis stars like the King Jerry Lawler, Randy Savage and Jeff Jarrett be heading to great venues like the Cajundome in Lafayette, Louisiana and the Sam Houston Coliseum.  

Dave Brown:  Lance, while that’s all great news but, I think you said that’s there two reasons why today marks a new era in the world of professional wrestling.  Why don’t you say a few words on that subject.
Lance Russell: Dave, I can do better than that.  Let’s all take a look at this video from the AWA event that took place on Saturday Night in Market Square Arena.

We see Jerry Lawler ramming the USWA champ, “Mr Perfect” Curt Hennig’s head into the uncovered turnbuckle before pulling the strap down and climbing to the middle rope for the fist drop which he followed up with a devastating piledriver for the 3-count!!

Lance Russell:  That’s right folks… We have a new USWA World Champion, Jerry “The King” Lawler and I was there in Indianapolis the other night and had a chance to interview the King in the locker room just after that glorious victory and here is that video.

Lance Russell:  I’m with the new USWA World Heavyweight Champion… Jerry “The King” Lawler who just beat Curt Hennig for the 1-2-3 right there in the middle of the ring.  Now that some of the noise has died down, now that the fans who were cheering for you a little while ago have gone home, I want to know your thoughts on this accomplishment.  We all know that you have been chasing Curt Hennig for months and now you’ve done it.

Jerry Lawler:  Lance, I guess over the past 6 months or so, I’ve thought about a thousand times what I would say if I was ever won the world title but now that it’s happened, I’m at a loss for words.  It’s like I’ve finally climbed to the top of a mountain that I never knew if could climb.  I mean after having the title taken from me by a coin toss, then taken away by the interference of Randy Savage and now dealing with Dick Slater, this has been a rough 6 months.  I mean there where so many obstacles I had to overcome but I did it for all those fans who were behind me tonight.  I know that Memphis wrestling has long been associated with the AWA but we haven’t been together for awhile now and the way they were cheering for me tonight was special.  I did this for them… for all the fans back in Memphis and for all the fans around the wrestling world!

Lance Russell:  Thanks Jerry but one last thing we have to talk about… as soon as you were handed that title belt, you were attacked by Arn Anderson and Larry Zbyszko.  Do you have any idea on what that was all about? 

Jerry Lawler:  Jealousy… pure jealousy.  I mean I got some of the biggest cheers of the night in an AWA venue.  I’ve known Larry Zbyszko for years and what he did tonight is just a replica of who he is… a low-down dirty dog.  As far as Arn Anderson is concerned, I wouldn’t know him if I walked into him on the street.  As far as I’m concerned, if he is hanging around with Zbyszko, he’s also a low-down dirty dog and if either one of them want a piece  of me … put your name on the dotted line.  I don’t care if it’s in the USWA or back here in the AWA.  What I can tell you is that each and every one of these bumps and bruises on my body is from Curt Hennig and not from Arn or Larry as those two sissys don’t hit hard enough to hurt a fly!
Back live in the studio, both Lance and Dave put over Larry as the new champ but also seem more concerned about Arn Anderson and Larry Zbyszko then the King did.  

Match #1:  Southern Boys (Tracy Smothers & Steve Armstrong) defeat Keith Steiborn and Kenneth Walker with the Bear Hug/Top Rope Missile Dropkick Double team on Walker.  

During the match we get a new twist on the promo as we get a picture in picture promo by the Southern Boys during the match where they said they were not satisfied with just getting to the finals of the USWA Tag Team Tournament where they lost to the new USWA tag team champs, the Steiner Brothers.  Tracy and Steve both are looking forward to their next title shot and they didn’t care if it was against the Freebirds, Doom or the Steiner Brothers who all currently hold tag team titles in the USWA.

Commercial Break

When we come out of break, the Southern Heavyweight Champion, Randy “Macho Man” Savage and Miss. Elizabeth are with Lance Russell.  The Macho Man is fuming about Lawler winning the USWA title as he felt as the Southern Heavyweight Champion that he was in line for that title shot.  Savage dares Lawler to get into the ring with him and that he would be willing to sacrifice his Southern title for a shot as Lawler!

Match #2:  “The Nature Boy” Buddy Landel with Skandar Akabar defeats Verlon Biggs with the Figure Four.

Again, we see the picture in picture interview where Skandar Akbar introduces himself, the Pitbulls and Buddy Landel to the Memphis crowd.  

Skandar Akbar:  Lance Russell, people of Memphis, while I shouldn’t have to introduce myself, I have learned that the American people are very, very stupid and need constant reminders to even the most obvious things.  I am General Skandar Akbar and I am the leader of the greatest wrestling organization in the world… Devastation Incorporated.  Our current members are the Nature Boy Buddy Landel and the Pitbulls.  Buddy Landel recently held the UWF Heavyweight Title before it was stolen from him by the corrupt bureaucracy of the USWA as they handed the belt to the incompetent Kerry Von Erich.  Trust me people of Memphis when I say that Buddy Landel will soon have gold around his waist once again.  As for the Pitbulls, we are just waiting our time for a shot at the gold, but I will tell you one thing… I can’t stand two things in this world… waiting and losing.  So, if the USWA doesn’t give my men their rightful title shots in the very near future, the USWA will have hell to pay.  Also, if my men don’t get the job done, I will find others who will.  I am a very wealthy man and will use my resources to get what I want!

Commercial Break

When we come back from break, Doom (Hacksaw Butch Reed and Ron Simmons) along with their manager Teddy Long are with Lance Russell and they ask for the Steiner brothers to come out.  Lance is not sure if that is such a good idea as the last time these two teams were in the ring together, the Steiners won the bout but were shockingly attacked by their friends, Hacksaw and Ron.  Reed and Simmons promise that nothing will happen as they are really upset with themselves for their poor behavior and want to apologize for their actions.  The Steiners do come out with the new USWA tag titles around their waist where Reed and Simmons do apologize, and a handshake is given between the four men.
WHAM… when the Steiners turn their back, Doom attacks them again and give them a pretty good beat down as the heel turn is complete!  Eventually order is restored and we head to the ring for our next bout.  

MATCH #3:  Jeff Jarrett defeats Scott Taylor with the face first Russian Legsweep.
During the picture in picture interview, Jeff Jarrett says that he wants another shot at the Southern Title that he recently lost to Randy Savage but that he has also heard that Paul Orndorff is looking for him claiming that the only way to get to Lawler is to put a Wonderful beating on the champ’s little friend!   He lets Orndorff know that he isn’t hard to find!

Commercial Break

Match 4:  Doom vs Ice Cold (Iceman King Parsons & Too Cold Scorpio)

What starts out as a pretty even bout sees Reed and Simmons take control after they toss Iceman to the floor and then double team Too Cold.  They really work him over and seem to be just trying to injure the youngster.  This is when the USWA World Tag Team Champs, the Steiner Brothers hit the ring and get their revenge on Doom from earlier in the show.  Doom is able to escape a serious beating and headed to the locker room with the Steiners daring them to come back.
Rick and Scott head over to Lance Russell where they are screaming about getting Doom into the ring as nobody… and they mean nobody Pearl Harbor’s the Steiner Brothers and gets away with it.  
Next, Curt Hennig comes out to the podium and he is fuming about losing the USWA Title.  He says the fix was in as Jerry Jarrett and Verne Gagne set this up.  He dares Lawler to get back in the ring with him.

Match 5:  Dick Slater defeats Brian Christopher with the sleeper. 

During this picture in picture promo. “The Bounty Hunter” Dick Slater calls out “The King” Jerry Lawler about Lawler claiming that he was a corrupt special referee a few weeks ago when he tossed the rule-breaking, punch throwing Jerry Lawler off Eddie Gilbert which allowed Randy Savage to get a tag team win.  Slater says that he has no problem throwing fists and if Lawler isn’t afraid, he would love a Brass Knuckles Match with the champ.
After the promo, Lance Russell says that they are coming out of the woodwork looking for Lawler!  Randy Savage… Paul Orndorff… Curt Hennig… Dick Slater!  Dave Brown simply adds, “such is the life of a world champion.”  

Commercial break

When we come out of the break, The First Family (Jimmy Hart, Hot Stuff Eddie Gilbert, HTM, Greg Valentine and Missy Hyatt) are at the interview desk.  Jimmy Hart is disgusted by the fact that his nemesis Jerry Lawler is now the world champion.  Hart hypes up everyone in his Family as deserving a title shot.  Eddie Gilbert seems to be upset at the fact that Bill Dundee has just arrived in the area and already was given a title shot and he wants a piece of the Tri-State Champ.  The interesting thing here was that HTM kind of praised his cousin (Lawler) for being the new champ as that has been his focus his whole life while wondering if that Brian Christopher will ever wake up after what Slater just did to him.

Match #6:  “Dirty” Dutch Mantel defeats Tim Horner after numerous dirty tactics, an elbow drop and a pin with his feet across the middle rope.

After the bout, “the Missouri Tiger” Jeff Gaylord comes to the ring to confront Mantell about money that he says that Dutch owes him.  

Dutch Mantell:  Now I know that newcomers to wrestling always try to start trouble with the old-timers to try and make a name for themselves.  I’ve been watching you in the ring for the past few weeks and I’ll admit that in a few years you might be able to survive in the ring as you have a little potential but I’m warning you, if you mess with me, you’ll get the bull… bull whip that is.

Jeff Gaylord:  Now listen up you little twerp… either I get my money or I’ll take it out of your hide.
Dutch Mantell:  Watch your step boy… I’ve told you once and I’ll tell you for the last time…I don’t owe you money as I’ve never seen you before.

Jeff Gaylord:  Last year, you hired me right here in Memphis to be your bodyguard because you were afraid that Shane Dougles was going to put you in the hospital then you ran off without paying me.

Dutch Mantell:  That was y….  I mean I got no idea what your talking about.  Now you’ve wasted enough of my time.
As Dutch walks (runs) away, Jeff takes a swipe at him but Dutch escapes.  Gaylord yells that he better have his money or else!
 
Match #7:  Southern Tag Team Title Match
The Freebirds (Hayes & Garvin) © defeat the Moondogs after a wild match were Michael Hayes connected with the bulldog on Rex.  In the picture in picture interview both Garvin and Hayes seemed upset that the Southern Boys called them out earlier in the evening by saying they wanted a shot at the Southern Tag Team Title.  Hayes and Garvin said that even though they were friends with the Southern Boys, they had no problem taking them down to Bad Street USA and making them see that they’re not in the same class as the sexiest team in wrestling.  
Commercial break

Match #8:  Non-Title Match
USWA Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lawler defeats “The Hustler” Rip Rogers with a piledriver.

The interesting thing here was that Savage, Slater, Hennig and Orndorff all came out and each took a corner.  When the match was over, they jumped up on the apron and started to enter the ring.  Jeff Jarrett and the Southern Boys came running and slid into the ring just as the heels had the champ surrounded.  The brawl was on and even though the numbers were even, the skill might not have been, and the heels were soon pounding away on Lawler.

Lance Russell:  Sorry folks, but we are out of time.  Until next week, so long from Memphis. 

 

[Autistic Dragon]

The merger leaves Lawler with a whole host of enemies but a few new allies.

Akbar takes the opportunity to re-introduce himself.

Doom doubles down on their heel turn.

Love Dutch 'oh, yeah....that was you" with Gaylord.

Freebirds' take offense to the Southern Boys eyeing the gold.

[spaldoni]

The USWA era has begun! 

Loved the Lawler locker room promo. He's always welcomed back to defend his title in the AWA 

I always liked the Southern Boys and they've been treated well in our world 

Savage, Slater, Orndorff, Landell, Hennig. You'll definitely have no problem booking Lawler for months. 

Doom vs. The Steiners! Bring it on! 

Hmmmmmm, could seeds be planted for a HTM face turn??? 

With all the big stories going on, its fun seeing the side stories like Dutch and Gaylord. 

Freebirds are still walking down Badstreet 

No doubt about it, you had to have a chaotic ending on the USWA debut show. 

Very entertaining show 

[kevinmcfl]

 April 28, 1990

The new USWA opening is played with orchestra music in the background as the tv screen is divided into quadrants with all the USWA stars in action.  When the action ends, a USWA logo rolls across the screen.   

     

Lance Russell:  Yellow again everybody.  Lance Russell and Dave Brown here in our studio. Before we get to today’s show, the USWA President, Jerry Jarrett has a very important message for all of our fans.  Welcome Jerry.  
Jerry Jarret:  Thanks Lance.  I’m here to announce that on Memorial Day, May 26th, the USWA is going to be running a spectacular 10-match event right here in Memphis at the Midsouth Coliseum.  Already signed to that card will be two unification matches as the Southern titles in both singles and tag team action will be unified with the UWF titles.  So whoever holds those titles on May 26th will meet and the winners will walk out with the Southern Titles.

Lance Russell:  Now those will be two huge matches.  While we are not sure who will be holding those titles on Memorial Day, as of right now it would be Kerry VonErich vs Randy Savage and Doom vs the Freebirds! 

Jerry Jarrett:  And that’s not all.  The USWA Title will also be defended on that card.  As we all saw at the end of last week’s show, there is no shortage of competition for our current champ, Jerry “The King” Lawler.  

Lance Russell:  That’s for sure Jerry and for anyone who didn’t see what happened at the end of last week, let’s take a look at the video tape.

VTR
USWA Heavyweight Champion Jerry Lawler defeats “The Hustler” Rip Rogers with a piledriver.
The interesting thing here was that Savage, Slater, Hennig and Orndorff all came out and each took a corner.  When the match was over, they jumped up on the apron and started to enter the ring.  Jeff Jarrett and the Southern Boys came running and slid into the ring just as the heels had the champ surrounded.  The brawl was on and even though the numbers were even, the skill might not have been, and the heels were soon pounding away on Lawler.

Jerry Jarrett:  What I can say is that Savage, Hennig, Orndorff and Slater have all been fined for their attack on the champ.  I was all set to suspend them for today’s show, but Jerry Lawler asked me not to as he wanted to confront them all in person.  Also, because of the nature of the attack, I have granted Jerry Lawler the privilege of deciding who he faces on Memorial Day.  

Lance Russell:  Well thank you for all that information.  Jerry Lawler is set to be with us later today and I can’t wait to hear what he has to say.  It looks like the timekeeper is ready, so let’s get to the action and our first match of the day.  
  
Match #1:  Southern Boys (Tracy Smothers & Steve Armstrong) defeat Lee Ramsey and Allen Martin with the Bear Hug/Top Rope Missile Dropkick Double team on Ramsey.  

After the match, Lance Russell informs the Southern Boys that last week, they seemed to upset the Southern Tag Team Champions, The Freebirds when they said that they were not satisfied with losing in the finals of the USWA Tag Team Tournament to the Steiner Brothers and that they would welcome a title match against any of the tag team champions in the USWA including the Freebirds.  Steve Armstrong and Tracy Smothers both kind of laughed at that and said that even though they consider themselves friends with Michael Hayes and Jimmy Garvin, that would still welcome a match with them and may the best tag team win.  This is when the Freebirds strutted out with a smirk on their faces.  

Michael Hayes:  Southern Boys… you two pickin a fight with the wrong dudes.  We’ve been Southern long before you two came up with your catchy nickname and we know exactly what it means to be Southern… backwoods, backyards, bar rooms… it don’t matter.  We’re ready to teach you the manners your mama’s should have taught you… You don’t mess with friends and family.

Steve Armstrong:  Michael, you got this all wrong.  We respect you and Jimmy but we just think we do deserve a title shot somewhere in this promotion and we don’t care who it is.  I mean you two recently had problems handling those little boys from over in Kentucky didn’t ya?  What were there names… the Mortons or something.

Jimmy Garvin:  Don’t you go there Steve.  You trying to climb a hill you two can’t climb.  It’s like a little kid who just got his first gun and is all exited to go hunting and his stupid father takes him to Africa to go big game hunting when he should be out in the backyard shooting at little rabbits or something… Don’t go biting off more then you can chew.  You can’t handle none of this… We are the Fabulous Freebirds for a reason and you are just the Southern BOYS with an emphasis on the word BOYS!

Tracy Smothers:  I think it was the USWA Tag Team Tournament that showed us who the boys around here are as I didn’t see you two in the finals.  It was us!

Michael Hayes:  Ok, that’ll be enough from you two.  I just want you both to think about what is going to happen in that ring.  We’re going to eat you up alive.  You two are so-so wrestlers.  We are the Fabulous Freebirds… you don’t know what we went through to reach the top.  We’ve run through everybody for over a decade and you two, won’t even be mentioned as worthy opponents of ours when all is said and done.  Consider this your last warning before we squash you like the bugs you are.  Also… consider this friendship over.

Commercial Break

When we come out of break, we see a very giddy Skandar Akabar as he is very excited that his man, Nature Boy Buddy Landel is about to win the unified title match against Randy Savage on Memorial Day.  When Lance wonders what he’s taking about as that match appears to be Kerry VonErich vs Randy Savage.  This sets Akbar off on a rant wondering if Lance Russell has already drunk the coffee about the VonErichs and that there is no way he could really think that Kerry VonErich could defend his title for a whole month we the Nature Boy chasing him down.  Akbar is also very excited as his Pitbulls will be facing the Steiner Brothers later in today’s show for the USWA ta team titles.  Next, Akbar reminds us two promises he made last week… first of all gold is in the very near future for Devastation Inc and that his stable is a stable of winners!

 

Match #2:  “The Nature Boy” Buddy Landel with Skandar Akabar defeats Scott Taylor with the Figure Four. 

Landel made it a point to give a few extra blows to Taylor after the bout was over.  Lance could be heard, “Alright, that’ll be enough of that.  That’s totally uncalled for against this youngster.    

 

Commercial Break

When we come out of break, we have a very upset, Jimmy Hart.

Jimmy Hart:  Enough is enough baby.  The First Family has been running around Memphis for the last 6 months and we’ve been able to do what ever we wanted.  Nobody can stop Eddie Gilbert…. Nobody can stop the Honky Tonk Man, nobody can stop “The Hammer” Greg Valentine.  We’ve beaten everyone Jerry Jarrett has put in front of us and that includes his snot-nosed kid and Jerry “The So-called King” Lawler but when Jarrett starts today’s show off naming all of Lawler’s top competition he named Curt Hennig… Dick Slater… Paul Orndorff and Randy Savage…. All great wrestlers but Jarrett didn’t even mention any member of the First Family… Don’t you remember it was the First Family back in October that left the King laying in pool of his own blood and ever sense then, you refused to give my men a match with Lawler cause you were afraid of what was going to happen to him baby.  We’ll, that’s okay.  The First Family is going to take business into their own hands… We’ve got a surprise for you… you just what and see cause you know what they say about paybacks.  

MATCH #3:  UWF TITLE MATCH
Kerry VonErich © defeats Dr. X with the Discuss Puch.  

A very humble but confident Kerry tells everyone that he is ready for Buddy Landel and Skandar Akbar and that he plans on being the UWF Champion going into the Memorial Day Spectacular where he plans on beating Randy Savage and walking out with the Southern Heavyweight Title.  

 

Commercial Break

In the interest of saving everyone some time, I will put this all together in one segment.  During today’s show all 4 challengers to Lawler’s title, Slater, Orndorff, Hennig and Savage all won matches against jobbers and then staked their claim to the title shot on Memorial Day.

Curt Hennig:  Lawler… you know right from wrong.  First, it would be right of you to grant me the match as I am guaranteed a rematch and secondly, we all know that it was the referee who was wrong made he made the fast count to steal my title.  You and I both know that you have never beaten me in a fair match.

Dick Slater:  Lawler… for once in your life, put your money where your mouth is.  You said two weeks ago you wanted me in the ring because you said that I had no right putting my hands on you when I was the special referee.  I challenged you two weeks ago to a Brass Knuckles Match and haven’t heard a word from you since.  That makes me think you are nothing but a big mouth and a liar who said he would be a fighting champion.

Paul Orndorff:  How can you consider yourself to be the King of Wrestling when you aren’t even the king of your own finishing move.  I am the one with the Wonderful Piledriver and I would like nothing more than to take your title with your own move.  Grant me the match Lawler… if you got any guts.

“Macho Man” Randy Savage:  Lawler… I’m not going to beg you for a title shot.  I’m just going to remind everyone of your own words each time you thought you deserved a USWA World Title Shot against Curt Hennig.  You said that you should get rematch after rematch because Hennig never beat you.  You talked of a coin toss.  You talked of time-limit draws.  You talked of outside interference.  You made it clear that you never lost to Hennig.  Well, I’ve never lost to you.  I beat you in the Lights-Out Match.  I beat you when Slater was the referee.  I beat you when Hennig was scouting YOU.  But you never beat me, so be the champ you said you were going to be and let the true #1 contender have the match.

 

Match 8:  USWA Tag Team Title Match:
The Steiner Brothers defeat The Pitbulls with Skandar Akbar as Rick connected with a big belly to belly suplex.  

The interesting thing here was the chaos that came after the bout.  First, a very frustrated Skandar Akbar motioned to the back and not one but two Grapplers hit the ring and attacked the Pitbulls.  The Steiners could care less about the beating the Grapplers were giving the Pitbulls but they were intrigued enough to watch.  This lack of focus was bad news for the champs as for the second time in two weeks, Doom (Butch Reed and Ron Simmons) attack them.  Lance Russell did a good job of keeping up with these two separate brawls as both the Steiners and the Pitbulls took a pretty good beating.  The only way to stop this action was a commercial break.

commercial break

 

After the break, Skandar Akbar is with Lance Russell where he was screaming about how incompetent the Pitbulls are and that he will not have losers in his stable.  He then introduced his newest tag team… the Grapplers (Tony Anthony and Len Denton) in their silver and black masks.  

Before we head back to the ring, Lance also informed us that the Steiners have been taken to the local hospital, and he hopes that they will be ok after the sickening attack by Reed and Simmons.

 

MATCH #9:  “The Missouri Tiger” defeats Brian Christopher with the full nelson

This was just a pure mismatch in size and while Christopher did everything he could to slow down the Missouri Tiger, his inexperience and lack of size did him in here.  After the bout Gaylord was at the podium demanding that “Dirty” Dutch Mantell get out there and give him the money he owes him.  Both Lance and Dave Brown inform Gaylord that Dutch is not in the studio today and that they have not seen him since Gaylord confronted him last week.  Gaylord, hands on hips, is huffing and puffing with pure anger coming from his nostrils!

commercial break

 

Match #10:  Jeff Jarrett vs The Great Kabuki with Tojo Yamamota

This was a good back and forth match that saw Jeff Jarrett in control as he was setting up his new finisher… the face-first Russian Legsweep when suddenly Jimmy Hart and the First Family (Eddie Gilbert, HTM and Greg Valentine) hit the ring.  While the ref calls for the bell, this does nothing to help Jarrett from the numbers game.  After a few forearms and punches, the First Family has Jarrett in a bad spot.  Suddenly, an evil laughter is heard echoing in the building as “The Anvil” Jim Neidhart hits the ring with a steel chair.  Those lucky enough in Tennessee who have cable tv seem to know the Avil from the big northern promotion seen each weekend but many just know this man means trouble for Jeff Jarrett.
WHAM… Neidhart with a chair shot to the head of JJ.  Jimmy Hart can be heard screaming over and over again… “The sins of the father are the sins of the son.”
And the screen fades to black.

[Autistic Dragon]

Jarrett opens the show by announcing the big Mwmorial Day show with two title unification matches. Lawler gets a chance every champ wishes for, to pick his challenger.

The Southern Boys are looking to put themselves in the title picture before Memorial day.

Jimmy Hart is tired of being overlooked and puts everyone on notice.

The Pitbulls can't match Landel's success leading to some restructuring by Akbar.

Kerry with a straightforward plan for the new USWA.

Gaylord is getting tired waiting for his money.

Double J's situation goes from bad to worse as Neidhart arrives on the scene.

[spaldoni]

Title unifications and a UWF title match. The Memorial Day card will be the place to be! 

Freebirds are fed up and end their friendship with the Southern Boys. This has the makings of a good ol southern feud

Akbar is very confident that his man Budro is going to play spoiler for Kerry 

Hart makes sure his family isn't forgotten 

Kerry vs. Savage is going to tear the house down 

All 4 contenders make legitimate claims for a shot at the King. 

Pitbulls are out, the Grapplers are in while Doom takes advantage of all the chaos. Great stuff going on in the tag division. 

I wouldn't want to be Dutch when Gaylord finally gets his hands on him. 

Jimmy Hart brings in his old buddy the Anvil. Anvil will fit in just fine here. 

[kevinmcfl]

  

 May 3, 1990

The new USWA opening is played with orchestra music in the background as the tv screen is divided into quadrants with all the USWA stars in action.  When the action ends, a USWA logo rolls across the screen.   

     

DIRT SHEETS VERSION

Huge Card Announced 

The Sam Houston Coliseum is the place to be on Friday May 9th as there will be three title matches.  The Southern Tag Team Titles will be on the line as The Fabulous Freebirds take on the Southern Boys.  Kerry VonErich will defend his UWF Heavyweight Title in a rematch against Skandar Akbar’s “Nature Boy” Buddy Landel and finally, the USWA Tag Team Titles will be on the line as Doom (Reed & Simmons) take on the Steiner Brothers.   The Freebirds and Southern Boys, former allies, have been having a war of words for the last month or so and it is time to put your money where your mouth is!  Buddy Landel, the former UWF champion, has clearly positioned himself as the #1 contender for the UWF belt as he has lost only once since October… that being to VonErich.  Something must give here as these two titans square off.  Doom has recently turned on the Steiners as they have been frustrated with their lack of success against the brothers.  After Doom attacked the Steiners from behind twice in the last few weeks, the champs where fuming and wanted revenge.  These matches will clear up the picture for the Memorial Day Spectacular in the Midsouth Coliseum as the Southern Titles and the UWF Titles in both singles and tag action will be unified on that night.  Will it be Doom or the Steiners facing the Freebirds or the Southern Boys and will “The Macho Man” Randy Savage be wrestling “The Modern-Day Warrior” Kerry VonErich or “The Nature Boy” Buddy Landel.

 

So What was with the First Family at the end of last week’s show?

As we went off last week, we saw the newest member of the First Family, Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart clobber Jeff Jarrett with a chair shot to the head as Honky Tonk Man and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine were holding him down all while Jimmy Hart was screaming, “the sins of the father are the sins of son.”  This week, a rather giddy Jimmy Hart first introduced “The Anvil” to the crowd as someone who has been hunting Jerry “The King” Lawler for nearly 2 years as it was Lawler who went to Canada and arrogantly insulted every Canadian including the famous Hart Family and the legendary Stu Hart, his father-in-law but Lawler ran away with his head between his legs before the Anvil crushed him.  Next, Jimmy Hart explained that if Jerry Jarrett wants to exclude the First Family, the #1 stable in Memphis Wrestling, from USWA Title Contention, then the First Family will take it out on his son, Jeff Jarrett who he now called Enemy #1!

Has The King,  Jerry Lawler decided who he will face at the Memorial Day Spectacular?

Due to the attack by the top contenders, “Mr. Perfect Curt Hennig, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, “The Bounty Hunter” Dick Slater, and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff on Jerry Lawler a few weeks ago, Jerry Jarrett has allowed Lawler to pick his opponent at the Memorial Day Spectacular for his USWA World Title.  Last week, each of these contenders gave their reason why it should be them.  This week, Lawler responded.

Jerry Lawler:  Folks… I must admit that it is pretty good to be King.  It’s pretty good to have all the power.  It’s pretty good to hear all my enemies beg for me to pick them.  First, I heard Hennig claim that I have never beaten him in the USWA and that Verne Gagne and I had some sort of plan to steal his title.  Remember Hennig, it was you who refused to come to Memphis to defend your title.  You had me chasing you all over the country trying to get a title shot that I earned.  Then there’s Dick Slater who arrived in the USWA a few months ago and announced that he was here to collect a bounty on my wrestling career.  Now look at me.  I’m not only still wrestling but now I’m the world champ so Slater… you seem to be a failure!  Savage… oh don’t get me started on Savage.  He tried to highjack our show because we didn’t give his Daddy everything he wanted years ago.  Then he attacks me each and every night as he came out of the stands during my matches… Not sure I want to give him everything he wants…. And then there’s Mr. Wonderful… claiming my piledriver isn’t as good as his.  Well not sure that is true and also not sure that qualifies you as the top contender for the USWA Title… so the long and short of it is… not sure any of you deserve a title shot!  But tell you what… this Monday at the Midsouth Coliseum…it will be the 4 of you in a 4 Corners match and I will be the Special Guest Referee… and let me just say this… if any of you dare put a hand on me, you are out.  No title shot for you.  This match might also make things a little clearer for me.  

Suddenly, Savage, Hennig, Orndorff, and Slater rush out to argue but Lawler just laughs at the idea that any of these 4 think they have any power in this decision.  

 

Does Dutch Mantel have the money?

Last week, “The Missouri Tiger” Jeff Gaylord won a match on TV and then went to the podium demanding that “Dirty” Dutch Mantell come out and give him the money that he owes him for the time he was Dutch’s security guard protecting him from Shane Douglas.  This week, Dutch gets a “dirty” win over local talent and then he goes over to Lance Russell where Lance explains that Gaylord is looking for him.
Dutch Mantell:  Lance… what do I care if that imbecile is looking for me.  I mean he’s claiming that I hired him as a security guard to protect me…. Me?  I mean I remember Jeff Gaylord following me around like a lost puppy dog just looking for some advice on the wrestling business.  Out of the goodness of my heart, I tried to help this awkward nobody just because I want to pass this sport on to the next generation.  And Lance… I did this all for free.  I could charged his a lot of money for what I did for him.  No he has the guts to say I owe him money.  He owes me his livelihood.  

Suddenly the crowd explodes as The Missouri Tiger comes running out.  He claims that Dirty Dutch is a liar and that he better have his money.  Surprisingly, Dutch doesn’t run off or hid behind Lance.  Instead, out of character, he steps right up to Gaylord and puts a finger in his chest and warns him to watch his mouth.  Lance tries to remind the diminutive Dutch about the size and strength of Jeff Gaylord but Dutch just laughs at the thought of Gaylord doing anything.
Gaylord snaps and grabs Mantell by the next…

Lance Russell:  WATCH OUT!

From behind, a 300 pound bald headed monster with a chair comes out and clobbers Jeff Gaylord and the beating is on!  Nobody seems to know who he is but he is clearly even bigger then Gaylord.  Dutch starts off by joining in the beating as he uses the butt-end of his bullwhip and gives the Missouri Tiger a few good shots.  Then Dutch backs off and just laughs as the monster just beats on Gaylord.  Maybe next week, we’ll find out who he is but Lance is pretty sure that Dutch has found a brand new bodyguard.

 

The Youngsters are on a learning curve!

A few months ago. The USWA brought in three newcomers to the wrestling business… Chris VonErich, Scott Taylor and Brian Christopher.  Chris VonErich has had the most success to date and that is most likely due to Brian Adias taking him under his wing.  VonErich started off red hot with a tag win over the Moondogs but since Brian has placed him in more singles matches, he has been on a bit of a losing streak.  Speaking of losing streaks, neither Taylor or Christopher have won a match yet.  Christopher has had it the most difficult as he has seen a lot of action against the First Family and Greg “The Hamer” Valentine and “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert have been rather rough on him.

Superstar Bill Dundee is the hunted!

So who will be the next challenger for the Tri-State Champion.  Well it seems that Iceman King Parsons and Eddie Gilbert are battling this week at the Sam Houston Coliseum to earn that title shot but after Dundee watched the nonsense of Dirty Dutch on this week’s show, he is granting Dutch a title match in the Sam Houston Coliseum just to get a chance to teach him a lesson.  

The Return of an Old Face!

This week on TV, Lance Russell let everyone know that the USWA has signed Tommy “Wildfire” Rich to a contract and that he will be here next week.  This announcement was met with loud “boos” as most in the Memphis area remember Tommy for the treacherous attacks on “The King” Jerry Lawler!
 

[Autistic Dragon]

Man Neidhart sure know how to hold a grudge. Two years and not only is he still chasing Lawyer, he's willing to beat up Double J just cause he can't get to Lawler.

Speaking of the King, he came up with a good way to sidestep picking a challenger.

Mantell has a new heavy who may have taken care of Gaylord, freeing Dirty Dutch up to take on the Tri State champ.

Tommy Rich's return means it's about to get hot in Memphis.

[spaldoni]

The Memorial Day spectacular is loaded with title bouts. 

As if Lawler didn't have enough on his plate, the Anvil is back and wants a piece of him

Oh man what a great angle. The top 4 heels battling it out with Lawer as the Ref. Only in Memphis. This is going to be epic! 

Dutch and Gaylord has been such a fun mid card story. Now it's even better with Dutch hiring a new bodyguard. 

It's a smart idea for the youngsters to group together. I hope this works out for them

I like the idea of Dundee putting his title on the line against Dutch, just to teach him a lesson. 

One of the all time game favorites, TOMMY RICH is coming back to Memphis! I can't imagine what he's going to do. 

[kevinmcfl]

 

SAM HOUSTON COLISEUM

  May 9, 1990

 

“The Hammer” Greg Valentine with Jimmy Hart defeats Chris VonErich with Brian Adias with the Figure Four which he refused to release after the match.  This caused Brian Adias to come to VonErich’s aid only to have Jimmy Hart clobber him with the microphone.  Valentine and Hart had to dodge debris on the way back to the locker room as his abuse of this young Texas didn’t sit well with the Texas crowd.

 

Honky Tonk Man without Jimmy Hart (who stayed in the locker room to avoid the angry crowd) defeated Brian Christopher with the Shake Rattle and Roll.  It was a little interesting to see HTM look back on Christopher almost to make sure he was okay.  Some belief that this act of compassion might have just been to avoid the same rough treatment by the crowd that his fellow First Family Members received after the first match of the night. 

 

 

The Grapplers with Skandar Akbar defeat Brad Armstrong & “The Fab One” Steve Keirn when the worn-down Grappler #1 rolled out of the ring and the fresh Grappler #2 rolled back in the ring and caught an unexpecting Steve Keirn with a running power slam. 

 

Winner Gets Tri-State Title Match

“Hotstuff” Eddie Gilbert with Missy Hyatt & Jimmy Hart defeats Iceman Parsons as the treachery of both Missy Hyatt and Jimmy Hart proved too much for Parsons and with a distracted ref, Gilbert nailed Iceman with a low blow and followed it up with the Hotshot Suplex for the win.

 

Southern Tag Team Title

The Southern Boys defeated The Freebirds © in a wild bout that saw the Freebirds control much of the action.  Michael Hayes was trying to end it with the running bulldog on Tracy Smothers only to be nailed with a top rope missile dropkick by Steve Armstrong.  Smothers then shoulder blocked Jimmy Garvin out of the ring and The Southern Boys executed the bearhig-top rope missile dropkick combo on Michael Hayes and that was all that was needed for the Southern Boys to become the new Southern Heavyweight Champions!

 

Tri-State Title Match

“Superstar” Bill Dundee © vs “Dirty” Dutch Mantel with Angel of Death:  This was the first time we were fully introduced to the Angel of Death who is now the new head of security for Dutch Mantel.  This hire by the Dutchman was in response to being chased down for money that was owed to “The Missouri Tiger” Jeff Gaylord.  As for this title match, the ref had to demand that the Angel of Death exit the ring as he was not a legal wrestler in the match.  This allowed Dutch to nail Dundee with the butt end of the bull whip which he had wrapped around his hand.  In this match, Dutch left on his pancho which he used to shield the whip from the ref.  For the next 12 minutes or so, Dutch used that whip to nearly chole out the champ and every time the ref turned his back or tried to change positions, Dutch would nail Dundee with the butt end.  Somehow, the ref finally caught on that something was amiss in the bout and started to question it.  Dutch threw his hands in the air and demanded that he was innocent!

WHAM… from behind, Superstar rolled up Dutch and got the win.  This is when the Angel of Death rushed the ring but the champ was to smart and headed up the ally to great applause.

 

Grudge Match

Jeff Jarrett vs “The Anvil” Jim Neidhart with Jimmy Hart ended in a double dq as this one turned into a 3-3 brawl.  Neidhart and JJ were splitting time wrestling from above when the action spilled out onto the floor.  This is when the rest of the First Family (Eddie Gilbert and HTM) came out but, it was as if this was expected and Steve Keirn and Brad Armstrong rushed out and the ref lost complete control.

 

UWF Title Match

“The Texas Tornado” Kerry Von Erich © defeated “Nature Boy” Buddy Landel with Skandar Akbar with the Discuss Punch.  Landel looked good in this match as he took the early momentum after playing the frightened heel for the first few minutes and nailed Kerry when he was calling timeout as he pretended that something was in his eye.  Finally, after many close calls and Kerry refusing to give in to the Figure Four, Kerry took the lead and never looked back.  He even nailed Skandar Akbar so hard that the Arabian Headdress went flying. 

 

Semi-Main Event:  USWA Tag Team Title Match

The Steiner Brothers © vs Doom (Hacksaw Reed & Ron Simmons) with Teddy Long saw the Steiner Brothers survive this battle of the hosses as Teddy Long accidently tripped up Ron Simmons.  This was all Scott Steiner needed to connect with the face-first suplex slam for the big win!

 

Main Event:  4 Corners Match:  “The King” Jerry Lawler is the Special Guest Referee

“Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig vs Randy “Macho Man” Savage vs “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff vs “The Bounty Hunter” Dick Slater saw Jerry Lawler be the center of attention.  He constantly verbally chastised the four men in the ring and was very quick to put his hands on anyone who broke the rules.  Nobody in the audience seemed to care who won the bout but they just enjoyed seeing Lawler get his revenge.  Some questioned why the combatants didn’t turn on Lawler and the answer was simple.  They knew if they touched The King, he wouldn’t pick them for the title shot on May 26^th at the Mid-South Coliseum.  As for the end, we see Mr. Wonderful piledrive Dick Slater for the win as Hennig and Savage were off having their own brawl.  Lawler helped set up the piledriver as he tossed Slater off of Orndorff as Slater was on the middle rope pounding away on Mr. Wonderful.  This was nearly exactly what Slater did to Lawler a month back as Lawler was pounding away on Savage at the time.  Most also say that Lawler might have used the fastest count in wrestling history to count out Slater.  Orndorff jumped around like he was the next World Champion but Lawler took the house mic and let everyone know that Orndorff has not been selected or eliminated for the title match on Memorial Day and that only Dick Slater who lost tonight has been eliminated. 

[Autistic Dragon]

The youngest Von Erich gets Hammered.

We're actually getting a HTM face turn.

The Grapplers with that ol' twin magic.

Hot stuff melts Iceman.

The Southern Boys took that walk down Bad Street and came back with the Southern tag titles.

It was a good strategy by Dutch but the ref was a little too sharp. Also Angel of Death does make a sensible bodyguard.

The First Family tried to set up double J but Armstrong & Keirn are on the case.

Kerry had to fight from underneath but he held onto the UWF title. Bring on the Macho Man.

Long inadvertently Dooms his men's quest for gold.

Slater is out of the running but there's still three men in the game. I think Lawler is having fun.

[kevinmcfl]

 

Week of May 10:

 

Highlights from the weekly TV show with Lance Russell:

 

The Show started with Eddie Marlin hyping up a huge night of tag team action coming up this Thursday at the UTC Arena in Chattanooga!

 

Main Angle of the TV show:  The USWA World Title Shot on Memorial Day

The show started off with a short video from the Sam Houston Coliseum where Paul Orndorff pinned Dick Slater in the big 4-Corner match that also included Randy Savage and Curt Hennig with “The King” Jerry Lawler as the special referee.  Lawler has been allowed to pick his opponent at the Memorial Day Spectacular at the Midsouth Coliseum and he made this 4-Corner Match to help in his decision making.  It was interesting to watch as Lawler clearly abused his power as ref knowing that none of the men in the match would do anything to him, fearing that he would not give them the USWA World Title shot.  After the match, Lawler made it clear that Paul Orndorff had not won the title shot and that the only thing that was settled was Dick Slater would not be getting the title shot. 

After the video, Lawler was with Lance and Dave Brown where he was having a grand old time with the idea that it’s “good to be king” and how he liked seeing all the people who had abused him recently bow down to him in hopes of getting the title shot.  Suddenly, “The Bounty Hunter” Dick Slater appeared and he was fuming about how Lawler had no right putting his hands on him during the match as he was the referee.  Lawler just laughed and reminded Slater that this was exactly what he had done to him in his match against Randy Savage.  This incensed Slater who began to shove Lawler.  Lawler warned him “that he wouldn’t do that if I were you.”  Slater shoved him again and said he didn’t care as Lawler had nothing to hold over his head as he wasn’t getting the World Title shot anyway!

Wham… Slater shoves Lawler again…. Lawler again warns him to be careful…. You hear the crowd begin to stir and Lance begs for some sort of decorum.

Wham… Slater shoves Lawler for the third time.

Wham… from behind… It’s the Big Boss Man attacking Dick Slater.  Even though the Boss Man has never been in Memphis before, cable tv is starting to take off in the Memphis area and most of the crowd know who he is.

Jerry Lawler:  Well Lance, I guess now would be a good time to introduce my new head of security… a former correctional officer from Cobb County, Georgia… The Big Boss Man. 

While Lawler is just smirking for the camera, Boss Man is really roughing up Slater.  Lance thinks that it is time to call off the Boss Man but Lawler reminds Lance that it was Slater who came to Memphis to collect a bounty on the King and put him out of wrestling!

Finally, Lance took us to break.

Later in the show, Lawler came back out with the Big Bossman and let everyone know that on Thursday in Chattanooga at the UTC Arena it will be Jerry “The King” Lawler, The Big Bossman and Kerry Von Erich vs Randy Savage, Paul Orndorff, and Curt Hennig.  Lawler let’s everyone know that if Lawler’s team wins, whoever took the loss for the opponents will be eliminated from title shot contention but if one of them huckleberry’s finds a way to win, they will get the title shot in the Midsouth Coliseum on Memorial Day. 

 

Chattanooga:  UTC Arena:  Thursday, May 15:  A Night of Tag Team Action

 

Main Event: If Lawler’s team wins, whoever takes the loss is out of the running for the USWA World Title shot on Memorial Day but if Lawler’s team losses, whoever gets the win, earns the title shot!

Jerry Lawler/ Big Boss Man/ Kerry Von Erich vs Curt Hennig/Randy Savage & Paul Orndorff

 

A return match for the Southern Tag Team Titles

The Southern Boys © vs The Fabulous Freebirds

 

Superstar Bill Dundee & “The Missouri Tiger” Jeff Gaylord vs “Dirty Dutch” Mantell & Hotstuff Eddie Gilbert with Missy Hyatt

 

Jeff Jarrett/Brad Armstrong/ & “The Fab One” Steve Keirn vs The First Family (Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, Honky Tonk Man and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine)

 

The Grapplers & “Nature Boy” Buddy Landel vs The Steiner Brothers & Iceman  Parsons

 

And Tommy Rich will be in attendance

[Autistic Dragon]

Ya know, sometimes when i'm reading Lawler I find myself questioning if he knows he's supposed to be a face. Still I like his idea for the six man tag in Chattanooga. Speaking of, a night of tag team action is a good gimmick for a smaller house show.

[spaldoni]

Hmmmm is HTM actually slowly turning into a babyface? 

The Grapplers shenanigans never get old

The Southern boys deserve a run with the titles. 

I like how Dutch controls most of the match with Shoo-baby only for Dundee to get the flash pin. 

JJ and Anvil are just getting warmed up

Kerry looked strong tonight. That discuss punch on Akbar was quite the visual 

Steiners get a measure of revenge but I think Doom will be back for another round

Lawler's having a great time. I guess it is good to be King. Slater's going to be pissed as I'm sure Orndorff is too. 

Bossman has arrived and is going to serve law and order for the King. I like the potential match between the bounty hunter and lawman. 

Lawler adds more intrigue to his upcoming title match. 

 

[jeff5819]

The USWA World Title is full of potential Contenders and Lawler sure is enjoying the power to choose his next challenger although it has to be just a matter of time before it comes back to haunt him.

The Night of Tag Team action is shaping up to be a fun night of action that could see the aftermath felt for many months to come.

[KingBoggs33]

That is going to be one hot card coming up. 

I am enjoying this Jerry "The King" Lawler story that you have going on. That 6 Man Tag Match is huge and the stakes for the match are even higher. I am very excited to see what happens there.

[LowBlowPodcast]

Steiners and Doom is what brought me to the show... Bossman showing up is a major moment and without question he will serve some hard time. "And Tommy Rich will be in attendance." This is such a great little tease... what could Wildfire have in store?

 

 

[kevinmcfl]

 

Chattanooga:  UTC Arena: 

Thursday, May 15, 1990

 A Night of Tag Team Action

 

The Steiner Brothers & Iceman Parsons defeated The Grapplers & “Nature Boy” Buddy Landel  with Skandar Akbar as Scott Steiner body slammed Akbar and Landel at the same time crushing Landel. 

 

Superstar Bill Dundee & “The Missouri Tiger” Jeff Gaylord defeated “Dirty Dutch” Mantell & Hotstuff Eddie Gilbert with Missy Hyatt by DQ as the Angel of Death interfered and attacked Gaylord from behind.  Dutch had played the afraid heel really well in this match as he quickly tagged out every time Gaylord was in.  Finally, Dundee and The Missouri Tiger had Dutch cornered and that is when the Angel of Death hit the ring.  Dirty Dutch scampered away and let his bodyguard do the dirty work.

 

Tommy Rich comes to the ring with a house microphone

It don’t matter where I’m at… everybody knows who I am.  I mean I haven’t been in these parts in quite some time but I heard that all you rassling fans here in Tennessee were giving me the business a couple weeks ago when good ol Lance Russell showed a video of Tommy “Wildfire” Rich.  Well I’ll tell ya’ll something… I took that as a compliment and I’ll tell you why.   You all was booing me because you know what I’ve done to Jerry Lawler in the past.  I mean I beat him like a scolded dog last time I was in Memphis.  (The boos start raining down of Rich again)  Hold on, hold on now… give me a chance.  I’m just a good ol boy from Tennessee at heart and one thing I don’t like is seeing people from not around here coming to my home state and taking advantage of one of our own.  I don’t like seeing Randy Savage… Curt Hennig… Paul Orndorff or any other outsider for that matter coming here thinking they can take advantage of us.  So, Jerry Lawler the ball is in your court…  You want my help, I’m here for you.  You don’t… then let’s get it on in the ring and take care of business.  I’ve already been a World Champion before and wouldn’t mind doing it again.  I mean I’m easy like Sunday morning Lawler … just tell me if you want my hand …. or …. my fist.

Suddenly Lawler comes to the ring and grabs the mic from Tommy Rich…

Tommy Rich, I’ve got about 10 seconds for you as I got a big match to get ready for.  You say your back in Tennessee to help me out.  The only thing I want from you is for you to go back to wherever you’ve been for the last year or so.  I wouldn’t trust you as for as I could throw you. 

Lawler drops the mic and walks out on Tommy Rich who just stands there shaking his head slowly. 

 

 

Southern Tag Team Title Match 

The Southern Boys © defeated The Fabulous Freebirds in the return title match as Smothers and Armstrong survived a wild and chaotic bout to eventually connect with the bear hug-top rope drop kick on Garvin.  The Freebirds huffed and puffed for a minute or so after the bout as you could tell they were frustrated but cooler heads prevailed and the Freebirds seemed to end the short-lived feud between the two teams and shook hands. 

 

Semi-Main Event

Jeff Jarrett/Brad Armstrong/ & “The Fab One” Steve Keirn vs The First Family (Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart, Honky Tonk Man and Greg “The Hammer” Valentine) saw The Anvil catch the Fab One for a powerslam for the win after Jimmy Hart had cracked Keirn in the head with the megaphone during a wild 6-man melee. 

 

Main Event: 

Jerry Lawler/ Big Boss Man/ Kerry Von Erich vs Curt Hennig/Randy Savage & Paul Orndorff

If Lawler’s team wins, whoever takes the loss is out of the running for the USWA World Title shot on Memorial Day but if Lawler’s team loses, whoever gets the win, earns the title shot!

Lawler has his opponents right where he wants them as Hennig, Savage and Orndorff seem to be fighting each other as much as they are their opponents.  All three know that if any of them get the win, they are out of the big title shot on Memorial Day so they are reluctant to tag each other in and don’t really want each other to get an advantage so there are no double team moves or teamwork.  This gives the advantage to the fan favorites throughout the match except when there is a pin attempt.  The heels make saves against either team as they want the win for themselves.  In the end,  Hennig nailed Kerry with a low blow when the ref’s attention was turned to Lawler and Savage screaming at each other.  Hennig followed up the low blow with a Perfect Plex and was going for the pin.  Savage saw this and rushed in and tossed Hennig out of the ring.  Savage then climbed up to the top rope and nailed Savage with a top rope elbow drop and now he went for the pin.  Hennig rushed back in and dragged Savage off of VonErich.  Savage and Hennig now were in a full-fledged brawl and rolled out of the ring.   Lawler and Boss Man saw this as their chance to really do some damage and joined in the brawl on the outside.  Mr. Wonderful took full advantage of this and slapped Macho Man’s shoulder as he was going out to the floor making him the legal man.  Orndorff scampered into the ring and covered Von Erich.  After the low blow, the Perfect Plex and the top rope elbow drop, Von Erich was unable to power out of the pin.  When the bell rang, everyone was a little surprised and then they saw Orndorff’s hand raised!  Savage and Hennig stopped their brawl.  Their shoulders slumped as they realized they had been outsmarted by both Lawler and Orndorff!

It will now be Jerry Lawler vs Paul Orndorff for the USWA World Title at the Midsouth Coliseum on Memorial Day!

 

 

MIDSOUTH COLISEUM

MEMORIAL DAY SPECTACULAR

 

MAY 26, 1990

 

MAIN EVENT:  USWA TITLE MATCH

“The King” Jerry Lawler vs “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff

 

 

UNIFICATION TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH

Southern Tag Team Champs- The Southern Boys vs UWF Tag Team Champs-Doom

 

UNIFICATION TITLE MATCH

Southern Champion- Randy “Macho Man” Savage vs “The Texas Tornado” Kerry Von Erich

 

USWA WORLD TAG TEAM TITLE MATCH

The Steiner Brothers © vs The Guerreros

 

TRI-STATE TITLE MATCH

Superstar Bill Dundee vs “Hot Stuff” Eddie Gilbert with Jimmy Hart & Missy Hyatt

 

 

Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart & Greg “The Hammer” Valentine vs Jeff Jarrett & Brad Armstrong

 

 

Nature Boy Buddy Landel vs Iceman Parsons

 

 

Dutch Mantell vs Brian Christopher

[Autistic Dragon]

Crazy display of strength by Scott in the opener.

Angel is really earning his keep.

Rich lays his cards on the table but Lawler rejects any goodwill.

In a pleasant surprise, the series between the Southern Boys & the Freebrids ends amicably.

Another win due to Hart's trusty megaphone.

Orndorff emerges from a chaotic scene as the next challenger for the USWA title.

[spaldoni]

Akbar and Budro just cant get things together lately

Dutch has been doing a masterful job avoiding Gaylord. It'll be the ultimate pay off when Gaylord finally gets his hands on him.

Hmmmmm, I wonder what Rich's true motives are here??? 

Southern Boys get the win and the Freebirds seem content to move on

Poor Keirn got blasted and flattened. 

The main event was filled with fun Memphis chaos. After a wild finishing segment, Orndorff gets the coveted title shot. Looking forward to the battle of the piledrivers. 

A lot on the line at the Mid South Coliseum