Universal Wrestling Federation (Herb Abrams)

[ErictheDragon]

July 1991 edition

Pro Wrestling goes Universal!

Professional wrestling is returning to the Sunshine state as announced at a press conference this past weekend. An assortment of individuals has come together to announce the launch of the Universal Wrestling Federation. Long time fans of the sport will recognize the name as being used by Bill Watts at various points during his career as a promoter. The name is also being used by a promotion in Japan. When these facts were brought up by journalists it was stated that "the simple fact is Mr Watts neglected to trademark the name, therefore it's fair game to use in the states" and that their was "no connection whatsoever" with the Japanese promotion.

The group behind the venture appears to be led by Mr Herb Abrams. Originally from Queens, New York Mr Abrams currently resides in Los Angles, California where until recently he operated a chain of plus-size clothing stores for women. When questioned on his lack of experience in the field, Mr Abrams didn't deny it but stated he was a "lifelong fan" and stated that his more experienced partners would make up for his status as a newcomer. He also announced that episodes of UWF's show "Fury Hour" would be taped at Studio 12 at Universal Studios in Orlando and would air in first run syndication "throughout the country". When questioned about a house show touring schedule, Mr Abrams admitted there would be no live hows "in the first few weeks" but vowed they would begin "in due time" sitting Smokey Mountain Wrestling's "controlled expansion" as an example the UWF would look to emulate.

Other members of UWF leadership include Mr Joe Pedicino and his wife Mr Boni Blackstone who have both in involved in the wrestling business in various forms since their time running the popular, nationally syndicated show Superstars of Wrestling (not to be confused by the defunct WWF program of the same name) out of Atlanta since 1985. The duo announced  they would be aiding in "various backstage activities" in addition to Mrs Blackstone being the ring announcer as well as ringside Interviewer while Mr Pedicino teased helping a weekly segment on UWF Fury Hour though remained sparse n the details of said segment. 

Perhaps the most surprising member of the group, aside from Mr Abrams, would be "Nasty" Ronnie Galletti best known as the vocalist for the thrash metal group, Nasty Savage. However Mr Galletti reminded the assembled media that he had prior experience in the wrestling business, being introduced to it by Kevin Sullivan. He has since gone on to run his own shows in Florida and claimed joking the UWF "seemed like the next step up". Mr Galletti also unambiguously referred to himself as the "money man" of the group and claimed that you'd see him on screen "at some point".

Other information revealed included that the position of UWF Commissioner had been filled. When asked by whom Mr Abrams smiled and said to "tune into the first episode because you wouldn't believe me if I told you." With that, Mr Abrams and Co thanked everyone for attending and encouraged everyone to check their local listings for the first episode of UWF Fury Hour..

[spaldoni]

Get ready Dawn of War because Herb is coming!!!! 

[ErictheDragon]

UWF Fury Hour #1

Taped on July 25th at Studio 12 at Universal Studios in Orlando Florida.

Airing on syndication throughout the United States.

Opening: Rapid fire shots of in-ring action plays to the tune of The Equalizer Busy Equalizing by Stewart Copeland. A voiceover (by Herb Abrams) tells the viewer "Welcome to the most exciting 60 minutes you'll see all week, welcome to the Universal Wrestling Federation's Fury Hour!"

The split screen opens to Craig DeGeorge and Steven DeTruth (Prazak). Both are wearing suits though Detruth's looks cheaper with some buttons undone as well as his tie being looser. DeGeorge excitedly welcomes the fans and runs down the card while DeTruth reminds everyone that the UWF Commissioner will be revealed today. He insists he knows who it is but is evasive when DeGeorge tries to get him to share.

Match #1

Fire Cat vs Caveman Broda

Broda gets some weird looks from the fans as he wanders around the studio, seemingly bewildered by his environment and chewing on a bone of.....something. Eventually security is able to herd him into the ring where he starts sniffing the referee James Beard. Fire Cat is out next and his colorful mask and interactions with the kids in the audience get him a good reception. Hearing the bell seems to send Broda into a panic and he rushes across the ring and pounds away on Fire Cat with clubbing blows and even biting him repeatedly. Fire Cat endures this for a few minutes before beginning to battle back, using his high speed offense to overwhelm his primitive for before finishing things off with a Moonsault.

Commercial break -A message plays in the Orlando area telling the viewers how they can bring the stars of the UWF to their school, club or civic organization.

We return to see Boni Blackstone standing in the center of the ring.

Blackstone: Ladies and gentlemen, it is my esteemed privilege to introduce to you the man that will enforce the rules here in the Universal Wrestling Federation. Please welcome UWF Commissioner..the one...the only...the "Living Legend " Bruno Sammartino!

Sammartino comes out to some classic Italian music and the fans are on their feet for the longest reigning WWF Champion of all time. Sammartino is all smiles as he interacts with the fans before joining Blackstone in the ring.

Blackstone: Mr Sammartino it is an honor to be here with a man of your stature.Any words for the fans as you begin this new phase of an already legendary career?

Sammartino: Thank you Mrs Blackstone. I have been blessed to have been in this business since 1959 and have traveled all over the world. I'll never pass up an opportunity to give back to this business that has given me so much and when Mr Herb Abrams and the Universal Wrestling Federation called me I knew this was a great way to do so.

Blackstone: And how do you intend to conduct your tenure as UWF Commissioner?

Sammartino: I'm glad you asked. First thing i'd like....

Sammartino is cut off by the theme to The People's Court coming over the pa system. A man is a cheap, clearly worn three peice suit comes to the ring with a comically large breifcase with papers poking out of it. The man shakes hands with Sammartino, who looks thoroughly confused, all the while smiling with all the sincerity of a used car salesman.

Blackstone: Can we help you sir?

Man: Yes i'll have a expresso and don't skimp on the cream. Got it sweetheart? *Focuses on Sammartino* Bruno! Bruno what a moment this is. After all it's not everyday two men of our standing get to meet like this.

Sammartino: I'm sorry do I know you?

Man: *Obviously fake laugh* Good one Bruno. As if you or anyone could fail to recognize a man like myself. A man known throughout the world or my countless victories both in the ring and the courtroom.

Sammartino: *Leans over to Blackstone* Do you know who this man is?

Blackstone: *Annoyed* He seems vaguely familiar I suppose.

Man: Didn't I ask you for an expresso toots?

Blackstone: I'm not a secretary.

Man: Not with that attitude you won't be.

Sammartino: Alright that's enough. Mrs Blackstone is a respected professional and unlike you, she actually works here. Now who are you and what do you want?

Man: Wait you actually don't....Oh silly me. I should've known that for a man of your *ahem* advanced years it must be hard for you to remember anything, even a man as world famous as myself.

Sammartino: Excuse me?

Man: You're excused. Now to make it easier on you, allow me to introduce myself. Alberto Madril, Attorney at Law. As for why I'm here I am the legal representative of the hottest free agent in professional wrestling today.

Sammartino: Would you like to tell us who it is?

Madril: I would love to senior but i'm afraid if I revealed his identity this fans would riot out of sheer excitement. Now *holds up his briefcase* I have hear his list of demands that you'll have to meet if you want to acquire his services. 

Sammartino: Now hold on. THat's not how we're going to do things while i'm in charge. If your man wants a job here, he can show up next week and show us what he can do in the ring.

Madril: But...but I spent all night making his list.

Sammartino: I'm sorry to hear that but it's next week or nothing.

Madril: But that's not...you can't just...I....I OBJECT!

Sammartino: OVERRULED! *Sammartino seems surprised he said that*

Madril: Impossible! That always works on TV!

*A stunned MAdril leaves while Blackstone sends the audience to break*

Match #2

The Power Twins (Dave & Larry Power) vs The Lords of Darkness (Agony & Pain) 

The lights go out and when they come back on the LoD have appeared in the ring. The Power Twins come down to some fun workout music. The masked men try every dirty trick they can but the twins simply power (heh) through, battering their opponents before finishing Pain off with a double gutbuster. Interestingly during the match the camera pans to the entrance where "Precious" Paul Ellering is looking on, seeming rather impressed.

VTR- In a classic wild west town, a Marshall is making his rounds when three men dressed in black walk into town. The Marshall is clearly nervous but two of the men greet him nicely enough. As soon as he's out of earshot however, the two start arguing, batting each other with their hats, insisting that the other had said hello to him first. While the two, who we learn are called Black Bart and Dirty Don go back and forth, the third member of the group wanders into a nearby saloon. The skit continues with Bart & Don looking for their friend Deadeye Dick as he's got the map that will lead them to the UWF and we cut back and forth between them searching the town and arguing with each other and Dick who's winning a game of cards via obvious cheating. He segment ends with Dick being thrown out of the bar and reuniting with his friends before the camera pans to the sky and the words "The Desperados are coming" appear on screen.

Match #3

Gemini Kid vs The Vampire Warrior w/Luna Vachon

An uncomfortable quiet covers the studio as Vampire Warrior and Luna make their way in. Before he enters the ring, Warrior gets on the steps, takes a big swing from a goblet Luna hands him then sprays some red fluid into the audience. As for the match, Kid doesn't stand a chance as Vampire Warrior just mauls him with Luna taking some (unnecessary) shots of her own. A spike DDT puts Kid out of his misery.

VTR- A sweeping shot over a stately mansion in what is identified as Shaker Heights, Ohio before cutting down to two tall, blonde men playing croquet. One of the men, seeing the camera welcomes them to their "humble home" introducing himself as Beau Beverly and the other man as his brother Blake. He says when you're as successful as the Beverly family it can be hard to find new challenges in life. "You'd be surprised how quickly jetting down the slopes in Aspen can become dull" so he and his brother have decided to try their hands at this pro wrestling thing. They know that wrestling is usually reserved for the *ahem* less fortunate but they're sure that seeing men of their pedigree will aspire the hardworking peons...er that is the hardworking fans of the UWF to aspire to more in life.

Main Event

"Chief" Joe Lightfoot vs The Missing Link w/Curtis Iaukea

The two tough veterans put on a hard-hitting brawl to the delight of the studio audience. Lightfoot has Link rocking when he goes to run the ropes but Iaukea uses the opportunity to crack him cross the back while referee Bill Alphonso is checking on Link. Link takes advantage of this putting Lightfoot down with a hard slam before hopping onto the second rope and coming off with a diving headbutt to the ribs for the win.

[LastStopTour]

Welcome back.

[ErictheDragon]

4 hours ago, LastStopTour said:

Welcome back.

Thank you.

[kevinmcfl]

Great first show.  Awesome job with Al Madril.  For me, it was always the promos that hooked me in and I am hooked.  Also, great use of the free agent pool

[spaldoni]

Fire cat vs. Broda is exactly the kind of match to kick off the UWF 

I never would've thought we would ever see Bruno and Madril bantering. This segment was pure gold. It's so good seeing both of them back in our game. Madril's comedy will fit in so well while Bruno seems like the only man who stands a chance of keeping the UWF in order. 

The Power Twins could rule this place especially if they get Ellering in their corner 

More great stuff as the Desperados makes their way to the UWF. 

Vampire and Luna take the show on a dark turn 

I was wondering when we would see the Destruction Crew turn into the Beverly Brothers. Here comes Blake and Beau 

Solid main event to end the show. Curtis and Link together will be insane 

Great first show. This is going to be a lot of fun 

 

[LowBlowPodcast]

Love to see Herb enter the world... he deserves a place... as do you... so all is well in the world. 

 

Looking forward to this growing and I'd be happy to help if you're ever open to some tlent coming in. talent

[rainmakerrtv]

Glad to have you back, brother. 

[KingBoggs33]

It's awesome to see you back in the game man. I always appreciate the reviews, and the work you put in. Very excited to see where you go from here. I love adding Herb into the game. 

[ErictheDragon]

UWF Fury Hour #2

Taped on July 25th at Studio 12 at Universal Studios in Orlando Florida.

Airing on syndication throughout the United States.

Commissioner: Bruno Sammartino

Commentary: Craig DeGeorge & Steve DeTuth

Ring Announcer/Ringside Interviews: Boni Blackstone

Match #1

Ranger Ross vs Vladimir Koloff

Vlad, who commentary DeTruth hypes as a nephew of Ivan and cousin of Nikita, jumps Ross before the bell causing the former army ranger to drop the flag on the mat. The ref manages to back Koloff up allowing Ross to collect himself while Koloff shouts at the fans. When the ef confirms Ross wants to continue, Koloff charges in but is meant with the "Combat Kick" for the surprise win!

VTR- We return to that western town where Black Bart and Dirty Don having a friendly shooting contest when it occurs to them that they aren't sure if Deadeye Dick can even use a six shooter. They bring him over and he quickly answers their question by nearly shooting Bart in the foot. Bart's ready to tan Dick's hide but Don swears they can learn him! So they try again and this time Dick shoots the bell atop one of the buildings which draws the Marshall's attention. We cut forward to Dick sleeping in a jail cell with Bart & Don stumbling,,er I mean sneaking into the jail to bust him out. They manage to get his cell open but as they're waking him up the door closes behind them. The video ends with all three behind bars and Don trying to keep Bart from strangling Dick. As they brawl, we get text saying "The Desperados are coming....eventually."  

Match #2

Surf's Up (Sunny Beach & Ray Odyessy) vs The Colossal Kong (Awesome Kong & Krusher Kong) w/Skandar Akbar

Surf's Up made a good impression with the fans with their positive energy during their entrance. Sadly any good vibes went away when Akbar led the Kongs to the ring. Blackstone announced them having a combined weight of 850 lbs and it shows. They batter the two surfers who get sporadic offense but are repeatedly overwhelmed by the sheer size and strength of Akbar's monsters. Awesome whips Odyessy into Krusher who holds him in place while Awesome hits a slash from behind. Odyessy crumbles to the mat allowing Awesome to hit another splash for the win.

Akbar joins Blackstone at Ringside and says the destruction his Kongs just unleashed is only the beginning. Devastation Inc has come to the UWF and h's got his sights set on a hostile takeover!

VTR- We join the Beverly Brothers relaxing in a sauna. Beau says it's important to keep ones self in tip top condition in order to be successful, not just in sports but in life. If only the people at home didn't waster their meager earning on chap beer, potato chips and bleh, pizza * Blake visibly shudders next to him* Beau continues saying that he and his brother consider it a privilege, nay an obligation to demonstrate  to the poor saps *he coughs* that is the poor unfortunate souls of the UWF what true winners look like. So that one day they took can achieve a minute fraction of the success the Beverly family has. You're welcome!

Match #3

Mike Graham vs King Cobra

Big pop for Graham whose family is well known to the Florida fan base. We get a nice southern flavored exchange with both men going for submissions which Graham ultimately wins via the Figure-Four.

Paul Ellering is back and he wastes no time calling out the Power Twins. He smugly recounts his success as both a wrestler and manager and says he sees potential buried deep, deeeeep inside them. With a lot of effort, and total obedience to his directions, the Power Twins can be the most dominant team in the UWF. The Twins thank Ellering for his...generous offer but they have to decline. The last time they put their trust in a manager, he left them high and dry as soon as they hit their first big obstacle. So they've decided to be on themselves and get by with their own hard work. Ellering is pissed, he;s managed the greatest tag team of all time and comes to this dump to offer his expertise and these two muscleheads are telling him no. The Power Twins look at each other, back to Ellering and simply say "Yes". The Twins leave to a big ovaion but they leave behind a seething Ellering.

It's announced that next week, Joe Pedicino will debut a new segment "News from the Wrestling Universe!"

The People's Court theme plays as Alberto Madril, Attorney at Law makes his way to the ring. He says he's glad the people of Orlando decided to spend the last of their *ahem* Coke *sniff* money on a ticket to this show because seeing his client in action will be a high *he winks at the camera* like no other! He presents to them, a man smarter than Einstein, stronger than Hercules, a man for whom wrestling isn't just a job, it's in his blood. He tells them all to stand up and show respect for once in their lives to the one...the only...ARMANDO GUERRERO! Guerrero comes out to a chorus of boos and he is NOT pleased. Madril is lecturing the fans on how ungrateful they are when UWF Commissioner Bruno Sammartino comes out. He admits he's actually impressed that Madril has a client from such a stories lineage. The Guerrero's have a long history in the wrestling business and Mando...

Armando: *grabs Madril's microphone* It's Armando carbon!

Sammartino: has proven a....what did he just call me?

Madril: *Frantically retakes the mic* Cabron it..uh..it means...handsome! Yes that's it.

*Someone from the audience yells "No it doesn't"*

Madril: *Tuning to the fans direction* Shut up!

 Sammartino: Clearly getting irritated* As I was saying, Mando *Guerrero sulks but says nothing* has proven himself across a number of territories. I'm expecting a good clean match against his opponent who, with due respect to Mrs Blackstone i'll take the liberty of introducing. Ladies and Gentlemen please give a warm welcome to the incomparable Jiimy Valiant!

*Huge pop as Valiant dances his way to the ring, lapping hands the whole way. Guerrero and Madril both look aghast *

Madril: Your Honor! You can't be serious, this man is a clown. He has no business being in a ring with a wrestler of my clients caliber.

Sammartino: So you're client forfeits?

Madril: Wha...NO! Of course not but be reasonable your honor. I can smell whatever that degenerate was smoking from here.

Sammartino: I am being reasonable Mr Madril. We agreed your client had to get in the ring and show me what's capable of if he wanted a job here. Well, there's his opponent. Either get him in the ring or you can both get out.

Madril: I object!

Sammartino: Overruled! 

Madril: Ah come on!

*Madril and Guerrero converse for a bit on the outside before a visably frustrated Guerrero makes his way into the ring.*

Main Event

 "Boogie Woogie Man" Jimmy Valiant vs Armando Guerrero w/Alberto Madril, Attorney at Law

While Guerrero certainly gives a good account of himself, you can tell he's never quite able to figure Valiant out. Though, who among us can? In any event, we get a good back and forth between them with Valiant's unconventional style giving him and edge towards the ending stretch. Madril, clearly in a panic, gets on the apron and calls the ref over to show him something on the stack of papers he brought with him. The ref clearly isn't getting it but the scene draws Valiant's attention and he comes over to investigate. Guerrero sees this and moves to attack Valiant from behind but Valiant oves and Guerrero collides with his own Attorney. Papers are flying over there as Valiant drops to all fours allowing a staggering Guerrero to trip over him leading to Valiant making the pin to the crowd's delight.