“One day I was on the ground
When I needed a hand
And it couldn't be found
I was so far down
That I couldn't get up
You know and 
One day I was one of life's losers
Even my friends were my ac-cus-ers
And in my head 
Lost before I'd begun”

The UWF had three different championships—the Heavyweight, Tag Team and Television titles. The One Man Gang held the Heavyweight strap, having won it via forfeit from Terry Gordy on November 9, 1986 in Tulsa. Terry Taylor and Jim Duggan captured the Tag Team titles from the Devastation duo of Bill Irwin and Leroy Brown on December 27, 1996 in Fort Worth. Savannah Jack was the UWF’s Television champion, getting his gold by pinning Buddy Roberts on the same card that featured the odd Gordy title “loss.”

“Too bad it belonged to me
It was the wrong time
And I meant to be
It took a long time
And I knew for now
I can see the day 
That I breathe for
Friends agree there's a need
To play the game
And to win again” 

“Winning,” Santana.

The UWF continued to visit its regular Mid South stops, but also began to travel elsewhere as Bill Watts made his national move. In “Have a Nice Day,” Mick Foley mentions a match in Johnstown, PA that was part of one of the promotion’s West Virginia/Pennsylvania tours. The UWF also ran some shows in California and even ventured into Atlanta, GA. However, the UWF’s main cities remained in Texas and Oklahoma. Houston and Fort Worth were mainstays in the Lone Star state, while Tulsa and Oklahoma City were veritable flagships of support in Bill Watts’ home state. On alternating weeks, the UWF would make a three to four-day run in these key towns, with television being taped at these shows. During the spring of 1987, the touring pattern would usually have the promotion in Houston on Friday, at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth on Saturday, and in Tulsa on Sunday.

In a previous installment, I recapped a card I saw at the Sam Houston Coliseum in Houston on January 23, 1987.

Here are the results of that card:

The Ninja defeated Johnny West

Eli the Eliminator and Wild Bill Irwin defeated the      Fantastics

Rick Steiner defeated Jeff Gaylord

Chavo Guerrero defeated Buddy Roberts

Steve Williams defeated the Angel of Death

Ted DiBiase defeated Michael Hayes in a Glove on a 
Pole Match.

I believe this date was one of the very few where the UWF ran split rosters shows, as another card was taking place in Jackson, MS that same night.

The UWF’s top feud at the beginning of 1987 pitted Jim Duggan against the One Man Gang. Hacksaw and the Gang wrestled in a bloody series of cage and chain matches during the first two weeks of the year. Eventually, these bouts had a loser-leaves-town clause attached to them. The Gang downed Duggan in each of the UWF’s regular tour stops, setting up Hacksaw’s eventual departure to the WWF. After a very successful run in both Mid South and the “new” company, the Fantastics also left, along with Jack Victory. Bill Watts promptly signed Chris Adams, Sam Houston and Steve Cox, and all made their debuts in February.

Despite the various comings and goings, the UWF still had a healthy share of successful feuds. The Freebirds continued their sustained battle with Ted DiBiase and Steve Williams in both singles and tag matches. The Missing Link and Buddy Roberts had a series of matches hinging on the Link’s obsession with the Freebirds valet Sunshine. And Jim Duggan’s departure caused a vacated UWF Tag Team title scenario, capped by a one night tournament in Fort Worth on February 7^th which continued a couple of feuds while creating intriguing new ones.

Well, that’s all for this time. Thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings. As usual, please feel free to e-mail me at CL11@swt.edu with any comments and suggestions. I once again apologize to those who have e-mailed me and not received a reply. After nearly 4 months, I believe the glitch in my computer that affected said mail has finally been fixed. I will try to answer all of you within the next two weeks. Finally, please take the time to remember those who have served and those who continue to serve our country on November 11, Veterans Day.

Until we meet again, take care.

NEXT MONTH: 

The Jukebox Returns—More Tag Teaming of the UWF and Music!