JHawk
April 1987, Monday, Week 1
The taping in Little Rock drew a crowd of 4,737.
Art Crews’ contract with All Japan Pro Wrestling has expired so he should be here full time.
As it goes with Ted DiBiase, he has told owner Jared Hawkins that he will not sign an exclusive contract, nor will he sign any sort of extension with them when his current agreement runs out. As it stands right now he has about five months remaining on his current deal, but the deal has a number of ways out early should he choose to utilize them. In addition to his current commitments with All Japan, we do know DiBiase has received a contract offer from New Japan Pro Wrestling, and I’m hearing rumors that it might be an exclusive offer as well.
Overall a good month for the UWF. While the loss of Steve Williams and the announcement by DiBiase that he’s probably leaving is hurting their prestige, the company did make a profit last month and looks to be turning a corner. I’d expect some additional signings to be made in the next week, and while they’re not looking for any game changers that I know of, there’s a push to bring in more young talent and see where things go.
April 1987, Tuesday, Week 1
An attempt was made to sign rookie wrestler Ricky Rice, but Verne Gagne put a stop to the deal claiming the signing would be a violation of the working arrangement the UWF has with the AWA. The deal was just for limited appearances as TV enhancement and I’m not sure how exactly that would violate the agreement, but that’s the story.
New Japan Pro Wrestling has offered Terry Gordy a contract. I know it’s a deal that would have Gordy working exclusively for New Japan through the end of the year as well a cut of pay-per-view receipts should they start running those type of events. The UWF has issued a counter offer but we understand Gordy isn’t seriously considering it even though it would make him more money long term.
There was an attempt to sign Jody Hamilton as a road agent but Hamilton turned it down.
April 1987, Wednesday, Week 1
While Terry Gordy has not officially signed with New Japan, he has informed UWF management that he will not sign an extension and has given notice.
“Ravishing” Randy Rose is coming in.
Jim Mitchell will begin as a referee for the UWF beginning with this coming Sunday’s TV taping.
April 1987, Thursday, Week 1
Among the newcomers we will be seeing shortly are Derrick Dukes, Marcus Laurinaitis (wrestling as Fury), Cactus Jack, and Pez Whatley. The only one I’d expect to see pushed is Whatley, and that’s pushing it. Whatley will be coming in as Shaska Whatley and use the same gimmick he’s currently using for Jim Crockett Promotions.
April 1987, Friday, Week 1
There is a lot of concern internally that with Superblast just about a week away (it takes place Saturday, Week 2), only four matches have been announced and one of them has just a promo worth of build up. Obviously the hope was the show would get pay-per-view clearance. Once that fell through, the word of the pending departures of Ted DiBiase (who is in consideration for a Heavyweight Title match vs. One Man Gang provided he has no Japanese commitments) and Terry Gordy has made it virtually impossible to do any long term planning. This show could make or break the company, so there’s a lot of pressure to put on a great show.
April 1987, Saturday, Week 1
Dark Journey was released by Jim Crockett Promotions. She will still be working for the UWF as The Missing Link’s manager but most people forgot she works there too.
Ray Candy will be coming in under his Kareem Muhammad gimmick.
April 1987, Sunday, Week 1
Power Pro Wrestling maintained its 0.04 rating on KWTV.
The UWF has signed part time deals with Buzz Sawyer and Shawn Michaels.
Power Pro Wrestling coverage (April 1987, Sunday, Week 1)
Live from the Expo Square Pavilion in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
In an extremely short match, Jeff Gaylord defeated Art Crews in 0:57 by submission with a Bear Hug. Bad even by TV squash standards
Mike George defeated Gary Young in 5:28 by submission with a Time Out. Chavo Guerrero joined Jim Ross on commentary and said he was scouting Young.
Rick Steiner pinned Brazo de Oro in 1:38 with a Flying Bulldog. At least every match has been better than the previous one so far.
Terry Gordy and Buddy Roberts (w/Michael Hayes and Sunshine) defeated Bill Irwin & Leroy Brown (w/Jim Holliday) in 2:45 when Gordy pinned Irwin with a Powerbomb.
In a bout that had solid in-ring action and average heat, Chris Adams and Terry Taylor defeated Eddie Gilbert and Iceman King Parsons in 16:38 by disqualification when Sting and Rick Steiner attacked Adams. Sam Houston and Savannah Jack made the save, so we basically built up three of the four announced matches for Saturday’s Superblast show in one segment. It should be noted that Taylor was knocked out on the floor unable to help Adams for the last minute or so of the match and didn’t appear inside the ring in the postmatch at all.
In a match that had some good action and average heat, Michael Hayes (w/Sunshine) pinned Buzz Sawyer in 17:14.
Two very long matches but not much in the way of build for Saturday’s show. I think they realize Saturday’s show is going to bomb horribly.
