JHawk
July 1987, Monday, Week 1
Eddie Gilbert was called in UWF owner Jared Hawkins’ office last night, apparently as some feel his attitude is becoming a problem in the locker room. Gilbert apparently said he had a few ideas about his character and was upset creative hasn’t used any of them. Hawkins said to run them by him and he’d see if they can be implemented. Gilbert has a tremendous mind for the business but a lot of people feel he’s only out for himself.
Attendance in Little Rock last night was 3,181 paid.
There might be trouble in the marriage of Chris and Toni Adams. Toni has been pushing to be in Chris’ corner, but Chris has said there are enough valets in the company and feels he’d be better off without her at ringside. Apparently she didn’t hear the words “at ringside” and started throwing a fit backstage. Even my wife doesn’t overreact like that.
The UWF operated under a loss in June, the first time since Jared Hawkins bought the company in March. Payroll wound up being the deciding factor as ticket revenue was up.
I’m told there will be a handful of people coming in this month, mostly for occasional appearances and TV losses. Very few high-priced people will be brought in this month in an attempt to cut costs.
July 1987, Tuesday, Week 1
An attempt was made to bring Dory Funk Jr. in as a road agent, but Funk turned it down because he didn’t want to leave Japan for an extended period of time.
July 1987, Wednesday, Week 1
Shane Douglas has been medically cleared to compete and will likely compete at the TV taping in Little Rock this weekend.
Misty Blue Simmes, The Barbarian, Italian Stallion, Paul Jones and James Jefferson (aka Spike of the MOD Squad) will be coming in. Barbarian and Spike may be used as early as this week’s TV but the others won’t be in for at least a week as they finish up their commitments for Jim Crockett Promotions. Jones will manage Barbarian and Spike when he comes in and most are expecting Basher (Mack Jefferson) to come in and be part of Jones’ Army as well.
July 1987, Thursday, Week 1
Basher is officially coming in, as are Kat LeRoux and Mark Fleming. This means the MOD Squad is back together and the company still desperately needs babyface tag teams.
July 1987, Friday, Week 1
Chavo Guerrero vs. Rick Steiner has been announced for Sunday’s episode of Power Pro Wrestling. No word as to whether the Western States Title is going to be on the line or not.
July 1987, Saturday, Week 1
Mike Rotundo is coming in. I’m told that’s the extent of the incoming wrestlers for the rest of the month but everything is subject to change.
July 1987, Sunday, Week 1
The rating for the replay of Power Pro Wrestling dropped again this week. The replay does help bring in some TV revenue but I would honestly not carry it after the end of the current season as I don’t think it brings in one additional ticket.
Power Pro Wrestling coverage (July 1987, Sunday, Week 1)
Live for the second straight week from the Jack Stephens Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.
In an extremely short match, Fury, The Enforcer and Shaska Whatley defeated Action Jackson, Derrick Dukes and Todd Champion in 4:38 when Whatley pinned Champion with The Flying Willie. Yes, Jim Ross said the words “flying Willie” with a straight face on live TV.
In an extremely short match, Chris Adams defeated Sid Steele in 2:49 by pinfall with a Superkick.
In a non-title match, Big Bubba Rogers defeated Joe Savoldi in 1:08 by pinfall with a Bubba Slam.
Sting defeated Mark Fleming in 1:04 by pinfall with a Stinger Splash.
UWF Western States Heritage Champion Chavo Guerrero drew with Rick Steiner in 3:57 following a double count out in a non-title match. The crowd hated the finish and I hated it only getting four minutes.
In an extremely short match, Lightning Express defeated Cactus Jack and Gary Young in 1:51 when Brad Armstrong defeated Young by pinfall with a Russian Leg Sweep. Lightning Express make defence number 2 of their UWF Tag Team titles. Jack and Young looked excellent as a team and I hope they end up staying together. As he went to the back, Young could be heard asking for another title shot next week with a different partner. No, UWF! Bad!
Eddie Gilbert and Terry Taylor defeated Steve Cox and Shane Douglas in 4:01 when Gilbert pinned Douglas after hitting him with a Fireball while Taylor distracted the referee.
Bill Watts announced that next week, Chavo Guerrero will defend the Western States Title against Barry Windham. Smells like a title change to me.
In a bout that had a good crowd and some decent in-ring action, Jimmy Garvin defeated Manny Fernandez in 8:43 by pinfall with a 911. Easily the best match of the night.
Watts announced that Young is getting his wish as he and Fury will meet The Lightning Express for the UWF Tag Team Title next week. Why?
A pretaped promo from Rick Rude airs where Rude says he and Fernandez will win the UWF Tag Team Titles provided Fernandez doesn’t hold him back. They seem to be teasing Fernandez turning babyface but the crowd isn’t into it.
Ricky Morton defeated Buzz Sawyer in 2:53 by pinfall with a Missile Dropkick. Good but clearly rushed for time.
Bill Watts closes the show by announcing that after several months, One Man Gang will finally get a rematch next week against Big Bubba Rogers for the UWF Heavyweight Title.
They’ve had better shows but at least there appears to be a direction by announcing three title matches for next week.
