Author: Today in Pro Wrestling History: On May 30th, 1986, Bill Watts’ Mid-South Wrestling is renamed the Universal Wrestling Federation, and crowns Terry Gordy as the first UWF heavyweight champion.
Today in Pro Wrestling History: (May 30): Gordy is On Top of the Universe
To establish the new UWF Heavyweight Championship, a tournament was held, featuring the promotion’s top talent. The finals saw “The Freebird” Terry Gordy defeat “Dr. Death” Steve Williams to become the inaugural champion. This victory solidified Gordy as the face of the UWF and marked the beginning of a new era for the promotion.
The UWF, under Watts’ leadership, was known for its hard-hitting, realistic wrestling style, emphasizing athleticism and compelling storylines. Watts had a keen eye for talent, and the UWF roster boasted future stars such as Sting, Eddie Gilbert, and The Fabulous Freebirds.
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"Evan Ginzburg’s stories are a love letter to wrestling, filled with heart, humor, and history. A must-read for any true fan." — Keith Elliot Greenberg
Wrestling Rings, Blackboards, and Movie Sets is the latest book from Pro Wrestling Stories Senior Editor Evan Ginzburg. 100 unforgettable stories—from sharing a flight on 9/11 with a WWE Hall of Famer to untold moments in wrestling history. A page-turner for fans of the ring and beyond. Grab your copy today! For signed editions, click here.
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