In 1987, Traylor joined the Universal Wrestling Federation (UWF) after it was purchased by Jim Crockett. He debuted on April 18 winning a handicap match against Mike Reed and The Glassman. On April 19, Traylor challenged and won the UWF Heavyweight Championship from One Man Gang, who was leaving the UWF for the World Wrestling Federation. Following his title win, he aligned himself with General Skandor Ackbar and his Devastation Inc. stable. Traylor would hold the championship for nearly 3 months defending it against Steve Cox, Barry Windham, and Michael Hayes before losing the title to "Dr. Death" Steve Williams on July 11, 1987 in Oklahoma City, OK during the Great American Bash 1987 tour.