During the last half of 1989, TNT had a midcard feud with Leo Burke, which was interrupted midway through when Burke defeated Carlos Colón, Sr. for the WWC Universal Heavyweight Championship. TNT was originally expected to win the belt, given his status as a fan favorite and solid wrestling skills. On February 9, 1990, he defeated Burke for the Universal Heavyweight Championship, and vacated the Television Championship. He held the title for a month, before dropping it to Abdullah the Butcher. On April 25, 1990, TNT won his second Television Championship, holding it until January 1991, when it was vacated.