Our main event started almost immediately. Team 1 was composed of NWA World Champion, Adam Pierce, Nicho El MIllionario, and the NWA World Tag Team champs, Joey Ryan and Karl Anderson. Their opponents were the Young Bucks and Los Luchas.

All 8 men battled as the bell rang. Nick Bockwinkel joined the announce team for this match. The faces cleared the ring. Adam Pierce was the first to return. Matt Jackson kicked away at Pierce. Pierce nailed Matt several times, before falling victim to a Tilt-a-Whirl Head Scissors. Pierce tried for a Leapfrog, but Matt stopped short and then slapped the NWA Champ in the face.

Nicho tagged in to the mat. Nicho tried to psych out Matt, but he wasn’t falling for it. Matt went to the ropes, but a Back Elbow by Nicho sent him to the mat. Nicho dropped a Guillotine Leg Slide on Matt. Matt hit a Flying Back Elbow on Nicho. Matt looked to deliver a Pele, but actually locked the ankles and sent Nicho flying out of the ring with an Inverted Head Scissors. Matt Baseball Slided his way into a Head Scissors on Nicho. Matt then spun Nicho into the steel railing. Matt was attacked by all four members of the “Rudo” team.

Matt got back in the ring and was joined by his brother, Nick. They hit a series of double team moves on Nicho. Zokre tagged into the match and flew off the ropes to attack the man who betrayed him and his partner, last week. Nicho ran to his corner to tag Karl Anderson.

Anderson stomped away on Zokre. He lifted Zokre up and then chopped away on the masked man. Anderson went to the ropes, but Zokre caught him with a Springboard Moonsault. Zokre Irish Whipped Anderson to the corner and went for a Monkey Flip. Anderson turned and sat Zokre on the top turnbuckle. Anderson, foolishly, turned his back on Zokre to do his “Machine Gunner” pose. This allowed Zokre to catch Anderson with a Flying Headscissors. Zokre faked a Tope Suicida on Anderson. Zokre tagged his regular partner, Phoenix Star, into the match. Anderson went to his corner and tagged in Joey Ryan.

Star went for a Roll-up off the ropes, but Ryan held the ropes. Ryan thought he had out-witted Star, but the young Hispanic sent Ryan to the mat with a Drop Toe Hold. Star pounded away on Ryan. The announce team just about turned the stomach of the viewers with their sucking up to Nick Bockwinkel. Ryan reversed the Irish Whip, but Star got the Float-Over. Star sent Ryan to the mat and blasted away. Ryan got free and scampered to the corner.

Anderson illegally tagged himself in and attacked Phoenix Star. He Irish Whipped Star to the ropes and dropped him with a Back Elbow. Anderson whipped Star back into the corner and tagged Nicho into the match. Nicho chopped away and then hit a weak Powerbomb on Star. Nicho tagged Pierce, who hit a Superfly Splash off the top rope. Pierce got cocky with the pin, and Phoenix Star easily kicked out. Ryan tagged back in the ring. Ryan kicked and stomped on the kid. Anderson came in the ring and double teamed Star. Anderson was allowed to stay in the ring. He locked up the head of Star. Star elbowed his way free and went to the ropes. Anderson knocked Star off his feet with a Leg Lariat. Nicho tagged back in and locked in a modified Dragon Sleeper. He was assisted in the move by Adam Pierce.

Pierce came in and chopped and punched away at Star. Pierce planted Star with a Powerslam. Pierce clapped his hands to nake the distracted ref think a tag had been made. Nicho rushed into the ring and dropped an elbow. Anderson ran in and dropped a knee to the chest of Star. Anderson tried to unmask Star. Ryan switched places with his tag partner and continued to work on the mask. Perce came in and locked in an Abdominal Stretch. Nicho snuck in the ring and kicked the trapped ribs of Star. Ryan came in and attacked Star in the corner. He paintburshed Star, which woke up the kid. Ryan Irish Whipped Star to the ropes and hit a sweet Dropkick. Nicho tagged back in. Nicho worked on the leg and then tagged back in Pierce. Star battled back against the NWA champ. Star came off the ropes and hit a Body Spinner into a DDT. Both men collapsed in the center of the ring.

Star finally tagged in Matt of the Young Bucks. Both Young Bucks came in the ring and took the fight to Joey Ryan. They dropped the flamboyant member of the Real American Heroes with a Double Leg Sweep. Ryan was knocked silly by Double Superkicks. Matt went for the pin, but Anderson made the save. The match broke down as all 8 men fought like crazy in the ring. The Young Bucks took the fight to the floor. Nicho was sent into the railing, which broke. The ref counted as all the men fought. Pierce sent Matt Jackson into the steel railing with a Hot Shot.

Pierce rolled Matt back in the ring and tried for the pin, but Matt kicked out. Pierce hit a Gutbuster and tagged in Joey Ryan. Ryan threw shoulders in Matt’s ribs in the corner. Anderson tagged in and the two men beat down on Matt. Anderson dropped a leg onto Matt. Anderson raked the eyes of the Young Buck. Nicho was tagged back in. Nicho pulled Matt out of the corner, and hit a Dropkick to the back of Matt’s head. Nicho talked trash and taunted his opponents. Nicho nailed a Facebuster on Matt. Ryan tagged back in and locked in an Abdominal Stretch off the Irish Whip. Ryan pounded on the ribs of Matt as we took a break.

Ryan used Pierce’s help to increase the pain of the Abdominal Stretch on Matt Jackson. Ryan dropped a knee into the ribs of Matt. Pierce tagged in and locked in a Camel Clutch. Pierce spat at his opponents. This distraction allowed Nicho to hop in the ring. Nicho sent Matt to the canvas with a Standing Uranage. Ryan got in and toyed with Matt. Matt hit several Knife Edge chops and then went to the ropes. Matt came off the ropes and nailed an Inverted Canadian Destroyer on Ryan. Matt made the tag to Phoenix Star.

Both Star and Zokre rushed the ring and attacked everyone in sight, not on their team. Nicho and Pierce were sent to the ropes. Zokre elevated Star into a Flying Dropkick that sent both Nicho and Pierce tumbling to the mat. Star caught Ryan with a Backbreaker. This gave Zokre the chance to nail a Springboard Legdrop to Ryan’s chest. Anderson rushed in and attacked Star. Anderson was grabbed by Zokre and sent to the mat. Star slipped on the ropes but still managed to nail a Springboard Crossbody onto the fallen Anderson. Zokre climbed the ropes and nailed a Moonsault onto Anderson. Star kicked away on Pierce as Zokre tagged in “Slick” Nick Jackson of the Young Bucks.

The Young Bucks attacked Nicho and sent him to the floor. All four members of Pierce’s team ended up on the floor. The Young Bucks and Los Luchas each took to the top turnbuckles of the ring. Each one leapt off and nailed Crossbodies on their opponents. The crowd went crazy for the outrageous move set.

Pierce was rolled back into he ring by the Young Bucks. The ref had lost all control of this match. The Young Bucks tried for their finisher, More Bang for the Buck, but C. Edward Vanderpyle (the manager of Pierce’s team) lumbered onto the apron to distract the ref. Nick was shoved off the top rope. Adam Pierce grabbed Nick Jackson and hit the Piledriver to take the win.

Grade A+

After the match, it looked like Nick Jackson was injured. The announce team called for the back board and neck collar as we faded to black.

Over-all Rating: A

Final Thoughts:

It seems that the NWA crew is trying their hardest to out-do TNA and WWE. The kids seem hungry and want to push the NWA back to the level it used to be at. Some of the guys need a lot of work, but that’s what has always made wrestling fun, to me. TNA and WWE present such choreographed events that the thrill is subdued. With the NWA, you never know when a botched move is going to end up more thrilling than the planned attack. I’m proud to say that the NWA is quickly becoming my favorite show of the week.

–Jay Shannon
Jayof PWD@SBCGlobal.net
(2/29/08)

RAW (2/25) Recap: Cena’s Triple H Stands Alone!:

The Kingfish Arnie Katz brings you all the highlights and sidelights from Monday’s WWE TV show!

The opening video reprised last week’s main event, in which JoHn Cena won his way into the title match at WrestleMania 24.

When the show went live from phoenix, AZ, William Regal had Orton, Cena and Triple H in the ring. The RAW GM said that he had issued each of them a microphone to “capture their comments for prosperity.

John Cena said he had a problem with Triple H over last week’s Pedigree. Triple H said he wasn’t trying to do any favors by calling the match down the middle, he was just doing things right. “You better get used to it, because at WrestleMania you’re going to get the same thing!” HHH promised.

John Cena reminded Triple H that in their only previous meeting, Triple H had tapped.

Randy Orton said both challengers could talk, but the one thing that hasn’t changed is that Orton is the champion. He underlined his claim by mimicking Cena’s “The Champ is here!” catchphrase.

Triple H and John Cena nodded to each other – and then turned on Randy Orton and threw hi out of the ring! With him out of the way, they slugged it out with each other.

Randy Orton surprised both of them by getting back in the ring and bringing them down with RKOs!

Mr. Kennedy buttonholed Randy Orton in a corridor in the backstage area. He told The Legend Killer that he intends to win the Money in the Bank Match at WrestleMania and call in the marker immediately. “If you lose at WrestleMania,” Kennedy told Orton, then you lose. But if you win, then you lose anyway!”

Layla and Santino Marella then came to the ring. Santino has a new mohawk hairstyle. Layla did her extended splits entrance to the ring, which just about gave Tazz a coronary. Santino tried to do a similar entrance to Layla and Tazz and Joey laughed themselves silly at the Italian’s lame attempt. Tazz broke into a Karaoke-level version of the old J. Geils Band song, Centerfold, talking about Maria’s soon-to-be released Playboy issue. That comes out in early March. I will need to be sure and make time for a quick trip out to our local Magazine Stop.

Kelly Kelly & Kofi Kingston d. Layla & Santino Marella

Kofi was all ready to go against Santino, but Kelly asked to start. She stormed at Layla, who backed up into her own corner and instantly tagged out to Santino. Santino tried to intimidate Kelly, but Kofi hopped in the ring and went to town on the Italian. Kofi hit several Fore-arm Smashes and then used the Irish Whip to send Santino across the ring. Kelly joined Kofi to hit Santino with a Double Dropkick. Santino staggered into the corner. Kofi did his Vertical Leap and locked in on the shoulders of Santino in the corner. Kofi then pounded away on the skull of his opponent. Kofi rolled back down the body of Santino and then threw a hard shoulder into the ribs of Santino.

Santino rolled out of the ring and Layla ran to check on him. She rubbed his shoulders and cooed after him. The sweetness turned sour as Santino grumbled about the whole in-ring situation. Kofi snuck up and grabbed Santino by the head and dragged him up onto the apron. Santino reached up and locked his hands around the head of Kofi and dropped down, thus bringing the throat of Kofi down across the top rope. Santino slid back in the ring and took down Kofi with his Clothesline/Leg Sweep combo. Santino stomped on Kofi. Santino Irish Whipped Kofi to the ropes and hit a Fore-arm Smash to the ribs. Santino Irish Whipped Kofi to the corner and then turned to yell at Kelly. With the ref distracted, Layla began to pull on the dreadlocks of Kofi. Kofi got free and turned to confront Layla, which allowed Santino to attack from behind. Santino threw several shoulders into the ribs of Kofi. Santino extended the arm of Kofi and cranked away.

Once he freed himself, Kofi took Santino to the mat. Santino fought back with blows to the ribs of Kofi. Santino blasted the back of Kofi and then tagged Layla. Layla made fun Kofi’s hand-clapping routine and tried to strike Kofi. Kofi caught the arm. Kofi smiled and spun Layla around. This allowed Kelly to take Layla to the mat with a modified (very modified) Thesz Press. Kelly hit a Flying Clothesline off the ropes. Layla reversed an Irish Whip and sent Kelly crashing into the corner. Kelly got a boot up and Layla stumbled backwards. Kelly quickly climbed the ropes and hit a Flying Crossbody. Santino made the save. Kofi flew out of nowhere to take out Santino with a Flying Crossbody of his own.

Kelly walked up and booted Layla to the ribs. She then told Layla “Kiss my a**” and sent her to oblivion with the Famouser.

Grade: A-

Kelly and Kofi celebrated in the ring as we went to the video replay of the final moments of the match.

Joey and Tazz talked about BunnyMania, where Maria and Candace Michelle will team up to battle Beth Phoenix and Melina at Wrestlemania 24. Tazz cut loose with the most off-key version of Here Comes Peter Cottontail that I’ve ever heard.

That led to another look at the behind-the-scenes video from Maria’s Playboy photo shoot. If that issue is even half as hot as the Ashley, Candace, Torrie or Sable issues then the reader is going to need oven mitts to hold it.

The next contest brought Mike Knox to the ring. His opponent, this week, was the Comeback Kid, Stevie Richards. Stevie hugged fans as he walked to the ring. Joey reminded us about the nine surgeries that Stevie has endured over the past 10 years.

Stevie Richards d. Mike Knox

Stevie and Mike locked up in a Collar and Elbow. They moved back to the corner. Mike hit a Thrust to the throat of Stevie. He then followed Stevie into the corner and began to choke the ECW Original. Mike sent Stevie to the ropes with an Irish Whip. Stevie ducked the Clothesline on the rebound and broke out several stiff kicks. Stevie tried for a Snap Mare, but Mike pushed him off. Mike caught Stevie with a Hot Shot that had Stevie clutching his throat in pain.

Knox drove the knee into the throat of Stevie. Mike hit a severe Crossface on Stevie and then choked him on the middle rope. Mike locked in a Sleeper and twisted the head brutally. Stevie battled loose from the hold, only to fall victim to a vicious Clothesline. Mike dropped a big leg across the throat of Stevie. Mike sent Stevie to the ropes with the Irish Whip, but dropped the head. Stevie kicked the face of Mike. Stevie hit his Stevie-Kick and went to lock in the Stevie-T. Mike lifted Stevie up and rushed him to the corner.

Mike backed up and prepared for a Running Clothesline. He took too long, trash talking, and ended up hitting nothing but an empty corner. Stevie hit a Splash across the back of Mike. Stevie waited for Mike to turn around and hit a Running Splash into the chest of Mike. Stevie pulled Mike Knox to center ring, locked in the Double Underhook, and sent Mike to Dreamland with the Stevie-T.

Grade: B+

Tommy Dreamer was in the back, giving Colin Delaney a massive pep talk. He told Colin that they could end up being champions. Colin spoiled the entire spot by whimpering about wanting his own entrance music.

We returned from break to the Raw Rebound. Vince McMahon admitted to making a mistake with the whole Hornswoggle thing. They showed the destruction of the midget by John Bradshaw Layfield. Vince demanded that JBL come to the ring and apologize for his actions. JBL apologized…for not doing it sooner. JBL claimed that Hornswoggle is not Vince’s son, but Finlay’s. He claimed that the whole Hornswoggle situation was set up by members of the McMahon family. JBl claimed that he will make Finlay admit that Hornswoggle is Finlay’s son. Joey and Tazz discussed the situation, briefly, before our next match.

Miz made his entrance, wearing his new Chick Magnet T-shirt. He was followed to the ring by the Slow-Mo entrance of John Morrison. Morrison was wearing his Big Bird yellow ring robe. The crowd was seriously dead for their intros.

The crowd came to life as Tommy and Colin made their way to the ring. Colin had finally gotten rid of most of his bandages. Tommy shared a few more words of inspiration with his young partner before the bell rang.

Tommy Dreamer & Colin Delaney d. ECW/Smackdown Tag Team Champions, Miz and Morrison (Non-Title Match)

Tommy and Miz locked up with the Collar and Elbow. Miz shoved Tommy into the ropes. Tommy came back with a Shoulder Block that sent the Chick Magnet to the mat. Tommy and Miz both missed with big Clotheslines, but Tommy managed to Bodyslam Miz. Tommy sent Miz to the mat with a big Arm Drag. Miz managed to get to the corner for a tag.

Morrison rushed the ring, only to be Arm Dragged to the mat. Morrison got to his feet and kneed Tommy Morrison then rocked Tommy with a European Uppercut. Tommy recovered and planted Morrison with a Suplex. Tommy went to bounce off the ropes. Colin reached over to pat Tommy on the back, which the ref recognized as a legal tag.

Colin was holding onto the ropes. Tommy pulled the ropes to assist Colin with a vault into the ring. Colin nailed Morrison with a make-shift Senton. Colin threw a decent Dropkick. Colin went for a pin, but Morrison kicked out, easily. Morrison dropped Colin with a Clothesline. Morrison crouched over and blasted him repeatedly with punches to the face. Morrison moved over and took a punch at Tommy. Tommy tried to come into the ring, but the ref stopped him. Morrison draggged Colin to enemy territory and tagged in Miz.

Morrison held Colin, so Miz could kick him in the ribs. Miz threw Colin to the mat by the hair. Miz locked in a Rear Chin Lock. Miz brought Colin to the corner and locked the ankles. Miz then used the Slingshot to send Colin into the waiting fist of Morrison. Colin fell back across the knees of Miz. Morrison then sprung over the ropes and dropped a big elbow to the chest of Colin. Morrison went for the pin, but Tommy broke it up.

Morrison slapped the face of Colin and then tagged Miz back in. Miz stomped away on Colin. Miz sent Colin to the mat with a Snap Mare and then locked in a Chin Lock with an Arm Extension. Miz went for a Suplex, but Colin collapsed before Miz could hit it. Colin crawled towards his corner. Miz tried to knock Tommy off the apron, but the Hardcore Legend popped the youngster between the eyes. Colin scooted between the legs of Miz to make the tag.

Tommy dropped Miz with a couple of big Haymakers. He then turned and smacked Morrison. Morrison fell off the apron. Tommy Irish Whipped Miz to the corner and then caught him on the stumble out with a Bulldog. Tommy spread his arm and cut loose with his primal scream. Tommy locked Miz in the Sullivan Tree o’ Woe. Tommy backed up, screamed “E-C-W” and then launched himself with a Hesitation Dropkick. Tommy lifted Miz for what looked like a Bodyslam, but he set Miz down and nailed a Inverted DDT, instead. Morrison rushed the ring to attack Tommy. Tommy saw him coming and turned the tag champion inside out with a huge Clothesline. Miz caught Tommy with a Jawbreaker. Miz went for the Reality Check, but when Tommy moved, Miz cracked heads with Colin. Miz staggered into Tommy, who nailed the D(reamer)DT.

Grade: A

After the break, Joey and Tazz noticed several members of the Chicago White Sox, including A.J. Pierzynski. I do believe that makes A.J. the first non-wrestling sports star to appear at both a WWE/ECW and TNA event. I know Steve McMichael appeared at both WWE and WCW events, but this is a first for the modern era. I could be mistaken on that one, though.

We then looked back at the Wrestlemania press conference. Floyd Mayweather is reportedly getting paid 20 Million for his battle with Big Show. I guess we all know why WWE is cranking up the cost of Wrestlemania, this year. I’m sure Mayweather will get the win, but I’d personally like to see Big Show do some serious damage to Mayweather. I just don’t like his attitude.

Miz and Morrison were grumbling backstage. Lena walked up with a microphone and asked the tag champs about rumors that they would have to defend against Tommy and Colin, next week. Miz laughed as he called Colin “DeLoser”. He actually hoped that the rumors were true. He wanted a chance to humiliate Colin and Tommy.

ECW champion, Chavo Guerrero, strolled to the ring to watch our main event. The crowd booed mildly as Chavo walked to the announce desk. This match was a Triple Threat Match for the Number One Contendership.

Shelton stomped to the ring. He was in the best shape of his life. Chavo blew off comments that Shelton could take the title. Elijah Burke smiled as he walked to the ring. Finally, the crowd exploded as the former champ, C.M. Punk, made his entrance. Punk’s right elbow was heavily taped.

C.M. Punk d. Shelton Benjamin & Elijah Burke (Number One Contender Match)

Punk was the target of both men, or so it seemed. Shelton took out Elijah with an unexpected kick to the face. Burke rolled out of the ring. Shelton was sent to the ropes. He came back with a Shoulder Block to send Punk reeling. Shelton went to the ropes, again, only to fall victim to a Leg Lariat by Punk. Shelton threw several hard punches and then went to bounce off the ropes. Burke, who had recovered on the floor, Low Bridged the ropes and Shelton tumbled to the arena floor.

Burke got in the ring and was instantly sent to the mat with an Arm Drag. Punk hit a big Bodyslam and then dropped the knee across the chest of Burke. Burke rushed Punk into the corner and threw several shoulders into the ribs of Punk. Burke dropped Punk with a straight fist. Chavo, at the announce table, admitted that he would prefer Elijah Burke as his next opponent. Burke used the Irish Whip to send Punk to the ropes. Punk held on to the ropes and then came out to attack. Punk tried to lift Burke for a Bodyslam, but Burke locked in a Headlock and threw Punk off-balance. Burke struck the head of Punk. Punk botched an Irish Whip move, but recovered with a last second Belly to Belly Release Suplex that was extremely sloppy. Punk charged Burke, who was near the ropes. Burke used the ropes to flip up and kick Punk in the face. Punk caught Burke with a Springboard Dropkick that sent the former boxer flying off the ring apron.

Shelton Benjamin slipped into the ring and nailed his Inverted Bulldog on Punk. He came within a fraction of a second of becoming the new number one contender, but Punk kicked out. Shelton slipped to the floor and battled each other as we headed to break.

Burke and Punk battled as we returned from break. Shelton was down near the announce table. Punk Irish Whipped Burke to the corner and went for the Elevator Knee. Burke lifted Punk and flipped him over the ropes. Punk and Burke tried, unsuccessfully, to Suplex each other. Punk was on the apron, and Burke was in the ring. Suddenly, Shelton entered the ring and ran at his two opponents. Shelton hit a Sunset Flip over both men and Powerbombed Punk off the apron onto the floor. That move was amazing.

Shelton rolled Punk back into the ring. As Shelton went to enter the ring, Burke hit the Dropkick to send Shelton flying. Burke nailed the Outer Limits Elbow on Punk. Burke wasted too much time playing up to the crowd. When he did go for the pin, Shelton slipped in the ring and made the save. Shelton and Burke traded fists. Shelton reversed an Irish Whip into a Kneelift to the ribs. Shelton tried to send Burke to the ropes, but Burke stopped, dropped and nailed his version of the Goldust Uppercut. Shelton fell into the ropes. This allowed Burke to run at the ropes and land on the back of Shelton. Burke slid over Shelton and hit the floor.

Burke climbed up onto the top rope, but Punk caught him. Punk tried for a Rocket Launcher, but Burke went to Punk’s eyes. Shelton ran up and vertically leaped to the top rope. He sent Burke flying with a sweet Belly to Belly Release Superplex. All three men were down.

Shelton went to pin Burke, but Punk broke up the attempt. Shelton and Punk were battling, mid-ring. Shelton went for a kick, but Punk grabbed the ankle. Punk spun Shelton around, which allowed “The Gold Standard” to drop Punk with an Assisted Spin Kick. Shelton could only get a two count. Punk sent Shelton to the corner and nailed the Elevator Knee. Burke caught Punk, unaware, with a Dropkick to the back of the head. Burke only managed a two count on his pin attempt of Punk.

Burke tried for an Outer Limits Elbow on Shelton, but Shelton got to his feet and caught Burke. Shelton went to Powerslam Burke onto Punk, but Burke slipped free. Burke then sent Shelton flying out of the ring. Shelton landed on the apron. Shelton and Burke cracked skulls. Shelton fell off the apron and Burke stumbled into the waiting arms of Punk. Punk lifted Burke into the Fireman’s Carry. He then nailed the G-T-S to take the win and the Number One Contender’s Spot.

Grade: A+