Showtime Allstar Wrestling – Episode 49
Airing June 14, 2008 on ION Network affiliate WNPX 28 in Nashville

For a comprehensive review of Nashville’s weekly wrestling TV shows, SAW and NWA Main Event, check out [url=http://www.blogtalkradio.com/TVD]Jerkin’ the Curtain radio[/url] with Trent Van Drisse and Tommy Stewart.

Michael St. John and Reno Riggins opened the show. One thing for sure, it was going to be BIG. MSJ used that adjective no less than five times to describe the upcoming events, which included the return of the Naturals and a BIG six man tag: Tribal Nation & Drew Haskins vs. the A-Team.

(1) The Naturals (Chase Stevens & Andy Douglas) beat the Missouri Bad Boys (Missouri Renegade & Mark Southern with Cash McCoy) in 4:26. MSJ said the fans in the SAW mill were going out their minds. Naturals looked invincible early with a double lariat by Stevens, a big combo move and high knee by Douglas. MOBB put heat on Douglas. McCoy got involved and the announcers ripped on his gaudy money sports coat. St. John said his friend, Larry Matysik told him MOBB were a team to be reckoned with. Douglas turned thing around with a hangman neckbreaker on Southern. Steven took the hot tag and sent Renegade over the top with a wicked full speed lariat. Natural Disaster on Southern for the pin by Stevens.

MSJ did a quickie generic interview with the Naturals. Stevens said they were back in SAW to stay. Douglas said they were there to make an impact.

Commissioner Freddie Morton addressed the controversy surrounding the SAW Television Title. Morton said two top contenders, Rob Roy McCoy and Rick Santel, had complained about the “luck of the draw” system for determining title shots, and a third, Kid Kash had attacked champion Damian Adams resulting in a role reversal wherein the champion challenged the challenger. Bottom line: the luck of the draw was history. The SAW BOD had determined that Kash would get the next title shot in today’s main event. Morton explained that SAW had grown from cable access to a local network affiliate and international syndication. Therefore, at SAW’s first anniversary show in three weeks, the title would be renamed the SAW International Championship and the champion would be presented with a new belt. At that point, a new system would be put into effect for determining title challengers. Each week, the BOD would post a list of the top ten challengers at www.sawonline.tv. A fan vote would then determine the top three challengers. The BOD would select one of those three for the next title shot.

(2) Sean Casey (with the Freak Squad) beat Cassidy Riley in 3:20. Casey had “Sexy Lexi” Pillman, Tiana and two clueless hotties in his corner for a grand total of four women in various states of undress. The announce team referenced an incident reflecting dissension between Sean and Lexi that the viewers did not see. Riley nailed his handstand back elbow, a high backdrop and pair of lariats. Casey bailed for a little loving from Lexi. Riley brought Casey back in the hard way, but Casey hooked the ropes to block Riley’s DDT finisher. Casey was all about the shortcuts. He missed with a ridiculous razzle dazzle fist drop, but connected with a serious spinebuster. Lexi went over to make goo-goo eyes at Riley, and Casey told her to get back where she belonged. Riley rolled an unsuspecting Casey up for the three count. Casey lectured Pillman on their way out.

UP NEXT…the bumper showed Bruno Davis twitching like he had a seriously bad case of Tourette’s. Davis said he was being well paid to take out TJ Harley, but the money was irrelevant because he was savoring the chance to break Harley’s limbs.

(3) TJ Harley beat Bruno Davis in 3:20. Harley met Davis on the ramp and it was on. Davis’ barking and maniacal intensity prompted the announce team to conjure up the names of Mad Dog Vachon, Mad Dog Buzz Sawyer, Bruiser Brody and The Sheik. Davis went right to work on Harley’s heavily bandage arm, the one he injured last week with his hickory stick. MSJ said this feud was a carryover from Calgary Stampede. With Harley laying on the apron, Davis delivered a pair of double stomps to the gut. Davis then continued the beatdown inside the ring. Davis tried to use the hickory stick, but Harley ducked and smashed the stick into Davis’ head with a forearm shot for the 1-2-3.

MSJ got a word with Harley, who was selling the arm injury huge. Harley said Davis didn’t have the brains to be doing this stuff on his own (I guess TJ didn’t see the bumper). “Somebody’s got the cheese in front of Bruno Davis, and I’m going to find out who it is.”

Riggins was on location at Centennial Park with the Dream Team. Riggins said he had gotten a lot of nasty emails since he fired of Boogie and Andrews. Riggins said it was the toughest thing he ever had in 20 years in the business. Riggins said they were doing the interview at a neutral site since Dream Team was banned from the SAW mill. Boogie said his first reaction was to want to sock Reno in the jaw, but he respected Reno, and recognized that Riggins had a company to run, even though he disagreed with his decision. Boogie laid the blame on Paul Adams and A-Team because they knew what they were doing.

What do you do? What do you tell the honest people in the world? How do you explain to them that you stand up for something. For what? To get knocked back down?

Andrews said Dream Team had helped build the company to worldwide status, and they would unable to reap the benefits. Andrews said he never had so much as a speeding ticket and now he couldn’t get a job because he had a criminal record. Riggins asked them what was next. Boogie said the future was unclear. He allowed they might be able to work for some fly-by-night promoters that had criminal records themselves. Andrews said SAW was their home, and they might file an appeal through Miss Boogie. Miss Boogie said she most definitely wanted to sit down with the SAW BOD. “These are my boys. I mean if they’re not here, I really don’t think I’m interested in being here.”

(4) The A-Team (Hammerjack & Matt Dillinger & Ric Santel with Paul Adams) defeated Tribal Nation (Lennox Lightfoot & Indian Outlaw) & Drew Haskins in 8:33. Haskins held his own with Dillinger for a couple of minutes before A-Team trapped him in their corner. A fierce beating ensued. Riggins said he agreed with A-Team’s strategy of taking advantage of the weak link. He likened the way they cut off the ring to the Andersons. Outlaw had to save after a sitout slam by Hammerjack. Haskins got planted with a DDT, and Lightfoot broke up that pin. A clash of lariat left both men down. Lightfoot on fire with dropkicks and spinwheel kicks. Tribal Nation took Hammerjack out with a double tomahawk chop. Ditto for Santel with a double dropkick. Lightfoot zeroed in on Dillinger. He pulled ref Kurt Herron into the path of Lightfoot’s springboard chop. Tribal Nation (kinda) hit the Totem Pole Splash on Dillinger, but no ref to count. Haskins ended up on the receiving end of a low blow from Dillinger. TVA hit the guillotine leg drop/side slam on Haskins. Hammerjack covered, and Dillinger swung Herron into position for the count.

(5) Damian Adams and Kid Kash went to a TV time limit draw (5:10). MSJ rung the bell as Adams slid into the ring. Kash stomped the s*** out of him. Reno found Kash’s sadistic tactics disgusting. Damian fired back with right hands and rained down the 10 punches. Kash scooted out of the ring to escape Damian’s bicycle kick. Kash lured Damian out so he could cut him off on the reentry. After eating a barrage of right hands, Kash bailed again. Kash shoved a fan legit in frustration. The security guy was smirking. Damian was all over Kash. Back inside, Kash offered a handshake. This time, Damian didn’t fall for it (thank God). Damian rocked Kash with another series of rights. Kash ate an elbow charging in, and Damian bounced Kash’s head off of all four turnbuckles. As the time limit expired, Kash sent Damian’s head into the turnbuckle with a dropkick to the shin. Damian clutched at his neck.

Kash was like a man possessed on Damian’s neck. He shoved the ref down. Riggins came to ringside to break it up, and Kash shoved him down as well. Cut to a shot of Reno down on the floor. Kash gave Damian the brainbuster. Kash had Damian mounted and continued to pound on his head, as SAW went to black.

Closing Thoughts: Another strong episode for storyline development, which is almost a given of late. There was a noticeable improvement in the intensity and quality of action in the ring. It’s no wonder when you look at the talent – Kash, Riley, Naturals – that has come on board in recent weeks. Naturals looked highly motivated in their first match back in SAW, and the fans were into them. They would be a lock to become the number on babyface team, except for the fact that Douglas appeared on the NWA Main Event television show (also on ION) stating he had split with Stevens a week before this show aired. MOBB were there to do the job. Period. The changes Morton announced regarding the SAW Championship are all for the good. I like the way they got across the idea of multiple quality challengers clamoring for a shot. I very much like that they are sticking with one singles title. It can’t hurt to try to draw some traffic to the website, though I don’t think the roster is deep enough for a top 10 list. Casey/Riley was very good for the time allotted. It will be interesting to see where they go with Lexi’s wandering eye. She projects something interesting on camera beyond the risqué outfit. The mystery of the manipulator behind Davis the maniac is decent undercard fare. Seeing what they did with Davis this week, however, only made it weirder that they did the fan thing last week. The on location interview with Dream Team was pretty f’n brilliant. What viewer can’t identify with “let no good deed go unpunished” angle? Stunningly good VQ in that segment. The stuff about not being able to get a job with a criminal record was a bit much. If it was that tough, there would be a lot more out of work wrestlers. Haskins was perfectly cast in the six man. I was surprised that Santel wasn’t the one to pin him. Kash/Damian was just right for a first meeting. The draw was telegraphed, since they never, ever do a TV time limit match. Kash sold big and acted like a conniving chickenshit. Damian was smart and aggressive. The postmatch built heat for a rematch. I found little to complain about with this week’s show.

– Larry Goodman
lagoodman@aol.com
(6/15/08)

BWO Southern States (7/25) Preview: Tag Grudge!

A hot card with a tag team showdown on top is coming in July. Get the full details right here — direct formthe source!

BODYSLAM Wrestling Organization & Squared Circle Entertainment presents…
BWO Southern State
Friday July 25th, 2008
Hightstown American Legion
895 Route 130 North
Hightstown, New Jersey 08520
Doors - 7:30 PM
Bell - 8:00 PM
$10 ALL SEATS!
http://www.myspace.com/BWOSouthernState
BWOSouthernState@gmail.com

BWO Southern State will return to action back at The Hightstown American Legion on Friday July 25th, 2008! Last time in Hightstown we rocked the house and this time promises to be no different!

[MAIN EVENT! TAG TEAM GRUDGE MATCH!]

Hightstown’s Own “Modern Day Enforcer” Eric Cooper and “Puerto Rican Prodigy” Chrono Chris

versus

BWO Southern State Champion “Dirty” Don Montoya and “Latin Terror” Anhell Gonzalez

- Ever since BWO Southern State started almost one year ago, Cooper has been at odds with both Don Montoya and Anhell Gonzalez. Cooper has been within seconds of becoming the BWO Southern State Champion on two occasions, and if it wasn’t for Anhell and the tactics of Montoya, could very well be holding gold. This past February at St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, Chrono Chris took on Anhell Gonzalez one on one and fell short. To end the evening, Cooper and Chrono made these two scatter and have laid out the challenge for this match! Montoya and Anhell reluctantly accepted. Southern State officials have also decided that this match _MUST_ have a decisive winner!

[BWO PHOENIX CHAMPIONSHIP ON THE LINE! LAST CHANCE MATCH!]

“Canadian Shooter” Tommy Force w/ JADEN [Champion]

versus

“Jaded Angel” Draven Blaze [Challenger]

- Since the inception of the BWO Southern State Phoenix Championship, these two have been lighting the division on fire! Many feel these two stole the show back in February and they will go at it once again. In order for the champ to agree to this match, JADEN has stated in the contract that if Draven Blaze can not defeat Tommy Force, then Draven will never receive another Phoenix title shot as long as Force is champion! Draven has promised that this is going to be his night to shine here in Southern State and the fans haven’t seen anything yet!

[FOUR WAY AERIAL ASSAULT!]

1/2 Of The Osarian Portal, Ophidian

versus

Kekoa “The Flyin’ Hawaiin”

versus

Problem Child

versus

The debuting Ryu Lee

- These four men will take it to the air as they all have an agenda to prove. The rules to this match are simple, the first man to get the pinfall will be declared the winner! Ophidian will be making his BWO Southern State debut. Part of the up and coming popular tag team The Osarian Portal, he will go at this one alone as he tries to make a name for not just himself, but The Osarian Portal here in Southern State. Ryu Lee has been lighting the rings up down in Force One Pro Wrestling in South Jersey and is also looking to make a big name for himself. Problem Child wants to bounce back from his first heart breaking loss to “Sugarfoot” Alex Payne back in February. And Kekoa is looking for that big elusive win here in Southern State. These four men will pull out all the stops on this evening, and will stop at no cost to earn themselves the big win in this match.

ALSO ON THIS EVENING…

- “Dangerous” Danny Danger has once again laid out a challenge to _ANYONE_ in Hightstown, and all of wrestling to come and test him in his open challenge series. When word got out that Southern State was returning, the phones have already been ringing off the hook to get a piece of Danger. Who will step up to the plate and face Danger on July 25th?

- Southern State officials got a cryptic phone call from The Sensational One and said that on this evening not only will he host a very special Raptor’s Den, but he has promised that his hired muscle Vinny The Fixxer _WILL_ make a huge impact on this night!

ALSO SET TO BE IN ACTION…
“Your Hero and Role Model” Steve Off w/ Hands Off, Chaos, BWO United States Champion Dr. Callahan & “Mr. Wolf” Evan Myers, Hightstown’s own Dan Murdoch, “Outlaw” Dave Logan, and many more TBA!

– The BWO Southern States HQ Staff
(6/25/08)

In Funk’s Corner – Dory Funk

Fight for Freedom 2 (7/6) Preview: Storm Rising!

Our wrestling icon offers some insights into the business side of professional wrestling!

Read more

ECW (6/24) Recap: The Day After!

Our resident philosopher, Jay Shannon, brings us the After-Draft episode of ECW

It’s the night after the Draft and ECW is basically in ruins. They lost C.M. Punk and Kane to Raw. They got Matt Hardy as a replacement, so to speak. Tonight’s main event pitting Kane against Mark Henry. It also brought the arrival of the US title to Tuesday nights.

The show kicked off with a recap of the Million Dollar Mess from last night. Vinny Mac did a really pathetic injury stunt where stuff fell from the ceiling and then a piece of the rigging fell on him. Actually if you watched the live event, you could see someone behind the rigging pushing it over. A year after his bogus car explosion, Vinny decided to replay the whole someone tried to kill me angle. It’s pretty pathetic to think that the writers couldn’t come up with something original.

Teddy Long stood in the ring. Teddy said that all of the ECW roster wished him a speedy recovery. Teddy said that the show would continue, because that’s what Vince would want. The sudden desire to get violently ill struck home with the majority of the viewing audience. Teddy brought Matt Hardy to the ring.

C.M. Punk, who is now a Raw member, came to the ring. Punk was set to be Hardy’s partner for the first match of the night.

John Morrison was the next member of the battle to show up. Morrison did his slo-mo intro and walked to the ring. Morrison was joined by his tag team partner, The Miz. I find it interesting that they came out individually.

Matt Hardy & C.M. Punk d Miz and Morrison
Non-Title Match

Matt went after Morrison with an Arm Drag. Morrison worked over Hardy’s arm. Hardy reversed the move and tagged Punk into the match. Punk Snap Mared Morrison to the mat, but Morrison got a quick kick in and brought Miz in.

Miz missed a Clothesline and Punk hit a sharp Kick. Hardy tagged back in and went to work on Miz. Miz reversed an Irish Whip and took down Hardy. Morrison tagged back in and beat on Hardy in the corner. Morrison distracted the ref, which allowed Miz to choke Punk. Miz came back in and locked in an Arm Bar out of a Snap Mare. Hardy countered with a Jawbreaker.

Punk tagged in and took down Miz with Fore-arm shots. Miz and Morrison were double teamed by Punk and Hardy. They hit dual Bulldogs on the tag champs. Punk went to the ropes, but Morrison pulled the top and middle rope apart, so Punk tumbled to the arena floor. The show went to break as Morrison told Miz to attack Punk.

Miz had the neck of Punk crimped the show returned. Miz and Morrison hit the across the back Springboard Elbow Drop after Morrison tagged in. Morrison choked Punk and then dragged Punk to the ring apron. Morrison hit a sharp kick and several chops on Punk. Mike Posey pulled Morrison back, which allowed Miz to attack Punk. Miz tagged in and hit a Double Gutbuster on Punk along with his partner’s help.

Miz locked in a Rear Chin Lock on Punk. Punk powered to his feet and turned into Miz. Punk used Fore-arm shots to the ribs of Miz to stun the tag champ. Punk then planted Miz with a Belly to Back Suplex. Both men crawled toward their respective corners. Morrison got the tag first and stopped Punk from reaching Matt Hardy. Morrison locked in a Rear Chin Lock while Tazz made fun of Adamle’s use of the word “togs” to describe Morrison’s outfit.

Punk got to his feet and caught the leg of Morrison. Punk flipped Morrison up into the Fireman’s Carry. Punk wanted the G-T-S but Morrison battled loose and Sunset Flipped Punk to the canvas. Punk rolled through and ended up in the ropes. Punk dove and tagged out to Hardy. Hardy took down Morrison with a pair of Clotheslines and a Back Body Drop. Hardy dashed up the ropes and launched an Ax Bomber onto the back of Morrison.Morrison kicked out at two.

Matt hit the Side Effect, but Miz made the save. Punk came in and took himself and Miz out with a textbook Cactus Clothesline. Matt dropped a Big Elbow onto the chest of Morrison. Matt went for the Twist of Fate, but Morrison shoved Matt off. Matt went to the ropes, where he was tripped by Miz. Morrison nailed the Springboard Enziguri off the middle rope. Hardy kicked out at two. Miz tried to interfere but Hornswoggle came out from under the ring to distract the Chick Magnet. Punk rushed in the ring and shoved Miz to the outside. Morrison went to attack Punk, which allowed Matt to come in and finish off Morrison with the Twist of Fate.

Grade: A-

Miz and Morrison screamed at each other on the outside. Next up, Shelton Benjamin and Kofi Kingston were set to battle in an Extreme Rules match.

Shelton Benjamin came to ring for the next match. The Gold Standard was dressed all in gold for the match. Kofi Kingston danced his way to the ring as his fireworks erupted.

Kofi Kingston d Shelton Benjamin
Extreme Rules Match

The two men hooked up with a Collar and Elbow. Kofi broke free and started throwing hard fists. Shelton tried to attack, but Kofi countered. Shelton dropped Kofi with a Clothesline as Kofi bounced off the ropes. Shelton threw a solid Kneelift and went for a Suplex. Kofi floated over the attempt and caught Shelton with a European Uppercut. Shelton reversed an Irish Whip, but Kofi flew into Shelton with a Tito Santana-esque Flying Fore-arm. Kofi dove at Shelton, who moved. Kofi caught himself in the ropes and bounced back. Kofi hit a Dropkick that sent Shelton tumbling between the ropes.

Kofi used a Plancha to drop Shelton onto his back. Kofi went to lift Shelton up. The Gold Standard rushed the back of Kofi into the ring apron. Shelton went over and kicked the ribs of Kofi and then grabbed Tony Chimmel’s mic. Shelton walloped Kofi in the head with the mic. Shelton then threw Kofi, face-first, into the steel steps. Shelton brought out the toys. Shelton filled the ring with trash cans and a steel chair. Shelton rolled Kofi in the ring and nailed the Jamaican Sensation with a chair.

Shelton got back in the ring to further attack Kofi. Kofi got a shot to the ribs of Shelton. Shelton kicked Kofi in the head and then punted the ribs. Shelton lifted Kofi in a full-on Gorilla Press into a Gutbuster. Nice move. Shelton went for a pin, but Kofi got his foot in the ropes. Shelton picked up a trash can and threw it at Kofi. Shelton dragged Kofi to mid-ring and stomped him. Shelton wedged a trash can between the top and middle turnbuckles.

Kofi and Shelton exchanged brutal blows. Shelton grabbed another trash can and went to blast Kofi. Kofi caught the arms of Shelton to stop the move. Shelton kicked the ribs of Kofi and then bashed Kofi, several times, with the can. Shelton shifted the trash can and then Suplexed Kofi onto the trash can! Kofi twitched in sheer agony. Shelton stomped on Kofi. Shelton locked in a Side Bear Hug. Kofi crumpled to his knees.

Kofi made it to his feet and used the elbows to get free. Shelton moved Kofi to the corner and hit a Stinger Splash. Kofi then went to the far side of the ring and hit a Running Stinger Splash. Shelton took his eye of his opponent by walking to the other side of the ring, again. This allowed Kofi to grab a trash can lid. When Shelton went for a third Stinger Splash, Kofi smashed him between the eyes with the lid. A collection “Ooh” went up from the Houston crowd.

Both men were down. Kofi bashed Shelton, numerous times, with the lid. The poor lid was twisted by all the impacts. Shelton tried to leave the ring. Kofi got to the floor before Shelton and clocked him with another lid shot. Kofi picked up the steel chair. Shelton begged off to trick Kofi. Shelton kicked the thigh of Kofi and then lifted Kofi up for a Horizontal Powerbomb. Kofi shifted his weight and turned the move into a Hurancanrana. The move sent the face of Shelton slamming into the trash can. Kofi waited until Shelton made it to his feet and nailed the Trouble in Paradise (Buzzsaw Enziguri) to take the win.

Grade: A

Supplemental Draft information will be revealed on the official WWE web site, Wednesday at noon EST.

ECW then showed Kane’s win over MVP on Smackdown, last week. Mark Henry attacked Kane, after the bell. He planted Kane with the World’s Strongest Slam. The two behemoths were set to battle, later in the show.

The Raw Rebound was up next. It profiled the whole Draft situation. The biggest shockers were Jim Ross and HHH being sent to Smackdown. Tazz and Adamle then ran down the Night of Champions card. Kane stood backstage and let loose with his maniacal laugh. Kane was set to battle Mark Henry in the next segment.

Mike Knox made his way to the ring for the next match. ECW showed the attack on Evan Bourne by Mike Knox from last week. Evan came out and slapped hands with the fans.

Mike Knox d Evan Bourne

Evan went for the leg of Mike, but Knox used his power. Mike whipped Evan, who Baseball Slid his way out of the ring. He taunted Mike to follow him. When Evan got back in the ring, he waited for Mike. Evan hit several sharp kicks, but Mike used his power to hit a big Splash in the corner. Mike locked in a Double Underhook and Kneelifted Evan.

Mike locked in a modified Abdominal Stretch. Mike punched at the ribs of Evan and reapplied the Stretch. Evan ducked a Clothesline off the Irish Whip. Evan clipped the knee of Mike. Evan came off the ropes with a Missile Dropkick. Mike threw Evan into the air, but Evan turned it into a Hurancanrana. Evan came off the ropes with a Leg Lariat but got caught by Mike. Mike hit a Backbreaker and twisted Evan into the Knox U Out (Spinning Face Plant).

Grade: C+

The music of The Big Show rang out as the show came back, live. Big Show was listed as a Smackdown member. Of course, with the supplemental Draft, Show could end up back on ECW. Show joined Tazz and Adamle for commentary.

The pyros exploded to bring Kane to the ring. The arena was flooded in Crimson and Fire. Mark Henry walked down the ramp while Show commented on both Henry and Kane

Mark Henry d Kane
Non-Title Match

The two men locked up with a Collar and Elbow as the clock struck 8 PM, PST. Henry beat on Kane in the corner. Henry hit a hard Headbutt. Kane came back with several fists and a kick. Kane went to the ropes, but Henry hit a huge Clothesline. Henry worked on Kane’s back. Henry locked in a Bear Hug.

Kane worked on the head of Henry to get free of the Bear Hug. Henry rushed Henry to the corner. Kane hit several fists and an Enziguri. Kane climbed onto the ropes but stopped to stare at Big Show. Henry attacked Kane and caused him to fall onto the top turnbuckle. Henry shocked everyone when he nailed the World’s Strongest Slam and pinned Kane.

Grade: D

Final Grade: B-

Final Thoughts: Well, ECW is in desperate need of talent. Punk and Kane showed up tonight, I guess, for a farewell performance. The Supplemental Draft on Wedsnesday might help out the Black Brand. I’m hoping that Big Show will get officially drafted over to ECW. As it stands now, the ECW title is held by a Raw competitor and will be defended on Sunday against a Smackdown guy.

The ECW crew just needs to sit down and re-think their options. They have a strong leader in Teddy Long and a good core (Shelton, Elijah Burke, Evan Bourne, Tommy Dreamer and Kofi Kingston). A lucky set of draws on Wednesday, plus a few acquisitions from Florida, could help to re-ignite a brand that is inserious danger of collapsing. I keep my most positive thoughts alive for the Tuesday Night Delight.

Peace.

–Jay Shannon
JayofPWD@SBCGlobal.net
(6/26/08)

Shannon: Draft After-math

Our resident philosopher, Jay Shannon, follows up on his earlier Draft columns with a look at the changes and the possible implications from the 2008 Draft.

I’m writing this column less than an hour after the 2008 Draft. I’m still scratching my head and trying to figure out just which chimps they chose to type out this script. I am so completely disgusted with Vince and his thing with the rigging falling on him. I see that as a disrespectful nod to the death that rocked TNA after their last PPV. Well, let’s take a look at the initial shifting of talent.

Raw

Raw definitely got the better end of things during the Draft. They got four great talents and a new announcer. I was almost correct on my prediction about Jim Ross. I felt that he would leave Raw, only he ended up on Smackdown, rather than ECW. Thankfully, I was wrong about Adamle heading to Monday nights. Michael Cole is the new main announcer of Raw. I’m still unsure on how that is going to work. I like Cole’s style, but I’m just not sold on him as the Voice of Monday Nights.

In addition to Cole, Raw picked up a pair of super-heavyweights and a pair of speedsters. Rey Mysterio was the first star drafted to the Red Brand. Rey had a nice talk with HHH about coming over. Rey will likely focus on the WWE title. He will likely start slow and work his way up the ladder.

C.M. Punk was a serious swerve when he was sent to Raw. The story had been pushed that Punk would disrupt Edge’s wedding to challenge for the World title. It would still be possible for Punk to challenge Edge, since his Money-in-the-Bank contract allows him to battle for any title. Punk deserved a promotion from ECW, but I was so sure he was heading to Smackdown.

The shocks continued when Kane, the ECW champ, was sent to Raw. He will take the ECW strap with him, unless he loses to Big Show on Sunday. Edge’s challenger, Batista, was also sent to Raw. Batista could bring the World title home to Mondays, depending on Sunday’s PPV. Raw got four huge players in the draft. The only drawback was Cole, but I think he might end up a positive. It could have been worse. Mike Adamle could have ended up next to Lawler.

ECW

To say that ECW got ripped off would be the biggest under-statement that I have ever typed into one of my columns. Not only did they lose Kane (the ECW Champ) and C.M. Punk, they lost the the ECW strap in the whole deal.

The only person heading over to ECW is Matt Hardy. He will bring the US title with him, if he retains on Sunday. ECW was weak, going into the Draft. The Tuesday Night Delight is just about dead in the water, now. I can only hope that there will be an auxillary Draft to send some talent to Tuesday. The only other option would be to bring up a few kids from Florida.

Smackdown

Friday nights are going to be very different, from now on. The new announce team is Jim Ross and Mick Foley. Ross was less than thrilled about leaving Mondays after so many years. The switching of Ross and Cole really didn’t make a lot of sense, to me. Ross going to ECW would be to try and help elevate the product. Ross going to Smackdown is basically a lateral transfer for both him and Cole. It is just a bizarre choice that may end up costing Raw even more viewers, which they really can’t afford.

The biggest surprise in the initial Draft was Triple H being sent to Smackdown. That actually puts both the World and WWE titles on the same show. While I would vote for a Unification match with the winner working all three brands, I don’t figure that is what will happen. Either HHH or Edge will lose on Sunday so that either Batista or Cena will bring back a major title to Mondays. I’m putting my money on Batista taking Edge’s strap. That would open the door for Edge v HHH and Cena v Batista. HHH just seems the more likely candidate to hold onto his strap.

Besides the two big names, Smackdown got three others in the Draft. Umaga, Jeff Hardy and Mr. Kennedy moved to the Blue Brand. I have some thoughts on what Smackdown should do, from here.

Umaga should join forces with his cousin, Deuce, to form The New Islanders tag team. Umaga could also take a shot at the US title, if it were to stay on Smackdown. I think that the team of Umaga and Deuce could end up as one of the top teams in the company.

Jeff Hardy would likely go after Chavo Guerrero. I have to think Chavo will take the US title, to keep it on Smackdown. Battles between the two would be exciting. Jeff would likely follow his brother’s lead and wear the US title.

Mr. Kennedy is going to find himself going down one of two paths. If Edge were to keep his title, Kennedy would likely focus on the World title. Kennedy could easily get into a fantastic battle of words with the Rated R Superstar. If Edge were to lose the title (either to Batista or C.M. Punk), then Kennedy would turn to M.V.P. Those two would have some of the best vocal wars in wrestling history.

A few bizarre possibilities

C.M. Punk has the Money-in-the-Bank contract to work with. He has threatened to challege Edge during the wedding of Edge and Vickie. It would be possible that Punk would crash the wedding, beat Punk for the title, and take the World title back to Raw. That would be what I would do if I were the booker.

With Batista on Mondays, I could see a three-way battle between Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho and Batista. Batista might even mend fences with Shawn to focus on Jericho and his new best buddy, Lance Cade.

I still have the nightmare that there are a few more changes to come. I haven’t dismissed the possibility that Michael Cole and Mike Adamle will end up trading places. Cole and Tazz did make a strong team and they would be a help to ECW. That would, of course, further insult the Monday night loyals be forcing them to deal with a sub-par announcer. I could also see some of the mid-carders (Super Crazy, Snitsky, Matt Striker, etc…) getting shifted around. The Draft has never been a one-night thing in the past. There is no reason to think that a few more moves won’t happen.

In Conclusion:

The WWE Draft was a total waste of three hours, in my humble opinion. I’ve never been a fan of the whole brand thing. Moving Jim Ross to Fridays was just stupid. My grandfather had the perfect way of looking at situations like this. He would say If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Instead of bringing Smackdown up to the level of Raw, I feel it will bring Raw down to meet Smackdown’s mediocre numbers.

The talent switches are slightly surprising, but not really shocking. HHH was drafted to Smackdown, once before, but ended up swapped back. It wouldn’t surprise me to see a switch back. The main reason that I think they sent HHH to Fridays is to be a Locker Room Leader, now that Undertaker’s off the show (for the moment). Jericho, Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels can lead the team on Raw. Tommy Dreamer is the Leader of the Pack on ECW. I will give the changes a few weeks to settle in before I make a final decision about the positiveness or negativeness of the whole 2008 Draft.

My only real complaint was the disgusting Accident that Vince set up. A year ago, VInce had to put his whole Who Killed Vince? storyline on the shelf when Chris Benoit killled himself and his family. I guess Vince felt that a year was long enough to wait. The timing of the accident was also a little too close to real accident that took the life of one of TNA’s road crew. Vince should really be ashamed of himself for going with this angle, again.

–Jay Shannon
JayofPWD@SBCGlobal.net
(6/24/08)

HeadLocker — Jay Shannon

Draft After-math!

Our resident philosopher, Jay Shannon, follows up on his earlier Draft columns with a look at the changes and the possible implications from the 2008 Draft.

Read more

RAW (6/23) Recap: The Draft!

The Kingfish Arnie Katz delves unto topics inspired by the 6/23 episode of RAW.

RAW came from the AAT&T Center in San Antonio, TX. All three rosters and three announce teams participated in the three-hour special edition of RAW.

In an explanation of the rules, fans learned that the show would feature a menu of inter-promotional matches. In each case, the winner’s promotion will receive a randomly drawn “pick.”

The password for Mr. McMahon’s Million-Dollar Mania is “Night f Champions.”

Triple H (RAW) d. Mark Henry (Smackdown

The World’s Strongest Man staggered the champion with a Headbutt and whipped him into a turnbuckle. Triple H blasted him with a two-footed kick on a Corner Charge, but it was too early in the match for a legitimate cover.

Henry scored with a Bodyslam to an Elbow Drop combination, but it still didn’t put The Game’s shoulders to the mat for the one-two-three. The big man tried a Vader Bomb, but that didn’t work any better.

Triple H’s Reverse Atomic Drop paved the way for a Pedigree, but it wasn’t enough. The second Pedigree, however, did the trick.

RAW wins a pick.

Grade: C+

TAW drew the name Rey Mysterio. The Masked Man came out to salute the crowd and later in the evening was seen getting re-acquainted with Triple H in the backstage area.

Mr. McMahon explained that this week they would give away five, #100,000 prizes and that one viewer would win $500,000,

He brought out Kelly Kelly to make the first #100K call, which resulted in a winner. Mr. McMahon at first pretended that :Night of Champions” wasn’t the right password until Kelly Kelly “corrected” him.

Backstage, Triple H found himself confronting John Cena after The Game’s brief conversation with Rey Mysterio.

John Cena complained that he’d gone to the ring to help Triple H last week only to end up attacked by him!

Triple H reminded the challenger that he had said, prior to that match, that he didn’t want or need Cena’s help. He made it clear that the match is now personal; his loss to Vena two years ago is a festering wound.

Fit Finley & Hornswoggle (Smackdown) d. Carlito & Santino Marella (RAW)

Finley broke Marella with the Celtic Cross and Hornswoggle finished the job with the Tadpole Splash. Smackdown has earned a pick.

Grade: C

Smackdown acquired Jeff Hardy.

Randy Orton came out, arm in a sling, and vowed to get a title when he returns from his broken collarbone. He decided not to help Mr. McMahon pick the next winner, so the Boss rose to the occasion and did it himself.

Cody Rhodes & Hardcore Holly (RAW) d. Chavo Guerrero & Bam Neeley (ECW)

Ted DiBiase Jr joined the announcers. He said that keeping his partner a mystery gave hi a mental edge.

Hardcore Holly got Chavo Guerrero with the Alabama Slamma,

Grade: B

RAW drew the name of CM Punk.

Chris Jericho once again told fans that they’ve been brainwashed by Shawn Michaels. Jericho showed a video in which Michaels betrayed various partners from Marty Jenetty to Hulk Hogan.

Chris Jericho praised Lance Cade, whom he then interviewed on the Titantron. Cade was trained by Shawn Michaels.

Cade started that he didn’t plan to let Shawn Michaels stab him in the back, so he’d made the first move on last week’s RAW.

Chris Jericho complained that he didn’t have an opponent for his Intercontinental Championship for Night of Champions. That brought out HBK, despite a bandaged right eye.

Michaels attacked his nemesis and seemed to have the upper hand in the vicious fighting. Jericho stampeded Michaels into the corner of the announce table, inflicting what appeared to be another eye injury!

Vickie Guerrero made a last-minutes change in the next match. She yanked Hawkins and Ryder and substituted – the Hardy Boyz!

John Morrison & The Miz (ECW) d. Jeff & Matt Hardy (Smackdown)

Matt Hardy almost had John Morrison pinned when Miz interfered. When Hardy turned to face him Morrison rolled him up for the victory.

Grade: B

ECW’s pick translated into Matt Hardy.

Mr. McMahon brought out Ric Flair to help him give away $100,000. The call recipient knew the password and Ric Flair gave a “Woooo!”

Victoria & Natalia (Smackdown) vs. Melina & Maria (RAW) Double DQ

In this match, the lottery pick at stake applied only to announcers and interviewers.

Melina appears to sustain an ankle injury in the ringside area. Everyone forgot the match and the referee declared a Double DQ. (Why not a Double Count-out? I dunno.)

Grade: C

For some reason this decision caused Smackdown and RAW to each get a pick. Smackdown got Jim Ross and RAW got Michael Cole. Isn’t that convenient?

The next money giveaway segment turned into plug-land. First Khali came out to plug his role in Get smart and then Vince used the fact that The Rock is in that movie to plug a new DVD.

The first call reached an individual who said, “Wrong number” before anyone even spoke. They redialed the number and got a $100,000 winner.

Jo
John Cena (RAW) d. Edge (Smackdown) via Count-out

John Cena hit the Five-Knuckle Shuffle, but he failed in two attempts to execute the FU. Edge turned the second try into an Impaler DDT that nearly won the match!

Edge risked everything on a Spear and came up short when John Cena turned it into an FU! Edge got a hand on a rope.

Cena battered Edge in the ringside area, sending him to the edge of consciousness. The powerful Cena then hoisted Edge on his shoulders and walked up the steps to the ring! The referee counted and, when Cena returned to the ring, counted out the World Champion.

Grade: B+

Batista came out after the match and attacked Edge.

RAW hit the jackpot by winning Batista,

Vickie Guerrero crowed about how Batista was now out of their hair.

Mr. McMahon joined them to dump some cold water on their jubilation. He reminded Edge that he still had to fight Batista at Night of Champions ad then pointed out that the draft could actually separate the couple.

MVP (Smackdown) d. Tommy Dreamer (ECW)

MVP mauled Dreamer through most of the match and disposed of the popular veteran with a kick.

Grade: C-

Smackdown received the rights to Umaga in the draft.

The Samoan Bulldozer came to the ring to destroy Tommy Dreamer and Colin Delaney.

JBL (RAW) d. Kofi Kingston (ECW)

The announcers billed the match as strength versus speed. The Cowboy Financier’s strength proved the decisive factor as he put away Kingston with the Clothesline from Hell.

Grade: B-

RAW regained Kane.

The object of Mr. McMahon’s next money call turned out to be a fan in the audience on a cell phone. She won a hundred grand.

15-Man Tri-Brand Battle Roy

Despite the billing, it was battle between five-man teams representing each promotion. The only way to be eliminated was to sail over the top rope and touch the floor with both feet,

Everyone ganged up to make Great Khali (ECW) the first man eliminated. Big Show did yeoman work for ECW, but he was finally overcome by a collation between Triple H and John Cena,

That’s when Edge, who seemed to be out of it, attacked them both and won the event for Smackdown!

Grade: B-

Smackdown’s two picks turned into Mr. Kennedy and Triple H.

Mr. McMahon gave away A HALF-MILLION DOLLARS.

Then there were exploding sounds and the scaffolding of the set crashed down, burying them. The Boss at first appeared to be unconscious as they ministered to him. They dragged him out from under the huge metal structure and fans heard him ask what had happened in a very weak voice.

Grade for this RAW: B

That’s it for today. I’ll be back tomorrow with another installment of the Internet’s fastest-rising daily wrestling column.

– Arnie Katz
Crossfire4@cox.net
(6/24/08)

The Katz Files – Arnie Katz

RAW (6/23) Recap: The Draft!

The Kingfish Arnie Katz delves unto topics inspired by the 6/23 episode of RAW.

Read more

MPACT (6/19) Recap: Reunions & Splits!

The Kingfish Arnie Katz reports all the action and angles of the 6/19 episode of iMPACT.

The show kicked off with a remote from “The pink Taco,” where Jay Lethal screamed for former friend Sonjay Dutt to show up and fight him.

Booker T d. BG James

Although Booker T went to the ring first, he somehow managed to sneak up behind BK James and attack him on his way to the ring.

As Booker beat James to a pulp, Mike Tenay talked about the relationship between Kevin Nash and Samoa Joe. This was no easy task, since that storyline has had so many changes and revisions, it’s hard to say why Samoa Joe is angry or why Kevin Nash cares.

A Booker T Ax Kick finally ended this squash match, but not before the announcers hyped a Samoa Joe promo that was scheduled to air after it ended.

Grade: C

When Jeremy Borash hinted to Samoa Joe that he couldn’t beat Booker T, the TNA champion grabbed his shirtfront and made threats. The arrival of Kevin Nash avoided what shaped up as a physical assault.

Joe and Kevin argued. Joe characterized Nash as a has-been and Kevin vowed to prove otherwise and said he would fight Booker T on next week’s iMPACT.

Moor City Machine Guns d. Daivari & Tyson Dux

This was a first-round match in the World X Cup. The Guns represented Team TNA and their adversaries were part of Team International.

While the match unfolded in the ring, AJ Styles and Tomko brawled in the back. I think someone at TNA as remembered AJ Styles.

Alex Shelley scored with an ace plant and a Frogsplash to the center of the ring, but Daivari got his shoulder off the canvas in time. Daivari turned the tables on Shelly with a Huracanrana, but it didn’t lead to a pinning cover, either.

Tyson Dux hit a Brainbuster on Alex Shelley. Daivari covered, but Chris Sabin made a beautifully timed save!

With Tyson Dux teetering on the edge of unconsciousness at the side of the ring, , Alex Shelly put away Daivari for the pin and the point in the World X Cup standings.

Grade: B+

The cameras went to the parking lot where AJ Styles continued his rampage. At first it looked like he had attacked Kurt Angle, but it turned out to be Frank Trigg.

A video covered the early career of Gail Kim in pseudo-realistic terms. “Pseudo,” because it didn’t acknowledge that WWE fired her, which must surely have been one of the low points of her life after her meteoric rise through the indies. Especially since Kim has made WWE look extremely dumb with the way she has blossomed in TNA, the video would have seemed more credible if it hadn’t glossed over that crucial point in her career.

Karen Angle spoke from her townhouse in Pittsburgh. She said she was lucky to come out ok after Awesome Kong’s attack.

When Mike Tenay referred to her “frolicking around with AJ Styles.” Karen vehemently denied the existence of an affair.

A video recapped the post-match brawl after last week’s match when James Storm and Robert Roode set upon LAX and Hector Guerrero.

Jim Cornette called the four members of LAX to the ring and, just as if they hadn’t been present and the recap video hadn’t just ended, told them about the beatdown on the previous iMPACT. Then he ordered a Fan Revenge Lumberjack match between LAX and the Storm-Roode team. Twelve fans will surround the ring, each armed with a strap. Can you say: Setting a bad precedent?

The faces signed the contract for the match,

When Jacqueline came out alone, Jim Cornette had top stop the babyfaces from assaulting her. It looked like Jackie and Salinas might get into a fight, so Cornette made a match between them for later in the evening.

A blonde named Taylor got the chance to be on the wrong end of an Awesome Kong Awesome Bomb. She hade the most of her in-ring tryout and actually made the match fairly interesting within its obvious limitations.

Team 3D attacked Rhino off-camera in the backstage area and put him through a table

Now Christian Cage must find a new partner.

Sonjay Dutt told Jeremy Borash that he has always loved SoCal Val. Asked why he hadn’t gone to the Pink Taco, Sonjay explained that the Guru is all about love.

Sonjay claimed that Val loves him, too.

Kaz d. Alex Koslov

Although both men are participants in the World X Cup, this match wasn’t part of the tournament.

Koslov showed a gimmick he didn’t use in his TNA debut. He donned a Russian Cossack hat and did the Saber Dance, kicking his opponent repeatedly.

Kaz hit the Wave of the Future and scored the pin.

Grade: B+

Christian Cage reported to Jeremy Borash that Rhino suffered a concussion as a result of Team 3D’s attack,

Matt Morgan narrated a video that described his pre-TNA career. It was another in the “Rough Cut” video series and a very interesting piece of footage.

Sonjay Dutt showed up at the Pink Taco, where Jay Lethal told his former best friend that he had ruined Black Machismo’s life.

Sonjay wanted to know if Jay Lethal had asked SoCal Val about her feelings. That was the last straw and Lethal attacked Dutt. They brawled wildly.

Jay Lethal speared his antagonist through the door of the restaurant. Sonjay ran away,

Brother Ray, with Brother Devon at his side, told Jeremy Borash that Christian Cage’s earlier reference to the “phenomenal opportunity” of having a mystery partner told him it would be AJ Styles.

Brother Ray said they’d try to hurt AK, because he is “a home-wrecker and piece of crap.” If that were true, Styles would have his own show on E!, like Denise Richards.

“There’s gonna be a massacre!” Devon promised.

Jacqueline d. Salinas

Salinas tried to steamroller Jackie with her aggressive assault, but Miss Tennessee’s ring savvy ultimately proved the decisive factor.,

Salinas put up some good offense, including a run that included a couple of Clotheslines and a Back Elbow. Her reverse Russian Legsweep earned a two count.

Salinas tapped out to Jacqueline’s Rear Naked Coke.

Grade: C+

Christian Cage & AJ Styles d. Team 3D

The babyfaces jumped the heel on their way to the ring and everybody brawled in the ringside area.

When AJ Styles missed a Stinger Splash into the corner, he took a Bodyslam and a Wassup at center-ring. Team 3D tried to bring a table into play, but Cage Dropkicked it at just the right moment to bowl them over in the ringside area. AJ Styles, using Christian Cage’s back as the paunch pad, did an out-of-ring dive that leveled Team 3D!

When the heels set up for the 3D, Styles scored with the Pele! He caught Brother Ray with an Inverted DDT and pinned him.

Grade: A-

Kurt Angle blindsided AJ. Styles in the ring after the match and tortured him with the Anklelock.

Grade for the entire card: B+

That’s it for today. I’ll be back tomorrow with another installment of the Internet’s fastest-rising daily wrestling column.

– Arnie Katz
Crossfire4@cox.net
(6/23/08)

The Katz Files – Arnie Katz

iMPACT (6/19) Recap: Reunions & Splits!

The Kingfish Arnie Katz reports all the action and angles of the 6/19 episode of iMPACT.

Read more