NWA Showcase (4/23) Recap: Bucks Are Spent!

Our resident philosopher, Jay Shannon, brings us all the action from the newest nationally televised wrestling program, NWA Showcase ‘08.

Our show opened up with T.J. Perkins and Nicho, El Millionario already in the ring. For those who might not know, Nicho was formally known as Psicosis. He had to change names due to legal complications related to ownership of the Psicosis name.

T.J. Perkins d Nicho, El Millionario (by DQ)

Perkins worked over Nicho’s arm. C. Edward Vanderpyle served as Nicho’s manager, this week. Nicho has aligned himself with NWA World Champion, Adam Pierce, and the former tag champion, Joey Ryan. Karl Anderson has left for a sabbatical in Japan to find himself. Perkins rolled over Nicho and almost pinned him with a roll-over.

Nicho took over on the arm of Perkins. Perkins is working towards the NWA Junior Heavyweight title. Perkins caught Nicho with a Spinning Head Scissors and a Dropkick. Nicho came back with an Irish Whip. Perkins did a Handstand on the corner ropes. When Nicho rushed in, Perkins locked the ankle around Nicho’s head and spun him across the ring. Nicho slid to the floor and Perkins fakes a Tope Con Hilo.

Nicho spent a lot of time on the floor to derail Perkins’ momentum. Nicho jawed with the fans and only came back in the ring to avoid the count-out loss. Nicho and Perkins actually shook hands as a sign of mutual respect. You wouldn’t see that in WWE, these days. Nicho hit a knee and a hard chop. Perkins hit a Sunset Flip out of the Irish Whip. The two men switched pinning positions, multiple times. Perkins caught Nicho with a Buzzsaw Kick. Perkins Body Slammed Nicho and then went to the outside. Perkins hit a Senton and then rushed to the ropes. Perkins planted Nicho with a Swinging DDT. This kid will be such a superstar in a few years.

Perkins went for an Elevator Knee, but Nicho caught Perkins and spun around. Perkins was placed on the top turnbuckle. Perkins kicked Nicho away and then flew off the ropes. Nicho caught Perkins and hit a Reverse Russian Leg Sweep on the youngster. Nicho waited to long to go for the pin, and Perkins kicked out. Nicho grinded his boot into Perkins’ face. Nicho suplexed Perkins onto the ropes and hit a boot. Perkins kicked out of the pin attempt after falling to the mat. .

Nicho dragged Perkins to the outside. Nicho rushed Perkins’ back into the railing. Nicho brought Perkins back in the ring and tried for the pin. When Perkins kicked out, Nicho yelled at the ref. Nicho locked in a Body Sleeper. Perkins fought loose, but caught a sharp knee that doubled him up. Nicho slammed Perkins and went to the top rope. Nicho wasted a ton of time on the ropes to argue with the crowd. Nicho flew off the ropes, but got a boot to the chin on the way down. Perkins caught Nicho with an Inverted Atomic Drop. He followed up with a Spinning Heel Kick. Perkins hit a Reverse Neckbreaker on Nicho. The two men exchanged fists. Nicho flung Perkins towards the ropes. Perkins caught himself and laid a trap for Nicho. When Nicho charged, Perkins dropped down and Nicho Clotheslined himself on the ropes before falling to the floor.

Perkins backed up a few steps and hit a Baseball Slide Dropkick to the back of Nicho’s head. NIcho fought with a fan over a chair. Nicho won the tug-o-war and used the chair to blith-whap Perkins between the eyes. The ref called for the bell. Perkins won by disqualification.

Grade: A

Brent Albright rocked back and forth in the interview area. He told David Marquez that (NWA Champion) Adam Pierce was “ducking him”. Brent told Adam that he was here to take the title from him. David Marquez asked Brent about Alkatraz. Brent told Alkatraz that he was ready to face the “inmate”. Brent called himself “the best”. He may well be the best in the NWA. WWE so dropped the ball with “The Shooter”. We took a really quick break.

We came back to a ladies match. It was Candace (not to be confused with Candace Michelle) against Jade Chung.

Candace Laree d Jade Chung

Candace was brutalized by Awesome Kong, a few weeks back. Jade brought Candace over with a Snap Mare out of the Headlock. Candace spun around and locked her legs around Jade’s head. Jade kicked out and showed signs of frustration, right away. Jade looked a lot like Gail Kim. Candace grabbed a Headlock and flipped Jade to the mat. Jade grabbed Candace’s head and wedged it between her legs and crushed down on the head. The two girls got to their feet.

Candace locked in a Hammerlock. Jade switched into a Go Behind. Candace rushed towards the ropes and dropped. The momentum flung Jade through the ropes. Candace hit a Tope Suicida to take out Jade and her manager. Candace beat on the back of Jade. Jade pulled the shoulder of Candace into the post. The girls got back in the ring and Jade kicked away at Candace. Jade used a Revolution Irish Whip with a Drop Toe Hold to send Candace crashing into the ropes. Jade wrapped Candace’s arm in the ropes and pulled back to injure it. Jade’s manager, Shane Andrews, worked on the arm while Jade had the ref distracted.

Jade worked on a Wristbreaker, but Candace fought back with her good arm. Candace Knuckle Locked Jade and then ran the ropes. Jade was slung across the ring by a Springboard Arm Drag. Jade caught Candace with a Flying Arm Bar. Jade locked in a Figure Four Arm Bar. Jade rolled over to flip Candace and add more punishment to the arm. Jade tried for a Gut Wrench Suplex, but Candace reversed it into a Small Package. Jade kicked out at two. Jade tried for a Superkick, but Candace ducked. Candace then nailed a Swinging Neckbreaker. Candace crawled over Jade to get the win.

Grade: B+

David Marquez interviewed manager, C. Edward Vanderpyle. Vanderpyle was still upset that Joey Ryan and Karl Anderson lost the tag titles. Vanderpyle brought in Nick Bockwinkle. Vanderpyle asked Nick if he and Adam Pierce could turn to Bockwinkle for advice. Nick told Vanderpyle that he would think about it.

We then went to Mark Thompson, who interviewed Matt and Nick Jackson, The Young Bucks. Matt yelled at Joey Ryan about the way that Ryan cheated recently for a win. Nick went off on Adam Pierce. Our main event was set: The Young Bucks v Ryan and Pierce. We went to a another quick break.

Brent Albright d Bino Gambino

The former Gunner Scott was ready to take out Bino. Bino worked on Brent’s arm. Brent rolled through to get free. Bino grabbed a Hammerlock but Brent turned into his opponent and Fireman Carry’d him to the mat. Brent locked in a Hammerlock. The two men made it to the ropes. The match was interrupted by some really bad cover band that was playing in the background.

Bino went with a Go Behind. Brent rolled out of the move and took Bino down with a Drop Toe Hold. Brent grabbed a Headlock but Bino pushed Brent off and into the ropes. Brent hit a Shoulder Block. Bino and Brent traded Arm Drags to send each other flying. Both men tried to throw Dropkicks at the same time. The two men shook hands. Bino got the crowd revved up. Bino grabbed a Headlock. Bino came off the ropes. Both men collided but neither man moved. Bino tried that twice more. On the third time, Brent dropped him with a Shoulder Block.

Brent slammed Bino. Brent bounced off the ropes and charged at Bino. Bino went for a LeapFrog, but Brent caught him and turned it into an Inverted Atomic Drop. Brent threw a huge Dropkick. Bino scampered to the floor. Brent shook out his leg, as he seems to be favoring the knee. Bino stormed around the ring.

Bino got onto the apron. Brent grabbed the ropes and vaulted Bino into the ring. Brent went for an Atomic Drop, but Bino flipped over and Chop Blocked the leg. Bino went for a pin but only got two. Bino twisted the knee in the Funk Spinning Toe Hold. Bino focused on the leg. Bino Irish Whipped Brent to the ropes and hit a Dropkick. Bino bounced Brent’s head off the corner. Bino kicked the hamstring of Brent. Bino caught Brent with a Bulldog. Brent threw some serious chops to the chest of Bino. Bino took Brent to the mat with a Snap Mare and then nailed him in the face with a Low Dropkick.

Bino locked in a Figure Four LegLock as the crowd “Whooo’d”. Brent rolled over to reverse the hold. Bino grabbed the ropes to break the hold. Bino went to the top rope and hit a Frog Splash. Brent kicked out at two. Bino went for a Springboard Moonsault, but Brent brought up the knees. Bino grabbed Brent’s leg for a Dragon Screw Leg Whip but Brent punched his way out of the move. Brent Irish Whipped Bino to the ropes. Bino jumped up and locked in a Body Scissors, but Brent got free almost instantly. Brent hit the Side Russian Leg Sweep. Brent locked in his Gun Rack finisher (Octopus Sleeper).

Grade: A

David Marquez talked with Bob Trobich, NWA’s Executive Director. Trobich spoke with respect about the abilities of the NWA stars. David asked Trobich about Adam Pierce’s complaint about lack of competition. Trobich talked about the expansion of the NWA with relationships with Puerto Rico, Japan and various places around the US. Trobich asked the fans to tell their friends about the NWA. I’m doing my best here, each and every week.

Chris Escobar v Willie Mack

Willie asked for a Test of Strength. Was Willie trapped in 1975? Chris came off the ropes and went for a Dropkick. Willie deflected the Dropkick. Chris ran into Willie and fell backwards. Chris rolled to the outside for a quick breather.

Chris got back in the ring and locked in a Sleeper/Body Scissors combo. Willie used his power to get to his feet. Chris let loose of the Sleeper and came off the ropes. Willie caught Chris and tried for a Belly to Back Suplex. Chris flipped over and hit a Superkick. Chris opened up with Flair Chops. Chris Irish Whipped Willie to the corner and went for an Elevator Knee. Willie moved and Chris crashed in the corner. Chris’ shoulder rammed the post.

Willie used several Fore-arm Shots to drop Chris in the corner. Willie backed up and hit an Outer Limits Dropkick into the chest of Chris. Willie hit a Double Leg Drop onto the chest of Chris. Willie kicked the ribs of Chris. Willie used his power to pound away on Chris. Willie Irish Whipped Chris to the ropes and then shot him up into the air. Chris landed with a thud. Willie lifted Chris for a Powerbomb, but Chris flipped out of the move. Chris Knife Edge Chopped the chest of Willie. Chris came off the ropes with a Reverse Head Scissors Drop that was simply amazing.

Willie raked the eyes of Chris. Willie then blasted the chest of Chris with a version of the Code Breaker. The difference was that instead of planting the knees in the chest, Willie placed the soles of his feet into Chris’ chest. Willie antagonized the crowd. They probably couldn’t hear him because of the loud music that was still cranked up in the background.

Chris punched away at the ample mid-section of Willie. Willie tried for a Belly to Back Suplex, but Chris floated over. Chris caught Willie and turned him for an Unprettier. Chris finished the match by walking the ropes and hitting an Inverted Bulldog from an Unprettier position. He calls that move the Escolator. It’s a great move to see.

Grade: A-

Adam Pierce and Joey Ryan d The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson)

This was our main event of the evening. Pierce and Ryan attacked the Jackson brothers before the bell sounded. Pierce tried for a Piledriver on Nick, but Matt flew off the ropes with a Crossbody to drop the NWA champ. Ryan got nailed with Double Knife Edge Chops. The Young Bucks Double Irish Whipped Ryan to the ropes and took him to the mat with Double Back Elbows. The Young Bucks worked together to hit a Rocket Launcher-like Dropkick to Ryan’s chest. Ryan rolled to the outside. The Jacksons hit Stereo Planchas to take out Ryan and Pierce.

The Jacksons rolled back into the ring. The ref started counting Vanderpyle’s forces as Nick left his brother Matt in the ring. Pierce came into the ring and tried to get the fans to clap with him. The fans booed the NWA Champ. Matt got the fans to clap along. Ryan rushed into the ring and attacked Matt. Pierce then pounded on Matt’s back. Pierce dropped Matt with a Haymaker. Pierce screamed at the crowd. Pierce ran over and blasted Nick. When Nick tried to rush into the ring, the ref stopped him. This allowed Ryan to illegally switch with Pierce.

Ryan stomped on Matt and dropped several knees into the back of Matt. Ryan punched on Matt in the corner. Ryan worked on the back of Matt with Shoulder Blocks. Ryan then walked over and slapped Nick. Nick couldn’t control himself and rushed into the ring. While the ref was forcing Nick out of the ring, Ryan threw Matt over the top rope. That would normally be a disqualification in the NWA, but the ref didn’t see it. Pierce slammed Matt on the arena floor. Matt was rolled back in the ring. Ryan tried for the pin, but Matt kicked out. Pierce tagged back in.

Pierce punished the lower back of Matt. Pierce then stood on Matt’s long hair and pulled up on Matt’s arms. The ref forced Pierce to break the hold. Matt finally fought back with several fists. This offense didn’t last long as Pierce his the Snap Powerslam. Pierce tagged Ryan back into the match. Ryan dropped all his weight across the back of Matt. Ryan locked in a Camel Clutch. Nick riled up the crowd to support Matt. Ryan caught Matt with a Dropkick. In a hilarious goof-up, Adam Pierce was leaning over the ropes to taunt Matt Jackson. Pierce lost his footing and fell into the ring. The audience howled with laughter.

Ryan dropped knees into the back of Matt Jackson. Matt punched at Ryan, who rushed the kid back into the enemy corner. Pierce tagged back in. Pierce raked the eyes of Matt and then turned to threaten the ref. Pierce spat at Nick. Matt surprised Pierce with an Inside Cradle. The ref was out of position, trying to keep Nick Jackson on the outside. Ryan rushed in and rolled Pierce over into a pinning position. Matt kicked out at two. Pierce locked in a Bearhug. Pierce tilted Matt backwards into a pinning combination. Fortunately, Matt lifted the shoulder at two. Pierce went crazy, beating on the face and head of Matt. Pierce shoved the ref, but the ref knocked Pierce on his keister with a shove of his own. Pierce quickly tagged out.

Ryan stomped on the back of Matt. Ryan tied Matt in the ropes and pulled Matt in odd directions. Ryan slipped out of the ring and shoved Matt’s back across the ring apron. Ryan slid back in the ring and locked in a Surfboard. Matt got free and blasted the skull of Ryan with machine-gun like fists. Matt then came off the ropes, ducked a Clothesline and Face Planted Ryan with a variation of the Canadian Destroyer.

Pierce tagged back in and went to nail Nick on the apron. Nick blocked the shot and popped Pierce between the eyes. Matt made a desperation dive to the corner to finally tag Nick into the match. Nick opened up with massive fists to the face of the NWA champ. Ryan rushed in to aid his partner. Ryan held Nick for Pierce. Pierce went for a Lariat, but Nick ducked and Pierce took out Ryan. Matt joined his brother to hit the old Rock and Roll Express Double Dropkick. Ryan was Irish Whipped to the corner. Nick hit the Elevator Knee. The Young Bucks tried for the More Bang for the Buck finisher, but Matt’s back gave way when he lifted Ryan in the Fireman’s Carry.

Nick was on the top rope. Ryan shoved him off the ropes and to the floor. Pierce caught Matt with a German Suplex. Pierce locked in a Camel Clutch in the center of the ring. Pierce released the hold when he heard Nick Jackson climbing the ropes. Nick, still the legal man, hit a Flying Crossbody on the champ. Ryan made the save. The match broke down Matt and Ryan fought. Nick hit a Spinning Heel Kick to the face of Ryan. Nick and Matt were beating on Ryan near the ropes, when Pierce charged them. Ryan accidently flipped his partner over the ropes and to the floor.

Matt and Nick nailed the More Bang for the Buck on Ryan. That is a series of moves that include a Kenton, followed by a pair of Moonsaults. The ref wouldn’t count because Ryan wasn’t the legal man. Vanderpyle, the manager, crawled up onto the apron. Pierce tried to Pearl Harbor Matt, but Nick rushed to his brother’s aid. They Double Irish Whipped Pierce to the ropes and brought him over with a Double Hip Toss. The brothers did a Stereo Back Flip and then hit Low Dropkicks to both sides of Pierce’s head. Ryan caught Matt with the Superkick. He tried for one on Nick, but Nick caught the foot and spun Ryan into a Stunner. Nick then locked in the Body Scissors before spinning up to deliver a Bulldog. Pierce caught Nick with the Piledriver to take the win.

Grade: A

Final Grade: B-

Final Thoughts: The action was excellent, this week. The problem was the audio and video. The video was really dark. The lighting in the arena made it look like a bootleg video. The rock band that was covering Lynyrd Skynyrd tunes was making it hard to concentrate on the action. Hopefully, the next few shows will be ones taped at The Plaza in Vegas.

The NWA has some great talent. The moves are exciting and innovative. The show has a feel like the old Mid-South or CWF areas. If you have access to Colours TV, check out the show on Wednesday evenings.

–Jay Shannon
JayofPWD@SBCGlobal.net
(4//24/08)

NWA Showcase (3/5) RecapL Bucks Stop Here!

Our resident philosopher, Jay Shannon, brings us the recap of the newest national wrestling program, NWA Showcase Challenge.

David Marquez kicked off the show with an interview with Sean Denny. Denny was set to face Brian Danielson, later in the night. Denny sounded confident as he assured us that he wouldn’t take Danielson lightly, nor would he lose to him.

After a quick break, David Marquez and “Iron Man” Rob Conway talked about the show. The Young Bucks faced Cobra II and Black Tiger IV in our opening contest.

Black Tiger IV and Cobra II d The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson)

This match was filmed in Hidalgo, Texas. The masked men attacked before the bell. They sent the Jackson brothers aka The Young Bucks to the ropes with dual Irish Whips. Both Bucks did the RVD Roll-over and then hit stereo Dropkicks on the masked ones. Both Bucks ducked Clotheslines and then jumped over the ropes onto the apron. Tiger and Cobra charged and ended up flying over the ropes and to the floor. Matt and Nick Jackson then hit Crossbodies over the ropes onto Black Tiger IV and Cobra II.

Matt started for his team once the competitors got back in the ring. Cobra II offered a Test of Strength, but kicked the ribs of Matt, instead. Cobra II went to the eyes. Cobra II grabbed a Headlock, but Matt sent him to the ropes. Matt tried for a Tilt-a-Whirl move on Cobra II, but Cobra II landed solidly on his feet. Matt took Cobra II to the mat with a Flying Crossbody. Cobra II kicked out at two. Matt dropped Cobra II with a Flying Back Elbow. Cobra II reversed an Irish Whip, but he sent Matt into his own corner, which allowed Nick Jackson to blind tag himself in.

Nick and Matt Irish Whipped Cobra II to the ropes and then caught him with a Double Hip Toss. The Jacksons did Double Backflips and then nailed Dual Dropkicks to the masked face of Cobra II. Nick went for a Suplex, but Cobra II flipped out and landed on his feet. Cobra II then Dropkicked the lower back of Nick Jackson. Cobra II tagged in Black Tiger IV.

Black Tiger IV rushed Nick, only to be sent flying with a Back Body Drop. Tiger caught Nick with a martial arts thrust and a Kneelift before sending him flying with an Irish Whip. Nick slid under a chop by Tiger IV and answered with one of his own. Nick grabbed the arm of Black Tiger IV, walked the ropes and then hit a Corkscrew Arm Drag that send Tiger IV flying. Cobra II entered the ring to help his partner. Nick Leap-frogged the charging Tiger IV and then kicked the legs of Tiger as he came off the ropes. This caused Tiger IV to accidently dropkick his own partner. Nick kicked Tiger IV in the ribs and tagged in his brother, Matt.

Nick and Matt sent Black Tiger IV to the ropes with a Double Irish Whip. They caught Tiger IV with double boots to the ribs. Tiger IV came back with a Clothesline on Matt. Cobra IIreached under the ropes and tripped Nick. Cobra II then pulled Nick to the floor. Black Tiger IV taunted the crowd as we took a quick commercial break.

Cobra II grinded his boot into the face of Matt Jackson as we returned. Cobra II hit a European Uppercut. Cobra II worked over the neck of Matt and then sent him to the ropes. Matt rebounded with a Crucifix Backslide to take Cobra II to the mat. Cobra II kicked out at two and then Dropkicked Matt. Cobra II quickly tagged out to Black Tiger IV. Cobra II dropped Matt with a Drop Toe Hold as the announcers reminded us that the late Eddie Guerrero once wrestled in Japan as one of the Black Tigers. Cobra II locked Matt in a Camel Clutch as Black Tiger IV hit a low Dropkick into the exposed face of Matt Jackson. Cobra II and Black Tiger sat down in the center of the ring and went into some kind of meditation stance. The crowd booed loudly.

Black TIger IV slammed Matt and then worked over the legs with hard kicks. Tiger tagged Cobra II back into the match. They double teamed the quickly weakening Matt Jackson. Tiger IV hit a Belly to Back Suplex. Cobra II dropped a knee to the face of Matt. Cobra II then ran over and popped Nick in the face. Nick tried to come in, but the ref stopped him. The distraction allowed Cobra II to use the tape from his wrists to choke Matt. Cobra II threw away the tape and then kicked away on Matt. Cobra II locked Matt in the orpes and then backed up tot he far side of the ring. Cobra II ran back and Speared Matt, who was trapped in the corner. Cobra II bounced off the ropes and charged at Matt. Matt fell to the canvas, which caused Cobra II to sail out of the ring and hit the concrete floor with a thud.

Matt crawled to his corner and finally tagged in his brother, Nick. Cobra II tagged out to Black Mask IV. Nick sent both masked men flying with Clotheslines and Dropkicks. Nick ended up falling victim to the numbers games. The masked duo sent Nick to the ropes. Nick ducked a Double Clothesline and went to boot Cobra II. Cobra II grabbed the foot and swung it to Black Tiger IV. Nick then leaped up and caught Black Tiger IV with an Enziguri. He also nailed Cobra II with a Flying Heel Kick. Nick went back after Black Tiger IV. Tiger reversed an Irish Whip, but Nick leaped up and caught Tiger IV with a Hurancanrana. The two men switched back and forth with pin attempts. The match broke down when Matt and Cobra II ran in to help their partners.

Matt was tossed outside. Black Tiger IV and Cobra II worked together to nail Nick with the old Hart Foundation finisher, The Hart Attack. Nick somehow kicked out at two. Cobra II, who we learned is Canadian, did receive training from the Harts. Nick is set on the top rope by the masked team. They want a Double Superplex but Matt makes the save. The Young Bucks went for their finishing combo, the More Bang for the Buck, but Matt took too long playing up to the crowd. Black Tiger IV threw some kind of powder into the face of Matt. Matt fell off the ropes. Cobra II rolled up the blinded Matt Jackson for the win.

Grade: A-

We went to a Legends interview with The One Man Gang. Gang looked totally unrecognizable. David told Gang that there might be a spot for Gang in the new NWA. Gang had some fun trying to intimidate David. Gang issued an open challenge to the NWA champ.

David and Rob returned to talk about the next match. Brian Danielson faced Sean Denny.

Sean Denny d “American Dragon” Brian Danielson

This match was filmed in Charlotte, NC. The video for this match was really bad. Danielson took Denny to the match with a Sit-out from a Go Behind. The two men tested the strength of each other. They went back and forth. Denny bent Danielson into a Reverse Bridge and then hopped onto Danielson. Danielson grabbed a side headlock and spun on the mat to weaken and dis-orient his opponent. Denny grabbed a Headlock on Danielson. Danielson spun out of the hold and locked up the legs of Denny. We went to a break.

Danielson worked over the arm of Denny, as we returned. Denny reversed the Arm Wringer. The two men mirrored each other with moves. Danielson hit a Dropkick to send Denny to the mat. Danielson and Denny showed a lot of respect to each other during this match. Danielson locked up the arm until Denny rolled through. Denny hit a great Dropkick. Danielson opened up on Denny with a cheap shot and a European Uppercut. Danielson locked in a brutal Surfboard. He then switched over to a Dragon Sleeper. Denny made it to the ropes.

Danielson kicked the chest of Denny. Danielson took Denny to the mat and then hit a Running Knee to the chest. Denny fought back, but Danielson went to the eyes. The two men exchanged Reverse Knife Edge Chops. Danielson literally flew out of the corner with a brutal Reverse Leg Lariat to drop Denny to the mat. Danielson locked in a modified Crippler Crossface. Danielson moved Denny to the corner and slapped Denny, several times. Danielson looked like he could be the son of Bob Backlund. Danielson hit a Jumping Spin Kick to the chest of Denny. Denny finally fought back with kicks and chops. Denny caught Danielson with a Back Body Drop and several Clotheslines. Danielson countered a Suplex into a Snap Suplex of his own. Danielson took another page out of the Benoit playbook with the Diving Headbutt. Danielson locked in the Cattle Mutilation (I love that name) submission hold. Unfortunately for Danielson, he accidently pinned himself with the move.

Grade: A (slight grade drop due to the lousy video)

Danielson attacked Sean Denny after the match. Danelson locked in the Cattle Mutilation hold again. He then released the hold and started dropping Elbow Bombs on the skull on Denny, until wrestlers ran from the back to help.

Rob and David returned to talk about Danielson’s attack after the match. Conway talked about things being unpredictible in the NWA. David tried to push “Sexy” Sonny Samson. Conway got miffed and demanded that they show one of his matches. David wasn’t even sure if there were any Rob Conway matches in the library. Of course, there were several matches. We then went to ringside.

“Iron Man” Rob Conway d. Don Juan

Conway jawed with the crowd. The announcers talked about Conway’s background. The crowd in Houston really gave Conway a hard time, as Don Juan looked on. The match started with a Collar and Elbow. Conway pushed Don Juan off and flexed. Don Juan got the crowd fired up. Conway moved Don into the ropes. Conway locked in a Headlock. Don shoved Conway off into the ropes and came back with a hard Shoulder Block. Conway really hammed it up for the crowd. This match was seriously boring to start.

Don Juan locked in a Headlock. Conway tried to shove Conway off, but Don held on. When Conway did finally push out of the Headlock, Don Juan came back off the ropes with a Shoulder Block that sent Conway sailing backwards and out of the ring. We went to a break as Conway gathered himself up on the outside.

Don Juan had Conway in a Headlock as we returned. Conway shoved Don Juan off into the ropes. Don Juan reversed a Hip Toss. Conway hit the floor again. Don Juan taunted Conway from the turnbuckle. We learned that Don Juan was trained by Rudy Boy Gonzales, who worked with Shawn Michaels at Michaels’ Texas training facility.

Conway took control of the arm of Don Juan out of the Headlock. Conway sent Don Juan to the ropes and Leapfrogged him. On the second attempt at a Leapfrog, Don Juan caught Conway and turned it into a Inverted Atomic Drop. Don Juan made fun of Rob’s groin injury and then bounced off the ropes. Conway recovered enough to take Don Juan down with a Clothesline. Conway choked Don Juan on the ropes and then dug his fingers into Don’s face. Conway slapped Don, who came back with a straight fist. Conway choked Don Juan with a knee across the throat.

Conway pounded on Don Juan and then Irish Whipped Don into the corner. Conway locked in a Reverse Chin Lock. Don Juan fought back to his feet. Don Juan hit a few punches, but Conway clamped in a Deep Sleeper. The ref checked the arm of Don Juan. It dropped limply twice, but on the third check, Don Juan came back to life. Don got back to his feet and locked a Sleeper of his own. Conway twisted around and nailed a Belly to Back Suplex on Don Juan to get free. Conway climbed the ropes to drop an elbow, but missed. Don Juan hit several hard Fore-arm Shots to the face of Conway. Don came off the ropes and ducked a Clothesline attempt by Conway. Don Juan caught Conway with a Flying Fore-arm and a couple of Clotheslines. Don Juan tried for a pin, but Conway kicked out.

Conway backed into the corner to try and get some rest. Don Juan climbed the ropes and pounded away. Don Juan tried for a Diamond Cutter, but Conway shoved him off and nailed a Spear. Conway used a Suplex to set Don Juan on the ropes. Conway then took the win with a Spinning Neckbreaker. It was similar to Kevin Thorn’s Original Sin finisher, only with a spin to it.

Grade: B

David and Rob returned to talk about our main event. “Scrap Iron” Adam Pierce defended his NWA Heritage Championship against Sean “6-Pac” Waltman.

Sean Waltman d “Scrap Iron” Adam Pierce
NWA Heritage Championship Match
New Champion crowned!

Pierce was seconded by his manager, C. Edward Vanderpyle. The fans were solidly behind Waltman. Pierce caught Waltman off-guard as the ref checked the former DXer. Pierce beat on Waltman with straight punches. Pierce did the DX Crotch Chop to insult Waltman. Waltman reversed an Irish Whip and tried for a Hip Toss, but Pierce blocked it. Waltman brought the leg up, locked it behind Pierce’s neck and flipped over. Waltman dropped Pierce with a Spinning Heel Kick. Pierce reversed an Irish Whip. Waltman brought up the legs and locked the ankles around Pierce’s head and sent him through the ropes and to the floor.

Waltman flew over the ropes to hit the Crossbody on Pierce on the floor. Both men crashed into the steel barricade. Waltman Irish Whipped Pierce into the steel railing. Waltman threw Pierce into the railing a second time. Pierce then lifted Waltman up and slid Waltman’s crotch into the steel post. Pierce rolled back in the ring. Manager Vanderpyle choked Waltman while Pierce kept the ref distracted. The crowd pelted Vanderpyle with popcorn and cups. The ref counted until Waltman was able to get back into the ring.

Pierce choked Waltman in the corner. Pierce then sent Waltman into orbit with a Back Body Drop. Pierce laid Waltman across the ropes and then distracted the ref. This allowed Vanderpyle to choke Waltman. Pierce tried for a cheap win, but Waltman kicked out. Pierce chopped away at Waltman and then Irish Whipped Waltman into the corner. Waltman got the boot up to stun the champion. Waltman ran from the corner, into a bone-jarring Powerslam. Waltman kicked out at two. Pierce locked in a Rear Chin Lock to ground Waltman. When Waltman got back to his feet, he tried to use some martial arts kicks. Pierce grabbed the leg and sent Waltman flying with a Dragon Screw Leg Whip. Pierce Clipped the knee of Waltman. Pierce slid out of the ring and bounced the knee of Waltman off the apron. We took one last break.

Pierce locked in a Figure Four Leglock in the center of the ring. Pierce reached back and locked hands with his manager for added power. The ref was oblivious to all the under-handed antics. They pulled the same trick twice more. One third round of cheating, the ref caught them and forced the break. Pierce brought Waltman to his feet (shaky feet albeit). Waltman began to fight back with chops. Waltman got several hard kicks in that sent Pierce crashing down in the corner. Waltman nailed his Bronco Buseter. Pierce grabbed the ankles of Waltman and tripped him. Pierce went for a pin with his feet on the ropes, but the ref saw it and forced the break. Pierce and the ref got into a screaming match that led to a few shoves. Pierce turned around and got planted like spring flowers by the Six-Factor Face Plant. Vanderpyle got on the apron to distract the ref. Waltman got up from the pin attempt to confront Vanderpyle. Out of the corner of his eye, Waltman saw Pierce coming and side stepped him. Pierce collided with his manager, Vanderpyle. Waltman went for a School Boy Roll-up, but Pierce kicked out at two.

Waltman went to the top rope but Pierce hit Waltman. Waltman crotched himself on the top turnbuckle. Pierce went for a Superplex, but Waltman blocked it. Waltman used several hard fists to send Pierce tumbling back into the ring. Waltman flew off the ropes with a Crossbody, but Pierce rolled through. Pierce grabbed the ankle of Waltman and tried for another Figure Four Leglock. Waltman caught Pierce and rolled him into a Small Package. Waltman took both the win and the NWA Heritage Championship.

Grade: A

Over-all Grade: A-

Final Thoughts:

This was another re-broadcast of an earlier episode of NWA Showcase Challenge. SInce I’d seen this about six weeks ago, there were no surprises. That being said, the action was still fast-paced and exciting. The NWA really needs to get some new shows out to the audience. Repeats are fine, once in a while, but ratings will suffer if we just see the same six episodes over and over again.

–Jay Shannon
JayofPWD@SBCGlobal.net
(3/10/08)

Florida Championship Wrestling (2/5) Recap: DiBiase Faces Three Foes!

Our ringside reporter Alan J. Wojcik brings you all the details of a big card involving WWE’s superstars of tomorrow.

(1) “The Natural” Nic Nemeth & “The Campus Legend” Brad Allen defeated Brandon Groom & Tommy Taylor.
(2) Jake of the Gymini defeated Sheamus via DQ
(3) In the mini-tournament to face Morrison/Miz, “The Puerto Rican Nightmare” Eric Perez & Eddie Colon defeated Gabe Tuft & “the Thoroughbred” Johnny Curtis.
(4) In the mini-tournament to face Morrison/Miz, “Handsome” Heath Miller & Steve Lewington defeated Bryan Kelly & Rycklon.
(5) In a Diva’s grudge match, Nattie Neidhart defeated Victoria Crawford.
(6) Mighty Mikey defeated Big Rob (w/ “the Natural” Nic Nemeth).
(7) “Stamped Kid” TJ Wilson defeated “Thee Superstar” Chris Gray.
(8) Ted DiBiase Jr. won a 6 man, 4 corner elimination match defeating Jake Hagar, “Carnival Freak” Sinn Bowdee, “South City Thriller” Hade Vansen, Afa Jr. and 7 FT Giant Titan (w/Mosca).

After a controversial ending to last week’s event, Florida Championship Wrestling returned to Bourbon St. Night Club, 4331 US 19N in New Port Richey for its February 5, 2008 event. Wrestling legends Mike Graham and Carlos Colon were in attendance.

(1) “The Natural” Nic Nemeth & “The Campus Legend” Brad Allen defeated Brandon Groom & Tommy Taylor.
Before the match Nemeth sent Big Rob to the locker room to get ready for his match, after he introduced Allen as a new member of their family. Taylor and Groom didn’t care who their opponents were and showed them by controlling the match for several minutes. Their momentum was stopped in its tracks when Nemeth kicked out of Taylor’s attempt at the figure four and Allen hit Taylor with a clothesline. But Taylor was able to tag in Groom before Allen could be tagged in. Groom hit Allen with the airplane spin and Taylor hit him with a missile dropkick. But as the referee put Taylor out of the ring, Nemeth snuck in with a cheap shot and rolled Allen on top for the win.

(2) Jake of the Gymini defeated Sheamus via DQ
You read that right, Jake of the Gymini took on the Irish powerhouse and early on it was a straight out power attack from both men. Twice Sheamus was knocked down by shoulder tackles and on the third exchange he went for a clothesline but was leveled by a flying shoulder tackle. Sheamus slid to the floor to rethink things when Jake grabbed him, but Sheamus grabbed hold of Jake’s neck and hit a Hot Shot. Once back in the ring Jake recovered and laid in the body shots until he ducked too soon and Sheamus lowered a forearm to his neck. This allowed Sheamus to work over Jake with a chinlock. But Jake fought to his feet only to be corner whipped and hit with a power slam for two. Sheamus went for another corner splash but this time Jake was nowhere to be found. Jake went to the power moves and hit a spinning neckbreaker for two followed by the TKO when Mr. Yamamoto came out and spewed the dreaded green mist into Jake’s eyes. Just when it looked like Jake was going to be double teamed, Jesse slid in from a ringside seat and attacked both men. He challenged both men to a tag team match on next week’s event.

FCW held a two week tag team mini-tournament to determine the opponents of WWE Tag Team champions John Morrison & The Miz at the February 15th Florida State Fair event. The following two matches in this summary will face each other on February 12th.

(3) “The Puerto Rican Nightmare” Eric Perez & Eddie Colon defeated Gabe Tuft & “the Thoroughbred” Johnny Curtis.
Last week Curtis and Kevin Kiley lost to Perez and Colon. This week he had a new partner who didn’t seem intimidated by the veteran team. They focused their attack on their opponent’s left side of the body. Nothing stopped Tuft and Curtis that was until Colon snuck into the ring as the referee was occupied but Tuft and tossed Curtis shoulder first into the ring post. Colon and Perez took turns locking Curtis in submission holds but none of them made Curtis tap out. Tuft actually hurt his partner as Curtis had a pin and the referee was busy putting Tuft out of the ring. Perez got himself in trouble when he dropped too soon and Curtis kicked him right in the chin and followed with a leg lariat. This allowed Tuft to tag back in and take on both men. This worked for a while but the number game was too much and as the referee put Curtis out of the ring, Tuft fell to a double team back suplex into a neckbreaker.

The representative of the FCW Southern heavyweight champion “Handsome” Heath Miller came out before his big match tonight to host his HAPPY HOUR. He claimed online he had a HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT and he was going to unveil it tonight. But before he told everyone what it was he brought out Steve Lewington who had some explaining to do after hid actions last week. Lewington said it was in his best interest to help Miller last week because it got him one step closer to getting the Southern Heavyweight championship. Miller said his huge surprise was he wanted Lewington as his tag team partner tonight in the mini-tournament. Lewington agreed to put his differences aside at a shot to WWE World championship gold but he was interrupted by “The Puerto Rican Nightmare” Eric Perez & Eddie Colon who said they had just talked to ECW GM Armando Alejandro Estrada who said he was coming to Bourbon Street next week to see Perez and Colon advance to the 2/15 event. They said they didn’t care who their opponents were and that was when Rycklon & Bryan Kelly hit the ring for their match with Lewington & Miller.

(4) “Handsome” Heath Miller & Steve Lewington defeated Bryan Kelly & Rycklon
Kelly and Rycklon weren’t looking ahead to the Fairgrounds and went after Miller with a power attack. Lewington tagged in and went move for move with his former partner Rycklon trying to get control. Rycklon briefly won and brought Lewington to his side of the ring where Kelly tagged in. But Lewington was able to power Kelly to his side of the ring and tag in Miller who was hit with a back suplex. But when Kelly went for a corner splash, Lewington pulled his new partner out of way as the referee was busy getting Rycklon to his corner. Lewington and Miller did a good job of beating down Kelly but not that good of a job as Kelly was able to tag Rycklon back in. Rycklon went with a power attack but it was stopped short when Miller hit a spinning neckbreaker-like move to win.

In an unplanned interview, “Rough House” Ralph Mosca and the 7 Foot Giant Titan came out to the ring. Mosca said since he took over the advisory role with Titan, the Giant has been undefeated and won two number one contender battle royals. Mosca proclaimed himself “the King of Hardcore in Florida” and said after Titan wins tonight’s six man elimination match he was going to 100% guarantee Titan would be the Southern Heavyweight champion.

(5) In a Diva’s grudge match, Nattie Neidhart defeated Victoria Crawford.
This match came as a result of last week’s match against the Bella Twins where Crawford & Neidhart had a heated verbal exchange. It seemed Neidhart expected Crawford to be a push over but Crawford went hold for hold with the 3rd generation star. But it quickly went from wrestling holds to a knock down hair pulling fight. The referee was able to restore order and get both diva’s to get back to the wrestling and they did when Crawford backed Neidhart to a corner. But Crawford’s attempt at a head scissor was stopped as Neidhart dropped Crawford on the ring apron and hit a spear to the gut. Back in the ring Neidhart hit Crawford with a facewash and a dropkick to the ribs before going for the sharpshooter. But her attempt was countered by Crawford but Neidhart was able to counter into an abdominal stretch, with some help from the middle rope. Crawford was able to hiptoss out of the move and dropkick Neidhart. Crawford hit a Polish Hammer and a standing Bookend but got two. Frustration began to show on Crawford and she got a bit sloppy. It allowed Neidhart to lock in the Sharpshooter to get the submission victory.

(6) Mighty Mikey defeated Big Rob (w/ “the Natural” Nic Nemeth).
These two men have been facing each other in tag team matches for weeks and FCW decided to let them face off in a singles bout. Immediately Rob showed who had the power advantage by tossing Mikey around the ring on several lockups and shoulder blocks when Mikey went to the ropes. Rob challenged Mikey to a test of strength and Mikey accepted, but he regretted it when Rob picked him up with one arm, dropping Mikey back down before disjointing the left shoulder. Mikey tried to fight back several times and was finally successful with chops to the chest. But Rob caught him in the air on an attempted cross bodyblock and he tossed Mikey to a corner before scooping him up in a bear hug. Mikey held out and escaped the hold and went for a sunset flip but Rob blocked it and picked Mikey up in a double hand chokeslam. But Rob was slow to go for the pin and Mikey kicked out at two. Rob went back to the bear hug as Nemeth screamed at Mikey to tap out. Mikey nearly lost when his arm dropped twice but he powered up on the third drop. But Rob tossed him to a corner where Rob ran into Mikey’s boots and Mikey hit a cross bodyblock for two. Mikey went to the ropes for a move but Nemeth grabbed him. As the two men fought for control Rob attacked but decked Nemeth instead. Mikey snuck up from behind and rolled up Rob for the win. This didn’t sit well with Rob who charged out of the ring.

FCW Commissioner Steve Keirn came to the ring to address the fans about the status of the promotion. He brought up recent visitors to the shows like John Cena, Beth Phoenix, the Big Show and tonight we had legends Carlos Colon and Mike Graham. Mr. Keirn showed off the new FCW Florida Heavyweight championship that will be given to the winner of a match on February 15th. He said next week WWE Diva Eve Torres and ECW GM Armando Alejandro Estrada would be here. Keirn told Mosca he liked how he mentioned his hardcore background and next week if Mosca was man enough he was going to face “The Innovator of Violence” TOMMY DREAMER!!!!

(7) “Stamped Kid” TJ Wilson defeated “Thee Superstar” Chris Gray.
Before the match Thee Superstar had some words for everyone. He said it was a disgrace he had to wrestle in this piece of crap venue. This only angered the fans who considered Bourbon Street their home. Wilson decided to do his talking with wrestling moves that kept Gray on his butt for several minutes. Wilson went for an armbar submission but gray was able to make his way to the ropes causing a break. The duo faced off in a test of strength which was won by Gray who swept out Wilson’s legs. But Wilson used some leverage to get to his feet and send Gray scrambling to the floor. Gray figured out what his next move was and was getting Wilson to the mat after several forearm shots. Wilson fought out of a chinlock but Gray sent him to the mat with a shot to the ear. Gray went back to the head and neck with the chinlock but Wilson got to hit feet a second time, blocking a Gray hiptoss. Wilson followed with a dropkick to the face and a spinning kick to the ribs and another dropkick. Wilson hit a Northern Lights Suplex for two but he missed a slingshot elbow drop. This allowed Gray time to recover and hit a DDT with a legsweep for two. Gray countered out of a back suplex but he couldn’t avoid Wilson, who grabbed hold of Gray’s left arm and sat into a judo submission hold which got Wilson the win.

(8) Ted DiBiase Jr. won a 6 man, 4 corner elimination match defeating Jake Hagar, “Carnival Freak” Sinn Bowdee, “South City Thriller” Hade Vansen, Afa Jr. and 7 FT Giant Titan (w/Mosca). A coin toss determined who was in the ring 1st while the other four remained on the apron, which were Titan and Bowdee. This was the order of elimination:
**Afa eliminated Titan by pinfall.
**Sinn Bowdee eliminated Vansen by pinfall.
**Afa eliminated Bowdee via pinfall.
**Jake Hagar eliminated Afa via pinfall.

Remember Tuesday nights you can see FCW live at Bourbon Street Night Club.

February 12th matches already announced:

“Rough House” Ralph Mosca vs. ECW’s “the Innovator of Violence” Tommy Dreamer.

“Handsome” Heath Miller & Steve Lewington vs. “Puerto Rican Nightmare” Eric Perez & Eddie Colon with the winner advancing to the 2/15 match with WWE Tag Team champions John Morrison and the Miz.

Plus ECW GM Armando Alejandro Estrada and 2007 Diva contest winner Eve Torres will be in attendance!!.

Coming to the 2008 Florida State Fair, well you better on Friday February 15th to see FCW live at 6 & 8PM in the Entertainment Hall. Be there early because before and after the events you can meet the wrestlers for photos and autographs. WWE Hall of Fame member “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes plus WWE tag team champions John Morrison & The Miz are going to be in attendance, more names will be announced later.

FCW will return to the Jewish Community Center on Saturday February 23rd with an 8pm belltime.

Be looking out for information on our TV tapings to begin on Thursday February 28th in Tampa.

On Saturday March 1st FCW returns to the USA Flea Market on US 19 in Port Richey for a 12pm show. Followed by an evening show at Ricochet in Ft. Myers 8pm.

– Alan J. Wojcik
http://alanwojcik.com/
(2/7/08)

Florida Championship Wrestling (12/11): Six-Man Mayhem!

Florida Championship Wrestling, a development promotion for WWE, held another big card on December 11 at the Bourbon Street Night Club in New Port Richey, FL.

Here are the results:

(1) Jake Hager defeated Chris Gray.(2) Sheamus defeated Kevin Kiley.(3) “Carnival Freak” Sinn Bowdee defeated Tommy Taylor.(4) Johnny Curtis & Derick Linkin (w/The Bella Twins, Nicole & Brianna) defeated Ichiban & Mr. Yamamoto.(5) “Super Fan” Chet Douglas defeated Doink the Clown.(6) “Handsome” Heath Miller & “Bad Seed” Shawn Osborne defeated Robert Anthony & “the Rocket Scientist” G-Rilla.(7) “The Natural” Nick Nemeth (w/Big Rob) and Rycklon fought to a no contest.(8) FCW Southern Heavyweight champion “Stampede Kid” TJ Wilson, Steve Lewington & Billy Kidman defeated Afa Jr., Ted DiBiase Jr. & Hade Vansen.