TCW: A Quiet Retirement

[arwink]

Prediction Key:

John Anderson vs. Merle O'Curle (non-title)

I live in hope more than than any real belief it'll happen.

 

Conquering Kings w/ Alanis Springsteen vs. Easy Riders w/ Carl Batch (non-title)

Keeping the biker's strong.

 

Jimmy P w/ Floyd Goldworthy vs. Troy Tornado (non-title)

Just can't see Jimmy P going over someone in the main event.

 

Jeremy Stone vs. Joey Minnesota

Flipped a coin.

 

American Buffalo & Joel Bryant w/ Floyd Goldworthy & Laura Huggins vs. Keith Brothers w/ Blonde Bombshell

The Keiths are an established on the rise, Buffalo and Bryant aren't.

 

Aaron Andrews vs. Tyson Baine

There's going to be Syndicate shenanigans, but sooner or later Andrews needs to rise above them and get the win.

 

Johnny Bloodstone & Sam Keith w/ Blonde Bombshell vs. Cornell & Hawkins

Flipping a coin again.

[Phantom Stranger]

Quick and shameless bump for the usual suspects who've not yet checked in. Show probably goes up tonight.

[Dragonmack]

John Anderson vs. Merle O'Curle (non-title)

 

Conquering Kings w/ Alanis Springsteen vs. Easy Riders w/ Carl Batch (non-title)

 

Jimmy P w/ Floyd Goldworthy vs. Troy Tornado (non-title)

 

Jeremy Stone vs. Joey Minnesota

 

American Buffalo & Joel Bryant w/ Floyd Goldworthy & Laura Huggins vs. Keith Brothers w/ Blonde Bombshell

 

Aaron Andrews vs. Tyson Baine

 

Johnny Bloodstone & Sam Keith w/ Blonde Bombshell vs. Cornell & Hawkins

[Phantom Stranger]

<p></p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/TCW.jpg</span><p>

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4GAXzWf5ag" rel="external nofollow"><span>http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k235/Bigpapa42_2006/Wrestling/Main/Other/Playegg_28207.jpg</span></a></p><p> </p><p>

<strong>TCW Presents Total Wrestling</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

Tuesday Week 3 January 2009</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

Live on GNN Total Sports (Rating 7.86)</strong></p><p><strong>

Rebroadcast on Continental Sports X1 (Rating 0.01)</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

Held at the Manhattan National Center (Tri State)</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

Attendance: 21,835</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>

Announcers:</strong></p><p><strong>

</strong><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/JasonAzaria_alt1.jpg</span><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/HoratioDangerous_FIN6a.jpg</span><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/ShawnDoakes.jpg</span></p><p><strong>

Jason Azaria – Horatio Dangerous – Shawn Doakes</strong></p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/TommyCornell_alt5.jpg</span><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/WolfHawkins_alt3.jpg</span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

As the show begins, Tommy Cornell and Wolf Hawkins are in the ring, standing proud, perfectly suited. </p><p> </p><p>

“I'm going to keep this short and sweet,” Cornell says, then grins slightly, “because I've got other crap to be handling, but this needs dealing with.</p><p> </p><p>

“Aaron Andrews, you made a hell of a mistake. No one refuses to join my gang. No one has that kind of respect. No one has that kind of skill or power.</p><p> </p><p>

“Not to stand against us. Now, I can't let you turn me down and stay in the business. I can't even let you turn me down and stay uninjured.</p><p> </p><p>

“And your buddy Minnesota seems like he's planning to stand up for you. I can't have that happen, either.</p><p> </p><p>

“So let's make this as public as possible, boys. Malice in Wonderland. You two. Me and Wolf. Sound good?”</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/MayhemMidden.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p>

<em>Shout At the Devil</em> begins to play and Mayhem Midden emerges, microphone in hand and a smile on his lips.</p><p> </p><p>

“Sounds good to me,” he says. “I'll make that match... but I don't think you two plan on staying fair about it. So I'm going to talk to the Board... and we'll balance the books, one way or another.”</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/totalbanner.jpg</span><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/HumanArsenal.jpg</span> vs. <span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/MerleOCurle_alt.jpg</span></p><p>

John Anderson vs. Merle O'Curle</p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

O'Curle performs well here – no real shock, given that he faces Anderson – and he comes close to a victory on four or five occasions. </p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/Acid_alt2.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p>

He gets a little help, too. For the second week running, Anderson finds himself under attack from Acid while Eugene Williams is distracted, but he's able to turn the tide, dodging a missile dropkick that wipes out O'Curle, giving Anderson enough time to set up and dump Acid from the ring.</p><p> </p><p>

In the end, though, a boot to the gut cuts off a charge, doubles O'Curle over, and the Ammo Dump hits home, securing a fast pinfall.</p><p>

<span style="text-decoration:underline;">John Anderson defeated Merle O'Curle</span></p><p>

Rating: <strong>B</strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/totalbanner.jpg</span><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/HumanArsenal.jpg</span><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/BrentHill.jpg</span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Brent Hill joins Anderson in the ring, passing him a microphone. “Machines give their all,” he says. “Machines give you no real choice.”</p><p> </p><p>

Anderson smiles. “Machines can beat you any way they have to. And soon, you'll find out just how good the third Machine can be...”</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/EricTyler.jpg</span><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/LauraCatherineHuggins.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p>

<em>Bad to the Bone</em> hits, and Eric Tyler appears, Laura Huggins in tow.</p><p> </p><p>

“How's my boy done?” he grins. “Saw him give you a couple good licks before you got rid of him...</p><p> </p><p>

“It isn't going to stop, you know. Not until I get what I want.”</p><p> </p><p>

“And what do you want?” asks Anderson.</p><p> </p><p>

“Seems to me you've got no challenger for Malice,” Tyler says. “Seems to me it's way too long since I had a belt round my waist. So what I want is nice and simple; I want a chance to prove to the world that you, my friend... you ain't all that.”</p><p> </p><p>

Anderson nods without hesitation. “You've got your match. What you haven't got is a chance to prove I don't have the skills – because I do.”</p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p>

<span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/totalbanner.jpg</span></p><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/BarryKingman.jpg</span><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/ClarkAlexander.jpg</span> w/ <span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/Seduction.jpg</span></p><p>

Conquering Kings w/ Alanis Springsteen</p><p>

vs.</p><p>

<span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/GreaseHogg.jpg</span><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/LeadBelly.jpg</span> w/ <span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/CarlBatch.jpg</span></p><p>

Easy Riders w/ Carl Batch</p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

A good solid back-and-forth battle, this match sees the Kings work together in an attempt to neutralise the Riders' size and power advantages. It's a fascinating study in defensive wrestling, and between Azaria's dissection of strategy and Dangerous' reminiscences about Crippler Ray Kingman the fans at home get a real sense of it. </p><p> </p><p>

As Kingman and Alexander repeatedly save each other from pinning predicaments and pull out more and more unusual tactics to desperately try for a pin of their own, the fans in attendance slowly warm up to the possibility that they might do it. </p><p> </p><p>

But in the end, it's not enough. Barry Kingman eats a backbreaker from Billy Fonda who keeps him across his knee for a charging Hopper to legdrop his neck, and Clark Alexander has no rescuer when the Emergency Stop takes him out.</p><p>

<span style="text-decoration:underline;">Easy Riders defeated Conquering Kings</span></p><p>

Rating: <strong>B-</strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/totalbanner.jpg</span><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/JamesPrudence.jpg</span> w/ <span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/FloydGoldworthy.jpg</span> vs. <span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/TroyTornado_nacht6.jpg</span></p><p>

Jimmy P w/ Floyd Goldworthy vs. Troy Tornado</p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Fast and fun, this one; Troy is almost toying with Jimmy P, who uses that lack of seriousness to showcase some remarkable new moves, almost scoring himself the pinfall before Troy snaps back to seriousness, ultimately countering a huracanrana into a Tornado Driver to put him away.</p><p>

<span style="text-decoration:underline;">Troy Tornado defeated Jimmy P</span></p><p>

Rating: <strong>B-</strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/totalbanner.jpg</span><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/JeremyStone_alt1.jpg</span> vs. <span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/JoeyMinnesota_alt.jpg</span></p><p>

Jeremy Stone vs. Joey Minnesota</p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Joey Minnesota looks different coming down to the ring. Fired up. Focused. Energised. You could call it a dozen different things, but the result – up against the Canadian Wrestling Machine – is out and out excellent. </p><p> </p><p>

He goes after the Syndicate man with a fury, hitting him, hammering him, harrying him. For at least the first six, seven minutes Jeremy Stone doesn't get a chance to unleash a single counter – he's kept off his feet.</p><p> </p><p>

Eventually, though, Minnesota hoists him and nails the Empire Spiral – and as he makes the cover, Stone kicks out – and grabs Minnesota's arm.</p><p> </p><p>

Making the pinfall was enough time for the Canadian Wrestling Machine to find his mark again and get back to it. What follows is a lot more equal, as Stone has the chance to recover. A Minnesota Salute is blocked fifteen minutes in; Stone rides the attempt down to apply the Stone Hold, and eventually, Minnesota has to tap out.</p><p>

<span style="text-decoration:underline;">Jeremy Stone defeated Joey Minnesota</span></p><p>

Rating: <strong>A</strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/totalbanner.jpg</span><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/TroyTornado_nacht6.jpg</span><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/RandallHopkirk.jpg</span><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/HarryAllen_Grunge3.jpg</span><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/SteveGumble_Grunge2.jpg</span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

The camera cuts back to see Troy Tornado relaxing in Painful Procedure's locker room, alongside the Young Guns and Randall Hopkirk. He laughs at some remark Hopkirk's made, Gumble and Allen nodding their own amusement, and then turns to face the camera, his face slowly turning serious. </p><p> </p><p>

“Jack Bruce,” he begins, “you seem to have some issue with facing me on TV. Well, OK. But here's the thing – I'm the World Heavyweight Champion. And if you don't believe the fans deserve to see you wrestle the Champ on TV, I gotta believe you don't deserve to wrestle me on pay-per-view. So here goes, Jack: If you want me on Pay-Per-View, earn a title shot. If it's all about the money and the fame, Jack, you can earn your way in. </p><p> </p><p>

“If it's just about your problem with me, Jack, I'm here for every show. Come on down and call me out.”</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/JohnnyBloodstone_alt2.jpg</span><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/BlondeBombshell.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p>

The door suddenly slams open, and the camera whips around to cover it – Johnny Bloodstone is framed in the doorway, scowling, and the Blonde Bombshell is right behind him. </p><p> </p><p>

Tornado slowly gets to his feet. Bloodstone stays silent, and after a long moment, the Bombshell speaks.</p><p> </p><p>

“Your match at Malice, Troy, is a unification match. Had you forgotten?”</p><p> </p><p>

“You know I hadn't.”</p><p> </p><p>

“You might not be the champion after Malice, Troy. Johnny is one of the most dangerous men in wrestling. One of the most dangerous men in TCW.</p><p> </p><p>

“I suggest you don't look past him. Concentrate on what's important, Troy. What means more; settling a slight from years ago, or staying the champion?”</p><p> </p><p>

“All it's gonna take is one slip, Troy,” Bloodstone growls. “Don't think I won't beat you.”</p><p> </p><p>

He closes the door only a little less force than it opened.</p><p> </p><p>

Tornado glances across to Hopkirk, and the two grin, high-fiving. </p><p> </p><p>

“Told you,” Hopkirk said. “Make him crack open that temper and the title is yours.”</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/totalbanner.jpg</span><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/AmericanBuffalo.jpg</span><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/JoelBryant.jpg</span> w/ <span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/FloydGoldworthy.jpg</span><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/LauraCatherineHuggins.jpg</span></p><p>

American Buffalo & Joel Bryant w/ Floyd Goldworthy & Laura Huggins</p><p>

vs.</p><p>

<span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/GregGauge.jpg</span><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/MatthewGauge.jpg</span> w/ <span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/BlondeBombshell.jpg</span></p><p>

The Keith Brothers w/ Blonde Bombshell</p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

The Bombshell still looks a little distracted as she escorts two of her other charges to the ring. Still, she doesn't need to do much during the match; Buffalo's temper is fully in evidence and leaves Joel Bryant with no real wish to go near him – and thus, no real wish to tag in. </p><p> </p><p>

It is, nonetheless, Bryant who's in at the end, after the Buffalo forcibly yanks him into the ring and makes a sarcastic show of 'tagging' him after the twins have run him ragged. </p><p> </p><p>

Greg Keith DDTs Bryant, then follows that up with a brainbuster. He tags out, and Matthew Keith applies the Proton Lock to secure the efficient win.</p><p>

<span style="text-decoration:underline;">The Keith Brothers defeated American Buffalo & Joel Bryant</span></p><p>

Rating: <strong>B</strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/totalbanner.jpg</span><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/AaronAndrews.jpg</span> vs. <span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/TysonBaine_nachtfalter16.jpg</span></p><p>

Aaron Andrews vs. Tyson Baine</p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

No question which of these two has the power advantage. Andrews has been developing an aggressive, brawling style – but he knows full well that won't – can't – work here. Baine plays cat to Andrews' mouse, with Aaron landing only a few good blows.</p><p> </p><p>

But Andrews slowly begins to turn the tide after managing to cut off a charge with a backdrop, then hitting the ropes to legdrop the back of Baine's neck as he prepares to rise. </p><p> </p><p>

Tyson manages to shut him down, tossing him out of the ring where Andrews hits the floor shoulder first. Ray Johnson leaves the ring to check on him.</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/JoeyMinnesota_alt.jpg</span></div><p></p><p></p><p>

A folded chair lands on the mat just in front of Baine. He looks down at it for a second – and Joey Minnesota catches the back of his head with a second chair, staggering him. Minnesota promptly hits the Minnesota Salute, steering Baine's fall from the jawbreaker – and he crashes face-first into the chair.</p><p> </p><p>

With both chairs tossed from the ring he joins Aaron at ringside, checking on him, and by the time Ray Johnson admonishes him for entering the ring area, Andrews is up. He slides into the ring as Baine starts to recover.</p><p> </p><p>

Baine's still on his knees, which allows Andrews to hit a rolling neckbreaker/DDT that looks a hell of a lot like a variation on the Game Breaker – he doesn't have to hoist the monster off his feet. The pinfall follows a second later.</p><p>

<span style="text-decoration:underline;">Aaron Andrews defeated Tyson Baine</span></p><p>

Rating:<strong> B</strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/totalbanner.jpg</span><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/TommyCornell_alt5.jpg</span><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/JoeyMinnesota_alt.jpg</span></p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

Back from commercial, and Tommy Cornell approaches Joey Minnesota backstage. Minnesota tenses up, but Cornell raises a hand.</p><p> </p><p>

“Look,” he says quietly. “I can't let you get away with facing us down like that. But I do have an alternative for you.</p><p> </p><p>

“There's no reason you have to stand by Aaron in the first place. If you back off, we can let you be. If you let us do what's needed with him.”</p><p> </p><p>

Minnesota regards him stoically for a few moments. Cornell continues.</p><p> </p><p>

“He's done a lot better than you have lately anyway, hasn't he? He's just been using you, Joey. A leg up, to get him noticed. He'll discard you. Or you can cut him loose and that's one less speed bump in your road, Joey. I mean, come on, we all remember how much people were talking about you before DaVE fell apart. You haven't lived up to it. Nursemaiding kids has done that...”</p><p> </p><p>

Minnesota stays silent for a few moments, and Cornell fidgets.</p><p> </p><p>

“How dumb,” Minnesota eventually says, “do you really believe I am?”</p><p> </p><p>

Cornell frowns.</p><p> </p><p>

“Did you just think hey, there's stupid Joey Minnesota, he'll believe any line of bull I feed him so long as I kiss his ass?”</p><p> </p><p>

He laughs. “What happened – did you watch how I did against Jeremy and start thinking maybe the Stars could win at Malice? Is that what it is? Did you realise something, Tommy?”</p><p> </p><p>

Cornell runs a tongue over suddenly dry lips, and Joey continues.</p><p> </p><p>

“You're right,” he says. “I've been here a year and a half, and from what everyone was saying about me, I should hold gold by now. </p><p> </p><p>

“But for a year and a half the Syndicate's been active. I didn't have anyone to stand with me when you had everyone. So I watched, and I waited... and I found someone with the balls to face off with stables and the talent to go far. And I helped him, took him under my wing. I helped teach him some of the things he didn't already know.</p><p> </p><p>

“We didn't pick our team name by accident, Tommy. We're rising stars. We will both hold the World Heavyweight Championship, one day. Maybe he'll get there first. Maybe I will. Doesn't matter.</p><p> </p><p>

“We're going to get there. I grew up watching wrestling, Tommy. I grew up watching Sam Keith play with his opponents' minds. Like he poisoned Wolf's against Aaron. And that's got you mad, hasn't it? But I know the score, Tommy. I'm not going to fall for this crap.”</p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/totalbanner.jpg</span><p> </p><p>

<span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/JohnnyBloodstone_alt2.jpg</span><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/SamKeith.jpg</span> w/ <span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/BlondeBombshell.jpg</span> vs. <span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/TommyCornell_alt5.jpg</span><span>http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/WolfHawkins_alt3.jpg</span></p><p>

Johnny Bloodstone & Sam Keith w/ Blonde Bombshell vs. Cornell & Hawkins</p></div><p></p><p></p><p>

The crowd are on the edge of their seats throughout this one, and there's every reason for that. So many near-falls. So many submissions. Such a fast switch between sides having the upper hand, it's almost hard to follow. But Azaria does his usual masterful job of keeping up with it all.</p><p> </p><p>

And everybody gives this their absolute all. You won't often see Bloodstone throw a dropkick, but he felt the need here. It's just that... with four titans like this... it's surprising when one of them makes a mistake inside twenty minutes.</p><p> </p><p>

And it doesn't happen here. The time limit elapses and the four men involved are all visibly frustrated not to have scored points over their rivals. The show closes out on Sam Keith's irritation.</p><p>

<span style="text-decoration:underline;">Johnny Bloodstone & Sam Keith drew with Cornell & Hawkins</span></p><p>

Rating: <strong>B+</strong></p><p> </p><p>

</p><div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong>Show Rating: A</strong></p></div><p></p>

[tristram]

I remember a Sam Keith promo you did a while ago, and it was absolutely outstanding. I really like the way you're presenting Aaron Andrews as an antagonist to Cornell and Hawkins. Very impressive stuff, as per usual from a fine writer.

[James Casey]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Phantom Stranger" data-cite="Phantom Stranger" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="23671" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Hey, gang.<p> </p><p> If you haven't noticed, two diary characters have just changed their looks entirely, as two more of jtlant's renders have replaced originals; in this case, Baroness (Queen) Emily and Jack Bruce. </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I've been meaning to nag you about some of your renders anyway - and Emily was top of the list along with Jimmy and Donnie.</p><p> </p><p> Congrats on one year, PS. Doesn't seem anything like that long. I might have to go back and re-read, make sure I've got everything straight in my head ahead of the big show.</p>

[Phantom Stranger]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="tristram" data-cite="tristram" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="23671" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I remember a Sam Keith promo you did a while ago, and it was absolutely outstanding. I really like the way you're presenting Aaron Andrews as an antagonist to Cornell and Hawkins. Very impressive stuff, as per usual from a fine writer.</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Thank ya kindly, chief. Sam Keith remains one of the guys who 'feels' easiest to write promos for, though I have no idea how much that comes across. </p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="James Casey" data-cite="James Casey" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="23671" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I've been meaning to nag you about some of your renders anyway - and Emily was top of the list along with Jimmy and Donnie.<p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> I went back and forth on the Fly Boys, and to a degree on Queen Emily, though the new render is streets ahead - and mildly amuses me, as there weren't any bespectacled alts before I requested the Baroness piece - it looks like we may end up with the GWG version as a new canon interpretation next game version, with any luck.</p><p> </p><p> Add in the new, more appropriate Jack Bruce, though, and it was time to make the switch. I may or may not tweak the Fly Boys, though - the pics are better, but it's a question of whether they're better enough, if that makes sense.</p>

[Phantom Stranger]

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/bookbanner.jpg

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/book_open-2.jpg

Friday 19th January 2009

 

It seems like I arrived at the arena a little too early; there was time for Tommy to pull myself, Sam, Joel, Karen and Ricky aside – the whole creative team, in short, with Ricky folded in on account of his taking over the women's division.

 

The reason I say this is too early is that we're stuck with a quandary here. It seems ReapeR have been working overtime, and we'd been emailed a design for a belt, a reworked version of a TCW standard.

 

There's no denying it's a better design. But it's hard to justify tossing out a belt people are used to – a belt that people buy replicas of every time we set up a gimmick table to sell them from, and as a result, a belt that people will feel cheated to see abruptly changed – with no reason.

 

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/TCWAllAction.jpg

 

I suspect my editor will find a picture of it to put around here somewhere, because there's no real question that we're going to end up using it.

 

But how do we justify it? We can't really have someone swipe it – we just did that to overhaul the look of the World Heavyweight Championship. Frankie isn't being placed as someone who'd bring in a new one himself; given his alliance with Phil Vibert and the bleed-TCW-dry mission statement of his faction, spending the cash pointlessly doesn't make sense.

 

I'm sure we'll find something, but... Actually, something's just occurred. Tricky, though... we'll need to work this one out carefully.

[Phantom Stranger]

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/badgebanner.jpg

 

Quite the wrestling clinic to open this Friday's broadcast; Sean Deeley knows he has a tough submission challenge coming up at the show of shows, so he's asked for a preparation match against Walter Morgan, acclaimed as Britain's finest submission artist. Whatever else this match is, it should be riveting.

 

Team VIPER have been getting comments recently about the odd behaviour of Koshiro Ino's allies since the new year. Will they earn another mark of respect when their opponents are the Stone Brothers? If they can win, the word 'earn' will certianly be deserved.

 

Tag team champions the Easy Riders are also going to be in action, this time targeting the young masked team of Tooth & Claw. The titles will not be on the line, but we're certainly interested to see how many different teams the Riders are seeking to prove a point against, clearly trying to notch up the kind of reputation former champions the New Wave had.

 

More non-title action to follow, as Frankie Perez takes on one half of the Young Guns, Steve Gumble. It's the man with the deadliest kicks in TCW against the master of savate, and there could well be All-Action gold in the future of Gumble if he can weather the storm and come through on this one.

 

Sam Keith's protege Art Reed is the latest in the Syndicate's targeting scope as they continue their vendetta against his merry band. Reed faces Hawkins in what is likely to be a brutal match - but, with the Rising Stars' match announced for Malice in Wonderland, is Hawkins risking his physical condition?

****BREAKING NEWS**** - Board Representative Midden has declared that this will be one of the matches which determine entry into the Shot At The Top ladder match at Malice In Wonderland. The winner will join Frankie Perez, there by right of the All Action Championship, and Eddie Peak as well as three other men.

 

Speaking of the Rising Stars, they're in action next! The Elite Express are their opponents, and there are few teams who can more reliably take opponents to the limit with as weak a win record. The Express have fought the Stars before; is that familiarity what's needed to earn them a victory?

 

Rick Law has exercised his right to name the main event once again; upon finding out the identity of the latest man to earn a TCW contract, Law has offered him a main event match out of respect. That man is none other than the star of Mexican and Japanese wrestling, the Champagne Lover.

****BREAKING NEWS**** - Board Representative Midden has declared that this will be one of the matches which determine entry into the Shot At The Top ladder match at Malice In Wonderland. The winner will join Frankie Perez, there by right of the All Action Championship, and Eddie Peak as well as three other men.

 

Prediction Key:

Sean Deeley w/ Laura Huggins vs. Walter Morgan

 

Stone Brothers vs. Team VIPER w/ Baroness Emily

 

Easy Riders w/ Carl Batch vs. Tooth & Claw (non-title)

 

Frankie Perez vs. Steve Gumble (non-title)

 

Shot At The Top Qualifier

Art Reed w/ Blonde Bombshell vs. Wolf Hawkins

 

Elite Express vs. Rising Stars

 

Shot At The Top Qualifier

Champagne Lover vs. Rick Law

[Dragonmack]

Prediction Key:

Sean Deeley w/ Laura Huggins vs. Walter Morgan

 

Stone Brothers vs. Team VIPER w/ Baroness Emily

 

Easy Riders w/ Carl Batch vs. Tooth & Claw (non-title)

 

Frankie Perez vs. Steve Gumble (non-title)

 

Shot At The Top Qualifier

Art Reed w/ Blonde Bombshell vs. Wolf Hawkins

 

Elite Express vs. Rising Stars

 

Shot At The Top Qualifier

Champagne Lover vs. Rick Law

[Phantom Stranger]

Prediction card for Badge of Honor up on the previous page.

 

And on the render replacement notes, Trell's excellent Suzanne Brazzle has also been edited in.

[Bigpapa42]

Sean Deeley w/ Laura Huggins vs. Walter Morgan

 

Stone Brothers vs. Team VIPER w/ Baroness Emily

Easy Riders w/ Carl Batch vs. Tooth & Claw (non-title)

 

Frankie Perez vs. Steve Gumble (non-title)

 

Shot At The Top Qualifier

Art Reed w/ Blonde Bombshell vs. Wolf Hawkins

Elite Express vs. Rising Stars

 

Shot At The Top Qualifier

Champagne Lover vs. Rick Law

[jtnlange]

Sean Deeley w/ Laura Huggins vs. Walter Morgan

 

Stone Brothers vs. Team VIPER w/ Baroness Emily

 

Easy Riders w/ Carl Batch vs. Tooth & Claw (non-title)

 

Frankie Perez vs. Steve Gumble (non-title)

 

Shot At The Top Qualifier

Art Reed w/ Blonde Bombshell vs. Wolf Hawkins

 

Elite Express vs. Rising Stars

 

Shot At The Top Qualifier

Champagne Lover vs. Rick Law

[Zergon]

Sean Deeley w/ Laura Huggins vs. Walter Morgan

Morgan is a jobber so no way he wins here

 

Stone Brothers vs. Team VIPER w/ Baroness Emily

Team VIPER isn´t high enough on ladders to go over Stone´s

Easy Riders w/ Carl Batch vs. Tooth & Claw (non-title)

Even though this is non-title I don´t see Riders losing this one

 

Frankie Perez vs. Steve Gumble (non-title)

Again non-title but I don´t see any reason why tag team guy should go over the champ here

 

Shot At The Top Qualifier

Art Reed w/ Blonde Bombshell vs. Wolf Hawkins

Reed is good but Hawkins is simply better

 

Elite Express vs. Rising Stars

Rising Stars seems to enjoy the push right now

 

Shot At The Top Qualifier

Champagne Lover vs. Rick Law

I´m going with better known guy here

[Tigerkinney]

Sean Deeley w/ Laura Huggins vs. Walter Morgan

 

Squash

 

Stone Brothers vs. Team VIPER w/ Baroness Emily

 

Despite Team VIPER starting to get a little more interesting no way they go over the Stones.

 

Easy Riders w/ Carl Batch vs. Tooth & Claw (non-title)

 

Non Title for a reason....Tooth & Claw are jobbers

 

Frankie Perez vs. Steve Gumble (non-title)

 

Night of the Squashes

 

Shot At The Top Qualifier

Art Reed w/ Blonde Bombshell vs. Wolf Hawkins

 

Glorified squash, as in Reed will give Hawkins some trouble but no way does he go over a borderline main eventer in Hawkins.

 

Elite Express vs. Rising Stars

 

Rising Stars are flirting with getting a major push, Elite Express are at the moment glorified jobbers.

 

Shot At The Top Qualifier

Champagne Lover vs. Rick Law

 

Lover's good but I don't see him going over the established TCW star in Law.

[Beeker]

Sean Deeley w/ Laura Huggins vs. Walter Morgan

- Momentum boost for Deeley and a showcase for both as Deeley heads towards Malice.

 

Stone Brothers vs. Team VIPER w/ Baroness Emily

- VIPER just aren't going to be considered legitimate threats for a while, Edd might wander off to buy some popcorn but Jeremy will stick around and strike the snakes down.

 

Easy Riders w/ Carl Batch vs. Tooth & Claw (non-title)

- T&C will look decent but the Riders need to look dangerous. If the Riders lose it'll be to a DQ or excessive force.

 

Frankie Perez vs. Steve Gumble (non-title)

- Perez builds momentum towards the Reach for the Top... Uh Shoot for the Stars... um... that match at Malice. Steve consoles himself with 4 Litre tub of Hagen Daas as he remoulds himself into Ford Gumble.

 

Shot At The Top Qualifier

Art Reed w/ Blonde Bombshell vs. Wolf Hawkins

- As this frees up Wolf for a tag match with Cornell against the Rising Stars.

 

Elite Express vs. Rising Stars

- I've been talking about Momentum towards Malice but here, Cornell sticks his English Schnooz into this match, making it a Schmooz so the Express pick up a slight upset win.

 

Shot At The Top Qualifier

Champagne Lover vs. Rick Law

- His show AND a debut PLUS a Shot at the Top and he had an A rated match? I dunno if Master Kitozon could overcome those odds.

[Oregano Jensen]

That Suzanne Brazzle render is awesome. (As are the other two.) On to the predictions:

 

Sean Deeley w/ Laura Huggins vs. Walter Morgan

 

Deeley's a man on the rise. Morgan is one of the British Lions, a tag team so lightly regarded that even though they're British, Tommy Cornell wants nothing to do with them. He's not even the MAIN British Lion. Make no mistake, he'll put on a good show, but no way does he go over Deeley.

 

Stone Brothers vs. Team VIPER w/ Baroness Emily

 

Something's brewing with Team VIPER. I say it starts coming to a head here, and I say Edd Stone plays whipping boy yet again.

 

Easy Riders w/ Carl Batch vs. Tooth & Claw (non-title)

 

Nothing's brewing with Tooth and Claw.

 

Frankie Perez vs. Steve Gumble (non-title)

 

Perez has momentum, doesn't need to be kept down, and Gumble is Steve Gumble.

 

Shot At The Top Qualifier

Art Reed w/ Blonde Bombshell vs. Wolf Hawkins

 

As the world's biggest Art Reed mark, I do hope Beeker's right... but I'm not going to bet on it happening clean. More likely, Cornell cuts this short somehow, DQ win for Art, and it comes back to bite the Syndicate, as Hawkins resents losing his Shot at the Top chance over his boss's vendetta against Andrews. I'm calling it.

 

Elite Express vs. Rising Stars

 

They need the momentum.

 

Shot At The Top Qualifier

Champagne Lover vs. Rick Law

 

Law's getting booked as an increasingly serious contender, and definitely belongs in the Shot match. CL is never going to be a US contender due to his foreign obligations, but he can certainly put on an awesome match, and make Law look good.

[Beeker]

Shot At The Top Qualifier

Art Reed w/ Blonde Bombshell vs. Wolf Hawkins

 

As the world's biggest Art Reed mark, I do hope Beeker's right... but I'm not going to bet on it happening clean. More likely, Cornell cuts this short somehow, DQ win for Art, and it comes back to bite the Syndicate, as Hawkins resents losing his Shot at the Top chance over his boss's vendetta against Andrews. I'm calling it.

 

Betting on me is *always* a long shot.

[Phantom Stranger]

Betting on me is *always* a long shot.

 

And yet your picks almost always make a degree of sense... it's a weird balance.

[Beeker]

And yet your picks almost always make a degree of sense... it's a weird balance.

 

It's the reason I always give explanations for my picks. If I just said 'Midcarder Moe over Main Event Mel' people would just dismiss them out of hand. But by using a modicum of logic (albeit outlandish logic) means that there is a chance for me to be right.

 

Plus, I like to think my prediction comments give the writers a bit of a chuckle.

[Phantom Stranger]

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/tcwbadge2.jpg

 

TCW Presents Badge of Honor

 

Friday Week 3 January 2009

 

Live on GNN Total Sports (Rating 1.25)

 

Held at Centerpiece Bridge (Mid Atlantic)

 

Attendance: 3707

 

Announcers:

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/JasonAzaria_alt1.jpghttp://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/JasmineSaunders.jpghttp://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/KyleRhodes_alt1.jpg

Jason Azaria – Jasmine Saunders – Kyle Rhodes

 

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/ShooterSeanDeeley.jpg w/ http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/LauraCatherineHuggins.jpg vs. http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/WalterMorgan.jpg

Sean Deeley w/ Laura Huggins vs. Walter Morgan

Scintillating action, here, without much fan reaction – but this is the kind of match that, by 2015, will be a cult classic on YouTube. The exchanges are technically perfect, smooth, slick, brilliantly done. Morgan puts up a tremendous fight, and the more he does so, the more you can see Deeley – actually, both men – smiling; it's a treat to a talent of that level to be working with someone that good. There's just muted reaction; the match is a foregone conclusion.

 

Deeley ultimately clamps in the front choke lock to the applause of his personal fans, Laura Huggins, and the most dedicated fans of mat technique in the arena.

Sean Deeley defeated Walter Morgan

Rating: B+

 

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/totalbanner.jpg

 

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/EddStone_alt13.jpghttp://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/JeremyStone_alt1.jpg vs. http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/FumihiroOta_PS.jpghttp://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/ShingenMiyazaki_alt2.jpg w/ http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/QueenEmily_FS2.jpg

Stone Brothers vs. Team VIPER w/ Baroness Emily

More excellent work here, with the Brothers particularly dominant and destructive. Team VIPER play this one defensively, purely defensive, blocking, countering, tagging in and out. It's a masterclass in strategy, but Edd Fu cares not for strategy and after Deeley's win, Jeremy Stone clearly feels he needs to prove a point.

 

VIPER fight on, working hard, and Azaria in particular sells their skill, determination, and fire on the microphone. But, in the end, the Stone's Throw leaves Fumihiro Ota out of it on the wrong side of the wring, and while Miyazaki tries to intervene, a missile dropkick from Edd prevents it. The pinfall is inevitable.

Stone Brothers defeated Team VIPER

Rating: B-

 

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/totalbanner.jpg

 

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/FumihiroOta_PS.jpghttp://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/ShingenMiyazaki_alt2.jpghttp://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/QueenEmily_FS2.jpg

Miyazaki and Ota remain in the ring, with Miyazaki helping Ota to his feet. The two then make their way to dead centre and drop to their knees, heads bowed, facing away from the entrance ramp.

 

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/Hidekazu_jtlant.jpghttp://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/KoshiroIno.jpg

Koshiro Ino's music hits, and the rest of team KOBRA come down to the ring. Most notable is that Ino is holding a bokken; no simple rattan kendo stick, a solid wooden training katana. As they approach the ring, he lets its tip rattle against the metal of the guardrail, an ominous noise. The announce team fall silent.

 

Ino, Hidekazu, and the Baroness enter the ring and surround the kneeling duo. The Kobra hands the bokken to the Baroness.

 

From behind, Emily unleashes a perfect downward-slash iaido strike to Ota's back; the camera catches his pain, but he does not fall. She takes a step forward and does the same to Miyazaki, who also takes it stoically.

 

The two rise, after that, and Team KOBRA bow to one another before heading back up the ramp. With the exception of a single startled “Christ!” from Rhodes after the first impact, no one has said anything on commentary throughout.

 

At last Azaria finds his voice. “That,” he says simply, “scares me.”

 

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/totalbanner.jpg

 

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/GreaseHogg.jpghttp://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/LeadBelly.jpg w/ http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/CarlBatch.jpg vs. http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/AguilaAmericana_jhd2.jpghttp://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/LoboBlanco.jpg

Easy Riders w/ Carl Batch vs. Tooth & Claw

In many ways, this was simply brutal; all Tooth & Claw appears to have on their side was speed, and that just wasn't enough. Possibly the nastiest moment was the end; as American Eagle ducked Peter Hopper's clothesline, he ran up the turnbuckles and launched outward in an attempt at a moonsault press; Hopper, however, caught him on his shoulder, charged forward, slammed him into the turnbuckles, then swivelled and hit a jumping powerslam to secure the pin.

Easy Riders defeated Tooth & Claw

Rating: C+

 

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/totalbanner.jpg

 

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/GreaseHogg.jpghttp://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/LeadBelly.jpghttp://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/CarlBatch.jpg

The Riders take a few moments to celebrate and pose, with Batch between them holding both belts in the air, smirking.

 

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/GregGauge.jpghttp://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/MatthewGauge.jpghttp://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/BlondeBombshell.jpg

And then Shut Me Up by Mindless Self Indulgence hits, heralding the Keith Brothers – and the Blonde Bombshell, who has a microphone.

 

“Malice in Wonderland,” is all she says.

 

The Riders look at one another and grin. Carl Batch looks thoughtful, but collects a microphone. “You that eager to get your asses beat down again?

 

“Sure. My boys need a Malice payday.”

 

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/totalbanner.jpg

 

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/FrankiePerez.jpg w/ http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/PhilVibert.jpg vs. http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/SteveGumble_Grunge2.jpg

Frankie Perez w/ Phil Vibert vs. Steve Gumble

As this match begins, Azaria reviews Vibert's apparent 'mission statement' about bankrupting TCW through victory payouts and dominance.

 

Perez promptly demonstrates it, though the match is described – and carried out – as the lethal kicks of Perez versus the virtuoso Savate-based footwork of Gumble. It's actually touch and go in places, with Gumble's expertise permitting him to block the brunt of each impact.

 

But Phil Vibert is there; the title belt slides into the ring, Vibert appears on the apron, and Sam Sparrow goes to deal with him.

 

At which point, Frankie Perez scoops up the belt and tosses it at Gumble, who catches it up above his shoulder, beside his head -

 

HOOK KICK TO THE TITLE!

 

Gumble drops like a stone. Vibert vanishes as Frankie covers – the three count swiftly follows.

Frankie Perez defeated Steve Gumble

Rating: C+

 

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/totalbanner.jpg

 

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/KateDangerous.jpghttp://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/LaurenEaster.jpghttp://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/RakuMakuda.jpghttp://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/SuzanneBrazzle_alt1.jpg

Once again, Badge of Honor plays host to a fast-paced, slickly edited collection of the best moments of wrestling from its four new women competitors. The highlights here are Kate Dangerous' half-nelson suplex, as well as her over-the-shoulder full nelson/backbreaker, the Danger Zone, and Lauren Easter's figure-four leglock and Solstice Bomb.

 

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/totalbanner.jpg

 

Shot at the Top Qualifier

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/ArtReed.jpg w/ http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/BlondeBombshell.jpg vs. http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/WolfHawkins_alt3.jpg

Art Reed w/ Blonde Bombshell vs. Wolf Hawkins

For the first time this show, the crowd are all responsive – and there's good reason. Reed and Hawkins fight an even battle, with Hawkins having the speed advantage and Reed controlling things on the ground.

 

After a Dread Lock attempt, Hawkins bails from the ring. Sparrow goes to remonstrate with him and Reed catches his breath -

 

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/JungleJack_FIN4.jpghttp://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/JulianWatson_FIN.jpg

And the Enforcers are there, taking Reed out with a Russian legsweep/clothesline combo before ascending the turnbuckle. The Gojira Falls suicide superplex follows; with Marlowe supporting Watson, the pair scramble for the exit as Wolf Hawkins rolls back in, smirking. One Full Moon Rising as Reed tries to recover later, the pinfall is assured.

 

“Surprised Hawkins wants two matches at Malice,” Jasmine Saunders offers.

Wolf Hawkins defeated Art Reed

Rating: B

 

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/totalbanner.jpg

 

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/BobbyThomas_jhd.jpghttp://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/NateJohnson_jhd1.jpg vs. http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/AaronAndrews.jpghttp://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/JoeyMinnesota_alt.jpg

Elite Express vs. Rising Stars

The Express have always let their actions in the ring do the talking, and this match is certainly no exception, rushing the less experienced Stars, harrying them, trying to prevent them from finding their feet, from finding their stride.

They certainly have the teamwork. They have the skill. But right now, they don't have the determination. Andrews and Minnesota can't beat the Express as a pair, but they can divide and conquer – and so they do. In the end, Andrews levels Johnson with the Game Breaker as legal man Minnesota catches Bobby Thomas with the Empire Spiral, floating over to get the pin.

Rising Stars defeated the Elite Express

Rating: B+

 

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/totalbanner.jpg

 

Shot at the Top Qualifier

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/ChampagneLover.jpg vs. http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/RickLaw.jpg

Champagne Lover vs. Rick Law

If there's one thing you can say about Rick Law as a wrestler, it's that he has a knack for being in the ring when others are at their best. Maybe he brings it out of them, maybe it just happens, but as with Cornell, it happens here.

 

Champagne Lover gets one of the best possible introductions to the TCW faithful as a result; most of his best moves are hit, and the Champagne Sunrise is launched, but ducked. Law gets the Squad Car Slam and turns to appeal to the crowd -

 

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/Remo.jpghttp://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm75/trenchcoatbrigand/TCW/LobsterWarrior_PS.jpg

Remo appears in the ring and gets the Destroyer on Law from behind. Eugene Williams is about to call the disqualification, but Rockwell is just paces behind Remo. The pair duke it out for a long moment – Remo clotheslines Rockwell out of the ring – Law gets the Long Arm of the Law on Remo from behind, dumping him out in turn.

 

As Remo and Rockwell assault each other on the outside, Law continues his momentum, whiplashing off the ropes to catch the Lover with another Long Arm Of The Law and score the pin.

Rick Law defeated Champagne Lover

Rating: B+

 

Show Rating: B+

[Phantom Stranger]

Show Notes:

 

• Walter Morgan in a B+ match. See the difference, TCW? See the difference between unskilled jobbers and guys who'll get pushed eventually?
  
• Rick Law is king of chemistry this save, it seems. Probably not far off National Icon at the moment, either, which'll rank him alongside Chris Rockwell, Eddie Peak and Troy Tornado at the moment.
  
• The Team KOBRA gimmick begins to come into focus.
  

[Big Roguey]

Show Notes:

• Walter Morgan in a B+ match. See the difference, TCW? See the difference between unskilled jobbers and guys who'll get pushed eventually?
  
• Rick Law is king of chemistry this save, it seems. Probably not far off National Icon at the moment, either, which'll rank him alongside Chris Rockwell, Eddie Peak and Troy Tornado at the moment.
  
• The Team KOBRA gimmick begins to come into focus.

 

2 things.

 

Is Team RoF going to be getting a push.

And Team KOBRA remind me of Seritonin in TNA.

[Phantom Stranger]

2 things.

 

Is Team RoF going to be getting a push.

And Team KOBRA remind me of Seritonin in TNA.

 

Eventually, yes.

 

Also, yeah. I remember watching Serotonin's in-ring debut on a PPV pre-show and really liking the idea - but there were issues I had with it, more so as time went on. Team KOBRA is going to be, in part, me trying to book that the way I would have, to see how it goes - hopefully, better.

[Bigpapa42]

Awesome debut for Champagne Lover, even if he couldn't take the win. I'm liking the build toward the women's division. It should make an interesting addition to Total Championship Wrestling.