USPW: Time for a change

[CQI13]

USPW Super Summer Bash

 

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee200/CQI13/USPW/PPV%20Events/SuperSummerBash.jpg

 

These are the results from USPW Super Summer Bash 2013, being held by United States Pro Wrestling. It is being held in front of 40,000 people at TX Alamodome and is live on Pay-Per-View.

 

Opening Promo

 

Sam Strong starts off the show by coming out to the ring and thanking the fans for supporting USPW. He says that they have a great show planned for them tonight, with four titles on the line. He then says that at the champion's request, the USPW Women's Title match is now a No Disqualification Match!

 

Ace Youngblood vs Soviet Enygma (w/ Natasha Snow)

 

The first match of the evening is Soviet Enygma taking on Ace Youngblood. It's an interesting match up, but no matter how high management is on Youngblood, you can't convince me he has any chance against someone like Soviet Enygma. They did a good job of working to make Youngblood look good, but it was clear that Soviet Enygma was just toying with him. Once he got down to business, he made Youngblood tap out to the Enygma Variation.

 

Soviet Enygma grabs a microphone and says it's unfortunate Enygma took his ball and went home, because his mask would make a great trophy. Soviet Enygma says if Enygma ever decides to show his face in USPW again, he knows exactly what's waiting for him.

 

Hernandez & Glenn vs D.O.A. (w/ Anarchy)

 

The action continues with James Hernandez and Kevin Glenn taking on The Disciples of Anarchy. It is great to see the young team of Hernandez & Glenn starting to come into their own after a tough couple of months, but The D.O.A. are no pushovers in this match. They have far more experience than Hernandez & Glenn, and they use their power to maintain control of the match. Much like two weeks ago, it's Anarchy who ultimately costs Bones the match. As Skull is fighting with Glenn outside the ring, Anarchy inadvertently hits Bones instead of Hernandez. With Bones dazed, Hernandez hits the Super Kick and gets the pin!

 

Glenn & Hernandez are shocked (as are most of the crowd). But they take their eyes off The D.O.A. which proves costly, as they are attacked from behind. Bones & Skull are really going after them when the roar of motorcycles is heard. T-Rex & Samuel Crowe come down and begin to circle the ring, which stops The D.O.A.'s attacks momentarily. T-Rex & Crowe make it into the ring and a brawl ensues! In the end, T-Rex & Crowe are able to push back The D.O.A. who retreat up the ramp.

 

Once The D.O.A. are at a safe distance, T-Rex & Crowe help Glenn & Hernandez up, and lift their arms in victory!

 

USPW World Tag Team Titles

Natural Storm (w/ Persephone) vs The Cold Warriors © (w/ Natasha Snow)

 

Persephone is backstage with Natural Storm and she does a good job of getting them hyped up for their title match. She reminds them that they have a history against The Cold Warriors - one in which they have been largely successful historically - so she knows they can beat them. Her only fear is The McWade Brothers somehow getting involved.

 

The USPW Tag Team Title match is the match of the night up to this point, with good action as well as some drama since the two teams are so evenly matched. Unfortunately, the match is marred by constant interference. It begins with Natasha Snow distracting the ref. During one of these distractions, The McWade Brothers make their presence felt, going after the challengers. In the meantime, Mountie Mann keeps Persephone at bay (though not getting physically involved). This, in turn, brings out Savage Fury who are not careful when it comes to getting involved in the match. The ref finally notices the all out brawl going on, and rings the bell. The official result is a Double DQ. Things seem far from over between these four teams.

 

USPW Television Title #1 Contender Tournament

Elliot Thomas vs Kirk Jameson

 

The Television Title #1 Contender's Tournament continues with Elliot Thomas taking on Kirk Jameson. Much like in his match against Marc Speed, Elliot Thomas spends much of the match grounded by Kirk Jameson who is focusing on his arm. If it were me, I'd focus on his legs to take away his speed, but whatever...Unlike that earlier match however, Thomas is able to build some momentum and gain control. When Jameson makes a misstep, Thomas capitalizes and lands the Quiet Down for the victory. Thomas survives one more match, and Jameson is out of the tournament. I will say it's unfortunate that the fans seem to take the technical flavor of the match as being boring rather than appreciating the story being told in the ring.

 

American Patriot vs Marc Speed Hype Video

 

Interestingly enough, the crowd does pop some for the video that comes on the screen next. It's highlights of American Patriot and Marc Speed - both are shown briefly in their matches in the independents. The intensity grows as they begin to show highlights of the matches they have had against their respective opponents in this tournament. Then again, it seems that from the beginning, American Patriot and Marc Speed have been positioned as the two favorites to win the tournament, so the crowd might just be responding to that. Patriot spews some jingoistic rhetoric, while Speed promises to make him "TAP, NAP, or SNAP!"

 

Cage, C. Valentine & Vessey Plotting Backstage

 

We get a shot backstage of Cameron Vessey looking on a monitor - he can't hide his disgust. He says that he should have been in that match, had American Patriot not cheated in their match and promises to do something about it. He's approached by Casey Valentine who agrees with him, but reminds him about what happened this past week when they took Hector Galindo out. Roger Cage joins them and tells Vessey that they have everything under control, and quickly glances at Charlie Thatcher who just nods. The room goes silent when Peter Valentine walks in, who is more than a little upset at this - yet again he's being excluded from these meetings, and his paranoia may get the best of him.

 

USPW Women's Title: No Disqualification Match

Alicia Strong © vs Cherry Bomb

 

We go backstage where Alicia Strong is ready to cut a promo. She says that her father thought she was crazy for requesting this match be made into a No Disqualification match - but she knows what people have been saying since last month's match against Cherry Bomb. She says she doesn't want there to be any excuses - Cherry Bomb was overly aggressive in their last encounter and it caught her off guard. But this month, she's ready.

 

In what is the match of the night (so far) Alicia Strong survives a barrage of suplexes and strikes from Cherry Bomb to keep her USPW Women's Title. Strong begins with the advantage, but Cherry Bomb is able to get the momentum with some vicious suplexes. And this time, the referee is not able to stop her. Also conspicuous by her absence from ringside is Joanne Rodriguez. Cherry Bomb seems intent on not only beating Alicia Strong, but also humiliating her. Instead of going for the pin, Cherry Bomb decides to inflict more pain on Strong on more than one occasion. As the beating continues, Joanne Rodriguez finally comes out from the back and gets in the ring, getting in Cherry Bomb's face. The two go toe to toe, and begin to brawl. Alicia Strong uses this time to regain some of her energy, and eventually gets involved again. Cherry Bomb is at a disadvantage and falls to an Angel Driver. But before she goes for the cover, Joanne Rodriguez picks Cherry Bomb up and hits a J-Rocker! Alicia Strong doesn't seem pleased, but she takes the win anyway.

 

USPW National Title

Running Wolf vs Darryl Devine ©

 

Darryl Devine is backstage cutting a promo. He says that he's bringing respectability to the USPW National Title, taking on anyone and everyone, unlike that coward Chris Caulfield who has decided to hold a tournament to earn a shot at his title. He says he wishes he could have some better competition available here in USPW.

 

Darryl Devine comes to the ring first for his title match against Running Wolf. The two make a decent pair in the ring, with Devine using his experience to counter Running Wolf's size. This match is just a notch below the women's title match before it - Devine seems to be making the most of his time to shine, and so is Running Wolf. Every time Running Wolf tries to get the upper hand, Devine cheats in some way to stop the attack. In the end, it takes A Devine Dream Drop and a handful of tights to keep the young superstar down. As Running Wolf is arguing with the ref, Devine slips out of the ring and grabs Running Wolf's headdress. When Running Wolf notices this, he starts to go after Devine, but Devine threatens him with destroying the headdress!

 

Remo Richardson vs Mick Muscles (w/ The Sneer Corporation)

 

The two monsters lock up, and Mick Muscles is able to go toe to toe with Remo before finally being knocked down. Despite this early back and forth, Remo seems like a lock to win the match, which he eventually does. However, throughout the match he has to deal with Danny Rushmore and Jumbo Jackson trying to interfere, with Shane Sneer directing the attacks. After hitting The Destroyer on Mick Muscles and getting the pin, things start getting interesting. Both Jackson and Rushmore get in the ring (Rushmore eating a Destroyer for his efforts) but Jackson & Muscles seem to be gaining control of the situation. The numbers game does get the better of Remo, and Sneer gets in his face to taunt him. Sneer points to the ramp, and Bruce The Giant comes out and hits a chokeslam on Remo. As the segment comes to an end, Bruce The Giant has his foot on Remo's chest with the rest of the Sneer Corporation celebrating around him.

 

USPW World Title

James Justice vs Tyson Baine ©

 

In what turns out to be a disappointing main event (from a critical point of view), Tyson Baine makes defense number 2 of his USPW World Title. However, and this is just my opinion, we might be seeing a changing of the guard in USPW - Remo has been consistently outdelivering those in the main event. Anyway, on to the match up.

 

Justice starts the match by charging against Tyson Baine, which gets the big man on his heels. Eventually he is able to take advantage of an overzealous Justice and move out of the way when he was in the corner. That portion of the match is highlighted by the sheer brutality that Baine still brings to the table - something we saw in the build up to the match. But after Justice kicks out of a Hades Bomb, Baine begins to unravel and loses focus on Justice. As Justice makes his comeback, there is a ref bump! Justice hits a Liberation Slam and goes for the pin...Justice will prevail! But the ref is still down!

 

With Justice trying to revive the ref, Wolf Hawkins jumps the barricade and hits the Running Enziguri on Justice and he's out cold. Hawkins quickly exits the ring and makes his way through the crowd. The ref begins to get up, and so does Baine. The champ manages to drape an arm across Justice, who is not going anywhere, and gets the pin. The crowd is irate, at both the result and how it comes about.

 

Seemingly invigorated by the jeers, Tyson Baine stands tall, raising the belt over his head.

 

* * *

 

DVD Exclusives

 

In a rare treat, we get two women's matches tonight. The first one is a tag team match between the teams of Belle Bryden & Brooke Tyler and Amber Allen & Melody. It's great to see the Allen & Tyler in action on PPV, even if Melody & Bryden are the ones carrying the match in the early going. With Allen being tagged in, Belle Bryden and Brooke Tyler use some underhanded tactics to gain the advantage (with Tyler interfering from the corner). Once Allen is weakened enough, Bryden tags Tyler in who finishes Allen off with a Brooke Breaker.

 

In the second "DVD Exclusive" match, the new team of Andre Jones, Ali X & Mack take on Freddie Datsun, The Force & Erik Strong. The big storyline in the match is the continued push of Andre Jones and the introduction of Ali X & Mack as The Force and Freddie Datsun are slowly moved down the card. Erik Strong does have a good showing in the match - I could really see Erik Strong & Andre Jones being a rivalry for some time to come. Jones, Ali X & Mack do the bulk of the damage here, with Erik Strong being the lone bright spot on his team. In the end, Datsun falls victim to a Blast From The Past to give Andre Jones the victory.

 

* * *

 

News & Notes

 

*USPW Super Summer Bash received a 1.55 buy rate. This is 0.12 down from last month's PPV.

 

*If all goes as planned, Andrew "Wolf" Hawkins' first feud in USPW will be against James Justice. There are rumors that they will play up Justice's past in TCW.

 

*Leaks from within USPW confirm that there are two more TCW workers who are making the jump. The current plan is for them to NOT join Hawkins in any sort of "Invasion" storyline. But plans are up in the air until they actually debut.

[CQI13]

USPW All Star Wrestling (Monday Week 4 June 2013)

 

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee200/CQI13/USPW/AllStarWrestlingTV.png

 

These are the results from USPW All Star Wrestling, being held by United States Pro Wrestling. It is being held in front of 18,007 people at CO Pepsi Center and is being shown live on USA Sports 1.

 

James Justice Speaks, Is Interrupted by Wolf Hawkins

 

The show opens with an irate James Justice in the ring. He says that last night, Wolf Hawkins meddled in his affairs, and effectively cost him the USPW World title. Wolf Hawkins, for his part, is sitting at ringside, grining. When Justice sees him, he tries to get under Wolf's skin (unsuccessfully). Security steps between them, but Justice tells them to let him through.

 

Hawkins gets in the ring and explains to Justice that change is coming to USPW, and there's nothing he can do to stop it. Hawkins says his boss has a master plan to bring this about, and Justice just happened to get caught in the middle of it. Wolf adds that his objective right now is to simply cause chaos - he can get the USPW World title whenever he wants. But if USPW falls into disarray, his boss will be able to waltz in and pick up the pieces.

 

Justice tells him that he doesn't care what he's here to do, but if they meet in a match one on one, "Justice will prevail!" Hawkins is clearly amused by this, seeing as Justice hasn't accomplished anything he has said he would in the last few months. But if he wants to embarrass himself, he'll give Justice the opportunity for that.

 

USPW Television Title #1 Contender Tournament

American Patriot vs Marc Speed

 

The announcers welcome Chris Caulfield to the announce table. He will be providing color commentary for the next match - the USPW Television Title #1 Contender contest between Marc Speed & American Patriot. The two put on a very good match, proving why they are the favorites to win this tournament. If that is the case, you can score this first encounter for Marc Speed as he makes American Patriot tap out to the Cross Armbreaker. In what is arguably a dumb move, American Patriot stays in the hold much longer than previous opponents of Marc Speed. This despite the fact that he was nowhere near the ropes to try and break the hold. He struggles valiantly, coming close once, but ultimately tapping out. With no time to rest between matches from here on out, we'll see if this move on the part of American Patriot backfires.

 

Chris Caulfield is Attacked

 

Speed stares Caulfield down as Caulfield makes his way to the back. About halfway up the ramp, Charlie Thatcher attacks Caulfield from behind. It takes several road agents to stop the assault. Cameron Vessey looks like a winner after tonight, as he will take on a hurt American Patriot, while Roger Cage and Casey Valentine continue to be a thorn on the side of Chris Caulfield.

 

Mountie Mann Hypes The McWade Brothers

 

Mountie Mann is backstage hyping up The McWade Brothers. He says that they will prove they are the biggest and baddest men in USPW by capturing the USPW Tag Team Titles at USPW Road to Glory. And the first victim in their path will be Java when he faces off against Dean McWade.

 

Java vs Dean McWade (w/ Mountie Mann & Dallas McWade)

 

In a surprisingly good match by USPW standards involving two over 40 types, Dean McWade is able to come out victorious against Java with a Canadian Lariat. Java is able to hold his own, even controlling a good portion of the match. After hitting the Greetings from the Island, it looks as though Java will be victorious but Mountie Mann distracts the referee. As Tribal Warrior tries to rectify the situation, Dallas McWade switches places with his brother. Dallas McWade surprises Java with a Canadian Lariat for the pin!

 

A Mysterious Attack Against Alicia Strong

 

Alicia Strong is backstage cutting a promo about her win last night, when a masked figure approaches her. At first she tries to ignore her, but the masked figure keeps her eyes on Strong. Alicia starts to get nervous and stops the promo and approaches the masked figure. As Alicia gets closer, the masked figure attacks without warning! It's a brutal attack, by USPW Women's standards. The masked figure approaches Alicia and stands over her as if looking to finish her off. Alicia can do nothing but look up, and her face turns to fear when the hooded figure reveals herself. We see the mask fall next to Alicia, before the mysterious figure leaves Alicia struggling to get up.

 

T-Rex Wants a Title Shot, But Knows He Won't Get It

 

Cameras are backstage, and catch a conversation between T-Rex and Samuel Crowe. T-Rex bemoans the fact that Tyson Baine has somehow managed to hold on to the USPW title by cheating. It's almost as though T-Rex wants to right a wrong. He then says that he knows that Baine wouldn't dare give him a shot. After all, they were partners for a long time and he knows all the weaknesses Baine has.

 

USPW National Title

Matt Hocking vs Darryl Devine ©

 

The next match of the night is Darryl Devine giving another "poor soul" a shot at the USPW National Title. This time, it's Matt Hocking - fresh off two losses in the TV Title #1 Contender Tournament. Devine (in full headdress) even takes a shot at Caulfield with this match. He says that even though Caulfield won't give Hocking a shot, Devine won't back down from him. He adds that just like before, this is a one time deal - there are a long list of contenders who want a shot, so when Hocking loses, he doesn't get another shot.

 

Devine starts the match with a friendly gesture, going for a handshake only to turn that into a short arm clothesline. From there, things don't look up for Hocking, as Devine takes the opportunity to embarrass him. A Devine Dream Drop puts Hocking out of his misery.

 

Natasha Snow Hypes The Cold Warriors

 

Natasha Snow is backstage with The Cold Warriors and Soviet Enygma. She says that Savage Fury was pathetic tonight, and she was glad to see The McWade Brothers make quick work of them. But that's where the compliments end with the McWade Brothers. She then adds that when The McWade Brothers get in the ring with The Cold Warriors, there is no way they will come out on top.

 

Remo Continues On His Quest To Defeat The Sneer Corporation

 

Remo is backstage being interviewed about the result of his match last night. He says that he is happy with the victory, but losing his patience with Shane Sneer. Remo adds that soon enough, Sneer will run out of henchmen, and when he puts Bruce the Giant down he will stand as the Giant in the Land of Giants, the true King of the Hill.

 

Nicky Champion Gives a Pep Talk to Running Wolf & Ace Youngblood

 

After a commercial break, we see Nicky Champion giving the team of Running Wolf and Ace Youngblood a pep talk. He says they have had a few setbacks as a team, but all it takes is one win to get back on track.

 

Running Wolf & Ace Youngblood vs Ali X & Mack

 

In a solid match between two of the newer teams in the tag team division, Running Wolf & Youngblood take on Ali X & Mack. Early on in the match, Andre Jones is ejected from ringside because he is trying to interfere. This seems to throw Ali X & Mack's plan through a loop, not expecting their leader to not be ringside. They acquit themselves nicely in the ring without him, but The Force's music hits and the two of them freeze and turn towards the ramp. This is the opening Running Wolf needs to put hit Mack with the Wolf Tamer. Mack and Ali X are livid, especially since The Force and Datsun never appear to physically interfere! This changes after the match when the two faces come through the crowd and attack! The Force ends the segment by shaking the ropes as Ali X and Mack retreat up the ramp.

 

Belle Bryden & Brooke Tyler Backstage

 

Belle Bryden is backstage with Brooke Tyler. She congratulates Tyler on getting the pin in their match last night. She tells Tyler that she has improved by leaps and bounds since coming under her wing. She finishes by saying that Brooke Tyler might even end up with a more storied career than hers - if she continues to do what she says.

 

Samuel Crowe vs Bones (w/ Anarchy & Skull)

 

The next match is a continuation of the biker war between The Disciples of Anarchy and T-Rex & Samuel Crowe. Much as we've seen in the past, it's Bones coming up short in the match, thanks to some "help" from Anarchy. And much like before, Anarchy has Skull stand down when he could be helping Skull in his match. Following the distraction by Anarchy, Crowe hits the Atomic Spinebuster for the win. A "shocked" Anarchy is livid at the result and lays into Bones on the way to the back.

 

Andre Jones Rants

 

Andre Jones storms into Sam Strong's office and tells him that it seems as though he is continuing to target him. Despite the fact that Jones has already proven to be the cream of the crop in USPW, Strong refuses to see it. Further, and this is perhaps the most troubling thing for Andre Jones, Sam Strong seems to have a vendetta against him - having the referee eject him from ringside only to allow the interference by Freddie Datsun and The Force!

 

Sam Strong seems amused by the whole thing, and lets Andre Jones vent. When he's done, Strong tells him that all of that couldn't be further from the truth, but he'll look into it.

 

Shane Sneer Hypes Up Jumbo Jackson & The Rest of The Sneer Corporation

 

Coming back from the last commercial break, we are taken to The Sneer Corporation's locker room. The Towers of Power are there as well, Rushmore showing the effects of the Destroyer he ate after interfering in the match last night.

 

Sneer says that last night was a preview of what Remo can expect when he faces off against Jumbo Jackson at USPW Road to Glory. And if he happens to get past him, which is unlikely, there is still Bruce the Giant he has to deal with. And sooner or later, Remo will realize that he messed with the wrong people when he arrived in USPW.

 

James Justice vs Roger Cage

 

The main event of the night is the match between James Justice and Roger Cage. It's certainly a contest between two workers who are trending in opposite directions. While Roger Cage has had some setbacks, he's been generally trending upward, while James Justice has been in a funk since he accused Enygma of turning his back on USPW. Cage continues to prove that he's part of the new generation of USPW stars. Justice, meanwhile, continues to fight two opponents every time he steps in the ring - not the least of which is Father Time. The savvy veteran tries to use his experience against Roger Cage, but an overzealous attack on the part of James Justice is the opening Cage needs for the Cage Rage. After the match Cage continues to attack Justice, trying to add to the humiliation, and Cameron Vessey runs in from the back to join him.

 

Unfortunately for him, he doesn't see T-Rex & Crowe run down to make the save. T-Rex knocks Vessey out of the ring with a clothesline, and Crowe just misses doing the same with Cage, who manages to get out unscathed.

 

Tyson Baine Responds to T-Rex's Challenge

 

As T-Rex & Crowe help Justice up, Tyson Baine appears on the big screen. Speaking from his dungeon, he tells T-Rex that he should stop going after people that are smaller than him - if he thinks that is going to prepare him to go up against the USPW World champion, he's mistaken. Baine then confirms that if T-Rex really wants to become his next victim, all he had to do was ask. Instead he had to run his mouth, making veiled threats. And as for T-Rex knowing his weaknesses, Tyson Baine says he knows T-Rex's weakneses as well. After all, Baine was the one who was entrusted with carrying the team. He finishes by saying that T-Rex is now on the Endangered Species list...and after USPW Road to Glory, he will be extinct!

 

* * *

 

News & Notes

 

-USPW All Star Wrestling received a 7.94 TV rating, good for a .20 increase.

 

-Andre Jones signed an extension recently, one that netted him about a 60% pay increase. He's still well below what some of the other big names in USPW are commanding, but management clearly has big plans for him.

 

-A lot of people are shocked that USPW would pin their hopes of a main event at USPW Road to Glory on Tyson Baine and T-Rex. Our sources inside the company feel it will be a good transition into what they believe will be a fantastic last third of the year.

[CQI13]

USPW All Star Wrestling (Monday Week 1 July 2013)

 

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee200/CQI13/USPW/AllStarWrestlingTV.png

 

These are the results from USPW All Star Wrestling, being held by United States Pro Wrestling. It is being held in front of 18,454 people at NJ Izod Center and is being shown live on USA Sports 1.

 

Caulfield Didn't Even See It Coming...

 

As the announcers welcome the viewers to the show, we see USPW Television Champion Chris Caulfield getting out of his car in the parking garage. As he is getting his bag out of the trunk, he is attacked by Charlie Thatcher. Roger Cage, Casey Valentine and Cameron Vessey are directing “The Insurance Policy” on what to do, and Thatcher executes the plan to perfection. As USPW staff comes to Caulfield’s aid, Cage and his cohorts run away, but the damage is done.

 

Erik Strong vs Andre Jones

 

The opening match is Andre Jones taking on Erik Strong. Andre Jones proves he's the superior talent, at least at the moment, as he's able to handle Erik Strong with relative ease. That's not to say that he doesn't take shortcuts behind the ref's back. But at least it seems as though he's doing it more out of spite than necessity. After hitting The Blast From The Past and getting the pin, he continues to attack Erik Strong, stopping only when the referee threatens to reverse the decision.

 

Soviet Enygma Is Looking For a Trophy

 

We are treated to a vignette featuring Soviet Enygma. In it, he says that Enygma is a coward - some might accuse him of turning his back on the fans, or standing up for himself against Justice's accusations early on, but in reality, he's scared of facing Soviet Enygma. Because he knows that if he does, he would fall victim to him. Worse yet, he would lose his identity by losing his mask and how ironic would that be.

 

The Force & Freddie Datsun vs Ali X & Mack

 

Ali X and Mack have an opportunity to gain some measure of revenge against The Force & Freddie Datsun who cost them their match last week. It is troubling that the up and coming talent can't seem to garner much fan reaction going up against "USPW guys" like The Force & Datsun, though it's hard to say who is at fault in that. The match itself is pretty good in the time they are given. Conventional wisdom would have matched up Mack against The Force, but Ali X is able to hold his own against him. Instead, Mack is able to overpower Freddie Datsun, despite the efforts by "The American Everyman." A vicious clothesline, followed by Mack picking him up off the canvas into a Double-Handed Choke Bomb is enough for the win.

 

Marc Speed Promo

 

Marc Speed is backstage, and says that he can't wait to see who comes out of the "Loser's Bracket" (emphasis his) - American Patriot was dumb enough to try to escape the Cross Armbreaker and truly lucky that he wasn't more seriously hurt. Vessey has always had things handed to him, he hasn't had to earn anything in this business, according to Speed. Because of this, Speed is confident that he holds the advantage in either match up. At this stage in the tournament, it would be difficult to bet against him as impressive as he has been.

 

USPW Television Title #1 Contender Match: Win or Go Home

American Patriot vs Cameron Vessey

 

The match to determine the second finalist in the tournament is a rematch from Round 1, between American Patriot and Cameron Vessey. The match itself is far from impressive this time around. Vessey targets the arm of American Patriot, but is not able to capitalize. American Patriot mounts a comeback and uses the Inverted Piledriver for the victory.

 

Roger Cage Aims High

 

Roger Cage is backstage with Casey Valentine & Charlie Thatcher. Cage says that despite the setback suffered by Cameron Vessey, the group is aiming high - attacking Chris Caulfield, humiliating James Justice. Cage adds that it's only a matter of time before they target someone else. And that someone else might just end up being T-Rex, who had to stick his nose in their business last week.

 

Alicia Strong's Attacker Revealed

 

Alicia Strong is backstage, giving a promo talking about the attack she suffered last week. She says that she doesn't understand why she was targeted, when she doesn't feel like she's done anything to deserve it.

 

No sooner does she say that, her gaze travels to the side and when when the camera pans to follow it, a black clad Raven Nightfall is standing there. Nightfall tells Alicia Strong that she had to take matters into her own hands. When she first lost lost the USPW Women's Title to her, Nightfall had to take some time off due to injury. And just like that, her title opportunities seemed to evaporate. But this goes back further, back to when Alicia first broke into the business. She traded on the Strong name, being afforded the best opportunities around the world. Then Daddy goes and creates a whole division just to showcase her.

 

But even he knows Alicia can't be the main attraction. He started bringing in top talent, none of which has been truly allowed to shine (I would say that point is debatable). And here she is, having toiled in the independents, helping bring a women's wrestling company to prominence in the United States, and now in USPW she's not being given an opportunity.

 

To make matters worse, it's obvious that the company thinks highly of her - they used her to showcase the women's division when USPW All Star Wrestling debut. But it's clear to her that Alicia Strong feels threatened by the competition. But enough is enough - she's not going to allow her talent to go to waste while Alicia Strong does as she pleases atop the division.

 

Raven tells Alicia to stand by the monitor - she might learn a thing or two, and heads to the ring for her match.

 

Amber Allen vs Raven Nightfall

 

This moves us directly into the next match between Raven Nightfall & Amber Allen. Nightfall does a great job in the match; Allen gets enough offense in to make it a contest. But Raven's experience really shines through. She takes a few liberties with the rules when the ref is not looking, but she really is a cut above of Allen at this point in time. Nightfall ducks a clothesline and follows it up with the Night Faller for the win.

 

Tyson Baine Has a Message for T-Rex

 

As the announcers praise Nightfall's talent, they inform us they have just received a message from Tyson Baine. The image of Baine sitting in his dungeon comes up on the big screen. He says that T-Rex is in over his head, and he's going to enjoy hurting him at USPW Road to Glory. Because every month that passes is a notch on his belt. Soon, no one will dare go up against him.

 

Savage Fury Calls Out The McWade Brothers

 

Savage Fury says they are tired of seeing The McWade Brothers (and Mountie Mann) running around, doing whatever they feel like. They say they are the biggest and baddest team in USPW history. So if the Mounties think they can get involved in the tag team title picture, why not make it a 4 way?

 

D.C. Rayne vs Krusher Karloff (w/ Natasha Snow)

 

After a commercial break, the announcers come back and tell us that the USPW Championship Committee has decided that in order to avoid chaos in the USPW Tag Team Title match at Road to Glory, they are making it a Fatal 4 Way - the four teams involved in the brawl two weeks ago will have a shot at the USPW Tag Team Titles. (OK, so in order to avoid chaos, they are scheduling it? I guess that works...)

 

As a preview of this, D.C. Rayne is taking on Krusher Karloff in singles competition. Karloff seems to be more productive in the confines of a tag team and not on his own, because on the occasions he's able to be in control, he instinctively looks over to the corner, as if wanting to go for a tag. Eventually, D.C. Rayne mounts a comeback and hits the Storm Damage for the pin.

 

Natasha Snow does not look pleased at ringside.

 

The Darryl Devine USPW National Title Invitational Continues

 

Darryl Devine comes out to the ring, arrogant as ever, complete with headdress. He says that tonight, he's giving another local a shot at his USPW National Title. He leans against the ropes waiting for his opponent when some unfamiliar music hits. And out comes...Joey Minnesota!

 

Minnesota says that he's been watching Devine disrespect wrestlers the last few weeks, but if he's looking for a fight, he's got one.

 

USPW National Title

Joey Minnesota vs Darryl Devine ©

 

This match could have easily main evented the show, which is a testament to both Minnesota's skills and Devine's ability to put on a good match. Devine is unable to manhandle Minnesota much like he had the opponents the last few weeks and is clearly getting frustrated. Devine seems to know he's in for a big fight, and finds an extra gear. Unfortunately for him, he takes some unnecessary risks by going to the top rope. When he misses one of these moves, Minnesota takes the opportunity to hit the Empire Spiral (Back Suplex to Spike Slam) for the victory.

 

James Justice Promo on Wolf Hawkins

 

James Justice is backstage cutting a promo on Wolf Hawkins. He says that things haven't been going his way lately, and maybe Wolf Hawkins thinks he can take advantage of that situation. But Wolf Hawkins was just a little cub when Justice was making his name in the business, and he's not going to let anyone come and disrespect him - especially some young punk.

 

Nicky Champion vs Jumbo Jackson (w/ Shane Sneer)

 

The main event of the night pits Nicky Champion against Jumbo Jackson. The crowd is hot for the match (compared to everything but the semi-main event). Nicky Champion does a great job of making Jackson look like a credible threat to Remo. Sneer tries to interfere, but this brings out Ace Youngblood and Running Wolf to stop him. Jackson hits the Jumbo Avalanche, but the referee is busy ejecting everyone from ringside. This is the opportunity Remo needs to come in through the crowd, and hit The Destroyer on Jackson! Champion comes to and covers Jackson.

 

A Sign of Things to Come?

 

Confused, he looks around - he doesn't know how he went from being a victim of the Jumbo Avalanche to covering Jumbo Jackson for the win. It's not long until he sees Remo retreating through the crowd, still looking towards the ring. Remo is focused on Jackson, shouting at him as he leaves. Nicky Champion, on the other hand, can do nothing but look on at Remo while shaking his head. Apparently that's not how he wanted the match to end...but a win is a win, right?

 

* * *

 

*USPW All Star Wrestling drew a 7.87 TV rating, slightly down from last week.

 

*Erik Strong has been a bit of disappointment thus far, getting lost in the shuffle with the recent debuts. And looking at the dirt sheets, that might not improve any time soon with at least one more big name set to make the jump. There are a couple of storylines in which he could feature prominently that would use his kayfabe relationship to Sam Strong, but nothing is set in stone.

 

*The big winner this week might have been Darryl Devine, being allowed to showcase his skills against Joey Minnesota. Even in a losing effort, he did enough to cement himself as a main eventer in the eyes of Creative. He very well could be one of the focal points of USPW by the start of 2014.

 

*Rumor has it USPW might use one of their PPVs to promote the United States Wrestling Alliance. The likely landing spot would be November's Wrestling Star Wars, with matches showcasing talent from the different promotions in the alliance. Another possibility being discussed would be to run it as a special event, but not on PPV.