PSW: A Song of Steel

apollyon · October 15, 2017

A Song of Steel

A blog by best-selling author Robert David Raymond Eddings

It was right around when I started writing the closing chapters of book six of ‘A Ballad of Iron and Ash’ that I began to play with two crazy notions regarding how I would spend my spare time during my impending retirement. The first was the creation of the only ‘dedicated’ science fiction and fantasy network on television (which, after stoking the creative juices, I brilliantly named ‘Sword’), and the second being the idea of purchasing a wrestling company, and seeing if my particular story telling would successfully translate into the squared circle. Taking the familiar and making it new is one of the most powerful things an author can do, to paraphrase Thackeray, and I had always loved watching wrestling with my father and uncle growing up in Pittsburgh, but had thoughts as to how the stories could be improved upon. When I had heard that PSW was struggling, I leapt at the chance and made a few calls to see, firstly, if I could afford the purchase and secondly, if my wife would divorce me for making such an investment. Wedding band still firmly attached to finger, I put a bid in and within the month was signing paperwork that put me in the same realm (well, local cluster) as the Eisens.

I quickly realized there was more to owning and running even a moderately sized operation such as Pittsburgh Steel, and made the decision to keep Naess on as President of the company, and simply positioned Braun as a creative consultant (while keeping his talents as color commentator). On screen, both men retained their supposed positions, and I did as little as possible to let people know that I had become the proud owner of a wrestling company. In fact, the only entanglement that was made public was that PSW would be presented on Sword late night on Fridays.

I spent the last few months letting the current PSW storylines come to a close, and began a rigorous advertising campaign to give PSW a bit of hype, build a better company framework, and reach a pay-per-view deal with America 1-Select. This gave our exposure the same model as the Big Three, and allowed me to follow a serial format that I wanted.

By the time this month (01/16) rolled around, I guessed we were a bit more popular in the US than CZCW was on the west coast, but still not as popular as the “Big Three”. Sword has amassed several key shows at this point, and we feel a minor buzz is building about PSW being featured just after our flagship show “Lightning Bug” (a previously cancelled show that I desperately wanted to “Space Cowboys”) on Saturday nights.

This first show should serve to set an example for what the new PSW is all about, feel free to send us comments, predictions, and critiques! The winner will get to name this blog!

Match #1: Cerberus versus Antix

Match #2: Xavier Reckless versus Lightning Lomas

Match #3: Dead Rage versus Devil May Care (non title)

Match #4: Logan Wolfsbaine versus Earnest Youngman (non title)

Match #5: Grandmaster Phunk ( c ) versus Teddy Powell

Match #6: Greg Black versus Johnny Martin

Plus! A major announcement concerning the PSW Tag Team Division

ALSO!! Eric Tyler has promised a huge surprise!!

apollyon · October 15, 2017

<div style="text-align:center;">The Current PSW Roster</div>

Jobbers:

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Logain Wolfsbaine (FACE): I am a complete mark for ‘legacy’ performers in this industry, and so at first blush it would definitely seem as though Wolfsbaine is marked for greatness in PSW. I was a big fan of his uncle’s work in Japan, and appreciate his (obvious) in ring potential. Regardless, this Face will have to earn his spot at the table, and do so from the very bottom.

Openers:

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Xavi Ferrera (HEEL): Trained by Guide, an elite level athlete, a killer look, and a highlight tape where the only thing that looks better than him is how much better he makes his opponents look? I’m in. Like Wolfsbaine, he’ll have to earn it…but the sky is the limit for this young Heel.

Lower Card:

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Acid II (FACE): Another young stud, and another (semi) legacy character. Acid II is one half of the current PSW Tag Champions, and is probably the one better suited to a long career in Pittsburgh. He needs a boost, as does the tag division in general, and I think I know just the thing.

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Lightning Lomas (HEEL): Lomas forms the successful tag team ‘Thunder and Lightning’ with partner Jason Thunder, and is the less over of the duo (though is stronger in terms of in-ring ability). The trick will be to get him solidly into the middle of the card without forcing the issue.

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Vendetta (HEEL): Great look? Check. Willingness to straight up brawl? Check. Top notch work rate? Check. Fantastic skills inside the ring? Okay, not so much. Still, Vendetta will have a place challenging youngsters trying to go from the bottom rung to the next one up, as well as testing the status quo of those above him. A title run is never in his future, but he still has a role to play.

Middle Card:

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Antix (FACE): Antix is to the middle of the card as Vendetta is to the lower, a credible stepping stone. He’ll eke out a victory here and there, but likely won’t be anything too significant unless he drastically catches fire.

Cerberus (HEEL): He may have the type of temperament that makes advertising partners squeamish (which is, generally speaking, the type of dude PSW loooooves), but Cerberus has been a rather solid, if unspectacular, performer. There is a place for him here, with a somewhat bright future.

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Dead Bolt (HEEL): Bolt somehow managed to find his way to the midcard, and that offends me. He will serve his purpose of putting other, younger, more talented performers over…then hopefully disappear.

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Earnest Youngman (HEEL): EY, like Dead Bolt, has no business in the midcard. Unlike Dead Bolt, that is because his talent is remarkable. There are a handful of guys in PSW at the moment that will be the ‘main characters’ going forward. Smart money is that EY is one of them.

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Jason Thunder (HEEL): Thunder is another solid worker, but I don’t see him becoming anything more than a tag specialist. Along with Lightning Lomas, he could be a future division mainstay and champ…but time will tell.

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Stuntman (FACE): There are moments where it looks like Stuntman is destined for greatness. There are also moments where it looks like he is heading for the cutting room floor. Yes, I’ve seen his ‘rafter bump’ from 2014. I also saw the 18 month recovery that followed. If he can chain a few quality outs in a row, he’ll have a place. If not, Acid II may lose championship gold…but gain a lucrative solo career.

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Xavier Reckless (FACE): Let me get this straight. This young man starts his own wrestling company out of his backyard, which then sees a handful of talent find places all across the country? I’m sold. He is precisely the sort of worker I’m looking for. Young, smart, and talented.

Upper Card:

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Ash Campbell (HEEL): The son of Nemesis. In a promotion that is heavily influenced by DAVE. Do I even need to convey how special his place is? Didn’t think so.

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JD Morgan (FACE): I have to walk a very fine line of respecting the past while creating a unique future. Guys like Morgan make that delightfully difficult. DAVE was great, DAVE was revolutionary, DAVE was unlike anything we’d seen….and DAVE went bankrupt. Trying to recreate DAVE will lead to the same end result. Morgan will get his place in the sun before he joins it setting.

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Little Bill Lebowski (FACE): Little Bill is going to have to wow me in order to convince that he’s worthy of his current place on the roster. He’s old, undersized, and is someone that I wouldn’t remember fifteen minutes after leaving the arena.

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Primal Rage (HEEL): If he were even five years younger, I would say Rage could be a future World Champ, even with Dead Weight, er, Dead Bolt. At 45, though, it’ll take a miracle for him to not be cannibalized by younger talent.

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Teddy Powell (FACE): Powell got a raw deal when TCW spurned him in favor of his buddy Bach. Sure, he isn’t going to light anyone’s hair on fire, but he is a solid worker that has a ‘name’. I’ll use him exactly as such.

Main Event:

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Grandmaster Phunk (HEEL): Phunk is a fantastic talent that deserves the title he wears around his waist. I’m not entirely in love with his name, and feel he could use a slightly better schtick, but I’ve got significant plans for this young man.

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Greg Black (HEEL): GB is a fantastic worker (though, like Phunk, I’m not a fan of the idea that anyone is better than the promotion, storyline gimmick or not), and will be a part of the main event scene for a while. SWF’s mistake is our jackpot.

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Johnny Martin (FACE): Martin is a living legend, and will be treated as such until the day comes he can no longer stride to the ring. His contributions to our industry is uncountable, and while he (like Martin) makes it hard for me to properly book without dipping into the DAVE nostalgia pool, it is a difficulty that is entirely appreciated.

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Madman Boone (FACE): Boone has had some tough times, and is now on the cusp of being on the wrong side of 40. He still has some time, and has a name value that is unmistakable, but how long he can hold off the hungry wolves circling the Main Event scene is tough to tell.

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Nelson Callum (HEEL): Perhaps the best of all those named, Callum is the present and the future of PSW. His place at the top of the card might as well be written in stone. A perfect marriage between his brand of ‘now’ and the old guard of DAVE is precisely what will catapult PSW into the realm of USPW, SWF, and TCW.

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apollyon · October 17, 2017

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PSW WARFARE (Review)

Friday, January 1st, 2016

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Written by Luke Miles

Happy New Year, folks! Hope the hangover is light, the wallets heavy, and the resolution reasonable. I attended last night’s Warfare in Pittsburgh, and I can personally attest that a new ‘feeling’ resonated throughout the card, which may or may not be an effect of Edding’s ‘Sword Network’.

For those of you that are unaware, SatTv has picked up ‘A Ballad of Iron and Ash’ author Robert Edward’s scifi/fantasy channel ‘Sword Network’. Eddings himself is a bit of a pro-wrestling fan, and apparently worked out an undisclosed deal with PSW. It’s also worth mentioning that PSW’s new PPV deal with ‘America 1-Select’ is rumored to be tied somehow with that TV deal, but how that was worked out is neither here nor there.

What is here is the opening of the show, which was stellar. A significant increase in production value was apparent from the get-go…from the gaudy fireworks to the overhauled media team. Every aspect of the show (from a production/media point of view) rivaled the big boys.

After the fireworks and new ‘WARFARE’ theme music (performed by famed Pittsburgh natives “Anti-Iconoclasts”), we are treated with a spot by Eric Tyler.

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Tyler is dressed to the nines, and totally looks the part of an arrogant bastard heel. The crowd is pretty hot from the opening, and within a few seconds, Tyler is feeding off of their energy. He talks about how when he makes a damn promise, you KNOW DAMN WELL (a newer catchphrase of his that seemed to have caught on quite well, nearly all of the crowd chimed in with him in unison) he delivers. His promise, it is revealed, is the unveiling of a new hire that will ‘shock the world’. Those of you that watched it live know how it went down later in the show, but for those of you that didn’t (and missed #bloodbath trending last night)…wow.

After ET leaves, we get our first match of the ‘new era’.

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ANTIX VERSUS CERBERUS</div>

Pretty uninspired booking, if I’m being totally honest. You could tell the crowd wanted to get in on it, but neither worker really connected with the crowd. Antix looked alright, but Cerberus is going to have to find a new gear in order to fit in.

Match grade: E+

The crowd was pretty down after that wet blanket, but their spirits picked up significantly as ‘Heaven Bleeds’ (Johnny Martin’s DAVE theme) screamed through the arena, and a very well put together vignette of Martin’s career highlights plays on the arena’s big screen.

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The crowd eats this up, and a loud and rambunctious DAVE volley was screamed (if you’re unfamiliar, half the crowd yells Danger, half yells Violence, and the entire arena finishes with EXTREME). I won’t lie, this gave me goosebumps.

With the crowd back on high, a non title tag match between Dead Rage and Devil May Care was next.

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DEAD RAGE vs. DEVIL MAY CARE</div>

The match was a second forgettable one in a row, with the noticeable exception of Acid II, who probably singlehandedly saved it (and perhaps the show, as back to back snoozers can kill a card DOA) with a string of spots in the middle of the match against Primal Rage that were fantastic. Still, in the end Dead Bolt and Rage came out on top, clean, in what could be a set up for a future title match. Let’s hope not.

Match Grade: D-

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After the workers left the ring, a video package played with highlights from a few of the more notable tag matches in recent months, and a voice over announced the first inaugural Pittsburgh Open Tag Team Tournament. Some familiar, and not so familiar, faces were highlighted as ‘independent challengers’ ending with a shot of Dean McWade powerbombing Brady Prince through two tables from atop a turnbuckle, and the graphic ‘PO3T’ announcing the significance of the event.

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Ernest Youngman vs. Logan Wolfsbaine</div>

This match. Wow. All in all, it was nothing spectacular. Wolfsbaine looks (looked?) like a fantastic worker for the future, but really the match started as a bit of yet another snoozefest. Wolfsbaine more or less got his ass handed to him throughout, but it’s how the ending went down and the ramifications thereof that left this as being memorable. Youngman hit a particularly stiff and nasty tiger suplex, and Wolfsbaine did a fantastic job of selling his neck as taking the entire impact…awkwardly. EY left the ring to his music, and the crew did a great job of letting an uncomfortable amount of time pass with Logan simply lying in the ring before a very legit medical crew came down to assist him. The entire time, he didn’t move, and the entire arena went eerily quiet.

Match Grade: D- (actual match) C+ (events unfolding)

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After everything was cleared up, Acid II’s manager Kimmy Ling came strutting down to the ring to some blaring jock rock, and shot t-shirts into the crowd. This went over much better than I would’ve expected, given the seriousness of the prior events, but I guess free t-shirts and eye candy trump serious bumps.

Once Kimmy had returned to the back, the lights in the arena went down and a graphics package proclaiming a World Championship Title Bout was announced on the big screen and runner/divider screens all across the arena. This was followed with a graphic listing the various title reigns from the beginning until the present. It seems as though PSW is seriously attempting to legitimize their titles, and it may be working.

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The match was pretty decent, all things considering. Powell looked particularly good early on, hitting a couple of high risk moves to Grandmaster outside the ring, but eventually Phunk ‘accidentally’ ko’ed the ref, and the fight spilled outside the ring, where Grandmaster really took control. A few chairshots and a broken cane later, the ref miraculously regained consciousness long enough to count the fall in favor of the champ, and the crowd cheered befittingly. One thing to note, the broadcast announcers made sure to let viewers know that a report from the hospital listed Logan Wolfsbaine in serious condition.

Match Grade: D+

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Greg Black vs. Johnny Martin</div>

The main event of the night featured a number one contender match between Greg Black and Johnny Martin. This was, by far, the best match of the night, and one of the better matches PSW has seen in recent months. Black was simply on fire, and Martin was even better. The crowd found themselves on their feet numerous times, and the anticipation in the place was critical as the two competitors, exhausted, went toe-to-toe exchanging blows in what was obviously the deciding moment of the match. Suddenly, the lights went out, and…

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Both Martin and Black lay motionless in the middle of the ring, Martin bleeding heavily from a gash in his forehead, and an unknown monstrosity stands over both of them, a ½ thick steel chain, bloodied, wrapped around his right fist. The beast grins as he surveys his carnage, then begins to laugh as the show ends.

Match Grade: C-

Card Grade: C-

Final analysis: This was a solid show, especially for a network debut. It could have benefitted from stronger matches early in the broadcast, but it gave the fans what they wanted. The high spot of the show was obviously the monster heel attack at the end, laying out two major main event workers, but the injury to Wolfsbaine seems to be of import, as the PSW website has a breaking news banner concerning it on their front page.

Overall, I’m looking forward to next week, where I’m told the main event will be a hardcore bout between Phunk and Black against Boone and Morgan.

apollyon · October 21, 2017

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Warfare Week Two

Friday, January 8th, 2016

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Written by Luke Miles

Good evening, everyone! So, the ratings for the inaugural ‘Warfare on Sword’ show from last week look, well, about as good as we could rationally expect. About a quarter of a million or so viewers tuned in to see PSW hawk their wares, and the reviews were quite positive, all things considered.

The official PSW website was up and running, and the number one story was pretty obvious: that monster heel hijacking Martin and Black. Not only did it make a name for him, it also threw a monkey wrench in the plans of company, as there now is no ‘official’ number one contender for Phunk’s World Championship Title.

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The show itself started with another fantastic fireworks display, then the PSW theme music was abruptly cut off by a rock version of ‘The Devil’s Riddle’ and Eric Tyler comes sauntering down to the ring, his face split by a wide grin. Once in the ring, he talks to the crowd about his ‘guarantee’ from last week, and his new client, the beast known as Gargantuan. Before he can finish, his mic is suddenly cut…

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Mitch Naess, en route to the ring, can be heard instead. He claims that he understands that a new threat is growing in the PSW, and gestures to the big screen, which shows highlights of the attack (again), as well as the social media feed of Johnny Martin’s wife, condemning the ‘cowardly attack’. Mitch then declares that he has decided to hire a special security force that is better equipped to deal with the new problem. He enters the ring, stands face to face with Tyler, then calls for…

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Henry Lee marches to the ring, dressed in a black tactical suit, and stands with his arms crossed next to Naess, looking menacing. Naess continues his verbal assault on Tyler, who seems to simply refuse to look him in the eye, or acknowledge him in any way, shape, or form. Eventually, Naess seems to have enough of this and calls him out on it. Tyler slowly raises his head, grins, and says

ET: I’m not avoiding making eye contact, Mitch. I’m waiting.

MN: Waiting? For what, damn it?!

The lights immediately black out, and when they come back to, Mitch is lying stunned outside of the ring (Lee heroically pushed him out of the way, we learn), and Lee is crumpled inside of it, a bloody mess. Standing next to Tyler is the same monster from the prior week. As before, he is holding a blood-smeared chain and grinning evilly at Naess.

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="y1SWNIZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/y1SWNIZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

</div>

ET: FOR THAT!

His music hits as he and his client exit the ring, while Naess rushes to check on Lee.

After a quick commercial break, we return to the first match, which pits two newcomers against each other.

<img alt="Cd23SXO.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Cd23SXO.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="iahfEsd.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iahfEsd.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="h7jHbOX.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/h7jHbOX.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

This match had some good back and forth, and both performers put on an excellent show…a fact picked up upon and commented on by the broadcast team at regular intervals (in between commentary concerning whether or not Mitch Naess is losing control of his company). Eventually, Fro Sure picks up the ‘w’ via the ‘Sure Thing’.

Match Rating: D

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="x3899Gf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/x3899Gf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="e4MLmj5.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/e4MLmj5.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

After the match, Naess is shown walking backstage, he turns a corner and runs into Johnny Martin. Martin looks furious, and demands a rematch with Black for the #1 contender spot. Naess declines, and instead informs Martin that he is on concussion protocols until Ambition at the earliest (which is the ppv at the end of January). Martin. Is. Not. Happy.

<img alt="xoHEsmk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/xoHEsmk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="qoV3WQc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qoV3WQc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="w4z5Vw6.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/w4z5Vw6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="inKUUeQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/inKUUeQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="LLk3ufb.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/LLk3ufb.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

The next match features the tag pairing of Ash Campbell and Nelson Callum, who go by ‘The Philly Blondes’ squaring off against Xavi Reckless and another newcomer, Frankie Dee. I think a lot of the audience was expecting a simple squash, but Reckless and Dee put on a helluva show, nearly offing the Blondes a couple times before Callum picked up the win via a handful of Dee’s shorts. It’s obvious PSW is attempting to legitimize their tag division, and hopefully Reckless and Dee are a part of that, as they showed something.

Match Rating: D+

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="BOFaFnE.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BOFaFnE.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="w4z5Vw6.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/w4z5Vw6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="5RmArdv.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5RmArdv.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Speeding right along, the next bout was between Ernest Youngman and Little Bill Lebowski. Youngman once more proved he is a force to be reckoned with in PSW, as he utterly destroyed Lebowski. It wasn’t quite the memorable match as last weeks, but Youngman still is proving a point about who he is and where he belongs.

Match Rating: D

<img alt="xkYstHm.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/xkYstHm.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<img alt="qBO85VT.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qBO85VT.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="siyIxWS.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/siyIxWS.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

A quick video plays hyping the PO3T (Pittsburgh Open Tag Title Tournament), showcasing some of the ‘unsigned’ local talent, and indy vets. Particularly focused upon is Samoan Destruction Inc., and their many wild brawls. PSW is very overtly attempting to fuse new talent into their tag division.

<img alt="x3899Gf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/x3899Gf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="9WDFuGO.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/9WDFuGO.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

After a quick commercial break, we return to Mitch Naess checking on Henry Lee in the backstage area. He tells Lee that he has ‘unilateral authority’ to deal with all things security, including the hiring details of his elite security squad. Lee grins, then mentions he “knows just the fellah”.

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="cb4Rzaw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/cb4Rzaw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="w4z5Vw6.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/w4z5Vw6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="5jCwPBk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5jCwPBk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

The penultimate match of the evening showcases Primal Rage against Teddy Powell. The entire match is back and forth, but it seems certain that Powell will win, until Rage hits a monstrous turnbuckle-assisted powerbomb. If this was a test to see how Rage handles himself solo, he passed with flying colors against one of the best in PSW.

Match Rating: D

<img alt="wwkxU8h.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wwkxU8h.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="IuFkKdM.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IuFkKdM.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Before the Main Event of the card, we get a bikini match with Kammy Ling and Venus Angeletti. Ling ‘won’ via crowd applause.

<img alt="Lsndpdi.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Lsndpdi.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<img alt="2njRwe9.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2njRwe9.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="mNKKELq.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mNKKELq.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="w4z5Vw6.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/w4z5Vw6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="CWd1C9v.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CWd1C9v.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="1yw47Vb.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/1yw47Vb.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

The Main Event is absolutely insane from start to finish. It featured several big spots, but none as memorable as Black and Boone finding their way outside the ring and their brawl spilling into the appreciative crowd. Eventually, the Supreme Dream Team (Phunk and Black) win via DQ when Black tosses a kendo stick at Boone, who instinctively catches it, and as soon as he does so, Black falls to the ground like he had been shot. The distracted ref turns around, sees a seemingly koed Black, a confused but beweaponed Boone, and immediately exercises fuzzy logic skills to conclude that a disqualification has occurred. All said, the match was a fantastic way to finish the night…except…

Match Rating: C-

Except that it WASN’T the end. Boone, seemingly enraged, beat the living hell out of Black while Morgan chased off Phunk. Eventually, Boone grabbed a steel chair, and after playing to the crowd, wedged Black’s head into it while semi-folded, then powerbombed him through a table he found under the ring. For the second card in a row, EMTs had to be called upon to rush a performer out of the arena. The crowd, however, ate this bit up completely, and ‘Holy sh#%’ chants crashed through the joint like a wave.

Overall Card Grade: C-

bonnie · October 21, 2017

Always haves liked PSW. Interesting start as well, will be following

apollyon · October 27, 2017

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="bonnie" data-cite="bonnie" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="44285" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Always haves liked PSW. Interesting start as well, will be following</div></blockquote> Hey, thanks! Glad to have ya!

apollyon · October 27, 2017

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="fLYdYt7.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fLYdYt7.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

</div>

Warfare Week Three

Friday, January 15th, 2016

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Written by Luke Miles

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="x3899Gf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/x3899Gf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="9WDFuGO.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/9WDFuGO.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

After the ending to last weeks Warfare, which saw yet another PSW superstar severely injured, it should come as no surprise that the show this week opens with Mitch Naess making his way down to the ring, flanked on his right by Henry Lee. The official PSW website had been pushing stories concerning Mitch losing control of the locker room, and possibly the company, all week, so a display of strength coming from him to open the show isn’t a surprise.

Once in the ring, he explains that Gregg Black is, indeed, injured. With his injury, the de facto #1 contender is out of action and therefore a new one needs to be crowned. Therefore, tonight in this very ring, a four man tournament to determine who will face Grandmaster Phunk at Ambition will be held.

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="RJpUAVX.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/RJpUAVX.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="w4z5Vw6.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/w4z5Vw6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="LLk3ufb.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/LLk3ufb.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

The first match of the evening sees Vendetta square off against Frankie Dee. Not exactly a barn burner, but it nabs Vendetta a solid win against decent competition. I doubt that either of these guys are going to be much more than where they are now, but not everyone has cathedral ceiling potential.

Match Grade: D-

<img alt="9WDFuGO.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/9WDFuGO.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Following the match, we see Henry Lee walking backstage with a couple of his Elite Security Force. He comes to his office, and inside finds...

<img alt="gtqbsbJ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gtqbsbJ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Travis Century sitting behind his desk, his feet propped up upon it. Lee grins, then tosses Century a black ESF shirt bearing a red star on the shoulders.

“Good to finally have my Lieutenant” says Lee.

“Blasted good to be had, Cap’n. We’ve work to do”. Responds Century.

Lee shuts the door on the camera as the two get to work.

<img alt="1yw47Vb.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/1yw47Vb.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="w4z5Vw6.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/w4z5Vw6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="cb4Rzaw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/cb4Rzaw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

The first match of the tournament is next, and features Madman Boone against Primal Rage. Rage handles himself quite well in the ring, and the fact that he is a part of this tournament at all speaks volumes as to where PSW views him, but all is for naught when Boone lays him out with a particularly stiff headbutt, grabbing the ‘w’ in the process.

Match Grade: D-

<img alt="xkYstHm.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/xkYstHm.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<img alt="ZDVovf9.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZDVovf9.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="LeiQGLE.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/LeiQGLE.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

A promo for the Pittsburgh Tag Title Tournament (PO3T) follows, hyping the appearance of ‘Rich and Famous’ (Jake Idol and Jackpot Jordan). This actually gets a decent pop from the crowd, and looking back, it does seems as though the division is getting not just better, but strong.

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="2njRwe9.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2njRwe9.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="w4z5Vw6.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/w4z5Vw6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="5RmArdv.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5RmArdv.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Grandmaster Phunk faces off against Little Bill next, and while I guess I wouldn’t classify it as a straight up squash, I would call it attempted murder if it happened anywhere other than a wrestling ring. If the manner in which Primal Rage is being booked signifies a bright future for him, then the way in which Lebowski is being handled probably means he should be updating his resume.

Match Grade: D+

A promo for Ambition followed, hyping the possibility of Martin returning from concussion protocols, the likely appearance of Gargantuan somewhere on the card, and several highlights from Phunks title reign. The crowd ate this up, and prepped them very well for the next bout.

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="y1SWNIZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/y1SWNIZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="w4z5Vw6.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/w4z5Vw6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="CWd1C9v.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/CWd1C9v.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Gargantuan versus JD Morgan was quick, ugly, and resulted in a victory for the monster. Morgan being a nigh sacrificial lamb for him is interesting, to say the least. Still, it is telling again that Morgan was a part of this tourney.

Match Grade: E+

<img alt="xoHEsmk.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/xoHEsmk.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="w4z5Vw6.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/w4z5Vw6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Cd23SXO.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Cd23SXO.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

The next to last match showcased Ash Campbell against Fro Sure. If you were expecting the newcomer to be easily overcome by Campbell, you’d be wrong. Sure held his own quite evenly throughout the bout, and even kicked out of not one, but TWO Ash to Ash finishers, before Campbell managed to hit the Shooting Star Splash and end it cleanly.

Match Grade: D-

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="1yw47Vb.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/1yw47Vb.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="w4z5Vw6.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/w4z5Vw6.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="y1SWNIZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/y1SWNIZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

A quick video hyping the upcoming match between Boone and Gargantuan plays, and once more we see the crowd completely turn up for the monster.

Gargantuan versus Boone for the #1 Contender slot.

Unbelievable, this is a decent match. Boone did a fantastic job selling Gargantuans strikes, and the pace of the match itself just seemed to fit. Boone even seemed as though, for a brief moment, he might walk out the winner, as he hit a Boone and Bust, but Gargantuan chose that moment to do a highlight-worthy pin escape, pressing the 300 lb Boone fully off of him, then kipping up to his feet. I’ll say that again, as it bears repeating. A SEVEN FOOT TALL BEAST KIPPED TO HIS FEET. Boone was just as shocked as anyone, and fell easy victim to Gargantuans chokeslam, which led to his win.

Match Grade: D-

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="NXAEjDf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/NXAEjDf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<img alt="y1SWNIZ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/y1SWNIZ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div>

Following the match, Eric Tyler slid into the ring and proudly raised Gargantuans hand. The two celebrated for a few brief moments, then Gargantuan violently spins and absolutely destroys Tyler with a clothesline that folds him in half. The giant grins wickedly at both of his downed victims for a few moments, then easily slides out of the ring to the shocked chants of “W-T-F” ringing throughout the arena.

Overall Grade: D+

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