Epitaph
04-30-2004, 12:06 PM
Reflections from Nevermore! 30th April
Well folk’s here’s another weekly edition of Reflections from Nevermore. I apologise for the delay this week but I’m nearing the end of the Year at college and I’ve got Unfinished Work Finding its way to me. So here we go
Spots are now common move practices inside Wrestling Promotions. But having been watching a lot of Wrestling over this past week, Its really Dawned on me that the Independent Way of Wrestling has slowly started to Crawl its way in to Mainstream Broadcasting! So what exactly are the Overused spots that I’ve started to notice? Well There’s quite a few so here goes.
Chops, which have blatantly been used by the likes of Flair and Benoit for Year’s. The thing is, There Chops look GREAT. I mean they look great when they do it! But no especially in the WWE it seems like every one is doing a Chop, Just a shame it’s clearly not as good as that of Benoit or Flair. So why does the WWE suddenly have guys Constantly doing the Chop? To me I’m seriously starting to think that its so the Wrestlers can get over, But to attempt to bring the crowd to life, Hell don’t most people go “Woooooooo”? I mean especially when Shawn does it, The guy clearly isn’t very good at doing it, Usually I’m sitting thinking “Okay Shawn, That’s Enough” You see I Really think that Move is Perfected By Benoit and Flair! Clearly This is nothing But Cheap Heat, My advice at the moment, is leave it to guys who can actually do it and make it look good, The WWE though are really overusing this move
Here’s one thing that I REALLY do think is overused. Flair’s climb to the Turnbuckle, Where he literally always gets his Ass handed to him and gets Thrown of the top rope. I really don’t see the point to this, It’s know more a comedic point in one of his match’s. Shouldn’t the WWE just let him hit it? Instead of having him look stupid and repeating the same thing every other week? Thing is it’s now apart of Flairs Act, But I really am starting to think that it’s about time for Flair to Hang Up his Robe sooner rather than later.
Another is that 2 Count reversal Sequence, Where they go from Pins in to Roll Ups to Backslides and so forth! To me it has now got to the point where I really cant see The fans believing any one will ever get a 3 count During the series. Shame when that happens I always seem to be on the edge of my Chair (No point saying seat, As it’s a chair in my room :/) I’d mark hard if some one actually won a match these day’s by using that Sequence.
Hell I’m a Major Fan of Pure Wrestling, Nothing I love more than the Likes of Old School Battles, Things like Flair Vs Steamboat, But some times I cant help but think When people chain Wrestle they should actually sell the offence that they have had instead of “Thinking up the next move”.
One thing that I’ve noticed the WWE have been using a lot of as of late, Is Blood, There product every week (Especially RAW) seems to have some one getting his ass kicked so bad that he has to do a Blade Job…. Sweet. For me, It’s become nothing more than Tiring. I Mean week in and Week out, everything I see is either Triple H or Shawn nothing more than a Crimson Mask. This then Makes Blood Loss overused and the fans then become more demanding of it. I really wouldn’t mind seeing a WWE Show where no one Blade’s. I no it apparently adds emotion to match’s, but still I think if the WWE cut down on Blood Shed, The product just may become a Little bit more Believable.
Whilst the Independents are Guilty of running Boot kicks/Scrapes in the Corner, in fact I think I’ve seen this happen in almost every Independent promotion I follow. In fact the Main Offenders of this Are Samoa Joe from Ring Of Honour and Nick Gage from Combat Zone Wrestling both seem to do those Moves! Also there’s a LOAD of Shining Wizards around on the Scene, Why couldn’t there be just one? But I suppose Variations make the Wrestlers look good.
Any way That’s all I have got to say on Overused Spots, There Really are a lot more, But those are the Main Offenders that I could think off. So What Wrestling have I been watching this Week? I got my self Ring Of Honour Epic Encounter VHS out; Boy all I can say is that it is One Phenomenal Show. I admit I’m Going to complete the set of Ring Of Honour VHS Releases! So why does Epic Encounter stand out for me?
Oh boy its pretty easy to say why, “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson Takes on Paul London in a 2 out of 3 falls match Which could easily be described as a Epic Encounter! What to me stand out about this match is the Crowd being split, Half the Fans Rooting for Paul London whilst the other Half Are chanting for American Dragon! The action of course is what you could expect, a Phenomenal Pure Wrestling Match Up. Also its REALLY interesting to see Bryan Danielson keep Changing the Motions and working as both Face and Heel as Paul London Manages to keep taking the Advantage of Danielson who in my opinion is the More Technical Wrestler off the two! What makes the match so Great is that it isn’t Rushed for time, Instead it’s given about 40 Minuets where they go out and Put on a Awesome Match by actually telling a story. Pure Wrestling Guru’s I think would LOVE this match. I for one am neither a Hardcore Junkie or a Pure Wrestling Guru, But this match had me Engrossed from Beginning to End!
Whilst that isn’t the only good match on the show. There an Awesome Briscoe Boys Vs AJ Styles/Amazing Red Match, In my opinion this isn’t the best encounter that they had, I Preferred There match from Night of Champions, But this match is still full of Amazing Reversals and Actual Wrestling Holds. These Tag Team match’s clearly can put the World Wrestling Entertainments attempts to shame.
Also on the show, there are a lot of Storyline like turns through out the show. I Wont spoil that for people though, but Regular ROH Followers will remember this show being the End of the Riots that had been happening since The Anniversary Show! It’s rather Sweet the main event, as it’s a Non sanctioned Match! In fact it’s a Bunkhouse Brawl, I Quit Match, which I thought, was Full of Shocks. Pure Wrestling Guru’s won’t like this match; I really do think it is safe to say that though. Does any one remember The Midnight Rider? As he turns up in Ring Of Honour during this match, Thank god he isn’t a Regular. It’s clear that this match was there along with to help hype up the Homicide and Steve Corino feud.
RoH
Well Here’s some of the Latest Ring Of Honour News. The Second Ring Of Honour Champion Xavier has been sidelined with a Shoulder Injury for 6 Months!! That’s pretty bad in my opinion. I hadn’t really taken to him during 2002 as the Company’s champion, Basically I thought he was given to much way to soon as he still had the areas to improve. Unfortunately it look’s like a long awaited rematch Between Samoa Joe and Xavier may not happen for a while. Which is a shame, as I really wouldn’t mind seeing them go at it right now to be honest. Xavier has yet to get a return match against Joe as he pretty much disappeared out of the Main Event scene and teamed up with Prince Nana, which is a total joke if you ask me, the guy has Zero Talent! Trust me, He’s like Mark Henry, A Horrible Worker.
Homicide look’s set to be going “Heel” in future Ring Of Honour events. Seeing as He through a Fire Ball at Samoa Joe, Which also is leading Ring Of Honour fans to wonder the same thing, Who turned out the Power? (More to come on the Fireball when I get to the reborn results). For me, I like Homicide as a Heel, I don’t think he really cut’s it as a face for some reason. Whilst I think he is one of the best Strong Style Workers in the Promotion. For me Homicide can do it all Wrestling Wise, in fact I think he changes his style to suit who he is facing! Especially when it’s Samoa Joe it’s strong style, which in my opinion is what he is good at. Whilst on the 22/5 card, Its set to be Homicide one again taking on Samoa Joe, This time though there has to be a winner! To me, I think Homicide really should take the Win here and then turn him self Heel! That would be pretty slick if you ask me, I also think it’s about time the Promotion centred it’s self around some one else, But then again as Steve Corino once said, How can you market Homicide? Hell I don’t care but I once again LONG to see CM Punk and Homicide tie it up (If any one doesn’t no who CM Punk is Please read Cody’s Corner he is doing a Phenomenal Job with his superstar series!) These two really could put on a top-notch feud over the Ring Of Honour title belt.
Both Alex Shelley and Matt Stryker will be starting up a best of 3 series which is something I am looking forward too, Both guys are capable of doing so much in Ring Of Honour, I think now is the time for them to step up and show what they can do. I’m expecting some pretty kick ass wrestling in this match. These Matches could go either way and in all honesty I am really rooting for Stryker! The guy is a technical Genius and I really want to see him further up the card on all future Ring Of Honour Broadcasting! Whilst on the topic of booking match’s, Ring of Honour have booked four-team elimination match with C.M. Punk & Colt Cabana defending the tag titles against Dan Maff & B.J. Whitmer, the Briscoes But the fourth team is yet to be announced! This Match will be taking place on 12/6, I for one can’t wait and I really hope that the second city saints retain their titles! As for the mystery team, I for one hope that it’s either The Havana Pitbulls, as I think if it’s them, that match could possibly be one entertaing match up.
So this Brings me on to Ring Of Honour Reborn Results, It was a Double Shot Weekend, That Ring Of Honour had to then Book New Talent whilst also Using there Current talent after some major players who had “Signed” contracts with NWA-TNA! Well to me these show’s looked awesome and I for one can’t wait to see them and how they will play out on VHS! But I’m really going to say this, It doesn’t look like any one was missing from Reborn, It look’s phenomenal with out the likes of Daniels, Styles, Red and Raven! So who exactly am I to say what a good match is? I can advise on Hardcore Stand Points whilst I feel I’m very capable on advising on actual Pure Wrestling Match ups! So that’s why I’m pretty much going to Point out all the match up’s that I think are Worthy of being addressed.
ROH Reborn Night One Quick Results
Matt Stryker Beat Nigel McGuiness
The Carnage Crew Beat Dun and Marcos
John Walters Defeated Justin Credible
Alex Shelley made Jimmy Jacobs tap to win an insane Six Man Mayhem bout that included Jimmy Rave, Masada, Danny Daniels and Jack Evans
BJ Whitmer Defeated Colt Cabana – With a Wrist Clutch Suplex from Second Rope
Matt Sydal defeated Delirious
ROH Tag Team Champions Jay & Mark Briscoe defeated The Havana Pitbulls
"American Dragon" Bryan Danielson defeated CM Punk
RoH World Title Match: Samoa Joe vs. Homicide - match ended in a no-contest
So from there what does every one think is good? The Whole show in my opinion is a really good card, Especially seeing as it was Last Minuet Booking in a way! For me, I’m Pretty hyped for Majority of the Upper Card match’s whilst there is one from the mid card that I’m pretty hyped about seeing!
BJ Whitmer Vs Colt Cabana is one match that I really see, Whitmer is Pretty Dam impressive in the ring, Whilst Cabana is well Cabana, both Guys have the talent to put on a Enjoyable match! It’s also there though to hype up the Prophecy and Second City Saints feud! I really want to see more Punk/Whitmer match’s some where down the line! They seem to put on some excellent display as seen on Epic Encounter, The Ending is some thing that you need to see to believe.
The Briscoe Boys Vs The Havana Pitbulls is something that is essentially a Dream match amongst Internet Fans, To me The Briscoe Boys are seriously going to be in the WWE one day, Mark my words! They have some Awesome Wrestling Move’s whilst are able to put on some good match’s. Whilst I have yet to see the Havana Pitbulls I do no a Little bit about them. From this I really am excited about getting my VHS copy of this. I’m usually a fan of Singles competition, But I no that in this match up that there is going to be a lot of things that I want to see. Ring Of Honour have even gone as far as to say that this could very well be the best tag match in the company History, I’ll only judge when I have seen this event, But I really do think that AJ Styles and Red Vs The Briscoe’s is one of the best Tag Match’s that I have seen to this day.
American Dragon Vs CM Punk – Is also a match I’m excited about seeing, being a fan of both it’s hard for me to Root for one. So when I do get to see this I’m going to sit back and watch Dragon/Punk for what I hope it is…A Wrestling match. Seeing as the match length is around 30 minuets, I’m going to guess that its going to be built up full of Technical Wrestling, a Bit like London/Dragon was which I talked about above. Ricky Steamboat was the official for this match! Which is big news as after the match up, The Second City Saints attack steamboat, which has actually led me to think is Steamboat going to actively wrestle once again? (More on that later)
Then the Main Event, Samoa Joe Vs Homicide has been a Long Feud and I don’t think this is about ready to end. Surprisingly I enjoy their work as it is Strong Style and when I say that I really do mean that it’s strong! So it’s no surprise that they had this match end on a No Contest, But what is eating me up is, who turned the lights off in the Arena? I Would have said Xavier had he not been side lined for 6 months, Unless of course It’s a big internet Work, But I mean the Logical Conclusion would be that it was some one on the show that turned the lights off! Maybe Matt Stryker turned off the Power to try weaken Joe for His title match on the second night? I for one think this is going to be built up slowly over the next couple of shows. I think we are going to see it being some one that we never thought of in all Honesty.
Whilst after the match, there was what could be essentially described as a Brawl between the Second City Saints and The Briscoe’s which then saw, The Carnage Crew, Dun and Marcos and Other Ring Of Honour regulars try to separate every one! Hell I think its fair to say that all the High Spots that Followed were to make up for the Ending of the main event. As The Saint retreated back in to the ring, Legend Rick “The Dragon” Steamboat came to the ring and Arm dragged then Chopped The Saints! The only reason Steamboat did this was Down to the fact Punk Beat the crap out of him Before the Whitmer/Cabana match up took place. This Leads me to wonder, Are Ring Of Honour about to do the unthinkable and have a Punk/Steamboat match some where down the line?
RoH Reborn Night 2 Quick Results
BJ Whitmer Defeated Ace Steel Via Wrist Clutch Exploder
Justin Credible & Masada defeated Shawn Daivari & Delirious
Chat Collyer Beat John Walters Via Quick Pin Combination
Nigel McGuiness Defeated Jimmy Rave Via tap Out! Included in the match where Havana Pitbull Rocky Romero and Austin Aries
Homicide Defeated Brian Danielson
Havana Pitbull Rocky Reyes Beat Danny Daniels Via Tap Out
Tag Scramble Match: Jack Evans & Matt Sydal Defeated Jimmy Jacobs/Alex Shelley, The Carnage Crew and Dun and Marcos
RoH World Title Match: Samoa Joe Beat Matt Stryker
RoH World Tag: The Second City Saints Defeated The Briscoe’s Via Pepsi Plunge on Mark Briscoe
Well I’m going to do this the same as I did above. For me this Card looks pretty good. I’m Yet again interested in seeing the whole Show, but there are a few matches on this beauty, which I really do want to see, Some of Which have been described as Internet Fan “Dream Matches” Or its just a Major Case of Intelligent Booking with Great Wrestling. Whilst I am positive that all these match’s are going to be good, I’m just yet again going to point out which match’s that I think will be phenomenal to watch.
Chad Collyer Vs John Walters is something that Pure Wrestling Guru’s will love! I no that this match up is going to be sweet! Both Guy’s are awesome with there wrestling performances, That’s why I really would like to see them have more encounters with one another, Just imagine if the Pure Wrestling title is On the line some where down the line! I think fans of Ring Of Honour should keep an eye on these guys, as I see them going way up the card.
Homicide Vs Brian Daniels is Interesting to say the least! Add the term “Dream Match” on to it and you may start to understand why us Indy fans like these Kinds of things. Of Course after the Fireball Incident, Homicide has been booked to look like the Heel, which is going to be interesting in my opinion. So from this I’m going to make an Assumption that this is going to be a Crossed Style kind of Match, Danielson being a Technical Worker, Who can also work with an Aggressive style whilst Homicide is Your Strong Style Worker, Really does make this match sound good! It’s really fitting to see that they had around 30 Minuets to go out there and show what they can do. Hell People have even referred to this as a Wrestling Clinic, So I think that tag RoH Fans have given it
The Briscoe Brothers Vs The Second City Saints is going to be nothing more than amazing. It’s really fitting that The Second City Saints ended the Almost 6 Month Reign of The Briscoe’s! I for one think that this match could very well be Interesting to see on VHS! Hopefully though Ring Of Honour don’t take the Belts of The Saint’s any time soon, as I think they are credible Champions. While it does look like Ring Of Honour are Hinting towards a Whitmer/Maff Vs Second City Saints Match, Seeing as The Prophecy/Saints feud is still on going, I for one am really looking forward to see that match Happen one day.
So after The Ring Of Honour double shot weekend, It Leaves me with a Few Questions, Who Turned of The Lights? Dam I really do need to know that! Also Is Steamboat going to come out of retirement? I don’t think the guy has actively wrestled in over ten years? I think I would seriously Mark out though if he did come out of his retirement for “One” Last Match, Something which Terry Funk has been saying for as long as I can remember. I for one think its going to be really interesting to see Steamboat once again get back in a Wrestling Ring, I for one think that a Tag Match would be the best thing to do, Hell after what went down at those Shows they could Possibly lean towards a Second City Saints Vs Ricky Steamboat and The Briscoe’s which Of Course COULD work!!!
Anyway Swiftly Moving on..(Gary at this point need’s a Major Caffeine Injection if they even exist, I Am So Tired)
NWA TNA
When a promotion has a lot of talent that are capable of being big name Draws and can probably put on good match’s every week, Why do they see the need to have people that haven’t wrestled in year’s or are so bad it’s best they found a New Profession! So why in god’s name does TNA want to bring in Kevin Nash and Randy Savage? I no its Name sake, that a Big WWE Fan could catch a TNA broadcast and for the sake of Argument be Drawn in to the Programming? I for one think that is Ass Backwards! With that talent that the company has the way forward for them is to show them what there Wrestlers can actually do instead of focusing a promotion on a Guy who I don’t think has Wrestled since his WCW Days and Clearly is insane or a Guy who should be Retired and Not aloud near a wrestling ring? I no harsh words, But I’d rather see a Program of Wrestling instead of Sport’s Entertainment.
Whilst I also think that if some “Big Names” where brought in, What is that going to do to the likes of Abyss, AJ Styles, And America’s Most Wanted? Its Obvious that There Push of any sort is going to be Thwarted and them most likely head on back to mid card Obscurity. Which is a Shame as those Guys clearly do have more talent than Nash and Savage! But I think this is a TNA Way of thinking of How to keep their TV Deal and trying to get Viewers tuned in. I wonder if the TWC will pick up there Free TV Shows?
So Here’s the NWA TNA PPV Quick Results
Jerry Lynn, Christopher Daniels, Chris Sabin & Elix Skipper Defeated Hector Garza, Heavy Metal, Abismo Negro & Mr. Aguila – Via Chris Daniels Cradle Pin on Aguila
NWA World Tag Team Champions Kid Kash & Dallas Beat D'Lo Brown & Apollo in a "Nightstick On A Pole" match
Sabu Defeated. Abyss – Via DQ
Irish Pat Kenney, Sonny Siaki & Desire Beat Johnny Swinger, Glenn Gilberti & Trinity – Via Roll Up on Trinity
Raven Defeated. James Storm – Via The Raven Effect
NWA World Heavyweight Champion AJ Styles Defeated. Ron "The Truth" Killings - Styles reversed a La Magistral by Killings into a rollup of his own
So where do I start?
You can Tell Vince Russo is involved on the Booking team of NWA TNA! I mean any one remember his stint of Booker in WCW? Think Viagra on a Pole match that he put Billy Kidman in during the WCW last days. So why in god’s name did they have a Night Stick on a Pole match? All well and good seeing as the titles have changed Hands Via night Stick shot and ended the match on DQ, but I just cant help but think that NWA TNA Should have maybe had the match become NO DQ instead, That way they could have possibly built up the Night Stick on a pole match, But having jumped in to this Head First, In my opinion they’ve Messed up the feud before it has even begun, Which to me is a shame. The Tag Titles Need Credibility and also don’t need to change hands every week, whilst also needing to go in to a feud where the Teams can gain Credibility Whilst also giving the belts the rub.
Whilst there are 3 Match’s that I feel I need to actually see!!
Jerry Lynn, Christopher Daniels, Chris Sabin & Elix Skipper Vs Hector Garza, Heavy Metal, Abismo Negro & Mr. Aguila, I actually do feel this could be a very good match, But for some reason I cant see there being much actual wrestling in it. This Match is bound to be the spot fest that sets the mood for the show. I think its safe to say that NWA TNA are trying to
A) Build Interest in to the Upcoming NWA TNA World X Cup
B) Actually Using the Talent
Although I would have preferred a NWA TNA X Division title match in all honesty, But its nice to see effort being put in to a Upcoming show! Hopefully next week’s NWA Vs Team Canada will be just as good, Shame that Teddy Hart wont be on the Team for the Upcoming X Cup
Raven Vs James Storm, Could possibly be a good match! I for one am really looking forward to see this one in all honesty. I don’t think it will be a Wrestling Classic, But I think it could be a Passable Match. What I find really interesting is that Both Men are being pushed and are being made to look like the real deal. It’s going to be interesting to see where these guys can go in NWA TNA!
NWA World Heavyweight Title – AJ Styles Vs Ron Killings! Is Something I really want to see, Killings In my opinion is ever so under rated, Whilst AJ Styles is truly phenomenal, I think this match is going to be a Combination of Actual Wrestling to Spots and I liked the Idea of having the Double Pin at the end which caused the match to restart, So all I can say is this match should be really good.
So its really fitting to see NWA TNA actually focus the show around the likes of Raven, AMW, Styles and Killings all wanting the Title Belt, I was quite surprised that Jarrett didn’t involve him self, But as I’ve been saying for Months on Message Boards is that for NWA TNA to move forward they actually do need to Push the Younger talent who are capable of putting on good match’s whilst also worthy of being further up the card. Hopefully Jarrett will be out of the title hunt for months to come, as I really do want to see Younger guys in the hunt for the title/
Well anyway, Thanks for Reading Once again! On a side note I’m currently Writing in my Spare time a ECW Column which is going to be used some time. If I’m feeling Generous I’ll be posting it in Three Parts In a Beginning, Middle and The End kind of way! I for one hope I can get it finished in a Month or so, But my current college/Work schedule is preventing me from Writing as much as I would like to on ECW (Makes Me Sad)…. Anyway I’m done for another week, Time to be Original and once again need to think up more ideas for next Weeks Column.
Quote The Raven Nevermore
Well folk’s here’s another weekly edition of Reflections from Nevermore. I apologise for the delay this week but I’m nearing the end of the Year at college and I’ve got Unfinished Work Finding its way to me. So here we go
Spots are now common move practices inside Wrestling Promotions. But having been watching a lot of Wrestling over this past week, Its really Dawned on me that the Independent Way of Wrestling has slowly started to Crawl its way in to Mainstream Broadcasting! So what exactly are the Overused spots that I’ve started to notice? Well There’s quite a few so here goes.
Chops, which have blatantly been used by the likes of Flair and Benoit for Year’s. The thing is, There Chops look GREAT. I mean they look great when they do it! But no especially in the WWE it seems like every one is doing a Chop, Just a shame it’s clearly not as good as that of Benoit or Flair. So why does the WWE suddenly have guys Constantly doing the Chop? To me I’m seriously starting to think that its so the Wrestlers can get over, But to attempt to bring the crowd to life, Hell don’t most people go “Woooooooo”? I mean especially when Shawn does it, The guy clearly isn’t very good at doing it, Usually I’m sitting thinking “Okay Shawn, That’s Enough” You see I Really think that Move is Perfected By Benoit and Flair! Clearly This is nothing But Cheap Heat, My advice at the moment, is leave it to guys who can actually do it and make it look good, The WWE though are really overusing this move
Here’s one thing that I REALLY do think is overused. Flair’s climb to the Turnbuckle, Where he literally always gets his Ass handed to him and gets Thrown of the top rope. I really don’t see the point to this, It’s know more a comedic point in one of his match’s. Shouldn’t the WWE just let him hit it? Instead of having him look stupid and repeating the same thing every other week? Thing is it’s now apart of Flairs Act, But I really am starting to think that it’s about time for Flair to Hang Up his Robe sooner rather than later.
Another is that 2 Count reversal Sequence, Where they go from Pins in to Roll Ups to Backslides and so forth! To me it has now got to the point where I really cant see The fans believing any one will ever get a 3 count During the series. Shame when that happens I always seem to be on the edge of my Chair (No point saying seat, As it’s a chair in my room :/) I’d mark hard if some one actually won a match these day’s by using that Sequence.
Hell I’m a Major Fan of Pure Wrestling, Nothing I love more than the Likes of Old School Battles, Things like Flair Vs Steamboat, But some times I cant help but think When people chain Wrestle they should actually sell the offence that they have had instead of “Thinking up the next move”.
One thing that I’ve noticed the WWE have been using a lot of as of late, Is Blood, There product every week (Especially RAW) seems to have some one getting his ass kicked so bad that he has to do a Blade Job…. Sweet. For me, It’s become nothing more than Tiring. I Mean week in and Week out, everything I see is either Triple H or Shawn nothing more than a Crimson Mask. This then Makes Blood Loss overused and the fans then become more demanding of it. I really wouldn’t mind seeing a WWE Show where no one Blade’s. I no it apparently adds emotion to match’s, but still I think if the WWE cut down on Blood Shed, The product just may become a Little bit more Believable.
Whilst the Independents are Guilty of running Boot kicks/Scrapes in the Corner, in fact I think I’ve seen this happen in almost every Independent promotion I follow. In fact the Main Offenders of this Are Samoa Joe from Ring Of Honour and Nick Gage from Combat Zone Wrestling both seem to do those Moves! Also there’s a LOAD of Shining Wizards around on the Scene, Why couldn’t there be just one? But I suppose Variations make the Wrestlers look good.
Any way That’s all I have got to say on Overused Spots, There Really are a lot more, But those are the Main Offenders that I could think off. So What Wrestling have I been watching this Week? I got my self Ring Of Honour Epic Encounter VHS out; Boy all I can say is that it is One Phenomenal Show. I admit I’m Going to complete the set of Ring Of Honour VHS Releases! So why does Epic Encounter stand out for me?
Oh boy its pretty easy to say why, “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson Takes on Paul London in a 2 out of 3 falls match Which could easily be described as a Epic Encounter! What to me stand out about this match is the Crowd being split, Half the Fans Rooting for Paul London whilst the other Half Are chanting for American Dragon! The action of course is what you could expect, a Phenomenal Pure Wrestling Match Up. Also its REALLY interesting to see Bryan Danielson keep Changing the Motions and working as both Face and Heel as Paul London Manages to keep taking the Advantage of Danielson who in my opinion is the More Technical Wrestler off the two! What makes the match so Great is that it isn’t Rushed for time, Instead it’s given about 40 Minuets where they go out and Put on a Awesome Match by actually telling a story. Pure Wrestling Guru’s I think would LOVE this match. I for one am neither a Hardcore Junkie or a Pure Wrestling Guru, But this match had me Engrossed from Beginning to End!
Whilst that isn’t the only good match on the show. There an Awesome Briscoe Boys Vs AJ Styles/Amazing Red Match, In my opinion this isn’t the best encounter that they had, I Preferred There match from Night of Champions, But this match is still full of Amazing Reversals and Actual Wrestling Holds. These Tag Team match’s clearly can put the World Wrestling Entertainments attempts to shame.
Also on the show, there are a lot of Storyline like turns through out the show. I Wont spoil that for people though, but Regular ROH Followers will remember this show being the End of the Riots that had been happening since The Anniversary Show! It’s rather Sweet the main event, as it’s a Non sanctioned Match! In fact it’s a Bunkhouse Brawl, I Quit Match, which I thought, was Full of Shocks. Pure Wrestling Guru’s won’t like this match; I really do think it is safe to say that though. Does any one remember The Midnight Rider? As he turns up in Ring Of Honour during this match, Thank god he isn’t a Regular. It’s clear that this match was there along with to help hype up the Homicide and Steve Corino feud.
RoH
Well Here’s some of the Latest Ring Of Honour News. The Second Ring Of Honour Champion Xavier has been sidelined with a Shoulder Injury for 6 Months!! That’s pretty bad in my opinion. I hadn’t really taken to him during 2002 as the Company’s champion, Basically I thought he was given to much way to soon as he still had the areas to improve. Unfortunately it look’s like a long awaited rematch Between Samoa Joe and Xavier may not happen for a while. Which is a shame, as I really wouldn’t mind seeing them go at it right now to be honest. Xavier has yet to get a return match against Joe as he pretty much disappeared out of the Main Event scene and teamed up with Prince Nana, which is a total joke if you ask me, the guy has Zero Talent! Trust me, He’s like Mark Henry, A Horrible Worker.
Homicide look’s set to be going “Heel” in future Ring Of Honour events. Seeing as He through a Fire Ball at Samoa Joe, Which also is leading Ring Of Honour fans to wonder the same thing, Who turned out the Power? (More to come on the Fireball when I get to the reborn results). For me, I like Homicide as a Heel, I don’t think he really cut’s it as a face for some reason. Whilst I think he is one of the best Strong Style Workers in the Promotion. For me Homicide can do it all Wrestling Wise, in fact I think he changes his style to suit who he is facing! Especially when it’s Samoa Joe it’s strong style, which in my opinion is what he is good at. Whilst on the 22/5 card, Its set to be Homicide one again taking on Samoa Joe, This time though there has to be a winner! To me, I think Homicide really should take the Win here and then turn him self Heel! That would be pretty slick if you ask me, I also think it’s about time the Promotion centred it’s self around some one else, But then again as Steve Corino once said, How can you market Homicide? Hell I don’t care but I once again LONG to see CM Punk and Homicide tie it up (If any one doesn’t no who CM Punk is Please read Cody’s Corner he is doing a Phenomenal Job with his superstar series!) These two really could put on a top-notch feud over the Ring Of Honour title belt.
Both Alex Shelley and Matt Stryker will be starting up a best of 3 series which is something I am looking forward too, Both guys are capable of doing so much in Ring Of Honour, I think now is the time for them to step up and show what they can do. I’m expecting some pretty kick ass wrestling in this match. These Matches could go either way and in all honesty I am really rooting for Stryker! The guy is a technical Genius and I really want to see him further up the card on all future Ring Of Honour Broadcasting! Whilst on the topic of booking match’s, Ring of Honour have booked four-team elimination match with C.M. Punk & Colt Cabana defending the tag titles against Dan Maff & B.J. Whitmer, the Briscoes But the fourth team is yet to be announced! This Match will be taking place on 12/6, I for one can’t wait and I really hope that the second city saints retain their titles! As for the mystery team, I for one hope that it’s either The Havana Pitbulls, as I think if it’s them, that match could possibly be one entertaing match up.
So this Brings me on to Ring Of Honour Reborn Results, It was a Double Shot Weekend, That Ring Of Honour had to then Book New Talent whilst also Using there Current talent after some major players who had “Signed” contracts with NWA-TNA! Well to me these show’s looked awesome and I for one can’t wait to see them and how they will play out on VHS! But I’m really going to say this, It doesn’t look like any one was missing from Reborn, It look’s phenomenal with out the likes of Daniels, Styles, Red and Raven! So who exactly am I to say what a good match is? I can advise on Hardcore Stand Points whilst I feel I’m very capable on advising on actual Pure Wrestling Match ups! So that’s why I’m pretty much going to Point out all the match up’s that I think are Worthy of being addressed.
ROH Reborn Night One Quick Results
Matt Stryker Beat Nigel McGuiness
The Carnage Crew Beat Dun and Marcos
John Walters Defeated Justin Credible
Alex Shelley made Jimmy Jacobs tap to win an insane Six Man Mayhem bout that included Jimmy Rave, Masada, Danny Daniels and Jack Evans
BJ Whitmer Defeated Colt Cabana – With a Wrist Clutch Suplex from Second Rope
Matt Sydal defeated Delirious
ROH Tag Team Champions Jay & Mark Briscoe defeated The Havana Pitbulls
"American Dragon" Bryan Danielson defeated CM Punk
RoH World Title Match: Samoa Joe vs. Homicide - match ended in a no-contest
So from there what does every one think is good? The Whole show in my opinion is a really good card, Especially seeing as it was Last Minuet Booking in a way! For me, I’m Pretty hyped for Majority of the Upper Card match’s whilst there is one from the mid card that I’m pretty hyped about seeing!
BJ Whitmer Vs Colt Cabana is one match that I really see, Whitmer is Pretty Dam impressive in the ring, Whilst Cabana is well Cabana, both Guys have the talent to put on a Enjoyable match! It’s also there though to hype up the Prophecy and Second City Saints feud! I really want to see more Punk/Whitmer match’s some where down the line! They seem to put on some excellent display as seen on Epic Encounter, The Ending is some thing that you need to see to believe.
The Briscoe Boys Vs The Havana Pitbulls is something that is essentially a Dream match amongst Internet Fans, To me The Briscoe Boys are seriously going to be in the WWE one day, Mark my words! They have some Awesome Wrestling Move’s whilst are able to put on some good match’s. Whilst I have yet to see the Havana Pitbulls I do no a Little bit about them. From this I really am excited about getting my VHS copy of this. I’m usually a fan of Singles competition, But I no that in this match up that there is going to be a lot of things that I want to see. Ring Of Honour have even gone as far as to say that this could very well be the best tag match in the company History, I’ll only judge when I have seen this event, But I really do think that AJ Styles and Red Vs The Briscoe’s is one of the best Tag Match’s that I have seen to this day.
American Dragon Vs CM Punk – Is also a match I’m excited about seeing, being a fan of both it’s hard for me to Root for one. So when I do get to see this I’m going to sit back and watch Dragon/Punk for what I hope it is…A Wrestling match. Seeing as the match length is around 30 minuets, I’m going to guess that its going to be built up full of Technical Wrestling, a Bit like London/Dragon was which I talked about above. Ricky Steamboat was the official for this match! Which is big news as after the match up, The Second City Saints attack steamboat, which has actually led me to think is Steamboat going to actively wrestle once again? (More on that later)
Then the Main Event, Samoa Joe Vs Homicide has been a Long Feud and I don’t think this is about ready to end. Surprisingly I enjoy their work as it is Strong Style and when I say that I really do mean that it’s strong! So it’s no surprise that they had this match end on a No Contest, But what is eating me up is, who turned the lights off in the Arena? I Would have said Xavier had he not been side lined for 6 months, Unless of course It’s a big internet Work, But I mean the Logical Conclusion would be that it was some one on the show that turned the lights off! Maybe Matt Stryker turned off the Power to try weaken Joe for His title match on the second night? I for one think this is going to be built up slowly over the next couple of shows. I think we are going to see it being some one that we never thought of in all Honesty.
Whilst after the match, there was what could be essentially described as a Brawl between the Second City Saints and The Briscoe’s which then saw, The Carnage Crew, Dun and Marcos and Other Ring Of Honour regulars try to separate every one! Hell I think its fair to say that all the High Spots that Followed were to make up for the Ending of the main event. As The Saint retreated back in to the ring, Legend Rick “The Dragon” Steamboat came to the ring and Arm dragged then Chopped The Saints! The only reason Steamboat did this was Down to the fact Punk Beat the crap out of him Before the Whitmer/Cabana match up took place. This Leads me to wonder, Are Ring Of Honour about to do the unthinkable and have a Punk/Steamboat match some where down the line?
RoH Reborn Night 2 Quick Results
BJ Whitmer Defeated Ace Steel Via Wrist Clutch Exploder
Justin Credible & Masada defeated Shawn Daivari & Delirious
Chat Collyer Beat John Walters Via Quick Pin Combination
Nigel McGuiness Defeated Jimmy Rave Via tap Out! Included in the match where Havana Pitbull Rocky Romero and Austin Aries
Homicide Defeated Brian Danielson
Havana Pitbull Rocky Reyes Beat Danny Daniels Via Tap Out
Tag Scramble Match: Jack Evans & Matt Sydal Defeated Jimmy Jacobs/Alex Shelley, The Carnage Crew and Dun and Marcos
RoH World Title Match: Samoa Joe Beat Matt Stryker
RoH World Tag: The Second City Saints Defeated The Briscoe’s Via Pepsi Plunge on Mark Briscoe
Well I’m going to do this the same as I did above. For me this Card looks pretty good. I’m Yet again interested in seeing the whole Show, but there are a few matches on this beauty, which I really do want to see, Some of Which have been described as Internet Fan “Dream Matches” Or its just a Major Case of Intelligent Booking with Great Wrestling. Whilst I am positive that all these match’s are going to be good, I’m just yet again going to point out which match’s that I think will be phenomenal to watch.
Chad Collyer Vs John Walters is something that Pure Wrestling Guru’s will love! I no that this match up is going to be sweet! Both Guy’s are awesome with there wrestling performances, That’s why I really would like to see them have more encounters with one another, Just imagine if the Pure Wrestling title is On the line some where down the line! I think fans of Ring Of Honour should keep an eye on these guys, as I see them going way up the card.
Homicide Vs Brian Daniels is Interesting to say the least! Add the term “Dream Match” on to it and you may start to understand why us Indy fans like these Kinds of things. Of Course after the Fireball Incident, Homicide has been booked to look like the Heel, which is going to be interesting in my opinion. So from this I’m going to make an Assumption that this is going to be a Crossed Style kind of Match, Danielson being a Technical Worker, Who can also work with an Aggressive style whilst Homicide is Your Strong Style Worker, Really does make this match sound good! It’s really fitting to see that they had around 30 Minuets to go out there and show what they can do. Hell People have even referred to this as a Wrestling Clinic, So I think that tag RoH Fans have given it
The Briscoe Brothers Vs The Second City Saints is going to be nothing more than amazing. It’s really fitting that The Second City Saints ended the Almost 6 Month Reign of The Briscoe’s! I for one think that this match could very well be Interesting to see on VHS! Hopefully though Ring Of Honour don’t take the Belts of The Saint’s any time soon, as I think they are credible Champions. While it does look like Ring Of Honour are Hinting towards a Whitmer/Maff Vs Second City Saints Match, Seeing as The Prophecy/Saints feud is still on going, I for one am really looking forward to see that match Happen one day.
So after The Ring Of Honour double shot weekend, It Leaves me with a Few Questions, Who Turned of The Lights? Dam I really do need to know that! Also Is Steamboat going to come out of retirement? I don’t think the guy has actively wrestled in over ten years? I think I would seriously Mark out though if he did come out of his retirement for “One” Last Match, Something which Terry Funk has been saying for as long as I can remember. I for one think its going to be really interesting to see Steamboat once again get back in a Wrestling Ring, I for one think that a Tag Match would be the best thing to do, Hell after what went down at those Shows they could Possibly lean towards a Second City Saints Vs Ricky Steamboat and The Briscoe’s which Of Course COULD work!!!
Anyway Swiftly Moving on..(Gary at this point need’s a Major Caffeine Injection if they even exist, I Am So Tired)
NWA TNA
When a promotion has a lot of talent that are capable of being big name Draws and can probably put on good match’s every week, Why do they see the need to have people that haven’t wrestled in year’s or are so bad it’s best they found a New Profession! So why in god’s name does TNA want to bring in Kevin Nash and Randy Savage? I no its Name sake, that a Big WWE Fan could catch a TNA broadcast and for the sake of Argument be Drawn in to the Programming? I for one think that is Ass Backwards! With that talent that the company has the way forward for them is to show them what there Wrestlers can actually do instead of focusing a promotion on a Guy who I don’t think has Wrestled since his WCW Days and Clearly is insane or a Guy who should be Retired and Not aloud near a wrestling ring? I no harsh words, But I’d rather see a Program of Wrestling instead of Sport’s Entertainment.
Whilst I also think that if some “Big Names” where brought in, What is that going to do to the likes of Abyss, AJ Styles, And America’s Most Wanted? Its Obvious that There Push of any sort is going to be Thwarted and them most likely head on back to mid card Obscurity. Which is a Shame as those Guys clearly do have more talent than Nash and Savage! But I think this is a TNA Way of thinking of How to keep their TV Deal and trying to get Viewers tuned in. I wonder if the TWC will pick up there Free TV Shows?
So Here’s the NWA TNA PPV Quick Results
Jerry Lynn, Christopher Daniels, Chris Sabin & Elix Skipper Defeated Hector Garza, Heavy Metal, Abismo Negro & Mr. Aguila – Via Chris Daniels Cradle Pin on Aguila
NWA World Tag Team Champions Kid Kash & Dallas Beat D'Lo Brown & Apollo in a "Nightstick On A Pole" match
Sabu Defeated. Abyss – Via DQ
Irish Pat Kenney, Sonny Siaki & Desire Beat Johnny Swinger, Glenn Gilberti & Trinity – Via Roll Up on Trinity
Raven Defeated. James Storm – Via The Raven Effect
NWA World Heavyweight Champion AJ Styles Defeated. Ron "The Truth" Killings - Styles reversed a La Magistral by Killings into a rollup of his own
So where do I start?
You can Tell Vince Russo is involved on the Booking team of NWA TNA! I mean any one remember his stint of Booker in WCW? Think Viagra on a Pole match that he put Billy Kidman in during the WCW last days. So why in god’s name did they have a Night Stick on a Pole match? All well and good seeing as the titles have changed Hands Via night Stick shot and ended the match on DQ, but I just cant help but think that NWA TNA Should have maybe had the match become NO DQ instead, That way they could have possibly built up the Night Stick on a pole match, But having jumped in to this Head First, In my opinion they’ve Messed up the feud before it has even begun, Which to me is a shame. The Tag Titles Need Credibility and also don’t need to change hands every week, whilst also needing to go in to a feud where the Teams can gain Credibility Whilst also giving the belts the rub.
Whilst there are 3 Match’s that I feel I need to actually see!!
Jerry Lynn, Christopher Daniels, Chris Sabin & Elix Skipper Vs Hector Garza, Heavy Metal, Abismo Negro & Mr. Aguila, I actually do feel this could be a very good match, But for some reason I cant see there being much actual wrestling in it. This Match is bound to be the spot fest that sets the mood for the show. I think its safe to say that NWA TNA are trying to
A) Build Interest in to the Upcoming NWA TNA World X Cup
B) Actually Using the Talent
Although I would have preferred a NWA TNA X Division title match in all honesty, But its nice to see effort being put in to a Upcoming show! Hopefully next week’s NWA Vs Team Canada will be just as good, Shame that Teddy Hart wont be on the Team for the Upcoming X Cup
Raven Vs James Storm, Could possibly be a good match! I for one am really looking forward to see this one in all honesty. I don’t think it will be a Wrestling Classic, But I think it could be a Passable Match. What I find really interesting is that Both Men are being pushed and are being made to look like the real deal. It’s going to be interesting to see where these guys can go in NWA TNA!
NWA World Heavyweight Title – AJ Styles Vs Ron Killings! Is Something I really want to see, Killings In my opinion is ever so under rated, Whilst AJ Styles is truly phenomenal, I think this match is going to be a Combination of Actual Wrestling to Spots and I liked the Idea of having the Double Pin at the end which caused the match to restart, So all I can say is this match should be really good.
So its really fitting to see NWA TNA actually focus the show around the likes of Raven, AMW, Styles and Killings all wanting the Title Belt, I was quite surprised that Jarrett didn’t involve him self, But as I’ve been saying for Months on Message Boards is that for NWA TNA to move forward they actually do need to Push the Younger talent who are capable of putting on good match’s whilst also worthy of being further up the card. Hopefully Jarrett will be out of the title hunt for months to come, as I really do want to see Younger guys in the hunt for the title/
Well anyway, Thanks for Reading Once again! On a side note I’m currently Writing in my Spare time a ECW Column which is going to be used some time. If I’m feeling Generous I’ll be posting it in Three Parts In a Beginning, Middle and The End kind of way! I for one hope I can get it finished in a Month or so, But my current college/Work schedule is preventing me from Writing as much as I would like to on ECW (Makes Me Sad)…. Anyway I’m done for another week, Time to be Original and once again need to think up more ideas for next Weeks Column.
Quote The Raven Nevermore