IMG Credit: World of Sport

World of Sport
Date: July 28, 2018
Location: Epic Studios, Norwich, England
Commentators: Alex Shane, So Cal Val, Stu Bennett

So at the end of 2016, there was a one off British wrestling show called World of Sport, which was a callback to the big British wrestling TV show from the 1970s and 80s. It aired once, wasn’t very good, and was supposed to be the start of a new series. Well that series is now here, only a year and a half (plus) later. It’s a ten episode series so we might as well take a look at them all. Let’s get to it.

Here’s the pilot episode.

Stu Bennett (Wade Barrett) narrates the opening video, talking about how this is the new era and only the but make it to this platform.

The announcers welcome us to the show, with Val replacing Jim Ross from the pilot. I think things are starting to go downhill.

Rampage vs. Adam Maxtead vs. Sha Samuels vs. Justin Sysum vs. Crater

Elimination rules. Who are these people? Not important enough to mention, but Crater is a huge masked man. I don’t think there is an opening bell as Samuels and Rampage double team Sysum, the smallest guy in the match, to start. Bennett joins commentary as Crater comes in to clean house. Adam can’t slam Crater so Crater gives him a demonstration and chokes on the ropes….for a very quick DQ.

Crater cleans house post elimination and we’re down to four. Now that the announcers have told us that it’s an elimination match, Samuels and Rampage beat on Sysum a little more. Sysum fights back and scores with a middle rope crossbody but is already back in trouble when we come back from a replay. Back with Samuels clotheslining Rampage by mistake, allowing Sysum to get a rollup for the elimination.

Rating: D. Oh this isn’t going well so far. Keep in mind that this is a brand new series. Unless you watched (and remember) that pilot from December 2016 (hopefully they aired it before this first episode), Grado is a complete stranger but he’s the World Champion and these five guys are all fighting for a title shot.

Who are these people? Which one is the blue eye? Why are Samuels and Rampage friends? Where have I seen that Bennett guy before? There are five people fighting at once? I’ve watched a lot of wrestling and knew what was going on, but how many new fans are going to be watching this for the first time and just got totally lost? It’s not a great idea to come charging out of the gate like that and this wasn’t exactly a great match either. What we saw was fine, but it came and went with no one other than Crater getting to stand out, and that was just because of his look. Really rocky start and hopefully it gets better.

Post match, Bennett says that since Rampage beat the count, tonight’s main event is a three way for the title.

Don’t try this at home.

Will Ospreay vs. British Bulldog Jr.

This could be rather interesting. Hopefully commentary explains why the guy with BRITISH in his name who comes out to Rule Britania has a Canadian flag on his trunks. Ospreay wastes no time in flipping around into a dropkick but it’s too early for the big dive. Instead he backflips into the pose, allowing Bulldog to hit a dropkick of his own. Thankfully Bennett mentions Bulldog being half Canadian as Bulldog hits a slam and the delayed vertical suplex (required).

Ospreay slips out of a Brock Lock and kicks Bulldog down as we go to our fourth replay in less than three minutes. A springboard….something (the camera changed angels as he made contact) gives Ospreay two and a standing corkscrew moonsault gets the same. Shane: “Eat your heart out Harry Potter. Will Ospreay is a wizard.” The deadlift German suplex plants Ospreay, who seems to be favoring his knee. Bulldog clotheslines him for two as the replays and camera cuts continue.

A C4 gives Ospreay the same and he reverses the running powerslam into a dragon suplex. The spinning kick to the head gives Ospreay two as the rapid camera cuts continue. Ospreay’s shooting star (cut) hits feet (cut to crowd) and he bounces backwards (cut), allowing Bulldog to suplex him for another near fall. A Batista Bomb gets two more but Ospreay slips out of a superplex to hit the Cheeky Nandos kick. Ospreay loads up the springboard Oscutter but gets caught in a super powerslam (cool) for the pin at 7:50.

Rating: C+. Well, it was better than the opener, but a lot of that is going to be due to having two very talented guys in there and allowing them to do some stuff. Ospreay is the kind of guy who is going to be able to get cheered all day and British Bulldog Jr. is a layup on a show like this. Or any show actually as he’s rather good. The cutting is REALLY annoying though as it’s every ten seconds at most. Slow things down a bit.

There’s going to be a Tag Team Title tournament but Kip Sabian and Iestyn Rees don’t want to hear about the rest of the teams. When you’re as good as they are, you’re the only team.

Tag Team Title Tournament First Round: Martin Kirby/Joe Hendry vs. Iestyn Rees/Kip Sabian

The fans REALLY likes Hendry, or at least they’ve been coached about how to wave their arms to his music. Shane sums up Rees and Sabian as the bully and the big mouth. That’s not exactly an in-depth analysis, but it’s a description that tells you something about these guys and that’s a step in the right direction. Hendry wrestles Sabian down to start and it’s Kirby coming in to work on the arm.

Sabian runs him over a few times and keeps posing but gets taken down by a headscissors. A little cheating from Rees (which Barrett calls skullduggery, because he’s awesome) allows Sabian to score with a springboard dropkick on Hendry. We hit the double arm crank and Hendry gets driven into the corner to keep him in trouble. Hendry’s rollup gets two but the kickout sends him into Kirby, who lands on a cameraman.

A side slam into a slingshot legdrop gets two on Hendry but he gets his knees up to avoid a splash. That’s enough for the tag….or at least it would be if Kirby didn’t walk out on Hendry. Just to show off a bit, Hendry, who isn’t a big guy, gives them both a fall away slam at the same time and it’s an ankle lock to Sabian. Rees breaks it up with a missile dropkick, followed by a powerbomb/top rope clothesline for the pin on Hendry at 7:43.

Rating: C-. Sabian and Reese are a nice heel team and Hendry has more charisma than he knows what to do with, which is a good sign as he now has a built in feud with Kirby. This was a good way to showcase everyone involved, save for maybe Kirby who didn’t really do much here. It’s not a bad match or anything, but it’s more about setting stuff up for the future and that’s fine.

World of Sport Title: Rampage vs. Justin Sysum vs. Grado

One fall to a finish. Grado is defending and Bennett rants about him dancing his way to the ring. Rampage has Samuels and another guy named CJ Banks (had to look him up) with him. Sysum doesn’t have anyone with him but he does wear a cape. Rampage knocks the champ down to start but gets elbowed and punched to the floor. That allows Grado to sidestep a shoulder block, sending Sysum flat onto his face in a cute moment. Grado gyrates a bit and helps Sysum throw the rampaging Rampage over the top to keep it one on one.

Rampage and company pull Sysum to the floor so Grado cannonballs onto them off the apron for a big crash. With Sysum on the floor, Rampage slams Grado for two but here’s Sysum again with a top rope clothesline. Grado kicks him down and adds a cannonball in the corner, followed by a cutter to Rampage. Sysum makes the save and hits a 450 for two more on Grado but Rampage breaks it up. Rampage throws Sysum to the floor and hits an implant DDT on Grado for the pin and the title at 5:22.

Rating: D+. It wouldn’t make sense if we didn’t have another fast match which had some flashes of interesting stuff sprinkled in. The wrestling was ok with Sysum looking good, but the best thing here was getting title off of a comedy guy and onto someone who can be a fine heel champion. Just more rushed stuff here and I didn’t have any kind of connection to anyone involved.

Next week: a ladder match and the first Women’s Champion. That’s kind of a lot for the second week of a series.

Overall Rating: D. I feel like I’ve just watched a three hour show but it was crammed into 45 minutes. There was WAY too much going on here and no time was spent introducing anyone (I only know Grado because of TNA). This was a REALLY bad idea for a first episode, though there are some good things here and there.

You had the good second match, some names who were able to look good while given the chance, and the title change to end the show. The problem is I had to stop and think about those things because none of them were allowed to have the time to develop or sink in. That’s where we get to the biggest problem.

Again though, the problem was presenting this as the debut. They moved in and out so fast and really expected the fans to know who these people were or not care enough about them. I learned something about Grado, Sabian and Rees. Other than that, everyone came and went so fast that I can barely remember their names, including the person who won the title in the main event. Sysum and Ospreay were impressive, but other than that no one’s in-ring work really stuck out.

It’s not a complete disaster, but it feels like no one working on this really knew what they were doing. I really hope this gets better because there is some good stuff here (the set, some of the talent) but the problems (STOP CUTTING THE CAMERA EVERY TWO SECONDS) heavily outweigh the positives.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2003 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/07/23/new-book-kbs-complete-2003-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: Major League Wrestling

Fusion #18
Date: August 17, 2018
Location: Melrose Ballroom, New York City, New York
Commentators: Tony Schiavone, Matt Striker

We’re still in New York and that means we have a big time World Title match as Low Ki defends against John Hennigan (or whatever they’re calling him this week). While I doubt they’ll change the title again so soon, it should be an entertaining match, which is almost always the case when Hennigan is involved. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

In Memory Of Jim Neidhart.

We recap Hennigan beating Teddy Hart to earn the title shot in a rather flippy do match.

Before the show, the Hart Foundation got in ACH and Rich Swann’s faces before their match later. Brian Pillman Jr. is already nailing his dad’s mannerisms.

Rich Swann/ACH vs. Hart Foundation

That would be Teddy Hart and Davey Boy Smith Jr. with Pillman in their corner. Before the match, we get the Canadian national anthem. Striker: “Tony why are you taking a knee?” Tony: “Well I did play high school football.” Teddy shakes ACH’s hand but won’t look him in the eye for a show of disrespect. Smith shoves the much smaller ACH down with ease and Smith strikes a quick pose. ACH’s chop just hurts his own hand but a dropkick to the leg makes some more sense.

Smith calmly runs him over and it’s off to Hart vs. Swann. Teddy easily takes him down into the Rings of Saturn, though they don’t last long. Instead Swann nips out of a wristlock, leaving Hart to climb the corner and bounce around into a wristdrag. Back up and Hart snaps off a powerslam for two, drawing a chant for Teddy. Hart jumps over him in the corner, lands on Swann’s back, and snaps off a Code Red.

ACH makes a save so everything breaks down with Smith throwing them both to the floor as we take a break. Back with ACH hitting Hart with a Pele and a frog splash but Smith makes the save. The cocky ACH puts on the Sharpshooter with Smith making another save, albeit an angrier one this time. Swann goes up but Pillman hits him low with a cane shot, allowing Hart to hit an electric chair Backstabber for the pin at 10:14.

Rating: C+. I like ACH and Swann but there was no question about pushing the Harts here. It makes far more sense as they have a big family name, work well together, and can get some attention on your product. Smith is a force and could be a big deal if he’s pushed properly, which somehow hasn’t happened anywhere yet.

We get a WarGames Control Center (SWEET) with an explanation of the match’s rules, which seem to be the original version (SWEET AGAIN). In addition to the show’s namesake match, there will be a World Title match plus PCO vs. Brody King. The tickets are only $10, which is actually a steal.

Shane Strickland (in an Austin Theory shirt) is ready to announce the newest member of his WarGames team but first he has to give John Hennigan a scouting report on Low Ki. Strickland’s advice: don’t let him kick you in the head. The team isn’t worried about Team Callihan adding Abyss, but here is Team Callihan to jump them from behind. Tommy Dreamer makes the save and is officially part of Team Strickland.

Hennigan is banged up before his title shot tonight.

Konnan is very pleased with Fenix and Pentagon Jr. leaving Salina de la Renta and joining him because they’re like scarecrows: they’re outstanding in their field. Ok that was actually kind of clever. Fenix and Pentagon seem very pleased with their decision.

Tom Lawlor is training at his dojo with Seth Petruzelli when the Stud Stable comes in for the Dojo Fight. They’ve got a referee with them (they come prepared) and Jake Hager talks trash, but it’s going to be Parrow fighting for the Stable instead. Lawlor throws some rights and lefts to start before driving Parrow against the cage. Parrow gets him on the ground and swings Lawlor into the cage to break up an armbar. Back up and Lawlor uses a pipe in the ceiling to hit a hurricanrana (giving me flashbacks to the Dungeon matches back in the WWF) before slapping on a Kimura for the tap.

Not a match, but an MMA guy beating a wrestler in an MMA fight isn’t the most shocking thing in the world. I’ll certainly give them big points for doing something different though, as having the same matches over and over again is rarely a good idea. This worked well enough. Post fight, Lawlor refuses to let go of the hold until he sees Petruzelli down and goes over for the save.

Salina intimidates the interviewer and Low Ki isn’t scared about having to defend against Hennigan tonight. Ki is looking forward to Hennigan’s challenge and promises to make him a sacrificial lamb. Hennigan needs to go back underground because the impact of tonight is going to be brutal.

We get a tale of the tape for the title match. Always appreciated.

MLW World Title: John Hennigan vs. Low Ki

Hennigan is challenging and has bad ribs from earlier. Thankfully Ki is in regular gear instead of the suit. Feeling out process to start as Tony gives us some history of Black Friday Management (thank you, as it was treated like something we should know despite being from the original incarnation of MLW). Hennigan drives him into the corner but gets pulled into an armbar over the ropes.

That’s broken up in a hurry so they go to the mat for a grappling session. Hennigan works on the leg as Striker mentions that Hennigan will be in WarGames. Makes sense given the segment earlier. Ki steals Hennigan’s bandanna and you know that makes things more serious. They separate again as we’re still waiting for this to really take off. A test of strength takes Hennigan down and Ki actually breaks his bridge a few times. You don’t often see that.

They grapple some more with Ki grabbing a guillotine choke, sending Hennigan straight to the ropes. We get a rare smile from Ki and it’s a lot more intimidating than I was expecting. Hennigan knees him into the corner but a springboard is broken up and the big crash to the floor has Hennigan in trouble. Ki walks him around the ring while adding in some chops and it’s off to a triangle headscissors back inside.

A gutwrench keeps Hennigan in trouble as Salina continues her evil stare. Hennigan can’t get him up for a suplex so Ki grabs an abdominal stretch to keep things logical. The hold is broken and Hennigan goes with right hands to the head in the corner, which is probably a smart move as grappling hasn’t been his strong suit so far. The sliding German suplex drops Ki, with Tony saying he’s never seen it before, even though Hennigan used it last week.

Rating: B-. This is actually a tricky one as they went in a completely different direction than you would have expected. I’m not sure if it worked nearly as well as they were expecting, but it was certainly different. As long as it’s not a disaster, which this wasn’t, I can give them credit for trying to do something new. I’d have preferred to see their usual stuff, but what they did was more than fine and it was a good match as a result.

Next week: Team Filthy vs. the Dirty Blonds and ACH/Rich Swann vs. Fenix/Pentagon Jr. for the Tag Team Titles.

Overall Rating: C+. They did things differently almost all the way up and down the card here and that’s a good sign. You can’t just keep doing the same stuff over and over again because things are going to get stale. There’s nothing wrong with having a signature style, but you have to mix things up often enough to let that style work better in the long term. That’s what they did here and it helped a lot. I’m also liking the build towards WarGames better than what they did for Battle Riot, so things are starting to come together on the more long term aspects of the show.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2003 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/07/23/new-book-kbs-complete-2003-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: Lucha Underground

Lucha Underground
Date: August 22, 2018
Location: Lucha Underground Temple, Los Angeles, California
Commentators: Vampiro, Matt Striker

It’s time for a big night with two major matches. This time around we have a Trick or Treat match (whatever that means, which around here could be anything) between the Mack and Mil Muertes but the real selling point is the main event. Tonight, Lucha Underground Champion Pentagon Dark defends against Cage in a Last Man Standing match. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

The opening video looks at Cage vs. Pentagon Dark, Drago and Aerostar’s trust issues and Mack vs. Muertes.

Melissa Santos is putting on her makeup when Dragon Azteca Jr. comes in. Dragon knows she misses Fenix, which she admits is getting worse and worse every day. He puts the half medallion around her neck. Melissa says he’s a great friend and leaves.

Famous B. is back, though in a much more traditional looking suit.

The Mack vs. Mil Muertes

It’s a weapons cage match (including a knife and an ax) with pin or submission only to win. Before the match, Catrina gets in Melissa’s face and tells her to introduce her “the right way b****.” Melissa says no so Catrina sends her face first into the cage, gives her the lick, and rams her head into the floor. Mack’s running enziguri has little effect so Muertes hits him with the kendo stick and a trashcan. A few more shots to the head don’t do much good on Muertes so it’s a snap powerslam and a pumpkin to Mack’s back.

Mack scores with a running DDT to slow Muertes down but he’s right back up to spear Mack into and then through the cage wall. Escape doesn’t count so Muertes DDTs him on the floor before climbing over the side. A high crossbody (and a good one at that) takes Mack down and it’s time for the knife. Muertes slices Mack’s head open and licks the blood off because he’s one of the creepiest guys around.

Despite the blood loss, Mack manages a release spinebuster through a table. Just like everything else though, Muertes doesn’t seem phased and sends Mack through another table to keep him in trouble. Mack fights out of a Flatliner through a table and some Stunners put Muertes down. For some reason Mack decides to go up top in front of a table, meaning he earns the super Flatliner through said table for the pin at 9:37.

Rating: B-. Sometimes you just need a monster wrecking a popular guy to remind you who is in charge around here. Muertes is still one of the most dominant people in the company and that needed to be reestablished in a match like this. Mack is going to be fine after the loss as he’s a charismatic enough guy to bounce right back. Good destruction, even with the knife being a bit much.

Catrina won’t lick Mack.

Famous B., from his wheelchair, handles the introductions for the next match.

Aerostar vs. Jake Strong

B.: “Introducing first…..oh s***.” Aerostar isn’t scared so Strong punches him in the face and suplexes him back in from the apron. A quick crucifix gives Aerostar two and the rope walk dropkick gets the same. Aerostar gets knocked out of the air though and the ankle lock is good for the tap at 2:14.

Post match Strong won’t let go so Drago runs in for the save.

The Worldwide Underground is giving Johnny Mundo and Taya their wedding presents, including a trip to the Slamtown Spa and Resort, a portrait of Mundo as Lucha Underground Champion, and a title shot the week after the wedding. The Underground’s agent can’t get in and Ricky Mundo’s doll wants to kill him. Ricky stabs him with a pen as Taya and Johnny get matching bandannas. Geez the murders are spreading around here.

Lucha Underground Title: Pentagon Dark vs. Cage

Pentagon is defending and it’s Last Man (or Machine) Standing. After a break, Cage goes straight at him on the floor and we’re ready to go in a hurry. A bottle to the head has no effect so Cage uses the broken bottle to carve up Pentagon’s head. Cage puts a table in the corner but gets caught in a Death Valley Driver to put him through it instead. With Pentagon’s mask half torn off (to the point where you can see his forehead), he caves Cage’s head in with a chair.

A top rope double stomp onto the chair has Cage in more trouble but he’s fine enough to take it outside and powerbomb the champ against the barricade. Cage sets up two tables on the floor so Pentagon throws in some more toys. One heck of a trashcan lid shot to the head rocks Pentagon and there’s the apron superplex to put them through the tables. It’s Cage up at five and for some reason he helps Pentagon to his feet. With another table set up next to the apron, Pentagon wins a fight and Death Valley Drives Cage through it in a sick looking crash.

Of course that’s not it as the Drill Claw plants Pentagon for so little time that the referee doesn’t even count. Another lid shot staggers Cage, sending him onto yet another table in the ring. That means a super Canadian Destroyer but Pentagon is already getting more weapons because he knows it’s not enough. Six chairs are set up in the middle of the ring….and Pentagon package piledrives him through them. That’s STILL not enough so Pentagon Pillmanizes one arm, breaks both of them, and then since Cage is getting up again, curb stomps him THROUGH A CINDER BLOCK to retain at 13:13.

Rating: B+. Throughout a lot of this match, I was thinking it was just your run of the mill violent brawl. Then we got to the ending, where Pentagon unloaded on Cage and threw everything he had at him to FINALLY put the machine away. That last few minutes had me wondering what was left to stop Cage and it was one heck of a visual. The same is true of Pentagon’s mask being ripped off, which made him look like the conquering antihero, which is a great way to wrap things up.

Pentagon poses and, again, looks like the biggest star ever around here.

Next week: the wedding. That….sounds amazing.

Overall Rating: A-. That last three minutes alone are enough to make this a great show but then you have another murder (with a PEN), Pentagon looking like a star, and the whole carving up someone’s head with a knife. This was one of the most violent wrestling shows I’ve seen in a long time and that’s exactly what they were going for. Well done all around, but check out that main event for sure.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2003 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/07/23/new-book-kbs-complete-2003-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: Lucha Underground

Lucha Underground
Date: August 15, 2018
Location: Lucha Underground Temple, Los Angeles, California
Commentators: Vampiro, Matt Striker

Where else can you find a wrestling show where the question is who dies this week. Somehow it tends to be multiple cases every single week, which isn’t exactly a normal wrestling promotion. That being said, it’s still a pretty fun idea and they’re getting ready of one low level person who may or may not be leaving after another in a pretty creative way. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

The opening video looks at the Mack getting on Mil Muertes’ bad sign, the destruction of the White Rabbit Tribe, the Gift of the Gods Title and the Trios Champions’ issues.

Antonio Cueto gets an invitation to Johnny Mundo and Taya’s wedding (“It’ll never last.”) when Kobra Moon comes in. She wants the Reptile Tribe to become the new Trios Champions so, after something close to flirting, Antonio makes the match.

Paul London and Saltador are in the ring when Antonio comes in to say it’s time for a sacrifice. London volunteers Saltador to show what a real rabbit can do. Oh dear.

Saltador vs. Matanza

Saltador’s right hands and dropkick have as much effect as you would expect. The Wrath of the Gods gets rid of Matanza at 36 seconds.

Mack and Son of Havoc are getting ready for later when Killshot comes in. He doesn’t like Havoc but he’ll help defend the titles after he wins the Gift of the Gods Title. Violence seems imminent but it’s ok for now.

Next week: Pentagon Dark vs. Cage in a Last Man Standing match for the Lucha Underground Title.

The camera keeps showing a guy in a priest’s collar in the crowd.

Gift of the Gods Title: Killshot vs. El Drago Azteca Jr.

Dragon is defending. They start fast with Dragon flipping around, including spinning into a hurricanrana to take Killshot down. A slide to the floor means we need a slide back in but this time Killshot is waiting on him with a slingshot double stomp to the back. The running no hands dive takes Dragon down again and Killshot rolls him around into a modified Rings of Saturn. Azteca catches him with a kick to the head though and a hurricanrana off the apron gets two.

The fans are split (well duh) and it’s time to hit hard running forearms in the corner. Dragon starts a chase and catches Killshot with a guillotine legdrop to the back of the head. They head back to the apron and for some reason Azteca charges at him, meaning it’s a Death Valley Driver to knock the champ silly. The Killstomp is only good for two and Killshot can’t believe it. The customary exchange of strikes doesn’t go anywhere so Killshot whips him in, only to have Dragon snap off the spinning DDT to retain at 6:53.

Rating: C+. I’ve become a much bigger fan of Killshot over time as he’s so smooth in the ring. He knows how to make these matches look easy and when you put him in there against someone like Azteca, the matches get that much better. This was a very fun little match and I had a good time with it. If Azteca gets over with matches like this, I’m certainly fine with that.

Drago is on the roof of the Temple when Aerostar comes up. Aerostar asks why Drago hasn’t been around since last week but Drago says he did things as part of the Reptile Tribe that can’t be forgiven. That doesn’t work for Aerostar, who says they’re still friends. They shake hands but Drago isn’t sure and turns into a dragon to fly away.

Trios Title: Reptile Tribe vs. Killshot/The Mack/Son of Havoc

The Tribe (Kobra Moon/Daga/Jeremiah Snake) are challenging. The fight is on in a hurry with Snake being annoyed at Havoc’s standing backflip into Ricochet’s pose. As that happens, we cut to that priest again for some reason. Mack comes in to knee Snake in the face but takes too long doing a headstand in the corner, earning himself a loud superkick. Killshot grabs a triangle choke on Snake but Moon puts the same thing on him at the same time.

Son of Havoc and Daga do the same and then Mack grabs a Boston crab on Snake for the big visual. Daga gets to the rope for the break and everyone heads outside, allowing Mack to hit the big flip dive. We cut to the priest again and he has a name: Father Rick O’Shea. Clever. Anyway Havoc hits an Asai moonsault onto everyone, followed by Snake saving Moon from Killshot. A tornado DDT plants Killshot but Havoc is back in with a Lethal Injection to Daga and a double stomp to Snake.

It’s time for the parade of secondary finishers with Mack not being able to hit a Stunner. Unfortunately that means a bad Austin impression from Striker, who at least hasn’t been as annoying this season. Mack gets powerbombed out of the corner into a Stretch Muffler but it’s Havoc coming in with another double stomp for the save. Havoc loads up the shooting star but Killshot intentionally shoves him off, setting up Snake’s double underhook shoulder breaker for the pin and the titles at 8:53.

Rating: C. Good. I’m tired of the fighting champions motif around here and it’s a relief to see an actual team get the belts for a change. You can only do that idea so often and this was somehow the second time that Son of Havoc has been involved. The Reptile Tribe has been given a much bigger focus around here this season and it makes a lot of sense to give them the titles.

Post match Killshot yells at Havoc and says he can’t get up now or when he lost the titles. Killshot hits the Killstomp to Havoc’s bad shoulder and gets in Mack’s face before leaving.

Here’s Cage for a chat but before he can get anywhere, Pentagon Dark comes in with a superkick. The fight is on with Pentagon taking him up the steps and grabbing the house band guitar….for a shot to the guitarist. Cage beats up security and we look at the priest again. They fight on the roof of Antonio’s office before coming down and landing in front of the priest. He tries to bless Pentagon and gets his arm broken as a thank you. The fight continues as the credits roll.

We go to Antonio’s office when the Mack comes in. He wants Killshot next week but Antonio has a better idea: a Haunted House match against Mil Muertes. Mack: “Trick or treat mother….”

Overall Rating: B-. I had a good time with this show and that’s what matters most around here. They set up some stuff for next week and had something interesting with the title change. The priest idea was a funny joke and I could see that being a character going forward, though a one off appearance is fine too. I liked the show and the show next week should be a lot of fun too. Well done, as is becoming more common around here.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2003 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/07/23/new-book-kbs-complete-2003-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: WWE

Fusion #17
Date: August 10, 2018
Location: Melrose Ballroom, New York City, New York
Commentators: Tony Schiavone, Rich Bocchini

Things are already starting to get interesting around here all over again, just after Battle Riot. We still have Black Friday Management and Promociones Dorado hooking up to make things that much more dangerous, but there are several stars who could rise up to challenge them. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Earlier this week, Kotto Brazil, Barrington Hughes and Shane Strickland challenging Sami Callihan and the Death Machines to WAR GAMES. Well this just got a lot more interesting.

The ten man WarGames, with two more partners for each team to be announced, is confirmed for September 6 in Fort Lauderdale.

Barrington Hughes vs. Leon Scott

They slug it out and Hughes is rocked less than ten seconds in. A release Rock Bottom plants Scott and there’s the big elbow to draw in Sawyer Fulton for the DQ at 37 seconds.

Post match Hughes fights back but Sami comes in with a baseball bat to the head to cut him down. Brazil runs in and takes the bat for the save. Kotti is tired of that and wants Sami RIGHT NOW. He wants to show Sami that Kotto can and Kotto will.

Kotto Brazil vs. Sami Callihan

Before the bell, Sami gets dropkicked off the apron and Kotto hits a big flip dive onto both him and the Death Machines. A 619 underneath the bottom rope has Sami in more trouble but he’s right back with a powerbomb to take over. The bell rings and it’s Sami chopping away in the corner to rip some skin off Kott’s chest. Sami takes him to the floor and chokes with a boot, followed by some wild rights and lefts back inside.

A chinlock slows things down for a few moments but Sami stops to spit. You never spit when you have the chance and Brazil is back up with some dropkicks. A hanging Sister Abigail cuts him off in a hurry though and Sami demands a standing ten count. You don’t get that very often and it fits Sami well. Kotto gets up and it’s right back to the chinlock. This time the counter is a heck of a tornado DDT but Sami is up with a heck of a clothesline.

With the wrestling not working, Sami loads up a pile of chairs on the floor, with the legs of one sticking up. Tony can’t handle the idea of Sami trying to impale Kotto with a running Razor’s Edge so thankfully Brazil slips out and gets two off a Code Red. Kotto takes him up top for a super hurricanrana but Sami counters into a super Jackknife (FREAKING OW MAN!). Get Outta Here is good for the pin on Brazil at 10:17.

Rating: B-. I’m getting more and more impressed by Kotto every single week. He’s gone from the guy who couldn’t win a single match to a guy you could see getting the big upset here. Brazil actually fits into the WarGames match and hopefully he gets a big run out of this push.

Brian Pillman Jr., Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Teddy Hart are in Calgary and really don’t care to answer any questions from internet media while dropping various Brian Pillman references (including a pencil reference). Davey refers to them as the new Hart Foundation and threatens the cameraman. I could go for this, if there isn’t as much Teddy.

Konnan says there’s nothing up with him talking to Rey Fenix and Pentagon Jr. because they’re just friends. Low Ki comes in and says he doesn’t buy it. It would be in Konnan’s best interest to mind his own business. They start speaking Spanish and tensions are high.

Middleweight Title: Joey Janela vs. Maxwell Jacob Friedman

Friedman is defending and this is Falls Count Anywhere, meaning Janela can jump him in the back for two before they’re ever in the arena. Janela drags him into said arena by the scarf (nice touch) but Friedman drops him face first onto a table for two. Tony thinks the violent nature of the match benefits Janela. Rich: “Why’s that?” Tony: “Because he’s nuts!”

Friedman’s arm gets sent into a chair and Joey knocks it into a chair for good measure. Janela’s girlfriend Aria Blake smiles a lot as Friedman gets superkicked into a pile of chairs. Back up and Friedman hides behind her, which of course is enough for him to sucker Janela in. They get inside for the first time with Friedman stomping on the arm and slamming him into the mat for two.

We hit the chinlock so it’s time to plug WarGames. Janela’s comeback doesn’t last long as Friedman knees him in the ribs and we take a break. Back with Janela hitting a double stomp off the apron onto a chair for two and dragging Friedman up the aisle. One heck of a low blow cuts Janela down again but he’s fine enough to backdrop Friedman. Janela stops to ask Aria for a kiss though and she clocks him with a bottle, giving Friedman the retaining pin at 10:19.

Rating: C-. The ending was set up last week and was the kind of thing that the match needed. I’m still not sure I get Janela but I’m starting to get the idea behind him. Friedman needs some wins to establish himself as champion and there’s a good chance that this is going to be continuing for a good while.

Post match Friedman kisses Blake, much to Bocchini’s distress.

Callihan has hijacked a camera and says he knows who he wants on his WarGames team. It’s Jimmy Havoc, who, after agreeing to never talk about Mexico again (not sure what that means), wants to be sold on the match a bit. Sami explains the match by saying there will be five other people locked in a cage for him to hurt. Havoc is open to negotiations over drinks. He would be the right call for a spot like that.

The Stud Stable comes up to Team Filthy to talk about them ruining Colonel Parker’s hat. Parker wants a match set for later, though Team Filthy wants to make sure the Stable will be wearing pants. Lawlor warns them to Google Team Filthy and find out what they’re all about. Apparently the match will be a Dojo Challenge, with details to be announced.

Konnan talks to Pentagon Jr./Rey Fenix, who rip up their Promociones Dorado contracts and leave with him. As usual I don’t think wrestling knows how contracts work.

Havoc is official for WarGames. Those must have been some good drinks.

Kevin Sullivan tells Brian Pillman Jr. to not associate with Teddy Hart and Davey Boy Smith Jr. Pillman says he likes those guys but Sullivan throws the cameraman out.

Teddy Hart vs. John Hennigan

The winner gets a World Title shot. The fans are behind Hart during the entrances but seem pleased with John (dang it another last name to remember) as he poses. Feeling out process to start and we hit the dueling chants. Johnny spins out of a wristlock but you don’t ask Teddy to get into a flipping contest. A springboard moonsault into a wristlock gets Teddy out but Johnny lands on his feet because his balance is incredible. Johnny sweeps him down into a chinlock but Teddy rolls him down into a legbar.

Hart bails to the floor and steps to the side before Johnny can try a flip dive. Back in and Johnny scores with a superkick to send Teddy outside. Of course that means a big corkscrew dive, followed by a slingshot elbow to give Johnny two. A super Samoan drop connects as the fans think Johnny sucks. Johnny: “Don’t tell me what your mama does for money fat boy!”

Teddy flips over Johnny in the corner, walks on his back (of course he does) and gets two off a sweet Code Red. A super Canadian Destroyer gets two more so Teddy springboards into a moonsault to the floor. Johnny is sat in a chair and one heck of an uppercut knocks both him and said chair backwards. Back in and a slingshot piledriver (exactly what it sounds like) sets up an Arabian Press but Johnny gets the knees up.

The slugout goes to Hennigan and a super Spanish Fly is good for two more. Hennigan’s sliding German suplex drops Teddy on his head and Starship Pain gets a very close two. Countdown to Impact misses so Teddy plants him with an implant DDT. A top rope corkscrew Lionsault connects for the same, with Tony chastising Hart for not hooking a leg. How Monsoon of him. Now the fans are more behind Johnny, including as he sits down on a sunset flip for the fast pin at 14:56.

Rating: B-. They weren’t going for any kind of technical masterpiece here and that was the right idea. This was kind of a spot fest dream match and what we got was more than entertaining enough. Hennigan winning makes much more sense as he’s a far bigger star and someone you could market as a bigger opponent. That being said, Hart showed off a lot here but never went too insane that it got ridiculous. I mean, some of the kickouts aside as usual.

Overall Rating: B+. Two quite good matches, the big WarGames match being set up and an angle that is starting to grow on me in the middle. You can get somewhere with this kind of booking and it’s a very good sign to have them doing something like this, as it was the perfect balance between wrestling and storytelling. Very strong show this week and one of the best they’ve done in a long time.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2003 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/07/23/new-book-kbs-complete-2003-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: Major League Wrestling

Fusion #16
Date: August 3, 2018
Location: Melrose Ballroom, New York City, New York
Commentators: Tony Schiavone, Matt Striker

We’re past Battle Riot and that means things are back to normal around here. Tom Lawlor won the big event and has what is pretty much a Money in the Bank contract. Other than that we have some stories coming out of the Battle Riot which could make for some interesting TV. You never know what to expect around here so let’s get to it.

Here are the Battle Riot results if you need a recap.

Note that this is listed as episode 16, meaning Battle Riot was 15. Normally I’d go in order but that would drive me nuts as time went on so I’ll go with what they say.

We look at the footage of Shane Strickland being attacked. Sami Callihan has admitted to being behind it due to bringing Shane out of the horrible places in wrestling and making him a star. Now he’s doing it for the money because Shane believes that he’s a bigger star than he really is. That means it’s time for a match. Makes enough sense.

Opening sequence.

The announcers run down the show.

Brody King vs. Jimmy Havoc

This could be interesting. King shoves the much smaller Havoc so Havoc does it right back. A missed charge puts King on the floor and Havoc goes after him with a suicide dive DDT. Havoc stops for a beer and apparently it charges him up enough that he avoids a chop, sending King’s hand HARD into the post. King’s hand is fine enough to send Havoc head first into the post and a clothesline gets two.

A standing backsplash gets the same and the rocked Havoc rolls to the floor. Back in and Havoc slaps away at the legs, eventually wrapping the leg around a rope for a chop. King comes back by smacking him upside the head for two. Havoc fakes a poke to the eye and grabs a DDT to put King down. A rolling Death Valley Driver (impressive given the size difference) and a kick to the head gives Havoc two but King sticks him with a piledriver.

One heck of a gutwrench powerbomb gives King two more and frustration has set in. A Fire Thunder Driver (the Go Home Driver, a great name) plants Havoc again and King can’t believe the kickout. With nothing else working, King grabs a chokeslam, which is countered into a rolling cradle to give Havoc the pin out of nowhere at 10:06.

Rating: C+. This was all about beating the heck out of Havoc and making King look like a power monster in the vein of Luke Harper. Havoc on the other hand gets the big win as you can imagine him facing Tom Lawlor again now that Lawlor is the Battle Riot winner. It’s a fun match with some big spots and that’s the kind of way to make both guys look good.

Brian Pillman Jr. is in the back when Kevin Sullivan comes in to talk about how great Pillman Sr. is. Sullivan offers him support and advice but Brian says he has a lot of work to do. We can’t just give Sr.’s accolades to Jr., even though Sr. respected you “Bookerman”. Sullivan seems fine with this and shakes Pillman’s hand.

Earlier today Salina de la Renta was with Sami Callihan when Low Ki came in. Low Ki pays him off and they agree to keep working together, as long as the money keeps coming.

Video on Lawler winning the Battle Riot.

Lawlor celebrated at Fenway Park.

Jake Hager vs. Simon Gotch

Hager jumps him before the bell and the referee is fine with starting the match, with Striker not being pleased. Gotch gets sent shoulder first into the post and Hager slowly stomps away until the referee tells him to let up. The delay lets Gotch score with some forearms and clotheslines but a gutwrench powerbomb plants him for two. Gotch spits in Hager’s face, earning himself a boot to the head for the pin at 3:05.

Rating: D. Kind of a weird match with a heel vs. heel setup and the announcers not getting very into the ending. Hager vs. Lawlor could be good, though we just saw it in the end of the Battle Riot. Lawlor, despite being banged up and worn down, managed to beat Hager so I’m not sure how much interest there would be in a big time match between them.

Joey Janela’s girlfriend Aria Blake is excited about his Middleweight Title shot next week but here’s Maxwell J. Friedman to be annoying. He and a buddy of his have a bet about whether or not Aria is interested in a better life than living in Joey’s grandmother’s basement. Aria says no and walks away, but I think you know where this is going.

Here’s the newest Top Ten:

10. ACH

9. Rey Fenix

8. Teddy Hart

7. John Hennigan

6. Jake Hager

5. Sami Callihan

4. Pentagon Jr.

3. Jimmy Havoc

2. Shane Strickland

1. Tom Lawlor

Konnan tries to sign Fenix to a contract but a ticked off Salina comes in to tell Konnan to mind his own business. Pentagon Jr. doesn’t look happy.

LA Park is coming.

Jimmy Yuta and Jason Cade get in another fight, this time with Cade punching him.

Preview for next week’s show with Friedman defending against Janela and John Hennigan vs. Teddy Hart.

Teddy Hart thinks Rich Swann and ACH are laughing at him but they deny everything and leave.

Shane Strickland vs. Sami Callihan

Sami has the Death Machines with him. After a long entrance, Sami does the thumbs up/thumbs down thing, only to charge straight into a kick to the head. They go outside with Sami kicking him in the head as well but Shane pops him again. Back in and Sami hides behind the referee, allowing a low blow to cut Shane down. The double underhook shoulder breaker gets two and it’s time for Sami to go after Shane’s bad knee.

A kick to the leg has Shane in trouble and Sami mocks the WHO’S HOUSE chant. We hit a modified Indian Deathlock and then a pretty bad Figure Four to keep Shane in trouble. He turns it over to force the break and Sami tells offers him an open jaw. Instead Shane hits a combination clothesline and palm strike and kicks Sami into the corner but the running boot bangs up the leg again. Shane is fine enough for the rolling cutter but Sami’s slingshot swinging neckbreaker gets two.

Sami switches over into an STF, with Tony thinking it’s fortunate to not be on the bad leg. Some fishhooking is enough to make the referee break Sami’s hold so Shane is right back with a short armscissors. The Death Machines get on the apron for a distraction though but Sami’s Cactus Driver is countered into a pinfall reversal sequence. A kick to the bad knee is enough to set up the Cactus Driver for the pin at 15:50.

Rating: B. The time helped here and made this feel like a bigger deal. Shane isn’t the champion anymore but is still one of the biggest stars the show has. He has that presence to him and that’s one of those things you either have or you don’t. Having him lose and then rise back up the ranks would be a good story and something they could do long term, especially with Shane still having a rematch whenever.

Overall Rating: C+. This show was packed with a bunch of stuff going on, a good chunk of which has me wanting to come back. I’m interested in seeing where the stories go, which is the case a good sign for a wrestling company. They’re now feeling like an established place, a hard accomplishment to have after just a few months. Fun show here, and I’m digging the vibe around here.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2003 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/07/23/new-book-kbs-complete-2003-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: Lucha Underground

Lucha Underground
Date: August 8, 2018
Location: Lucha Underground Temple, Los Angeles, California
Commentators: Vampiro, Matt Striker

So who dies this week? This has been the most murder heavy show I’ve ever seen in wrestling and that makes for some interesting television. It’s a great way to get rid of some people who aren’t exactly important, though having them be destroyed is a great way to build up their killers. That’s not something I ever thought I would write. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

The opening recap looks at Matanza’s rampage and El Dragon Azteca Jr. becoming Gift of the Gods champion.

Antonio Cueto is on the phone in his office and promises another sacrifice tonight. Mariposa (looking much, ahem, bigger) comes in and says she wants the Gift of the Gods Title. A little cash and some flirting gets her a title shot tonight.

The Rabbit Tribe is here for a match but Antonio cuts them off, saying only one of them will be fighting tonight. Paul London picks Mala Suerte for failing last week.

Matanza vs. Mala Suerte

Headbutt, Wrath of the Gods in 50 seconds.

Joey Ryan/Jack Evans vs. XO Lishus/Ivelisse

Ivelisse and Jack start things off with Jack trying a handstand and getting said hand stomped. It’s off to Joey, who doesn’t seem to mind being in there with Ivelisse. Therefore let’s switch it off to Lishus, who pulls Ryan’s face into the back of his tights. Some hip swiveling ensues and Joey likes it because of course he does. Lishus misses a dive out of the corner so it’s back to Evans. A handspring into a slap to the face has him in trouble and everything breaks down.

Evans kicks Ivelisse in the head for a delayed two and Ryan rubs her face into the mat. Back up and Ivelisse scores with a sitout DDT (think Rey Mysterio’s bulldog), allowing the hot tag to Lishus. Some kicks and a legsweep take Evans down and Vampiro sounds like a Lishus fan. A dancing moonsault kneedrop has Evans in trouble but he pulls Lishus into something like a triangle choke for the knockout at 6:50.

Rating: D+. I’m not a fan of characters like Lishus but he’s done well so far and having him not tap here was a smart move. The company needs some fresh talent to replace all of the people who left and Lishus is as good of an idea as anyone else. Evans getting away from the Worldwide Underground is fine as well, though I’m not sure how high of a ceiling he has.

Post match Evans won’t let go so Ivelisse makes a save.

Gift of the Gods Title: El Dragon Azteca Jr. vs. Mariposa

Azteca is defending and Mariposa kicks him low before the bell. Back up and they trade kicks for two each with Azteca getting the better of it. A 450 gives him two but Mariposa hits a Vertebreaker of all things for the same. She loads up a second but Azteca reverses into a cradle for the pin to retain at 3:19.

Rating: C. Well it was certainly energetic. They packed some big stuff into this one but there was no way around the fact that it was smoke and mirrors to get around the intergender part. Azteca having trouble in his first defense is one way to go and it’s not like Mariposa is some horrible worker. It was fun while it lasted, but it was over so fast that it was hard to get invested.

Worldwide Underground vs. Reptile Tribe

Johnny Mundo/Taya/PJ Black/Ricky Mundo

Kobra Moon/Daga/Drago/Jeremiah Snake

If the Underground wins, Moon has to grant Johnny one wish but if the Tribe wins, Johnny has to join them. Snake is being renamed Jeremiah Crane, who was brought back to life after losing in the Three Way To The Grave match. It makes sense as there isn’t anyone in the Tribe on Johnny’s level. Oh and the announcers don’t know where Vibora is because he’s, you know, dead. Also hang on a second as Ricky is out with Aerostar replacing him due to reasons of Ricky not being very good. Aerostar even has a Worldwide Underground bandanna to complete the look.

It’s a brawl to start with Mundo and Snake in the ring for the early brawl. They head to the floor though and there’s the big springboard dive from Aerostar onto the pile below. Taya dives onto them as well, leaving Johnny to get on the apron. Snake is after him though and lifts Moon up for a bulldog back onto the pile. The Underground is sat on some chairs and, upon Moon’s orders, Snake gets a running start around the ring and takes all of them out. Back in and we settle down to Crane biting Taya’s finger, earning himself a big boot to the face.

Black comes in a few seconds later to clean house and a kick to the head gets two. It’s Drago making the save and getting kicked down as well, followed by a Flying Chuck to Daga. Snake makes the save with a shot to the head and Moon crossbodies Johnny. That’s caught, so Snake and Drago kick him down for two. Drago’s tornado DDT plants Johnny again with Taya having to make a save. Everything breaks down again (It hadn’t already?) and Aerostar busts out a springboard corkscrew plancha. Back inside, the Dragon’s Whip is countered into a Shining Wizard, followed by the End of the World for the pin on Dragon at 8:44.

Rating: C+. That was the kind of fun main event that this show thrives on with everyone flying all over the place and hitting big spot after big spot. Johnny continues to be one of the aces of the show and I still wonder how he hasn’t been signed back to WWE at some point, unless he just doesn’t want to go. The match was fun though and I’m glad they went the way they did.

Post match Johnny says hang on a second because he wants his wish right now. As a thank you to Aerostar, Johnny wishes Drago freed from the Reptile Tribe. Drago’s chains are removed and leaves with Aerostar but Taya is FURIOUS. She yells at Johnny for doing this for nothing and wasting the wish. Johnny says there was nothing Kobra could do for him because Taya makes his wishes come true.

In the back, Ricky talks to his doll and wishes death on Johnny and Taya. Makes sense, in that Lucha Underground way.

Overall Rating: B-. I had a great time with this show as it still feels like a comic book come to life. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: this is an actual alternative to WWE rather than all of the independent companies that try to be an alternative while often copying a lot of what WWE does. Going this far over the top is a good way to go and I hope more people start watching, just to see some fun wrestling and more fun TV. Very entertaining show this week and the first time I’ve really felt the old vibe back again.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2003 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/07/23/new-book-kbs-complete-2003-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: Ring of Honor Wrestling

G1 Climax Special In San Francisco
Date: July 7, 2018
Location: Cow Palace, San Francisco, California
Commentators: Jim Ross, Josh Barnett

We’re back stateside now and that means we should be in for a fun show. Last year’s version of this saw the crowning of the first ever United States Champion and the title is on the line again tonight. However, the main event is of course for the World Title with new champion Kenny Omega defending both the title and the leadership of the Bullet Club against Cody. Let’s get to it.

The announcers, in front of a mostly empty arena, welcome us to the show.

The opening video looks at the show a year ago and then tonight’s five title match. This has a very old school WCW feel to it and that’s not a bad thing. As expected, this mainly focuses on Cody vs. Kenny Omega in tonight’s main event.

Bullet Club vs. Chaos

Bullet Club: King Haku/Tama Tonga/Tonga Loa/Yujiro Takahashi/Chase Owens

Chaos: Yoshi-Hashi/Gedo/Rocky Romero/Sho/Yoh

Yes THAT Haku, the father of the Tongans (the Guerrillas of Destiny). Yujiro doesn’t have his ladies with him, making his existence far less important. Haku and Yujiro start things off and a running dropkick puts Haku down. The Tongans come in for a triple headbutt and it’s off to Romero vs. Loa. That’s it for the one on one as the Guerrillas splash the heck out of him in the corner.

A piledriver gets two and it’s Loa staying in to beat on Romero even more. Owens comes in and gets two off a backbreaker before quickly leaving so the more interesting Tongans can take over again. JR mistakenly calls Takahashi a junior heavyweight, again showing the level of research he puts into these shows.

Romero hurricanranas both Owens and Loa down at the same time and it’s Yoh (not Hashi JR) coming in to clean house. A reverse DDT gets Yujiro out of trouble and it’s Tama running Sho and Yoh over again. Everything breaks down with an exchange of kicks to the face and Romero suicide dives Loa into the barricade. Back in and Haku Death Grips Gedo, leaving Tonga to Gun Stun him for the pin at 9:24.

Rating: C-. Perfectly acceptable opener here, JR’s issues with knowing what he was talking about aside. The Guerrillas are still one of the coolest teams around and Haku adds the legendary/HE’S GOING TO KILL ME vibe to the team. Chaos continues to be a thing that just kind of exists around here and that’s actually kind of an important role to play. Fine for an opener.

Tomohiro Ishii/Toru Yano vs. Minoru Suzuki/Zack Sabre Jr.

Chaos vs. Suzuki-gun in a rematch from last month’s Dominion where Suzuki and Sabre won. Ishii and Suzuki hit each other in the face over and over to start, as they are required to do, likely by law. Suzuki actually gets knocked into the corner and tags out early on, giving us Sabre vs….Yano. Great. Ishii sends Suzuki into the post as Yano gets his hand cranked a bit.

The hiding in the ropes doesn’t work as Suzuki is right there to yell in his face. Sabre starts in on a modified Indian Deathlock as the eternal battle between Suzuki and Ishii continues on the floor. Suzuki comes back in and grabs a few double submissions on Yano. I enjoy seeing him in extreme pain far too often. Somehow that’s not enough or a submission so it’s back to Ishii to knock Suzuki into the corner.

This time it’s Suzuki getting the better of it and knocking Ishii off his feet, only to kick him in the face. You don’t do that to Ishii, who shrugs off the sleeper and suplexes Suzuki. Yano comes in and takes off the buckle pad again (Yano? Doing the same spots?), leaving Ishii and Suzuki to fight on the floor. The low blow is blocked but Ishii comes back in with a clothesline to knock Sabre into the cover to give Yano the pin at 9:42.

Rating: C. Ishii vs. Suzuki is always entertaining but egads I can’t stand Yano. It’s the same series of stuff over and over again and I really don’t need to see any of it ever again. Sabre didn’t get to do anything here and that’s a waste of someone with a very unique set of talents. Oh and he even got to eat the pin from Yano. How lucky he is.

Suzuki beats up a Young Lion to blow off some steam.

Quick video on a meet and greet yesterday.

Hangman Page/Marty Scurll vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi/Kushida

Bullet Club vs. Taguchi Japan because everyone is in a stable around here. Kushida and Scurll start things off as JR starts listing UK wrestlers. Scurll gets taken down without much effort but manages to grab a quickly broken Octopus Hold. Back up and Kushida spins around Marty to get on his nerves so it’s off to Tanahashi vs. Page.

Tanahashi starts cranking on the arm and scores with a middle rope crossbody. That means some air guitar, with JR saying he played his own earlier today. We’ll move on from that as fast as possible with the Club sending both guys to the floor with Scurll hitting an apron kick, followed by Page’s shooting star from the apron as well. They even beat up Ryusuke Taguchi for fun.

Back in and Kushida nails Marty with the handspring elbow, setting up the hot tag to Tanahashi. House is cleaned in a hurry but Tanahashi has to fight out of a crossface chickenwing. Instead Kushida comes back in and dropkicks Scurll down. A Sling Blade puts Page down as well and Kushida grabs the Hoverboard Lock on Scurll. Page sends Tanahashi to the floor though and comes in with the save off the Buckshot Lariat. The Rite of Passage ends Kushida at 9:52.

Rating: C. Perfectly fine tag match here and I can always go for more Kushida. Page continues to look like a star and that’s going to serve him well in the future. I’m not sure how far he’ll go in Japan, but the look alone should be enough to get him somewhere. Tanahashi continues to be the guy you can put into high profile spots and get something out of him even though his time on top is over, which is incredibly valuable.

Never Openweight Title: Hirooki Goto vs. Jeff Cobb

Cobb is challenging after asking for a title shot. Goto’s entrance always feels epic and it’s cool to see it in America for a change. Cobb powers him around to start so Goto pounds him in the back. That makes Cobb take his hair down and a hard shoulder rocks the champ. An overhead belly to belly shows off Cobb’s power so Goto gets smart by low bridging him to the floor.

A toss into the post has Cobb’s head bouncing off the steel (DING!) and it’s off to the neck crank back inside. JR of course starts comparing Cobb to Steve Williams, because Williams played football at Oklahoma. Cobb fights up and hits a spinning belly to back for two but misses the standing moonsault.

Goto muscles him up for a suplex of his own but Cobb is right back with an Oklahoma Stampede. Dang maybe JR isn’t as much of a rambling old man as I thought. The Tour of the Island (spinning powerslam) is countered into a sleeper from Goto as JR wants to know why Goto isn’t working on Cobb’s heavily taped shoulder. Instead it’s the fireman’s carry backbreaker for two and the GTR to retain the title at 12:17.

Rating: C-. There were some flashes of what could have been in there with Cobb looking like the monster (say an Aztec monster for example) he could and should be. Goto was his usual self, making this feel more like a wasted opportunity than anything else. Cobb can be a heck of a performer and while he was getting close in there, it didn’t feel like he was unleashed as he should have been.

Very quick video of the Young Bucks promising to retain their titles.

IWGP Tag Team Titles: Young Bucks vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon

Los Ingobernables (Evil/Sanada) are challenging here after losing the titles to the Bucks last month. Sanada and Nick get things going and they knock the other’s partners off the apron before even going at it. Instead everyone runs in and misses something, setting up a triple headscissors with Matt Scorpion Deathlocking Evil and turning everyone ever for a near Human Centipede. A double dropkick has Sanada in trouble but Evil comes back in, allowing Sanada to superkick Matt in the hip.

It’s Matt in trouble and a backsplash gives Evil two. We hit the bow and arrow hold as the announcers talk about how much punishment the Bucks can take. Fair enough actually. Nick dropkicks his way to freedom but Sanada runs around and pulls Matt off the apron. Good idea, though the hot tag brings Matt in about ten seconds later. Matt wastes no time in going for the Deathlock but his back spasms flare up again.

Nick is back up though and hits the slingshot X Factor on Evil, but Sanada catches his moonsault in a dragon sleeper. I’d still love to see someone just step aside ala Samoa Joe. That’s broken up as well and Evil eats a pair of superkicks, only to have Sanada springboard in with a double dropkick. Back up and Sanada puts on a SWINGING DRAGON SLEEPER with Nick making a fast save.

The 450 gets two and Matt gets the Deathlock again. Sanada does a pretty awesome dramatic crawl for the ropes, which you wouldn’t expect from a heel. The Bucks are sent into each other and it’s Evil coming in with some German suplexes. Darkness Falls (sitout Samoan drop slam) gets two and there’s a Magic Killer for two on Nick.

Rating: B. I liked the match (as usual the Bucks are much better in Japan) but there were a lot of superkicks and that Tombstone onto the chair only getting two was a lot to take. Throw in Matt being up all of thirty seconds later and it’s a bit much to take. I wasn’t expecting a title change here or anything so I can easily settle for a nice match between teams with chemistry.

New Japan will be back in America in September and November (twice).

And now, a fifteen minute intervention, complete with an ad for the merch stands.

JR and Barnett preview Hiromu Takahashi vs. Dragon Lee (JR: “I worry about their long term safety.” Oh my indeed.).

Video on Jay White vs. Juice Robinson for the US Title. White accuses Robinson of spending too much time focusing on the fans and not enough going for the big wins.

Yesterday at the press conference, Cody talked about being criticized for his in-ring abilities. Kenny Omega said let’s have a big match. Not exactly strong promos here but that’s not what New Japan does (not a bad thing).

Video on Cody vs. Omega, focusing on Cody wanting to take over Bullet Club and Omega defending the team. Omega says this has happened before, showing clips of AJ Styles becoming IWGP World Champion and then getting kicked out of the team. The Young Bucks are on Omega’s side but cost him the match against Cody at Supercard of Honor. Cody is obsessed with becoming champion so Kenny says bring it. Now this was very good and caught me up on the story while making me want to see the match.

The announcers recap the first half of the show.

Kazuchika Okada/Will Ospreay vs. Tetsuya Naito/Bushi

Chaos vs. Los Ingobernables and egads Okada looks strange without the title. Naito and Okada start things off and the fans are rather appreciative. Hang on though as Naito takes about a minute and a half before he’s willing to lock up. Apparently the delay suits him as he sends Okada outside and rolls into the pose. JR compares it to the People’s Elbow and….yeah I can actually get that one.

Bushi and Ospreay come in with a hurricanrana sending Bushi flying. Naito comes in with a dropkick as everything breaks down in a hurry. We settle down to Naito dropkicking Ospreay in the corner and Bushi coming back in for a choke with a shirt. Ospreay gets in an enziguri to set up the hot tag to Okada so things can slow down a bit. A high crossbody gets two on Naito but the Tombstone is escaped.

Okada misses the dropkick as well but Destino is countered. The Tombstone is countered again so it’s the over the shoulder neckbreaker onto the knee instead to put Naito down. Bushi comes in and suckers Ospreay into a kick in the corner and gets two off the running Codebreaker. Okada comes back in for a missed Rainmaker on Naito but does hit that perfect dropkick. The Stormbreaker is enough to put Bushi away at 11:59.

Rating: D+. This uh, wasn’t very good with neither team exactly seeming thrilled to be out there. It was a bunch of signature stuff and Ospreay finishing with his big move, which isn’t exactly what you would want on a major shot. Instead it came off like a post show dark match with the guys putting in no more than the minimum effort. That being said, Okada and Naito at low speed is still better than most anyone else in the world.

Very quick video on Hiromu Takahashi.

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title: Hiromu Takahashi vs. Dragon Lee

Lee is challenging and his CMLL World Light Heavyweight Title isn’t on the line. These two are longtime rivals so the history is built in. Takahashi puts his Best of the Super Juniors trophy and Darryl (stuffed animal) on the announcers’ table so Lee hits a running hurricanrana over the apron to kick start things. You know it’s not slowing down already as a heck of a suicide dive sends Takahashi into the barricade.

Back in and Lee mocks Naito’s pose, instantly turning him into the heel for the match. Or at least for the next few seconds. A very long dropkick puts Takahashi down but he’s right up with a hurricanrana to send Lee outside. Takahashi followed with a top rope seated senton to take Lee down again. They head to the apron and then the top rope with Takahashi getting knocked backwards so his legs are tied in the ropes.

The top rope double stomp absolutely crushes Tanahashi but they get back inside at the same time. Back in and they trade a series of hard German suplexes to drop each other on their heads. They’re nice enough to mix it up a bit with some kicks to the head and a double clothesline to put both guys down. They pull themselves to their feet and chop it out so hard that we pause for the sake of regaining feeling in their chests. Those loud chops never get old.

Lee charges into an overhead suplex into the corner and Takahashi has a scary look on his face. One heck of a C4 plants Takahashi but he reverses a suplex into a triangle choke. Lee can’t powerbomb his way to freedom so he pulls Tanahashi up and throws him backwards in a suplex, dropping Tanahashi on his head. That would result in a neck injury that would put him on the injured list for about a year. Lee isn’t done as he suplexes him into a powerbomb for two. Another powerbomb is countered into a Canadian Destroyer though and a very week Time Bomb (understandable) finishes Lee at 16:20.

Rating: B+. Well that worked, save for the whole nearly broken neck and all that jazz. These guys were going nuts with the high spots and obviously have some serious chemistry together. Takahashi has found his groove and Lee is a heck of a luchador, making this about as good of a matchup as you can get. You could see the life go out of Takahashi at the end though and that’s pretty understandable given how horrible the injury was.

We recap Juice Robinson vs. Jay White. Robinson is on a quest for his first title and White is trying to prove that he’s the best around. White has also broken Robinson’s hand to make this much more personal. Robinson on the other hand has promised to win the American title clad in red white and blue with stars on his nipples.

US Title: Jay White vs. Juice Robinson

Robinson is challenging and does indeed wear red, white and blue, along with a rather feathery hat. During the introductions, it’s made clear that Robinson can be disqualified for using the cast on his left hand. They go straight for the brawling to start with Robinson sending him outside for a flip dive from the apron. White gets thrown into and then through a barricade before being taken back inside for the snap right hands. A belly to back suplex drops Robinson right back over the top and White whips him hard into the barricade, knocking it off again.

After a little mocking of/flipping off the crowd, it’s time to start in on that bad hand. Robinson gets suplexed down again and we hit the Muta Lock. After a rope grab, Robinson is tied in the same ropes for some chops and a running shot to the head. Robinson gets the better of a chop off and hits some running corner clotheslines. A German suplex cuts Robinson off and it’s time to crank on that bad left hand. A trip to the floor goes badly for Robinson, who is sent into the barricade again.

This time though it goes HARD into JR’s ribs (Josh to White: “You done f***** up now.”) and Josh gets up and into White’s face. JR is wondering where his hat is and complains about the producers as White misses a chair shot to the hand. Robinson hits a good looking spinebuster to drive White into the apron but he trips Robinson face first onto the apron.

Back up and White can’t hit the German suplex off the apron (because we’ve already had one horrible neck injury tonight) so he settles for a Russian legsweep instead. That’s good for a nineteen count with the announcer getting anxious as he gets closer to the twenty count. Robinson is fine enough to hit a superplex for two but White punches him in the head over and over.

The Blade Runner is broken up but Robinson nearly runs over the referee. That’s enough of a distraction for White to hit a low blow and since wrestling referees are very fragile, he’s down long enough for Robinson to get in a cast shot. The jumping Unprettier gives Robinson two and White’s back to back half nelson suplexes get the same. Another Blade Runner attempt is loaded up but Robinson reverses into a rollup for the pin and the title at 23:22.

Rating: B. There was a great story here with both guys being willing to go as far as they could to leave with the title and hitting one big move after another to get there. The ending though as the hard gear shift, which is one of my favorite things to see in wrestling. They both used every big thing they could but couldn’t put the other away, so Robinson used a surprise wrestling move to win. That’s very cool and I always love seeing it.

Robinson is thrilled to win, even though JR thinks his name is Jay White.

We recap Omega vs. Cody. Omega has done everything he could to get here and says it represents pro wrestling. Cody though has been a thorn in his side though and is even trying to take over the Bullet Club. They fought earlier this year at Supercard of Honor where Cody won with an accidental assist from the Young Bucks. That was on Cody’s turf though and now it’s Omega’s turn to have a home court advantage.

IWGP World Title: Kenny Omega vs. Cody

Omega is defending and I do love the way they show every champion before the match. It doesn’t take long and is a nice nod to history. Cody has Brandi with him, but hang on as he needs to sit on a throne which is carried to the ring. Sounds like an homage to King Haku to me. Omega on the other hand has the Bucks in his corner. You can debate the importance of the IWGP World Title vs. the WWE Championship but sweet goodness that is a great looking belt.

The fans are behind Omega and they stare each other down at the bell. There’s no contact in the first minute as Cody is too busy glaring down at the Bucks. We get a hard lockup to start with Cody going to the eyes to take over early on. Cody doesn’t follow up though, instead pausing and then going for another lockup. Omega hits a hard shoulder but Cody’s actually knocks the champ down. A hard chop stuns Cody but he’s fine enough to uppercut Omega out to the floor. The brawl heads outside with the fans all over Cody with some very un-PG language.

Back in and the snap powerslam (Cody has been watching Goldust matches) gets two as they’re starting to get out of first gear. Omega’s running jumping Fameasser sends Cody outside again, only to have him hide behind Brandi. They change places and Cody hits a big springboard dive (without any twisting and instead just crashing down onto Omega, which suits someone of Cody’s size and style) but Omega sends him over the barricade and onto a table.

The double stomp through the table crushes Cody and let’s set up a second table at ringside. Cody can get away before Omega tries the big dive and a table shot to the ribs doubles Omega over. Back in and Cody kicks at the leg before grabbing a cravate. A hurricanrana gets Omega out of trouble and sends Cody to the floor where he turns over the table in frustration. Apparently a wood lover, Omega takes him down with a big flip dive, followed by a springboard missile dropkick back inside.

The first (of many) V Trigger connects and there’s the Snapdragon, only to have Cody come back with one of his own. The Figure Four goes on and Cody is quite a bit better at it than his daddy. Omega however is just as good as any Flair opponent and turns it over without much effort. Since we’re out of things to do, it’s time to bring in a ladder, which feels completely out of place here. Cody drops him ribs first onto the ladder, drawing the Bucks over to check on Omega.

With Omega on the table, Cody goes up the ladder in the ring (as JR rants about the guy who set up the barricades tonight) but Omega is right back up. The superplex through the table is teased but Cody doesn’t feel like going through traction so he superplexes Omega back down. Cody grabs the belt but gets caught in a reverse hurricanrana. The ref gets bumped (of course) and it’s time for Cody to pick the belt up again. He drops it and hits a messy Cross Rhodes for two (from a second referee) instead.

There’s another V Trigger and a second connects in the corner. Make it four in about a minute but Cody blocks the fifth, showing that the first four weren’t exactly impressive. Omega can’t get him up for the One Winged Angel so he switches to a running powerbomb over the top onto the table…..which doesn’t break. That was good for some solid cringing. Cody is DONE so Brandi comes in to cover him up, allowing Cody to blast Omega with a clothesline. Two more knees have Cody in trouble and a Jay Driller gets two. The One Winged Angel retains the title at 34:16.

Rating: B. It’s good, but there’s a far cry here than so much of what Omega is capable of doing. The tables were one thing but that ladder felt like an unnecessary crutch that was used for a single spot. Cody just doesn’t seem capable of doing these bigger matches (save for one with Okada) and that hurts things when he’s in this kind of a match. Omega was doing his thing here but it’s not like the title ever felt like it was in any real danger. The first match going to Cody made this one obvious and it wasn’t bad, but nothing great.

Post match everyone comes in to check on Cody and Omega with Cody leaving him to pose. Omega says he’s proud of having his first title defense in front of these people in this historic building. We’re all people though and we all deserve a second chance, including Cody. Omega does the goodnight and goodbye and goes up the ramp, where Haku and the Guerrillas of Destiny come out to celebrate. Massive posing and too sweeting ensue…..and the Tongans jump Omega and the Bucks!

Tama Tonga pulls off his Bullet Club shirt to reveal a Firing Squad (new stable name) shirt. Tonga Loa and Haku have them as well as the destruction continues. Adam Page and Marty Scurll run in but get beaten down too as Tonga shouts that Omega did this. Chase Owens and Yujiro Takahashi come in and get taken out as well. The bell keeps ringing, which JR thinks is just annoying the Tongans even more.

Cody staggers back out and gets handed a chair, which he uses on the Tongans. That lasts all of five seconds before he gets beaten down, including a spike piledriver on a chair. The Tongans leave, saying there is no leader of Bullet Club. In the ring, Cody helps Omega to his feet for the big hug. In other words, Bullet Club is fine. At least this part of it. The Club poses on the stage and the announcers wrap up the night. It’s kind of odd to see the team get beaten down and then stand up for the focus like that. Really good closing angle here, which helped make up for a main event that didn’t live up to its hype.

A quick highlight package closes things out.

Overall Rating: B-. The show was trying hard and it had its strong points, but there were several points that didn’t work so well. The first few matches were completely skippable and the big tag match was disappointing. There are some very good points though, with Lee vs. Takahashi being entertaining, the main event/post match angle, the Bucks’ match and the US Title match all being strong.

It’s a good show that is nowhere near the level of their big pay per views, though it’s not supposed to be that kind of a show. New Japan’s expansion is taking its time, but having a good show like this is going to be a strong starting point. Things are going to start picking up in the next few months with the G1 Climax and that’s going to be a lot of fun. Omega as the World Champion is the right call and if they keep things going in the right direction, I’m curious to see where things are going, especially in America.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2003 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/07/23/new-book-kbs-complete-2003-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: Major League Wrestling

Battle Riot
Date: July 27, 2018
Location: Melrose Ballroom, New York City, New York
Commentators: Tony Schiavone, Matt Striker

I’ve been watching Major League Wrestling since it was brought back after a fifteen year hiatus (in other words, when it was a new company with a name that was used before) and it’s already time for a big special. In this case that would be Battle Riot, featuring forty man Royal Rumble style match, albeit with pinfalls and submissions to go with over the top eliminations. Let’s get to it.

The opening video explains the idea of the namesake match, which is good for the equivalent of a Money in the Bank contract. A few names are listed but I’ll save them for the actual match.

Opening sequence.

Stephen DeAngelis, the former ECW ring announcer, is handling introductions tonight. The set looks pretty much the same, though with a big Battle Riot graphic and the camera a bit closer and slightly elevated.

Myron Reed vs. Kotto Brazil

Reed is making his debut. They flip around without much contact to start and it’s a double nipup. Reed kicks him in the face out of the corner and knees Kotto down for two, giving us some very early frustration. Brazil takes him down into something like a kneeling YES Lock as the announcers talk about MMA taking over wrestling style. Very true indeed. Neither can hit a belly to back suplex and it’s stereo crossbodies for a double knockdown. They’re certainly mirroring each other so far and that’s perfectly fine.

Kotto drapes him over the ropes for a kick to the floor, followed by a pair of suicide dives. Being a bit greedy, Kotto tries the third but Reed runs back in for a dropkick to send Kotto outside this time. A big dive over the top (looked good) as Striker asks if Reed’s bleach blond hair is a tribute to Butch Reed, sending Tony into a short fit of laughter. Kotto grabs a suplex and puts on a modified Sharpshooter (he leans down on the back instead of stepping over) but Reed is too close to the ropes.

A nipup gets Reed out of the way of a standing Lionsault and he plants Kotto with a cutter. The 450 hits knees and gets reversed into a small package as the fans are rather pleased. Back up and Reed’s Stundog Millionaire (not a cutter Striker) doesn’t do much good as Kotto hits a running Sliced Bread (definitely not a cutter Tony) for the pin at 9:05.

Rating: C. Both guys need some polishing and it should have been a minute or two shorter but this was the right way to go for an opening match. You get the fans going with some fun high flying and let everyone have a good time out there. Brazil is starting to become a nice player and I could see him getting a shot at the new Middleweight Title before too long.

Maxwell J. Friedman isn’t concerned about facing Joey Ryan tonight because he’s too excited about being in New York City. It’s his hometown and he’s going to become the first Middleweight Champion. Why? He’s just better than Joey.

Konnan is ready to come out of retirement in the Battle Riot. He’ll be on point like a decimal.

We get a vignette of skulls saying the dead will rise. LA Park is coming.

Joey Ryan had to drop five pounds to make weight, meaning he had to drop all lollipops and baby oil. No one is holding Friedman’s wealth against him but Ryan is rich too. The difference is Ryan made it in a wrestling ring, meaning he’s really good at this. He’s bringing sleazy back and he’s bringing the Middleweight Title with it. This was completely different than most Ryan promos I’ve seen and it worked very well. He can do serious (with a little sleaze thrown in) and that’s always nice to see.

Team Filthy draws their numbers (sweet) and Tom Lawlor doesn’t want to talk about his loss to Jimmy Havoc. He let the match end for the sake of Havoc’s health you see. He’s filthy, but he’s a thoughtful filthy.

Middleweight Title: Maxwell Jacob Friedman vs. Joey Ryan

This is for the inaugural (good looking) title and Ryan has only wrestled once for the promotion, which was last year in a loss to Friedman. Joey brings a lollipop with him and hands it to a fan. Tony: “Now that we’ve got that out of the way.” The oil goes down the trunks and we’re ready to go. Maxwell’s waistlock is broken up by Joey reaching his hand towards the crotch and that’s not cool.

They fight over a far less gropey wristlock until Ryan again tries to get him to touch it. Friedman agrees to touch it if they shake hands. Striker: “If you build it they will come. Pardon me.” Tony: “I’ll never be able to watch that movie again.” I really wouldn’t mention movies after saying that line Tony. Friedman misses a right hand but scores with a flying armbar, followed by a regular armbar to get us away from the odd stuff for a change. Tony equates this to the Andersons, but I don’t remember Arn giving fans lollipops.

The hold doesn’t last long as Ryan comes back with a reverse t-bone suplex as Matt goes into a weird rant about millennials. Tony: “I’m getting hot just listening to you talking about it.” Friedman stomps on the arm and spits at Ryan, who actually seems to be offended. They ram heads and Friedman is very wobbly, eventually falling head first into Joey’s crotch.

Joey pops up and no sells an atomic drop, which hurts Friedman’s knee. Striker: “WHY WOULD THAT HURT???” He also thinks there might be something in there. I’m not touching that one (no pun intended) and it’s a lollipop being pulled from the trunks. It goes into Friedman’s mouth but he pokes Ryan in the eye instead. The package shoulder breaker gives Friedman the title at 7:55.

Rating: D+. This is a situation of knowing what you’re going for and I don’t think it hit. The match was for the inaugural title and they just had a comedy match instead of fighting hard to become champion. They cut good, serious promos coming into the match but that didn’t match the tone here. It was nice to have the arm stuff and there was a story going on but it was fighting with the comedy stuff for time.

Post match Friedman spits out the lollipop and brags about how awesome he is. After calling the interviewer a dollar store Oprah, he says you can cut the line when you’re this good. He’s a supernova and everyone needs to get in their Honda Civic and get more bags of Cheetos while they watch someone better than them.

Sami Callihan and his cronies pick their names. Sami stops the tumbler, hands them their numbers and draws his own.

We look back at Low Ki winning the World Title last week.

Swoggle is underneath the tumbler to draw, even though Sami and company were said to be the last people picking. The interviewer says she hopes it’s a lucky one. Swoggle: “Because of the leprechaun thing. I bet one of the WWE writers gave you that one.” And I’d bet that you probably wouldn’t be here without those writers. He looks at his number and says it’s the old Bushwhacker Luke. That sounds like something a WWE writer would have booked in the first place.

Video on Shane Strickland having issues with Salina de la Renta and eventually losing the title.

Salina is proud of Low Ki for forming a partnership with his Black Friday Management. Low Ki is ready to fight anyone from any company. He was in the original MLW and part of Gary Hart’s Black Friday Management. Low Ki has had to survive in New York City and no one can ever deny his ability to fight.

Battle Riot

It’s a forty man Royal Rumble with pinfalls, submissions or over the top eliminations with one minute intervals. The winner gets a World Title shot anytime anywhere. Pentagon Jr. is in at #1 and Fenix is in at #2 for a guaranteed hot start. They fight over some rollups to start and trade kicks to the head for a double knockdown and it’s Brody King in after about 75 seconds (no company can get these clocks right). King hits some clotheslines but the brothers get together and double team him down in short order.

Ken Doane (Kenny of the Spirit Squad) is in at #4 and the SPIRIT SQUAD chants begin. Tom Lawlor is in at #5 to crank up the star power. A rear naked choke gets rid of King in a hurry Lance Anoa’i (son of Samu) is in at #6 but the Bros are ready with chops. Rey Horus (El Dragon Azteca Jr. from Lucha Underground) is in at #7 and a bunch of people start kicking each other in the head. Fenix misses a double stomp to Doane on the apron but the ramp saves him, which is another unique way of doing things.

Kevin Sullivan of all people is in at #8 and he wastes no time in using the golden spike. Lawlor chokes him out in less than thirty seconds, which Striker puts over as a huge deal. I get the idea but he’s 68 years old. The huge Fallah Bahh is in at #9 and crushes Horus with a crossbody but there’s no elimination. Swoggle is in at #10 (Bushwhacker Luke never had that number) and starts biting some people’s tights. That gives us a grouping of Pentagon, Fenix, Doane, Lawlor, Lance, Horus, Bahh and Swoggle.

A series of German suplexes (Striker: “He’s small so let’s call it an Austrian suplex. Do you get it?”) have almost everyone down until Lance kicks him in the head. Samu, as in Lance’s father, is in at #11 for a series of headbutts. Father and son headbutts put Bahh down but Lance dumps his dad. ACH is in at #12 as the ring is getting pretty full. That goes nowhere so it’s Konnan in at #13 (to a big pop). An STO into the Tequila Sunrise takes Lawlor down with ACH making a save.

Barrington Hughes is in at #14 for the big man showdown with Bahh, as Pentagon Backstabs ACH for the elimination (not mentioned or shown but you can hear the three count). Bahh and Hughes bang into each other for the old monster battle. Tony: “IT’S THE BELLY BUMP!!!” Swoggle interrupts and Lawlor chokes him out for an elimination. Jimmy Yuta is in at #15 as Lance and Doane get crushed in the corner for a double pin, even though Lance’s shoulders weren’t down.

Konnan gets knocked down and pinned as well, followed by the Bros backdropping Bahh out. The momentum takes the two of them out as well as we lose six people in about ten seconds. Kotto Brazil is in at #16 and hits Yuta with a slingshot spear. Horus takes another splash in the corner and it’s Richard Holliday (pretty standard looking guy who is described as marketable) in at #17. A few stomps to the back are cut off with a Hughes chop in the corner.

Fred Yehi is in at #18 and slugs it out with Brazil, who gets planted with an Alabama Slam into a faceplant (that’s a new one). Lawlor adds a powerslam for two with Horus not being able to make a save in time. Jason Cade is in at #19 and immediately gets in a fight with Yuta. That goes nowhere so everyone goes after Hughes, who tosses Horus as an appetizer. They get him out, but he takes Yuta, Cade and Holliday with him, leaving Lawlor alone in the ring. Teddy Hart is in at #20 for what could be an interesting showdown. Well at least it could be if Hart didn’t go up and moonsault onto the pile of people outside to eliminate himself.

Vandal Ortagun is in at #21 and a cross armbreaker gets rid of him in about thirty seconds. Mikey Mondo (also of the Spirit Squad) is in at #22 and gets choked out just as fast (though he never stops blowing the whistle, even after being knocked out). PCO (Pierre Carl Ouellet is in at #23 and I’m curious about this as I’ve heard so many great things about his newest run. Lawlor’s Crossface doesn’t work so he punches PCO in the face. A chokebomb plants Lawlor for no cover as LA Smooth (son of Afa, brother of Manu and Samu) is in at #24.

PCO gets knocked down in the corner for the Umaga hip attack but pops back up with a clothesline to get rid of Smooth. Simon Gotch is in at #25 and slugs away at PCO, who knocks him down without much effort. Team Filthy beats on PCO until Homicide is in at #26. Lawlor and Gotch stand back and let him work over PCO until Davey Boy Smith Jr. is in at #27. With everyone other than PCO in a Tower of Doom, the Blue Meanie of all people is in at #28 for some dancing.

Homicide joins him for a bit before tossing him out without much effort. Team Filthy gets rid of PCO (I can get why he’s hot right now as he’s huge and has a good look. I’ve also heard very good things about his Frankenstein inspired promos.) Michael Patrick of the Dirty Blonds is in at #29 and stands in the middle of the ring so everyone can bring it. Sami Callihan is in at #30 and gets rid of Homicide, giving us Lawlor, Gotch, Smith, Scott and Callihan. Everyone gets knocked down with Sami alone on one side (good visual) and Sawyer Fulton is in at #31 to give Sami some help.

Shane Strickland is in at #32 and goes right for Sami, which isn’t the most surprising thing in the world. Fulton cuts Shane off with a low blow until Leon Scott (Sami’s other crony) is in at #33. A double clothesline gets rid of Davey (fans are NOT happy) and Drago is in at #34. The ring is getting full again as everyone chops away. Leo Bryan (Wasn’t that spelled Brien before?) is in at #35 but the Blonds can’t get rid of Gotch. Joey Ryan is in at #36 and gets Sami all the way to the apron (Tony: “One is sick and the other is sicker.”).

Maxwell Jacob Friedman is in at #37 and goes right after Ryan to keep up their earlier issues. Team Lawlor gets together to dump both Ryan and Friedman and Jake Hager is in at #38. Hager knocks Scott out and saves himself from Sami and Fulton. John Hennigan is in at #39 and dives over the top with a clothesline to Sami in a sweet entrance. Hennigan dumps Patrick and Hager/Bryan get rid of Gotch. It’s Jimmy Havoc in at #40, giving us a final grouping of Lawlor, Bryan, Callihan, Fulton, Strickland, Drago, Hager, Hennigan and Havoc.

Drago is out first to get us down to eight. Shane’s top rope double stomp hits Bryan and that’s enough to get rid of him. Hennigan saves himself from Sami and rolls Fulton up for an elimination. Shane tosses Havoc and saves himself from being eliminated by Sami. That’s not good enough for Sami, who piledrives Shane on the apron to get rid of him. Lawlor chokes Sami out on the apron to get us down to Lawlor, Hennigan and Hager. Not bad for a final trio and certainly three of the bigger names. The Moonlight Drive is broken up and Hager shoves Hennigan out to give us the final two.

A powerslam plants Lawlor for two but he’s back with a triangle choke over the corner. The fans are behind Lawlor (the underdog here in a bit of a twist on the booking), even as he’s powerbombed out of the corner. Hager gets caught in a German suplex but Lawler can’t follow up due to exhaustion.

Rating: C. This was a tale of two matches with the first half not being much and the second half being a lot of fun. I get why they bumped it up to forty (it did have a great ring to it) and the match was perfectly fine, but it would have flowed better with thirty people instead of forty. Still though, for their first big event, this was far from bad and the ending made Lawlor look like a star.

Post match Lawlor says he’s earned what he deserves whenever he wants it. The L in MLW now stands for Lawlor.

Overall Rating: C+. While not great, it’s a strong enough first special and I could see them doing even better when they have more experience. Lawlor looked great, we have a new title, and it’s easy to build some feuds off of the main event. This show has done more than a lot of other promotions can’t do: establish a strong baseline that you know they won’t go underneath. Things are good around here at the moment and I want to see where things go from here.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2003 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/07/23/new-book-kbs-complete-2003-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: Lucha Underground

Lucha Underground
Date: August 1, 2018
Location: Lucha Underground Temple, Los Angeles, California
Commentators: Vampiro, Matt Striker

Things are getting rough for Pentagon Dark as he has Cage on one side and the new Gift of the Gods Champion Dragon Azteca Jr. on the other. That means we could have the title match on a week’s notice, but you never know how much things are going to change around here. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening recap: Dragon Azteca Jr. wins Gift of the Gods, Big Ryck (!) telling the Mack to make money back in the day, Worldwide Underground vs. Reptile Tribe and Cage vs. Pentagon Dark.

Daga vs. PJ Black

Reptile Tribe vs. Worldwide Underground. Daga starts in on the arm and tries a guillotine, only to get suplexed down to break it up. Some rolling suplexes stay on the back but Black switches over to a double arm crank. Daga chops him out of the corner though and DDTs Black into a guillotine. This isn’t quite the match that I was expecting coming into this and that’s a nice surprise.

A rope break gets Black out of trouble and he slaps on a quickly just as broken dragon sleeper. Daga’s crossface is broken up and Black kicks him in the head, only to get crotched on top for taking too much time. They hit a pinfall reversal sequence but Daga rolls into a crucifix hold with a keylock to make Black tap at 7:30.

Rating: C. Not bad here and the change in style was a nice surprise. Black going completely away from the high flying but still managing to pull off a perfectly watchable match is a good sign for his future. You can only do the same stuff over and over again so often before it stops having the same effect. Spacing it out like this is a good idea.

Post match the Reptile Tribe comes out but the Worldwide Underground save Black from Vibora’s Tombstone. Some kendo stick shots put Vibora on the floor but Kobra Moon says Johnny Mundo’s future is the Tribe. Next week they’ll have a match and if the Underground loses, Johnny has to join the Tribe. If the Underground wins though, Moon will grant Johnny a wish.

The Mack is getting ready when Catrina pops in. Mil Muertes is coming for him but Mack doesn’t seem worried. Catrina pops open a locker to reveal BIG RYCK’S SKULL. Well that accelerated quickly.

Here’s Dragon Azteca Jr. to talk (half in English and half in Spanish) to say he’s going to honor his ancestors by becoming Lucha Underground Champion. He wants to cash in at Ultima Lucha IV but until then, come try and take the title from him.

Trios Titles: Paul London/Saltador/Mala Suerte vs. The Mack/Killshot/Son of Havoc

Mack and company are defending. We’re already in a big staredown less than twenty seconds in until it’s Killshot vs. Suerte. Things speed up with both guys flipping around but not making much contact. Instead it’s off to Havoc, who gets dropkicked in the mask and it’s off to London. Mack and Saltador come in with the champ taking over off a kick to the face and a standing moonsault as everything breaks down.

Suerte trips Killshot off the apron and Saltador hits the big flip dive. Back in and the Tower of Doom (Striker: “LONDON’S FALLING!!!”) plants everyone, followed by a series of strikes to the face. Killshot starts cleaning house with the running stomps and Meteora from the apron, followed by crushing Saltador with the top rope double stomp. A frog splash from Mack should be good for the pin but Killshot moves in and steals the pin to retain at 7:21.

Rating: C+. Total spot fest here and there’s nothing wrong with that, especially around here. What there is a problem with though is the way the Trios Titles are defended. How many times can we have champions who don’t get along because one of them have some kind of selfishness issue? This isn’t even the first time it’s happened with Son of Havoc. Maybe we need a regular Tag Team Title instead. It’s not like this is really working.

Cage/??? vs. Pentagon Dark/???

It’s a double mystery partner match and the partners are King Cuerno for Cage and….no one for Pentagon, who wants to fight on his own. Pentagon strikes away and sends them both to the floor for the big flip dive. Both villains get sent into things at ringside but Cuerno jumps Pentagon from behind.

Back in and Cage drops a top rope elbow (because of course he can fly too) as we settle down into a more stable formula. Cuerno kicks him in the face but gets caught in the Backstabber out of the corner. A superkick rocks Cage and there’s the middle rope Canadian Destroyer for two. The numbers catch up to Pentagon through as a Thrill of the Kill plants him….and that’s enough for the hired gun as Cuerno leaves. The Drill Claw ends Pentagon at 5:41.

Rating: D+. This was much more of an angle than a match and that’s fine. I like that they’re doing things other than just having the same match over and over again like you would see in WWE. Mix it up a bit with stuff like this and the feud can go on even longer. This can set up Pentagon vs. Cuerno before Pentagon gets back to Cage and that’s the way to go. Not a very good match, but it advanced the story like it was supposed to do.

Post match Cage gives him a Conchairto and poses with the title.

Johnny Mundo and Taya are going through a temple Indiana Jones style (Mundo is in a Jones hat and says he hates snakes) when they run into Vibora. A movie style fight (including quick cuts) breaks out and a ball bat shot between the legs drops Vibora. Taya and Mundo kiss….and she DECAPITATES VIBORA! Drago comes in and roars to end the show.

Overall Rating: C-. The weird feeling of the season is back, which again has to do with needing to get rid of so many people who weren’t going to be around. The wrestling was somewhere in the middle and while I kind of liked the ending being so completely ridiculous, I was getting into Vibora and he’s, you know, dead. What we got wasn’t bad, but the stories they’re focusing on still aren’t working for me and I’m not sure how long it’s going to take to change that.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2003 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/07/23/new-book-kbs-complete-2003-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6