NWA Powerrr
Date: November 12, 2019
Location: GPB Studios, Atlanta, Georgia
Commentators: Joe Galli, Jim Cornette

I’m not sure what to expect from this show and that’s kind of what I like about it. They only have the loosest of stories for the most part but you know who the people are and what they’re about. The rest can come later though and that is what makes for a fun show. I’m hoping this one goes well as they have a month before their pay per view. Let’s get to it.

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

We open with a recap of the tag team situation last week with the Rock N Roll Express running in and going after the champion Wild Cards.

Opening sequence.

The Rock N Roll Express wish Outlaw Inc luck in their Tag Team Title match tonight. Cue Outlaw Inc, with Eddie Kingston not being sure what to think about being in the presence of legends. Their approval means Outlaw Inc can’t lose tonight.

Caleb Konley vs. Trevor Murdoch

Trevor shoulders him down so Caleb is right back with a monkey flip into a dropkick. That’s fine with Trevor as he runs Konley down again to slow the pace. Three straight slams seem to impress the fans until Konley sweeps the leg and hits a backsplash. A Lionsault hits unraised knees though and Murdoch hits a full nelson slam. The middle rope bulldog finishes Konley at 3:38.

Rating: C. One thing that has to be factored into these matches is the time, as they have ten minutes max so it makes sense for them to pick up the pace. They didn’t have time to do anything fancy here so it was a quick version of the speedy athlete vs. the big, Texas fighter. What we got was watchable enough and that’s the kind of thing they need to do on this show.

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

Here’s a ticked off Aron Stevens to say he is leaving the NWA. The fans seem rather pleased and sing the Goodbye Song. After saying that’s why Broadway isn’t in Atlanta, he is ready to go put his pants on, and head to Hollywood for good.

We look back at Marti Belle turning on Allysin Kay last week.

Marti Belle/Thunder Rosa vs. Crystal Rose/Brooklyn Creed

Creed grabs a wristlock to drag Marti to the corner to start so Belle kicks Rose down. It’s off to Rosa for a running knee in the corner and a running knee has Crystal down. There’s a running dropkick and a top rope double stomp to the back finishes Rose at 1:37. Total squash.

Post match Belle and Rosa talk about how there is a fire and they are the Phoenix coming out of it. They’re coming for Kay.

We look at Colt Cabana regaining the National Title.

After the match, James Storm demanded a rematch before changing his mind. He wants the World Title instead.

Here’s Cabana for a chat. He’s fired up and came back from an injury to win his title back on the first try. Ricky Starks comes out to say he’s sold on the gold.

Dan Parker vs. Question Mark

Mark is your standard masked man. Parker slugs away to start but gets dropkicked out of the corner. A hard shot to the throat gives Mark the pin at 52 seconds.

The NWA is coming to RetroMania Wrestling.

Video on Thunder Rosa and what looks like a documentary on her time in MMA.

The announcers talk about Kamille but here’s Eli Drake to talk about how little he cares about her her. Maybe Nick Aldis is scared of what Kamille might say. Maybe she knows Drake can take the World Title away from Aldis. The fans prefer the Question Mark but cue the Wild Cards to tell Drake to stay out of their business. They leave so here’s Mr. Anderson to suggest a partnership.

Billy Corgan has a big announcement coming.

Tony Falk has started a wrestling farm. Want a babyface or heel of your own? Just $15,000! These things are hilarious.

We look back at Aldis try to talk Tim Storm out of retirement.

Aldis says he hears a lot of people talking about what they deserve. Wrestling and the NWA owe you nothing because you earn everything. There is a reason he was allowed to present Dory Funk Jr. with the Lou Thesz Award and why he and Harley Race took a photo with their titles: he does everything the right way. That’s why he is going to be sitting out here watching the Tag Team Title match and making sure that things go right.

Tag Team Titles: Outlaw Inc vs. Wild Cards

Outlaw Inc (Eddie Kingston/Homicide) are challenging. The brawl is on before the bell (as it should be) with Isaacs powerslamming Homicide to take over. Homicide is right back with a tornado DDT and it’s Kingston coming in with a clothesline for two. The champs get Kingston into the corner though and the beating is on again, this time with some alternating choking.

Kingston manages a swinging Rock Bottom and the hot tag brings in Homicide to suplex Isaacs. We actually settle down to a headlock with Isaacs slowing Homicide’s house cleaning. Homicide goes for a suplex but his leg gives out, meaning it’s Latimer kicking away at the knee. Everyone comes in for a big knockdown and Homicide is shoved off the top and out to the floor. Isaacs catches Kingston in a dragon suplex into a German suplex (cool) for the pin at 7:17.

Rating: C. Another rushed match and in this case the extra time would have hurt it a bit. These guys needed to get in there, have their big brawl and then go on. There was no need to stretch out a fight like this and thankfully they understood that idea. Keeping this short worked better, as they got their stuff in and didn’t waste time on things they didn’t need to do.

Kamille comes out to yell at Aldis but the entire locker room comes out to join in the argument to end the show.

Roll credits.

Overall Rating: C. Things are at a weird place here, though I wouldn’t call it a problem. There really isn’t a big story for the show but rather just a bunch of stuff that is happening with these people. You can probably guess what is going to happen with some of the stories, but there is no clear cut challenger to Aldis and the pay per view hasn’t even begun to take shape. Granted having a pay per view eight weeks after your debut might not have been the best idea. Either way, the show is still more than fine as it offers nice entertainment and a very quick sit, though I’m not sure where some things are going.

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

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

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