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[GCW] Monday Night Explosion - 2/28/05

Snabbit888Posted on 12/16/05 at 00:26:07

Well, finals are finally over, so I have a little more free time to devote to leisure activities.  Hooray.

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Welcome ladies and gentleman to the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota! The home of the Minnesota Timberwolves was rocking as we were here for another Monday Night Explosion! With the next pay-per-view, Proving Ground, on the horizon, things would begin to take shape as we had three big contender Fatal Fourways, the winners of which will meet in a triangle match in one week's time! In the first match, it will be Steve Bradley, Sean O'Haire, North American champion Monty Brown, and former World Heavyweight champion Chris Jericho! In the second match, we have now solo Matt Hardy, "The Manbeast" Rhyno, John Bradshaw Layfield, and the loose cannon that is Eddie Guerrero! And the final Fatal Fourway will feature undefeated Eric Angle, Rey Mysterio Jr., former World champion Chris Benoit, and the self-proclaimed "Legend in the Making," Randy Orton! On top of that, AJ Styles and Frankie Kazarian will go one-on-one, and CM Punk will defend his Television Title against a mystery opponent! Who could it be? Only one way to find out! On to the show!


Match #1
Contender Match
"Y2J" Chris Jericho vs. Steve Bradley vs. Sean O'Haire (w/ Daffney) vs. "The Alpha Male" Monty Brown (North American champion)
We kicked off the show with a bang as we had our first of the three Fatal Fourways. Chris Jericho, being the former World Heavyweight champion, was a marked man, especially considering Steve Bradley of Team Angle was in the match. A lot of the energies of Bradley and Sean O'Haire were directed toward Jericho, which wouldn't normally be a bad strategy as Y2J is a highly skilled competitor, but the fourth man in this match was the North American champion Monty Brown, and the Alpha Male was on top of his game. Brown is a hard man to prepare for because it's hard to comprehend that there could possibly be a man that strong. Late in this fantastic match, RANDY ORTON made his way down to ringside, and he was carrying a large sign that read, "Y2J IS A-OKAY!" Orton was down here to be a cheerleader for Jericho, and the Canadian King of Bling-Bling was not amused. Jericho dropped to the floor to tell Orton to "get the hell" out of there, causing Y2J not to see the Alpha Male hit the Pounce on Bradley and pick up the 1-2-3.

Number-One-Contenders-Four Corners Match:
Monty Brown defeated Steve Bradley, Sean O'Haire and Chris Jericho when M. Brown pinned S. Bradley with the Pounce in 0:12:31.
Rating: **** 1/2

When Jericho turned back and saw that the match was over, he was livid, but not as livid as he was when he turned back toward Orton, only to see the third generation superstar disappearing into the backstage area. The question now is was Orton sincerely encouraging Jericho to try to make amends, or was this just another scheme to get under Y2J's skin?


Match #2
Cruiserweight Title Match
Paul London (c) vs. The Hurricane
Paul London has had quite the impressive reign as the Cruiserweight champion, holding the belt and defending against all comers for over six months. Tonight he continued to prove he's a champion willing to take on all challengers as he defended against The Hurricane. These two have met before in GCW rings, with London getting the advantage in their previous meeting. But one thing about The Hurricane you have to note is that despite his eccentric behavior and lifestyle, he knows how to prepare for matches and he learns from his previous mistakes. That, and he has such a unique style that he can throw his opponents off. That's exactly what he did to London here as the superhero controlled the pace of the contest. London has shown himself to be resourceful though, and that's exactly what he was as he spun out of The Hurricane's attempt at the Eye of the Hurricane and secured a small package that picked up the win.

Paul London pinned The Hurricane after a small package in 0:04:18.
Rating: ***
(Paul London retained the GCW Cruiserweight Title.)

Another successful title defense for Paul London. London and The Hurricane shook hands after the match in nice display of sportsmanship. As London left the ring and headed to the back, THE BASHAM BROTHERS ran in the ring and absolutely destroyed The Hurricane. The Hurricane attempted to fight back, but it was in vein as the Bashams were relentless, leaving the Man In Green on the canvas after a big Ball and Gag Bomb. Paul London saw what was happening and ran back to the ring, but the Bashams exited just as quickly as they had entered.

* * * * *

Justin Credible (equipped with hand weights and a headband that puts Richard Simmons to shame) came into the office of Tommy Dreamer, and guess what he had in mind? Yes, getting a shot at the Cruiserweight Title. Credible was practically begging Dreamer, saying he deserved the shot based on what he did to Shark Boy on High Voltage. Dreamer agreed that it was impressive, but disagreed that Credible deserved a shot. Credible replied with, "You owe it to me!" Dreamer smiled a bit before getting deathly serious. "I owe you? Ha, I don't owe you a damn thing, Credible! You want to know why I'm commissioner right now? It's because you ended my career with that damn chair and putting me through that table! The only thing I OWE you is an ass kicking! But it's my job as commissioner of GCW to be impartial, so if you weigh in at 225 pounds or less next Monday, you will get your title shot at Proving Ground." Credible was pumped about this, but not so much when Dreamer finished with, "But if you don't make weight, you will NEVER get a Cruiserweight Title shot." Credible has one more week. It's put up or shut up time.

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Match #3
"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles vs. Frankie "The Future" Kazarian
Ever since Frankie Kazarian debuted in GCW, he and AJ Styles haven't seen eye to eye. Styles feels that the Cruiserweight Title should be his and that Kazarian shouldn't be sticking his nose into the picture. I think the reason why these two are growing such an intense rivalry is that they are way too similar. They both wrestle a similar style, are around the same age, have around the same amount of experience; almost carbon copies on paper. This match wasn't as technical or as high-flying as we thought it might be, as Styles and Kazarian chose to beat each other senseless instead. Strategy flew out the window all together when the two were merely trying to hit each other with as big of a move as they could think of. Eventually it would be Styles who would get the better of this exchange, nailing an impressive Air Raid Crash and picking up the duke.

AJ Styles pinned Frankie Kazarian after the Air Raid Crash in 0:07:47.
Rating: *** 1/4

Kazarian may have lost the battle, but he got a nice measure of revenge when he hit Styles with the Wave of the Future after the contest. Since this match obviously did nothing to solve this problem, we have been informed that these two will meet once again at Proving Ground in three weeks time.

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Mario Riviera was backstage with Rhyno. When Riviera asked Rhyno about the two Gores that have been delivered on Rey Mysterio Jr., the Manbeast got extremely defensive. "Listen, Riviera! The first two Gores? They were accidents. I have nothing against Rey Mysterio. But if he's going to make a big deal out of this, the next one WON'T be an accident." Mysterio can hang with the biggest and the baddest, but Rhyno is not a man you want to make angry.

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Match #4
Goldust/Booker T (w/ Sharmell) vs. Team Canada (w/ Dawn Marie) vs. The Basham Brothers (w/ Shaniqua & Lamont) vs. "Primetime" Elix Skipper/Low-Ki
The World's Greatest Tag Team might be on top of the mountain right now, but this match proved that there are many teams nipping at their heels. In fact, the winner of this fourway would be granted a World Tag Team Title shot next week. Elix Skipper and Low-Ki looked like the early favorites in this one as they'd love nothing more than one more crack at the WGTT, but the other teams were not going to make that easy. Goldust and Booker T continued their emergence onto the tag team scene by looking very sharp in this one. Sharmell has done wonders for that duo. Team Canada also brought their A-game to Minneapolis, much to the delight of Dawn Marie. Charlie Haas and Shelton Benjamin couldn't just watch this match from the back as they got involved, distracting Elix Skipper and Low-Ki, allowing the Bashams to hit Skipper with the Ball And Gag Bomb and pick up the win.

[For a World Tag Team Title shot next week]: Four Corners Match:
The Basham Brothers (Danny Basham and Doug Basham) defeated Team Canada (Teddy Hart and Petey Williams), Elix Skipper and Low-Ki and Booker T and Goldust when Doug Basham pinned Skipper after the Ball And Gag Bomb in 0:12:08.
Rating: **** 1/4

Elix Skipper and Low-Ki were livid about the way they lost the match, which brought even more joy to the faces of the World Tag Team champions. However, those smiles have the potential to turn upside down as now they have to defend against the Basham Brothers a week from now. Remember that the WGTT and the Bashams traded the titles back and forth for much of last year and are not at all strangers to one another. And with Shaniqua, Lamont, and the Cabinet lurking, Doug and Danny are very dangerous.

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Backstage we see Matt Hardy, along with Lita, getting ready for the next Fatal Fourway match. As they were making their way to the ring, they were cut off by the Prophecy - Daffney, Sean O'Haire, and Television champion CM Punk. Lita was obviously nervous, especially around Daffney who kept laughing throughout this entire exchange. Punk said that he was worried that he hadn't heard an answer from Matt Hardy this week, but that he was a fair man. Punk told Hardy he'd have one more week to make a decision. "I trust you'll make the right decision," Punk threatened, "or else." The Prophecy left Hardy and Lita alone, but they were both obviously perturbed.

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Match #5
Contender Match
Rhyno vs. John Bradshaw Layfield (w/ Shaniqua & Lamont) vs. Matt Hardy (w/ Lita) vs. "Latino Heat" Eddie Guerrero
It was now time to find out who would be the second man to qualify for the triangle match a week from now to challenge for the right to wrestle Kurt Angle for the World Heavyweight Title at Proving Ground. This was an interesting match with a lot of odd dynamics in it. Matt Hardy had himself a huge opportunity as he is back in singles action and already had himself a chance to get in the World Title picture. Eddie Guerrero is as unstable as ever, Rhyno's had some early GCW success, and John Bradshaw Layfield is finally starting to live up to his words by stringing some victories together. This one was also fun to watch because it featured two men who rely more on aerial and mat wrestling, as well as two guys that are all out brawlers. The end of this one though was not without controversy as JBL was in the ring with Matt Hardy. Shaniqua called out Abyss to come help JBL, but Abyss was once again tentative. JBL was fuming and once again chewed Abyss out. During this commotion, Guerrero tagged himself in and caught Hardy by surprise with a flying sunset flip to pick up the win!

Number-One-Contenders-Four Corners Match:
Eddie Guerrero defeated John Bradshaw Layfield, Matt Hardy and Rhyno when E. Guerrero pinned M. Hardy after a flying sunset flip in 0:13:42.
Rating: ***

Eddie Guerrero had lied, cheated, and stole a victory in this one, and joins Monty Brown in the triangle match next week. JBL got right in Abyss' face, tearing into him with insult after insult. He only stopped when Abyss looked like he was going to hit him, but Shaniqua got Abyss under control. Things are definitely not good in the Cabinet these days.

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When we returned from the commercial break, World Heavyweight champion Kurt Angle was already in the ring, and for a lack of a better word, he was pissed. He had the microphone and said that it was a "bunch of crap" that he had to defend the World Heavyweight Title at Proving Ground, especially when he won't even know who is opponent is until next week. Angle said he was so pissed that he was going to wrestle right now (non-title, of course). He asked for the first man in the locker room to come on out because he was "about to make an example out of someone." After a slight delay, SHARK BOY came out. Though he has a cult following in the crowd, Angle just became angrier when he saw the masked man of the sea. Angle jumped Shark Boy right as he got into the ring, and this one was on.

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Match #6
Non-Title Match
Kurt Angle (World Heavyweight champion) vs. Shark Boy
Though you have to admire Shark Boy's bravery for coming out here to wrestle the World Heavyweight champion, this match was never in jeopardy for Kurt Angle. Angle went absolutely nuts, suplexing Shark Boy from pillar to post, doing whatever he wanted. The Man From 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea wasn't even able to land a single punch as the World champion had no trouble polishing this one off with the Ankle Lock.

Kurt Angle made Shark Boy submit to the Ankle Lock in 0:01:53.
Rating: ***

Well I hope Kurt Angle feels better. With all due respect to Shark Boy, Angle's going to have a much tougher time at Proving Ground whether he likes it or not.


Match #7
Television Title Match
CM Punk (c) (w/ Daffney & Sean O'Haire) vs. Abyss
CM Punk had a required Television Title defense tonight, but he wasn't sure of who it would be until match time. Though Punk's reaction was a stoic one when his opponent was announced as Abyss, Daffney's shrieks led us to believe that this wasn't who the Prophecy had expected. It was important to note that Abyss came out for this match alone, Shaniqua and Lamont nowhere to be found. Punk tried all that he could to take the monster down, but it was having little to no effect. Even Sean O'Haire tried to get involved, but Abyss quickly dismissed him as well. We looked as if we were going to have a brand-new champion after Abyss hit the Black Hole Slam, but Shaniqua ran down and she was FURIOUS. She screamed at Abyss, asking him what he thought he was doing taking on a match without her permission. Shaniqua then demanded Abyss head to the back. Abyss resisted, but finally did as he was told, much to the chagrin of the crowd.

CM Punk defeated Abyss by countout in 0:05:28.
Rating: ** 1/2
(CM Punk retained the GCW Television Title.)

CM Punk escaped by the skin of his teeth in this one, but in the record books it will go down as a successful title defense. He might not be so fortunate next time.

* * * * *

We cut backstage to where John Bradshaw Layfield is waiting for Abyss. JBL got right in Abyss' face and called him about every name in the book, calling him, amongst other things, "worthless," "stupid," "an imbecile," and "retarded." Abyss finally had enough of the verbal abuse and grabbed JBL by the throat, choking the life out of him. Shaniqua demanded Abyss to release the hold, which he finally did without too much damage being done (except to JBL's pride). JBL better be careful what he says from now on as Abyss has shown he will stand up for himself.

* * * * *


Match #8
MAIN EVENT
Contender Match
"The Crippler" Chris Benoit vs. Eric Angle vs. Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Randy Orton
Main event time, and it would be to determine the third man in the main event a week from now, joining Monty Brown and Eddie Guerrero for a chance to be the number-one-contender. Of all the contender matches tonight, this one had to be the hardest to pick a winner. We had the former and very first World Heavyweight champion Chris Benoit, young stud and a man who many project to be THE star of the future, Randy Orton, everyone's favorite underdog Rey Mysterio Jr., and the undefeated brother of the World Heavyweight champion, Eric Angle. The rumor backstage says that Orton feels that he should be the World champion right now, saying that his match at Beat Your Valentine should have been a singles match, and not a Triple Threat contest. While some are dismissing that as making excuses, Orton wasn't making any excuses in the ring tonight as he was firing on all cylinders. As a matter of fact, all four of these men were going at full octane. With as fast as these guys were going, it was going to take a mistake on somebody's part to put this one away. The ending sequence saw Benoit trying to get the Crippler Crossface on Eric Angle, only to be dropped out of nowhere by the R.K.O.! Orton went for the pin, but it was broken up when Mysterio hit the Drop of the Dime and went to the apron setting up the West Coast Pop. When Mysterio went to springboard, however, Eric Angle jostled the ropes, causing Mysterio to lose his balance and choke himself on the top rope, propelling him outside to the floor. A cocky smile grew across Angle's face as this one looked to be in the bag, but the veteran Benoit caught Angle off-guard with a backslide and got the 1-2-3! Eric Angle had been pinned for the first time!

Number-One-Contenders-Four Corners Match:
Chris Benoit defeated Eric Angle, Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio Jr. when Benoit pinned E. Angle after a backslide in 0:13:10.
Rating: *** 1/4

Benoit quickly rolled out of the ring as Angle was left stunned in the ring. Eric Angle's shoulders had been pinned to the canvas, and he was already in complete denial, yelling that he was screwed. He can say whatever he wants, but it's going to be Chris Benoit in the Triple Threat match next week, not him.

After the show, the first official matches were announced for Proving Ground, which will emanate live from the Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri on March 20th. Here is what we know so far:

World Heavyweight Title - Kurt Angle (c) vs. Winner of Monty Brown vs. Eddie Guerrero vs. Chris Benoit

Number-One-Contenders Match for the Television Title - Rey Mysterio Jr. vs. Rhyno

"The Phenomenal" AJ Styles vs. Frankie "The Future" Kazarian

Be sure to join us one week from now for Monday Night Explosion from Ames, Iowa! We'll determine the number-one-contender, plus the World's Greatest Tag team defend the World Tag Team Titles against the Basham Brothers!
colmatteusPosted on 12/16/05 at 00:57:28

YAAAY!!!  Nubbs is back  ;D!!!

Ooooo, Orton is a tricky little devil.  Or is he?   ???  Methinks he's just an arse, but your rhetorical question has me pondering unintentionally.  Anyway, nice win for The Alpha Male.  I actually hope this leads to a champ vs. champ match at Proving Ground.

Silly Hurricane... this is Paul London we're talking about.  What's up with those Bashams anyway?

PS - I'm at work and couldn't wait, but this review'll probably seem rushed.  It's too quiet here though... I'm a librarian ;)

I hope I'm not the ONLY one who absolutely loves what you're doing with Justin Credible.  Unfortunately, I doubt he'll be the one to take the belt off London.  More unfortunately, this angle seems to be coming to a close soon.  Nay boooo!!!

Kazarian and Styles have a nice little ego-driven feud going here.  Can't wait to see what they put together with more time at the PPV :)

I was hoping Riviera would make a comment about the rhinocerous (sp?) horn as a phalic symbol... oh, nevermind.  Such a wishful thinker I is...

Well look who remembers history!!!  Totally looking forward to the Bashams and the WGTT getting together next time.  But man, Elix and Low Ki just can't seem to catch a break...

From what I remmeber, CM Punk = TEH EVIL~!!!

I'm digging Abyss right now... and while I know you'd mentioned that you didn't have plans for an Eddie title run, I still love him in the GC-Dub.  So huzzah for lying cheating and stealing!

Shark Boy Syndrome: Perpetually being in the wrong place at the wrong time :( with a shark mask on  :)

Okay, have to admit I was kinda feeling Abyss jacking the title here... but good idea keeping the belt on Punk, obviously.  I have to admit, the build is making me excited for a potential JBL-Abyss feud... total clash of personalities would make this kinda cool

Let me be the first one to say it:

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Angle's been pinned!  Angle's been pinned!  I can actually hear the mental ringside commentator (in my head, it's good ol' JR) screaming the right now.  You're in for it now, Benoit!  I hear Eric's like Teh Hulk when he's angry... but he turns red, white, and blue instead...

In closing, life is sweet now that Ryan's finals are over ;D!!!
Snabbit888Posted on 12/16/05 at 08:38:40

Hehe.  Thanks.  My time isn't overflowing right now.  I'm in a play and have to work on lines and go to rehearsals a lot, but I'm in a lot better shape, and I have some motivation again.  So thanks for the feedback. :)
91Posted on 12/17/05 at 01:10:24

Good part in the play? Maybe an egotistical wrestling company owner whos ego leads him to get beat up so he quits, leaving a drunk ECW ex in charge of things

Shit, I hadn't considered Monty might get through, I figured Jericho would probably make this one. Mind you, I can't see Monty going down easily now he's gotten this far...

You know what, I've got a feeling Credible will take the title. London has had it a long time - I've no issues with that of course, but Credible's one of the few challengers left before we go full circle and what a payoff to the angle that would be.

Kazarian return win at the PPV? Whilst I'm thinking of people coming into the GCW, how long until Doug Williams has recuperated?

I don't suppose the Bashams will be the ones to overturn TWGTT, Benjamin and Haas are perfect for the tag belts right now. Still, it's the first time I can think of that they've faced since the champs went heel, so it's a new twist on an old feud.

Yeah, I figured Eddie would win. Rhyno and JBL have their own storylines going on right now and Matt struck me as making up the numbers whilst we find a niche now he's gone solo. And ahhhhh... I wait VERY eagerly for Abyss to finally rubber stamp his turn.

Poor Shark Boy. Not much to add to that, but I suppose it was a quick and easy way of reminding us of Angles existance (especially helpful in your long absence).

Lather, rinse and repeat my previous Abyss remark. Punk was never going to lose there though.

Damn, I thought Eric would win there for sure, figuring one member of the Angle camp would make it through. Still, there goes the unbeaten run. Benoit through, but since he's had plenty of shots at Angle already, I'm thinking he won't make it to Proving Ground. Eddie hasn't really done any sort of series with Kurt, and Monty would obviously elevate him to new heights, though I couldn't see him beating Angle - despite your assertations, Eddie is the only one I'd see with a chance (with Monty having the most to gain), but then you've surprised me before...
Snabbit888Posted on 12/17/05 at 01:38:46

Doug Williams is officially out until I believe March or April, though he'll probably be sent down to GLWF for a bit until I figure out a good return story for him.